Roseville High School Bands - Parent and Student Handbook
2021-2022 School Year
Mr. Daniel Chesher, Director of Bands
Introduction
The purpose of this handbook is to provide valuable information and guidance to students and parents that are involved in the Roseville High School Band Program. Students in the Band Program are expected to abide by the policies and rules of Roseville Community Schools and the policies and rules of the Band Program.
Students in the Band Program are part of one of the largest organizations at Roseville High School. Each student in the program is expected to help maintain traditions of excellence through musical performance and good citizenship.
Parents/Guardians are expected to be aware of the policies and rules of the Band Program so that they can help their child be a successful and contributing member. Becoming an active volunteer with the Band Sponsors group is one of the best ways to help your child and also the entire Band Program be successful at RHS. Band Sponsor meetings take place on the first Wednesday of each month during the school year at 7:00pm.
Philosophy
An excellent Band Program is an asset and a benefit to students, schools, and the community. School Band Programs add to the character and tradition of American High Schools. We believe that All students can learn to be self-sufficient, confident musicians and will be life-long learners. Students in the Band Program should not just display excellent musicianship, but also display good citizenship in the school and community. Members of the Band Program and their families and friends should be proud to be a part of the organization.
Communication
Every recipe for success includes good communication. Communication is a two-way street; the Director and Band Sponsors will make every effort to communicate with students and parents, while also expecting students and parents to communicate conflicts and concerns to the Director or the Sponsors. Below are some of the forms of communication that the Director and Band Sponsors will use:
Website: www.rhs-bands.weebly.com
Director Email: [email protected]
The Band App: join our Group on The Band App to receive important information about performances, fundraisers, trips, and other events. Click here to join our group!
Instruments and Supplies
Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, and Trombone players are expected to have their own instruments by the time they reach the high school level of band. The RHS Band Program does have some small woodwind and brass instruments for students to borrow. Students are responsible taking proper care of instrument they borrow from the school. Repair bills resulting in damages from neglect or carelessness will be billed to the parent/guardian of the student using the instrument.
All clarinet and saxophone players must supply their own mouthpiece, reeds, and cork grease. Brass players must supply their own mouthpiece, valve oil, tuning slide grease, and slide cream (trombones). Percussion players must supply their own drum sticks and a pair of mallets.
All students must have a 1-inch, 3-ring binder and 20 plastic sheet protectors for sheet music, warm-ups, and other papers.
Uniforms
All students are expected to have the appropriate uniform for performances. Students not in proper uniform for performances will not be allowed to perform with their ensemble, and will receive a failing grade for the performance. Uniforms must always be worn in their entirety while traveling to and from performances, as well as the entire duration of the performance, unless specified by the Director.
Some performances may utilize a semi-formal uniform, so every student in the RHS Band Program is required to have black dress-slacks (no leggings, jeans, or sweats), calf-high black socks, all-black dress shoes, and a plain white t-shirt.
Marching Band members will be assigned a uniform coat, pair of pants, and a shako (hat). Students must keep the pants and coat on a hanger, in a garment bag when it is not being worn. Uniforms are to be stored at home, in a closet, not in a locker at school. Students will be given a show t-shirt at the end of band camp, which must be worn under the coat at performances. Each student must purchase their own Marching-specific Uniform Shoes, which will be ordered by the Band Sponsors. The cost of the shoes is $35. Calf-high, all-black socks must be worn with the uniform at all performances.
All long hair must be put in a bun, and be completely tucked into the shako (marching hat). Makeup and nail polish must be removed (clear polish is allowed), and earrings and other facial piercings should be removed. Necklaces, watches, bracelets, and other jewelry must also be removed.
Cadet Band members will be assigned a concert uniform that consists of a white tuxedo shirt and black tuxedo pants or tuxedo skirt. A plain white t-shirt must be worn under the tuxedo shirt. Students will supply their own all-black dress shoes (maximum heel height of 1 inch), and black socks or tights.
Varsity and Symphonic Band members will be assigned a full tuxedo (shirt, pants, coat) or a concert dress. An all-white t-shirt must be worn under the tuxedo shirt. All-black dress shoes are required (maximum heel height of 1 inch, closed-toe), with black socks or tights.
Jazz Band members will wear black slacks, black button-up shirt or blouse, and a colorful tie or scarf.
