Band Profile

The Highlands Ranch Falcon Band is one of the largest bands in Douglas County and the State of Colorado. The Falcon Band is centered around its concert band program (Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble) that also offers a co-curricular marching band, Jazz Band, Private Lesson Program, and numerous chamber ensembles. Students are required to participate in concert bands first before participating in any of the additional ensembles. The Highlands Ranch Falcon Band has been recognized for its excellence in music education in regards to this approach. Several high schools in the state, after seeing our unique approach to having concert bands as the center of our program, have decided to build their programs in this way.

Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Techniques, Falcon Marching Band, Brass Ensembles, Woodwind Ensembles, and Percussion Ensemble.

The Highlands Ranch Band not only teaches the student music, but also leadership. The leadership in the band is a very important part of the band program. The band leadership is responsible for their various areas and ultimately responsible to the director.

It is necessary to rely heavily on student leadership with a band of this size. These student leaders include band officers, ranch rowdies chairman, section leaders, field captain, and drum majors. Band officers consist of president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, librarians, and historian. The band council also consists of representatives from each class period. For more information on the band council, see the Band Constitution. Each instrument section has a section leader that are in charge of groups ranging in size from three to twenty students. Two drum majors direct the band on and off the marching field, providing leadership in the areas of music, marching, and discipline.

Officers are elected by the band and may nominate themselves to run for these positions. Drum Majors, Section Leaders, and field captain are selected thru a audition process including a formal typed essay, two letters of recommendation, and a formal interview with the director, administrators and other school personnel. Student leadership duties include instruction in drill and maneuvering, running and organizing sectionals, maintaining discipline, and the normal responsibilities of being a member of the Highlands Ranch Band Program.

Mr. Erik Johnson has been director of bands at Highlands Ranch High School since 2001. He is a Graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder earning degrees in Music and Education. At the University of Colorado he was president of the CU chapter of the National Music Educators Conference (CMENC). He was also chosen as the College of Music Kappa Kappa Psi sophomore honorarium recipient, and a Music Education Endowed Scholarship winner.

The Falcon Band training policy is based on the theory that improvement and progress are in direct proportion to the effort expended by both band member and instructor. We believe that maximum mental and moral growth is developed from persistent guidance and supervision in a proper environment. We recognize that all members are not alike, that they do not all have the same abilities. They are individuals with different pasts, presents and futures. The success of their training lies in substituting pride of accomplishment and a positive outlook on life for negative characteristics that may lead to failure. These characteristics are often referred to as laziness, nervousness, irresponsibility, and disinterest. In the Band, each member associates with other students in an atmosphere of courage and optimum achievement. Politeness and courtesy become habits, leading to an appreciations of community life and the good in others.

The answer, of course, varies among individuals, but for most, it can be summarized by saying that marching band offers students a combination of benefits and fulfillment that they have been unable to find in other activities.

Some find acceptance for the first time. In marching band, nobody cares about your status, how you look, what you wear, weather you are a gifted musician, as long as you give your best. Some thrill to the style of music and marching and to the constant physical and mental exertion to reach perfection, both as an individual and as a team.

Some thrive on the challenge and pressure of competition and sweet taste of victory. Still others enjoy the opportunity to entertain. For them, the ultimate goal is to bring pleasure to others and the ultimate reward is the thunderous applause that acknowledges their success.

For all, the Falcon Marching Band means deep and lasting friendship, not only with other band members, but with all marching band members everywhere. Band members form a closely knit fraternity. All have undergone similar experiences and emotions; all know the intense effort and sacrifices, the discipline, and the bursting pride that comes from doing even better than you thought you could. Many people participate in worthwhile activities devoted to music, social development, competitive sports or companionship, but few are fortunate enough to find the best aspects of all combined in one. Falcon Band Members are among these few.

Why the Falcon Band? Because it’s more than a way to spend time, it’s a way of growing up. It’s a way that requires absolute dedication, self sacrifice, subordination of individual desires, physical and mental endurance under adverse conditions. But if a band member gives his or her best, the reward is the chance to set a goal, then to strive to exceed it, the opportunity to develop leadership potential while functioning as a part of a team, the pride that comes from achievement and the warmth that comes from friendships.

