Racer Band Handbook

2011

I.Philosophy

.The Racer Band exists for its members.  Visual music performance acts as a creative, physical, and social outlet for all involved.  The Racer Band exists so that each member has the opportunity to stretch his or her abilities and to flourish in the university environment.

2011 Racer Band Goals

 

Respect. Improve practice etiquette and travel etiquette. Both on the field and in ensemble music.

              - Be respectful of all members of the band

    - Be on time and ready to start practice

               

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

- Be happy you are at Racer Band practice.

- Act responsible on and off the field.

Connect. Improve the bonding and connections within Racer Band.

              - Meet new members in every section not just your own

              - Participate in all camp activities

            

Energy. Keep up the positive energy. Know when to have fun, and when to be serious.

              - Have fun but don’t go crazy

 

Rock.  Playing with the best possible sound and musicianship.

              - Warm up before practices and rehearsals. Long tones.

              - Listen to the band sound and everyone around you when playing and tuning

              - Play to the best of your ability.

             

 

 

The ideal Racer Band member should be:

Punctual

Attentive

Willing to help

Prepared

Respectful

Flexible

Optimistic!

Being part of the Racer Band is choice you are making.  

You control your experience.

Choose to make it an amazing experience.

2011 RB Member Goals

•MEET as many RB members as possible and make each of them feel part of the group

•IMPROVE on your performance each practice (listen and watch videos!)

•Be HUMBLE enough to admit when you’re wrong

•PITCH IN if you see others that need help

•Always ASK for help if you need it

•Be OPTIMISTIC even if things aren’t going your way

•Be APPROACHABLE for anyone that needs your help

1. •RESPECT each member and all of your precious, expensive equipment!
   

2. •Enjoy and Cherish the Racer Band experience. you only can march so long, enjoy your last few years of this amazing, exciting experience
   

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2011 RB Organizational Goals

Too refine instructional and organizational procedures to ensure that we provide the best experience possible for all it’s members, on every level!

Be a stronger visual group--March better in 2011--Setting a higher visual standard during rehearsal

Be a better catalyst for fun and excitement during football games

II.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. 

III.General Guidelines

.Always be early

.NO TALKING or HACKING during rehearsals & games

.Actively participate in football games

.Always report problems that arise – we cannot fix them otherwise

IV.Schedules

.Typical Week

                                Monday            Tuesday            Thursday            Friday

                                4:45-5:45            6-8                    6-8                 6-8

Typical Game Day

Report 90 minutes before kickoff

Games last 3-4 Hours

Festival of Champions and All Trips are all day events

Do not schedule anything on these days

A Complete/Official Schedule is on Racerband.com

V.Grading Policy

.Members are graded on attendance, attitude, participation, and willingness to work.

.Remember that RACER BAND IS A CLASS TOO!

VI.Attendance Policy

.Perfect attendance is expected from all members of the Racer Band

.ABSENCES ARE PENALIZED BY STIPEND REDUCTIONS

.Attendance at a rehearsal or event means attendance for the entire time; Arriving late or leaving constitutes a tardy

.Three tardies equal one absence

.Excused Absences

oClass Conflict  once a week, no stipend reduction

       Submit a form no later than August 23.  Bring copied class       

       Schedule to Mr. Fannin no later than August 23.  Members cannot  

       miss more than one hour of practice a week due to class conflicts.

oOne-time Rehearsal Conflict  prior notice, no stipend reduction. Submit a form at least one week prior to absence. MSU class conflicts are usually approved (lectures,special speakers). They require documentation and that members do not abuse this courtesy. These must be submitted at least one week prior to absence. Work, MSU clubs, Greek Organizations, residential conflicts will not be approved.

oPerformance Conflict  prior notice, $75 stipend reduction

Submit a form at least one month prior to absence (requests given   

  months in advance are given much more consideration). All excused  

  performance absences result in $75 stipend reduction.  Last minute

  requests are not considered (except for family death, extreme illness).

  Excused absences require documentation for verification purposes

  (program note, note from funeral home, call from a parent, or doctor's

   note).  Excused absences are approved by Racer Band director.    

                                   Absences must be significant life experiences. Family death,

                                        extreme illness are not charged stipend reductions with proper

                                   documentation.

oUnexpected Conflicts (sickness, death in family, etc.)

Fill out Single absence form on line

oThe Absence Excuse Forms are on Racerband.com

Forms must completed on line

Students must read the guidelines on line

oAbsences are approved/not approved after the completion of the on line forms

Approval of all excused absences is at the discretion of Mr. Fannin

Students will be notified via email if an absence has been approved 

.Unexcused Absences

oRegular Rehearsal Absence  $10 reduction

oNight Before Performance Rehearsal Absence  $20 reduction

oPerformance Absence  Loss of stipend

Possible dismissal from class and a failing grade

oContinued unexcused absences will result in lowering of grade

.Unacceptable Excuses

oI had to study for a test

oMy [fraternity, sorority, RCC, intramural badminton team] called a [meeting, practice, kegger]

oI overslept

oI had to work

oI was hungry and went to eat dinner

oMy dog ate my drill charts

Remember that we are all students FIRST, but must still plan for Racer Band.

