July 18th, 2025

Parents,

It is with great excitement that I welcome you to the 2024-2025 school year and wish to start by thanking you for allowing your child to participate in instrumental music with us!
Music is a lifelong and worthwhile endeavor. It stirs within us all the most wonderful things about being human. By participating in our band program, your child has an opportunity to experience the process of artful music making and will be provided training to make them a lifelong learner, scholar, and athlete. Your child has a furthered opportunity of making memories and friends that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

My goal as the director of this program is to foster an atmosphere of accountability for every member. This includes facilitating a student-centered experience which stresses family, support, and most importantly, superior music making at the highest level possible. With your support, we will truly do something great, allowing each member of the program to take ownership in its accomplishments, and to swell with a sense of pride at the onset of every performance.

The band experience is one that is shared by few and cherished by many. There are many different aspects of a band program that must run like a well-oiled machine if we are to achieve these goals collectively, and this handbook is designed to answer all questions band-related as we move forward into the school year together.

I ask that you keep this handbook through the course of the year and use it as your reference while navigating the inner workings of our program. In it, you will find answers to many questions, and if you are new to the band activity, this handbook will serve as a means of helping you, the parent, understand what it is your child is participating in. I have faith that after reading, you will understand the importance and necessity of active parental involvement in this worthwhile and life-molding activity.

Musically Yours,

Alan Weathers
Director of Bands - New Hampstead High School 

1.) Fill out the online registration form. Get registered for the band app using your LEGAL FIRST AND LAST NAME.

2.) Please ensure that you have filled out our registration form (see banner to the left)

3.) Make sure to read this handbook in its entirety…make note of the important forms located under “forms” on the band website. Hardcopies of these forms will be handed out to students on the first day of band camp. These forms must be signed and on file for your student to participate for this school year!

5.) See the Appendixes to sections II and V of this handbook. Please ensure that your child has all of the required gear listed in these appendixes. A list of what each child will be expected to have by the first day of band camp will follow the appendix of section V.

6.) Please make sure your child has A PACKED LUNCH for every day of Band Camp!!!

In today's society, more often than not, the unfortunate circumstance often arises where music educators are tasked to "defend" their disciplines, whether to powers-that-be, or to parents and students who may be curious about music but questioning what its place is in a well-rounded education. 

To quote "Music in The Human Experience: An Introduction to Music Psychology." by Donald A. Hodges and David C. Sebald:

"Listening to the daily news is all one needs to do to realize that human beings still have to deal with many aggressive behaviors in our societies. We need to find ways to separate actions from feelings. How does one feel anger without acting on it? How does one avoid giving in to loneliness and despair? These are extreme examples, but at all levels of feeling it is important to learn how to feel deeply without always resorting to action. Music is one of the most powerful outlets for expressing emotions. One can learn to cope with grief, frustration, and anger or to express joy and love through musical expressions. Thus, music's unique way for us to know may be a survival mechanism." - pg. 43

The reason music exists in schools is to give young men and women the opportunity to study the discipline of emotional management through the lens of musical expression. This will require the student to be taught disciplined rehearsal and practice strategies...tasking the student with behaviors of uniformity amongst their peers. This ties together in tandem with the social interactions they will have, which at the guide of the student leadership, staff, and director, will become positive interactions. This will lead to a program built on inclusivity and acceptance, while preserving sensations of exclusivity for those not involved in the activity.
The director believes that all of these reasons alone would be sufficient to justify music's existence in the course of a child's education.

However, music also exists as a means of knowing things much like math, science, and literature. Mental and emotional processes are at work within a musician's brain at a powerful level. Many students, after studying music for a number of years, will perform higher on certain tests than their non-musical peers. This has been studied at high levels of academia for some years.

If we as a society are to care about the proper education of the next generation, music is an essential part of that venture. Music need not rely on the advantages of the extra-musical to justify its own existence. The best reason one can think to justify music is to use music itself. It is a discipline that acts as its own reward for those who become trained students of it. This alone is an integral part of the human experience.

"Without music, life is a journey through a desert." - Pat Conroy 

First and foremost, “Band” is a term used historically to describe a collection of people, bound by a common goal, who work together to achieve said goal. Through this process of teamwork, trust, and relationship building, their collective dreams become reality.

Musically, a “Band” is a group of specific musical instruments and musicians. A “wind band” operates much like an orchestra. The group is under the tutelage of a director, who facilitates artful music making. The group, or “ensemble” (meaning a group of musicians playing specific instruments) is composed of wind instruments and percussion instruments. However, a “band” can mean any group of musicians bound by a single goal.

Wind Bands (bands that only utilize wind instruments and percussion), have been used historically in the United States for the past century and a half. In the middle of the 19th century, bands under the direction of John Phillip Sousa gave us the familiar patriotic music that has colored the collective culture of our national heritage, such as The Stars and Stripes Forever. This music was originally used in concerts and in parades, giving us the concept of “marching band,” another important aspect of the band tradition. Throughout the years, ensembles comprised of wind and percussion players arose throughout the United States, within the military, and within civilian life. 

High schools, colleges, universities, and the various branches of the armed forces began funding, fielding, and utilizing bands and band music through the course of their cultural evolution, making this medium of music making inextricably linked to our national pride and culture. The military carries with it a fine tradition of wind band music, and “band” has become an integral part of an American public education. It’s popularity in American high schools grew with the popularity of another American activity, Football.

Today, the activity of Band has moved beyond its historical link to football and military service, to represent an activity of its own. Groups throughout the United States compete nationally, fielding shows for adjudication (judging), while pushing musical and visual boundaries to the limit. This occurs on the high school, collegiate, and professional level in both a marching (outside), and concert (inside) setting. With the furthered and continuing development of this unique activity, a “band culture” arises amongst its members, stressing punctuality and hard work.   
 

