2016-2017

Broad Run High School Marching Spartans

Marching Band

Handbook for Students

2

Contents

Letter from the Band Director ............................................................................................................... 3

Mission Statement................................................................................................................................ 4

Participation Fees and Fundraisers ........................................................................................................ 4

Attendance .......................................................................................................................................... 5

Band Camp ........................................................................................................................................... 6 Important Band Camp Dates ........................................................................................................................ 6 Attire ............................................................................................................................................................. 6 Essential Supplies .......................................................................................................................................... 7

Band Officers/Section Leaders/Sectionals ............................................................................................. 7

Rehearsals ............................................................................................................................................ 7 Playing/Spinning Assessments ...................................................................................................................... 9 After School Rehearsal Schedule ................................................................................................................... 9

Uniforms ............................................................................................................................................. 10 Marching Band ............................................................................................................................................ 10 Color Guard ................................................................................................................................................. 10

Performances ...................................................................................................................................... 11 Football Games ........................................................................................................................................... 11 Competitions ............................................................................................................................................... 11 Buses ........................................................................................................................................................... 12 Fall Performance Schedule .......................................................................................................................... 13

Families – How to Help Your Marching Spartan .................................................................................... 13

Band Boosters ..................................................................................................................................... 14

Other Important Tips for Students ....................................................................................................... 14

3

Letter from the Band Director

Dear Band Members and Families,

Welcome to the Marching Spartans Family! The Marching Spartans is a group of highly

dedicated individuals who come together as a group to accomplish great things. It is my

hope that while a member, you will not only work hard to achieve at a high level, but that

you will also learn to respect yourself and others while creating lasting bonds.

The Band Staff and I are all looking forward to working with each and every student that

comes through our doors. Each member is important and must do their part for us to

achieve the level of success that we have come to expect. In doing this, we will truly

achieve great things!

Please be sure to read this handbook thoroughly, as it should answer most of your

questions. From the end of June through July, the best way to reach me will be through e-

mail (Ryan.Dempsey@lcps.org) since office hours will vary.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone in August, if you have any questions please do

not hesitate to ask!

Sincerely,

Ryan Dempsey

Director of Bands

571-252-2303

4

Mission Statement

The Broad Run Marching Spartans is a performing arts group dedicated to providing the

students of Broad Run High School with an enriching environment to help develop not

only musical and performance skills, but also important life skills. We are dedicated to

meeting the needs of the school community by providing outreach opportunities through

performance.

Participation Fees and Fundraisers

The cost of running a successful marching band program is high. In order to financially

support our program, it is necessary to charge a participation fee to all members, as well

as hold regular fundraisers. Fundraisers are most effective when every student

participates and makes an effort. They can also help to take care of any additional costs

associated with the competitive season.

This year’s marching fee will be $325.

$300 of the fee covers the following services for each student: Equipment, activities bus

costs, the Official Marching Spartans Show Shirt, dry-cleaning costs for uniforms, pay for

members of the Band Staff, football games, competition fees, and various other expenses

including food and beverages for the lock-ins before football games.

The other $25 is a MANDATORY Band Booster Association fee for families of Marching

Spartans members. If you have more than one student in the marching band, the $25.00

booster fee will only be assessed once.

In addition to the participation fee, each member of the Marching Spartans is required to

purchase items that will be for their personal use (i.e. shoes and gloves).

We will never turn ANY member away due to financial hardship. Please contact the Band

Director with concerns.

5

Attendance

The Marching Band is dependent on each individual’s punctual presence. As a member, it

is extremely important that you are at every rehearsal. All rehearsals are mandatory.

Band Camp is mandatory for Marching Spartans members. We cannot fully function as a

unit without all of our members. We learn new things at each rehearsal and having holes

due to absences causes setbacks for all other students in the Marching Spartans.

A student must be at school for at least half of the school day (2 blocks) in order to

participate in after-school activities. PLEASE make every effort to be in school.

