WRHS 'Pride' Band Handbook
This group performs at all football games, several Marching Contests the Walnut Ridge Christmas Parade, Concerts, and Concert Festival. The band follows a regular after school rehearsal schedule; any changes are announced in advance through the Remind App. Performances are viewed as major exams. Absences from performances are only excused in the event of an extreme emergency: serious illness, hospitalization of the student, death in the family, or other reasons deemed excusable by the band director. Any unexcused absence will result in the loss of at least one letter grade and possibly being removed from the activity. Rehearsal absences or tardiness will affect a student's daily grade. Please consider the band's calendar of events when scheduling family activities. Students that miss any performance will not be allowed to attend the state football play-off games.
Behavior Guidelines - All school rules and policies are in effect at all band functions. Non-band personnel should wait outside the band room to help limit confusion. Food and drink are not allowed in the stands at football games even after the 3rd quarter break. Band members only in the Band section of the stadium at all times. Jewelry, piercings, etc. should not be visible while in uniform. Band Council members are expected to be the first students to arrive for rehearsal, the first to have music memorized and the last to leave rehearsal. This Leadership Team should strive to always set an example by their behavior. Section Leaders: These appointments are made by the director and are based on musical accomplishment, service, dedication, loyalty and ability to productively work with others. Bus Rules - All students must travel to any off - campus activity on the bus. If you wish to ride home from an event with your parents or other authorized adult, you must be signed out by them, in person. Only the director may release students. Buses are loaded in an orderly fashion. (We generally load in descending order by grade. Respect this tradition...you'll get to be a senior someday, too.) - Hands, arms and other body parts must remain inside the bus at all times.
Parents Parents are an important part of the Walnut Ridge Band, and have a vital role to play. There are many things parents can do: - Attend Band Parent meetings. - Volunteer for parent committees, chaperon, uniforms, transportation, equipment handling, concessions, sewing, and publicity are just a few of the areas we need filled. Chaperons are extensions of the authority of the director. These people work hard, and the only payment they receive is our appreciation. Be respectful, polite, cooperative, and remember that the words "Thank You" cost you nothing but are highly valued by the recipient.