Marching Giants

Marching Band Requirements 

∙ In order to be in the Ben Davis Marching Giants, you MUST be enrolled in a band or color guard  class. This is a requirement. 

∙ Marching Band enrollment is being asked of all freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. ∙ 

TO BE IN THE WIND SYMPHONY, MARCHING BAND IS A REQUIREMENT. 

∙ All sophomores, juniors and seniors in Concert Band, Jazz, Swing and Pep bands are required to be in  Marching Band.  

∙ EXEMPTION: Students participating in a fall sport that directly conflicts with the band schedule,  students with physical or health reasons preventing participation, and students with worship service  conflicts will be enrolled in a concert band only. 

∙ All students must make a commitment to band for the following school year before school is out in  the spring. A student may not start marching band - drop - and then be in another band.  ∙ SITTING OUT: We are always concerned with the health of our marching band members. If you are  feeling ill and need to sit out during a rehearsal, please feel free to do so. However, if it becomes a  regular occurrence, the directors will need to see a doctor’s note explaining in detail why you are not  able to practice so that we can make needed adjustments in the drill.  

∙ ALTERNATES: Marching Band Members that do not earn a spot in the competitive show will be able  to perform at all home football pregame performances and parades. All alternates are expected to  attend the fundamental training during the beginning of every marching band practice but will be  excused when work begins on the competitive show. 

∙ TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM CONTESTS: Although we do strongly believe that students should  travel to and from band events as a group on school buses, we will honor parent requests related to  schedule conflicts for other transportation. The following system must be followed for a student to  leave a band function with a parent after a performance: 

1. Turn in a note from parents to director. 

2. Director will initial and approve. 

3. Student then gives note to head chaperone for their bus. 

∙ When in doubt about an upcoming absence, ask in advance for our official position. ∙ 

PHYSICAL EXAMS — to be announced as to requirements and turn in date 

Marching Band Dress Code 

The image of a “Marching Giant” is a cut above the rest. In order to be great, we must sound, act, and  LOOK great! 

In rehearsals… 

♦ All members must wear shirts. (No ladies in sports bras or men with bare chests.) ♦ All members must wear pants or shorts. (Boxers do not count as shorts.) 

♦ Footwear is required. Sandals are never allowed. 

In the uniform dressing area... 

♦ All members must be dressed in the required travel uniform in order to enter the uniform dressing ar ea. Anyone not complying will be instructed to go home and will not be allowed to perform. 

At Performances… 

♦ All members must remain in FULL uniform until a director gives you instructions as a group. ♦ No jewelry is permitted while in uniform. Earrings and facial ornaments must be removed or covered. ♦ Hair must be a natural color during marching season. 

♦ Hair must be above the uniform collar. A hair cut is preferred. Otherwise, braiding, a hair net or skull  cap might become necessary. 

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SUMMER MARCHING BAND  

(For all students who are in the Marching Band Grades 9 –12) 

Band Begins in July of 2020 — see calendar for details 

ONLY MEMBERS IN GOOD BEHAVIORAL AND FINANCIAL STANDING ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A SPOT IN THE IN  THE COMPETITIVE BAND THIS SEASON. 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO ATTEND SUMMER BAND? Performance positions in the Ben Davis  Band are earned through good attendance, continued improvement and musical development  throughout our season.  

All members will have the same opportunity to earn a spot, full or partial, in the 2020 Competition  Marching Show - these decisions are usually made during summer band. 

1. Full spots (performance in the entire show) will be earned on ability, attitude, and attendance.  2. Partial spots will allow those in need of more development, time and instruction to prepare for more  demanding material. Those students in partial spots could be called on at anytime to fill full-time  spots, due to injury, or other factors. 

ABSENCES 

Students should let a band director know in advance, in writing, of any upcoming absences. If a  student is ill on the day of a rehearsal, please call the Ben Davis Band Office 15 minutes prior to the  start of that rehearsal at (317) 988-7211. Students that are absent without notice will be called by  telephone. Reporting absences does not mean automatic approval for the absences, but it does  eliminate the need for the phone call. Judgments are seldom made as to the validity of an absence.  

PLEASE NOTE: WORK IS NOT CONSIDERED AN EXCUSED ABSENCE. 

TO REPORT AN ABSENCE CALL THE BAND OFFICE: (317) 988-7211 

SUMMER SCHOOL  

For 2020, summer school will not conflict with our band program. 

PE II SUMMER BAND CREDIT  

Ben Davis High School now awards PE II class credit for summer marching band. You may pick up a  form in the band office. Your summer band grade will count as PE II credit on your transcripts as long  as you pass the swimming test. (Scheduled periodically by the Physical Education Department.) 

TRANSPORTATION TO SUMMER BAND  

It is your responsibility to get to practices on time. If you do not have a ride, you must contact the  Band Office (317-988-7211) immediately or talk to your section leader. We will aide in any way we  can; although we cannot guarantee transportation assistance. 

EMPLOYMENT 

Students should plan work and/or vacation schedules around the given dates. While the Band  Department understands the need for students to secure part-time employment during the school  year, employment WILL NOT be considered a legitimate excuse for absences from scheduled Band  Department activities. Although it is recognized that the personal experience and values gained  through part-time employment are rewarding, it must be remembered that a sense of dedication  must remain for events of the school nature. The wise student who tries to satisfy both his employer  and director will keep his employer informed of potential work schedule changes, which may be  necessary, long before they occur.

MARCHING BAND EXPENSES 

Fees are made payable by cash or check/money order to: BEN DAVIS HIGH SCHOOL ALL fees are payable at the Band Office or On-line via School Pay 

INSTRUMENTALISTS 

Wind and Percussion Members Band Fees including  

MSD Wayne Township Transportation Fee $500.00 

Color Guard Members Band Fees including  

MSD Wayne Township Transportation Fee $600.00 

Each travel uniform replacement will cost $12 per shirt & $10 per short. You may purchase an additional  travel uniform by completing an order form (included in your info packet) and the form needs to be turned  in with money to the band office no later than September 8, 2020 (only one “extra” order will be placed  with the uniform company during the season).