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Band Student Handbook
I. Forward
The band program at Mountain View High School forms a vital and important part of the total high school life. Band and marching band in particular, represents one of the largest, most visible and highly disciplined segments within any school. The performance of a school band at concerts, sporting events, parades, contests and many community events adds color, pageantry, ceremony and life to the community.
It is possible, by setting your schedule in a reasonable manner, to be in the band and still maintain a high scholastic standard. The purpose of this handbook is to provide members with information on our policies and goals. Please keep this handbook in a safe place and refer to it often!
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II. Commitment
High standards of performance demand a strong commitment to excellence by the students, parents, staff and the director of the Mountain View band program. Remember that any ensemble is only as strong as its weakest performing member and it is only by working together that can we produce the performance level that is expected of us.
It is extremely vital to the success of the program that all students attend appropriate rehearsals and performances for their ensembles. Please check the band schedule in the rear of this handbook or online at www.mvhsband.org for specific dates. Contact the director immediately if you have a conflict. Once students have been placed in an ensemble, they are expected to be at every rehearsal and performance. The only valid excuses for missing performances include a death in the immediate family, a religious conflict or personal illness. Work does not constitute a valid excuse for missing a performance or practice. We will do our best to work with other school activities, however a practice in another activity is not an excuse for missing a rehearsal or public performance. Failure to be present at rehearsals and performances could result in loss of participation privilege or lowering of a student's grade. The band calendar will be followed as closely as possible, but some changes may need to be made at the discretion of the director. Students will always have ample notice of any schedule change. Occasionally, we will be asked to give other performances within the community. When possible, students will be given notice and a chance to check their calendars when an extra performance is scheduled.
The absence of a student at a rehearsal or performance affects every student within the ensemble, not just the student who failed to appear. Everyone in the organization depends on each other and it is important that we all do our part. We all suffer when someone does not fulfill their obligation to the group. Remember, students and their band will be judged by the quality of their results and not by the quality of their excuses.
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III. Responsibilities of a Band Member
Through effective performances and musical contributions to the community, the members of the MVHS Band Program may earn various rights and privileges. As we continue these traditions of performance excellence, we must temper these rights and privileges with several areas of responsibility.
- Responsibility to music as an art form:
The performing arts have always been a vital part of humanity. You have been blessed with a very special talent and opportunity. You have the obligation and responsibility to use that talent for the betterment of our community and all mankind.
- Responsibility to community:
As a member of the Mountain View High School Bands you have a responsibility both to your school and your community to provide a certain number and quality of performances. The support provided by the school and members of the community indicate that we are indeed appreciated and respected. At times we repay the school and other supporters by performing in events such as holiday observances. It is not only right that we perform at such times, but also vital to the continued existence and success of this organization. We must endeavor to perform our very best at these functions.
- Responsibility to the school:
The MVHS Band is very fortunate that the school district provides us with adequate resources such as appropriate settings and facilities to rehearse, instructors to contribute to our success, and much of the larger and more expensive equipment that is vital to our program. We have the responsibility to provide te best possible performances for the school, community, and citizens of our school district. It also means that if you use school-owned instruments, it is your responsibility to maintain it and treat it with respect to keep it in “like new” condition.
- Responsibility to each other:
Getting along with each other in our complex society is a challenging task by itself. You have the obligation and responsibility to respect the rights of others. Anti-social behavior will only breed the same in others and bring unwanted trouble. Excessive talking during rehearsal, spreading rumors, bad manners, disrespect, etc., are all examples of anti-social behavior. Please respect the rights of others, both in and out of uniform, and treat them as you wish to be treated.
- Responsibility to ourselves:
We owe ourselves the benefit of proper equipment and proper instruction. The Stafford County Public Schools have equipped our band program with the best equipment available. Whenever possible, you as an individual should use the best possible quality instrument you can afford and make the most of private lessons. You have the primary responsibility for learning and contributing your talent to the group.
