Our classes during the day are split between two ensemble classes, Gold Band and Blue Band. Blue Band is the high school entry level ensemble, open to all students regardless of experience level; this is the ensemble everyone starts out in to learn our way of work. Gold Band is the more advanced ensemble for more experienced members. Within the broad levels of these two ensembles, scholars will learn at the appropriate individual pace according to their specific level of achievement. In a musical performance ensemble, the members are playing different instruments and have different roles within each musical composition, so this individualization is a natural outcome in any musical performance ensemble course.
Please be sure to complete the following three items (scholars will be given hard copies of the forms, so you don’t have to print them, but you certainly may!).
1. Parent/Scholar Agreement. This lets me know that you have read the information to follow and that the scholar has the parent’s permission to participate in all planned activities of the course (including all performances) as listed on our calendar.
2. Student Health History. We take these forms with us whenever we travel anywhere; we hope that we never need to use them, but we always have them in case anything happens that would require medical attention. If a member is in multiple ensembles, you only need ONE of these turned in. It is good for 365 days from the date it was signed. Marching Band members do NOT need to do this form, as they must have the Pinellas County Schools Marching Band Emergency Treatment Authorization Card on file, which fulfills the same purpose.
3. And PLEASE go to www.cuttime.net and sign up. Go to the Student/Parent Sign-up link, and under “subscribing schools/groups” type Largo and you will find us. BOTH member AND parents should sign up (both parents can certainly sign up!). This service provides a host of communications and other benefits to us, and you can easily update your info whenever you need to. We use it to send you information, sign-up for volunteering events, give you a secure way to view account balances if you have any fees, and several other things. It has the huge advantage of being very mobile-friendly, so we can access all the features from any device at any time. If you would like more detailed instructions, you may find them here.
Sections:
A. Course description and outline
B. Communication with the teacher
N. Instructional Staff and Guest Artists
P. Consignment & Instrument Repair
A. Course Description and Outline
Our course is governed by certain expectations set by the State of Florida and Pinellas County Schools. Each band class has a mix of levels, and of course scholars will also have different needs based on what specific instrument they play, so each student will have a slightly different set of specific outcomes. The main musical concepts are the same for everyone, but the specific tasks and skill will vary from scholar to scholar and from composition to composition.
Throughout the year, our classes will focus on learning basic principles of musical performance and applying them in sequentially more and more complex ways to a variety of musical compositions throughout the year. The culminating part of each unit will be the practical application of these principles in public performance. It is critical that scholars and parents understand that the performances are the final presentation of each unit and as such are a required element of the course.
B. Communication with the Teacher
The teacher of this course is Mr. Christopher Benoit. His last name is pronounced “Ben-wah”; he also answers to “Mr. B.” He holds a Bachelor of Music Education and Certificate in Wind Instrument Performance from the Florida State University. He is currently in his 37th year of teaching; his 35th at Largo High School.
The BEST way to get in touch with Mr. Benoit is by e-mail. This is generally the quickest way to reach him, you will get the benefit of a carefully thought out response, and both you and he will have a written record of what was discussed to avoid possible confusion. His e-mail address is benoitc@pcsb.org. Every effort will be made to respond to you within 24 hours. This is not always possible, but it is the goal and is met most of the time. If you haven’t heard anything back within 24 hours, please try to make contact again…sometimes e-mails don’t go through, messages get garbled, etc.
There is a LOT of information that needs to go out to students and parents in an active music program like ours. Program-wide, we did more than 40 performances last school year; that requires a lot of coordination among a whole lot of people. Our WEBSITE is the first and foremost place to go for up-to-date information. Two critically important sections that parents and students should check FREQUENTLY are the News Section, which is where we have all current announcements, and the CALENDAR, which is kept up-to-date regularly with all of our events. In addition, if you sign up at www.cuttime.net, you will receive regular e-mail updates, news, and notices about our program.
C. Items Students Need
There are several things that students will need during this course:
- Each scholar will need a musical instrument to use for the class. This may be their own personal instrument, an instrument that is rented from a music store, or a school-owned instrument that is rented from the school. There are a limited number of school owned instruments available. Instruments may be left in the band room during the school day, but there is a limited amount of locking storage, and neither the teacher nor the school can take responsibility for instruments left in the room. We have not actually had many problems with this…it is an extremely rare event…but on occasion we have had an issue. See the section on School Instrument Rental for more information on that topic.