Band Members are expected to attend ALL scheduled band functions. WORK IS NOT A

VALID EXCUSE FOR MISSING A REHEARSAL OR PERFORMANCE. Please make arrangements

to be in attendance at every rehearsal. Missing a rehearsal or performance without an

appropriate excuse may result in your exclusion from a performance, and in some cases,

immediate dismissal from the Marching Spartans program. If you feel you have a valid

reason to miss a practice or performance, you need to have a parent or guardian contact

the band director IN ADVANCE.

Each member of the Marching Spartans is expected to come to each practice and/or

performance prepared and ready to participate to the fullest of their ability. Any student

that arrives unprepared and does not actively participate will be subject to disciplinary

action. This includes, but is not limited to: forgetting an instrument, not having a reed,

mouthpiece, sticks, mallets, flags, not having music, drill book, etc. If you have a medical

limitation or there is an instance of instrument repair, please let the director know so that

accommodations can be made for you.

The success of the band as a whole depends on the work ethic of individuals. You miss

important information when you miss a rehearsal/performance, and the band as a whole

cannot perform to their highest ability. We are a team and each member’s active

participation is extremely important.

6

Band Camp

Band Camp is the most important part of our marching season. It is held onsite at Broad

Run.

Important Band Camp Dates TBA Drumline and Color Guard Summer Rehearsals August 3 & 4 Rookies and Leadership 8:00 am – 12:00 pm August 8-12 Full Band Rehearsal 8:00 am – 5:00 pm August 15 & 16 Full Band Rehearsal 8:00 am – 5:00 pm August 18 &19 Full Band Rehearsal Times TBA August 22-25 Full Band Rehearsal Times TBA August 26 Home Football Game Report time TBA

On Saturday morning, August 27, we will perform our show on the football field for

friends and family so they can see how hard we worked.

Once again, Band Camp is mandatory. We learn the drill and music for the field show; we

must have all members there. Each member of the Marching Spartans has a specific,

custom written place in the field show and when there is a hole, it makes it much more

difficult for the group to progress further. More information about band camp will be

forthcoming.

Do not schedule any appointments/other activities during the time of band camp. Once

you are at school at the beginning of the day, you cannot leave until the conclusion of the

band camp day.

The following is a list of items that will be essential to your success as a member of the

Marching Spartans:

Attire

Dress according to the weather. If it is hot outside, DO NOT WEAR BLACK. Light colored

clothes in breathable material are best for Marching Band Camp. Tank tops and sleeveless

tops are ok as long as they are in accordance with LCPS Dress Code/Rules and Regulations.

You may not wear sports bras alone, midriff or bikini tops!

Shorts are recommended for extremely hot days. Remember to follow school guidelines

regarding appropriate length of shorts.

Socks and comfortable sneakers – Sandals/flip flops are not to be worn on the marching

band field. You will not march if you do not have appropriate footwear.

7

Essential Supplies

BIG water bottle (we recommend the Bubba)

Sun block

Bug spray

Light snacks

Hat

Sunglasses

Extra light colored, clean shirts

Gold Bond powder (to prevent chafing… don’t ask)

Golf gloves (to prevent blisters, if needed)

Valve oil

Extra reeds

Lip balm

Deodorant

Hard candy

Pencils

Eat a good, healthy breakfast each morning!

FOOD AND WATER: Please eat healthy foods, especially during band camp days

and long rehearsal/performance days. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself

hydrated – at least two liters per day is a good start for Band Camp days. To avoid

feeling sick or lethargic on the marching band field, limit caffeine, greasy foods,

carbonated drinks, and excessive amounts of sweets.

Band Officers/Section Leaders/Sectionals

The success of the band is directly related to the dedication of each individual member

and each person’s ability to effectively work together. The student leadership team is an

important group of upperclassmen who help to drive the pace of rehearsal, help other

students to learn new techniques relayed by the band staff, and keep the morale positive

– just a few of MANY examples.

