HHS Marching Band

Hanford High Marching Band

Welcome to Hanford High School and to our award-winning Marching Band. Thank you for showing interest in this coming year’s marching show. We want you to be a part of this amazing and fun activity. Last year’s show, With Heart and Voice, wowed audiences and won many awards in competitions across the region.

This year’s production promises to be equally fun: Drum Circle! For this show, the more students we have performing, the more successful we can be. We need to have your name on our list as soon as possible so we can begin planning for our upcoming season.

At Hanford, we believe that ALL INCOMING FRESHMEN SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN MARCHING BAND. Here’s why:

Freshmen meet upper-classmen before school starts, smoothing their mid-to-high school transition
Freshmen are paired with great upper-classmen leaders and are mentored by them daily
Marching curriculum includes responsibility training, character building, teamwork, etc.
Marching Band has a high teacher-to-student ratio making every individual very important
Marching Band helps foster positive friendships and social interaction
Marching Band provides a safe environment where students are a part of something special
The actual time commitment is surprisingly less than that of sports, dance, drama, and cheer
Students are a part of an award-winning program and feel a sense of belonging

Please read the following information completely as it contains very important information regarding equipment, finances, and other policies.

We are looking forward to having you on the team!

Sincerely,

Kevin Swisher
Kevin.swisher@rsd.edu

Chris Newbury
Chris.newbury@rsd.edu

Join the Group - unofficial marching band Facebook Group

2011 Schedules

Regular Rehearsal Schedule

Monday
Regular Rehearsal 2:45-5:00

Tuesday
Regular Rehearsal 2:45-5:00

Wednesday

Thursday Regular Rehearsal 2:45-5:00

Friday

Starting Monday, August 22nd, all regular rehearsals are from 2:45pm to 5:00pm.
Group announcements are given precisely at 5:00pm and parents are invited to attend.
There are two main differences from last year’s schedule.
- We no longer rehearse until 5:30, only to 5:00
- We have weekly Tuesday rehearsals, but no Friday Game Day Rehearsals

Football Game Itinerary

Game Day Schedule

Eat Dinner before coming to the Game
5:30 Change into Uniform and Pep Rehearsal
7:30 Game

2011 Activity Schedule

9-2	Football game – Fran Rish
9-17	8-11 Fundraiser (Boost your Band Day) - Hanford
9-17	Rehearsal - Only Saturday rehearsal 1-5 (Maybe at Fran Rish)
9-23	Football game -
10-1	Cavalcade of Bands Marching Band Competition (KennHS)
10-7	Football game – (Tentative Homecoming with Middle School Students)
10-14	Football game -
10-15	(Yakima) Harvest Marching Band Competition (Ike)
10-21-22	Puget Sound Festival of Bands - Everett, WA
11-1	Marching Band Awards and Stadium Echoes Concert - Hanford
TBD	Football Game – usually we have an extra game or two (playoffs)
TBD	Marching Band Party – Party Hosted by Marching Band Leadership Team
11-5	Veteran’s Day Parade – West Richland

2011 Expenses

Fees

Shoes (new members only) - $30
Gloves/wristband (new members only) - $3/pair (have at least 2 pair)
2011 Marching Season Fee - $200
(Camp Fees, Show Fees, Staff Fees, T-Shirt, Travel Fees, Show Entrances, Food Fees, etc.)

TOTAL:

New Member - $236
Returning Member - $200

SUBTRACT $25 for an early bird down payment

New Member - $211
Returning Member - $175

Payment Schedule	With early-bird special	Regular Payments
Early Bird payment June 16	$75
First Payment August 19	$100 (pay at camp)	$100 (pay at camp)
Second Payment Sept. 17	(shoes/gloves as needed)	$100
Third Payment Oct. 15		$36 (shoes/gloves as needed)

Please make checks payable to RSD and turn fees into the HHS Bookkeeping office. Middle School Students wishing to pay the early-bird special please make checks to HMA (Hanford Music Association) and mail them to 450 Hanford Street, c/o the the Band Director! Make sure your name is on the check, please!

If a student earns fundraising money between payments, please subtract the earnings from the payment and pay the difference.

Equipment

Plain black, long-sleeved Underarmor™ or equivalent to be worn under uniform
Tight-fitting shorts (Athletic or Bike) worn under uniform (cover underwear when changing)
Black athletic socks (part of your uniform)
Tennis Shoes for rehearsal (No sandals or flat-soled shoes allowed)
Water bottle/sunscreen/sunglasses/hat at EVERY rehearsal(outside physical activity)
Color guard members and percussionists have other more specific requirements that are announced at Marching Band Camp.

