Eastside High School Band

Band Handbook

2009-2010

1^st August 2009

Dear Students and Parents,

Congratulations on choosing to become a member of the EHS Ram Band! You are now part of an organization that will become an important part of your life. The EHS Ram Band is a dynamic organization that serves many purposes in the school and in the community. However, the most important service the band provides is to the members.

Members of the EHS Ram Band will learn to appreciate music as an aesthetic art form. Performing music is one of the most rewarding and enriching activities in the world. By listening to and creating art, we learn more about ourselves as individuals, connect to our culture, and experience more fully the human condition.

However, band members learn much more than just music. They also learn character values such as industry, loyalty, enthusiasm, and self-control. There is no limit to the personal growth that can result from acquiring these values while in high school. They are life-long skills that help young people invest in themselves and their future.

The “band experience” is also important. The relationships and experiences that students find in band are enduring. Together, we will experience excitement, frustration, elation, grief, and love. Our victories will be sweeter and our defeats easier to take because we will experience them together.

Remember, it is up to you to determine what this band will be, and what kind of success we will have. You’ll get exactly as much out of this experience as you put into it.

Communication is a key to success, and can resolve many conflicts before they occur. The information in this handbook is vital, and it is important that students and parents read it together and discuss its meaning to your family. Please feel free to contact me at school at (352) 955-6704 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

"Nothing of value is free. . . The best things in life are purchased other than with money; their price is agony and sweat and devotion." --Robert A. Heinlein

Sincerely,

Joseph Hughes, Director of Bands

Preface

This handbook is a document used by the EHS Ram Band to communicate policies and guidelines to the entire band family. By nature, it is limited, and cannot answer every question nor anticipate every situation that may occur. If any questions arise that you feel are not covered in the handbook, please address them with the Band Director as soon as possible. Remember, communication is extremely important, and putting it off only makes it more difficult.

Description of Courses

EHS Marching Ram Band

The membership of the Marching Band is made up of all members of the band program. The Marching Band provides spirit and performs at home and away football games, marching band competitions, pep rallies, parades, and at the FBA Marching Music Performance Assessment, all of which are in the fall semester. Rehearsals are generally after school, and performances are generally Friday nights and some Saturdays. The Marching Band meets for band camp before school begins.

EHS Ram Band Symphonic Band

The Symphonic Band is the finest concert performing ensemble in the band program. The group concentrates on performing the highest level of music available to concert bands and chamber ensembles. Members of this band will be expected to develop their individual musical skills through consistent practice, and are encouraged to take private lessons, and are highly encouraged to participate in FBA Solo & Ensemble festival, all-county bands, all all-state bands. The symphonic band will perform at school concerts and at the FBA Concert Music Performance Assessment. Rehearsals are held during band class and after school when marching band is concluded.

EHS Ram Band Jazz Ensemble

The Jazz Ensemble is dedicated to performing a well-rounded selection of literature from the jazz genre. The ensemble will rehearse during class and after school in the spring semester. The Jazz Ensemble will concentrate on ensemble performance and developing improvisational skills. The band will perform on concerts in the spring and may perform at the FBA Jazz Music Performance Assessment.

Eligibility

The Florida School Music Association cites Florida Statute 1006.15 (3)(a) on eligibility. Students interested in signing an academic contract should see the director.

To be eligible to participate in interscholastic extracurricular student activities, a student must:

1. Maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the previous semester or a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in required courses.

2. Execute and fulfill the requirements of an academic performance contract between the student, the district school board, the appropriate governing association, and the student's parents, if the student's cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0, or its equivalent, on a 4.0 scale in the courses required by s. 1003.43(1). At a minimum, the contract must require that the student attend summer school, or its graded equivalent, between grades 9 and 10 or grades 10 and 11, as necessary.

Marching Rehearsals

Marching rehearsals are extremely limited and precious to us in our endeavor to accomplish our goals. When you come to rehearsal, put aside any distractions from your day and focus entirely on what we are doing. Alertness is required: react immediately to all instructions.

