LZHS Band Handbook
2014-2015
The Band Handbook, written by Joshua Thompson and Sheri Conover, has been developed for members of the
LZHS Band and their parents, to communicate the standards, policies, and expectations of the Fine Arts Department.
Becoming a member of a performing ensemble demands self-discipline, commitment, and concern for others; at the
same time, it provides a rewarding and exciting experience for all of those involved.
We are going to have a FANTASTIC year! Have pride in your band, work hard, make great music, and have
fun. If we all put in our best effort, we will have a great band.
All members and parents are asked to read this entire handbook. Please sign and return the “Parent-Student
Agreement,” the “LZHS Private Lessons,” and the all-year LZHS Band permission slip forms. Please read the note
about Private Lesson rates on that sheet. Put the forms in a director’s box in the band room.
PHILOSOPHY
We believe music education is essential for the following reasons:
1. Man had a need for cultural expression
2. Music is a basic expression of human beings.
3. Music is a means of self-expression.
4. Music is a means to creativity, imagery, and auditory acuity.
5. Appreciation of music is a result of aesthetic experience through active or passive participation.
6. Music is a means for enriching one’s life.
Through our musical experiences and interactions this year, we believe that we can:
1. Become more sensitive human beings through the aesthetic of music.
2. Develop respect for ourselves and each other.
3. Develop a sense of commitment and self-discipline
4. Learn the joy of sharing and sincere friendship.
DIRECTORS’ EXPECTATIONS
We have two expectations for every member of the band. We believe that both are equally important in
providing a musical experience for all involved.
1. Always do the best that you can do.
2. Always show respect for each other and your directors.
POLICIES
1. All school rules found in the LZHS student/parent handbook apply, even when the band is off campus.
2. No food, drink, or gum is allowed in the band or practice rooms. We all have to share this space, so please
abide by the rule to keep our area clean.
3. Non-music students should not be in the band room without teacher approval. This is for purposes of security.
Avoid the embarrassment of having a director ask your friends to leave by having your friends wait outside.
4. Students should not play instruments other than the one that to which they are assigned. This is important for
health reasons as well as maintenance. Only percussionists are allowed to play percussion equipment. THIS
RULE WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.
5. Every student must be on time to all rehearsals and performances. On time means being in the right place with
instrument, music, pencil, and all necessary equipment. Students should do their own proper warm-up routine
for their instrument at this time. Not being on time will result in points lost.
6. Since every performance is based on a group effort, every member of the “team” is vitally important to each
performance. We all count on you to be prepared for each performance and to participate to your best ability at
each performance. See grading policy for information regarding excused absences.
REHEARSALS
1. Be inside the band room before the bell rings. Concert band and indoor marching rehearsals will begin two
minutes after the bell. Outdoor rehearsals will begin four minutes after the bell. You will be considered tardy if
you are not ready to play at this time. For marching band, be in your spot when the whistle blows or your will
be tardy.
2. Always have you instrument, music and drill charts at each rehearsal.
3. Bring a pencil to every rehearsal—you must mark your music and marching charts.
4. All students will have their own or share a band locker. Lockers are assigned based on instrument size and
need at school. Locks will be provided. We will not require a deposit, but will charge you if the lock on your
locker is not the same as at the beginning of the year.
5. At the end of each rehearsal, you should put all equipment away. Consistently leaving materials out will result
in loss of points. All lockers should have locks on them and contain band materials. Any locker that is in
violation of these policies will result in the loss of the use of a locker.
6. Bags and coats may be left on the blue cabinets or in lockers, as long as privilege isn’t abused. However,
miscellaneous books and items will be collected and there will be a $1 fee assessed for their return. This may
seem harsh, but the band room has over 200 students this year and we will not be responsible for cleaning up
after you! Fine money goes to the Band Activity Account (a.k.a. the-band directors-are-not-your- mother-fund)
MARCHING PERFORMANCES
Uniforms are distributed at the school and do not leave the premises unless a cleaning is necessary due to
inclement weather. The band sits together near the student section for the 1st and 2nd quarters. During the 3rd quarter,
students will change back into street clothes and go back out for the 4th quarter pep band.
We will have a part of the marching band stay through the duration of all five home football games. All students are
required to stay to the end of the homecoming game. You will also need to stay for fourth quarter of one of the other four
/five games. You may choose which game you would like to stay for. Feel free to stay for all of the games!
UNIFORMS
1. Students will be issued a marching band uniform and a concert band uniform. The marching uniform consists
of: black pants, blue and black jacket, shako hat, and plume. The concert uniform is a black tuxedo jacket and
black bow tie, worn with black pants and a tuxedo shirt. Girls will receive a long black dress for concert band
that will be worn with black hose and shoes. Guys will provide their own black pants and will arrive to
the concert evening fully dressed. Tuxedo shirts will be ordered in late October/early November.