2011 Fundraisers

Individual Fundraisers: There are numerous fundraisers scheduled throughout the summer and during the marching season. These fundraisers help students manage their personal expenses. Information will be available on the web page for each of these upcoming fundraisers.

Time	Activity	Profit	Average 2009	Contact

Summer	Car Washes at Ace Hardware on G Way	TBD based on donations	$70	Tracey Lofton hanfordmusic.org
Early Fall	Pizza Hut Coupon Card Sales	$7 for each card sold	$21 (3 cards)	Swisher
Fall	Side of Beef Raffle Tickets	$2.50 for each ticket sold	$50 (20 tickets)	TBA
Late Fall	Poinsettia Sales	$3 for each flower sold	$15 (5 flowers)	TBA

In 2010, the average person could have earned $156 by participating in every fundraiser.

Group Fundraiser: The Music Boosters run several fundraisers each year. These fundraisers support the group as a whole. Every member must participate in these fundraisers because they benefit as a member of the program.

Boost your Band Day – is now being combined with the only Saturday rehearsal, September 17th.

2011 Hanford Marching Band Rules and Regulations

Purpose and goals of the Hanford High School Marching Band

Community-wide

To promote school spirit by providing entertainment at sporting events, school, and community functions

To be role models in school and the community

To develop a sense of good sportsmanship toward other students, bands, players, cheerleaders, fans, and officials

Program-wide

To compete at the highest level possible

To learn leadership skills, team-building skills, commitment, responsibility, goal-setting, perseverance, etc.

To have fun within excellence

Required Activities

Perform during all home football games
Attend marching band camp
Attend all rehearsals
Compete at all 3 marching Competitions (Kennewick, Yakima, Everett – tentative sites)
Participate in group fundraisers (boost your band day)
Participate in other sanctioned band or section gatherings

Expenses

(See expenses for details)

Fundraising

If team members choose not to participate with team fundraisers, we ask that they find other ways to recoup what they may have earned.
(see fundraising for details)

Attendance and Practice Schedule:

Marching Band members must attend all scheduled practices, games, competitions and events. If a member needs to miss an event for personal reasons, this must be cleared by the director at least two weeks before the event. You may miss an event for medical reasons, but you must contact the coach or director prior to the event and bring a written doctor’s note. It is highly encouraged to make all appointments on days we do not have scheduled practices (Wednesday’s and Friday’s). If a pattern develops you may be suspended from the team for a determinate period. This could include being suspended from a performance.
Unexcused absences may result in probation, suspension or dismissal from the team.
You may not have unexcused practices the week of a performance to be eligible to perform. The only excuse is a note written by your doctor, and even then, you may not know the proper information to safely perform with the ensemble.
Showing up late or leaving early from an event without permission could constitute a missed event, and you may not be able to participate in the next event. This includes football games.
Some members will naturally learn sets and music faster than others. If you are having trouble learning the show, it is your responsibility to practice at home (or use the field after rehearsal). Coaches or section leaders may also help you, so ask for it if necessary. If the coach or director does not feel you are ready to perform, you will be pulled from the performance.
We may have volunteer or part-time coaches. You are expected to listen and take their comments seriously. They are helping us become the best team we can be.
If a member is suspended or quits the team for any reason, the remaining balance for any materials or fees will still be the responsibility of the member. If the member is suspended or quits the team after the drill has been written, they are subject to a drill rewriting fee of $100.

Transportation:

Members are responsible for getting themselves to and from all practices, events, games or bus pick-ups.
We will travel as a team to competitions, except for the competition in the Tri-Cities.
At times, parents may choose to transport their child home from a competition. While this is not recommended (it detracts from our team unity), it is sometimes a necessity. Please notify the director at least two weeks prior to the competition by writing a simple letter. Then, after the band is completely finished with their events, the student and parent/guardian must present a second note to the director at the time of departure. While this may be inconvenient, it is done according to district policy and for the safety of the student and director.

Uniforms:

The uniforms must be kept clean, and in the trailer at all times.
Wearing jewelry, including body piercing, is not allowed (practices, games, or performances).
Hair must be tied up and back at all times.
No visible body tattoos are allowed.
Chewing gum is prohibited.
If the band is in full uniform, everyone needs to be completely in full uniform. If the band is in half uniform, everyone needs to be completely in half uniform.
There is a NO-TALKING policy when wearing a shako.
Cell-phones are not allowed during marching practice or when in uniform.
No food or drink other than water may be consumed when in uniform unless specified by a director.

