Handbook and Parent Information

 Marching & Field Band General Information
 HISTORY
Norwich is a charter member of the New York State Field Band Conference, representing one of the most prestigious programs in the entire conference. Last season the Purple Tornado Field Band was awarded 4th Place in SS 1 – the elite small school division. Incredibly, Norwich has been crowned New York State Champion 3 times in the past 6 years!
There are thousands of alumni band members in our community to whom we owe considerable thanks. The countless contributions of many people have endowed this program with a very rich heritage!
 
THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVE OF THE MARCHING AND FIELD BAND
The primary objective of this organization is to develop and refine an excellent theatrical presentation, using the field as a stage. All music, designs, routines and drill maneuvers are written specifically for the Purple Tornado Field Band. It is designed to test the strengths and abilities of the performers. In return, members challenge the program to achieve the highest level of excellence possible. Valuable life skills develop during this process -- One would be hard pressed to find a better activity to learn a standard of excellence, communication skills, strong work ethic, teamwork, and citizenship.  
Though marching is still an integral part of the process, the group will also dance, run, jump, and tumble! They will act, play, and perform in a context that transcends the stereotypical image of the activity. The goal is to interpret dynamic music in creative fashion through the medium of movement and music. To call this marching band is actually a bit limited in scope…
 
Fundamental training is an essential part of the overall process. Combining talent and dedication to master a quality program takes time... most assuredly time well spent. The group experiences tremendous growth and success each year due to the following contributing factors:
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Students with the desire and courage to be successful
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A creative production staff
An excellent instructional staff
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strong support/parent group
NORWICH BAND PARENTS
The Norwich Band Parents provide the essential moral and financial support that is vital to the success of this program. All parents are most welcome and are encouraged to participate in the group. The kids are worth every moment of time and effort!
     Activities sponsored and supported by the group include:

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Uniform fittings and maintenance
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Band Camp
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Fall   Festival of Bands
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Sweatshirts, T-Shirts and jackets     
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Band-a-Thon
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NYSSMA
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Gus Macker
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Chaperoning all trips and events
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Special community events
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Chaperoning and funding major trips
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Awards Banquet
There are several committees to manage each phase of operation. Getting involved in these projects is both rewarding and extremely helpful in serving both our kids and the community. The Parent Officers spend many hours planning all events. They are, in essence, the lifeline to the group.
WHO CAN JOIN?
Students entering grades 7-12. If they perform on a higher skilled percussion instrument, or play a wind instrument, they must be enrolled in the concert band program at the middle school or high school level.
ALL music students can find a role: Many current members in the front group and percussion sections are largely comprised of students who have some form of musical training (strings, vocal, piano, dance, etc.). They make excellent candidates, already having a good foundation in musical phrasing, rhythm, and timing. Pianists also adapt well to mallet keyboards and other instruments in the percussion section. A musical background is not required… This activity has “sparked” an interest in other music groups for many new members. It is very common for upperclassmen to come on board - from all grade levels. Everyone plays! 
Athletes and Field Band: Students are permitted to play fall sports and be in field band. The music and athletic departments cooperate to resolve any schedule conflicts with practices/games that overlap. Historically, many members have participated in field band and a fall sport/cheerleading.
Students with jobs must arrange their work schedule so it does not interfere with rehearsals or performances. Employers are accustomed to working around the schedules of busy students. Members who work are advised provide a practice/performance schedule to them as soon as possible.
SUMMER REHEARSALS
Summer rehearsals are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings beginning Tuesday, July 10th from 7-9 PM. All members attend, unless they are at camp, on family vacation, etc. Occasionally there have been students who were absent most of the summer. This is permitted, except for camp week, when attendance is required. Please make sure I am properly notified – it helps to plan for each member’s role more easily.
ATTENDANCE
For any rehearsal, but ESPECIALLY during the summer, members who are away (vacation, camp, etc.) are excused from rehearsals. Provision for excused absences: a (hard copy) written excuse from parent (or legal guardian) briefly explaining the dates of and reason for absence. Excuses (for planned absences) are requested before the absence occurs. In case of illness, emergency, etc., it is due when the student returns to the next rehearsal/performance.
EMAILING:  Emailing is acceptable, but should be followed up with a call or some other notification.  We cannot always be at the computer to get the email prior to a rehearsal.
CALLS OR TEXTS:  Calling and/or texting an excuse is acceptable if the situation warrants such, but MUST be followed up with a hardcopy for records.  See Below. 
This procedure is consistent with school policy. It provides everyone with crucial information concerning members’ whereabouts. If a student is not present, everyone needs to know. Providing for the safety and well being of all members is paramount. Your cooperation is appreciated.