Required equipment for marching band rehearsals:
- Two-quart cooler filled with ice water
- Marching drill charts
- Marching band shoes or sneakers
- Marching “spot markers”
Check board for any specified music and equipment needed. “Dressing out” (wearing appropriate clothing and sneakers) is required.
The band room will be locked 5 minutes before the start of rehearsal. Be early!
The Drum Major and President have authority until the Director reaches the field.
One long whistle is a warning signal. This signifies that you have 60 seconds to get into warm-up position. When the 2^nd whistle is blown, you must be in position. Those not in position at this time will be reported by their squad leaders as tardy. Squad Leaders not in position will be given band room detention.
There will be no playing to and from the practice field except for percussion under supervision of their Captain.
Alertness is required - one should react immediately to all commands and instructions.
Breaks will be taken in sections. When your section is given a break, run to your cooler and drink as quickly as you can. When you are done drinking, line up on the sideline and wait for instructions. Don’t be a distraction to people who are still working.
If you are instructed to put your instrument down, you must put them all together as a section. Your section leaders will show you how to do this.

Marching rehearsals will be most efficient if all members are diligent in correcting mistakes quickly and thinking ahead to the next move. Above all, take pride in every minute of rehearsal so that we can all take pride in our final product – the performance.

Grading Policy

The 9-week grade will be determined by the student’s point total.

A = 90+ points

B = 80 - 89 points

C = 70 - 79 points

D = 60 - 69 points

F = 59 or less points

Playing and/or written tests will be averaged to determine the test average.

BONUS POINT SYSTEM FOR WINDS/PERCUSSION

After the student’s grade is figured from classroom test average, the following bonus points apply.

Unexcused Absence from a performance	-30
Missed performance (with prior notice)	-10
Missing a rehearsal	-10
Inspection violation (rehearsal)	-2 to -5
Inspection violation (performance)	-5 to -15
Not having a pencil for rehearsal	-3
Untucked band t-shirt	-2
Uniform violation	-5
Tardy	-5 to -15
Gum or food in the band room	-2
Use of profanity	-2 to -10

Attending a summer band camp	+10
Private lessons (minimum of 5 per nine weeks)	+10
Audition for All-State band	+5
Participation in All-State Band	+10
Participation in community ensemble	+10
Audition for All-County Band	+5
Participation in All-County Band	+5
Attending Tri-State, Festival of Winds, or other conference	+5
Participation in District Solo & Ensemble	+5
Superior Rating at District Solo & Ensemble	+5
Participation in State Solo & Ensemble	+10
Superior Rating at State Solo & Ensemble	+10
Attending a musical performance or concert	+2
Instrumental performance in public	+7
Parent attendance at Booster Meeting	+2
Parent chaperoning performance	+2
Parent chaperoning overnight trip	+4
Exceptional fundraising effort	varies
Outstanding effort noted by the Director	varies
Outstanding improvement noted by the Director	varies
Service to the band	varies

Football Games

Football Games

The marching band is the most visible ensemble in the band program at Eastside High School. It can also be the most fun. These are guidelines to maintain the respect traditionally sought for any marching band.

Inspection

All band members will stand inspection before each game. Your punctuality, bearing, instruments, and personal grooming will be checked carefully. At inspection, you must meet uniform standards and have all equipment. Inspection is the basis for your performance grade.

At the Game

When the band is at attention, there should be no moving or talking.
When the band is marching as a group, you are to act in a professional manner. This includes no talking or waving at friends. Your shoulders should be back, eyes always forward, and you should be concentrating on your job. Marching is performing.
When the entire band is playing, play. When the entire band is not playing, don’t play.
Percussionists only play when the entire drumline is playing. No Hacking—individual playing is unprofessional.
Sit in your assigned seat and do not move around during the game.
Do not do anything that will bring attention to yourself or the band in a negative way.
No refreshments except during the third quarter. Food and drinks are not allowed in the stands, including items from the concession stand. Gum is never permitted anywhere. Water will be provided in the stands throughout the game. Plan to eat before the game.
During the third quarter break:
- Do not bring food back into the stands
- Stay together near the concessions and restrooms or in the band section of the stands
- Do NOT go into the general seating area of the stands. You are not allowed to go sit with other friends or family. If you want to hang out with your friends or family during the break, have them meet you at the concession stand. Do not sit in the stands with them. (This is a security measure).
- It’s a good idea to get your parents or friends to get food for you before the third quarter (maybe while the other band is performing) and have it ready for you as soon as you are on break. If you are still in line, or still have food when there are 4 or 5 minutes left in the third quarter, you may not have time to finish it.
- Chaperones will be gently reminding you when it is time to head back to get your instrument and get to the stands.
- You must be in your seat ready to play when the third quarter clock strikes zero.
Only uniformed people are allowed in the band section—no friends and no family members who aren’t chaperones.
Be completely and properly uniformed at all times when in public. Keep the uniform jacket zipped up at all times.
Have fun and show a lot of school spirit! That is what it is all about.
Be polite to all chaperones, and thank them for the help that they give us each game. We couldn’t do the games without all the chaperone help.
Parents who are interested in chaperoning need to call or e-mail the chaperone chairperson.