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IV. Director’s Expectations of Members
Now that you are a member of such a visible organization, you are constantly in the “limelight”, whether you want to be or not. At all times you are representatives of the Mountain View Band program - even when you are out of uniform and after school hours. My expectations are that you always set a positive example of our band family. Not only do you have obligations outside the organizations, but to the organization as well. The band consists of different elements but we are one group. A group of players, no matter how talented, will never perform as well as an ensemble unless they work together. There are several expectations of all members:
- Attend all class sessions, sectionals, rehearsals, and performances.
- Show respect for those in authority and fellow students.
- Follow all school rules, including the Student Code of Conduct, and all other Stafford County and Mountain View High School Rules and Regulations.
- Cooperate with and encourage fellow band members to produce a unified effort.
- Keep a positive attitude.
- Be responsible for and assume the consequences of your own behavior.
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V. General Policies
All school rules and policies apply to band members when those students are with the band program. Violations of these policies will be handled as outlined by Stafford County Public Schools and the Student Code of Conduct handbook.
A. Attendance Policy
Make sure that you notify the director in writing if you are going to be absent for a rehearsal or performance. If it is an evening or summer rehearsal, then immediately e-mail the director at: welchwe@staffordschools.net and/or call the band room (658-6840, ext 1155) and leave a message. If you are in school for the full day, you are expected to be at rehearsal that day. Students who are sick will be expected to check out through the school clinic during school hours. Students will be excused from rehearsal for emergencies as the situation dictates. It is not possible to make up the experience of missed rehearsal time. Please plan doctors, dentist and other appointments around the practice/performance schedule. Missing rehearsal for anything except a death in the immediate family, a religious conflict or verified personal illness will be considered unexcused and could result in loss of participation privilege or lowering of a student's grade.
Tardiness to rehearsal will also result is a loss of participation privileges. Two tardies will constitute an unexcused absence and will carry the same consequence.
Students missing ANY rehearsal time, excused or unexcused, will be required to provide a plan for practice and service for the band for a specified period of time. For an excused absence, that time shall be equal to the amount of time missed. For an unexcused absence, that time shall be equal to twice the rehearsal time missed. The director will approve the list of tasks and the scheduling of such work. Appropriate service projects will be determined by the director.
B. Mountain View Standard Time (M.V.S.T.)
When a “call” time is given for a band function, that is the time the event will begin. Since various preparations need to be made beforehand, you should arrive fifteen minutes before the scheduled time.
Example: If rehearsal is scheduled to begin at 6:00, you will need time to park, socialize, assemble your instrument or equipment, oil valves, test reeds, set your chair and music stand, and use the restroom before 6:00. When 6:00 arrives, all other activities will cease and rehearsal will begin.
This will allow us to make full use of our time together and will help prepare you to be a better student and performer.
C. Awards
Band students may earn a Band Letter or Award by completing the following:
- Participate in ALL rehearsals and performances for the group in which they are a member
- Audition for All-County or All-District Band
- Participate in All-County or All-District Band if selected by audition
- Participate in the Solo & Ensemble competition
- Maintain a 4.0 average in Band
- Participate in Fundraisers
- Participate in band service projects
Students may also receive a band awards for participating in marching band or jazz band.
Please see the Lettering Point Sheet for more information.
D. Instruments
Students are expected to provide their own instruments or to make rental arrangements. Students who play large instruments (tuba, bassoon, percussion, etc.) can make arrangements with the band director to rent school-owned instruments. Rental arrangements are available on a first-come, first served, basis. All students using a school-owned instrument must pay the $50.00 Instrument Rental Fee and complete the rental agreement form as required by the Stafford County Public Schools.
All instruments must be maintained and kept in working order. Students should immediately inform the director of any repair that is necessary for any school-owned instrument. Any student who sends their instrument to the shop must obtain a loaner instrument until they receive their instrument back. “My instrument is at the shop” is not a valid excuse for not performing in class. It is recommended that students have their personal instruments checked over by a certified musical instrument repair technician during the early part of the summer to make sure they are in proper playing condition for the upcoming school year.
