Band Director: Jeremy Ladd
Director of Bands at League Academy and Wade Hampton High School
Email: jladd@greenville.k12.sc.us
Wade Hampton Marching Generals
2007 Band Handbook
Jeremy Ladd, Director of Bands
MISSION STATEMENT
"We proudly unite as members of the Wade Hampton High School Band, affirming our continual commitment to uphold the highest standards of excellence. We will relentlessly pursue each and every goal with efficiency, integrity, and passion."
RESPONSIBILITES OF A MARCHING GENERAL
LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
As a director of a large operation, the director cannot accomplish every single task everyday. As with any company, a chain of command is essential. Students are a part of that chain. The director must depend on student leaders to carry out duties thoroughly and consistently. Student leaders accept extra responsibilities and must fulfill them. NO leadership position in this organization is of a figurehead status. In addition to logistical duties already mentioned, student leaders must present a positive attitude toward oneself, the director, and the band. Student leaders must set the best examples for the younger inexperienced members. Anyone who cannot own up to his/her responsibilities as a leader will be considered to be replaced. The leaders of the band will be responsible for setting the example in insuring the behavior and conduct of the band during all public appearances. Remember the band is representing Wade Hampton High School. LEAD LIKE GENERALS
RESPONSIBILITES OF THE DRUM MAJOR
The Drum Major is responsible for leading the band on the field and in the band room when the director is not present. The Drum Major should conduct himself or herself in a fashion to exemplify the highest ideals of The Bands of Wade Hampton High School. He/she will assist the Director in warming up the band, working on music and problem solving on the football field. In general, the Drum Major is the right arm of the Band Director. When the Director is present, the Drum Major should always look for constructive jobs to do which will help the band, such as copy music, taking attendance at rehearsals, work marching fundamentals, work conducting routines, handle any detail which will make the band run more smoothly, etc. The Drum Major is also responsible for managing the band's website. Auditions for Drum Major are held in the spring. The Drum Major is also the head of the leadership council and should carry the same responsibilities mentioned below for the leadership council.
RESPONSIBILITES OF THE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
The Leadership Council (LC) is responsible for aiding the director and instructors on and off the field. The LC members should conduct themselves in a way that will set an example for others to follow. The LC member should communicate to their sections vital information that will make the program run smoothly. Each week the LC, Drum major and director will meet to discuss issues concerning the band. On top of providing excellent leadership by leading by example the LC also has the following responsibilities.
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Inspection before each performance
Inspection before each performance•Lead sectional rehearsals in the absence of an instructor
Lead sectional rehearsals in the absence of an instructor•Provide extra help in both marching and playing
Provide extra help in both marching and playing •Provide constructive criticism while on the practice field
Provide constructive criticism while on the practice field •Should encourage students to be actively involved in fundraisers
Should encourage students to be actively involved in fundraisers•Assist the director in all ways possible
Assist the director in all ways possible•Responsible for quiet/rehearsal time on the bus
Responsible for quiet/rehearsal time on the bus•Should help promote the band as a “band family” through student lead activities.
Should help promote the band as a “band family” through student lead activities.RESPONSIBILITES OF A MARCHING GENERAL
The Wade Hampton High School Band is an active performing ensemble that participates in a full slate of activities throughout the year. Beginning in July, band members attend summer band camp at the school to prepare for the fall marching season. The Marching Generals performs at all Wade Hampton High School football games and competes in four to five marching contest each year. The marching band also participates in the Greenville Christmas Parade. ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND EACH EVENT AND REHEARSAL UNLESS OTHERWISE CLEARED WITH THE DIRECTOR.
