The Spirit of Great Oak

Band & Guard

2009/10

MEMBER HANDBOOK

Table of Contents

Member Expectations 2

Member Fees Information 3

Fundraising Information 4

Volunteering Information 4

Individual Sponsorship 4

Current Information/Meeting Dates 5

Band Camp Dates 5

Parent Support Group 6

Member Uniform Instructions 7-8

Course Syllabus 12-13

FORMS TO BE RETURNED

Membership Agreement 9-10

Member Information Form 11

Course Syllabi Acknowledgement 13

Member Expectations

Be on time for all rehearsals and performances. If you are going to miss a rehearsal/performance, advise your section leader, the appropriate coach, and Director at least one week prior. It is your responsibility to know when the next rehearsal is. Arrive at all rehearsals/performances prepared and ready to perform. Know and understand the objectives/goals for each rehearsal. If you don’t know – ASK!

Excessive swearing and abusive language is not acceptable. Rehearse and perform professionally. You have the right to expect the same professionalism from the instructional staff.
You are a role model for other Band/Guard members. It is your responsibility to remember that at all times. Band/Guard members will act and behave as they see you act and behave. This role model responsibility applies at all times on the rehearsal/performance field as well as off the field.
Treat other Band/Guard members, as you would like to be treated.
Set high standards for yourself. Ensure that you know and understand the organization’s, director’s, and instructional staff’s expectation for the year. If you don’t know their expectations, you can’t meet or exceed them.
Take care and respect your uniform. Follow all care instructions. Notify the Uniform Manager if any part of the uniform is damaged. Eating in full dress is not allowed at any time.
Take care of your equipment, and your rehearsal facilities. If something requires repair, please advise your section leader, an instructional staff member, or the director.
Treat instructional staff, bus drivers, board members, volunteers, and other bands with respect. They will respond to you much more positively. If you have concerns with someone, please advise the director for further support or action.
You represent Great Oak High School and The Spirit of Great Oak at all times. It does not matter where you are – rehearsal, performance, on the Internet, etc. What you say and write as a member of the Spirit is viewed as the opinion and thoughts of the Spirit. If someone knows you are a member of the Spirit of Great Oak, then you are representing the entire Band. Make any of your actions happen with pride, class and integrity!
All students are required to provide a water bottle (quart sized minimum) at all band events.

10. Students/Parents will stay informed of practice, event, and other scheduling issues by way of the Band programs’ website at: www.spiritofgreatoak.com. The Booster program will have various methods of communicating with students/parents, but ultimately it is the students/parent’s responsibility to check the website for up-to-date information. Students/Parents may also contact the Band Director, Booster President, Booster Vice-Presidents, or other Booster Board members as appropriate.

Member Fees Information

Because there is no funding from the school district for Performance Band and the extensive cost of participating at off-site venues, the Band will be segmented into two groups. Those that can not pay fees can choose to be a part of the Year-Round Concert Band. The Concert Band will not be a part of the field shows, or competitive ensembles, but will perform at on-site performances. The Competitive Ensembles will travel to off-site venues, such as parades and competitions.
Scholarships are available for those members qualifying for the “Free or Reduced Lunch” program with the District. Please notify the Bookkeeper so that verification can be ascertained.
The member fee is a set amount (MEMBERS JOINING LATE MAY BE PRORATED). This fee covers costs including: Equipment, including instrument and uniform repair, transportation, competition fees, and professional instruction (coaching).

Fee Payment Schedule for 2009-10

Fall:

Aug 1^st - $225 Marching Band/Guard plus $75 (Instruments) and $50 (Jazz) and any past due amounts.

Sept 1^st - $225 Marching Band/Guard

Oct 1^st - $225 Marching Band/Guard

Nov 1^st - $200 (Estimated) Marching Band/Guard Fall Trip

Winter/Spring

Dec 15^th - $125 Drum Line/Winter Guard

Jan 15^th – $175 Drum Line/Winter Guard

$50 Symphonic Band

Feb 15^th - $175 Drum Line/Winter Guard

March 15^th - $175 Drum Line/Winter Guard

Spring trips are not included in the above fees.

