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Ridley Raider Band Handbook
The purpose of this handbook is to inform, to educate, and to set the guidelines for your membership as a student in this organization. It is your responsibility to read, understand and abide by the rules of the organization. If a student fails to adhere to the rules, he or she may be pulled from a competition or suspended from other performances depending on the severity of the rule which was broken. The Ridley Raider Band is a proud organization that upholds a tradition of excellence. Our goal is to maintain a high standard of performance excellence through a consistent work ethic and dedication The Ridley Raider Band accepts anyone who has a positive, cooperative attitude. We want people who want to learn and will strive for excellence!
Staff
The staff at the high school is comprised of individuals who have a great deal of experience in various areas of the marching band idiom. The staff is composed of a director and assistants who create, write, design, organize and teach the show. Each staff instructor will oversee his/her own caption as well as make suggestions to students in other sections of the band. The students will respect the decisions made by any of the staff members at any time. If the director is not present, a staff person will be instructed to run rehearsal. Cooperation of all members is expected.
Auxiliary Staff
The auxiliary staff consists of individuals who assist the director and staff on a part-time basis. These individuals may high school graduates, college students, experienced instructors, judges, or skilled professionals in spcific areas which will be used to help with special teaching details. These instructors will not be expected to run large group rehearsals, but will work under the supervision of the director and staff members. In addition, the students will be introduced to the auxiliary staff members at the beginning of a rehearsal and will be informed of their expertise and function to the rehearsal. Please be courteous, and respect them for their time commitment to you the "performer." These specific individuals have been brought "on board" to make you a better band.
RAMP
Ridley Association of Music Parents is a voluntary organization that assists the director with the numerous details that arise throughout the school year. These parents offer their time to:
- - chaperone
- - sew flags and uniforms that were designed by the staff
- - organize fund raisers
- - build props
- - assist set-up at competitions
- - publicize performances
- - organize necessary paperwork - (band camp forms)
- - medically treat injuries - (certified medical personnel)
- - relay current messages that concern events
- - cheer loudly at performances, etc.
Students
That's you folks! You are a very important part of this organization.
It is your responsibility to read, understand, and abide by the guidelines
of this book, which is designed to ensure great communication of this organization!
The following is a list of those expectations:
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS
- - When you are unable to attend practice, notify the band director and give reason for abscence.
- - Weddings, funerals, vacations, and religious events are excusable.
- - Three (3) unexcused absences will result in a personal meeting with the band director.
- - Four (4) unexcused absences may result in a meeting with your parent(s).
- - If four (4) unexcused absences accumulate, the student will drop one letter grade. Each consecutive absence will result in dropping one more letter grade. (4 absences-B, 5 absences-C, 6 absences-D, 7 absences-F).
- - If a student is not rostered for band, absences from nightly practices may result in disqualification of participation in competitions.
- - Be on time for practices and performances.
- - Attendance at all football games, competitions, and parades is mandatory.
- - A student missing the last practice before any competition may be pulled from the performance.
- - Disrespectful incidents will result in a meeting with the band director and parent(s) if necessary--extreme issues will be handled by the school disciplinarian.
- - All forms and monies need to be submitted before you are able to attend any functions.
- - Equipment handling is your responsibility - not the responsibility of staff or parents.
- - Uniforms are your responsibility - each uniform costs in excess of $300, and is your responsibility to keep it in good condition. The cleaning of the uniform is our expense - negligence is your expense.
- - School instruments and equipment need to be handled with care - necessary repairs are our expense - negligence is your expense - this rule also extends to percussion and guard.
- - Normal school rules apply when wearing a uniform. My classroom extends to the auditorium, band room, parking lot, buses, bleachers, and every field where we perform - this means language and conduct will be exemplary in all places.
- - When wearing a uniform you represent the school, the community, the band, your director and yourself. This is a privilege which is not difficult for me to take away.
- - Respect and cooperation with the staff, parents, and peers is a rule at all times.
- Common sense and manners will keep you in good standing.
PRACTICE
Practice will be held from 6:30 - 9:00 two times a week. Other ensemble rehearsals may be held in addition to the two rehearsals (i.e., drumline, guard, hornline sectionals - at the direction of a staff member and band director).