GIGS

At every game, after we perform the half-time show, you get a break during the third quarter to relax and get something to eat or drink. If you fail to follow all the guidelines above for football games, you may be “Gigged.” This means you will stay in the stands during the third quarter break, rather than going to the concession stand and socializing with the other members of the band during the break. Food and drink is not allowed in the stands (except for water) so to avoid this, be on time, be prepared, and read the above section very carefully.

Attendance

Attendance at rehearsals and performances is 100% required and necessary. All scheduled rehearsals and those announced with at least two weeks notice are mandatory and graded components of the requirements for the classes.

Only by prearranged plans may a rehearsal or performance be missed (this includes all sectional, full ensemble, and special rehearsals.) All rehearsals and performances held after normal school hours are considered an extension of the school day and are treated as part of the class requirements. After school rehearsals and performances are designated co-curricular.

It is impossible to really “make up” a performance or rehearsal if it is missed. Other members will carry an extra burden when people are absent. Make-up work may be provided only to help “protect your grade”, but no performance or rehearsal absence can truly be made up in terms of what it does to affect the chemistry of the team.

Early is On Time, On Time is Late, Late is Unthinkable!

Unexcused absences during marching season may result in loss of your marching spot (placed on alternate status). Rehearsals are not always easy, and that there will be times when these rehearsals conflict with homework, social time, and personal time. However, rehearsals exist for a very important reason, and are kept to a minimum. Our goals are only achievable if every rehearsal and performance has 100% attendance.

If you are going to miss a rehearsal, excused or unexcused, or are going to be late, you must call the band office and leave a message. There is a practical reason for this: you are a part of the band family, and we like to know that you are safe at all times. If you are not with us at rehearsal, we want to know where you are. Additionally, if you are going to be absent from a rehearsal or performance, we need a note from your parents with a clear outline of the reasons why you must miss the rehearsal or performance, as well as a phone number where they can be contacted. This note must be in our hands no later than one week prior to the absence, or the absence will automatically count as unexcused.

Please note that doctor and dentist appointments are not excused. We rehearse on a limited basis, and that rehearsal time is very valuable to us as a team. Demonstrate your loyalty to the program by arranging your appointments around rehearsals. Everyone will appreciate it.

Unexcused Absences

Doctor/Dentist Appointment
Homework/Studying for a Test
Driving Exam
Couldn’t get a ride (Call us, we can always find you a ride)
Work (Post your band schedule at work so that they do not schedule you. Employers are not allowed to interfere with school)
Club Meetings
Detentions

Excused Absences

Sick from school (not just staying home due to test or missed assignments.) You still need to call – we don’t know why you are absent.
Death in the family
Serious injury
Participation in a wedding
Religious holiday
Receiving a Pulitzer for Music
Other emergencies on a case-by-case basis
Tardiness will result in grade penalty

Alternate Status

Because people are sometimes missing from rehearsals, and performances, it has become necessary to "fill in" the missing spots to avoid confusion of the members committed enough to be present. Students who miss rehearsals (excused or unexcused) may be assigned as an “alternate” position in the band. This is similar to the “bench” in sports.

