Emporia Marching Hornetsfreezetr/courses/mu372... · The Director of Bands works with the Marching...

Emporia Marching Hornets

Member Handbook

Revised ‘08

You are a member of one of the most outstanding student programs at Emporia State University.

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Dear Member, Emporia State University has many outstanding programs to offer. As a member of one of the most outstanding performance groups on campus, you will be carrying on many ESU traditions of high standards, excellence, and pride. The Emporia Marching Hornets consists of students from virtually every department on campus. With this unique diversity and campus-wide enthusiasm, we can achieve incredible levels of success. The environment at Emporia State University and in the Emporia Marching Hornets will challenge you to reach beyond your potential. Although your peers can tell you better than I, these experiences can positively impact your life forever. Our common goal is to provide you with an incredibly fun-filled, productive, efficient, and exciting atmosphere. As a member of the Emporia Marching Hornets, you will be asked to consistently strive for excellence, achieve high standards, while having so much fun you may never recover! Your hard work and dedication will enable the EMH to maintain successes of the past and achieve new levels of success in the upcoming season. Welcome to the pride, energy, excellence, and wall of sound that is……….

EEMMPPOORRIIAA MMAARRCCHHIINNGG HHOORRNNEETTSS Dr. Tracy L. Freeze Percussion Studies & Director of Athletic Bands

WELCOME TO THE EMPORIA MARCHING HORNETS


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Mission Statement

Emporia State University Band Department Emporia State University Band Program exists for the purpose of enlightening, challenging and leading our students to the highest levels of performance, professionalism, and musical understanding. Every effort will be made to facilitate knowledge, requisite skills, and an acute awareness of the work ethic necessary to achieve success as a professional musician, conductor and/or instrumental music educator. The University Band Program is uniquely positioned to reach a diverse musical audience. Performing organizations such as the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Bands bring a rich aesthetic and artistic contribution to the musical community, while the Emporia Marching Hornets and other athletic bands allow us to reach a wide audience and provide a musical outlet for students from varying backgrounds and disciplines while still upholding a high standard of musical excellence.

Philosophy/Mission Statement Emporia Marching Hornets

The main mission of the Emporia Marching Hornets is to provide the Department of Music, the Department of Athletics, the community, and Emporia State University with a marching band of the highest quality. The EMH offers members various performing opportunities and experiences from athletic events to university and community functions. The experience the student receives will serve their individual music education needs, develop their artistic expression, as well as enhance their overall quality of time spent at ESU. The program is highly structured around student leadership. The success of the EMH depends on the commitment and responsibility of each student. Realizing everything we do reflects on the University and our own reputation, our conduct and performance as individuals and as a group must consistently revolve around being a “class act.” Both on and off the field, it is this demeanor and reputation that came before you, and will carry on after you, which is the true definition of what we stand for. If we play and march with high levels of excellence and are seen as a “class act”, then we are an excellent band with class! There are no substitutions or exceptions for excellence! None! The EMH exudes excellence and is a “class act!”

MISSION STATEMENTS


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Dr. Tracy L. Freeze

[email protected] PERCUSSION STUDIES &

DIRECTOR OF ATHLETIC BANDS The Director oversees all aspects of the marching band and athletic bands. Duties and responsibilities include all musical and visual aspects of design, rehearsals, performances, logistics, quality of performance and design, staff administration, department administration, and student leadership.

Dr. Gary D. Ziek [email protected]

DIRECTOR OF BANDS The Director of Bands works with the Marching Band Director in overseeing all aspects of University Bands. The Director of Bands attends most games and may often conduct the National Anthem at home games. The Director of Bands also travels with the ESU Marching Band to most away performances.

Nick Newhouse [email protected]

GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Band Program at Emporia State University The Band GTA positions change yearly. GTA’s work with all aspects of the Marching Band, Basketball Band, And Wind Ensemble. Duties and responsibilities include general overall assistance, rehearsals, performances, music arranging, equipment inventory, and administrative assistance.

Ryan Grinter

[email protected] GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT

Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Band Program at Emporia State University The Band GTA positions change yearly. GTA’s work with all aspects of the Marching Band, Basketball Band, And Wind Ensemble. Duties and responsibilities include general overall assistance, rehearsals, performances, music arranging, equipment inventory, and administrative assistance.

