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OLATHE WEST BAND

HANDBOOK 2018-2019

Carol Lowman Head Band Director

cdlowman@olatheschools.org

John Wickersham Assistant Band Director

jawickersham@olatheschools.org

Olathe West High School 2200 W. Santa Fe Street

Olathe, KS 66061 (913) 780-7180

www.olatheschools.org/owband Twitter - @olathewestband

Instagram - @olathewestband www.facebook.com/olathewestband

Welcome! Thank you being a part of the Olathe West Band! We are so excited to start our 2018-2019 school year. We have a lot of things to be excited about - our 1st Marching Band Show, continued success with the Olathe West Concert Band, and continuing to grow in our Jazz Band, Pep Band, and additional ensembles. This handbook should cover everything you need to know about the Olathe West Band Program. If you find yourself with a question, please reach out to Ms. Lowman and/or Mr. Wickersham!

We’re always happy to help!

Communication We do as much as we can to make sure families stay up-to-date with the Olathe West Band. To make sure everyone receives information, we share information in a variety of ways, such as:

• Emailed in weekly “Band Notes” • Posted in Microsoft Teams (student communication app) • Posted on our website • Projected on our screen in a daily Keynote presentation • Handwritten on the right side of our whiteboard • Daily verbal reminders

Please communicate with us, Ms. Lowman and/or Mr. Wickersham, if you’re having trouble with any of the above communication options.

Olathe West Band Ensembles Marching Band The Olathe West Marching Band performs at all home varsity football games, Friday Night Lights, the Johnson County Old Settlers Parade, Homecoming Festivities and Parade, and 3-4 marching competitions.  Students will learn drum-corps-style marching skills, and prepare both a traditional pre-game show and a competitive modern marching show in addition to parade marching.  The marching band will perform a wide variety of musical genres including, but not limited to: classical, pop, jazz, and rock.  Marching band is open to all students grade 9-12.  Incoming freshmen and all percussionists (9-12) will perform a music and/or marching interview for the purpose of assigning parts.  Rehearsals begin in the summer, starting with a Percussion camp 3 weeks prior to the 1st day of school and a band camp starting 2 weeks prior to the 1st day of school.

Wind Ensemble At the end of the marching season (late October/early November), the Marching Band splits into two upper level concert bands in order to accommodate all students of varying ability and interest levels.  The Wind Ensemble prepares advanced high school and collegiate literature and will perform at several concerts throughout the year, including the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) State Large Group Festival.  NOTE – due to enrollment numbers for 2018-2019, Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Band may be combined into one ensemble.

Symphonic Band At the end of the marching season (late October/early November), the Marching Band splits into two upper level concert bands in order to accommodate all students of varying ability and interest levels.  Symphonic Band will prepare intermediate to advanced literate and perform at several concerts throughout the year, including KSHSAA State Large Group Festival.  NOTE – due to enrollment numbers for 2018-2019, Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble may be combined into one ensemble. 

Concert Band Concert Band is a non-auditioned group mostly intended for freshmen students.  Concert Band will prepare intermediate literature and have a strong focus on music fundamentals.  Concert Band will perform at several concerts throughout the year, including an adjudicated festival in the spring.

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Jazz Band Jazz Band is an ensemble that rehearses during one hour of the school day.  Students participating in jazz band will prepare a variety of jazz literature including combo charts, modern arrangements, and jazz standards.  Jazz Band will perform frequently throughout the year and perform at several Jazz Festivals. 

Pep Band The Olathe West Pep Band performs at the Girls & Boys Varsity Basketball home games.  This is a volunteer ensemble where all band members are welcome.  Put your game-face on, come play some great tunes, and cheer loud for the Owls!

Pit Orchestra Band students have the opportunity to participate in the Pit Orchestra, which performs the instrumental music for the musical.  Each year’s musical requires a different instrumentation, but normally every instrument family may participate in some capacity. Students will be selected for the Pit Orchestra based on the following considerations: necessary instrumentation, student grade level, student playing ability in relation to the difficulty level of the music, and student availability.

Solos/Small Ensembles On top of all of the other available musical options listed previously in the handbook, students have the opportunity to participate in the KSHSAA Solo & Ensemble Festivals each year.  Students who earn a “I - Outstanding” rating at the Regional Festival will move on to perform in the State Festival. This is a great way to prepare solo literature, or work on musical goals with your section friends. 

