Ryan Foret

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Excellence

“Excellence is the result of caring more than others think is wise;

Risking more than others think is safe

Dreaming more than others think is practical,”

Welcome

to the

McNairy Central High School

Bobcat Band

Band is a unique class. Although it meets during the school day, there are performance opportunities and performance requirements that occur outside of the school day. Therefore, it is necessary to understand what a commitment to the Bobcat Band (and other performing groups) really means.

Students are asked to reach toward the highest levels of achievement in all areas relative to his or her potential. Consequently, band members serve as role models and outstanding representatives of McNairy Central High School, the City of Selmer, and McNairy County.

As a result of high expectations, membership means growth. You will be encouraged to improve musically, academically, and socially. A sense of pride and self-concept usually begins to develop rapidly as the students are asked to concentrate on hard work, performance, punctuality, self-discipline and courtesy. Regardless of whether you are a first time member or a veteran, it is my hope that the Bobcat Band experience will be a positive and lasting one.

The following information has been printed for the purpose of clarifying the rules and requirements by which the bands goals are achieved. Please read this handbook carefully and keep it handy as a reference throughout the year.

Best wishes for a great year and welcome to the family,

Ryan Foret, Gina Foret, and Rebecca Kerr

Communication

Our goal is to keep you informed! If you have any questions after consulting the following sources, just call the band office!

Band TV: This is the source for daily information. If anything changes it will be here. It is important that everyday when you come into the room, you check the band TV. Parents, this is also another way to find out that info that you’re children aren’t bringing home to you!

Newsletters: Parents will receive a newsletter in the mail about once a month. Charles and Renee Young will be creating these newsletters – if you have anything to include, contact them!

Webpage: To find us on the Internet, our web address is: mchscats.org, mchsband.org, or on Foret's Forum.

As the web site is further built, you’ll find most of your answers right there!

General Information

As a member of the Bobcat Band, you will be a member of one of the most EXCITING and entertaining programs in the state of Tennessee. You must have the motivation, desire, and willingness to put in the time and energy to continue this success. Band is a group in which strong friendships and lasting relationships develop. We are in every meaning of the word a “family”!

All that will be asked of you is that you follow instructions, understand the policies and rules and obey them, and above all, do your best and Have Fun! Having the “right kind” of fun is imperative. The rewards of discipline and hard work will pay off in so many other aspects of your life!

The information below is important to your success and the success of the organization. Even though it may seem to be “common sense,” don’t take anything for granted. If you have questions, just ask.

Forms

Each Band member will need to turn in the forms at the back of the Handbook by the last day of band camp. Turning in forms, assignments, and fundraisers when they are due is important! You must have your parents sign the medical release form or you will not be permitted to travel with the band. This form allows us to get you treatment in the case of injury in the event that I can’t get in touch with your parents.

Scheduling and Future College Plans

Many prospective band members seem to have been given the idea that there is not enough room in their schedules for band, especially if they are planning to go to college, to work towards special scholarships, or a particular class ranking. Not True! Speak with one of the directors or your guidance counselor about how it can be done. Of the three paths (college, vocational, and dual), the dual path is the only one that could cause scheduling problems if not mapped out properly. Once again, feel free to talk to a director about this, we would like for you to be a part of the Bobcat Band family for as long as you are able!

If you are a senior and are planning on attending college, we will do our best to help you. In the past any student who has had financial needs for college has gotten a scholarship from a college. You need to be sure that you have taken the ACT and then talk to Ms. Gina (she is in charge of this process) about auditioning for band scholarships. She will help you set up audition material and dates. Do not procrastinate on this! College scholarship money is a first come, first serve basis.

Band Fees

The band department receives a certain amount of money from the school board budget, but all of this money is earmarked for certain expenditures, which must be paid each year. This money is also split between the three feeder schools, so you can see that there is not much left over at the end of the year. We have, however, been very fortunate to have a fine Band Booster Club, which has provided for many of the things not included in the budget.

Each band member is required to pay a $135.00 band fee, which helps to clean the uniforms, band shirt and hat, and many other oriented things (guard members have a different amount due to the various outfits and other expenses that they have). This is the only fee that is required, unless students elect to audition for various honor bands or do other things, which are not required.

The payment of the full band fee is due by the end of the school year (there are various payment plans available). By choosing not to pay the band fee, the debt rolls on until it is time to graduate, in which case you will not receive your diploma until all fees are cleared out (even if you quit). Guard members who have not paid an installment will not be allowed to perform until they are in full uniform. Please pay your band fees!

