HILLGROVE BANDS
2007-08 HANDBOOK
Meet the Directors/Meet the Staff
Basic Procedures/ Marching Band
Uniform/ Concert Attire Information
Football games/Traveling/Hotels-Overnight Trips/
Festivals Competitions
Concert Band and Classroom Procedures
School Owned Instrument Policy/Facility
Usage
Spring and Summer Camp General Information
Mission Statement of the Hillgrove Bands Booster
Association, Inc.
Structure of Committees HBBA, Inc.
Bylaws of the Hillgrove Bands Booster Association, Inc.
Hillgrove High School Bands
2007-2008
In order to assist band members and parents in understanding areas of responsibility, a statement of band policy is herein set forth. Becoming familiar with this policy will enable each individual to make the most of this great opportunity to be a member of the Hillgrove High School band program, becoming a better person and a better musician.
We firmly believe that the student should improve through regular practice. In the Hillgrove band program we believe that when the student has lost the will to improve him/herself or make a positive contribution to the band, he or she is wasting the time and efforts of his/her fellow members and the community by continuing in this program. The HAPPIEST student is the one who is improving through regular habits of practice and daily progress. He/she must not only know right from wrong, but must be able to stand for principles. He/she must develop a high sense of purpose toward which he/she is willing to work. RESPONSIBILITY is the focus behind any level of achievement within this program. We intend to conduct ourselves in a manner that will facilitate all students in learning and bettering themselves.
OBJECTIVES OF THE
BAND PROGRAM
CHRIS FERRELL
DIRECTOR OF BANDS
HILLGROVE HIGH SCHOOL
Chris Ferrell is Director of Bands
at Hillgrove High School in Powder Springs, Georgia in the Cobb County School
District. Formerly Associate Director of Bands at L.D. Bell High School in
Hurst Texas , and Director of Bands at Harwood Junior High School in Bedford ,
Texas he has also served on the staff of the acclaimed Texas Wind Symphony and
performed with the Dallas Wind Symphony. His bands and organizations have
presented clinics and concerts for the Ohio Music Educators Association and
throughout the North Texas area including the Meyerson Symphony Center in
Dallas.
Mr. Ferrell also served as
saxophone instructor at the University of Texas at Arlington Summer Music Camp.
He received degrees from Miami University in Oxford , Ohio and did additional
study in conducting and saxophone at the Oberlin Conservatory, the University
of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and the University of North
Texas. His instructors and mentors
include Michele Gingras, Gary Speck, Dr. Paul Cohen, Eugene Migliaro Corporon,
Joe Gunn and Ray Lichtenwalter. Mr. Ferrell also served as woodwind methods
instructor at Miami University.
Mr. Ferrell is named in Who's Who
of America's Teachers and serves as a strong proponent of fundamental teaching
and his students have earned positions in Region, Area and All-State band and
orchestra organizations in Ohio and Texas. His bands and ensembles have been recognized for outstanding
quality earning first-place and first-division honors in many competitions and
festivals He was named Teacher of the Year at Harwood Junior High School in
2001.
Mr. Ferrell also instructed the
Music component of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme . As a
woodwind artist Mr. Ferrell performs clinics and concerts throughout the United
States and Europe. He has been a featured performer and presenter at numerous
jazz festivals, conferences and trade shows. As a professional performer and
studio staff musician he has performed in multiple classical,
commercial/advertising, popular and jazz idioms. His flexibility as a performer
has kept him very active in Texas and both the East and West Coast areas.
In addition to teaching and playing
responsibilities, Mr. Ferrell works with the Yamaha Corporation and Vandoren in
research and development of new products in the educational and professional
performance fields.
He resides in Dallas, Georgia with
his wife Shelley, a former drum major and graduate of Lassiter High School, his
daughter Katherine and his beloved dogs and cats.
Chris Ferrell is a Yamaha Performing Artist and Clinician
and plays the Yamaha YSS-62, YAS-82Z, YAS-875EX, YTS-62, YTS-82Z and YBS-62
saxophones, Custom Clarinets and the WX5 Wind Controller.
Chris Ferrell is a Vandoren Artist and uses Vandoren
mouthpieces, reeds and accessories exclusively.