 

 

 

1.  To educate individuals in the activity of artful music making. 

This is arguably the most important goal of this program. We are, first and foremost, an educational entity. All decisions involved in the inner workings of the program, along with all performances and goals will be made at the director’s discretion with this principal in mind. If something is not desirable for the means of educating these students, it will not be engaged in. These are students who do not exist solely for the entertainment of adults. They are learning an academic discipline, much like math, science, and literature.  

 

2. To facilitate a student-centered environment, which fosters relationship building amongst its members, at the student, parental, and staff level.

Successful bands operate much in the same way as successful families do. We will strive to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all members. Making our fellow band members, staff, and parents feel protected and cared for will empower us all to understand and value our role in the program.

 

3. To foster in its members a sense of ownership and pride for the program. 

This means we will strive to create a feeling of responsibility for the student’s success by being successful as a group. This will also mean facilitating a “band-centered” environment, where membership in the group is considered an exclusive privilege for those involved. 

 

4. To have musical performances at the highest level possible.

Since the goals of the program are to educate, this goal should go without saying. We are a musical entity that will strive for the best possible musical performances in all areas of the program’s representation. Successful music making will be the catalyst that binds us together, our shared passion in all endeavors, and our most sought-after goal in all areas of the program’s involvement with the community. 

 

Band Camp

The very first encounter prospective students will have with the program will be at Band Camp. Throughout the United States, bands typically start their year off with a “basic training” for the activity. This generally lasts anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks depending on the program during the summer. Many will also have weekend camps leading up to band camp for different sections of the band to better prepare students for this experience.

During Band Camp, students will learn how to stand at attention, how to march forwards, backwards, and side to side. They will learn the basics of their instruments, how to produce a good tone, navigate scales and other musical exercises while controlling their breath through a horn, carrying a drum, spinning or tossing a flag or rifle, or playing in the “pit” section (an area of the band that doesn’t march but plays percussion instruments off to the side).

The staff will often have a halftime show designed, both the music of the show, and the “drill” of the show (large, synchronized maneuvers the group engages in to represent the music visually). The music of the show is often pre-written, while the drill is written based on the attendance of Band Camp. This makes attendance at Band Camp incredibly important for the success of the group as a whole!

The director will often be tasked with hiring out various staff members. Many are college students pursuing a degree in music or have extensive experience in the pageantry arts. The director assigns each staff member to a section of the band. It is common to see a staff member in charge of only marching, only music, only brass, only woodwinds, only Cologuard, or only percussion. The director then facilitates rehearsals throughout the course of Band Camp involving all sections, separate or together, for the purposes of creating the best possible halftime show.

Marching Season 

Once band camp has happened, the fall semester begins. After the first day of school and students are in their correct classes, the halftime show, after many after school rehearsals through August and September, will eventually be taken to competition during the end of September and throughout October. These competitions occur on Saturdays and are almost always full day affairs. The band will also attend many Friday night football games depending on the requirements of the school, where students will have the opportunity to support the football team and engage in school culture. Staff members from band camp may or may not continue to work with the group during this time frame at the director’s discretion. 

 

Band Boosters

Marching season will often involve late hours for both the director, staff, students, and parents. Volunteers will be SORELY needed to ensure that students are fed, watered, and that the necessary equipment for the halftime show is loaded, unloaded, and moved throughout the course of these activities. 

Funds for the cost of travel, for food and water, and for needed equipment will need to be raised by supportive and active parents. This is typically done through a Booster program. The boosters are an independently run organization that is composed of band parents eager to make a difference in their child’s band experience. They will often have fundraisers, sponsor events, and aid in chaperoning band trips. The director and boosters will work together to ensure the success of the program at the director’s discretion. Band Booster meetings will typically happen once a month. Bylaws, leadership, and other booster related information can be made available by attending one of these meetings. ALL PARENTS ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO VOLUNTEER AND BECOME INVOLVED WITH THE BOOSTERS!!! Meeting times will occur before, during, and after Band Camp and are TBA! Check the band app regularly to see how you can get involved!

 

Concert Season 

After the month of October, if football season is still underway, after school rehearsals become greatly reduced, and after the final football game, Marching Season ends entirely. The focus of the program then shifts to the concert setting, where rehearsals during the class day are stressed. The goals of these rehearsals are to transition students into the next cycle of the band year, Concert Season.

The holiday concert is an event whereby parents and school staff are invited for an evening of live music with the various concert ensembles of the school. Music will be performed in concert for a loving and supportive audience, showcasing all the students’ hard work through the fall semester. This concert will typically take place at the end of November but can occur anywhere in December depending on the school’s schedule.

Festival Season 

After the school holiday break at the end of December, the program will get things underway for Festival once the students return. Despite the name, “Festival” refers to a kind of Concert Band Competition, whereby the students and directors spend the first half of the spring semester preparing music for adjudication. This involves taking the group to an event off campus around the middle of March, where specialized musical experts assess the performance of the music. The band is given a rating from 5 (very bad) to 1 (superior). Festival is arguably the most important performance of the band throughout the year. This will be the first time in the year whereby their MUSICAL performance alone is assessed. 

Getting a high rating at Festival is a very important goal of the ensemble and should be celebrated by all. This allows credibility amongst the musical community at large for the program. Remember that EDUCATION is the primary goal of the program. Sometimes, a group does not receive the highest rating at Festival or may feel that they deserved a higher one. We WILL NOT operate this way. We strive to obtain THE HIGHEST RATING WE CAN, not necessarily the highest. Difficulty in our musical selections, personnel, and instrumentation all play a role in Festival ratings. These things will vary from year to year. It is important to stress that we CELEBRATE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THESE STUDENTS, regardless of what number they get after festival.

Ratings are often used as a means of assessing the “effectiveness” of the director and his or her staff throughout the season. It is also important to remember that the director is a teacher first and foremost, and that the ratings are not always an accurate measure of the teacher’s abilities. While every effort will be made on behalf of the director to ensure a successful performance of Festival music by the students, the director will pick music for means of educating the students first. 

