The Awesome Cooper Band website

The Awesome Cooper High School Band
Procedures Handbook
2009-2010

Mr. S. Clay Johnson – Director of Bands
Mrs. Pearl Owens – Associate Director of Bands
Mr. Patrick Stevenson - Associate Director of Bands/Percussion Coordinator
Ms. Jenny Revell – Colorguard Instructor
www.AwesomeCooperBand.com

Cooper High School Band Philosophy of Instrumental Music

Instrumental music teaches the appreciation of music as an art form. It engages students in group activities which allow them to use their free time constructively. Instrumental music creates a sense of cultural awareness and an aesthetic awareness of life. It instills proper values such as Purpose, Responsibility, Initiative, Determination, and Enthusiasm. It develops proper work habits through academic self discipline of the curriculum, daily practice routines, self expression, communication/listening skills, as well as the promotion of school spirit and community involvement.

Through cooperation by students, parents, and the Abilene Independent School District, our program is designed to meet the needs of all our students. The Abilene Independent School District and Cooper High School do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in their programs and activities.

Discipline, Commitment to Excellence, and Pride

Every part of your participation in the CHS Band must contain discipline, commitment to excellence, and pride. Whether practicing your instrument, behaving properly on a trip, or wearing the uniform that represents Cooper High School, these three elements are our backbone and make us who we are – THE AWESOME COOPER BAND! You are a part of a tradition that started fifty years ago. It is a tradition that results in many streaks of superior ratings at UIL marching contests. We believe that external discipline creates internal discipline, which students will learn to demonstrate as individuals.

P - Purpose
R - Responsibility
I - Initiative
D - Determination
E - Enthusiasm

Performing Ensembles

The Awesome Cooper High School Band is comprised of various performing ensembles designed to give students a positive learning experience in music. Students will audition at the end of the spring semester for placement in our concert ensembles. These auditions will consist of proficiency in scales, excerpts and sightreading. Students will be re-evaluated at the end of the fall semester for consideration for a change in ensemble placement. For promotion into the Wind Symphony at the end of the fall semester, students will be required to make the top all-region band. For promotion into the Symphonic Band at the end of the fall semester, students must make the second or freshman all-region band. Music preparation, rehearsal attendance, eligibility, and attitude are grounds for ensembles changes at the director's discretion at any time.

The Wind Symphony is considered the top performing ensemble for the band program and is open to students in grade levels nine through twelve. In order to be a member of this group, a student must demonstrate the highest level of musical maturity, technical proficiency, and commitment to rehearsals/practice time. A student must seriously pursue individual goals on their instrument as well as working toward ensemble goals. Auditioning for All- Region band and playing at Solo and Ensemble Competition is required. Supplemental music lessons are strongly encouraged. Failure to adequately prepare and participate in all-region auditions or solo and ensemble will result in an ensemble change. Misrepresentation of the Cooper High School Band will not be tolerated.

The Symphonic Band is considered the second performing ensemble and is comprised of students in grade levels nine through twelve. Members of this ensemble must demonstrate a high level of musical maturity, technical proficiency, and commitment to rehearsals/ practice time. Preparing all of the freshman cuts of the all-region band audition music is required and will be evaluated throughout the semester. Students are required to participate in the solo & ensemble competition. Supplemental music lessons are also strongly encouraged.

The Blue Concert Band is considered the third performing ensemble at CHS consisting of students grade nine through twelve. Members of this group must demonstrate a high level of musical maturity, technical proficiency, and commitment to rehearsals/ practice time. Preparation of the freshman all-region band cuts and participation in solo and ensemble contest are also strongly recommended. Supplemental music lessons are strongly encouraged.

The Red Concert Band is considered the fourth performing ensemble at CHS consisting of students grade nine through twelve. Preparation of the freshman all-region band cuts and participation in solo and ensemble contest are also strongly recommended. Supplemental music lessons are strongly encouraged.

The Marching Band is an ensemble comprised of all four concert ensembles and includes the CHS Colorguard. Participation in the marching band is required for all members in the band program. There are no exceptions to this rule. Marching rehearsals will take place before school at 7:00am Monday-Thursday. In addition, there will be a Monday evening rehearsal from 6:00-8:30pm. In the event that a student is near-failing or failing at the three week period, they will be expected to attend tutorials after school. Tutorials will not be an excuse to miss rehearsal. If a student has an unexcused absence for the week, an alternate may be called to replace them. Your academic priorities are extremely important to the success of the ensemble - do your part! .

The Colorguard is an ensemble comprised of male/female students in grades nine through twelve. Members of the CHS Colorguard are not required to play an instrument. Dance experience is strongly encouraged, but not required. During the spring semester, the CHS Colorguard competes at various winterguard activities across the state. The CHS Colorguard is a member of the North Texas Winterguard Circuit.