Games and Events:

It is expected that a member stays at an event for the duration of the event. (Including football games).
If a student is too sick to stay for the duration of the event, the director will decide if they will be able to perform.
We are a team and therefore will arrive and leave at the same time.
The band and color guard sit in sections at football games – no exceptions.
No non-team members are allowed to sit with the band during games (safety reasons).
Students are to play their instrument the entire game. Switching is not allowed.
Students may not leave the stands at a game while in uniform. If there is a reason not to be in the stands, it must be cleared with the director.
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that their instrument is in good working condition at all times. If an instrument is in the shop for whatever reason, the student is still responsible for their attendance and should find another instrument to play.
All situations will be dealt with on an individual basis. See the directors for more information.

Actions unbecoming of a Marching Band member:

Members will not use offensive language!
Members will not show signs of inappropriate affection.
Members will not participate in or encourage unsportsmanlike conduct.
There is no tolerance for drugs, alcohol or tobacco.

*Any violations, including but not limited to the above mentioned standards, will result in disciplinary action as determined by the coach, director and/or administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Marching Band a Class?

Currently, your directors are urging the district to make marching band a class so that students can earn GPA and credits. All other school in the Tri-Cities already offer marching band as a class, and we are trying to follow suit.

Can I participate if I miss part of camp?

Missing camp is not recommended, however, we understand that there are other activities that are important in a student’s life that have conflicting dates or times. It is permissible to miss some of camp for these activities, but they need to be pre-arranged with Mr. Swisher. If a student is a part of the percussion section or color guard, it is much more difficult to make up for your missed time because of the depth of the instruction. Students are responsible for all that they miss.

Why does marching band cost so much?

Marching band is a very expensive activity because of equipment and travel needs. The district DOES support marching band financially, but we have many costs that it does NOT cover. The following list should give you an idea of what our fee covers: Food for camp and competitions, entrance fees to competitions, camp assistants, equipment such as drum heads and repairs, color guard equipment, t-shirts, music, drill, and choreography for the entire show.

Who are the section leaders that are contacting me and my student?

Every year, we ask students who have participated in the marching band for at least one year to apply to be drum major, color guard captain, or section leader. These students are responsible for communication during the summer, although you are welcome to email the directors at any time. Student leaders are asked to hold gatherings with all members both at school and off campus. Undoubtedly, you will hear of these events via many methods in their attempt to be thorough.

Why do you want all freshmen in marching band?

The entire band program here at Hanford is a large family of students (almost 10% of the school). Unlike the daily class routine, marching band provides many more opportunities for students to learn more about leadership, goal setting, work ethic, socialization, travel, and competition. The environment that marching band creates is very positive and supportive to all levels of students. Furthermore, there are many more staff members who commit their time to teaching the students. In the regular classroom, there is one teacher, but in marching band, we have between five and twelve teachers working to give each student individual attention. The leadership system we follow also has those student leaders focusing their attention on younger students to support them and help them succeed. It is a win-win situation for all!

Does marching band take lots of time?

Many times we hear from parents that marching band takes so much time. It does take time, but usually less than most people originally thought. For instance, where sports teams practice five or six days a week, we have three days a week. We also are holding rehearsal right after school this year to help with transportation, and leave as many evenings free for family nights and homework!

What happens if I want to do a fall sport?

Although Mr. Swisher did it in high school, it is unadvisable to participate in a sport at the same time as marching band. There are some cases, however, where a student has sat down together with parents, coaches and directors with the schedules and come up with a compromise. We are willing to compromise; however, it is hard on the entire team when a student misses even a single rehearsal. We do not suggest doing a sport at the same time as marching band.

Why do you require the dot contract?

A dot is the marking on the marching drill that is associated with each member of the band. When we hire a drill writer, we communicate with them the exact amount of participants to write for so that the drill works well and is uniquely ours. Each time a student is added or drops the band, the drill writer must re-write the drill to fill in visual gaps, and they charge us for their time. The contract is our way of sending accurate information to our drill writer.

Do I need to be in concert band to be in Marching Band?

Every member of the marching band should be in their respective concert band or percussion ensemble class. There are rare cases where students could not fit in the class due to a schedule conflict with CBC or Worked Based Learning, but it is generally asked that each member be in their band class. We share important information in all classes on a daily basis, even the days where we do not meet as a marching band.

What Instrument should I play?

Sometimes students play several instruments and choosing their marching instrument is difficult. Mr. Swisher will assist those students in question by filling standard marching instruments first. We do not march baritone saxophones or bass clarinets in our band because we find that is a safety issue for students. Usually these members are asked to play either tuba or tenor saxophone.

As a freshman, can I be in the battery?

