Heritage High School Band

Directors

Jason Prasifka * Don Kitchens * Ronnie Ivy * Scott Markham

2009 - 2010 Handbook

Forward

Congratulations on your decision to become a part of the Heritage High School Band! The purpose of this handbook is to describe all aspects of the program, including expectations, ensembles, scheduling, policies, and basic operating procedures. The HHS band staff believes in being clear, honest, and upfront about all of our expectations. This handbook is the principal means of communicating those expectations. The Heritage High School Band staff encourages all persons involved to read this handbook thoroughly and refer to it throughout the school year. The students will be held accountable for this information.

Who to Contact

Even in our 1st year, the Heritage Band program is a big operation. The list below is designed to help parents and students get in contact with the right person if you have questions or concerns regarding particular aspects of the program.

Mr. Prasifka

• Questions or concerns regarding the HHS Band program as a whole
• Questions regarding this handbook
• Wind Ensemble
• Marching Band
• Letter Jackets
• Website
• Spring Trip
• Private Lessons

Mr. Kitchens

• Symphonic Band
• Marching Band Attendance
• Charms
• Forms
• Uniforms
• Music Library
• School-Owned Instruments

Mr. Ivy

• Drumline/Front Ensemble
• Percussion Concerts

Mr. Markham

• Color Guard
• Winter Guard

Staff Contact Information
Director of Bands	Jason Prasifka	(469) 633-5930	This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Assistant Director of Bands	Don Kitchens	(469) 633-5985	This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Percussion Director	Ronnie Ivy	(469) 633-5987	This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Color Guard Director	Scott Markham	(469) 633-5986	This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Band Organizations

Band is a rigorous, full year course concentrating on the continued development of fundamental wind and percussion skills. The curriculum focuses mainly on marching band in the fall semester and concert band in the spring semester. The rehearsal and performance schedules are demanding, including outside of school practices, football games, pep rallies, contests, sectionals, and concerts. Participation in marching band allows students to waive ½ credit of the required P.E. credits for each semester they are involved.

Directors

Jason Prasifka, Don Kitchens, Ronnie Ivy, Scott Markham

The Heritage Marching Band is made of students from all concert bands and color guard. The band performs at pep rallies, football games, marching contests, and community events. During the fall semester the band will rehearse to prepare the halftime/contest show. Rehearsal requirements are rigorous. The band will rehearse: Monday through Wednesday from 4:30pm – 6:15pm and Thursday from 7:00am – 8:15am, with no rehearsal on Friday on weeks that we have a game. On weeks we don’t have a game we will rehearse Monday through Thursday 4:30pm – 6:15pm and Friday from 7:30am – 8:25am. All students enrolled in band are required to participate in marching band, excluding those who have a direct performance conflict (drill team members, football players, etc). Participating in marching band will count ½ credit for P.E. per semester towards the Texas graduation requirement. This credit will be well earned as marching band is an athletic event and will require vigorous physical activity.

Marching Band Attendance Policy

Rehearsals Students are required to attend ALL band rehearsals. The band directors must be notified IN ADVANCE (at least 24 hours when possible) if a student is going to miss or be late to a rehearsal. Staff phone numbers and e-mail addresses are listed on the 2nd page of this handbook. Keep them handy. This information is NOT to be relayed through another student! Excused absences are classified as illness or family emergency. Doctor/dentist appointments, work, homework/projects, driver education class conflicts, sports activities that are NOT school-related, etc. are considered unexcused absences. An unexcused absence from a rehearsal will result in a student being pulled from the next performance. Failure to notify the directors of an absence or tardy constitutes an unexcused absence. In addition, members may be removed from the performances if rehearsals are missed due to lengthy school absences or excessive tardies.

Performances

Students are required to attend ALL band performances.

