Cabrillo High School Band and Auxiliary

2009

Cabrillo High School

BAND

    Staff and Student Leaders

Directors/staff

Director                                    Mike Pakaluk

Assistant Director                     Michael-Lyn Heuring-McBride

Auxiliary Team Advisor            Megan Smith,

Aux Team Dance Consultant    Catrina Boscutti

Percussion                                Hailee Mertz

Captains

Drum Majors                            Greg Scott, Craig Wise

Auxiliary Captain                       Kelsey Halterman,

Auxiliary Lieutenants                  Shelby Descamps, Leilani Leak         

Drum Captain                           Chuck Mertz

Officers

President                                  Emily Meehan

Vice-President                          Aydan Mickowicz

Secretary                                  Nikki Peirtsegaele

Treasurer                                  Jessica Kovach

Fundraising Chair                      Bryan Hersey

Librarian                                   Stacy Harmon

Publicity Chair                           Kelly Dzitko

Equipment/Uniform Managers   Jorge Ramirez, Kelly Dzitko

                                                 Charlotte Mosholder, Ruth Garcia

Marching Conquistadores Section Leaders

Flutes                                       Kelly Dzitko

Clarinets                                   Emily Meehan

Alto Saxophones                      Tomas Barcinas

Tenor Saxophones                    Aydan Mickowicz

Trumpets                                  Ramiro Ramirez

Trombones                               Thomas Li

Baritones                                  Bryan Hersey

Tubas                                       Zach Barker

Mission Statement

As a performing ensemble at Cabrillo High School, the mission of the Conquistador marching band includes objectives in music education, school and community service, and recreation. Educationally, the objective is to learn to perform music, drill, and coordinated field shows. As a service to the school, the marching band performs at football games, pep rallies, and other school-related functions. As a service to the community, the marching band performs in local parades and events. The ensemble strives to create an atmosphere that school spirit and reflects positively on Cabrillo High School. Recreationally, we provide a social outlet that combines exercise in conjunction with musical development. 

Excellence means…

1)                  Continually looking for ways to improve.

2)                  Making your best effort even when no one is looking.

3)                  Having a positive attitude.

4)                  Finding a solution to a problem rather than dwelling on it, or assigning blame.

5)                  Being a model representative of the group both on and off the field.

6)                  Respecting equipment, uniforms, and facilities.

7)                  Being prepared for every rehearsal and performance.

8)                  Working together for the benefit of the group.

General Procedures and Policies

1.0              General Information

1.1              Membership in the Cabrillo marching band includes woodwind, brass, percussion, staff, and drum major(s). The marching band is open to all Cabrillo students, and all students must register for the class through the counseling department.

1.2              The full marching band rehearses on the Cabrillo Football field from 7:00am-8:20am Monday through Friday during the fall semester. Mondays will typically be music rehearsals and sectionals. Extra rehearsals may be scheduled at the discretion of the director, especially in preparation for competitions or festivals. Sectionals called by staff or section leaders are required.

1.3              In addition to football games, extra performance activities will occur, such as pep rallies, parades, school events, etc. Attendance at these events is required, and excused only with permission of the director.

1.4              Post-season playoff appearances/bowl games are required of all members. Regular season games will be played at Hyuck Stadium in Lompoc.

2.0              Marching Band Camp

2.1              Pre-season band camp will be held two weeks prior to the start of classes.

Camp dates and schedules will be available at the start of the summer.

2.2              Band camp is mandatory. All members in the Cabrillo marching band must attend unless excused by the director.

2.3              Members of the Cabrillo marching band must purchase designated marching shoes. An activity fee (per student) of $200 is due before the first football game. This fee is used to help pay for uniform maintenance, casual uniform purchase, equipment, and travel to competitions. Students needing shoes need to pay an additional $20. Please make out checks to Cabrillo High School.

3.0              Attendance, Grading, and Eligibility

3.1              PERFECT ATTENDANCE IS THE EXPECTATION! Any absence must be approved in advance and may only be approved by the director. An excused absence will be considered in cases of serious personal illness, death in the family, family emergency, or legal obligation. You will be given a schedule far in advance, so it is your responsibility to check dates in order to avoid conflicts. Consideration will be given to high priority athletic events, or other school-related functions. Number one rule: Check with the director!!!

