Chopticon High School
Home of the St. Mary’s County Public Schools
Academy of Visual & Performing Arts
Marching Band Manual
2016
“The Showband of Southern Maryland”
2015 USBands Group III Open State Champions
2013, 2014 USBands Group II Open
State Champions
2012 USBands Group IIA
National Champions
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 USBands Group IIA
State Champions
www.chopticonband.org
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS
REGARDING FINANCES
Fees
It is important that fees are paid on time. This past year, the resources
of the Band Booster organization have been exhausted due to nonpayment of fees. Monthly payments are an option and can be set up by
contacting the band director. As always, if there is a financial
hardship, please contact the band director.
Band Boosters
Band Boosters meet the third Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in
the library media center. Parents will be notified by email with dates
and times for each band booster meeting. Everyone is strongly
encouraged to attend. The band boosters exist for the support of all the
bands, not just the marching band. Band Booster members and any
adult assisting with the program must be registered SMCPS
volunteers.
Fundraising - Benefits all band students and helps keep fees down
Chopticon has some of the lowest performance fees for marching band
compared to other schools competing in USBands. This is because of
the hard work the Band Boosters put in to raise funds to keep the cost
for students down. It costs approximately $650 per band member to
minimally fund the show. It is the responsibility of every band member
to participate in all fundraisers. Attendance at car washes and
involvement with other fundraising events are strongly encouraged. As
traveling costs, instrument needs, etc. continue to rise, we need your
support more than ever to ensure we continue to offer a quality musical
experience for your child.
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Introduction to the Chopticon High School Marching Band Program
Welcome to the Chopticon High School Band Program. The program continues a long tradition of
excellence that is incessantly developing each year. It has been recognized by adjudicators, clinicians, and
the general public for their musicianship and demeanor at many performance venues. There are nearly 100
students that make up the Chopticon High School Band Program, and we continue to grow. The program
requires a commitment in time, parental support, and financial contributions.
Marching Band
The “Showband of Southern Maryland” is an elective taken after school for ½ credits. Made up of musicians
enrolled in the concert ensembles, members rehearse after school and in the evenings to perform at five to
six football games, five to seven competitions, and four parades each fall. Mandatory rehearsals begin in
late July and continue through the middle of November.
In addition, students may elect to participate in indoor percussion or color guard for the 2nd semester, please
contact your guidance counselor and ask them to add solo and ensemble to your schedule. It's a 2nd semester
after-school class, so it will not interfere with your regularly scheduled classes.
Color Guard
The Chopticon High School Color Guard is a team within the marching band. Placement in the guard is by
audition only. Auditions occur in May. Practices and performances coincide with the marching band.
Marching Band
Philosophy
The Chopticon High School Marching Band strives for excellence in whatever they take on. While other
bands take time off, we work. While other bands play pop music, we learn some of the most intricate music
in our competition circuit. When other bands become complacent, we push on. This has always been the
Chopticon tradition, and always will be.
As a marching unit, the “Showband of Southern Maryland” attends five to seven marching competitions each
season in addition to four parades and five to six football games throughout the fall. The Chopticon program
has long served as a model to other schools in our community and region. We are complemented regularly for
our discipline, attitude, pride, and musicality.
The students who enroll in the ensemble share a commitment to achieve excellence through performance of
intricate music, physically demanding drill and color guard routine, and refinement of personal and ensemble
character. These students perform continuously throughout the summer and fall, developing technique,
stamina, and endurance. Such skills are easily integrated into their concert band experience. Therefore,
students of this caliber consistently earn the top seats in the Symphonic and Concert Bands. When students
come together in the August heat, endure grueling hours of practice, and push each other to attain a goal, they
become a team. The members of the marching band create and share memories, and build relationships that
last a lifetime.
Band Camp
It is important to emphasize the importance of the August phase of marching band preparation in order to
establish good fundamentals of marching as well as social adjustment. These are vital for participation in the
early stages of our development. Attendance is mandatory. Failure to attend may result in the student being
removed from the marching band. Every effort will be made to notify students of the camp schedule in
January.
