Pedro Menendez High School - Band Handbook 2020-2021
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Pedro Menendez High School
Band Handbook 2020-2021
Director
Kevin Fulford
Guard Director
Beth McCarttTable of Contents
Content Page
Welcome 3
Ensembles 4
Ensembles (Broken Down) 4
2020-2021 Calendar 6
Policies & Procedures 7
Attendance/Tardy Policy 7
Etiquette 7
Transportation 8
Attire 8
Assessment/Grading 9
Eligibility 9
Student Leadership 10
Financial Obligations 12
Field Trip Authorization Form 13
Handbook Policies Acknowledgement 14
All policies in the school’s Student Handbook are in effect
during any music program activity in addition to those in the
band handbook. In the case of a conflict between the two
documents, the former (school handbook) shall prevail.Welcome
Welcome to the Pedro Menendez High School music program! I am eager to get to know you
both as an individual and a performer. We can achieve anything we set our minds to this year.
A good attitude is the greatest attribute of any successful program.
This handbook will encompass all information that may be requested by the students and/or
guardians. Keep in mind, there are going to be portions of this handbook that require a
guardian’s signature. Those portions of the handbook will be bolded in the table of contents.
A signature as well as the occasional initials will be required for a full grade upon submission.
The information in this handbook has been compiled over the years from the minds of myself
and other directors/colleagues. This handbook has been carefully pieced together, and even
includes policies via the county school board. Please read and observe carefully.
By now you are probably aware that a large portion of band takes place outdoors. This activity
can be physically demanding, and as such each student is required to follow a set of rules and
policies. These rules and policies concern the attire, conduct, and work ethic of each individual
student. Being that performing in an ensemble requires a group effort, we can only be as strong
as our weakest link. The group will suffer greatly if even one person is absent.
* If you need to contact me, I am usually at the school from 7AM until 5PM Monday-Friday
during the school year. If, by some chance, I am not at the school. I can be contacted by either
phone or email. Matters of less urgency would best be handled via email. I will have 24/7
access to my school email. If the circumstance poses a more urgent matter, I am available via
cell phone. I ask that you refrain from calling during the hours of 8pm-6:30am. I can be
contacted at (904)671-2260. *Ensembles
Here at Pedro Menendez High School students are given equal opportunities to pursue their
dreams through musical education. Pedro Menendez High School has maintained a band
program and scholastic Indoor Guard for all these years. Over the course of the next few years,
as the program grows, I envision introducing more instrumental ensembles.
Most high schools with large programs typically have a marching band, two or three concert
band groups, one or two jazz bands, a eurhythmics (Winterguard) class and performing unit
(indoor guard: FFCC and WGI), a percussion class and performing unit (indoor percussion:
FFCC and WGI), and other musical classes such as music theory or piano. For more information
on the individual ensembles, please continue to the next section titled “Ensembles (Broken
Down)”.
Ensembles (Broken Down)
Wind Ensemble: Otherwise known as “Concert Band” the Wind Ensemble is composed of all
the band students of the music program that perform on either wind (woodwind/brass) or
percussion (battery and mallet) instruments. Wind Ensemble is the upper ensemble of the music
program and as such is subject to advanced assessments and part rotations. Students in this
ensemble will be seated by prior assessment but will be able to “challenge” for higher seat
placement throughout the semester.
Jazz Band: Our 4 O’clock Jazz Ensemble explores the varying tones of jazz throughout the
school year. We play be-bop, bossa nova, cool jazz, dixieland, blues, Latin, and so on. Our
PMHS Four O’clock Jazz Ensemble is made up of our finest musicians. The group primarily
consists of: A rhythm (bass, guitar, drum set) section, four trumpets, four trombones, and five to
seven saxophones. Typically, jazz ensembles are auditioned ensembles.
Indoor Guard: The Indoor Guard is open, via audition, to any individual that chooses to
participate. The PMHS Indoor Guard participates in FFCC (Florida Federations of Colorguards
Circuit) with the plan to participate in WGI (WinterGuard International) in the future.
