University Marching Band

Course Description:  Marching Band is a one credit-hour course.  All members of the Marching Band receive a scholarship, regardless of their major area of study.  Two semesters of Marching Band substitute for one Kinesiology course.  Four semesters of Marching Band substitute for the entire Kinesiology requirement.  Students receive an MSU Band letter jacket at the beginning of their fourth year in Marching Band. 

Course Objectives:  At all times we must strive to please the audience. They enjoy seeing unfolding designs, sharp individual appearance, marching precision, and hearing good music well performed. 

Required and Suggested Texts:  There are no required texts.  Students are expected to provide white cotton gloves and approved white marching shoes.  Tennis shoes are not appropriate marching shoes.  Students are expected to wear appropriate shoes to rehearsals.  Flip flops and sandals are not marching shoes. 

Weekly Rehearsal Schedule: Monday, Wednesday and Friday,  2:00pm-2:50 pm and Tuesday evenings from 6:00-9:00 p.m.

We DO permit students to be in the Marching Band and attend rehearsals two times each week if the student has a conflict between a scheduled Marching Band rehearsal time and another scheduled class (such as a lab).  In this case, please enroll the student in the other course first.  They can always add marching band during the first few days of class.  The computer will not take both courses at the same time unless the enrollment form is signed “time conflict OK”.  You may sign the enrollment form “time conflict OK” to the right of Marching Band for those students with a conflict if you wish.  Or Dr. Archambo or Mr. Black can sign an add form to put Marching Band on the schedule during add week in August. 

There are NO weekend rehearsals for Marching Band.  We meet only at the regularly scheduled rehearsal times.  Because of scheduling this Fall, we play for six home football games.   

Performance Attendance:  Students are expected to be punctual and attend all scheduled performances.  Work is not an acceptable conflict.  Students can receive an Authorized Absence from a performance for exceptional circumstances by discussing the absence with the Band Directors well in advance of the performance.           

Attendance Policy:  Students are expected to be in class.  There will be 4 days of pre-band rehearsals.  Students are expected to miss no more than 3 class periods for any reason.   

Grading.  Attendance, preparation, commitment, dedication, and attitude are the primary means of determining student grades.  The instructor reserves the right to add, adjust, or cancel rehearsals as the course progresses.   No changes will be made to the rehearsal or performance schedule without adequate advance notice.  The directors will do everything possible to not make changes to the schedule.

Conduct Statement:  College students are adults and are expected to behave accordingly.

Academic Dishonesty Statement:  Academic Dishonesty: Cheating, collusion, and plagiarism (the act of using source material of other persons, either published or unpublished, without following the accepted techniques of crediting, or the submission for credit of work not the individual’s to whom credit is given).  Additional guidelines on procedures in these matters may be found in the Dean of Students’ Office.  Cheating includes, but is not limited to: (1) use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; (2) dependence upon the aid

of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; or (3) the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the university faculty or staff.  The term “plagiarism” includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and

clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.  The term “collusion” means collaboration with another person in preparing work offered for credit of that collaboration is not authorized by the faculty member in charge.

Student Honor Creed:  "As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."  As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception.  Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters.  We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student.  We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed.  Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Special Needs Statement:  Students with a disability must be registered with Disability Support Services before classroom accommodations can be provided.  If you have a documented disability that will impact your work in this class, please contact me to discuss your needs.  Disability Support Services is located in the Clark Student Center, Room 168.  They may also be contacted at 397-4140.

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information that needs sharing, or if you need special accommodations in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with the professor as soon as possible.

Student Privacy Statement:  Federal privacy law prohibits me from releasing information about students to certain parties outside of the university without the signed consent of the student.  Thus, in almost all cases I will not discuss your academic progress or other matters with your parents.  Please do not have them call me.  Regardless of these important legal considerations, it is my general policy to communicate with the students, not their parents, even when a student has signed a consent form. 

The System+ Spirit = Success:  The Systemis a term used by Dr. Gary Smith.  It is our way of doing things.  The System is our way of organization, procedures, activities, philosophies, teaching methods, marching and playing style, and policies.  Spirit represents how the band members react to The System.  It includes your work ethic, good attitudes, commitment, responsibility, dependability, and hard work.  When both The System and Spirit are outstanding, Success follows.  Success is measured by the progress the band makes.  By-products of Success are Pride, Enthusiasm, Discipline, and Dedication.  There is no shortcut and no other way to achieve Pride, Enthusiasm, Discipline, and Dedication.

