QUARTZ HILL HIGH SCHOOL
BAND & PAGEANTRY
HANDBOOK
2011-2012
JOHN
McQUILKINDIRECTOR
Quartz Hill High School
https://www.edline.net/pages/Quartz_Hill_High_School
661-718-3100
Director of Instrumental Music
John McQuilkin – jmcquilkin@avhsd.org
661-718-3100 x 621
Director of Percussion
Blaine Corlew –bcorlew@avhsd.org 661-718-3100 x 603
Percussion Advisor
Rob Corlew 661-718-3100 x 603
Pageantry Advisors
Margaret Corlew –mgardner-corlew@avhsd.org 661-718-3100 x 603
Lora Curtis
ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHINGBand and pageantry students spend a great deal of time together
working toward common goals. A positive attitude makes this time more productive and
enjoyable. Most students who join band seem to have a positive attitude. Any students who
cannot work with others in this manner should consider another type of activity, as poor attitude
or improper behavior will not be tolerated.STUDENT LEADERSHIPDrum Major, Assistant
Drum Major, and Pageantry Officer auditions are held in May after several weeks of practice.
The most outstanding applicants will be chosen, regardless of age or grade level. The band staff
will also select other leaders. These students are expected to set the best example in band. Being
selected for a leadership position one year does not guarantee a position the following year.
BAND ROOM ETIQUETTE
Band students will be assigned a "cubby" by section in the band room. These are for
INSTRUMENT STORAGE ONLY. No food is to be stored in the cubby. Section leaders will
assign cubbies and in some cases students may need to share. Students will sign a cubby
contract. If cubby contract rules are not followed, privileges may be revoked.There is no eating
or drinking allowed in the band room (with the exception of water), however, many students
spend time in the band room (after eating) either practicing or socializing. Restrooms are
available and must not be abused. Practice rooms are to be used by permission only. Students
should not touch any other instrument other than their own. Students are responsible for any
personal items left in the band room. Do not leave valuables in the band room. BAND &
PAGEANTRY BOOSTERSThe Band and Pageantry Booster Club is made up of parents and
community members interested in supporting the QHHS band and pageantry. This organization
holds regular meetings usually on the first Tuesday of each month in the band room.The
Boosters provide many opportunities for parents to be involved in band activities, including
helping prepare for field show tournaments and parades, manning the concession stand at
football games, helping host the SCSBOA Solo & Ensemble Festival, and the Pageantry
Competition. Boosters have worked to build uniform boxes, props and stands, helped repair
instruments, and assisted with band camp. The Boosters also organize the annual band awards
banquet.Band Boosters raise money to provide uniforms, extra instruction, music and
scholarships to help the band throughout the year. Fundraisers have included activities
connected with the A.V. Fair, the concession stands at football games, and Cosmic Bowling.
Boosters have also sold cheesecakes and See’s Candy. All parents and students are encouraged
to come to Booster meetings and participate in fundraising activities or show support in other
areas.
CHAPERONS
Parents who wish to chaperon on any trips or who will working with the students in any capacity
must complete a parent volunteer packet, must be fingerprinted (Livescan) at the AVUHSD
Office (provided free of charge), must have an intradermal Mantoux TB Test (not a chest xray, and current First Aid/CPR certification. Chaperons pay the student rate for extended trips.
BAND CLASSES*MARCHING BAND/PE DRILLAll students should be enrolled in marching
band or PE drill.Rehearsals will be Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00 – 5:30 PM
WIND ENSEMBLE (2nd Semester BY AUDITION ONLY)The most advanced concert class by audition only (if offered)SYMPHONIC BAND (BY AUDITION ONLY)Advanced band
class - for sophomores, juniors and seniors.CONCERT BANDPrimarily freshmen and students
learning second instrument.IB MUSICOpen to IB and non-IB students. Includes advanced
musical concepts including music theory, history, world music, composition.JAZZ ENSEMBLE
(BY AUDITION ONLY)By audition or permission of instructor. Students study all styles of jazz
and perform in concerts and festivals. Enrollment in Marching Band and Symphonic or Concert
Band is a requirement (except for piano, bass or guitar).
PAGEANTRY/SHOW CORPS (BY AUDITION ONLY)Auditions are held in May. Members
are an important part of the band and participate in the field show during the fall, also have
separate competitions during the spring.
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE (if offered)
All students will learn all aspects of percussion including bells, toys and Latin percussion.
Music reading is required. Students are a part of the marching band.
GRADING SYSTEMAll performances are mandatory. Students start with an "A". Each
performance missed lowers it by one letter grade (unless excused in advance by
director/advisors). ALL PRACTICES ARE MANDATORY; a parent's note should be given to
the director/advisor if any practice will be missed. Excessive absences from practice or nonparticipation will also lower the grade. An unexcused absence from practice or performance
may result in removal from band. Conflicts with school sports or other school activities should
be worked out at the beginning of the season so student’s grade is not lowered. Grading in
Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Show Corps is also based on musical achievement (scale
tests, music, dance or prop use and knowledge, participation, improvement in class etc.) Make
up work is expected if the student is to get credit for an excused absence. Birthday parties do not
qualify for excused absence.
