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The UNCP Marching Band Handbook/Syllabus
2009-2010

 

The Full handbook can be downloaded from here.

Welcome to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke Marching Band. I want to thank you for your interest in and commitment to making this marching band a wonderful experience for us all. As you know, marching band at UNCP is quite new and therefore this handbook will be the easiest way to get a lot of information out to people. Please take the time to read it carefully, and if you have any questions do not be afraid to ask.

Contacts

Marty Spitzer- Marching Band Director - Moore Hall room 128
marty.spitzer@uncp.edu
910.775.4094

Tracy Wiggins - Director of Percussion - Moore Hall room 107
tracy.wiggins@uncp.edu
910.522.5705

Alayna Dorso Defalco - Colorguard Instructor
volleybayna@hotmail.com


Goals of Instruction

The student will: Continue developing proficiency on instruments; Develop team skills and the ability to contribute to an ensemble; Develop the skill of self-evaluation as applied to the student's own performance as well as that of the ensemble as a whole; Develop a heightened awareness of performance quality and necessary skills for presentation effectiveness; Develop marching abilities and skills for teaching marching band; Increase awareness of students role in the balance, pitch and blend of an ensemble.

Student Learning Outcomes

Categories All Professional Degrees BM in Music Education BA in Music (Liberal Arts
I. Theory
Analysis I.A.1, I.A.2 III.A.1, III.A.2 I.A-ME.1I.A-ME.2 I.A-LA, III.A-LA
Composition,Improvisation and Arranging I.C.1, I.C.2 I.C-ME.1 I.B-LA, I.C-LA
Technology I.D.1, I.D.2 I.D-ME.1 I.D-LA

II. Performance
Sight-reading/Sight-Singing II.A.1 II.A-LA
Keyboard II.B.1 II.B-ME.1 II.B-LA
Performance in major Area II.C.1, II.D.1, II.D.2, II.E.1, II.E.2, II.E.3 II.E-ME.1, II.E-ME.2 II.C-LA, II.DLA,
II.E-LA

III. Music History/ Literature
Analysis I.A.1, I.A.2, III.A.1, III.A.2,III.D.1 I.A-ME.1 I.A-LA, III.A-LA
History, Culture and stylistic Context I.B.1, III.B.1, III.B.2 III.B-ME.1 I.B-LA, III.B-LAIII.D-LA
World Music III.C.1, III.E.1 III.C-LA, III.E-LA

IV. Professional Practice
Advocacy III.F.1 III.F-ME.1 III.F-LA
Professional Practice III.E.2 IV-ME.3, IV-ME.6, IV-ME.7, IV-ME.8


Physical Requirements

Students wishing to participate in the UNCP Marching Band must be able to fulfill all musical and physical requirements for the band. The typical physical requirements are the ability to march 5 miles at a tempo of 120-140 beats per minute, run up to 50 yards in 45 seconds and hold up to a 50 pound instrument while performing both of these tasks. During the season physical training involving stretching, running and dance style movement can also be required of all members.

Course Requirement

It is a requirement that all students in the marching band be registered for the class in one of the three sections of the marching band as part of their course load for the fall semester at UNCP.  If you are a percussionist you should register for the section listed under Mr. Wiggins, all woodwind and brass personnel should register for the course number listed under Mr. Spitzer, and all color guard personnel should register under Mrs. DeFalco’s section number. If you need a waiver for the purpose of a course conflict to enable you to register see Mr. Spitzer. All participants of the band who come to us from a Community College or some other educational venue (home school, Christian school),  should see Mr. Spitzer to have the registration requirement waived to allow your participation; you will need to sign a commitment contract to take the place of the registration requirement!


Band Camp


Band Camp is required of all participating members of the marching band. UNCP will cover meal costs for all members, and housing expenses during the camp for only those members rooming in UNCP provided housing. If you live in off campus housing it is your responsibility to arrange early check-in with the leasing office of your apartment, and pay any extra housing costs associated with moving into your apartment a week early. Off campus housing arrangements should be taken care of well in advance of the band camp week so apartment complex personnel have time to prepare your apartment early, (Arranging this is your responsibility).  Spending money for free-time during camp is the responsibility of the student. All drum line, color guard and leadership students should report for camp August 10-18, 2009. All woodwind and brass personnel report August 12-18, 2009.  The band camp schedule will begin with rehearsals at 1:00 pm. The bulk of our outside rehearsal time will occur between 7:00 and 10:30 pm. The morning hours during band camp are reserved for individual practice time, uniform and equipment check-out procedures, as well as other campus business necessary before classes begin. You need to make sure that no appointments or campus business conflict with the operation of the required hours of band camp from 1:00 pm until 10:30 pm daily!  Your check-in to university housing will occur at your assigned residence hall between the hours of 9:00 am to Noon on the day scheduled for your group to arrive! Meals for band camp will start with supper on your arrival day, and are served in the Chavis University Center Dining Hall. You must check your name off the roster with the cafeteria attendant prior to each meal!