Rehearsals

Marching band rehearses during a regularly scheduled class period during the week (4^th block - 1:30-3:00). We also rehearse after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays (3:00-5:00) during marching season only. The color guard and percussion section rehearse after school on Monday until 4:30. These rehearsals are required rehearsals, and will affect all students’ grades. Monday is also held as an optional practice date for sectionals, private lessons, or full band rehearsals (you will have one week or more notice if one of these Monday practices is called, you will be required to be at that rehearsal). Be aware there will be Saturday performances.

Excused Absences

Band is an activity that requires commitment and planning. We plan rehearsals to minimize the time requirement and maximize the productivity of the band. When any person is absent from a rehearsal, whether it is for legitimate reasons or not, it affects the group in many ways. In marching band, when a student is gone from a rehearsal, there are “holes” in the marching drill, and it is much more difficult for the others to learn. Then, when the student returns to the next rehearsal, it creates tension and confusion on the field when we need to slow down rehearsal to re-teach the part that the student has missed due to absence. Absences can often be avoided by considering the following:

1. Schedule doctor and dentist appointments with your band schedule in hand.
2. Sit down with all schedules at the beginning of the year, including sports, family, church, school, and the tentative calendar included in this handbook. Work out conflicts at the beginning of the year!

3.      Discuss ALL conflicts with all parties involved as soon as they are noticed. Many students are nervous to discuss conflicts because they feel they are letting people down. You let people down only when you don’t plan ahead and don’t handle the conflicts early. Consider all commitments as important. In life, it is great to be involved in many things, but be careful not to sacrifice your commitment to one activity for another. If you find yourself doing that, you should reconsider your activity level.

4. “Family” is your most important commitment. Most of the time, it is also your most flexible – especially with advance notice.
5. Schedule family activities with your commitments in mind.

Even the most responsible students find themselves in the predicament where a scheduling conflict can’t be avoided. When you find that conflict, follow these guidelines:

1. Make an appointment right away with one of the directors to discuss the conflict.
2. Assess the relative importance of each activity. Performances are more important than rehearsals, just as, in sports, games are more important than practices.
3. Consider compromises. It is always better to “give and take” with both conflicted activities. It is possible to do part of each activity, rather than missing one to go to the other? Also, it shows responsibility toward your commitments to compromise. Of course, some things are more difficult, and sometimes impossible to compromise.
4. Consider the consequences and communicate those to all parties involved. Is missing that practice going to mean you won’t be able to play in the next game? Will missing rehearsal lower your grade? Are you willing to live with those consequences?
5. Realize that working commitments are not considered excusable. Every working conflict I have ever dealt with has been the result of students not planning ahead by giving their boss the calendar. However, if your boss schedules you to work during a band commitment, let one of the directors help you discuss the problem with your boss. There has never been a case where that process has not worked out for all parties involved!
6. If it is determined by the directors that the conflict cannot be avoided and they excuse the absence, the absence must be excused in writing.

Have your parents write a note and attach it to the excused absence form, and give to one of the directors as soon a possible before the missed rehearsal (at least two weeks before if possible). It is the responsibility of the student to discuss makeup time with a director.

7. If not in advance, the excuse must be given no later than two days after the student returns to school describing an acceptable reason for the tardy or absence and must be approved by the directors. The parent’s phone number should be included for verification. This applies to both Marching and Concert season!

Tardies

Tardies in class or at rehearsals will not be tolerated. This includes extra rehearsals, as well as class time. Grades will be lowered if they become a problem, as outlined in the grading policy within. Excessive tardies may mean expulsion from performances, a possible lowered grade, or removal from the band program. If you are late to a marching band rehearsal, check in with the drum major. If you do not, you may be marked absent by mistake, which creates a mess later on.

Band Policy

Students cannot be absent for any length of time from school the day of a performance or band activity (with the exception of the excused absences). This will cause them to not be allowed to participate in the performance or activity of the day.

If a student misses two performances or a number of rehearsals (excused or unexcused), he/she will be placed on alternate status and replaced by another student.

The Bobcat Marching Band

 Band Camp

Band camp is not only important to our success, it is also a great time to get to know new members and get back into the swing of things in the new school year. We learn a great deal during camp, including much of the marching drill for our field show. It is imperative that everyone is there! If there is a conflict, you need to contact one of the directors as soon as possible!

