MUSCLE SHOALS TROJAN BAND

2012-2013

2012-2013

Included, you will find much information needed for the students and parents of the Muscle Shoals High School Trojan Band in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Past Accomplishments, Band Booster Officers, Leadership Team, Progression of Accomplishment Guide, Rules and Guidelines about the operation of the band program are also included.

BAND HANDBOOK

MUSCLE SHOALS HIGH SCHOOL

TROJAN BAND

HANDBOOK

2012-2013

“Dedicated to Unity and Excellence”

BAND DIRECTOR

David Waters

BAND BOOSTER OFFICERS

President Bob and Amy Bentley Vice President Mike & Karen Boggan Treasurer Cylinthia Armor Secretary Tonya Moore Members at Large Eric Lane, Arla Wade

Lasondra HattonPast President Derrick & Paige Underwood

Clyde and Doreen Brisendine

“We Are Awesome”

MUSCLE SHOALS HIGH SCHOOL BAND2011-2012

LEADERSHIP TEAM

MSHS BAND OFFICERSPRESIDENT JULIE CORSBY VICE PRESIDENT NICK POSEY

SECRETARY MARIA OSWALT

TREASURER GRANT BENTLEYLIBRARIANS

SR: JESSICA HANNAH CAMPBELL, ZACH FOUST, BRANDI TUCKER,

JR: LESLIE MOORE, CHELSIE HOGANSO:

HISTORIANS DRUM MAJOR KARA HOLMASSITANT FIELD COMMANDER LESLIE MOORE

SECTION LEADERSIn 2012-2013, there will be no more section leaders.

We will have a leadership team made of members of the band that have expressed interest in helping the band. The only requirement is that the

student has a servant heart, and is willing to go the extra mile to help the band behind the scenes.

PHILANTHROPY

The Muscle Shoals Trojan Band supports the March of Dimes as a part of it’s’ community service. In the spring semester, the band students collect money for the

“March for Babies” sponsored by the March of Dimes.

IntroductionYou are a member of one of Alabama’s finest organizations. We have performed for President Carter, Governor Folsom, Senator Heflin, Congressman Cramer, and many other dignitaries. We have traveled to Canada, Mexico, Texas, New Orleans, Washington D.C., and most recently, Orlando, Florida. We have performed for dozens of parades and activities in our community. We have several commendations from the Alabama Legislature for excellence as well as a commendation from the City of Muscle Shoals, the Colbert County Commission and the Governor. Our Concert Program consistently receives superior ratings at concert festival, and our Marching Band has received superior ratings since 1966. Over 380 trophies on display represent Superior, First Place, and Grand Champion Awards.

You are a member. No one can take your place or do your part in the performances. With the opportunities the band will bring comes a responsibility too. We will expect you to do your part – to be at rehearsals, to perform with the rest of us, and to do your best. The band is successful because we all take great pride in doing our absolute best – that means doing our best in preparing our performance and, of course, in performing our best every time.

You will find a cross section of the school in the band. We have athletes, cheerleaders, scholars, and socialites. We have in our membership leaders in clubs and activities throughout the school. We have many members of the National Honor Society and take great pride in the academic achievement of our members. We have had in our program National Merit Scholars, Valedictorians, Salutatorians, an Alabama Junior Miss, and a Miss Alabama. In 2011-2012 all of the class presidents are band members and many members are class officers. The last two years Mr. Muscle Shoals HS, the Valedictorian and several of the top ten, as well as homecoming court members, and National Honor Society members were band members.

Since most of our students will not become professional musicians, you only have this time to be a performer…to be in the spotlight and experience the thrill of being recognized as an outstanding performer. We want that once in a lifetime opportunity to be the best performance opportunity that is possible.

This is a winning team, of which you are important. You will enjoy some great times as part of this band, and we look forward to sharing them with you.

Philosophy

1. Music education is not a frill or icing on the academic cake. Music education is a vital part of becoming educated and preparing for life. We teach creative and critical thinking, problem solving and personal responsibility every day. These lessons are inherent in every music class and will give you skills, which will be advantageous to students long after high school. In addition, students learn interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate and influence a group to work together toward a common goal for their common good.

