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KHS Band Parent Handbook
Original: July 2002. Revised: July 2004
Welcome to the Bearcat Marching Band!
Your son or daughter is about to become a member of one of Nebraska’s premiere high school marching bands. The Kearney Bearcat Marching Band is known throughout Nebraska as one of the best high school marching bands in the state with 12 consecutive superior ratings at the NSBA (Nebraska State Bandmasters Association) competition to their credit. They are one of only a very few bands in the state to achieve this distinction. The Bearcats have received superior ratings in every field competition since 1992, including such marching competitions as Harvest of Harmony, Columbus Marching Festival, Lincoln Public Schools Competition, and NSBA.
This handbook will acquaint you and your band student with our program and cover such topics as:
· Kearney High Band Parents Association (3 & 4) · Catch the Fever – Show Your Spirit (4) · Band Camp (5) · Uniforms (6 & 7) · Special Needs by Instrument (7) · Color Guard (7) · The New Band Uniform (8 & 9) · Competitions and Parades (10 & 11) · Football Games (12) · Fundraising Opportunities (13 & 14) · Pep Band (14) · Concerts (15) · All-State Band, Honor Bands, District Music Contest (15) · Band Banquet (15) · Constitution and By-Laws of the KHS Band Parents Association (16 – 21)
If there is information that we missed in the writing of this handbook, please feel free to contact one of the officers or band directors prior to March 30th so that updates can be made for next year.
Kearney High School Band Parents Association
The mission of the Kearney High Band Parents Association is to provide assistance and support to the KHS Band Program and its Director(s). We offer a source of parent volunteers and organize fund raising activities, which allow band members to help defray the cost of band trips as well as provide necessary funds for the operation of the Association. (See Articles II and III of the Constitution).
All band members’ parents and/or guardians are considered members of the Association. Parent volunteers are very valuable to a marching band the size of Kearney High’s. Please read and note the many opportunities available for parents to volunteer. Most sections of this Handbook contain an explanation of the various parent volunteer opportunities related to that section. Additional volunteer opportunities are shown below this section. Your assistance will be very much appreciated by the directors, other band parents, and your child(ren).
KHS Band Parents meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month during the school year at 7:30 p.m. in the high school band room. Any other meeting time or date changes will be announced as they arise.
Officers are elected from the membership with nominations in April and elections at the May general membership meeting. Officers are the President, President elect/Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. (See the constitution for terms and duties).
Please call any of the officers with questions and they will help you find the answers.
A copy of the Kearney High Band Parents Associations Constitution and By-Laws is included in the back of this handbook for your information. We ask all new and returning members to read through these documents for a better understanding of how the Association operates.
You are encouraged to patronize the Kearney businesses that contribute to the fund raising activities of the Band Parents Association. Without their support, we would not realize as much of a profit from our endeavors.
**Parent Volunteer Opportunities
This section shows volunteer opportunities that are always needed. Some positions may have a current chair but keep them in mind for this year or next. As students graduate, parents of the younger students are needed to fill these roles. Ideally, co-chairing with an experienced parent is a good way to “learn the ropes” for when you take over.
Band Camp Snack Servers: Band Parents serves snacks morning and afternoon to our hot, tired band students. Volunteers to help with the set/up, serving and clean/up are always needed. If you can arrange to help for a few hours during this week, please call the President-elect/Vice-President listed in your summer Quarter Notes Newsletter ASAP.
Class Representatives: Four or five parents from each class service as Class Representatives. They do phoning of parents when it may be necessary. Generally, you may remain a class representative for your child’s high school career.
Quarter Notes Newsletter: Duties include preparing and mailing the Quarter Notes Newsletter, which is prepared several times a year. We hope to use e-mail for this as much as possible. The officers, directors, and chairmen provide most of the information for the Quarter Notes. Kearney High Band Parents Association Continued:
**Parent Volunteer Opportunities
KHS Newsletter/Publicity: Prepare articles about our Band Program for the KHS monthly newsletter. Include items of interest such as marching competitions, honor band participants, upcoming concerts, fundraising events, etc. The officers, directors, and chairmen provide most of this information. Also, publicize upcoming events in the Kearney Hub.
Fall marching Band Program: Prepare the Fall Marching Band Program (brochure), which is handed out at one of the home football games.
