HONORS & AWARDS
Throughout the year, band members have a variety of ways to earn individual recognition from within the school, the school district, and even the state.
As with any other activity, when a student drops out, they are no longer considered a “member in good standing” and are not eligible for awards and/or honors. Even though the student in question might have worked hard for the time that they were active, their decision to discontinue participation means that they no longer wish to be included in band activities. In every case, when a student has approached the director with a legitimate conflict, they have worked out a method of sustaining their participation on some level until the end of the school year. When the student or parent makes no such effort, we must assume that they no longer have interest in the program.
Band awards will be given at the end of the Spring semester in conjunction with the Pops at the Bluff concert. To be eligible to receive an award, the band member must have met the criteria for that particular award. Any or all of these awards may be presented.
The Wall of Fame will honor those who excel in the band program by earning All-State or Governors Honors by hanging their picture and a list of their band accomplishments. This will take place after the student has graduated. It is possible that other prestigious awards and accomplishments may be achieved by seniors. At the discretion of the directors, this event may warrant the inclusion on the Wall of Fame.
BAND/GUARD LETTERS
The following guidelines are in effect as of the publication of this handbook:
For a student to earn a band letter, they must meet the following requirements:
NOTE: Marching Band season ends with the Gainesville Christmas Parade held in December. Notice will be given in the Spring as to whether or not a letter was earned or lost.
BAND/GUARD LETTER JACKETS
The following guidelines are in effect as of the publication of this handbook:
To be able to purchase a band jacket, a student must meet the following requirements:
GRADUATION CORD AND STOLE
A graduation stole and chord are presented to seniors who have a great record of time in the CBHS Band, as determined by the band director. Seniors that have participated in the program for all four years will be awarded an Eight-Semester Award. These items are presented to seniors during our annual Pops at the Bluff concert at the end of the Spring semester.
As with any other activity, when a student drops out, they are no longer considered a “member in good standing” and are not eligible for awards and/or honors. Even though the student in question might have worked hard for the time that they were active, their decision to discontinue participation means that they no longer wish to be included in band activities. In every case, when a student has approached the director with a legitimate conflict, they have worked out a method of sustaining their participation on some level until the end of the school year. When the student or parent makes no such effort, we must assume that they no longer have interest in the program.
Band awards will be given at the end of the Spring semester in conjunction with the Pops at the Bluff concert. To be eligible to receive an award, the band member must have met the criteria for that particular award. Any or all of these awards may be presented.
- John Phillip Sousa Award – Senior, voted on by the seniors. Considered by them to have made the greatest contribution to the Cherokee Bluff High School Band over the past four years.
- Patrick Gilmore Award – Outstanding band musician as determined by the director.
- Leonard Bernstein Musicianship Award – Awarded for contributions, dedication, and creativity as determined by the directors.
- Quincy Jones Musicianship Award – Awarded by the director to the person who contributes in many ways to the band program.
- Silver Bear Award – One for each subsection (woodwinds, brass, percussion, guard) from the concert and marching organization. Determined by the directors.
- The National Marching Band Award – Awarded to the strongest marcher of the year, with special attention given to ability, both playing, marching, and leadership on the field.
- The National Color Guard Award – Awarded to the strongest guard member of the year, with special attention given to ability, both performance and leadership on the field.
- Semper Fidelis Award – criteria determined by the Marine Corps.
- Arion Academic Achievement Award – Awarded to the senior with the highest grade point average as determined by the student services department with a recommendation from the guidance department.
- Musicianship Awards – Presented one for each subsection (woodwinds, brass, percussion) from the Concert and Symphonic bands as determined by the director.
The Wall of Fame will honor those who excel in the band program by earning All-State or Governors Honors by hanging their picture and a list of their band accomplishments. This will take place after the student has graduated. It is possible that other prestigious awards and accomplishments may be achieved by seniors. At the discretion of the directors, this event may warrant the inclusion on the Wall of Fame.
BAND/GUARD LETTERS
The following guidelines are in effect as of the publication of this handbook:
For a student to earn a band letter, they must meet the following requirements:
- Be in the Marching Band and in BOTH semesters of band classes, meeting the criteria of the band.
- Have no more than three excused absences. Additional absences will involve a conference with the parents. Extenuating circumstances and acceptance of excuses will be at the director’s discretion. Have NO unexcused absences. Have no more than one unexcused tardy.
- Miss no marching band performances. The following criteria must apply to this absence: personal illness, accidents, acts of nature, family death, and/or authorized family commitments.
- Discipline record will be reviewed by the band directors.
- All marching band excuses should be turned into the director by the Christmas Parade.
- Missing third quarter break for the second time due to a failed inspection will result in a letter loss.
- Members of the Marching Band who cannot complete requirements due to excusable reasons may be given additional work to do that will allow them to earn a Marching Band letter. See Mr. Cantrell to discuss this before the end of the season, should the need arise.
NOTE: Marching Band season ends with the Gainesville Christmas Parade held in December. Notice will be given in the Spring as to whether or not a letter was earned or lost.
BAND/GUARD LETTER JACKETS
The following guidelines are in effect as of the publication of this handbook:
To be able to purchase a band jacket, a student must meet the following requirements:
- You may purchase the jacket after earning a letter for at least one year. Therefore, if you letter your freshman year, you may purchase your jacket as early as your sophomore year.
- Each year that a student letters, they will be given a silver service bar (to be sewn into the varsity letter) to serve as proof of each year of service. They would have four service bars if they marched for four years.
- The actual letter will be awarded to you upon achieving letterman status. The factory will also put one on your jacket.
- Transfer students from another school must provide evidence of continuous membership in good standing in other band programs.
- All patches, etc., are the financial responsibility of the student who orders them.
- Lost bars will have to be paid for at a cost of $2.00 each.
GRADUATION CORD AND STOLE
A graduation stole and chord are presented to seniors who have a great record of time in the CBHS Band, as determined by the band director. Seniors that have participated in the program for all four years will be awarded an Eight-Semester Award. These items are presented to seniors during our annual Pops at the Bluff concert at the end of the Spring semester.