“Relentless pursuit of musical

excellence.”

Student Handbook

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From the Director

WELCOME! I would like to welcome everyone to the 2019-2020 school year in Instrumental Music!

Welcome to the Instrumental Music Program at Duarte High School and our parent support

organization, the Band Boosters! The Duarte Band Boosters is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing the instrumental music program at Duarte. Being involved in our program will require hard work and commitment, but the experience and rewards will be well worth your effort.

Your contributions are eagerly awaited and anticipated. Please note that the success of the

band program and band boosters relies on your energy, enthusiasm and preparedness. We come from a variety of backgrounds and diverse degrees of musical experience. Our responsibility to you and the entire band is to provide the best experience that can collectively be created. While learning about music, students will also develop skills in leadership, teamwork, discipline, and deep concentration and focus. Therefore the primary purpose of this handbook is to serve as an operational guide for all stakeholders of our band program.

This handbook is a systematic approach to the teaching and organization of the band and is

designed to help avoid costly delays and loss of time due to a lack of awareness of policy and procedures. Whenever questions arise, please consult the handbook. If your question is not answered feel free to email Mr. Shouse at bshouse@duarteusd.org. Please keep this handbook with other handouts that involve band activities for easy reference.

Congratulations for making the BEST choice and becoming a member in the Falcon Band! It

will be a pleasure to serve you and we certainly look forward to working with each of you as we create an amazing year. Many of you will look back at your time here as some of the best years of your life. Work hard, and have fun! It is a privilege to have you as our students to shape your musical experiences here at Duarte High School.

Please read and discuss this handbook together, remembering that you will be held

accountable for its contents. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Please sign and return the Contract of Dedication & Conduct page for a class grade by Monday, August 19th. Burke Shouse Office: (626) 599-5895 Cell: (660) 254-8102 Email: bshouse@duarteusd.org

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To The Parents Our band program instills respect and self-worth in our students. They learn to respect themselves, their fellow band members, their instructors and the administration. Everyone is responsible for representing not just themselves, but the band program, and Duarte High School. As a director, the only comments from people outside the program I expect to hear is how great the Duarte Band students are and never a negative comment. They are expected, not only by their instructors but their fellow band members as well, to be exemplary in every aspect of their life. Band is a lesson in dedication and commitment. We set high expectations and help each individual achieve them. Students should aim for no less than their best in all aspects of high school. The students know that good grades are necessary to remain in the band program. Students are expected to achieve their personal best and should make the honor roll. If a student is having problems in a certain subject, they should talk to one of their directors. We will see to it that they get access to the help they need to improve. By the end of your student’s freshman year, you will see a shining new confidence in your son or daughter. Above all else, Band is a “ZERO TOLERANCE PROGRAM”. NO DRUGS! – NO ALCOHOL – NO SMOKING – NO STEALING – NO VANDALISM! Respect is the order of the day – for oneself, for each other, and for student and school property. We are a big family and each member watches out for the other. You will be able to afford yourself a great peace of mind in knowing that your student will always be supervised and safe in the company of the finest students Duarte has to offer.

Band Conduct CLASSROOM RULES for BAND STUDENTS

1. Follow all directions promptly from all directors, coaches and leaders. 2. Respect others and their property at all times. 3. Respect all equipment and facilities only play and handle your own instrument. 4. Come prepared everyday with everything you need to participate fully.

BOTTOM LINE: If in doubt, always use COMMON SENSE and COMMON COURTESY!

REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN DUARTE ENSEMBLES

1. A Duarte HS musician is expected to attend ALL rehearsals and performances! Anytime a student is missing, it negatively impacts the group’s performance, which hurts all the other members of the ensemble. Unavoidable conflicts, absences or tardiness must be cleared in writing, in advance by filling out and turning in the pre-excused form. Failure to do so will lower the student’s grade. In the event of unavoidable absence a note with the parent’s phone number will be necessary from the parent the following day the student is in attendance. 2. Students must obtain and wear the appropriate performance attire for each ensemble as specified (see Mandatory Items List/Performance Attire for details). It is the student’s responsibility to know the dress standards and adhere to them. Failure to do so will lower the student’s grade. (If you come unprepared you will not be allowed to perform and it will count as an unexcused absence lowering the student’s grade) 3. Ensemble members are expected to come early to each activity and be fully prepared, whether it is a rehearsal, performance, meeting or any other scheduled event. Everything we do, we do as a team. This includes personal practice and preparation of the music to be performed, concert dress, etc. Failure to do so will lower the student’s grade.

