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Printable Version of the HandbookTABLE OF CONTENTS FOR COLORGUARD HANDBOOK
PHILOSOPHYThe art and activity of marching is one that combines quality music with an effective visual presentation. Through consistent and positive instruction, it is the goal of the staff to provide our students and audiences with both a highly competitive, yet equally entertaining marching band and winterguard show. We want to teach students who want to learn. Instructors, students and parents work together as a team to form the Pride of Herndon. CODE OF CONDUCTAll members of the colorguard are expected to adhere to the code of conduct set forth in the Herndon High School student handbook. In addition, all members of the colorguard must adhere to the following conduct guidelines: REHEARSAL CONDUCTAll members of the ensemble will be taught and given specific details as to proper etiquette during basics block, sectionals and field rehearsals. The staff member in charge of the specific rehearsal will define the etiquette. There are 3 basic rules that will always be in effect and will be strictly enforced during all rehearsals:
Back to topUNIFORM CONDUCTPlease refer to the Uniform Procedures portion of this handbook for specific details on the care and maintenance of your uniform. The following is a list of behaviors that are NOT acceptable while you are in uniform. The reason for these strict guidelines is simply because when we are in uniform we are representing not only ourselves, but also Herndon High School. Our conduct in the uniform is crucial to developing a strong sense of pride and uniformity in what we do.
Eating or drinking while in uniform is also prohibited unless approved by the band director. You must wear your assigned raincoat/overcoat when having anything other than water. ATTENDANCE Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is very important for every
colorguard member. The colorguard is a critical component of the visual
package of the marching band. Therefore, the director must approve all
conflicts before they are considered to be excused. Please understand that
an absence from the activity has a direct effect on the entire program.
While we can never plan for illnesses, we must plan appointments and other
business around the schedule. The following are explanations of the various
types of absences:
Back to topADDITIONAL ATTENDANCE POLICIES
Back to topREHEARSALSAll students are required to wear sneakers to each Marching band rehearsal and to dress appropriately for the weather. Winterguard members will be required to wear dance black to every rehearsal. In Marching Season we will experience a wide variety of weather conditions throughout the season, so it is your responsibility to be prepared for any possible weather. Marching Band is an outdoor activity and requires us to be outside during uncomfortable conditions at times (i.e. excessive heat, cold weather, light rain, etc.). Additionally, students should come prepared to all rehearsals with WATER. Ample breaks for water will be given throughout each rehearsal and it is the student’s responsibility to have this available to themselves during rehearsals. It is important to note that marching band, by its nature, is a physical activity. There is a great demand placed on a student to be able to march and perform a complete show. It is the belief of the guard staff that there should be some proper conditioning on the part of the student, in order to facilitate a strong personal performance and to prevent injury. Calisthenics, stretching and running may be advocated and reinforced at rehearsals. Students are always encouraged to stretch and warm-up their bodies individually before rehearsing or performing. As with any physical activity, injuries can and probably will affect a few students. Illness may also affect a student’s ability to rehearse and perform. A doctor’s note should always be obtained in the case of a physical injury. In this case of illness or injury, the proper attendance policies must be used to notify us of an absence. If a student falls ill or suffers a minor injury during a regular rehearsal, the student will be permitted to sit out for one rehearsal, and to take notes of that rehearsal. If the student is too ill, he or she may be permitted to go home by the director. If the student is not well by the next rehearsal or performance, it is requested the student stays home to get healthy and that the proper attendance procedures be followed. Back to topREHEARSAL ETIQUETTEAs we get into the rehearsals for the season, etiquette for various types of rehearsals will be clearly defined by the staff. It is expected that all members will adhere to the defined procedures. Should a student demonstrate on a regular basis
that he or she does not subscribe to the proper conduct at a rehearsal,
the band/guard director reserves the right to evaluate the student’s
performance, and to make a decision as to whether the student should
perform in upcoming shows. The director also reserves the right to send
such a student home from rehearsal and request a parent/student conference
