Immaculata presents the opportunity for its students to experience a personal relationship with Jesus Christ while preparing them for a technologically progressive culture and a changing world. The administration and faculty, with support of parents and guardians, provide a challenging academic program, rooted in the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, as cherished in the traditions and teachings of the Catholic Church. The formation of the whole person and the uniqueness of each individual are developed through activities that promote spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and social growth. The Immaculata High School community motivates its students to live prayerfully, morally, and productively as they take active roles in the present and the future of our Church, our country, and the world.

Immaculata High School Marching Unit Philosophy
With the Immaculata Philosophy in mind, the Marching Unit takes on the additional responsibilities to further the development of each student as an outstanding young adult within his/her overall maturation process through the musical and movement arts.

Immaculata High School Marching Unit Mission Statement
The mission of the Immaculata High School Spartan Marching Band is to provide young adults an activity that instills pride, teamwork, motivation, leadership, self-esteem, values and respect; recognizing the individual talents and contributions of all members. These traits are then carried forward in all future endeavors. Each Spartan member is regarded as a key player in a highly respected musical unit, reflecting a credit upon the entire organization and school which it represents.

Regarded as one of the finest visual and musical ensembles in the Northeastern United States, the Immaculata High School Spartan Marching Band has served its school and community proudly and capably for the better part of 40 years.

The Spartan Marching Band is the most visible and recognizable group in the entire Immaculata Music Program. It is also the group that is called to represent the entire Immaculata Community. The Marching Unit is the single largest student group in the entire school.

Because of these facts, and also to continue the "Tradition of Excellence" that has become synonymous with our name, the Immaculata Band requires its members to follow some guidelines. These objectives need to be embraced by the entire unit if we are to be successful.

Commitment:
This is a concept larger than just attending rehearsals and performances. The unit requires, needs, and relies on your full commitment. To make this a successful unit, you have to put the band above and before all other outside activities. The Marching Band commitment is for the entire year. This includes end of the year parades.

Commitment helps the band continue the "Tradition of Excellence."

Attendance:
Taking commitment a step further, attendance is required for all band meetings, rehearsals, parades, exhibitions, performances, competitions and any other gatherings of the band. Obvious exceptions are family emergency or illness, which require a phone call from your parents to the Music Office. All other conflict issues are handled on an individual basis. A note from your parents well in advance of the date will start the process of determining if that member will be permitted to miss a band event.

A strict attendance policy makes it fair for every member and helps the band continue the "Tradition of Excellence."

Instruments:
All school instruments are the responsibility of the student listed on the instrument inventory. The school will maintain normal "wear and tear" only. All other problems are the financial responsibility of the student. Problems with school instruments need to be brought to the attention of the music faculty the minute they are realized. Students who own their instruments are responsible for the maintenance. All members are responsible for their equipment. This includes anything necessary for the day to day function of your instrument, such as reeds or valve oil. If you are buying a new instrument, then it is highly recommended that you speak to a faculty member before you purchase.

Students are also responsible for putting their instrument on the bus before we leave. Percussion instruments may only go home with permission from the Music Office. Colorguard also has equipment responsibilities. These include rolling flags, making sure the weights and tips are working properly, and that flags are changed when needed.

Your instrument must remain in its cage or in "families" when not in use.

Proper use of equipment helps continue the "Tradition of Excellence."

Uniform:
The Immaculata Marching unit takes pride in its appearance. The uniform represents much more than the sum of its parts. It is symbolic of a tradition, pride and excellence of all those who have been a part of the development of our fine and distinguished program. These alumni, parents, friends and the general public notice how we present ourselves.

While in uniform the entire unit will stay fully dressed, unless directed by a faculty or staff member. Students must wear the white collared band shirt under the band uniform. Even if you layer, the white collared band shirt should be your last layer. Colorguard has specific instructions as to what to wear under their uniform. All members will wear the appropriate Dinkles marching shoes. These will be purchased from the Music Office. No other shoe may be worn. Colorguard members that bring uniforms home to wash them are to return them to the school the Tuesday after the event. Band uniforms never leave school with a student unless they have permission from the music office.

- Members must wear black socks
- No Jewelry
- Hair must be neat and tucked up
- Colorguard must wear proper gloves, jewelry, make up and hair accessories
- Members may not have cell phones and iPods on their person while in uniform

Before leaving for an event, all members are asked to stand in their parade block and the uniform will be checked. Members that do not comply may not perform.

