Band Handbook

High School Band /Jazz Band/ Director of Bands

Charles Morgan
(479) 394 - 1144
charles.morgan@menaschools.org

Middle School Band/Beginning Band

Tyler Huntington
(479) 394 - 2572
tyler.huntington@menaschools.org

Mena Public Schools Band Handbook & Guidelines

As a member of the band, you are a member of one of the school’s most important and respected
organizations. As with any other organization, the success of the band depends on the loyalty of
ALL its members.

How can a band member show loyalty and cooperation to the band? Make up your mind to be a
proud and worthy band member. Give the organization all you possess in attention, interest, and
effort. Observe all of the procedures and guidelines outlined in this handbook that are a
necessary part of any successful organization.

The procedures and guidelines outlined in the following pages are simple, sound, and easy to
abide by. In following them, you are meeting an obligation that you owe to your school, your
fellow band members, your family, your community, and yourself.

It is intended that this handbook serve each band member with an acquaintance and
understanding of the TRADITION, POLICIES, PROCEDURES, and GUIDELINES of the
Mena Schools Band Program. There is no place in any outstanding organization for half-hearted
participants. Only when every band member cooperates can a band achieve the distinction of
being truly outstanding.

Director’s Note

The band staff at Mena Public Schools pledges to teach each band student to the best of our
ability. It is our intention that all Mena Band members leave this establishment with a better
understanding of the impact of music to all people. As a member of the Mena Band Program,
you have become one of the most important facets of this school system. It is important that you
understand the leadership role that you play in this community. We, the staff, are proud to be a
part of this program and look forward to the diligent work ahead.
The Mena Band Program’s Responsibility to the Student

The Band Program shall:

1) Provide the band members with the proper kind of rehearsal room: ventilation, lighting,
seating, music stands, instrumental storage space, and such other equipment as is
necessary to aid in developing the student’s musical ability and to help him/her form
good, lasting citizenship habits.
2) Plan each day’s activities and encourage daily progress of the entire band.
3) Provide the band with a full musical education through rehearsal, performance, teaching,
testing, listening and assessing.
4) Assure that no individual member, through inappropriate or irresponsible behavior,
interferes with the learning or achievement of the group. It is the responsibility of the
program to see that all members conform to the school and program policies.
5) Supervise the students in class or on school-sponsored band trips. Each student will
receive information about the plans, the dress code and the complete schedule of
activities for each trip.
6) Grade the progress of each member on his/her instrument and participation in band.

The Student’s Responsibility & Requirements to the Mena Band Program

Each Student shall:

1) Participate in all scheduled activities and performances while making sure that all absences
are excused by the band director prior to the absence. See Attendance Section…
2) Comply with all classroom procedures and guidelines as presented in this handbook as well
as the school handbook.
3) Have the proper respect for those in authority including: band staff, teachers, adults, and
student leaders (squad leaders, drum major, and guard captain).
4) Become responsible for and expect to assume the consequences for your actions.
5) Bring any and all materials needed for rehearsal/performance as well as being honest and fair
with others concerning equipment, music, and school life in general.
6) Cooperate with fellow band members and share with them the responsibilities and privileges
that are a part of the band program.
7) Contribute positively to your music education and that of others by the best use of your
talents.
8) Be personally clean, neat, and dress appropriately according to the circumstances as the band
is in the public eye at all times.
9) Make a real effort to learn and improve daily while reading and playing music with insight
and expression.
10) Above all else: HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE!!

Mena High School Band

Marching Band: The Marching Band is open to any student in Mena Public Schools
who has had at least one year’s experience in band or by special
permission of the Director of Bands: preference to becoming a
member is based on ability to play an instrument and is limited to
those capable at a comparable ability level. The Marching Band
will also perform music/drill to receive assessment at contests as
well as perform at parades/football games/scheduled events. Every
student enrolled in band will be a participating member of the
Marching Band.

Concert Band: The purpose of the Concert Band is to perform and receive
assessment on band literature written for Concert Band. Every
student enrolled in band will be a participating member of the
Concert Band.