1) If payments fall more than 30 days (or one month) behind on fees, students will not be allowed to participate at off-site events. The student’s uniform will be unavailable until fees are current.

Fundraising Information

General Fund Fundraising:

In addition to band fees, we are establishing Family Fundraising Gals for our ongoing fundraising events. Because All Ensembles & Units benefit, ALL Musicians & Guard: Members of All Ensembles & Units are expected to participate.

· Golf Tournament: Each family is requested to fill a golfer slot, obtain a sponsor or make a cash donation in a minimum amount of $125.

· Event Tickets: Each family should sell/purchase event tickets that equal a minimum of $75 (Oak Mountain Winery, Composer Symposium, Pauma Granite Dinner, WGI 2-day pass presale).

Volunteering Information

Volunteer Obligations:

Each family is REQUIRED to work a minimum of 20 hours: With 8 hours in the fall and an additional 12 hours in the spring. Volunteer sign-ups will be available at all of the All Parent meetings. Sign-ups for each event will be available until they are filled with the needed volunteers. If an event is full, please contact our Volunteer Coordinators to be put on a waiting list. Before each event, volunteers will be contacted and posted on our website www.spiritofgreatoak.com. Please check the website for times and volunteer lists to make sure you know when you are expected to check in and what the attire will be for that event. Sometimes times are changed and a second phone call cannot be made in time.

Hours will be verified by signature of volunteer at the beginning and end of their scheduled volunteer shift. Parents may check their volunteer balance at All Parent meetings.

Fall: 5 Home Football games, Competition Chaperones, Parade Chaperones, Football Concession, Golf Tournament, Oak Mountain Winery.

Spring: SCSBOA Festival March 18 and preparation week

WGI March 20 & 21 and preparation week

SCPA March 27 & 28 and preparation week

Winter Drum Line & Winter Guard competitions.

Volunteers are needed in all areas. If you are a carpenter, plumber, doctor, nurse, tailor, baker, server, talker, WE NEED YOUR EXPERTISE!

Individual Sponsorship

Members are encouraged to solicit sponsors to help with fees and overnight trip expenses. Sample sponsorship letters are available on our band website www.spiritofgreatoak.com, under Corporate Level Sponsorships and can be printed out as needed.

If you are interested in providing a scholarship for an individual student please contact our Treasurer, Jeanne Davis at 951-676-3578 or maestrodavis@earthlink.net

Current Information/Scheduled Meetings 2009-2010

There are many ways you will be kept informed on Band/Guard activities, account information, fundraising, etc. in addition to the website at www.spiritofgreatoak.com . See the “Booster” button on the website. http://www.spiritofgreatoak.com/boosters.htm

· The Director posts information on the “Director’s Notes,” and Classroom whiteboard (in the Band room) weekly. Updates at events including location, scores, and photos will be available on the Director’s Facebook Page.

· Band Director - Jerry Burdick-Rutz: jburdick-rutz@tvusd.k12.ca.us

· Parent meetings have been scheduled for the following dates. You could be reminded a few different ways of the upcoming meetings: Mass emailing, by one of our Phone Tree Coordinators or notification on the home page of our website at www.spiritofgreatoak.com . Our website is updated constantly and is a good source to find out what is going on.

The following Parent/Informational meeting dates have been scheduled on the following dates for the 2009-10 school year:

Aug. 1^st8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. F3 Day (Forms, Fees and Fittings)

Sept. 9^th 7:30 p.m. Parent Meeting

Oct. 14^th 7:30 p.m. Parent Meeting

Nov. 11^th 7:30 p.m. Parent Meeting/Fresno WBA Trip Info.

Dec. 9^th 7:00 p.m. Parent Meeting

Jan. 13^th 7:00 p.m. Parent Meeting

Feb. 10^th 7:00 p.m. Parent Meeting

March 10^th 7:00 p.m. Parent Meeting/ Nominating Committee

April 14^th7:00 p.m. Parent Meeting/Elections

May 12^th 7:00 p.m. Parent Meeting/Budget and Fees Adoption

Calendar Dates for All Ensembles

Band Camp Dates:

Aug. 3rd-7th & Aug. 10-14^th (Everyday 1-4 & 6-9 PM)

Visit our website for a full list of dates scheduled for All Ensembles at:

http://www.spiritofgreatoak.com/schedule.htm

2009-10 Parent Support Group (PSG) EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE/BOARD MEMBERS

For a list of all Executive Committee and Board Member duties please see our By-Laws on our website at www.spiritofgreatoak.com .

