845 S. Crismon Rd. Mesa, AZ 85208 (480) 472-9643 Jennifer McQuade, Director jmmcquade@mpsaz.org
Skyline Marching Band Handbook
2015 – 2016
www.mpsaz.org/skyline/staff/jmmcquade
www.shscoyoteband.org
This website will have all your band needs: descriptions of activities and classes, online forms,
contact information, band pictures, and most importantly, the ONLINE CALENDAR.
A paper calendar will be given to students the first day of school in August, but please be aware that
some times are To Be Announced. These will be updated once the information is available on the
Band Online Calendar. Please check the Online Calendar often, as it will be the quickest method to
stay updated on Band events.
Also, please sign and return the agreement form of this handbook. It acknowledges that you and
your student agree with all of the policies in this handbook and have read it thoroughly.
Welcome to the Skyline Band Program!
Contents
Fees …………………………………………………………………………… 2
Fundraising…… …………………………………………………………… 2
Tuesday Night Rehearsals …………………………………………… 2-3
Homework/Academics ………………………………………………. 3
Food Costs …………………………………………………………………. 3
Band Camp ……….………………………………………..……………… 4
Call Time ……………..……………………………………..……………… 3-4
Marching Rehearsals ……………………………………………….… 4
Instrument Checkout …………………………………………………. 4
Tardy Policies ………………………………………………..…………… 5
Absences ……………………..……………….………………..……………5
School Activity Conflicts ……………………….………………………5-6
Community Performances…………………………………………… 6
Skyline Band Boosters…………………..……………..……………… 7
Band Lockers….. …………………….…………………………………… 8
Marching Uniforms ……………………….………….………………… 8
Conduct at Marching Events ………………………………………..9-10
Grading Policies……………………………………………………………10-11
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Communications…………………………………………………………..11
FEES
The statewide marching band fees have grown each year with some schools reaching fees of over
$1,000.00 per student. We are fortunate enough to be able to offer a high quality program with one
of the lowest marching band fees in the state. The total fee for Skyline Marching Band members is
$300. $100 of this money is paid for by a sponsor for each student (see sponsor section of
handbook). $100 of the total fee can be paid using ECA tax credit. This money can be credited back
to you through your tax refund the following year. All fees must be paid to the Skyline Bookstore by
the first day of school for a student to be able to be a part of the Skyline Marching Band. While we
understand the economic hardships that some families may experience, we do not want that to
prevent a student from being a part of our program.
Because of this we offer fundraising opportunities throughout the summer for students to raise
money for their band fees. This includes car washes, candy sales, and more. If you are in need,
please contact Ms. McQuade as soon as possible. We will communicate summer fundraisers through
the band email.
Band fees include:
Band staff (colorguard, drumline, visual techs)
Marching band show music/drill costs
Band shirt/shorts for each student
A new pair of marching band shoes every 2 years
Registration costs and travel costs for competitions/festivals
Maintenance costs for uniform/instrument upkeep
Electricity costs for Tuesday evening rehearsals on the football field
Props and other equipment used for the show
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FUNDRAISING
As you can see from the above costs for marching band the $300 band fee does not quite cover
everything, especially when it comes to purchasing new equipment. Because of this we ask students
to participate in at least 2 fundraisers a season to help with those costs. This is to prevent us from
having to raise our band fees and putting more financial stress on families.
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TUESDAY NIGHT REHEARSALS/SECTIONALS/EXTRA REHEARSALS
Putting together a marching show is such a huge production that takes many hours of hard work and
dedication. This is why marching band students are some of the hardest working, dedicated, and
responsible students on campus. Because it would not be possible to remain competitive in today’s
marching band competitions with 4 hours of rehearsal a week, extra rehearsals are a necessity. As an
extension of our marching band class students are both graded and required to attend rehearsals
outside of school hours.
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Every Tuesday evening we hold rehearsal from 6:00-9:00 PM. This is often where most of our work
on our show gets done. Tuesday evening’s work best for our band students as there is no rehearsal
on Wednesday mornings (late start). Dinner is served before Tuesday night rehearsals by our band
boosters, and tutoring/home work time is also built into the Tuesday night schedule for students
wishing to stay on campus after school. Parents-please note that rehearsal will end at 9pm, meaning
that it may take anywhere from 15-20 minutes for students to return to the band room and pack up
after rehearsal. Students are also required to attend a 1-hour sectional each week. These sectionals
are scheduled by section leaders after discussing a preferred time with their section members.
As we near closer to competitions there may be some Saturday rehearsals scheduled. These will be
noted on the band calendar, and students and parents will also be notified through the band email
well ahead of time. Color Guard and Percussion students should expect to have more sectionals than
wind players as those sections take a greater amount of time to prepare.