OBJECTIVES OF THE ORGANIZATION
1.To have the member understand and portray the development of discipline responsibility, and leadership as each pertains to the individual
To have the member understand and portray the development of discipline responsibility, and leadership as each pertains to the individual2.To develop within the member a greater awareness of the “band family”, including the need for teamwork, self-control and cooperation
To develop within the member a greater awareness of the “band family”, including the need for teamwork, self-control and cooperation3.To have the member consider the need, use and appropriateness of competition within society. In doing so, the member will also learn to deal with success and failure
To have the member consider the need, use and appropriateness of competition within society. In doing so, the member will also learn to deal with success and failure4.To develop the musical ability of each student to the greatest potential and to foster a life-long appreciation for music as an art form
To develop the musical ability of each student to the greatest potential and to foster a life-long appreciation for music as an art form5.To provide students with a wholesome, worthwhile activity that allows them to represent themselves, their school, community and families to their greatest ability
To provide students with a wholesome, worthwhile activity that allows them to represent themselves, their school, community and families to their greatest ability6.To help students reach their greatest potential as a person and a member of society
To help students reach their greatest potential as a person and a member of societyGENERAL POLICIES
1.The possession or use of alcohol or drugs at any band function is prohibited and will result in expulsion from the band program and referral to the proper school authorities
The possession or use of alcohol or drugs at any band function is prohibited and will result in expulsion from the band program and referral to the proper school authorities2.The use or possession of tobacco in any form is prohibited and will result in referral to the proper school authorities
The use or possession of tobacco in any form is prohibited and will result in referral to the proper school authorities3.The use of obscene language or gestures is prohibited
The use of obscene language or gestures is prohibited4.General disrespect to the band director, assistant, chaperones, bus drivers, band officers, faculty members and/or a substitute teacher will not be tolerated
General disrespect to the band director, assistant, chaperones, bus drivers, band officers, faculty members and/or a substitute teacher will not be tolerated5.Food, drink, and gum is not allowed in the band room
Food, drink, and gum is not allowed in the band room6.No student is allowed to play any instrument other than their own. This includes percussion equipment
No student is allowed to play any instrument other than their own. This includes percussion equipment7.Students are expected to care for their instrument, uniform, and equipment. Have all equipment everyday
Students are expected to care for their instrument, uniform, and equipment. Have all equipment everyday8.Students who willfully damage or steal school or another persons property will be dismissed from the band
Students who willfully damage or steal school or another persons property will be dismissed from the band9.Students are expected to treat others with the courtesy and respect they desire themselves
Students are expected to treat others with the courtesy and respect they desire themselves10. Students are expected to be on time for rehearsal. They will not be excused to make up work for another teacher except in special circumstances that have been cleared by the director ahead of time.
11. Inspection will be held prior to each performance. All students must have their uniform, instrument and equipment properly cleaned as outlined elsewhere in this handbook
12. Letters and bars will be given as awards based on a students performance as outlined in this handbook.
ATTENDANCE
Good attendance is a must for a successful band program. The following attendance policy will be observed
•Sickness and/or family emergency/business are the only excuses which will be accepted
Sickness and/or family emergency/business are the only excuses which will be accepted•Any other requests for an excused absence must be cleared by the director.
Any other requests for an excused absence must be cleared by the director.•Students have on week following their absence or tardy to turn in a completed excuse form (available in the band room)
Students have on week following their absence or tardy to turn in a completed excuse form (available in the band room)•If an excuse form is not turned in within one week, the absence or tardy will be un-excused regardless of the reason
If an excuse form is not turned in within one week, the absence or tardy will be un-excused regardless of the reason•Parents and students are asked to make every effort to schedule appointments on non rehearsal days or after rehearsal is over. I do understand that sometimes this is unavoidable.
Parents and students are asked to make every effort to schedule appointments on non rehearsal days or after rehearsal is over. I do understand that sometimes this is unavoidable.•Students involved in after school clubs are still responsible for being to band practice on time. If a conflict arises we will make alternate plans for you to make up the material missed.
Students involved in after school clubs are still responsible for being to band practice on time. If a conflict arises we will make alternate plans for you to make up the material missed.The absence of even one student can have a major impact on the performance of the entire band. As stated earlier in the handbook students are required to attend all rehearsals and performances. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of every rehearsal and performance.