Executive Committee

President – Sharon Matus 951-520-3287 email: sharonmatus@gmail.com

VP of Programs – JoAnn Larsen 951-232-4088 email: joann@proimagead.com

VP of Events – Scott Thudium 256-682-8570 email:

Scott.Thudium@mercmarine.com

Treasurer – Jeanne Davis 951-676-3578 email: maestrodavis@earthlink.net

Secretary – Michelle Truax 951-551-9794 email: michelletruax@yahoo.com

Auditor – Mimi Beter 951-501-9558 email: mimi18@verizon.net

Fundraising Director - OPEN

Board Members

WGI DRUM LINE COORDINATOR - Pam Rossi 951-201-1054

SCPA DRUM LINE COORDINATOR - Pam Rossi 951-201-1054

SCSBOA FESTIVAL COORDINATOR - OPEN

WEBSITE COORDINATOR – David Smith 951-302-0017

APPAREL COORDINATOR– Delores Wagner 951-265-5777

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE – Patti Saenz 909-445-7240

SYMPHONIC BAND REPRESENTATIVE – Meg Berry 760-533-1392

COLOR GUARD REPRESENTATIVE – LouAnn Wagner 951-699-1826

Jacki Butzke 951-506-7753

DRUM LINE REPRESENTATIVE – Don Craven 951-302-6939

JAZZ BAND REPRESENTATIVE – Meg Berry 760-533-1392

JAZZ BAND REPRESENTATIVE- Roxana Escoto

PARENT LIAISON - 9th GRADE – Regina Migliore 951-303-3732

PARENT LIAISON - 10-12 GRADE – Barbara Sanchez 951-639-0351

PHONE TREE COORDINATOR – Catherine Agbay 951-302-3418

Freshman – Susan Migliore

Sophomores – Pam Cherrington 951-302-9634

Juniors – Dave Bradley 951-302-9755

Seniors – Todd Wiggins 951-491-9248

CO-VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR – Tami Martin 760-899-7630

Janene Lee

EQUIPMENT MANAGER – Randy Yount 951-302-7699

ASSISTANT EQUIPMENT MANAGER – Luis Elizando 951-852-8311

UNIFORM MANAGER – Lucy Thudium 256-684-7263

Regina Migliore 951-303-3732

HEAD CHAPERONE – Shelly Cabrera 951-719-6146

HOSPITALITY COORDINATOR – Angie Whittle 951-302-0326

HOSPITALITY SPECIAL EVENTS COORD. Teresa Kaita 951-302-5796

Les Kaita 951-302-5796

Uniform and Apparel Information

Uniforms are provided for all Band members, with the exception of under garments. Students are expected to wear modest under garments, and it is recommended to wear (white) “under armour.” Members are required to wear tour shirts, long white socks (with the white pants), and/or long black socks (with the blue pants). No jewelry or nail polish may be worn while in uniform. Hair must be neat and tucked under the shako.

A tour shirt is provided to each member of the Marching Band & Guard during the fall season. Additional tour shirts and apparel are available for purchasing through our Apparel Coordinator. 50/50 Poly Blend Shirts representing the logo of the Marching Season and Tour Dates will be standard.

1. The Great Oak High School Band Marching Uniform replacement costs: Jacket - $182.00, Bib/Trousers - $122.00, Hat with Plume - $45.00, uniform bag $5.00, Red equipment bag $30, one pair of white shoes $ 40, one pair of black shoes $40, and one pair of white gloves, $3.50 for a total of $467.50.

2. Marching uniforms are provided by the GOHS Band Boosters/school. Students will be assigned a uniform for use during the marching season. Care and responsibility of each assigned uniform is detailed under “Student Responsibilities”.

3. Boosters will provide 1 performance T-shirt and 1 pair of white gloves. Replacement gloves are available for sale for $2.00.