E. Travel Policies
1. The complete uniform should be worn properly at all times when in public.
2. Horseplay and loud talking and/or screaming on the bus are prohibited. Remember, you are a representative of our community, school, and band program when we travel.
3. Any use of music and/or video players must be done with personal headphones. This protects your right to listen to your choice of music and protects other’s rights not to have to listen to your type of music.
4. All students will sign a bus list before departure. Students may not change buses without permission. The roll will be checked on each bus before departure.
5. All students will travel to and from performances on buses, not in personal cars. A student who needs to return from a performance with his/her parents or guardians must obtain permission in advance of the day of the trip and must submit a permission slip signed by the parents before departure. Parents must sign a release before taking the student from the performance site as per Stafford County Public Schools regulations.
6. Any use of, or being under the influence of, alcohol, tobacco or any illegal drug will not be tolerated.
VIOLATIONS OF THIS RULE WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL FROM THE BAND PROGRAM
7. When wearing uniforms, no eating or drinking (except water) will be permitted.
8. Students are responsible for their own equipment and instruments.
9. Students will be responsible for knowing departure times and must be ready on time.
10. Chaperones are to be obeyed and respected at all times.
11. Any illness or injury should be reported to the band director immediately, no matter how unimportant it may seem.
12. Students are required to stay seated and facing front while the bus is in motion. Upon arrival at a destination, the students should remain seated and quiet on the bus until instructed to leave by the director.
13. You must seek permission to watch any movie from the director beforehand. Nothing above a rating of PG-13 will be acceptable.
14. Only students, school personnel, and designated chaperones are allowed to ride the bus.
15. Students should have submitted all payments, field trip forms, and appropriate insurance information before participating in a field trip with the band program. Students who have not submitted the necessary forms and payment will not be allowed to board the bus.
F. Fund-raising
The Mountain View Band Parent Association keeps a record of fund-raising efforts made by every student in the Mountain View High School band program. Before each fund-raiser students are informed of the credit they will receive toward their student account. The credit in the account is available for the student to use in lieu of payment toward travel expenses and other fees associated with being in the band program. However, there are a few stipulations to these accounts:
§ Students may not receive cash from their student account.
§ Student account money may only be used for band fee payments, band travel and instrument repair. Any other use must be specifically approved by the MVBPA Executive Board.
§ When a student leaves the band program, any credit remaining in the student account reverts back into the MVBPA general fund.
§ Credit may not be transferred between students except in the case of siblings who are currently enrolled in the band program.
§ Students wishing to use money from their student account must complete a Student Account Request Form and place it in the mail slot by the band office door. All requested information must be on the form along with the student's signature and date of the request.
Student accounts are a benefit provided by the Mountain View Band Parent Association to the students and parents of the Mountain View High School Band. Account Balances are posted on a monthly basis in the band room. Questions about the student account should be referred to the MVBPA Treasurer (treasurer@mvbpa.org) and not to the Band Director.
G. Financial Assistance
Any band family in need of an amended payment schedule or payment assistance should contact the Director of Bands to arrange a confidential meeting to discuss available options. This meeting must be arranged by the parent or guardian. Student attendance at this meeting is not required.
H. Payments
All payments should be made by check, payable to: MVHS Band
(Please be sure the student's name and the purpose of the payment are clearly printed on the check)
I. Communication
The best avenue of communication with Mr. Welch is via e-mail: welchwe@staffordschools.net. You may also reach the band room by calling (540) 658-6840 and accessing extension 1155. Additional information is available at www.mvhsband.org.
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VI. Band Classes
Symphonic Band (1 credit) (fees required, Grades 9-12)
Pre-requisite: One or more years of band at the Middle School level is required. Students are required to pass a proficiency audition with the Director of Bands which will include seven major scales, chromatic scale, a prepared selection and sight reading.
