Philosophy/Expectations

Philosophy:

I. The philosophy of the Oswego High School Marching Buccaneers is based on the belief that within every individual the potential for greatness exists. When the efforts of each individual are focused toward a common goal, and when each individual pursues that goal to the absolute best of his/her ability, the goal - no matter how lofty - will be achieved. Honesty, sincerity, respect, cooperation, dedication and the desire to achieve excellence are the qualities that bring out the greatness in all of us. When the efforts of each individual are focused toward a common goal, and when each individual pursues that goal to the absolute best of his/her ability, the goal - no matter how lofty - will be achieved. Honesty, sincerity, respect, cooperation, dedication and the desire to achieve excellence are the qualities that bring out the greatness in all of us.

II. Every person in our organization is essential to its success, regardless of the position they hold. There are no performers who "sit on the bench" in marching band. All of us (students, staff and parents) must work together to achieve our goals. From this cooperative effort comes a respect for each other that will allow us to change our dreams into realities. We derive strength and courage from each other, working side-by-side toward excellence in rehearsal and in performance. Success is achieved through unselfishness, understanding and persistence.

III. We strive to create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. This is accomplished working unselfishly together in rehearsal and in performance, toward a common goal of "pride in excellence". It is also accomplished through mutual respect, through a commitment to one another, through honesty and dedication. Those things that we cherish the most and that withstand the test of time are those which have been created carefully and nurtured over a long period of time. The pride that develops as a result will be remembered not only this year, but for many years to come.

The Marching Buccaneers stand for excellence on and off the field. We look to bring out the best in each individual, and we strive to develop outstanding people through the pursuit of "pride in excellence".

Expectations: :

We work diligently as a staff all year to prepare the best possible audio/visual program we are capable of creating. We have made this commitment to you. In many respects, our band is like a great "chain" made up of many individual "links", and we will be only as strong as our weakest links. It is our collective efforts that create our great strength and unity.

We must work together and respect each other to uphold the following guidelines that will help us reach our goals:

1. ATTENDANCE (REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES)

We expect you to be at all rehearsals and performances. There are no "extra" practices scheduled, so each practice has a specific objective to help us reach our goal. Every person is vital to the success of a rehearsal. When you are not present at a rehearsal, the people on either side of you in the drill cannot practice effectively either. If you are a wind or percussion player, your absence affects balance and blend in the band. If you are a member of the guard/dance ensemble, your absence affects the performance of all the members of the ensemble.

We have no one who sits on the bench in the marching band. Furthermore, we do not (and can not) "take players out of the game" that are not performing their best. The single most important ingredient to our continued success and high morale is your consistent attendance.

2. BE ON TIME

Rehearsals BEGIN at the time marked on the schedule. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of time to assemble your instrument and equipment, get to your rehearsal area, visit with friends, etc. When we begin at the scheduled time, we are able to complete all of our goals for that particular evening's rehearsal. In the words of a good friend - TO BE EARLY IS TO BE ON TIME

TO BE ON TIME IS TO BE LATE

TO BE LATE IS UNACCEPTABLE

3. AVOID/ELIMINATE CONFLICTS

Students who participate in the marching band are traditionally excellent students and very busy people. Many have jobs, participate in cheerleading, sports, help around the house, are involved in church and community activities, etc.! They are able to "do everything" by going over the rehearsal schedule carefully and eliminating conflicts before they happen.

PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT to schedule dentist, doctor appointments, work, dance, etc. , so they do not conflict with band practice!

There are conflicts that sometimes can not be resolved (i.e., sudden illness, family emergency, etc.) In the event of an emergency, keep us informed as soon as it is possible for you to do so. Communication is the key to our success. When we know about conflicts in advance, it is much easier to be flexible and arrive at an equitable solution for everyone.

a. VACATION

Many students vacation with their families from time to time over the Summer. When you are sure of your vacation schedule, let us know the dates you will be gone via a short written note.