2. Every student will gain an appreciation of music and become informed consumers in their long lasting enjoyment of music. Our goal is that each student will become the very finest player he/she is capable of becoming. Through the process of progressing as an individual player and member of the performing group, each student will gain understanding of how music is put together as a composition. He/She will also gain respect for great performers and performances as we discover the demands of great music on the individual in preparing and performing.

3. As students work together over these high school years’ friendships and bonds develop. Our goal is to help in developing interpersonal skills and to assist individuals through the difficulties of adolescence by helping build self-esteem and self-confidence. Friendships and fond memories are a product of the band as surely as the performance and enjoyment of music is.

“Band is the best thing that ever happened to my daughter.”(Band parent of senior)

“My son came out of his shell because of band. Band was the best thing that could have possibly happened to him.”(Band parent of Sophomore)

“My favorite memories of high school are of band. Band was the most significant part of high school for me.”(Graduate of MSH, 1978)

“ I am a different person because of band. I now have a love of music that adds so much to my life, as well as a skill I can refine for as long as I want. I have made many friends in band. I know we have learned more than we yet realize in band – goals, character, work – because you teach us not only about music, but about life.”(Graduate of MSH, 2003)

“You really have taught me a lot…not only band, but about life.”(Graduate of MSH, 2007)

“If you work long enough and hard enough on the right things, you will get the results you want”(Pat Stegall, MSHS Band Director 1989-2011)

THE BAND PROGRAM AT MUSCLE SHOALS

A. CLASS OFFERINGS:Marching Band You will enjoy this class! You will be in the biggest and most spirited band at MSH, as well as the largest student organization in the school. This band performs at Festivals, Contests, and ball games. All participants are now required by the State Department of Education to complete the L.I.F.E Course in order to receive a PE credit for marching band. This course will be taught as part of the regular curriculum for incoming freshmen and rookie members. Once completed, the students will have achieved their required PE credit for high school.

Symphonic Band Congratulations! You are a member of one of the South’s finest concert bands. There will be many opportunities for performances and experiences that you will find very enjoyable.

Jazz Band If you are a member of this band you are exceptionally prepared and show extraordinary achievement. This band performs at concerts and special events throughout the year.

Percussion Ensemble The percussion ensemble is one of the finest in the country. It has won 5 medals in the past 5 years competing at WGI World Championships

B. PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES:1. Festivals and Contests

a. Regional Concert Festival (Music Performance Assessment) in March, ABA sponsored.

b. Marching Festivals and ContestFall Season – We compete three to four times and MSH hosts a contest on the third Saturday in October at which we perform.

c. Jazz Band Festivals in the spring.d. Spring Trip (2013) to perform and to reward students for working hard.e. School Concertsf. Parades and other community events

2. Criteria for choosing festivalsa. Top Quality Judges to give input for our progressb. Top competitive bands with which to compare our performance levelc. To utilize concert, marching, jazz band and percussiond. To reward students for hard work during the year

3. Rationale for attending a contest or festival is:a. Using the competition as motivation to improve as a player and performerb. To compare our level of performance with other bands for practical evaluation

of our progressc. To be evaluated by experts in the area of music to improve techniques and

thereby progress and make improvements in our program.

C. PROGRESSION OF MUSICAL ACCOMPLISHMENT

Band members are expected to progress in a logical and sequential manner throughout their membership in the Muscle Shoals Band Program. In order to track his or her progress, each student will maintain a portfolio in the band office. Personal and group achievements will be noted and appropriate notations will be made. Students will receive Band Letters and Bars for their accomplishments. These accomplishments will be used to assist the directors in tracking students’ progress and in evaluating weaknesses and strengths of each student. Chair placement will be based on their portfolio, playing test and seniority points.