The emphasis in Symphonic Band coursework is on mastering the skills necessary to meet the Advanced Level of the Virginia Standards of Learning for Instrumental Music. Students in this course are required to participate in the three school concerts as well as the VBODA District Concert Festival. Students may also participate in the following optional events: All-County and All‑District Band Auditions (students are required to participate in these events if selected), All-Regional Orchestra auditions and Solo & Ensemble Festival. Small ensemble and/or solo work as well as music theory and history will be components of this course.
Materials required: Metronome and tuner
This is a performance-based class and requires participation in concerts/performances and rehearsals outside of class time. Students are expected to practice an average of 30 minutes per day.
Wind Ensemble (1 credit) (fees required, Grades 10-12)
Pre-requisite: One or more years of band at the High School level is required. Students are required to pass a proficiency audition with the Director of Bands which will include all twelve major scales, chromatic scale for the full range of the instrument, a prepared selection and sight reading.
The emphasis in Wind Ensemble coursework is on mastering the skills necessary to meet the Artist Level of the Virginia Standards of Learning for Instrumental Music. Students in this course are required to participate in the following events: All-County and All‑District Band Auditions (students are required to participate in these events if selected) and the VBODA District Concert Festival. Optionally, students may choose to participate in VBODA All-Regional Orchestra auditions and Solo & Ensemble Festival. Four concerts of traditional and contemporary band works will be prepared and performed during the school year. Small ensemble and/or solo work as well as music theory and history will be components of this course.
Materials required: Metronome and tuner
This is a performance-based class and requires participation in concerts/performances and rehearsals outside of class time. Students are expected to practice an average of 30 minutes per day.
Jazz Band (1 Credit) (fees required, Grades 10-12)
Pre-requisite: One or more years of band at the High School level is required. Students will be required to pass a proficiency audition with the Director of Bands which will include all twelve major scales, chromatic scale for the full range of the instrument, a prepared selection and sight reading.
The emphasis in Jazz Ensemble coursework is on mastering the skills necessary to meet the Artist Level of the Virginia Standards of Learning for Instrumental Music. Students in this course are required to participate in the following events: All-County and All‑District Band Auditions (students are required to participate in these events if selected) and the VBODA District Concert Festival. Optionally, students may choose to participate in VBODA All-Regional Orchestra auditions and Solo & Ensemble Festival. Concerts of traditional and contemporary jazz ensemble works will be prepared and performed during the school year. Small ensemble and/or solo work as well as music theory and history will be components of this course.
Materials required: Metronome and tuner
This is a performance-based class and requires participation in concerts/performances and rehearsals outside of class time. Students are expected to practice an average of 30 minutes per day.
Percussion Ensemble (1 credit) (fees required, Grades 9-12)
Pre-requisite: One or more years of band at the Middle School level is required.
**Permission from the Director of Bands required prior to enrollment**
The emphasis in Percussion Ensemble coursework is on mastering the skills necessary for the performance of intermediate high school band literature. Students in this course are required to participate in the three school concerts (as part of the Concert Band) as well as the VBODA District Concert Festival. Students may also participate in the following optional events: All-County and All‑District Band Auditions (auditions are optional for this class, but students are required to participate in these events if they audition and are selected), All-Regional Orchestra auditions and Solo & Ensemble Festival. Small ensemble and/or solo work as well as music theory and history will be components of this course.
Materials required: Neoprene practice pad (such as a real-feel), concert snare sticks (2B or 5B), and a metronome
This is a performance-based class and requires participation in concerts/performances and rehearsals outside of class time. Students are expected to practice an average of 30 minutes per day.
Marching Band (no course credit) (fees required, Grades 9-12)
Pre-requisite: Instrumentalists should have at least one year of middle school band experience. Marching Band is a co-curricular activity at Mountain View High School, therefore all instrumentalists must be enrolled in a regularly scheduled band class. Auxiliary members (Color Guard, etc.) audition for positions in May of each year and must attend a summer training camp.
The members of the Mountain View Marching Band will soon establish themselves as an integral part of the pride and spirit of Mountain View. This dynamic group of young musicians performs regularly at all home football games. The band provides the excitement and pageantry that is a vital part of the high school Friday night experience. The band works with the cheerleaders, dance team and football team in providing an exciting, charged atmosphere for the entire school community.
