Band Handbook
2014 - 2015
Beaverton Music Department
Beaverton Rural Schools
3090 Crockett Road
Beaverton, MI 48612
989-246-3010 (3320)
INSIDE THIS HANDBOOK:
General information
Philosophy/Mission
Expectations/Goals & Objectives
Rules and Consequences
Grading Policies
Uniforms and Fees
Forms
Calendar of Events
Catherine S. Kintner, Director
ckintner@beavertonruralschools.com
Beavertonmusicdepartment.com
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Beaverton Rural Schools
Band Handbook
INTRODUCTION
Every fine band has high standards in their rehearsals, concerts and special projects. The music
standards (state and national) and standards of behavior are a vital part of our success. This handbook
is designed to inform parents and students of these standards and the activities of the bands. It is also to
inform both the student musician and their parents of the responsibilities that are a part of being in an
outstanding music ensemble.
PURPOSE OF THE HANDBOOK
The purpose of this handbook is to acquaint all members and parents with the policies and activities of
the Beaverton Band program. All students and parents should read the handbook thoroughly in order to
understand what is expected and to avoid any conflicts and/or misunderstandings that may arise. Any
questions should be directed to Mrs. Kintner (ckintner@beavertonruralschools.com OR #246-3010 ext
3320). To save on printing, this handbook can be found on our music website @
beavertonmusicdepartment.com. I can provide a copy to those pupils who do not have
internet/computer access.
MISSION
To instill an appreciation of music in all students, with special emphasis on music theory/literature/history,
proper performance techniques, sight reading, self discipline; and to build positive personal character
traits that all good leaders need.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
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To provide students with a high quality performing group (marching and concert)
To perform a variety of literature
To provide an environment for development, both as an individual and as an ensemble
To provide opportunities to learn about music; its development, construction and expression
To create awareness about different styles of music
To increase awareness of how music is unique in its expressive and communicative nature
To provide a place of belonging and unity while emphasizing teamwork
To provide an array of performance opportunities while performing a variety of musical styles
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To become interested and discriminating listeners and develop a strong, well rounded
background
To contribute to selected school and community functions while promoting and enhancing the
reputation of our school at all times
CLASSROOM RULES
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Be PROMPT – Students need to be in their seats by the time designated by the director.
Students should go directly to their assigned seats upon entering the classroom. All talking
should stop while attendance is taken. Lesson plans will be clearly written on the board for
students to read during this time. FYI: Get a drink and use the restroom before class – NO
PASSES WILL BE GIVEN FOR EITHER. (If a student has special needs pertaining to this topic,
please talk to Mrs. Kintner privately).
Be PREPARED – Come to class with items necessary to participate (instrument, music, pencil,
reeds, sticks, etc.)
Be PRODUCTIVE – Come to class ready to work each day. Please be attentive during the entire
rehearsal. Do not talk or play out of turn unless you have been called upon. Time
management is valuable in order to accomplish the desired goals for each rehearsal by all
members (including the teacher). You are expected to improve your skills and knowledge of
music on a daily basis.
Be RESPECTFUL – Always display exemplary manners and respect (self and personal property) in
and out of the classroom. Respect and Discipline are the building blocks to a Fine Band.
Band members are constantly on display and must be aware of the importance of good
behavior. The student should remember that he/she represents not only the band; but our
school and community whenever in the public eye. Any misconduct casts a direct reflection
on our school and community and could possibly undo many years of work by former
members.
No FOOD, DRINKS, GUM OR CANDY allowed in the Band room!
I dismiss you – NOT the bell!
Consequences
1st offense
2nd offense
3rd offense
4th offense
Warning
Lunch detention/Parent contact
Multiple lunch detention/Parent contact
After school detention assigned by office/Parent contact
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WHAT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT?
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To provide band members with the proper kind of rehearsal room, seating, music stands, and
instrumental storage space.
Plan each day’s activities and encourage daily practice of all members (grades 7 – 12).
Provide the band with a full musical education through rehearsal, performance, teaching,
testing and listening.
See that all members conform to school and band department policies.
Supervise students in the classroom at all times.
Evaluate every member of the band program as to his/her musical participation and citizenship.
WHAT ARE THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILIES FOR STUDENT BAND MEMBERS?
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Be regular in attendance and account for all absences
Make an honest attempt to learn and improve daily
Become responsible for own actions
Have respect for those in authority
Follow all classroom rules and school handbook policies/rules
Cooperate with fellow band members and share with them the responsibilities and privileges
that are part of the band program
Improve own knowledge and understanding of music theory/literature/history and develop
good listening habits.
PERFORMANCE POLICIES/PROCEDURES
Professional performances are an important part of any ensemble. It is a privilege and honor to share
the music that we learn with your parents, peers and members of the community. Each and every
member of the band will be expected to attend all performances. Please see Performance Attendance
Guidelines.
Performances require the very best conduct, appearance and musicianship.
