Fall 2017

Marching Ensemble Handbook

“HERO!”

Help, Encourage, Respect, Openness!

Contents

● Welcome

● BHSME Staff

● Uniforms

● Code of Conduct

● Instruments

● Attendance

● Rehearsals

● Football Fridays

● Competitions

● Grade Policy

● Health Policy

● Memorandum of Understanding (sign and turn in)

● Who to ask if when you have a question

● Leadership Contact Info

Welcome to the 2017-18 Beaverton High School Marching Ensemble!

We are a team consisting of the Percussion, Brass, Woodwind, and Color Guard/Dance Ensembles. Beaverton is a successful program in the Northwest, and we will continue to build our legacy during the 2017-18 season.

These ensembles operate under the umbrella of BHSME (BHS Marching Ensemble), which is a division of BHSBE (BHS Bands & Ensembles), with Mary Bengel as the director of bands. The Beaverton Band Boosters provide support to all BHS band programs through financial, organizational, and logistical means.

A word from our Director of Bands, Mary Bengel:

Welcome to a NEW Year and a fresh way of looking at the world around us! In many ways we were ready to say goodbye to 2016-2017. For some of us it was a very strange and tough year that included the challenges of the district boundary changes.

I found myself looking for outside help or a hero to “save” us or “fix” the situation. But, we know that 99% of the time you are left to your own devices to “save” yourself, find the answers, fix the situation, and make the world a better place for everyone you care about.

BE YOUR OWN HERO...And be that hero for those around you. That is what we all need every day.

This year is all about POSItiVE attitude, POSitIVE behaviors, FAMILY attitude, and taking OWNERSHIP for your OWN actions, words, and choices.

Be the change you seek in others around you. You want a better band and a better kinder world...be that person in the band and in the world. Get it?

HERO=Help, Encourage, Respect, and Openness!!!

We are ONE Family, ONE band! Welcome to BHS!!

BE YOUR OWN HERO and a HERO to the world!

Every member is important. Every student is vital to the ensembles success.

And by success I mean meeting our full potential: whether that shows up in a score or a trophy is not the ultimate goal. We have been successful if we can honestly look each other in the eyes and say we left it all on the field and gave it every ounce of preparation and effort we had.

This will be another great year. And like I say, every year is different because the students of the BHSME have proven that they are capable of great achievements.

Remember, we all have the same goals.

Each day we are given the chance to build on the work of the day before. How exciting is that!

Enjoy your year: Because this ensemble, this BHSME will never be here again, not in this way. Each year is unique in its own way.

Mrs. Bengel

BHS Director of Bands

2017 Staff

Mary Bengel- Director of Bands

Michael Leone- Assistant Athletic Band Director

TBA - Visual Caption Head

Jade Hails- Percussion Caption Head

Keith Scott- Color Guard Caption Head

Staff Responsibilities

Director of Bands My job[s] is to oversee the overall functionality of the entire BHSME including: the

students, the staff, the band boosters, and the volunteers.

The Band Director produces the Fall show with the design team and staff, hires and works with the

marching band staff, works with Student Leadership, and coordinates logistics for band camp over the

summer months.

During band camp and Fall rehearsals: meet with staff, Student Leadership and band booster board,

rehearse music, critique drill from the box, and work with individual students/small groups. Help

coordinate field trips and buses.

Shlep equipment, drive the scissor lift, look for lost items, Band-Aid cuts, ice bruises, get snacks for

students, and start water balloon fights! :}

Inspire, Encourage, Cheerlead, Push, Pep Talk, and allow the students and staff to do what they do best:

SOAR!

We want to partner together as a team: students, staff, and parents to create a well-organized positive

environment that nurtures a Professional atmosphere that is fun and welcoming.

Visual Caption Head Responsible for ensuring the BHSME puts the marching and visual aspects of the

show onto the marching field and to parades. To carry out this goal the Visual Caption Head will define

and instruct proper marching technique and marching band etiquette, lead on field and marching

rehearsals, work with student leaders to develop marching leadership and teaching skills, and work

closely with all other staff to best interpret and lead the visual aspects of performances.

Percussion Caption Head Responsible for developing and leading all aspects of the percussion program.

This includes delegating responsibilities to the rest of the percussion and front ensemble staff as well as

developing and facilitating interactions with the student leaders.