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4. Students are expected to behave appropriately at all times whether in rehearsal, performance, or anytime we are together as a group. Remember you are representing yourself and your ensemble, as well as Duarte, your directors, your community and your family. This means no unruly behavior, inappropriate public displays of affection or profanity, bullying of any sort and keeping your hands to yourselves. 5. Students must maintain their GPA above 2.0 to be eligible to participate in performances, which are a large part of the student’s grade. In order to be a good music student everyone needs to be a good well rounded student. 6. The Rule of 3: In an effort to maintain your band director’s sanity, if you have a question you must ask 3 people first, one of which must be in leadership before you ask the director. The Duarte High School Band is the best group around. We have some of the finest students and will have the highest quality group conduct. We will be as respected for our high standards and our positive attitude as we will be for our musical abilities. Here are some of the policies: Under no circumstances and at no time during school activities will any band member be involved with alcoholic beverages, or illegal drugs. Under no circumstances and at no time will any band member be involved with smoking, or tobacco use of any kind.

A breech of any of the above rules may result in dismissal from the band, and suspension from Duarte High School.

Defacing of school property, including instruments or any part of the band room, is considered vandalism. Anyone guilty of vandalism will not only be dismissed from band and suspended from school, but they will also be charged for the damages incurred. Of course, the same is true for stealing. Respect other people’s property in the same manner you want yours respected. We will have many public performances all year long, and every member of the Duarte Band and Color Guard is constantly in the spotlight of the school and the community. Therefore, each member must demonstrate the highest quality of personal and group behavior. Your actions represent the entire school. The pride and the name of our band and school are carried with you at all times and they are reflected in your actions. Because our actions as individuals and as a group reflect so strongly in the community, it is absolutely necessary that we carry ourselves with pride, dignity, and class. Band members are ALWAYS respectful, courteous to others, and honest. At competitions, we always support other musical groups. NEVER, EVER SAY ANYTHING DEROGATORY ABOUT ANOTHER BAND OR GUARD. We cheer loudly and in a positive way for our main competition. This will be the classiest organization of Duarte. We will continue to live up to these high standards.

STANDARDS FOR PERFORMANCES

At Duarte High School, we strive to consistently give performances of the highest quality. In order to achieve this goal, everyone must do their part by following these Performance Standards. 1. Arrive EARLY! “To be early is to be on time; to be on time is to be late; to be late is inexcusable.” 2. Dress appropriately and take PRIDE in your appearance. 3. Make sure you have everything you will need with you when you arrive. 4. Be where you are supposed to be at the right time and follow any directions given to you by leaders. 5. Maintain silence and listen attentively when you are not playing. In the audience, set a good example for

others with your behavior, including showing appreciation by applause only.

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6. Stay for the entire performance – do not leave as soon as your group is done. Every group deserves the same full audience that yours does. Support others as you would want them to support you.

7. After the performance, everyone must help clean up and put things away. If every person does his or her part, it will go faster and be fair to all. Be responsible for your own stuff and help others!

MANDATORY ITEMS/PERFORMANCE ATTIRE

What is the dress code for the various DHS music departments? Band members must abide the following dress code standards:

Home Football Games Band uniform, unless otherwise specified.

Jazz Band GUYS: Black suit, white shirt, black tie, socks, and shoes. GALS: Black dress pants/long skirt (skirt may not be above the knee!), white blouse, black nylons and black closed-toe shoes no higher than 2 inches.

Concert Performances GUYS: Black suit, white shirt, black tie, socks, and shoes. GALS: Black long skirt (skirt may not be above knees!), dress, or dress pants with black closed-toe shoes no higher than 2 inches.