Uniform Chairperson: Inventory uniforms, measure and fit students for uniforms and distribute them during band camp.
Pit Crew: Band parents are needed to drive equipment trucks to competitions. They assist in loading and unloading equipment and uniforms on the trucks. They also help move the percussion (pit) equipment and Color Guard equipment on and off the field at competitions.
Pride Buttons: Pride buttons are pins you wear that show your child in uniform. Parent volunteers are needed to photograph students, arrange for making the buttons and selling them to the parents. The special education students at KPS usually make the Pride buttons.
Band Parent Officers: Two positions become available every year; the President-elect/Vice President and either the Secretary or Treasurer position. This allows for continuity on the Executive Board as every year there are two new people with the three experienced ones. Please consider running for office. A good organization needs good leaders. Terms and duties of the officers can be found in the KHS Band Parents Association By-Laws in the back of this Handbook.
Band Trip Sponsors: Parents who choose to travel with the band on band trips will be expected to serve as sponsors (checking rooms and assisting where needed).
** Please note the other parent volunteer opportunities shown in the other sections of this Handbook.
Catch the Bearcat Fever – Show Your Spirit
Marching Band season is a busy and exciting time in your child’s life and yours. Parental support is extremely important. Your son or daughter puts in many long hours of hard work to be a member of the band. Please show your support by your attendance at football games, marching competitions, Parents’ Night, and concerts. This means a great deal to your child (more than they may tell you). Your attendance at football games is very important. It will allow you an opportunity to learn the key portions of the marching show so you will be better able to cheer on the band during competitions. This is a critical part of the judging.
KHS Band Parents offer several other ways to “show” your support. Band parent T-shirts and sweatshirts are available for sale at the beginning of each new school year. We also offer KHS Band Parent decals for your vehicles and pride buttons (which show your child in uniform). These are offered at a nominal cost with details and order forms available either at band camp or Band Parent meetings.
Band Camp
Band Camp is held for one intensive week before school begins each August from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Drum line, Section and Rank leaders, and Color Guard each have camps one additional week prior to the regular band camp, meeting from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Members of the Drum line should wear earplugs.
Freshman/New student orientation is the Saturday preceding full Band Camp from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Beginning in 2003 Band Parents is offering a Freshman/New Parent orientation from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon that same day.
Band Camp week ends with an exhibition for family and friends on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. at Joe Greeno Field (practice field to the west of the high school – enter parking lot from 35th Street).
Attendance at Band Camp is mandatory. A major portion of the marching show is learned during band camp. The band begins practicing the music for their marching performances as well as the formations on the field. It is extremely important that band members be in attendance this week so that they can begin the process of memorizing the show as well as giving the directors a visual perspective of how the show will look.
Parents, please send your student to band camp with plenty of sunscreen and a water bottle. Sturdy running or walking shoes (tennis shoes) with socks are required. Shoes should be completely enclosed; avoid wearing new shoes; no sandals or mules are to be work (blisters are not fun). Since a great amount of time will be spent in the sun, hats and longer sleeves are a good idea for those who burn easily. Encourage your child to eat breakfast!
Students who drive should park in the far north (student) parking lot so that room is left in the north faculty lot for faculty and administrators working that week and parents picking up band members.
Some Section and Rank leaders and the Color Guard captains may call additional (evening) rehearsals during Band Camp week. Please be sure your child is prepared to attend as many of these as possible.
During Marching season, sectionals and rankanals may also be called after school, evenings, and possibly early mornings. The student leaders will only call these special practices when they feel they are necessary, so it is important that band members attend. Ask your child to keep you informed so you will be prepared to provide transportation. Students are usually given at least a days notice prior to these additional rehearsals.
**Parent Volunteer Opportunities
Lunch is on your own during band camp but snacks are provided by the Band Parent Association daily, during morning and afternoon breaks. Parents are needed to help serve these snacks during Band Camp. Any parent willing to assist with serving should call the President-elect/Vice-President shown in your summer Quarter Notes Newsletter. All band members are asked to provide 3 dozen cookies or a similar amount of fruit for band camp week. Grapes, bananas, and oranges are popular but please do not remove the grapes from the stems or cut other fruit. It does not keep well if needed for following days.