BANDSMAN: Novice Class (Earns First Bar) 59 participation points plus 10 service points5 scales: 1 octave, arpeggio (C,F,Bb,G,D,) memorizedChromatic Scale: 1 octave, memorizedStudy Rubank Elementary Method (or equivalent)Audition for Shoals Honor Band

BANDSMAN: Apprentice Class (Earns Second Bar) 79 participation pts plus 20 service pts

7 scales: Fl, Cl, Ob, Mlt. 2 octaves, arpeggio (C,F,Bb,G,D,Eb,A) memorizedAll other instruments: 1 octave, arpeggios memorizedChromatic Scale: 2 octaves, memorizedStudy Rubank Intermediate Method (or equivalent)Audition for Shoals Honor BandAudition for All-State

BANDSMAN: Expert Class (Earns Band Letter and Third bar) 114 pts plus 30 service pts10 scales: Fl, Cl, Ob, Mlt. 2 octaves, arpeggio (C,F,Bb,Eb,Ab,Db,G,D,A,E) memorizedAll other instruments: 1 octave, arpeggios memorizedChromatic Scale: 2 octaves or all-state requirement memorizedMinor Scales: A melodic, C HarmonicComplete Rubank Advanced Method (or equivalent)Audition for and make Shoals Honor BandAudition for All-State

BANDSMAN: Master Class (Earns Fourth Bar) 259 pts plus 40 service pts12 scales: 2 octaves, arpeggio (C,F,Bb,Eb,Ab,Db,Gb,G,D,A,E,B) memorizedChromatic Scale: Full RangeMinor Scales: A melodic, C HarmonicComplete 2 years of the All State Cycle from Prescribed Method BookRegular Lessons or tutoring from approved instructorAudition for Shoals Honor BandSelected for All-State Junior High, Blue or White Band

BANDSMAN: Artist Class (Earns Fifth Bar) 494 pts plus 50 service pts12 scales: 2 octaves, arpeggio (C,F,Bb,Eb,Ab,Db,Gb,G,D,A,E,B) memorizedChromatic Scale: Full RangeMinor Scales: A melodic, C HarmonicComplete 4 Years of the All State Cycle from Prescribed Method BookRegular Lessons or tutoring from approved instructorAudition for Shoals Honor BandSelected for All-State Red Band

This section is under constant revision and will be republished at a later date

AWARDS FOR STUDENTS

Band Banquet – A program each spring where students and parents dress formally, have a good dinner, and honor outstanding students in the following ways:A. John Philip Sousa Award, Louis Armstrong Award

B. All State Band Awards

C. Shoals Honor Band/Other Honor Bands

D. Progression of Musical Accomplishment Awards

E. School Award Letter from PMA or Service

F. Medals for superior performances at AMEA events

G. Special recognition awards

H. Scholarships1. Music major – full tuition is often awarded to our graduates through

scholarships in music at many colleges. All good players are in demand.

2. Non-music majors can pay for much of their expenses by performing in band and other instrumental groups. Many non-music majors are able to defray college expenses just by playing in college band – which they probably would do anyway.

3. We get request letters from almost every college and university each spring for lists of seniors who may be interested in applying for scholarships and financial help through instrumental music.

4. The MSH band boosters offer a scholarship to a student selected by Lloyd Jones of the University of North Alabama, for participation in the “Pride of Dixie”.

5. The Muscle Shoals Education Foundation offers a scholarship in memory of former MSHS Band Director, Mr. Charles R. Stratford. Students must apply to the foundation to be considered. Donations are welcomed from anyone interested in helping to endow this scholarship

BAND STUDENTS ARE WANTED AND NEEDED BY COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES; PREPARE NOW TO BE ABLE TO OFFER THEM AN ACCOMPLISHED MUSICIAN IN YOURSELF.

Over the last few years, over 100 of our students have received band scholarships to various colleges. IN 2010-2011 OVER $300,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS WAS AWARDED TO MSHS BAND STUDENTS!“Success is not measured by what we start, but rather what we complete.”

STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM

A. Method of choosing is done by audition in May, seniority and student portfolio. The leadership class attends camp during the summer and learns transposition, drill charting, and motivational and interpersonal skills.

