OFFICIAL NAME:
South Oak Cliff “Nu Soul of the South” Marching Band SCHOOL COLORS: Old Gold and White SCHOOL MASCOT: Golden Bear SCHOOL PRINCIPAL: Dr. Willie F. Johnson DIRECTOR OF BANDS: Mr. William Allen CO-DIRECTOR OF BANDS: Mr. Kenneth Clark Objectives / Policies This booklet is a resource of information on policies, activities, and phases of the South Oak High School Band Program. It is provided to Band Members, Parents, and other interested persons to provide the basic information on the program. Any questions not answered in this booklet need to be addressed by the head band director (Mr. Allen) All band members and parents will need to read this booklet carefully, then fill out the Membership Contract Form at the back of this booklet; sign it and return it to the band office. Organization rules and policies are enforced at all times whether a member is directly or indirectly involved in any activity sponsored in the name of South Oak cliff High School Band. The band director(s) shall have authority to suspend or amend any band policy at any time deemed necessary in the best interest of the overall band program. MEMBERSHIP IN THE BAND PROGRAM The Band Program is open to all scholars interested who demonstrate the desire, ability, academic quality, and proper attitude to be a member of the group. Scholars desiring membership must audition for membership and must have the permission from the band director(s). Scholars will be placed at the discretion of the band director(s). Everyone has an equal and fair opportunity for band participation. However, from time to time, it may become necessary to exclude or dismiss those scholars who fail to meet the band’s standards. All scholars are expected to participate in both marching and concert bands unless extraordinary circumstances exist that prevent such participation. Circumstances will be reviewed by the band director(s). Because a comprehensive band program involves the functionality of many moving parts it is important to follow the structure and flow of information at all times. All members of the band (including its auxiliaries and subsidiaries) are required to follow this structure. Could you imagine having a 250 piece band and another 50 members of auxiliaries all asking the head director a question? It would be totally chaotic!!!! All members and its auxiliaries will go through the SOC Band Booster dealing with all financial obligations. Dallas ISD requires all sponsors to go through training to ensure compliance with district and state policies pertaining to the collection and expenditures of money. In order to avoid violating district policy and for our own convenience, the South Oak Cliff HS Band and its auxiliaries will submit all membership fees to the SOC Booster Club. Because the Booster Club is a separate parent ran organization and not a part of Dallas ISD, it has the autonomy to allocate funds in a more time efficient manner. This way we can avoid approved vendor issues and timing conflicts. The sponsor of each auxiliary will deal directly with the SOC Band Booster Treasurer as to how much each auxiliary member is responsible for submitting. All auxiliary members will be responsible for the standard band fees which include (travel expenses, band t-shirt, band wind suit, and meals). If there is to be extra money taken for specialty uniforms, the SOC Band Booster Treasurer is to be notified by the auxiliary sponsors. This way, we as sponsors can spend more time directing and instructing our students instead of taking up money and turning it in to the office on a daily basis. THE IMPORTANCE OF ATTITUDE The greatest single factor that will determine the success of any individual or organization is ATTITUDE! It takes intense dedication to reach goals. Scholars should learn to discipline themselves to daily practice on fundamentals in concentrated and routine practice. The “right attitude” must be present along with sincerity, concentration, and dedication as the basic foundation. Such an attitude makes an artistic performance inevitable and is the factor which makes the difference between a winning organization and a mediocre group. You who are in band are a favored few. The band can do much for you. Make the most of it in every rehearsal and performance. Band Program Governing Rules
USE OF BAND FACILITIES
The director’s office is off limits to scholars unless they have permission from the directors. Telephone use is limited to business use only. Please respect the working space of the directors and the privacy of the office. Knock before entering AND NEVER ENTER THE DIRECTOR’S OFFICE WITHOUT PERMISSION. REHEARSAL PERFORMANCE PROCEDURES Rehearsal time is valuable time and every moment must be used efficiently. The following rules apply to all groups:
