Croatan High School

BANDS
Band
Handbook
2018-2019

“The best that we can be…”

 

Croatan High School Bands
Band Handbook
2018-2019

Welcome to the band program at Croatan High School! At Croatan, the band program has consistently
been one of the top performing ensembles in the State. I am excited that you have chosen to be part
of that ongoing tradition of excellence.

The purpose of this handbook is to provide information about our program, its policies and
expectations of its members. Please take some time to read and review this handbook as you will be
asked to sign a membership contract that states you have read and understand our policies and
procedures.

The success and quality of our band depends on contributions from every band member and every
band parent. We intend to “Be the best we can be” at Croatan and look forward to growth and
success with your involvement.

Mike Self

“The best that we can be…”

Objectives of the Croatan Band
1. To teach music through performance.

2. To develop performance skills on wind and percussion instruments.

3. To provide for the musical needs of the school and community.

4. To acquaint students with music theory/history and how history and musical compositions relate to
students’ lives and musical experiences.

5. To provide all students with the opportunity for worthy use of their time, a means for self-
expression, and a healthy social experience.

6. To develop the ability to function as a responsible member of a group, enhance interaction, and
develop esprit de corps.

7. To foster leadership skills within each student.

8. To be the best version of ourselves, striving to improve ourselves and environment each day.

Attendance policy
Attendance at all performances and practices are an expectation of each member

For ALL absences, the following procedure must be followed by the student and parent:
• The director must be notified at least 7 days in advance for a rehearsal and 30 days in advance of
a performance.

• An absence request must be filled out and on file.

• For illness, a doctor’s note must be submitted.

• Although cleared by the school office, absences from a band activity that same day must be
cleared with the director as well - please call or email.

• Follow-Up is the sole responsibility of the student.

• If the school will excuse it, we will excuse it.

• “Work”, “Family matters”, “Important matters”, “Homework” are not usually considered
excusable.

Athletic Conflicts
Communication is key. Please take a moment and review calendars as soon as they are received. We
are willing to plan ahead and make arrangements for athletes to participate in the band program. Last
minute planning for conflicts does not benefit the band or your sports team. Lets develop a plan and
allow the director and coach time to develop a plan for student-athletes.

Duties of a Band Member

• Be on time to all rehearsals and performances. Early is on time - on time is late.

• Upon arrival to a rehearsal, get your instrument and any required materials and report to your area.

• When the director or a staff member or student leader asks for your attention, all talking should
cease.

• Come to rehearsal with a good attitude.

• Make a real effort to improve on a daily basis and establish a good practice routine.

• At the end of rehearsal put all of your materials in their designated area. Take PRIDE in your facilities.

• Maintain a strong academic standing in all course work.

• Become responsible and assume all responsibility for your actions. Admit when you are wrong.

• Have proper respect for yourself and those in authority.

• Make music, not noise.

Communication

Communication is vital to our success. There are several avenues though with the director will
communicate with students and parents. The director will send a weekly update containing important
information for students and parents each Sunday evening during the school year. Parents and
students should take part in reading the announcements section.

Remind
The first is Remind text messaging. This requires some action on your part. To subscribe, text the
number 81010 with the message @cougarmb18 Students AND Parents should both subscribe to
these updates.

Charms
Each student will have an account created in Charms. Charms will have a calendar of events as well
as financial details. Our charms manager is Johanna Owens. If you have questions about information
contained within charms, please contact her by email at croatanmbandboosters@gmail.com
Email
At times, the director and boosters will utilize email as a means for sending information to parents.
Emails will be generated through Charms. If you are not receiving any emails from Charms, please let
the director or Johanna Owens (Charms manager) know.

Grading Policy
Grades are assigned for band class, rehearsals, and performances which are co-curricular.

Class participation = 40 percent

This includes scheduled after school rehearsals. At each rehearsal students are expected to have all
materials necessary for their success and to put forth their maximum effort to earn the maximum
grade.

Musicianship = 40 percent
This includes playing tests, pass-offs, written assignments, reflections, assessments, and any other
assignments.

Performances = 20 percent
This includes any scheduled performances. Some terms this will include several events, others just
one or two.

Students’ Responsibility to the Band

As members of this organization, you have a great deal of responsibility. These expectations
coordinate with the privileges, rewards of the band program. Remember, we are a TEAM and doing
your part is vital to the success of the others around you.