Nobody ever said that being a member of the Falcon Band is the easiest way to grow up, but many people believe it is the best.

The Highlands Ranch Band Booster Association (HRBBA) is the support structure for the Highlands Ranch Band program. The HRBBA is made up of current parents of students in the Highlands Ranch Band program. There are NO dues or annual fees to be a member. Everyone who has a student in any of the Highlands Ranch Bands is automatically a member. Through the HRBBA you can support your child throughout his or her time in high school. We have found that a parent working with the HRBBA is an “acceptable” way to be involved with your child’s high school career.

The HRBBA performs many of the administrative and logistic functions of the band to leave the director free to do what he does best-TEACH. When the director doesn’t have to worry about who has or doesn’t have a uniform or how to get the band fed at the next event, he can focus on the task at hand, teaching the band. To assist the director and the students, the HRBBA must rely on the parent volunteers to raise funds, move equipment, coordinate meals, and a multitude of other jobs. A band program with goals as high as ours, must have support from the parents. As your child begins his or her high school involvement with the Highlands Ranch Band, you will find you will interact continually with the HRBBA. Each interaction is an opportunity for you to see what there is to do and get involved.

In the next few pages, you will find many opportunities to be a part of the Highlands Ranch Band program through the HRBBA. If you are unsure what you would like to do, try something. Just because you helped in one area doesn’t mean you can’t help elsewhere next time. With all of the things the HRBBA does, a place can be found that fits you. If after looking over this information you are not sure what you would like to do, speak with any of the HRBBA board members. It has been said, “If you want to get something done, ask a busy person.” We have a lot of busy people in the Highlands Ranch Band Booster Association. As a parent and HRBBA volunteer, you will share your child’s pride and accomplishments. That is difficult to find in any other high school activity. The personal rewards are many!

There IS a way for you to make a difference with the Highlands Ranch Band program. Some parents are in the fortunate position to be able to give many hours to the organization where others are limited to assisting occasionally. Regardless of the time you are able to or willing to share, your involvement will be positive, productive, fun, and will benefit an outstanding group of young adults. Be a part of it, and share this extraordinary experience with your student.

The Highlands Ranch High School Band Boosters was established to add funding, supervision and advisement at HR HS in the band department. Band Boosters is a group of volunteer parents of band parents of band students who attend HRHS. The general parent group meets approximately three times per school year to recruit volunteers and advise the band parents of up coming events and programs. The Band Boosters Board Members meet monthly to review band activity. Each Board member is a vital part of the Band Boosters and each member usually heads-ups a committee or fundraising activity. The Band Booster Board consists of the following members; President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary Kohl's Cards/ King Sooper's Fundraising, Entertainment book fundraising, Great American Fundraiser, Shea Stadium Clean-up/ Concessions, Invesco Field Concessions, Mentors in Music Private Lesson Program Administration, Band Awards Banquet & Silent Auction, Marching Band Coordinator, Marching Band Uniform, Newsletter, and Tux and Dress Rental. We are always interested in new fundraising and help in coordinating projects. Parents are invited to attend our board meetings to present any ideas associated with the band. The Band Booster President and Treasurer also administer a student savings plan called the Family Account which helps the student plan financially by rewarding them with a portion of their fundraising efforts to be used for band purposes. Details of the Family Accounts will follow.

Band Camp- Band Camp is held each year during the summer. The students attend band camp for 6 days. They concentrate on the new marching and music that they must learn for the halftime show and later marching competitions. Band Camp is conducted by the band director, band staff, and alumni staff selected by the director. The students are supervised by parents who chaperone and attend to their needs. There is a mandatory Meeting prior to band camp where students and parents are advised about camp and are given the opportunity to ask any questions they may have. This meeting is held the evening before departure. The charge for Band Camp covers the student’s expenses for the time he/she is away from home, including housing, meals, transportation, and instruction. Attendance to Band Camp is expected.

