Conduct & Expectations
Students in instrumental music serve as representatives of both the Buchanan Educational Center and Clovis Unified at many public extra-curricular functions. Membership in this organization is a privilege and membership may be denied to a student if it is believed that they are not positively representing the organization. Individual behavior during an instrumental music function is a reflection of the group.
You can find parent expectations here.
Clovis Unified Code of Ethics
Members will observe all policies set forth by Buchanan High School or the Alta Sierra Intermediate Code of Ethics. Please review the complete document below. You do not need to print and sign this form. We will collect your acknowledgment virtually at the beginning of each season/school year).
In summary, Instrumental music students should be aware that:
The CUSD Code of Ethics applies 24 hours a day/7 days a week/365 days a year
Use of drugs, alcohol, weapons, tobacco, etc. will not be tolerated.
They will always display a high level of sportsmanship and respect for fellow members of our program, parent volunteers, and our directors and staff.
Being a community role model comes with being in our program.
General Instrumental Music Guidelines
All instrumental music students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner.
Any behavior, which is not representative of good citizenship, as perceived by the instrumental music staff, may result in the student's dismissal from the immediate activity, the ensemble, and potentially the program.
Profanity will not be tolerated at ANY TIME.
Display of temper, flagrant violation of rules, etc., will not be tolerated.
No PDA! (Public displays of affection)
Students will follow directors’ instructions.
Bullying will not be tolerated: Physical, Verbal, Indirect (Rumors, exclusion), Written (Social Media, Text), etc. and will be dealt with through the BHS Student Services Office.
Students will keep hands, feet, and other objects to themselves.
No Cell Phones during class, rehearsals, or performances. (they have to be in your case or locker turned off or on silent)! CUSD Policy: Unless under the direction of staff (for specific instructional or curricular purposes), students may not use electronic devices, including cell phones and/or earbuds, in classrooms. Devices should be turned off and stored according to the teacher’s directions. Devices may not be used in restrooms, locker rooms, or other spaces where students have an expectation of privacy.
General Rehearsal Etiquette
Students will be in their assigned rehearsal area ready to work at the set rehearsal time with all equipment, including music, pencil, instrument, and all supplies to rehearsals daily (see the detailed supply list for each instrument).
Our rehearsal times are when we start and when we end.
Students should request permission to speak by raising their hand and waiting to be acknowledged.
All rehearsals are expected to be extremely quiet so that time will be utilized wisely and as efficiently as possible.
Instruments & Equipment
Students are solely responsible for the care and maintenance of their assigned equipment. All instruments, whether owned, rented, or on loan from the school will be properly maintained according to the best practices for that instrument.
After use, all instruments/equipment will be returned to their designated locker or assigned storage area..
Students will not use or play on equipment they do not own without permission from a director.
Students will respect the property of others and will not touch, handle, borrow, or use anyone else's instrument, uniform, or personal belongings.
Places for your instrument: Locker, in your hands, or lined up by section!
Bandroom Behavior
Please help us care for our facility by observing the following:
Students are not allowed in the Bandroom without a director or staff member present.
No food or drink (except water in a spill-proof container). Exceptions may be made for special occasions. No Gum.
Only students who are a member of the instrumental music program are permitted in the Bandroom. Please help us monitor this!
No running or horseplay. Please don’t throw anything.
Backpacks must be kept in your locker or on the backpack racks or shelves. They may not be on the floor at any time.
Instrument cases must be kept in your locker during rehearsal. Smaller to medium size cases may be placed under your chair, as long as aisles are kept clear. Cases should never be left out on the bandroom floor.
Students will not disturb any rehearsal in progress (i.e. while entering the Bandroom when another group is rehearsing).
Instrument Lockers
Lockers will be assigned at the beginning of the year.
You may only use a lock checked out to you from the instrumental music department. All other locks will be removed.
Your locker MUST be locked when you are not in the room.
Lockers are to be kept clean and free of clutter and trash.
Food may be kept in your locker only if it is to be consumed that day and is kept in a sealed container that will not spill. Ants will find any food that is left out/unsealed!
Do not hang on the locker doors.
Do not write on or decorate your locker in any permanent fashion. Do not put anything on the outside of the locker.
You will be responsible for any damage to your locker.