What to Expect from Band Camp
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It will be hot and muggy in August. You will want to dress comfortably, but you must stick to the school’s
dress code. We do a lot of marching and running, so tennis shoes and shorts are required. Hats and sunglasses
are recommended. Sunscreen and water are required. Expect to work harder than you ever have before. Not
everyone believes it when told this for the first time, but every returning member does. Expect to meet new
people and have fun. Expect to feel a sense of accomplishment after only two weeks.
You will get hot—bring water. You will often feel tired—sleep at night. You will often feel exhausted—it is
worth every minute of work.
Weekly Rehearsals
The number one enemy of marching band is rehearsal time. Attendance at all practices is mandatory! We
rehearse Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 3:00-6:00 pm. On Wednesday, we hold sectionals from 3:005:00 pm. Saturdays are reserved for competitions/parades (mandatory). This schedule will last until the
season is over (mid-November). Again, you are expected to attend all mandatory rehearsals.
Football Games
The band will perform at all home football games, typically five or six throughout the fall season. Games are
usually held on Friday evenings unless they are rescheduled due to inclement weather. Students will be
notified of the report time the Monday of game week.
Football games are an opportunity to perform for the general public, for people who may not normally
have the chance to see the band. It is our best opportunity to make a positive impact on the community.
Each game is mandatory.
Band Competitions
Nearly every Saturday from mid-September to early November, we will be traveling all over Maryland and
Virginia to compete in competitions in the United States Bands (USBands) competition circuit. As a general
rule, judges need to see a band progress during the three month time period in order to truly see their hard
work. Therefore, the Chopticon High School Marching Band will typically compete in 5-7 competitions each
fall. These competitions will be all-day activities, so please, plan accordingly. Competitions are mandatory.
Parades
The marching band performs in the Blessing of the Fleet, Veterans Day, Homecoming, and Fair Day parades
each fall. This is another opportunity for the public to see us perform. Parades are mandatory.
Personal Behavior and Responsibilities
In order to properly function in today’s society, you must possess a high degree of discipline and common
sense. Common sense will help you make many critical decisions that even young adults face. If you have a
desire to be a contributing member of our band, then it will also be your responsibility to improve the discipline
of our band. Be sure you have a positive attitude. It is very difficult to remain in the right frame of mind after
many hours of rehearsing, but this is called discipline.
With a complex program such as marching band, the director cannot waste time on discipline problems. The
following rules serve as only a few guidelines that will help our program rum more efficiently:
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Refer to the St. Mary’s County Public School’s Code of Student Conduct (Handbook)
No gum, ever!
Inappropriate language or references will not be tolerated
Your instrument is your responsibility. Make sure it is in proper playing order and clean before
you arrive.
 No running in your uniform
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No displays of public affection are permitted
Remember you are representing your band and school at all times
No one is permitted it play someone else’s instrument or guard equipment
Make sure your instrument is stored properly in your assigned locker
Discipline
The nature of marching band requires us to be extremely organized. We never have quite enough rehearsal or
performance time and it is difficult for us to progress to our full potential unless everyone is on the same page
as far as expectations and rules.
Occasionally, a student challenges the rules or expectations for marching band members. Like all aspects of
marching band, there is a structure for dealing with this. It is the section leader’s responsibility to try to keep
everything in their section in good working order and under control. Insubordination will not be tolerated
under any circumstances. Students who are not following the rules or who are having problems understanding
the chain of command will be punished immediately. If any situation cannot be resolved by the student
leaders, they are to notify the director of the problem immediately.
We have to be in good shape to be a successful marching band, so laps around the field and push-ups may
be assigned as a disciplinary measure. Hopefully, this will be rare.
Grading and Attendance
Marching Band is unique in that it is a co-curricular activity. Each student is enrolled in the marching band
as a class even though it meets outside of the school day. For this reason, evening and afternoon rehearsals
are not optional. Imagine a field formation that is missing five members or listening to music without the 1 st
trumpet part and you can understand why it is important.
