MUSCLE
SHOALS HIGH SCHOOL
TROJAN BAND
HANDBOOK
2007-2008
BAND
DIRECTORS
Pat
Stegall
David
Waters
BAND
BOOSTER OFFICERS
President Mark and Sheila Smith
Vice-President Vicky Kilgore
Secretary Susan Bonee
Treasurer Doreen Brisendine
Equipment
Manager Neal Wells
Members at large Jean May, Darlene Austin, TBA
“We Are Awesome”
Activities and Honors
2006 – 2007
Marching Band
Performed 10 halftime shows
Bands Of
America Regional – Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Excellent Rating. High Music Class A,
Third Place Class A
Southern
Hospitality Invitational –
Hartselle,
Alabama
All Superior Ratings, Best in Class Guard,
Percussion, Majorettes, Band, Highest overall score
Bands Of
America Super-Regional – Atlanta,
Georgia
Excellent Rating
Concert Band Annual Competitive
events
ABA District III Concert Band Assessment,
February 15, 2007
MSHS Symphonic Band received All Superior
Ratings
ABA State Concert Band Assessment, March
13, 2007
MSHS Symphonic Band received All Superior
Ratings on Stage and in Sight Reading
12th consecutive superior at
State Assessment
Indoor Drumline
Cahaba Thunder Percussion Festival,
Hewitt-Trussville November, 2006
Superior Rating, First Place Large
Division, Grand Champion
Concert Percussion Ensemble
Independence HS Rhythm and Silk
Competition, Superior rating
First Place Scholastic Concert Open, March
10, 2007
Performed at the UNA Percussion Ensemble
Concert, April 23, 2007
MSHS Jazz Band
Solo and Ensemble, Superior rating
Student Honors
7 students participated in the
University of Alabama Honor Band; 11 students participated
in the District III Honor Band, 3 first chairs; 11
students participated in the UAB Honor Band, 3 first
chairs; 30 students participated in the Shoals Honor Band,
9 first chairs; Outstanding Band Member Awards – Rebekah Holm,
Sarah Rogers, Shelby Holm; 6 students participating in the
Alabama All State Band-Red Band – Rebekah Holm, Percussion;
Jonathan Quinn, Trombone; Brett Carpenter, Trombone; Blue Band –
Jordan Riner, French Horn; Nathan Holt, Trombone; Junior High
Band – Natalee Briscoe, French Horn
State Solo
Competition, Auburn University
Rebekah
Holm, Percussion – Superior
Brett
Carpenter, Trombone – Superior
Jonathan
Quinn, Trombone – Excellent
Solo and Ensemble Festival
60 Superior Medals
Summer Music Camps Attended
Heart of Dixie Drum Major Camp
Band Leadership Training Camp
MUSCLE
SHOALS HIGH SCHOOL BAND
2007-2008
LEADERSHIP TEAM
MSHS BAND
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
NATALIE BERRYHILL
VICE
PRESIDENT CHASE
AUSTIN
SECRETARY
MEGHAN GOINS
TREASURER BROOKE GRONEMEYER
LIBRARIANS
KAYLA
GRONEMEYER, SARAH ROGERS, ASHANKA KUMARI, KAYLA VAUGHN, SHELBY
HOLM, APRIL WOJAS
HISTORIAN
JORDAN RINER
DRUM
MAJOR BAYLEE
SMITH
ASSISTANT
FIELD COMMANDER KAYLA GRONEMEYER
MAJORETTE
CAPTAIN LINDSAY RICKARD
GUARD
CAPTAINS DIANA LUNDY, CAITLIN MAY;
ASSISTANT
CAPTAINS- COURTNEY HESTER, ABBI-STORM MCCANN, MICHELE MCCORMACK,
SECTION
LEADERS
AMANDA BIRDWELL
APRIL WOJAS
MEGHAN GOINS
TABITHA HOLLINS
ANDREW BECKWITH
JASMINE KING
KAYLA GRONEMEYER
JORDAN RINER
ASHANKA KUMARI
DAVID MCCREARY
MARY HENSLEY
CHASE AUSTIN
MICHAEL WARD
BRANDON DAVIS
JEREMY SMITH
NATALIE BERRYHILL
SHEA GLENN
Introduction
You are a member of one of
Alabama’s finest organizations. We have performed for President
Carter, Governor Folsom, Senator Heflin, Congressman Cramer, and
many other dignitaries. We have traveled to Canada, Mexico,
Texas, New Orleans, Washington D.C., and most recently, Orlando,
Florida. We have performed for dozens of parades and activities
in our community. We have several commendations from the
Alabama Legislature for excellence as well as a commendation
from the City of Muscle Shoals, the Colbert County Commission
and the Governor. Our Concert Program consistently receives
superior ratings at district and state festival, and our
Marching Band has received superior ratings since 1966. Over
300 trophies on display represent Superior, First Place, and
Grand Champion Awards.