Parent volunteers may be needed to help distribute uniforms during Band Camp. Contact the uniform chairperson or any officer.
Uniforms
Our new band uniforms debuted in the fall of 2002. The uniform design has been simplified from previous years to alleviate the need for two pairs of pants and multiple uniform pieces.
The uniform consists of:
During Band Camp new students will be measured for uniform pants, jackets, hats, shoes and gloves. The uniform will be issued during Band Camp. Each uniform piece is tagged with an electronic tag to make fitting and inventory easier for the directors and uniform chairperson. Under no circumstances are these tags to be removed. The clothes hangers provided are designed to withstand the weight and packing of the uniforms, so please keep the uniform on the hanger provided.
Be sure that your band member tries on the uniform when received and that the pants are hemmed to the appropriate length (pants should touch the top of the shoe) and the jacket fits across the chest and in sleeve length (1/4 inch below the wrist). The hat must also be tried on for fit. A photo is provided in the back of this handbook for your assistance in determining if the band uniform fits properly.
All uniforms must fit properly before our first performance. If there is a problem with alterations, please contact the uniform chairperson ASAP.
Band uniforms are cleaned once a year but it is suggested that band members clean their uniforms whenever they have picked up grass or mud stains. Please also check shoes and gloves for stains. Parents can assist in this effort by checking uniforms immediately after each wearing. Nothing looks as tacky as a sharp, clean uniform with dirty shoes or gloves. Always hang the uniform when it is not being worn (hangers and bags are provided). This is particularly important if the uniform is wet. Leave it out of the bag to dry (air) before placing in the bag and zipping it closed. (See special instructions in this handbook).
The value of the uniform is over $400. You should treat it as you would your best clothing so as not to incur any additional costs for its care or replacement. Wear it with pride. Keep in mind that these band uniforms are a privilege to wear and need to be kept at their very best condition. Avoid situations for potential damage, such as eating messy foods while in uniform.
When traveling to competitions, we bring our uniforms in their bags and dress in the parking lot. Band members should wear boxer shorts and a t-shirt or thermal shirt (check the forecast!) under their clothes and uniforms. Wear something you won’t be embarrassed to be seen in, as dressing time could be in the bus, outside the bus or on the way to competitions. Black is the only color for socks, which the students provide.
Parents, please be sure your band member’s uniform bag and hat box are clearly marked with the student’s full name using a piece of tape (such as masking) for easy identification. We distribute over 200 uniforms in a very short time and sometimes speed is essential.
When wearing the uniform in public, band members are required to wear the full uniform, not random pieces of it. This includes the wrist gauntlets, which may be easily lost. The hat may be carried under the student’s arm.
Uniforms continued:
Parents please remind your students that they are representing Kearney High. Whether in uniform or street clothes, their conduct should always show respect for themselves and others, inappropriate or offensive language or behavior is unacceptable at any time.
Students may order a T-shirt for this year’s show at a nominal cost. Some sections also order additional items such as hats or shirts. The price of these varies with the quantity and item ordered. T-shirts are not mandatory but make a nice memento of the students’ band years.
**Parent Volunteer Opportunities
Parent volunteers may be needed during Band Camp to help distribute uniforms. Please contact the uniform chairperson or any officer.
If you are a good tailor, please volunteer to do alterations for students whose uniforms may not fit properly.
Special Needs by Instrument
Please review these and other instrument and uniform needs with your band member and have the appropriate items ready for the start of the new school year.
All members of the Drum line must wear earplugs during marching season. Drummers should have extra drumsticks available.
Clarinets and flutes should cut the fingertips out of their gloves to make playing their instruments easier. Check with your Section Leader or Band Director first. Clarinets should be sure to bring cork grease and reeds to performances.
Baritone, tenor and alto sax players should be sure to have a neck strap, reeds, cork grease, and mouthpiece for each performance.
Trumpets, French horn, trombone and tuba players should have valve oil, mouthpieces and slide grease.
Color Guard
The KHS Color Guard is a part of the marching band. The responsibility of Color Guard members is to enhance the visual aspect of the marching band show through the use of flags and other equipment. The Color Guard traditionally consists of 20-30 members who are chosen by audition in the spring.
