Palm Beach Central High School

Bronco Band Program 

Handbook

2008-2009

James Yaques

Director of Bands

Luke Basso

Assistant Director

Dr. Matt Shoemaker

Principal

Dear Student,

Congratulations on being a member of the Palm Beach Central High School Band. The Palm Beach Central High School Band program is dedicated to providing a variety of musical opportunities for its students allowing everyone a chance to reach their highest possible level of excellence. In becoming a member of this organization, you assume the responsibility of continuing the proud tradition that has been established by others like yourself through dedication and hard work. The members of the PBCHS Band are proud of their accomplishments and it is in this spirit that new members are welcomed.

As a member of the PBCHS Band program, you are expected to set high goals for yourself and the program. The success of YOUR band program first requires that YOU be 100% dedicated and committed to doing your part in reaching our goals! The rewards of reaching those goals are immeasurable in the development of our students as well-rounded human beings. In addition, it is our belief that "the process is just as important as the product." This places the emphasis on the development and growth of each individual student, not just on specific performances. Members of the PBCHS Band develop musically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and physically during their time in the program. Objectives include character building, commitment, cooperation, dependability, determination, discipline, leadership, punctuality, respect, responsibility, and self-control.

It should be understood that as a member of the PBCHS Band Program, you should always be a model of good behavior in all classes and activities in and away from school. Your ATTITUDE has a direct bearing on the ACTION you will take. Each member is personally responsible for the positive ATTITUDE necessary to maintain the enthusiasm that will generate positive ACTION. This, in turn, will lead to great ACHIEVEMENT for yourself and the band as a whole. With your cooperation and contribution of individual responsibilities will come the PRIDE and ENJOYMENT of belonging to an outstanding and exciting organization.

This handbook contains guidelines, regulations, and information to ensure the success of YOUR band. Please read this handbook carefully so that you may understand at the outset what is expected of you and what you should expect as a member of the band. Consult this handbook to answer any questions you may have about the band program.

Again, congratulations and I wish you a fantastic and rewarding experience in the Palm Beach Central High School Bronco Bands!

Musically yours,

James Yaques

James Yaques

Director of Bands

BAND ORGANIZATIONS/COURSE OFFERINGS

WIND ENSEMBLE: Designed for the development of basic fundamentals, technique, and musicianship skills. This ensemble performs concerts and participates in festivals. After-school time is required during concert season. Placement within the ensemble is based on audition and director recommendation. Members also participate in the Marching Band. Private lessons are strongly encouraged.

CONCERT WINDS: Designed for the development of basic fundamentals, technique, and musicianship skills. This ensemble performs concerts and may participate in festivals. After-school time is required during concert season. Members also participate in the Marching Band. Private lessons are strongly encouraged.

MARCHING BAND: "The Bronco Band" operates primarily during the fall and is comprised of the Wind Ensemble and Concert Winds and auxiliary units. Basics of marching and outdoor playing are stressed. Performances include football games, festivals, competitions, and parades. This band rehearses after school. Instrumentalists must be in one of the concert bands. Once a student has been put in the show, membership may not be terminated until the conclusion of the marching season. 

 

CENTRAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE: Designed to explore the genre of Jazz Music, and to delve into the different styles encountered by Jazz Ensembles. Includes but not limited to swing, bebop, fusion, latin, samba, pop, rock and more. Placement in the band is by director approval and instrumentation requirements. Participation in Concert and Marching Band is required for non-rhythm section members.

BRONCO JAZZ BAND: Designed to begin the exploration of the genre of Jazz Music, and to delve into the different styles encountered by Jazz Ensembles. Includes but not limited to swing, bebop, fusion, latin, samba, pop, rock and more. Placement in the band is by director approval and instrumentation requirements. Participation in Concert and Marching Band is required for non-rhythm section members.

COLOR GUARD: Open to students through audition in May and June. This group performs with the Marching Band in the fall and indoor guard in the spring.

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE: Designed to focus on the techniques of playing marching and concert percussion. Students in this class will also make up the percussion section for the concert winds and wind ensemble. Students will also perform as a percussion ensemble for solo and ensemble festival.

REGULATIONS & POLICIES

REMEMBER, THERE IS A REASON FOR EVERY POLICY. EACH IS NECESSARY IN ORDER FOR THE BAND TO FUNCTION SUCCESSFULLY.

The band has only three basic rules:

1. Be at the right place at the right time!

2. Give 100%.

3. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

Every other policy falls under these categories.