The CHS Jazz Band is an ensemble that comprised of current band students as well as members of the CHS campus with rhythm section abilities (guitar/piano). The CHS Jazz Band will begin rehearsals in the fall semester.

Orchestra Winds will be comprised of current band students. Membership of this ensemble is based on the directors discretion. The CHS Orchestra Winds will meet in the spring semester only.

NOTICE: Any band student who does not participate in band one semester will not be allowed to be a part of the Cooper High School Band Program for two full semesters. Extreme circumstances will be at the discretion of the directors.

Grading Policy

Grades are based on attendance at rehearsals/performances, music preparation, and daily assignments. Daily grades will consist of equipment checks, as well as specific daily tasks such as numbering measures, marking music, etc.

The following grading percentages will be used:

• Attendance and Participation in all Rehearsals, Performances, and Contests - 75%
• Daily Grades – 25%

Attendance

*Please refer to CHS Fine Arts Department Student Handbook

Tardiness to marching rehearsals is unacceptable. If a student is up to 15 minutes late to rehearsal, they will be required to attend band hall duty for 30 minutes that same afternoon. After 15 minutes, the gate will be locked and an unexcused absence will be applied to your grade.

To be early is to be on time… To be on time is to be late… And, to be late is UNACCEPTABLE!

Practicing

All band students are expected to practice daily. Instruments are not to be left in the band hall overnight. Band placement, chair placement, and grades will be determined by the student’s ability to prepare assigned parts in a timely manner. Tone, technique, and knowledge of all major scales is expected at all levels. Private lessons are available to all students.

Discipline Procedures

During rehearsals it is imperative that all students are able to focus on the task/lesson that is being introduced. In the case that a student does not follow the rules, the following discipline procedure will be enforced.

Severe Punishment

• Offense #1 - Contact parents / Referral to office
• Offense #2 - Parent/Teacher conference / Referral to office
• Offense #3 - Contact parents / Referral to office
• Offense #4 - Removal from program

UIL Events

Region/State Solo & Ensemble Contests

Solo & Ensemble is a contest designed to improve the individual and small group performance level. The rating for this contest is not competitive, but based on performance standards. Region solo/ensemble contest is held at the end of February each year. State solo/ensemble contest is held at the end of May each year. Students are responsible to pay for an accompanist if playing a solo. Accompanists information will be provided by the band department. Accompanists will be paid in advance of the solo and ensemble event by the student. The student may elect to use an accompanist of their choice. If a student is a no show or decides not to compete after the deadline, the student will be responsible for the contest fee. Check the calendar for specific dates.

All-Region Band

The All-Region band audition is a contest designed to improve the individual playing level of each student. Students are ranked competitively against students from the other 4A/5A high schools in Region 16. Transportation to each of these events will be provided. Once a student has entered this contest, they are expected to complete the audition process. Failure to do so will be considered an unexcused absence from a performance. If a student drops from the audition process, they must pay the contest fee. Check the calendar for audition dates.

All combined band events such as UIL Region/Area/State Marching Contest, UIL Concert/Sightreading contests, Football Games, and Public Performances are required by all band members. Failure to attend these events will result in a zero and will be considered a contest grade/attendance grade and may be grounds for removal from the band program.

Instruments

Each student will be expected to have their own instrument. Some students play school owned instruments and are expected to care for those instruments as if it was personally owned. Students will be responsible for maintenance cost on all instruments. However, if students play school instruments, check with a band director before repairing or providing necessary maintenance for that instrument. No student is allowed to play another student’s instrument unless given specific permission by a director! You are expected to have your instrument in working order and all necessary equipment at all rehearsals and performances. Failure to do so will result in a zero for a daily grade. All instruments must be checked out through Mr. Stevenson. Failure to do so will result in a referral.

Supplemental Music Lesson Program

Supplemental music lessons are strongly encouraged among all band students. By improving all of the individuals in the band through private instruction, the overall quality of the entire program will continue to improve. Students studying privately will take a 25 minute lesson per week. Private teachers are provided by AISD. Each 25 minute lesson will cost $10–$20 per lesson depending on the instructor. Students with delinquent private lesson bills will not be allowed to take private lessons until the accounts are cleared. Scholarships are awarded by the band directors on an individual basis. For consideration, the students must complete a scholarship application when made available by the directors. Scholarships are awarded for students studying with teachers at CHS who are approved by AISD and only if the student is actively participating in fundraising activities. This policy will be enforced.

Please refer to the CHS Fine Arts Department Student Handbook for specific guidelines.