BEHAVIOR
ALWAYS CONDUCT YOURSELF IN A MATURE PROFESSIONAL MANNER
ON THE PRACTICE FIELD
•Excessive talking is not allowed on the practice field
Excessive talking is not allowed on the practice field•Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated
Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated•Students will remain in their spot on the field unless given permission by the director or staff to move
Students will remain in their spot on the field unless given permission by the director or staff to move•Students will not move while at attention
Students will not move while at attention•The Leadership Council is in complete charge of a sectional rehearsal when a director or instructor is not present
The Leadership Council is in complete charge of a sectional rehearsal when a director or instructor is not present•At the conclusion of each rehearsal the band will gather around the podium for final comments and announcements. Rehearsal is not over until the band has been called to attention and dismissed
At the conclusion of each rehearsal the band will gather around the podium for final comments and announcements. Rehearsal is not over until the band has been called to attention and dismissedON THE BUS
•Excessive noise on the bus is prohibited. You may talk to the people sitting around you. You may not raise your voice to talk to people sitting several seats ahead of you
Excessive noise on the bus is prohibited. You may talk to the people sitting around you. You may not raise your voice to talk to people sitting several seats ahead of you•The first 5 minutes of each bus ride will be silent. During this time you are to think about the performance and should go through a mental check list of items that you will need for the day
The first 5 minutes of each bus ride will be silent. During this time you are to think about the performance and should go through a mental check list of items that you will need for the day•Singing, chanting, cheering, etc. is prohibited
Singing, chanting, cheering, etc. is prohibited•Never put any part of your body out the bus window.
Never put any part of your body out the bus window.•Standing or walking while the bus is in motion is strictly prohibited
Standing or walking while the bus is in motion is strictly prohibited•All students will ride on the bus to and from all games and contest unless approved by the band director ahead of time. We are responsible for all band members from the time we leave Wade Hampton High School until the time we return. If you absolutely need to leave with your parents, they must sign a release form that relieves Wade Hampton High School of all responsibility for you at the end of the event.
All students will ride on the bus to and from all games and contest unless approved by the band director ahead of time. We are responsible for all band members from the time we leave Wade Hampton High School until the time we return. If you absolutely need to leave with your parents, they must sign a release form that relieves Wade Hampton High School of all responsibility for you at the end of the event.•Only “Walkman” type players will be allowed on the bus
Only “Walkman” type players will be allowed on the bus•No personal display of affection will be tolerated!
No personal display of affection will be tolerated!AT FOOTBALL GAMES
•Students should conduct themselves properly at all times, including the third quarter break. You are representing Wade Hampton High School and the city of Greenville anytime you wear your band uniform.
Students should conduct themselves properly at all times, including the third quarter break. You are representing Wade Hampton High School and the city of Greenville anytime you wear your band uniform.•Students may not leave the band block at anytime without the permission of the director
Students may not leave the band block at anytime without the permission of the director•Non-band members at the football games MAY NOT sit in the band area. This includes former band members
Non-band members at the football games MAY NOT sit in the band area. This includes former band members•At all games the band will stand quietly at attention during the National Anthem and moment of silence as an act of courtesy and respect.
At all games the band will stand quietly at attention during the National Anthem and moment of silence as an act of courtesy and respect.•DO NOT POOT (Play Out Of Turn) we will only play as a full band.
DO NOT POOT (Play Out Of Turn) we will only play as a full band.• Third quarter break is a privilege. You are given this break to go to the restroom and concession stand. You must be in your seat with 2 minutes remaining in the third quarter so we can be the first band to play at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Being late from third quarter break may result in the loss of third quarter break at the next game.
•Food and drink are not allowed in the band area during the game
Food and drink are not allowed in the band area during the game•No personal display of affection will be tolerated
No personal display of affection will be toleratedAT CONTEST
•Students must be well behaved on and off the field.
Students must be well behaved on and off the field.•Performances of other bands will be applauded. Courtesy is expected during other performances if we are to expect courtesy during ours.