Student Uniform Responsibilities

1. Uniforms are numbered and assigned to each student for the year. Students are not to exchange any portion of their uniform without the knowledge of the Uniform Manager or the Band Director.

2. Uniforms are either worn or carried in a garment bag from the Great Oak High School Band Room. Students will take their Marching Uniform home after each performance and should be cared for accordingly.

To wash your uniform: the jacket, pants, and gloves can be washed in cold water. The placard is to be removed from the jacket and placed inside a pillowcase before washing. The jacket and pants should be dried on the delicate cycle. The placard and gloves should be line dried. A pre-wash treatment such as Spray and Wash or Shout can be used on the white pants and white area of the placard. Replacement buttons are available in the uniform room. See Uniform Care button on the band website for more detailed information.
Students are responsible for the maintenance of their uniform, including; proper fit, hemming, washing, as well as keeping gloves and shoes clean
Hang the pants along the pressed crease on the hanger.
Uniform and hat should be allowed to air dry if they become wet during a performance. Hats will mold if wet.

3. Return the uniform, the garment bag, and any other uniform accessories to the band room on the day stated by the Band Director and hang appropriately in the assigned uniform locker located in the band room. Do not leave uniform outside of assigned lockers. It is the student’s responsibility to have uniform stored and lock in the assigned locker.

4. Return the uniform cleaned and with normal use and without excessive misuse.

5. Inform the Uniform Manager, Lucy Thudium (951-695-9190 or lucy_thudium@verizon.net) of any repair needed prior to the next performance immediately.

6. Students will be provided with one black and one white pair of marching shoes but the students are required to wear long white or black socks with their uniform as indicated by the Band Director.

7. If a uniform is misused, the student assigned that uniform will be responsible for repair payment to Great Oak High School.

8. If a uniform is damaged or destroyed beyond performance use, or lost, then the student assigned that uniform is held responsible for payment to Great Oak High School for the purchase of a new uniform.

Membership Agreement

MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT

2009-2010

In participation with the Spirit of Great Oak HS Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Drum Line & Guard, I, _________________________, the “MEMBER” and “The Spirit” agree to the following:

1. All Parents/Guardians and Student Members understand that participating in fundraising activities or paying a fundraiser waiver fee is required as well as other Program functions. I understand the success of the Program is based in large part on the participation of parents. Fundraisers will be planned at various times throughout the year. This year’s fundraisers can be found in Addendum I of the By-Laws on our PSG Boosters page at www.spiritofgreatoak.com. Certain events will be conducted as general fundraising for the entire program. Other fundraising events will be for the purpose of allowing students to earn funds to reduce their fees. It is each student/parent’s responsibility to obtain an understanding of the fundraising purposes, dates, and activities. Information on each event will be made available on our website at www.spiritpfgreatoak.com.

2. Attendance is a critical aspect of my membership within the Spirit of Great Oak Band & Guard. I have/will received rehearsal and performance Schedules and understand that the only reason I will be excused from them will be due to a medical/family emergency or at the discretion of the Director.

3. I will be responsible for my uniform and equipment, which is the property of Great Oak HS. I will be financially responsible for damage and/or replacement from negligent use of said property while it is in my possession or if it is not returned in good condition. My report card may be held until the uniform is returned or paid for at it’s replacement cost. All uniforms and equipment will be returned (unless otherwise stated) to the Spirit of Great Oak Band & Guard at the end of the school year.

4. I understand that as a Member I must ride the bus to and from all offsite venues, unless granted release to my parent/guardian only, by prior written authorization.

5. I have received, read, and agreed to the terms of the membership handbook (which contains information on Member Expectations, Fees, Volunteer Information, Member Statements, Sponsorship, Apparel, Contacts, Booster Board, Minor field trip permission slip, Course Syllabus.

6. I understand and agree that the Spirit of Great Oak Band & Guard may use my image, sound, and likeness within the Spirit of Great Oak Band & Guard’s corporate materials, press releases, website, merchandise, and advertising materials.

PRINT THIS PAGE

7. I fully understand that this is a group activity in which my personal involvement and commitment is extremely important to the group as a whole.

8. I understand that my membership fees must be paid and up-to-date, including any past unpaid fees, prior to being assigned a competitive band position, and/or before being allowed to travel & perform with the group in any given month.