2. Students must have LONG black socks and shoes for all performances. We will provide a pair of white gloves
at the first game, everyone needs them. Dress that does not conform to these standards will result in loss of
points.
3. All long hair must be securely tucked into the hat.
4. We have expensive uniforms, so it is your responsibility to maintain the one issued to you.. Any additional
cleanings needed during the year will be the responsibility of the student (ex. Mud or other).
5. When in uniform, your personal appearance and your actions reflect not only upon you, but the band, the
school and the community. Be proud of your band and your uniform.
6. Replacement of lost uniform parts is expensive! The marching uniforms are $400 (or more) each. Coats are
upwards of $150 to replace and dresses, $75. Don’t lose or mistreat them.
7. The t-shirts from band camp will double as the pep band t-shirts this year. Replacement t-shirts are $10 each,
depending on availability.
INSTRUMENTS
1. Students are responsible for the care and maintenance of their instrument whether school or privately owned. It
is essential that your instrument is maintained properly. School-owned instruments are on loan to each student.
These instruments must be returned to the school at the end of each year and must remain in good condition.
Any damage will be assessed at that time, and students will be responsible for the repairs.
2. Brass players must have oil and grease to keep their instruments lubricated. Trumpet, trombone and French
horn players should own a straight mute of their own and as you progress, add the various mutes to your
arsenal.
3. All reed players should have at least 4 working reeds. Cracked or broken reeds will result in loss of points.
4. Students need a lyre, and a flip folder (which is provided, but replacements are $10).
5. We have a supply of valve oil, cork grease, and slide oil for sale-$2 each or 2 for $3.
PERCUSSIONISTS-PLEASE READ!!!
Percussionists must have their own stick bag, concert band snare sticks, medium hard bell mallets, yarn
mallets, and timpani mallets labeled with your name on each. This is your instrument. As a wind player you must have
the right equipment, so as a percussionist we provide the instruments and you provide the sticks. Stick bags and sticks
can be bought as a group less expensively and we can order them for you once school starts.
.
FUND-RAISING
This is a travel year for the entire marching band and we will have some fundraising opportunities for the
following additional reasons:
1. To raise money for activities in which we otherwise could not participate. Activities such as the music awards
night, tours, trips and band camp are all expensive and each fund raising effort helps. Every student has a
personal “account” which can be used to pay for these extra activities.
2. To pay to offset chaperone costs, truck costs and other costs not built into the future trip cost for students.
3. To provide services that we could not otherwise have such as private lesson scholarships, clinics, master
classes, guest conductors, and new music commissions.
All students are asked and invited to participate in all fund-raising projects. The money we earn, whether it
goes to your account or not, will benefit you in the long run. The majority of the funds do go towards individual
student accounts based on participation. The remaining funds go to the “general fund” which will benefit all of the
band members equally.
Fundraising money can only be used toward fees required to participate in band, they may not go
toward individual private lessons, supplies, etc. In addition, it is illegal for us to give fund raising money back to
a student if they quit band or graduate. Money left in an individual account can be transferred only to a sibling
or will be used for our private lesson scholarships.
Non-Marching band option
Students opting out of marching band will eat 5th hour and will practice 6th hour. A curriculum of study,
practice and performance has been implemented. Students will meet with a director in order to determine and keep
track of individual progress as well as performing for the class, according to the schedule determined by the director.
This option must be declared in May of the previous year and is only available for juniors and seniors.
AGREEMENT
1. Attendance: All students must attend all concerts, rehearsals and band activities. Please plan family vacations
and other activities around the scheduled band functions as these functions are an integral part of your musical
experience. A request for an excused absence will only be considered if a written note signed by a
parent/guardian or parent’s email is given to a director at least TWO WEEKS before the date of the
conflict. If an emergency occurs on the day of a conflict, please call the band office or email us. We will only
be flexible if we are aware of individual circumstances.
2. Practice: Students are required to know scales and musical passages assigned during band. Students should
practice every day, a little practice each day is better than a long period of practicing once a weekend, so take
your instrument home!
3. Projects, quizzes, and playing exams: There will be assignments given periodically to assess general musical
knowledge. Students will be asked to complete these assignments as part of their total grade for the class.
4. Rehearse, perform musically, practice diligently, and have fun!!!
It is our intent that all students and parent realize that the above policies are necessary to ensure that LZHS has
a GREAT band. We need to be proud of ourselves, our work, and our accomplishments. We use a band contract
because we believe that when a person signs a contract they usually give it some thought. Please, after you read this
rd
handbook, sign the two forms and return them by Wednesday, September 3 .
PARENT-STUDENT AGREEMENT
I have read the handbook and understand all rules and policies of the band.