Alternate positions will rotate throughout the marching season, and alternates will fill in spots that become available due to other students’ absences from rehearsals. Alternates will be chosen at the beginning of the year based on attendance at rehearsals (including summer rehearsals and band camp), seniority, playing and marching ability, and attitude.

Alternate members may receive a permanent position in the show if others acquire unexcused absences or encounter attitude or behavior problems. The marching show is written for a set number of positions. Several of them are "alternate" positions. Positions for the first rehearsal of the year will be based on attendance and performance at band camp. There should never be a spot on the field not filled by somebody. Students who miss an after-school rehearsal (excused or unexcused) will be replaced by an alternate for that week’s show.

Alternates

Are considered full members of the band.
Attend all functions and receive all benefits.
March all parades and perform in the stands and at all "stand-still" functions (pep-rallies, etc.).
May perform the halftime show for at least 1 home football game and possibly more than one.
Will march a position temporarily to fill in for absent people.
Will receive a permanent position in the show if others acquire absences or encounter attitude or behavior problems, or if someone decides to quit band.
Must be enthusiastic and willing to learn new material at a rapid pace. They are critical to performances to fill in openings. The chances of an alternate getting a permanent spot in the show are very good, if that alternate participates in all band activities and maintains good attitude and 100% effort.

Student Leadership

Student leaders, with the exception of the Drum Major, are elected by the members of the band. In order to be eligible for a student leadership position, students must have completed the Musicianship test for their year.

Student leaders have extra responsibilities and duties that other band members do not have. Leaders should strive to always put the needs of the band before the needs of themselves.

Student leaders who receive a grade of “D” or “F” in any class will be put on leadership probation for one semester. Students who wish to be leaders in the band must also be leaders academically, and must do well in every class.

Requirements of all leaders:

Maintain a positive attitude
Arrive at least 15 minutes early to all band functions
Attend scheduled leader meetings
Maintain academic eligibility
Be dismissed from activities only by the director
Complete band room chores before leaving school

President

Supervise and assist all other officers
Assist director with rehearsals as needed
Assist director with record-keeping
Supervise sectionals
Supervise inspection at each rehearsal and performance
Check roll at each rehearsal and performance
Assume the responsibilities of all other officers

Drum Major

Supervise and assist all other officers
Assist director with rehearsals as needed
Assume the responsibilities of all other officers
Conduct rehearsals as needed
Conduct all marching performances
Attend summer Drum Major camp
Act as the public face of the band and represent the band to the best of his or her ability
- Act as liaison between the band and the principal
- Speak with members of the press when necessary
- Maintain an outstanding physical appearance
- Host guests in the band room

Librarian

Assume responsibility for the band library
Copy and distribute sheet music for rehearsal
Learn the sheet music flowchart and pass a test on it before the end of the first week of school

Facilities Manager

Make sure that the band facility is clean and orderly at all times
Enforce the band handbook guidelines on facilities
Confiscate music and instruments that are not put away
Complete facilities chores list every day before leaving school

Historian

Take digital pictures at all band events
Maintain the band website and post pictures to it every week
Publicize in the school and in the community all band performances

Squad Leaders

Assume responsibility for the marching of three to four other marchers during marching season
Assume the responsibility for their squad passing inspection at every rehearsal and performance
Assist the band director with music check-offs
Assist squad leaders with all squad members questions

Master Musicianship

The Master Musicianship program is an opportunity for students in the band to forward their own musical goals. Students who pursue the Master Musicianship medal will pass a series of tests to demonstrate musical knowledge extending far beyond ability to perform in ensembles.

There are four levels of achievement in the Master Musicianship program. First-year students will take the Musicianship 3rd Class test. Second year students will take the Musicianship 2nd Class test and third-year students will take the Musicianship 1st Class test. Seniors are eligible to take the Master Musicianship test if they have passed all the previous tests.

Musicianship tests are based on music theory, performing scales, reviewing articles about your instrument, listening skills, and demonstrating some minor ability on the piano. The tests will be administered three times per year, so students can take the test for their level whenever they are ready. The tests will cover as many different musicianship skills as possible, and will each will cover more advanced skills than the previous.