Any unexcused absence from a performance may result in a failing grade. Grading Policy
HAC-Process 30%
Field Participation
 Students can earn up to 5 points per class toward their participation grade (Present on time to
rehearsal (2), proper materials (1), and positive participation/rehearsal etiquette).
 Students with an excused absence (illness with medical note, athletic event, etc.) will receive 3
points for the day.
HAC-Product 70% Performances
 Performances are designed to show comprehension/application and can include: Competitions,
Concerts, Parades, Football Games, and Community Events.
Attendance
 Students will receive a daily attendance grade (5 points). Please see attendance policy for questions
regarding excused/unexcused absences.
Performance Policy
All performances are mandatory. No exceptions will be made for sports, extra-curricular activities, or doctor’s
appointments. If a student is absent and presents a note citing one of the excuses for absenteeism in the St.
Mary’s County Public School’s Handbook, they will be required to complete an assignment determined by the
director.
When is an Absence Excused?
All authorized absences must be approved in writing and in advance of the event by at least TWO (2)
WEEKS. Please refer to the St. Mary’s County Public School’s Student Handbook for examples of legal
excused absences. Only in emergency situations may notes be submitted after the absence has occurred. In
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this case, the director must be notified within five (5) days of the student’s return to school. If notification has
not been received, the absence will automatically become unexcused.
Good communication is the key to assuring that no unfortunate circumstances arise with regard to attendance.
Communicating a potential conflict with any one event is the responsibility of the student. CONTACT MUST
BE MADE WITH THE DIRECTOR PRIOR TO THE EVENT BY A WRITTEN NOTE FROM THE
PARENT. A note will not be accepted after the fact. Dates are made far in advance and students are expected
to make necessary arrangements. The following are examples of excuses that are unacceptable:
“I already know my part, I don’t have to come.”
“I get out of practice at 5:30, I needed to go home and eat.” “I could not get a ride.”
“Sports practice ends at 6:00 and I can’t be two places at once.” “I had driver’s ed.”
Uniforms/Uniform Check-Out
Our Marching Band uniforms are excellent condition and must remain that way. Each student will be
assigned a uniform, uniform bag, and uniform number. Once checked-out, the student becomes solely
responsible for their uniform. It must remain stored in the correctly numbered uniform bag. Do not cut
the uniform pants. They are to be hemmed with a needle and thread only using a basting stitch. The
student will be responsible for any damage done to the uniform. The full uniform consists of:
 Bibbers (Pants)
 Jacket with Baldric (Silver insert on front of jacket)
 Hat
 Plume
 Gauntlets
 BLACK socks (not provided)
 BLACK Under Armor type shirt (worn under the jacket and not provided)
The following items are required and are purchased by the student. Orders will be taken in August and
payment must be made prior to the order being placed.
 Show t-shirt
 Black marching shoes (if needed)
The following items are not uniform appropriate:
 Colored socks
 Ankle socks
 Sneakers
 Heavy makeup
 Jewelry/watches/earrings
 Finger nail polish (clear is acceptable)
Uniform Use
While in uniform, there will be no eating of “messy” foods (mustard, ketchup, pizza, sugared drinks, candy,
chocolate, etc.). Remember, any time we are in uniform, we are representing the band, school, and
community. We should take pride in that fact. You will always stay in uniform unless told to do otherwise
by a director or drum major. Make sure that your actions anytime (but especially while in uniform) reflect
our band program and the attitude that is expected of you as a member.
Everyone is expected to put their uniform away properly! Uniforms go in the assigned bag and are
hung on the appropriate rack in numerical order. Hats go in the assigned box.
Never leave a wet or sweaty uniform in a bag or hat-box to mildew. If necessary, leave a bag unzipped
to air out, or take other actions to ensure that our uniforms will stay in great shape for many years.
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If you are ever missing any component of your uniform, instrument, or other equipment, you will not be
allowed to march. Be responsible!
Once checked-out, the uniform is solely the student’s responsibility. By being a member of the band,
each student accepts full responsibility for their uniforms.
