Staley Band Handbook 2023-2024
Class & Concert Etiquette
Student Class Etiquette
Our behavior in class (along with personal practice) is vital to our success as an ensemble. A Band will never perform better than it rehearses, and efficient rehearsals will lead to successful Bands. There are a number of key factors that will help insure the success of our Band program. These factors include;
In addition to participation grade reductions, Students who regularly do not meet ensemble expectations may be assigned to observe performances (sit in the audience instead of playing ), re-assigned to a lower Band, or asked to leave the Band program. Any participation concerns will be communicated to parents well before any of these actions take place.
Our behavior in class (along with personal practice) is vital to our success as an ensemble. A Band will never perform better than it rehearses, and efficient rehearsals will lead to successful Bands. There are a number of key factors that will help insure the success of our Band program. These factors include;
- Have all materials
- Be in your seat when the FIRST bell rings.
- Talking: Level 2 entering and getting ready before the bell, Level 0 after the bell
- Question: Raise your hand
- Restroom? Raise your hand with your fingers crossed (sign language ‘R’)
- Need another director during class? Hold up a thumbs up. This can be for individual help, instrument concerns, or missing materials.
- At the end of rehearsal push your stand down and straighten up your chair. Some periods may also be asked to assist with setting up or breaking down the Band hall. Every member of the class is expected to participate in getting the room prepared.
In addition to participation grade reductions, Students who regularly do not meet ensemble expectations may be assigned to observe performances (sit in the audience instead of playing ), re-assigned to a lower Band, or asked to leave the Band program. Any participation concerns will be communicated to parents well before any of these actions take place.
General Concert Etiquette
Concerts are an opportunity for students to demonstrate their talents for an appreciative audience. For this reason, it is important that both performers and the audience observe appropriate concert etiquette during any performance. For each performance we would like parent volunteers to help us monitor the students waiting to perform. Below are the general guidelines that should be reviewed prior to each concert:
Concerts are an opportunity for students to demonstrate their talents for an appreciative audience. For this reason, it is important that both performers and the audience observe appropriate concert etiquette during any performance. For each performance we would like parent volunteers to help us monitor the students waiting to perform. Below are the general guidelines that should be reviewed prior to each concert:
- Students are never allowed to have their phone on stage.
- Dress appropriately for the performance.
- Audience members should Silence all cell phones (you are encouraged to take videos/pictures)
- Avoid texting during a performance.
- If you are video recording during a performance be mindful of those behind you.
- Food and drink are not allowed in the performance area. (lower section at Staley)
- Refrain from talking while the director is on the stage.
- Only enter or leave the seating area during applause. If necessary, close the door quietly.
- Do not take flash photographs while the group is playing (before and after is fine).
- Crying or fussy children should be taken to the lobby area.
- Families are welcome to present their performer or directors with flowers or a small gift after the performance in recognition of their hard work in preparing for the concert. (Students also appreciate quick trips for ice cream after the performance to express your gratitude!)
Cell Phone Use
Many students/performers have their own devices. We encourage performers to act responsibly.
Many students/performers have their own devices. We encourage performers to act responsibly.
- Rehearsals: Students should have their cell phones off and in their backpacks during the school day and during sectional times for advanced band students. Cell phones that vibrate, ring, or cause a distraction during a rehearsal will be taken to the front office.
- Concerts: Students MAY NOT have their phones during performances. If they bring their phone they should leave it in their case when they assemble their instrument. If they are worried about leaving their phone behind they can turn it off and give it to their parents to hold until after the performance.
- Trips: When the band travels cell phone use is at the directors' discretion. Generally students will be allowed to have and use their cell phone on reward trips- but they are responsible for anything they bring as we are not responsible for any lost or stolen devices.