North Pulaski High School Band

718 Harris Road

Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076

Phone 501-982-9436 Fax 501-241-2256

Email – nkdismuke@juno.com

Dear North Pulaski Band Member,

I hope that you have had a GREAT summer!!!! We have an exciting show planned for this year, “British Invasion”. Be prepared for some great activities. Although our “fun activities” are not required, I hope that each of you will attempt to attend these activities. It is during these times that we really get to know each other and start becoming a family. It is the family atmosphere that helps to push us to be successful year after year.

Success begins with enthusiasm and “Falcon Pride”. The NPHS Band has a great tradition and it is up to you to continue that tradition. It takes a lot of hard work, discipline, dedication, determination, good attitudes and pride. I know that each of you will come to summer band ready to put all of those qualities to work.

Enclosed, you will find a copy of the NPHS Band Handbook. READ IT!!!! I have made some changes. Don’t be caught by surprise on the rules and/or expectations. Read the calendar carefully and place it in a prominent place so that you don’t miss anything. The Summer Band calendar is also included. Summer Band is required to be a part of the NPHS Band. If you do not attend summer band, you will be dropped from the NPHS Band.

When you come to summer band rehearsals, bring: a water jug, hat, sunglasses, low top tennis shoes with laces that tie, socks, instrument, pencil and a good attitude. Don’t forget the beginning of the year expenses: shoes (approx. $27), gloves (approx. $4.50 per par), T-shirt ($15) and Uniform Fee ($13). Please use the order form to place your order for these items. If you have family members who want to order a T-Shirt, place their orders on your form. You might want to also start gathering your drill supplies (white shoe polish, small notebook, shoe string, pencil).

If you have any questions about the NPHS Band, feel free to call or email any of us. If you have a problem with any of the summer rehearsals, call me (834-4874). Communication is vital for a successful program. I am looking forward to another great year at NP. See you on August 4^th – Rookies, see you on July 29^th –Officers and ALL section leaders on July 28^th !!!!!

 

Ms. D

Drum Major – Robert Bajorek

 

Marching Section Leaders(Concerned with marching ONLY)

 

 

Brolin Brown Dylan Gililland Derek Gililland

Shelby Wilcox Claire Crews Devondre Hince

Wes Forsythe Corey Lytch Paris Miller

 

Music Section Leaders (Concerned with music ONLY)

Flute Justin Preachers

Clarinet Claire Crews

Sax & Horn Corey Lytch and Ashlyn Carney

Trumpet Wes Forsythe and Dylan Gililland

Tbone & Bar Devondre Hince and Brolin Brown

Tuba Paris Miller

Percussion Shelby Wilcox

Bass Kevin Huddelston

Pit Ashley Bures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North Pulaski H.S. Band

Handbook

2008-2009

North Pulaski High School

718 Harris Road

Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076

(501) 982-9436

Karen Dismuke, Director

Jo Ann Koehler, Assistant Director

Sarah Abbott, Assistant Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North Pulaski High School Band

General Information

The success of the North Pulaski Band in the past years has been due to the hard work, dedication and pride of its' members. For this success to continue, it is necessary for that tradition to be carried on by all members.

Letters

Band letters are offered to all band members who meet lettering requirements. Lettering requirements are specified on the page headed LETTERING REQUIREMENTS. The Band Booster Club will purchase the letters.

Grading

Band receives an academic credit and therefore the grade should be a reflection of the students' ability and his/her participation in the organization. Specific grading procedures are listed on the page headed GRADING SYSTEM.

Uniforms

Uniforms, for each student except Color Guard, are provided by the Band Booster Club and will be worn to each performance unless otherwise instructed by the director. When in uniform, the student represents the school and should wear the uniform with pride. The student will be responsible for the cost of BLACK shoes, WHITE gloves (shoes and gloves will be ordered in August and will cost around $27 for shoes and $4.50 for gloves per pair) and provide BLACK socks to be worn with the uniform. The student will also be responsible for purchasing a Band T-Shirt (approx. $15) as it is sometimes used as a uniform and must always be worn under the uniform jacket. Pulaski County Special School District requires each student to pay a $13.00 uniform fee per year.