Color Guard Caption Head Responsible for developing proper technique and a vast skill set as it relates

to dance and equipment for any student performing in the BHSME Color Guard. The caption head will be

responsible for assisting visual caption head and band director with visual technique and any band

movement.

Front ensemble, Battery, Field and Color Guard Techs Responsible for assisting marchers and pit on and

off the field at an individual level. Assist in developing musical, marching and choreography skills and

efficient habits. Work with section leaders to facilitate quality sectional work. The techs answer and

assist students as well as communicate with the caption heads and staff observing off the field.

Uniforms

Uniforms are organized by number. All parts of the uniform have the same number. During Band Camp

each student is fitted for and assigned a specific, numbered uniform for the year. Marchers will be

assigned these items, distributed from the uniform room:

● 1 pair regulation black bibbers with suspenders

● 1 black jacket

● 1 shako [a black beret may be distributed to tubas, drumline and front ensemble (pit) instead of

the customary shako]

● 1 metallic orange plume

● A shako box

● A garment bag

● New members will be fitted for marching shoes the first week of band camp by the uniform

coordinator. The cost of these are a part of registration fees. The care and cleaning of shoes is the

responsibility of each student. Shoes must be cleaned and polished before each competition.

Ensure laces, outer surfaces of the soles and heels, as well as the body of the shoes are looking

great.

● A shoe bag

The following items each student brings from home (required):

● Returning students: 1 pair of regulation black marching shoes You will be responsible for keeping

track of your own shoes and shoe bag - they are not turned in with the uniform after each

performance. If you have paid the shoe fee in a previous year, or have shoes but need to exchange

for a different size, please notify the uniform coordinator at Band Camp or at any time during the

school year.

● 1 black short-sleeved T-shirt to wear under the bibbers. Tank tops or sports bras are not

acceptable.

● 1 pair of athletic shorts to be worn under the bibbers - this helps to facilitate changing into and

out of uniform in public places. Boxer briefs are not acceptable.

● 1 pair black socks. Navy blue or sport/anklet socks are unacceptable! You may want to wear

multiple pairs to keep warm and/or avoid blisters. If you lose your socks and do not have a

replacement pair before an event, you will be charged a $5 fee for each replacement pair that is

provided by the uniform coordinator.

● If Color Guard cannot wear bodysuits and shorts under their costumes, they should change in

restrooms or locker rooms.

Uniform Care and Etiquette

● The uniforms are dry-cleaned prior to marching season. The initial dry-cleaning is paid by the

Band Boosters. A student will be responsible for dry cleaning expenses if their uniform is soiled

due to their own carelessness.

● Students are checked for black socks and clean shoes prior to boarding the bus before each

competition.

● Absolutely no food, drinks, or gum while in uniform. Water is the only exception.

● Do not wear any jewelry (examples: watches, rings, earrings, nose rings) while in uniform. This

rule applies to both males and females. The Color Guard may have exceptions, since jewelry is

sometimes a part of their uniform.

● Do not wear makeup or nail polish in uniform. This rule applies to both males and females. Color

Guard may wear makeup as specified by their instructor.

● Your shako (we don't call it a hat!) is to be worn only when you are in full uniform and is always to

be worn correctly - not backwards, and not swinging from your finger. You should carry the shako

in your left hand, upright with your forearm and fingers supporting it.

● If your hair is long enough to touch the collar of your uniform you must find some way to put it

inside your shako by using hairpins or French braids. This rule applies to both males and females.

● Do NOT wear sunglasses in uniform.

● The cost to replace your uniform is in excess of $450. While the uniform is checked out to you,

please exercise extreme care. Damage above and beyond normal wear and tear is your financial

responsibility.

● Hang pants straight, folded ON the crease, and hanging evenly over the hanger.

● Hang jacket over the top with the shoulders straight on hanger.

● All Ensemble members are responsible for returning their uniform after every use to an assigned

location on a uniform rack. You will be provided a number that designates where the uniform

should be stored.

● In extremely cold weather football games, warm gloves, scarves, ear-muffs, etc. are advisable and

permissible – but they must be orange or black and are only worn in the stands.

● Uniforms are intended for use by band members ONLY and only at authorized performances.

Code of Conduct

1. Playing in the stands at football games is an integral part of what the BHSME does. The same

high standards that are displayed on the field are expected in the stands. Play only when

directed. All members are expected to participate in all music, visuals, and cheers 100% of the

time. Ad-libbing or taking parts up an octave should not be done without consent.