To Ourselves…
You have the primary responsibility of developing your own abilities. The benefits of a good instrument and
private instruction can never be underestimated. What you put into is what you will get out of this activity. The
director is always available for your guidance and encouragement — just ask!
To the School…
The school district provides us with the resources for rehearsals, performances, and equipment necessary for our
success. The Band Boosters also provide a support network, both financially and philosophically. We have the
responsibility to provide the best possible services to our community.
To Music…
Music has always been a part of our culture. We must take what we have and use is for the betterment of that
culture. No one expects you to be virtuoso musicians, only to do your VERY BEST.
To Each Other…
We must always do what is best for the welfare of the group. There can be no selfish acts solely for the benefit of
the individual. Respect each other. If there are conflicts, find a way to resolve them. Never insult another band
member’s integrity. The word “band” implies that we are banded together without divisions.
Expectations and Rules
• Shoes and socks must be worn at all times for outside practices.

• Chewing gum is not permitted during a rehearsal or in the band room.

• Each band member must respect his or her uniform and wear it properly at all times.

• Food and drink are not permitted in the storage rooms.

• No hats or sunglasses are allowed to be worn inside the building.

• Be in your seat or place, and prepared on time to each rehearsal.

• Respect authority and others, including their personal property.

• Drinking, drugs, and vaping are strictly prohibited. All school district policies regarding such are in
force during any band activity.

• All School rules will be enforced.

• Students are to remain with the band after performances and will be dismissed as a group.

• Any money that is turned in should be in a sealed envelope, with your name, dollar amount, and
the designated use on the outside of the envelope.

• Students may practice in the band room before school, after school, and during lunch.

Parental responsibilities
It is the responsibility of every parent and guardian to see that the policies outlined in this handbook
are followed and that the form that accompanies this handbook is signed and returned. This states
that you understand the policies within and that any questions are to be directed to the band director.
Each parent is responsible for the attendance of his or her child at all band functions. It is the
responsibility of each parent to see that their child establishes a regular practice routine on their
instrument. The hands of the director are tied without the help of parents.

How parents can help…

If questions arise, it is important to remember this: If it is a performance issue, or anything dealing with
the band proper, contact the band director. If is is a fund-raising question or anything dealing with
parent issues, taking with the Band Boosters President. If it is a question about your student’s charms
account, contact the Charms Manager at croatanmbandboosters@gmail.com

• Show an interest in the musical study of your child.

• Arrange a regular time for your child to practice, and hold them accountable for doing so.

• Listen to performances of practice material when asked to do so.

• Ensure that your child’s instrument is in good repair.

• Teach your child to be prepared and on time (early) to each rehearsal.

• Make faithful attendance at all band activities a priority.

• Keep this handbook as a reference and refer to it when questions arise.

• Attend booster meetings, concerts, games and contests.

• Turn-in fees and fund-raiser funds on time.

Marching Band Camp

Our main camp will be held at the beginning of August. The dates for this year are: August 1-3 -
Percussion and Guard only; August 6-10 for everyone. Camp is taught by the director, camp staff,
and student leadership. Camp is required of all members. Approximately seven weeks of normal
rehearsal time is crammed into one week, so attendance is a must. Parent volunteers will be in
attendance to help out with whatever needs may arise. Camp will end at the conclusion of the parent
preview and potluck on Friday afternoon/evening.

Marching Band Practice

Students are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances. If there is a situation preventing this,
an excuse form must be requested, filled out, and returned beforehand. After school rehearsals will be
on every Tuesday/Thursday from 3:30 until 6:00pm beginning on August 14 and ending November 1st.
If a student is absent from school on the day of an after school rehearsal it does not automatically
excuse them for that afternoon. Someone must contact the band director. Do not send a message
with a student.

Uniforms
For Marching Band
The Band will provide the following:

• Shako/Plume

• Jacket

• Bibbers

• Gauntlets

Students will need to provide the following;

• Uniform shirt

• Khaki Shorts for Summer Uniform

• Black Socks

• Black Vipers (marching shoes)

• Black Gloves

For Concert Band

Ladies

• Full length all-black dress with black shoes.

Gentlemen

• Black Tuxeudo with a Black Bowtie, Black socks, and Black Shoes.

**Formal attire is available for checkout from the school if needed**

Uniform Inspection…
Prior to some performances, all band members will stand for inspection. Any member who does not
pass inspection will not participate in the performance.
Band members will be checked for the following:

• Clean uniform

• Correct hems on bobbers

• Cleaned shoes

• Hair correctly worn - all hair will be up off of the collar at all performances.

• Jewelry - Only watches and own class ring.

• Cleaned, lubricated instrument.

Football Games
• Report time for all football games will be announced on the Sunday prior to the game.