PATRICK MICHAEL ERWIN
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BANDS
HILLGROVE HIGH SCHOOL
Patrick
Erwin is currently in his second year as the Assistant Director of Bands at
Hillgrove High School. Prior to Hillgrove, Mr Erwin was the Assistant Director
of Bands at Paulding County High School in Dallas, GA, for the one year.
In 2005,
Mr Erwin completed his Master's Degree in Music Education at the University of
Georgia's Hugh Hodgson School of Music, finishing his degree Òwith
distinctionÓ. Mr. Erwin also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with
a minor in Music. During his time at the University, Mr Erwin studied Trumpet
under Dr. Edward Sandor and Fred Mills, Clarinet under Dr. John Culvahouse, and
conducting under Dr. David Romines.
Since
2002, Mr. Erwin has been a member of the Visual Staff for the World Champion
Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, Rosemont, IL. As a member of the staff, Mr Erwin presented several
marching clinics, including the BOA Summer Symposium. Prior to becoming a staff member, Mr. Erwin marched trumpet
and soprano bugle in the Cavaliers (2000-2001). Mr Erwin also marched in the
Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps (96-99).
From
2000-2006, Mr Erwin was the Visual Coordinator for the Alan C Pope High School
Marching Band, Marietta, GA, taking over Drill Design responsibilities in
2005. Also, in 2002, Mr Erwin was
visual coordinator for Kell High SchoolÕs first-year marching band.
Mr
ErwinÕs professional affiliations include Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, Pi
Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society, GMEA, NBA, and MENC.
Patrick Erwin currently resides in Hiram, GA with his wife, Aaren, soon-to-be-born son Will, and two dogs Scooby and Kaya.
MEET THE STAFF
CHRIS
ROMANOWSKI
PERCUSSION
INSTRUCTOR
Chris Romanowski is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston. During his time in Boston, he performed with many great musicians including Rob Caggiano (guitarist for Anthrax and Grammy Award winning Music Producer), Jim McGorman (guitarist/piano/vocals for Cher, Michelle Branch, Avril Lavigne, and tv show "Rock Star SuperNova"), Fausto Cuevas (percussionist for Britney Spears, Queen Latifa, and the American Idol tour band) to name a few.
Mr. Romanowski is currently a Percussion Instructor, Clinician, and Music Arranger for several high schools and drum corps around the world. Over the past 15 years Mr. RomanowskiÕs groups have won 13 Bands of America Regional Championships, 2 Bands of America National Championships, the Drum Corps International Div II World Championships, Drum Corps International Div II High Percussion award, and the Drum Corps Japan High Percussion Award. In 2007 Mr. Romanowski will take the field as a Percussion and Ensemble Music judge for Drum Corps International (DCI).
Mr. Romanowski has worked with several groups including: Bands of America National Champion and Fiesta Bowl Champion- Plymouth Canton High School, Bands of America Finalist and Fiesta Bowl Champion - Etiwanda High School, DCI Division II and High Percussion Champion - Rochester Patriots Drum and Bugle Corps, Drum Corps Japan High Percussion Champion - Pride of Soka "Royal Kilties" from Hachioji, Japan, and The Magic of Orlando.
Mr. Romanowski is a consultant for the WGI Independent World Percussion group ÒOdysseyÓ from Georgia and has performed clinics for groups such as the Southern California Band and Orchestra Association, and at several ÒDay of PercussionÓ events in the U.S.
The co-creator of HeavyHitterPads (now manufactured and distributed by the Vic Firth Corporation), Chris Romanowski is endorsed by Dynasty Drums, Remo, StickTape.com and is a member of the Vic Firth Educational team.
JOE HEILBERGER
DIRECTOR OF BANDS
LOVINGGOOD MIDDLE
SCHOOL
Mr. Heiberger is the Director of
Bands at Lovinggood Middle School. Before being appointed to the Lovinggood
Middle School staff, he was the Director of Bands at Hurst Junior High in
Hurst, Texas where he was a proud feeder of the L.D. Bell Band. During his
tenure at Hurst, the L.D. Bell Band won two Texas State Marching Championships,
several BOA Regional Championships and three top five finishes at BOA Grand
Nationals. Under Mr. Heiberger's direction, the Hurst Junior High Symphonic
Winds received consistent Superior ratings and several Sweepstakes awards, as
well as straight Superior ratings at the Spring-Fest Music Festival at the
Murchison Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of North Texas
in Denton (2004, 2005). Also, the Beginner Band received 6 consecutive years of
Superior ratings at the Sandy Lake Music Festival, even winning Most
Outstanding Beginner Band in 2002, 2005 and 2006.