2. Do not chew gum in rehearsals or at performances.

3. Cooperate fully with all staff and student leaders. Belligerence and/or abusive language will not

be tolerated. If you have a concern regarding the actions of a student leader or staff member,

discuss it with the director.

4. Remember, when in uniform, you represent the Beaverton High School music program, our

entire school, and sometimes our city or school district. Please exercise common sense and good

judgment in your choice of language and behavior. Do not run, swear, spit, use obscene gestures

or act in other inappropriate ways while in uniform.

5. If you see another team in uniform, in line, walking to their warm-up, or performance area,

please be patient and let them pass in front of you. Out of respect, please do not break their

ranks. If we are in line and someone knowingly, or unknowingly, breaks our ranks please do not

stop to tell them, or otherwise let this distract you.

Instruments

All winds:

● Never leave your instrument in your vehicle unattended, not even in your trunk.

● After a wet rehearsal or performance, leave your case open to dry for 24 hours.

● Remove lyres after each use.

Woodwinds:

● Swab instrument after each use. Do not store swab inside instrument.

● Replace all caps, covers, and end pieces.

● Remove reeds when putting the horn away.

● Grease corks as needed

Brasses:

● Valved brass players should regularly oil their pistons.

● Trombonists should regularly re-apply slide cream.

● All brass players should regularly inspect all of their tuning slides, and grease them as necessary.

● Be sure to thoroughly remove condensation after each use.

Percussion:

● Report any damaged equipment immediately so that it can be repaired.

● Mallets and sticks must always be put away in their proper place.

● Other care and etiquette as directed by the percussion caption head and techs.

Attendance Policy

● In order to get the most out of our rehearsal time and be competitive this season, everyone

needs to attend EVERY practice and be on time. The Drum Majors and Color Guard Captain will

be keeping track of who is on time, absent and late throughout the season.

● The band will start and end rehearsals on time. Wrap up and tear down will begin 15-20 minutes before the end of rehearsal. We will use every second of rehearsal to our advantage. Parents will not be kept waiting.

● Individual section leaders may call for additional practices. Section leaders will communicate practice times that fall outside of the published schedule.

● Equipment will be put back in its place exactly where it belongs. ● The band room will be kept clean and orderly. ● Students are not free to leave rehearsal until the equipment and band room are appropriately

cleaned up and ready for the next rehearsal.

Absences

In order for an excused absence to be valid, the Band Director, a Drum Major, and your Section Leader

must initial a written note or excuse. It also must be turned in before the rehearsal from which you

intend to be absent. The Band Director's initials means that he is aware of your plan to be absent or late

and that it is all right with him for you to do so.

● If you miss school because of an illness, a parent/guardian's phone call to the attendance office

DOES NOT notify the Band Director, a Drum Major OR your Section Leader that you will be missing

a practice. An additional phone call is necessary in case of illness.

● If you play a sport or have some other commitment that directly conflicts with many rehearsals,

please see the Band Director ASAP!

● Consequences for unexcused absence will be discussed during Band Camp.

● Situations that force an Ensemble member to be late for practice (such as a teacher requiring you

to make up a test) will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. As you RUN in late, find a Drum Major

or your Color Guard captain at an appropriate time and explain your excuse.

Importance of Each Person's Role

If for some reason you feel you need to withdraw from the marching program or Color Guard, please

talk to your Section Leader, a Drum Major, the Band Director, or a board member. If you still have strong

feelings, notify the Band Director immediately! Dropping after even the first day of Band Camp creates

difficulties for the entire Ensemble and may result in financial penalties.

You are important. The drill, music, and budget are based around a specific number of people. We don't

want you to drop out! We want you to hang in there and share the pride of doing a good job on the

field.

Rehearsals

Please see the BHSME calendar at bhsbe.org for a detailed rehearsal schedule. If the schedule needs to

be modified for any reason, changes will be announced via the BHSME 2017 Facebook page.

Rehearsals are outside. Please dress appropriately for the weather. It can get hot out there, but we

expect everyone to keep their shirts on. Wear sunscreen, and bring a gallon-sized water thermos out to

the field. Do not wear sandals in the heat, nor boots in the cold: sneakers are appropriate.