Band Hall

The band hall is to be kept clean at all times. There is no food, gum, or drink at any time in the band hall (except bottled water). Hats are not allowed in the building. The chairs and stands in the CHS band hall are not to be mistreated. Any student found to be misusing any band hall equipment will receive disciplinary action. It will be the responsibility of the Wind Symphony to set up each morning for rehearsals. It will be the responsibility of the Concert Band to stack and rack daily. You will be assigned a locker with a combination lock for your instrument at the beginning of each year. You are to use that locker only and keep it locked at all times. Your instrument, music, and flip folders are to be kept in the locker and not on the floor. Clothes, shoes, books, and other items are not allowed—INSTRUMENTS AND MUSIC ONLY! The lockers are to be kept trash free at all times. Any clothes, books or other items left in the band hall overnight are not the responsibility of the band directors and will be removed from the band hall! If you see something that needs to be thrown away or cleaned…please take Pride in your organization and lift a hand!!

Students that are not members of the CHS Band are not allowed in the Band Hall.

Payments for various band fees can be dropped in the safe at any time. If cash is in the envelope, have a director count the cash and initial the envelope before depositing.

To contact your band directors, please call (325) 691-1000, and enter the following extensions for each of your directors. If you expect us to return your call, leave a message. Do not call the band directors at home or on their cell phone unless it is an emergency.

• Mr. Johnson – 7294
• Mrs. Owens – 8130
• Mr. Stevenson – 1870

Pep Rallies/Football Games/Parades

Pep Rallies, Football Games, and Parades are required performances by all CHS band students. Attire for each of these events must be cleaned, pressed, and follow CHS dress code or the student will receive a failing grade for that performance and will be asked to leave the event. Fingernail polish, makeup and jewelry of any kind are prohibited at any time when in uniform. This means no watches, hats, earrings, etc. are to be worn by any student. Failure to abide by this rule will result in disciplinary action.

Bus Travel

Due to our extensive amount of travel, proper behavior on a bus is mandatory. Always be courteous to drivers, chaperones, and other passengers. Loud, abusive, or otherwise rude behavior will not be tolerated.

Do not get out of your seat for any reason once the bus is in motion. iPods, laptops, portable DVD’s are allowed with headphones only. Students must always adhere to AISD rules when traveling with the band. Couples are allowed to sit together, but must sit in the front of the bus with chaperones. Violations of any rules will result in disciplinary action.

Spring Trip Procedures

Specific procedures for the spring trip will be given to parents and students prior to the trip in the spring semester. Any violation of trip procedures may result in a student being sent home at the parents’ expense. Any student sent home from a trip will be removed from the band program. Students must participate in fundraising activities in order to attend the spring trip.

Uniforms

To ensure the longevity of the uniforms, they must be cared for at all times. Each student will be issued his/her own uniform for the year. Any alterations must be made with approval of a director. Uniforms are to be hemmed to the proper length. DO NOT CUT ANY MATERIAL ON THE UNIFORMS!!!

Students must properly hang the uniform after each performance. If there is reasonable proof that a uniform is being treated poorly, the student will face disciplinary action.

A student wearing a uniform that is wrinkled, incomplete, unaltered, or dirty may be removed from that performance.

Students must remain in full uniform at all times unless a director gives permission to take of the coat portion of the uniform. Specifically, this means all parts are properly worn and fastened (This procedure will be demonstrated in detail prior to the first performance). Information will be given to students about appropriate undergarments while wearing the uniform.

There is to be absolutely no eating, drinking, PDA, or foul language while in uniform. We will have zero tolerance with this simple rule. Failure to follow this rule will result in disciplinary actions.

For parades, students must purchase a pair of khaki shorts to be worn with their band shirt. All shorts must adhere to AISD dress code policy!

Concert Attire:

All students will be required to purchase “all black” concert attire for formal concerts. This must be purchased by the beginning of the spring semester. Formal concerts would include UIL, recitals, contest performances, and other formal concerts of this nature. Women should wear black slacks, skirts, or dresses with a black top. Men will wear black slacks and a black shirt. Black shoes and black socks are required for everyone. For dresses and skirts, girls may wear black hose with their shoes. If you have a question, please approve your attire with a director.

All Black means All Black!

Students not dressed in formal all black may not be allowed to perform.

Awards Banquet

Each year an awards banquet will be held to recognize individual and group achievements of the CHS Band. Details about the banquet will be given at a later date. Please plan to attend this special evening for our students at the end of each school year.

The Awesome Cooper High School Band
2009-10
Handbook Signature Form

I have read the CHS Band handbook, and agree to comply with the rules and regulations of the Awesome Cooper High School Band Program.

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Student’s name (Please Print)

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Student’s Signature

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Parent name(s) (Please Print)

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Parent Signature(s)