Leeann Graves [email protected]

ESU BANDS ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR The ESU Bands Administrative Coordinator is the chief administrator of the athletic band department. Duties and responsibilities include general overall administrative tasks, accounting and financial reports, database management, inventory, travel coordination, publications, recruitment, mailings, fund-raising, office staff, athletic bands student staff supervisor, and summer camp.

STAFF


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David Constantine [email protected]

PERCUSSION INSTRUCTOR The Percussion Instructor is the caption head for all percussion. Duties and responsibilities include arranging, instructing, recruiting, auditioning, equipment maintenance, equipment storage and inventory, and facilitating all rehearsals and performances.

David Constantine MUSIC ARRANGER & SHOW DESIGNER

The Music Arranger is the chief composer or arranger of the Emporia State University Marching Band. The Arranger works closely with the director to coordinate all musical issues including scoring, balancing and overall impact.

Debbie Woodall

[email protected] COLOR GUARD INSTRUCTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER

The Color Guard Instructor and Choreographer is the caption head for all guard. Duties and responsibilities include choreography, instructing, recruiting, auditioning, equipment maintenance, silk and equipment storage and inventory, and facilitating all rehearsals and performances.

Jan Trelc [email protected]

STINGERS SPONSOR The Stingers Sponsor is the caption head for the dance team. The Stingers dance team works closely with the marching band and is often featured in a number during the show. Duties and responsibilities include movement training, choreography, instructing, recruiting, auditioning, uniform purchasing and inventory, and facilitating all rehearsals and performances.

STAFF


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Ryan Rhodes – Andrea Menousek – Alysa Parson

[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] DRUM MAJORS

The EMH Drum Majors are the student conductors of the marching band. They collectively have the highest amount of responsibility and leadership in the ESU Marching Band. Duties and responsibilities include promoting good attitude, leading by example, mastering all tasks assigned, anticipating tasks to be completed, prepare scores and conduct the half-time shows as per director, prepare scores and conduct in the stands as per director, assist with teaching of marching fundamentals, and facilitate all rehearsal and performance logistical and facility needs. (Refer to the drum major handbook for specific expectations and general guidelines.)

Jenny Hurlbut [email protected]

COLOR GUARD CAPTAIN The Color Guard Captain facilitate all aspects of the color guard. Duties and responsibilities include general overall assistance, assisting with filling in choreography where needed, overseeing the equipment, managing the inventory of all guard equipment and uniforms, and facilitating and being responsible for the completion of all assigned tasks per color guard instructors and EMH director.

STAFF


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SECTION LEADERS

The Section Leaders oversee all aspects of their assigned section. The section leader is ultimately responsible for everything that happens in their section. Duties and responsibilities include attending leadership workshop, directing sectional rehearsals, assisting with the teaching of fundamentals, attending leadership staff meetings with the director, setting the ultimate example 100% of the time, providing attendance reports to drum majors, encouraging esprit de corps of their individual section, and completing any assigned tasks per director. Most importantly, these individuals are responsible for the musical quality of their section. Flute/Piccolo Nicole Skala (316) 727-6280 [email protected] Clarinet Randy Richards (620) 402-0736 [email protected] Saxophone Matt Vossler (913) 206-1063 [email protected] Trumpet Leeann Graves (913) 709-2293 [email protected] Horn Bryce Lowman (785) 817-5006 [email protected] Low Brass Cody Wagner (316) 213-2897 [email protected] Battery Percussion Karsten Burns (620) 757-1658 [email protected] Colorguard Jenny Hurlbut (913) 244-2054 [email protected]

STUDENT WORK POSITIONS

Nick Newhouse [email protected]

EQUIPMENT MANAGER The Equipment Manager is responsible for the equipment inventory used during the academic year. Duties and responsibilities include crew management, equipment checkout, equipment storage, equipment transportation, equipment check-in, equipment inventory database, stenciling and engraving, repair and maintenance procedures, and publishing status reports on equipment condition and repair needs for the Administrative Coordinator. The equipment manager also maintains a binder of equipment check-out/in forms in the band office.