Tardies

Consequences for tardies are as follows:

1. Assigned “field equipment duty”
2. Assigned “field equipment duty”
3. Student will be pulled from performances.

Absence

Consequence for being absent to rehearsal/performance:

Unexcused absence – pulled from performance A tardy is defined as not being in the block when the band is called to attention at 4:30 PM. There are no exceptions to the “3rd tardy” rule. Once a student has reached the 3rd tardy or if they have an unexcused absence from a rehearsal or performance, they will be pulled from the next performance and an alternate will march the spot if there is adequate time to learn it. When the performance is over, the student who lost the spot may challenge to win the spot again. Promptness is the responsibility of the student. The only excused tardies are those involving medical emergencies. After all, you have three chances!

Marching Placement

Because of grades, absences, illnesses, injuries and the competitive nature of UIL marching band, there must be a limited number of available marching positions in the competition show. Students will audition for a spot during the summer camp in August. Placement will be determined by attendance, marching ability, musical competence and memorization, and academic eligibility. Students who do not earn a position in the competition show will be assigned to “shadow” another marcher. “Shadow” means they will march next to another marcher, learning all the coordinate assignments and sets. If a student feels like they would like an opportunity to take over a position they may “challenge” another student. The “challenge” will consist of a series of marching and/or music fundamentals. The best performer will be awarded the spot. If a student is not assigned a spot in the competition show they will not march with the band during half-time or at competitions. They will participate in pep-rallies, pre-game ceremonies and other activities throughout the rest of the game.

Game Day Procedures

The Heritage Marching Band will perform at HHS JV football games for the 2009-2010 school year. All students are required to attend and participate. The football schedule can be found on the calendar page in the CHARMS website. Band students will receive instructions during class each week prior to a game and be given a detailed itinerary. This itinerary will also be posted on the CHARMS website so it can be available to parents.

Eat Before The Game

All band members need to eat dinner before putting on the uniform and departing for the game. Except for special medical exceptions, students are not permitted to eat or drink anything other than water while wearing the uniform. Members are not permitted to get food from the concession stand or receive food from friends or family while in uniform. Students will receive bottled water provided by the band prior to and during the game. This policy is designed to protect a very expensive uniform and to create a focused and fair atmosphere.

The booster club will deliver meals to the school on game days and will be served in the cafeteria after school. Members who want these meals must enroll in the meal plan and pay for them in advance. Please check with the boosters to find out how to sign up for this program. Alternatively, students may bring food from home or have meals delivered to them. No food/drink is allowed in the band hall or on the buses

Transportation

Students will be transported to all games and contests on FISD buses, unless the games are here on the HHS campus. Students are required to travel to and from the event on the buses. Band members will be assigned a bus for the entire season. Two or more parent chaperones and directors are also assigned to each bus. Exemplary behavior will be expected of all students while on the bus and at the performance. All students must be picked up within 30 minutes after arrival at HHS.

Inspection

During marching season, a uniform/supply inspection will occur prior to each performance. Students will be required to meet the following requirements:

Shoes
Clean and tied

Socks

• Black
• No logos or secondary colors
• Above the calf

Pants

• Hemmed to correct length (very slight break at shoe)
• Clean with no wrinkles

Jacket

• Sleeves hemmed to correct length
• Clean with no wrinkles

Gloves/Gauntlets

• Clean
• No tears, rips, or frays

Hat

• Hat in hat box with Rain Poncho
• Clean, in working order

Miscellaneous

• No excessive Make-Up
• Nail polish should not be visible
• No jewelry (ear rings, rings, bracelet, watches) visible
• Students with longer hair must have it pinned up
• Current band shirt worn underneath coat
• Thin shorts underneath bib pants
• Rain poncho inside hat box
• All required music, flip folder, and lyre

Students who fail inspections will be assigned the following duties:

• Help clean up the band-block area in the stands after the game
• Help put away equipment after a game
• Help clean/organize the band hall after a game

Students who miss a music memorization deadline will be subject to the following:

• March without instrument
• Pulled from your spot

Tutorials/Club Meetings

Students must schedule all tutorials and club meetings so they do not conflict with band rehearsals. Club sponsors understand the marching band season. Teachers will offer alternatives to students who seek extra tutorial time.