Instruments and Music

The school will provide instruments that are necessary to the overall balance of the band and cannot be provided by the student. These instruments include Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Bass Clarinet, Alto Clarinet, French Horn, Baritone, Tuba, Mellophone, Marching Baritone, Marching and Concert percussion, Oboe, Bassoon and Piccolo. These instruments are issued at the first of the school year in good working order and it is the responsibility of the student to maintain the instrument. The student is also responsible for any damage to the instrument while it is in their care. The band will provide an instrument room where instruments should be kept at all times. Students using school-owned instruments must fill out an instrument checkout card when the instrument is issued to them. Music will be provided for marching, concert and symphonic bands, but the student must pay the replacement cost of all lost music and concert band binders.

Marching Band

Marching Band is the primary function of the band during the first three months of the school year and therefore is the primary source of the students' grades. The marching band will perform at all home games and most away football games. It will also perform in Marching Contests and some parades. ALL performances and rehearsals for Marching Band are required. Students will be selected to perform in the drill portion of Marching Band. Those students not selected will be named as the Prop Crew and will be required to fulfill all obligations of the band. Selection will be based on individual execution of marching fundamentals and playing technique.

Jazz Band

Jazz Band (or Stage Band) is open to students interested in performing in the jazz idiom. The student must be a member of Symphonic Band. The Jazz Band gives many performances for civic groups and other organizations, as well as concerts of its' own.

Symphonic Band

Symphonic Band is the main function of the North Pulaski Band Program after the first three months of the school year. The Symphonic Band gives three to four concerts each year, participates in Region Concert Competition and attends a national competition every four years. All Symphonic Band rehearsals and performances are required. If the band is too large for one concert band, it will be split into two bands based on an audition.

Individual Events

Events available for the individual student are All-Region Band, All-State Band, Region Solo and Ensemble and State Solo and Ensemble. The director will assist the students in finding or selecting music and preparing for these events. They will be scheduled on the events calendar at the beginning of the year. All students are required to participate since the Band Booster Club will pay fees, they will receive credit for the events and it will aid in gaining college scholarships.

Band Officers

Band offices consist of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, Junior Representative, Sophomore Representative, Drum Major and Color Guard Captain. Aside from their assigned duties, they are to be the core of pride and leadership in the band and assist the director in any way possible. Any member of the band is eligible to be a band officer. Officer elections are held at the end of the year for all offices except Sophomore Representative. That office is elected at the end of Summer Band.

Color Guard

Color Guard is open to all students in the Marching Band, although brass players are encouraged to play their instrument, since this is where they are needed the most. Color Guard members are selected by tryouts held at the end of the school year. Members will be expected to purchase their uniforms and some equipment but fundraising activities will be scheduled to help with the cost. All Color Guard members are required to attend the Color Guard camp during Summer Band. The cost of the camp is paid by the Band Boosters

 

 

 

 

 

Drum Major

Drum Major is an extremely important part of the Marching Band. The leadership provided by this person is vital to an outstanding marching band. This person should exhibit leadership qualities at all time in their band career. Anyone who has been in the Marching Band for one year is eligible to tryout for Drum Major. Auditions are held at the end of the school year. The Drum Major is required to attend Drum Major Camp.

Summer Band

Summer Band is held three weeks before school starts (usually beginning on August 1st). This is a requirement of the Pulaski County Special School District. During Summer Band, the students learn marching fundamentals, marching band music for the year, get a head start on the half-time show for that season and have many fun activities to get to know each other. These rehearsals are required in order to participate in the North Pulaski Band and have the tradition continue as an outstanding band.

Band Boosters

The Band Booster Organization is very important to the existence of the North Pulaski Band. They provide over 90% of the funds necessary to operate the band and purchase uniform, equipment, music, supplies, awards and college scholarships, to name a few. Anyone can be a Band Booster by attending the scheduled meetings (see calendar for dates). All parents and students are encouraged to attend.

Travel

Since the band travels to many events, transportation will be provided by school bus. ALL students will use this transportation except in cases of emergency. In case of such emergency, the parents of the student involved will provide the director with permission, in writing, to travel by private transportation. Students MUST travel TO each event with the band, however the student may travel from any event with their parents, BUT must provide the director ADVANCE NOTICE IN WRITING (by time designated). School board policy forbids radios, food or drinks on school busses at any time. In order to help with the expense of the buses, students will be asked to pay $2 each time they board the bus.

