ZBTHS

Band Handbook
2017-18

Contact Information


Band Room/Office Room 222

Office: (847) 731-9404

Mobile: (847) 350-9404 (GoogleVoice)

E-Mail: KazmiS@zbths.org

Website: zbthsbands.weebly.com

Twitter: @ZBTHSBand

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ZBTHSBand

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 ZBTHS BAND PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT
It is the mission of the ZBTHS Band Program to promote self-worth, social responsibility, lifelong learning,
discipline and aesthetic experiences, in partnership with our community, and through the study of theory,
history, and performance of music.

CONCERT ENSEMBLES (COURSES)

Symphonic Band (VP 733) Symphonic Band is the most select of the concert bands at ZBTHS and is open to
students in grades 9 - 12. Selection is by audition that occurs each spring. The Symphonic Band regularly
performs musical works that are at the collegiate or professional level. Some members of Symphonic Band are
District and All-State IMEA members. Private study is highly recommended for this band. Students in the
Symphonic Band may have the opportunity to participate in regional and/or national events.
Note: Percussionists in this group are placed in VP 731 (Percussion Class)

Concert Band (VP 732) Concert Band is the second concert band at ZBTHS and is open to students in grades
9 - 12. This ensemble regularly performs musical works that are among the standard high school literature, thus
providing valuable experience for students who are on their way toward participating in our top ensemble.
Concert Band may participate in area music festivals. Private study is recommended for this band.
Note: Percussionists in this group are placed in VP 731 (Percussion Class)

Varsity Band (VP 730) Varsity Band is the entry-level band class at ZBTHS and is open to students in grades
9 12 who have previous band experience. The ensemble performs musical works that are among the standard
high school literature, and works to improve individual technique and skill. Private study is recommended for
this band.

WHAT DOES CO-CURRICULAR MEAN?

Performing ensemble courses such as band and chorus are unique because their curriculum includes
components that, by necessity, are fulfilled through activity outside of the regular school day. These co-
curricular components include both rehearsals and performances. Rehearsals and sectionals that happen outside
of the school day prepare students for performances and allow groups that dont normally get to meet all
together during the school day to meet together at the same time. This results in a quality performance for all.
While the schedule combined with other activities can be busy, some planning and communication can relieve a
lot of stress caused by balancing different commitments. We do our best to communicate the required co-
curricular (graded) components in advance. In return, we promise that participation in high school band will
develop great time-management, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as become one of your
greatest memories and experiences of your school career.
Please note that there are a lot of do nots in this handbook. These are only here because of past issues. We
trust that as a part of being in band, you understand the type of commitment you have made.
We have a lot of great opportunities students, and we also have a lot of GREAT students to provide them for
and we need to keep things fair and consistent all can have an enjoyable experience.

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 CO-CURRICULAR COMPONENTS
Marching Band The ZBTHS Marching Zee-Bees is comprised of all band students enrolled in the ZB Band
Program and is a co-curricular requirement. Students in Concert Band and Symphonic Band attend band camp
the summer before the school year starts. The band rehearses primarily during the school day and performs at
all home football games, the Zion Jubilee Days Parade, and any pep rallies as asked. Students in Varsity Band
do not perform drill and all halftime shows, but do participate in the Jubilee Days Parade and other band
performances throughout the fall.

Pep Band All students participate in Pep Band. (Varsity Basketball is exempt and Varsity Dance/Cheer have
different requirements). The band performs at select home basketball game performances from Late November
through Late February. A Pep Band schedule will be distributed to all students prior to the beginning of the
basketball season. Students are split into two equally balanced Pep Bands in order to cover all of the basketball
game obligations. Each student would be required to attend on average 5 basketball games each year. The Pep
Band schedule is designed with flexibility for students to find subs if they need to miss a game and make it up
at a later date.

Dress Rehearsals/Sectionals In the fall, all band students participate in sectionals once a week. At the
conclusion of the football season, only Symphonic Band students will have regular sectionals outside of class.
Varsity Band and Concert Band students will have their sectionals pulled out of their normal band period.
Sectional rehearsals are an opportunity for the focus on individual playing technique and work out issues that
are not appropriate to spend full rehearsal time on. Any additional rehearsal or sectional may be called at the
discretion of the director. Sectionals will be scheduled to best suit the availability of students in each section.
They will either be before school at 7:10AM or after school. There is an Activity Bus that runs at 3:50PM
each day for after school obligations, and students are encouraged to carpool for before-school sectionals.