The marching season begins with music, one week of music camp from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. These rehearsals are an opportunity to bond as a family and make music together. On the first night of music camp, there is a mandatory parent meeting at 5:15 pm in the Little Theater. This is to take care of any questions you may have, pay fees, and take care of notarizing medical release forms. There are two weeks of camp at the end of July to learn how to march and play together. At the end of this two-week period there will be an exhibition. This is the first performance of the year for our favorite crowd: the Parents! This performance will be on the band practice field. After the exhibition, students are welcome to participate in a new tradition, a friendly game of softball! This is an opportunity to unwind and have a little fun. Band camp schedule tentatively runs during the following times (realize this schedule altars slightly as we move through band camp):

Here is some other important information about band camp:

·        Wear cool, comfortable, easy to-move-in clothes and some type of sports shoe (no sandals) with socks (sorry about the tan lines). Your clothing has a good chance of getting dirty, so it is not advisable to wear your best clothes.

·        Hats are very useful during band camp. One lesson that almost everyone learns their first band camp is that your head can burn and peel along with the rest of your body.

·        Sun block! Everyone burns differently, so be prepared to protect yourself. Put sun block on in the morning, and bring some to reapply later during the day.

·        Eat breakfast! This is not an option! You will be asked to do some very strenuous things in the heat. Without breakfast to fuel you, there is the possibility of passing out!

·        Water is a necessity. Everyone MUST bring water jugs or a Coleman brand type thermos filled with water. Do not drink to many sugary, carbonated drinks because this could do weird things to your body in the heat and could make you thirstier.

How is Marching Band Judged?

This is one of those questions that parents ask me often. I am making an effort to simplify this system for you. We compete in 5 to 8 contests a year. Please realize that each contest is different and scoring totals may change. There are two basic styles of judging, Caption and Olympic style. Olympic judging drops the highest and lowest of five judges to come up with an average. Caption judging totals all scores together into a composite score (this is the one I prefer because it sees the totality of the program). It’s important to note that we are not “competing” with any other bands – just with ourselves, in hopes of raising our level of performance with each opportunity. 

Caption Judging

·        Visual Performance              20%

·        Visual Effectiveness             15%

·        Musical Effectiveness           25%

·        Music Performance              25%

·        Auxiliaries                              5%

·        Percussion                             5%

·        Drum Major                            5%

In each “caption” area, the judge awards a certain number of points that contribute to our overall score. Outstanding performance “caption awards” are given in up to five different categories (including Musical Performance, visual Performance, Percussion Performance, Auxiliary Performance, and Drum Major Performance). Grand Champion is usually based on the total composite.

Ratings:

When it is a ratings system that is used, bands are awarded a rating based on their performance.

·        Superior – I

·        Excellent – II

·        Good  - III

·        Fair – IV

·        Poor – V

Goals of the Bobcat Marching Band

1.      The Life Experience

To learn more about ourselves and the human experience through teamwork, focus, commitment, energy, and a deep love of music and performance art.

2.      The Musical Language

To learn more about the theory and the power of the musical language through performance. The ability to control and manipulate our bodies and minds so as to communicate a thought or a feeling through a musical instrument or dance/equipment work, this is the true power and reason for studying music. Music is a universal language.

3.      The Complete Entertainment Package

Our goal is to provide a high energy, high quality musical and visual performance at various sporting events, community events, and festivals. The quality comes from the details –every note, every move, every step rehearsed and cleaned to perfection. The goal is for each performer to contribute all that he/she has to offer in every performance.

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.

Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.

Genius will not: the world is full of educated failures.

Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

                                                     Calvin Coolidge

Responsibilities as a Member of The Bobcat Band

1.      Responsibility to Yourself

You owe it to yourself to always try! Trying to play your best…Trying to march your best… Trying to perform your routine your best… Trying to be positive and productive… Trying to get along with others… Trying to get the most commitment, focus, and energy possible out of yourself.

2.      Responsibility to Each Other

Getting along with others in our complex society is indeed a difficult task at times. You have an obligation and responsibility to respect the rights and opinions of others. Antisocial behavior will only breed the same in others and bring friction into the program. Excessive talking, rumors, vulgar language, bad manners, etc. are examples of this unwanted behavior. Please respect your fellow band members, both on and off the field, and treat them as you wish to be treated.

