The Hand Book

I. The Osbourn Band Program – Goals and Objectives

• Students will improve performance and increase musical understanding.
• Students will work as a team toward the development of a high quality performing ensemble.
• Students will work to increase technical proficiency by mastering various musical concepts including, but not limited to: posture, breath control, embouchure formation, articulation, rhythm, intonation, scales, fingerings, sight-reading, and tone quality.

II. Student responsibilities

• Students will attend and be on time for all rehearsals and performances.
• Students will know their music.
If student is unable to accomplish this individually, he or she is expected to get help from either the band director or another source.
• Students are expected to be properly dressed for all performances.
• Students will come prepared to all rehearsals.
Instrument in good working order, pencil, music, and any other necessary materials.
• Students are expected to maintain a positive attitude at all band activities.

III. Conduct

The Osbourn Band is a high profile organization. In the course of the school year we will be observed by several hundred people. Therefore, it is important that we maintain a positive and cooperative appearance. Inappropriate or offensive behavior or language will not be tolerated. We represent ourselves, each other and Osbourn High School. Our conduct must reflect the highest standards. OHS policies and guidelines apply to all band activities both on and off school property.

Specific Guidelines

In the Band Room and During Rehearsals
• Students need to be prompt and prepare for rehearsal in an orderly manner.
• Warm up slowly and carefully.
• Keep paper and other discarded items picked up.
• Properly store your equipment.
• Do not talk during rehearsal or play when you are not supposed to.
• Do not bring any kind of candy, food or beverage into the band room.
• Do not touch equipment that is not yours.
• Any behavior that disrupts the rehearsal in inappropriate.

Band Director’s Office
The band director maintains an open door policy. However, no student should be in the office when the band director is not present. Computer may not be used without specific permission.

The Instrument Storage Room
• This room is provided for your convenience. You are to store your equipment in an orderly fashion.
• Keep the room neat and free of trash.
• This is not a lounge, No loitering in this area.

Failure to comply with above guidelines may result in the following:
• Parent contact
• Detention
• Referral
• Reduction of participation grade

IV. Attendance
• During school absences and tardies will be dealt with according to school policy.
• Unexcused absences or tardies to an after school or evening practice will result in a grade reduction.
• Unexcused absence from a performance will result in a lowered final grade for that grading period.

Excused absences include:
• Personal illness which prevents you from leaving your home
• Death in the family or family emergency
• Religious holiday (student should give advanced notice)

Unexcused absences include anything not mentioned above. Absences due to work or a lack of transportation are not considered excused. Students who anticipate an absence should give written notification as far in advance as possible.

V. Grading
Student grades will be based on the following:

Performance Grades – Playing Tests
(75% of total Grade)

Grades:

93-100 Perfect performance. Played at tempo with correct notes, rhythms, dynamics, articulations and style. Demonstrates characteristic tone and range of the instrument.
84-92 Excellent performance. Correct notes, articulations and rhythms. Minor weaknesses in tone, tempo, style and/or dynamics.
74-83 Good performance. Some missed notes, articulations, or rhythms. Weaknesses in tone, style tempo, and/or dynamics.
65-82 Fair performance. Missed notes, articulations and/or rhythms. Weak tone. Very little dynamic or stylistic contrasts. Incorrect tempo.
0-65 Poor performance. Many missed notes, articulations, and or rhythms. Poor tone quality. No attention to style or dynamics. Incorrect tempo.

Participation Grades (25% of total Grade)
Class Participation – 100 points
Points will be deducted for the following:
No Instrument 30 pts
No Music 10 pts
Unprepared for class 5 pts
No Pencil
No Reeds
No Mute
Disruptive behavior Up to 25 pts
Concert Participation – 100 points
Points will be deducted for the following:
Unexcused Absence 100 pts
Unexcused Tardy 10 pts
Leaving Early 10 pts
Improper Uniform 10 pts
Unprepared 10 pts
Disruptive behavior Up to 25 pts
After School Practices – 100 points
Unexcused Absence 100 pts
Unexcused Tardy 10 pts
Leaving Early 10 pts
Unprepared 5 pts
Disruptive behavior Up to 25 pts

Written Assignments – A percentage grade based on the total
number of points earned versus the total
number of points possible

VI. Uniform
Concert Band-Black tuxedo pants or skirt, white tuxedo shirt, black shoes and socks. (Provided by student.)
Marching Band – Uniform provided, student provides black shoes and socks

VII. Fundraising
The Band sponsors a number of fundraising projects during the year to earn the funds necessary to operate this band program. All band members are expected to participate.

VIII. Student Accounts
On certain fundraisers students are given a portion of the profits earned as a result of their participation. These funds are set aside for them in student accounts maintained by the band booster organization. These funds may be used to help offset band expenses.

IV. Awards
• Mark A. Brzozowski Memorial Scholarship – Outstanding senior, Selected by band director
• Arthur E. Farquar III Memorial Service Award – Senior Service Award, Selected by band members
• John Philip Sousa Award – Outstanding Senior, Selected by band members
• Easy Smith Award – Outstanding Underclassman, Selected by band members
• Director’s Award – Student with the highest letter point total.
• Band Letter/Participation Pin – Accumulate a total of 50 merit points