marching aggie handbook

Beal City Bands

Marching Aggie Handbook

2021-2022

“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

Beal City Bands

To the Students and Families of the Beal City Bands:

Hello! My name is Ms. Schafer and as a former Marching Aggie I am very excited tocontinue the tradition of excellence in the Beal City Band Program. Our Marching Aggieshow this year will be Through the Decades! The band will be playing music from the50s on to the music of today. As we get ready to be a powerhouse of sound, support,and marching artistry for this 2021 marching season we need to keep in mind our goals.

Our number one goal is to do what we love: make music together as a band family andto spread our love of music to our community. Our next goal is to demonstrate cleanmarching maneuvers, outstanding visual effects, and enthusiastic performances on andoff the field. To do that we need to work diligently as a whole to strive for excellence inour marching technique and our musicality. The Beal City Marching Aggies come from along line of students that work hard together to become the best they can be! We strivefor impeccable performances and enthusiastic presence in the stands. When workinghard together we can accomplish anything we set our minds to.

To accomplish our goals, we need the full support of our students and band families.Adherence to the following handbook will set us on course for a successful season. Ifyou have any questions for me or would like to introduce yourself, please do nothesitate to email me at [email protected]. I am so eager to get to know allof you and begin work with the Beal City Bands on another successful year!

Go Aggies!

Ms. Emi�� . Sc�a��r

Director of the Marching [email protected]


Beal City Bands

Marching Band Practice ScheduleDrumline Rehearsal Dates:

Date Time

Wednesday, June 16, 2021 3-5pm

Wednesday, June 30, 2021 3-5pm

Wednesday, July 14, 2021 3-5pm

Wednesday, July 28, 2021 3-5pm

Thursday, July 29, 2021 3-5pm

Friday, July 30, 2021 3-5pm

Band Camp:

Date Time

August 1, 2021 3:00pm-7:00pm Section Leaders and 1st yearmarchers

August 2-6, 2021 8:00am-5:00pm All Band Rehearsal

All Band Rehearsal:

Date Time

Wednesday, August 11, 2021 6-8pm



Wednesday, September 8, 2021 6-8pm




Wednesday, October 6, 2021 6-8pm

Wednesday, October 13, 2021 6-8pm


Beal City Bands

Marching Band Performance ScheduleFootball Schedule:

Date Time VS Time YOU need tobe there

August 27, 2021 7pm Ravenna 5:45pm

September 17, 2021 7pm Lake City 5:45pm

September 24, 2021 7pm Evart 5:45pm

October 6/8, 2021 4pm Homecoming Parade 3:15

October 8, 2021 7pm Manton 5:45pm

October 15, 2021 7pm Roscommon 5:45pm

Marching Band Festival:

Monday, October 4, 2021

Bandorama Concert:

Sunday, October 24, 2021


Beal City Bands

Student Staff

Drum MajorEliza Dempsey

Drumline CaptainMedi Lipar

FluteKarana Langlois

ClarinetRylee Sisco

TrumpetTBD

Saxophone and MellophoneKiera Harsh

Trombone, Baritone, TubaDominic Merrill

Drill InstructorKarana LangloisKiera HarshCece Faber

Equipment Manager & StaffMedi Lipar*Ava MilettAddison DoyleHailey Hulliberger

Uniform Manager & StaffCece Faber*Karana LangloisMia GottsAddison Doyle

LibrariansEliza DempseyKiera Harsh


Beal City Bands

Grading and Attendance

Participation/Preparation 40%Rehearsal will begin promptly as scheduled, and band members MUST arrive 15minutes early to ensure they are prepared to start. Drumline and Color Guard warm-upswill start 20 minutes before all scheduled rehearsals. Rehearsal preparation meansalways having a working instrument, all appropriate related materials (reeds, mallets,sticks, mutes, oil, etc.), music, and general responsibility. All students should be in thedesignated rehearsal space for the day (be it the field, the band room, the gym, etc.)with all necessary materials when rehearsal begins. Additional components ofparticipation include attitude and work ethic during a given rehearsal.

Classroom Assignments & Quizzes 20%Classroom grades for marching band may consist of, but not be limited to, memorizationtests, reviewing rating sheets, journals or portfolios, reports, worksheets relating tomarching technique, and individual or group assessment assignments. Memorizationtests will be frequent and are designed to check for improvement and growth.

Performances 40%Our performances are our tests. They are a natural outgrowth of our music classroom.While band class does not solely exist for the sake of performance, music is a listeningart. Therefore, the greatest musical satisfaction is when performers know their musichas reached an audience. For this reason, we schedule a variety of performances,knowing that these opportunities to perform will stimulate conscientious effort, promptinterest in related musical learning, provide an outlet and a reward for students, andserve as a demonstration of their accomplishments.