The Mountain View Marching Band will also compete in field show competitions and parades during the fall season, representing Mountain View High School across the state of Virginia. Students and parents should plan on three to five Saturday events during late September and throughout October. Additional scheduling information can be found at www.mvhsband.org. Members of the Mountain View Marching Band will also have the opportunity to travel for a major performance in the spring of each year. Only students who are fully involved in the marching band and remain in good standing throughout the school year will be allowed to participate in the Spring Trip.
Marching Band rehearsals begin in mid-August. For more information on the summer band rehearsal schedule, refer to the web site. The marching band will rehearse Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2:30 to 5:00 after school from the beginning of school until mid-November. Most Friday evenings are performance nights at Mountain View football games. Students who are a part of the marching band will choose that as their "fall activity” and must commit to the time requirements specified.
Membership in the Mountain View Marching Band is open to any student enrolled in a band class. In addition, the pageantry of the band is enhanced with the help of an auxiliary unit, or Color Guard, which is open to any student at Mountain View. Auditions for this exciting group are held in May of each year.
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VII. Concert Ensembles
Percussion Ensemble, Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble
Information, Rules and Policies
A. General Rehearsal Rules and Procedures
- “If it’s not yours, don’t touch it.”
- Every band member must bring instruments, music and proper equipment to every rehearsal and performance.
- Basic instrument warm–up, including tuning, should be done prior to the start of the rehearsal. A formal warm–up will then be done together as an ensemble under the direction of the director.
- There is to be no talking during rehearsals. Subdued talking is permitted with the director’s permission when the director leaves the podium. Talking should cease when the director stands on the podium.
- Gum chewing, eating, and drinking are not permitted during any rehearsal or performance, and food is not permitted in the rehearsal rooms unless specific permission is given.
- Every student should be seated (or standing in formation in Marching Band rehearsals) at the time designated by the director, or the student will be marked tardy.
- Posture is of the utmost importance. Students should avoid crossed legs or ankles and slumping when seated in chairs.
- The white board should be read when entering the room. Music should be placed in the proper order according to the instructions on the board.
- During concert rehearsals, music will be listed on the board in the order it will be rehearsed. Music should be placed in order on the music stand before the rehearsal begins.
- Students are not allowed to write anything on the board or add anything to the bulletin board without permission. Posted information should never be removed from the bulletin board without permission from the director.
- Music folders, instruments and equipment should be kept in their proper storage places when not in use.
- Books and personal belongings should not be left in the band room. All trash should be thrown into the waste containers. Students may not bring school books, back-packs, instrument cases, etc. to their seats.
- Coats and school books are not to be left in instrument lockers. Failure to adhere to this rule could result in losing the privilege of using a locker.
- Loud talking, shouting or horseplay is not allowed in the band room.
- No one is to use any phone in the band room without permission. Personal phone calls are not permitted except calls made to parents after special rehearsals or performances.
B. Uniforms
The Stafford County Public Schools have invested a great deal of money and time into the concert uniforms. To maintain the uniforms, students are charged a concert attire cleaning and maintenance fee of $35.00. Payments will be due as stated on the band calendar, found on the annual course description or online at www.mvhsband.org.
All uniforms will be assigned to students in the fall, and students are responsible for handling their uniform in the appropriate manner. Uniforms should never be placed on the floor. Students will be responsible for all costs for cleaning in such cases that are above the standard uniform fee. Students will be charged for any parts that are damaged or lost while the uniform is in their possession. In order to receive a uniform, the student must pay the uniform fee and return the uniform contract. The contract provides guidelines for uniform use and acknowledgment of these guidelines. Concert attire is stored at school and may not be removed or worn from school property without the consent of the Director.
Young men must provide black dress shoes (no tennis shoes or sandals, and no color or stripes of any kind), black dress socks, and must wear a plain full white undershirt.