Performances of other bands will be applauded. Courtesy is expected during other performances if we are to expect courtesy during ours.•Behavior in the dressing room, concession stand area, restrooms, and seating areas must be its’ best at all times to ensure we maintain a good reputation for our band
Behavior in the dressing room, concession stand area, restrooms, and seating areas must be its’ best at all times to ensure we maintain a good reputation for our band•The band will sit together while watching other bands
The band will sit together while watching other bands•Always act in a professional manner regardless of our score and/or placement
Always act in a professional manner regardless of our score and/or placement•No personal display of affection will be tolerated
No personal display of affection will be tolerated•All School rules will apply!! This is a school sponsored event.
All School rules will apply!! This is a school sponsored event.DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
If a student does not conduct him/herself in a manner outlined in this handbook, disciplinary actions to include, but not limited to the following, will be taken according to the severity of the offense.
•After practice detention (marching, cleanup work)
After practice detention (marching, cleanup work)•Loss of third quarter break
Loss of third quarter break•Loading the bus last
Loading the bus last•Assigned seating near the director
Assigned seating near the director•Referral to the office
Referral to the office•Parent/teacher conference
Parent/teacher conferenceINSPECTION
•Inspection will be held before each performance to insure cleanliness of uniforms, instruments and equipment inspections will be conducted by the leadership council and drum major.
Inspection will be held before each performance to insure cleanliness of uniforms, instruments and equipment inspections will be conducted by the leadership council and drum major.•Uniforms must be kept clean. The uniforms are cleaned twice a year using the fees paid for band camp. If it is determined that the uniform needs to be cleaned in between these times the student will be responsible
Uniforms must be kept clean. The uniforms are cleaned twice a year using the fees paid for band camp. If it is determined that the uniform needs to be cleaned in between these times the student will be responsible•Each band student must buy black band shoes and black socks. Their gloves and band shirt are paid for using band camp fees. These are all required parts of the uniform
Each band student must buy black band shoes and black socks. Their gloves and band shirt are paid for using band camp fees. These are all required parts of the uniform•Items to be inspected are as follows: jacket, pants, shoes, cords, band shirt, hat, plume, instrument, music and equipment.
Items to be inspected are as follows: jacket, pants, shoes, cords, band shirt, hat, plume, instrument, music and equipment.LETTERS AND BARS
Letters and bars will be awarded to individuals who meet all requirements listed below.
1.Attend all marching rehearsals
Attend all marching rehearsals2.Attend all marching events (football games, contest, parades)
Attend all marching events (football games, contest, parades)3.Have all music/ routine passed off by the assigned date
Have all music/ routine passed off by the assigned date•If an absence can not be avoided they will be handled on an individual basis.
If an absence can not be avoided they will be handled on an individual basis.MISCELLANEOUS
•School Owned Instruments – Students who play bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, bassoon, French horn, mellophone, baritone, tuba, sousaphone, marching percussion, and the flag corps members will be loaned instruments and equipments free of charge. Students must pay for all repairs and maintenance on these instruments and equipment while using them unless it is normal wear and tear. If the equipment is lost while in the students possession, the student will be held accountable
School Owned Instruments – Students who play bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, bassoon, French horn, mellophone, baritone, tuba, sousaphone, marching percussion, and the flag corps members will be loaned instruments and equipments free of charge. Students must pay for all repairs and maintenance on these instruments and equipment while using them unless it is normal wear and tear. If the equipment is lost while in the students possession, the student will be held accountable•Fund Raisers – The band will have several fund raising events during the year. These are our primary source of income. All band students are expected to participate in these fund raising efforts.
Fund Raisers – The band will have several fund raising events during the year. These are our primary source of income. All band students are expected to participate in these fund raising efforts.•No students should post negative or derogatory comments about the band or a band member on any website
No students should post negative or derogatory comments about the band or a band member on any website•ALL SCHOOL RULES AND PROCEDURES WILL BE ENFORCED ON ALL BAND FUNCTIONS (THIS INCLUDES DRESS CODE).
ALL SCHOOL RULES AND PROCEDURES WILL BE ENFORCED ON ALL BAND FUNCTIONS (THIS INCLUDES DRESS CODE).Booster email: whhsbands@aol.com
2009
