Winter Percussion
Welcome to the NHS Winter Percussion Family!
Welcome to the NHS Winter Percussion! We are very pleased to have you as member of our program. I believe you will find the program to be both challenging and rewarding. We will work together throughout the season to make Winter Percussion a wonderful and successful experience for everyone!
The student handbook contains a great deal of information and is a great resource for all students, not just those participating for the first time. In addition to the handbook, information and program updates are available on our google drive (see "Additional Resources" tab) in addition to Parent Square. Please check both resources often to ensure you have the most updated information.
If, at the conclusion of the preliminary rehearsals, you would like to participate in Winter Percussion you will need to submit an electronic “Permission & Medical Information” form below to confirm your commitment to the program, as well as acknowledges receipt of the student handbook. Please check the winter schedule (found in the Google Drive) to ensure you have no significant conflicts.
We look forward to a successful season!
Sincerely,
Manny Arboleda
Fine Arts Coordinator
emanuel.arboleda@naugatuck.k12.ct.us
Colin Mason
Percussion Director
Student Handbook
Program Commitments
Regular Season Rehearsals
Every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6:00-9:00pm.
Saturdays are from 12:00-4:00pm in December, then 10:00am-4:00pm starting in January.
There will also be a once-a-month Sunday rehearsal due to not having any gym-time during the school week. Rehearsals usually end with the director providing students with important information regarding the week’s schedule, handout any paperwork needed, etc. The attendance policy is in effect for all regular season rehearsals.
Daily Saturday rehearsal schedule (No Competition scenario):
- 10 am - Rehearsal block
- 12:00 - Lunch (on premise)
- 1:00 - Rehearsal block
- 4:00 - Dismissal
Daily Saturday rehearsal schedule (12pm start scenario):
- 12 pm - Rehearsal block
- 4:00 - Dismissal
Students are required to come prepared with an insulated container full of water to start the day.
Students have 45 minutes - 1 hour for lunch and it is recommended they bring their lunch in a cooler (no refrigerator is available) as they may not leave campus for lunch.
Here’s a list to help you be prepared for Regular Rehearsals!
- Comfortable sneakers with socks (No flip flops or sandals – including pit students)
- Comfortable athletic gear (no jeans)
- Music – all of it – all of the time
- 3-ring binder with sheet protectors (for show music/drill)
- Pencil (edit music and drill)
- Dot book – provided by Greyhound Band Association
- Water only in the band room. No “sugared” beverages are allowed.
Competitions
Show Day Run Down
- Rehearsal
- Generally Saturday rehearsals begin at 10am, but the time and length of rehearsal is based on our competitive performance time, which changes from week-to-week. Rehearsal time will be confirmed a week prior to the competition. Normally, we will rehearse for 3-4 hours during the day and leave for performances in mid to late afternoon.
- Break
- Students are given approximately a two-hour break after rehearsal to eat and prepare for the performance. Please bring a late lunch/early dinner to rehearsal. Students are not allowed to leave campus.
- “Class A” Uniform
- You will check out your percussion uniform after rehearsal and will change into that prior to the scheduled departure time.
- Showtime
- Once students arrive at the competition site, they participate in a warm-up routine and then perform the show inside the host’s gym. After the performance, students are brought back to the buses and are under the direction of parent volunteers.
- Food
- At most shows students will have the opportunity to purchase additional food, after they change. It is the student’s responsibility to bring cash with them – most venues do not accept credit or debt cards.
- Awards
- Once the show is complete student leaders participate in the awards ceremony. Once awards are distributed parent volunteers will escort students back to the bus. Students are to remain together at all times, notify parents if they need to use the restroom/purchase food, and are to use the buddy system. No exceptions.
- Unload
- Once the ensemble returns to school, students are required to help unload the equipment truck. Please have your parents called and ready for you when we return. We all help, as we all want to get home as soon as possible and many hands make light work!
Dressing for Success
Musician Uniforms
- This year students will wear plain black shoes and pants from home along with a uniform top that will need to be purchased by the students. The cost of this year's uniform is $25. Students can keep the uniform at the end of the season.
- Black socks must be pure black. No colored heals, stripes, Nike symbols etc. The colored heals of the socks will show when marching and take away from the uniformity of the group.
- Socks must come up to your mid calf so no ‘skin’ is showing when you march.
- Undergarments include: Plain black t-shirts (No tank tops/cutoffs), shorts, & socks.
- Uniforms must be in pristine condition for the next performance. Please follow washing instructions carefully.
Equipment Care and Maintenance
Personal Equipment
Students are responsible for the care, cleaning, and continual maintenance of their own equipment. It is each student’s responsibility to make sure the equipment is in perfect working condition at all times. Please be sure it is cleaned, polished, and checked by the staff to ensure that it is in working order.
Percussion Instruments
All percussion instruments are provided by the band program, but each student is responsible for their assigned instruments and its care. Students must have their own sticks and mallets at every rehearsal. They are part of your instrument, as they cannot be played without them. Extra drumsticks will be provided to students at the cost of $10 per pair.
Attendance Policy
Attendance
Attendance is not optional, and absences may affect a student’s earned credit and/or future participation. Even if just one student is not present it adversely affects the entire ensemble’s ability to rehearse effectively. Unlike other competitive activities we do not have subs to put in when a student is absent.In the event of a last-minute unavoidable emergency, you must notify your section leader or director. Missing of multiple rehearsals and/or a performance is subject to immediate dismissal from the group.
Attendance Policy:
- Students must be at all rehearsals and performances
- Performances include all competitions and concerts
- Excused absences may include: illness, death in the family, school sponsored trip, game/performance in lieu of rehearsal
- Illness is only excused with a doctor's note
- Benched during next competitive performance (must still attend)
- Denied extra credit if enrolled
Credit and Behavior Policies
Grading
NHS Students who successfully complete a competitive season will be awarded a full fine arts credit.Behavioral Policy
- Students must be respectful at all times to the staff, ensemble members, and volunteers.
- No swearing or inappropriate language
- Listen and follow directions - No talking back
- Keep away from equipment/instruments that do not belong to you o Stay in your assigned area at all times
- First offense - student will receive a verbal warning
- Second offense - temporary suspension from the program (all rehearsals & performances) until a meeting is held with the student, student’s parents, band director, and an administrator
- Third offense - student may be dismissed from the program
Registration
Absentee Form
Additional Resources