Jazz Band: The Jazz Band will be made up of students from the full band and
will be students who are interested in studying and playing jazz
ensemble music. As long as enough interest is shown to have a
full ensemble, the Jazz Band will meet.

Brass, Woodwind,
And Percussion
Ensembles: Ensembles will be scheduled after school as time permits for
Festival or Community Events and will be open to every band
student based on capabilities and need. Ensembles will be
assigned and are at the discretion of the director.

Auxiliary Units: The Auxiliary units are an extremely important part of the Mena
Band Program. The Auxiliary units will include: Color Guard,
Winter Guard, Drum Major, and Squad Leaders. The unit’s
functions are to provide the audience with visual enhancement of
the music through the use of body movements, color effects,
equipment maneuvers and provide leadership to all aspects of the
band. The auxiliary unit performs at all football games,
competitions and events scheduled by the director of bands.
Members of the auxiliary units are selected on an audition basis.
See Auxiliary Section

Mena Middle School Band

Marching Band: The Marching Band is open to any student in Mena Public Schools
who has had at least one year’s experience in band or by special
permission of the Director. The Marching Band will perform
music/drill at home 9th Grade Football games and in school Pep
Rallies. Every student enrolled in band will be a participating
member of the Marching Band.

Concert Band: The purpose of the Concert Band is to perform and receive
assessment on band literature written for the Concert Band. Every
student enrolled in band will be a participating member of the
Concert Band.

Jazz Band: The Jazz Band will be made up of students from the full band and
will be students who are interested in studying and playing jazz
ensemble music. As long as enough interest is shown to have a
full ensemble, the Jazz Band will meet.

Mena Beginning Band

6th Grade Band Class: The 6th Grade Band Class is open to any student in Mena Public
Schools in the 6th Grade who has an interest in band and has
enrolled in the Beginning Band Program. Every student enrolled
in the 6th Grade Band Class will be a participating member of the
Mena Beginning Band and will perform at all required concerts
and performances as designated by the band director.

7th & 8th Grade Band Class: The 7th & 8th Grade Band Class is open to any student in Mena
Public Schools in the 7th & 8th Grade who has an interest in band
and has enrolled in the Beginning Band Program. Every student
enrolled in 7th & 8th Grade Beginning Band Class will be a
participating member of the Mena Beginning Band and will
perform at all required concerts and performances as designated by
the band director.

Concerts/Performances: The main concerts/performances required by the Beginning Bands

at Mena Public Schools include a Winter/Christmas Concert in
December and a Spring Concert (exact dates to be designated).
These performances will be a major participation grade as part of
the Band Class.

Band Guidelines
Attendance

Attendance at ALL performances is expected of ALL students unless cleared PRIOR TO THE
PERFORMANCE. Roll will be checked. Serious illness/emergency, or an eligibility problem
will be considered adequate reasons for excused absences. If a student misses for a reason not
covered here, the parent/guardian should notify the band director IN ADVANCE if he/she feels
it might be an excusable absence. Notification of an absence can be excused by attaining a
physician’s note or to have the parent personally notify the band director PRIOR to the absence
if possible. Notes following the event explaining absences will be required for grades to be
excused. Failure to notify the director prior to an absence and failure to bring appropriate
notes following an absence will result in a failing grade. Each grade level of band class will
receive a credit for the class and your band grade will reflect your compliance with attendance
each grading period. An unexcused absence of a performance will result in the student being
given a lower grade for that current grading period.

Extra Rehearsals

After-school rehearsals of the full band will be kept to a minimum. After-school rehearsals will
be primarily sectional rehearsals. Rehearsal schedules will be given to each student and posted
in the band hall. Many, if not all events will be listed on the Schedule/Calendar of Events given
out at the beginning of each school year. Some dates are subject to change and will be posted
and/or students notified in advance in order to clear all conflicts. Dates will be kept on the
school calendar and school/band web page which will be updated as necessary.