Yes, freshmen can be in the battery, but we recommend that they first be a member of the front ensemble. The battery is one of the most competitive parts of marching band, so naturally it is filled with the best and most experienced players. As a member of the pit, freshmen get the same experience in the marching band and can develop their hands. We also have a winter drum program to help prepare them for next year’s season.

General Marching Band and Colorguard Information

Printable version of General MB & CG Information

Below is some information designed to give more detail about the marching band season. If you have further questions, please feel free to email the following board members and/or staff:

rahickey50@aol.com (Ruth Ann Hickey – President HMA)
whobraccia@aol.com (Michelle Braccia – Vice President – HMA)
kevin.swisher@rsd.edu (Kevin Swisher – Director)
chris.newbury@rsd.edu (Chris Newbury – Director)

What happens on football game days? (see also Game Day Itinerary)

The band and color guard are expected to be present and ready to perform for all home football games. Our games are held in Fran Rish stadium, near Richland High School. On game days, the students remain at HHS after school is released. A practice session is held at the school. Around 4pm, students will start loading the trailers with the pit and drum line instruments, sousaphones, drum major stands, and other equipment. Two volunteer parents are needed for each home game to tow the trailers from HHS to the game, and back to HHS after the game.

After loading the trailers, the students board a school bus (or drive their personal cars), taking with them their instruments (if not in the trailers) and backpacks/coats, etc. They are taken to the stadium. There they are fed pizza and drinks, and have further practice and warmups. At the direction of their teachers, they change in to their uniforms, and get ready for the game.

The uniforms are in the uniform trailer. Each student is assigned a bag, containing only their uniform, for the duration of the season. Marching shoes will be kept in bins. Uniforms/bags and shoes are never to be taken home.

The students change in the parking lot behind the stadium. School clothes can be put back in their bag, which is returned to the uniform trailer. Instrument cases, backpacks, etc are put in a fenced area near the trailers.

After the game, students change back into their home clothes, return uniform bags and shoes to the trailer. They are then invited to enjoy cookies provided by a different section of the band for each game.

All the equipment and instruments that belong on the trailers are loaded back up, and the trailers returned to the parking lot at HHS. Students are not bussed back to HHS.

How can parents help on game days and competitions?

Two tow vehicles are needed to tow the trailers to and from the game. Vehicles need to have a standard receiver hitch. The hitch itself is provided with the trailer. These are both double-axle trailers with electric brakes, and it is strongly urged that tow vehicles have the necessary connection to use them.

Towing parents need to be at HHS between 4 and 4:30pm on game days. They will need to be available until after the game (30-60 minutes), to tow the trailers back to HHS. Parents are not expected to help load the trailers – that is the responsibility of the students.

For each home game, a section of the band, or the color guard, is requested to provide the after-performance snacks. This is typically cookies, either homemade or store bought. Two or three parents help at each game with pizza/water & again during 3rd quarter with cookies.

Approximately 15 parents are needed when the band performs to help move the pit percussion equipment on and off the field.

Five to seven days prior to a competition, the directors will distribute a detailed itinerary to the students. Again, much parent help is needed and welcome as chaperones, chuck wagon (food) help, towing trailers, uniform help, moving the pit before and after performances, and supporting the students.

Why are we asked to provide food and/or snacks, on top of the marching fees already paid?

Marching band is an expensive activity. The Richland School District recognizes the many positive benefits of the program, and funds a considerable portion of it. The fees you have paid cover other costs, including uniform dry-cleaning, purchase of shoes and gloves, fees paid to buy the marching music and the drill (patterns that the band and color guard form), fees to enter marching competitions, etc.

Marching band is also a high-energy activity. Providing sufficient food is necessary not only from a basic health standpoint, but to ensure that students are fueled for the demands placed on them.

Feeding 90-plus teenagers is expensive. During games and competitions, the students are fed meals and snacks. Your donations of food, drinks, and supplies help reduce the marching band costs. This helps ensure that other music groups within the department have the opportunity to attend festivals/competitions, bring in guest artists/conductors, and order special music for their programs.

The cost of all this is the main driver behind our various fund-raising activities. Some activities, such as summer car washes, pizza hut cards, poinsettia sales & a portion of beef raffle and DCI ticket sales, earn money that goes directly into student accounts. Other fund raisers (Music Booster Day, Pasta Dinner, Swing Dance and a portion of beef raffle and DCI ticket sales) are designated to the Boosters, to be distributed among the various performing groups. Active fund raising participation by all students and parents is the easiest and most equitable way to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for everybody.

Fall 2011 Marching Band Handbook (*.pdf)

Hanford High School Music Program