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SGHS Band Syllabus

2025-2026 South Greene Marching Band Handbook


Contact Information: 


Course Objective:


The objective of marching band at South Greene is not only to put on high-quality performances on the football field and in the marching stands, but also to enrich the lives of all band members, school members, and community members alike. Through hardwork and dedication to the marching craft, we help cultivate the minds of students through the marching arts. 


Rules and Procedures:


  • Check the board for assignments, times, announcements  
  • Shoes and socks must be worn for all outside rehearsals  
  • Wear the proper clothing for rehearsals and performance  
  • Gum is not permitted in rehearsal or the band room  
  • You must wear your uniform properly at all times  
  • No hats or sunglasses inside the building  
  • Be in your seat or assigned area on time with all materials  
  • Food and drink are not permitted in the band room  
  • Respect yourself, authority and others, including personal property  
  • A band member will wear no exposed jewelry while in uniform. Small earrings are acceptable and class rings.  
  • Drinking, smoking and drugs are STRICTLY PROHIBITED. All SGHS policies regarding such are in force during any band activity  
  • Students are to remain with the band after games and will dismiss as a group  
  • Any vandalism to instruments, purposely or not, will be paid for by the perpetrator, and may result in dismissal from the band program at director’s discretion.  
  • Fundraising materials will be collected by booster club officers or turned into Mr. Frederick in a sealed envelope with student’s name written on it

Discipline:


Because of the nature of the organization, band discipline must be strict. Band students and parents must believe in the ideals, principles and philosophy of the organization. Each member must always be aware of good behavior and think for himself. Any misconduct casts a bad light on the school, community and band program. Any member that casts discredit to the organization by his/her conduct or actions in band, in another class, or on a trip shall be subject to dismissal from the band program or may lose a privilege within the program. 



Expectations:


  • All students must be at all marching band events. If a student is sick and unable to attend an event, documentation must be presented to Mr. Frederick. In the case of a family emergency, the student’s legal guardian must notify Mr. Frederick, not the student. 

  • All students are expected to listen and follow directions from Mr. Frederick, Miss B, band staff, student leadership, and band parents. All of these individuals are here to help but if you believe there is any sort of misconduct or overstepping of authority, please see Mr. Frederick or your school principal.

  • Wherever we go, you are representing not only the band but your school, community, and yourself. If a student is unable to hold themself in high regard and represent the band appropriately, they will be asked to no longer represent the band in the community. This is a zero tolerance policy. 

  • Students are expected to put forth the effort to succeed in marching band. We will teach you, you just need to be willing to learn. 

  • Parents and guardians are expected to support their students. This can be done by coming and helping out, supporting fundraising events, or by any means that Mr. Frederick or Miss B ask for assistance. 

Financial Commitment:


Other than the football team and possibly the basketball team, the band has one of the largest budgets in the school. From instrument repairs to purchasing of new music to food on Friday’s before games, it takes a considerable amount of money to operate. That is why it is so important everyone not only participates in fundraisers but also pays the fair share fee. The fee is $80 and covers the student’s band shirt and meals before football games. It is so important to have these fees from every student. 


Fundraising:


In an effort to purchase new uniforms, instruments, and general repairs, fundraising is a must for us. During the fall we will have the following:


  • Pizza Inn Night (November)
  • Calendar Fundraiser (September-January)
  • Band Bazaar (1st Saturday in April)

It is so important that we have 100% participation in these fundraisers so we can reach our goals of new uniforms and instruments. Ask anyone to support!


Parent Responsibilities:


It is the responsibility of every parent and guardian to see that the policies outlined in the HANDBOOK are followed. This states that you UNDERSTAND the policies and any questions are to be directed to the director. Each parent IS responsible for the attendance of their child at all band functions. It is the responsibility of each parent to see that their child practices daily. The hands of the directors are tied without the support and help of parents. 


How Parents Can Help:


When a “band question” arises, it is important that you get factual information before discussing it with others. We do more harm to ourselves, the band family, when we talk about things that contain one or more “falsehoods” but consider them facts. If questions arise, it is important to remember this axiom: If it is a performance issue or anything dealing with band and students, contact Mr. Frederick. If it is a fundraising question or dealing with parent volunteer issues, talk with the booster club president.


  • Show an interest in the music study of your child  
  • Arrange time for your child to practice  
  • Stay current on your “fair share”  
  • Keep instruments in good repair, reeds and purchase a metronome!  
  • Be extra careful with school owned instruments. Repairs are expensive  
  • Teach your child to be responsible and on time  
  • Come support your child at performances  
  • Notify the director if student is going to be absent  
  • Visit rehearsal  
  • Attend booster meetings  
  • Turn in fundraising money on time

Grading Policy:


  • Exams (Both playing and written exams): 30%
  • Assignments (Both in-class and out of class): 30%
  • Participation: 10%
  • Concert Attendance (Football games, competitions, parades, Winter Concert): 30%

Band Camp:


Band camp is required for all marching band students. If a student is unable to attend a certain day(s) of camp, Mr. Frederick needs to be notified before the start of camp. Band camp dates for the 2025 season are June 23-27 and July 28-August 1, 8:30am - 4:30pm. On Friday, June 27, we will have a cookout for all marching band students. Friday, August 1, we will have a parent performance at 5:00pm. 


After School Rehearsals:


Students are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances. Please see attendance policy. After School rehearsal will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-5:30pm. Special rehearsals are scheduled before marching competitions. See schedule for details. If a student has missed too much rehearsal, the director reserves the right to not let the student perform until he/she can learn the new material. The band director will determine. If a student is absent from school on the day of an after school rehearsal, this does not automatically excuse the student for that afternoon. Someone must contact Mr. Frederick at the band office, 423-636-3790 ext. 8029. Do not leave a message with another student.