Before coming to Hurst Junior
High, Mr. Heiberger was on the private lesson faculty of the 1999 TMEA BBB
Honor Band, Bedford Junior High under the direction of Mr. Steve Madsen. Before
working in HEB, Mr. Heiberger served one year as associate director at
Briarhill Middle School in the Lewisville ISD where he taught beginner
woodwinds, jazz band and Concert Band. The Briarhill Concert Band was awarded
Sweepstakes at UIL for the first time in the schools history. Before moving to
Texas, Mr. Heiberger lived on the Mississippi Coast where he served as Director
of Bands at Gulfport Central Middle School and Associate Director with the
Gulfport High School Band under the direction of Mr. Glen Buckalew. While in
Mississippi, Mr. Heiberger was nominated for Mississippi's Outstanding Young
Band Director Award (A.E. McClain) in 1995 & 1998, named Gulfport School
District's Teacher of the Quarter (1998) and awarded the Citation of Excellence
from the National Band Association (1996). Mr. Heiberger earned a Bachelor of
Music Education degree from the University of Southern Mississippi (1994) where
he studied under Mr. Steven Moser and Dr. Thomas Fraschillo. As a saxophonist,
Mr. Heiberger studied in the studio of Dr. Lawrence Gwozdz and was a member of
the Finale Saxophone Quartet which was named National Champions of the Music
Teacher's National Association Chamber Music Competition (1993), as well as
national finalist in the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition (1993).
While
living in the Ft. Worth area, Mr. Heiberger performed in the Bethesda Community
Church Orchestra under the direction of arranger/producer and Minister of Music
J. Daniel Smith. As a free lance saxophonist on the Mississippi coast and DFW
area, Mr. Heiberger has been fortunate enough to play with artists such as The
Temptations, Martha Reeves and The Vandelas, Joan Rivers and Don Rickles.
SHELLI STILES
ASSISTANT BAND
DIRECTOR,
LOVINGGOOD MIDDLE
SCHOOL
Shelli
Stiles is the Assistant Band Director at Lovinggood Middle School, formerly the
general music teacher in Cherokee County at Buffington and Free Home Elementary
Schools. Ms. Stiles was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio and earned her
music education degree at the University of Akron. She taught numerous middle
and high school band camps in the Akron area as well as private lessons for the
French horn and piano. She performed at conferences including Ohio Music
Education Association, American Band Association, and Cincinnati Music
Education Association. Since moving to Georgia in July of 2005, Ms. Stiles has
been actively teaching lessons at Pickens County Middle and High Schools. She
is on adjunct faculty as the horn professor at Reinhardt College and
participates on the music education advisory committee. Playing the French
horn, Ms. Stiles performs with the Tara Winds Community Band, Atlanta Horns,
and the Reinhardt College Symphonic Band. She is a member of organizations such
as the Music Education National Conference, Georgia Music Education
Association, and the Atlanta Orff-Schulwerk Association.
JENNIFER
ALBERTSON
COLORGUARD
DIRECTOR
Jenn Albertson is currently the Colorguard Director at Hillgrove High School. This includes both our fall guard program and our state champion winter guard program. Jenn comes to Hillgrove after having been on the colorguard staff at The Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps during the summer of 2006 and Kennesaw Mountain High School from 2000 to 2006, and could not be more pleased to now be a part of the Hillgrove High School band organization.
Jenn attended the University of Georgia and Kennesaw State University majoring in Middle Grades Education. While in school, Jenn was a member of Infiniti Winterguard from Greenville, SC from 2000 to 2001. She was also a member of The Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle corps from Santa Clara, CA from 2001 to 2003 where she aged out as colorguard captain and recipient of the ÒJoanna Avilla Outstanding Colorguard MemberÓ award.
Currently, Jenn works at an Estate Planning firm in Roswell, GA as an Administrative Professional and Seminar Host.