Band Officers
The following elected student leaders are responsible for social and administrative functions of the band and color guard. Feel free to contact them with concerns, ideas, and needs related to the non-performance functions and activities associated with membership in the marching band at UNCP.
Band President Jason Thiele
Band Vice President Alex Gay
Band Secretary (Stephanie Combs) src013@uncp.edu 
*Note- All UNCP Marching band and Color Guard members should report all excused absences to Stephanie, in advance of the commitment that is to be missed! Remember- excused absences are only granted as detailed in the rehearsal and performance attendance policy listed below!


Committees

The following committees will fall under the regulation of the elected band officers, and help to ensure the smooth running of the “Spirit of the Carolinas” Marching Band. All members of the marching band and color guard are asked to sign up for and participate in the work load associated with at least one (1) committee listed below.
Water/Ice Committee: Cleans and maintains the water coolers, loads the coolers with ice, water, and/or sport drinks. Sets up the beverage and cups for rehearsals. Makes sure the drinks and beverage area is kept clean and presentable.
Social Committee: Plans and implements social activities outside the normal rehearsal and performance schedule of the marching band. These are aimed at strengthening the bond between members and across sections of the band, and should foster a feeling of ownership, belonging, and acceptance in the “UNCP band family.”
Library and Print Committee: Helps with the print, binding, cataloging, filing procedures and distribution of musical arrangements, drill books, memos, and documents to and from band members as delegated by Mr. Spitzer, Daren Sellers, and Beth Ann Cox. 
Equipment Committee:  Responsible for loading and unloading of equipment, uniforms, instruments, and supplies, sound and speaker equipment as well as the transport, construction, and maintenance of equipment utilized throughout the season by the marching band. This is as delegated by Mr. Spitzer, Daren Sellers, and Beth Ann Cox.
Uniform Committee: Helps with the uniforms fitting, check-out, maintenance, and upkeep of the uniforms for the band and color guard as delegated by Mr. Spitzer, Alayna DeFalco, and Daren Sellers.
Travel Committee: Assists Mr. Spitzer and Beth Ann Cox with the research, planning, logistics, and implementation of trips and travel of the marching band organization as delegated by Mr. Spitzer.
Field Maintenance and Striping Committee: Performs necessary maintenance to the practice field as well as grooming the areas, maintenance of the shade tent areas, and the director’s tower. Responsible for stripping the field as needed, and transporting and storage of the field yard line markers, and any dot coordinate markers (chips, flags, or field paint).
Historian/Scrapbook Committee: Responsible for keeping a historical record of the season through collecting various memorabilia, photos, news clippings, programs,  and other artifacts to be compiled into a scrapbook at the culmination of the season.
Miscellaneous Committee:A catch-all committee to take care of any activities or jobs that do not fall into one of the above committee job descriptors.


Rehearsals and Attendance Policy
Attendance and successful participation in all rehearsals and performances are mandatory.  Rehearsals for the UNCP Marching Band will take place Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3:30 to 6:00 PM. There will also be “game day” rehearsals scheduled prior to all home football games.  You must be present at the Saturday “Game Day” rehearsals to perform at the game that afternoon or evening!  Rehearsals will be split between the band room and practice field depending on what needs to be covered in rehearsal. Please check the bulletin board for a daily rehearsal schedule so that you know where to be and when to be there. If the schedule says outside then report to attendance block at the marching band rehearsal field.  After two unexcused absences from a rehearsal the highest grade obtainable will be the letter grade of “C,” and the stipend money associated with successful completion of the band activity is withdrawn.  After one unexcused absence from a performance the highest grade obtainable will be a letter grade of “C”, the stipend money is removed, and you may be removed from the ensemble entirely!  An excused absence from a rehearsal or performance is one where you have an illness or injury which prevents your successful participation for the day or a severe illness or death of a family member. You are expected to notify the band secretary in advance of the rehearsal to be missed with the reason given for missing. She will notify Mr. Spitzer and the other necessary parties. If your attendance becomes a problem (habitual) you may be required to submit a doctor’s note for further excused absences to be granted.  If you have an illness or injury that would still enable you to be present, even if only to watch the rehearsal, this is the most desirable alternative! All other excused absences are to be negotiated with Mr. Spitzer/ Mr. Wiggin’s or Mrs. DeFalco prior to the rehearsal or performance in question. DO NOT schedule appointments, classes, work, etc. conflicting with a rehearsal or performance of the UNCP marching band. Any excuse presented after the fact can still be presented, but generally will not result in an excused absence being granted. Again, communication in advance is the most desirable situation.