Performing Ensembles
Marching Band
Marching Band Costs:
Attendance Policy:
Color Guard and Percussion Summer Rehearsals:
Required Supplies for all Marching Band Members:
Chain of Command:
Uniforms:
Performance Expectations:
Cadet Band
All Ninth Grade students not participating in the Marching Band will be enrolled in Grade Nine Band for their first year at RHS. Ninth grade Marching Band members will be in the Symphonic Band for the first trimester, and then move to the Grade Nine Band class for the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
The Freshmen Band performs at the Fall Concert, Holiday Collage Concert, Pre-Festival Concert, MSBOA District Band Festival, Spring Concert, and Memorial Day Parade. These performances are mandatory and are the largest part of each student’s grade.
Varsity Band
10th, 11th, and 12th grade students not participating in Marching Band will be enrolled in the Varsity Band (or possibly the Jazz Band) for the first trimester of the school year. These students may audition during the Fall trimester for the Symphonic Band, and will be moved to Symphonic Band for the 2nd and 3rd trimesters if they are selected.
The Varsity Band performs at the Fall Concert, Holiday Collage Concert, Pre-Festival Concert, MSBOA District Band Festival, Spring Concert, and Memorial Day Parade. These performances are mandatory and are the largest part of each student’s grade.
Symphonic Band
During the first trimester, the Symphonic Band class will be used for Marching Band rehearsals. All students that attend Marching Band Camp will be placed into this class for the 1st trimester. 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students that auditioned in a previous year will stay in Symphonic Band for all three trimesters. 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students that were not in Symphonic Band the previous year may audition to be in the group for 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
The Marching Band performs at all home Varsity Football Games, the Homecoming Parade and Game, Groves High School Marching Clinic, Chippewa Valley High School Marching Invitational, MSBOA District Marching Band Festival, CMU Band Day, the Big Bird Run, Santa’s Arrival at the Macomb Mall, and the Holiday Collage Concert. These performances are mandatory and are the largest part of each student’s grade.
The Symphonic Band performs at the Pre-Festival Concert, MSBOA District Band Festival, Band-o-Rama, State Band Festival, Spring Concert, Memorial Day Parade, and the Graduation Ceremony. These performances are mandatory and are the largest part of each student’s grade.
Jazz Band
This class is open to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students that are interested in learning about and performing in the Jazz styles. Students must get permission from the Director to join this class, but it is not based on an audition process.
The Jazz Band performs at the Fall Concert, Holiday Collage Concert, CMU Jazz Weekend, Band-o-Rama, State Jazz Festival, Jazz Night, and the Spring Concert.
Jazz Ensemble
The Jazz Ensemble will meet after school once a week beginning in January. This group will focus on introducing the Jazz styles to students, and is open to all students that are enrolled in a band class during the school day. The Jazz Ensemble will perform at Jazz Night and/or the Spring Concert.
The Band Sponsors and fundraising
The Roseville High School Band Sponsors is an volunteer organization made up of band parents that exists to support the band students. The Band Sponsors organize fundraisers for students to earn money towards the cost of Band Camp, travel, and other band-related items. This organization also helps organize meals before home football games for the Marching Band, and helps chaperone Band Camp and other trips.
Becoming an active volunteer with the Band Sponsors group is one of the best ways to help your child, and the entire Band Program be successful at RHS. Band Sponsor meetings take place on the first Thursday of each month, at 7:00pm. They need your help!
Students that participate in fundraisers will earn money for their personal Band Account, and can use the money for Band Camp, trips, sweats, and other items such as Band Banquet tickets.
Student Band Accounts can be accessed on the website www.charmsoffice.com . The school code is RosevilleHSband. To get your child’s login, email [email protected]
Travel
The Director recognizes that student travel is an integral part of any band program, and strives to plan appropriate and affordable trips for the students in the Roseville High School Bands. The RHS Bands have traveled to destinations such as New York City, Walt Disney World in Orlando, and Washington D.C.
Students that are enrolled in a band class for all three trimesters, and are in good standing with the Band and the School, may participate in Band Trips. A Band Trip Meeting will be scheduled in September for parents to learn about the year’s band trip. See the Band Sponsors organization for fundraising opportunities.
Awards
Students will earn their Band Letter after completing three years of performances with a large ensemble or band class. Students that are enrolled in a band class and participate in Marching Band can earn their Band Letter at the completion of their second year. Marching Band members of the Color Guard section will earn their Color Guard Letter after three seasons of Marching Band.
Students completing three years of band classes will earn their 3rd-year pin, and students completing four years of band classes will earn their 4-year medal.