Band Travel

Any time the band assembles, as a unit or as individuals, they represent Mena Schools and its
school policies. These policies, as stated in the “Mena Public Schools High School/Middle
School Student Handbook”, as well as the “Band Handbook” will be followed. The band will
always travel to a performance as a group on an assigned bus. A student may return home with
their parents provided the Parent signs them out and the director dismisses them. A band
director must personally dismiss the student to the parents upon the completion of the activity.

ALL students are required to have on file with the band director a medical release form, which
will cover the entire school year. This is in the event any emergency arises and medical attention
is required.

Music
The student will be issued music, which the band will be preparing. The students may wish
to check out other method books. The students are monetarily responsible for music, supplies,
and instruments checked out to them.

Grading System

ALL FOUR AREAS IN GRADING SYSTEM ARE AVERAGED TOGETHER AT THE

END OF EACH GRADING PERIOD FOR A TOTAL GRADE IN BAND CLASS.

1. Classroom/Rehearsal Procedures.
· 25% of Band Grade
2. Music Pass-Offs.
· 25% of Band Grade
3. Practice Grades.
· 25% of Band Grade
4. Music Theory.
5. 25% of Band Grade

The following outline explains each of the above graded areas in depth.

1. Classroom/Rehearsal Procedures.
·Students are expected to follow all procedures without being reprimanded.
·Each reprimand will result in the student being given a lower grade for that current
grading period.
·Attendance/Discipline/Following Procedures are all part of grade given for
Classroom/Rehearsal Procedures.

a. Entering/Leaving the Band Hall.

·Always enter/leave the band hall quietly.
·Do not move music stands/chairs/equipment/director personal belongings (unless
asked to do so).

b. Students are to be in their assigned seats/location when the tardy bell rings or
a specified time with any and all assigned materials need for rehearsal. The
following are a few examples of assigned materials:
·Instrument (and all of its parts: reeds, valve oil, mouthpiece, etc.)
·Music/Drill Chart/Method Book/Music (any and all that is assigned to be needed)
·Pencil (sharpened)

c. Once Seated.
·Stay seated.
·No talking unless hand is raised and you are called upon.
·Refrain from unnecessary movements/noises.

d. During Rehearsal.
Posture.
 ·Always exercise correct posture and instrument position. While in the “resting”
position, the student may sit back in the chair, but should always maintain good
posture: sit on the front one-third of your chair, sit with back straight, place both
feet flat on the floor, and instrument in your lap.
Attention.
·The student’s complete and total attention should be directed toward the
conductor/director and the task at hand.
·Even when the director is working with an individual/small group, everyone should
be paying attention in order to save time. Many times the subject being taught
pertains to more than just an individual and will not need to be taught again if
everyone stays attentive during rehearsal.
Questions.
·Always hold questions/comments for after the director cuts off and signals you with
your hand up. Many times the director will make comments immediately
following a cut off and the director’s comments may answer any questions you
may have.
·Raise your hand for questions and wait to be called on by the director. Do not start
talking/make comments without being called upon by the director first.
·There are no stupid questions. Be sure that you are paying attention so that your
question has not already been answered previously.

e. Ending Class/Rehearsal.
·The director will dismiss you, not the bell.
·Upon being dismissed, return instruments to cases and cases to their assigned area.
·Place your music/books/materials in your assigned area also.

f. Other.
·ALL instrument cases should be labeled with the student’s name, address, and
phone number.
·Instrument insurance is advised, but not required. Forms may be picked up from the
director.
·Neither band directors nor the school district will be held liable for: damage, loss,
or stolen personal instruments that are left at school. Instruments are to go home
for practice each/everyday (grades will be given periodically).
·Parents / Students will be held liable for damage to school owned instruments
checked out in their name and will sign a check out form for each school
owned instrument a student uses.
·Food and drink are not allowed in any portion of the band hall rehearsal or storage
areas.
·Please take your instruments/music home to practice. This saves the band time
during rehearsals and makes the entire group perform better. There will be times
when your practice will be graded, please be aware of this.
·Attendance at Concerts/Performances/Contests will be a major part of the
Procedures grade given in all parts of the band program. Please be aware of this.
See Attendance Section

2. Music Pass-Off.
·Students are assigned an exercise and a play-off date.
·Students play the exercise for a director.
 ·Director grades the student’s performance and assigns grade.
· 100 points possible on each pass off.
·Students who are absent the day of a pass-off will be allowed to make the pass-off up
during an appropriate time as decided by the director.