3.2              In case of emergency, please call the school at (805) 733-4358 and Mr. Pakaluk at (860) 836-2609.

3.3              Attendance will be taken by the band secretary at every rehearsal and performance. Chronic tardiness will be grounds for lowering your course grade. If you are late to a rehearsal, enter without disrupting the practice.

3.4              An unexcused absence from a performance will result in a failing grade!

3.5              An unexcused absence from a dress rehearsal will lower your grade one full letter.

3.6              Three or more unexcused absences from rehearsal may result in a lower grade and chronic absences or tardies may result in dismissal from band.

3.7              All students who play a musical instrument and attend school at Cabrillo High School are eligible to perform. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in order to remain a member of the band.

4.0              Daily Rehearsal Policies

4.1              Rehearsals will begin at the scheduled times. Members should plan to arrive 10 minutes prior to the start of rehearsal so they may set-up, warm-up, and prepare. Be ready for the downbeat!

4.2       Talking must be kept to a minimum. Distractions, such as talking, simply waste valuable rehearsal time.

4.3       Each band member is expected to have his or her instrument in working condition. Not having your instrument is almost the same as an unexcused absence. See the equipment manager, your section leader, or the director if your instrument is not functioning properly.

4.4       Each band member is expected to have his or her music and any other required materials. See the librarian if you have lost your music.

4.5              Disruptive behavior may result in dismissal from the CHS marching band.

4.6       Rehearsals will usually end at the indicated times. If you need to leave

            early, SEE MR P!

5.0              Game Day/Competition/Performance Policy

5.1              Game day rehearsals will be held at times announced by the director.

5.2       The uniform is to be worn in its entirety. This means that members should

            be in full uniform from the moment they take it from the garment bag. No

            part of the uniform may be omitted at any time. Purses, handbags,

            backpacks, video games, etc., are not part of the official uniform, and

            should not be brought to performances. We will change at CHS for home games.

5.3       There will be no smoking or consuming alcohol when in uniform or representing the CHS marching band. The CHS band cooperates fully with local law enforcement, and follows all the same rules that apply at school. Disregard of this policy will result in immediate dismissal.

5.4              Do not leave valuables lying around unattended.

5.5              The band sits together in the stands in a uniform seating manner. Friends, family, or outside personnel should sit alongside the band, not in the middle. Band members are expected to remain in performance areas during football games, and must be ready to play when called upon.

5.6       Band members must return to the designated area immediately following a

            performance, and should not purchase concessions or meet with family or

            friends. Do not eat while in uniform, and do not purchase concessions

            (other than water) at the football games.

5.7        Members should not get involved in altercations with fans at the games.

Any problem with fans will be dealt with by the staff.

5.8        Cheering from the band should always come in a positive manner. Instead

of directing derogatory or negative remarks towards the opposing team or

band, cheer for our team. Certain words are not tolerated while in uniform.

6.0              Trip Policy

6.1              All school policies apply during travel. Band members are representatives

of Cabrillo High School, and are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and responsible manner.

7.0       Equipment

7.1              If you need an instrument, and the school can provide you with one, you

must fill out a rental form. You will be held financially responsible if you damage, neglect, or lose your horn. All rental equipment remains the property of CHS.

7.2              You will be issued music and drill during band camp. Bring your music

and drill to every rehearsal. If you lose your music, contact the librarian immediately. Constant loss of music will result in penalties.

7.3              Students are required to provide their own supplementary equipment (i.e.

reeds, valve oil, cleaning tools, mouthpieces, socks, etc.) Some items may be available from the department.

7.4              Percussionists that abuse their drumheads will have to pay a replacement cost. You must take proper care of your instruments.

            Members of the drumline must buy their own sticks.

8.0       Uniforms

8.1              Uniforms will be issued during band camp. All uniforms must be turned in in their entirely at the end of school. A $450 replacement fee may apply for a lost or destroyed uniform. The student must provide black socks and marching shoes.

8.2              A white T-Shirt should be worn under the uniform. Please maintain an acceptable appearance while in uniform, according to the specifications demonstrated in band camp. Do not crumple up your uniform and throw it in your bag. If you need to clean your uniform, check the directions before doing so.

8.3              Hair: Band members must wear their hair up inside their hats. Jewelry: Gaudy, large jewelry is distracting and should not be worn. Small earrings (studs) will be permitted. Do not wear necklaces or such things that are visible outside of the uniform.