The Director will choose an outstanding Marching Band student to receive the John Philip Sousa Award, ,an outstanding jazz band student to receive the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, and an overall outstanding student to receive the Director’s Award. Recipients will be announced, and awards will be presented at the year-end Band Banquet.
Students will have the opportunity to vote for Mock Election Awards, which will be presented at the Band Banquet.
2021-2022 School Year
Mr. Daniel Chesher, Director of Bands
Introduction
The purpose of this handbook is to provide valuable information and guidance to students and parents that are involved in the Roseville High School Band Program. Students in the Band Program are expected to abide by the policies and rules of Roseville Community Schools and the policies and rules of the Band Program.
Students in the Band Program are part of one of the largest organizations at Roseville High School. Each student in the program is expected to help maintain traditions of excellence through musical performance and good citizenship.
Parents/Guardians are expected to be aware of the policies and rules of the Band Program so that they can help their child be a successful and contributing member. Becoming an active volunteer with the Band Sponsors group is one of the best ways to help your child and also the entire Band Program be successful at RHS. Band Sponsor meetings take place on the first Wednesday of each month during the school year at 7:00pm.
Philosophy
An excellent Band Program is an asset and a benefit to students, schools, and the community. School Band Programs add to the character and tradition of American High Schools. We believe that All students can learn to be self-sufficient, confident musicians and will be life-long learners. Students in the Band Program should not just display excellent musicianship, but also display good citizenship in the school and community. Members of the Band Program and their families and friends should be proud to be a part of the organization.
Communication
Every recipe for success includes good communication. Communication is a two-way street; the Director and Band Sponsors will make every effort to communicate with students and parents, while also expecting students and parents to communicate conflicts and concerns to the Director or the Sponsors. Below are some of the forms of communication that the Director and Band Sponsors will use:
Website: www.rhs-bands.weebly.com
Director Email: [email protected]
The Band App: join our Group on The Band App to receive important information about performances, fundraisers, trips, and other events. Click here to join our group!
Instruments and Supplies
Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, and Trombone players are expected to have their own instruments by the time they reach the high school level of band. The RHS Band Program does have some small woodwind and brass instruments for students to borrow. Students are responsible taking proper care of instrument they borrow from the school. Repair bills resulting in damages from neglect or carelessness will be billed to the parent/guardian of the student using the instrument.
All clarinet and saxophone players must supply their own mouthpiece, reeds, and cork grease. Brass players must supply their own mouthpiece, valve oil, tuning slide grease, and slide cream (trombones). Percussion players must supply their own drum sticks and a pair of mallets.
All students must have a 1-inch, 3-ring binder and 20 plastic sheet protectors for sheet music, warm-ups, and other papers.
Uniforms
All students are expected to have the appropriate uniform for performances. Students not in proper uniform for performances will not be allowed to perform with their ensemble, and will receive a failing grade for the performance. Uniforms must always be worn in their entirety while traveling to and from performances, as well as the entire duration of the performance, unless specified by the Director.
Some performances may utilize a semi-formal uniform, so every student in the RHS Band Program is required to have black dress-slacks (no leggings, jeans, or sweats), calf-high black socks, all-black dress shoes, and a plain white t-shirt.
Marching Band members will be assigned a uniform coat, pair of pants, and a shako (hat). Students must keep the pants and coat on a hanger, in a garment bag when it is not being worn. Uniforms are to be stored at home, in a closet, not in a locker at school. Students will be given a show t-shirt at the end of band camp, which must be worn under the coat at performances. Each student must purchase their own Marching-specific Uniform Shoes, which will be ordered by the Band Sponsors. The cost of the shoes is $35. Calf-high, all-black socks must be worn with the uniform at all performances.
All long hair must be put in a bun, and be completely tucked into the shako (marching hat). Makeup and nail polish must be removed (clear polish is allowed), and earrings and other facial piercings should be removed. Necklaces, watches, bracelets, and other jewelry must also be removed.
Cadet Band members will be assigned a concert uniform that consists of a white tuxedo shirt and black tuxedo pants or tuxedo skirt. A plain white t-shirt must be worn under the tuxedo shirt. Students will supply their own all-black dress shoes (maximum heel height of 1 inch), and black socks or tights.
Varsity and Symphonic Band members will be assigned a full tuxedo (shirt, pants, coat) or a concert dress. An all-white t-shirt must be worn under the tuxedo shirt. All-black dress shoes are required (maximum heel height of 1 inch, closed-toe), with black socks or tights.