You are a member. No one can
take your place or do your part in the performances. With the
opportunities the band will bring comes a responsibility too.
We will expect you to do your part – to be at rehearsals, to
perform with the rest of us, and to do your best. The band is
successful because we all take great pride in doing our absolute
best – that means doing our best in preparing our performance
and, of course, in performing our best every time.
You will find a cross section of
the school in the band. We have athletes, cheerleaders,
scholars, and socialites. We have in our membership leaders in
clubs and activities throughout the school. We have many
members of the National Honor Society and take great pride in
the academic achievement of our members. We have had in our
program National Merit Scholars, Valedictorians, Salutatorians,
an Alabama Junior Miss, and a Miss Alabama.
Since most of our students will
not become professional musicians, you only have this time to be
a performer…to be in the spotlight and experience the thrill of
being recognized as an outstanding performer. We want that once
in a lifetime opportunity to be the best performance opportunity
that is possible.
This is a winning team, of which
you are important. You will enjoy some great times as part of
this band, and we look forward to sharing them with you.
Philosophy
1.
Music education is not a frill or icing on the academic
cake. Music education is a vital part of becoming educated and
preparing for life. We teach creative and critical thinking,
problem solving and personal responsibility every day. These
lessons are inherent in every music class and will give you
skills, which will be advantageous to students long after high
school. In addition, students learn interpersonal skills and
the ability to motivate and influence a group to work together
toward a common goal for their common good.
2.
Every student will gain an appreciation of music and
become informed consumers in their long lasting enjoyment of
music. Our goal is that each student will become the very
finest player he/she is capable of becoming. Through the
process of progressing as an individual player and member of the
performing group, each student will gain understanding of how
music is put together as a composition. He/She will also gain
respect for great performers and performances as we discover the
demands of great music on the individual in preparing and
performing.
3.
As students work together over these high school years’
friendships and bonds develop. Our goal is to help in
developing interpersonal skills and to assist individuals
through the difficulties of adolescence by helping build
self-esteem and self-confidence. Friendships and fond memories
are a product of the band as surely as the performance and
enjoyment of music is.
“Band is the best thing that
ever happened to my daughter.”
(Band parent of senior)
“My son came out
of his shell because of band. Band was the best thing that
could have possibly happened to him.”
(Band parent of Sophomore)
“My favorite
memories of high school are of band. Band was the most
significant part of high school for me.”
(Graduate of MSH, 1978)
“ I am a
different person because of band. I now have a love of music
that adds so much to my life, as well as a skill I can refine
for as long as I want. I have made many friends in band. I
know we have learned more than we yet realize in band – goals,
character, work – because you teach us not only about music, but
about life.”
(Graduate of MSH, 2003)
“You really have
taught me a lot…not only band, but about life.”
(Graduate of MSH, 2007)
THE BAND PROGRAM AT MUSCLE
SHOALS
A.
CLASS OFFERINGS:
Marching Band
You will enjoy this class! You will be in the biggest and most
spirited band at MSH, as well as the largest student
organization in the school. This band performs at Festivals,
Contests, and ball games. All participants are now required by
the State Department of Education to complete the L.I.F.E Course
in order to receive a PE credit for marching band. This course
will be taught as part of the regular curriculum for incoming
freshmen and rookie members. Once completed, the students will
have achieved their required PE credit for high school.
Symphonic Band
Congratulations! You are a member of one of the South’s finest
concert bands. There will be many opportunities for
performances and experiences that you will find very enjoyable.
Jazz Band
If you are a member of this band you are exceptionally prepared
and show extraordinary achievement. This band performs at
concerts and special events throughout the year.
Ensembles
This includes various percussion, woodwind, and brass ensembles
that perform at concerts and Solo and Ensemble Competitions.
B.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES:
1.
Festivals and Contests
a.
District and State Concert Festival in February and
March, ABA sponsored.
b.
Marching Festivals and Contest
Fall
Season – We compete three to four times and MSH hosts a contest
on the third Saturday in October at which we perform.
c.
Jazz Band Festivals in the spring.
d.
Spring Trip (2009) to perform and to reward students for
working hard.
e.