Honor Bands All band students from Olathe West are encouraged to audition for Honor Bands such as the John Phillip Sousa Honor Band, East Central Kansas Music Educator’s Association (ECKMEA) District Band, Kansas Music Educator’s Association (KMEA) All-State Band, Music for All (MFA) Honor Bands, and many more.  Please communicate with Ms. Lowman and/or Mr. Wickersham for more information.

Student Expectations Students will:

• Be where you are supposed to be, and be on time • Have what you are supposed to have • Behave in a manner that you will be proud of • Treat others like you would like to be treated

Grading Policy Students grades for band are cumulative in nature per semester. Students will earn points toward their cumulative semester grade in the following ways:

• Performances (Concerts/Football Games/Parades/Competitions/Festivals/Etc) – 100 Points Each • Sectionals/Additional Rehearsals – 25 Points Each • Playing Tests/Scales Tests – 15 Points Each • Band Clinics/Clinician-lead Rehearsal – 50 points Each • Final Exams – 100 Points Each • Daily Rehearsals - 10 Points Each • 7AM Rehearsals (Marching Band Only) - 10 Points Each

Students will earn and keep their full points by demonstrating our Student Expectations at all rehearsals, performances, and events.

Eligibility KSHSAA (Kansas High School Activities Association) requires all students participating in band performances, group or individual, to have passed 5 classes the previous semester in an accredited school. In order for a student to participate in fall band performances, they must have passed 5 classes from the previous spring semester. In order for a student to participate in spring band performances, they must have passed 5 classes from the previous fall semester.

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Performance Attire Concert Black – Concert Black means concert attire/dress clothes that are ALL BLACK. This uniform is not provided by the Olathe West Band. Concert Black means everything worn is completely, solid black. Men should wear black socks/shoes, long-sleeved black dress shirt with black buttons, black dress pants with a black belt, and a black undershirt. Ladies may wear a solid black dress, skirt & black dress top or blouse, or black dress top/blouse with black dress slacks. Ladies should also wear black shoes, and if a skirt or dress is worn, the hem must be modest in length (at or below the knee) with solid black tights. Sleeves should also be long (no bare shoulders or “spaghetti” straps) and necklines also modest.

Band Polo Shirt – This shirt is part of the band uniform for ALL band students (marching/concert/jazz). The polo shirt and jeans is one of our alternate uniforms, worn at a variety of performances. The cost of the polo shirt is paid by each student’s Fair Share Fee.

Marching Band Uniform – This includes the Marching Band coat, pants, hat (shako), gauntlets, citation cord, plume, long black socks, black marching shoes, and required under-the-uniform shorts & shirt. Woodwind and brass players will also wear black gloves. Important note – the marching band uniform is either all on, or all off – there is no in-between. The coat is always fully zipped, and the hat/shako is always worn forward. Students will provide their own long, totally black socks (knee-high is recommended, crew-length minimum - NO ankle socks). Students must be wearing their uniform shorts & shirt, black shoes, and black socks before they will be allowed to check out their uniform prior to marching band performances. Students must demonstrate that they have hung their uniform up properly in their garment bag before being allowed to check in their uniform after marching band performances.

Uniform Cleaning – The Marching Band Uniforms remain in the Olathe West Band Uniform Closet and will be professionally dry-cleaned after the completion of the marching band season.

School-owned Instruments The school owns the larger and more expensive instruments, such as the tuba, euphonium, horn, tenor sax, baritone sax, bass clarinet, bassoon, oboe, and percussion instruments. Any student enrolled in band may use these instruments free of charge. However, each student is responsible for the instrument checked out to him/her, and any necessary repair due to damage from abuse or neglect is the student’s financial responsibility.

Instrument Lockers An individual locker for each student’s instrument will be provided. A padlock will be provided. Students who lose the combination padlock are responsible for paying a $10 replacement fee. Instrument Lockers will be kept clean and tidy, and free from food and drink.