3. Theory.
·Students are given work sheets or exercises relating to the materials covered during class.
·Students return the completed assignment to be graded.
·Students will study musical rhythms and notations for grades during rehearsal. Much of
this will be graded through the demonstration of the understanding/meaning/use of these
rhythms and notations.

4. Practice Grades.
·Students will be assigned music to practice and will be held accountable to be prepared to
play that music.
·Practice Card (Middle School Only & Optional by Director):
♦ Students are to keep up with each day’s home practice time and record it on
the practice card. Total minutes count toward a weekly grade. 100
minutes=100%, 85 minutes=85%, etc.
♦ Thursday night or Friday morning, the parent signs the card on the
appropriate date and the student returns it to be graded.
♦ Practice cards are due each Friday. Cards returned after Friday will receive
a 10-point deduction for each day they are late.
♦ Students should practice a minimum of 30 minutes DAILY for optimum
improvement.
♦ Students receive credit ONLY if the parent’s signature appears on the card.
♦ Parents should monitor this process as close as possible.
♦ Illness: In the case that a student is too sick to practice for an assignment:
§Student should bring the director written documentation (doctor’s note or
parent’s note) 1) stating the sickness, 2) date of sickness and 3) parent
signature with date of signature.

Instrument Care
The band is fortunate to have the school supply some of the larger more expensive band
instruments. An instrument checkout form will be sent home for signature of upon receiving a
school-owned instrument to use. Those instruments are to be taken care of just as if they were
the student’s own personal instrument. Any obvious abuse to a school owned instrument will
result in the student paying to have the instrument repaired and/or the student being disciplined
by the school. Students are also responsible for the cost of the miscellaneous supplies needed for
instrument maintenance. The students are to take good care of their instruments at all times.
Instruments are to stay in their closed cases at all times except during rehearsal or while
practicing at home. A record of each personally owned instrument will be kept on file in the
director’s office. All students should provide the following information about their instrument:
1) instrument brand, 2) instrument model, 3) instrument serial number, and any other
information deemed necessary for identification. This information should also be kept at
home in case an instrument is lost, damaged, or otherwise. Each instrument case shall be
properly labeled with student identification and stored in its assigned area. Instruments should
be taken home each/every day for practice. Instruments left at the school are the students’
responsibility. The school/band directors do not take responsibility for damaged, lost, or stolen
instruments belonging to individuals.

General Information

Uniform: (High School) Each member of the High School Band will be issued a complete band
uniform. The following parts of the uniform are not provided: black marching shoes, black
socks, band t-shirt, and black gloves. The uniforms will be issued at the beginning of the school
year. It is the responsibility of each member to return each uniform cleaned and with all of its
parts. Instrument parts include: hanger, uniform bag, jacket (removable collar), and bib pants.
Failure to return the uniform, or part of the uniform will result in being fined to replace it. There
will be an inspection before each performance of the Mena High School Band. Shoes should be
clean, socks should be black, and all uniform parts should be in order. We do not wear jewelry
as part of our uniform and hair should be neat and trim. Scheduled cleaning of the uniform will
be required and will be determined by the director.

(Middle School) Each member of the Middle School Band will purchase a band t-shirt to wear
at football games and band functions. Attire for football games and informal events is blue
jeans, tennis shoes, and the band t-shirt tucked in. Formal concert attire is black slacks/dress
shoes/socks and a white, button-up, long-sleeve dress shirt tucked in.

