Gresham High School

2017-2018
Student/Parent Handbook

Director:
Ms. Anna Petrenko

*information taken from LMB handbook and textbook

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Table of Contents
WELCOME LETTER………………………………………………………………….…3

BAND CAMP SCHEDULE………………………………………………………………4

SEASON SCHEDULE……………………………………………………………………6

GENERAL RULES……………………………………………………………………….6

TRAVEL POLICY………………………………………………………………………..7

UNIFORM POLICY………………………………………………………………………7

ATTENDANCE POLICY…………………………………………...……………………8

GRADING SYSTEM………………………………………………………..……………8

INSTRUMENT AND EQUIPMENT POLICY……………………………...……………8

MARCHING BAND TERMS AND COMMANDS…………...…………………………9

ENSEMBLES AT GRESHAM……………………………………………………..…….9

PARENT AGREEMENT FORM…………………………………………….………….10

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WELCOME LETTER

Hello Vipers!

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all new and returning members to
the program. A new exciting year is upon us, and I am looking forward to many great
experiences and opportunities in the near future.

Coming into this next school year, I have very high standards for this organization
as a whole. Gresham Bands have always upheld the school’s triumphant name in
honoring our traditions of pride and excellence. Our driving force in achieving more has
always been our collective attitude of determination and humility. There is no doubt in
my mind that together we will continue to uphold this standard of excellence.

In order to uphold the standards this organization holds dear, each and every
member must subscribe to what I like to call “the three P’s”: Principals, Policies, and
Practice. I expect all members to remind themselves constantly of the ideals of this
organization. Remember why you are here and what you expect to accomplish in your
time. Working together is essential in our journey so we may not only achieve the same
levels of distinction and excellence as those who came before us, but also push those
ideals to new heights. If you are willing to work hard, sacrifice, and put your best foot
forward, amazing things can, and will, happen.

As your director, I promise to uphold these standards and expectations. I also

promise to demonstrate the same amount of work and sacrifice that I expect from each
member. Furthermore, I expect that each member, student and staff, will adhere to the
policies and regulations contained in this handbook.

This season, we must be willing to leave personal matters at the door and focus
solely on how we can improve, both individually and as a whole. I sincerely am looking
forward to this upcoming season and school year.

Musically yours,

Anna Petrenko
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BAND CAMP SCHEDULE

July 16-23, 2017

Saturday, July 16:

12:00: Arrive for loading
1:00: Leave for Lake Superior campus
2:00: Arrive and unload
3:00: Free time
5:00: Dinner in Storey Hall
6:00: Outside on Kalina Field
9:00: Go inside
10:00: Lights out!

Sunday, July 17:

7:00: Breakfast
8:00: Morning rehearsal on Kalina Field
10:00: Music rehearsal in Martin Auditorium
11:30: Lunch
12:30: Sectionals
2:00: Free time!
3:00: Outside on Kalina Field
5:00: Dinner in Storey Hall
6:00: Outside on Kalina Field
9:00: Go inside
10:00: Lights out!

Monday, July 18:

7:00: Breakfast
8:00: Morning rehearsal on Kalina Field
10:00: Music rehearsal in Martin Auditorium
11:30: Lunch
12:30: Sectionals
2:00: Free time!
3:00: Outside on Kalina Field
5:00: Dinner in Storey Hall
6:00: Outside on Kalina Field
9:00: Go inside
10:00: Lights out!
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Tuesday, July 19:

7:00: Breakfast
8:00: Morning rehearsal on Kalina Field
10:00: Music rehearsal in Martin Auditorium
11:30: Lunch
12:30: Sectionals
2:00: Free time!
3:00: Outside on Kalina Field
5:00: Dinner in Storey Hall
6:00: Outside on Kalina Field
9:00: Go inside
10:00: Lights out!

Wednesday, July 20:

7:00: Breakfast
8:00: Morning rehearsal on Kalina Field
10:00: Music rehearsal in Martin Auditorium
11:30: Lunch
12:30: Sectionals
2:00: Free time!
3:00: Outside on Kalina Field
5:00: Dinner in Storey Hall
6:00: Outside on Kalina Field
9:00: Go inside
10:00: Lights out!