Band Boosters The Band Boosters is the band parent and adult family member organization that actively supports the band program and meets on a monthly basis. Band Boosters support the band and band students by attending performances, planning various events, assisting at all concerts/performances, and by helping raise funds for the band program. All band parents and adult family members are considered band boosters and are welcome at band booster meetings. Please visit our band website (www.olatheschools.org/owband) as well as the attached Event Calendar. Band Booster Executive Board positions will include: Band President/Co-president, Secretary, Treasurer, Trailer Crew, Uniform Crew, and other various volunteer crews. The band directors must approve any funds that are spent or events that are scheduled. It is essential that this organization be a positive force, backing the students, directors, and collective band program.

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Fundraising The act of supporting the band’s budget through appropriating money from outside sources. Several fundraising initiatives will occur throughout the year (ex. restaurant nights, car washes, Fiesta de Westa, silent auction, etc.). All students are expected to contribute their time and effort to these fundraising initiatives.

Fiesta de Westa Spring jazz concert, dinner, and fundraiser for the Olathe West Band. The OW Jazz Band as well as the OT and MT jazz bands will perform with an invited guest artist. A catered dinner is offered (by RSVP only), and a silent auction will take place during the performances. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and supports ALL of the Olathe West Band members!

Fair Share Fee This fee, paid by all band students, covers required uniform supplies/items, Band polos, food & drink at performances, and also provides educational opportunities like bringing in guest clinicians. The Olathe West Band works to keep this fee as low as possible. Payment is made at the Form Fest and/or coordinating and communicating a payment plan with Ms. Lowman/Mr. Wickersham. Please contact Ms. Lowman/Mr. Wickersham if you need assistance or need to schedule payment(s).

Band Letter (form attached) Band students are eligible to letter in band. Students are responsible for tracking and recording their progress of the Band Lettering Form (see form attached & located on the band website). Students can earn lettering points in a variety of ways by going above and beyond, such as: auditioning for honor groups, performing with honor groups, volunteering to assist with various band events, taking private lessons, earning 1-Superior ratings at band performances, etc. Forms are due at the end of April, and letter winners will be recognized during our spring concert.

Private Lessons (teacher list attached) Private lessons are HIGHLY recommended for all band students. Private Lessons are not only for students that need additional help on their instrument, they’re also for students that are currently excelling on their instrument and wish to obtain additional specific instruction on their instrument. The one-on-one attention really allows a student to advance at their own personal rate.

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Date Day Time Event/Performance Location WhoJuly 23- July 27 M - F 7am-4pm Marching Percussion Camp OWHS Marching Band

Aug. 7 Tu 5pm Form Fest & Marching Band Preview Concert OWHS Marching Band

Aug. 4 Sa 9am-3pm Park & Bark Carwash Meyer Music Voluntary

Aug. 24 F 4:30pm-9pm Friday Night Lights - Football Scrimmage CBAC Marching Band

Aug. 30 Th 6pm-8pm Olathe West High School Try-it Night OWHS Voluntary

Aug. 31 F 4:30-10pm OW Football Game vs. Lawrence Free State ODAC Marching Band

Sept. 8 Sa 8am-12pm Old Settler's Day Parade Olathe, KS Marching Band

Sept. 20 Th 7:00pm Homecoming Bonfire OWHS Marching Band

Sept. 21 F 4:30-10pm OW Football Game vs. Shawnee Mission North CBAC All Band Members (Concert Band night)

Oct. 1 M 5-10pm Olathe District Marching Festival CBAC Marching Band

Oct. 5 F 4:30-10pm OW Football Game vs. Turner (Middle School Night) CBAC Marching Band

Oct. 6 Sa All-Day KSU Central States Marching Festival K-State U. Marching Band

Oct. 18 Th 4:30-10pm OW Football Game vs. Shawnee Mission East CBAC Marching Band

Oct. 19 F All-Day John Phillip Sousa Honor Band - Tapes Due OWHS Voluntary - Fr

Oct. 20 Sa All-Day UCM Festival of ChampionsUniversity of Central Missouri

Marching Band

Oct. 27 Sa All-Day Neewollah Grand Parade & Competition Independence, KS Marching Band