Football Games: 


  • Report time for all games will be announced on Thursday prior to the game.  
  • Students should wear proper uniforms. No sunglasses, ball caps etc. All uniform procedures apply.  
  • For home games, students will be dismissed from the band room after clean up and announcements.  For away games, students will be dismissed after all unloading of equipment has occurred and announcements are made.  
  • When marching to and from the stadium, the band will remain at ATTENTION. When you have class, IT SHOWS! – when you don’t, IT SHOUTS!  
  • When in uniform, always behave with class.  
  • Only uniformed band members are allowed in the band section.  
  • Alumni may visit but not stay within the block of the band.  
  • Stay in your section of the band and do not move around.  
  • Be ready to play your instrument when a tune is called out.  
  • All members are to remain in their “section.” No music will be played unless approved by directors.  
  • Members will have the 3rd quarter off. All food and drink must be consumed during this time. No drinks or candy will be allowed in the block during performance times.  
  • Always be ready!  
  • No one leaves the band without permission of the directors.

Band Traveling:


  • If a conversation can be heard in the front of the bus, it is TOO LOUD!  
  • There will be no hanging out of windows.  
  • When we depart from SGHS, we will go to quiet/silent bus  
  • When approaching schools or stadiums, we will go to quiet/silent bus  
  • Please keep the bus clean. Pick up after yourselves.  
  • Listen to instructions from the bus driver and chaperones.  
  • All students travel with the band to location. If a student will be riding home with parents, etc – a travel dismissal form must be turned in to the band office prior to the date of travel. 

Competitions:


Competitions are special events where we get to perform for a large audience and very competent judges. We are there to do our best – not to win!! If we do our best, then everything will take care of itself. Specific information is given prior to competition as to directions, departure and anticipated return time. All parents are encouraged to attend and support the band. Students can call from the bus to let parents know specific arrival times. An arrival time will be given on schedule. Parents, please be prompt as possible. 


Band Room Procedures:


The use of the band facilities before, after and during school is a privilege. Students should only be in the band room when a director or staff is present. This is for your protection and the protection of our instruments/room. 

  1. No outside students will be permitted in the band room except for business with the directors. 
  2. No horseplay in or around the room. 
  3. All percussion and guard equipment is off limits to anyone not specifically designed to use them. 
  4. No storing of personal belongings in the storage area or band room. Items left will be trashed. 
  5. No student should be in the band office unless with a director or prior permission. 
  6. Only bottled water is permitted in rehearsals. 
  7. Students are not to use computer, or any equipment unless given specific permission from the directors (sound, etc) 
  8. No student can remain on school grounds between school and night rehearsal unless supervised by a teacher.

Rehearsal Procedures:


  • You must be in your seat, with instrument, music, pencil and accessories 90 seconds after the bell rings. This includes percussion.  
  • Announcements will be made at the beginning and end of class. Look to the board for that day’s activity.  
  • Talking is not tolerated during a rehearsal.  
  • The purpose of rehearsal is for you to learn the parts of others and how they relate to yours, not to learn your individual music!  
  • If you must leave your seat for any reason, please just ask. Restroom breaks should be taken between classes.  
  • We play together – no playing out of turn or during instruction. 

Materials:


Each student should have the following items in class everyday:  

  • A sharpened pencil  
  • Your instrument, sticks, mallets, accessories  
  • Music and folder  
  • At least 2 reeds (clarinets and saxophones, nothing less than a 3)  
  • Percussion – two pairs of proper sticks 

Independent Practice:


As with any activity, you get out of it what you put into it! Band will not be rewarding unless you practice! There are many values in the study of music as a discipline that transfers to other areas of your life. Although this will not immediately happen, persistent practice will lead to enthusiastic, driven practice. Here is a suggested play of study: 

  • Pick a set time each day and place 
  • Stretch and do breathing exercises prior to playing 
  • Use our daily warm up routine 
  • Play some form of scales at every practice session 
  • Take a break every 20 mins 
  • Work on technique (articulations, accents) 
  • Sight read 
  • Be musical and use a tuner and metronome 
  • Work dynamics ( ppp to fff ) 

School Owned Instrument Policy:


Each student who uses a school-owned instrument is completely responsible for the care of the instrument. If an instrument is damaged due to negligence, the student will be responsible for the entire cost of the repair or replacement. All students and parents will sign a contract that will include an explanation of expectations, and replacement cost. Brass players and woodwind players are required to have their own mouthpieces. Marching percussionists have an extra $50 fee that covers 2 pairs of sticks/bass drum mallets and a set of heads at the beginning of the season (summer) and one set during competition season. Any other head or mallet that is damaged must be paid for by the student. 


Dismissal from Band:


Student can be dismissed from the band program by the band directors for the following:

  • Drug/substance use or abuse with the band  
  • Excessive attendance issues, chronic absenteeism  
  • Absent from performance  
  • Defiance towards directors/staff/chaperones  
  • Verbal disrespect towards directors and others  
  • Cyber bullying  
  • Fighting  
  • Intentional destruction of property

All decisions are made by the band directors to ensure the general welfare of the band program, safety of the students, and promotion of South Greene High School and Greene County Schools.


Schedule of Events: 


June: First week of band camp. Last week of June.


July: Second week of band camp. Last week of July.


August: Football Games

School Starts

After school rehearsals


September: Football Games

Competition Season Starts

After school rehearsals

Fundraiser


October: Football Games

Competitions

Homecoming

After school rehearsals


November: Football Playoffs

Veterans Day Performances


December: Christmas Parade

Winter Concert


March: Universal Trip


*Band booster meetings on the 4th Tuesday of every month.*


*Specific dates will be posted to the events tab on the Band App.*