Leeann Graves – Beth Kosko [email protected]; [email protected]

EQUIPMENT CREW The Equipment Crew is responsible for the equipment inventory used during the academic year. Duties and responsibilities include assisting the equipment manager with equipment checkout, equipment storage, equipment transportation, equipment check-in, equipment inventory database, stenciling and engraving, repair and maintenance procedures, and publishing status reports one equipment condition and repair needs for the Administrative Coordinator.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP


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Alysa Parson

[email protected] UNIFORM MANAGER

The Uniform Manager is responsible for the uniform inventory during the academic year. Duties and responsibilities include facilitating uniform check-out during registration, maintaining and updating inventory database, numbering and organizing all uniform pieces, uniform storage and cleaning, uniform maintenance and care, check-in process, and publishing term reports on condition of the uniforms and assessing fees to lost or damaged items.

Andrea Menousek [email protected]

UNIFORM ASSISTANT The Uniform Assistant is responsible for the uniform inventory during the academic year. Duties and responsibilities include assisting the uniform manager with facilitating uniform check-out during registration, maintaining and updating inventory database, numbering and organizing all uniform pieces, uniform storage and cleaning, uniform maintenance and care, check-in process, and publishing term reports on condition of the uniforms and assessing fees to lost or damaged items.

Important Phone Numbers

Music Office (620) 341-5431 Dr. Freeze’s Studio (620) 341-5326 Debbie Woodall (785) 843-3296 Jan Trelc (620) 341-5481 Ryan Grinter (816) 853-8191 Nick Newhouse (620) 757-6991 Band Office (620) 341-5604 Ryan Rhodes (620) 342-7037 Andrea Menousek (316) 371-8285 Alysa Parson (316) 651-6639 David Constantine (541) 510-4776 Police & Safety (620) 341-5227

"Everyone has something unrefined that needs training, and every kind of excellence needs some polish." -Balthasar Gracian

STUDENT WORK POSITIONS


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Facilities Legend Beach Hall Band Room rm134 – BHBR Welch Stadium – WS Practice Field – PF Percussion and Color Guard Pre-Camp Aug. 13th 1:00 General Orientation Meeting: BHBR Percussion and Guard in room 134 2:00 Percussion Auditions Aug. 14th -15th 9-12 Warm-up/Auditions cont., Technique, Exercises: BHBR 1:30-4:30 Technique, Music: BHBR, PF Leadership Workshop (Drum Majors, Section Leaders, Flag and Stingers Captains only) Aug. 15th 9-12 Leadership Workshop: BHBR 1:30-4:30 Leadership Workshop: BHBR 7:00 Pizza Party in the Rotunda of Beach Hall. Everyone is invited ESU Marching Band Camp (All Members) Aug. 16th (Saturday) 8:00 a.m. Instrument Checkout 9:00 Sign in at the registration table. BHBR 10-12 General Orientation Meeting: BHBR 1:30-4:30 Music Rehearsal/Guard and Percussion Split: BHBR 6-9 Music Rehearsal/Guard and Percussion Split: BHBR Aug. 17th – 18th 9-12 Marching Fundamentals/Drill: PF/ WS 1:30-4:30 Music/Sectionals; Uniform Checkout: BHBR 6-9 Full Ensemble: PF, WS Aug. 19th 9-12 Marching Fundamentals/Drill: PF 1:30-5:00 Full Ensemble: TBA/ WS 6:00 Band BBQ – Peter Pan Park •Some days have adjusted schedules due to week of welcome, department of music auditions, etc. Other alterations in the schedule are due to changes in field availability, getting ahead of schedule, and accomplishing set goals. •It is not normal or accepted for students to miss camp rehearsals, but if a mandatory conflict arises, please speak with Dr. Freeze to make arrangements and fill out the “Absence Form”! Freshman often have brief mandatory financial aid or course scheduling meetings required during week of welcome. Music majors often have brief auditions. Again, f i l l out the Absent Form after speaking with Dr. Freeze! •Students are advised to bring full water bottles, earplugs, hats, sunscreen, and to wear athletic style clothes to all rehearsals. STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR ATHLETIC STYLE SHOES AT ALL REHEARSALS.