Internet & Social Media Etiquette
As a member of the Buchanan Educational Center Instrumental Music program, you represent the group at all times, including on social media platforms. It is expected that you hold yourself and the group to the highest standards. Any instances of slander, hate speech, cyberbullying, or other inappropriate comments directed toward individual members or sections of the program, the program as a whole, its directors and staff, or other schools/ensembles will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action.
Copyright laws prohibit the posting of videos of the band online at any time.
In an effort to guide social media practices, including group chats, please remember the following:
DO NOT send friend/follow requests or private messages to any director or staff member through any social media platform. If you need to contact a director or staff member, please use the email addresses provided on the website.
Social media is not a place where you can say and do whatever you want without consequences.
Think twice before posting. If you would not want your parents, family, teachers, or future boss to see your post, do not post it!]
The internet is permanent. Even if you delete something, it still exists somewhere.
Remember many different audiences will see your posts, including administrators, alumni, current band members, parents, staff, prospective students and parents, and band enthusiasts all over the world.
Do not post comments that you would not speak about openly, person to person.
Remember that directors and staff are aware of what you post on social media. Eventually, we will hear about it.
Keep in mind that potential employers and colleges use social media websites to screen candidates. Your career path and/or collegiate admissions or scholarship application can be directly impacted by your actions on social media websites.
Protect yourself by maintaining a positive self-image that you can be proud of years from now.
We encourage all students, staff, and parents to follow our programs on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts (links at the bottom of this page).
Academic Expectations
You are a student first! (However, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure it doesn’t impact your participation)
2.5 GPA & Passing ALL Classes
Failure to maintain your grades at this level may result in your removal from the performing ensemble or from performing status, at the discretion of the director.
Manage your time…it gets busy!
Football Games (Band ONLY)
Each person is responsible for their own equipment at all times.
You must be in full uniform (or the assigned attire) at all times.
Sit in assigned seats and do not move about the band or stadium during the game.
Bring your water jug full of water to each game.
No outside food is allowed in the stands. Snacks will be provided. Only water should be consumed when in uniform. Canned or bottled drinks are not acceptable.
Students need to eat before the game.
Do not play your instrument at any time when the band is not playing as a whole. The Drumline will perform separate grooves as an organized section. Drumline: No pecking.
Watch the director and drum majors at all times. Get the next pep tune ready quickly when it is announced. Watch closely for cut-offs when action resumes on the field.
Only band personnel are allowed in the band section. BHS Band alumni or other special visitors are sometimes exceptions, but only with permission from the directors.
When it is time to return to the field, do so quickly and in an orderly fashion.
Do not make negative remarks to anyone, including the other team, their band, or anyone at the game.
Students should must travel to and from performances on transportation provided when the game is not at Buchanan.
When the game is over, make sure you collect all of your belongs and do not leave any trash.
Marching Band (BHS Band Only)
Arrive early and plan to stay a little late (15 minutes on either side of a rehearsal minimum…more for percussion!)
Be prepared with an instrument (in working order), music in a white or black 1” binder inside of plastic sheets, lanyard, dotcards, pencil, and water!
Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move around in and tennis/running shoes with an arch (no sandals or “skateboarding” shoes).
Your clothing has a good chance of getting dirty so we recommend not wearing your best clothes.
Jeans or denim shorts, or heavy shirts or pants are not acceptable as they greatly inhibit movement.
These rules apply to the front ensemble as well.
Water is a necessity. Everyone MUST bring their own RED Coleman 1/2 Gallon water jug filled with water to EVERY rehearsal. Write your name on it with a Sharpie!
Water is not provided at rehearsal.
Please make sure you fill your cooler before every rehearsal.
Short breaks will be given periodically while we rehearse.
Everyone must drink water!
Check the weather forecast before rehearsal. Often times it is warm (or hot!), but sometimes it can be cold, or all of the above. We rehearse rain or shine!
Wear sunblock! (30+ SPF). Even if you think you are invincible to the sun.
Wear a hat and sunglasses. You will be able to rehearse MUCH better without the sun in your eyes or pounding down on your head.
Guard & Percussion: Your participation is a FULL year commitment (Fall AND Winter Season. Preparation for the winter season begins during the fall season.
Winter Guard & Winter Percussion
Coming Soon!