B. Responsibilities are to help in teaching drill and music and to help in keeping order in rehearsals.

C. Officers are:1. Drum Major(s) – student conductors; Auditioned by Band Director2. Officers - President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, nominated by Band

Director…voted on by students.3. Librarians and Historians; Appointed by Band Director4. Leadership team members and Section Leaders; Auditioned by Band Director,

Seniority and Portfolio

D. Students will learn:

1. Positive motivational techniques2. A positive approach to teaching others3. Drill Charting4. Conducting5. Transpositions

E. Leadership students will attend leadership camp in the summer on July 12, 2011.F. All Students are expected to attend a leadership clinic by Scott Lang, held on August

8, 2011 at 6 pm. The cost is $20 per student.

INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION

Students will be given the opportunity to study privately with an instructor on their particular instrument. These lessons are arranged through the band directors with approved specialists on each instrument. Most instructors will come to the school and teach the lessons, but there are others that will teach out of their own studios. These lessons are the expense of each student. Students wishing to audition for All-State are highly encouraged to take advantage of these lessons.

INSTRUMENT UPGRADES (STEP-UPS)

The instruments which are recommended for beginning band and middle school are quality beginning instruments. Students wishing to progress toward a higher quality instrument are encouraged to do so. Please consult with one of the directors before purchasing another instrument. Guidance is needed to help select the proper instrument to meet the students’ needs and budget.

RULES

A. Band Rules

1. All students must attend every rehearsal and every performance of the band. Excused absences are counted for personal illness of students, which prohibits school attendance and for family emergency (i.e. death in the family, accidents, etc.). Unexcused absences from rehearsal will result in the student being withheld from the next performance. Unexcused absence from a performance will result in possible expulsion from the performing group and dropping a letter grade.

2. Wear clothes appropriate for co-ed activities and very active physical exercise. Tennis shoes should always be worn to rehearsal…no bare feet, no sandals, no flip flops, etc.

3. Instruments should not be played going into or out of the rehearsal area – nor before or after rehearsal.

4. All necessary instruments/equipment should be brought to every rehearsal.

5. Possession or use of alcohol or controlled substances (drugs) will result in suspension from the band. School board policies will also be enforced.

6. Band office is not for student use. Permission must be obtained to use the office telephone. Students should not be in the office unless the Director is present!

7. No food or drink in the band room.

8. No bad language! First offense gets a warning – the second offense is reported to the parent – third offense brings about suspension.

9. Students who are not participating in a performance must attend in uniform unless excused by the Director.

10. Students will be respectful to chaperones. Disrespect to the director, chaperones, teachers, or any other student will not be tolerated.

11. Special rules apply to trips and will be discussed prior to departure.

B. ATTENDANCE EXPLANATION

Because rehearsal time is kept to a minimum, each rehearsal is important. Every member must attend every rehearsal. Absences are excused for three reasons only:

1. Personal illness of student which prevents school attendance (or a doctor’s note)

2. Death in the family3. Family emergency (must be worked out between the parent and band director)

A student missing rehearsal or performance because of work will not be excused. Family vacations can be excused absences if notification is given in advance.

An unexcused absence from rehearsal will eliminate that student from that week’s performance(s). Should this happen twice or should a student miss a performance unexcused, that student may be removed from the performing organization. Should a band officer be removed from a performance for an unexcused absence, the students shall forfeit his/her leadership position.

A student may be removed from the week’s performance even if excused from a rehearsal, if during that rehearsal the group makes such progress or changes in the program which would compromise that student’s effectiveness if he/she performed.

Muscle Shoals Schools guidelines; policies, band rules, and common sense regulate behavior at rehearsals and performances. If an individual’s behavior is found to be in conflict with school policies or is seen dangerous or injurious to the well being or progress of the group or other individuals – that student may be removed from the performing group.