As outlined above, your grade for the class will be determined by your attendance andpreparedness at rehearsals and performances, assignments, tests, quizzes, and overallparticipation/attitude. It is important to note that everyone starts the semester with an“A.” As this is a performance-based class, attendance at all rehearsals andperformances is expected and required.

Extra credit may include participating in youth, community, or state level ensembles,unassigned reports on a musical topic, music composition or arranging, assisting thedirector with music, instrument, or uniform inventory, or any other mutually approvedproject by the director and student.


Beal City Bands

Tardiness and AbsencesEvery single band member is crucial to giving our best performance as an ensemble.Due to the fast-paced nature of band rehearsals, even missing a few minutes couldprove detrimental to the performance of the student and, as a result, the entireensemble. Absences and tardiness should be avoided at all costs. All band membersare expected to arrive at least 15 minutes early to rehearsal to ensure they are preparedto start on time. Drumline and Color Guard students are expected to begin warm-ups 20minutes prior to the start of rehearsal/call-time; staff members are expected to arrive 20minutes early for a meeting. Once the schedule has been posted, it is expected that thestudent and parent will make note of requirements immediately to ensure the student’sfull participation.

The following is a list of policies regarding absences and tardiness.1. An excused absence may be issued to a student under the following

circumstances:a. An illness which has been, or is being treated by a physician and/or an

illness which is serious enough to keep you from your academicresponsibilities.

b. Serious illness or death in the family.c. An important family commitment (i.e. wedding) that cannot be avoided.

2. The director has the authority to make all decisions on evaluations of absencesor tardiness.

3. Extracurricular activities and jobs are not reasons for an excused absence ortardy.

4. Each unexcused absence from an after-school rehearsal or performance willhave a negative impact on your grade.

5. Every three (3) tardies equal one (1) unexcused absence.6. Attendance at post-season playoff football games are considered mandatory and

required.7. All excused absences must be reported to the director via phone call or email

Excused absence = cleared with the directorUnexcused absence = not cleared with the director


Beal City Bands

Athletic Conflict ProcedureBand members and Athletes at Beal City High School are allowed to participate in morethan one activity during a particular season. If a student decides to participate in morethan one activity at a time, the coach and director shall in no way discourage thisdecision. Rather, the coach and director involved will work together to make thissituation as smooth as possible. Realizing that there is potential for conflicts arisingwhen a student is participating in two activities at the same time, the followingguidelines will be adhered to:

1. The student must declare a Primary and a Secondary activity.2. If you are involved in a Beal City athletic team, submit your athletic schedule to

the director as soon as it is available to you (before the season starts).3. If there is a band performance and an athletic practice scheduled concurrently,

the band performance will take precedence.4. If there is an athletic game and a band rehearsal scheduled concurrently, the

athletic game will take precedence.5. If an athletic game and a band performance are scheduled on the same day, the

student will participate in his/her primary activity.6. On days that a student athlete is not in competition, he/she should make an effort

to practice both activities.7. Students who follow these rules will not be penalized for events that conflict with

band rehearsal or performance. (For example: if a student misses a bandrehearsal because of a volleyball game, this will not affect the student’s grade)

There are a number of conflicts and last-minute emergencies that come up, and theattendance policy cannot possibly cover all possible situations. If you find you have aconflict not outlined in the policy, discuss it with the Director as soon as you are awareof it. Exceptions can be made in case of emergency, but the final word will alwaysremain with the Director.


Beal City Bands

ParticipationThe following is a list of policies regarding participation. Please read them carefully and usethem to your advantage.

1. Follow all directions from the director and student staff members.2. Have all materials necessary for you to fully participate in rehearsal (instrument,

mouthpiece, reeds, oil, cork grease, music, drill, etc.)3. Be attentive to announcements given by the director, other staff, or student leaders.4. Be silent during rehearsal unless given explicit instructions otherwise. Student leaders

will be prompted to give direction at specific times. Failure to observe this basic rule willslow rehearsal.

5. Raise your hand to speak and listen when others are speaking. Afford your classmatesthe same respect you hope to receive when asking questions, making clarifications, etc.Talking out of turn during rehearsal wastes time and is distracting to all.

6. Students are expected to take care of their equipment each day. This includes properlystoring instruments, music, and folders in the appropriate place during and afterrehearsal. Percussionists and guard members are expected to properly store or cover allequipment at the end of each rehearsal. This rule ensures thelongevity of our equipment.

An important aspect of participation is our behavior at all band functions. The conduct of ourband members is a direct reflection on the band, the director, and in turn, the school as a whole.This includes all rehearsals, warm-ups, and performances, as individuals, and as a group. It isvital that the excellent reputation of the band not be tarnished by the misconduct of its members.