Learning the Drill

A marching Ensemble is a composition of multiple elements, especially visual and sound. The visual

portion of the show is displayed in a series of drawings on papers, sort of like a flipbook. The visual

aspect of a show is what makes the great Ensembles "great".

The "drill" is the series of movements each member of the Ensemble goes through during every show.

Drills can contain upwards of 50 to 60 sets, or snapshots of the form throughout the show. Learning and

remembering this behemoth is quite a task by itself: each set is of varying length, distance, and degree

of difficulty.

NINE things you can do to make the BHSME more successful

1. Be early to everything.

2. Be prepared for anything.

3. Listen A LOT more than you speak.

4. Have a positive attitude.

5. Be the first one to learn your music, drill, etc.

6. Make the group more important than the individual.

7. Know your job.

8. Learn to love to work hard.

9. Give respect if you expect to receive it.

Football Fridays

BHSME participates in all Home football games. For the dates of these games, please see the calendar in

bhsbe.org. The typical Friday schedule for game day:

2:45 - 5:30pm Ensemble rehearsal

5:30 - 6:15pm Dinner: BHS Cafeteria, coordinated by the Band Boosters

6:15 – 6:45pm Warm up for the game, Band Room

6:55pm In the stands ready to play

Competitions (Parents: Read this!)

It is important for parents to know what they should expect when they go see their students compete

AND it's very important for families to attend these competitions. This is OUR team's performance and a

cheering section is always appreciated!

Departure and approximate return times, plus directions on how to get to each show, are

announced the week prior to each competition. BHSME travels to each competition as a

group, with chaperones and staff, on Beaverton School District Buses. Chaperones get into almost all

competitions for free.

Competitions take place, rain or shine! Dress for the weather. Cold, wind, rain and an occasional ray of

sun have all been experienced. Layering of clothes is always helpful along with an umbrella/rain

repellent outerwear and a seat cushion.

Our preliminary performance at each show will be in the morning (as early as 7:30) or early afternoon.

Parents traveling separately from the Ensemble should plan to arrive in time to find parking and

purchase tickets. Tickets for the shows are usually $10 to $15 per person, plus programs, which can be

from $3 to $5.

If you have BHSME/BHS colors, wear them so other BHS parents can find you, sit together, and cheer

together. Seating is first come, first seated, though it is great to be able to sit in a block. Most

competitions request that you remain seated during performances, but you can clap and cheer for us!

If we march in the morning, parents attending the show will need to plan for lunch. Ensemble members

will be provided snacks and one meal, but are ultimately responsible for their own food; they can pack a

sack lunch/dinner, healthy snacks, or bring money. Concession stands will be open at every competition.

After preliminary performances are complete, there is an award ceremony generally between 4:30 -

6:00pm. Teams that receive high enough scores will perform again in the evening for finals. The better

the score in prelims, the later the performance time. (If we don't make finals, we may choose to head

home early.)

While students choose which bus to ride, they must ride on the same bus to and from the competition.

If you must take your student home with you, parents must:

● Make arrangements with the Band Director in advance of the competition.

● Provide a written notice that the student will give to the chaperone on his/her bus. We discourage

separate rides because we want all of the students to be together on the trip home. Chaperones

need explicit permission to release a student to his or her parents for the ride home.

If your student does not return to the school on the buses, he/she is responsible for making sure that a

responsible person is chosen to return his/her uniform/costume and instrument on the bus, AS WELL AS

check them back in when the Ensemble arrives back at the school.

Please note the competition schedule below. Call time is generally very early, and often the sections will

make plans to eat breakfast together before hand, either at a restaurant, or at someone’s home.

Date Name Location

October 14, 2017 Sunset Classic Hillsboro

October 21, 2017 Liberty Marching Arts Challenge Hillsboro

October 28, 2017 Century Showcase Hillsboro

November 4, 2017 NWAPA Championships Eugene

Please see the BHSME calendar at bhsbe.org for required events of the season, including football

games, fundraisers, the Beaverton parade and rehearsal schedule.

Grade Policy

Beaverton High School requires all student athletes to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 with no F’s in

any class. This policy applies to all performing members of the Beaverton High School Marching

ensemble.

Periodic grade checks will be completed to ensure students are maintaining the minimum GPA

requirement in all classes. Students who fail to meet the minimum requirement will still be required to

attend rehearsal, however instead of participating, students will be completing homework and missing

assignments for classes affected by poor grades.