CONCERT BANDS

There are two concert bands at Heritage High School: Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band. Students are placed in the concert bands according to their playing ability, behavior, participation, academic eligibility, and instrumentation needs. Students audition once each year for placement. Within these bands, students will be asked to prepare concert music, all-region etudes, and solo & ensemble literature. Each ensemble has specific requirements listed below.

Don Kitchens - Director

The Symphonic Band is the 2nd level concert band at Heritage. The band performs mid-level high school literature. The curriculum is focused on reinforcing and advancing fundamental wind and percussion skills. Members will be required to be prepared for each rehearsal. This includes having all materials and committing to a serious practice routine. Students are encouraged to participate in the all-region band auditions. Students are required to participate in the solo/ensemble contest. Students are required to participate in sectionals, one-on-one sessions and dress rehearsals that may be scheduled outside the school day.

Jason Prasifka - Director

The Wind Ensemble is the top performing band at Heritage HS. The band performs mid to upper level high school literature. The curriculum is focused on reinforcing and refining fundamental wind and percussion skills Members will be required to be prepared for each rehearsal. This includes having all materials and committing to a very rigorous practice routine. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the all-region band auditions and required to participate in solo/ensemble contest. Students are required to participate in sectionals, one-on-one sessions and dress rehearsals that may be scheduled outside the school day.

Concert Band Attendance Policy

Sectionals/Dress Rehearsals

Students in both bands are required to attend sectionals and dress rehearsals that take place outside of the school day. These are graded events. Unexcused absences/tardies for sectionals and dress rehearsals may result in grade deductions, being moved to a lower level ensemble, or possible removal from the program. The band directors must be notified IN ADVANCE (at least 24 hours when possible) if a student is going to miss or be late to a rehearsal. Staff phone numbers and e-mail addresses are listed on the 2nd page of this handbook. Keep them handy. Excused absences are classified as illness or family emergency. This information is NOT to be relayed through another student! Failure to notify the directors of an absence or tardy constitutes an unexcused absence with the possibility of being removed from the next performance, moved to a lower concert band, or having spring trip privileges revoked. In addition, members may be removed from the performances if rehearsals are missed due to lengthy school absences, or excessive tardies.

Concerts

All students are required to participate in concerts. This is a graded event. Failure to attend a concert may result in a grade of zero, being moved to a lower level ensemble, having spring trip privileges revoked, or possible removal from the program.

Scheduling

For wind player (brass & woodwind), each band has an “A” day class (Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band) and a corresponding “B” day class (Instrumental Ensemble A or Instrumental Ensemble B). The band curriculum is designed for students who concurrently enroll in both band and instrumental ensemble (double blocked). Enrolling in the “A” day class only is allowed, though only encouraged in specific circumstances. Please see Mr. Prasifka if you have questions regarding your schedule.

Other Ensembles/Classes

Percussion

Percussion class is a full year course meeting on “B” days. Curriculum for the course is designed to develop the complete percussionist. Students will be required to develop their skills on all instruments and in all areas, including marching percussion, all-region etudes, solo & ensemble literature, concert percussion, drum set, and world percussion. Students will also be instructed in care and maintenance of equipment. The percussion program at Heritage is very demanding. A significant practice routine will be required for optimal success. On “A” days in the fall semester percussion students will be in a separate percussion class as well. In the spring they will moved into their concert band class. Placement in these band classes will be based on an audition that takes places in November.

Jazz Band: Don Kitchens, Director

Entrance is by audition only. Audition material will be distributed in September and auditions will occur in early October. Rehearsals are usually held before school following the conclusion of the marching season (mid-October). Rehearsals for this group will be held once or twice a week, outside of the school day. Students in the jazz band will be expected to attend all rehearsals, sectionals, and concerts.

