1. Promptness is of the utmost importance!  You must be in your chair and ready to play within 2 minutes of the tardy bell.  You will not be able to receive an A in band if you receive more than three tardies per nine-weeks grading period.
2. Have a pencil at all rehearsals, and please, don’t take the school’s pencils when you leave!  Leave them here for the next time.
3. Self-discipline is an important characteristic for you to develop.  Remain quiet and attentive during rehearsals.
4. Before class starts, arrange your music in the proper order as indicated on the board.
5. Be considerate of others at all times.  If we are going to accomplish our goals and truly achieve success, we must work together.
6. Do not bring any food, gum, pop, etc. into the band room.  Bottled water is OK.
7. Strive to improve daily!  Never be satisfied with your playing ability.
8. Be prepared!

1. Attendance is required at all performances and rehearsals.
2. Absence due to illness or accident will be honored, but the director must be notified BEFORE a performance.
3. Unexcused absences from rehearsals will result in your grade being lowered, unless cleared with the director ahead of time.
4. No absence from a performance will be accepted unless Ok'd before the performance by the director…and that probably won’t happen!  Performances are listed on this web site (see Calendar). Clear your calendar now!!

It is assumed that everyone in band can receive an A.  To maintain that grade you need to do the following:

1. Practice enough to be able to play the assigned music correctly.
2. Have no more than 3 tardies per grading period.
3. Have no unexcused absences that are not cleared ahead of time.
4. Complete the required playing and written tests and assignments.
5. Maintain a positive attitude in class and do your share of work.

1. A complete schedule and list of information will be issued to each student before each trip.
2. Keep the busses clean and be courteous to the driver and bus sponsors.
3. Stay with the band at all times until dismissed by the director.
4. You will be given as much free time as is consistent with the educational intent of the trip.  You must return at the appropriate time.
5. No smoking, drinking of alcoholic beverages, or use of illegal drugs will be tolerated at any time at any band function.
6. While on any band function, you are representing the band, the school, and the town and are expected to act in a respectful and exemplary manner.
7. Private cars will not be used.  Students are expected to ride the bus provided, unless permission is granted by the principal.

1. Attendance is required at all performances.
2. Appropriate attire is to be worn.
3. Be on time!
4. Have all needed equipment.
5. Football games
   1. Remain in uniform until the director dismisses you.
   2. Remain in the reserved seating area for the band at all times, unless granted permission to leave by the director.
6. Basketball games
   1. Be in the assigned seating area one minute prior to the end of each half-time and game.
   2. During the games, you are free to sit where you wish.
   3. Do not leave your instrument out where it can be hit by a basketball or player.
   4. Put all instruments, music, and equipment away following the last performance for each game.

It is your responsibility to practice all music on your own enough to be able to play it adequately.  At least one hour per week is highly recommended!!  More is recommended if you are having trouble playing any of the music or if you are working on a solo, ensemble, or music for district performing groups.

Marching Band/Pep Band Band T-shirt, blue jeans Tennis shoes

• Girls — Black dress, or skirt or pants with white blouse, black shoes
• Guys — Black slacks, white long-sleeved shirt, black socks, shoes, and tie

1. A band letter is given for loyalty, dependability, and outstanding contributions to the Sterling High School Band program. Students should not expect to receive a letter for minimum service and participation.
2. Attendance at all performances is required, unless excused by the director prior to the performance.
3. Seniors who have been enrolled in band every semester throughout high school will automatically receive a letter if they achieve all the items in step 4.
4. To receive a letter you must achieve all of the following:
   •  Attend all concert performances of the band.
   •  Attend all pep- and marching-band performances unless cleared ahead of time.
   •  Have no more than three tardies each nine-weeks grading period.
5. In addition, you must achieve three of the following:
   •  Audition for District KMEA Band, Jazz Band, or Orchestral
   •  Be a member of the SHS Jazz Band.
   •  Perform a solo at League and Regional Music Festival.
   •  Be a member of an ensemble at League and Regional Music Festival.
   •  Attend three other band concerts outside of USD 376.
   •  Receive a I rating at State Music Festival on an instrumental solo or ensemble.

1. Take care of your music!  Return it in the same shape as you receive it.
2. You may write on your music in pencil.  Do not use ink!

Players selected to sit first chair are expected to be the leaders of the band.  Therefore, much will be expected from you in the way of behavior, leadership, practice and cooperation.  Specific examples of what is expected are:

1. No more than 1 tardy per grading period.
2. A positive and supportive attitude towards the director, other members of your section, and toward the band program as a whole.
3. Being an example of hard work and practicing enough to competently lead your section.
4. Audition for KMEA or take a solo or ensemble to music festival.

If you are using a school-owned instrument, it is expected that you will take care of it and return it in the same condition it was in when you checked it out.  Any damage to the instrument due to mistreatment will result in you having to pay the repair bill.  The school will take care of any regular-needed maintenance.  Any problems with the instrument should be reported to the director immediately.

All woodwind players are responsible for getting their own reeds.  It is recommended that clarinet and saxophone players get reeds of 3 ½  or 4 strength.  Rico reeds should not be purchased!  Instead, LaVoz or Mitchell Lurie reeds are recommended. Players should have several good reeds at any one time and reeds should be kept in a reed guard to make them last longer.