Greetings!

On behalf of the Bartlesville Schools Instrumental Music Staff, I would like to welcome and congratulate you on your decision to become a member of the 2009-2010 Bruin Brigade! Our Instrumental Music Program has a history of experiencing much success and bringing acclaim to our community. Our band and orchestra has traveled all over the country and Europe participating in prestigious competitions and performances. Former students have gone on to be successful in a variety of professions. The discipline and work ethic they gained in our organization is constantly discussed as one of the most important ingredients to success learned while at Bartlesville High School.

The following guidelines have been developed to foster a sense of dedication and responsibility in each student, qualities that are essential to the success of any music student. If you do not see an answer to a question you may have, please feel free to check our website (www.bps-ok.org/kane/bbob) and/or contact the band staff by telephone or e-mail. Please read, then sign and return the signature page, activities travel and medical release forms at the end of this packet.

Sincerely,

Alex Claussen

Director of Instrumental Music

It should be considered the highest honor to be allowed to wear the uniform of your organization. While in uniform, you are easily identified as a member of the Bartlesville H.S. Band. Your behavior is identified with our school and community. Therefore, your behavior and attitude should always be exemplary.

1. Uniforms will be checked out at the beginning of the year and will be checked back in at the end of the year. Therefore, it is the student’s responsibility to take care of the uniform properly. Expectations will be shared with the student during uniform check-out. Neglect or abuse of the uniform will not be tolerated. ***NOTE*** Uniform bags clearly labeled with the students’ names are to be used every time the uniform is taken out of the home.
2. Students will need to furnish the following items to be worn with the marching uniform:

1. Warm Weather/Casual Uniforms consist of:

1. HS Band Polo Shirt
2. Black Dress Slacks-NO JEANS!
3. Black Socks
4. Black MTX Marching Shoes

1. The Color Guard show costume will change each year to fit the show that we perform. Each member of the Color Guard is expected to purchase the complete costume through personal funds or fundraisers by the due date.
2. The Concert Uniform will be the marching uniform with the exception of:

1. No Shakos (hats)
2. No Gloves
3. Color Guard members may use approved black shoes other than the MTX marching shoe
4. Hair will not be required to be pinned (As stated below, conservative appearance will be required.)

1. Independent Study is provided only as a last resort to those individuals who do not attend rehearsals or performances, or who are such a discipline problem that an alternative to performing band must be found.
2. Independent Study is a total written program, concentrating on the fundamentals of music theory and history.

Bartlesville Public Schools has a limited number of instruments that are available to students.

1. When a school instrument is loaned to a student, the parent and student must sign an Instrumental Agreement Form insuring that the instrument is properly cared for and will be returned to the school at the request of the director.
2. Any repair resulting from damages due to irresponsibility, misuse, or neglect will be the responsibility of the student and his/her parent or guardian. Each student will be issued an instrument in good working order if possible. If it is not, bring it to your director’s attention immediately. The most common issue students are charged to correct are stuck slides and/or valves from neglect. Be sure to keep your instrument in proper working order for our success and your pocketbook! Abuse of a school owned instrument will not be tolerated.

1. Grading will be based on playing requirements, preparedness, attendance, and some written work.
2. Make up work is the responsibility of the student.
3. Students will be asked to "pass off" tunes from memory during marching season. These will be played live for a staff member or approved student leader.
4. Students will be asked to turn in weekly playing "homework" assignments during concert band season. These assignments will be recorded at home on a cassette tape or CD.
5. Students must maintain a passing grade in band for continued enrollment in the class.
6. Attitude and conduct will not be used as criteria for grading. Students are expected to maintain high standards in these areas to participate in the Bartlesville Band Program.

1. Entry cards for All-District and All-State will be made available to the students early in the school year. Entry cards for Solo-Ensemble will be made available in December. If you are interested in participating, you must turn in your signed card by the assigned date along with the applicable fees required.
2. Because of the difficulty of the tryout material and the limited amount of time to help students auditioning, a preliminary audition may be held to determine if a student possesses the musical ability and has done the necessary preparation to audition for the All-District or All-State Band. Please do not ask to audition if you can not attend after-school extra-help sessions.
3. The band staff will pick or approve all solo/ensemble music. All solos must be memorized for consideration for state competition.
4. Students must pay the entry fee by the due date unless other arrangements have been made with a band staff member.
5. Students who use piano accompaniment must hire and agree to pay an approved accompanist. If you are unsure if an accompanist is approved, ask the band staff. Do not wait to do this!
6. There may be an evening solo/ensemble recital before the district solo/ensemble contest in order for family members and friends to hear our young musicians and to give the students an opportunity to work out their "pre-contest jitters". If scheduled, this event will be required for anyone planning to attend the district solo/ensemble contest.
7. All-District, All-State, and Solo/Ensemble events are strictly voluntary; however, they are counted as performances. If you sign up, attendance policies will be in effect. No backing out at the last minute. Be prepared. YOU ENTER, YOU PLAY.