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Always eat a nutritious meal and get plenty of rest before a concert.
Check in 30 minutes before the concert to warm up.
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High School Band members must arrive early enough to get into concert dress attire. Middle
School Band members should arrive in concert attire (see concert attire) Failure to wear proper
dress attire will result in non- participation in the concert. Booster parents will be available
before concerts to help where/as needed.
At all times, you represent not only yourself but the Beaverton Music Program and Beaverton
Rural Schools.
Just as the ensemble’s sound is important, so is the ensembles appearance; a well groomed,
neatly uniformed ensemble is essential for a truly professional and artistic experience.
CONCERT ATTIRE
7th and 8th Grade Band
Boys: Black dress pants, black long sleeve dress shirt, black sock, black shoes and tie.
Ladies: Black dress pants, black blouse, black socks and black shoes.
High School Band Attire
Each student will be issued a marching/concert uniform for the year. Students will be required to pay
a $20 deposit/uniform fee. Note: Free and reduced lunch students pay a $10 fee. These uniforms do
NOT go home but are housed in the uniform room. Beware: Students will be responsible to replace
lost or damaged uniform parts! It is your responsibility to keep them clean, pressed and hunt up
properly in the uniform room! The H.S. Band uniform consists of the following:
School provides
You Provide
Coat (gold chain/2 buttons)
White Tuxedo Shirt/ Black Bow tie
Overlay (2 white braids)
Black socks
Pants
Black shoes
Hat & Plume
Parents/students are asked to provide shoes, socks, tuxedo shirts and bow ties. Mark Greer from the
Gladwin Cleaners will come to school to fit students in October. Black shoes do not need to be
expensive or fancy – they just need to be 100% black (no logos or accent colors). Students also need to
be certain that any clothing worn under the uniform must be red, white or black. Pants must be
hemmed to that the crease does not “break” but touches the shoe.
Cannot Provide What We Ask?
The importance of having all band members in exactly the
same uniform cannot be overstated. If you cannot provide what is required, please contact the
director immediately. We will find a way to outfit your student with the necessary items.
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HIGH SCHOOL BAND PROPER DRESS FOR PERFORMANCES
Marching Band Uniform Code: Pants, Coat, Overlay, Hat & Plume, Black Shoes, Black Socks, Band T-shirt
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Hats must be slightly above eye level
Pant hems should rest on top of the shoes
Hair must not touch the uniform collar - pull hair up and under hat.
Complete uniform must be worn, never partial. Hats and plumes may be removed while seated
in the stands.
Concert Band Uniform Code: Pants, Coat, White Tuxedo Shirt, Black Bow Tie, Black Shoes and Black
Socks.
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A well groomed, neatly uniformed ensemble is essential for a truly professional and artistic
performance.
Complete uniform must be worn, never partial.
Failure to follow these guidelines will result in your Performance grade being lowered.
GRADING
The band class is considered a co-curricular course. The required work for all bands includes both “in
class” and “out of class” activities (more so in the high school). All band members will be evaluated and
graded on the basis of work completed both in school and after school.
The following will be taken into consideration when grading:
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Rehearsal Skills
Attendance – rehearsals and performances
Music theory/literature/history work
Written theory/literature/history work
Sight reading
Quarterly assessments
High School Band: Rehearsal skills = 30%, Performance/Project = 30%, Written work/Class work = 20%,
Quarterly assessments/Exam = 20%
7th & 8th Grade Band: Rehearsal skills = 40%, Performance/Project = 20%, Written work/Class work =
40%
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MUSIC DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE ABSENCE GUIDELINES
Absences from performances and/or after hour rehearsals are severely detrimental to student musical
organizations. Preparation time that may be counted in weeks could be wasted by having student
absences that create performance problems, and could result in an inadequate performance. The
musical qualities of blend, balance, intonation, musicality (expression) and ease of performance can be
seriously jeopardized. When one member is missing, all are affected. Depending on which student(s)
were missing, the performance could possibly be destroyed.
Absences from outside rehearsals and performances are viewed by the director as harmful to the group
and strongly discouraged. It is also recognized that extenuating circumstances sometimes arise, and
must be treated with understanding and compassion. Each absence will be treated on an individual
basis by Mrs. Kintner, and will adhere to the following guidelines.
Criteria for EXCUSED absences from performance and/or outside school rehearsals:
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Death in the immediate family
Severe illness of the student
Extenuating circumstances
Conflicts with student jobs do NOT qualify. Appropriate scheduling involving teachers, student,
parents, and employers should be able to resolve the conflicts with appropriate scheduling.
In the case of each excused absence, a make-up assignment may be given that would require the
student to spend an amount of time in preparation equal to the time spent in the performance
procedure (See Request for Excused Absence from Performance).
UNEXCUSED absences from performances and/or outside school rehearsals may result in the lowering of
the nine week grade. An unexcused absence cannot be made up and will result in the student receiving
zero credit for the performance missed.