Students in the Master Musicianship program will receive awards at the end of the year banquet. Master Musicians will be eligible for a scholarship at the end of the year, will receive a medal, and will have their names sent to the newspaper for recognition. Students who wish to become officers in the band must have completed the musicianship test for their year. For example, sophomores who wish to run for office must have passed their Musicianship 3rd Class test.

Marching Uniforms

Our marching uniforms are EHS Ram Band’s most visible symbol of pride. Even when we are still and silent, our uniforms speak volumes about what we value. When you are in uniform, you are an instant representative of yourself, the band, and Eastside High School. Guidelines for uniforms are as follows.

They Never Touch the Floor—they are either on their hanger and in the garment bag or on your body.
BE UNIFORM! When you are in uniform, you are to be in FULL uniform--jackets on and zipped up. Never walk around with your jacket unzipped, or a part of your uniform missing. When you go to the changing room to put your uniform on, don’t come out until you have the complete uniform on, including all the parts.
Public Display of Affection (holding hands, kissing, arms around each other, etc.) in uniform is disrespectful and unprofessional. You are not to touch another student while you are in uniform.
Anything that is not a part of your uniform should not be worn when in uniform. This includes hats, watches, bracelets, and long-hanging earrings (small stud earrings are ok). This applies to women and men. Necklaces are ok as long as they can’t be seen; however, they are more likely to get tarnished from the increased perspiration while in uniform, so it may be better to not wear them at all.
Shoes should be clean and shiny.
Your hair must be tucked into the hat. If all your hair won’t fit under your hat, make it fit or get it cut. Bobby pins, hairspray and do-rags will help with this. If you wear a do-rag, it needs to come off anytime your hat comes off.
Do not attach or wear anything on your uniform that is not part of your uniform. (Pins, metals, etc)

The Marching Uniform Consists of:

Band T-Shirt under uniform
Coat
Pants
Black “Dinkles” brand marching shoes
Long black socks
Shako (hat)
Black Towel
Solid black shorts

Varsity Letters and Awards

The greatest award that a band member can receive is the self-satisfaction of performing to the best of their ability. The realization of this is a lesson that many people never learn, but that band can teach you, if you want to learn it.

At the end of the year banquet, the band awards symbols of excellence. Eligibility for these awards is based on:

Being enrolled in band for the entire year
Not having an absence of any kind from a performance
Having a 2.0 GPA

The band awards are:

Senior Plaques- for students who have participated in band for eight semesters
Outstanding freshman
Outstanding sophomore
Outstanding junior
Outstanding senior
Most improved freshman
Most improved sophomore
Most improved junior
Most improved senior
Outstanding auxiliary member
Louis Armstrong Award for Jazz
John Philip Sousa Award (Seniors only)
Superior Medals
Master Musicianship Gold Stars
Master Musicianship Medals
Master Musicianship Scholarship (Seniors only)

Music Department Cords and Sashes (Seniors Only)

Cord
1. GPA 3.0
2. Eight semesters participation in band
3. Completed 22-28 Quality Points

Sash
1. GPA 3.5
2. Eight semesters of participation in band
3. Completed 29 or more Quality Points

Quality Points

Participation in marching band 3 points per year
Participation in an indoor ensemble 2 points per year
Participation in All County events 1 point per event
Participation in Solo/Ensemble events 1 point per event
Participation in a Summer Music Camp 1 point per year
Participation as a student conductor 1 point per event
Participation in a leadership position 1 point per year

Recommended Instruments for Student Purchase

It is important, not only for the success of the band, but also for individual musical growth, that every student has a quality instrument on which to play. Student-line and beginner instruments are not intended for use in a high school band program such as ours, and students should do careful research before selecting a “step-up” instrument (see recommendations below).

FLUTE Gemeinhardt 3S or better

OBOE & BASSOON Consult your private teacher.