Young ladies must provide plain black pumps or flats with black hose (Legg’s jet-black.) Heels should be 2 inches or less. Sandals/open-toed shoes are not acceptable.
All students – You may not wear jewelry or any other visible accessories during any performance (including watches). No nail polish is allowed except natural color. Hair should be worn in a style away from the face.
Students will arrive at least one hour before the beginning of each concert in order to change into their concert clothing, and should allow enough time after each performance to see that their uniform is properly put away.
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VIII. Jazz Ensemble
Information, Rules and Policies
A. Rehearsal Procedures
1. “If it’s not yours, don’t touch it.”
2. Every band member must bring instruments, music and proper equipment to every rehearsal and performance.
3. Quiet warm-up of jazz ensembles is permitted prior to the beginning of the rehearsal.
4. Subdued talking is permitted with the director’s permission when the director leaves the podium, but talking should cease when the director stands on the podium.
5. Gum chewing, eating, and drinking (except water) are not permitted during any rehearsal or performance.
6. Every student should be seated at the time designated by the director, or the student will be marked tardy.
7. Posture is of the utmost importance. Students should avoid crossed legs or ankles and slumping when seated in chairs.
8. The whiteboard should be read when entering the room. Music should be placed in the proper order according to the instructions on the whiteboard.
9. Students are not allowed to write anything on the whiteboard or add anything to the bulletin board without permission. Posted information should never be removed from the bulletin board.
10. Music folders, instruments, and equipment should be kept in their proper storage places when not in use.
11. Students may not bring books, backpacks, cases, etc. to their seats during rehearsal.
12. Books and personal belongings should not be left in the band room. All trash should be thrown into the waste containers. Coats and books are not to be left in instrument lockers. Failure to adhere to this rule could result in losing the privilege of using a locker.
13. Loud talking, shouting and horseplay is not allowed in the band room.
14. Personal phone calls are not permitted except calls made to parents after special rehearsals or performances. A pay telephone is available nearby.
B. Public Performances
1. Every student will receive a schedule of performances the band will be attending throughout the year in the course description, and it will also be available online at www.mvhsband.org. It is the student’s responsibility to know this information. A field trip form, requiring a parent signature, will be issued for any performance requiring students to be transported away from the school. This form will state both the departure and return times for the trip, as well as the location and pertinent contact information. The Jazz Band schedule for the year is less final that that of the other ensembles due to lateness of notification about jazz festivals. As we are notified, the students will be given the appropriate information.
2. Always report (rain or shine) to the designated meeting place. You will be notified if plans are changed. Do not call the band director unless there is an emergency.
3. A travel itinerary and procedures list will be distributed for each trip where length of trip and complexity of itinerary deems it necessary. It is important that these instructions be followed so the band can move quickly and efficiently.
C. Uniforms
The Stafford County Public Schools have invested a great deal of money and time into the concert uniforms. To maintain the uniforms, students are charged a concert attire cleaning and maintenance fee of $35.00. Payments will be due as stated on the band calendar, found on the annual course description or online at www.mvhsband.org.
All uniforms will be assigned to students in the fall, and students are responsible for handling their uniform in the appropriate manner. Uniforms should never be placed on the floor. Students will be responsible for all costs for cleaning in such cases that are above the standard uniform fee. Students will be charged for any parts that are damaged or lost while the uniform is in their possession. In order to receive a uniform, the student must pay the uniform fee and return the uniform contract. The contract provides guidelines for uniform use and acknowledgment of these guidelines. Concert attire is stored at school and may not be removed or worn from school property without the consent of the Director.
Young men must provide black dress shoes (no tennis shoes or sandals, and no color or stripes of any kind), black dress socks, and must wear a plain full white undershirt.
Young ladies must provide plain black pumps or flats with black hose (Legg’s jet-black.) Heels should be 2 inches or less. Sandals/open-toed shoes are not acceptable.
All students – You may not wear jewelry or any other visible accessories during any performance (including watches). No nail polish is allowed except natural color. Hair should be worn in a style away from the face.