As with all grading policies – good judgment is required.
ADDITIONAL ATTENDANCE INFORMATION
Please refer to the preceding article about excused and unexcused absences from a required rehearsal
or performance. A request for an EXCUSED absence other than for health reasons MUST be made in
WRITING to Mrs. Kintner a minimum of THIRTY DAYS prior to the said event (Use the Request for
Excused Absence from a Performance/Rehearsal form). The director is NOT REQUIRED to accept
excuses submitted after that time, but may do so in the case of extreme emergency. In all cases, a
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written excuse signed by the parent is REQUIRED. Verbal excuses are not considered sufficient, nor are
telephone calls from parents.
The make-up assignment for an excused absence will be time spent after school in the Music Room
doing work related to the band (music library, uniform preparation, practice, cleaning, or possibly
written work). The amount of time spent will be equal to the time spent by the Band at the activity,
from call time until dismissal. Tasks will be assigned by the director and will be scheduled at the
director’s convenience.
IMPORTANT: If a student misses more than eight class periods in a marking period, the student may
have a lowered grade because of the amount of rehearsal time missed. Attendance is a major influence
on student and group achievement in a “performance class” such as band. Students who miss eight or
more class periods in a marking period need to talk to Mrs. Kintner about their grade and make-up
options (i.e. after school program/Saturday school). School excused absences will not be counted.
The unexcused absence polity of Beaverton Rural Schools will be strictly followed. (See school
handbook).
MUSIC BOOSTERS AND FUND RAISING
The Beaverton Music Boosters consist of volunteer parents and a student board of band and choir
members. The officers include: president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and representatives from
each grade level as well as adult offices of president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. All
parents of BMS and BHS music students are automatically members of this organization. These
volunteers meet once a month in the high school band room @ 6:00 pm. Meeting dates will be
determined at the first meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 3rd.
All band and choir members are encouraged to participate in our annual fund raising programs
throughout the year. The music boosters help coordinate all events. There are also other events that
will be held and hopefully new ideas to add as need be.
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Signature Page ~ Due September 8, 2014
STUDENT: I have read Mrs. Kintner’s handbook/syllabus and I understand it. I will honor the discipline
policy and do my best to meet the class requirements while I am under Mrs. Kintner’s supervision.
PRINT Student name
Signature/Date:_________________________________________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN: My child and I have read and discussed Mrs. Kintner’s handbook/syllabus. I
understand it and agree to support the class requirements and discipline policy while my child is under
Mrs. Kintner’s supervision.
PRINT Parent Name/Relationship:_______________
Signature/Date:_______________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Email Address:__________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Phone Number:_________________________________________
PARENT COMMUNICATION
NOTE: All parent communication, class updates, etc. will be done through Skyward Message Center
unless you indicate otherwise below. If you have questions about using Skyward, please contact the
Beaverton Junior/Senior High School office at 989-246-3010 You may also always call me or email me if
you have questions about your child.
______ I will use Skyward to receive messages and keep track of my child’s grades.
______ I do NOT have internet at home and prefer to be contacted by phone. The phone number I have
provided on this sheet is accurate and up to date.
Looking forward to a great year! 
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Request for Excused Absence from a
Performance and/or Rehearsal
Student’s Name________________________________________ Grade__________________
Date of and/or Performance/Rehearsal to be missed:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Briefly state the reason(s) for your absence from this performance. Please remember to use correct
grammar and sentence structure.
Student signature____________________________________________ Date_____________
Parent signature_____________________________________________ Date_____________
NOTE: THIS FORM IS NOT VALID WITHOUT A PARENT SIGNATURE
In order to receive credit for the missed performance, this form must be completed and turned in to the
director NO LATERTHAN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE ABSENCE. The make-up assignment for an
excused absence will be spent after school in the Music room doing work related to Music. The amount
of time spent will be equal to the time spent by the Band at the activity, from call time until dismissal.
Tasks will be assigned by Mrs. Kintner and will be scheduled at her convenience.
This form does not apply to student jobs. It is your responsibility to give your employer your schedule for
school events in advance.
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Beaverton Music Department Calendar of Events 2014-15 School Year
AUGUST
5/6/7 HS Percussion rehearsal
12/13/14HS Percussion rehearsal
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Open House 5 – 7 pm
Uniform fittings 5 – 9 pm
OCTOBER
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Homecoming
Choir Clinic @ Standish
SEPTEMBER
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School begins – half day for students
HS Marching Band Rehearsal
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Music Booster Meeting HS band room @ 6 pm
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HS Marching Band – Game #1 vs Tawas
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MSBOA D9 Meeting in Oscoda @ 5 pm
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HS Marching Band Rehearsal
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HS Marching Band – Game #2 vs Roscommon
16/23 HS Marching Band Rehearsal
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HS Marching Band – Game #3 vs Gladwin
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HS Marching Band Rehearsal