STANDARDS FOR REHEARSALS

“The purpose of rehearsals is not to learn your individual part, but to learn everyone else’s part.” (SO PRACTICE OUTSIDE OF CLASS, NOT DURING REHEARSALS) 1. Arrive EARLY! “To be early is to be on time; to be on time is to be late; to be late is inexcusable.” 2. Make sure you have everything you will need with you when you arrive. 3. HAVE A WORKING PENCIL ON YOUR STAND AT ALL TIMES and mark parts when needed or when requested

to by the conductor. 4. Behave appropriately for a rehearsal by being quiet and attentive at all times, focusing on the tasks at

hand. 5. Come with your part prepared through individual practice. 6. Be ready to play First time! Any time! Every time! YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR KNOWING WHAT IS

GOING ON AT ALL TIMES. 7. When you are not playing, sit quietly and listen to all comments from the podium; try to learn something

from all of them and find a way to apply them to yourself and your music-making. 8. Each student is required to have access to a tuner - this allows everyone to check if they are in tune at

rehearsals and on own practice time 9. Keep in mind that MARCHING BAND rehearsals on Mondays and Thursdays are CLASS PERIODS. If a

student is absent, they will be marked absent from school that day and may have consequences from the office as well.

STANDARDS FOR PLAYING TESTS Students are expected to know their music correctly and be able to perform it when asked by the director. To ensure this, students will be tested regularly to make sure they are “doing their homework.” To do well on a playing test, a student must perform his/her part accurately, convincingly and musically. Students who don’t do well the first time may retest privately as many times as needed to get it right. Students must pass all playing tests prior to a performance to participate in the performance. Students must know all assigned parts and exercises at the command (mastery) level in order to pass the test.

STANDARDS FOR PRACTICE Instrumental Music students are required to practice their instruments as part of their grade. A minimum of 3 hours a week of practice is the expectation of high school students, spread out over the week. So 30 min of practice 6 times a week is ideal. Since all instruments involve muscle memory training 6 hours in one day will not yield the same results.

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ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION RULES Attendance at ALL scheduled rehearsals, concerts or other special events is mandatory. When you

get your schedule for the year, we ask that you arrange your affairs so as to participate fully and not miss any events. When one member is absent, the entire group is affected negatively.

Students must be on time and present at all scheduled rehearsals, including after school, evening and any extra rehearsals not on the official schedule but added at the director’s discretion.

The student’s grade will be lowered for each unexcused absence Any student missing the last rehearsal before a performance for any reason will not be allowed to

perform in that event because they will have missed all the final preparations and instructions. However, they will still be required to attend the event in order to earn credit for that event, otherwise it will be considered an unexcused absence from a performance and result in a failing grade in the class and possible dismissal from the ensemble.

Students themselves must contact their directors to inform them of any and all absences or tardiness. It is UNACCEPTABLE for any student to pass information of any absence or tardy along with another student. All student relayed information will be considered as a “NO CALL, NO SHOW” and counted as an unexcused absence, automatically lowering the absent student’s grade and possibly resulting in suspension or dismissal from the ensemble.

All non-pre-excused absences from performances will be considered UNEXCUSED ABSENCES, known as a “NO CALL, NO SHOW,” and will result in automatic grade lowered one full letter.

a. Pre-excused absences must be cleared with the director upon signing of performance schedule contract. Proof must be shown in writing upon signature of performance schedule that an event was planned before the knowledge of conflicting with the performance; otherwise, all events must be planned around the performance schedule. Requests for permission to be absent for any reason must be submitted at least two weeks in advance in writing to Mr. Shouse. Forms are available in the Band office.

b. The only acceptable excuses for absence are: Medical Emergency, Death in the family, or severe, debilitating illness.

c. All other reasons for absence are Unacceptable. Examples: Work, birthdays, other class-work, rides, school events that were not planned before ours, vacations not previously planned, homework, tests, study groups, assignment due dates, waiting until the last minute to do your homework, etc.