BAND ROOM POLICIES

1.      Students are expected to adhere to the posted band room policies.

2. NO FOOD, DRINK, GUM, CANDY, ETC. IS ALLOWED IN THE BAND ROOM.

3. The band room should be kept neat and orderly. It should emit a sense of pride and organization at all times. Each member is to clean up around his own area. Store your instrument and music in assigned places and in their cases - NOT ON THE FLOOR. Do not leave books or other personal belongings in the band room.

4. As a band member, you have earned the privilege of being allowed in the band room. Non-music students are not allowed in the band room. They would be the first to be accused if any instrument were to be damaged.

5. Instruments are not to be played by anyone other than the owner or renter. If it is not yours, DO NOT touch it.

REHEARSALS

THE BAND REHEARSES AFTER SCHOOL EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY DURING MARCHING SEASON FROM 5 - 8 PM.

Rehearsal time is short and every moment must be used for actual rehearsal purposes. If you delay the rehearsal for even one minute, you have wasted a great deal of time because every other member of the band has also been forced to waste one minute. The following guidelines are used in all fine organizations and are the foundation of our rehearsal procedure:

1. Band members should have the following items at all rehearsals:

a.       Instrument

b.      Music, Folder and/or Dot Books

c.       Pencil

d.      Extra reeds, valve oil, mutes, etc.

2. When the tardy bell rings or band is called to order, a student is considered TARDY if not in place and ready to perform. We go by the band room clock! All tardies are unexcused unless properly excused by valid reasons and/or a written pass.

3. When the director or someone in charge steps on the podium, ALL ACTIVITY MUST CEASE. Your full attention must be given to that person and nothing should be allowed to distract you. Be QUIET, LISTEN, and WATCH. Talking is to be kept to a minimum. Inattentive or disruptive students are subject to a reduction in grade.

4. Do not leave your seat unless given permission to do so.

5. Eating, drinking, or gum chewing are strictly PROHIBITED during any rehearsal or appearance by the band.

SECTIONALS

Due to the complex nature of a quality band program, rehearsals outside of class time are necessary. Generally, such rehearsals will be scheduled well in advance so that all conflicts can be avoided. All sectionals are mandatory.

MARCHING SEASON

1. All sections rehearse when needed.

2. All music listed by the section leader should be prepared for the sectional.

3. Sectional rehearsal announcements will be posted on the board.

4. All players will pass off their music for the section leader before the first performance. The section leader will report attendance and results of music passed off to the secretary.

CONCERT SEASON

1. Sectionals will take place for Wind Ensemble wind sections.

2. Sectionals will begin after football season and will take place after school hours.

3. Extra rehearsals may be called with one week's notice.

UNIFORMS

The PBCHS Band uniform should provide each member with a spirit of unity and a sense of purpose and pride. You should therefore give the utmost care to the uniform and in no way become careless with it. If you do not respect the uniform and this organization enough to care for it, then there is always someone eager to take your place. NO UNIFORM IS A UNIFORM UNLESS IT IS WORN CORRECTLY.

If you encounter problems with your uniform (lost articles or buttons, tears, broken seams, etc.), you should immediately report this to the uniform manager. The time for repairs is NOT the hour before a performance.

 The LOSS or DESTRUCTION of a uniform, or any part thereof, will be financially assessed and charged to the student.

Each student is responsible for providing/purchasing the following:

1.      Black marching shoes (available through Band Boosters)

2.      Black socks (higher than ankle length)

3.      PBCHS Band T-shirt (available through Band Boosters)

4.      Black gloves (available through Band Boosters)

5.      Black dress pants (gentlemen) or long skirts (ladies)

6.      Black Dress Shirt/Blouse  

Uniform Regulations:

1. Do not take uniforms home. Uniforms are to be properly hung on the uniform rack after each performance.

2. Members should wear the uniform with PRIDE. When wearing the uniform:

a.       Always have it buttoned up and zipped up

b.      No wrinkles

c.       Gloves clean and shoes polished

d.      PBCHS Band T-shirt must be worn

Remember: Wear the uniform correctly or not at all!

3. No items will be allowed to be attached to the uniform when being worn representing the PBCHS Band.

4. NO jewelry, hair ornaments, colored nail polish, or earrings. A wristwatch and ring are acceptable.

5. No additions may be worn with the uniform such as caps, bandanas, headbands, etc.

6. Hair must be worn so that the collar is visible, well groomed, and kept out of the face. Boys are to be neatly shaven.

7. In situations where the band is traveling and the uniform is not being worn, you are to properly hang and cover the uniform in your PBCHS garment bag.