Drum Major(s) will be chosen through audition and interview in May. The rest of the

leadership team will be finalized soon after. For the Marching Spartans, there will be a

Woodwind Captain, a Brass Captain, a Percussion Captain, and a Color Guard Captain who

will oversee large group sectionals.

In addition to these positions, each section will also need a section leader. There are also

8

leadership positions that extend to other aspects of the band program (not just the

Marching Spartans). For any student who might be interested, those positions are:

President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Historian – students who hold

Marching Spartan leadership positions may also hold these positions. In order to be

nominated for any position, you must have been involved with the band program for a full

year (Marching Band, band class, jazz band, etc.).

Students interested in holding any leadership position will be required to attend

leadership training, as well as fill out a leadership application. For certain positions, you

will also be required to interview with the Band Director and/or other members of the

band staff.

Section Leaders can call Sectional Meetings outside of regular rehearsal time. Any

member of the leadership team that will be calling a sectional should be sure to advise

the Band Director/Color Guard Coaches (if applicable), as well as their corresponding

captain.

The most important thing to remember is that working towards being a student leader

starts as soon as you become a member of the Marching Spartans. If student leadership

is a goal for you, start early. Being friendly, helpful, hard-working, and a team player will

go far. Every member has the opportunity to become a leader; it is just a matter of what

you choose to do with that opportunity.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are the most important time the band will spend together. Every rehearsal,

new things are taught and learned. To avoid wasting the time of all those who are

involved, please come ready to be an active participant/listener in rehearsal.

For all summer rehearsals, be here at least 15 minutes before rehearsal start times. If

rehearsal starts at 8:00am, you should consider 7:45am your report time to ensure that

you will be on time.

Be prepared for every rehearsal with the group by practicing your parts at home. Non-

productive rehearsing just causes stress and that is something we do not want. Be

prepared to work hard!

Drill and music are REQUIRED at each rehearsal, all the way to the final rehearsal of the

season. If you lose your drill book, you will be required to make another.

9

Playing/Spinning Assessments

During August, assessments will be given to make sure everyone is working on pace to

memorize the field show. In order to perform our best, everyone needs to always be

participating to their fullest capability.

Select Marching Spartan leadership team members or Marching Spartan Staff Members

will administer playing exams. You will be given advance notice before assessments.

Music MUST be memorized after the conclusion of band camp.

The first music assessments will be given the week after band camp. If you do not pass

the first assessment, you will be given a retest in the presence of the band director. If you

do not pass the second time, your performance at the first football game will be in

jeopardy. Color Guard assessments will be dependent upon how much of the routine you

have been taught. Ashley Flock will be in charge of when they will be given and what will

be tested.

After School Rehearsal Schedule

Once school is in session, all rehearsals will begin at 4:00PM. Rehearsal will end at

6:00PM. This is the time you will be dismissed from the rehearsal space, so please allow a

few minutes to pack and clean up. As snacks are not provided, we recommend that your child pack one for rehearsal. Water will be available, so pack a water bottle. Wear appropriate attire for the weather. Monday: Sectionals (if needed) 4:00 to 6:00 pm Tuesday: Full Band 4:00 to 6:00 pm Wednesday: Full Band 4:00 to 6:00 pm Thursday: Full Band 4:00 to 6:00 pm Friday: no rehearsal unless there is a football game

**Guard and Percussion sectionals dates and times TBA at a later time

10

Uniforms

Marching Band

The BRHS Band Uniform for Winds/Percussion consists of: Jacket, pants, black gloves,

black socks, black shoes, show shirt, and shako. Marchers will be fitted for their uniform

during camp. The school will provide the uniforms and they will be stored in the band

closet.

Marchers will also be fitted for Dinkles (shoes) and gloves for their personal use. You are

responsible for buying your shoes and gloves. Be on the lookout for the ordering day.