School Concerts
f.
Parades
2.
Criteria for choosing festivals
a.
Top Quality Judges to give input for our progress
b.
Top competitive bands with which to compare our
performance level
c.
To utilize concert, marching and jazz band
d.
To reward students for hard work during the year
3.
Rationale for attending a contest or festival is:
a.
Using the competition as motivation to improve as a
player and performer
b.
To compare our level of performance with other bands for
practical evaluation of our progress
c.
To be evaluated by experts in the area of music to
improve techniques and thereby progress and make improvements in
our program.
C. PROGRESSION OF MUSICAL
ACCOMPLISHMENT
Band members
are expected to progress in a logical and sequential manner
throughout their membership in the Muscle Shoals Band Program.
In order to track his or her progress, each student will
maintain a portfolio in the band office. Personal and group
achievements will be noted and appropriate notations will be
made. Students will receive Band Letters and Bars for their
accomplishments. These accomplishments will be used to assist
the directors in tracking students’ progress and in evaluating
weaknesses and strengths of each student. Chair placement will
be based on their portfolio, playing test and seniority points.
BANDSMAN: Novice Class (Earns First
Bar) 59 participation points plus 10 service points
5 scales: 1 octave, arpeggio (C,F,Bb,G,D,)
memorized
Chromatic Scale: 1 octave, memorized
Study Rubank Elementary Method (or
equivalent)
Audition for Shoals Honor Band
BANDSMAN: Apprentice Class (Earns
Second Bar) 79 participation pts plus 20 service pts
7 scales: Fl, Cl, Ob, Mlt. 2 octaves,
arpeggio (C,F,Bb,G,D,Eb,A) memorized
All other instruments: 1 octave, arpeggios
memorized
Chromatic Scale: 2 octaves, memorized
Study Rubank Intermediate Method (or
equivalent)
Audition for Shoals Honor Band
Audition for All-State
BANDSMAN: Expert Class (Earns Band
Letter and Third bar) 114 pts plus 30 service pts
10 scales: Fl, Cl, Ob, Mlt. 2 octaves,
arpeggio (C,F,Bb,Eb,Ab,Db,G,D,A,E) memorized
All other instruments: 1 octave, arpeggios
memorized
Chromatic Scale: 2 octaves or all-state
requirement memorized
Minor Scales: A melodic, C Harmonic
Complete Rubank Advanced Method (or
equivalent)
Audition for Shoals Honor Band
Audition for All-State
BANDSMAN: Master Class (Earns
Fourth Bar) 259 pts plus 40 service pts
12 scales: 2 octaves, arpeggio (C,F,Bb,Eb,Ab,Db,Gb,G,D,A,E,B)
memorized
Chromatic Scale: Full Range
Minor Scales: A melodic, C Harmonic
Complete 2 years of the All State Cycle
from Prescribed Method Book
Regular Lessons or tutoring from approved instructor
Audition for Shoals Honor Band
Selected for All-State
BANDSMAN: Artist Class (Earns Fifth
Bar) 494 pts plus 50 service pts
12 scales: 2 octaves, arpeggio (C,F,Bb,Eb,Ab,Db,Gb,G,D,A,E,B)
memorized
Chromatic Scale: Full Range
Minor Scales: A melodic, C Harmonic
Complete 4 Years of the All State Cycle
from Prescribed Method Book
Regular Lessons or tutoring from approved instructor
Audition for Shoals Honor Band
Selected for All-State Red Band
This section is currently under
revision and will be republished as soon as it is finished.
AWARDS FOR
STUDENTS
Band
Banquet – A program each spring where students and parents dress
formally, have a good dinner, a dance, and honor outstanding
students in the following ways:
A.
John Philip Sousa Award, Louis Armstrong Award
B.
All State Band
C.
Shoals Honor Band/Other Honor Bands
D.
Shoals Youth Symphony
E.
Progression of Musical Accomplishment Awards
F.
School Award Letter from PMA or Service
G.
Medals for superior performances at AMEA events
H.
Special recognition awards
I.
Scholarships
1.
Music major – full tuition is often awarded to our
graduates through scholarships in music at many colleges. All
good players are in demand.
2.
Non-music majors can pay for much of their expenses by
performing in band and other instrumental groups. Many
non-music majors are able to defray college expenses just by
playing in college band – which they probably would do anyway.
3.
We get request letters from almost every college and
university each spring for lists of seniors who may be
interested in applying for scholarships and financial help
through instrumental music.
4.