I understand that I must abide by the following policies in order to make band a successful and musically enriching
experience for all those involved. I realize that if I do not meet these expectations it could be harmful to my own
musical experience as well as others and may result in the lowering of my grade.
Student Name____________________________________________________
Student Signature____________________________________________date______________________
Parent Signature_____________________________________________date______________________
We utilize eSchool for email addresses and a list created from those to communicate with you. Please note below if
you need to let us know if it has changed from last year and BE SURE TO MAKE ANY CHANGES WITH THE
DISTRICT.
____ I have NOT been receiving band e-mails. Please change or add my e-mail address:
_______________________________________________.
The e-mail list is our best tool for communication. We will not distribute your address for any reason.
Return by September 3rd
SAMPLE GRADING SCALE
Grading this year for band and jazz bands will be done on an adjustable points scale. Each activity will be given points
to be earned or lost. A sample for the year is given below:
1st Quarter
Daily rehearsals (45 days)
2pts*45
90
Evening marching rehearsals (8)
10pts*8
80
Concert (2) Band-o-rama, Homecoming Show
20pts*2
40
Football Games (4)
20pts*4
80
Parade (1)
20pts*1
20
310 points total
2nd Quarter
Daily rehearsals (45 days)
2pts*45
90
Reflection Paper (1)
20pts*1
20
Concert (1)
50pts*1
50
Seating Audition (1)
20pts*1
20
Sectionals (2)
5pts *2
10
190 points total
3rd Quarter
Daily rehearsals (45 days)
2pts*45
90
Reflection Paper (1)
20pts*1
20
Concert (1)
50pts*1
50
Pep Band Games (5)
20pts*5
100
Sectionals (2)
5pts *2
10
270 points total
4th Quarter
Daily rehearsals (45 days)
2pts*45
90
Contest/Festival (1)
50pts*1
50
Concert (1)
50pts*1
50
Reflection Paper (1)
20pts*1
20
Sectionals (2)
5pts *2
10
220 points total
Other small assignments may be added through the year, but the above sample shows all major requirements.
A+ 98-100 A 92-97
A- 90-91
F 59 and below
B+ 88-89
B 82-87
B- 80-81
C+78-79
C 72-77
C- 70-71
D+ 68-69
D 62-67
D-60-61
DAILY REHEARSAL POINTS
You may lose points for the following reasons:
1. Lack of musical preparedness: you must practice daily
2. Lack of effort: talking, chewing gum, non-positive participation
3. Lack of materials: tardy to after-school rehearsals, no music, no pencil, not instrument, missing uniform
parts.
4. Excused absences: while you may not lose all of your points, you may lose some points even if you are
excused. Certainly, you might have conflicts, but regardless of the reason, your absence affects everyone
and yourself and will be reflected in your grade. You may be eligible for make-up assignments to regain
lost points. Talk to your director about this option.
You will lose all of your points for an activity for the following reasons:
1. Unexcused absence from a rehearsal.
2. Unexcused absence from a performance.
** Each quarter, each major concert performance is worth 100 points. Absences will only be
excused in the case of extreme personal illness, family emergencies and death. All other absences
must be documented with student, parent and director signatures before two weeks prior to the
concert. Documenting an absence does not guarantee the absence will be considered “excused.”
Considering the rehearsal process is crucial to the performance product, students with an excused
absence from a performance will be given 85% of the full points. Students have the opportunity to
make-up the remaining points by performing all of that concert’s music for the director or submit
an alternate assignment within 2 weeks of the absence. In the case of an unexcused absence from a
performance, students will be given a 70% and will not have the opportunity to make-up the
remaining performance points. This is a department-wide policy for all performing ensembles**
TARDY POLICY
LZHS has adopted a tardy policy that we will follow. If you are not in your seat by 2 minutes after the bell, or in
your spot on the field when the whistle blows you will receive the following consequences:
1st time: warning, 2nd time: 1 hour detention and a phone call home, after that you will continue to receive
detentions from the dean’s office. This will be enforced like any other classroom.
In this packet is a calendar of events. We recommend looking through the entire year for conflicts so that we can be
proactive in resolving conflicts. We want to work with you to resolve these issues, and frequently we solve
problems in a win/win fashion. Communication is the key. The more that we can plan for absences, the happier
everyone will be (and fewer points will be lost!). Continue to check on the BBLZ website as well for updates.
***We need everyone at every performance. In the rare circumstance that you need to miss a performance
for any reason, you must turn in a written excuse, signed by a parent, at least three weeks prior to the
rehearsal or performance for it to even be considered an excused absence.***
.