Spring Concert Season

After a successful Festival performance, the band will then transition into the most meaningful part of our year (also referred to as a “concert cycle”), which is our Spring Concert. The concert ensemble(s) will use their new skills developed through the Festival concert cycle to tackle some challenging music, in hopes to display these musical skills to a loving and supportive audience at the end of the school year. This concert could happen at the end of April but will almost certainly happen towards the beginning and middle of May if possible.

Along with the Spring Concert, a Band Banquet will take place. The Band Banquet is a means of coming together in fellowship without the stresses of a performance. The banquet could take the form of a trip somewhere, like a theme park, or maybe just an afternoon cookout behind the band room. It is a laid-back atmosphere where we will hand out awards for leadership, recognize the outstanding contributions of many of our students, staff, and parents, as well as announce leadership and the show theme for the following year. Our seniors will be honored and recognized at this event as well.

 

IN SUMMARY:

Band Camp (Late July, two weeks, each day lasting from 8am to 8pm, with one and a half hour lunch break and a two-hour dinner break. Weekends off)

Marching Season (August through October with rehearsals on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm. Friday night football games on certain weeks, often ending late. Most October Saturdays will be band competitions, which are all day affairs ending late)

Concert Season (November through December, with after school rehearsals as needed, all on either Tuesday or Thursday, Holiday Concert sometime before the Winter Break)

Festival Season (January to the middle of March. After school rehearsals will be as needed, all occurring on Tuesdays or Thursdays. The Festival performance will take place off campus at another location TBA)

Spring Concert Season (Middle of March through the end of the year. Ends with a Spring Concert for all. Location and time TBA)

Band Banquet (a non-performance event occurring sometime at the end of the year that recognizes everyone’s hard work throughout the year, and announces the show theme and leadership for the following year)

 

 

It is important to note that participation in any band-related musical ensemble at this school requires the student to be registered for the appropriate band class EACH SEMESTER OF PARTICIPATION IN SAID BAND-RELATED ACTIVITY. Exceptions will only be made on a case by case basis and will only accommodate students wishing to take AP courses which may conflict with a band class through the school day, or a course they need to graduate. However, every effort must be made by the parents and counselors of each student to ensure they are registered each semester for the appropriate band class. There is more information about this, particularly which class to register for, at the end of this section of the handbook.  

The schedule for the Band Program through the course of a typical school day will look like this:

                                                     Fall                                Spring

This schedule will hopefully not change much from year to year, or semester to semester. The following descriptions of each will go in reverse order. There will be a list of url links for examples of what to purchase following all class descriptions. PLEASE REFERENCE THESE LINKS BEFORE GOING TO THE STORE!!!

All students who play a wind instrument will need to sign up for the Wind Class.

Here, students will learn and practice through daily activities and rehearsals the fundamentals of band performance on their individual instrument. This will include proper tone production, learning to play scales, long tones, and lip slur exercises, as well as working up band repertoire (band music) for performances.

 

The list of necessary equipment for wind class will be the following:

1 three ring binder 

1 pencil 

Instrument with mouthpiece and case

Valve oil (brass)

Reeds (woodwinds)

Cleaning gear for the instrument 

Below is a list of instruments provided to students by the school. All are large, expensive instruments. ALL OTHER INSTRUMENTS WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT AND PARENTS TO OBTAIN.

 

Instruments provided by the school:

Tubas, Euphoniums, Baritones, French Horns, Bass Clarinets, Bassoons, Flugelhorns, Baritone Saxophones, Tenor Saxophones, All Percussion Instruments

 

If your child does not play any of the instruments on the previous list, you and the child are responsible for obtaining an instrument from a local instrument store. Many places have affordable rent to own programs.

It will also be the responsibility of you and your child to obtain valve oil, reeds, and cleaning gear. Students who do not have these things will be educationally held back through the course of the year, so please make sure to prioritize obtaining and maintaining these things for your student!

If you are not sure of which instrument your child plays, please see the appendix of this handbook. There is a list of instruments and categories for reference.

***It is ALWAYS BEST to select an instrument with the help of your local instrument shop’s guidance, along with cleaning gear and case. In the URL links provided in the Appendix, please note that CHEAPER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER! Yamaha are great brands for beginning students. If you have any questions regarding instrument selection, please email the director!

All things will need to be obtained BEFORE BAND CAMP BEGINS!!! CHECK THE BAND CAMP DATES AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY!!! 😊

 

All students who play a percussion instrument will need to sign up for the Percussion Class. This class will be the 2^nd block of the day and will be the primary instructional time for all percussion students.

Here, students will learn and practice through daily activities and rehearsals the fundamentals of proper percussion technique on a variety of different percussion instruments provided to them through the school. This will include playing rudiments, scales, warm ups, exercises, percussion ensemble music, and wind band music.

***Percussionists are different than wind players, and thus require different approaches to their instruction. There is a separate ensemble, called “percussion ensemble”, whereby all percussionists get the same opportunities musically as the wind band players in the band setting. After marching band, the percussion ensemble follows the same schedule as the wind band (mentioned extensively in previous sections) but will have their own separate performances either before or alongside the wind band. 

The list of necessary equipment for Percussion Class will be the following:

1 three ring binder

1 pencil 

1 Practice Pad 

1 pair of Vic Firth SD1 generals

1 pair of Ralph Hardimon Marching Sticks

2 pairs of Multi-Purpose Yarn Mallets

1 pair of Hard Plastic/Acrylic Mallets

1 stick bag 

1 BLACK TOWEL (very important)

As stated earlier, all other gear will be provided by the school. IN ORDER FOR YOUR CHILD TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN BAND, THIS GEAR MUST BE OBTAINED BEFORE BAND CAMP!!! PLEASE CHECK THE APPENDIX TO THIS SECTION TO SEE THE URL LINKS OF WHAT TO PURCHASE!!! CHECK THE BAND CAMP DATES AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY!!! 😊

 

 

Color Guard class will meet at the same time as percussion class during the 1st block of the Fall semester. There will be a separate instructor hired by Mr. Weathers to instruct this class throughout the marching season. Colorguard students will also participate in learning percussion and will play percussion during the Winter Concert. Please see the Percussion Class page above for required gear etc.