Solo/Ensemble In the month of March, students split up into small ensembles assigned by the director during
band periods. Small ensembles will all perform on our annual Solo/Ensemble Contest held at ZBTHS in March.
Solos are not required but students are encouraged to prepare a solo for solo/ensemble contest with consultation
with their private instructor.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
Jazz Ensemble Enrollment in a Concert Band is a co-requisite for Jazz Ensemble participation unless a
vacancy dictates the need for an outside member. Jazz Ensemble is an extra-curricular activity, composed of
interested Jazz musicians at ZBTHS. This group is made up of traditional jazz instrumentation (alto saxes,
tenor saxes, baritone sax, trombones, trumpets, and rhythm section consisting of piano, bass, drum set, and
guitar). Membership is open to all interested students. Jazz Ensemble meets from November-April, with
rehearsals one evening per week.

IMEA All District/All State Band / Jazz Ensemble Members of the band program are eligible to audition
for the Illinois Music Educators Association District/All-State Bands. District Auditions are held in mid-
October and the District honor band performs in mid-November. Based on that audition, the student may also
be selected for the All State Band and participate in the All State festivities in Peoria in mid-January.
Information will be given in class regarding auditions.

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Private Instruction As one might expect, private lessons on a musical instrument is the best way to improve
performance skills. The one-on-one approach allows the student to benefit from the individual attention as
opposed to a teacher monitoring a class of over fifty. A recent survey of students in the All State Band revealed
that approximately 90% of the students in the band studied privately. Students are generally more inclined to
practice diligently for a weekly music assignment and this discipline increases the students enjoyment with
their instrument.

THE BIG RULE

Act in a way that does not cause problems for others.

We have a way of doing things (doing business) in our classroom that allows us be VERY successful.
If you choose not to follow procedures, you will find yourself unsuccessful and most likely frustrated.
Specific procedures for rehearsal will be discussed in class. Please treat our facilities with care.

GRADING
Please see individual course syllabus for grading procedures.

Band has assignments like any other course. Many assignments are performance-based. Every rehearsal,
sectional, and concert is graded based on performance.

Please note that all assignments must be completed. Any incomplete or missing assignment is detrimental to
the success of the ensemble.

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 ATTENDANCE POLICY
Perfect attendance is considered the norm for music programs everywhere. If you are absent, it is your
responsibility to find out what material/work you have missed. For every day you are absent, you get ONE day
to make up missed work. If you know in advance that you will be absent from class, make sure to let us know.
You are expected to complete any work you miss by the day you return to class for a prearranged absence. If for
some reason you need to miss an event occurring outside the school day, please fill out and submit a conflict
form available in the band room.

ANY ABSENSE FROM A PERFORMANCE NEEDS TO INVOLVE PARENT CONTACT (PHONE

CALL- DO NOT E-MAIL)

PERFORMANCE: EXCUSED vs. UNEXCUSED ABSENCE

For any public performance, the following guidelines will be used concerning absences:
EXCUSED:
Personal Illness
Family Emergency
Death in the immediate family
Religious observance
Weddings of immediate family with minimum 4 weeks notice
UNEXCUSED (0 credit for the performance grade):
Work (including baby-sitting either family or friends)
Homework
Disciplinary absences (suspension, etc)
Lack of Transportation
Social Activities (such as relative visits, weddings other then specified above as
Excused, baby showers, parties, trips, etc.)
Out of town trips/vacations with family or friends

For school-sponsored sports and activities, conflicts will be addressed on a case-by-case basis by the director.
As a rule of thumb, performance always supersedes practice or rehearsal; playoff or state-level games or
performances supersede home or regular games or performances; other events will be decided on an
individual basis. For any conflict (rehearsal or performance), a minimum of 7 days notice is required for an
excused non-emergency absence.

PASS/FAIL OPTION POLICY

As per the school handbook, students are eligible to take band for Pass/Fail. Students electing this option are
required to complete all requirements of the course in order to receive a grade of Pass. Any unexcused
assignments or rehearsals will result in a semester grade of Fail. This includes but is not limited to: written
assignments, dress rehearsals, performances, excessive sectional absences, etc.

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 WHY IS ATTENDANCE SO IMPORTANT?

The attendance of each band member at all rehearsals and performances is absolutely essential to the success of
the entire band program. Unlike in many other activities, where a small group of individuals represent the
team while most of the students act only in a reserve capacity, every member of the band performs at each
band performance, whether marching or concert. When all of the members of the band are contributing, the
Zion-Benton Band can be outstanding, but without even a few, our performance can suffer. This leads to a
poorer quality experience by all.