Students will arrive at least one hour before the beginning of each concert in order to change into their concert clothing, and should allow enough time after each performance to see that their uniform is properly put away.
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IX. Marching Band
Information, Rules and Policies
A. Rehearsal Procedure
1. As an important part of an effective rehearsal procedure, each year it is necessary for the marching band to meet in June for several rehearsals and for a few weeks before school begins in August. All members of the Marching Band (including incoming freshmen) are expected to attend these rehearsals.
2. At all marching functions, the drum major is in charge of the band and should receive the same respect as the director and professional staff.
3. Students are expected to be on time, with instruments, music and field charts or notebook/coordinate sheets.
4. Captains and Section Leaders will be chosen by the director to assist in marching instruction. They will also be in charge of assessing music and drill memorization for their sections.
B. Public Performances
1. Every student will receive a schedule of performances the band will be attending throughout the year. Information regarding these events will be posted in the bandroom on the band’s web site at http://www.mvhsband.org. Often, information will be printed and distributed to the band members. It is the student’s responsibility to know this information. The bulletin board and whiteboard should be read daily.
2. Always report (rain or shine) to the designated meeting place. You will be notified if plans are changed. If possible, an announcement will be placed on the website (www.mvhsband.org) in case of inclement or special weather conditions.
3. The Drum Major and Captains will hold inspections before every performance.
4. A travel itinerary and procedures list will be distributed for each trip where length of trip and complexity of itinerary deems it necessary. It is important that these instructions be followed so the band can move quickly and efficiently.
C. Travel Policies
1. The complete uniform should be worn properly at all times when in public.
2. Horseplay and loud talking and/or screaming on the bus are prohibited. Remember, you are a representative of our community, school, and band program when we travel.
3. CD players/iPods without headphones will not be allowed. This protects your right to listen to your choice of music and protects other’s rights not to have to listen to your type of music.
4. All students will sign a bus list before departure. Students may not change buses without permission. The roll will be checked on each bus before departure.
5. All students will travel to and from performances on buses, not in personal cars. A student who needs to return from a performance with his/her parents or guardians must obtain permission in advance of the day of the trip and must submit a permission slip signed by the parents before departure. Parents must sign a release before taking the student from the performance site as per Stafford County Public Schools regulations.
6. Any use, or being under the influence of, alcohol, tobacco or any illegal drug will not be tolerated.
VIOLATIONS OF THIS RULE WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL FROM THE BAND PROGRAM
7. When wearing uniforms, no eating or drinking (except water) will be permitted.
8. Students are responsible for their own equipment and instruments. The students should take their own equipment to the truck/trailer for loading by the “pit crew”.
9. Students will be responsible for knowing departure times and must be ready on time.
10. Chaperones are to be obeyed and respected at all times.
11. Any illness or injury should be reported to the band director immediately, no matter how unimportant it may seem.
12. Students are required to stay seated and facing front while the bus is in motion. Upon arrival at a destination, the students should remain seated and quiet on the bus until instructed to leave by the director.
13. You must seek permission to watch any movie from the director beforehand. Nothing above a rating of PG-13 will be acceptable.
14. Only students, school personnel, and designated chaperones are allowed to ride the bus.
15. Students should have submitted all payments, field trip forms, and appropriate insurance information before participating in a field trip with the band program. Students who have not submitted the necessary forms and payment will not be allowed to board the bus.
D. Uniforms
Every band member must meet the assigned uniform requirements at each performance. The assigned requirements will depend on the type of performance. One of three uniforms will be used for all performances.
Informal Uniform: For casual performances (pep rallies, etc) consist of the official band polo shirt, approved Khaki slacks/trousers and athletic shoes (preferably white). The band shirt should always be worn tucked into the pants. There will not be a reason to defer from this policy.