Jazz Band members will wear black slacks, black button-up shirt or blouse, and a colorful tie or scarf.
Performing Ensembles
Marching Band
- Performs at all Varsity Boys’ Home Football Games, MSBOA Marching Band Festival, CMU Band Day, Michigan Scholastic Bands Marching Band Competition (past competitions have been held at Chippewa Valley High School, Pontiac High School, or DeWitt High School)
- Performs at the Big Bird Run and the Macomb Mall Santa Arrival
- Members are required to attend Pre-Camp at Roseville High School, and away Band Camp at Albion College (see Marching Band Calendar for dates and times).
- Meets during the school day, during the “Symphonic Band” period during 1st Trimester. Students in Marching Band must be enrolled in this class for the 1st trimester.
- Evening Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays when school begins in September, and October during Football season, from 5-8pm.
Marching Band Costs:
- Band Camp - $350 (includes room and board, and facility fees for the week of Band Camp in August)
- Uniform Shoes - $45 (may be used more than one season)
- Section t-shirt - approximately $15-20
- Optional cost: Hoodies and Sweatpants (range of $25-$65, depending on customization)
Attendance Policy:
- Members of the Marching Band are required to be at all rehearsals for Pre-Camp, Band Camp, August practices, After School Rehearsals during the school year (Mondays 5-8pm and Thursdays 3-5pm), and Sectionals.
- Members are required to be at all Performances (see Marching Band Calendar for dates and times)
- It is expected that students and parents will put rehearsal and performance dates and times into the family calendar, and communicate any conflicts to the Band Director in a timely manner.
- Students and parents are expected to make every effort to avoid missing a rehearsal, and are expected to make Marching Band Performances a priority over other events.
- Each section in the band has a Student Section Leader, and this student has the authority to schedule a Sectional Rehearsal.
- Marching Band Members are required to attend Sectional Rehearsals that are scheduled by their Section Leader.
- Section Leaders will communicate the date and time of a sectional to their members at least one week in advance.
- Members of a section will communicate any conflicts with Sectional Rehearsals to their Section Leader in a timely manner.
Color Guard and Percussion Summer Rehearsals:
- Members of the Color Guard and Percussion section are required to attend extra rehearsals in June and July.
- Conflicts with Summer Rehearsals must be communicated to the instructor in a timely manner.
Required Supplies for all Marching Band Members:
- 3-ring binder (¾ inch) and 10-20 plastic sleeves
- Mechanical pencils and highlighters
- Flip Folio for sheet music
- Lyre to attach the Flip Folio to instrument
- Instrumental supplies (reeds, valve oil, mouthpiece, etc.)
Chain of Command:
- Members of the Marching Band will follow the chain of command.
- Band Director > Instructors > Drum Majors and Field Commanders > Section Leaders > Veteran Marchers > New Marchers.
- Members of the Marching Band are expected to take direction from people up the chain of command. Instruction and directions to people lower on the Chain of Command are expected to be appropriate and reasonable.
Uniforms:
- Members of the woodwind, brass, and percussion section will be fitted for, and receive a Marching Band Uniform. Woodwind and Brass players will receive a shako (hat), gauntlets, and gloves with their uniform. Students are responsible for having all necessary uniform parts at every performance.
- Uniforms will be stored at school, and will be checked-out and checked-in for performances
- Uniforms should always be hung up on a hanger when not worn.
- Uniforms should never touch the floor or ground.
- Students are responsible for damage that results from irresponsible treatment or neglect, and will be fined for the replacement value.
- Uniforms will be returned each Spring for dry cleaning.
- Color Guard Uniforms will match the show theme, and will be new every year.
Performance Expectations:
- Full uniform is to be worn before, during, and after all performances. Shakos and coats may be removed if the entire band is given permission by the Director.
- Friends, family, alumni, and significant others may not sit within the Band section at Home Football Games.
- When in uniform, members will refrain from foul language, public displays of affection, or any other inappropriate behaviors.
- Only members of the RHS Marching Band may wear the Marching Band Uniform.
- When in uniform, members of the Marching Band must never lay on the ground.
Cadet Band
All Ninth Grade students not participating in the Marching Band will be enrolled in Grade Nine Band for their first year at RHS. Ninth grade Marching Band members will be in the Symphonic Band for the first trimester, and then move to the Grade Nine Band class for the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
The Freshmen Band performs at the Fall Concert, Holiday Collage Concert, Pre-Festival Concert, MSBOA District Band Festival, Spring Concert, and Memorial Day Parade. These performances are mandatory and are the largest part of each student’s grade.