This will help us prepare for our rehearsals in a more thorough fashion. We simply ask that you take a little bit of extra time before you come back to rehearsal to make sure you are prepared with music, banner work, dance material, drill, etc. In this way, we can keep making progress throughout the entire season.

b. WORK SCHEDULES

You must arrange work around the marching band schedule. Our season is too short to lose you from rehearsal. Discuss your marching band schedule and commitments with your employers. We can help you if you have an uncooperative boss. Remember - employers are looking for people like you because they know you are responsible and dependable. These are not qualities commonly found these days, so communication is the key. Communicate well-in-advance with your employer and communicate with me.

c. ATHLETICS, DANCE, etc.

Just as with work, we expect you to organize around the band schedule. Communication is the key. Communicate and stay on-top of your commitments.

4. BAND CAMP

All students must be in attendance at Band Camp. The majority of the marching program for the fall is taught during Band Camp each year. Staff members have to take vacation time from their regular places of work (and their own families, too) to be with us for Camp. Our awards program for attendance begins with Band Camp. If extenuating circumstances prevail, you must contact me ASAP.

5. PERFORMANCES

The Marching Buccaneers perform at New York State Field Band Conference events, all home football games and other special events as they present themselves. We spend a great deal of time in practice so that we can perform well, and we cannot perform if you are not there. Attendance at ALL performances is mandatory.

6. TRANSPORTATION

The school provides transportation to and from all events - STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO DRIVE ! Permission slips are required by the district for all trips, and must be returned with parent signature.

Students wishing to return from performances with parents may do so by providing a separate permission slip BEFORE the trip begins. Students may not ride home with anyone else but parents. Anyone riding home with parents must make arrangements for their equipment to be properly stored when we return to school.

7. EQUIPMENT

We are extremely fortunate to have "state-of-the-art" equipment. It is your responsibility to care for it and to store it properly at all times. Our bandroom is small, and space is at a premium! Damage due to neglect will become your responsibility to repair or replace.

Excellence does not stop on the field. Developing respect for your equipment and the facilities you use is essential. Expect from yourself the attention to detail OFF THE FIELD as you do ON THE FIELD. Keep your uniform and your equipment spotless at all times. Keep things in their proper place in our bandrooms.

8. BEHAVIOR

We expect respectful and courteous behavior at all times. Respect towards each other, towards all staff members, band parents, chaperones or any guest that has been invited to be with us - AS WELL AS RESPECT FOR YOURSELF - is the single biggest factor to achieving our goals. Listening - cooperating - understanding when it is time to speak versus when it is time to listen - giving your absolute best at all times - ARE ALL CHARACTERISTICS OF WINNERS. Anything less is simply unacceptable.

The Marching Buccaneers have an outstanding reputation for exhibiting excellent behavior at all times. We will continue to maintain this reputation.

9. COMMON SENSE

Being a member of the Marching Buccaneers is a full-time responsibility. Your actions, good and bad, reflect back on the group. Always use common sense before you act; this will help to insure our continued success.

10. BAND BANQUET

Awards are presented at our annual banquet following the NY State Field Band Conference Championships. Everyone who participates in the marching band program receives recognition at the banquet. In addition, students who demonstrate exceptional effort are also recognized. A wonderful dinner is provided for all of the band members, as well as music for dancing. It is a great night!

11. AWARDS

Awards are presented to members of the Marching Buccaneers at the annual banquet:

ATTENDANCE

GOLD MEDALLION : Perfect attendance, Band Camp through State Championships

SILVER MEDALLION : 1 absence, Band Camp through State Championships

BRONZE MEDALLION : 2 absences, Band Camp through State Championships

VARSITY LETTER

Varsity letters can be earned in marching band beginning the sophomore year after two complete marching band seasons, and approval from the band director.

NYS FIELD BAND CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP

A cash award presented annually to an outstanding senior member of the Marching Buccaneers, ($150 - $200) funded by the NYS Field Band Conference

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