to determine future course of action. COLORGUARD UNIFORM PROCEDURESWhile you are in uniform, you are constantly being observed. Your personal appearance and your actions represent not only you, but also your band, school and community. The uniform assigned to you is a valuable asset to the band. You will be responsible for its care and maintenance. If something needs to be fixed or adjusted on your uniform, simply report it to one of the Guard Captains or the nearest staff member. The desired goal is that the Herndon High School Marching Band and Colorguard continue a tradition of excellence. The manner in which the guard presents itself can leave either a positive or negative impression on its audience. The care of the uniform, and the guard member’s behavior while wearing it, goes far toward creating pride and continuing tradition. The specific uniform will be determined by the visual designer and the colorguard staff. This will likely require you to purchase accessories for your uniform. Please discuss monetary concerns with the colorguard staff if a payment plan needs to be worked out. All portions of your uniform including shoes are expected to be kept clean. This includes cleaning and/or polishing shoes as well as regularly washing your uniform. Please do this at the discretion of the colorguard staff. Hair should always be pinned up for the purpose of uniformity. Please follow the instructions of the colorguard staff to their exact specifications. A student in violation of any of the uniform procedures will not be permitted to perform. YOUR UNIFORM IS A SYMBOL OF DIGNITY, PRESTIGE AND STATURE. WEAR IT PROUDLY! Back to topCOLORGUARD ROOMThis room is to be used exclusively for the storage of colorguard equipment including flags, rifles and sabers. It is also to be used as a uniform storage room and changing room. The following are guidelines that are expected to be followed with the use of this room:
EQUIPMENT, DRILL CHARTS and NOTEBOOKSVarious colorguard equipment including flags and weapons as well as drill books are issued to each student at the start of the season. Students are responsible for the maintenance of this equipment throughout the season. You will be responsible for having your Drill Notebook with you at ALL REHEARSALS. Following the conclusion of the season, the director will announce a return date for all equipment and drill notebooks. AUDITIONSWorkshops will be held in the Spring and Fall of every year to introduce students to the colorguard activity. Based on your performance, you may be selected for a specific dot (position on the field) or as a “shadow” in the colorguard. “Shadows” will be considered full members of the program and will be given the opportunity to shadow other members of the ensemble during rehearsals. “Shadows” can have the potential to take over or to “fill” an empty drill spot based on his/her ability and work ethic during rehearsals. Back to topGUARD CAPTAINSGuard Captains are chosen based on their proven leadership abilities and are expected to act as leaders during rehearsals and performances. The director will choose the captains prior to the beginning each Fall season. For 2006-2007, the captains are M.C. Hawes and Kaity Cookson. If you need any extra help please feel free to call the guard captains. They are here to help you. FUNDRAISINGFundraisers are planned throughout the year for activities such as a band trips or band camp, Winterguard Regionals and Guest Clinicians. It is always to the student’s benefit to make a concerted effort to raise money for these activities. ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURESAt times, there will be the need for additional expenditures to be placed on the responsibility of the parents and students. These will include items such as Capezios (guard shoes), sabers and gloves. Most of these items can be purchased through the Band Parents Association. Other, more personal uniform items such as underwear, socks, thermal underwear, colorguard unitards, etc. are the responsibility of the individual students and parents to acquire on their own. The music and visual staff will require each student to maintain a three ring binder filled with the following items: plastic sheet protectors, basic technique guides including Dance Terminology, show music, drill charts, and handouts. It is also required that students bring a pencil to every rehearsal in order to take notes. This will be further defined by the staff as we go through the season. Please budget accordingly when information and prices are announced.
We are very sympathetic to households with tight budgets, but your needs
must be communicated with the band treasurer so that a payment plan or
some other alternative solution is reached. PARENT SUPPORT and RESPONSIBILITIESThe participation of your student in this program will hopefully prove to be not only rewarding for your student but for you, the parents and guardians, as well. Please help us in establishing the proper attitude toward the guard program at home. Also, support what your child is doing by attending regular performances of the band and encouraging your son or daughter to practice at home. The Band Parents Association is another great way
to get involved with your child’s activity. Their purpose is to
boost the overall band program through fundraising and other means of
support so that our students can have the best experience possible in
this activity. Please see a member of the Band Parents Association for
more information about meetings and membership. You can also visit the
BPA website at www.Herndonband.org for
more information, including contact information for the different board
members. DIRECTOR’S INFO Please feel free to contact us at any point during the season to discuss
any concerns or questions you may have. We believe that communication between
parents, students and the directors is crucial to the success of the program.
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