3.      Responsibility to Time

Time is our worst enemy. Every second of every rehearsal must count for us to reach our goals. That means being on time and focused on the tasks at hand during the time that is given to accomplish them. I make it a point that a series of deadlines are set. Each must be met before the next one can be tackled.

4.      Responsibility to Place

It is impossible to focus on the tasks that we have if    the space that we work in is cluttered and dirty. The band room is already too small without us adding to the mess. It is important to keep every space that we use clean and organized. That includes the band hall, the practice field, the equipment trailers, etc.

Football Games

Please be aware of the following guidelines for football games. If students do not follow these rules, their grade will be affected and they may be asked to leave the game.

• Only band students will sit in the band seating area during the football games. Your friends will have to sit in another place if they are not in the band. It doesn’t look professional when students who are not in uniform sit with the band.
• No one is to leave the stands during the game unless excused by a director. Students will be allowed to go to the restrooms in pairs.
• Uniforms are to be worn for the entire game, unless Mr. Foret says otherwise. To keep the best possible appearance for the crowd, we wear our uniforms in a similar manner at all times.
• All wind and percussion players must have their pep music with them at every football game. It’s important that we sound our best all the time, not just when we’re on the field. Students are not expected to memorize the pep music, so they must have their music with them in a flip folder and on a lyre.
• The game day schedule is as follows:

Home Games

TBA – section leaders will tell sections what time to arrive for cleaning, stretches, and putting on uniforms

6:15pm – roll check in seat in full uniform

6:20 - warm-ups

6:50 - uniform inspection and leave for stadium

7:20 - Game begins

8:30 - Approximate half-time performance (we go after the visiting band)

9:45 - Approximate return to band room after game

Away Games

 These times change depending on distance traveled

TBA – section leaders will tell sections what time to arrive for 3:15-3:15 – 5:15 - cleaning, stretches, and loading

4:15 – 5:15 - roll check and announcements

4:30 – 5:30 - load and leave

6:30 - arrive and unload

7:20 - game begins

8:30 - Approximate half-time performance (we go before the other band)

9:45 - Game ends & load

10:30-11:30Arrive back at MCHS

• There will be uniform inspection before each game. Students must have correct color socks and have uniform that is properly worn.

 2006 Football Schedule

Traveling with the Bobcat Band

All members are required to travel with the band! Exceptions to this rule are very rare and permission to travel apart from the band can only be given by a director. You may return from a performance with your parents or their designated representative only if you have a note by your parents voicing their approval. Your parent’s telephone number should be included in the note for verification. A last minute cell phone call will not be accepted. If you leave, you must also sign out (on the bus list) with either the Drum Major or Assistant Drum Major for documentation that you have left and are accounted for.

Trip Expectations

Before attending major trips, students and parents will sign an agreement, saying that while on the trip the student:

• Will represent my school well by my musicianship and adult-like behavior
• Will follow the rule: If in doubt, don’t “just do it;” ask first.
• Will be alert to changes in schedule.
• Will stay with assigned rooms and bus seats unless given permission by a director or designated chaperone
• Will speak respectfully to all adult leaders and fellow travelers.
• Will follow policies set by the professional bus driver or school bus driver.
• Will stay in bus seats at all stops until released by Mr. Foret
• Will be at assigned locations, on time and stay with the group at all times.
• Will bring only  “walkman” type music with headset, if I choose to bring music to listen to.
• Will stay in groups of at least 4 when not with the whole group.
• Will be in my room at the designated time at night and stay in my room.
• Will not drink alcohol, take any drugs that’s not on my permission from, or smoke.
• Will refrain from PDA (Public Displays of Affection – anything more physical than holding hands is inappropriate).
• Will understand that after one warning about PDA, I will be separated on that bus, and that after a second incident I will be moved to another bus for the remainder of the trip.
• Will clean up after myself on the bus and in my room.
• Will spend my money wisely, considering the needs of the whole trip.
• Will bring only the instrument that I play for the performance.
• Will be responsible for my equipment, my uniform and its parts, and my baggage throughout the entire trip.

In the Hotel:

• Boys in boys’ rooms only; girls in girl’s rooms only, unless accompanied by a chaperone.
• Outgoing calls, paid TV movies, and other incidental charges are not accessible from the room. Phones are available in the lobby for long distance calls.