Gloves are around $3 a pair and shoes are around $30. Ordering a back‐up pair of gloves is

strongly recommended. Long black socks are necessary as well; we recommend you

purchase several pairs. The generic type you can buy in packs of six or more are fine.

Students are expected to treat uniforms and all uniform parts/accessories with great care.

All pieces should be hung on hangers when not in use.

For performances, it is expected that all hair be worn up underneath the shako – this

applies for both male and female Marching Spartans. Please be sure to have an effective

strategy for achieving this.

Color Guard

The Color Guard wears a one-piece costume, opaque black tights, black shoes, black

fingerless gloves and hair in a neat bun with a scrunchie. Color Guard uniforms will be

fitted for and ordered separately from band uniforms. Until the uniforms are ordered and

come in, each performer will be required to purchase, on their own, a practice uniform

usually consisting of a solid black t-shirt, black Soffe shorts (worn with black bicycle

shorts) and black socks. All Guard members MUST wear skin-tone fingerless gloves,

regardless of whether they are on the rifle line or not. Gloves are around $12. Black jazz

shoes will be ordered. Guard members must bring their show shirts to all performances to

wear over top of their uniforms when eating.

Guard members are not to wear jewelry – this is for your own safety. Hair should be

neatly pulled back into a tight bun. Use any and all means necessary to ensure that your

hair does not fall out during a performance. Nothing is more distracting than a random

scrunchie/hair piece lying in the middle of the field.

Any further questions about color guard should be director to Ashley Flock, Color Guard

Instructor.

11

Performances

Football Games

Our first priority at football games is to support the team and to represent the Marching

Spartans and Broad Run in a positive and professional manner. Being at the games gives

us a chance to improve our show! It is a rehearsal for us before our competitions. You are

expected to treat these performances as if they are in a competition.

The marching band will march to the track and to the stands before the game and will

march to the band room after the game. We move together as a group or not at all!

Sections will sit together in the stands. No one will be allowed in the band section of the

stands that is not a member of the Marching Spartans or a family member.

Each musician is responsible for his/her pep band folder.

When it is time for us to play pep songs, the drum major will call out a song and the entire

band will stand and play. NO ONE is to play without the drum major or the band director’s

permission.

Members will be given a break during the third quarter to go to the concession stand,

restroom, etc. Failure to return to the stand at the assigned time will result in suspension

of this privilege for the next game.

ALL MEMBERS WILL STAY IN UNIFORM FOR THE WHOLE GAME. Shakos will be the only

piece of uniform you will be permitted to remove.

Before each football game, the band will have a lock-in. The band will stay after school,

rehearse, and be given dinner by the band boosters. The purpose of the lock-ins are to

encourage unity, provide a safe place for the Marching Spartans members to stay

between school and game time, and to ensure that all members are prepared for the

performance.

Competitions

To perform well, every individual must accept the following responsibilities:

Every member will be at the school on time (which is early!) the day of a competition. If

you are late, you run the risk of not being able to perform at the competition. Not only

does that affect you, but also the entire group’s performance. ALL MEMBERS ARE

EXPECTED TO BE IN ATTENDANCE AT COMPETITIONS.

12

Every musician will memorize all show music by the end of band camp. You will be tested

for this by drum majors, captains and section leaders (see Playing/Spinning Tests). Any

member who does NOT have the show memorized by the first competition will be in

jeopardy of not performing with the group!

Each member will show respect toward the band staff, band boosters, chaperones, drum

majors, section leaders, and all other Marching Spartans. Students must also demonstrate

respect towards other bands. As a group, we take pride not only in our performance, but

also in the manner in which we represent Broad Run High School.

Each member will be expected to complete all assigned duties to the best of their ability

while attending the competition.

Buses

All LCPS rules and regulations apply when on trips with the Marching Spartans. Students

are expected to abide by all bus rules and schools rules.