The MSH band boosters offer a scholarship to a student
selected by Lloyd Jones of the University of North Alabama, for
participation in the “Pride of Dixie”.
BAND STUDENTS ARE
WANTED AND NEEDED BY COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES; PREPARE NOW TO
BE ABLE TO OFFER THEM AN ACCOMPLISHED MUSICIAN IN YOURSELF.
Over the last few years, over 70
of our students have received band scholarships to various
colleges.
“Success is not measured by what
we start, but rather what we complete.”
STUDENT
LEADERSHIP TEAM
A.
Method of choosing is done by audition in May, seniority
and student portfolio. The leadership class attends camp during
the summer and learns transposition, drill charting, and
motivational and interpersonal skills.
B.
Responsibilities are to help in teaching drill and music
and to help in keeping order in rehearsals.
C.
Officers are:
1.
Drum Major(s) – student conductors; Auditioned by Band
Director
2.
Officers - President, Vice-President, Secretary,
Treasurer, nominated by Band Director…voted on by students.
3.
Librarians and Historians; Appointed by Band Director
4.
Leadership team members and Section Leaders; Auditioned
by Band Director, Seniority and Portfolio
D.
Students will learn:
1.
Positive motivational techniques
2.
A positive approach to teaching others
3.
Drill Charting
4.
Conducting
5.
Transpositions
E.
Leadership students will attend leadership camp in the
summer
INDIVIDUAL
INSTRUCTION
Students will be given the
opportunity to study privately with an instructor on their
particular instrument. These lessons are arranged through the
band directors with approved specialists on each instrument.
Most instructors will come to the school and teach the lessons,
but there are others that will teach out of their own studios.
These lessons are the expense of each student. Students wishing
to audition for All-State are highly encouraged to take
advantage of these lessons.
INSTRUMENT
UPGRADES (STEP-UPS)
The instruments which are
recommended for beginning band and middle school are quality
beginning instruments. Students wishing to progress toward a
higher quality instrument are encouraged to do so. Please
consult with one of the directors before purchasing another
instrument. Guidance is needed to help select the proper
instrument to meet the students’ needs and budget.
RULES
A.
Band Rules
1.
All students must attend every rehearsal and every
performance of the band. Excused absences are counted for
personal illness of students, which prohibits school attendance
and for family emergency (i.e. death in the family, accidents,
etc.). Unexcused absences from rehearsal will result in the
student being withheld from the next performance. Unexcused
absence from a performance will result in possible expulsion
from the performing group and dropping a letter grade.
2.
Wear clothes appropriate for co-ed activities and very
active physical exercise. Tennis shoes should always be worn to
rehearsal…no bare feet, no sandals, no flip flops, etc.
3.
Instruments should not be played going into or out of the
rehearsal area – nor before or after rehearsal.
4.
All necessary instruments/equipment should be brought to
every rehearsal.
5.
Possession or use of alcohol or controlled substances
(drugs) will result in suspension from the band. School board
policies will also be enforced.
6.
Band office is not for student use. Permission must be
obtained to use the office telephone. Students should not be in
the office unless the Director is present!
7.
No food or drink in the band room.
8.
No bad language! First offense gets a warning – the
second offense is reported to the parent – third offense brings
about suspension.
9.
Students who are not participating in a performance must
attend in uniform unless excused by the Director.
10.
Students will be respectful to chaperones. Disrespect to
the director, chaperones, teachers, or any other student will
not be tolerated.
11.
Special rules apply to trips and will be discussed prior
to departure.
B.
ATTENDANCE EXPLANATION
Because rehearsal time is kept
to a minimum, each rehearsal is important. Every member must
attend every rehearsal. Absences are excused for three reasons
only:
1.
Personal illness of student which prevents school
attendance (or a doctor’s note)
2.
Death in the family
3.
Family emergency (must be worked out between the parent
and band director)
A student missing rehearsal or
performance because of work will not be excused. Family
vacations can be excused absences if notification is given in
advance.
An unexcused absence from
rehearsal will eliminate that student from that week’s
performance(s). Should this happen twice or should a student
miss a performance unexcused, that student may be removed from
the performing organization. Should a band officer be removed
from a performance for an unexcused absence, the students shall
forfeit his/her leadership position.
A student may be removed from
the week’s performance even if excused from a rehearsal, if
during that rehearsal the group makes such progress or changes
in the program which would compromise that student’s
effectiveness if he/she performed.