(Beginning Band) Each member of the Beginning Band will not have a uniform. Concert attire
will be nice dress clothes (boys: slacks/dress shirt/dress shoes, girls: same or dress/skirts [of
proper length]).

Region/State Auditions: All students both High School and Middle School are urged to
participate in region/state auditions in order to gain admittance in the region/state honor band.
This is done through auditions on solo work prepared to be played for region band directors. If
chosen, the student will attend a clinic at a region/state site. Transportation/Board/Meals will be
provided as needed.

Band Booster Club: The Mena Public Schools Band Booster Club is composed of
parents/guardians of band students and anyone else who supports the band program. This group
supports and assists the school in providing a high quality instrumental music program in the
Mena Public Schools. The Booster Club operates a concession stand at home football
games, participates in fundraisers, and hosts events such as banquets/receptions/contests. All
parents are urged to participate in the booster club if possible and work together to benefit the
students in the band program.

Band Letter Jackets: To be awarded a band letter in Mena Public Schools is an honor.
(High School) Letters are awarded to band students who meet the following criteria: have made
the region/state honor band or have been a member of the Mena High School Band three years.
9th Grade Band members that make the region band are eligible for a letter jacket the following
year of high school. A band member who receives a letter will have the opportunity to purchase
a standard Mena High School letter jacket (black). The band member will have to pay for the
jacket if he/she wants one. The total balance due for the jacket will be required before an order
is placed.

Extra Curricular Cooperation: Cooperation between the band program and extra curricular
programs is essential. Communication with these programs, as well as the students participating
in both programs, is crucial. Conflicts may arise throughout the school year. If a conflict does
arise, that conflict will be arranged and resolved by the band director and the coach/director of
the other program. Students are responsible for maintaining their calendar and are expected to be
in attendance at all required events/activities.

Mena Schools
Band Student Supply List
1. Method Book.
·(Beginning Band) “Measures of Success Comprehensive Musicianship Band Method, Book
1 (Blue Book)” by FJH Music Company.

2. Instrument Maintenance.
·Flutes: Polish cloth, swab cloth, key oil, slide grease, and cleaning rod.
·Clarinets: Polish cloth, swab cloth, cork grease, four (4) good reeds in the case at all
times, and a reed holder for those reeds.
·Saxophones: Polish cloth, swab cloth, cork grease, four (4) good reeds in the case at all
times, and a reed holder for those reeds.
·Trumpets: Polish cloth, valve oil, tuning slide grease, and mouthpiece brush.
·Trombones: Polish cloth, slide cream, tuning slide grease, small spray bottle, and a
mouthpiece brush.
·Baritones: Polish cloth, valve oil, tuning slide grease, and mouthpiece brush.
·Tubas: Polish cloth, valve oil, tuning slide grease, mouthpiece brush, and a mouthpiece
cover.
·Percussion: All percussion students need their own drumsticks and a drum-tuning key.

3. Band Shirt.
·All High School and Middle School Mena Band members will be required to purchase a
band shirt to wear to the year’s activities. The High School Band will wear the band shirt
as part of the Band uniform.
·The Band Director will decide upon the design, color, and style of the shirt.

4. Concert Attire.
· Concert attire will be worn at indoor concerts and contests. This will give the band a
professional and uniform appearance.
· Students will be notified in advance and will need to adhere to what parts of the concert
attire are assigned (ex. black dress pants, belt, and black dress shoes). High School Band
students will wear band uniform at all marching events, contest, and concerts unless told
otherwise.

Mena Band Program

 Statement of Compliance with Handbook Guidelines

I, __________________________, the parent of _________________________,

(Please Print) (Please Print)

have received, read, and understand the Mena Public Schools Band Handbook.

(available at www.menabands.weebly.com/documents | print copy available upon request)

STUDENT SIGNATURE__________________________________DATE______________

PARENT/GUARDIAN
SIGNATURE__________________________________DATE______________

DO NOT WRITE BELOW – FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

Date Received___________

Director Initials_______