VII.Memorization Policy

.Music is to be memorized when we begin setting drill.

.While learning drill, however, focus first on visual then on the musical aspect of the show.

.Don’t stress!   Grades will only be affected if it appears that no effort is being made to memorize.

VIII. Food Services

.All meals during band camp are served in Winslow Dining Hall.

.We share Winslow with many other programs and therefore it is important to follow the meal schedule closely.

.All meals are free of charge to members.

.PLEASE utilize this service – eating is vital and after all, it’s FREE FOOD!

.You must have a card to eat!

       You must return your card after camp!

.Replacement Cards are $5

IX.Drill & Marching

.Drill Coordinates

oAll members will receive a copy of marching coordinates.

oIt is the responsibility of each member to keep track of his or her own coordinates and have them at EVERY rehearsal.

oWe recommend a pencil pouch that fits in a 3-ring binder to keep track of coordinates.

.Drill Flags

ouse is optional in 2011

oWe learn drill extremely fast.  All members are responsible for keeping up with drill learned.

oWhen learning drill, focus first on visuals, then on musicality.

X.Instruments/Instrumentation

oMembers are asked to play the instrument with which they have the most experience.

oSome section changes may be made on an as-needed basis.

oEntire instrument must be in working order.

oInstrument must be cleaned and shined.

oAlways carry extra reeds, oil, etc.

oIf you check our MSU Equipment, you are responsible for any damage or loss

XI.General Rules to Live By

.If you see something that needs to be done, do it.

.If you need help, ask for it – we can’t fix a problem unless we know it exists.

.Public Intoxication of any kind, when with the group, will result in loss of stipend and removal from the class (regardless of grade implications).

.Remember peoples’ names.

.If you have to ask for permission, the answer is probably NO.

.At Games—restrooms---one per section at a time;

.                                  ask Section Leader

.At games—sit in your sections (guests must be approved)

.You are not excused until the end of games. Don’t ask to leave early.

.Never assume rehearsal is cancelled because of bad weather

.Need information

o1st Racerband.com

o2nd Leaders

o3rd Mr. Fannin

  Email

  Cell Phone

.Be ready for rehearsals and performances.

oBe mentally & physically ready

oEat, sleep, drink water, and be smart

.All student leaders are to be treated with respect

.Equipment Loading is the responsibility of all members

.Cleaning the uniform room is the responsibility of all members

.No shoes or other articles in your uniform bag!

.Racer Band is supposed to be fun – keep it that way!

XII.  Stipends

Members                                  $150

Section Leaders                                  $225

President/Uniform Chairperson$300

Drum Majors                                            $300

.You must be enrolled in school (MSU) to receive a stipend.

XIII. Stipend Reductions

$10Unexcused Practice Absence

$20Unexcused Practice Absence (Friday or Saturday)

Total Stipend            Unexcused Performance Absence

$75Excused Performance Absence

$25                                       Late to game
$75                Oversleep Homecoming Parade (no grade reduction)

$5Lost Meal Card

$3Gloves

$10Uniform not hung up correctly--Wrinkled Uniform

$5Dirty Shoes

$10Equipment not stored correctly

$10Lost Music Folder

$10Poncho not returned

XIV. Trip Policy

Students must travel to and from events with the band on the bus

Exceptions are rare and require a legal contract (waiver).

Breaking any local, state, or federal law can result in loss of stipend and removal from the class (regardless of grade implications).

No consumption or transportation of alcohol on the bus. This will result in loss of stipend and removal from the class (regardless of grade implications).

When staying overnight, hotel complaints can result in a stipend reduction.  Keep your rooms uncrowed.  Don’t talk in the hallways.

Public Intoxication of any kind, when with the group, will result in loss of stipend and removal from the class (regardless of grade implications

Non-Discrimination 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 Fannin Clause

.Mr. Fannin has the power to change any rule, policy, drill move, rehearsal time, menu, or anything else if need be.

Racer Band Contract

I,______________________________________________, do hereby declare that I have read the Racer Band handbook and agree to be a member in the Racer Band.  I understand that by signing this contract, I agree to participate fully in all rehearsals, performances, and football games.  I also understand that by agreeing to membership in the Racer Band, I am expected to uphold the integrity of Murray State University and to represent the university community in a positive manner.  I also agree to all policies in this handbook version, and the revised on August 10, 2011. I have read these handbooks on racerband.com.

Signed,

_____________________________________________________    

Printed Name

_____________________________________________________

Signature

_______________________________

Date

This contract will be signed at camp registration.

We will provide copies.