1. All students will ride the bus to band activities.
2. A student may be released to ride home with his/her own family only if a note signed by the parent has been turned in at least 24 hours prior to our departure.
3. While riding the bus, the following rules are in effect:

1. No screaming, loud talking, or other disruptive sounds will be tolerated.
2. You are expected to sit facing forward for the duration of the trip. Please do not stick or throw anything out of the window at any time.
3. MP3 players and video games will be allowed with headphones. If you choose to take one, you are responsible for any damage or loss.
4. Before loading the buses, all students will meet in the designated area first for announcements and when dismissed will be expected to load in an orderly fashion.
5. Drum Sticks and mallets should be packed with the equipment and not carried onto the bus.
6. Promiscuous behavior and the public display of affection will not be tolerated.
7. Directors, Sponsors, and Drivers have the right to change your seating at any time. If we have repeated problems, we will go to assigned seating.

1. Every rule has an occasional exception.
2. Only a band staff member okays that exception.
3. Every student will be given space to store his/her instrument and other necessary supplies- please do not allow this to become a general storage area for your other belongings. Do not leave anything out in the rehearsal hall, hallway, or practice rooms.
4. Never let unauthorized people play or hold your instrument.
5. Band is a Full-Year Course. All students are expected to enroll in and complete both semesters for the school year. Only approved non-instrument playing color guard members are allowed to not enroll in both semesters. Any other exceptions to this would have to be approved by Mr. Claussen.
6. Do not use band as an excuse to get behind in your class work. Remember, bad grades can make you ineligible.
7. There will be no gum chewing, candy eating, food or drinks in the rehearsal areas at any time.
8. No horsing around, screeching on instruments, or non-band or non-orchestra students in the rehearsal hall at any time.
9. Use or possession of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs is prohibited during all band trips and functions, and may result in dismissal from the band program. Our school district requires all students enrolled in an activity to participate in random drug testing.
10. These policies are general in nature. Use your own good common sense to govern your behavior. Remember, you represent our band and our school.

A student can letter in Band by completing one full year of enrollment in Band without any unexcused absences or serious disciplinary problems. If a student is suspended from school for any reason, he/she will be ineligible to letter in Band or Color Guard for that school year.

A student can letter in Color Guard by being a member of the color guard for one full season of marching band and Winter Guard without any unexcused absences or serious disciplinary problems.

Excessive school absences and/or not being allowed to participate in performances for any reason can prevent you from being eligible to letter in Band or Color Guard.

The HS Wind Symphony is the top concert ensemble offered by the Bartlesville Band Program. Personnel for this group are typically chosen from the top 11^th-12^th grade band students through audition. In addition to musical ability, students will be chosen on the basis of eligibility, work ethic, and dependability. If the need arises, the band staff may offer additional individuals the opportunity to perform with this group. Students in the Wind Symphony will be expected to participate in private lessons and all extra curricular band events including All District/ All State, Solo & Ensemble Competition, and summer Band Camps.

The Mid-High Symphonic Band personnel will include all 9-10^th grade Band students who do not play in the Wind Symphony. All students in the Symphonic Band will be expected to maintain passing grades at all times in order to participate. Students are encouraged to participate in private lessons and all extra curricular band events including All District/ All State, Solo & Ensemble Competition, and summer Band Camps.

In addition to concerts, both groups will participate in the OSSAA State Concert Band and Sight-Reading contest in the spring. Our concert groups may participate in additional performance opportunities and all members will be expected to participate in those events and all rehearsals scheduled. The two groups will combine occasionally for special performances including our annual high school commencement ceremony.

**Special Note Regarding Concert Band for 2009-2010- The current structure is still being evaluated and may be altered with the intention of offering the best musical experience for the greatest number of students. Please be flexible as we look into this and possibly make some changes. You will be notified well in advance if any changes are made.

The BBOB is a volunteer organization made up of instrumental music parents and interested citizens. The purpose of the organization is to offer encouragement and monetary support to the instrumental music programs offered within the Bartlesville Public School system. In addition to these activities, members also assist those groups who make trips to contests and festivals by providing equipment transport and chaperones. Currently, meetings are at 7pm on the second Monday of every month at the Mid-High Band and Orchestra room. The organization is open to ALL interested citizens, not just Instrumental Music parents. All parents are encouraged to take part in this organization. If you have any questions, feel free to call.

Please complete, sign and return this and the following two pages by the required date given. (This will be one of your 1^st grades recorded in the gradebook!)