Thursday, July 21:

7:00: Breakfast
8:00: Morning rehearsal on Kalina Field
10:00: Music rehearsal in Martin Auditorium
11:30: Lunch
12:30: Sectionals
2:00: Free time!
3:00: Outside on Kalina Field
5:00: Dinner in Storey Hall
6:00: Outside on Kalina Field
9:00: Go inside
10:00: Lights out!
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Friday, July 22:

7:00: Breakfast
8:00: Morning rehearsal on Kalina Field
10:00: Pack up and load up
12:00: Final check and lunch
1:00: Leaving for Gresham High School
2:00: Arrive and unload
3:30: Final run-thru on field
4:30: Welcome parents
5:00: Perform and go home!

*Gresham bands will rehearse every Tuesday night from 6-9:00 PM starting on
August 1, 2017 until August 28, 2017
**After school starts, rehearsals will be moved to Monday nights from 7-9:30 PM,
effective September 4, 2017

SEASON SCHEDULE (2017-2018)

Friday, July 22: Band Camp Performance
Friday, September 8: Home Football Game
Saturday, September 16: Jamestown Invitational
Friday, September 22: Homecoming Football Game
Saturday, September 23: Gresham Invitational
Friday, September 29: Home Football Game
Saturday, October 7: Gerard Invitational
Thursday, October 12: State Festival
Friday, October 13: Home Football Game
Saturday, October 21: Marne Invitational
Saturday, December 9: Christmas Parade

GENERAL RULES
1. Be on time! If you are “on time” you are already late. Showing up to rehearsal as
the whistle blows is unacceptable. Plan on arriving 5-10 minutes before rehearsal
starts to properly set up your instrument, check your drill, and other miscellaneous
items you might need before rehearsal.
2. No cell phones during rehearsal! Whether inside or out, cell phones are not to
be seen. They may be used on breaks, but not when learning drill or rehearsing
music. Distractions can cause problems not only in music, but confusion on the
field. Leave them in your case or locker.
3. Bullying and/or Hazing is not tolerated in this band! This includes “pranks” at
band camp, or any other sort of activity that makes the recipient feel
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uncomfortable. If this happens, report to me immediately. No one should ever feel

pressured or uncomfortable in any situation, especially not with the loving band
family that this is.
4. Be professional! Students are expected to act professionally and accordingly
when travelling to competitions or performing at home football games. Similarly,
when rehearsing, positive and attentive attitudes are needed to maintain the level
of achievement this band has attained.

TRAVEL POLICY
When travelling to band competitions or other events, students will be required to
be dressed in full uniform and will not be permitted on the bus until they are checked by
either the drum major(s) or any section leader(s). STUDENTS CANNOT EAT OR
DRINK WHILE IN FULL UNIFORM. A professional and respectful attitude towards
other schools will be kept and Gresham students will strive for excellence: be it with care
towards the school’s facilities, or cheering for other bands and maintaining a friendly
spirit. If students are ever riding with a parent, they are responsible for emailing either
myself or the band booster secretary, Mrs. Jill Johnson (johnsonj@gmail.com), with
information regarding the student, the parent, and what event and time they will be
leaving.

UNIFORM POLICY
Students are responsible for keeping their uniform parts (shako box, shako,
marching pants, marching jacket, marching shoes, gloves, black socks, marching t-shirt)
in proper and fitful care for every performance. Uniforms are given at the start of the
season and collected after the final performance. Remember that hair must be kept in the
shakos, there should be no jewelry visible, and there should be no stickers, pins, or
anything on the uniform. Treat the uniform with pride and remember what it represents.
DO NOT LEAVE THE UNIFORM ON THE FLOOR AFTER A GAME OR
COMPETITION. If there is any damage or lost uniform parts, prices for each individual
part are as follows:
Jacket: $210.00
Shako: $30.00
Beret: $10.00
Plume: $10.00
Body Suits (Guard): $25.00
Marching Pants: $75.00
Shako Box: $10.00
Raincoat: $100.00
Garment Bag: $10.00
Tunic (Guard): $75.00
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ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students must approve all absences with the director prior to the conflicting event.
Failure to do so results in one letter grade deduction. We need every student in our class,
and missing/skipping a rehearsal for a non-legitimate reason will not be tolerated.
Excused absences include: family death, illness, or a family wedding. If there is
something that needs to be discussed privately, speak to the director immediately. In the
case of illness, a doctor’s note must be presented to the director. If an emergency occurs,
speak to the director.