Parent Responsibilities

Students will conclude each event with a review and comments from the director. They are responsible for cleaning the band room and putting away all equipment before they are formally dismissed by their student leaders and the Drum Major. Unless otherwise dismissed by the director, all students must stay until the discussions are over and the room is clean. We ask that you be respectful of the program routines and not disrupt this time. Parents are asked to arrange for students to be picked up promptly after they are dismissed. Your student will never be left alone at the school. The Director or a parent volunteer will wait at the school until all students are picked up. Although students will have access to the band room telephone to inform parents when they have returned, parents are expected to arrive in a timely manner at the conclusion of any event. As a band parent it is your job to understand that each ensemble is a CLASS, not an extracurricular activity. These classes are like no other where if a student is not present it affects everyone else’s success.

As a parent you need to:

Be aware and respectful of our rehearsal dates and times. Please do not plan doctors or dentist appointments during our class time. (If you would not pull your student out of math class then do not pull them out of our music class.)

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Know performance dates and do your best to be in attendance. Support your children. And know that if you can’t make it, your student still has to be there.

Please sign up for texts or emails using our Remind service. Visit the homepage at www.duarteband.com for instructions!

Be aware of our unexcused absence policies.

We would love to celebrate any occasion for your student here in the band room as a band family, feel free to come in with celebratory accoutrements so we can all be a part of it. JUST DON’T BE ABSENT!!!

Your students will be held to the highest standard, each and every one of them. This experience is training for the real world. You would not want your child to be late for work or miss an important business meeting for any reason so do not allow them to do so for band. In this band we will accept nothing but the best, and as a result you will see a noticeable change in your student. If it seems as though they are extremely dedicated band, it is because they are! And that is what we teach: dedication, pride for one’s hard work, and discipline. All real world skills, so please be considerate of our program as all of our students have worked very hard to achieve what we have.

Student Commitment

Being in the Duarte Falcon Band and Color Guard is a ONE YEAR commitment at least, but a 4 year program. By signing the last page you agree to be a member of the band program for the entire school year.

Football Games

The Duarte Falcon Band & Color Guard performs at all League Home Games for the DHS Varsity Football Team and some away games as instructed by the Director. Kick-off is usually at 7:00pm. We will meet at the DHS band room to prepare at 5:00pm. Normally we’ll be done around 9:30pm. Please be sure to pick-up your student promptly. Attendance is mandatory to ALL band performances and events. All events will be posted on the website calendar (www.duarteband.com/calendar.html), or they will be announced through memos sent home through the students.

Chaperones

Any time the band travels, chaperones accompany the group. They are there to ensure the safety and professionalism of the bands. Chaperones carry the authority of the Director and Duarte High School while traveling. Any time a parent witnesses a violation of the Code of Conduct the incident may be dealt with on the spot or upon return to the school. Any time a student’s name is turned into the Director for poor behavior it will result in an automatic phone call home and may incur other penalties up to suspension and expulsion from Duarte High School (depending upon severity of offense).

2019-2020 Fundraising & Donations It costs approximately $300 per Band member to keep Duarte’s Band fully functional during the school year. We manage this through a combination of donations from friends and family, along with fundraisers. In order to provide our students the experience we have offered in the past, it is imperative each student fundraises this amount, or participates in a combination of fundraising and donations. If we do not meet our financial goals, we will unfortunately see cutbacks the following year. Students will be given opportunities to raise funds so that the burden doesn’t lie completely on the parents. We do ask that it be the student’s responsibility to be active in their fundraising. We all need to do our fair share to make this and every season a success. It takes a lot of teamwork to take our award-winning band to the next level. We appreciate and welcome all donations and fundraising assistance in meeting this goal!

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Fundraising offers several opportunities to raise funds so you do not need to have it come out of pocket. The Duarte Band Boosters work extremely hard to offer these opportunities. Please take advantage of these fundraisers.

We work hard to host events on our campus that may be a lot of work during the course of that day, but we can raise a lot of money in a short amount of time. Participation from all band members is required to make these events a success, and reduce the fundraising pressure on the entire program.

These fundraisers help us cover the many costs of running a quality music program. They help us cover the cost of, but not limited to:

Transportation to events Coaching staff Music arrangements Music clinics Uniform cleaning Instrument maintenance, and many more.

