Auxiliary Policies and Procedures

Berrien High School Band

Auxiliary Policies and Procedures

Statement of Purpose

The Berrien High School Danceline and Flagline are auxiliary units of the Berrien High School Band. Comprised of select students, both the Danceline and Flagline are essential in visually promoting school pride, leadership, responsibility, and dedication. Danceline and Flagline members are committed to the promise that their service to the band is of major significance. The image that they convey to the community is powerful and long lasting, thus achieving their purpose of visual impact for the band.

Definition

Auxiliary (ôg-zly-r, -zl-r) adjective, noun

Giving assistance or support; helping.
Acting as a subsidiary; supplementary: the main library and its auxiliary branches.
Held in or used as a reserve: auxiliary troops; an auxiliary power generator.
Nautical. Equipped with a motor as well as sails.

General Requirements

All members of the Danceline and Flagline must meet the requirements and abide by the policies of Berrien High School and the General band rules. A great deal of commitment is required to be a member of the Danceline or Flagline, and careful planning is essential to avoid conflicts with other activities. Danceline and Flagline activities must take precedence over all other extra-curricular activities. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the Danceline or Flagline.

Membership and Audition Requirements

Auditions for the BHS Danceline and Flagline are held during the second semester of the academic school year. Auditions are open to all returning Berrien High School Band members, high school students as well as all incoming freshman. Danceline and Flagline members whose GPA drops below 2.0 will be placed on squad suspension for a period of at least 3 weeks, and will remain on suspension until current progress reports again reveal a minimum 2.0 GPA.

During the Danceline and Flagline audition process, prospective members will be evaluated on their level of proficiency in basic skills, as well as more advanced dance and spin routines. Auditions will be scored by impartial judges, and the decisions of those judges are final.

Band Instruments

All Danceline and Flagline members must be enrolled in band for the first academic semester (marching band) and are encouraged to enroll for the second academic semester (concert/symphonic band). Flags, poms and other props for the show are provided. The student may be required to purchase practice props for individual use.

Banner Carrier/Field Assistant

During parade performances, two members of the Band will be responsible for carrying the banner. The band directors will appoint the banner carrier/field assistant positions based on lowest to highest audition scores. During field show performances, the banner carrier/field assistant will place props out on the field and will be responsible for the halftime clean-up.

Competency

In order to perform, Danceline and Flagline members must be able to demonstrate competency for all routines. If the level of competency is not sufficient, as determined by the band directors, coaches, and advisors, then the Danceline or Flagline member may be asked to sit out for a particular performance or until competency is met. An alternate member may be allowed to fill in for any performance as determined by the band director.

Conduct

The conduct of a Danceline or Flagline member should be above reproach. Danceline and Flagline members are expected to be pleasant, cooperative, self-disciplined, and dedicated at all times. Conduct unbecoming to a member, as determined by the school administrators, band directors, coaches, or advisors, or any violation of the Berrien County Schools Discipline Policy, may result in suspension or dismissal from the Danceline or Flagline. An individual’s conduct or behavior becomes a proper concern of the Berrien High School Band if it adversely affects the reputation or the academic interests of the band or the pursuit of its educational objectives. Danceline and Flagline members are officially representing Berrien High School from the time of assembly to the time of dismissal, and while wearing the uniform at any time. On band trips, the point of assembly begins at the bus loading and continues until the return to the Bandroom. During these times the band directors, coaches, and advisors have custody for your performance, behavior, and actions. Since the band serves as a goodwill ambassador for Berrien High School, the City of Nashville, Berrien County, and the State of Georgia, it is critically important that we protect and preserve our reputation.

Any Danceline or Flagline member who is suspended from school, for any reason, may/can be dismissed from their Danceline or Flagline position. Any Danceline or Flagline member who commits an alcohol, tobacco, or drug related violation may/can be dismissed from their Danceline or Flagline position, and will be referred to the school administration and guidance office for further action.

Chain of Command

If any Danceline or Flagline member encounters a problem, please address it through the chain of command. The chain of command shall be as follows:

(1) Captains –

Dance:

Flags:

(2) Advisor –Mrs. Nix

(3) Band Director – Mr. Stephenson

(4) Principals – Mrs. Lovein, Mr. Cowart, Mr. Morgan

Summer Practices, Pre-Camp, and Band Camp

The summer practice schedule, including Danceline and Flagline pre-camp, will be determined by the coaches, advisors, and band directors. Each student is responsible for their own transportation to and from practice. Attendance during the two weeks of Band Camp is mandatory, and failure to attend Band Camp will result in dismissal from the Danceline or Flagline. Members must remain at practice until they are excused by the coaches, advisors, or band directors. All practices are closed, and guests are not permitted to observe a practice unless permission is given by the sponsors or band directors. Captains will be responsible for maintaining this “closed” environment.

Decorum

Danceline and Flagline members must stand at strict attention during any performance, rehearsal, or singing of our Alma Mater and National Anthem.

Dual Capacity

In addition to performing Danceline routines, Danceline members may on occasion be asked to twirl large flags, swing flags, props, poms, batons, or rifles. This dual capacity expands the skills of our auxiliaries and makes for a powerful visual impact.

In addition to performing Flagline routines, Flagline members may on occasion be asked to participate in choreographed dance. This dual capacity expands the skills of our auxiliaries and makes for a powerful visual impact.

Year Round Commitment

Danceline and Flagline require a year round commitment. During the first academic semester, Danceline and Flagline members perform with the marching band at varsity football games, band spectaculars, parades, and various other band events. During the second academic semester, Danceline and Flagline members remain part of the band and are expected to fully participate in any event as it arises.