You must remember that everything we do is observed and noted by fellow bandsmen,students, alumni and family, as well as faculty and administration. It is crucial that we set andmaintain the highest level of professionalism while exemplifying excellence and musicianship.Therefore, the following guidelines should be noted:

1. Our members represent the band, director, and school. You are to always conductyourself with excellence.

2. Complaining of any kind is absolutely unacceptable. We all have struggles and we arein this together. Mature adults don’t complain, they know the course and make it happen.

3. Always leave things better than you found them. This includes things like rehearsal areaand equipment.

4. No swearing at any Beal City Band event (rehearsal or performance). There are manyexpressive words in the English language, find a different one that will not offendparents, children, peers, and teachers.


Beal City Bands

8th Grade ParticipationParticipation in marching band is extended as an extracurricular option to students in 8th grade.This is an exciting opportunity for young students, not only because marching band is great fun,but also the students who take advantage of this opportunity are more successful in marchingband in high school.

Though 8th grade students will not spend their daily class time rehearsing marching band, it willbe treated as a class with the same grading scale and accountability as the high schoolstudents. Since these students are doing more work than their peers not involved in marchingband, they will simply have more grades added to their gradebook.

Furthermore, because 8th grade students will not spend daily class time rehearsing marchingband, all rehearsals should be considered a high priority. Missing a Wednesday night rehearsalas an 8th grade student is equivalent to missing an entire week in band, and catching thestudent up will be incredibly difficult. Refer to the athletic conflict procedure to clear up anyquestions about prioritizing rehearsal. The Director is willing to have discussions with any parentor coach regarding scheduling conflicts, and requests that conflicts be dealt with as soon aspossible

Behavior ViolationsResponse to a behavior violation is solely to modify behavior by deducting from the classroomparticipation grade or by the assignment of a short task to benefit the band program. It is thehope of the director that an impression will be made and the student will follow rules in thefuture. To insure that standards are maintained, the director will take the following action whenproblems occur, usually in these steps:

1. Verbal Warning – Student is addressed in class and behavior is expected to cease.2. Student Conference – Student is spoken to in private. Incident is documented for future

reference. Optional – parent contact, report to counselor or principal.3. Student Conference with Parent Contact – Student is spoken to in private. Incident is

documented for future reference. Parent contacted immediately, as time allows.Documentation copied to counselor or principal.

4. Intervention Meeting – Student, parent, director, principal, and/or counselor meet todetermine best course of action for corrective behavior.

Students accruing a suspension, either academic or behavioral, during the school year shallforfeit the privilege of participating in any non-graded, off-campus performance opportunities.This may be appealed by the student’s parent through an Intervention Meeting as previouslydescribed.


Beal City Bands

Additionally, students who engage in illegal activities outside of the school day, either on oroff-campus, will forfeit their privilege in participating in non-graded, extended, or overnight tripsfor the academic year. These illegal activities include, but are not limited to, minors inpossession of illegal or controlled substances, destruction of property, selling or possessinglook-alike drugs, sexual criminal conduct code violations. If the illegal violation occurs afterfundraising has begun and/or deposits have been made, all funds will be forfeited. Theseperformance opportunities are a privilege extended by the director on behalf of the District.Students participating in extended overnight trips are still subject to the Beal City SchoolsStudent Code of Conduct and applicable disciplinary action there within.

UniformA uniform of any kind shows that you belong to something greater than yourself. The uniformshows your commitment to an organization’s ideals and beliefs. By wearing the uniform yousupport the policies and procedures of the group and make yourself the immediaterepresentation of that group. Always remember what’s on the line when you wear any portion ofyour organization’s uniform.

There is only one way to wear a uniform; it is never appropriate to be seen in public wearing ouruniform in an individual manner. Students must have all uniforms clean and presentable at alltimes. Students that appear with wrinkled, soiled, incomplete uniforms may not perform. Itemsnot furnished by the school will be furnished by the student. If this is a hardship, the program willassist with the purchase of these items. It is the responsibility of the student or parent to notifythe director well in advance if a uniform problem should exist.

Full marching band uniforms are made available from the school. As a part of yourmarching band fee, you will be responsible for furnishing your own marching band shoesand gloves. All parts of the uniform must be worn during performance.These parts are:

● Uniform jacket● Uniform pants● Hat/plume● White gloves● Black shoes● White spats

Hats will be removed in the stands. Jackets must be completely zipped at all times, unless givenother instructions by the Director. Your current show t-shirt is considered your secondaryuniform. It is to be worn under your uniform for all performances.


Beal City Bands

Uniform Etiquette● Use common sense and good judgement while in uniform. You are representing every

member of the Beal City Bands, present and former, yourself, the section, and the schoolwith your appearance. Excellence is our model.