BUS LOADING PROCEDURES * Bus list will be made by the head band director and located on the exit doors on the day of performances/trips
SCHOOL OWNED PROPERTY Instruments- Each scholar who uses a school-owned instrument is completely responsible for the care of that instrument or piece of equipment. Lost or damaged items shall be replaced or repaired at the scholar’s expense. Scholars must return any item checked out at the director’s request. Uniforms- Scholars will be issued a uniform upon payment of band fees. Scholars must have the appropriate shoes, spats, gloves, t-shirt, headbands. Scholars not in complete uniform will not perform. Music- Each scholar must maintain a black music binder. Music which is lost or returned in poor condition will be replaced at the scholar’s expense. BAND FEES Each member of the South Oak Cliff Band will be required to pay a set amount of band fees each year that will cover our out-of-town trips, food, band t-shirts, band wind suits, and special functions. These fees are non-negotiable and will cause your membership to be reviewed in the event of neglect of payment. The amount of band fees are listed at the end of this band handbook along with the band contract signature page. The band fee this year is $200 which will be broken up in monthly installments. SCHOLAR VALUABLES Scholars should not leave their personal items in the band room, other than instruments. The band room is not a locker to keep shoes, books, clothing, etc. All instruments are to be locked up in the instrument room when not in use. It is not wise to leave instruments unattended for long periods of time due to safety and theft issues. **WEARING OF JEWELRY AND OTHER NON-UNIFORM ITEMS WHILE IN UNIFORM** While in uniform, no one will be allowed to wear earrings or other jewelry unless issued with a uniform. If items are worn while in uniform, those items will be collected and returned after the performance. Scholars with shoulder length hair will be required to wear their hair up until the performance is finished, if the band is wearing hats. There will also be no wearing of heavy makeup on the face that may be distracting to the uniformity of the band. SPECIAL EVENTS From time to time, special events may arise in addition to school games, contests, parades, concerts, and other such appearances. Participation in special events not previously scheduled will be at the discretion of the director. The band is not able to accept all invitations for obvious reasons and is not able to accept instant performances. It is policy of the band to cooperate as much as possible with special performances. CONFLICTS WITH BAND Conflicts with band and other activities are the responsibility of the scholar. Rehearsal and performances schedules are normally given out one week in advance. Scholars should not become involved in activities that may directly conflict with band activities. When outside activities create hardships concerning band, unless it is a rare and unusual situation that may happen only once, the scholar would need to consult with the director about possible alternatives. It is the policy of the band to assist scholars when conflicts occur within the scope of the band policy. Scholars should not expect excused absences for conflicts automatically. Scholars are reminded that band is a very demanding activity and that involvement in outside activities should be limited to those that are compatible with the band schedule. All conflicts in regard to performances must be worked out in favor of the scholar’s responsibility to the band. Work is not an excuse for missing any band activity. All scholars are expected to participate daily. Please try to avoid long periods of down time. Alternative assignments will be given to scholars who forget to bring their instruments or music from home. Class time needs to be productive. Due to the number of scholars in each period, it is easy for the noise levels to get out of control. Scholars will respond to whistle or vocal commands to get attention from the class. We will warm up as a group. When the conductor stops during rehearsal time, scholars should remain quiet in order to hear the instructions. Productive use of rehearsal time means higher level of performance! Scholars should take care of music needs, instrument care and preparations before class begins. Do not lose valuable time going to get valve oil or searching for another reed. Percussionists should set up everything needed for the day’s rehearsal at the beginning of class. They should not waste time searching for sticks, mallets, straps, or accessories during rehearsal. ATTENDANCE POLICY (After school rehearsals/performances) In order to perform in the most efficient manner, we must have every student at rehearsals