Rehearsal Absence Chart:
1 Unexcused absence = no punishment, though not looked upon favorably.
2 Unexcused absences= Letter Grade reduction to “B”
3 Unexcused absences= Letter Grade reduction to “C” and all Stipend Money removed.
4 Unexcused absences= Dropped from Ensemble/ Fail or Withdrawal, stipend money removed. 

Performance Absence Chart:
There is a “O” Tolerance Policy for missed performances. Any unexcused absence from a performance results in “C” or lower letter grade, No Stipend Money, and Possible removal from the Ensemble.  Performances will include football appearances, all parades, homecoming week appearances, guest appearances at campus events as announced, exhibition band festival appearances, 2 required Chancellor’s Own performances, and the end of the season marching band stand still concert! *Note- the performance schedule is not a buffet from which you may pick what you like! You are expected to be present and ready at ALL scheduled events!

Let Mr. Spitzer Know- If you have an anticipated absence that is unavoidable and does not fall within the above guidelines. There may be rare excuses granted on an as needed and as the situation arises nature that may not fall within the guidelines above. For example an excused absence was granted last season for an individual in the band to participate in the actual wedding party of an important individual in their life.  Communication is very important! If something does come about which might warrant an excused absence, discuss this with the instructors and director in advance! We are not unreasonable, but please get the message that all rehearsals and performances are required parts of your participation! We have no interest in Part Time members!

Rehearsal Etiquette

The ability to rehearse efficiently is a collective effort. Therefore the following rules will be in effect for all rehearsals. Failure to abide by these rules may result in a grade reduction and/or dismissal from rehearsal and possibly removal from the ensemble. 
1. Rehearsals begin promptly at 3:30. Rehearsals will end at 6:00. If you are not in the set-up at this time you are considered tardy. (*note- drum line warm-up begins promptly at 3:30 pm., and the drum line is expected in block band and physical warm-up with the full ensemble at 4:00).
2. There is to be no talking during rehearsals. If you have a question raise your hand to ask it, or wait until after the rehearsal is over to address it. Talking during rehearsals can result in your removal from the rehearsal, with the potential for removal from the ensemble. If Mr. Spitzer stops the rehearsal for comment we follow the suggested “chain of command” listed below for comments or questions. When activity is stopped by Mr. Spitzer you all go to “set” position, do not drop to at ease, or leave your coordinate spot in the drill.
3. All students should have their instruments, “drill dot” books, flip folder and lyre for stand music, binder for show music, a pencil and a tuner (wind players) with them at all rehearsals. Guard should have practice equipment at all rehearsals and show equipment as announced.
4. During rehearsals if you are not at attention you are to be in the “set” position unless you are told you can relax by an instructor, drum major, or visual caption head.                                         
5. All woodwind and brass personnel are required to have a flip folder, lyre, and
extra windows for music at all rehearsals, at the stadium for stand tunes, and for any performances where music memorization is not required. Music Memorization is required of all PREGAME and HALFTIME shows other than the band day show.  Until the music is successfully checked off, you need to have it present with you on the field and in flip folders with lyres attached to your instrument!                                                                                                                       
6. Proper attire including gym shoes or marching shoes are required at all rehearsals.                                                                                                                           
7. When given a break for water you should “Gush and Go,” unless some other
break time is announced by the director. This means get water as fast as
possible and return to the next starting set announced by the director. This is not
a time for socializing.                                                                                                                             
8. You are expected to use accepted technique regarding both musical and visual
performance whether in rehearsal or performance, there is no excuse for
coasting through a rehearsal or performance or for ever playing your instrument
or marching with bad technique!                                                                                                                              
 9. Make sure you throw away trash and generally groom all areas we utilize
following a rehearsal or activity by the UNCP Marching Band. Especially, treat the
Lumbee Regional Development field and parking areas with respect. Drive
sensibly.  Remember they allow us to use this facility for free! Let’s be good
guests and respect their territory!                                                                      
10. Instrumentalists, DO NOT change or embellish the music from the printed
score, unless a staff member, or band leadership member given authority over
music informs you of a change. It is not your place to add to, or change the
written music, no matter how “cool” you think it might be!                                                                                   
11.  The UNCP concept of a quality marching band sound is that of a dark,
centered, focused, sound that is built up from the tuba line of the ensemble. All
members must make every effort to center and focus their sound at all times,
and to stay “with-in their sections.” There is Never a time where it is ok to
blat or stick-out of the ensemble!                                                                                                                 
* Note - we have far less rehearsal time than other marching bands with the
same objectives and goals. Thus, we cannot waste time!
The following is the chain of command or “pecking order” for rehearsals
and performance situations.  When Mr. Spitzer stops the band to make comments
or corrections there is to be no talking! We will follow the chain of command
listed below in terms of who speaks during down times and in what order. 
There may be some instances where there is not time to progress very far down
the pecking order during any stop in action. Do not be discouraged. We will try to
address the concerns of all members, eventually!  *Note- Mr. Spitzer will go
through the Drum Major to start or stop the ensemble in rehearsal.
The Drum Line Captain and Drum Major will collaboratively control all tempos!