Color Guard- This term applies to the students who showcase the band during marching performances by dancing, spinning flags, etc. Their uniform is different, but the Color Guard unit is a regular section of the Marching Band.

Concert Bands- Referring to the concert band program; Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble

CMEA- The Colorado Music Educators Education Association Convention held in Colorado Springs at the Boadmoor Hotel in January each year. The Finest Bands, Choirs, and Orchestras in the state are selected by audition to attend and perform. The Highest in state Honor an Ensemble in Colorado can receive.

Director- The Band Director. The Band Director has total control over the band program. Please note that certain sections also require specialists, such as percussion and color guard. These specialists work with the director and are under his supervision.

Drill- Refers to the placement of the performers on the performance field. Each performer uses “X” and “Y” in conjunction with numbers to find their coordinate on the field (grid).

Drum Major(s)- The student(s) in charge of all students while on the marching field. All Section Leaders and all band members must follow their commands. The Drum Major(s) are assigned their responsibilities by the director.

Festival- Referring to the Columbine Band Festival. This is the festival where the Wind Ensemble is independently judged by a panel of national judges in March. Parents are encouraged to attend.

Freshman Orientation- A general term for the meeting held each year for incoming freshman and their parents. This meeting deals with the specifics of the band program, introduces parents to the band director and student leaders, and attempts to answer many questions parents and students may have concerning their involvement.

Full Band- Any activity referred to as “Full Band” includes all band members and guard members. Participation is expected at any activity designated as “Full Band.”

Fund Raising- A term which needs no definition. Because so little money comes to our program from the district (less than $4,000/year), we are mostly self-funding. Because of this, students are involved in several fundraisers each year. It is not enough that the student earn money, we must also involve parents in all aspects of fund raising. The band boosters usually contribute $200-$300 per student per year in the band program. If you are a student or parent in the band program, the continuance of this support depends on your involvement. With your help we can grow to reach our goals.

General Membership Meeting- These are Meetings where all of the parents with students in the band are encouraged to attend. There is one general membership meeting per semester. A member is YOU; anyone with interest in the band program.

HRBBA Board- The Highlands Ranch Band Booster Association Board. The board consists of elected officers and committee chairpersons (selected by the President). Chairpersons are appointed according to involvement/interest in the organization. If you aspire to be part of this group, get involved! Board meetings are held the first Friday of each month (subject to change, but is the norm). Watch email notices for meetings and locations.

Invesco- The bands largest fund raiser is working at Invesco Field for Broncos Games, Rapids Games, and Concerts. There is no experience required. You will find it is a great way to get acquainted. Don’t be afraid- it’s hard work, but its fun too. We ask that each family voulenteer at least two times per year if at all possible. If we are not successful with this fundraiser, it means our kids are selling more door-to-door. You must be 16 years of age to work.

Mandatory Meeting- A Mandatory meeting is any meeting at which at least one parent is required. These meetings are rarely called but are very important. These are typically called prior to camp and all trips.

Ranch Rowdies- The pep band that plays at home girls and boys basketball games. The Ranch Rowdies is a totally student lead organization. Ranch Rowdies Chairman is an elected position of the band council.

Section- Each instrument group (Clarinet Section, Trombone Section, Percussion Section, etc.)

Sectional- A rehearsal called by the student leader of each section or the director. All students in each section are expected to attend all sectionals.

Section Leader- Appointed by the Band Director and is in charge of his/her section of the band. All students must adhere to the orders of the section leaders.

Set Book- The sturdy laminated book for marching band that contains all of the music, drill, and schedules for the band. The book is put together by the HRBBA and must be purchased by each member of the Marching Band. Cost is between $10-15. Marching Members are expected to have their set book at all practices.

Symphonic Band Workshop- All students in the concert bands are expected to attend the Symphonic Band Camp. This Weekend Event (Friday-Sunday) is held in mid January usually over Martin Luther King Weekend. The Camp is held at the school and professional college and symphony personnel are hired to work with the students. The idea is that we bring All-State band experience to Highlands Ranch HS for all of our students. Watch for Further Details.