Participating in both circuits span from January to April (not including rehearsals which typicallystart in November of the previous year). Since most individuals that choose to audition for indoor guard were in outdoor guard, many of them are active participants in the activity year- round. Indoor Percussion: The Indoor Percussion is open, via audition, to any individual that chooses to participate. The PMHS Indoor Percussion participates in FFCC (Florida Federations of Colorguards Circuit) with the plan to participate in WGI (WinterGuard International) in the future. Participating in both circuits span from January to April (not including rehearsals which typically start in November of the previous year). Since most individuals that choose to audition for indoor percussion were in marching band, many of them are active participants in the activity year-round. Marching Band: Our marching band is the 1A “Falcon Regiment”. 1A means that we field 1- 45 students. We travel to compete all over northeast Florida and end the season by attending marching MPA at Bartram Trail High School for a state-wide assessment of our ability.
2020-2021 Calendar
When the school year starts, Marching Band rehearsals will be held on MONDAYS (4-6PM) and
WEDNESDAYS (3-6PM). Extra rehearsal time may be scheduled on Fridays if we are not
performing at a Football game.
After October 24th, Concert Band will begin rehearsals only on Mondays in preparation for the
Winter Concert (4-6pm).
In the new year (2021), concert band will begin rehearsing on Wednesdays (3-6PM) in
addition to Mondays (4-6PM).
July 15th-17th: Rookie Camp (Only new students and leadership are required) (7:30am-
12pm)
July 20th-24th: Full Band Camp week #1 (All students are required to attend) (7:30am-3pm)
July 27th-30th: Full Band Camp week #2 (All students are required to attend) (7:30am-3pm)
July 31st: Band Camp Showcase in the evening (6pm)
August 24th: FBA District 21 quarterly meeting
August 31st: School resumes
September 11th: Ed White @ PMHS
October 2nd: PMHS @ SAHS
October 9th: Englewood @ PMHS
October 10th: Fleming Island FMBC Regional (marching band competition) (not if
homecoming)
October 16th: Clay @ PMHS
October 30th: Orange Park @ PMHS
November 7th: Ridgeview FMBC Regional
December 3rd: Pedro Menendez High School Winter Concert*
December 10th: Gamble Rogers Middle School Winter Concert*
***WELCOME TO 2021***
February 4th: Jazz Band MPA
February 5th-6th: Solo and Ensemble performances @ Creekside High School (District)
March 4th-6th: Concert band MPA @ Flagler Palm Coast High School (District)
April 29th: Gamble Rogers Middle School Spring Concert*
May 6th: Spring Concert*
May 14th: Band Banquet*
*Date based on previous year’s date. Subject to change.Policies & Procedures
This section of the handbook works to concisely cover our policies and procedures concerning
attendance, tardiness, checkout of band equipment, etiquette, transportation, and attire.
Attendance/Tardy policies
Attendance is taken very seriously at Pedro Menendez High School because music making
requires group effort. The band suffers greatly if even one student is absent or late to rehearsal.
There are sometimes legitimate reasons for a student missing rehearsal, but why should these
great students commit to rehearsing outside in the heat if a select group of their peers will not?
Being tardy to rehearsal means getting to the rehearsal right at the designated time or any tim
after. The student is there, but they are not ready to start. All students should be at rehearsal
ready to stretch and warm-up no later than 3:55pm on Monday and 2:55pm on Wednesdays.
Being tardy three or more times will result in one full absence. One absence may bar you from
performing at the upcoming football game.
Any absence, whether planned or not, demands communication between the guardian and
Band Director.
Etiquette
Pedro Menendez High School is a respected name in our community and beyond, and I plan to
make sure that we keep it that way. How we appear not only influences us, but it also influences
how people view our school and our program. We have rules regarding our etiquette on the
field, in the concert hall, and when otherwise appearing in public. We need to hold ourselves to
a higher standard than those around us.
