Parent & Student Handbook
General Rules & Obligations
The use or possession of alcoholic beverages or drugs by any student is forbidden. Any student who is under the influence of or in possession of these substances will be immediately dismissed from the Band and the proper authorities will be notified.
Students who are involved in any type of illegal activity while in the band will be immediately and permanently dismissed from the band, will receive a failing grade for the grading period and the proper authorities will be notified.
Smoking/chewing of tobacco in uniform or on the bus is forbidden.
Each student is totally responsible for maintaining his or her own instrument or equipment. The student will pay for all repairs.
It is the individual students responsibility to learn their music/routine.
Whenever the Band travels to a particular event or performance the students are NEVER permitted to leave this designated area. A specific example would be our annual Kennywood performance; the students are not allowed to leave the Kennywood property and cross the street to the various fast food restaurants, etc.. Students violating this policy will be removed from the Band.
Band students must use the "Buddy" system at all times. Every band student must have at least one other band student with them at all times. No one should go anywhere or be anywhere without at least one other person/band student. Anyone caught alone will then stay with the chaperones for the remainder of the outing. Repeated violations of this most serious rule WILL result in removal from the band.
We expect & demand that all band students behave in a mature, respectful manner at all times when with the band.
Horseplay and practical jokes have NO place in the Band. Serious injuries could result from what was originally intentioned to be "well meaning fun."
Abusive, obscene or profane language is wrong and therefore is not allowed.
Students should ALWAYS BE ON TIME! Departure, performance, rehearsal or meeting times are always posted in advance or otherwise announced to the students. You are expected to be on time, every time! In an organization this large, we cannot afford to wait on someone who is not as considerate of others as they should be. You must be responsible for your own time management. Failure to be on time will be dealt with most severely.
There will be NO PUBLIC DISPLAYING of romantic affections for another student. This means no kissing, no hugging, no holding, etc.
Each student is provided with his/her own Band locker and combination lock for their locker. Only the student is given the combination to this lock, therefore it is each students responsibility to keep this lock on their locker and locked at all times to insure that they have a secure place to store their instrument and their personal possessions. The Band or its Director cannot be responsible for those students who leave their lockers unlocked or give their combination to other students.
The Band will travel together to and from their events and performances; such as football games, parades, and band camp. Students are not permitted to either travel to a band event or performance nor leave from a band event with anyone including their parents. Only rare exceptions will be made to this rule!
The students will be required to have a chaperone with them when they use the restroom at all Band functions, such as Parades, Football games, Band Festivals, etc. This will include all pre-game times.
At football games the students will stay in their Band uniform until the end of the game. Hats will be worn at all times and jackets will be buttoned at all times. Mr. Riffle may, on occasion, due to extremely hot weather waive this rule.
Students are not permitted to eat while in the stands at football games or band festivals.
Students are not permitted to receive food or special favors from either family or friends while with the band.
While in uniform, students are not permitted to paint their face, hands, or color their hair for any reason including our yearly visit from Fedko, Homecoming, Senior Night, etc.
To assure a uniform appearance to the Band, Color Guard and Majorettes. Students should be aware that they are not permitted to wear jewelry that shows while wearing their uniform or costume during any performance. This includes earrings, necklaces, large watches, rings (other than their school class ring), and other facial pierced parts. With this in mind, students should not receive any piercing, either ear or other facial piercing near the marching season that would prevent them from taking out their jewelry. In other words, if you are going to get anything pierced, do it in a timely matter (either way before August or after marching season in November) so that it will have time to heal and you will be able to take out completely the jewelry.
The success of a band depends on how it rehearses. How it rehearses depends on the conduct and the cooperation of the students. Rehearsals are the place to correct mistakes. Mr. Riffle and the Band Staff will do their best to help you correct them. The fewer mistakes you make, the greater your contribution to the Band. Be patient, attentive, careful and cooperative in all rehearsals.
Band students should Care, Try, Behave, and be Courteous to all adults and each other. As a sign of respect, band students will refer to each adult chaperone or staff member by their title and last name (Mr., Mrs., Ms.), you will refrain from calling any adult by their first name, no matter how well you know the adult outside of the band or what relationship you have to the adult. I expect it and it will be appreciated.
Each band member must remember that they are representing our school. Pride and Self-Discipline must prevail at all times.
Each member of the Band Program has an obligation to him/her-self and the other members of the Band. You must always be aware of the fact that you are an important part of a larger organization and that if you won't or don't do your personal best the organization cannot be worthwhile or good, and as a result everyone suffers.
Mr. Riffle reserves the right to immediately dismiss any band student from the band when he feels that their conduct or actions warrant such dismissal.