Concert Band and Other Ensembles

Concert band begins after marching season has ended (end of October- beginning of November) and continues until school has ended. This group covers the standard band literature. They perform in at least three concerts a year including The Christmas Celebration and Spring Concert. When the calendar permits this band also performs in a concert festival setting. There are presently no after school rehearsals for this group which meets during forth block (1:30-3:00). If you choose not to do marching band, you must take private lessons during the fall in order to participate in concert band.

Auditions/ Challenges

Auditions for concert band will be held in November, after marching band has ended. Everyone must audition for chair placements. People may be moved to different parts frequently.

In case of a tie placement in the concert band, the next available audition result will determine placement. There will be a one-week challenge period for students to try and move up (or down) in seating. In the case of a tie, scales will break it.

Private Lessons

Private music lessons are essential to be truly successful on your instrument. If you are not currently studying with a private instructor, you should look into it. It is the way to move ahead in your section and stay enthused about your progress as a musician. See a director for a list of potential instructors.

Master Classes

After Marching season has ended, each section will be given an opportunity to have a group lesson with a qualified musician from the surrounding area. This gives students to learn the “tricks of the trade” from a musician who understands the inner workings of their specific instrument. This is free to students as the band pays for this chance to get hands on experience and attention that the band as a group cannot offer the students.

Spring Musical

During the spring, the fine arts department combines together to perform in a musical theater production. All students will be in the “stage orchestra”, and rehearse frequently throughout the first few months of the spring semester. This is an entirely after school production. The week of the production there will be rehearsals all week after school.

Honor Bands

All-West Honor Band or Orchestra

These are highly competitive live auditions, held each year in December. It is a great privilege to be accepted to rehearse and perform with these groups. Students who are accepted miss school for one and a half days. Rehearsals are Thursday for half the day, Friday all day, and their performance is on Saturday. These groups perform the most challenging band and orchestra literature, and have an opportunity to work with some of the most famous conductors in the country. Audition materials can be obtained from a director in September.

University of Tennessee Martin Honor Band

The UTM band Department hosts an honor band in February. Students may apply and be nominated by the directors. Nominations are based on work done so far and auditions and challenges. This event requires traveling to and staying in Martin for two nights, and missing one and a half days of school (Thursday and Friday).

Solo and Ensemble

The WTSBOA Solo and Ensemble Festival is in March. It is an opportunity for students to play solos and ensembles in front of an adjudicator for comments and ratings. Playing in this format is a great way for students to grow as musicians. Here are some important points about Solo and Ensemble Festival.

·        Students should have their music selected by the end of February. Sheet music can be found in a variety of places, including local music stores (Though the selection will probably be somewhat limited), music catalogues, and on-line (start with www.jwpepper.com, or another site you can find through a search engine). You will need two copies of your solo: one for yourself and one for the judge. Both copies of the music must have every measure numbered legibly.

·        The next (and most important) step is to practice! Private instruction on your instrument is critical to your success. The directors will try to listen to every solo and ensemble prior to the festival, but it is with your private instructor that you will receive the most in-depth instruction with your music.

·        On the day of the festival, you will want to wear your nicest clothes. Jeans and t-shirts are not allowed. Ensembles might consider dressing to match each other in some way, though it’s not necessary (just look nice!) Look your best to give the best impression.

·        Don’t over warm-up the morning of your solo performance. The “morning of” is not the time to fix last-minute problems. If it hasn’t been fixed before that time, it probably won’t get fixed! We’ve seen many students through the years play too much when warming up and end up tired for their performance.

Jazz Band

This optional performance group meets after school on Mondays and Wednesdays until 4:30. It can be taken as a credit (1) even though it is offered after school from January to May. Students are given the chance to perform a different style of music outside the concert band setting, and in some cases, learn a secondary instrument. The jazz band performs at various functions as well as the Band Tour to all area schools in April.

Jazz band uniform will consist of jazz band shirt (designed each year) and Khaki pants or shorts.

Guard

The guard rehearses with the band after school and often has one extra rehearsal a week. This is so the students can have focused and uninterrupted time with the guard instructor or director. Students will learn and clean their routine during these rehearsals.

In addition to simply showing up at rehearsals, each student’s attitude toward         the routine, towards learning and cleaning their routines, towards their captains and instructors, and towards each other may impact their eligibility to perform. It’s easy for this group to get very “catty” very early in the season – come to each rehearsal with a positive attitude, and try to leave other things outside of marching band/guard. If your attitude becomes a problem in any way, you may lose your eligibility to perform. This decision will be made by the director or instructor, and may be recommended by the captains. This is a team effort; we need you to be a part of the team at all times!