8. Band hats are to be kept in their corresponding hatboxes. Keep trash out of hatboxes.

MARCHING UNIFORM
PBCHS Band T-shirt
Marching Pants
Marching Coat
Hat
Black gloves
Black socks
Black marching shoes

CONCERT UNIFORM
Dress Pants/Skirt
Black Dress Shirt/Blouse
Black socks
Black dress shoes

PEP RALLY UNIFORM
PBCHS Band polo shirt
Blue jeans
Sneakers

FOOTBALL GAMES

1.The band will be called to attention in the band room at reporting time. Be wearing appropriate attire, which usually includes: band T-shirt, black pants, jacket, black socks, black shoes, hat, and gloves.

2. Inspection takes place in the band room before departure. Section leaders are to check their section’s uniforms, instruments, and equipment.

3. March to seats before the game and after halftime. Remain standing as you line up behind the person in front of you. Be seated on command.

4. Wear the uniform correctly or not at all; NEVER PARTIALLY. This includes tucked-in shirt and properly worn suspenders.

5. Remain seated in appropriate column during the game.

6. Spirit is great, cheering with the cheerleaders or as a group is encouraged. Needless to say, language should not reflect unfavorably on the band.

7. Absolutely no individual playing on any instrument will be allowed.

8. Members are reminded that the band is providing a public performance at each game. We have a job to do, therefore, WATCH the director and drum major at all times when they are standing in front of the band. LISTEN for directions, get the music out quickly and be ready to play.

9. Students may have refreshments during their third quarter break. No food or drinks (except water) in the stands. Chewing gum is NEVER permitted.

10. NO ONE but uniformed personnel and band chaperones are allowed in the band section. Visitors are allowed in the band section only with the director’s approval.

11. Be courteous to visiting bands, officers, directors, fans, and anyone else with whom you come in contact. When traveling to other schools, be courteous to our hosts.

12. At halftime, kneel down and watch quietly as the other band performs.

13. No one is dismissed early.

14. After the game, pass trash to the end of the row and check to see if you have all of your belongings: music, lyres, gloves, hats, etc.

15. While at games, we are constantly in public view and your conduct must reflect the highest standards. REMEMBER, everything you do is a direct reflection on the band. In this setting, you are not acting as an individual. You are part of the whole body and cannot be separated from it when you are in uniform. Don’t let carelessness, restlessness, or irresponsibility ruin things for everyone else.

16. NO USE OF TOBACCO, ALCOHOL, OR DRUGS when you are in any way associated with the band or school.

PUBLIC APPEARANCES & CONDUCT

1. Notices of all appearances will be posted on a special calendar in the band room. It is the duty of each student to check the calendar and dry-erase board regularly for all pertinent information.

2. All rules of conduct and order, which apply to rehearsals and football games, will also apply to other public appearances.

3. Proper language is to be used AT ALL TIMES.

4. Let your conduct both before and after the performance be above reproach. Your conduct reflects on your band, your school, and your community.

5. Appearance must be neat at all times when in uniform or while under observation as representatives of the band program and school.

6. A performance or appearance is not completed until students are officially dismissed from pertaining activities.

7. After dismissal, be sure that you have properly taken care of instruments, music, garment bag, shoes, etc. before leaving.

Infractions of conduct mentioned above or those listed below are grounds for severe disciplinary action including suspension or dismissal from Palm Beach Central High School and/or the band program:

·         Destruction or theft of school property and equipment.

·         Possession or use of alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, or any mind-altering substance on or before a band activity.

·         Any actions, which are illegal or prohibited by Palm Beach County School Board.

TRAVEL & TRIPS

The band travels a great deal! Some special regulations are necessary for this type of activity.

1. Mode of transportation will be provided or approved by the school. Students traveling with the band must travel with the group in the vehicle provided. Exceptions, in grave emergency, must be approved by the director.

2. Students will ride both ways on a trip on their assigned bus. These assignments are made ahead of time to avoid confusion.

3. The school has a policy that no student may return by any other mode of transportation other than the band bus, except by the following:

A.     When written permission is submitted BEFORE departure from school.

B.     The PARENT takes custody from the director after the performance.

(Students will not be released to anyone but the parents or guardian of the student.)

4. While out of town, students will not ride in any private automobile without permission from the director.

5. Each student is responsible for seeing that his/her instrument and belongings are loaded at the departure point, after the performance, and unloaded upon the return. This includes cleaning up trash after any band trip!

6. A band officer and at least one adult chaperone will be placed on each bus. They are in COMPLETE charge. Respect is imperative. They will take attendance and communicate important information to you regarding the appearance ahead. Absolute quiet must be maintained during roll call.

