BAND HANDBOOK 2007-08 SCHOOL YEAR
Dear Band Member:
Welcome to the Shawnee Mission East Lancer Band! The East band program
has a tradition of excellence in musicianship and participation. This fine
record has been the result of hard work and dedication by all band members.
It is up to each individual member to maintain the high standards of
previous
years. both
Working to make a great band creates a sense of pride and
accomplishment that is difficult to describe. Our work also contributes to
camaraderie between people that creates lasting friendships. These are two
of the most rewarding aspects of being in band. In addition to work, there
are many fun activities: parties, picnics, trips and other activities.
These events contribute to the total band experience.
The past several school years have been very successful for our band
members. We have achieved First Division Ratings in marching band, concert
band and jazz ensemble. This reinforces our philosophy that all three
areas of instrumental music are invaluable in the pursuit of excellence. I
believe that the East band students would like for this tradition to
continue this year. For this to happen we need the cooperation of all the
band students and the invaluable support of their parents in our endeavors.
This handbook will help familiarize each band member with the policies and
procedures of the Shawnee Mission East band program. Plan on working hard!
Plan on having a great time!
If students or parents have any questions about the East band program
or its activities, please call me at school at 913.993.6757. If I am out of
the band office, please leave a message. Or if you prefer, email me at
eaharris@smsd.org. I will get back to you as soon as I possibly can whether
you call or email.
Mr. Kim Harrison
Shawnee Mission East Band Director
SYMPHONIC AND CONCERT BANDS
In the 1988-89 school year, the East band divided into two separate
performing groups. The SME orchestra functioned in the same fashion. We
had greater success principally because of the lower student-teacher ratio.
The structure allowed Mr. Harrison to get to know the freshman better and
help them with more individual instruction. This system has benefited
students and teaching technique alike. At first, the division of bands was
at the beginning of the second semester. In 1994-95, we divided the bands
for the whole school year. SME is one of three Shawnee Mission high schools
to not march freshman in competitive marching band. In 1997-98, we created
a third concert ensemble, consisting of sophomores and juniors that were not
selected for the symphonic band. Therefore, at this time, East has a
symphonic band (placed by audition), a concert band (describe above) and a
freshman concert band.
There is a tradition of fine symphonic bands at SME since the
late �60�s. We do not intend to change that tradition, but rather build
upon it.
EVERY INSTRUMENT CASE SHOULD BE LABELED WITH STUDENT NAME, PARENT NAME,
PHONE NUMBER AND ADDRESS.
ORCHESTRA WINDS AND PERCUSSION
The best wind and percussion players from the SME symphonic band are
chosen to perform orchestral works with our fine string orchestra at East.
The students are auditioned and selected by Mr. Lane, SME orchestra
director. Mr. Lane confers with Mr. Harrison regarding student behavior and
work habits of the auditioning students. Below is the list of standard
orchestral wind and percussion instrumentation.
2 flutes 2 trumpets
2 clarinets 3 trombones
2 oboes 4 French Horns
2 bassoons 1 tuba
2-3 percussionists 1 timpani
Saxophonists have very limited opportunities in a symphonic
orchestra, but there are some possibilities. The bassoon or oboe may be a
possibility for you. These instruments are available from school. This
instrument switch requires hard work, but several students have accomplished
changing instruments in the past. I expect it will continue to happen in
the future. Freshman students will be encouraged to take advantage of the
opportunity to learn other instruments to help balance the instrumentation
of the band and to fully experience musical growth.
JAZZ ENSEMBLES
The SME Blue Knights and Blue Notes have become an integral part of
the total band program. Jazz ensemble is taken as a class. Students are
auditioned and placed in the ensemble by Mr. Harrison. This musical
organization will perform more public performances than any other
instrumental group at SME.
The ensembles learn standard big band literature, watch videotapes
of jazz artists, and learn basic improvisational skills. To be eligible to
enroll in this class, one must be enrolled in the concert band program.
Exceptions to this rule are the bass player, guitarist and pianist. This
policy is in conformity with the Shawnee Mission district-wide policy.