GRADE/DISCIPLINE REQUIREMENTSDistrict policy mandates that all students must carry a
2.0 GPA at quarter and semester grading periods to participate in co-curricular and extracurricular activities. This includes Band & Pageantry. Students with any discipline record may
also be ineligible for participation and may be removed from band. Students who become
ineligible prior to the spring trip will not receive a refund. Students who become ineligible will
remain ineligible until the end of the quarter. Progress reports and edline grades do not count
toward eligibility. Students who do not meet eligibility requirements at the time of audition may
not participate in honor bands.
LETTERING IN BAND & PAGEANTRYBand/Pageantry letters may be earned by students
who have two years participation and earned a Superior or Excellent rating at a Solo and
Ensemble Festival for band, a field show solo for pageantry, or three years participation in
Band/Pageantry.EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIESPep Band available to advanced
band students. The pep band plays at pep assemblies, football games, basketball games,
fundraising activities and other events. Director selects students.
Antelope Valley College offers an extensive music and dance program. Students are encouraged
to participate. Information is available through the director or advisors.
Private Lessons can supplement the instruction available in school. Students are encouraged to
take private lessons. Ask director or advisor for information. All State/All Southern Honor
Bands are composed of the most outstanding musicians in Southern California and all of the
state. Applications must be mailed in November and are available from the director. Students
must send in a recorded audition for All State. For All Southern, they must do a live audition.
Antelope Valley District Honor Band includes some of the finest high school players in the
Antelope Valley. Auditions are held in December for a January performance. This band is
under the direction of a guest conductor for several rehearsals and performance. Students
rehearse for two days then perform a concert.Tournament of Roses Honor Band is also an
excellent opportunity for band and pageantry students to perform. Tryouts are held in Pasadena
in October. Participants must attend practice every Sunday in November and December and
daily during Winter Break. FESTIVALSIn the spring, Concert and Symphonic Bands participate
in several Band and Orchestra Festivals. These require mandatory participation. Several Solo &
Ensemble Festivals are held in Southern California. Students are judged against a standard
rating scale. Students may attend these with their own transportation. Dates will be available
from the director. QHHS hosts a Solo & Ensemble Festival in the spring. Students who earn a
'Superior' rating are eligible to attend the regional Solo & Ensemble Festival in May.FIELD
TRIPSSeveral field trips are offered throughout the year, some during school hours and some on
weekends. There is usually a band trip in the Spring where band and pageantry compete at a
music festival. Past trips have been to Washington D.C., West Virginia, Vancouver, New York
City, Las Vegas, Orlando, San Diego and San Francisco. This trip will be planned out well in
advance and a payment schedule will be available. Please check with Mr. McQuilkin if you are
interested in being a chaperon on the Spring trip. The cost is the same as the students and all of
the paperwork mentioned above (under chaperon) is required.
WAIVER/STUDENT PICK-UPStudents are required to ride the bus both ways unless
administrative approval (a waiver) has been obtained at least two days prior to the event.
Students are encouraged to ride the bus as this promotes camaraderie with their
teammates.Following field trips, football games, and practices, parents should pick up their
student either in the band room or in the parking lot on L-4 (by the band room). Parents should
pick up their students promptly, so that directors/advisors may also leave in a timely manner.It is
often difficult to predict return times for field trips. The band director leaves a message
whenever possible on ex. 621 with any time changes on our return.
SCHOOL INSTRUMENTSSchool instruments are expected to be returned in the same condition
as when they were checked out. Students are responsible for repairs.UNIFORMSEach band
member is provided with a performance uniform. It is the responsibility of the student to
maintain the uniform in excellent repair. Before each performance, section leaders are
responsible for ensuring that their section is in full uniform. Uniforms should be checked for fit
when issued. Alterations in the pant or sleeve length may be made, but DO NOT CUT THE
MATERIAL. Always follow proper cleaning instructions provided with the uniforms. Students
will be charged for lost or damaged uniforms. Standard band uniforms include a coat, pants, hat,
plume, two braids, white gloves, black marching shoes and black socks. Some sections may
have variations from the standard uniforms. Standard pageantry uniform is a black leotard and
black palazzo pant. Uniforms are to be appropriately cleaned and turned in before the end of the
school year (with dry cleaning tags attached). Concert dresses or tuxedos should be ordered by
November 1. Concert Band male students must wear white shirt and tie, black pants, black dress
shoes and black socks (or tux). Female students must wear the concert dress. Sneakers or casual
footwear are not appropriate.
