​Racer Band Handbook
PHILOSOPHY
  1. Organizational Goals:
    1. R - RESPECT. Improve practice etiquette and travel etiquette, both on the field and in ensemble music. Be respectful of all members and their time by being punctual to all practices and performances.
    2. A - ATTITUDE. Have a positive attitude toward Racer Band and upholding our public image. Remember you are a direct representation of Racer Band and Murray State. Act responsible on and off the field.
    3. C - CONNECTION. Improve the bonds and connections within Racer Band. Meet new members in every section, not just your own. Participate in all camp activities.
    4. E - ENERGY. Keep up the positive energy. Know when to have fun, and when to be serious. We have time to be both.
    5. R – ROCK.  Play with the best possible sound and musicianship. Warm up before practices and rehearsals, using long tones. Listen to the band sound and everyone around you when playing and tuning. Play to the best of your ability.
  2. Individual Goals:
    1. Be on Time
    2. Be Attentive
    3. Be Willing to Help
    4. Be Prepared
    5. Be Respectful
    6. Be Flexible
    7. Be Positive
  3. The Organization and You: Being a part of Racer Band is a choice you are making, and you control your experience. Choose to make it a positive experience

PURPOSE
The purpose of the Racer Band is to provide an educational organization that supports our athletic programs and provides a positive experience for the members.  The Racer Band’s goals also include representing Murray State University in a positive manner to the surrounding community, the state, and the country. 

GENERAL GUIDELINES
  1. Always be early.
  2. No talking or hacking during rehearsals or games.
  3. Actively participate in all football games and performances, regardless of the outcome.
  4. Always report problems that arise – we cannot fix them if no one speaks up.
  5. If you see something that needs to be done, do it.
  6. Public intoxication of any kind, when with the group, will result in an immediate unexcused absence and removal from the class. This includes all rehearsals, performances, and events.
  7. Restroom policy at games: one per section at a time; ask your section leader.
  8. Sitting in stands at games — sit in your sections (guests must be approved by the director, prior to Game Day).
  9. You are not excused until the end of the game. Do not ask to leave early.
  10. Never assume rehearsal is canceled because of bad weather - the Facebook page and the Band App is your best resource for this.

SCHEDULES
Weekly Rehearsals: Woodwinds, Brass, and Color Guard
Monday 4:45 – 5:45 PM
Tuesday 6:15 – 8:15 PM
Thursday 6:15 – 8:15 PM
Friday 5:15 – 7:15 PM

Weekly Rehearsals: Front Ensemble and Drumline
​Tuesday 6:15 – 9:00 PM
Thursday 6:15 – 9:00 PM
Friday 5:15 – 7:15 PM

Typical Game Day
  1. Call Time = Typically 90 minutes before kickoff
  2. Games typically last 3-4 hours
  3. All students are expected to remain with the band until the end of the game and they are dismissed by the director.
 
*Festival of Champions and Travel Opportunities: These are all-day events; do not schedule anything on these days. Just as with rehearsals and Game Days, attendance is required for Festival of Champions and any Tours/Trips we take throughout the season. These are key events and are just as important to our program as everything else we do.

GRADING
  1. Members are graded on attendance, attitude, participation, and willingness to work. Your grade reflects the work and attitude you put into the Racer Band season.
  2. Remember that Racer Band is a class, and your grade will appear on your transcript and affect your overall GPA.
  3. Grading scale
                         A = 100-90%
                         B = 89 – 80 %
                         C = 79 – 70%
                         D = 69 - 60 %
                         E = 59 – 0%

ATTENDANCE Attendance is required for all rehearsals and performances. All excused absences will require prior communication to Dr. Shoupe, a submitted Absence Form through the Racer Band website, and requires appropriate documentation to be provided (i.e., a doctor’s note or a faculty excuse letter).

  1. To report an absence, go to www.racerband.com and click the “Absences” heading. All information regarding absences can be found HERE.
  2. Attendance Policies for Rehearsals:
    1. An excused absence for any rehearsal may be requested through the Racer Band website. This is a request and will be subject to approval by Dr. Shoupe before the absence is considered excused.
    2. Penalties for unexcused absences and tardies are as follows:
      1. 0 points for an approved excused absence or tardy (communicated to Dr. Shoupe and approved prior to the absence)
      2. 2.5 points per tardy (less than 10 minutes late)
      3. 4 points per tardy (more than 10 minutes late)
      4. 10 points for an unexcused rehearsal absence (if a request was placed and denied)
      5. 11 points for an unexcused rehearsal absence if no paperwork was submitted and/or the absence was not communicated (i.e. a no-call, no-show)
  3. Recurring Tardiness due to a Class Conflict:
    1. All class conflict requests must be submitted to Dr. Shoupe by August 25th, 2023. Students will be required to submit a copy of their schedule for their request to be approved.
    2. Students will not be granted a conflict request for Greek events, clubs, work, residential conflicts, or last-minute homework/studying.
  4. Attendance Policies for Performances
    1. Students who are tardy to the designated call-time will a receive a 25-point deduction from their total grade. Additional penalties may include removal from field performances.
    2. Documentation is required for any performance absence requesting to be excused and must be submitted one month prior to the absence. Last minute requests will not be considered (exceptions include family death, hospitalization, or extreme illness requiring immediate care).
    3. Unexcused absences, or requested absences that have not been approved, will result in an automatic failure of the course.