SCHEDULE


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EMH Fall Term 2008 Rehearsal Schedule (after camp) Mondays 3:00-5:00 Full Ensemble: BHBR / PF Wednesdays 3:00-5:00 Full Ensemble: BHBR / PF Fridays 3:00-5:00 Full Ensemble: BHBR / PF Game Days 8:00 a.m. Full Ensemble: WS

EMH Fall Term 2008 Performance Schedule

Month Date Event Times August 30 Western State 7:00 p.m. September 6 Augustana (S.D.) (Family Day) 1:00 p.m. September 20 Ft. Hayes State 1:00 p.m. September 27 Missouri Southern 1:00 p.m. October **19 EHS Game – Halftime & “5th” Quarter 6:00 p.m. October 8 ESU Marching Band Festival 8:00 a.m. October 22 Homecoming Bonfire TBA p.m. (Evening) October 25 Truman State (Homecoming) 1:00 p.m. November 8 Pittsburg State (Senior Day) 1:00 p.m. November 11 Veterans Day Parade 8:00 a.m. November *25 Christmas Parade 5:00 p.m. *Subject to Change ** Combined Band Performances – Emporia Middle School, Emporia High, & ESU Halftime performance & 5th Quarter Field Show Performances.

More information to follow.

SCHEDULE


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Membership "Outdoor Performance Ensemble" (a.k.a. marching band) is a group in which strong friendships and lasting relationships develop while having a great time. The EMH is the most exciting, entertaining, and largest visible student organization on campus. As a member, you must have the motivation, desire, and enthusiasm to put in the time and energy to create success. It is through success that the most fun is had; the feeling that we all worked together to create a superior program based on high quality performance. Through this achievement, you will have the time of your life and develop a lasting pride that you will exude for years to come. Welcome to the Marching Hornets! Auditions (Percussion, Clarinets, Alto Saxes, Trumpets, Trombones) Auditions for part assignments will be done during the 1st sectional block for the winds and the first day of pre-camp for the percussion. Placements result from the level of musicianship, range, style, and technical facility on your instrument. Winds may be asked to perform their entire range of the chromatic scale, Eb Major, D Major, and g minor (1-2 octaves). The section leader and staff will determine the divided parts. Rehearsals As stated earlier, scheduled class rehearsals are: •Mon., Wed., and Fri. 3:00-5:00 p.m. •Saturdays 8:00 a.m – 10:00 a.m. Full Ens. Reh. before each home game Members must wear appropriate clothes to all rehearsals. Shoes must be of a tennis shoe/cross-trainer style. No sandals or dress shoes are allowed. Do not bring valuables to rehearsal, as unattended items are not secure. Shorts/pants/shirts should be of an athletic style. Avoid jeans, tight/stiff clothes overly baggy clothes and excessive jewelry. The facilities we are scheduled at for our regularly scheduled rehearsals are always subject to change per athletic department and School of Music. Although great strides have been made in improving the accuracy of the schedule, please be flexible for changes in location and possible (although less likely) changes in time. Course Registration for the Emporia Marching Hornets All members must be registered for the course: Freshman – Senior MU 245 Graduates MU 645 Continuing Education See Dr. Freeze for Continuing Education enrollment instructions Community Members See Dr. Freeze for Community Education enrollment instructions

GENERAL INFORMATION


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Grading Policy Attendance, attitude, and performance quality will be the main factors in determining your grade. The expectations are very simple; be “on time” (early) to all scheduled events, have perfect attendance, maintain a positive and healthy attitude, and march and play with high quality at all times.

Tardies: “To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, to be late is inexcusable.” BE EARLY! General rule: 5 minutes prior to start time, you are at the correct location completely warmed and ready to perform. For rehearsals, the first three unexcused tardies result in the lowering of one grade level (A becomes A-). After the first three, the next two result in another lowering of one grade level. After that, every additional tardy results in the lowering of one grade level. For performances, every tardy lowers the grade one grade level. Absences: For rehearsals, every unexcused absence results in the lowering of one full grade (A becomes B). For performances, one unexcused absence is grounds for failing the course and immediate dismissal from the band. Excused: There is such a thing as an excused absence or tardy. If an individual has a legitimate reason for being absent or tardy, that member can obtain permission to be excused through prior approval by the director. This request must be made in writing or by contacting the director in person significantly in advance of the requested date.