Varsity Band
10th, 11th, and 12th grade students not participating in Marching Band will be enrolled in the Varsity Band (or possibly the Jazz Band) for the first trimester of the school year. These students may audition during the Fall trimester for the Symphonic Band, and will be moved to Symphonic Band for the 2nd and 3rd trimesters if they are selected.
The Varsity Band performs at the Fall Concert, Holiday Collage Concert, Pre-Festival Concert, MSBOA District Band Festival, Spring Concert, and Memorial Day Parade. These performances are mandatory and are the largest part of each student’s grade.
Symphonic Band
During the first trimester, the Symphonic Band class will be used for Marching Band rehearsals. All students that attend Marching Band Camp will be placed into this class for the 1st trimester. 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students that auditioned in a previous year will stay in Symphonic Band for all three trimesters. 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students that were not in Symphonic Band the previous year may audition to be in the group for 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
The Marching Band performs at all home Varsity Football Games, the Homecoming Parade and Game, Groves High School Marching Clinic, Chippewa Valley High School Marching Invitational, MSBOA District Marching Band Festival, CMU Band Day, the Big Bird Run, Santa’s Arrival at the Macomb Mall, and the Holiday Collage Concert. These performances are mandatory and are the largest part of each student’s grade.
The Symphonic Band performs at the Pre-Festival Concert, MSBOA District Band Festival, Band-o-Rama, State Band Festival, Spring Concert, Memorial Day Parade, and the Graduation Ceremony. These performances are mandatory and are the largest part of each student’s grade.
Jazz Band
This class is open to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students that are interested in learning about and performing in the Jazz styles. Students must get permission from the Director to join this class, but it is not based on an audition process.
The Jazz Band performs at the Fall Concert, Holiday Collage Concert, CMU Jazz Weekend, Band-o-Rama, State Jazz Festival, Jazz Night, and the Spring Concert.
Jazz Ensemble
The Jazz Ensemble will meet after school once a week beginning in January. This group will focus on introducing the Jazz styles to students, and is open to all students that are enrolled in a band class during the school day. The Jazz Ensemble will perform at Jazz Night and/or the Spring Concert.
The Band Sponsors and fundraising
The Roseville High School Band Sponsors is an volunteer organization made up of band parents that exists to support the band students. The Band Sponsors organize fundraisers for students to earn money towards the cost of Band Camp, travel, and other band-related items. This organization also helps organize meals before home football games for the Marching Band, and helps chaperone Band Camp and other trips.
Becoming an active volunteer with the Band Sponsors group is one of the best ways to help your child, and the entire Band Program be successful at RHS. Band Sponsor meetings take place on the first Thursday of each month, at 7:00pm. They need your help!
Students that participate in fundraisers will earn money for their personal Band Account, and can use the money for Band Camp, trips, sweats, and other items such as Band Banquet tickets.
Student Band Accounts can be accessed on the website www.charmsoffice.com . The school code is RosevilleHSband. To get your child’s login, email [email protected]
Travel
The Director recognizes that student travel is an integral part of any band program, and strives to plan appropriate and affordable trips for the students in the Roseville High School Bands. The RHS Bands have traveled to destinations such as New York City, Walt Disney World in Orlando, and Washington D.C.
Students that are enrolled in a band class for all three trimesters, and are in good standing with the Band and the School, may participate in Band Trips. A Band Trip Meeting will be scheduled in September for parents to learn about the year’s band trip. See the Band Sponsors organization for fundraising opportunities.
Awards
Students will earn their Band Letter after completing three years of performances with a large ensemble or band class. Students that are enrolled in a band class and participate in Marching Band can earn their Band Letter at the completion of their second year. Marching Band members of the Color Guard section will earn their Color Guard Letter after three seasons of Marching Band.
Students completing three years of band classes will earn their 3rd-year pin, and students completing four years of band classes will earn their 4-year medal.
The Director will choose an outstanding Marching Band student to receive the John Philip Sousa Award, ,an outstanding jazz band student to receive the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, and an overall outstanding student to receive the Director’s Award. Recipients will be announced, and awards will be presented at the year-end Band Banquet.
Students will have the opportunity to vote for Mock Election Awards, which will be presented at the Band Banquet.