The outfits the Color Guard wear are considered costumes rather than uniforms. They are chosen to match the mood or theme of the overall show and sometimes will not match the band uniforms. The purpose of this is to add even more color to the show.
The members of the Color Guard are required to register for marching band. Their rehearsal responsibilities include Color Guard camp, which meets the week prior to band camp; band camp, which usually meets the first or second week of August; early morning rehearsal and period 1A during the school day for the first term. There may also be additional sectional practices called which the members are expected to attend.
The Color Guard will perform with the marching band at all home football games, all field competitions, and parades and will sometimes perform by themselves at a pep rally. These performances are all required as part of their grade. In addition to these performances, Color Guard members will be graded on rehearsal attendance and periodic performance exams.
The New Band Uniform
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Some More Things You Need To Know:
We took the uniform to a dry cleaner and asked for advice on its care. Here’s what they had to say:
The gold metallic on the jacket will dry clean well, but in time, will start to crack or shows wear. UNK was able to have their uniforms cleaned ten times without the metallic showing. This was done in a short period of time to test the strength of the metallic material. It is important, however, that we take good care of the jackets so they don’t need excessive dry cleaning. The best way to do this is:
A. Take your jacket off and HANG IT UP after every wearing. Place it somewhere that it can “air out”. This will keep it fresh and cut the need for dry cleaning. B. Never press the metallic part of the jacket from the top side. Always press it from the underside. Better yet, have the uniform pressed by the cleaners. C. Never launder the pants. Always have them dry cleaned. D. Try not to rub up against anything (steering wheel, instrument case) with the edge of your jacket.
If your uniform pants need to be hemmed, DO NOT CUT ANY OF THE LENGTH OFF! Instead, turn them up and use a simple hem stitch and press with a cool iron.
When wearing your uniform… · NO jewelry or fingernail polish is to be worn · Hair must be pulled up under the hat. For girls, especially, or guys with long hair, do not get a hair cut the weeks of competitions. Hair that is just long enough to hang below the hat, but too short to pin up, is difficult to deal with. · NO make up (does not include Color Guard)
Wear your uniform with PRIDE. You are representing Kearney High School. Competitions and Parades
The Bearcat Marching Band participates in at least four marching competitions each year. A schedule of mandatory performances will be given out each year.
UNK Band Day
Columbus Marching Band Festival
Lincoln Public Schools Competition (LPS)
Nebraska State Bandmaster’s Association (NSBA)
It is important that all students observe the “Performance Dress Code”. ü No earrings or other jewelry. ü No make up or nail polish (exception for Color Guard as appropriate to costumes). ü Hair pinned up under your hat (guys, too, if your hair is long). ü Clean uniform and clean and shined shoes. ü A sharp appearance adds to the presentation of the band in judging.
Just what is NSBA? Every fall the Nebraska State Bandmaster’s Association (NSBA) sponsors a state marching band competition. It is the “state tournament” for marching bands where they have the opportunity to perform the show they’ve worked so hard to perfect in a competitive arena. Competing at NSBA represents the culmination of the marching season.
Judging of bands at all marching competitions is based on a point system with bands scoring a certain number of points for the various parts of their performance. The bands do not compete for 1st, 2nd or 3rd place but rather they compete to achieve the highest scoring possible, based on the performance (both individual and ensemble) as well as the general effect of both the musical and visual performance are evaluated. Considerations of the judges include musically (how well you played the music), overall marching (roll stepping, feet together, shoulders back, proper form), how well the music and drill mesh, overall tone and pride in appearance and performance.
The judging criterion increases with each competition; NSBA standards being the most exacting. NSBA is an exciting, colorful event filled with great band music. It is a very important event for the students and all the parents who have caught the Bearcat Fever.
Competitions and Parades Continued:
**Parent Volunteer Opportunities
A minimum of two parent sponsors is required for each of the five buses (total of 10 parents) for all competitions. Parents ride on the buses and are responsible for taking attendance, assisting band members with uniforms and other needs as indicated by the band directors.
Truck drivers for the equipment truck are needed for each competition as well as “The Pit Crew” to assist in loading and unloading the truck and moving percussion equipment and flags on and off the field at competitions.
Bottled water is needed for each band member following competitions. Please provide a twelve pack of water and bring to the first Band Parent Association meeting. The 7-8 ounce bottles are preferred. Larger ones are often wasted.