Entire Event

Danceline and Flagline members are required to stay for the entire event and are not permitted to leave until dismissed as a group by the coaches, advisors, or band directors.

Performance Expectations

School related functions that conflict with Danceline and Flagline activities must be brought to the attention of the squad leaders, coaches, advisors, and band directors well in advance. A request to attend such an activity must be submitted in writing to the sponsors at least two (2) weeks prior to the requested absence. The coaches, advisors, band directors, and administrators will review the request and render a decision. Under no circumstances will a member be permitted to participate in a performance if he/she is absent from the practice immediately preceding that performance. However, you may be assigned as a field assistant for the week. Attendance is still mandatory.

Transportation

On most occasions, the band uses school or commercial transportation to travel to and from our performances. Danceline and Flagline members are not permitted to ride to or from performances with friends. Students will only be released to their parents or legal guardians.All band students are required to ride the bus to all performances with the band. Any band member not riding home on school transportation must be signed out by the parent or guardian with the students chaperone. NO EXCEPTIONS will be made for transportation.

Uniforms and Equipment

All equipment (gear bags, flags, batons, pom-poms etc…) are the property of the Berrien High School Band, Danceline and Flagline. They will be issued at the beginning of each school year and must be returned at the end of each school year. Uniforms must be purchased by the danceline or flagline member and will remain your property after the season is over. However, all uniforms must be maintained in a professional manner. If a uniform, any accessories, or equipment are lost or damaged the member will be responsible for the immediate replacement of that particular item. If a member resigns or is dismissed from the Danceline and Flagline, the equipment must be immediately turned in to the band office. Each student must meet the financial obligations in order to remain part of the team.

Dress

Each Danceline and Flagline member is responsible for the purchase of uniforms, shoes, hose, and leotards, which will be retained by the member. No Jewelry may be worn while performing; including all rings and any body piercing that can be seen. In addition, no visible tattoos are permitted and no nail polish may be worn while performing. Field Make-up will be worn. Hair must be kept neat and clean. Sponsors will dictate the make-up and hairstyle to be worn for each particular performance. Proper attire will be worn for all practices, clinics, auditions, etc. Berrien County Schools has an established policy on appropriate wearing apparel, and members must adhere to this policy at all Danceline and Flagline events and functions.

Choreography

Each squad leader will be responsible for developing some choreography (twirl, dance, sidelines, etc.) which will be reviewed by the coaches for possible inclusion in a routine. Members will also learn choreographed routines at camp during the summer. Any additional choreography (flag, twirl, dance, etc.) will be contracted by the Danceline, Flagline, or Band Boosters as determined by the coaches, advisors, and band directors.

Physical Fitness and Technical Skills

Practices are demanding and strenuous, especially on extremely hot days. There will be performances during extreme heat, cold, rain, etc. It is imperative that all members be in good health and that they remain in good health to withstand these tough conditions. Members are strongly encouraged, and may be required, to complete a school physical form before beginning summer practices. Danceline and Flagline members are also expected to maintain a healthy, consistent weight. This is important to insure the health of the student, and to maintain a proper uniform fitting throughout the school year.

If at any time a danceline or flagline member becomes pregnant, she will not be allowed to march. A doctor’s written permission will be required to remain an inactive member of the band. The health of our students is of utmost importance.

Jobs

If a Danceline or Flagline member has a job, it must not conflict with scheduled practices or performances. Unadjusted conflicts will result in dismissal from the Danceline or Flagline.

Responsibilities

We encourage suggestions by our Danceline and Flagline members, however the questioning of authority or instruction (including coaches, advisors and band directors) will not be tolerated. If at anytime you feel the need to question a decision or instruction, please do so in a private and professional manner. Insubordination by any squad member will result in dismissal - no questions asked.

Squad Leaders

Squad leaders/Captains will be chosen and agreed upon by the Judges. Items which may be considered include seniority, leadership, ability, training, participation, and attitude.

Responsibilities of Squad Leaders/Captains

v Squad leaders must be good role models.

come early to all practices and performances
come prepared - every practice every time
always be prepared to carry out your duties
demonstrate respect for all members whether you like them or not
treat members equally, without favoritism
understand that people will remember how you act more than how you perform
be aware that you are the direct link between members and staff
display the most positive attitude possible
understand that your squad will follow the example you set

v Squad leaders must be proficient in all routines to be performed.

create and teach routines for games, parades, etc.
clean all routines to be performed.

v Squad leaders must constantly monitor their squad.

understand that practices cannot run efficiently without constant monitoring
know that a group is only as strong as its weakest member
help every member become stronger
make certain that all practices start and finish on time
take attendance and notify staff of absences
maximize practice time
maintain harmony and unity with all members
preside over all meetings and practices
ensure that all practice sessions remain “closed” ( no boyfriends, friends etc)
if visitors do no leave , then get assistance from band director, sponsor or school administrator.

v Squad leaders must have no activities (employment or otherwise) that conflict with practices or performances. You are required to be at ALL practices/performances!

v Squad leaders must remain open to suggestions, criticism, and advice from the coaches, advisors, and band directors.

v Squad leaders must be present and participate in all fundraisers

Berrien High School Band

Auxiliary Policies and Procedures

I, ________________________________________________, having been selected as a member of the Berrien High School Danceline or Flagline, have read the Berrien High School Auxiliary Policies and Procedures and I have been briefed on its contents. I fully understand and agree to abide by its terms.

__________________________________________ ____________________

Member’s Signature Date

__________________________________________ ____________________

Parent or Legal Guardian’s Signature Date

__________________________________________ ____________________

Parent or Legal Guardian’s Signature Date

Berrien High School Rebel Regiment