• Students must wear their full uniform at all times unless instructed to be in “halves”

• Following games, students will be dismissed from the band room following announcements in the
band room.

• Students will carry themselves in a dignified manner when entering and exiting the stadium, and
during the course of the game. When you have class it shows — when you don’t, it shouts!

• Only uniformed band members will be allowed in the band section during games.

• All members are expected to remain in their sections. All Stands music will not be played unless
rehearsed and approved by the band director.

• There will be no eating or drinking in the stands except for water. The band will have 3rd quarter
off and must be back in their seats for the downbeat of the fight song at the buzzer of 3rd quarter.

• All members should be alert to what is going on down in the front. Be ready react immediately to
instructions given by the director or drum majors.

• If a student leaves the band section during the game, they must be accompanied by another
band student and both must have permission from the director.

Traveling
• If a conversation can be heard at the front of the bus, it is too loud.

• There will be no hanging out of the bus windows.

• Please lower the volume considerably when entering towns or stadiums. This is for your safety ]is
courteous to the bus driver, and is an act of class.

• Please keep the bus clean; pick up after yourselves, and always be sure to thank chaperones and
drivers.

Performance Calendar
Please note: these are just performances. There will be a few other events throughout the year that
students will need to prepare for. Those dates will be communicated on the first day of classes in
August and the First day of 2nd semester.

August
24 - Home Football vs. Swansboro

September
14 - Home Football vs. White Oak

21 - Home Football vs. Southwest Onslow

22 - County Band Preview - East Carteret HS

29 - Competition (Cleveland HS or West Craven HS)

October
5 - Home Football (Homecoming) vs. Dixon

12 - Home Football vs. Richlands

13 - Competition - White Oak HS

20 - Competition - James Madison Parade of Champions (if invited)

**Additional travel cost would be approximately $100**

27 - Competition - Sanderson HS

26 - Home Football (Senior Night) vs. Heide Trask

November
3 - Competition - Havelock HS

10 - Morehead City Veteran’s Day Parade

15 - Fall Concert

24 - Emerald Isle Christmas Parade

December
7 - Atlantic Beach Christmas Parade

8 - Morehead City Christmas Parade

9 - Newport Christmas Parade

TBA (most likely Dec 13) - Holiday Concert

March
5 - Pre-MPA Concert

13, 14, or 15 - MPA (Music Performance Adjudication)

May
TBA (most likely May 23) - Spring Concert

June
7 - Graduation

Summer Schedule
This is the Summer 2018 Band schedule. Students should make every effort to attend all rehearsals. If
there is a conflict with one of these dates, please turn in an absence request as soon as possible.

June
11 - Student leaders training, 9am-12pm

12 - Summer Camp 1

Incoming freshmen and student leaders, 9am-1pm (lunch provided)

Full band, 1pm-6pm

July
8-12 - Western Carolina Summer Symposium (**Optional, register online. Cost is $450. Transportation
will be provided for students that choose to attend). See Mr. Self for details.

16 - Summer Camp 2

Student leaders meeting 9am-1pm (lunch provided)

Full Band, 1pm-6pm

29 - NightBEAT Trip. (Optional. Cost will be approximately $100. We will be traveling by charter bus
with students from West Carteret and East Carteret HS.

August
1-3 - Guard and Percussion Camp, 8am-5pm

6-10 - Full Band Camp, 8am-8pm (lunch and dinner provided)

14, 16, 21, 23 - Full Band Rehearsals 5:30-8pm

Financial Obligations
Each band student is assessed a dollar amount determined by the budgeted needs of the band for
that year divided by the number of members. Students may earn credit toward this assessment by
selling items during the various fund-raising activities during the school year. Invoices will be sent out
monthly as a reminder. Please note that this assessment does not pay for extra travel expenses. At
times the financial obligation may be heavy, but no member will be denied the opportunities of the
organization due to financial difficulties. Please contact the director and alternative arrangements will
be made. The exception to this is Winter Percussion and Guard. In order to participate in these extra-
curricular ensembles, the majority of fees for the Fall should be paid.