Oct. 30 Tu 7:00pm Marching Band & Concert Band Concert OWHS All Band Members

Nov. 3 Sa All-Day ECKMEA District Band Auditions OEHS Voluntary - So/Jr/Sr

Nov. 12 M TBD Veteran's Day Assembly - TBD TBD Marching Band

Dec. 1 Sa All-Day ECKMEA District Band BVHS Voluntary - So/Jr/Sr

Dec. 4 Tu 7:00pm Winter Concert OWHS All Band Members

Jan. 4-5 F, Sa All-Day All-State Band Auditions Salina, KS Voluntary - So/Jr/Sr

Jan. 18-19 F, Sa All-Day John Phillip Sousa Honor Band Lawrence, KS Voluntary - Fr

Jan. 22 Tu 7:00pm Olathe West Area Band Festival OWHS All Band Members

Feb. 21-23 Th, F, Sa All-Day KMEA, All-State Band Wichita, KS Voluntary - So/Jr/Sr

March 4 M 5-8pm Marching Band Interviews (Incoming Freshmen) OWHS Voluntary

March 5 Tu 4pm-6pm Middle School Solo & Ensemble Festival OWHS Voluntary

Marching Band

Olathe West Band Schedule: 2018-2019Updated 8/13/2018 - Note: This schedule is subject to change

July 30-Aug 3,

Aug. 6-Aug. 7

M - F &

M-Tu7am-4pm Marching Band Camp OWHS

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March 7 Th 7pm Concert Band Showcase OWHS Concert Band

March 27 W 8am-12pm Symphonic Band Festival ONWHS Sym. Band

March 28 Th 8am-12pm Wind Ensemble Band Festival OEHS Sym. Band

March 29 F 5-10pm Blue Valley West Percussion Festival BVWHS Percussion

April 2 Tu 7:00pm Pre-Festival Concert (Band/Orchestra/Choir) OWHS Symphonic Band/Wind Ensemble

April 6 Sa All-Day KSHSAA Regional Solo & Ensemble Festival OSHS Voluntary

April 10 W All-Day KSHSAA Large-Group Festival TBA Symphonic Band/Wind Ensemble

April 18 Th All-Day Max Green Festival (OW is a Host Site) OWHS Voluntary - Fr/So/Jr/Sr

April 19 F 6:00pm Fiesta de Westa (Jazz Concert & Dinner) OWHS Jazz Band

April 27 Sa All-Day KSHSAA State Solo & Ensemble Festival Topeka, KS Voluntary

April 26 F 7:00pm Percussion Show OWHS Percussion

May 7 Tu 7:00pm Spring Concert OWHS All Band Members

May 19 Sun TBD Olathe West Graduation TBD Commencement Band

May 29 & 30 Tu/W 4-8pm Pre-Summer Marching Band Camp OWHS Marching Band

May 30 W 8pm Marching Band Parent Meeting OWHS Marching Band parents

July 22- July 26 M - F 7am-4pm Marching Percussion Camp OWHS Marching Band, percussion only

July 29 - Aug 2 M - F 7am-4pm Marching Band Camp, Phase #1 OWHS Marching Band, all

Aug. 2 F 4:30-8pm Form Fest & Marching Band Preview Concert OWHS Marching BandAug. 6 & 8, Aug, 13 & 15

Tu/Th. Tu/Th 6pm-8pm Marching Band Camp, Phase #2 OWHS Marching Band, all

Sept. 10 M 7:00pm Band Booster Meeting OWHS All parents are welcome

Oct. 8 M 7:00pm Band Booster Meeting OWHS All parents are welcome

Nov. 5 M 7:00pm Band Booster Meeting OWHS All parents are welcome

Dec. 3 M 7:00pm Band Booster Meeting OWHS All parents are welcome

Jan. 7 M 7:00pm Band Booster Meeting OWHS All parents are welcome

Feb. 4 M 7:00pm Band Booster Meeting OWHS All parents are welcome

March 4 M 7:00pm Band Booster Meeting OWHS All parents are welcome

April 1 M 7:00pm Band Booster Meeting OWHS All parents are welcome

May 6 M 7:00pm Band Booster Meeting OWHS All parents are welcome

Band Booster Meeting Dates:

2019 - 2020 Marching Band Camp Dates:

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NAME: ___________________________________ Year – Fr So Jr Sr

Lettering Requirements – 2018-2019 To earn an Olathe West Letter, students must complete and return by May 1st, 2019. Write the number of points earned on the line next to each completed item. Total ALL points at the bottom.

STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING TRACK OF ALL EVENTS/ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR.

180 POINTS Required for a Letter. 360 POINTS required for a Double-Letter. ____ Auditioned for the Kansas John Phillip Sousa Honor Band (20 points) ____ Selected for and participated in the Kansas John Phillip Sousa Honor Band (additional 40 points) ____ Auditioned for the ECKMEA All-District Honor Band (20 points) ____ Selected for and participated in the ECKMEA All-District Honor Band/Jazz Band (additional 40 points) ____ Auditioned for the KMEA All-State Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band (additional 20 points) ____ Selected for and participated in the KMEA All-State Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band (additional 40 points) ____ Performed with the OW Basketball Pep Band (10 points for Double-Header, 5 points for Single-Header game, 10 points for Post-season game) GAME DATES: ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____ Performed a Solo and/or Ensemble in KSHSAA Regional Solo & Ensemble Festival (20 points) ____ 1 Rating at KSHSAA Regional Solo & Ensemble Festival (additional 20 points) ____ 2 Rating at KSHSAA Regional Solo & Ensemble Festival (additional 10 points) ____ Performed a Solo and/or Ensemble in KSHSAA State Solo & Ensemble Festival (20 points) ____ 1 Rating at KSHSAA State Solo & Ensemble Festival (additional 40 points) ____ 2 Rating at KSHSAA State Solo & Ensemble Festival (additional 20 points) ____ Ensemble (Marching, Concert, Jazz) earning a 1 rating at competition (10 points per ensemble) ____ Performed in the OW Musical Pit Orchestra (50 points) ____ Private Lessons (20 points per semester, including summer) – Private Lesson Teacher Signature: __________________________ ____ Member of a Performing Group outside of Olathe West (10 points each) – i.e. Olathe Youth Symphony, Kansas City Youth Symphony,

Fountain City Youth Brass Bands, etc. – Please indicate the group: ___________________________________ ____ Attended a Summer Band Camp (10 points each) For example - Midwestern Music Camp, KCKCC Jazz Camps, etc.

Please indicate the camp: _______________________________ ____ 4th Year member of OW Band (80 points) ____ 3rd Year member of OW Band (60 points) ____ 2nd Year member of OW Band (40 points) ____ 1st Year member of OW Band (20 points) ____ Marching Band Student Leader (30 points) ____ Member of the OW Jazz Band (25 points per semester)

OTHER - Additional Band-related service opportunities offered by Ms. Lowman & Mr. Wickersham. (10 points each) Please list event/date

____ _______________________________________________________ ____ _______________________________________________________ ____ _______________________________________________________ ____ _______________________________________________________ ____ _______________________________________________________ ____ _______________________________________________________ ____ TOTAL POINTS (180 needed to Letter, 360 needed to double-letter) _________________________________ Student Signature *By completing and signing this document, I acknowledge that I am being truthful, and completed all of the items as marked above.

Please circle that which applies to you: 1st Time Lettering – Letter & Pin 2nd time lettering – Bar 3rd time lettering – Bar 4th time Lettering - Bar

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Private Lesson & Piano Accompanist List Flute Instructors Emily Smith esmithflute@gmail.com Suzanne Stricklin suzannestricklin@sbcglobal.net Susan Murphy Please contact via website: http://opflutist.com/contact/ Laura Bock lbock@bluevalleyk12.org Oboe Instructors Katie Phillips phillipsk14@gmail.com Lisa England lisa.5049@yahoo.com Bassoon Instructors Jodie Lin jolin@kckps.org Lisa England lisa.5049@yahoo.com Clarinet Instructors Ashley White ashleywhite.clarinet@gmail.com Paula Dunlap pdunlap56@gmail.com Saxophone Instructors Dr. Jeffrey Cunningham cunningham-j@mssu.edu Josh Hankey jhankeysf@olatheschools.org Jan Faidley jfaid74702@aol.com Nick Rowland nickrmusic@yahoo.com