Sign up sheets will be circulated during Band Parent Association meetings for those wishing to ride on the band buses. Parents interested in assisting with equipment should contact one of the officers. Parent volunteers are usually admitted to competitions free of charge.
Each year we make yard signs for the band members, encouraging them at NSBA. Parents are needed to help construct these signs.
Some competitions give parents the opportunity to purchase photographs and/or videos professionally produced. Order forms will be available somewhere on the grounds of the competition. Videos make a wonderful memory in years to come.
Football Games
Kearney High Football games are held at UNK’s Foster Field at 7:00 p.m. Your attendance at home football games is very important to all members of the band, color guard, and directors. By learning the key portions of the marching show, you will be able to better cheer on the band during competitions, a critical part of the judging. Your son and/or daughter put in long hours to be a member of the band. Show your support by your attendance.
Parents Night is usually the first home football game (changes will be announced). Please be in attendance to walk across the field with your student during half-time introductions. This means a great deal to your child(ren).
The Bearcat Band performs at all home football games and some district competitions. Most games are on Friday evenings. The band meets in the band room at the UNK Fine Arts Building about one hour prior to the games for warm up and returns there after the game.
If you attend a game and drop your student off at the Fine Arts Building, you can park in the parking lot to the east of UNK’s Sports Center. This parking lot is behind the Otto Olsen Building. Parking is also available at Foster Field, in the street to the south of the stadium and on designated grass areas along University Drive. No parking pass is required to park on campus in the evening. Cost to attend a game is approximately $4-6.00 for adults. Everyone attending games is required to pay admission (even if you just want to see the band). Please respect this KHS policy. Adult and student activity tickets are available at KHS or may be purchased at the games. Band members do not pay admission.
Students enter the field as a unit and sit together in the bleachers. They are not allowed to leave the stands during the game. Full uniform is required for all games. Please remind your student that eating and drinking while in uniform at the games must be done with extreme caution. Warm underclothing may be necessary on cold game nights.
One of the pieces that the band plays during football games is the Kearney High School song. The word are:
Kearney High to you we’ll always be true You’re the best school in the land Your colors waving high bright golden and blue For you ideals we’ll always stand As we onward go to fame and renown Our loyalty will never die To you we sing Our homage bring For dear old Kearney High
Please stand and sing or clap each time the band plays the school song to show your support of the student athletes and musicians.
**Parent Volunteer Opportunities
Parents are needed to keep the band’s area in the bleachers open prior to the game and also to watch band member’s belongings during the half time show. Help is needed to distribute hat plumes for half-time performances and collect them after the performance.
Parents are needed to help sell raffle tickets for the stadium blanket, which are sold at one of the football games. Attend the Band Parent Meetings to learn more.
$$ Fundraising Opportunities $$
Typically, the band takes a major trip every two years. Cost of these trips will vary with destination and other activities associated with them. KHS Band Parents provides fundraising opportunities for students to help defray the cost of these trips as well as to provide necessary operating funds for the Association.
Depending upon needs for band trips and additional equipment, band members will be given the opportunity to participate in fundraisers throughout the year. A large portion of the money each student raises (depending upon the activity) will go into his/her band account to go toward future trips. The Band Parents Association retains a small portion of most fundraising profits for necessary operating funds.
Parent volunteers are needed to chair the fundraisers. All fundraiser chairs must give all monies raised to the Band Parents’ treasurer for deposit. Likewise, all bills for any expenses incurred by the fundraiser must be presented to the treasurer for payment. The chairmen should also provide all records and number of hours worked by individuals to the treasurer.
Participation in fundraisers and band trips (other than Nebraska-based competitions requiring no overnight stays) is voluntary.
A list of our regular fundraisers from past years is show below. Other past fundraisers have included sale of pizza, frozen foods, and etc. car washes. New ideas are always welcome. The best place to learn about and share ideas for fundraising is at the Band Parents meetings. Please check the Quarter Notes newsletter for more information throughout the year.
Fall Fundraising:
Selling Cat Cards – cards offering discounts at local businesses. Cost of each card is $5.00 with $5.00 per card going into a band member’s account. The directors distribute cards and collect money for this fundraiser.
