Welcome! You have made a commitment to the SAMBA Marching Band and most importantly – your fellow band members. By accepting a position in this elite group, you are making a promise to your bandmates to uphold the highest standards of personal responsibility and commitment to performance excellence. As a performer of the SAMBA Marching Band, your primary responsibility is to put forth your best effort at all times. You won’t always be perfect, you won’t always feel your best, but we expect you to work hard, try your hardest, and be a positive influence on those around you.
Rehearsal Conflicts
You are required to attend all scheduled rehearsals. You must schedule all work and optional activities around rehearsals. Conflicts arise – as we all know --‐ however, you must communicate and seek permission for any rehearsal conflicts. Conflicts will only be granted to those that have a reasonable excuse. Be aware that absences will affect your spot in the SAMBA Marching Band and will be taken into account when deciding field positions.
Positive Energy Rule #1
Be positive. Just like negative energy, positive energy is contagious. You are required to be a positive influence on your teammates. Make sure that you are the one that provides the positive feedback that your friends need and deserve – even when you don’t feel like it.
Teaching Each Other
All of you are blessed with many talents and experiences. Please make sure that you lead by example and allow your bandmates to learn from your actions. You have several incredibly gifted and experienced staff members that will ensure that you receive all of the information you will need to be successful. As a member, you don’t always see the big picture. We have a whole set of priorities and we know what to focus on and when to focus on it. If you think a piece of information needs to be addressed – mention it to your Section Leader who will let us know. Remember, even when you have the most loving intention, when you try to instruct your friends, it doesn’t sound like information, it sounds like criticism and that will only lead to negativity within the group.
Responding to Information
All information delivered to you by your staff is provided with a loving heart and for your benefit. Our only goal is to make the ensemble better –that is why we are here! That said, there are two allowable responses when you are given a correction or piece of information: “Yes!” or Thank You!” Once you receive a correction, you are expected to immediately try the part/exercise/choreography being addressed and apply the information. Only after you have tried to apply the information are you allowed to ask a question about the correction. If you are given a correction and immediately ask a question about it, what your instructor hears is “I don’t believe you--‐you don’t know what you’re talking about--‐I’m already as good as it gets and I don’t want to get any better”.
Asking Questions – Chain of Command
Please make the best use of everyone’s time and only ask appropriate questions from the correct people:
1) Yourself (Pay Attention)
Please make sure you pay attention during all rehearsals so that you always understand what the rep is and where we are stopping – don’t miss the rep! Listen clearly during all announcements and meetings. Use the schedule board, website and written itineraries, handbooks, and other information – go there first!
2) Ask your Section Leader
You should treat your section leader like a staff member. Assume all information coming from your Section Leader is coming directly from the staff. If you have a question or concern that you can’t resolve yourself, go to your section leader. The Section Leader will go to the staff if they need additional assistance.
3) If you need assistance from a staff member – don’t be afraid to go to them for help! We are always here for you, but we want you to build self-reliance and learn how to figure out as much for yourself as possible.
Responsibility – Setting the Standard
SAMBA Marching Band sets the standard for SAMBA in every way. We will always work the hardest, perform the strongest, and be the most positive force on the field. We will also maintain the highest standards off of the field. Here are some things you should always do to help set this standard:
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Be early to rehearsal – EVERY rehearsal
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Make sure your equipment is ready to go – BEFORE rehearsal
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ALWAYS have everything you need ready for rehearsal – DOT BOOK, water, equipment, etc.
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Pick up trash everywhere you go – even if it was there before you got there, even if it isn’t yours
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Always say THANK YOU
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Always be courteous and offer to help a member – help the colorguard, moving pit equipment, loading truck/busses, etc
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Always show your appreciation to volunteers and staff
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Always show respect to your section leaders, staff and Director
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Always speak only positively about other groups, seasons, and performers
Injuries
SAMBA Marching Band can be taxing on your body. You are responsible for maintaining your own health. If you are struggling, it is your responsibility to inform the staff that you need additional tools and assistance. We fully understand and expect that injuries will occur. They will be rare and few and far between. You must learn to understand your own body and to know the difference between an injury and a bump/scrape. An injury requires medical attention. If you are injured, you will go to a doctor to be treated. If you are injured enough to sit out of rehearsal – you must seek medical attention.