Football Performance Uniform: For formal performances at Varsity Football games, the Mountain View High School Band “Maroon” uniform will be worn. The uniform consists of a pair of maroon “bibber” trousers, a uniform jacket, and several accessories such as a baldric, gauntlets, gloves, hat and plume. Each time the band performs the students will be notified as to the exact uniform requirements. Students should be prepared to wear shorts and the official band T-shirt underneath their uniform. Each student will be expected to wear an approved pair of WHITE marching shoes, with white socks, when in full dress uniform.
Competition Uniform: For formal performances at Marching Band competitions and festivals, the Mountain View High School Band “White” uniform will be worn. The uniform consists of a pair of white “bibber” trousers, a uniform jacket, and several accessories such as a baldric, gauntlets, gloves, hat and plume. Each time the band performs the students will be notified as to the exact uniform requirements. Students should be prepared to wear shorts and the official band T-shirt underneath their uniform. When White uniform pants are to be worn the shorts must be of light color so as not to show through the white pants. Each student will be expected to wear an approved pair of WHITE marching shoes, with white socks, when in full dress uniform.
Each member of the band is expected to arrive early for each performance event to check out all parts of the appropriate uniform. Failure to have all uniform parts including white marching shoes and white socks will result in that member’s immediate removal from the drill (including that performance) for a length of time to be determined by the director.
E. Marching Band Uniform Procedures and Regulations
1. At no time will a student appear in public in partial uniform.
2. No other headwear, except for the assigned band cap, is to be worn with the marching uniform.
3. It is your responsibility to take proper care of your uniform. Uniforms should never be placed on the ground. If necessary, students will be assessed an additional uniform cleaning fee beyond the yearly maintenance cost. Students will be billed for missing and damaged uniform parts.
4. Students should hang their marching uniform properly and return it to the uniform manager for inspection before departing from a performance.
5. A plain white T-shirt will be worn under the marching uniform.
6. All marching band members are to wear appropriately colored shorts under the band uniform trousers at all times.
7. On performance dates where rain is possible, students should bring light-colored Khakis and the band polo shirt in case it is too muddy to wear uniforms. Remember to bring appropriate clothing to wear underneath the uniforms if weather conditions demand it.
8. Jewelry is not to be worn with the uniform. Please refrain from bringing expensive jewelry with you to performances. Mountain View High School and the Stafford County Public Schools can not be held accountable for the loss of such items.
9. Make-up should not be worn with due to the possibility it may come into contact and stain the uniform.
10. During marching season long hair is to be worn up in the uniform hat. No hair is to touch the jacket collar.
F. Drum Major, Captain and Section/Rank Leader Interviews
Drum Major, Captain and Section Leader auditions and interviews will be held during the spring of each school year to select student leadership for the following year. To interview for the position students must have at least one year of participation in marching band, a 3.0 overall GPA, a 4.0 GPA in performing ensembles and must be enrolled in a band class for the upcoming school year. Interviews require a written essay and other written work, meetings with the director and, when necessary, a playing and marching audition. Drum Major auditions will require conducting, issuing marching commands, execution of fundamental marching and a demonstration/discussion of fundamental principles of band student leadership. Music for playing auditions will be determined by the director and the standard VBODA audition process will be used to determine which student has the highest score.
All students should be aware that your audition for any leadership position will include an assessment of your performance, participation and behavior throughout the time you have participated in the band program.
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X. Mountain View Band Parents Association
The purpose of the Mountain View High School Band Parent's Association is to assist the Director of Bands at Mountain View High School:
- To foster and promote a positive image of the Mountain View High School and feeder middle school band students and band programs within the schools and the community at large.
- To provide moral and financial support and service to the Mountain View High School Band Program and to the band programs within the feeder middle schools.
- To cooperatively support the efforts of the Director of Bands and the band staff to provide students with a music education that meets the highest possible standards.
- Assist the Mountain View High School and feeder middle school bands in achieving growth in musicianship, in performance opportunities and in the number of students participating at all levels.
- To foster an appreciation within the Stafford County Public Schools and the greater Stafford County community for the educational value of a strong, comprehensive band program.
If you have further questions about our band parent group, please contact the MVBPA President at
president@mvbpa.org.
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