Students who forget black socks, shoes, and gloves for performances will be charged the following: $5 for
socks/gloves and $5 for shoes. Additionally, the student will receive a zero for that day’s “participation” grade.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are strongly recommended, as we will eventually be performing advanced high school and
college level music. Many of the music stores in the area have private instructors. Do not be afraid to ask me
for extra help during the day. The importance of studying privately cannot be stressed enough! You have
all been playing for many years and are all very talented, but in order to take your playing to new levels, you
must seek guidance from professionals.
Professionalism
Always arrive early to every rehearsal. If it is a rehearsal during the school day, be in your seats, ready to go
within two minutes of the bell. Check the board to see what we are rehearsing and begin to warm up your
instrument. Percussionists should use this time to set up for the pieces being rehearsed. Rehearsal time is to
be used to fit your prepared parts with the rest of the ensemble. Let us use our time wisely as a group.
Instrument Lockers
Every student will be assigned a locker where they will be permitted to keep their instrument and accessories.
No books, food, or anything else should be kept in your instrumental locker. It is the responsibility of every
student using a locker to supply their own lock. You may not use instrument storage room until you have
provided a lock. You must supply your own lock by the end of the second week of school.
Required Materials
Woodwinds:
1. Four working reeds of professional quality (Vandoren, Mitchell Lurie, et c. with a strength of 3-4). NO
Ricos! Students must keep their reeds in hard plastic case.
2. A tuner AND metronome.
3. Swab for cleaning your instrument.
4. ALL music (provided by director) and binder with sheet protectors
5. Pencil.
Brass
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mouthpiece/Mouthpiece Cleaner.
A tuner AND metronome.
Valve/Slide oil.
Cleaning kit
ALL music (provided by director) and binder with sheet protectors
Pencil
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Percussion (ALL percussionists are expected to provide his/her own sticks/mallets for the instruments
utilized in rehearsal and performances. They will be kept in a stick bag provided by the student.):
1. Snare drum sticks (Vic Firth SD-1).
2. Marimba mallets (Vic Firth M03 Yarn Mallets).
3. Bell mallets.
4. Xylophone mallets (Vic Firth M133 Mallets).
5. Timpani mallets (Vic Firth T1).
6. A tuner AND metronome.
7. Drum key (optional)
8. Tuner or pitch pipe for tympani.
9. ALL music (provided by director) and binder with sheet protectors
10. Pencil.
11. Stick/Mallet bag.
Clarinet:
1. Mouthpiece: Vandoren B45 Traditional Model
2. Ligature: Rovner Dark or Bonade Inverted
Saxophone:
1. Mouthpiece: Selmer Paris S80 C* or Meyer Hard Rubber 5M
2. Ligature: Rovner Dark
Trumpet:
1. Mouthpiece: Bach 3C, Schilke 9, or Yamaha 11 are good places to start. Try a bunch at a music store.
2. Mutes: Tom Crown Aluminum or Copper Straight Mute
French Horn:
1. Mouthpiece: Schilke 30 or Holton-Farkas Medium Cup
Trombone:
1. Mouthpiece: Bach 6 1/2AL or 5G Mouthpiece or Larger (No 12C’s!!)
Tuba:
1. Mouthpiece: UMI Helleberg or Miraphone Rose Orchestra
Percussion - See required materials.
Remember, you are representing your school and every member of the Chopticon
High School Band Program; Past, Present, and Future!
Band Contract
In order to be sure that we are all communicating accurately, you are asked to complete the registration process
through FamilyID https://www.familyid.com/programs/2016-17-chopticon-high-school-band . Please read the
manual with special attention to: band calendar, rehearsal, concert, and grading policies.
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Band Calendar
Every effort is made to keep parents, students, and staff members updated of all events well in advance. With
this manual, you will receive a calendar listing all events for the Fall Semester. Please make notes of
performance, rehearsal, and due dates. I will make every effort to notify parent(s)/guardian(s) and students of
any changes to the calendar at least two weeks in advance. However, as a high school band program, we are
often asked to perform/rehearse at a moment’s notice. Hopefully, those situations will be few and far
between.