It is our goal to provide the finest experience possible for our students at Croatan High School. Part of
that desire is providing a first rate marching band experience. With that goal, we incur quite a few
expenses throughout our season. Arrangement and composition fees, drill writing fees, pay for extra
staff, etc. These expenses are a necessity in order to provide the best experience possible for your
child. For Marching Band, we charge a modest fee to cover these expenses, as well as the expenses
that we have during our band camp. These fees are consistent among the three high schools in our
district. It is not our intent to turn any student away from our program for financial concerns. We
provide multiple fundraising opportunities throughout the year, and we are willing to work with families
to develop an alternative payment plan if needed. Please understand that fees are non-refundable as
often times money is already pre-allocated to pay for expenses. We strive to keep expenses as low as
possible for members, but this allows for very little “wiggle room” within our budget. Siblings will
receive a 25% reduction in fees for each child for band camp and fair share, but not travel expenses or
“extras”.

The cost for Band Camp is $100

This fee covers the cost of:

• Extra Instructors to provide specialized instruction to your students

• Arrangement and composition fees

• Drill Writing Fees

• Show Shirt

The “Fair Share” membership fee is $300

This fee covers the cost of:

 • Assistant Director, Percussion Instructor, Guard Instructor

• Competition Registration Fees

• Props

• Equipment repair and maintenance

• Choreography

• Percussion Part Writing

• Misc Expenses such as batteries, field paint, etc.

“Extra” expenses
Some of these “extras” are for all members, while others pertain to certain groups

• Uniform shirt - $15 (All members)

• Marching/Jazz Shoes - $35 (only new members/those in need of replacement)

• Gloves - $10

• Percussion Fee - $50 (helps cover the cost of wear items such as sticks/mallets/heads)

• Guard Fee - $150 (helps cover the cost of costumes) 


Travel expenses
We will likely be competing at James Madison University in Charlottesville, VA on October 20th. This
will involve a charter bus and overnight hotel stay.  The estimated cost is $125

Payment Schedule

$50 - Due May 21 @ Mandatory Parent Meeting 


$50 - Due June 12 @ June Camp Day 

$50 - Due July 16 @ July Camp Day 

$35 - “Extra” Due July 16 for students that need shoes 

$50 - Percussion/Guard only Due August 1 @ Guard/percussion camp 

$50 - Due August 6 @ Band Camp 

$75 - Due September 4 Covers fair share + “extras” gloves/uniform shirt 

$50 - Due October 1 

Guard “extra” + $50 for costume

$125 - Due October 8 - JMU Travel fee

$50 - Due November 1

$50 - Final payment Due December 3

Guard “extra” + $50 for costume

Student Leadership
Drum Majors
Rachel Leonard

Madison Sonzogni

Shiloh Waite

President - Rachel Leonard

Vice-President - Sheila Skrabacz

Section Leaders
Flute - Sara Nelson

Clarinet - Sheila Skrabacz

Saxophone - Mattie Holloway (Cora Meno - Assistant)

Trumpet - Christina Falcone

Mellophone (Horn) - Lydia Domitrovits

Low Brass Captain - Michael Tydings

Trombone - Mikey Tata

Tuba - Charlie Tulevech

Drum Line - Hunter Armstrong

Front Ensemble - Ellie Morey

Guard - Allison Kramer

Equipment Managers
Evan Frame

Sam Gyles

Secretary - Kira Watkins

Ensembles

Letters and Bars

Students who qualify will receive a letter or pin by meeting the following requirements:

• Have a 90 percent or higher average in band through the first 5 terms.

• Pass-off all required material.

• Be in band for at least 2 Semesters.

• Attend all performances unless extenuating circumstances prevail.

• Have no major disciplinary actions taken against them.

Performing Ensembles
Wind Ensemble
• All members (except color guard) are required to participate in Wind Ensemble.

• Most rehearsals take place during the regular school day. There will be 1-2 after school rehearsals
to combine with percussion leading up to performances. All members are required to attend
rehearsals that are scheduled outside of the regular school day. This will be reflected in the
student’s grade.

• The Wind Ensemble will perform a Fall Concert, Holiday Concert, Pre-MPA Concert, MPA, and a
Spring Concert as well as perform during our annual Spring Trip.

Marching Band
• All Members are required to participate in the Marching Band.

• All marching members are required to attend all rehearsals including band camp. This will be
reflected in Student’s grades.

• Any absences require the completion of an Absence request.

Jazz Band/Jazz Combo

• Membership in these ensembles is available only to band members.

• Students are selected for membership based on audition.

• Participation is limited due to instrumentation concerns.

• Rehearsals will take place outside of the regular school day.

• Failure to attend rehearsals may result in removal from the ensemble.

• These ensembles will perform at concerts with the Wind Ensemble as well as other gigs around
the area.

Indoor Percussion Ensemble

• Membership in this ensemble is available only to band members.

• Members will be selected by audition

• An additional membership fee of $225 will be assessed. Payment should be made in accordance
with the schedule that will be provided.

