Table of Contents:

1. Philosophy
2. Purpose
3. General Guidelines
4. Schedules
5. Grading
6. Attendance
7. Rehearsals
8. Memorization
9. Dining Services
10. Drill & Marching
11. Instrumentation
12. Replacement Fees
13. Got Questions?
14. Trip Policy
15. Non-discrimination Policy Statement
16. The Johnson Clause
17. Contract

 

1. 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. Punctuality
      2. Attentiveness
      3. Willingness to help
      4. Preparedness
      5. Respectfulness
      6. Flexibility
      7. Optimism
   3. The Organization and You:
      1. Being a part of Racer Band is a choice you are making, and you control your experience. Choose to make it a positive experience.
2. Purpose
   1. 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. 
3. General Guidelines
   1. Always be early.
   2. No talking or hacking during rehearsals or games.
   3. Actively participate in football games and performances.
   4. Always report problems that arise – we cannot fix them otherwise.
   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.
   7. Restroom policy at games: one per section at a time; ask section leader.
   8. Sitting in stands at games — sit in your sections (guests must be approved).
   9. You are not excused until the end of games. Don’t ask to leave early.
   10. Never assume rehearsal is cancelled because of bad weather - the Facebook page is your best resource for this.
4. Schedules
   1. Typical schedule for woodwind, brass, and guard:

• Monday  4:45 - 5:45
• Tuesday 6:15 - 8:15
• Thursday 6:15 - 8:15
• Friday 5:15 - 7:15

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              2.     Typical schedule for percussion:

• Tuesday  6:15 - 9:00
• Thursday 6:15 - 9:00
• Friday  5:15 - 7:15

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• Typical game day:
  • Report 90 minutes before kickoff.
  • Games last 3 to 4 hours.
  • Students are expected to remain with the band until the end of the game

• Festival of Champions and tours/trips are all-day events; do not schedule anything on these days.

1. Grading
   1. Members are graded on attendance, attitude, participation, and willingness to work.
   2. Remember that Racer Band is a class and your grade will appear on your transcript.
2. Attendance
   1. To report an absence, go to racerband.com and click the “Absences” heading. More detailed information about the absence process can be found there.
   2. Your grade will be docked:
      1. 0 points for an excused absence or tardy.
      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 absence if a request was made and denied.
      5. 11 points for an unexcused absence if no paperwork was submitted.
   3. Grading scale: 100-90 A, 89-80 B, 79-70 C, 69-60 D, 59-0 failure
3. 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.
   2. Check in with a drum major if you need to come to practice late.
   3. All students will need to download the Band App and use it for announcements, schedules, and official Racer Band communications.
4. Memorization
   1. Music is to be memorized when we begin setting drill.
   2. While learning drill, however, our first focus is learning the visual aspect of the show instead of the music.
   3. Don’t stress! Your grades will only be affected if it appears that you have made absolutely no effort to memorize the music.
5. Dining Services
   1. All meals during band camp are served in Winslow Dining Hall and included in your meal plan.  If you do not have a University meal plan, you will be on your own for meals.  
   2. Early arrivals - Guard, Percussion, Leaders - will receive meal money for the days leading up to meal plans
   3. All meals are free of charge to members during camp (until the meal plans begin).
6. Drill & Marching
   1. Drill Coordinates
      1. All members will receive a download of the Ultimate Drill Book App.  This will be what we use as a group to set drill.  
      2. It is the responsibility of each member to have a working device at rehearsal to be able to access coordinates and drill charts.
   2. Drill Flags/Chips
      1. We don’t use any flags, chips, etc.
      2. We learn 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 
7. Instrumentation
   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 checkout our Murray State equipment, you are responsible for any damages. This applies to mellophones, baritones and sousaphones.
8. Replacement Fees
   1. $10 - replacement download for UDB App
   2. $3 - gloves
   3. $12 - shirt
   4. $35 - shoes
   5. $10 - music binder
   6. $$$ - damaged/lost uniforms and equipment
   7. Uniform - $650.00
9. Got Questions?
   1. The first place you check should be online at the website or the Facebook page.
   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. Johnson directly. His contact information can be found on the website.
10. Trip Policy
    1. Students must travel to and from events with the band on the bus.
    2. Exceptions are rare and require a legal contract (waiver).
    3. Breaking any local, state, or federal law can result in removal from the class (regardless of grade implications).
    4. No consumption or transportation of alcohol on the bus. This will result in removal from the class (regardless of grade implications).
    5. If staying overnight, students under the age of 21 are not allowed to consume alcoholic beverages at ANY time.  
    6. No students (any age) are allowed to have alcoholic beverages in any hotel rooms.  Students of legal age are only allowed alcohol in restaurants/bars, etc.  
11. Non-discriminatory Policy Statement
    1. 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.
12. Johnson Clause
    1. Dr. Johnson reserves the right to change any rule, policy, drill move, rehearsal time, menu, or anything else if need be.
13. Contract
    1. I, ______________________, do hereby declare that I have read the Racer Band handbook and agree to be a member of 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, revised on July 11, 2022. I have read this handbook on racerband.com.