Serious personal illness, medical emergencies, family emergencies, and religious events are excused. In any case, be sure to contact the director in advance. After arrangements have been made, students need to fill out the “Absent/Tardy Form.” Fraternity & sorority, campus organizations, and other social group events will not be considered as an excuse to miss rehearsals or performances. Attitude: This is often difficult to quantify, but in general terms, an uncooperative attitude will result in a lowering of the grade and/or dismissal from the group. Quality of Performance: Every member is held accountable for the memorization, quality, and accuracy of the music. Section Leaders will schedule weekly required sectionals. If quality becomes an issue, section leaders may test you. After due process, if quality problems still persist, it will affect your grade. Section leaders may schedule additional sectionals if the overall performance of the music becomes an issue. These will be required and will follow the same guidelines for tardies and absences listed above. However, it is up to the section leader to collect schedules and plan accordingly. Every member will be held accountable for the memorization, quality, and accuracy of all visual aspects; drill, marching technique, and choreography. If quality becomes an issue, section leaders may test you. After due process, if quality problems still persist, it will affect your grade. Students are required to have a 3-ring binder with all of the handbooks and music organized with plastic sheet protectors by Sunday of camp. This is your textbook and needs to be at all rehearsals. You will be graded periodically on this throughout the semester.

GENERAL INFORMATION


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Code of Conduct As a member, you represent Emporia State University, the Department of Music, the Band Department, the Athletic Department, and the Emporia Marching Hornets. Your conduct and level of performance should be representative of those organizations. The concept is not to limit the amount of fun one can have in the group, but rather to establish the fact that a higher level of performance and behavior is expected. Have fun, be crazy and supportive, but be mature and maintain appropriate behavior at all times. The following Athletic Department, University, and Emporia Marching Hornet policies and expectations are to be strictly adhered to. Policies/Expectations: ***

1. No member shall consume any alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs during any Emporia Marching Hornets (EMH) related (“on time”) functions (even if 21 or older). Nor shall any member be intoxicated or under the influence when arriving for an EMH function.

2. Smoking is not permitted while in uniform or any EMH clothing. 3. Uniforms must be completely worn at all times. 3a. Uniforms must be neatly hung and properly stored. (check with the uniform manager) 4. No consumption of any food or drink while in uniform. Water is OK! 5. No friends, or other non-members are permitted in the stands. 6. Do not throw anything in the stands. 7. No Cell Phones or other electronic communication devices in rehearsals or performances.

NO “TEXTING”! 8. While performing in the stands, starts and stops to music must be incredibly precise. Watch and

be aware as to these moments, as you may earn us a penalty or embarrassment for lack of precision.

9. Only play what is on the page. No “improved,” “improvised,” or “alternate” parts will be acceptable. In addition, poor quality of sound (over-blowing) is unacceptable.

10. All horn choreography will be determined in advance by the section leader and the director. Improvising of choreography leads to a sloppy visual performance and mediocrity at best. Section leaders will pass all choreography by the director in advance of application to the stands situation.

11. Everyone in the stands will play all of the time, all members of the sections will do the planned choreography, and everyone will strive to maintain a solid block look while in the stands. Some sit, some stand, some lean---uhhhhh, no!

12. Foul language and lewd gestures are not permitted at any time. 13. All members will respect each other to the fullest degree. Members will especially respect the

hierarchy of the band and those who have earned a position of leadership within the band. 14. Taunting of opposing bands and fans is not permitted, regardless of their behavior. 15. Cheers in the stands are encouraged, but they must be in good taste and represent the high class

of the EMH. 16. Members are required to stay in the stands the entire football game and stand when we play at all

times. There will be a time when we can take a short break after half-time as a group. Any other time members must gain permission from the director to use the restroom or to leave the stands for a brief time. “Remember, when you ask a yes or no question, be prepared to receive either a yes or no answer; hence, asking.”

17. Each band members is responsible for his/her own equipment, instrument, uniform, and personal belongings at all time. All large instruments that go on the equipment truck must be taken care of by the individuals who play those instruments; loading and unloading

***Failure to comply with aforementioned Code of Conduct and Policies and Expectations may

result in a fee, lowered grade and/or dismissal from the course. Please use common sense. –T.F.

GENERAL INFORMATION


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Traveling With the Band

When we travel, you are an ambassador to Emporia State University. Every decision you make will reflect the University and all the departments associated with the band EMH. Again, be advised as to your higher responsibility when we travel.

Policies/Expectations:

1. Respect all facilities we use and visit. 2. All members will respect the private property on buses, planes, and hotels. 3. Musical devices with headphones are permitted. 4. All members must ride in a University approved vehicle. 5. Each band members is responsible for his/her own equipment, instrument, luggage,

uniform, and personal belongings at all time. All large instruments that go on the equipment truck must be taken care of by the individuals who play those instruments; loading and unloading (including restoring them when we arrive back from a trip).

