Staley Band Handbook 2023-2024

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Performance Grade Category 

Performance Policy
Performing is the primary purpose of being in band!  Each event in this category has a webpage that outlines the requirements of the performance.  Performances and rehearsals in this category will be graded on;

1. Attendance/punctuality (as outlined in the schedule listed on the webpage for each event)
2. Having all materials needed (Instrument, all music, and other items outlined on the webpage)
3. Wearing appropriate and correct concert attire (as outlined on the event page)
4. Concert etiquette (demonstrating proper behavior as a performer and/or audience member)  

Again, we stress that we prepare for weeks for every performance and any student who has an unexcused absence from a performance will be in danger of failing Band for that grading period.  

• Most group performances will begin at 6:30 and last about an hour, but times vary depending on the number of groups performing.
• Some individual performances (Solo Contest and All-Region) will allow for personal time frames and will not be assigned until two weeks before the contest.  Please reserve the entire contest block in your schedule and we will communicate your child’s time when available.  
• Students will need to arrive early to warm up before all performances. 

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Concert Attire
Band students are judged not only on how they play but also on appearance.  We strive to not only as one but to present a unified look whenever possible.  Concert attire will be outlined on the specific web page for each event.  

Advanced Bands (Honor & Symphonic Bands):

• ‘Pep Band Attire’: Blue Band t-shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes with any color socks.
• ‘Concert Black Attire’: black performance polo, black dress pants, black socks, and black closed toed shoes.  Please try to refrain from any other colors on your shoes.  Note that flip flops, white socks, jeans, or shoes with less than 80% black on them will result in a lower grade.  Note that students who do not own black shoes are encouraged to purchase a pair of black socks to put over their shoes.

Beginning Band:

• Concert attire: Beginning Band is all about learning our instrument.  Since our main focus in in class our performances will always include our Blue Band T-shirt, Jeans, and any type of closed toed shoes (no flip flops).
• Solo Contest: Students are invited to dress up for their individual performance, but are also welcome to wear their band t-shirt and jeans.  If you choose to dress up young ladies need to be sure that their dress/skirt goes just past the knees when sitting down.  Young men should wear dress pants, a long sleeve button up shirt with tie, and dress shoes.  Ladies should wear a long dress (past the knees) or dress shirt and skirt (past the knees).  Ladies who cannot find a long enough dress are encouraged to wear dress pants. 

 
Families who cannot meet the required dress should let the directors know in advance so they can work out a solution.  Also– we are happy to accept gently used black dress pants and black dress shoes of all sizes (boys and girls) that your child has outgrown!

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Call Times
All performances will require an earlier ‘call time’ for musicians.  Usually this will be thirty minutes before the performance and allow the students to warm-up together before taking the stage.  In addition, there may also be additional rehearsals outside the school day to help your child’s ensemble prepare.  Rehearsals and call times are part of the performance grade and attendance is mandatory.  Specific call times and rehearsal schedules can be found on our weekly smore, on the band website, or the event webpage. 

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Conflicts & Absence Procedures
Performances are live events that cannot be made up.  Every Band member works daily towards our goals and every member of the ensemble is vital to our success.  If your student needs to miss a performance they will need to let their director know via the ‘Band Absence Request Form’ found on our website (hardcopies are also available in the band hall) at least twenty four hours in advance for rehearsals and two weeks for performances.  This will allow time for the Band staff to reassign music if needed.  Families are encouraged to check our calendar and website regularly and contact the Band staff immediately if you see any conflicts.  
 
Excused Absences: Below are the most common excused absences

• Illness (full day absence from school is automatically excused)
• Family emergency (illness, death, etc.)
• Excused absence from school (confirmed with Data Clerk)
• Religious observance
• School-related schedule conflict (that cannot be worked out by the directors)
• Other events or activities that are previously approved by a director

Students who have an excused absence (or family emergency) are still required to fill out the ‘Band Absence Request Form’ when possible.  We understand that in some circumstances you will not be able to communicate prior to the missed event.  If this is the case please be sure to send your child with a note (or email) when your child returns to class.  We do not want to put undue burden on your child by asking why they missed a major event if there was a sensitive family emergency.
 
Unexcused absences: Below are the most common unexcused absences

• Outside of school events that were not communicated ahead of time
• Students who were at school the day of and the day following the missed event.  Please bring a doctors note if you were told by a physician not to attend one of our events but were allowed to attend school.
• School activities that were not communicated and  do not conflict with our schedule
• Transportation arrangements (please give the directors a chance to help)

Any missed event without prior communication will result in a lowered grade, loss of privileges, and/or reassignment to a different part or role within the Band, including the role of spectator.  If students miss multiple events they may be moved to a lower Band or asked to leave the program.  Many times  circumstances may be out of the student’s control, so communication between the adults is key.  Thank you for checking the calendar and website often.
 
Thank you in advance for being proactive in your communication with the Band Staff regarding all Band events on the calendar and website!  Be sure to refer to the website for the most current information.
 

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