Wind Ensemble/Wind Symphony
The Wind Ensemble/Wind Symphony is the advanced performing
organization in both the fall and spring semesters. Membership is by audition
only.
Symphonic Band
The Symphonic Band is the intermediate performing
organization in both the fall and spring semesters. Membership is by audition
only.
Concert Band
The Concert Band is a fundamental performing organization in
both the fall and spring semesters. Membership is by audition only.
Marching Band
Membership in the marching band involves sometimes-strenuous
physical exercise and the ability play the difficult literature and perform
physical movements encountered in the activity. Membership is open to all band
students by audition. Any female member of the Hillgrove student body is
eligible to audition for colorguard.
Chamber Ensembles
During the fall and spring semesters, chamber ensembles will
be formed. ALL band members will be encouraged to perform in a chamber
ensemble. Possible groups would be woodwind quintet, brass quintet, saxophone
quartet, horn ensemble, trombone quartet, low brass ensemble, flute choir,
clarinet choir, percussion ensemble as well as additional small groups. There
will be opportunities to perform in concert as well as District 12 Solo and
Ensemble Festival.
Colorguard/Winterguard
Female students who are interested in dance, choreography,
and movement may choose to audition for our marching auxiliary unit, the
colorguard. The colorguard is an extension of the winterguard program and is
coordinated by Jennifer Albertson.
Percussion Ensemble
All percussionists in the band program will participate in
percussion ensemble and training sessions outside of the school day. Students
learn performance techniques on all percussion instruments. This will include
marching battery and front ensemble literature as well as chamber ensembles.
The percussion program is coordinated by Chris Romanowski.
Wind Studies Camp
The Wind Studies camp is two days of intensive training with
nationally recognized clinicians. It will be held on the campus of Hillgrove
High School and will feature a performance at its conclusion.
Leadership Workshops
In the spring, we will host two leadership workshops to help
students become effective leaders within the band program and beyond. The
workshops are required of all students who wish to be considered for
leadership.
Hillgrove Music Institute
As one might expect, private lessons on a musical instrument
are the best way to improve performance skills. The one-on-one approach allows
the student to benefit from the individual attention as opposed to an
instructor monitoring a class of ever fifty students. A recent survey of the
All-State Band revealed that approximately 80% of the students in the band
studied privately. Students are generally more inclined to practice diligently
for a weekly music assignment and this discipline increases their enjoyment of
the instrument. Please see Mr. Ferrell or Mr. Erwin for more information.
All-State/District Honor Band
Members of the band program are eligible to audition for the
Georgia All-State and District 12 Honor Bands. Auditions are held during the
second semester with concerts for District 12 in Cobb County and Savannah for
the All-State Band. These are the highest honors that a high-school musician
can receive and all are highly encouraged to work toward these goals.
THE ONLY EXCUSED ABSENCES ARE PRE-ARRANGED* SCHOOL CONFLICTS AND THOSE THAT ARE EXCUSED PER COBB COUNTY DISTRICT POLICY FOR REGULAR ATTENDANCE (ILLNESS, DEATH IN THE FAMILY, RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY).
*Individual needs will be addressed as they occur. This system is subject to modification by the directors.
For ALL absences, the students and parents must follow the following procedure:
The filing of an absentee request form does not constitute an excused absence. The policy above applies in all but the most extreme cases. Unexcused absences will result in removal from performance.
ACTIVITY CONFLICTS
Conflicts between band and other activities or events are
the responsibility of the student. Rehearsal and performance information is
given out well in advance, and posted on the website, www.hillgroveband.com, so that proper
arrangements can be made. When band activities are missed, the entire group is
at an instant disadvantage. Students should be careful not to become involved
with activities that may directly conflict with band activities. Students
should have a calendar book and be aware of all band dates well ahead of
schedule. It is the policy of the band to assist students when conflicts occur
within the scope of band policy. The band schedule is demanding and involvement
in too many activities usually reduces the enjoyment and worthiness of each
one. Remember that work is not an excuse for missing any band activity.
BE
PREPARED, IN PLACE, ON TIME!