6. Follow all additional rules placed before you by hotels, airlines, bus companies, or anyplace of business.

7. All members must stay on the bus that they are assigned to while traveling. 8. You are responsible for all details listed on trip itineraries. Don’t miss the bus! 9. All members will be assigned hotel rooms in advance of the trip. Members are not

allowed to switch rooms at any time. Be considerate to all members in each room avoid hanging out in rooms of the opposite sex. Married couples may stay together at their own expense. See the director for more details in this area prior to travel.

10. Upon checking out of the hotel, all members will obviously be responsible for any incidental feels occurred during they stay (phone, movie, missing items). Take care of these promptly, as it may hold up the itinerary if we have to pull someone back off the bus to come pay for something.

11. If you would like to stay with family while we are on a trip, arrangements must be made in advance with the director (typically, hotels are solidified one month in advance, the request should be made before this time). The same applies if you would like to go out to dinner with family members. Seek two days prior approval for family dining requests.

12. Besides FAA regulations to follow on planes, the treatment of flight crews is often poor by the general public. Treat them with more respect than you would your own family. Be extremely courteous and overly kind so as to make their trip with us better than any trip they have ever worked on. Ask for assistance when needed and be polite.

Student Accommodations Statement: Emporia State University will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. Students need to contact the Director of Disability Services and the professor as early in the semester as possible to ensure that classroom and academic accommodations are implements in a timely fashion. All communication between students, Disabilities Services, and the professor will be strictly confidential.

GENERAL INFORMATION


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LOGISTICS

EMH Camp Registration All members of the EMH will go through registration on August 11th from 8:00 – 10:00a.m. Here is a list of what you will be doing during registration:

EMH Registration -Housing needs -Instrument checkout 8:00 a.m. in BH 134 -Music assignments/music folder -Paying Camp and Instrument fees -Getting your “Membership Package”

Instruments All students wishing to rent an instrument for the fall please be at Beach Hall rm 134 at 8:00 a.m. to check out your instrument. There is a $25 rental fee for the term. Also, there will be an EMH instrument contract completed during EMH registration. At the end of the term the instrument will be checked back in. For those wishing to practice over the winter break, instruments can be reissued. Uniforms You will be fitted and provided with a uniform during registration. Each item will be numbered and checked-out using the Emporia Marching Hornet Uniform Contract Form. It is each member’s responsibility to contact the uniform manager when a uniform problem arises. You are responsible for the same numbered items during the uniform check-in in December. As mentioned before, all parts of your uniform must be worn at all times. When coming to morning rehearsal dress in changeable clothing as we will be handing out your uniform to you at the school. You will have time to change immediately following lunch. You are responsible for neatly hanging and stowing your uniform after every game or performance. All uniforms will be stowed in the uniform storage and will be handed out before the performance. If your uniform becomes excessively soiled during the time you are borrowing it, you may be charged with cleaning fee to have it cleaned mid season. Uniforms will be worn to ensure anonymity and uniformity out on the field. Please tie hair up and either tucked into the shako or down the collar of your jacket. Black socks must be worn. No visible jewelry, excessive makeup or clothing will be worn while in uniform. Wear your marching band t-shirts under the uniform and appropriate undergarments. Failure to comply with this uniform procedure will result in a uniform maintenance fee, lowered grade and or dismissal from the course. Camp Fee The camp fee of $25 dollars is due at registration on Saturday morning. ***A cumulative $5.00 late fee will be charged each week until all of the fees are paid in full. Failure to remit may result in a hold on your academic record and account. Please pay all your fees promptly to ensure a fun and exciting marching band experience. ☺

GENERAL INFORMATION


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TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Most of the specific technical information can be located in the EMH Visual Technique Book, but here is some general information about the technical side of the EMH. Marching Band: Marching is a stylized way of moving in a performance. Dance would fit the same definition. Although the roots of marching are in the military tradition, the style of marching that we employ has the strongest musical rationale. In order to perform well on wind and percussion instruments and move simultaneously, all extraneous motion is eliminated from the upper body. The stride is called the "glide step," and it implies coordination, fluidity, grace, and nobility. The elements of musical expression include dynamic variations and accent, tempo variations, timbre variations, exhibition of technique, etc. The musical artist must understand and control these elements in order to affect an audience emotionally. The elements of visual expression in dance include body carriage, control, coordination, ability to move in unison and harmony, facial expression, etc. The artist dancer has the ability to use these elements to affect an audience emotionally. The artist performer in marching band must be both a musical and a visual art.