I .Director of Marching and Athletic Bands (Mr. Spitzer)
           II. Mr. Wiggins (Percussion Instructor)  ~  Mrs. DeFalco (Color Guard Instructor)
III. Hired Staff Members
IV. Drum Major
V. Visual Caption Head
VI. Percussion )/ Woodwind /
Brass Section Leaders &
Guard Captains
VII. Woodwind Asst. Section Leaders / Brass Asst. Section Leaders/
 and Visual Assistant
VIII. Regular Band Membership (if time and with acknowledgment of Director)

Rules Policy/Simply Stated- 
Follow all instructions from above you in the hierarchy of power listed above. Treat all with whom you come into contact with respect. Treat the equipment, instruments, rehearsal areas and performance spaces with respect. Treat and wear the uniform of the “Spirit of the Carolinas” Marching Band with the utmost of respect, pride and reverence! Conduct yourselves in a courteous manner. Be on time and mentally engaged in all rehearsal and performance situations. Conduct yourself in a mature and sensible manner. Leave your hands off of others and any equipment not assigned to you for your use.  When in the stands at all performance situations you are to sit in sections as designated by the director, staff, and drum major. We are “ON CALL” during all phases of a sporting event. You will have a short break for refreshments during 3rd quarter of the football games. You are to be back in the band block and ready to play with three (3) minutes remaining of the third quarter clock. When we are instructed to play a musical selection by the director or drum major, all members are to stand and perform the tune as requested. There will be no cell phone conversations occurring during our “on call” times in the stands. You are free to utilize your cell phones during the 3rd period break time!

“Chancellors Own” Performance Requirement! 
There will be a select group of instrumentalists and color guard members who perform at the Chancellor’s residence prior to each home football event on the schedule. The appearance by every band and color guard member at two (2) of these service opportunities will be required as part of your earning the regular band stipend that you are to receive at the end of the semester. You are of course welcome to volunteer to perform/appear at more than 2, but no additional stipend money is associated with the repeat performances. 

Stipends / and Stipend Policy
Every student who successfully completes the requirements of the season including fulfillment of all rehearsal and performance requirements, required chancellor’s own appearances, parades, memorization requirements, and conduct codes in a successful manner will receive a monetary stipend award in the form of either a check or automatic deposit into your bank account at the culmination of the season. These are based upon instrumentation needs, leadership roles occupied, and years of service to the band. There is no “magic code” for the awarding of the stipends and they may change from year to year based upon the amount of stipend money that is granted from the institution (UNCP) to the marching band. The director and his assistant staff members will discuss the stipends before awarding them. We will make every effort to disperse the stipend money made available to us in as equitable a manner as is possible, keeping in mind that some monies must be reserved for spirit band stipends during the spring semester. *NOTE- We will not hesitate to remove stipend money this year from students who do not fulfill their responsibilities and obligations to the band! Stipends will range from $200.00 - $800.00, and will be based upon instrumentation needs, years of service to the band, leadership roles, etc. Your stipend is a matter of discussion between you and the director of bands or appropriate staff member only! Remember we are very lucky to receive stipend money from the university at all! No other musical ensemble on campus receives a monetary stipend award for their service.  Whatever your stipend, you should remain grateful!  You will be asked to sign a stipend award form with the secretary Ms. Brenda Jacobs in the front music office. These forms will need to include your student id numbers, banner codes, and some bank account information for direct deposit. We will try to have the forms ready for signing by the last week of September.  Remember- just because you sign a stipend form does not mean that it cannot or will not be removed. If you do not successfully complete the requirements you will not receive a stipend!   Also remember: The reason for participating in the UNCP Marching Band is not to earn a stipend, but instead because you have developed a love for the activity of marching band and color guard. There are far easier ways to earn equivalent amounts of money to those provided from the stipend, (a job). The stipend is just a simple Thank You for your participation in marching band and for providing a service to your university that only the marching band can provide.                                                                                                                                     
Equipment Usage Policy
You are responsible for the repair or replacement costs for any equipment,
uniform, or instrument that is signed out to you or for which you are responsible
for damaging should it suffer loss or damage which is not reasonable or
customary. Be sure to report all damages to Mr. Spitzer or Daren Sellers (in the
MRC), as they occur. Some damage may be excusable, but not if you wait until
the end of the season to report it!
A failure to abide by the above Rules and Equipment Usage policies will result
in grade reductions, removal of stipends, and/or withdrawal from the
ensemble!