Percussion

Drum Line (Marching Band)

Participating with the drum line involves a significant commitment on the part of the student (and sometimes their parents). In addition to regular marching band rehearsals, the drum line practices every Monday until 4:30 during the marching band season. This rehearsal is used for intensive learning and cleaning with the percussion instructor. These rehearsals are mandatory and incredibly important to each individual’s success, as well as the whole drum line.

This group is auditioned every spring for a new line.

Percussion Ensemble / Indoor Line

This group meets in the spring semester every Monday evening from 4:30 to 6:00. Depending on which group is being worked, extra rehearsals may be called. This group has very intense rehearsals and students are often required to have “cleaned” their music before the rehearsal. Concert band percussionists and percussion ensemble students are responsible for providing some of their own equipment, as wind players are responsible for buying or renting their instrument. The percussion instructor has broken down the supplies you need on a yearly basis, so speak to the instructor or a director for a copy of this list.

Uniforms

Marching Band Uniforms

For Winds and Percussion

The marching band uniform consists of a band t-shirt, bibbers, jacket, gloves, band hat, shako, black socks, khaki pants or shorts, and band shoes. The band will provide bibbers, jacket, sash, gauntlets and shako. You will be responsible for purchasing gloves, band t-shirt, band hat, band shoes (these items will be available for purchase during band camp and throughout the year.) If during the season, you lose or forget your gloves, socks, shoes, band t-shirt, or band hat, you can rent these from items from the Uniform room for:

·        $3.00 for a pair of gloves

·        $3.00 for a pair of socks

·        $2.00 to rent shoes

·        $2.00 to rent hat

·        $2.00 to rent t-shirt

·        $2.00 to rent khaki

The rent items must be returned after the performance. Underclothing like the     band t-shirt or a solid white t-shirt is required to keep the uniform in good shape and clean.

When not in use, the uniform is to be hung properly on a hanger inside the garment bag (which will be provided). Sash and gauntlets will be placed in one of the pockets of your garment bag. Shoes are to be placed in a separate bag inside the garment bag, not loose in the garment bag! Do not let the shoes be near any part of your uniform! You will personally be charged for excessive dirtiness to uniform due to shoes! After each use, the uniform should be hung over a chair to dry the sweat and moisture. If for any reason you damage or lose a part of your uniform, you will be charged to replace it (the uniform parts are very costly, so I suggest that you be responsible and take very good care of it). Never wash any part of the band uniform!

Uniforms will be worn properly at all times. We are only as good as we look. The band uniform is a symbol of pride and dignity to many people. Treat it with the utmost respect at all times. Never allow anyone else to wear any part of your uniform. No hats other than the assigned band hat or shako can be worn while in uniform. All students must have their hair entirely up into the hat during a performance.

Casual/Pep Uniform:

·        Bobcat logo shirt – tucked in

·        Khaki pants or shorts – jeans are not an option!

·        Sports shoes

For Color Guard:

You will be responsible for your uniform. The casual uniform is the same as above. The performance uniform will be issued to you during the beginning of the marching season. The performance uniform will be worn at all performances and some Friday football games. All rules and policies mentioned above or anywhere else in the band handbook apply equally to members of the flag line while in the performance uniform. Flag line members may wear makeup, as it is part of the uniform. No nail polish (except clear) or jewelry will be permitted while in uniform.

Concert Band Uniforms

For all concert band performances, as well as stage orchestra performances, the uniform is as follows:

“Concert Black” clothing is defined as:

Females:

·        Black blouse - $26 -$31 order through band only

·        Black dress pants – students are required to purchase separately. They need to be made of a rayon or polyester material. No cotton blend materials, these will fade after use and washing.

·        Black hose, black trouser socks, or black socks – students are required to purchase these separately.

·        Black Shoes – students are required to have a pair of black dress shoes. No open toe shoes, flip flops, no more than an inch heel, and needs to have a heel, no clogs or slip-ons.

·        You may only wear a choker of pearls or silver choker for a necklace, earrings must be studs or small hoops, and keep rings small and few. No nail polish, clear is fine but no color.

Males:

·        White tuxedo shirt -$12 order through band only

·        Vest – provided by the band

·        Bow tie - $2 order though band only

·        Black Dress pants – students are required to purchase separately. They need to be made of rayon or polyester material. No cotton or cotton blend materials, these will fade after use and washing.