REHEARSALS
  1. You are required to set up your instrument and be in your section arc five minutes prior to the first downbeat of rehearsal. During these five minutes, section leaders will take attendance; if you are not present after these five minutes you will be considered tardy, and your grade will be adversely affected.
    1. If you are tardy, you must check in with a Drum Major to be considered present at rehearsal.
    2. If you will be consistently late to rehearsals because you are coming from another class, this must be cleared with Dr. Shoupe (through email and/or personal meeting) within the first week of classes.
  2. Students are expected to be prepared and engaged at all rehearsals. We practice how we perform, which means we give our full effort and attention to each rehearsal throughout the season.
  3. Field Etiquette:
    1. Students are expected to minimize field noise so rehearsals are as efficient and effective as possible. Random chatter and hacking is not acceptable.
    2. Students are expected to be prepared for all rehearsals:
      1. Have all the necessary materials at all rehearsals (your instrument/equipment, athletic shoes, water, sunscreen, access to UDB).
      2. Dress appropriately for the weather (sun, rain, cold, snow, wind, etc.). Check the weather at the beginning of the day so you know what to expect for rehearsal; you can also check in on the Facebook page and the Band App for additional weather-related information.
      3. Have a positive attitude and the right mindset. Rehearsal will be what you make it!
    3. Listen to instructions from all student leadership and staff, even if they are not in your section. If you have concerns regarding instruction, they can be brought up with Dr. Shoupe during breaks or after rehearsals.
 
MEMORIZATION
  1. All field music (pregame and halftime) is expected to be memorized. We will work on memorizing while we are setting drill.
  2. Band camp and our weekly rehearsals will give time to focus on high quality musical and visual performances, separately and together. We want a high-quality product, and our rehearsals will be constructed to allow us to achieve that together!
  3. Your grades are not affected based on your ability to memorize, rather the effort you clearly put into the process.

DRILL AND MARCHING
  1. Drill Coordinates
    1. All members will receive a download of the Ultimate Drill Book App (UDB).  This is what we use to read drill charts and set drill.  
    2. It is the responsibility of each member to have a working, charged device at all rehearsals to be able to access coordinates and drill charts. 
  2. Drill Flags/Chips
    1. We do not use any drill markings on the field (flags, chips, etc.).
    2. We learn our drill extremely fast. All members are responsible for keeping up with drill learned.
    3. When learning drill, focus first on visuals; musicality will come later.
    4. We provide videos via Google Drive to help understand the shape of the forms – take advantage of these resources.
    5. We will be using the Ultimate Drill Book App for setting drill, all videos of movement are available 

PERFORMANCES
  1. Attendance is required to all performances. Any student with an unexcused performance absence, whether requested for approval or not, will be subject to possible failure of the course. Students who are tardy to any performance call time will receive a 25-point penalty and possible removal from field performance. 
  2. Students are expected to fully participate in all Game Day activities and to perform as the Racer Band has rehearsed. All students are expected to remain for the entire duration of the game until they are dismissed by the director.
  3. Students shall remain respectful to all fans, team members, and referees, regardless of team affiliation or game calls made. Vulgar and abusive language, taunting, and otherwise disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.

INSTRUMENTATION AND EQUIPMENT
  1. Members are asked to play the instrument with which they have the most experience.
  2. Some section changes may be made on an as-needed basis.
  3. Your entire instrument must be in working order, cleaned, and shined.
  4. Always carry extra reeds, oil, etc., whatever applies to your instrument.
  5. If you check out any Murray State equipment, you are responsible for any damage that occurs while it is checked out to you. This applies to mellophones, baritones, sousaphones, drumline, front ensemble, and color guard.

REPLACEMENT FEES
  1. UDB replacement download - $10
  2. Gloves - $3
  3. 2023 Member T-Shirt - $12
  4. Marching Shoes - $35
  5. Music Binder - $10
  6. Uniform - $650
  7. Damaged or Lost Uniform Parts/Equipment – Individually priced

TRIP POLICY
  1. Students must travel to and from events with the Racer Band.
    1. Exceptions are rare and require a signed legal contract/waiver and approval from Dr. Shoupe.
  2. Breaking any local, state, or federal law will result in removal from the class (regardless of grade implications).
  3. No consumption or transportation of drugs, alcohol, or other inhibiting substances on the bus to, from, and during travel. This will result in removal from the class (regardless of grade implications).
  4. If staying overnight, students under the age of 21 are not allowed to consume alcoholic beverages at ANY time. 
    1. Students of age (21 and older) will not provide alcohol for anyone under the age of 21; this action will result in removal from the class.
  5. No students (of any age) are allowed to have alcoholic beverages in hotel rooms.  Students of legal age are only allowed alcohol in restaurants/bars, etc.  
  6. Remember that you are a representative of the Racer Band, the Department of Music, and Murray State University. Students who violate these policies, provide substances for anyone under the age of 21, or who exhibit behavior that does not align with the values and philosophies of our university and our program, will be immediately removed from the class.
 
NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY STATEMENT
Murray State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or veteran status in employment, student admissions, financial aid, student employment and placement or the provision of services and provides, upon request, reasonable accommodation including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in all programs and activities.

THE SHOUPE CLAUSE
Dr. Shoupe reserves the right to change any rule, policy, drill move, rehearsal time, menu, or anything else if need be. These decisions will not be made lightly and will be made with the best intentions of the Racer Band in mind. Whenever possible, advanced adequate notice will be give

GOT QUESTIONS? (CHAIN OF COMMAND)
  1. The first place you check should be online: the Racer Band Facebook page, the Band App, or the Racer Band Website.
  2. If you still have a question, talk to your BARC or section leader.
  3. If these leaders cannot help you, check with the officers or the drum majors.
  4. In certain circumstances the officers will refer you to Dr. Shoupe directly.