8.4              For pep band appearances, a casual uniform will be used. Section shirts may be ordered as well.

9.0              Music/Routine Memorization

9.1       Music for every pregame/halftime show should be memorized unless otherwise stated by the director. Stand music does not need to be  memorized.

9.2              While a certain amount of time will be spent on memorization in rehearsal it is the responsibility of the student to make sure his/her part is correctly

memorized.

9.3              Students may be asked to play music for a section leader, or staff member.

This is not a punitive action; it is simply a check for progress.

9.4              Students who are found to have a problem with preparedness may be

asked to attend extra sectionals. If a severe lack of effort is apparent, that student may lose his/her performance position. Students who find memorization difficult should consult their section leader or director for assistance.

Conquistador Marching Band Visual Fundamentals

Posture

Posture is defined by an imaginary line which aligns certain points on the body to a set point on the field. The ‘set point’ is a poker chip sized dot at the exact point you are assigned. On yard lines, the point places the performer’s heel on the back edge of the line.

The knees should be in direct line with the ankles. Body weight should be equally distributed on both feet. The hips should be in a direct line with the knees, and the shoulders in line with the hips. There should be a straight body line from the ground through the shoulders. The hip hinge may need to be rolled forward slightly to achieve proper posture.

The head should be held up so that the ears are in direct line with the shoulders.

Correct posture should lift the chest and abdomen off the pelvis. A straight spine that feels as though there is a slight separation between each vertebrae will give the desired effect on the field.

Attention Position

Assuming that the body alignment is correct, attention position merely requires the performer to hold their feet parallel to each other with heels and toes touching. Body weight should be evenly distributed. The instrument should be in the defined attention position. Section leaders will define that position for their respective sections. If attention is called by the field commander or director, everyone should stop immediately.

COMMAND: “Band Ten Hut” – 3 counts

MOVE/VOCAL: “Gold!” – 1 count move into attention position

Dress Commands

These commands are used to check alignment in drill and parade marching. Upon hearing the command, a performer’s horn should snap to playing position in one count and his/her head should snap to look in the direction of dress. Horns and heads should move on the same count. The performers should shuffle slightly in order to align themselves with the line they are looking at.

Possible commands and responses

            “Dress Center Dress” – 3 count command. Horns snap up and heads snap to defined center point. “Dress Right Dress”, “Dress Left Dress”, and “Dress Set Dress” may also be used. The director will call out the dress, and the center snare will issue three taps to indicate the dress. Move to dress on the fourth count. Performers should not move until a “fix it” command is given.

Mark Time

Start in the attention position. The left foot should be lifted on the “and” prior to beat one. When the foot is lifted, the ball of the foot will remain in place and the heel will be lifted approximately 1 inch from the ground and the left knee will break forward. The heel of the left foot should contact the ground on the downbeat. The right foot should be lifted on the “and” of beat one in the same manner as the left foot was. Weight should be kept in the center of the performer’s body. Swaying motions must be avoided.

Step Off

Start in the attention position. The left foot and left knee move in the same fashion as the mark time on the “and” prior to the beat. The left foot then glides across the top of the grass (4’’) and the heel is placed 22.5 inches in front of the other foot. The feet should be aligned. Body weight should be distributed evenly between the toe of the right foot and the and heel of the left foot. Standard step size is 8 to 5 (8 steps per 5 yards).

Horns Up

In performance and rehearsal every piece will be preceded by two measures of time. Horns up will occur at the beginning of the second measure. There are two kinds of horns up:

            Fast—Horn snaps to playing position on the first count of the second measure of preparation. (In 4/4 it would be 1—4, up, 2, 3, 4.)

            Slow—Horn begins to move on count one of the second bar of preparation and is set by the last count of the second bar. (In 4/4 it would be 1-4, 1-3 up, up, up, set and play on the next beat.)

NOTE: In rehearsal, all transitions in the drill learning sequence will begin with 8 counts from the metronome, block, or center snare.

Forward Style

The continuation of motion from the step-off is a characteristic of a well-executed forward style. The foot should be raised to a height of 4’’ as it transverses each step. If posture is maintained the body should not sway or bounce. In each step the heel should be placed first with the toe flexed to its ultimate extension. As weight transfers from one step to the next, the foot will roll forward to the toe. (Glide step, hit and roll).

