BAND MEMBER GUIDELINES
The Southaven High School Band is one of the school’s most visible student activities and will strive to be one of the school’s most positive image-projecting mediums. Every member of the Southaven Band is a representative of Southaven High School, and as such, should convey to the public exemplary behavior and refined character at all times. Any behavior that attracts negative attention toward one’s self or reflects poorly upon the Southaven High School Band or School will not be tolerated and is grounds for immediate dismissal from the performing and traveling ensembles.The Student will:
Be regular in attendance and account for all absences.
Be responsible for and expect to assume the consequences of his/her actions.
Make a REAL EFFORT to learn and improve daily.
Show proper respect to those in authority and to equipment.
Cooperate with fellow band members and share with them the responsibilities and the privileges that are a part of the Southaven Band Program.
Follow all classroom rules and school regulations.
All students will ride in school provided transportation on trips. Students may return from trips with their PARENTS ONLY if a written request from that student’s parent has been turned in BEFORE THE TRIP.
Have all necessary equipment available at all times and have your instrument in an excellent playing condition. Reed players must have at least 3 working reeds at all times. Brass players must have valve oil.
When in the public, the complete uniform will be worn (unless otherwise directed by Mr. Sanders).
All areas that the Southaven Band will use throughout the school year, including the practice field and the band hall, must be kept clean and free of litter.
The Southaven Band sits together in the stadium at all times during the game. Other people (Non-Band) do not sit with the band or stand in the aisles. Keep the aisles clear.
REHEARSAL STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES
Whether or not you have the right to proclaim this year’s band as the continuance of a great legacy and tradition of excellence depends upon what you as an individual accomplish in the next 10 months. It is up to YOU to build a Superior future that may be left for others to follow.
In order for YOUR band to be the best it can be, we must forego the luxury of making excuses or letting problems go unresolved. Problems are going to occur in every rehearsal. The manner in which they are corrected will radiate in our performance. If things go wrong during a rehearsal, devote your efforts towards trying to fix the problem rather than deciding who is at fault. Rehearsals will move smoothly and efficiently if we decide to work together toward that common goal.
Our rehearsals will move at a very fast pace. Time is precious and it is the one thing you can never get back once it is lost. If you have a problem during rehearsal, help us solve it in the fastest manner possible. Direct your marching or playing problems to the staff during rehearsal. Any other anxiety should be brought to the attention of the staff or director outside of rehearsal time.
A few basic rules to help rehearsals run smoothly:
NEVER talk when a staff member is giving instruction.
Remain at "SET" until the "stand by" order is given.
Don’t complain to anyone that can’t fix your problem.
Don’t listen to anyone complain if you can’t solve his problem.
(If you won’t listen, he’ll quit complaining!!)
BE PREPARED FOR ALL REHEARSALS
Always have ALL of your music and ALL of your drill charts with you at ALL rehearsals. Please have a pencil at every rehearsal.BE EARLY FOR REHEARSALS
Be at the field, or in your seat, at a time that you feel is sufficient for you to be prepared to rehearse: get your instrument together, check that all necessary music is in order, make sure your charts are in order, and mentally review your movements through the drill.
**Remember: "To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late!"
GIVE 100% AT REHEARSALS
We live in the Great State of Mississippi. At no time during my lifetime can I remember a year in which the months of July, August, nor the beginning of September were perfectly conducive to marching band rehearsal. IT IS HOT! We will sweat, probably smell bad, and get thirsty. Know ahead of time that you must condition your body for this. Dehydration and Heat related illnesses are a real and viable threat. Drink plenty of water during the weeks prior to camp and during the marching band season. Students are encouraged to bring water bottles they can carry on their person during rehearsals. We will also provide water. This can easily become the number one deterrent to productive marching rehearsals!!! Lack of focus and energy are the first signs of dehydration. THIS WILL PREVENT YOU FROM BEING ABLE TO GIVE 100% AT REHEARSALS!After you have prepared for rehearsal and arrived early, you must give your full attention to completing the job at hand. Know your assignment and do it well. Strive to do everything right the first time. DO NOT TALK DURING INSTRUCTION! Conversations directly involved with the diagnosing and solving of marching or playing problems are all that are necessary during rehearsal time. When the band is stopped during rehearsal, immediately stop playing and/or marching and listen to the instruction being given by the staff. This is the only way to efficiently use rehearsal time.
BEHAVIOR THAT DISRUPTS REHEARSAL
WILL NOT BE TOLERATED
Any student exhibiting disruptive behavior in any form will be removed from the rehearsal. If this occurs, that student must report to the director outside of band rehearsal time prior to the next rehearsal. Failure to do so will result in permanent removal from all rehearsals and performances with this organization. Continued disruptive behavior will result in that student’s removal from any and all performing ensembles.