Leadership and Respect:  The most successful leader is one who has earned the respect of fellow band members.  Respect is achieved over a period of time, after displaying such virtues as patience, honesty, enthusiasm, maturity, hard work, responsibility, integrity, compassion, and organization.  The most successful leader leads by example--is willing to be the first one at rehearsal and the last one to leave--is always prepared to do much more than is asked--is always ready to solve problems. 

Motivation:  People cannot be motivated by other people;  they motivate themselves, usually resulting from positive experiences.  Therefore, the ultimate goal of a good leader should be to provide positive and successful experiences for as many individuals as possible.

Problem Solving:  Leaders focus on solutions, not problems.  As problems arise, leaders must find solutions.  Conflicts are caused by quick and careless decisions, misunderstandings or poor communication.  Good leaders are sensitive to other people’s feelings and are cautious about prejudging motives of undesirable behavior.  

The Individual:  Every single member of the band is just as important as any other.  The newest freshman is just as important as any senior.  The Band is only as good as its weakest player and will make the most progress by bringing up the performance level of everyone.  Everyone is equal and makes a contribution in some way.

Student Staff:  Much of the success of the Band is in the hands of the student staff and the band’s student leaders.  The Band has 4-6 paid student staff positions each semester.  These students work for the band from 5 to 20 hours each week for minimum wage.  The student staff does all of the music library work, setting up for rehearsals, moving a lot of equipment, all of the band office work, and much, much more.  New students are hired as staff positions open up, usually at the beginning of each semester.   

Student Leaders:  Student leaders are selected by each section, if the section chooses.  The reasoning behind this is that every group needs someone to step up and help, and the members of the section are the best at defining who can do that well.  The selection of the student leader is based on many factors, some of which are experience, musicality, dependability, personality, maturity, leadership, and commitment to the band.  The student leaders is responsible for all part assignments (see Music Part Assignments), solo assignments within the section, helping take care of attendance at rehearsals and performances for their section, making sure their section is set and ready for each rehearsal, calling and leading sectionals as needed, bringing equipment problems to the attention of the directors, and most importantly, working together with other student leaders, the drum major, and the directors to keep all band activities positive and rewarding for everyone. 

Music part assignments and solo assignments are made by the student leaders.  Music folders are initially prepared with all of one part in them--i.e., a Trumpet 2 folder contains all Trumpet 2 parts.  It is the responsibility of the members of each section to insure that all students in the section who want to play principal parts are provided with the opportunity and the music.  Student leaders will move music from one player to another during the week of pre-band to balance the amount of first-part playing among the section members.   Two factors influence part assignments:  1)  Because our band plays so much of the time at games and other activities, it is important that we spread out the demanding high parts among those students who are capable of playing them, and 2) because so many of our band members were principal players in their high-school bands and are used to playing first parts, we have to utilize the skills of everyone and permit all players to play the top parts.  Just remember that every part is equally important.  If you wish to play more of a particular part, talk to your section members.

Drum Major:  The Drum Major is selected by the Band Directors when a vacancy occurs.  Selection of the drum major is based on the same criteria as for other student leaders with special emphasis placed on the respect the student holds with other band members.  When a vacancy occurs, all band members will be invited to apply for the position of Drum Major. 

University Owned Instruments:  A number of University-owned instruments are available for use each semester.  These instruments are checked out to students without cost to the student.  You will sign for the instrument and are expected to return the instrument in the same condition in which it was checked out.  The University will pay for normal maintenance of the instrument while it is in the care of the student.  If a University instrument is stolen or lost, you will be expected to reimburse the cost of the instrument to the University.  University instruments are not insured.  Students are encouraged to have the instrument added to their own insurance policy if possible.  Students will take extra precautions to prevent intentional or accidental damage to the instrument.