Backward Stride

Start in the attention position. Prior to the first step the left knee will break forward and the left heel will rise off the ground in the same manner as the forward stride. The left foot should be placed 22.5 inches behind the right and the marcher should balance on the toes of both feet. Body weight should remain on the front leg. Motion should be initiated by pushing away with the toes of the right foot. When executed properly, the marcher will remain on the balls of his/her feet for the duration of the move. The heels should remain one inch off the ground and never carry any weight.

Direction Changes

All direction changes will occur on the ball of the foot. Maneuvers from a forward or backward stride to lateral motion will employ a hip-ball-change. The performer should pivot on the ball of the right foot and use the hips to articulate the change. Care should be taken that the direction change is articulated on the precise beat of movement in the new direction.

To the Rear

This maneuver is a flanking move used to change direction. In this type of direction change the instrument always faces the direction of travel. On the last count prior to the direction change, the performer steps in toe first. On count one of the new direction the performers pivot to the left 180 degrees to face the opposite direction of travel. The instrument snaps around in one count.

Slide Position

This position requires the performer to pull their leading shoulder to its full extension. Both shoulders should remain parallel to the direction of movement. Percussion will cross-step (crab walk) in place of this fundamental.

Cross Step (Crab Step)

This requires the marcher to stay on his/her toe for the entire transition. The position of the back leg is defined by the direction of travel (i.e. Moving left—left leg behind—moving right—right leg behind). The performer’s feet must be turned 45 degrees from parallel with the first two steps in the new direction. The line of travel should move through the center of the performer’s body.

Rehearsal Procedure

1.      Find your coordinate.

2.      Place your feet so the coordinate is directly between your ankles (under heels)

3.      When “Set” is called, stand in your coordinate in the attention position.

4.      Three taps from center snare (Dress Set Dress)

5.      “Ready Front” turn and face performance direction in attention position.

6.      Instructions will be given from the director.

New Drill Sequence

1.      The band will set a new chart (as above).

2.      The band will march the transition to taps only.

3.      If proper equipment is available, the band will march the transition to a recording of the music.

4.      The band will march the transition while percussion plays and horns sing.

5.      The band will play and march the transition.

NOTE: When learning a new set, the band will ‘Retrace’ during this procedure. RETRACE means to reverse the drill to the previous position. During RETRACE face the body in the opposite direction of the original drill, and use the same amount of counts, path, and step size. Walking back to the previous position is a waste of time. This procedure doubles the amount of run-throughs while learning the drills backward and forward.

Fundamental Drills

Figure 8 Block

Move 8 counts forward, 8 counts right slide, 8 counts backward, 8 counts left slide, 8 counts backward, 8 counts right slide. All changes are to be executed as a hip ball change.

Visual Philosophy

On the field, set points will occur at the end of every line, on the 50 yard line, and at specified positions. Members assigned to set points are responsible to hit those spots for that particular chart. All other members are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the form, through interval control, in both transition and at halt. Performers will only sight down forms in the direction of dress. At no time should anyone be looking behind them for a dress point. Section leaders are responsible for correcting dress errors (and should do so quietly in rehearsals).

I have read the 2009 Cabrillo Marching Band Handbook and I am aware of the responsibilities of being in Band.

Student Name: __________________________ Signature: ________________________

 2009 Cabrillo Marching Band Camp Sample Daily Schedule

Day/Time                    Event                                                                                                 

Monday                     Freshmen, New Members, Only

7:30 am                        Directors, Staff, Drum Majors Meeting

8:00 am                        Orientation Meeting/Introductions

9:00 am                        Instrument/Equipment/Music Check-Out/Form Cluster Groups

10:00 am                      Stretching/Breathing Exercises

10:15 am                      Marching Fundamentals: Call to Attention, Body Alignment, Rank

Dress, Step-Off, Forward Stride (Full, then Form Cluster Groups)

12:00 pm                      ***Lunch***

1:00 pm                        Full Band Music Rehearsal: Fight Song, Alma Mater, National

                                    Anthem,

2:15 pm                        Marching Fundamentals: Review

3:00 pm                        Band Dismissed

3:15 pm                        Staff Dismissed

Tuesday                      Full Marching Band & Auxiliary

7:30 am                        Directors, Staff, Drum Majors Meeting

8:00 am                        Stretching/Breathing Exercises

8:10 am                        Marching Fundamentals: Call to Attention, Body Alignment, Rank