Tardies

Because of time needed to prepare for band, a person is tardy to the marching field at 5 minutes past the tardy bell and to concert rehearsal at 2 minutes past the tardy bell or if not in the Band Room when the tardy bell rings. “In place” means with instrument and music, in your seat or in starting formation. Demerits will be given for tardies.

Eligibility

Since band is governed by the Arkansas Activities Association, all band students must meet the eligibility requirements for participation. In short, a student must earn at least a 2.0 GPA during a semester to participate the following semester.

Instrument Insurance

Unfortunately, PCSSD insurance does not cover personal instruments. You are encouraged to place your personal instrument on your homeowner’s insurance policy.

Student Expectations

ALL NORTH PULASKI BAND STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES:

1-----Be respectful of others and their belongings

2-----Be on time

3-----Have accurate attendance

4-----No talking during rehearsals or performances

5-----No gum, food or drink in the band room, stands (football or basketball) or on the bus

6-----No cursing

7-----No smoking, drinking or partaking of drugs while in uniform or during band functions

8-----No playing on instruments other than those assigned to you

9-----Keep uniform and instrument clean

10----Respect all equipment and uniforms owned by the band and district

11----Represent the North Pulaski Band, North Pulaski High School and PCSSD as best as possible at all times

12----Tryout for All-Region Band and participate in All-Region Band (if applicable)

13----Tryout for and participate in All-State Band (if applicable)

14----Participate in Solo and Ensemble Festival

15----Attend all performances and rehearsals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grading System

REQUIRED EXTRA REHEARSALS

Each student will receive 50 points for each required extra rehearsal attended and participated in properly. An extra rehearsal is required when two week's notice is given. The North Pulaski Band rehearses EVERY Tuesday after school unless otherwise notified. All Tuesday afternoon rehearsals are required.

ABSENCES

An absence from an extra rehearsal or performance will be excused in the case of illness of student involved or a death in the immediate family. The student must notify the director, in person, prior to the absence AND provide the director with a note signed by the parents within three school days of the absence. All other absences are unexcused.

EXCUSED ABSENCES

The student will be credited with the points for the event. Make up work may be required and is to be completed within three school days.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES---REHEARSALS

FIRST ABSENCE---------Student receives "0" points

SECOND ABSENCE-----Student receives "0" points and parents notified. Student will be replaced in show.

THIRD ABSENCE---------Student receives "0" points and a parent—teacher conference will be held. The student may be removed from band.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES---PERFORMANCES

FIRST ABSENCE----------Student will receive "0" points and a parent/ teacher conference will be held. Student will be replaced in show The student may be

removed from band.

SECOND ABSENCE------Student will be removed from band.

TRYOUT ----- TEST ----- MUSIC PASS-OFF

Tests will be for a grade and/or for chair position unless otherwise specified. Value will be assigned by the importance of the test (i.e. a nine week's test will be worth more than a weekly test). Music must be played, individually, for the director by assigned dates in order to participate in performances. Marching music must be memorized but concert music does not have to be memorized.

Demerits

 

( MINUS POINTS)

ONLY the director may give demerits. Demerits will be given for:

1--- Tardiness to class, extra rehearsal or performances or leaving

before being dismissed.

2--- Failure of inspection or not taking inspection.

3--- Gum chewing or food in the band room.

4--- Improper care of music or equipment (playing another instrument,

using phone without permission, etc.)

5--- Writing on the chalkboard without permission.

6--- Failure to follow directors' instructions.

7--- Disrespectfulness.

8--- Failure to pass-off music.

9--- Any conduct not representative of an outstanding band.

