The Awesome Cooper Band website

The Awesome Cooper High School Band
Procedures Handbook
2007–2008

Mr. S. Clay Johnson – Director of Bands
Mrs. Pearl Owens – Associate Director of Bands
Mr. Patrick Stevenson - Associate Director of Bands/Percussion Coordinator
Ms. Becky Ruffu – 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 involvment.

Through cooperation by parents, students, 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 several decades 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 each semester for placement in our concert ensembles. Students will be judged on profiency in the following areas: Scales, Excerpts, & Sightreading.

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.

The Symphonic Winds 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 All-Region band audition music is required and will be evaluated throughout the semester. Students will also be strongly encouraged to participate in the Solo & Ensemble competition. Supplemental music lessons are strongly encouraged.

The 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. Preparing all of the All-Region band audition music and participation in solo and ensemble contest is also strongly recommended. Supplemental music lessons are strongly encouraged.

The Marching Band is an ensemble comprised of all three 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 after school. In the event that a student is near-failing or failing at the three week period, they will be required to attend study hall at the CHS Band Hall from 4-5:30pm on the afternoons that we do not have rehearsal. In addition, they will be expected to attend tutorials before/after school. If a student is on the three week failing list, they will be expected to turn in daily tutorials passes to Mr. Johnson. Tutorials will not be an excuse to miss rehearsal. If a student has an unexcused absence for the week, they will not be allowed to march the game of the corresponding week.

The Colorguard is an ensemble comprised of male/female students in grades nine through twelve. Members of the CHS Colorguard do not have to be able to play an instrument. Dance experience is helpful, 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). Membership in this ensemble is based on audition. The CHS Jazz Band will meet in the spring semester only.

Orchestra Winds will be comprised of current band students. Membership of this ensemble is based on audition. 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 assignments such as numbering measures, marking music, etc. Additional grading policies will be covered in the appropriate course syllabi.

The following grading percentages will be used:

• Contests – 50%
• Attendance – 40%
• Daily Grades – 10%

Attendance

*Please refer to CHS Fine Arts Department Student Handbook

Tardiness to marching rehearsals is unacceptable. Students will be required to run one lap for every minute that they are late each rehearsal. If there is a pre-existing injury or health concern, an alternative punishment will be assigned at the discretion of the directors.

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 a minimum of 30 minutes a day, or four hours per week. 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. Failure to adequately prepare music may result in a lower grade or in severe cases, assignment to a different band.

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.

Non-Severe Punishment
(missing equipment, chewing gum, disrupting rehearsal, etc.)

Punishment may include: Detention block, score copying, running laps, before school detention, band hall duty.

Severe Punishment

• Demerit #1 - Contact parents / Referral to office
• Demerit #2 - Parent/Teacher conference / Referral to office
• Demerit #3 - Contact parents / Referral to office
• Demerit #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. An accompanist will be provided by the band department at a reasonable cost to the student. 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 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 fee. Check the calendar for audition dates.

All combined band events such as UIL Region/Area/State Marching Contest, as well as UIL Concert/Sightreading contests are required by all band members. Failure to attend these events will result in a zero and will be considered a contest grade as well as an attendance grade.

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.

Music

Music will be issued to each student. All music is to be kept in a 3-ring binder or flip folder at all times. Any music that is lost or damaged will be replaced at the student’s expense (10 cents per copy). Students will be expected to have the following supplies at all rehearsals: pencils, binders, etc. Directors will notify the students of any additional supplies at the beginning of each semester.

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–$15 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. Your instrument, music, and flip folders are to be kept in the locker at all times. 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 will only be accepted on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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. 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 pending appeal with the Director of Bands and the Principal of CHS. 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.

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.

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
2006-2007
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)