 

All Colorguard students will need the appropriate shoes, uniform, etc. Flags, rifles, and sabres will be provided by the school. Colorguard students will often have videos posted from their instructor and will be responsible for learning their choreography for the halftime show during 2nd block each day.

 

All students who have never played an instrument before will need to register for the beginning band class. Students will be fitted by a Portman’s representative during the first week of school…parents will have to rent an instrument from a local instrument shop throughout the semester!

Here, students will learn and practice through daily activities and rehearsals the fundamentals of band performance on their individual instrument. This will include proper tone production, learning to play scales, long tones, and lip slur exercises, as well as working up band repertoire (band music) for performances.

 

The list of necessary equipment for beginning band will be the following:

1 three ring binder 

1 pencil 

Instrument with mouthpiece and case

Valve oil (brass)

Reeds (woodwinds)

Cleaning gear for the instrument 

Below is a list of instruments provided to students by the school. All are large, expensive instruments. ALL OTHER INSTRUMENTS WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT AND PARENTS TO OBTAIN.

 

Instruments provided by the school:

Tubas, Euphoniums, Baritones, French Horns, Bass Clarinets, Bassoons, Flugelhorns, Baritone Saxophones, Tenor Saxophones, All Percussion Instruments

 

BAND GRADING, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES

 

Band is a “co-curricular” activity, as opposed to “extra-curricular.” In the eyes of the Georgia Department of Education, the term “co-curricular” is invoked to describe CTSOs (Career and Technical Student Organizations). While band may or may not be a “CTSO”, it is CERTAINLY co-curricular in nature:

“CTSOs are co-curricular – not extracurricular. Although related to a particular career, extracurricular activities take place outside of the program of instruction. They are not part of a planned instructional program and are not incorporated into a lesson plan or curriculum. Co-curricular activities are incorporated into the instruction program and receive instructional time within the classroom. CTSOs are considered a necessary part of the student’s education – not a social outlet. CTSOs provide a structure that promotes hands-on, project-based learning of the program curriculum which allows students to see the real-world application of their academic studies.”

https://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/CTAE/Pages/Student-Organizations.aspx

By referencing the above link, you may explore more information on co-curricular courses within the Georgia Department of Education’s website.

 

Grading Policies for ALL Band and Band-related Courses

***Because band is co-curricular, all grades assigned to students both WITHIN and OUTSIDE the classroom setting during, before, or after the school day, and on ANY band-sanctioned trip or event, are applicable to the student’s grade in their respective course.  

***This policy is applicable to ALL band courses offered at this school. Whether your child is in 2^nd Block Percussion OR 3rd Block Wind Class. 

 

Band Grades and Policies

The grading percentages used by the director of this program are described as follows:

 

Non-Performance Quizzes

20%

Playing Quizzes

20%

Performance Attendance (Pass/Fail)

50%

Final (Playing Test)

10%

Non-Performance Quizzes

Students will be expected to turn in non-performance based quizzes and assignments throughout the week. Nearly all of these quizzes will be in electronic format found on the Brightspace.

These quizzes will represent 20% of the student cumulative grade. All due dates are non-negotiable, exceptions will be made for excused absences listed below:

Attendance

***All absences from a band class, a band rehearsal, or a band performance both within and outside of the school day MUST BE COMMUNICATED with the director at least ONE WORK WEEK in advance to said absence. Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis. 

Excused absences will represent a 0-point reduction of the student’s overall 20-point score. Excused absences include:

Illness, death in the immediate family, college campus visitation, attendance at another DIRECTOR APPROVED school-sanctioned event or activity

Unexcused absences represent all absences that do not fall within the previously mentioned categories but may include:

Family vacations, senior skip day, family visitations from out of town, participation in a non-school sanctioned or non-school-related activity 

ALL absences due to the student’s participation in another school-related activity must be pre-communicated with the director at the beginning of the semester, accompanied with a detailed schedule provided by the director/supervisor of said activity, outlining which band related rehearsals/performances/etc. that the student may need to miss. This will only be approved at the director’s discretion. ***THE DIRECTOR RESERVES THE CAPACITY TO DENY STUDENTS PARTICIPATION IN BAND IF THEY DO NOT HAVE ROOM IN THEIR CURRICULAR OR EXTRACURRICULAR SCHEDULE. 

It is important to note that absences from a band event of any kind effect EVERYONE involved. Band is a family, and we rely and trust in our fellow band members to be at all band-related activities so that the ensemble will perform to its fullest capacity. Band is a very time-consuming activity for everyone, this must be kept in mind when considering your child’s participation in Band. They MAY NOT HAVE ROOM in their busy schedule to accommodate another activity. This is perfectly okay. Students one day will have to choose a career path. It is the director’s belief that doing one thing well with passion and dedication while prioritizing its presence in their lives, will be invaluable to them in future life endeavors, in and out of a musical setting. Please see the first goal of the program on page 5 for reference of this policy. We simply cannot have multiple students engaged in multiple activities, all of which require their time and energy, unless it is assured that they can handle that kind of time management. We need dedicated, AVAILABLE students to achieve great things.

Participation 

“Participation” refers to actively taking part to the best of the student’s ability in any command or instruction given by the director, or by the student staff during any instance of school-sanctioned band activity, in and out of the classroom. 

***Excessive talking, insubordination towards staff, student, or parental leadership, disrespectful attitudes towards fellow band members, staff, or parents will NOT BE TOLERATED. 

The director reserves the capacity to discipline the student based on the school code of conduct. This includes a disciplinary referral to the administration for further action AND a 5-point reduction form their daily 20-point grade allotment for EVERY INSTANCE of negative behavior described above.