CLARINET Mouthpiece – Vandoren 5RV Lyre

Reeds – Vandoren #3

Instrument – Buffet R13 (top of the line)

Buffet E12 (intermediate model)

Leblanc LX2000 (professional model)

Leblanc Esprit or Sonata (intermediate models)

Leblanc VSP (excellent for the price)

ALTO SAX Mouthpiece – Selmer C “Star”

Reeds – Vandoren #3

Instrument – Selmer “Super Action” 80 (professional model)

Yamaha 52 or 62 (excellent instruments)

TRUMPET Mouthpiece – Bach 5C

Instrument- Bach Stradivarius 37 (top of the line standard)

Yamaha YTR 6345 HS

(Instruments must have 1st and 3rd valve slides)

FRENCH HORN Instrument - Holton 179 (professional level)

Conn 8D (Professional level)

TROMBONE Mouthpiece – Bach 6 ½ AL

Instrument – Bach Stradivarius 36 or 42BO (the standard)

Yamaha 646 or 648R (equivalent to the Bach Strad)

Conn 88H (top of the line)

(Instruments should be .547 bore with “F” attachment)

EUPHONIUM Mouthpiece – Bach 6 ½ AL or Bach 5G

Instrument- Yamaha 321 (or professional level 4 valve instrument)

TUBA Mouthpiece – Conn or Schilke Helleberg

Instrument- Yamaha 321 (or other professional, full size tuba)

Always consult with your private teacher and the band director before making an instrument purchase.

Solo & Ensemble Festival

Solo & Ensemble Festival is a festival offered by the Florida Bandmasters Association to give students the opportunity to performer chamber music for a judge. Performing chamber music is one of the best ways for students to improve as musicians. The challenge of performing alone or in a small group forces students to listen to what they sound like in a totally new way. Students enrolled in EHS Ram Band Instrumental Techniques are required to participate in Solo & Ensemble Festival. All other students are strongly encouraged to participate.

There are two common ways to participate in Solo & Ensemble Festival:

Playing a Solo, almost always with piano accompaniment. Students must choose a solo from the FBA music list, acquire to a recording of it, contract an accompanist, meet with a private teacher or the Band Director at least four times, and perform the solo for a judge at festival, for a rating. The FBA requires high school students to perform solos grade three or above. Students are individually responsible for all the elements of playing a solo, including paying for their accompanist (usually around $30.) At the performance, students must provide an original score to the judge, with measures numbered. Handing the judge a photocopy results in immediate disqualification.
Playing an ensemble with other members of the band. The FBA list contains pieces for many common instrumental combinations, trio and larger. Only percussionists may play duets. Some common ensembles are trumpet quartet, brass quintet, woodwind choir, jazz combo, and percussion ensemble. There are many other combinations to choose from, but the piece must be on the FBA music list. Ensemble music generally does not require an accompanist. Students must select a group with which to perform (carefully!), choose a piece from the FBA music list, acquire to a recording of it, meet with a private teacher or the Band Director at least four times, and perform the ensemble for a judge at festival, for a rating.

All performances that receive Superior ratings win a medal. Solos and ensembles grade five and above that earn Superior ratings are eligible for state level Solo & Ensemble. Note that students may perform in a maximum of four events at District Solo & Ensemble.

Private Lessons

It is strongly recommended that EHS Ram Band members take private lessons. They are the surest way to individual musical growth. In addition, the finest band programs in the state are the ones in which almost all of the students take lessons. See the director for a list of teachers in the area on your instrument.

Required Equipment

Every day, students will be required to have certain accessories with them for band class. These are essential to efficient rehearsal, so surprise equipment checks will be made for a grade.

Woodwind players must have:

A pencil

Four working reeds

A reed guard, with each reed slot numbered. Use a different reed every day so that each one is ready to go, in case another breaks.
A metronome
Cleaning swab
A water cup (double reeds only)
Saxophone end plug (saxophones only)
Flip folder and lyre (marching band only)

Brass players must have:

A pencil
Valve oil
Slide grease
A metronome
Mouthpiece brush
Slide cream and water spray bottle (trombones only)
Flip folder and lyre (marching band only)

Percussionists must have:

A pencil
Your personal stick bag, labeled with your name
At least one pair of snare sticks
At least one pair of yarn mallets

Instrument Care

Musical instruments are delicate and expensive. Follow the guidelines below in order to protect your most valuable band equipment.