COSTS AND FEES A fee of $300 is payable at the beginning of band camp. Parents working a
total of twelve hours: trolley, snack bar, or QHHS Field Show get a $100 reduction. Family
discounts are available – siblings pay $150.00. The fee covers many costs for the entire year
including T-shirt, truck rental, and meals at field tournamentsMarching shoes: $30.00; white
gloves: $2.50; garment bag: $15.00. Some sections may not need to purchase all of the items
listed. Order these items through the director at the beginning of the school year.Students are
also expected to pay for personal items such as reeds, valve oil, drum sticks, mallets, flag pole
and practice rifle.Concert attire: dress: $95.00 or tuxedo: $110.00.
BAND CAMPBand camp is held at QHHS
Monday - Friday August 1rd - 5th from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Students will learn marching techniques and have sectionals with professional
instruction.Students will learn music for field shows, football games and A.V. Fair
Parade.Students must bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and tennis shoes.
SECTIONALSAt the discretion of the section leader each section may hold required practices
outside of the regular practice time.
PARADE/FIELD SHOW SEASONThe fall semester is geared to field show, parade, and holiday
music. The band and pageantry compete in several field tournaments and parades each year.
Buses take the students to these events. These are usually all day events. Boosters and families
are encouraged to attend. Students will be given an itinerary for each trip a few days prior, so
parents are aware of drop off and pick up times. Maps are usually available for parents driving
to events.FOOTBALL GAMESThe entire band and pageantry performs at all home football
games. Students meet in the band room at the assigned time and march to the field to play the
“Star Spangled Banner”. The band sits together in a designated area in the stands. A field show
is presented during half time. Students may be allowed to go to the concession stand for a bottle
of water during the third quarter. Pep band entertains the audience and provides music for the
cheerleaders during much of the third quarter. All students must be back in their seats by the
start of the fourth quarter. Students are required to stay the entire game unless prior permission
has been granted. At the end of the game, the band plays the Alma Mater and then marches
back to the band room. Parents are encouraged to pick up their students in the band room after
they have been dismissed.
CONCERTSThere are several concerts throughout the year to which family and friends are
encouraged to attend. Concerts are mandatory performances. The audience is reminded that
concerts are not the same as athletic events and appropriate behavior should be followed.
Cheering and yelling the name of your favorite student is not appropriate. Cell phones should be
turned off during concert.
PDA (PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION)
When students are at school, they should be focused on school. Kissing or other PDAs are not
allowed in the band room or during band functions. Holding hands is the only acceptable form
of affection.
ZERO TOLERANCE
Use or possession of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco is strictly prohibited. Any student under the
influence of drugs or alcohol or in possession will be removed from band and subject to school
disciplinary action.
DISCIPLINE
Students with any discipline record (suspensions, etc.) may be ineligible to travel with the band
or hold any leadership positions.
REHEARSAL RULES
 There are to be no tardies, either at the start of rehearsal or after a break. The band will
be lined up and ready to march out to the field at 3:05 every practice day. That allows 12
minutes to get ready after the bell rings.
 Everyone wears marching shoes to rehearsal.
 Every section/squad leader will have their drill charts at every rehearsal.
 No gum, food, or drink on the band field. Water is encouraged.
 No sodas allowed at rehearsals, even during breaks. Only water, Gatorade, or Powerade.
 No cell phones, Ipod’s, or electronic devices will be allowed at any rehearsal. If it is an
absolute emergency to have your phone on, please inform a member of the staff.
 No hugging, kissing, or any type of affection will be allowed. This will be grounds for
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removal from practice and possibly the band.
At performances, students will not wear jeans underneath their uniforms. Warm-up or
cloth shorts will be allowed. However, denim or cargo shorts are not allowed.
On bus trips, students will not be allowed on the bus if they are not wearing either their
band shirt or travel uniform (warm-ups for drumline and pageantry).
If you are going to miss a practice or performance, you must have a note signed by your
parents stating the reason.
TENTATIVE FALL SCHEDULE
August
1--5 Band Camp @ QHHS 8 AM - 4 PM
8 School Starts (bring instrument)
20 AV Fair Parade 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM
September
8 Back to School Night
9 Home Football
24 Exhibition Field Show @ Littlerock H. S.
October
14 Home Football
18 Rosamond Field Tournament
21 Home Football (Homecoming)
22 Possible Band Review
November
1 (Tuesday) Quartz Hill Field Tournament
4 Home Football
5 AV Veteran’s Day Parade & Hart Field Tournament
10 Home Football
12 Otay Ranch Band Review or
15 Palmdale Field Tournament
21-25 Thanksgiving Break
28 All State Honor Band Audition CD's due
December
3 Antelope Valley Band Review & Field Tournament
10 Palmdale Band Review or Camarillo Christmas Parade
9, 10, 11 All Southern Honor Band Auditions
12 or 13? Holiday Concert
16 Winter Break
December 17 – January 6 Winter Break