 Cell Phones

Cell phones are to be turned off and left out of the rehearsal space. Students are not to wear any form of Bluetooth or wireless apparatus during rehearsals or performance. If a cell phone needs to be available for emergency purposes that must be cleared with the director in advance.

Sectionals
All sections are expected to have extra rehearsals on occasion. These are required for all members of the section. The previously stated attendance policies do apply to sectional rehearsals also, though section leaders should make every effort to hold sectionals when every member of their section can be in attendance!

Grading
Grades for this course will be based upon a combination of attendance, attitude and preparation. All students will be required to play their music individually during the course of rehearsals. A lack of individual preparedness will be factored into your grade.

Play Offs of Music

Before the first public performance of any piece of music students shall be required to demonstrate their knowledge of the music by playing it for either their section leader, Mr. Spitzer or Mr. Wiggins. If the performance is deemed unacceptable the student will not be allowed to perform until the piece is approved. Routine check-offs will occur similarly with the color guard for Mrs. DeFalco. If you are “benched” from a performance you will receive a letter grade reduction, and possibly lose your stipend money. If you are “Benched” from a performance for any reason, those who are benched will be required to stand at attention as a group on the sideline during the duration of the performance by the remainder of the ensemble.  All Pre-game music should be memorized by your arrival at band camp! It is up on the website at all Times. The other show music will be posted as it arrives, check the download section of the website for additions and deletions of show music! The musical titles of all show music are listed later in the handbook. As it appears on the “Spirit of the Carolinas” Website, begin learning it and committing it to memory!
Attire

Non-uniformed performances (as announced): UNCP Band Shirt, Khaki shorts or pants, (guard- black shorts), White Gym Shoes and White Socks.
Parades and Football Games: The Official UNCP Marching Band Uniform, Worn in its entirety unless specified by the Director. Make sure that you both wear and regularly wash the assigned undergear that accompanies the uniform. It is designed to protect the uniform proper by absorbing the bulk of perspiration and thus prolonging the life of the uniform jackets and vests!

Band Uniform Etiquette

1. All hair must be above the collar when in uniform
2. No colored nail polish to be worn.
3. Only stud type earrings are allowed when in uniform.
4. The uniform is only to be worn in its complete state!
5. If the jacket is on it must be zipped and worn correctly, when taken off at the Director’s instruction it is to be folded and stored properly.
6. If the Aussie is not on it must be carried in the three fingered grip.
7. You must wear black socks and your black band shoes. No crop socks or anklets. No tennis shoes. Black band shoes are to be kept clean and polished for performances.                                                                                                                                                         . 8.Make sure you hang the uniform up properly, and store in the garment bag, do
not put other items, dirty socks, food etc, in the garment bag.                                                                               
9. All Woodwind and Brass personnel are to wear the white gloves provided at
uniform check-out and regularly wash them for performances. You will receive
one pair at uniform check-out, if you require another pair throughout the season
they are $3.00. All flute, piccolo, and clarinet personnel may cut the white glove
fingertips to expose your finger tips at the first knuckle. Percussionists need to
provide their own wrist bands as instructed by the Drum Line Captain, these take
the place of the glove requirement of the wind section.
Colorguard Uniform Etiquette

1.       Hair style and makeup will be determined by the guard instructor.
2.       1 pr. 1" gold hoop earrings may be worn with the guard uniform.
3.       Black socks should be worn with the official Capezio Black Jazz Dance shoe.
4.       The uniform is only to be worn in its complete state!
5.       The color guard will change into official spirit wear when designated by Mrs. DeFalco. This should be far less frequent this season as the uniform design and fabric allow for greater movement of airflow and are much more livable on the body! 
6.       Some girls will be requested to invest in flesh toned (to match your skin) body suit or body confining garments due to the cut of the uniform.

                                                                                                                   


Updated: Wednesday, May 20, 2009

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PO Box 1510 Pembroke, NC 28372-1510 • 800.949.UNCP (8627) • 910.521.6000