Muscle Shoals Schools
guidelines; policies, band rules, and common sense regulate
behavior at rehearsals and performances. If an individual’s
behavior is found to be in conflict with school policies or is
seen dangerous or injurious to the well being or progress of the
group or other individuals – that student may be removed from
the performing group.
C.
NO PASS/NO PLAY POLICY
1.
All MSHS band students entering the 10th, 11th,
12th grades must have passed during the last two
semesters in attendance and summer school, if applicable, at
least six new Carnegie units with a minimum composite numerical
average of 70 in those six units.
a.
Four core curriculum courses must be included in those
units passed and averaged. (English, mathematics, science and
social studies are core curriculum courses.)
b.
Any student that accumulates more than four units of core
classes per year may earn less than the required four core
classes during the next school year and be eligible as long as
the student remains on track for graduation with his/her class.
2.
Students entering the 8th and 9th
grades must have passed during the last two semesters in
attendance and summer school, if applicable, at least five new
subjects with a minimum composite numerical average of 70 in
those five subjects.
3.
Eligibility will be determined before the start of each
new school year. A student that is academically eligible at the
beginning of the school year remains eligible for the remainder
of that school year as far as grades are concerned.
4.
Students declared ineligible at the beginning of a school
year may regain their eligibility at the end of the first
semester by meeting the academic requirements listed above
during their last two semesters in attendance and summer school,
if applicable. The restored eligibility of any student must be
determined no later than the fifth day of the second semester.
D.
EVENT CHECK OUT PROCEDURE
1. All
students who plan to leave an event before dismissal will be
required to have a parent check them out at the event. Parents
must sign the required release form in the presence of one of
the directors at the event.
2. The
band is attending the ballgames as a group to lend support to
the competing team and to foster school spirit. Students are
expected to remain with the group for the duration of the
event. Checking out is the exception, not the rule.
MSH
TROJAN BAND
Calendar
of Events
Leadership
Clinic July
9,10 MSHS Auditorium
BLT
Camp
July 10 MSHS
Bandroom
Guard
Camp
July 16-20 MSHS
Bandroom
Majorette
Camp July
16-20 MSHS Bandroom
Drum
Camp
July 16-20 MSHS
Bandroom
Band
Camp
July 30-Aug 3 MSHS
August
30 Football
Game
Colbert County (Home)
September
7 Football
Game
Athens (Home)
September
14 Football
Game
Brewer (Away)
September
21 Football
Game
Hartselle (Home)
September
28 Football
Game
Hazlewood (Home)
September
29 West Morgan Marching
Contest Trinity, AL
October
5 Football
Game J.O.
Johnson (Away)
October
6 Vandy Marching
Contest Nashville, TN
October
12 Football
Game West
Point (Home)
October
19 Football
Game
Decatur (Away)
October
20 Tennessee Valley
Invitational MSHS Stadium
October
26 Football
Game
Russellville (Away)
October
27 BOA Marching
Contest Georgia Dome,
Atlanta
November
2 Football
Game
Fayette Co. (Home)
November
9 Veteran’s Day
Program MSHS Auditorium
December
11 Christmas
Concert MSHS
Auditorium
AMEA
Convention January
10-13 Tuscaloosa
All State Auditions
(Host) January
26 MSHS
Alabama Honor
Band February
? Tuscaloosa
Little Miss Trojan
Pageant Feb 8-9
MSHS Auditorium
District
Contest
February 14-15 UNA
District Honor
Band February
22-23 TBA
ABA State
Contest March
17-19 TBA
Shoals Honor Band
Auditions March 18
MSMS
Shoals Honor Band
March 27-29
MSHS
All State
Festival April
16-19 Auburn
District Solo and
Ensemble May 3
MSMS
Band
Banquet
May 10 MSHS
Cafeteria
Musicfest
May 15 MSHS
Auditorium
Graduation
May 30 MSHS
Stadium
STUDENT/PARENT CONTRACT
We have read the Band Handbook
and we understand the responsibilities as well as the advantages
of being a member of the Muscle Shoals Trojan Band.
We have read, discussed, and
agree to abide by the rules of the Band and the Policy of the
Muscle Shoals City Board of Education. We understand that we
are undertaking the obligation to attend Band Camp, all
Rehearsals and all Performances. Acceptable exceptions to
attending all functions are listed in the handbook.
We also understand that we have
a responsibility to assist in band activities and fundraisers to
the best of our abilities.
________________________________________________
_______________________
STUDENT
DATE
________________________________________________
_______________________
PARENT
DATE
This form is to be signed and
turned in by July 30, 2007