 

RESULTS OF DEMERITS

4 Demerits ---- student / teacher conference

6 Demerits ---- parent / teacher conference (conference can be by phone)

8 Demerits ---- parent / teacher conference (conference can be by phone) and removal from band

 

BONUS POINTS

Bonus points will be given for:

1------Making All-Region First Band -- 100 points

2------Making All-Region Second Band -- 75 points

2------Trying out for All-State Band -- 100 points

4------Making All-State Band -- 150 points

5-----Any extra work done for the band above and beyond the call of

duty (to be determined by director)

6-----Any reason assigned by the director (to be determined by director)

 

FINAL OR NINE WEEKS' GRADE

The grade is found by totaling required points, bonus points, subtracting demerits (25 points per demerit) and dividing by the total points possible to reach a percentage grade. Semester grades are reached by the method described in the PCSSD Handbook.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lettering System

 

To earn a letter in the North Pulaski Band, you must complete Sections 1 and 2 and any 4 parts of Section 3. Any excused absences from a performance or rehearsal will not affect lettering. (Refer to section on EXCUSED ABSCENCES) IF A STUDENT RECEIVES 4 OR MORE DEMERITS THEY WILL NOT LETTER.

SECTION 1

ATTEND 100% OF ALL REHEARSALS

SECTION 2

ATTEND 100% OF PERFORMANCES

SECTION 3

MUST COMPLETE ANY 4 OF THE FOLLOWING

¨        Audition for All-Region Band

¨        Make All-Region Band

¨        Make a First or Second Division at Solo and Ensemble

¨        Make All-State Band (worth two)

¨        Perform in the band that makes a 1st Division at Region Contest (marching or concert) (worth two)

¨        Maintain 1st chair through all tryouts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North Pulaski High School Band

Officer Guidelines

 

Band officers are elected positions. Each officer is expected to do their best to follow the guidelines of their specific office and provide the necessary leadership for the band to be the best it possibly can be. The responsibilities of each office are as follows:

PRESIDENT --- The Presidents will assist the director and Drum Major in any way possible. He/she will lead all officer meetings in an orderly and timely manner. He/she will check with the director, before each meeting, about the agenda and will report to the director any important information. The president will report to the band on the following day after an officer meeting. The president will be aware that he/she is in a leadership position and act accordingly or be removed from office. In order to run for president, you must have served in another officer position in the North Pulaski Band.

VICE PRESIDENT --- The Vice President will assist the president, director and Drum Major in any way possible. He/she will lead an officer meeting in the absence of the president. He/she will be responsible for collecting photos and name cards of all seniors for the senior composite. He/she will also be responsible for selling Band Room Lockers.

SECRETARY -- The Secretary will record minutes of each officer meeting and present them at the following meeting. He/she will assist the Treasurer in collecting of money. He/she will also be responsible for keeping track of demerits.

TREASURER --- The Treasurer will assist the director in collecting all money, writing receipts and keeping an accurate record of all collections (i.e. fund raising, uniform fees, etc.)

HISTORIAN --- The Historian will be responsible for contacting the school newspaper and other local newspapers to report the activities of the band. He/she will also be responsible for announcements over the school intercom. He/she will compile information and photos throughout the year to be used, by the historian, to create a scrapbook for the end of the year awards banquet. The scrapbook will remain in the NPHS band room for future enjoyment. He/she will also be responsible for keeping a current bulletin board in the band room.

JUNIOR REPRESENTATIVE --- The Junior Representative will be responsible for issuing and keeping accurate records of all uniforms at NPHS.

SOPHOMORE REPRESENTATIVE --- The Sophomore Representative will assist the Junior Representative with the uniform duties. He/she will also be responsible for recording and keeping accurate records of all "Spirit" winners on the proper charts.

Band Booster Club meetings are held once a month. Two officers will attend these meetings on a rotational basis. Any unexcused absence from an appointed Band Booster meeting, a regular officer meeting or any other officer function will result in a violation of these guidelines and COULD result in removal from office. Regular officer meetings will be held once a week at a time decided by all of the officers.

Officer Demerits

Failure to follow guidelines for a specific office could result in Officer Demerits. These demerits affect your status as an officer. Two band demerits will equal one Officer Demerit. Officer demerits are given in relation to duties and responsibilities as an officer as well as the effects of officer leadership. Officers my recommend demerits for each other. The director will make the final decision.

3 Demerits ----- conference with director

4 Demerits ----- written warning and conference with

director, pres. and v.pres

5 Demerits ----- REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

In the event that an officer resigns or is removed from office, the other officers and/or the director may appoint a suitable replacement.