C. NO PASS/NO PLAY POLICY

1. All MSHS band students entering the 10th, 11th, 12th grades must have passed during the last two semesters in attendance and summer school, if applicable, at least six new Carnegie units with a minimum composite numerical average of 70 in those six units.a. Four core curriculum courses must be included in those units passed and

averaged. (English, mathematics, science and social studies are core curriculum courses.)

b. Any student that accumulates more than four units of core classes per year may earn less than the required four core classes during the next school year and be eligible as long as the student remains on track for graduation with his/her class.

2. Students entering the 8th and 9th grades must have passed during the last two semesters in attendance and summer school, if applicable, at least five new subjects with a minimum composite numerical average of 70 in those five subjects.

3. Eligibility will be determined before the start of each new school year. A student that is academically eligible at the beginning of the school year remains eligible for the remainder of that school year as far as grades are concerned.

4. Students declared ineligible at the beginning of a school year may regain their eligibility at the end of the first semester by meeting the academic requirements listed above during their last two semesters in attendance and summer school, if applicable. The restored eligibility of any student must be determined no later than the fifth day of the second semester.

D. EVENT CHECK OUT PROCEDURE

1. All students who plan to leave an event before dismissal will be required to have a parent check them out at the event. Parents must sign the required release form in the presence of one of the directors at the event.

2. The band is attending the ballgames as a group to lend support to the competing team and to foster school spirit. Students are expected to remain with the group for the duration of the event. Checking out is the exception, not the rule.

MSHS TROJAN BAND2011-2012 Calendar of Events

Guard Camp July 5-8 MSHS BandroomMajorette Camp July 5-8 MSHS BandroomLeadership Planning July 6 noon MSHS BR & AuditoriumBLT Camp July 12 (8-4) MSHS BandroomVisual Camp July 13 MSHS BandroomDrum Camp July 18-22 MSHS BandroomBand Pictures July 27 11 am MSHS Stadium Band Camp August 1-5 Aug 8-9 MSHSExhibition August 9 6 pm MSHS Practice Field

August 25 Football game Colbert County (H) September 2 Football game East Limestone (H) September 9 Football game Columbia (A)September 16 Football game Lawrence County (H) September 23 Football game Florence (A)September 24 Marching Contest TBASeptember 30 Football game Athens (A)October 1 Vanderbilt Marching Contest NashvilleOctober 7 Football game Russellville (A)October 8 Marching Contest TBAOctober 14 Football game Johnson (H)October 15 Tennessee Valley Invitational MSHS StadiumOctober 21 Football game Lee (A)October 22 Marching Contest TBAOctober 27 Football game Deshler (H) October 29 Marching Contest TBA November ? Veteran’s day Program MSHS AuditoriumDecember 8 Christmas Concert MSHS Auditorium

AMEA Convention January 18-21 MontgomeryAll State Auditions (Host) January 28 MSHSAlabama Honor Band February 2-5 TuscaloosaLittle Miss Trojan Pageant Feb 3-4 MSHS AuditoriumDistrict Honor Band February 17-18 FlorenceShoals Honor Band Auditions Feb TBA MSMS ABA Regional Assessment March 7-9 TBAShoals Honor Band March TBA FlorenceAll State Festival April 11-14 MobileDistrict Solo and Ensemble April ? UNABand Banquet May 5 Shoals Marriott Musicfest May 11 MSHS AuditoriumGraduation May 25 MSHS Stadium

STUDENT/PARENT CONTRACT

We have read the Band Handbook and we understand the responsibilities as well as the advantages of being a member of the Muscle Shoals Trojan Band.

We have read, discussed, and agree to abide by the rules of the Band and the Policy of the Muscle Shoals City Board of Education. We understand that we are undertaking the obligation to attend Band Camp, all Rehearsals and all Performances. Acceptable exceptions to attending all functions are listed in the handbook.

We also understand that we have a responsibility to assist in band activities and fundraisers to the best of our abilities.

________________________________________________ _______________________STUDENT DATE

________________________________________________ _______________________PARENT DATE

This form is to be signed and turned in by August 1, 2011

“It ain’t what you do; It’s how that you do it…

That’s how you get results!”