Color Guard

The HHS Color Guard is a dance-oriented class that competes and performs year round. In the fall the guard works together with the HHS Marching Band, playing a major role in the contest show. Most of the rehearsal and performance schedules will mirror the band. In the spring the guard competes on the North Texas Color Guard Association winterguard circuit, performing an indoor show set to recorded music. Color guard is a demanding activity incorporating dance, flags, rifles, sabers, and other props. Color guard students will receive a P.E. waiver. The guard is an extension of the band department. Guard members are considered members of the HHS Band. All band rules & policies also apply to guard students.

Facilities

Each student is responsible for the care and upkeep of the band room and other facilities. Students are responsible for care and upkeep of equipment. The following guidelines have been put in place to protect our facilities and equipment:

• No food, or drinks (other than water)
• No chewing gum
• No running or horseplay
• No students allowed in director’s office without permission
• No use of computers or copier without permission
• No hats
• Do not touch or play instruments that are not yours, including percussion
• Non-band/guard students are not allowed in the band hall.
• Instrument lockers must be clean & organized at all times.

Participation in the Heritage High School Heritage Band is an honor and a privilege. In order to be a member of the Heritage Band, each student must decide if he/she wants to make the necessary commitment of time and dedication. The standards are high and each student is expected to meet these standards! Therefore, all persons involved in the band are expected to give 100% everyday. The faculty and administration work together to make sure that students have the opportunity to participate in multiple activities. However, in order for our band to be successful, non-school activities, jobs, appointments, and other conflicts must not interfere with a student’s commitment to the band, to other members, and to the rehearsal and performance schedule given to you at the beginning of the year.

Members of the Heritage Band are expected to:

• Display respect towards the staff and all members of the organization;
• Display a positive and cooperative attitude at all rehearsals;
• Attend and be on time to all rehearsals and performances;
• Learn your drill/music quickly and thoroughly;
• Have all materials and proper attire at every rehearsal and performance.
• Work to maintain consistent academic eligibility.

Our band rehearsals are much different than a normal classroom setting. The student to teacher ratio is much larger and the time invested is often much greater. Because of this, it is imperative that all students be prepared, organized, and focused for every rehearsal. This means instrument maintenance must be taken care of at home and all supplies must be brought everyday. All students must bring drill books, music, pencils, reeds, mutes, etc. to every rehearsal. The level of attention and focus must be extremely high. Excessive talking or general lack of focus severely hurts the ensemble. Violating these rehearsal expectations or consistently being unprepared could result in a student being moved to a lower concert band, reassigned as a marching alternate, having spring trip privileges revoked, removal from the band program, and/or general HHS discipline procedures.

General Band Rules:

• Be on time
• No food or drink (other than water) in the band hall at any time for any reason.
• No chewing gum
• Absolutely no profanity, obscene gestures, or engaging in verbal abuse towards others
• No running or horseplay in the band hall or at band events
• No students allowed in directors’ offices, copy room, or library without permission
• Do not use any of the computers in the band hall
• No hats worn in the band hall
• Do not touch or play instruments or equipment that is not yours, including percussion
• Do not play your instrument outside unless asked to do so.
• We will warm up together, not on your own.
• Be on time

Dress / Grooming Policy

HHS band students are very visible ambassadors of our school and community. Both on campus and off, they represent the best in our student body. Because of this, we ask that all band students adhere to an elevated standard of dressing and grooming. The following guidelines spell out what is expected of our students at all school functions both here at school and while we are traveling.

Gentlemen:

• Facial hair is not permitted.
• No make-up or unnatural colored hair colors (purple, orange, etc.)
• “Muscle shirts” or sleeveless t-shirts are not permitted at rehearsals
• Pants or shorts must not slip below waist level revealing underwear
• Athletic or “tennis” shoes must be worn at all marching rehearsals
• Jewelry shall not be visible during marching performances
• No earrings of any kind.
• Adhere to school dress code.