REMOVAL from any active participation in band and band related activities will be the consequence for any behavior that the director deems inappropriate or unrepresentative of the band program, especially while on school sanctioned trips, or during high profile band activities like performances and parades.  

It is incredibly important that all band members, staff, and parents conduct themselves in a professional manner during all instances of band activity. We must all recognize that negative attitudes will affect everyone, and that positivity needs to be the collective mindset of the group. Rehearsals, especially during marching season, may become physically challenging, and tough to mentally get through. Regardless, we must remain positive to ensure the success of the group as a whole.

 

Value and respect your band family and we will value and respect you!!! 😊

Punctuality 

“Punctuality” refers to the student’s ability to arrive at all band classes during the school day BEFORE the bell rings for that course to begin. 

During all rehearsals and events after school hours, this will be assessed by the student’s ability to arrive by the NECESSARY CALL TIME for these events. 

In Band, we have a saying…”To be EARLY is to be ONTIME, to be ONTIME is to be late.” Abiding by this saying will allow your child to THRIVE in all areas of life.

It is also INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT that we move together as a group on time at band competitions, football games, Festival, and the like. 

We simply cannot have tardiness, MUCH LESS excessive tardiness from our members. It will slow everyone down and will hamper us in our ability to get as much done during rehearsals as possible. 

We utilize push-ups frequently in band as a means of enforcing positive behaviors, and “punishing” behaviors, such as tardiness, that should not be tolerated by any member. For every instance of tardiness, a 5-point reduction in the student’s daily 20-point allotment will be applied. However, should tardiness become excessive, necessary disciplinary action will be taken by a referral at the director’s discretion to the administration of the school, and further reduction of these points will commence at the director’s discretion.

Organization 

“Organization” refers to a student’s ability to keep all necessary assignments, sheet music, their instrument, reeds, mouthpiece, case, and proper clothing for any instance of band rehearsal or performance, in and out of the classroom, as deemed necessary at the discretion of the director. 

This includes having the proper clothing for Concert Band, Marching Band, and any other band activity or event.

Not having their instrument, not having reeds, not having valve oil, or forgetting their pencil, notebook, or any other class and rehearsal-based necessity will result in a 5-point reduction for every instance of disorganization from the student’s overall grade allotment for that day.  

***It is incredibly important that both students and parents review the dress policies listed later in this handbook. These policies will be listed for both the Marching Band setting, and the Concert Band setting. It is incredibly important for the child’s grade that they abide by these dress codes.

Band carries with it a need to look and sound uniform. We have a saying…”50% of how you sound is HOW YOU LOOK.”

Failure to abide by the necessary dress code, as deemed by the director and outlined in this handbook, will result in a grade deduction, and further disciplinary action if deemed appropriate by the school administration. 

***Once again, please review all dress code policies for Football Games, Band Competitions, and Concert Performances listed later in this handbook!!!

***Furthermore, it is the expectation of the director that all necessary gear will be provided to the student by the student’s parents or guardians. If a student is constantly without his or her gear, as outlined in the description of each class of this handbook, the director will contact the parent. If deemed necessary at the director’s discretion, further action will be taken.

***If a child during the course of band camp is found to not have food, or to not have money to eat at concessions during football games or band competitions,  the director will ensure the child is fed, and will further contact the parent. Should further action be necessary, a report will be made to the proper school authorities.

***If a child is not picked up in a timely manner at the end of any and all band events, the parent will be contacted. Should neglect be evident, a report will be made through the proper authorities of the school.

 

Playing Quizzes

Another very important aspect of every student’s grade will be their ability to perform acceptably on playing tests.

As outlined in the first goal of the program, playing tests will be used as a means of assessing a student on their individual development as a musician on their respective instrument.

Playing tests will be appropriate to the individual student’s abilities, skills, and educational needs. Each test will be comprised of the following parts:

1. EXERCISES 
2. SCALES
3. EXCERPTS FROM CLASS REHEARSALS

 

 The student will be assessed within each category based on the following criteria:

1. TONE 
2. INTONATION
3. PITCH ACCURACY
4. RHYTHMIC ACCURACY
5. DYNAMIC INFLECTION

The rubric for playing tests will include 20 point allotment for each criteria that the test is being graded on (found above.) Students will be expected to utilize SmartMusic software found on the internet (every student will have an account created for them.) SmartMusic will guide the student in their practicing capabilities. Instructions for how to sign up for SmartMusic, and to utilize it, will be covered on the first and second day of classes.

There will be AT LEAST 1 playing test for every 9 weeks of class time. These tests will cover any and all material taught both in and out of the classroom environment in both classroom and after school rehearsals. Beginning Band students may opt out of any playing test and receive a free 100 if they choose to participate in the marching band or LGPE band.

***Adequate practice regiments must be established by both students and parents to ensure that your child will perform acceptably on these tests. Without DAILY practice at home, your child will not do well. Please ensure that your child is doing their school work as they would in any other class by encouraging them to practice their instrument at home!

 

***Playing tests will need to be done at home and submitted to the director via an electronic medium. This may include utilizing a smart music account, or making a video recording at home. Parents are encouraged to assist their students in this process.

 

A guide to how the recording should be structured will be released to the students and parents via the Band App, (please see sections of the handbook under “Communication.”)

 

A video recording following THE EXACT procedure listed on the playing test guide will be submitted via google drive. Please see the communication portion of this handbook for the director’s email address and other primary contact methods.

 

***FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE PLAYING TEST GUIDE WILL RESULT IN THE STUDENT HAVING TO RESUBMIT THE TEST!!!

 

Once the audio recording has been submitted, the director will grade the test OUTSIDE of the classroom and rehearsal timeframes. This allows for valuable rehearsal time to be preserved for every student, and for INDIVIDUAL assessment to occur after rehearsal hours. It also minimizes nervousness and test anxiety, as the student will have as many chances as they may need to perform the required material in a private setting without an audience.