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HOMEWORK/ACADEMICS
While Marching Band is a big commitment, students are given plenty of time to do homework and
keep up with their academics outside of rehearsals. This may take a lot of attention to time
management. Please plan your homework time around rehearsals so that you do not fall behind in
your classes. The band room has designated “quiet hours” between 3-6PM on Tuesdays before night
rehearsals for this specific purpose. Students may also use practice rooms to do homework by
checking one out through Ms. McQuade. Should a student need extra help in a specific subject our
teachers are more than willing to provide help after school. We also have several Band Booster
parents who have offered their time to tutor students on Tuesdays after school. While we offer this
time to you for homework, please use it wisely. Missing a rehearsal to do homework for another
class is not permitted and will be counted as an unexcused absence.
Grade checks are conducted throughout the season. If a student is seen to be falling behind in their
academic classes, they will receive an “academic probation” slip, and will have a meeting with the
band director and possibly counselors to find a way to bring their grades up. If a student continues to
fall behind after receiving a probation slip, they may be pulled from certain performances, or asked to
leave the band. Your academic classes are the MOST IMPORTANT priority!
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FOOD COSTS
Because of the commitments to our night rehearsal, football team, and competitions, marching band
students may choose to stay on campus after school until rehearsal or football games. Students also
may be at a competition for a full day and will need lunch provided. Because of this our Band
Boosters offer home cooked meals all season long to our marching band members for a small fee of
$50. Parents who choose not to purchase a $50 meal ticket will need to be sure to provide meals for
their student on those days should they decide to stay on campus as well as meals or money to
purchase meals at competitions.
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BAND CAMP
Band Camp will take place at Skyline July 27th-August 1st, and Saturday August 8th. Camp takes place
from 8am-9pm each day, with a two hour lunch break, and one hour dinner break. Band Camp is
required. Students who do not attend band camp cannot be a part of the Skyline Marching Band.
Please see Ms. McQuade if you have any questions.
CALL TIME
It is extremely important that all members of the ensemble have a clear understanding of “Call Time.”
Members will be given a Call Time for every event the band participates in. This is the time when
members must have all instruments and equipment ready at the designated area for Attendance. It is
recommended that members arrive early so that any unplanned problems can be taken care of prior
to Call Time (i.e. – forgetting shoes, etc.). There will also be Call Times for Band concerts, festivals, and
just about everything the Band participates in. Students will be notified well ahead of time when call
times are for each event, and email notifications will be sent out as well.
MARCHING REHEARSALS
Regular morning rehearsals begin on the first day of school. Please
plan on arriving each day by 6:15 am so that you are in the
attendance block by 6:30 am when we start rehearsal. Rehearsal
starts at 6:30. Rehearsal will end at 7:40am. This will give students
20 minutes to freshen up prior to the start of 1 st hour. There is no
marching band rehearsal on late start days (Wednesdays).
INSTRUMENT CHECKOUT
Skyline has some instruments that can be loaned out for the
school year. There is no cost for these instruments unless the
student damages the instrument. Skyline only has larger
instruments and a few smaller instruments. We do not own
any alto saxophones so those students need to provide their
own instruments. School-owned instruments will be loaned
on a first come – first serve basis. Please contact Ms.
McQuade at jmmcquade@mpsaz.org to set up a time to
come in over the summer to get your instrument. If the
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school is unable to provide you with an instrument and you cannot provide your own, please speak
with Ms. McQuade.
TARDY POLICY
Tardies in a regular class period (Periods 1-6) will be handled according to
the school-wide tardy policy. Because (A-Hour) Marching Band is set up a
little differently than a typical class period, tardies will be dealt with in the
following manner:
If you are late to any marching band rehearsal, you must check in with the drum majors. Our Drum
Majors will be taking attendance. If you don’t check in, it is very likely your attendance will be reported
as an absence.
Tardies to marching band rehearsals will be handled in the following manner each quarter:
FIRST TARDY: Run 2 laps around the field.
SECOND TARDY: Same as first tardy plus a loss of ½ rehearsal participation points for the day.
THIRD TARDY: Run 2 laps around the field; loss of participation points for the rehearsal, detention, and
parent will be contacted. Student will not be eligible to perform until attendance obligations improve
and could be asked to leave the ensemble.
ABSENCES
Band is an activity that requires commitment and planning.