Ladies:

• Halter tops or other midriff baring shirts are not permitted at marching rehearsals or school functions
• Shorts length should adhere to school dress code•
• Athletic or “tennis” shoes must be worn at all marching rehearsals
• No excessive make up should be worn at marching band performances
• Nail polish should not be visible at marching band performances
• No unnatural colored hair colors (purple, orange, etc..)
• No visible piercings other than ears (eyebrow, nose, etc…)
• Adhere to school dress code.

GRADES

Grades in band will consist of co-curricular performances, rehearsal performance, playing tests, sectional grades, quizzes, and supply checks. The categories and weighting is listed below. Our make-up and retest policy is in accordance with FISD and HHS policy. It is the student’s responsibility to inquire about any work missed due to an absence. Students should also try to arrange a time convenient for both the student and director to make up any missed assignments. Policies for grading late and make-up work are consistent with those found in the HHS Student Handbook. Low band grades may result in a student being moved to a lower band and/or reassigned as an alternate in marching band.

Tests – including concerts, playing tests – 50%
Quizzes – sectionals, in class assignments – 30%
Daily -rehearsal performance, supply checks – 20%

TEA Academic Eligibility Guidelines

The HHS band adheres to all eligibility rules and regulations as stated by TEA and FISD. Any student who records a grade lower than 70 in any course at the end of a six-weeks grading period shall be suspended from participation in extra-curricular performances for at least the following 3 weeks. If at the conclusion of that 3-week grading period, the student is passing all courses, he/she can regain their eligibility. However, if at that time the student is failing any course, the eligibility is lost for the remainder of the six weeks. The HHS band staff will firmly enforce these policies. Students who lose their eligibility are still required to attend all rehearsals as well as participate in curricular activities (concerts). It is vital that all students remain eligible. The HHS band staff will always encourage students to attend tutorials. However, students need to attend tutorials that do not conflict with our rehearsals. During marching season, students should attend before school tutorials when possible. Students that are consistently ineligible may be moved to a lower concert band or removed from the program.

Online Forum and Message Board Posting Policy

Due to the proliferation of online forums, message boards, and chat rooms, the reputation of the Heritage Band program is more public than ever. There are three rules regarding online postings:

1. Heritage Band Members are not to post negative comments regarding other band programs at any time for any reason.
2. Heritage Band Members are not to reply to negative comments posted by others about the Heritage Band Program.3.
3. Heritage Band Members are not to post negative or offensive comments regarding other band members, the band staff, Heritage faculty, or the Heritage administration.

School Owned Instruments

Frisco ISD provides instruments to those students who play oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, bari saxophone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, and percussion. HHS charges a $40 usage fee for all students who use these instruments. This fee is to help offset the cost of having the instruments cleaned and repaired at the end of the year. The percussion fee helps pay for broken heads and school sticks and mallets. Students are responsible for repairs required during the school year. The instrument should be returned at the end of the year in the same condition it was issued. Students are financially responsible for replacing any instrument that is lost, stolen, or destroyed.

Letter Jacket Policy

HHS band students will be subject to a points system in order to earn their letter. Any student who is able to accumulate 8 or more points will be eligible to receive a HHS letter jacket or blanket. This policy is designed to reward commitment and high achievement. Excessive behavior problems can result in a student loosing their lettering privileges. Students coming to HHS from another high school will credited points they earned at their previous school, according to this system.