Both Blue Knights and Blue Notes have won first place in their
respective divisions at local Jazz Festivals in the past six years. The
high point of our jazz program was the Blue Knights being one of 15 high
school jazz ensembles invited to perform at the Lincoln Center for
Performing Arts in New York City in the spring of 2001 and 2006. This was a
culmination of our many years working hard to put our band on a national
platform. This proves we have talented students that can really accomplish
whatever goal they desire.
PEP BAND
This musical organization can be a lot of fun. We play marching
arrangements of pop, rock, and jazz tunes. The pep band is divided into two
separate ensembles. The band plays at all girls and boys home basketball
games. Each student is required to attend 6-7 performances during
basketball season. The two ensembles will be posted and performance dates
assigned in early December. Students may attend more than their assigned
performances, but must find a same instrument replacement if missing an
assigned performance.
The pep band performs 10-15 times during basketball season, and once
or twice during football season. Each student earns letter points for each
performance they attend.
MARCHING BAND
This class, an academic course, is referred to as an extra-
curricular activity in many other educational institutions throughout the
U.S. The Shawnee Mission School District believes that it is an academic
pursuit as well as a school activity. At SME, therefore, marching band is a
co-curricular activity.
Band members, combined with the drill team members are considered
one unit. The number of students involved varies form 100 � 120 per year.
This organization can be an important factor in school spirit.
The marching band season is during the first quarter of each school
year. We have 9-10 performances for games, marching competitions, and
parades. Our performances are comparable to tests. Everything that we have
worked on is culminated in each performance. Missing a performance cannot
only put your grade in jeopardy, but it will affect the band�s performance
as well. We want every student to be at each performance. Other students
depend on you, so take your role seriously.
Considerate class behavior is expected from each student. Be
respectful of student leaders and people in charge (drum majors,
instrumental clinicians, etc). There is really no excuse for rude
behavior. If you have an opinion that is different from the director�s or
drum major�s, go to them in private and discuss it. There is always limited
time on the field to get our goals accomplished and they are our first
priority. All opinions will be considered if thoughtfully presented off the
field and outside of class time.
Time is a valuable commodity during marching band rehearsals. We
simply need every minute to count because there is so much to be learned in
such a short time span. Because of this situation, tardies are something
that we have to avoid. The entire band is affected by one person being
tardy. BE ON TIME!
LETTERING
Prerequisite:
A. Display efforts to maintain good attitude.
B. Display skill in performance
C. Display musical knowledge and literacy
Point system: to receive a band letter award, a student must earn a minimum
of 70 points. Points may be earned as follows:
All District Band 6 points for audition
All District Band 8 point for clinic or concert
All State Band 10 point for clinic or concert
Seniority in Band 2 point per year
Pit orchestra for musical 10 points
SME Orchestra 10 points
Blue Knights Jazz Ensemble 10 points
Blue Notes Jazz Ensemble 10 points
Sectional Attendance 1 point per sectional
Concert Attendance and Critique 1 point per concert
Private Lessons 3 points per month (9 points max.)
Contest Solos 10 points for �1� rating
7 points for �2� rating
5 points for �3� rating
Concert Ensembles 10 points for �1� rating
7 points for �2� rating
5 points for �3� rating
Sectional Leaders 5 points
Band Officer 5 points
Pep Band 4 points per performance
Youth Symphony 10 points (show program to Mr. H.)
Youth Jazz Ensemble 10 points (show program to Mr. H.)
Work for Director As designated by Mr. Harrison
KMEA HONORS ENSEMBLES
The Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) of northeast Kansas
has several honor music organizations for students. Students audition to be
selected as members of these ensembles. These honor music organizations are
great for students� resumes for college, as well as being an enjoyable way
to meet students from other schools.
For upperclassmen, there are two concert bands, an orchestra, and a
jazz ensemble that students may audition to be selected for all-district
honors. The auditions are held at Baldwin City High School on the second
Saturday in November. East has had a reputation in the past of having quite
a few students participate in this activity. Not only do students learn
more band literature, it is also allows for great socializing opportunities
with musicians from other schools. Students that make the district honors
groups then have the opportunity to audition for the state ensembles.