Trumpet Instructors Paul Aubrey PAubrey@bluevalleyk12.org Phil Holmes pholmespt@olatheschools.org Barry Springer barry_springer@sbcglobal.net Russell Harvey russellsharvery@hotmail.com Erik Hulse ethulsekc@gmail.com Luke Johnson ldjohnson@mnu.edu Nate Nall natetrumpet@gmail.com Mark Keltner mark.keltner100@gmail.com

Jeffrey Curtain curtijc@gmail.com French Horn Instructors Andrea Stanton andrea.m.stanton@gmail.com Bill Brower cowboyhorn@hotmail.com Trombone Instructors Dave Cooper dbbmcooper@kc.rr.com Wyatt Henderson kibone@kc.rr.com Will Biggs loudtbone@yahoo.com

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Euphonium & Tuba Instructors Carol Lowman cdlowman@olatheschools.org (Tuba/Bass Trombone/Euph) Eric Banks ebanksfrv@olatheschools.org Brian Scott brscott402@aol.com Jacob Miesner jakemiesner@gmail.com Eddie Miles

Percussion Instructors Brandon Graves bwgraves@mac.com John Wickersham jawickersham@olatheschools.org Ben Gervais bjgervais@gmail.com Ray DiMarchi rdemarchi@aol.com Ron Ernst ronoernst@gmail.com Jazz Piano Instructors Eric Griffin griffin.eric.s@gmail.com Bass Instructors Joey Panella joey.panella@gmail.com

Piano Accompanists: (check and confirm whether they work at the 6A site or the 5A site!) Leslie Weakland (not taking students this year) leslieweakland@comcast.net Wendy Bond (not taking students this year) bondmusicstudio@yahoo.com Nancy Dahlke pianistgraz@yahoo.com Susan Mitchell simplysusan@gmail.com Kelly Sanford Kelly.j.sanford@kc.frb.org Sarah Noe smnoe88@gmail.com Melody Stroth classicalmelodys@aol.com Julie Wheeler jwheeler615@gmail.com Lee Anne Rogers tbrogers321@comcast.net Alice LaVoie alavoieonw@olatheschools.org Donna Forde cdm2forde@comcast.net

Student Agreement to the Olathe West Band Handbook

1. I (Olathe West Band Student) have read the Olathe West Band Handbook and understand ALL expectations and requirements for the 2018-2019 school year

2. I have reviewed the Band Schedule, inputted these dates into my calendar, and will attend all scheduled events for ensembles in which I’m a member.

3. I will communicate any conflicts with the Band Schedule at least 2-weeks in advance or ASAP if an emergency occurs.

4. I will conduct myself in a manner that demonstrates the Olathe West High School Student Code of Conduct during all Band functions - rehearsals, performances, traveling events, etc. Inappropriate public displays, profanity, the possession or use of tobacco/electronic cigarettes/illegal drugs/alcohol, and other negative actions have no place in the Olathe West Band and will not be tolerated.

5. I will take care of any school-owned instruments I use and understand I may be held liable for any damage if due to negligent reasons.

6. I understand the Dress Code for our various performances and will make sure to have these items prior to any concerts I’ll perform.

7. (Marching Band students only) I will wear and treat the Olathe West Band uniform with respect and pride. I understand I may be held liable for any damage if due to negligent reasons.

8. I understand how information and schedules will be communicated from the Olathe West Band, and understand it is my responsibility to check these methods regularly to stay connected and up to date.

Student Name (printed)

_________________________________________________

Student Signature

_________________________________________________

Parent Acknowledgement of the Olathe West Band Handbook

1. I (Parent/Guardian) acknowledge that my student has read the Olathe West Band Handbook and agrees to the items listed above.

2. I also understand and acknowledge items listed in the Olathe West Band Handbook and will assist my student to meet and exceed the expectations of the Olathe West Band.

3. I have reviewed the Band Schedule and inputted the dates in my calendar. I will communicate conflicts at least 2-weeks in advance or ASAP if an emergency occurs.

4. I understand how information and schedules will be communicated from the Olathe West Band and understand it is my responsibility to check these methods regularly to stay connected and up to date.

Parent/Guardian (printed)

_________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature

_________________________________________________

� of �11 11PLEASE SIGN & RETURN BY AUGUST 31st, 2018