Instrument Care-Woodwinds

1. Keep it dry and clean!

2. Wash your mouthpiece in soap and warm water once a month.

3. If you chew gum, eat, or drink before you play, rinse your mouth out thoroughly with water or brush your teeth. Food particles, sugar, and other foreign materials can cause problems (like rust, mold, bacteria, and other various green slimes) that are expensive to clean, and could make you sick.

4. Always swab out your instrument 2 or 3 times after every playing session. Be especially careful to remove all moisture from the socket areas.

5. Oboes: Be sure to have a small sized silk swab to use for your upper joint! It is absolutely essential to swab out all moisture from the upper joint after each playing session, especially if you have a wooden oboe. Keep it dry and at room temperature because they crack very easily.

6. Flutes: Swab out the head joint after each playing session to protect the cork. If you have to move the cork, replace it. Moving it breaks the seal, so it’s best to just buy a new cork. They’re cheap enough to do that.

7. Flutes: do not touch the keys when assembling, only touch the end rings. Do not “rock back and forth,” twist it instead.

8. All corks at joints should be greased with cork grease so they don’t dry out and crack. Greasing when needed with a small/thin amount of cork grease applied just like “chap-stick” will also help in ease of assembly.

9. Put cap on mouthpiece when not being used to avoid chipping.

10. Never subject an instrument to sudden temperature changes—especially wooden instruments.

11. Be careful when adjusting keys. They are very delicate.

12. Keep all accessories in your case compartment or tied down so they won’t clatter against the instrument, damaging the delicate key mechanisms.

13. Hold down the upper ring key on clarinets/oboes when assembling to protect the bridge mechanism. This is a delicate adjustment! You can throw your whole instrument out of adjustment by bending this mechanism just 1/16th of an inch. Do not grab the keys when assembling your instrument.

14. Never set an instrument on its keys (it should only be in your hand or in its case… never set it down)

15. Check for loose key rod screws everyday and tighten. Be sure you know the difference between a loose pivot or hinge screw and an adjustment screw. Never try to adjust keys yourself.

16. Use key oil twice a year only. Apply with a needle, one drop on posts and key hinges only.

17. Saxophones: use the end plug whenever your instrument is in it’s case to protect the delicate octave mechanism. While playing, you can put the end plug in the bell to help stabilize the lower notes, but put it back where it’s supposed to be before you put it in the case.

18. Take it in the shop once a year (preferably in May or June) to have the keys adjusted. They get bent and loose throughout the year, and it’s very important to get them adjusted regularly.

19. When in doubt, don’t do it! Ask your director or section leader.

20. Keep your instrument away from people who know nothing about it. Do not let anyone play your instrument unless they play the same instrument.

21. Instrument maintenance kits are available at music stores. They include all greases, oils, as well as brushes, polishing cloths, and cleaners.

Instrument Care-Brass

1. Keep it dry and clean!

2. Oil valves everyday. Oil them one at a time, with the appropriate oil for your instrument. Use Valve Oil Only.

4. Keep all accessories in your case compartment or tied down so they won’t clatter against the instrument.

5. French Horns: Use rotary valve oil only. Never try to dismantle a valve; oil through the top bearing, the bottom bearing, and drip oil through the valve slides. Oil in at least one of these places every day. NEVER disassemble the rotary valves. If they are making any noise, they are dry and need oil through the slides.

6. Trombones: Use slide cream or oil frequently. If you use slide oil, apply it every day. Use a very small amount, applied only to the expanded stocking at the end of the slide. Work the slide to distribute lubrication then rub lightly with a soft cloth. Use a spray bottle with pure water often to keep the slide damp. Never move the slide when it is dry. If it makes a sound when it moves, its too dry—oil it or spray it.

7. All tuning slides should be greased at least every week, or whenever they get dry. Use slide grease, not valve oil or “all in one” oil.

8. When removing valve slides, hold the valves down. Horns hold down the trigger and the valves when removing the valves slides on the B-flat side of the horn.

Bath Time: Every month give your instrument a bath. It is essential to stop corrosion on the inside of your instrument. Once you see all the green slime that comes out of it the first time you clean it, you’ll believe that it’s important to do it once a month. You’re putting your mouth on that!

1. Remove all valves (except rotary valves), and tuning slides. Keep them in order to make sure they go back in the right place.