·        Black Belt – there is no exception, students must wear a belt.

·        Black socks – Students are required to purchase these separately.

·        Black Shoes – Students may use their band shoes. Black dress shoes are not required.

* If you are unable to find black dress pants with these material requirements we can order black pants.

Band Staff

Ryan Foret

Director of Bands

Ryan Foret is in his eleventh year as Director of Bands at McNairy Central High School. Before Coming to Selmer, Mr. Foret received his BME from Louisiana State University, where he studied with Frank Wickes. He was a member of the LSU Tiger Band for five years. In addition to the Tiger band, Mr. Foret performed with the Wind Ensemble, Wind Ensemble II, Symphonic Band, Louisiana Collegiate Honor Band, and two brass quartets. He was also a member of the Expressions Drum and Bugle Corps for two years and the World Champion Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps for two years. During his time at MCHS, Mr. Foret has been nominated to National Honor Society teacher award (2 years), Who’s Who Among American High School Teachers (10 years), a founding board member of AIM, and MCHS fine arts department chair. Mr. Foret also teaches in the mornings at Bethel Springs School.

Rebecca Kerr

Assistant Director of Bands

Rebecca Kerr is in her ninth year as assistant director of bands at McNairy Central and head director at Selmer Middle School. Before coming to Selmer, Ms. Kerr was band director and elementary music teacher in the Benton County for two years and taught elementary music for three years at Milan Elementary. Ms. Kerr received her BMME from The University of Tennessee at Martin where she studied clarinet with Gilbert Carp. While at Martin she was a member of, the then, Pacer Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Woodwind Quintet and Clarinet Choir. She was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota Professional Music Fraternity for Women while in SAI she served as secretary for two years. She received special honors from SAI for her work in the fraternity. She was on the Deans List for five consecutive years. She is an active member of WTSBOA, TMEA, MENC and TBMA. She has completed her MEd in Educational Leadership through Trevecca Nazarene University.

Gina Foret

Assistant Director of Bands

Gina Foret is in her eleventh year as assistant director of bands at McNairy Central and head director at Ramer School. Before coming to Selmer, Ms. Foret received her BME and BM from Louisiana State University where she studied saxophone with Griffin Campbell. While at LSU, she was a member of the Tiger Band Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Saxophone Quartets. She also attended Florida State University and studied music therapy. As an interesting cycle coming full –circle, “Ms. Gina” is a graduate of McNairy Central High School (1991) and a proud alumnus of the band program.

McNairy Central is very fortunate to have a highly qualified and knowledgeable instructional staff. These individuals are some of the finest that the Tennessee area has to offer and the Directors are grateful for their dedication and commitment to the students.

Jeff Miller

Percussion Instructor

Mr. Miller is in his seventh year as percussion instructor at McNairy Central. Before coming to Selmer, he graduated from Trinity High School in Euless Texas where he was first chair in the Texas All-Stat Honor Band. Jeff was also a member of the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps of Denver, Colorado. He has a Bachelor of Physical Science from Freed-Hardeman University where he was a co-founding member of The Battery. He is also the founding member of a performing drum line at Bethel College. Mr. Miller is also a graduate of the University of Texas with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.  “Mr. Jeff” is currently working on his doctorate at Auburn University.

Michael Crewse

Color Guard Instructor

Michael has been guard instructor for five years at MCHS. He is also guard instructor at Lexington Middle School and has been an instructor for Lexington High School. He is currently the Computer Systems Administrator for The Lexington City School System and received his computer operations diploma from Tennessee Technology Center in 2005. Michael is a graduate of MCHS (2001) and was captain of the guard. Michael is currently pursuing an Associate Degree in Information Technology from Jackson State Community College.

Daniel Vargason 

Percussion Technician

Daniel has graduated from McNairy Central H.S. in 2006. He is currently attending UT Martin as a music education major and is a student of Dr. Julie Hill and is a member of the UTM percussion ensemble and wind ensemble. He is also the recipient of the 1^st Annual Nancy Matheson Outstanding Freshman Percussion Award.

Nick Drumright

Brass Technician

Nick has graduated from McNairy Central H.S. in 2006. He is currently attending MTSU as a music education major and is a trumpet student of Dr. Michael Arndt.

Hierarchy of the Bobcat Band Staff