Exceptions will be made for this only if the child and parent do not have internet access for financial reasons, in which case, a live playing test may be performed in the director’s presence at a time suitable for all parties.

***ALL PLAYING TEST GRADES ARE FINAL UPON SUBMISSION AND MAY NOT BE CHANGED AT ANY TIME AFTER THE SUBMISSION OF THE TEST!!! ALL DUE DATES ARE FINAL AND NON-NEGOTIABLE. 

Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis.

***Academic dishonesty of any kind regarding any part of this process will result in immediate disciplinary action by the school’s administration and immediate dismissal from the band program! 

Performance Attendance 

 

Performance attendance is Pass/Fail. If a student attends a band performance, they will receive a perfect 100 for that performance.

If the student is absent for any reason that DOES NOT constitute an EXCUSED ABSENCE as mentioned previously in this band handbook, they will receive a 0.

***It is incredibly important for the student’s grade that they attend all band performances!!! 

Missing a performance could single handedly undo ALL of the hard work put in by the students, parents, and staff leading up to that performance. It is UTTERLY unacceptable to punish other students who have worked VERY HARD by not attending. All performances will be listed on the performance calendar within the band website and the Band App, allowing PLENTY of time for families to prepare and prioritize these events.

The director asks for your understanding and commitment to this policy. Signing the acknowledgment form will document that you understand and accept these policies and necessary conditions for the proper functioning of a successful band program!

***Failure to appear at multiple performances will not only affect the student’s grade but will lead to REMOVAL from the band program at the discretion of the director.

As a family, we TRUST that you will attend our family events. We seek to build a relationship with all parents, staff, and students built on this principal of trust. 

 

Don’t let us down, and we will support you through all endeavors! 😊

 

 

COMMUNICATION

 

It is the assumption of the director that every question regarding band can be answered in the pages of this handbook. However, should further questions arise, please make sure you are registered for the following methods of mass communication.

 

The Band APP

This app can be found on any app store. It is free to download. On the app, you will see a facebook-like post feed.

A link to this app and to join our band can be found on our band website (see banner to the left)!

After you are registered using your child's LEGAL first and last name, you will gain access to our schedule, and will receive important updates throughout the course of the school year. Please reference this app daily, as it is our PRIMARY mode of communication. You may also message the director directly via this app (in a private message).

BAND CAMP DATES, CONCERT DATES, AND ALL OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION WILL BE FOUND HERE!

 

Director's email:

James.Weathers1@sccpss.com

 

Please email the director with any questions, comments, or concerns which may not have already been covered in this handbook!

 

 

Band Camp AND Marching Band

 

As previously mentioned, Band Camp is a "basic training" for all students wishing to enter high school band in the Fall.

***If you or your child DOES NOT WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN MARCHING BAND, you are encouraged to ONLY SIGN UP FOR BAND IN THE SPRING SEMESTERS.

However, all are highly encouraged to attend band camp in the summer! Though it may be hot outside, and physical activity may be taxing, it will ABSOLUTELY only serve to make your child a better musician! Please consider being in marching band and attending band camp!

DATES

The dates for band camp may be found on the Band App calendar under “events” along with the website calendar located on the banner to the left.

The entire band camp will last for two weeks. There may also be weekend drumline and Colorguard camps as needed throughout the summer. PLEASE CHECK THE BAND APP FOR THESE IMPORTANT DATES!!! 

FULL BAND CAMP DAILY SCHEDULE

 

9:00am - Full band reports to band room.

9:30am - Band reports to Cafeteria/Gym for basics block 

10:30am - Band reports to sectionals for music rehearsal with staff, Brass in Auditorium, Woodwinds in Chorus Room, Percussion in Band Room.

12:00pm - Lunch break - All students will eat in the hallway, all students must have a packed lunch for band camp.

12:30pm - Return to sectional locations

2:00pm - Full Ensemble rehearsal in the band room 

3:00pm - Drill setting with music in the Gym, Cafeteria, or Practice Field outside (it will be HOT…ALL STUDENTS must have a water container)

5:30pm - Rehearsal ends, band is dismissed to go home.

On the last day of band camp, there will be a Friends and Family show to show off these students' hard work! PLEASE CHECK THE BAND APP AND SCHEDULE FOR THIS EVENT!

The director recognizes this may seem like a lot. However, rest assured, band programs ACROSS THE NATION operate in just this fashion!

For students who maybe concerned about the rigors of band camp, please note that EVERYONE is afraid their first time out! The director remembers HIS first day of band camp as well. He was PETRIFIED!

However, the director has also NEVER seen anyone quit after the first 3 days. Nothing you will be asked to do here is impossible...everything will be designed to make you a better marcher, musician, and will help to build character traits like punctuality, respect for your peers, and will lead to LIFELONG friendships!

Band is one of the most SOCIAL activities in the school! You will find your people quickly, and you'll have the time of your life!

 

BAND CAMP PREPARATION

- Start going outside NOW. Don't show up to camp having sat inside all summer playing video games. Get your body accustomed to the heat! 

 

- DRINK LOT'S OF WATER!!! You will sweat a great deal. Please don't drink sodas and monster energy drinks all summer long! You will suffer if you do!

 

- Wear LIGHT COLORED, T SHIRTS AND SHORTS to band camp! As stated previously, you will do a lot of sweating! DON'T SHOW UP IN JEANS >:(

 

-Bring a WATER CONTAINER!!! Hydration is taken EXTREMELY SERIOUSLY by the director and staff! You will be asked to hydrate FREQUENTLY, so please have this ready to go!

 

*** Make sure you have signed all of your band paperwork (found on the band website) before band camp begins! Students who do not have proper paperwork on file WILL BE TURNED AWAY after the third day of camp.