PRACTICE RULES
- Be on time.
- Ask appropriate questions at appropriate times by raising a hand.
- Correct your own mistakes, not the person's next to you.
- Take breaks during the time the director or staff member allows.
- If an emergency arises, immediately notify the director or nearest staff person.
- All aspects of the rehearsal are important - warm ups, excercises, marching, music, spinning, or whatever pertains to your responsibility must be attended.
- No gum chewing!
- Appropriate footwear must be worn. Sneakers or shoes with a soft rubber soul are acceptable - no sandals, flip-flops, clogs, boots, cleats, or high-heeled shoes.
- If hats or other accessory garments are affecting the ability of one to perform, a student may be asked to remove the garment until the end of practice.
- Show up with a positive attitude. It is not the fault of the director or the person next to you that your boyfriend or girlfriend is fighting with you!
- Do not bombard staff members at the beginning of practice with "where do I go?" advice until we have made that decision.
- If you must leave early, notify the director at the beginning of the rehearsal.
- Help others carry equipment - It is not the responsibility of RAMP or the staff.
- Have equipment out and be ready to work at 6:30.
- Missed practices means missed chances and missed information which may result in disqualificaiton in that weekend's competition.
- All equipment must be carried up the stairs before the uniform door will be opened after competitions and games.
PHYSICAL CONDITIONING
Since marching band requires a moderate too intense level of physical demand, the performers will be obligated to work during every aspect of rehearsal. Conditioning will entail a series of stretching, calisthenics, movement/dance exercises and cardiovascular training. Medical research has proven that students who are involved in a marching band will experience a series of rigorous physical demands. For the benefit of each performer, the director and staff will include exercises into our practices designed to condition the performers to achieve the physical demands of the show. The director, staff, and nurse will be in constant communication concerning these activities. It is to your benefit that you understand the conditioning process and trust the experience of the staff. Intense marching rehearsals, breathing exercises, or a warm-up lap around the parking lot are not be be perceived as punishment. These exercises are important to the development of the performer.
CLOTHING
Dress for the Weather!
- light clothing - no bare feet
- bring lots of sun block to camp
- you may bring water to practice - several breaks will be given in the extreme heat
- wear jackets and coats if necessary
- scarves and gloves may be worn in cold and windy weather
FUND RAISING
Periodically fund raisers will be run at the high school for your individual benefit. All monies raised will go into a personalized account. Many students raise hundreds of dollars through candy, coupon, fruit, pizza, patrons, plant, etc. sales. Realize that freshmen owe $150, sophomores and juniors owe $250, and seniors owe $100. These fees cover the cost of band camp, staff salaries, and other general expenditures. In addition, we usually take one major trip every other year. (This past spring, it was the Bahamas!) This will require students to raise additional money if they are planning to participate in the trip. More information is contained in the band camp packet. Prices of camp and trips are subject to change periodically. We are committed as an organization to help the needs of the students and will aim at minimizing the costs of any student expenditures possible. Band camp is mandatory; therefore, it must be paid before any trip money.
TRANSPORTATION
All transportation, excluding band camp and ACC Finals, or USSBA Finals, is provided by the school district. Therefore, all student personnel will ride the bus to games and competitions. If a student is being picked up from a game or competition, a signed letter or a personal contact by the parent must be made that evening. Head set radios are allowable. Any boom box radios will have their sound regulated by a chaperone. A student may lose his/her right to listen to a radio if he/she does not cooperate. All students must stay seated for the duration of the ride.
IN THE STANDS
Only band personnel are permitted to sit in the stands. Band personnel consists of band students, staff, and RAMP chaperones. All others will be asked to leave. While in the stands you will be instructed when to play. You are not permitted to play unless you are told by a drum major or me! We will play many times during a football game. If I ask you more than twice to stop playing, I may take your instrument until the end of the game. If the problem continues, it will affect your grade.