7. While traveling on buses, you will obey the instructions of the bus driver. Putting hands, arms, heads, etc. out of a window is strictly prohibited. DO NOT ever throw anything out of a window for any reason.

8. While traveling on buses, students may talk or sing in an orderly manner. If your voice is loud enough to be heard above other conversations, you are TOO LOUD. When crossing a railroad track, absolute quiet must be maintained. When going through a town, students will not sing or shout and UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, CALL OUT OR MAKE REMARKS TO PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE BUS.

9. Do not stand or move around in the bus while it is in motion.

10. NO radios, tape, or CD players on buses without headphones.

11. Courtesy must be maintained while in restaurants. Speak quietly and clean up your area when finished. Eat properly and regularly to be at your best for yourself and others.

12. On overnight trips, all students are to be in their rooms at or before the designated curfew hour. They are not to leave their room after curfew for any reason. Students are also not to leave the hotel without permission from the director.

13. While staying at a hotel, students and chaperones are to be courteous to all hotel employees and guests. Their conduct should bring credit to themselves and the organization. Don’t slam doors, run, or speak loudly!

14. NO P.D.A. - Public Display of Affection. Students may hold hands except while in uniform. Coed room visitation is strictly prohibited.

15. The use or possession of any alcoholic beverage, tobacco, or drugs which could modify behavior is absolutely forbidden at all times. Violation will result in dismissal from the performing organization.

16. Body alterations of any kind (piercings, hair cuts, tattoos, etc.) are prohibited while on trips.

SCHOOL BOARD RULES ARE IN EFFECT FOR THE DURATION OF ANY TRIP.
(All rules apply just as if you were on the school campus.)

ENFORCEMENT OF REGULATIONS

The simplest method of enforcing regulations is to withhold the privilege of participation in our band for a specified period of time. Only the director may take this action, though the band officers may recommend such action by a majority vote. Withholding may be done in several ways:

1. Being taken out of the show. This would be done primarily in the case of disruptive behavior, negative attitude, not being prepared, or absence.

2. In the case of extreme misbehavior or disrespect, for the good of the band, the student may be expelled from the band program.

3. Band members may also be suspended, meaning that they will be expected to attend all rehearsals and performances of the band, but will not be allowed to participate until the problem causing the suspension has been rectified. Failure to comply with the terms of suspension may result in expulsion from the band.

4. A penalty will be administered for all tardies, misbehavior, disrespect, off-task activity, inattentiveness, destructiveness, etc. no matter the reason.

GRADING/POINTS POLICY

Each student’s grade in band will be based on the following criteria:

1.      Attendance/ Participation 40%

2.      Playing Test 40%

3.      Written Test 20%

County Grading scale will be used.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

ATTENDANCE at all rehearsals, performances, etc., is required. As a member of the band program, you occupy an important part and space in each band function. Inasmuch as the band works as a finely trained team, it is essential that every member be present for ALL functions, which include rehearsals, concerts, festivals, football games, parades, and out-of-town trips. Any member who is absent makes the band less effective and also has an adverse effect on the morale of the band.

Procedure for Absence

Naturally, sickness and other hardships make it necessary to miss on some occasion. However, THE PARENT must notify the director as far IN ADVANCE as possible if a student must miss a rehearsal or performance by:

1. Calling the band office at 561-304-1033, AND
2. Filling out and signing an excuse form available in the band room.

After turning in your signed excuse form, the absence will fall into one of three categories:

Consequences for Absences                  

1. The first unexcused absence to a performance or rehearsal (outside school hours) will result in being benched for the next upcoming performance.
2. The second unexcused absence will result in DISMISSAL from the performing organization.
3. Missing two band classes may result in being benched for the performance that week.
4. Missing ANY out-of-school rehearsals may result in being benched for the performance that week.

A benched person must attend all band functions, sit in the stands and play in uniform.

Please understand that rehearsals and performances are the same as exams in other classes. Since there is no way to "make up" these events, missing a rehearsal or performance is equivalent to not taking an exam and receiving a zero as a grade. However, ANY outside rehearsal or performance missed for an acceptable reason must be made up by completing an assignment approved by the director. FAILURE TO MAKE UP AN ABSENCE WILL RESULT IN LOWERING OF THE BAND GRADE.

Procedure for Tardy

TARDINESS will not be tolerated. Tardies cause delays in time schedules and are discourteous and irritating to your fellow band members who have to wait for you. The procedure for tardies is the same as that for absences.

Remember: "EARLY IS ON TIME & ON TIME IS LATE!"

Unacceptable Excuses

Students do NOT pick and choose the band events in which they wish to participate. If the band performs or rehearses, everyone is to be there every time! Conflicts with other activities (i.e. sport practice, SGA convention, etc.) are to be resolved as far IN ADVANCE as possible (not the day of the event!).

