| SOLO/ENSEMBLE | PRIVATE LESSONS | |||||||
| ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE | FUND RAISING | RULES AND REGULATIONS | BAND EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES | UNIFORMS | TRANSPORTATION | GRADING | BAND AWARDS | BOTTOM OF PAGE |
" The Highlander Regiment"
A. Welcome to the MacArthur High School Band. YOU are a vital member of this program. Band functions as an academic class, an extracurricular class, and as an ambassador for the entire school and community.
B. MacArthur High School as governed by the Student Code of Lawton Public Schools. This handbook will address only those issues concerning the band program at MHS.
A. Goals and objectives
1. The study of music will help each student become problem solvers, self directed learners, and quality producers.
2. The band objectives are that the student:
* Demonstrate the ability to read and interpret music.
* Perform music independently and with others
* Describe, analyze, and create music.
* Evaluate music by listening and using critical thinking
* Demonstrate a knowledge of music history
* Participate in local and state competitions and community events.
All students enrolled in 1st hour band must participate in marching band the first semester. All students will perform at all functions in which the band is participating. This will include football games, contests, and parades.
Students will audition for the symphonic band which will begin near the end of the first semester. Although a low score may not prevent a student from enrolling in Symphonic Band for the second semester, it may keep the student from performing at competitive events. There may or may not be a concert band that will be for the students not scoring high enough on the audition.
This band will perform at all home basketball games. The band will split into the Green band and Gold band. The two bands will alternate games. If a band student cannot attend a game for any reason, he/she must find a player from his/her section to substititute.
Every student in the MHS Band is expected to tryout for the All-Region Band. It is not a requirement, but is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! All state is another even more prestigious band. Since the audition material is the same for All Region and All State, a student should tryout for both. It is very difficult to letter in the MacArthur Band without trying out for at least the All Region Honor Band. If a student is selected for the All Region or All State band after auditioning, then he/she will attend a clinic and concert with the students from other schools who also made the bands. Both of these will be overnight stays, unless the clinic/concert is in Lawton.
Each student has the opportunity to play a solo and/or ensemble in a OSSAA sanctioned event. The district event is held at MacArthur High School. Any student who receives a superior rating on the district level will be eligible to participate at the State solo and ensemble event in Stillwater, OK.
There is no better way to become a better player than by taking private lessons from a quality instructor on the instrument that the student plays. The students who take privately are usually the ones who do well at honor band auditions and solo and ensemble competitions.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MACARTHUR HIGH SCHOOL BAND
1. Students must have been in band the previous semester or successfully completed an audition given by the director.
2. Be regular in attendance and be able to account for all absences.
3. Make a real effort to improve daily through consistent practice
4. Assume consequences of his/her actions.
5. Have proper respect for authority.
6. Follow all band and school regulations and instructions.
7. Cooperate with fellow band members.
8. Contribute to the band in a positive way.
Superintendent>School principals>Band Directors>Drum Majors>Field Commander>Captains>Lieutenants
Drum Major- Drum major is selected by audition only. Evaluation will be done by an impartial judge's score and by the director's evaluation. Drum Major will be second in charge to the directors and will be expected to maintain proficiency on their instrument.
Field Commander, Captains, and Lieutenants- Students that are selected by the director from the drum major tryouts.
Quartermaster- Selected by the director to maintain band equipment and uniforms and set band room each day for rehearsal. Quartermaster will also be to the stadium early to set up the stadium seat covers.
Fund raising is used for operational and student expenses. Students are encouraged to give maximum effort on fund raising. Parents not wishing their child to fund raise should submit their wishes in writing.
Attendance
Students will attend and be on time to all rehearsals and performances!! Excused absences are for verified illness and emergencies. Prior notification is appreciated in these cases if at all possible. Director's phone numbers are 357-6506 (home), 355-5278 (office) and 591-2037 (cell)) all other request will be based on merit and early notification. Unexcused absence from a performance could result in the dismissal of the student from the band program.
Tardies- BE ON TIME. This is a lifelong skill. Make it a habit to be ten minutes early to every rehearsal and performance.
Students and parents are responsible for the care and general maintenance of all school owned instruments that are assigned to them. There are no user fees. Students will be held responsible for damages to school owned instruments.
Percussionist- All percussionists must have 2 pairs of drum sticks ( 1 general and one light) and 1 pair each of plastic, yarn and rubber mallets. Each player must have these before concert season. This is not excessive but standard for any percussionist. School will provide other sticks and mallets such as timpani, suspended cymbal, bass drum, etc.
Band uniforms will be provided. Students must provide black band shoes, black socks and the band t-shirt. The band uniform will be worn properly at all times. ( All or None). Students are fully responsible for the care of the uniform. Payment will be made by student for damage to the uniform.
Transportation will be provided to most band events. Some students may be allowed to drive to certain events with director approval. On away trips, students may go home with their parents. Students will not be allowed to go home with someone else's parents.
Grades will be based on music proficiency, public performance, and rehearsal efficiency.
Music Proficiency- Students must demonstrate competent understanding of all music assigned, including memorized music for the fall marching season, and some scales in concert season.
Public Performance- Students must attend all mandatory performance and exhibit proper behavior at each. ALL PERFORMANCES ARE MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR BAND. ONLY EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES WILL BE CONSIDERED. STUDENT'S WORK SCHEDULE IS NOT AN EXCUSE. A calendar is issued to each student for the year so that conflicts may be avoided. If the student works, do not wait to tell your employers of the days you need off. Do this early!! If it is necessary for a student to miss a performance, notification to the director must happen two week in advance.
Rehearsal Efficiency- Band members must attend and be punctual to all rehearsals. Each student must have ALL required equipment and materials. Student's behavior and attitude must be conducive to a productive environment.
BAND LETTER- Letter is given to students who amass a total of 200 points or more. The first time a student letters an M will be issued for a letter jacket, any subsequent years the student will be given a bar.
JOHN PHILIP SOUSA AWARD- This award is given to the senior with the most points toward their letter.
OUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD- This award is given to the senior who is runner up to the John Philip Sousa award winner.
OUTSTANDING JUNIOR AWARD- This award is given to the junior with the most points
OUTSTANDING SOPHOMORE AWARD- This award is presented to the sophomore with the most points.
OUTSTANDING FRESHMAN AWARD- This award is presented to the freshman with the most points.
PRIDE AWARD- This award is voted on by the students for the senior they believe exhibits the qualities of
Performance Reliability Integrity Dedication Enthusiasm
| SOLO/ENSEMBLE | PRIVATE LESSONS | |||||||
| ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE | FUND RAISING | RULES AND REGULATIONS | BAND EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES | UNIFORMS | TRANSPORTATION | GRADING | BAND AWARDS | TOP OF PAGE |