These costs are around $25,000 per year to run the entire instrumental music program for a year. Our annual budget from the school district can be anywhere from $10,000 on a typical year to $20,000 on our best year. No student will ever be excluded from the program for financial reasons ever; specific financial constraints/conditions may be worked out with the Band Boosters on an individual basis. Each year there will be many opportunities to offset the costs of band through fundraising. If a student is motivated and diligent it is possible to fundraise $300 very quickly.

Extra Costs Travel Expenses – The students are often offered an opportunity to travel for performances. (Usually

arranged as a ‘Spring Tour’) Fees for travel will vary based upon where the students are going and how long they will be gone.

EXAMPLE: The Jazz Band has made trips to San Diego to perform at the Ocean Side Jazz Festival and San Francisco. This trip averages about $220.00 per student.

Travel arrangements are usually made at the beginning of the school year and payment plans are made available for parents to pay. Students will also have opportunities to fundraise for these trips to help offset the out of pocket costs for parents. Attending Booster Meetings is the best way to stay informed about student expenses and plans for travel.

Instrument Rental – These are instruments that the students take home to practice and are property of

DHS. There is no fee, however, students must maintain the instrument. All students/parents must fill out a rental agreement in which parents and students assume all responsibilities for lost, stolen, neglected, or broken instruments.

Instrument Usage – These are DHS owned instruments that are borrowed but usually stay in the band

room. All percussion students will be responsible for any damages done to school instruments, and many Jazz Band members as well.

Replacement Costs In the event that instrument or uniform parts are lost or destroyed parents are asked to have these items replaced. In addition, damage done to instruments because of carelessness or misuse (beyond normal wear and tear) will also be assumed by the parents.

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Accounts The Duarte Band boosters maintain accounts: General Account: This account deals with all funds raised by the Boosters to support the DHS Band. This account facilitates the majority of Band operations not covered by the Duarte Unified School District, which the Boosters and parents must carry to ensure the continued quality of our program. Moneys are allocated by vote of the Executive Board and the Boosters. Some of the expenses by this account include:

Uniforms Flags/ Equipment Drill Design Postage Staff Salaries Printing Competition Fees Music Arranging Instrument Purchase Instrument Repairs (normal wear and tear)

Grading Being involved in instrumental music requires many hours of rehearsal and individual practice. In Class Attendance and participation 35% Playing and written tests and assignments 15% Performance attendance and preparation* 50% *One unexcused missed performance can result in failure of the course.

2019-2020 Staff Maintaining a high-quality band program takes a whole team of dedicated professionals. These individuals are highly competent, experienced, and committed to developing the talents and abilities of our students.

Director: Burke Shouse Low Brass Coach: Josh Williams Saxophone Coach: Eric Croissant High Brass Coach: Shouse Flute Coach: Shannon Canchola-Limón Percussion Instructor: Daniel “Duckie” DeGuzman Clarinet Coach: Ednaldo Alves Color Guard Instructor: Sarah Peralta

Booster Meetings These meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm, in the band room. All parents are encouraged to attend these meetings. This is your main source of information for upcoming events, opportunities to volunteer, and the general business of our booster organization.

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities There are several areas where we are always in need of help and support. The following is a list of activities that always require lots of volunteers. There is usually a parent in charge of each of these activities; they will coordinate all volunteers.

Chaperones: Escort the students on trips and competitions. Ensure the safety and professionalism of the group. (Sometimes you even get into events for free!) Male chaperones are appreciated, too.

Holiday & Spring Concert: help us host these “in house” concerts. Take tickets, serve refreshments,

help with seating. (Service hours opportunity)

Phone Tree: Help us dispense information by calling families about events, news, etc.

Photographers: Share your photos with the Historian for an end of the year DVD slideshow.

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Fundraising Helpers: Help the Fundraising Chairperson with any of our fundraising events this year. We will need people to set up, clean, serve, cook, sell, donate, and sort.

In case you are not able to volunteer your time, for whatever reason, you may make a financial contribution beyond the band dues.

Please feel free to contact Mr. Shouse at (626) 599-5895 - bshouse@duarteusd.org, at any time with questions or concerns.