Students from East have been chosen for the KMEA State Concert Band, Jazz
Ensemble and Orchestra in the past. We have led the state in all-
statemembers in 14 of the past 20 years. In 2002 - 2006, East led the state
in students making all-state ensembles.
GRADING POLICY
Grades will be determined by the following criteria:
Rehearsal participation and attendance 45%
Performance participation and attendance 35%
Playing and/or written tests 20%
Rehearsal participation and attendance scores will be determined based on
the number of says the student is in attendance:
Attendance 45 44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32
Points 45 43 41 39 37 35 33 30 26 31 16 11 6 0
Two tardies will equal one complete absence. Tardy constitutes not being in
assigned chair, with music, stand, pencil, and any other necessary equipment
by the 7:40 am bell. During marching season, class begins at 7:00 am.
Please be ready to play and march.
Performance participation is required. The entire band depends upon every
student�s presence. A band member may lose up to 15% for an unexcused
absence from a performance. A performance is equivalent to a test given in
other classes. It is the culminating activity which demonstrates how well
the student learned the material. Every student should be at every possible
performance. Sporting events should not interfere.
Playing and written tests are pass/fail. Failed playing tests can be
retaken in a time period as stated by the director. Playing and written
tests will be averaged together to comprise 20% of the grade. During
marching season, there aren�t as many tests because of the number of
performances. Each performance is like a test. During concert band season,
the number of tests will increase. Playing tests will be recorded, usually
at home, and will be kept for future reference. These playing tests are
equivalent to homework in other classes. Home practice is the primary way
to assure success in the playing tests.
TRAVEL POLICY
The Shawnee Mission School District and East will provide
transportation to and from all football games and marching festivals. The
band will travel by school bus. Lengthy trips necessitate charter bus
transportation. East provides transportation to district and state KMEA
activities like regional and state music festivals and auditions. If there
are special transportation needs, it is the student�s responsibility to
receive director approval for alternate transportation plans. Prior
approval must be granted before a student will be allowed to travel to or
from an event separate from the band. This is for the student�s personal
safety. Please respect these guidelines.
Students must be on time for departures. One late student holds up
the entire band. Please pay attention to departure times.
FUNDRAISING
While no one really likes to fund raise, the band must do some
fundraising throughout the school year. This district provides some funds,
but with our very active band program, it is usually not enough.
Transportation, music, KMEA audition fees, festival fees, clinicians,
instruments, equipment, and much more, run annually over $10,000.00. In
trip years, the financial needs are even greater. To maintain the current
level of quality the East band is known for, we will have to do periodic
fundraising activities. The sales will be reasonably priced merchandise or
service. Please support the band program in this way.
CONCERT BAND UNIFORM
During the 1997-98 school year, we adopted a formal uniform that has
proven attractive and successful. Students must buy the formal attire
outlined below. The school provides a black bow tie and blue cummerbund.
We try to sound professional and this uniform makes us look professional as
well.
Concert Attire � Boys
Black tuxedo pants and white tuxedo shirt, black socks, black shoes. Tie
and cummerbund provided by school. Pants and shirt purchased through After
Hours at Metcalf South for $25 and $20 respectively. Pants are unfinished
and must be hemmed. The tailor shop at Metcalf South will hem the pants for
a small charge. A limited number of used pants and shirts are available "for
rent" from Band Boosters for $5 each. Sizes are limited.
Concert Attire � Girls
Black slacks and white tuxedo shirt, black hose, and black shoes. Tie and
cummerbund provided by school. Slacks and shirt purchased through After Hours
at Metcalf South for $25 and $20 respectively. A limited number of used
shirts are available "for rent" from Band Boosters for $5 each. Sizes are
limited.
SCHOOL INSTRUMENT RENTAL
All students that rent a school instrument must pay a small
instrument rental fee to play the instrument during the school year. The
instruments the students use are instruments that range in price from a
$2000 French horn to an $8000 tuba. The instruments include the following:
French horns, bass clarinets, baritone saxophone, tenor saxophone, oboes,
bassoons, euphoniums, piccolos, bass trombones, and all percussion
instruments. The district rental fee is very reasonable, $45/school year,
and is payable to SMSD or Shawnee Mission Public Schools. (This fee is
separate from any paid to the SME Band Boosters.)