Obviously, there will from time to time be illness or family emergencies that will interfere with attendance at
band rehearsals or performances. Students are excused for these reasons provided that I am notified with a
telephone call or a written note at the earliest possible date. Please be aware that with the telephone system in
the school, I (or my voice mail) can be reached after the switchboard has closed by simply dialing my extension
number (9404).

Many students in the band have part-time jobs. It is expected that students will communicate with their
supervisor and work around the schedule of school activities such as band. In most situations, job supervisors
are understanding of scheduling problems that relate to school activities. Communication about scheduled
events will ALWAYS be available through a calendar and will ALWAYS be available far in advance. On the
rare occasion that this cannot occur, something will be worked out. Job conflicts are never excused.

Performance is what any performing art is about. While there are other tests for students in music, a
performance is an important examination of what has been learned, as well as a building block upon which
other future performances can be built. In order to maintain a high standard of musical performance, this policy
must be strictly enforced.

Points to Remember

1. In matters of attendance, communication is valued above all else. My door is always open. Talk to me
in advance, not after a problem has developed. Communication needs to be direct (student to director or
parent to director).

2. Emergencies and illness are a part of life. They happen. Communicate. Notify the teacher before they
need to ask you.

3. Job-related conflicts are never an excusable situation. Work it out in advance. Take responsibility.

4. Dont be out of town at the last minute. The starting quarterback misses very few football games.
We are all starters in this organization. Plan ahead.

5. Pick up the phone. If I dont hear from you before a rehearsal, I will plan to see you. If I dont see you,
either you have an emergency or we have a communication problem. The number is (847) 731-9404. I
have voicemail.

Our program is successful because of the commitment of our students.

We want you to be part of something great!
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 FINANCES
Beginning in 2015-16, the Band Boosters have adopted a new band fee. While the school district is very
generous to our program, the operating costs of a good high school band program exceed what is within the
budgeted amount. This fee supplements supplies, repairs, uniform cleaning, etc. It is separate from your school
registration fees as this money goes straight to the band activity account.

Students are also asked to participate in a couple of fundraising initiatives throughout the year, but may opt-out
in lieu of paying an increased band fee. Students may also choose to fundraise their entire band fee. If you are
confused or need help, please contact the band office. We do not want financials to be a reason for your student
to not be able to participate in the program.

Other items students may need to purchase throughout the year include uniform parts (marching shoes, pants for
men, blouses for women), which are one-time purchases.

Students who need assistance with fees will be able to fundraise to offset costs. Students also have the option to
bill something to their band account (with no interest) to be paid for later. These fees will eventually be added
to Skyward to facilitate online bill pay if desired.

SUPPLIES
All Students: Brass Students:
Tuner (Metronome for percussion); Pencil Valve (or rotor) oil, slide grease
Mutes (trumpetsstraight, others will be provided by
the band)
Woodwind Students:
Cork grease, Percussion Students:
Swab (silk is best- will absorb) Stick bag
Good quality reeds Snare sticks
(3 each for oboe/bassoon, 4 each for Tympani mallets (general)
clarinet/sax) Plastic or rubber mallets
Reed case Cord or yarn mallets
Humidifier for wooden instruments

SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS

Each student who uses a school instrument is completely responsible for the care of the instrument. Students are
only financially responsible for damages beyond normal wear and tear (neglect, etc.). An instrument checkout
form/contract must be filled out and on file with the director prior to an instrument being assigned. Students that
use a school instrument must purchase their own quality mouthpiece/ligature and reeds to use with that
instrument. School instruments are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. School instruments must be
locked in lockers with locks provided by the school.

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 UNIFORMS
Marching Band (CB/SB)
All ZBMB performance block students will be issued a marching band uniform. (Hat, Plume, Coat,
Pants). The Band Fee covers maintenance and dry-cleaning of these uniforms.
The Student will need to provide the following in regards to the Marching Band Uniform
Black Marching Shoes (These can also be used for the concert band uniform)
BLACK Socks (any is fine- must be long enough so no skin is visible)
All long hair will be required to be worn off the shoulder. Hair should be tucked into the hat or into the
coat collar.
Jewelry should not be worn as it detracts from our performance. We do not want to draw attention to
ourselves as individuals within the ensemble
Band Polos are used throughout the year (Labor Day parade, Fine Arts Fest). Each student receives a
polo their first year in the program at no charge (covered via Band Fees).
PERCUSSIONISTS will need to purchase a drumline track suit. We use these for football games.

Pep Band
Pep Band T-shirt (changes each year covered by your Band Fee)

Varsity Band/Concert Band/Symphonic Band

All band students must have the following for their uniform. The Band Boosters are in the process of
helping fund portions of the uniform. Students will be sized for uniforms during the fall and billed once
we know an estimate of how much they will cost.