SHOWMANSHIP This element of musical and visual expression in marching must be mastered in order to

succeed in entertaining an audience. In a football stadium, the performers are so far removed physically from the audience that expressive elements from the band must be exaggerated, especially the visual ones. Our marching style is designed to enhance our musical effect, as well as containing various Visual Stimuli! The motion is often very dramatic and moving to the audience. Most of the time, you will be asked to be under

perfect control, but at times you will be asked to be completely crazy. The important thing is to be uniform, to be emotionally committed, and to execute each visual and musical

gesture to the best of your ability. There is no bigger effect than excellence!



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EMPORIA MARCHING HORNET REHEARSALS Rehearsals: Fast paced, efficient, and well-organized rehearsals are the standard. The rehearsal will be the largest factor in the amount of success we obtain. Your work ethic must be unmatched and intact at all times. Be aware of the schedule. Be prepared for every rehearsal. Here are some responsibilities to remember:

When you cross the sideline to step onto the field, your mentality must shift to a working mentality where your goals are clear and your work ethic secure.

Silence on the field is required at all times. This helps diminish confusion and strengthens the level of instruction we can provide.

Efficiency creates Productivity and Productivity creates Excellence! Everything is done quickly and quietly. Quick resets means dead time is gone and rehearsals

will move much more efficiently. The essence of REPETITION!

Realize the more times something is performed, the better it will become. The goal is the maximum number of reps possible in the shortest amount of time.

Perform all of the time If you lack a performance attitude, improvement is hard to come by Your performance mentality will establish a performance comfort level

You must work together at all times Arguing is counterproductive When discussing corrections and suggestions, be positive

Take criticism and correction Everyone will be corrected. Everyone will be wrong at some point Don’t allow yourself to take it personally Without mistakes being identified and isolated, how would improvement exist?

Accept the responsibility of a fast paced rehearsal. Push your staff by always being prepared and ready Push your peers, friends and colleagues

Always know your dot, side, interval and distance The moment when you think you have it down you will…

Stop improving Hold the group back

Never stop trying to improve yourself Push yourself as hard as you can Don’t ever quit! Your success will be amazing and you will go farther than you ever imagined!



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The Rehearsal Mode: The Rehearsal Mode is a rehearsal system that was established to organize every procedure and practice on the field in a command less way. This means once we get past the first initial visual techniques most commands will cease to exist (unless needed). This idea came from many realizations that important information given to students was often falling on deaf ears due to an over saturation of commands. Also, the efficiency of having to give commands (before and after) each move was slow, if not death to the pace of rehearsal. Anyone in education knows what happens when the pace of rehearsal slows down and students begin to get bored (yikes)! I feel this is part of the reason most large marching bands have issues with distractions and students talking on the field during rehearsal. We will discuss this in fine detail, but here are the aspects to this command less system:

Section leader sets all positions Members follow section leader in a ripple

Silence while in all positions is absolute Section leader anticipates the next move of the director or staff If the section leader is asked to step out to monitor and adjust

The section leader only speaks at the relax position No questions are allowed in this system

In the early stages, if a pressing question is necessary, it may get addressed during “field” time

Try to wait until a break to seek an answer If there is a major visual issue around you, we should see it, but if not, go ahead and

raise your hand (early stages only) Additional “dead time” positions (not the norm)

One knee Crouching Two knees Do not sit on the field When your section leader pops up, get up as fast as possible

The director or staff may call commands at any time. In this situation, the staff member is in charge until they call you to stand by at which time you resume to follow your section leader

All changes in positions are done with lightning speed and perfection While Learning Drill

Members stay in rehearsal mode at all times All students have drill sheets and have a moment to locate coordinates; 60-90 seconds. Once the students have found their correct spot they go to “stand by”; once it is obvious all are

there, head field staff member calls dress set, ready front, at which time we will mark the set using tape.

Once the set is marked, the head staff member will call “stand by” at which time the control is relinquished back to the section leader and other field staff can work with sections; while staff is working with the section they should remain completely in the mode, if the staff member wants their attention and wants to ask questions the staff member will call them to "relax".