 

LIST OF GEAR YOU WILL NEED FOR BAND CAMP:

 

Water Thermos (at least a half gallon)

Sunshades

Sunscreen

Bugspray 

Your Instrument with mouthpiece, reeds, and the like!

Three Ring Binder

Pencil

YOUR OWN LUNCH!!!

(very important)

LIGHT COLORED SHORT SLEEVE SHORT

SHORTS (NOT JEANS)

CLOSED SNEAKER/ATHLETIC SHOES

 

BAND FEES FOR THE 2025 MARCHING SEASON ARE $250

There is a $50 discount for all students who pay their fees in full by August 7th 2025

A payment schedule of $50 increments is found on the calendar for each due date for payment...both on the band app and the website calendar 

BAND FEES

 

Unfortunately, it is often the case that activities such as marching band are rarely funded properly at the administrative level by schools and districts. It is common practice for many of these programs to "pass on" the cost of many band-related activities onto the families of those involved in the form of Band Fees.

A Band Fee is a fee that every member of the marching band must pay in order to participate. This fee is to be paid in cash, check, or money order, and is to be collected by the booster president upon the first day of FULL band camp (please see the website and band app for this date). ***THIS FEE IS A PARTICIPATION FEE ONLY. YOU ARE NOT IN ANYWAY PURCHASING A GOOD OR SERVICE FROM THE SCHOOL, THE DISTRICT, OR THE BAND PROGRAM. IT IS 100% NON-REFUNDABLE UPON PAYMENT.

Please ensure that you and your child are aware of the time commitment marching band entails. Once you have paid this fee, if your child should decide that they no longer wish to participate in band, your money will not be refunded.

 

***It is imperative that all band fee payments are made on time. If experiencing financial difficulty, please reach out to the director.

Alternative payment options, and payment dates, can be worked out! It will be on a case by case basis, and will require you to REACH OUT to the director via the band app or email IN ADVANCE of the initial due date! The director NEVER wishes for anyone to be denied participation due to financial hardship and will make EVERY EFFORT to meet each family's needs through the course of this fee payment.

 

BAND FEE BREAKDOWN 

The director understands the hardship that this fee may impose upon families wishing to participate in band. Continued work with the administration, boosters, and fundraising efforts throughout the year will be put into place to try and eliminate this unfortunate reality entirely. But until that time, this is how the band fee will be calculated from year to year. Contact the director via the band app for alternative payment options if experiencing financial hardships!

 

Cost of licensure for the halftime show + Cost of paying Staff through Band Camp + Cost of shirts, 

color guard gear, backdrops, additional props + Cost of transportation + Cost of Paying Staff 

remaining with us through marching season = Total/Projected Number of Band Students

 

The above will yield the overall Band Fee for Marching Season. The exact figures of this calculation will be posted to the band website for anyone’s review.

 

Please consult the band paperwork for a full breakdown in fees for the season. 

Make sure all band payments are made on time via the appropriate links on our website!

 

 

SUMMER HEAT/INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

 

The director and Staff will be familiar with the symptoms of heat stroke prior to band camp beginning, and EVERY EFFORT will be made to protect students from unfavorable rehearsal conditions as it applies to extreme heat and inclement weather.

The Georgia High School Association's guidelines for outdoor activities will be followed. Here is a link for your review:

https://www.ghsa.net/sites/default/files/documents/sports-medicine/PracticePolicyHeatHumidity2019.pdf

Never in the director's 15-year band career has anyone at any band camp, including drum corps (which is like band camp only MUCH more intense) in which he has been in attendance, ever suffered serious medical injuries or heat stroke.

All of the activities you or your child will be participating in will be achievable, rarely would a band rehearsal ever compare to football conditioning in physical demand.

Should the wet bulb reach 86 or higher, indoor rehearsal facilities will be utilized. Should inclement weather arise through the course of rehearsal, rehearsal will cease immediately, and students will be ushered to a safe environment.

If lightning strikes within 10 miles of a rehearsal location, rehearsal will be postponed until 30 minutes after the last strike.

Band camp and Marching Band is a voluntary activity at school. It is not required in any way to graduate high school. Should you and your child choose to be a part of the band program, this will carry certain risks.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY POLICY

 

***It is the policy of the director and staff to call 911 immediately should a medical emergency arise. A medical emergency will be determined at the director's discretion. The student will be released to first responders and the parent will be notified. The student will be escorted by the director or staff member in the ambulance to the hospital/medical facility. Upon the parent or guardian's arrival at the facility, the student will be released to the care and supervision of the medical staff, parent, or guardian on hand.

 

Students who are perpetually sitting out from rehearsal due to stomach aches, ankle sprains, or non-life-threatening medical issues will need to supply sufficient medical documentation for these chronic conditions along with all other band forms at the beginning of band camp.

If a student does not have medical documentation of a chronic illness or condition on file, and does not appear to be in severe pain, nor does he or she show any other symptoms of a medical emergency, the student will be asked to continue participation in rehearsal/band camp.

***If the student fails to comply, their parents will be notified immediately, and they will no longer be allowed participation in rehearsal for that day.

 

If the student has a documented condition on file, accommodations will be made for that student.

If any student is experiencing a true medical emergency, such as bleeding, extreme pain, or trouble breathing, PLEASE NOTIFY THE NEAREST STAFF MEMBER IMMEDIATELY so that emergency services may be contacted.

 

If you're hurting, please let us know. Every student's safety is the highest priority of the staff and director.

 

 

REHEARSAL, GAME, AND COMPETITION SCHEDULE

 

All rehearsals, performances, competitions, games, and parades will be on the band calendar found on our website and on the Band App. Please see "Communication.”

 

Marching Band will rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 3:00pm until 5:45pm every week.

Friday night football games may occur throughout the season on most weeks starting in September. Home Games will end around 10pm, and Away Games will last longer due to transportation time. All students will be instructed to contact their parents/guardians upon completing a game.

 

***Students must be picked up from games and after school events in a reasonable timeframe. If students are not afforded a reliable means of transportation by their parents or guardians, a report will be made to the school social worker.

