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THE MISSION OF THE CHEROKEE BLUFF MARCHING BEARS IS TO MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THE BAND MEMBERS BY PROVIDING MUSICAL AND VISUAL EXPERIENCES AND PERFORMANCES, AND ASSIST THEM IN ACHIEVING THEIR POTENTIAL AS THEY DEVELOP CONFIDENCE, COOPERATION, LEADERSHIP, RESPONSIBILITY AND HIGH STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE AND CHARACTER. |
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THE GOALS OF THE CHEROKEE BLUFF MARCHING BEARS:
1. EACH MEMBER WILL STRIVE FOR HIGH STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE THROUGH THE "BE YOUR BEST" MENTALITY.
BE YOUR BEST MENTALITY:
Be Your Best is a goal that everyone can achieve. It simply means that - Be YOUR best. This is not the same as "Be THE Best," which is something the few can achieve. It is all that is expected of you, but it is expected all of the time - every minute, every practice, every day, every performance. Further, it is expected that you will Be Your Best outside of organized band activities, as well as in rehearsals and performances.
You can measure your success and do not have to wait until someone else tells you. You know!
You can measure your success and do not have to wait until someone else tells you. You know!
2. EACH MEMBER WILL DEVELOP A SENCE OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR ATTENDANCE, PREPARATION AND EACH OTHER.
Show Respect
Respect yourself. Respect others. Respect band facilities, equipment, and uniforms.
Be Prepared
Band members are responsible for doing their best, working on their individual skills, and practicing. All equipment must be brought to rehearsals as requested.
Be On Time
Students should arrive at the building 15 minutes before the rehearsal is scheduled to begin in order to be ready to start on time. If you count on someone else to get a ride to practice, tell him or her the time you have to be there, not the time rehearsal begins. With this concept, you will be prepared physically and mentally to begin the rehearsal and not flying in at the last minute or worse - late. You also will have a cushion of safety if there is extra traffic or you are running a couple of minutes behind.
Respect yourself. Respect others. Respect band facilities, equipment, and uniforms.
Be Prepared
Band members are responsible for doing their best, working on their individual skills, and practicing. All equipment must be brought to rehearsals as requested.
Be On Time
Students should arrive at the building 15 minutes before the rehearsal is scheduled to begin in order to be ready to start on time. If you count on someone else to get a ride to practice, tell him or her the time you have to be there, not the time rehearsal begins. With this concept, you will be prepared physically and mentally to begin the rehearsal and not flying in at the last minute or worse - late. You also will have a cushion of safety if there is extra traffic or you are running a couple of minutes behind.
3. EACH MEMBER WILL EXPAND HIS/HER AWARENESS IN REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE TO ENHANCE THE OVERALL
INDIVIDUAL AND ENSEMBLE QUALITY.
4. EACH MEMBER WILL DEVELOP SELF-DISCIPLINE IN AND OUT OF REHEARSALS.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Expectations: You have made a commitment to be in the marching band for the Fall season. Everyone is counting on you! In order to have successful band rehearsals and performances, it is essential that we have full attendance. The absence of one person not only affects that person, but also the entire group. The critical factors of uniformity, balance, spacing and alignment cannot be improved or maintained with absences.
Legitimate Excuses: Legitimate excuses for rehearsal or performances are illness, accidents, serious illness/death in the family and doctor's appointments. Students must bring an excuse note from a parent or guardian detailing any absence. A request to be excused from a future rehearsal or performance must be turned in at the earliest possible time and will be considered by the director, pending the legitimacy of the case presented.
Unexcused Absences: Unexcused absence from performance is unacceptable and may result in dismissal from the Marching Bears. Absences, tardiness or leaving early because of work or homework are not excused. Problems with absences, tardiness, or leaving early from rehearsal will be given appropriate consequences regarding performance opportunities.
Ask: If you are not sure or have a request, problem, or question, ask the band director at the earliest possible time.
Legitimate Excuses: Legitimate excuses for rehearsal or performances are illness, accidents, serious illness/death in the family and doctor's appointments. Students must bring an excuse note from a parent or guardian detailing any absence. A request to be excused from a future rehearsal or performance must be turned in at the earliest possible time and will be considered by the director, pending the legitimacy of the case presented.
Unexcused Absences: Unexcused absence from performance is unacceptable and may result in dismissal from the Marching Bears. Absences, tardiness or leaving early because of work or homework are not excused. Problems with absences, tardiness, or leaving early from rehearsal will be given appropriate consequences regarding performance opportunities.
Ask: If you are not sure or have a request, problem, or question, ask the band director at the earliest possible time.