• 2 points: Completion of a full in year in band, including marching and concert band.
  **Seniors will receive their final two points upon completion of summer band camp.
• 2 points: Selection in the All-Region Band•
• 2 points: Selection in the All-Area Band
• 5 points: Selection in the All-State Band•
• 2 points: Earning a 1st division on a solo at the UIL solo/ensemble contest
• 1 point: Earning a 1st division on an ensemble at the UIL solo/ensemble contest
• 
  

Travel Policy

Students who represent FISD and the HHS band on school sponsored trips are expected to maintain very high standards in behavior, punctuality, and respect at all times. Normal school policy dictates that band students ride FISD transportation to and from all off-campus performances and events when it is offered. On rare occasions, an emergency or other school-related event will necessitate a parent to provide transportation. In such an event, a note signed by the parent should be given to the director in advance of the event. If FISD transportation is provided, students are not permitted to ride home from a band event with anyone other than their parent. There may be times when students will be under the supervision of parent chaperones. Students are to treat chaperones with respect at all times. It should be understood that their directions are to be followed completely as if said by one of the directors. Bus trips should be orderly and calm. Students should remain in their seats for the entire trip. The noise level should be moderate. No student is to get on or off the bus unless instructed to do so. Students who are involved in a serious disciplinary offense on a school-related trip, such as use or possession of illegal drugs or alcohol, stealing, fighting, leaving a room or bus at an inappropriate time, or other serious offense will face strong action which may include the following:

1. Being sent home immediately at the parents expense
2. Being held liable for damage of property
3. Being permanently removed from the band program
4. HHS administrative disciplinary action

Students must be academically eligible to travel with the HHS Band. This includes all football games, contests, spring trips or any other kind of travel.

Fund Raising Policy

Most years the band will take a big out of town trip. The students pay for these trips. Students will be given an opportunity to raise money to help cover the costs of these trips. FISD policy allows students to participate in only 1 fundraiser per year. Each student is encouraged to make the most of this opportunity to help defer the cost of the trip. Fundraisers are not required of any student. They may participate at their discretion. All monies raised from fund raising will are deposited into the general booster band fund and will be used to lower the cost of the trip for all students. This is done in accordance with federal accounting laws

Uniform Policy

It is a privilege and an honor to wear the Heritage High School Band uniform. Students must follow all uniform guidelines in order to protect the integrity and quality of the uniform. Eating will not be allowed while students are wearing the uniform. Uniforms are stored at school during the marching season. Students will pay a cleaning fee at the beginning of each school year. The school will arrange for cleanings throughout the fall. Students will be required to purchase a band t-shirt that is to be worn under the uniform. This is the only t-shirt allowed under the uniform. There may be instances where the band needs to take off their coats and the students must look uniform. Students will be issued all uniform parts listed below. The replacement costs of each item are also listed. If any part of the uniform is damaged, destroyed, or lost when it is checked in following marching season, students will be held responsible for the costs.

Coat: - $210
Bibber Pants: - $120
Reversible Plate: - $110
Gauntlets: - $40
Hat: - $60
Hat Box: - $15
Garment Bag: - $25

As you can see, these uniforms are very expensive. We want them to last many years. To ensure their longevity the following guidelines must be adhered to.

1. Hang up the uniform correctly (pants hung folded on the crease) immediately after undressing.
2. Do not leave the garment bag zipped closed if the uniform gets damp or wet
3. Have pants hemmed if the length isn’t exactly correct.
4. Do not attempt to wash or dry uniform (they must be dry-cleaned).

Additional Program Information

Supplemental Private Lessons

Frisco I.S.D. is extremely fortunate to have an outstanding staff of private lesson teachers. This program is designed to enrich and further the level of performance of the musician. One-on-one individual instruction is one of the main reasons why programs, especially in the North Texas area, are extremely successful. It is a general misconception that private lessons are set up for students who are “falling behind” or for those musicians that are “not as successful” on their instrument. While private lessons can still be highly beneficial in these cases, supplemental private lessons are designed and intended more for students that are advancing and proving success on their instrument. The opportunity to study one-on–one with a professional musician is invaluable and has proven to be one of the most successful ingredients to individual achievement. Lessons are customized and tailored for each individual’s needs. Private lessons may occur before, during, and after the school day depending on availability. They are not required, but are highly recommended. Lessons prices are set by each teacher in accordance with their experience and credentials. Lesson times and availability are on a first come-first serve basis.