 

Band competitions will occur on most Saturdays in October. The same rules apply for these events as they do with football games.

 

***Please check the band app, and get registered for the Band Remind, to stay up to date on all of the important times and locations for your child while they participate in band!

 

 

VOLUNTEERS AND THE BAND BOOSTERS

 

All parents are highly encouraged to attend one of our monthly booster meetings, and to become a part of the band army of parental volunteers!

 

Parents will be needed to man concession stands, to chaperone band trips, to help supply water for football games and marching band rehearsals, to move equipment to and from locations, and to cheer and support for what will hopefully be one of the best musical ensembles in the area!

 

Please check the band app for all band booster dates and contact information!

 

 

Concert Bands

 

While all wind players will be in 4th block band, all percussionists will be in 2nd block percussion ensemble, this does not mean that all students in each of those courses will be in the same ensembles!

Depending on numbers from year to year, we may have two seperate concert wind bands consisting of the following:

New Hampstead High School Beginning Band  

New Hampstead High School Wind Ensemble 

New Hampstead High School Percussion Ensemble 

 

Beginning Band

The NHHS Beginning Band will be the ensemble that all brand new students who did not attend band camp will participate in. The group will also consist of upperclassmen, and will range from all grades 9-12, depending on the year and requirements of the ensemble.

There will not be a set instrumentation for the ensemble, ALL STUDENTS regardless of audition or ensemble are encouraged to participate in this wind band. 

The NHHS Beginning Band  will rehearse repertoire during 1st block of each day of the week while classes are in session to prepare music for the following performances:

The Holiday Concert (November/December)...students who choose to participate in this with the Wind Ensemble will be given 100s for each playing test that occurs during this timeframe. They will have to attend after school rehearsals and the performance.

LGPE…students who choose to participate will be given 100s for all playing tests.

The Spring Concert…students who choose to participate will be given 100s for all playing tests.

 

Students and parents must register for the band app the same as marching band students, and will receive important updates through those methods of communication throughout the year. 

 

NHHS Symphonic Wind Ensemble

The NHHS Wind Ensemble is the top performing wind ensemble at NHHS. This group will consist of ALL students who have been playing their instruments for a while, attended band camp, and have a passion and drive for music and playing their instrument.

There will be a SPECIFIC list of instruments for this ensemble consisting of the following…this is the GOAL each year.

1 Piccolo (students will “take turns” from piece to piece playing piccolo in the flute section)

3 Flutes

6 Clarinets

1 Bass Clarinet

4 Saxophones

1 Baritone Saxophone

6 Trumpets

4 French Horns

3 Trombones 

2 Euphoniums

2 Tubas

5 percussion (only to meet with the group after school)

Audition requirements will be based on instrumentation requirements from year to year, a student’s previous experience with the ensemble, and of course the musical excellence found in the audition. PLAYING IN THE NHHS WIND ENSEMBLE IS A PRIVILEGE FOR EVERY STUDENT INVOLVED, NOT A RIGHT. Each student will be expected to “earn their seat” in this group through continued success on playing tests and the like.

Students who do not practice their repertoire at home will not have success in this group. Any student who does not regularly demonstrate commitment to this expectation will be replaced by another student willing to commit to the ensemble’s expectations.

 

NHHS WIND ENSEMBLE CHAIR AUDITIONS

As stated previously in this handbook, there will be regular playing tests issued to the members of the NHHS Wind Ensemble through the school year. These tests will be graded based on the rubric provided previously in this handbook.

The first playing test of the Spring semester will also serve as the chair placement for the group. Students who scored highest on the test will be 1st chair, 2nd highest 2nd, and so on.

It will be imperative that we have a skilled, experienced musician ON EACH PART on EACH PIECE...chair placement auditions allow the director to effectively distribute the parts across the ensemble in the most efficient and sonorous way, setting the ensemble up for success at LGPE and the like. Students are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to practice for these chair placements, but to NOT BE DISCOURAGED because they didn’t get 1st chair. It’s simply a measure for instrumentation and seating purposes and nothing more. EVERY STUDENT has their own strengths they can bring to the table in every concert cycle!

 

NHHS WIND ENSEMBLE AND WIND SYMPHONY

Likewise, this ensemble will also meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:45pm until 4:30pm. These after school rehearsals are required and demonstrate the nature of the band class...co-curricular activities and electives such as band have after school requirements that are factored into the student’s grade during the class day. 

 

NHHS PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE

As mentioned previously in this handbook, the percussion ensemble is composed of all of the students in 2nd block percussion class.

This ensemble will learn and rehearse warm ups, exercises, wind band repertoire, and percussion ensemble repertoire consisting of grade 2 through grade 4 literature.

Members of this percussion ensemble will also be selected to participate in CERTAIN after school rehearsals with the NHHS Wind Symphony on Monday afternoons from 2:45pm to 4:30pm AS NEEDED leading up to a concert. This will include the dress rehearsal.

Likewise, all percussion ensemble students will be expected to attend certain after school rehearsals through the season.

 

 

CONCLUSION

 

Once again, thank you for allowing your child to participate in the band programs here! We are very fortunate to have you on board with us through the season!

ALL STUDENTS MUST READ OUR MARCHING AND CONCERT BAND STUDENT HANDBOOK ALSO FOUND ON THE BAND WEBSITE!

 

Please do not hesitate to contact the director with any questions or points of clarification you may have or need. 

 

James.Weathers1@sccpss.com

 

If you have downloaded the band app, I believe that as the season progresses, you will feel VERY well informed in what is going on with your child with regards to band.

 

Please keep this handbook as a reference. Hopefully, every point of clarification has been made, and we can move forward together to build a fantastic instrumental music program together.

 

The website in which you found this handbook will include lots of other information, and students will be asked to reference the website daily using their phones or other devices.  

 

Stay tuned on the band app for any and all updates!