Uniform/Instrument Rental Fee- The fees required by the district for the rental of band equipment. Instrument rental and uniform (wind ensemble) rental fees are $50.00 per semester. This is paid at registration at the band table. All musicians in the band that use school instruments (including percussionists) are required to pay this fee.

Volunteer- No experience necessary- just bring hands. We will guide you as much as possible but, remember, we need fresh ideas-YOURS! Volunteers may be used on committees, subcommittees (such as in fund raising), stadium work, and/or sewing flags or uniforms. Don’t be intimidated or shy- WE NEED YOU!

Web Page- The HRBBA maintains an up to date internet site (http//:hrhsbboosters.tripod.com). The web page contains the most timely information regarding all aspects of the band program, as well as a vast range of information and points of interest for parents and students. Other than your student, the web page is your best source of information for band information and activities.

Drum Major- To be a Drum Major in the Highlands Ranch Band you must be a picture of excellence. Dedication and achievement are a must. A Drum Major must portray citizenship, courage to stand up for what is right, commitment, and perseverance. A Drum Major is a year long leadership position.

A Drum Majors responsibilities include leading and organizing the goals of the section leaders and field captain, conducting the Falcon Marching Band which includes a great deal of rehearsal preparation and score study, assisting the director with the instruction of marching and maneuvering, developing an effective line of communication for the entire student organization, and helping with any and all booster club volunteer activities, and disciplining marching members and section leaders when necessary. It is the responsibility of every marching member to listen, respect, and be subordinate to their Drum Majors. Any breech in respect will result in direct and prompt disciplinary action by the director.

In the Falcon Band there are two Drum Majors chosen due to the massive responsibilities that a Drum Majors assume. The Drum Majors in conjunction with the director will assign areas of responsibility to alleviate confusion. The Drum Majors are also in charge of keeping a clear expectation of the members of their staff, the Section Leaders and Field Capitan. The Drum Majors will organize and facilitate weekly meeting of the Section Leaders and Field Capitan to discuss any and all band issues. It is also the responsibility of the Drum Major as it is with all Section Leaders and Field Capitan, to maintain a clean band facility, including rehearsal room and field. After each activity the Drum Majors should be the last to leave, doing a final sweep of the facility to maintain its cleanliness.

Section Leader- The Responsibilities of a Section Leader in the Falcon Band are to put it simply to be responsible for the excellence in their section. A Section Leader is expected to have dedication and commitment to the band and its short and long term goals. The section leaders in the Falcon band are expected to carry themselves with a positive attitude and to lead by example. Responsibilities include holding and running organized sectionals with their section, providing individual music and marching instruction to the members of their section on their own time when asked or when deemed necessary. They are to directly responsible to the Drum Majors for the preparation and level of execution of their sections. Section Leaders must attend weekly leadership meetings scheduled by the Drum Majors to discuss any and all band issues.

Section Leaders are responsible for maintaining that issues discussed in leadership meetings stay there and are treated as confidential out of respect for the band and the members in it. The Section Leaders are in essence the staff of the band assigned to their section and must always act in a professional and mature manner. It is also the responsibility of all Section Leaders, Field Capitan, and Drum Major to maintain a clean band facility. After each rehearsal or event, a sweep should be done of the band facility and field for trash or out of place items.

It the case of an assistant Section Leader being assigned to a section, that person's responsibilities include assisting the section leader with all sectionals by possibly taking a small chunk of the section to work individually on music or marching. All Section Leader responsibilities apply to the Assistant Section Leader including filling in for the Section Leader when necessary.

Band Librarian- The responsibilities of Band Librarian is to maintain the filing system of the current library, create new folders for newly purchased literature, to collect all music folders the during the dress rehearsal before a concert and then distributing the folders before the concert, and collecting/filing music within one week after a concert. The band librarian is also responsible for making copies at student’s request of music in the folder. Band Librarian is a year long position and a member of the band council.