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Contract of Dedication & Conduct I understand the expectations outlined in this handbook. I also understand that extra rehearsals may be scheduled as needed. I commit to be at every rehearsal and performance unless I:

1. Am in the hospital or very sick 2. Am in mourning for a loved one. 3. Have had my parents contact Mr. Shouse at least 2 weeks in advance, and he has excused

me.

1) I understand that I am very important to the group and I know that my absence will hurt the entire

group. I know others need me there to get their part completely correct.

2) I promise to be dedicated to excellence, and I promise to learn my part of the music, and/or movements

to the best of my ability.

3) I understand that band is a minimum of 1 year commitment, but a four year program and I am expected

to stay in band until May 2020.

4) I understand that in order to have fun playing my instrument, I must FIRST learn to play it well.

5) I promise to behave appropriately at all times whether in rehearsal, performance, or anytime we are

together as a group. I not only represent myself, I represent my ensemble, my school, my directors,

my community AND my family. This means: no unruly behavior, inappropriate public displays of

affection or profanity, bullying of any sort and keeping my hands to myself.

6) I understand that dedication is at the heart of being a great band and I plan to be committed to

continuing the tradition of excellence here at Duarte High School. By signing this Contract of

Dedication & Conduct, I also understand and agree to all commitments described in this handbook.

I _____________________________ and ____________________________have read this entire (Print Student Name) (Print Parent or Guardian Name)

handbook and contract thoroughly and hereby agree to its contents. We will abide by the handbook

policies as stated.

________________________________ ________________ (Student Signature) Date

________________________________ ________________________________ (Student Phone #) (Student Email Address)

_________________________________ ________________ (Parent or Guardian Signature) Date

_________________________________ _________________________________ (Parent or Guardian Emergency Phone #) (Parent or Guardian Email Address)

THIS FORM MUST BE RETURNED TO THE DIRECTOR NO LATER THAN MONDAY, AUGUST 19TH

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WILLIAM WORKMAN HIGH SCHOOL

16303 E. TEMPLE AVENUE · CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA 91744· 626.933.8800 · FAX 626.855.3148

Dear Sir or Madam, 2018-2019 School Year Sponsorship This year the Workman High School Arts and Entertainment Academy has seen a great growth from 60 members to 106. We expect another growth this fall. Our two award-winning Jazz Bands have consistently placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in their division at Jazz festivals. Our Color Guard has also won many of their competitions, and has been promoted up 3 divisions in the past 2 years. Our Percussion Ensemble has all been awarded superior in all their solo festivals. The Marching Band in their first year in field competition swept their division for 1st place. Lastly, 10 of our students in the jazz band were awarded a total of $24,000 in scholarships to Idyllwild Summer Jazz Camp. As a Band Director it is my job to ensure that this program grows and that more opportunities are created for these young students so they may grow and learn. We believe that quality attracts quantity, and the better our program gets the more students want to join. The Workman Arts & Entertainment Academy (WAEA) at Workman High School has provided these opportunities for our students via performance art and instrumental music. To run such an extraordinary program every year it takes a minimum of $40,000 a fiscal year. Due to the continued education budget cuts this number is entirely fundraised by the students and Band Boosters. With this next year’s expected growth and continued cuts we know that we will not have enough instruments and equipment for all the students. We are currently maxed out on school owned instruments; many of which are in disrepair and need maintenance that our boosters cannot afford yet. New instruments will be needed for the incoming students. It is with support from businesses like yours, and community members, that we have been able to get this far. Contributions can include donations of products or services that can be raffled during fundraisers, and the best contribution is a tax deductible donation made directly to the WAEA Band Boosters. Our gratitude for formal sponsorships will be offered in the form of your logo or name permanently displayed on our traveling trailer that travels with us around the Southern California area from Ventura to San Diego. You may also choose a mention in our field show announcement, and placement in our concert programs as advertisement. Please discuss options with the director. Please let me know if we can count on your donation to help support the arts in the 2018-19 seasons. Sincerely, Maurice Limon Director of Bands mlimon@hlpusd.k12.ca.us (626) 933-8857 Tax ID: 80-0332320

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