Adopted May 1990: President -- Teri Travis, Vice President -- Michelle Ezell, Secretary -- Leslie Wilkinson, Treasurer -- Melodie Pike, Reporter -- David Dodson, Historian -- Jennifer Wier, Jr. Rep. -- Heather Allison, Jr. Rep. -- Bobby Copley, Soph. Rep. -- Tony Ezell, Drum Major -- Doug McDonald

Revised 1998: President -- Allison Hicks, Vice President/Drum Major -- Trisha Dawson, Secretary -- Amanda Buttrum, Treasurer -- Amy Taylor, Historian -- Michelle Coats, Jr. Rep. -- Tommy Harney, Jr. Rep. -- Robert Seigrist, Soph. Rep. -- Jonathan Blair, Soph. Rep. -- Mistie Davis, Color Guard Capt. -- Amanda Jeffers.

Revised 1999: President -- Amy Taylor, Vice President/Color Guard Capt. -- Whitney Stacy, Secretary -- Jessica Brockinton, Treasurer -- Jennifer Hammons, Historian -- Michelle Coats, Jr. Rep. -- Jonathan Blair, Soph. Rep. -- Laura Fultz, Soph. Rep. -- Forrest Rodgers, Drum Major -- Tommy Harney

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North Pulaski High School Band

Letter Of Agreement

 

I have read and understand my obligations and responsibilities as a member of the North Pulaski High School Band. I agree to follow all rules and do my part to make the NPHS Band the best it possibly can be. I have received a CALENDAR and a copy of the GRADING SYSTEM, DEMERIT SYSTEM and LETTERING SYSTEM for the current school year.

 

 

 

 

________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________

Student Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have read and understand my child's obligations and responsibilities as a member of the North Pulaski High School Band. I agree to do my part in making sure my child follows all rules and does his/her part to make the NPHS Band the best it possibly can be. I have received a CALENDAR and a copy of the GRADING SYSTEM, DEMERIT SYSTEM and LETTERING SYSTEM for the current school year.

 

 

 

________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________

Parent or Guardian Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

This form is due in the band office by the first day of school. Failure to return this form and instrument checkout form (if applicable) will result in the student being removed from performances.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North Pulaski High School Band

Medical Form

1) Student’s Name _____________________________________ Date of Birth ____/____/____

2) Address _________________________ City __________________ State ____ Zip ________

3) Student’s Social Security Number (optional)_____________________________________

4) Home Phone ________________________________________________________________

5) Parent or Guardian Name ______________________________________________________

6) Place of Employment _____________________________ Work Phone _________________

7) Insurance Company _______________________ Policy Number ______________________

8) Health History: (check)

    _____ Diabetes      _____ Orthopedic Problems          _____ Asthma        _____Epilepsy

    _____ Cardiac Problems           _____ Other (please specify)

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

9) Allergies: (check)

    _____ Aspirin           _____ Penicillin           _____ Sulfa           _____ Insect Stings          

    _____ Other Medications or Allergies

______________________________________________________________________________

10) Do we have your permission to administer to your child?  _____ Aspirin  _____ Tylenol

11) Has your child had a current tetanus shot (within six years)?  _____ Yes  _____ No

PARENT AUTHORIZATION:  This health history is correct to the best of my knowledge.  I give permission to administer treatment and/or medication to my child.

 

______________________________________________________________________________

Signature of parent or guardian                                                                        Date

 

 

 

 

North Pulaski High School Band

ORDER FORM

(Complete this form and return WITH money on the first day of Summer Band. If a payment plan needs to be used, parents should send a note to the director outlining the plan that is needed.)

PARENTS …. PLEASE ORDER ALL T-SHIRTS ON THIS FORM. EXTRAS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AFTER THE ORDER IS SUBMITTED.

 

NAME ______________________________________________________________________

 

 

ITEM SIZE QUANTITY AMOUNT

Band T-Shirt Small ___________ ___________

($15 each) Medium ___________ ___________

Large ___________ ___________

(Parents should X Large ___________ ___________

place their orders XX Large ___________ ___________

here!!!) Other ___________ ___________

 

 

Band Shoes Shoe Size ___________ ___________ ___________

($27 per pair)

 

Gloves (2 pair recommended) Glove Size___________ ___________ ___________

($4.50 per pair)

 

PCSSD Uniform Fee ($13) ___________

 

Total ___________

Total Paid ___________

 

Total Owed ___________