Field staff waits until the phrase “stand by” from the head staff member before giving information to the section. When information is given from anyone, it should be direct and as soft as possible, do not yell across the field at your section at any time. Staff will keep all comments to whispers!



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Once Drill Has Been Taught

Again, always in rehearsal mode, it is just a matter of who is controlling it, the head staff member or the section leader.

Either the head staff member or the drum major will give directions on what to do next. It is up to the section leader to respond instantaneously at which time the members respond to the section leader (in a ripple).

After each chunk, the drum-line will give two clicks, which signals everyone to “dress set dress”. After 5 seconds, the section leaders go to “ready front” and then to “stand by” (everyone follows their section leader).

Fundamentals Here is a list of the fundamentals/exercises that will be taught in band camp. Every fundamental will be broken down step-by-step for you until mastery is achieved. These are described and defined in the EMH Visual Technique Book Basic Fundamentals

Attention Slow Turns Stand by / Parade Rest Forward March Horns Up, Horns Down Backward March Slow Horns Up, Slow Horns Down Transition Step Dress Center Dress, Ready Front Front Slides

Low Mark Time Back Slides Exercises and Drills

All of the basic fundamentals using "quick-time" commands 8’s and 8’s Transition Step Exercise 16’s and 8’s 8-6-4-2 8’s and 4’s Zig Zags Box Drills 12’s and 4’s Circle Exercise Hip Shifts Flip Flops Repetition Block

This system is designed to simplify the approach and make rehearsals efficient and productive. It has proven to be very effective in past years at the University of Oregon

and the University of Nevada, Reno. My objective is to treat everyone like mature adults and never waste your time. This system establishes boundaries in which to

achieve these objectives.



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Spacing Terms When we speak of spacing we're referring to the spatial relationship between marchers. This is the key to a good marching band. If we do not have correct spacing, we have nothing. Interval:

Refers to the space between marchers standing in a line shoulder to shoulder. Such a line is called a RANK. When you concern yourself with alignment horizontally--that is, in a RANK-- you visually check yourself and keep yourself "in line" with the marchers beside yourself. This is called DRESSING (or DRESS CENTER).

Distance:

Refers to the space between marchers standing in a line, front to back. Such a line is called a FILE. When concerning yourself with your alignment in a file you are COVERING. When someone asks you to COVER DOWN, you check to see if you are directly behind someone in the FILE.

Yard lines:

We all understand what yard lines are, but why are yard lines important to us and how do we use them? Yard lines are 5 yards apart. With a normal marching stride, we would march 8 steps to every 5 yards (22 1/2 inches per stride). Other adjusted strides may include 7-5, 6-5, and yes, even 4-5. Yard lines are our friends!!!

Hash Marks:

These are the only standard lateral lines actually visible on a football field. These hash marks divide the field up--from sideline to sideline--into 3 sections (or 3rds). Hash marks are also our friends!!!

Zero Points:

These are imaginary yard lines that run from sideline to sideline. Like yard lines, zero points are 5 yards apart from each other. This is another commonly used reference point for charting drill.

Side One & Side Two: This splits the field into two halves. Looking from the Home Bleachers, Side One is left

of the 50 yard line and Side Two is Right of the 50 yard line. Inside & Outside Inside mean that you are heading towards the 50 yard line, Outside is moving away

from the 50 yard line.



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"Experience Is Not What Happens To You It Is What You Do With What Happens To You"

-George Bernard Shaw


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MEMBER AGREEMENT

I have read and understand all points stated in the preceding manual. I agree to abide by the Policies and Procedures and to put forth my best efforts at all times, for the betterment of my own musical growth and for that of the ensemble. I will be present, on time and on task at all ensemble functions including rehearsals, sectionals, games and other events unless previous arrangements have been made with the director and instructors. I understand that failure to follow said policies may be detrimental to my course grade and/or grounds for dismissal from the organization at the discretion of the director and/or instructor.

Let this agreement also serve as your full commitment to participation through the entire marching season. This includes all rehearsals, sectionals, concerts, and other activities this organization has scheduled. Please read the following document carefully, sign and return to a GTA or Dr. Freeze by Saturday, August 16th 2008. Member Name (print): ________________________________________Date: __________________ Member Signature:____________________________________________Date: _________________ Director Signature:____________________________________________Date: _________________

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