GRADING SYSTEM
Students are expected to attend all the events that are mentioned in the season
calendar. If for some reason, they cannot, and the absences are not cleared with the
director, an automatic deduction of a letter grade will result for every event/rehearsal
missed. Students will also be graded upon attendance, punctuality, and effort which is
expected at class rehearsals. Grades are as follow:
A: 93-100
A-: 90-92
B+: 87-89
B: 84-86
B-: 80-83
C+: 77-79
C: 74-76
C-: 70-73
D+: 67-69
D: 64-66
F: 0-63

INSTRUMENT AND EQUIPMENT POLICY

1. Marching instruments will be signed out at the end of the previous school year,
with exceptions being made to incoming freshmen. At the end of the season, these
will be traded in for concert instruments if necessary.
2. Instruments should be cleaned and regularly checked to make sure they are in
good, playable condition. If the instrument you are playing on is the school’s,
contact me ASAP if there is a problem.
3. Anyone in the guard is responsible for maintaining the upkeep of their flags and
making sure they are not dirty, ripped, etc.
4. Drumline/Frontline Ensemble equipment will be handled with care and utmost
respect. If there are parts that need to be replaced or adjusted, DO NOT
ATTEMPT TO DO THIS ON YOUR OWN.
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MARCHING BAND TERMS AND COMMANDS

In marching band, there are a set of terms and commands that we listen to and
react accordingly. The following is a brief list which will be explained more thoroughly
at band camp:
“Band Ten Hut”: Attention
Right Flank: a 90 degree pivot to the right
Left Flank: a 90 degree pivot to the left
Right Traverse: feet moving to the right, while body remains parallel to sideline
Left Traverse: feet moving to the left, while body remains parallel to sideline
To the Rear: a 180 degree pivot

These are some of the most basic, rudimentary commands of a marching band; by the end
of the season, you will have gained a thorough understanding of these concepts and more.

OTHER ENSEMBLES AT GRESHAM

Symphonic Band: Symphonic Band begins the second marking period of school, which
begins November 6th, 2017. Auditions occur at the end of marching band and class meets
every week day from 7:45-8:40 AM.

Concert Band: Concert Band begins the second marking period of school as well.
Auditions for placement also occur at the end of marching band and class meets every
weekday from 8:40-9:35 AM.

Pep Band: Pep band is a fun, relaxed way of cheering on our Gresham basketball team.
Every member is required to participate at least 3 times and those who participate more
than 3 times will be recorded as extra credit.

Jazz Band: This is a zero hour class meeting at 6:30 AM. Participation is voluntary and
offers a different scope of music than a typical band class.
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PARENTAL AGREEMENT FORM

I am responsible for and will comply with all the rules and procedures presented in this
handbook. I am willing to do my part to make this program the best that it can be.

Letter of Mutual Consent

I, the undersigned student, accept membership in the Gresham High School Band and
understand that I am responsible for all the policies as set forth in the Band Handbook. I
fully agree to carry out my responsibilities to the very best of my ability.

Student Name:_____________________________________

Student Signature:__________________________________

Date:_____________________

I, the undersigned parent or guardian of the student named above, are responsible for the
policies as set forth in the Band Handbook. I also grant full permission for my child to be
an active member of the Gresham High School Band. In addition, my child has full
permission to attend all band functions. Furthermore, I understand that I must meet all
financial obligations.

Student Name:_____________________________________

Student Signature:__________________________________

Date:______________________

Parent Name:______________________________________

Parent Signature:___________________________________

Date:_______________________

There may be, from time to time, the need to add information to this document. Every
effort will be made to inform both the student and the parent of this new information. An
extra page will be added to the end of the handbook with the addition date of the new
information. Once notified and added, it becomes as binding as any other information
contained within the document.