We perform during halftime at every Friday night football game. On our march out to the band
stands, students look nowhere but straight ahead. I am sure their friends and classmates may call
their name, but do not give a semblance of acknowledgement. To ensure perfectly straight lines,
it is advisable to align your nose with the spine of the person in front of you. When we arrive at
the track, after the national anthem, we wait silently for the signal to play the fight song. During
the game there are no instances of PDA or the use of electronics. We do not use our instruments
in a non-musical manner, and we do not perform while the visiting band is performing.Throughout both semesters of the school year we will have in-house performances as well as
assessments that take place at other schools in other counties. In-house performances will be set
up in advance (chairs, stands), and students will be on stage thirty minutes prior for warm-ups
and tuning. Assessments are a little different because we may end up in an unfamiliar place. For
the most part we will be together as a group for the full duration of our assessment process, but I
may be required to go elsewhere for judges’ comments. In this instance, it is up to the students
to uphold our school’s reputation. Just like at our football games, there are to be no instances of
PDA or electronic usage. In addition, we always leave our surroundings better than how they
were when we arrived (i.e. picking up trash that may not be ours, etc.), and we respect the
performers from other schools by refraining from talking/snickering while they perform.
Transportation
Many of our students are above the age of sixteen, and as such they have either a driver's license
or permit. To ensure the safety and prosperity of my students, there are a few rules and
regulations as to when usage of a personal vehicle is permitted.
As it already stands, personal vehicles shall not be used or accessed during the school day as per
the county policy. I am extending that through the duration of rehearsal as well. The student
shall come to class with all their materials on them, and therefore do not need to access their
vehicle.
As for bus transportation, once we leave the school grounds, I consider us “in public”, and as
such we need to follow the “etiquette” section of this handbook. In addition to our pre-existing
etiquette policies, we are also to adapt to whatever rules or policies the bus driver(s) and
chaperones require. The ability to ride the bus is a privilege and can be revoked. For the full
duration of all bus rides, men and women will be designated opposing sides of the bus that they
are expected to remain in to and from any location that we travel.
I ask that parents refrain from driving their student separately as this creates more work and
uncertainty. Private transportation of your student can be allowed under very specific
circumstances, and this will be handled on a case-to-case basis.
In the same vein as absences, private transportation, whether planned or not, demands
communication between the guardian and Band Director.Attire
Since we aim to perform as a professional ensemble, we must dress and act like a professional
ensemble.
For concerts, there are two options for attire:
Option A: Black dress shoes, long black socks, black dress slacks, black belt, and a black
button-up shirt (full length sleeves).
Option B: Long black dress with at least three-quarter sleeves. Low profile (unnoticeable)
jewelry is permitted, but piercings visible on the face and ear gages are not. Hair and facial hair
are to be neatly groomed and a natural hair color.
During a performance there is to be no noticeable make up, piercings, or unnatural hair coloring
(unless able to be covered). The hair coloring does not have to be your natural color, but it must
be a natural hair color (i.e. brown, black, etc.). Your hair must not protrude from under your
helmet as this is out of uniform from the rest of the ensemble. Your hair must either naturally be
short enough to fit inside, or your hair must be placed inside your helmet by other means (hair
gel, bobby pins, etc.).
Eligibility
St. Johns county states that any student that wishes to pursue an extra/co-curricular activity must
maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Assessment / Grading
Throughout the schoolyear, students in band will be assessed on preparation, performance, and
knowledge of their instruments (both performance and theory). In Concert/Jazz Band class,
students will have weekly performance assessments that lead to larger assessments (possibly
written). Grading rubrics available upon request.
Grade Scale:
A:90-100
B:80-89
C:70-79
D:60-69
F: 0-59Student Leadership Student leaders help the band function in a more machine-like manner. If one cog is going the wrong way, or is too big/small, the whole machine stops. To ensure that everything in our expansive program runs as smoothly as possible, a few individuals (rising Sophomores or above) will be asked to assume some leadership roles. This process will, in most cases, occur via audition/interview. The available positions are: Drum Major, Band captain, Section Captains, Equipment Manager, and Librarian. A brief overview and requirement for each student leadership position is available below: Drum Major The Drum Major is usually one of the most outstanding individuals that our program has to offer. The Drum Major is tasked with leading our band, both on the field and by setting the example that is to be followed. The Drum Major assumes the responsibility of leading the band at events as well. The Drum Major conducts the marching band’s halftime show during football games and at competition. Band Captain Just under the Drum Major, there is the Band Captain. This student is typically a rising junior that has established themselves as a highly regard individual within the program. This position is to ensure the ease of communication between the Drum Major and the rest of the band through the Section Captains. Section Captains Just under the Band Captain, there are Section Captains. Section Captains oversee all the members of a particular instrument family. There is a Brass Captain, Woodwind Captain, Percussion Captain, and a Guard Captain. Captains are responsible for making sure everything runs smooth within their sections in coordination with the Drum Major and Band Captain.