• Students will also be responsible for additional travel expenses incurred.

• Students must be current with their financial obligations in order to participate in this ensemble.

Winter Guard
• Members will be selected by audition.

• A Winter Guard membership fee of $225 will be assessed. Payment should be made in
accordance with the schedule that will be provided.

• This fee will not provide members with the required uniform. Uniforms typically cost $100-$150.

• Students will also be responsible for additional travel expenses incurred.

• Students must be current with their financial obligations in order to participate in this ensemble.

 Croatan High School Bands

Membership Contract
2018-2019

I, the undersigned student, accept membership in the Croatan High School Band and understand that
I am responsible for all policies 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, have read and understand the policies as set forth in the band
handbook. I also grant full permission for my child to be an active member or the Croatan High School
Band. In addition, my child has permission to attend all band functions. Furthermore, I understand that
I must meet all financial obligations.

__________________________________________________

Parent Name

__________________________________________________ ____________________________

Parent Signature Date

“The best that we can be…”

 Croatan High School Bands
Medical release
2018-2019

STUDENT NAME _____________________________________________________

STUDENT ADDRESS_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

PARENT/GUARDIAN_____________________________________________________

HOME TELEPHONE __________________ WORK TELEPHONE________________

PARENT CELL # _____________________ SECONDARY CELL #________________

INSURANCE CO.______________________ POLICY NUMBER___________________

MEDICADE #__________________________

ALLERGIES FOOD _______________________________________________________

DRUG _______________________________________________________

DRUGS CURRENTLY TAKING _____________________________________________

DOSAGES________________________________________________________________

HEALTH LIMITATIONS ___________________________________________________

HEALTH LIMITATIONS ___________________________________________________

STUDENT’S PHYSICIAN ___________________________________________________

PHYSICIAN’S WORK TEL. __________________________________________________

PERMISSION FOR TREATMENT

_____________________ being legal guardian or parent of___________________________

do hereby give my permission for emergency treatment of my child in the event of
accident, injury, or illness in the event that I can not be reached by telephone. This
permission is given for any trip or function with the Croatan High School Band
from June 2018 - June 2019 when the parent cannot be reached.

_______________________________ _____________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Croatan High School Bands

Photography Release
2018-2019

Croatan Band students are sometimes photographed or videotaped. We are requesting to use these
images on our website, social media or in promotional publications. No last names will be used in
these publications. If you would give such permission, please fill out the form below. Likewise, if you
do not consent, we ask that you mark the appropriate statement and returned.

Student Name _____________________________________________

I am the parent/legal guardian of the child above. I agree to the following:

I DO give permission for your to include my child’s image on the Croatan Band website, social
media, or promotional material as he or she participates in band activities. No last names will
appear on any materials submitted by the teacher.

I DO NOT give permission for you to include my child’s image on film, videotape, or website as
he or she participates in activities with the Croatan Band.

Parent/Guardian Name_______________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature_______________________________________ Date_______________________

Croatan High School Bands

Travel Release
2018-2019
Because of your child’s involvement with band, he or she will be taking part in a series of field trips
during the course of the year. A schedule of events is contained on this form.

Please be advised that the school will take every precaution to provide for the safety of your child on
each trip. You are requested to grant permission for your child to attend and participate. You are also
requested to relieve the school, the Carteret County School Board, school administrators, band
directors, and chaperones of liability for any accident that may occur on these trips.

I Grant permission for my child, ___________________________________________, to go on the trips

associated with band according to the schedule in the handbook and the list below for the 2018-19
school year. I relieve the school, Carteret County School Board, school administrators, band directors,
and chaperones of liability for any accident that may occur.

Parent/Guardian Name_______________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature_______________________________________ Date_______________________

July 8-12 - WCU Summer Symposium - Cullowhee, NC July 29 - NightBEAT - Winston Salem,NC
Aug 22 - East Carteret HS. Aug 29 - Cleveland HS or West Craven HS
Oct 13 - White Oak HS - Jacksonville, NC Oct 20 - JMU Parade of Champions - Harrisonburg, VA
Oct 27 - Sanderson HS - Raleigh, NC November 3 - Havelock HS - Havelock, NC
January 5/12/19/26 - All District Band or Region Jazz Auditions - Greenville, NC
February 7-9/21-23 All-District Clinic or Region Jazz Clinic Greenville, NC and Wilmington, NC
March 13, 14, or 15 - MPA (Music Performance Adjudication) - Havelock, NC.
Spring Trip 2019, location TBA