The current uniform that the Highlands Ranch Band wears are very high quality uniforms. It is imperative that each band member treat the uniform with the utmost respect and care at all times. Once purchased the uniforms became property of Highlands Ranch High School, so all of the rules and procedures for how school equipment be treated apply. Below are procedures describing the care and use of various uniform items. Read these instructions carefully, as your care of the uniform will determine its condition for future years.

Shako- Black leather cloth with vinyl brim, silver chain and eagle, and white plume

The uniform is to be dry cleaned only. The uniform is dry cleaned once a year with school funds. If the uniform is anything but pristine at any time, the student has the responsibility of dry cleaning the uniform before then next time the uniform is to be worn. The uniform comes with a garment bag and is checked out to students by uniform committee parent volunteers before each performance. The uniform is not to be taken home unless there are specific alterations to be made. The uniforms are to be turned in at the end of each performance, hung properly on the hanger in the garment bag so that it will not wrinkle.

Subject to change according to current manufacturer pricing, the cost of replacement parts for the uniform are:

- Jacket: The uniform jacket is to be worn fully zipped at all times unless otherwise indicated by the director. Sleeve length is at the wrist bone. It is the responsibility of the student to have the hems adjusted but ABSOLUTLEY NO CUTTING, is to be done on the uniform. Adjustments must be made prior to the first performance. It is an issue of pride that the jacket is not to be left un-zipped. It looks really bad when they are left unzipped.

- White Bib Trousers: Trousers should be worn so that the pant leg creases hang without a break (no piling on the shoes). The length will come approximately to the second eyelet of the shoes. Hems should be made in white thread and again ABSOULUTLEY NO CUTTING! Adjustments must be made prior to the first performance. Adjustable spenders are permanently attached to the trousers.

- Shako: The shako is issued in an identically numbered plastic box in which it should be kept whenever it is not being worn. The box must be used when transporting the shako as well as when storing it at school. Be sure the shako is thoroughly dry before storing. When removing the shako from the head, always lift with both hands on the sides above the ears in order to prevent damage to the brim. The Shako should never be held by the brim. The string on the top of the shako should be used to adjust the position of the shako on the head. The brim should rest the with of two fingers above the bridge of the nose. The chin strap must be worn snugly under the chin. There must be no hanging hair from under the shako.

Absolutely no jewelry is allowed to be worn with the marching uniform. This includes watches, rings, necklaces, earrings, etc. This applies to both males and females.

Pride prevents Falcon Band members from marching in wrinkled uniforms. The uniform will be issued with a special hangar. Hand the pants by the creases.

Inspection will be done by the field Capitan before each performance. This means that when the band steps off of the bus, whether it be at a football game, parade, or field show, that the uniform must be worn properly. There are no exceptions. We are an organization that is about class and that is the way we will be wearing our uniforms. There will be no hats being worn in uniform, shakos being carried incorrectly, improper shoes, or jackets unzipped. Pride will take care of proper wear of the uniform.

The wear of the sweat suit is to be as follows: When the sweatshirts are being worn the T-shirt is to be tucked in, when the sweat shirt is off the T-shirt is to be un-tucked. The Drum Majors will make the call if the Sweat shirt is on or off and everyone in the band either has it on or off. During performances, the Sweat shirt is to be on at all times. If a student is without their full uniform for a football game or any other performance, they will not be allowed to perform. IT IS REQUIRED THAT YOU HAVE YOUR NAME IN PERMANENT MARKER ON ALL PARTS OF YOUR SWEAT SUIT. THE BAND WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE IF ANY PART IS LOST OR STOLEN. Each section will determine the foot wear for the sweat suit. The only specification is that it needs to be a white tennis shoe. Sections in the past have purchased cheap canvas white shoes and decorated them in the same way. Your section leaders will make the call.