Health Policy

It is the responsibility of the member to inform the staff of any pre-existing injuries or health related

issues including neck/back/joint injuries, asthma, allergies to food, and/or outdoor allergies. Members

are responsible for carrying any personal medical devices that are required for optimal body function

during rehearsals, performance and competition, including inhalers, epi-pen equipment or prescription

drugs.

A Few Other Thoughts…

1. Negativity spreads; those who don’t know may believe what they hear instead of what they see.

2. The band doesn’t change as much as you do. The most impressionable year is your first year. Just

because something happened your first year does not make it tradition!

3. The band is an emotional group; expect some ups and downs.

4. Everybody has feelings, even the section leaders and staff. When the band is criticized, everyone

feels it. Remember that anybody can be a critic – this takes no skill or background.

5. There is always room for improvement. Constructive suggestions should be welcomed, even if

they hurt a little bit.

6. More commitment and focus in rehearsals means a better performance with fewer mistakes.

REMEMBER – You perform how you practice!!!

7. Be flexible; adjust to the situation.

Memorandum of Understanding

Between Beaverton High School Marching Band

And Members/Parents of the Ensemble

The purpose of this MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) is to outline the terms and conditions

associated with participation in the Beaverton High School Marching Ensemble.

By signing this page and returning it to Mrs. Bengel, I, _________________________________________

and my parent(s)/ legal guardian(s) ________________________________________________________

do hereby affirm that I have read the contents of the BHSME Handbook and do agree to abide by all

rules and regulations stated therein. I understand and agree that any violation of the Code of Conduct or

directions listed in the Handbook may result in my dismissal from the Beaverton High School Marching

Ensemble.

_____________________________________________________________

Signed (Student) Date

_____________________________________________________________

Signed (Parent/Guardian) Date

*Please print out this page, ensure that it is signed by student and parent/legal guardian and return to

Band Camp by Monday, August 14.

I have a question… where can I find the answer?

Check charms, www.bhsbe.org, your email, Facebook (BHSME 2017), this handbook, or your text

messages . . . the answer is 99.9% likely to be in one of those places!

What if it isn’t??? Look again… then see below for who to ask:

● I need to know when or where to be somewhere! See above

● Is it about sectionals, or something section related? Ask your section leader

● If it has to do with money, contact our treasurer, Laurie Hatley

● If it has to do with your uniform, contact Jill Niehus

● If it has to do with a fundraiser, contact Tricia Warren

● If it has to do with something volunteer related, contact Lisa Beaty.

● If it has to do with Charms, contact Gina Shankland.

● If it is a question, concern, or problem that is not mentioned above?

a. See Mary Bengel. If she is not available, and it can’t wait;

b. See the Visual Caption Head. If neither are available;

c. Try Jade or Keith.

All of the contact info for the people listed above is in the handy contact table below.

BHSME 2017 Leadership Contact Info

Director of Bands - Mary Bengel mary_bengel@beaverton.k12.or.us

503-365-2830

Assistant Athletic Band Director - Michael Leone mikeleone@aol.com

Visual Caption Head - TBA

Percussion Caption Head - Jade Hails hailsj@oregonstate.edu

Color Guard Caption Head - Keith Scott kkscott759@gmail.com

Front Ensemble Tech - Emily Walker walkere@oregonstate.edu

Battery Tech - Hunter Davis davihunt@oregonstate.edu

Visual Ensemble Tech - John Holloway

Drum Majors

Mason Parnell masonbp@me.com

Rebecca Vasliache 304042@bsd48.org

Section Leaders

Flute - Sonja Zolnoski sonjazolnoski@gmail.com

Clarinet - Kariessa Schultz kariessa.schultz@gmail.com

Saxophone - Alexander Homer 384670@bsd48.org

High Brass - Ryan Skyles 297439@bs48d.org

Low Brass - Heather Switzer panswitzer@aol.com

Battery - Sawyer Mitchell soyboyman19@gmail.com

Pit - Rachael Douglas leahcar19@gmail.com

Band Booster Board of Directors

President - Jim Dehning president@bhsbe.org

VP: Communications - Sara Baugh communications@bhsbe.org

VP: Volunteer Coordinator - Lisa Beaty volunteers@bhsbe.org

Treasurer - Laurie Hatley treasurer@bhsbe.org

Fundraising - Tricia Warren fundraising@bhsbe.org

Secretary - Gina Shankland secretary@bhsbe.org