Private Lesson Teachers
Lake Zurich #95
Updated 8/18/14
All area code 847 unless noted:
*Diane Horban
Flute
Dzahorban203@aol.com
381-8609
Mon/Tue./Wed/Th
Edie Davis
Flute/piano
talltunes@sbcglobal.net
726-7612
teaches@home
*Joyce Stenzel
Clarinet
sjstenzel@yahoo.com
847-651-8013 evenings
*Colleen Corning
Clarinet/bass clarinet
Ccorning5@gmail.com
847-977-4502
Bob Wilson
Clarinet/sax
rwbobkat@aol.com
847-381-7452 (C)
847-912-4703 (home)
*Dan Burke
Saxophone
danburkemusic@gmail.com
630-291-6109 Wed/Thurs
*Jessica Pearce
French Horn
847-975-8686 Wednesdays
jhpearcehorn@gmail.com
www.jessicahunterpearce.com
*MarkHoffman
Trumpet
630-450-2494
Mytrumpetlessons@sbcglobal.net
Phil Feo
Trumpet
royaltrumpet@aol.com
550-8103 teaches@Home
Kathy Cross
Bassoon
726-2771 teaches@home
*Suzanne Ingold
Oboe
Suzanne@ingold.org
566-2069
*Steve Duncan
Low Brass
847-226-8205
stevenduncanmusic@gmail.com
*Brett Baxter
Percussion/Drum Set
drumsetbrett@hotmail.com
816-721-1719
*Joan James
Piano
joanjames@comcast.net
847-726-6722(H)
847-309-7454(C)
Jessica Kitchen
Percussion/Piano
847-815-7797 teaches@home
*Primary teacher with studio at the high school.
LZHS Band Calendar 2014-2015
August
26 (Tue)
26 (Tue)
29(Fri)
MB Rehearsal ........................................................................................... 7-9PM
Band Parents Meeting (band room) .......................................................... 8PM
MB Game ................................................................................................. 5:30PM
September
2(Tues)
5(Fri)
6(Sat)
8(Mon)
12(Fri)
16 (Tue)
19(Fri)
23 (Tue)
30(Tue)
MB Rehearsal ........................................................................................... 7-9PM
MB Game ................................................................................................. 6:00pm
MB to Northwestern Band Day ................................................................ 8:30AM Call/9AM leave
MB Rehearsal ........................................................................................... 7-9PM
MB Game (with 7/8 grade students) ........................................................ 6pm
MB Rehearsal ........................................................................................... 7-9PM
MB Game (homecoming) ........................................................................ 6:00pm
MB Rehearsal ........................................................................................... 7-9PM
MB Rehearsal ........................................................................................... 7-9PM
October
2 (Thu)
8(Wed)
9 (Thu)
MB Game (senior night)........................................................................... 6:00PM
IMEA band auditions ............................................................................... 3-?
MB Band-O-Rama Concert in PAC ......................................................... 7:30PM
November
8(Sat)
22(Sat)
IMEA HS Band/Choir/Orch. Festival (by audition) ................................. All day
IMEA HS Jazz Festival (by audition) ...................................................... All day
December
3(Wed)
Winter Jazz Concert ................................................................................. 7:30PM
11 (Thurs)
Holiday Band concert ............................................................................... 7:30PM
*****Basketball Pep band begins******
January
28-31 (Wed-Sat)
IMEA All-State Music Festival (by audtion)
_______February
(Sat)TBD
JLB/JE at a Jazz Festival ......................................................................... all day
(Sat)TBD
JLB/JE Jazz Feestival ............................................................................... all day
26 (Wed)
Early Spring Jazz Concert ........................................................................ 7:30PM
March
4 (Wed)
Early Spring Band Concert ....................................................................... 7:30PM
7 (Sat)
IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest AT LZHS ............................................ All day
13 (Fri)
Wind Ensemble Invitational ..................................................................... 7:30PM
(with Elmhurst College and Rolling Meadows HS)
April
17(Fri)
IHSA Organizational Contest (Mandatory-CB/SB/WE) .......................... TBA
30(Thurs)
Percussion Concert ................................................................................... 7:30PM
May
6 (Wed)
Spring Band Concert ................................................................................ 7:30PM
14 (Thurs)
HS Instrumental Awards .......................................................................... 7:30PM
18(Mon)
Spring Jazz Concert .................................................................................. 7:30PM
25 (Mon)
MB @ Memorial Day Parade ................................................................... 9AM
31(Sun)
Graduation (sophomores/juniors) ............................................................. call 1pm
August
Aug 5-7 (tent)
Aug 15 (tent.)
Band Camp 2015@ Carthage College in Kenosha
Band Fundraiser carwash
Italics are non-mandatory events for all band students
The Pep Band performs at all home boys and a couple of home girls basketball games from December to February. All
students are members of the Pep Band and are required to play at 5 games. The exact schedule comes out in November,
but is available on the LZHS sports calendar.