“Rich in Tradition
Focused on the
Future”
Highlands High School Marching Band
2015 Handbook
Lori Duncan, Director
lori.duncan@fortthomas.kyschools.us
Mission Statement
The Highlands High School marching band is committed to developing a
lifelong passion for music amongst its members. The marching band
program will provide a safe, positive environment where musicians are
challenged to achieve musical excellence on and off the field.
Fees
The fee for the 2015 marching band season is $90.00 (this does not include
the Bands of America Grand Nationals competition). Fees will be used to
cover the following expenses:
 Equipment/Repairs
 Music
 Color Guard Uniforms
 Drill
 Transportation
All students must purchase the official marching band polo ($27.00) on-line
(www.highlandsboosters.com). Shirts will be worn by the students in the 4th
of July parade.
Drillmasters are the official shoes for the marching band. Orders for these
will be placed in June. (Students must pay in advance for their shoes.)
Shoes are $29.95.
Additional Purchases
“Eruption Zone” tee shirt – price TBD
“Eruption Zone” hat – price TBD
Attendance
TIPS for PARENTS
 Let your child know you think band practice is important.
 Provide a plan of transportation for getting your child to and from
practice, on time.
 Schedule doctor, dentist, and other appointments around the practice
schedule.
 If your child must be out of school part of the day, allow him/her to miss
only the time necessary for the
appointment.
 Do not view tardiness as acceptable behavior.
 Refuse to write an excuse for anything other than a legitimate absence.
 In case of prolonged absence due to illness or hospitalization, etc., notify
the band director ASAP.
There is a direct relationship between attendance and achievement.
Students who have good attendance
achieve higher grades, have fewer problems at school, enjoy school more,
and are much more
employable after school.
Excused Absences
Below are a few examples of excused absences:
 Illness
 Death in the family
 Academic/Teacher commitment
Unexcused absences will not be tolerated. It is the responsibility of the
student and/or parent to notify the band director regarding any upcoming
absence. The band director must be informed of the students whereabouts at
all times.
Regular Season
1st Absence - Student may perform on Friday with director approval.
2nd Absence – Student will stand in uniform on the sideline and will not be
permitted to perform that week.
Conduct
Performance Improvement Plan (P.I.P.)
Students that are not performing on their ability level will be placed on a
performance improvement plan. The director will meet with the student to
outline a plan on how the student can improve his/her performance effort
within the ensemble.
Behavior Improvement Plan (B.I.P.)
Students that demonstrate inappropriate behavior will be placed on a
behavior improvement plan.
1st Occurrence – The director will meet with student. A plan will be
established to improve his/her behavior within the performing ensemble.
2nd Occurrence – The director will contact the student’s parent to discuss the
student’s behavior.
3rd Occurrence – The director will contact the high school administration and
the student will be dismissed from the ensemble.
Students that engage in bullying, harassment, and/or the use of foul language
will be immediately dismissed from the marching band.
The “Eruption Zone”
Students will be expected to perform in the stands at all home football games
and in the state championship game. Students will be performing during the
1st, 2nd, and 4th quarters. During this time, students will not be permitted to
leave the stands. Students will be given a break during the 3 rd quarter of the
game.
Additional Performances
 Bellevue High School marching band contest
 University of Cincinnati H.S. Marching Band Day
Materials
All marching band members will need the following items for camps and
rehearsals:
 Binder with clear plastic sheet protectors for music and pencil
 All instrument/guard equipment (extra valve oil, reeds, flag/stick tape, etc.)
 Water bottle labeled with name
 Sunscreen
 White tee shirt and shorts (please avoid wearing long pants during camps)
 Sunglasses/hat
 Gym shoes (no high top shoes, flip flops, or sandals)

2015 Highlands High School Marching Band
Member Contract

Contract is due on or before May 15th with registration fee of $90.00.
I certify that I have read and fully understand the 2015 Highlands High School
handbook. I will follow all rules and do my best to meet the expectations of the
staff. I understand the consequences if I do not comply with the rules of the
organization and staff.
__________________________________
Name of Student (print)
_______________________________
Student Signature
__________________________________
Name of Parent/Guardian (print)
________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
_____________________
Date
Participation Dues Agreement
I understand that I am responsible for paying all student fees as outlined in this
handbook by May 15th. If I am unable to meet this date, I will contact the
director of bands to establish a payment plan/agreement.
_________________________________
Name of Student (print)
_______________________________
Student Signature
__________________________________
Name of Parent/Guardian (print)
________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
_____________________
Date