We plan rehearsals to minimize the time requirement and
maximize the productivity of the band. When any person is
absent from a rehearsal it affects the group in many ways. In
Marching Band, when a student is gone from rehearsal, it
creates “holes” in the marching drill, and it is much more
difficult for the others to march. Then, when the student
returns to the next rehearsal, it creates tension and confusion
on the field when we need to slow down rehearsal to re-teach the parts that students have missed due to
absences. Absences can often be avoided by considering the following:
1. Schedule doctor and dentist appointments at a time that doesn’t conflict with rehearsals.
2. Sit down with all schedules at the beginning of the year, including sports, family, school, and the band
calendar. Work out conflicts at the beginning of the year!
3. Discuss ALL conflicts with all parties involved as soon as they are noticed. Many students are nervous to discuss
conflicts because they feel they are letting people down. You let people down only when you don’t plan ahead
and don’t handle the conflicts early.
4. Consider all commitments as IMPORTANT. In life, it is great to be involved in many things, but pay attention
to time management. Marching Band is a great way to get familiar with this life-long skill.
5. Family is your most important commitment. Most of the time it is also your most flexible - especially with
advance notice. Schedule your family activities with your commitments in mind.
6. After 3 unexcused absences or 2 unexcused performance absences a student may be dismissed from the
marching band.
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*Please notify Ms. McQuade of all absences by having a parent call the band office or send an email.
(480) 472-9643, jmmcquade@mpsaz.org. Email communication is preferred. Unexcused absences cannot be
made up and students will miss points on their grade.
*It is also important to note that if a student is absent from A hour, and then attends 1st-6th hour, it will be
counted as an unexcused absence and the student WILL serve a detention. If students skip A hour to make
up work in other classes without prior permission from the band director first, it will also be counted as an
unexcused absence.
SCHOOL ACTIVITY CONFLICTS
If you’re like most students at Skyline, you probably are very involved. We encourage students to be a part of
other programs and sports on campus and are very willing to compromise and work with students so that they
can be a part of our Band Program. We have had marching band students who were also a part of Wrestling,
NJHS, Cross Country, Swim, and more. Here’s what you should do if something comes up that looks like it will
conflict with a band activity.
1. Students involved in other Skyline activities who find they have a time conflict with rehearsals or
performances must notify the band director in writing at least two weeks prior to the conflict. You will have
your entire paper band calendar given to you at the beginning of the school year and the online calendar updated
daily. LOOK AT IT and compare it to your other schedules!
2. Students are always to attend the more important activity (see the chart on this page for help).
3. A student who is absent from a band activity due to a Skyline activities conflict but who has NOT discussed
the conflict in advance with the band director will be counted unexcused and will receive no credit towards the
grade for the rehearsal or performance. If you have been excused, it will not count against your grade.
HANDY CONFLICT AVOIDANCE CHART
WHEN THESE ACTIVITIES OVERLAP:
STUDENT SHOULD ATTEND:
Music Practice/Sports Game
Sports Game
Music Performance/Sports Practice
Music Performance
Music Practice/Sports Practice
Split overlapping time evenly with both groups
Music Performance/Sports Game
Schedule appointment with band director.
Club Activity/Music Rehearsal or Performance
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COMMUNITY PERFORMANCES
Speak with Mr. DuPlessis for a solution
The Skyline Marching Band prides itself on being a visible representation of Mesa Public Schools
throughout the community. Community performances will be noted on the band calendar and
students and parents will be notified of each performance well ahead of time. Students are expected
to participate in as many community performances as possible. Past community performances
included performances at: The AZ Diamondbacks game, the Mesa Community College Homecoming
football game, the East Valley Veteran’s Parade, Christmas Caroling throughout the community, the
City of Phoenix Electric Light Parade, the Tempe Festival of Lights Parade, and more.
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SKYLINE BAND BOOSTERS
The fact that your son or daughter has joined the Skyline Band makes you a Skyline Band Booster!
The goal of the Skyline Band Boosters is do everything possible to help make our band better by
supporting and assisting it so that it is the best it can be. The Band Boosters
provide an endless amount of help throughout the year. Meetings are open to
ALL parents and occur once a month in the band room, generally on the first
Monday of each month at 6:30 pm.
The most IMPORTANT thing a Band Booster can do is be there to watch us
perform. The Marching Band loves nothing more than seeing a HUGE section
of Band parent t-shirts up in the stands cheering and screaming for them. See
the order form on the band website to purchase your own Band Booster shirt.
We have jobs that last five minutes, five hours, five days, you name it. We appreciate all helpers and
volunteers, no matter what your time commitment. Examples of some of the specific things the
Skyline Band Boosters do are:
During Band Camp, the Boosters provide water and to keep band members
hydrated. They also set up tent canopies so that members can stay cool during
breaks. They also help set up lunch during the Camp days. Throughout the year,
we need parents who can sew, fix, construct, maintain, build, cook, fundraise, etc.