Stadium Clean Up – parents clean the UNK Stadium after football games. UNK pays the Band Parents Association for the clean up. The amount paid by UNK is divided equally between the student accounts for those parents who help.
Selling stadium blanket raffle tickets - Profits from the stadium blanket raffle have been used to purchase a portion of the Kearney Hub ad showing our band prior to the NSBA competition. Local businesses also pay a portion to be listed in the ad.
Winter Fundraising:
Christmas Gift Wrap (when available) – band members and parents wrap gifts at Hilltop Mall. A parent must be present with students at all shifts. Total net profits, less the portion retained by the Band Parents Association, are divided by total hours worked and credited to students’ accounts. Donations of tape, wrapping paper, bows, ribbons, and boxes are always welcome. Shirt boxes and shoe boxes are needed especially but all sizes and shaped are needed.
Basketball Concessions – Two adults and two students are needed per game. Responsibilities include serving refreshments and cleaning up afterwards. Net profits, less the portion retained by the Band Parents Association, are divided by the total number of hours worked and this money is put into student accounts.
Spring Fundraising:
Selling Cottonmill Ducks – Students receive $2.00 in their account for every duck sold.
$$ Fundraising Opportunities $$ Continued:
Summer Fundraising:
Cruise Night – Third Saturday in July, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and beverages stand. Net profits, less the portion retained by the Band Parents Association, divided among those people working and credited to students’ accounts.
**Parent Volunteer Opportunities
Parent volunteers are needed to chair the fundraisers. All fundraiser chairs must give all monies raised to the Band Parents’ treasurer for deposit. Likewise, all bills for any expenses incurred by the fundraiser must be presented to the treasurer for payment. The chairmen should also provide all records and number of hours worked by individuals to the treasurer. Most fundraisers use a sign in/sign out sheet system to keep track of hours worked.
Parents are needed to clean the UNK Stadium, sell concessions at the basketball games, and sponsor Christmas Gift Wrapping by being with the students on evenings and weekends. Donations of gift-wrap, tape, boxes, ribbon and bows are always needed for the gift-wrapping event.
If a fundraiser involves selling food products (such as Deli International or pizza fund raiser), two parents will be needed to count money, double check order forms and assist with product delivery.
Cruise Nite requires a chair person(s) to make necessary arrangements for equipment, food, and supplies and to obtain any donations from Kearney businesses. The chairperson needs to organize workers since this is held during the summer.
It is important when you or your student signs up to assist with a fund raising activity that you come at your scheduled time. You must find a substitute if you find that you cannot participate at your scheduled time.
Pep Band
In support of boys and girls basketball, wrestling, volleyball and other indoor sports, pep bands are formed after marching season to provide music during these competitions.
Band members must attend those games to which they are assigned or they may participate in both pep bands. To receive a passing grade for second and third quarter band, band members must attend a total of 5 games to qualify and 7 games to letter. Failure to do so will result in a lowered grade.
Pep Band members meet in the band room and enter the gym together. Pep Band members are admitted to the game free of charge.
Uniform for Pep Band is street clothes, preferably blue and gold.
Cost for parents to attend these sporting events is usually about $4.00. Activity tickets are also available for purchase at the school office. Most of the games/meets are in the south (main) gym. Please enter through the main doors.
Concerts
The bands (Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab Band, Symphonic, Concert, Percussion Ensemble) typically perform 3-4 concerts per year. These concerts are in the high school auditorium and are free and open to the public. If school is cancelled (snow days) all band activities such as concerts are also cancelled. Band members are asked to wear dress clothes for the concerts, shirts tucked in, school dress code is followed.
Band concerts provide the students the opportunity to showcase individual musical abilities and perform a wider variety of music than field competition can provide.
A schedule of this year’s concerts can be found in the school district calendar. Schedules are subject to change so please attend Band Parent Association meetings to keep updated.
All-State Band/Orchestra, Honor Bands, District Music Contest
All-State Band/Orchestra auditions are held in October for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. NMEA sponsors All-State, which is held in November.
Throughout the school year, students are given the opportunity to audition for Honor bands that meet at various colleges and universities throughout the state and region. This is an excellent opportunity for your band member to meet other student musicians, tour campuses to see their music departments and stretch their “musical muscles”.