THE IMPORTANCE OF
ATTITUDE
The greatest single factor that will determine the success
of any individual or organization is ATTITUDE. The kind of person you are is an individual choice and how we feel
about something, which involves attitude, is one of the few actual independent
choices that we have in life. It takes intense dedication to reach goals.
Students should learn to discipline themselves to daily practice on
fundamentals. The Ôright attitudeÕ must be present along with sincerity,
concentration, and dedication as the basic foundation. Such an attitude makes
an artistic performance inevitable and is the difference between a professional
organization and a mediocre group. The band program can do much for you. Make
the most of every moment together.
THE IMPORTANCE OF
DISCIPLINE
Because of the nature of the organization, band discipline
must be all-encompassing and firm. Band students and parents must believe in
the ideals, principles, and philosophy of the organization. Everyone must be
aware of behavior and the behavior of those connected to our organization. Any
action intentional or unintentional that projects unfavorably on the school,
community or band program, whether it be in band or outside of band, could
result in dismissal or exclusion from activity.
It is the responsibility of every parent and guardian to see
that the policies and procedures outlined in this handbook are followed and
that the Statement of Intent is signed
and returned. This states that you understand the policies as set within and
any questions are to be directed to the band directors by appointment. Each
parent is responsible for the attendance of his/her child at all band
functions. It is also the responsibility of parents to make sure that their
child practices DAILY. Being involved with your childÕs development in this
activity is a reward that has far-reaching benefits. An active parent is aware
and receives the gift of healthy participation and growth.
HOW PARENTS CAN
HELP
It is most important that any and all concerns are addressed
with the parties that can help solve them. One of the most destructive forces
in our society is based on Ônegative bondingÕ including rumor and innuendo.
Please carefully gather facts on all sides before forming an opinion. When we
base our decisions on the Ôheat of the momentÕ, we usually find later that the
solution lies in communication. The band staff and boosters are more than happy
to communicate in the event of any questions. Additionally parents and families can help in the following
ways:
As members of the Hillgrove High School Bands, you have a
great deal of responsibility. It is important that if expectations are to be
met, the privileges, rewards and duties must align properly.
TO OURSELVES
You have the primary responsibility of developing your own
abilities. The benefits of a professional-quality instrument and private
lessons should not be underestimated. In order to reap reward, consistent and
constant effort must be put forth at all times.
TO OUR SCHOOL
The Cobb County School District provides us with many of the
resources for rehearsal, performance and equipment. The needs of our program
reach far beyond what the district is able to provide. The Hillgrove Bands
Booster Association also provides a support network, both financially and by
being your biggest fan. We have a responsibility to be the best possible
example for both of these entities.
TO EACH OTHER
We must always do what is best for the welfare of the group.
There can be no selfish acts solely for the benefit of the individual, but for
all. Respect each other. If there are conflicts, find a peaceful way to resolve
them. Never insult another memberÕs integrity. We are here to grow and learn
together.
BASIC PROCEDURES
CAMPS
Camps are held immediately following school year dismissal
(late May to early June) and from late July until the start of the school year.
The Hillgrove Band Directors, percussion and guard staff, technicians and
student leadership teach camps. Attendance is crucial, as most of the marching
band material will be introduced this time. Missing any portion of this camp is
a safety and design hazard and may result in a student being assigned
ÔalternateÕ status.
REHEARSAL
Students are expected to be at all rehearsals and
performances. If there is a situation that will prevent this, an excuse form
must be requested and submitted before the absence is to occur. If a student is
absent from school on the day of a rehearsal or performance, they are
ineligible to participate that day and we ask that you contact the directors to
verify absence. Any student assigned disciplinary action by school
administration will also be ineligible to participate during the period of
punishment (ISS, OSS etc.). Students with disciplinary infractions will not be
eligible for student leadership.
ALTERNATES
One of the most important groups of members of the marching
band is the alternates. Due to the absence of others or inability to work out
their part, it is necessary to Ôfill-inÕ drill positions. Alternate members
must be enthusiastic and willing to learn new material at a rapid pace. The
chances of an alternate working his or her way into a spot if the alternate
participates, works hard, learns the music and does it with a good attitude are
good. They are full-fledged members and will have a role in all marching band
activities. Some will elect to work in the logistics crew, run sound, or be on
the metronome crew.