If you have a special talent, we most likely will need to use it!
At games and festivals, the parents are involved in many ways, including providing
water, helping with uniform check-out and check-in, equipment loading and
transport, chaperoning, and numerous other things.
All outstanding bands have outstanding booster groups supporting them. You will
see evidence of this at band festivals when you see parents scurrying around just
like you! The band simply cannot survive without the boosters. Don’t think it is all
work and no play, however, because many of our band boosters have developed
friendships that have continued even past graduation! Similar to the students, the parents bond and
become a team.
If you would like more details about involvement or have any questions please contact our Volunteer
Coordinator-Collette Carpenter at collettecarpenter@gmail.com or our Booster President Rebecca
Carroll at becca.lynn.carroll@gmail.com. Thank you so much for your help!
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BAND LOCKERS
Please observe the following rules regarding your Band locker. Failure to do so may
result in loss of your locker.
** Marching Shoes can only be stored in their shoe boxes in the uniform room.
Marching shoes are not allowed in your locker.**
1. DO NOT STORE ANY TYPE OF FOOD OR BEVERAGE IN YOUR LOCKER. This
includes uneaten and half-eaten food. Do not leave any cans, bottles, or wrappers
in your locker.
2. INSTRUMENTS MUST BE KEPT INSIDE LOCKERS. On a regular basis, the band director will be checking
to make sure instruments have been put away. Make sure instruments are put away inside the case.
Instruments are easily damaged when left out inside a locker.
3. It is recommended that you not keep anything but band-related items in your band locker.
However, we understand that this is not always convenient. Please realize that we cannot be held
responsible for anything that goes missing from your band locker.
4. You must use the locker that has been assigned to you by the band director. YOU MUST KEEP YOUR
LOCKER LOCKED WHEN YOU ARE AWAY FROM IT. Things have been stolen before. The band director
and the school cannot be held responsible for things that disappear from your locker, whether it’s
locked or not.
5. DO NOT LEAVE TRASH ON THE FLOOR OR IN THE LOCKER. This includes paper, reeds, and any other
trash that you can think of. There are trash cans located next to each major entrance to the band room.
6. THE BAND DIRECTOR WILL CONDUCT LOCKER CHECKS. If something is found that breaks the above
rules when your locker is checked, you will immediately lose locker privileges for the year.
MARCHING UNIFORMS
Your 2015-16 Marching Band uniform consists of pants, jacket, shako (hat),
black gloves, capes (Drum Majors only), black socks, black marching shoes,
and your band shirt and shorts. The pants, jackets, hat, and capes are
provided by the school. You receive two pairs of gloves, 2 pairs of black
socks, 1 band shirt, and 1 pair of shorts with your Marching Band Fee. New
marching shoes are only ordered as part of your marching band fee once
every 2 years as they are made to last at least 2 marching seasons. (Note the
Fee Amount will not change if you are not receiving new shoes). Your
official band shorts and shirt are to be worn under your uniform at all times.
If you need more gloves or socks, they are available in the Uniform Room for
$2 a pair. Please see a Uniform parent for these items.
If any part of the Marching uniform is lost or damaged, it must be paid for immediately. You are
responsible for all parts of the uniform from the minute it is checked out to you, until you turn it in (i.e.
– don’t sit in gum… you’ll pay to get it cleaned!)
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Replacement Costs for Lost or Damaged Uniform Parts:
- Drum Major Cape - $300 - Hanger - $2
- Pants - $150
- Shako hat - $50
- Coat - $350
- Hat box - $2
- Uniform Bag - $10
- Snap Collar - $3
A Uniform parent will wash snap collars after each performance. Place your snap collar in the wash
basket when returning your uniform to the uniform room after each performance. All parts of the
uniform with the exception of your band shirt/shorts is stored in the uniform room at school unless
being worn for a performance. The uniform should never be taken home.
It is an honor and a privilege to wear the Skyline Marching Band Uniform. Wear it with pride! To ensure
that the uniform remains an item of respect, the following guidelines have been established:
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Do not allow people to see you in an incomplete uniform. This looks sloppy, and gives others a
bad impression of the band. Once at a game or festival, the Director will tell you when it is
appropriate to take your hat off or alter your uniform in any way. While on the bus, you may
remove your coat or hat to stay cool, but you must be fully dressed when you exit the bus.
Do not run around or engage in horseplay while in uniform. The uniform can tear if mistreated
(remember, do you want to pay $300 to replace a coat?)
Do not eat, drink, or chew gum in uniform. Water is ok.