2. French Horns: Never disassemble valves, but remove all slides.

3. Use warm (not hot) soapy water. (Dawn dishwashing liquid is best because it gets rid of the grease). If the water is too hot, it will damage the lacquer. Keep it as comfortable as you would be able to bathe in it yourself.

4. Run a flexible brush through all slides and pipes. Don’t submerge felts or corks.

5. If a flexible brush is not available, pour the soapy water through the bell while instrument is assembled, working the valves vigorously. Allow the slides to soak for a few minutes

6. Rinse in warm water thoroughly.

7. Dry with a lint free cloth

8. Swab the inside of the valve casing with a cleaning rod and clean lint free rag. Be sure to cover the cleaning rod completely as to not scratch the valve casing.

9. Re-oil, re-grease, and reassemble.

10. Clean the outside of your instrument each time you play by wiping with a cloth.

Valves Are Delicate! Be Careful! Piston valves are very delicate. One little dent in the valve casing can cause a costly repair since there is only one thousandth of an inch between a valve casing and the valve. Rotary valves have similar clearances. Be Careful! Do not touch the silver sides of valve or place them on a hard surface. Never grab an instrument by the valve slides. They might jam into the piston and cause sluggish valves. If a valve cap is stuck, take it to your band director. Never use any tool you can buy at a hardware store! (Pliers, vice grips, screwdrivers, sandpaper, etc.)

Mouthpiece:

1. Put it in and give it a small turn. Don’t force it. If it becomes stuck, take it to your director for removal using a special tool. If you try to remove it yourself, you will damage the instrument. Do not use pliers or a wrench.

2. Brush your mouthpiece after every time you play.

3. Wash out your mouthpiece with soap and warm water at least once every two weeks.

4. Be careful not to drop your mouthpiece—dents in the shank affect your sound. If your shank is not perfectly round, see the director to get it fixed. Mouthpiece brushes and snakes/cleaning kits are available at local music stores.

Individual Practice

Home practice plays an important part in the musical growth of any musician. Further, educational research has proven that a student’s ability to perform on a musical instrument will improve at a rate directly proportional to the quantity of time and effort expended in practice. However, the QUALITY of practice is also important. Practice doesn’t make perfect, PRACTICE MAKES PERMANENT. Only PERFECT practice makes perfect (practicing the right things), so don’t practice bad habits, and don’t play something sloppily over and over, because it will just get sloppier. Practice slowly and perfectly, gradually increasing the tempo but keeping everything else perfect. Also practice one note at a time, then gradually put them together. One note at a time, then one count at a time, then one measure at a time, then one phrase at a time, then one section at a time. Anything worth doing is worth doing SLOW! We seek parental help in encouraging home practice and making special effort to be aware of practice habits. Your awareness will enable you to offer praise when praise is due in all areas of instruction. Practice is your homework every night.

Some guidelines for effective practice are:

Try and practice the same time every day. Consistency is important.
Find a place to practice. Turn off any distractions, including music, TV, and younger siblings.
Set up so that you can practice with good posture. Buying a cheap wire music stand is a great way to turn any room into a music studio.
Warm up using exercises from class or warm-ups specific to your instrument. Athletes don’t try to sprint without warming up, and neither should you. Concentrate on developing your fundamentals, including tone and articulation.
Set practice goals. If you know what you’re working on before you sit down, your practice will be much more effective.
Practice articulations, scales, and other technical exercises.
Find hard parts in your band music and isolate them. Don’t only play through the entire piece.
Practice hard parts in small chunks. Sometimes just two or three notes at a time.
Use a metronome. If you have section that is giving you trouble, play it at half tempo, and then speed it up little by little. Even the most difficult passages can be conquered in this way.
Take breaks if you need them.
Cool down with the same exercises you used to warm up with.
Evaluate your practice session and decide what your goals will be next time. Very often you will work on the same passages on your next practice session.

Participation Contract

Both parent and student must sign this contract. Please read the handbook together as a family. The grading and attendance policies are especially important to understand. By signing this form, you state that you have read and understood the policies outlined in this Handbook, and will abide by them. Please read each section carefully so that you fully understand what is expected of you by the EHS Ram Band.

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