JOHS Band Handbook/Marching Band

                                   Requirements

JOHS Band Home

Marching Band

To be a member of the John Overton Marching Band, the student must be enrolled in the proper Marching Band period during the fall semester.  He/she must have passed at least five (5) courses the previous semester, or must have made up courses through summer school.  Each student must comply with all rules and regulations for that particular organization.

 

Competitive Marching Band

The student agrees to attend summer rehearsals (exceptions through director approval) and is required to attend Band Camp.  Exceptions must be approved by the directors in advance.  Each member must meet all financial obligations and must attend all rehearsals and performances (contests, parades, and football games).  Financial aid forms are available upon request.

 

Non-Competitive Marching Band

This Band performs pre-game at all home football games.  Any student not wishing to meet the financial commitment and rehearsal schedule for the competitive show may choose to be in only the pre-game band show.  The student agrees to attend rehearsal during the week designated to rehearse this show and all football games, parades, and homecoming festivities.  All members of the competitive Marching Band will automatically be a member of the pre-game band show.  The students who only choose to be in the pre-game show will be financially responsible for band shoes, uniform fees, and transportation fees.

 

Alternate Status

This applies to competitive Marching Band only.  These students must meet all requirements for that band.  The students will rehearse and occasionally perform with the group, possibly earning a permanent spot at any time when deemed so by the directors.  Alternates will also perform in all pre-game show activities.  Alternates are considered full-fledged members of the Marching Band.  This means that the alternates are expected to attend all rehearsals as per the rehearsal policy.  Alternates may be rotated in and out on a per performance basis in order to provide the opportunity for more students to perform.  Alternates will travel on all trips with the competitive Marching Band.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The John Overton Marching Band has a history of excellence.  The band successfully competes on the state level, having won the State Marching Band Champion of Tennessee five times. They have consistently placed in the top six of the prestigious "Contest of Champions" for the past 19 years and have been named Grand Champion on two occasions.  They have been nationally recognized for their marching excellence, and they performed in the 1984 and 1992 Fiesta Bowl Parades, the 1987 Tournament of Roses Parade, the 1990 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the 2001 60th Anniversary Commemoration of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.  They are consistently ranked in the top three in the state and are a two-time winner of the Sudler Shield Award.  An organization of this magnitude requires extreme dedication and pride on the part of each member.

    The John Overton Marching Band performs at all football games, parades, contests, and various performance opportunities in the area.  All students at John Overton have the opportunity to participate in Marching Band.  The John Overton Band performs in pre-game shows, parades, and special events.  The Competitive Marching Band performs at contests and half-times.  Membership in the Competitive Marching Band requires attendance at all rehearsals and performances.  Members must also meet their budgetary obligations.

    It is necessary for an alternate system to be employed in the Competitive Marching Band with every student getting the opportunity to perform during the year.  Due to sickness, moving, and other occurrences, it is necessary to write the field show for fewer students than are on the roster.  Alternates march on an as-needed basis---alternates can be utilized in the event someone cannot perform due to illness, excessive absences, or has ceased to exhibit the necessary enthusiasm, attitude, and dedication needed to be a member of a top-notch organization.  Alternates must be present for all rehearsals and performances and must meet their budgetary obligations.  They are considered full members of the organization and will have duties related to the preparation of the band for performances, when not on marching status.

    The rehearsal schedule is normally set well in advance, allowing students to plan other activities and obligations around the established schedule.  Punctuality is a trait that will serve you well in any endeavor.  Plan to arrive well in advance of the beginning of rehearsal---do not try to sneak in at the last second.  It is essential that we make efficient use of the rehearsal time we have.  This can only happen when every band member is present and working to improve.  The band member that misses rehearsal cannot improve, and the other band members around them have a less effective rehearsal due to the absence.  We all depend on each other to "carry our fair share of the load" in order for us to achieve the level of proficiency for which the John Overton Band has become noted.

    REHEARSALS ARE NEVER CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER.  We will not usually rehearse outdoors in the rain, unless it is just a drizzle or intermittent light rain.  In the event of a steady rain, we will rehearse indoors and then go outdoors at the first opportunity.  Students should dress for the weather.  Not having the proper attire is not a satisfactory reason for having a poor rehearsal.  Students should wear low-top tennis shoes and socks for rehearsals.  This is important in that the style of the marching step we use requires that the foot and ankle be permitted to move freely.  Hats and sunblock are recommended.

    Directors should be notified IN ADVANCE if a student is going to be absent from a rehearsal or performance.  Absences from band rehearsals or performances are unexcused unless due to (a) personal illness, (b) death in the family, (c) an emergency, or (d) special permission of the directors obtained in advance by the parent or guardian.  Students must exhibit consistent responsibility in these areas.  Excessive absences for any reason may result in the student being placed on alternate status.