9. Students/Parents are responsible for keeping informed of dates for, or changes in dates for rehearsals, event schedules, meeting dates including the monthly mandatory parent meetings, and other events by accessing the Program’s website. Dates and scheduled events provided in this handbook are subject to change.

_____________________________________________________________ _____________________

Member Signature Date

_____________________________________________________________ _____________________

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

_____________________________________________________________ _____________________

Booster Board Representative Signature Date

PRINT THIS PAGE

Member Information

Spirit of Great Oak Band & Guard

Member Information

Member Name _________________________________________________ Grade ___________

Instrument __________________________ T-Shirt Size __________________

Live with: Both Parents _____ Mom _____ Dad_____ Guardian ______

Address____________________________________________________________________________ City ___________________

Zip_______________ Cell Phone______________________________ Home Phone ____________________________________

Father’s Name ______________________________________________________________________

Cell Phone ______________________________________________ Father’s Email _________________________________________

Mother’s Name _____________________________________________________________________

Cell Phone ______________________________________________ Mother’s Email _________________________________________

Guardian’s Name ___________________________________________________________________

Cell Phone ______________________________________________ Guardian’s Email _________________________________________

PRINT THIS PAGE

Course Syllabus

The Spirit of Great Oak Band & Guard

Course Syllabus

Teacher: Mr. Jerry Burdick-Rutz, Director Room Number: 923

Great Oak High School jburdick-rutz@tvusd.k12.ca.us

Prerequisites: Previous experience in a high school music program, or

recommendation from their middle school band director. New

instrumentalists will be accepted by audition only.

Books & Resources: All course music and manuals will be provided. Students will be expected to have a 3 ring binder for storage of their materials. It will also be expected that students make efforts to purchase supplemental materials for quality practice (reeds, valve oil, metronome, tuner, etc.)

Rules: The Teacher and student will collaborate to respectively teach and learn to:

1. Listen

2. Observe

3. Practice

4. Complete Learning Objectives, and

5. Execute with Precision

Consequences: If a student is having difficulty mastering any of the above rules they will receive:

1. Constructive feedback from the respective leader, or coach.

2. Constructive feedback from the Band Director.

3. Collaboration between the teacher, student and parent to determine a plan for development and improvement.

4. Determining an alternative musical activity.

Purpose: The purpose of this course is to prepare students for performances. Students will learn standard music repertoire, performance & practice skills, marching skills (during marching band), and music reading & theory practices. These skills will be evaluated at several performance venues that require high levels of focus and performance.

Expectations To accomplish these goals students will be expected to meet the expectations of the class including the following: reading music; memorizing music; developing aural recognition & sight-singing skills; developing physical coordination to perform marching tasks.

Rehearsals, sectionals, class participation, and performances will make up a high percentage of practice used to achieve the goals of the ensemble. Refer to the course timeline or calendar to follow assignment responsibilities.

Because of the unique nature of this course, it is expected that students meet all social behaviors within, and especially outside of the Great Oak Community.

It is a privilege to be offered a course that meets outside of the normal class schedule (e.g. similar to a college schedule) to allow students the opportunity to fulfill their academic requirements.

Parents & students are signing up for this course knowing that they will need to schedule homework, projects, medical appointments around the Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Weekend practice schedules.

Students who do not meet these expectations will be subject to having their grade lowered.

Students will be graded on their achievement in the following criteria:

Grading: The following are the categories and percentages of how students are graded:

I. Projects (New Year Res. Or Concert Critique) 20%

II. Rehearsals (Attendance, Preparation, Punctuality) 20%

III. School Performances (given by the Director) 20%

IV. Competitive Performances (given by the Judges) 20%

V. Individual Tests (Also counting toward Varsity Letter) 20%

Student and Parent Signature

Once you have read through the complete course syllabi, please sign, date, and return this portion of the form to the director.

Forms are due: At F3 Day on Saturday, August 1^st.

I have read, and I understand the information that guides the rules, consequences, objectives, assignments and grading procedures for the Spirit of Great Oak Band & Guard:

Parent Signature ____________________________________________ Date __________________

Student Signature ___________________________________________ Date __________________

PRINT THIS PAGE