It is important that all parts of every uniform are worn with class and pride. The same care and attention to detail should be taken when you are in the sweat suit as when you are in the traditional uniform. It is a privilege to get to wear sweat suits at games. Please do not abuse that privilege by not keeping track of all of the uniform parts. If you have lost track of your sweat suit since last year, it is your responsibility to make sure a new one is ordered at the time the freshman suits are ordered.

The lettering system for the H.R.H.S band program is based upon a point system. To letter the student must accumulate 60 points from the following list. Points do not carry from year to year. Points are accumulated starting July 21, 2004 and ending three weeks prior to the band banquet.

Activity	Points	Points Earned	Date Completed	Student Initials	Director Initials
2004 Wind Ensemble Audition	15
Audition for an Honor Band (CU, CSU, Western State, All-State	5
Private Lessons	2 pts/month
Playing in Recital	2pts/ensemble 4pts/recital
Participation in Solo and Ensemble	3
Serving on Band Council	4
Perfect Attendance (No Tardy)	5
Participation in Musical	5
Auditioning for Drum Major	4
Member of Set-up Crew ( Per Semester)	4
Band Librarian ( Per Semester)	4
Attendance to HRHS Choir, Jazz, Band, Drama, or Orchestra event. (May mot be participating in event to earn points).	2 (per concert)
Participating in Marching Band	12
Auditioning for Marching Band Section Leader	2
Participation in Ranch Rowdies	1 (per game)
Participation in Fund Raiser	3 (per fundraiser)
Participation in Continental	4

*Activity or Fundraiser (Amount earned in your Family Account Fund)*	*I Will Help*
Band Booster Secretary- Meetings monthly, take notes, write minutes	_____
Registration Help- Collect Band Fees & Fit Tuxes and Dresses	_____
Marching Band Secretary- Distribute information, Collect fees,Schedule Buses	_____
Coordinate Chaperones & Equipment Crews from Volunteer List	_____
Bring Drinks and Ice, purchased from fee collection.	_____
Chaperone an event, football game, or lock in.	_____
Plan lunches and family picnic event- collect for this	_____
Ranch Roadie- Help with Marching Band Equipment	_____
Help with Gunnison Trip to Western State Campus,collect fees & go	_____
Band Banquet Committee- Awards and silent auction in May	_____
Mentors in Music Committee- Private Lesson Program Help	_____
Shea Concessions- Sell food at the football games ($10)	_____
Shea Stadium Clean-up after Football games- Help Clean & Bring Brooms($10)	_____
Invesco Field Concessions- Work at Bronco Games and Other Events($25)	_____
Band Representative at District School Board Meetings	_____
Great American Fundraiser- Collect Order Forms & Money, Distribute Orders	_____
Help with Website	_____
Band Council Booster Representative- Attend student meetings, help facilitate	_____
Acquisitions for Band Boosters- Help submit 3 bids for purchase proposals	_____
Tux and Dress Rental in Wind Ensemble- Collect Fees and Rent Garments	_____
Help with Mary Jane Whitman Scholarship Committee	_____
Symphonic Band Workshop in January- Help organize food, facilities, and communication	_____

*Student Help Needed- most help earns letter points*
Marching Band Managers- Travel with Band, Help with Trips	_____
Help with Website	_____
Invesco Field Concessions- Must be 16	_____
Newsletter Articles from Band Council	_____
Band Librarian	_____

*Financial Contributions or Purchases*
King Sooper's Coupons- Same as Cash, $25 coupons (3%)
I want $ _____ in King Sooper's Coupons.	_____
Kohl's Cards- Apply to Account or same as Cash Variable Denominations(3%)
I want $ _____ in Kohl's Cards.	_____
Entertainment Books- Please reserve me ______ Books @ $22 each	_____
I want to donate $ ________ to HRHS Band Boosters	_____

*Please Complete;*

Student Name _________________________________
Student's Band for 03-04 school year __________________
Student's Email __________________________
Parent's Name ___________________________________
Phone Number _______________________________
Parent's Email ___________________________

Any questions regarding volunteer positions can be directed to a booster board member.
Email and Phone Numbers will be used just for band communication.

Allowable Expense Items