Uniformity helps continue the "Tradition of Excellence."

Travel:
The Immaculata High School Band spends lots of time on the road. All regular bus regulations are in place whenever we travel. Students must stay on their assigned busses. Attendance will always be taken. If there are special seating arrangements for long trips it must be maintained for the entire trip. This is for SAFETY! All members will take the bus with the unit both ways. Exceptions can be made, but must be done in advance of the unit leaving school. These exceptions are for local needs or special schedules. They are not weekly exceptions since all students are responsible for their own equipment and uniform upon their return to school. Band parents and bus drivers are an extension of the faculty. Anyone we meet while traveling must be treated with respect and courtesy.

Traveling as a family helps continue the "Tradition of Excellence."

Rehearsals:
The marching unit spends a lot of time in rehearsals. This is when the entire unit is working towards our goal of musical and visual excellence. The general rule of thumb is; if you're early you're on time, if you're on time, you're late. All instruments, equipment and weekly responsibilities need preparation time. Staff will start rehearsal promptly and expects you to be ready as well. Promptness for rehearsals will ensure productiveness.

The rehearsal technique is something that will be followed by everyone, staff included. All members also must be prepared for rehearsal.

Rehearsal Checklist
- Binder with music and drill in plastic sleeves.
- Dot Book (See Section Below)
- Copy of Drill (Section Leaders)
- Water
- Pencil
- Sneakers
- Loose comfortable clothing (make sure you have appropriate clothing for the weather)
- Good Attitude

Rehearsal Technique
- Set/ Attention
All members are set feet together, no talking, and ready for the next command.
- Standby
All members are quiet, instruments are at a ready position. Everyone remains ready for instructions from the person running the rehearsal.
- Field
All members are still at standby position while receiving instructions from the field staff.
- Parade Rest
Same as Standby, but feet apart, quietly awaiting next command.
- Relax
Members are at a relaxed position and can talk freely

Dot Books
Every student must carry a dot book. Section Leaders will also carry a drill packet in addition. All dot books must be filled out on your own time, and may contain a miniature copy of the drill. However, the proper coordinates explained by the staff must be included.

The Immaculata Spartan Marching Band only plays as a unit. It is imperative that you do not play your instrument at will during rehearsal or before a performance, as you may miss important instructions from the staff. Playing together insures that every member hears proper instructions and ensures a great rehearsal and performance.

Proper use of rehearsal time helps continue the "Tradition of Excellence."

Music Rooms:
The department has worked hard to provide a comfortable music facility with many amenities exclusive to our department. The maintenance of our music facility is a very large task. It is the responsibility of all members to help maintain our "home away from home". This means clean the areas in which you dwell.

- Fields
After rehearsals, check for garbage and put it in its proper receptacle.
Charges/responsibilities placed by DM or Section Leaders

- Music Computer Room Usage
No food or drink at computers
Members only - no outside people
Must log on with student # and log off

- Locker room usage
Lock your Locker
Put trash in containers
Put unclaimed articles in container or on shelves.

- Outside the Obzansky Building
Keep Clean
Truck and bus duty

- Music Rooms
Return to original place when using any equipment
Do NOT drum on furniture at any time

- Copier usage
No homework please

- Closet with Refrigerator and Microwave
Before & After School Only

- Cage Room
Lock your Cages
Instruments and binders only

Use of our facility in the proper way helps continue the "Tradition of Excellence."

Fees:
The band fees are discussed with your parents, however it is important to note that the Immaculata Band spends a considerable amount of money per student. Some of it is covered by band fees, other things are covered by donations. All school equipment must be handled with the respect it deserves. Students are responsible for the care and maintenance of the instruments provided to them.

Financial responsibility of the unit helps to continue the "Tradition of Excellence."

Professionalism:
Over the years, the Immaculata Marching Unit has become the band to watch, not only by other schools, but also by the general public. All of our performances begin the second we are in the public eye. We must always carry ourselves in a professional manner and keep in mind that each member represents the entire unit. This is especially true while in uniform. This also applies to students that wear band apparel and represent the unit on the internet.

A professional demeanor from all members helps continue the "Tradition of Excellence."

As a member of the Immaculata High School Marching Unit, I have read and agree to these regulations within this handbook. I understand that my cooperation helps to continue the "Tradition of Excellence."

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