Male requirements: Black Adjustable Pleated Pants (provided)

White Tuxedo Shirt (student purchase)
Black Bowtie (student purchase)
Black Tuxedo Coat (Symphonic only- provided)
All male portions of the uniform can be purchased independently from the band.
We place an order in the fall and will measure students.

Female requirements: Varsity Band: Solid Black pants/floor length skirt

Solid black top/blouse
Concert Band: Concert skirt (provided)
Solid black top
Symphonic Band: Black Dress (provided by band)

ALL students: Black Dress shoes must be solid black.

Black Socks
(females may make an appropriate substation for socks based on shoe choice
please no bare toes)

These uniforms will last throughout the duration of high school and have been designed to be
easily maintained. If you outgrow any part of the uniform you own (tux shirt, pants, etc.,) you
will need to be sized and order a new one.

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 ZBTHS BAND CONTACT FORM

This form is to confirm information (specifically contact info) on file for your student. Please complete all
fields below, as we will make sure to use this information for the most efficient contact. This information
is for the director only for communication purposes.


STUDENT NAME: ____________________________________________


PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S) NAME: ____________________________________________
(please list who we should ask
for if we need to call home )
____________________________________________


PHONE NUMBER TO BE CONTACTED ( ) ____________________ Home/Work/Cell (circle one)


EMAIL ADDRESS: #1 __________________________________________________________


#2 __________________________________________________________
Please print as clearly as possible for accuracy

E-mail is used frequently for weekly updates and other communication. E-mail will come from ZBTHSBand@gmail.com and
Skyward.

BANDNOTES : BandNotes, the band newsletter is published every other month. Please check one of the
following:

__________ E-mail is fine for BandNotes. My e-mail is listed above

__________ Please also send me a paper copy of BandNotes. My mailing address is below:



******************************************************************************************
PICTURE PERMISSION

My child, __________________________, has permission to be part of any photos to appear in the ZBTHS BAND
newsletters, webpage, or local newspapers.


______________________________________ _________________
(signature) (date)

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 ZBTHS BAND TRAVEL FORM

By signing this form, I grant permission for my child to use bus transportation provided by
District #126 for band events during the 2017-18 school year. This includes all local
travel: community performances, IMEA, contest, etc. Any major travel (overnight/out of
state) will be accompanied by an additional permission form at a later date.

Please be aware that students are expected to take district provided transportation to and
from all events unless a parent contacts the band office in advance.


Student Name: _____________________________________________________________

Student Mobile: ( ) __________________________________________________

Guardian Name: _____________________________________________________________

Guardian Phone: ( ) __________________________________________________

Emergency Name: _____________________________________________________________

Emergency Phone: ( ) __________________________________________________


Medical Conditions to be aware of:









Guardian Signature: ________________________________________________________



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 2017-18 Band Fee Form THIS IS REQUIRED

Beginning with the 2015-16 school year, there is a $50.00 band activity charged by the band to cover
additional course supplies, uniform cleaning, and travel expenses throughout the year. Band fees make
up almost half of our programs operating costs throughout the school year. These fees go into the Band
Activity account (separate from Band Boosters).

In order to aid students in need, several fundraising opportunities are available throughout the school
year. Many students take advantage of these and have no additional out-of-pocket expenses for band, and
even have extra to allow for band trips.

Please check one of the following:

_________ Enclosed is $50.00 for one student in band, in cash or check payable to
ZBTHS Band.

_________ Enclosed is $80.00 for two students in band, in cash or check payable to
ZBTHS Band.

_________ I intend to fundraise the entire balance of band fees through provided
fundraising opportunities this school year. My account will be billed after
first semester if fundraising balance does not cover the fee.

Fundraising Participation

To keep costs low, the Band Boosters supplements additional funds per student to the program. In order
for this to happen, we ask for your participation in our two major fundraisers one in the fall and one in
the spring. Please indicate how you will help us for our big events.

PLEASE CHECK ONE OPTION BELOW FOR TRIVIA NIGHT. THIS IS AN EVENING COMMUNITY
FUNDRAISER EVENT THAT INCLUDES A RAFFLE AND SILENT AUCTION.

_________ Please sign me up to work our third annual Trivia Night on Nov. 4, 2017

_________ I will support Trivia Night by purchasing a seat or a table

_________ We will put together a raffle basket/donations for Trivia Night. This is due
October 20.

_________ Please accept our $20 donation to the Trivia Night Fund. This money is used
to cover printing costs, promotional costs, food, and other overhead for the
event.

Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________________________
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