and performance. Excessive absences not only prevent your child from learning, it holds back the entire organization. Every member is critical to our maximum achievement. With proper planning, conflicts CAN be avoided. THE ONLY EXCUSABLE ABSENCES ARE THOSE RECOGNIZED BY THE SCHOOL SYSTEM FOR NORMAL ATTENDANCE PURPOSES (ILLNESS, DEATH IN IMMEDIATE FAMILY EMERGENCIES, AND RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS). Students enrolled in the band class must attend regular scheduled rehearsals due to the grading policy. Missing excessive rehearsals (3 or more no call/no shows) will result in a failing grade and removal from the band program. The following policies apply regarding attendance: TARDY For approved school activities, see directors one week in advance. Varsity Letter Point deduction for each 15 minutes late for activity EXCUSED ABSENCE Must have advance notice. Absence must be one that would count as an excused absence from school according to school system guidelines. No penalty if stated criteria are met. UNEXCUSED ABSENCE Advance notice provided, but absence is not for an excusable reason; i.e. vacation, community sports, etc. Student immediately loses ability to earn varsity letter. UNARRANGED, UNEXCUSED ABSENCE No Shows Loss of ability to earn letter and possible termination from extra-curricular activities. BAND GRADING POLICY Grades will be determined as follows: Class Assign./Particip. = 20% Test & Quizzes = 20% Rehearsals/Homework = 25% Performances = 35% TOTAL ……………………….....…=100% **Any violation of these rules or any other protocols stated in this handbook will result in disciplinary action by the Disciplinary Board including but not limited to a warning, probationary period, suspension and/or termination of membership.** |
ORGANIZATION: With a growing program, scholar leaders with outstanding leadership skills and musicianship are required to achieve our goals. Leaders are chosen each Spring based on motivation, desire, grades and the ability to communicate with others. Section leaders are chosen for each instrument and band officers are chosen to assist in the overall operation of the program (president, vice-president, historian, uniform committee). Drum major(s) are top commanders of the band and will be exemplar band members who model and reflect the attitude, actions, academic capacity, and musicianship of the highest level. Leadership camp is required of all leaders, with supplemental activities and meetings scheduled throughout the year.
COURSE OBJECTIVES The South Oak Cliff and Auxiliary Units form an integral part of school life and is recognized as an all-school activity. It is one of the largest and most active voluntary scholar organizations and its members form an active cosmopolitan group. The primary objectives of the band program are:
What is the South Oak Cliff Band Experience?
Unlike most other classes, band offers a wide variety of opportunities for the scholar. It is one of the only classes where excellence is not only expected, but essential to success. In band, everyone MUST achieve to the highest level, or a performance will sound terrible. Even one person making a grade of”60” on a piece of music means 40% of the notes were played in error; not pleasant to hear!!!!! In addition to teaching performance skills, band teaches the scholar to be an active thinking individual. For each note played, there are numerous considerations and instantaneous decisions to make. How loud or soft? How fast or slow? How does the note start? How does it end? Who else plays it? Am I in tune? Nowhere else on campus is the demand for the active thought any stronger. Band also teaches life skills. Communications are the main component of music. The rehearsal and performances schedule of the band demands planning and time management skills that will be valuable all through life. Goal setting, problem solving, and peer interaction develop quickly as part of the band experience. The band program at South Oak Cliff High School will establish itself as one of the most prestigious in the city. Scholars here will have experiences that others only dream about. Few other activities offer the travel opportunities, the chance to meet and interact with the legends in the field, and the satisfaction of knowing that your time, talent, and effort paid of through the highest levels of achievements. THE IMPORTANCE OF DISCIPLINE