NORMAL REHEARSAL SCHEDULE:
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*MONDAYS: GUARD & PERCUSSION SECTIONALS (4:00pm - 7:00pm)
*Occasionally, we will have some sectionals for Wind Players on Monday (once every few weeks).
Students will receive a schedule with these listed, but no more than 3-4 Mondays through the season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------TUESDAYS: FULL BAND (All Students) (4:00pm - 7:00pm)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------THURSDAYS: FULL BAND (All Students) (4:00pm - 7:00pm)
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FRIDAYS: FULL BAND (All Students) (FOOTBALL GAMES - TBA)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SATURDAYS: SATURDAY COMPETITION DATES: (SEPT. 16, SEPT. 30, OCT. 14, OCT. 21)
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*MONDAYS: GUARD & PERCUSSION SECTIONALS (4:00pm - 7:00pm)
*Occasionally, we will have some sectionals for Wind Players on Monday (once every few weeks).
Students will receive a schedule with these listed, but no more than 3-4 Mondays through the season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------TUESDAYS: FULL BAND (All Students) (4:00pm - 7:00pm)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------THURSDAYS: FULL BAND (All Students) (4:00pm - 7:00pm)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FRIDAYS: FULL BAND (All Students) (FOOTBALL GAMES - TBA)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SATURDAYS: SATURDAY COMPETITION DATES: (SEPT. 16, SEPT. 30, OCT. 14, OCT. 21)
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REHEARSAL PHILOSOPHY
Rehearsals will be conducted with a positive attitude in a pleasant atmosphere. Students will be focused, energetic, and relaxed in order to achieve the outstanding results desired. The directors and staff will be organized and efficient through careful planning and goal setting. These qualities will make the experience enjoyable and productive for students and staff alike.
THE VALUES OF MARCHING BAND
What you do to establish a work ethic is more important than you think. The world today changes before us more quickly than one could have imagined. Those things we once took for granted can no longer be expected and so many of us are fighting to hold on to values and standards which seem to be fading all too rapidly. Kids today face issues and decisions beyond anything we would have dreamed even 15 years ago, and school funding and test scores carry more pressure than necessary. The general tenor in the world is almost that of “survival” amidst all of that, we are facing the elimination of our arts programs in many areas. This is all more reason for us to hold on to the Marching Band. We are very blessed in Hall County Schools to be awarded consistent support for the arts that allow us to showcase the intellectual and sophisticated nature of our growing community.
There is a unique and exciting aspect to marching band which young people seldom find available to them elsewhere. Each performance is a special opportunity where students experience a sense of community and realize that the sum of who they are is far greater than any one individual. They have a sense of esteem through unity and expression and understand more than ever the importance of working in tandem with other people. Without it ever being in the curriculum, our young artists are learning how to be team players, how to fit into an economically diverse community and how to do their fair share toward a common goal. I think the most important lesson is the students will learn that excellence is a process, not an event.
There is a point in a young person’s life when most don’t know themselves or their potential and frankly they don’t know how to discover their potential. Many are so beyond where they are now. Marching band will help each student discover his or her personal strengths and weaknesses. Students realize the reward of effort and the importance of each individual plays in making up the band. In many cases band becomes the social arena some youngsters seek but do not find in ordinary circumstances.
The Marching Band is the prime visible evidence and marketing device for music education. Only through half-time shows, parades and competitions could you reach the community and let them experience the values of what marching band brings to each child. Marching band is today, as it has always been, a celebration of joyful efforts. It holds a promise of healthy and enthusiastic youngsters. An excited band staff and loyal band parents make this promise a reality.
There is a unique and exciting aspect to marching band which young people seldom find available to them elsewhere. Each performance is a special opportunity where students experience a sense of community and realize that the sum of who they are is far greater than any one individual. They have a sense of esteem through unity and expression and understand more than ever the importance of working in tandem with other people. Without it ever being in the curriculum, our young artists are learning how to be team players, how to fit into an economically diverse community and how to do their fair share toward a common goal. I think the most important lesson is the students will learn that excellence is a process, not an event.
There is a point in a young person’s life when most don’t know themselves or their potential and frankly they don’t know how to discover their potential. Many are so beyond where they are now. Marching band will help each student discover his or her personal strengths and weaknesses. Students realize the reward of effort and the importance of each individual plays in making up the band. In many cases band becomes the social arena some youngsters seek but do not find in ordinary circumstances.
The Marching Band is the prime visible evidence and marketing device for music education. Only through half-time shows, parades and competitions could you reach the community and let them experience the values of what marching band brings to each child. Marching band is today, as it has always been, a celebration of joyful efforts. It holds a promise of healthy and enthusiastic youngsters. An excited band staff and loyal band parents make this promise a reality.