● There is no swearing when in band, but especially when in uniform. Swearing in uniformwill be met with swift consequences.

● When in the stands, the entire uniform is to be worn (minus the hat). That means fullyzipped with no parts of the uniform looking askew.

● If the director allows for the jackets to be removed in the stands, they must be folded andset in a safe place next to the player. Pant straps must remain on shoulders, do not folddown the straps.

● Jewelry: One pair of small earrings is allowed. Earrings should not be large or colorfulenough to attract attention to you. Examples of inappropriate jewelry: large hoops/studs,gauges, facial jewelry, brightly colored earrings.

Band FeesBand fees are to be turned in no later than the end of band camp, August 6. These fees areused to cover the cost of uniform cleaning and maintenance, as well as the official show t-shirt,gloves, and a lanyard. For Drumline students, it covers the cost of new sticks and accessories.These fees are listed below.

All Members $30.00

Please make checks payable to “Beal City Public Schools” and write “band fee” on the check.All fees paid with cash must be clearly labeled.

Social MediaAt no time should any member of a Beal City Band ensemble post anything that could beinterpreted as negative toward the group, its members, or its director. Use good judgement andthink about the type of image that you want to convey on behalf of the band/school when you’reposting to social networks and social media sites. Do not ever bring any band disagreements,arguments, or issues onto your social media page. There is zero tolerance for improper use ofsocial media, and such violations are grounds for disciplinary action and removal from the entiremusic program. The director will provide the final decision on social media issues.

All pictures posted on social media must be school appropriate and represent the band in apositive manner. Movies should only be published with the permission of the director, ascopyright laws and reputation of the band must be considered.


Beal City Bands

BEAL CITY BANDS COMPREHENSIVE CONDUCT & ACTIVITY CONSENT CONTRACT

SECTION ONE – ACTIVITY CONSENTSince there are many rehearsal and performance activities throughout the year for students in the Beal City Bands, you are beingasked to sign this all-inclusive consent form for participation. An annual schedule has been provided; additional activities may bescheduled, but will be given as much notice as possible.

I grant permission for_______________________________________________________________________Student Name – please print

To attend all Beal City Bands activities as scheduled by the director. Students will be supervised by the director and designated adultchaperones. Transportation will be provided by BCPS school buses, unless otherwise notified. If I cannot be contacted, the school’srepresentative is authorized to take appropriate action on behalf of my student in the case of an emergency. I acknowledge that suchaction is made in the best interest of my student and absolve any liability from the school’s representative from repercussions from suchemergency action.

______________________________________ _____________________Signature of parent/guardian Date

Street Address__________________________________________________ Home Phone__________________________

City, State & Zip_________________________________________________ Work Phone______________________

Email____________________________________

SECTION TWO – CONDUCT CONTRACT AND HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGEMENTBy signing, I agree that –

I, __________________________________________________ , along with my parent/guardian(s) have completely read and FULLYunderstand the policies and procedures as specified in the band student handbook and the Beal City Schools Student Code ofConduct. I completely understand that failure to follow this manual, or any acceptable instruction given by the director, other staff, andstudent staff will be considered insubordination and can result in disciplinary action or removal from the program.

I understand that this is a performing ensemble and therefore to pass, I must attend all scheduled rehearsals and performances. I willfollow all equipment and uniform etiquette guidelines. I understand that I am responsible for all damage outside of “normal wear andtear,” on any school owned item. As a member of the Beal City Bands, I agree that my personal demeanor should align with our groups’handbook and standard of excellence, and be evident in rehearsals, performance, conduct both at home games, on any off-campusfunctions, and anything else associated with the Beal City Bands. I understand that this specifically applies to my individual work ethic,and as a result, the collective ensemble. I agree to come prepared, work hard, and commit to excellence, while maintaining the higheststandards of performance. Everyone associated with the Beal City Bands can expect my very best at all times. If I am unable to adhereto my commitment, I understand that my current grade and placement in future ensembles may be affected.

I understand that poor behavior brings negative consequences to the individual (myself), to the group, and to my school, resulting indamage to the reputation of the program, and penalties to everyone by cancelled and restricted activities.

I agree to follow the policies of the BCPS Student Code of Conduct and understand the obligations to the Beal City Bands as outlined inthe band handbook.

____________________________________________________________ ________________________________Student Signature Date

I acknowledge the receipt of the Beal City Band Handbook. Our family will make our best effort to uphold the standards and guidelinesoutlined within. In the case of serious violations on a trip or activity away from school, parents will be notified and may be requestedto provide immediate return transportation.

____________________________________________________________ ________________________________Parent/Guardian Signature Date

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