Uniforms:  Every member of the Marching Band is issued a complete uniform to be used during the marching season.  You will sign a form showing receipt of a complete uniform.  Students will be asked to take the appropriate care of the uniform and will be required to pay the replacement cost of lost or substantially damaged uniforms.  Students will need to provide white marching shoes, white socks, and white gloves.  A special, white, band t-shirt will be given out this fall.  These shirts usually have some type of logo representing this year's show.  Students must wear the white t-shirt under the uniform.  Shoes and gloves should be clean and white and reflect the pride you have in your band.  Uniforms may be altered on the condition that the material is tucked under and not cut under any circumstances.  You will be asked to have sleeve and pant length corrected in this manner.

Specific Band Rules:  Over the last twenty years, we have adopted a few rules that make the marching band experience better for band members and for the audience.

BALLCAPS.  Band members in uniform are permitted to wear MSU logo ballcaps only. 

PEOPLE IN STANDS.  Non-band members are not permitted inside the band in the stands during the first, second, or fourth quarters.  You may sit with your friend if you sit on the end of the row and they sit outside you.

UNIFORMS.  The complete uniform must be worn at all times unless it is designated that jackets may be removed. 

 NON-BAND MEMBERS.  Other people are not permitted to play our instruments.  Never permit someone outside the band to play your instrument. Other people are not permitted to play with our band.  If they want to play, let them join the band and practice             as hard as we do.

IN THE STANDS.  Please stay in your section during the game.  You may leave to get a drink or go to the bathroom at any time, but must return immediately to your section.        Please do not have more than one person gone from each section at a time.

HAIR.  Hair should be placed up into the hat while performing on the field.

BAND CHEERS.  All band cheers must be approved by the directors.  At no time does anyone in the MSU Band uniform yell profanity or offensive cheers.  The MSU Band does not perform 'Nuts and Bolts'.  Remember, something that is not offensive to us might be offensive to someone's mother, and someone's mother will judge all of us on the behavior of just one or two.

COATS.  We may not wear jackets or coats over the uniform.  For games in cold weather, plan on wearing warm clothing under the uniform.  We will have band jackets for sale before the end of the season and you MAY wear the band jacket over your uniform in the stands.

SMOKING.  Memorial stadium is a smoke-free facility.  At other times, smoking is permitted in uniform if you find an out-of-the-way place to do it--never in public view. 

 ALCOHOL.  Band members may not drink or use stimulants the day of a performance before or     during any performance.  The rule is simple--if you smell like alcohol or act impaired in any way, you will be asked to leave and check in the uniform.  The use of alcohol on University sponsored trips--where lodging and travel expenses are paid by the University--is prohibited.  Alcohol is never permitted on University owned or leased vehicles (buses).  Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at any official band function or party.  If the function is advertised to the entire band or information about the function is placed on the chalkboard or posted in the band hall--it is an official function and alcohol is not permitted. 

NOISE.  We play together and do not make noise with our instruments or practice in public.  Playing on your own in the stands is not permitted. 

SUNGLASSES.  Normal size sunglasses of a neutral color are permitted. 

Ready-to-go Time:  The ready-to-go time in the schedule means at the stadium in the arc.  Prior to some home games, the band plays for the Kiowa Kooks/University tailgate party. Dress for the tailgate parties is full uniform without hat or gloves.  The pit does not have to participate in tailgate parties.  We meet in an arc outside the West side of the stadium for pre-game.  Please arrive at the stadium in time to place your cases, hats, gloves, and personal belongings in the stands.  Bring just your music to the arc.  The band marches onto the field (no hats or gloves) to play the pre-game ceremony.  The pre-game ceremony consists of:

            Enter the field to percussion

            Star-Spangled Banner

            MSU Alma Mater

            Cadence into Flying M

            Roll Off/Fight Song

            March off of the field to Cadence

Before Rehearsal Sports:  Please use the time before rehearsals to prepare for the rehearsal and not play football, Frisbee, soccer, etc. on the practice field.  The time just before and at the beginning of each rehearsal is the most important time because it sets the atmosphere of learning for the entire rehearsal.  In addition, it is the time when the truck arrives and many students are working hard to prepare the pit, field markers, sound system, podium, etc. for the rehearsal.  If you have the time before rehearsals, then we ask you to help the band in this important time.  Feel free to remain after rehearsals and play sports on the practice field.

Drill Charts:  Everyone in the band will receive a drill chart and an assigned number for the drill.  You will keep the same number for the entire drill.  There are no alternates.  Everyone gets assigned to the drill.  Please take this into consideration at the very beginning of the semester.  We don’t like to march holes.