Because the nature of the organization, band discipline must, of necessity, be strict. Band scholars and parents must be willing to accept the ideas, principals, and rules of the organization. Because band members are constantly on display, each member must always be aware of the importance of good behavior. Any misconduct casts a direct reflection on the band and school and may well undo the good work of many loyal scholars. Any scholar, who casts discredit on the band by their conduct or actions, either at school or on a field lesson, shall be subject to dismissal from the band in addition to other disciplinary action by the school. Scholars who are repeatedly disciplined by school authorities for violation of school policies are a liability to the program and will be subject to dismissal from the band program. We support the parent who feels that, in order to get their scholar to do better in his/her school work or to punish the scholar for misconduct at home, their scholar should not be allowed to come to band practice. However, if the scholar misses regular scheduled rehearsals for any reason, the scholar will not perform with the band and their grade will suffer because of missed rehearsals and performances. If the parent chooses to use this form of discipline, the parent will need to remove the scholar from band for the remainder of the term. Merit System
All band members will be on the merit/demerit system. When you reach 100 merits you will be eligible for a band Letterman jacket at the end of the year. Band student points accumulate over the span of their 4 years. Those students with excessive demerits will be subject to disciplinary consequences. Each year your merits/demerits will be calculated and when you reach 100 merits you will be eligible for a Letterman jacket at the end of that semester. You once you earn the jacket the scholar and parent will sign a contract stating that the scholar will maintain ownership of the Letterman jacket only while maintaining or exceeding 100 merits. At any time during the scholar's tenure at SOC his/her merits go below 100pts the scholar must IMMEDIATELY relinquish the jacket to the Head Band Director. We will hold all scholars to the highest standard of excellence--Behaviorally, Academically, and Musically! What should my point range be? Freshman 0-25 - 26+ is exemplar Sophomore 26-50 - 51+ is exemplar Junior 51-75 - 75+ is exemplar Senior 76-25 - 76+ is exemplar **The goal is for everyone to letter during their tenure here in the "Nu Soul of the South" Band Program. So how do I earn or loose points? MERITS All-State Band 100pts State Solo/Ensemble Div 1 100pts Area Level Audition All-State Band 50pts State Solo/Ensemble Div 2 40pts Pre-Area Level Audition All-State Band 40pts State Solo/Ensemble 20pts Recruit NEW Band (Fr/Soph-full yr) 20pts Audition for All-Region Band 20pts (selected add 10 pts) UIL Solo/Ensemble Contest 15pts (1st Div-add 10 pts) Successfully Serve as a Student Director 15pts Successfully Serve as a Drum Major 10pts Successfully Serve as a Field/Band Officer, Section Leader 5pts Audition for All-City Band 10pts (selected add 5 pts) District Solo/Ensemble Contest 10pts (1st Div-add 5 pts) Perfect Attendance - Summer Band Camp 5pts Perfect Attendance/All Contests/Concerts (all year) 5pts Perfect Attendance/All Football Games 5pts Perform at Concert UIL (mandatory) 3pts Perform at Marching UIL (mandatory) 3pts Perform at Graduation (mandatory) 3pts Drum Major Tryouts (2nd semester) 5pts (selected add 5pts) Field officer, band officer Tryouts 3pts (selected add 3pts) Going over and beyond the call of duty (Pts. Determined by Dir.) Director Awarded Points Fr-0pts So-25pts Ju-50pts Se-75pts (Only 2017) DEMERITS Fighting -25pts Suspended from School -20pts Engaging in any behavior that cast a negative shadow -10pts Slanderous gossip/creating confusion or discord -10pts Missed Performances -10pts Ineligible -5pts Missed Rehearsals -3pts No Weekly Grade Sheet -3 Failure to Have ALL REQUIRED ITEMS at Any Practice -2pt Disruption/Disturbance during Practice/Rehearsal -2pts Late to Rehearsal -1pt Late to Class -1pt Leave Out Insts/Equipment/Music/Sticks/Personal Items -1pt Instrument Storage Bin Dirty/Cluttered -1pt Consequences of the Demerit Point System 1 Demerit = warning 2 Demerits = warning and parent call 3 Demerits = parent conference and/or removal from the band program permanently at director’s discretion **Any violation of these rules or any other protocols stated in this handbook will result in disciplinary action by the Disciplinary Board including but not limited to a warning, probationary period, suspension and/or termination of membership.** BAND CREED
“Working Hard Is Most Essential, To Help Our Band To Its Potential, Inferior Thinking We Set Aside, By Thinking Superior We Build Up Pride, You See Our Pride As We Pass By, For Each Proud Member Has Its Head Held High, We Strive For Perfection As Much As We Can And Believe In Love For Our Fellow Man And Yes We Are SOUTH OAK CLIFF!!! ‘NU SOUL OF THE SOUTH’ MARCHINGBAND!!! And Yes We Are The Best Band!!! The Best, Best, Best, Very Best Band In The Land!” |