Equipment Manager This is a student position that is intended to ensure efficiency as well as the longevity of our equipment. Our marching band maintains a vast number of factors that require managing. We have large instruments, large props, and uniforms. That job is too big for one person, so there are teams under the Equipment Manager that take care of each individual task. The Equipment Manager is the one responsible for making sure everything is accounted for and that it gets where it needs to be. Loading Crew The Loading crew is a team of about five students that cooperate under the Crew Captain. The Loading crew is responsible for loading the props and larger instruments into the appropriate truck/trailer. They mainly get the equipment out of the truck and pass it off to the correct band member. Uniform Crew The Uniform crew is a team of about three students that cooperate with the loading crew under the Equipment Manager. The Uniform crew is responsible for loading and unloading the uniform (in garment bags) and organizing them based on last name.
Financial Obligations
The Pedro Menendez High School band requires one flat fee to be paid for the band to operate
and participate in various competitions/assessments. The one flat fee is going to differ slightly
between instruments but can be paid in a single check made out to the Falcon Regiment Booster
Association. The student’s name should be placed in the memo line, and the purpose of payment
is simply fees.
No student shall be denied the ability to participate in the face of legitimate financial
hardships. There are forms located in my office that can be filled out concerning financial
hardships. Alternative payment plans are possible.
_________Section____________Fee________________________Fee covers______________
● High Woodwinds,
High Brass, $250 Instructors, shirt, uniform
Trombone rental/cleaning, gloves
● Horn, Baritone, Instructors, shirt, uniform
Tuba $250 rental/cleaning, gloves,
instrument rental
● Percussion
$250 Instructors, shirt, uniform
rental/cleaning, equipment,
sticks, and pads
● Indoor Guard
$350 Instructors, shirt, uniform,
gloves, accessories
______________________________________________________________________________
If you wish to receive a breakdown of the expenses, feel free to contact me during school
hours at kevin.fulford@stjohns.k12.fl.us.PEDRO MENENDEZ HIGH SCHOOL FALCON REGIMENT
2020 – 2021 Field Trip Authorization Form
Pedro Menendez High School
600 State Road 206 West
St. Augustine, FL 32086
Name of Student:
______________________________________________________________________
I understand that my son/daughter will be travelling to and from Pedro Menendez High School to
participate in the activities listed on the 2020 – 2021 Falcon Regiment Schedule. I acknowledge
that I have received this schedule as part of the PMHS Falcon Regiment 2020 – 2021 Band
Handbook.
St. Johns County School Board Parent Release Form
I hereby consent to my child’s participation in the aforementioned activities. I agree to release
and discharge the St. Johns County School Board, its officers, agents and employees, exercising
reasonable care within their type of employment, from liability (all claims and demands/rights
and causes of actions) growing out of actions, personal injuries and property damage resulting or
occurring during the aforementioned activities or in transit to or from said activities.
Signature of Parent or Guardian:
________________________________________________________
Date:
__________________________________
Any special medical needs of your student:Falcon Regiment 2020-2021 Band Handbook Student/Parent Statement of
Acknowledgement
We have reviewed the contents of the Pedro Menendez High School Falcon Regiment 2020-
2021 handbook and acknowledge the expectations and policies set forth in this handbook.
____________________________
Student Print
____________________________ __________
Student Signature Date
____________________________
Guardian Print
____________________________ __________
Guardian Signature Date
Thank you very much for reading this handbook. Let’s have a phenomenal marching season and
great school year!
Sincerely,
Kevin Fulford
Pedro Menendez High School
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