Polite and courteous behavior is expected from all students at all times.

Loud, obnoxious behavior will not be tolerated, as it becomes a safety issue when the bus

driver cannot concentrate on ensuring a safe trip.

Public displays of affection make others uncomfortable. It is an unacceptable behavior

and will not be tolerated while on trips with the Marching Spartans.

Personal devices/MP3 players will be permitted on trips only if headphones are used for

listening.

13

Fall Performance Schedule (Attendance Required, Dates Subject to Change) August 26 Home Football Game v. Potomac Falls Report time TBA August 27 Parent Preview Show and Lunch Banquet Report time TBA September 2 Home Football Game v. Wakefield Stay After School September 9 Home Football Game v. Langley Stay After School September 16 Home Football Game v. Centreville Stay After School September 17 Clinic/Competition @ Millbrook HS Report time TBA September 23 Home Football Game v. Briar Woods Stay After School September 24 Competition @ Herndon HS Report time TBA October 7 Home Football Game v. Yorktown Stay After School October 14 Home Football Game v. Stone Bridge Stay After School October 15 Competition, TBA Report time TBA October 22 Competition @ JMU Parade of Champions Report time TBA October 28 Home Football Game v. Robinson Stay After School October 29 VBODA Marching Band Assessment Report time TBA

Families – How to Help Your Marching Spartan

Marching Band is a fun and exciting music and visual experience. The memories, the

friends, the experience, the learning, and mind development it creates can help in

everyday life and school. But, it won’t ALWAYS be like a walk in the park.

Marching Band is a competitive “sport” of the arts. It requires 100% participation and

dedication to make a marching band successful, and having the support of the extended

Marching Spartan family makes that easily possible.

With playing, exams, the anxiety of competitions, having the occasional bad day at

rehearsals, and managing schoolwork, sometimes tensions can run high. Many members

of the Marching Spartans feel this and it is a normal part of adjusting to high school level

workload and extracurricular/co-curricular activities. Please assist your student in setting

up a homework schedule.

If you are a chaperone, you must stay with the students for the duration of the event.

The students are expected to travel in groups at all times while participating in Marching

Spartan events.

Refrain from posting video of the field show to any internet/social media sites due to the

competitive nature of the program.

All students must be picked up before Chaperones/Band Staff can leave the school. Please

be considerate of their time when picking up your student.

14

The best way to assist the Marching Spartans is by volunteering your time, no matter your profession or whatever your strengths are, there is a job for you. Contact the Booster Board if you wish to assist.

Band Boosters

Our success is due to all of the hard work of the parents of the Band Boosters. As

members of the Marching Spartans, it is expected that you are gracious for their help and

assistance.

All parents are required to become members of the BRHS BBA and attend the monthly

meetings as often as possible. The fee for parents is $25 and it is attached to the

Marching Band fee. Parent Volunteers are needed to act as chaperones for performances

and other functions, members of committees, and many other activities.

Band Booster meetings are attended by members only. Students should not attend

booster meetings. Infants/toddlers who are well behaved are exempt.

For more information, please contact the Band Boosters President.

Other Important Tips for Students

Take pride in all that you do.

If you are having issues with another member of the Marching Spartans, please

find an instructor to help you.

All Loudoun County Public Schools Rules and Regulations are in effect. The use

of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs is STRICTLY prohibited. Any break in this policy

will result in your immediate removal from the Marching Spartans.

Notification will be given to the Broad Run Administration and the local

authorities.

The use of foul language/comments is prohibited.

All personal and school property should be properly cared for. Instruments

and equipment should be packed carefully for travel with proper identification

on all items.

15

Each Marching Spartans member is responsible for the care and upkeep of

their equipment. Each member should regularly check that equipment is in

working order.

Talking during rehearsals should be kept to a minimum.

Rehearse in the same manner you would perform. It will not all to come together the

night or day before a performance. Consistent, hard work is needed in order to have a

successful show.