Dress, Step-Off, Forward Stride

10:00 am                      ***Break/Take Care of Administrative Duties***

10:15 am                      Drill Coordination: How to Read Drill Charts

11:30 am                      Cluster Groups

12:00 pm                      ***Lunch***

1:00 pm                        Sectionals Music Rehearsal: (Woodwinds, Brass, Drumline, Aux)

2:30 pm                        Announcements: Review of Day, Name Officers, Name Section Leaders, Prepare for Tomorrow

3:00 pm                        Band Dismissed

Day/Time                    Event                                                                                                 

Wednesday               Full Marching Band

7:30 am                        Directors, Staff, Drum Majors Meeting

8:00 am                        Announcements

8:15 am                        Stretching/Breathing Exercises

8:30 am                        Marching Fundamentals: Forward Stride, Backward Stride,

                                    Direction Changes, Slides (Band officers meeting)

9:30 am                        ***Break***

9:45 am                        Music Warm-up: Fundamentals of Wind Playing

10:00 am                      Full Band Music Rehearsal: Pregame (outside)

10:45 am                      Full Band Coordination - Pregame 

11:45 am                      Cluster Group Session

12:00 pm                      ***Lunch***

1:00 pm                        Full Band Music Rehearsal: Stand Tunes, .

2:00 pm                        Full Band Coordination – Pregame

2:45 pm                        ***Break***

3:00 pm                        Game Time/Drill Down Session (DM’s run –unity time)

3:30 pm                        Sectionals: Pregame Music

4:30 pm                        Announcements, Unity Events (Fundraising)

5:00 pm                        Band Dismissed

5:15 pm                        Staff Dismissed (Drum Major Meeting-Conducting)

Thursday                    Full Marching band

7:30 am                        Directors, Staff, Drum Majors Meeting

8:00 am                        Announcements/Stretching/Breathing Exercises

8:15 am                        Marching Fundamentals: Review and Drill Exercises

9:00 pm                        Full Band Music Warm-up, Pregame, Show Music

10:00 am                      ***Break***

10:45 am                      Full Band Coordination - Pregame 

11:45 am                      Cluster Group Session

12:00 pm                      ***Lunch***

1:00 pm                        Full Band Coordination – Pregame

2:00 pm                        Game Time/Drill Down Session

2:45 pm                        ***Break***

3:00 pm                        Sectionals: Show Music, Stand Tunes, Pregame Music

4:00 pm                        Full Band Music Rehearsal: All Stand Tunes

4:30 pm                        Unity Events/Announcements

5:00 pm                        Band Dismissed

5:15 pm                        Staff Dismissed

Day/Time                    Event                                                                                                 

Friday,                        Full Marching Band

7:30 am                        Directors, Staff, Drum Majors Meeting

8:00 am                        Announcements/Stretching/Breathing Exercises

8:15 am                        Marching Fundamentals: Review and Drill Exercises

9:00 pm                        Full Band Music Warm-up, Pregame, Show Music

10:00 am                      ***Break***

10:45 am                      Full Band Coordination - Pregame 

11:45 am                      Cluster Group Session

12:00 pm                      ***Lunch***

1:00 pm                        Full Band Coordination – Maybe Opener

2:00 pm                        Unity Time/Game Time/Drill Down Session

2:45 pm                        ***Break***

3:00 pm                        Sectionals:  Pregame Music, Show Music

4:00 pm                        Unity Events/Announcements

4:30 pm                        Full Band Music Rehearsal:

5:00 pm                        Band Dismissed

5:15 pm                        Staff Dismissed

Wednesday,                Full Marching Band

Thursday,                    Full Marching Band

Friday,                         Full Marching Band

Saterday,                    Full Marching Band

7:30 am                        Directors, Staff, Drum Majors Meeting

8:00 am                        Announcements/Stretching/Breathing Exercises

8:15 am                        Full Band Coordination – Pregame, Full Band Music Warm-up, Pregame, Opener, Stand Tunes, fine tune.

9:45 am                        ***Break***

10:30 am                      Performance #1: Full Band – Pregame, Stand Tunes 

11:00 am                      Unity Events/Awards

12pm-3pm                   ***LUNCH and POOL PARTY! ***

*This schedule is subject to change at any time.