2016-17 Chopticon MARCHING BAND
Performance Fees
Performance Fee
$250.00
Performance fee for all marching band participants including guard.
This fee includes dry cleaning of uniform/guard parade uniform, one
pair of gloves, and one show shirt. These funds help pay for show
music, show design, entry fees, props, additional instructors to
improve performance, repair/replacement of uniform pieces and other
necessary expenses.
Percussionists/Guard
$ 50.00
Additional Fee - Covers use of instruments/equipment and
maintenance of equipment and supplies
Students who do not own an Instrument may be charged a rental fee. Please contact the band director for more
information.
Marching Band shoe orders will be taken during the first week of band camp for students who need marching
band shoes. Shoes cost approximately $35.
A NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT OF $100.00 IS DUE BY JUNE 10
TO ENSURE A SPOT IN THE ENSEMBLE.
Students with outstanding fees will be placed on the school debt list or may result in the student being ineligible
for performance or participate in other activities. At the discretion of the director, special arrangements
may be made for families undergoing economic hardship.
Payments should be deposited in the 801 account in the school bank. Please include the student’s name on the
memo line as well. Checks should be made out to Chopticon High School and deposited in the 801
account in the school bank.
All fees or other money collected are absolutely non-refundable, regardless of the participation status of
the student.
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2016 Camp Schedule
Please remember to bring the following:
WATER, Sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, lunch, music, instrument and associated pieces. You
may also want to wear a hat. It will be hot and you will be outside.
Pre-Camp
Monday, 7/18-Thursday, 7/21: 8:00 am-1:00 pm
Camp Hours 8 a.m. -5 p.m.
Monday, August 1
Tuesday, August 2
Wednesday, August 3 (DCI in Annapolis)
Thursday, August 4
Friday, August 5 - Off
Stay in the loop and sign up for the
Marching Band Remind service
Both students and parents may join. Ms. Lynn
will send text reminders and other information
using this service.
Monday, August 8 - Off
Tuesday, August 9
Wednesday, August 10
Thursday, August 11
Friday, August 12
To join, go to this link:www.remind.com
Or text to 8010 and type in @marchchs
Monday, August 15 - Off
Tuesday, August 16 - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 17 - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 18 - 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Friday, August 19- 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Follow us on Twitter at @ChopticonBands and
the school site which is @CHSBraves
Monday, August 22 - 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday. August 23 - Off
Wednesday, August 24 - School Begins, Sectionals, Winds 3-5 p.m., Percussion, 4:30 - 6:30
p.m., Guard - Off
Thursday, August 25 - 3 - 6 p.m. Practice
Friday, August 26 - 3 - 6 p.m. Practice
Weekly practice schedule once school starts
Monday: Guard Sectionals, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 3-6 p.m.
Wednesday: Sectionals, Winds 3-5 (as necessary), Percussion, 4:30-6:30, Guard, Off
Thursday: 3-6 p.m.
Friday: 3-6 p.m. (or football game)
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Fall Events - 2016
(Subject to change)
9/9
Football Game
9/10
Great Mills HS
9/17
Northern HS
9/23
Fair Parade
9/24
CCIS Travel Northern Virginia Regional
9/30
Football Game
10/1
Marine Corps Invitational
10/2
Blessing of the Fleet Parade
10/8
Chopticon HS (Home Show)
10/14
Football Game (Homecoming)
10/15
Reservoir
10/21
Football Game
10/22
Broadneck/Severna Park High Schools
10/28
Football Game
10/29
MD State Championship
11/5
Mid-Atlantic Championships Prelims
11/11
Veteran’s Day Parade
11/12
National Championship at Metlife Stadium
Practices are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Sectionals are held on Wednesdays for Winds from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. (depending on need) and for Percussion from
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Guard will practice on Mondays from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. with no practice on Wednesdays
This schedule may be subject to change based on weather or other schedule changes
More information on competition sites may be found on this site: http://trigonroad.com/yea/schedule.cfm
The school and band calendars may be found by clicking on the calendar icon on the top left of the home page of the
Chopticon website. http://schools.smcps.org/chs/
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