You are there to support the football team. Cheer, boo, and enjoy the game. The third quarter is your free time to relax - Remember, you are still in uniform and representing the Ridley Raider Band. If students are late returning to the stands in the fourth quarter, the third quarter privilege will be taken away. If you want refreshments. the following rules apply: Clear Drinks Only! (i.e., 7-Up, water), No Mustard, Ketchup, Relish, or Tomato Sauce while in uniform.
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
REHEARSAL
Any performer who is disruptive in a music rehearsal will be asked to report to the band director or staff instructor "in charge" of the practice for private or small group instruction at the end of the rehearsal. The meeting will last up to 15 minutes and will consist of a performance given by the student to the instructor in one of the following areas: scales, rudiments, or show music, basic block marching, show marching, spinning exercises, other exercises related to the development of the performer. The meaning of the consequence is to strengthen an individual's ability to perform the show musically and visually. It is also done to alert a student to his/her accountability for his/her actions, and to demand better respect and attention from a performer during rehearsal time.
Band Camp
A student may be asked to sacrifice free time in order to complete his/her duty. A student will not be expected to sacrifice meal or sleep time to fulfill his/her duties.Seasonal Practices
A student may be asked to report 15 minutes prior to the next rehearsal, the last 15 minutes of the end of the rehearsal, or 15 minutes after school the next day. The last choice is most favorable since the student is liable to miss 15 minutes of important instruction. Students will not be asked to stay after evening rehearsals to complete his/her duties.All problems concerning parents, students, or staff will be handled by an ad hoc committee which will meet with the director to discuss the nature of all problems and the possible solutions. The committee will consist of 2 appointed staff instructors, 2 appointed parents, 2 appointed students and the band director. If all seven individuals are not present, the director will evaluate whether or not there is a fair representation from all parties in the organization to conduct a meeting. If the director concludes that all parties are represented, the meeting will occur. The meetings will be held either 15 minutes before rehearsal, or for 15 minutes after rehearsal on an as needed basis. The committee will serve as a consultant party to the band director. All final decisions will be made by the band director.
All problems are to be directed to the committee in the form of a written statement which is signed. Anonymous letters will be discarded. Letters are to be sealed, marked "IC" (Issues Committee) and placed in the RAMP mailbox. Complaints and letters are not to be given directly to the band director. No staff person will be confronted or accosted with issues during practice time and especially in front of the performers.
Any external issues concerning parental problems, personnel problems, or peripheral issues will be handled after rehearsal. Only life and death matters should be brought to the attention of the band director during rehearsal time.
Everyone is expected to treat each other with respect. Any student who fails to exhibit proper behavior during rehearsals, games, or competitions will be expected to meet with the band director immediately following the event. If the student is causing an immediate disturbance to others, he or she will be dismissed immediately from the event by the band director at his discretion. Extreme issues will be handled by the dean and the principal's office.
No punitive measures will be administered to students (push-ups, sit-ups, lap-running). Although, these exercises may be implemented as a conditioning tool in warm ups. Marching band is a physical activity (see above). Students are expected to achieve a certain level of fitness. Specific exercises will be appropriated for the student's conditioning process. In addition, no corporeal punishment will be tolerated on any level.
CHAIN OF COMMAND
All executive decisions are made by the band director. Many issues may be delivered to the RAMP executive board, the issues committee, or the staff for discussion with the band director. Personal issues may discussed with the band director at any appointed time. All questions and smaller issues may be answered by others in the organization. (i.e., When is the fruit sale?, What time are we getting back?, Where are the directions?, How do I play an F#?). Weekend times are on the board before the Wednesday night rehearsal, and directions are in the corner room. Please do not overload the band director with miscellaneous, random, common-sense questions.
All rules and regulations are policy and are not subject for debate.
CONDUCT AT COMPETITIONS
After we are done performing, you will be able to change into street clothes and return to the stadium to watch the other bands. You may get something to eat and sit on the opposite side in your designated section. Do not wander away from the stadium or return to the busses early. You are there to represent the Ridley Raider Band and support the other bands on the field. Your conduct is being watched at all times - not only by RAMP, staff, or me, but by the other bands and their directors. To be a winner is to act as one!
Chris Adam, Band Director