Please encourage your band member to try out for as many of the honor bands as possible. A complete listing of the Honor bands is available from the band directors. Be sure to check with the directors regarding deadlines for each contest and whether or not an audition tape is required.
District Music Contest is held each April. The bands will be competing in this contest and individual band members will also have the opportunity to perform as soloists and small groups is held a few days prior to the District Music Contest. This gives parents who cannot attend the contest an opportunity to see the students perform.
**Parent Volunteer Opportunities
If the District Music Contest is held in Kearney, parent volunteers are needed to serve as greeters and room monitors. Details will be available at Band Parents meetings.
Band Banquet
The annual Band Banquet for all band members and their families is held each April (usually on a Sunday evening) in the South Gym. Check the school calendar for the date. This is a potluck meal and each family is asked to bring their own table service and two dishes to share, one a meat or main dish and the other either a salad or dessert. The Band Parents Association furnishes drinks. At the Band Banquet, letters and other honors and achievements will be awarded and recognized. Members of the junior class traditionally “roast” the seniors.
**Parent Volunteer Opportunities
A group of parents is needed to make drinks and set up and clean up for the Banquet. Senior parents are also needed to help plan and decorate the senior tables. Please call or see the organization’s President-elect/Vice president at a Band Parent Association meeting.
CONSTITUTION OF THE KEARNEY HIGH BAND PARENTS ASSOCIATION
Approved May 5, 2003 Amended March 6, 2006
Article I – Name and Governance
Section 1. This organization shall be known as the Kearney High Band Parents Association, hereafter referring to as the Association.
Section 2. This organization shall be governed by the Constitution and By-laws of the Association. Robert’s Rules of Order will define parliamentary procedure.
Article II – Mission Statement
The mission of the Kearney High School Band Parents Association is to provide assistance and support to the KHS Band Program and its Director(s).
Article III – Purpose and Goals
To support the common good of the KHS Band Program. To support the Director(s) in his/her curriculum plan developed for the school year. To support the Director(s) and students in achieving the desired level of excellence to perform in competitions by providing, as needed, a source of parent volunteers. To organize fund-raising activities which allow band members an opportunity to defray the cost of participating in band trips as well as providing necessary funds for the operation of the Band Parents Association. To provide financial assistance for special projects, to help sponsor and/or chaperone trips as designated and to promote activities supported by the Association. To be proactive and vocal advocates of music education in the Kearney Public Schools and to the state of Nebraska.
Article IV – Membership
Section 1. Every band member’s parent(s) or guardian(s) shall be considered voting members of Association.
Section 2. Non-Voting membership is open to anyone interested in the welfare of the band program.
Article V – Officers
Section 1. The elected officers of this Association shall consist of President, President-elect/Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.
Section 2. Officers for the following year shall be elected by the general membership, at the May general membership meeting. The President-elect/Vice President shall be elected for a one-year term and succeed to the office of the President for a period for one year. A. The President-elect/Vice President shall succeed to the Presidency. B. The President-elect/Vice President shall be elected each year. C. The Secretary shall be elected in odd-numbered years, for a two-year tern. D. The Treasurer shall be elected in even-numbered years, for a two-year term.
Section 3. The Chairpersons of committees/fund-raisers shall be appointed by the Executive Board after the election of officers.
Article VI – Executive Board – Committee
Section 1. A. The Executive Board shall consist of the President, President-elect/Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Past President. B. The Band Director(s) shall be Exofficio, non-voting, member(s) of the Executive Board.
Section 2. It shall be the duty of the Executive Board to ensure that the Constitution and By-laws are followed.
Section 3. The Executive Committee shall consist of the Executive Board and the chairpersons of all committees.
Article VII – Vacancies
Vacancies in an office shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Executive Board, except that of the President, which shall be automatically filled by the President-elect/Vice President. An election by the general membership shall be held at the next regular meeting to fill the position of President-elect/Vice-President.
Article VIII – Meetings
Section 1. The Executive Board/Committee meetings shall be held at such time and place as called by the President or the majority of the Executive Board/Committee.
Section 2. An Executive Board organization meeting shall be held within sixty (60) days after the election of officers. At that time the previous board members shall transfer all records to the new members. A proposed operating budget for the upcoming school year will be prepared and approved at that meeting.
