FHUHS Fine Arts

Policies and Procedures

PERMISSION FORM

Participation in band events requires completion of a current permission/medical form. Please return the form as soon as possible. This form is valid for both band and chorus.

Click here for the Permission Form

LOCKERS

All instruments (except large percussion) must be stored in the hallway music lockers. ?��All instruments?�� includes large wind instruments such as the Tuba, Baritone Saxophones, etc. The band room is used through out the day by a number of different groups and it is not safe to leave instruments unattended. Since maintaining a working instrument is part of your rehearsal grade failing to lock up your instrument after rehearsal will result in lower grade for that day?��s rehearsal. At the end of last year I did have a student steal the screws from a baritone saxophone. This could have been avoided if the instrument had been locked up.

Percussionists are responsible for cleaning their area after each rehearsal and returning the percussion accessory instruments to the percussion cabinet.

I promise to give the students a few minutes to properly stack their stand and lock up their instruments before the end of the period.

FOLDERS

Each student will have one formal black folder. Students may share a folder during rehearsals but each student is responsible for maintaining their own folder so they are able to practice at home. Students will be graded periodically on how well they have maintained their folder. I will grade them on whether they have each piece we are working on in their folder and if they have a pencil.

Folder Grade = All of the music + A pencil

SECTION PLACEMENT

I have found that students for the most part can handle deciding who plays what parts on their own. This does not always work out and if I see a need for a change I will make the change with interest of the band?��s sound in mind. If you feel that this is not working in your section and you desire that parts be assigned differently please let me know in private. I will not tell the band who requested a change but I will have a play off amongst the members of the section. The section will then be reorganized based on how well each member played the solo.

SOLOS

Solos will be assigned by Mr. Lenox. Solos will go to the player who can perform the solo the best. Some times if a section has several solos I may spread the solos out amongst the able players. If there are several able players I will use an audition to narrow down the list and be objective. If you feel that the solo distribution is unfair please let me know your feelings.

TRANSPORTATION

The band travels by bus several times during the year. It is the school?��s policy that students NEVER drive themselves to band events taking place off campus. If a parent wants to provide transportation to or from an event Mr. Lenox needs a note from the parent stating that they are transporting the student to or from the event.

Please keep in mind that it is complicated keeping track of 60 high school students, especially when the number of students going and coming back varies. Your help and consideration in keeping this organized would be greatly appreciated. I have also learned that the more chaperones the better. If you ever want to travel with us on the bus all you need do is volunteer. J

Dropping Students Off in Orwell

Sometimes the band travels through Orwell on our way back to Fair Haven after an event. Students may be dropped off in the center of Orwell ONLY if I have letter from the parents stating that they desire their student be dropped off. It is best if I know of the drop off prior to the event so I may discuss it with bus drivers.

Behavior on the Bus

FHUHS has one of the best staff of bus drivers I have ever encountered. Hanging out on the bus during band trips are some of my fondest high school memories, but please don?��t ever let your good time turn into more work and frustration for our outstanding bus drivers. Never get too loud, stand up while the bus is driving, or damage the bus in any way. Always pick up after yourself!!!

I will allow food on the bus as long as there is no evidence of the food after the trip.

FLAG LINE / BANNER CARRIERS

The flag line is coached by Miss Dudley. Students interested in participating should contact her. Any student in the band who wants to participate in the flag line should contact Mr. Lenox as well. I may allow a flute to participate in the flag line, while I may not allow our only tuba player to twirl. J

Two banner carriers are needed to hold the sign identifying the FHUHS Band.

WEDNESDAY CHORUS

Every Wednesday I allow students who are interested in singing with the chorus to do so during the last 20 minutes of class. This opportunity is open to any band member who wants to sing but cannot fit chorus into their schedule. I encourage everyone to participate.

FACILITY USE

Band members are encouraged to use the music department as a place to practice and quietly hang out. Any time that I am at school, students are welcome in the band room, especially if they are practicing.

Percussion equipment and pianos/keyboards are off limits to students who do not play those instruments.

The band room is not a storage space. I cannot promise the safety of personal belongings left behind.

Mr. Lenox?��s office is his private workspace. Please respect this area.

The storage area above the band room is off limits to students, except with the permission and supervision of Mr. Lenox.

The uniform storage area and music library closet are generally restricted to the music librarians and uniform managers, for the purpose of preserving order.

If you ever see suspicious or dangerous behavior in the music wing please report it to Mr. Lenox. Remember that as a member of the band, the band?��s equipment belongs to you and you have a vested interest in its safety and maintenance.

EXTRA MUSICAL ASSISTANCE

All students are encouraged to study privately with a teacher who specializes in his/her instrument. The advantage of weekly private lessons is immense. I will gladly help a student find the right private instructor.

I am also glad to help students out before or after school. It really would be my pleasure to work with more students in a one on one environment.