Responsibilities to the private lesson teacher (for both student and parents)

• Attend each lesson completely prepared: Bring a pencil, notebook, method book, and any other needed supplies.
• Lessons must be paid for one month in advance.
• For financial arrangements, we ask that if you wish to discontinue private lessons that you do so at the end of the semesters.
• Notification of a lesson that will be missed must be excused by the private lesson instructor within 24 hours notice (the only exception to this would be illness, family emergency, etc…) If the supplemental private lesson instructor is not notified within the allotted time, the student/parent is responsible for any and all financial compensation.

Private lesson scholarships may be available for students meeting certain criteria. Applications for scholarships can be picked up in the band office. Again, though optional, private lessons are an imperative part of the program.

Heritage Band Booster Association

The Heritage High School Band has a very active, supportive parent organization known as the Heritage Band Booster Association. The club includes parents from both band and color guard. Without the hard work and dedication of the parents, the band program at Heritage High could not be as successful and productive as it is. There are numerous areas in which interested parents can be involved in supporting the activities of the band. General meetings of the band club are held throughout the school year; however numerous committees do most of the parent organization planning. Every parent of a band/color guard student is considered a member of the Booster Club!!! For information regarding volunteer opportunities, please contact booster president Anita Selinsky at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

CHARMS Database/Email System

The CHARMS system maintains all of our student data records for the band. It is our also principal means of communication with the band program as a whole. It is your responsibility to keep your contact information accurate and up to date on the CHARMS database. This is ESPECIALLY important with regard to email addresses. To log into CHARMS, follow these steps.

1. go to: www.charmsoffice.com
2. Under “Parents/Student Login”type our school code: heritagehsband
3. In the “Student Password” enter your child’s FISD student ID#
4. Click on “Student Information”5.
5. Edit the fields accordingly with your most accurate contact info.

Emails are sent home by the directors on a regular basis. If you are not receiving these frequent updates, please check your email address that is listed in CHARMS for accuracy. If you run into a problem with the CHARMS system, please contact Mr. Kitchens.

SMS Band Headlines System

In addition to our email system, we also utilize SMS (or Text) messaging as an option. Whenever important info needs to be distributed, last minute changes arise, or important deadlines come up, we will send out an SMS to everyone enrolled in the Headlines Feed. Here are some examples of how we will use the system.

• Marching Rehearsal has been cancelled due to weather.
• Reminder: Band Registration this Saturday.•
• Buses will be late. Inspection time has changed to 5:00pm.
• It is 11:00pm and we are just leaving the stadium. Estimated return time to HHS is now 11:45pm.•
• The Band has arrived back at the band hall. Students are ready to be picked up.
• The May eNewsletter was just sent out with important information. If you don’t receive it, please email Mr. Prasifka.

In order to setup your SMS notifications:

1. Go to www.twitter.com and set up a free account.
2. Once you are logged in, click on "Take Twitter with you -Set up your mobile phone" in the box on the right side of the screen. Follow the instructions to set up your phone. Make sure you enter your phone number preceded by a + and 1 (ex. +14696335930).
3. Once your phone is set up, go to www.twitter.com/HeritageHSBand
4. Click the box that says "Follow"
5. Click on the box that says "Following -Device Updates Off" and change the selection to "on"

Heritage High School Band

2009-2010 Handbook

Contract for Success

I,_________________________, have read and understand all of the items covered in the Heritage High School Band 2009-20010 handbook. I also agree to adhere to the policies and guidelines set forth in this handbook. I understand that failure to comply with any of the guidelines or policies in the handbook will result in immediate disciplinary measures or possible removal from the band program. Please refer to the calendar for all rehearsal and performance times.

 

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Student Signature                                                                                         Date

 

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Parent Signature                                                                                           Date

Please sign and return this contract by

Thank You

 

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