Section 3. The Association shall have a monthly general meeting during the school calendar year. The nomination of officers shall be opened at the April general meeting and elections shall be held at the May general meeting. Special meetings may be called, as needed, by the President.
Section 4. Executive Board meetings shall be scheduled as necessary to conduct business of the Association.
Article IX – Amendments
Section 1. This constitution shall be amended at a general meeting by a two-thirds majority written
vote of the members present. The following
procedure will be followed: of the Association. B. The proposed amendment(s) will be presented to the Executive Board for review and recommendation. C. The amendment(s) will be read at the next general meeting for discussion and review, as illustrated in the example below. D. The amendment(s) will be reread, discussed and voted upon at the next general meeting, as illustrated in the example below.
Example: Review by Executive Board in October, read at November general meeting and reread and voted upon at the December meeting.
Section 2. Proposed amendments dealing with the same general issue may be presented, only once per school year. BY-LAWS OF THE KEARNEY HIGH BAND PARENTS ASSOCIATION Approved May 5, 2003
Article I – Duties of Officers
Section 1. The President’s duties shall be: A. Conduct all meetings B. Act as contact person for the Band Director(s) and distribute information to the right persons and/or committees. C. Help and advise committee chairpersons on fundraising, band sponsored events and record keeping. D. Teach the new President the duties of the office. Keep committees running smoothly, to eliminate problems in the future. E. To ensure that the Band Parents Handbook be reviewed and updated annually (by May). F. To ensure that the Constitution and By-laws are followed.
Section 2. The President-elect/Vice-President’s duties shall be: A. Act as Band Camp Chairperson – responsibilities include being in charge of morning and afternoon snacks each day of camp and finding people to register the band members and auxiliary the first two days of camp. B. Find a uniform chairperson, who then is in charge of finding workers to fit uniforms to band members. C. Plan and oversee committees for the annual banquet held in April. D. Help the President whenever needed. E. Assume the responsibility of the President in the absence of the President. F. To ensure that the Constitution and By-laws are followed.
Section 3. The Treasurer’s duties shall be: A. Pay bills for the band and auxiliary units. B. Pay taxes on fund-raisers as necessary. C. Together with fundraising chairpersons, keep track of hours students and their parents have worked and money earned, so as to credit their individual accounts. D. Provide cash and make deposits as needed. E. Provide a financial report for each executive meeting. F. Maintain the P.O. Box key and periodically check for correspondence and bills. G. The Treasurer shall receive a stipend of $100.00 payable in May of the completed school year. H. To receive all moneys due the association from fundraising chairpersons. I. Assist the Executive Board with the development of an estimated operational budget for the upcoming year. (Resources include past expenditures, fundraising amounts, etc). J. To ensure that the Constitution and By-laws are followed.
Section 4. The Secretary’s duties shall be: A. Keep all executive meeting and general meeting minutes. B. Take care of all correspondence. C. Help the President whenever needed. D. Keep an updated list of students, with parent’s names, addresses, phone numbers, etc. E. Maintain the P.O. Box key and periodically check for correspondence and bills. F. To ensure that the Constitution and By-laws are followed.
Section 5. The Executive Board shall be responsible for updating in writing the duties and responsibilities of their respective offices to assist future officers. This may include a “how-to” approach, contacts, timelines, etc. Article II – Treasurer
Section 1. The Treasurer of the Association shall have a surety bond, in an amount to be determined by the Executive Board. The association will pay the cost of the surety bond.
Section 2. The records of the Treasurer of the Association shall be audited on an annual basis, also whenever there is a change in the treasurer. The Executive Board, in accordance with Kearney Public Schools policies will determine the auditor. The cost of the audit, if any, is to be paid by the Association.
Article III – Scholarships
The Association will award up to two (2) graduating senior band members with a $150.00 scholarship each, to be used at the college or school of their choice. The scholarship will be given to the student upon proof of registration. The senior must have been in KHS band for five (5) semesters. Transfer students will be given credit for previous high school band participation. Candidates shall have shown good leadership abilities, music skills, and school spirit. The number of candidates will be narrowed down to five (5) or six (6) by the band director(s) and final decision, voted on by the Executive Board members, excluding parents of seniors. Voting will be done by written secret ballot.
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