Jewelry (including watches) should not be worn in uniform. This is for uniformity as well as
safety. This includes all earrings and facial piercings.
Facial make-up should not be worn while in uniform. Face paint is also unacceptable. Sweat
sometimes causes make-up to run and stain the uniform.
When wearing the hat, long hair must be worn inside the hat. Band parents will be present at
least a half hour before call time to help. Guys must also have their hair tied up and put in their
hats (at the director’s discretion).
Absolutely NO PDA while in uniform!
CONDUCT AT MARCHING EVENTS
We are an organization that represents our school and the
City of Mesa and thus always act with dignity and class. This
includes all marching band and concert ensemble events.
Please be aware of these simple rules. If students do not
follow these rules, their grade will be affected. In severe
cases, you may even be asked to leave the game.
Everyone plays every song. We provide music for the
games. You play an instrument and are part of the Band.
Don’t take a break when everyone else is making music.
Have fun and play!
Only Band Students will sit in the Band Seating Area. Your friends and family will have to sit in another
place if they are not in the band. It doesn’t look professional when people who are not in uniform sit
within the band. Band students also do not sit anywhere besides the Band Seating Area. All band
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students are assigned to be seated within their section in the stands and must stay there throughout
the entire game.
No one is to leave the stands during the games unless excused by a Staff member. You may go to the
restroom during the event, but you must be excused by a Staff member. You must be accompanied by
at least one other student of the same gender or a Band Booster parent when using the restroom at
away games.
Uniforms are to be worn for the entire event. As mentioned in the Uniform Care section, members
must always have all parts of the uniform on all the time. You may remove your hats and jackets when
asked to do so. Our goal is to make the band always look good!
All music for marching band should be kept in a flip folder. Students are responsible for purchasing
and keeping their own flip folder. You are expected to be responsible for keeping all music in your flip
folder and knowing where it is at all times.
No eating or drinking (other than water). Water is provided in the stands. If someone you know offers
you some food, politely decline.
Watch your actions and language. Everything you do is noticed when you are wearing a band uniform.
When in uniform, you represent the Band and Skyline High School. “Create a Legacy of Excellence!”
We only cheer positively for our team with the highest display of sportsmanship.
Obscene language or gestures are inappropriate because you are immediately identified as a band
member. Public display of affection (PDA) is also NEVER appropriate. Infractions of this kind are
subject to discipline at the discretion of the band director and enforced by school policy. No matter
what, we are an organization of CLASS and members must always act with class. Please help us
maintain this proud tradition.
All other bands deserve the same respect that you do. We always stand for other bands’
performances. When at a festival, we always give standing ovations or applause at the close of a
performance. Different bands are at different ability levels than us, meaning we will see bands that
struggle more than we do, or bands that do things we never thought possible. Always remember,
regardless of the ability level, they are performing in a worthwhile activity and have worked just as
hard as you have. Cheer them on!
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GRADING POLICY
Your grade in Marching Band will be based on an earned accumulated
number of points. The instructor does not give points, students earn
them! You will earn points in the following categories:
1) Daily Participation during class rehearsals. (20%)
2) Participation at required performances. (50%)
3) Your performance on the required technical, memorization, and
literature playing tests. (10%)
4) Participation at Tuesday night rehearsals and weekly sectionals. (20%)
Your points will be totaled at the end of each quarter, and grades will be assigned using a standard
grading scale:
A = 90 - 100%
B = 80 - 89%
C = 70 - 79%
D = 60 - 69%
F = 59% and below
Make-up work may be available for missing points, however no make-up work will be allowed for
unexcused absences. Please see the band director to schedule make-up assignments.
WEEKLY COMMUNICATIONS
The Skyline Band is happy to announce the creation of the Coyote Band website at
www.shscoyoteband.org! You will be able to check in on upcoming band events, fundraisers, and
school events as well as see band photos and contact information for our band staff and booster
officers!
In addition to our website we also send out a weekly email to all marching band members that
includes the schedule of events for that week as well as upcoming event listings and important
information. Please be sure to provide us with your accurate email addresses, and be sure to check
your email each week to stay up to date on events! Emails are generally sent out Sunday afternoon
or evening.
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2015/2016 Skyline Marching Band Agreement Form
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I have read and fully understand the rules of the Marching Band Handbook. By signing this document I am
acknowledging that I am making a commitment to be a member of the Skyline Marching Band, and will
therefore abide by all rules noted in this handbook. I also understand that in order to continue as a member of
the Skyline Marching Band I must be passing all of my classes for the entirety of the marching band season.
Student Name: _______________________________
Student Signature: ________________________________
Parent Signature: __________________________________
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