If an outside rehearsal appears to be "rained-out", always report to the band room for indoor rehearsal. Rarely is a rehearsal ever called off because of rain.

Performance takes precedence over practice concerning another school activity. Only reasons of GRAVE EMERGENCY should be used for missing a performance or rehearsal. These arrangements must be made in advance.

Remember, excuses, even good ones, will not produce a good band.

INSTRUMENTS & EQUIPMENT

1. Each member is responsible for the care and maintenance of his/her instrument.

2. All school-owned instruments must be checked out through the appropriate officer by filling out an instrument rental agreement. Once issued, the instrument becomes the responsibility of the student for proper care, maintenance, and protection from damage or theft. Students using school-owned instruments will be responsible for and charged for any damages to the instruments. This includes drumheads, rims, etc.

3. Woodwind players should have:

a. Swab or cleaning cloth
b. Cork grease
c. AT LEAST two extra playable reeds

4. Brass players should have:

a. Cleaning cloth
b. Valve oil and slide grease
c. Mutes (esp. straight)

5. Percussionists are expected to take special care of all equipment and keep the percussion area/room neat. Percussionists should have:

a. An extra pair of sticks/mallets
b. Drum key

6. All marching instruments must be equipped with lyres.

7. Store your instrument where designated in the instrument storage area with the case closed and latched. Instrument storage areas are not for personal storage. Use your school locker for personal items.

AUDITIONS & CHALLENGES

Auditions for concert bands are held in May of the preceding school year. This will also serve as chair placement within each ensemble. Students may Challenge the person the chair above him/her once a month. Sometimes, student maybe placed on a part for the benefit of the sound of the band as a whole. Every part is important.

STUDENT OFFICERS

Good student leadership is essential for a successful band program. It is also a great responsibility for the student. Officer interviews/auditions are held in May of each year. All officers are chosen by the director through an interview process. There is a band wide vote for the position of Band Captain, this will be taken into consideration by the director but does not necessarily determine the winner. Drum Majors are chosen by a panel of judges through a conducting audition in front of the band and an interview.

BAND CAPTAIN- Liaison between the band and the director. Also responsible for the morale and spirit of the band.

DRUM MAJOR(S)- Is the band’s field commander and conductor.

SECRETARY/HISTORIAN- Assist the director with administrative work, and in the preserving of the band’s history.

UNIFORM, EQUIPMENT, AND FIELD MANAGERS- Responsible for maintaining practice field, and transportation of equipment, also responsible for uniforms and uniform room.

LIBRARIAN- Responsible for maintaining the music library.

SECTION LEADERS- Responsible for their section of the band’s performance, which includes marching.

SOUND ENGINEER- Responsible for technical support of the band and organizing sound equipment.

FAIR SHARE POLICY/FUNDRAISING

Band members have the opportunity and are expected to participate during the school year to help run fund raising activities. Each of us must do our "fair share" if the band is to travel and purchase necessary equipment. It is not fair for a few to work or pay the way for all. A "fair share" system is in place and is explained in the summer mail-out as well as the first band booster meeting of the year. Fund raising activities will be few in number and structured so as not to place excessive time demands on any individual.

Obligations

Students who fail to meet fairshare or turn in items ON TIME will have their name placed on the school’s obligation list. There will be a $25 fee for any checks returned for insufficient funds.

CHAPERONES

Parents of band students act as chaperones at band functions throughout the year. This provides parents an excellent opportunity to be directly involved in their son/daughter’s experience in the band program.

Chaperones have certain responsibilities as away-from-home-parents. Their involvement demonstrates a caring and willingness to actively support their child in his/her musical endeavors. They should receive utmost RESPECT and COURTESY at all times.

INDIVIDUAL PRACTICE

It is the responsibility of each band member to practice his/her individual music outside of band rehearsal time. Practice time should be spent on scales, music, and etudes assigned by the director or private instructor. Each student should practice at least TWO hours per week (averages less than 20 min. per day).

Practicing assures that the student is strengthening fundamental skills and learning assigned music. Furthermore, the individual improvement will directly affect the overall improvement, abilities, and success of the entire band. Parents are asked to help their son/daughter set aside a quiet place and time for practice on a regular basis.

Private Lessons

The value of one-on-one instruction with a professional on a student's instrument cannot be overstated. Students are strongly encouraged to take lessons with a qualified private instructor. You will increase the rate of improvement and success on your instrument by a notable margin. To obtain a private instructor, see the director or contact your local music store.