- Scholars will need formal concert wear. For details, please see the section on Uniforms.
- There will be specific items related to each member’s instrument that they will need. Scholars may need a flip-folder and/or lyre, reeds, valve oil, etc. Many of these items are available through the band office at our cost; for more details, see the section on Consignment & Instrument Repair.
- There are many other costs associated with running our program. We expect each family to do their part to help us raise the money necessary to do all the things we want to do over the course of the year. We will have several fundraisers throughout the course of the year, and we really do need EVERYONE’S help in raising these funds. We work really hard to keep our costs as low as possible AND to charge your for as few things as we can. And of course, we are always happy to accept donations! For more information, see the Financial Requirements section.
D. Class Rules
Our rules are very simple. They apply at ALL times, in EVERYTHING we do:
- Be Nice
- Follow Directions
- Do Your Best
- Respect Everyone
When everyone follows these rules, we are able to concentrate on the art of making music together. We should not ever have to waste everyone’s time dealing with infractions of these basic guidelines for efficient rehearsals. We simply have too much to learn and do!
Note: although the use of electronic devices is generally not appropriate during class, there are certain times when this may be entirely appropriate; for instance, a student may have a tuning app on his or her phone. Instances such as this will be permitted when the student has the EXPRESS permission of the instructor.
E. Grading Policies
Grades are based on the standard Pinellas County Schools grading scale:
A = 90 – 100%
B = 80 – 89%
C = 70 – 79%
D = 60 – 69%
F = 0 – 59%
Grades are earned in two main categories:
50% of the grade is based on the learning PROCESS. Scholars receive from 0 to 5 points each day based on being involved, prepared, and participating appropriately. ATTENDANCE is the biggest single factor in a student’s success in school, and is reflected in this grade…you can’t earn points when you are not in class, because you are not learning about our subject. Likewise, you lose points for not having the materials you need in order to participate (instrument, music, etc.) or if you are not participating appropriately in the learning activities of the class. This is the easy half of the grade to get: come to class on time, have your materials, and be an active, engaged participant in the rehearsal process. If you are focussed on making music, you will earn these points…and you will learn a LOT through what we are doing.
50% of the grade is based on EVALUATION of your learning. This may include both written and performance evaluations. Some evaluations are done in class, some are public performances. There will be a mix of different things each grading period. Grading for performance evaluations is based on individual achievement; we would not judge a first year player’s performance to the same standard as a senior who has played for seven years. EACH scholar needs to be progressing in the art of making music, and assessment grades are judged therefore by criteria appropriate to that individual person’s development.
If a student has an excused absence they are entitled to an opportunity to make up the missing points for full credit. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for and complete make-up work to earn credit. Per school board policy, if an absence is unexcused, make-up work may be done, but whatever points are earned will be reduced the equivalent of one letter grade. If a public performance absence is excused, no make-up work will be assigned; the student will simply receive a grade of “excused” for that event (i.e., it won’t be counted either way in the grade calculation). An unexcused absence from a performance is absolutely unacceptable at any time, and will result in a grade of zero for that assignment. Band is a PERFORMING ARTS class…PERFORMING is the most critical aspect of the course! Without the public performances, you have not participated in the most fundamental experience of the entire course. If there is a conflict with a performance, you need to bring this to the director’s attention as soon as practical; there are several things that fall into the category of being excusable if arranged ahead of time, but never excused after the fact. Be responsible!
School activities always must take precedence over non-school activities. If there is ever a conflict between two different school activities, bring it to the director’s attention right away so the faculty members involved can work it out. Scholars who have jobs need to be responsible for communicating their band and school schedule with their employer in a timely manner. Work is NEVER an acceptable reason for missing a school event.
Finally, if you happen to be absent a few times early in the grading period…DON’T PANIC! The missed rehearsals will have an inordinately large impact on your grade early on, as there aren’t a lot of positive grades to balance them yet. Scholars who are generally responsible & active participants can easily afford to have an occasional missed day due to illness, a field trip, etc. without it actually pulling their grade down so much as to affect the letter, but it can be scary if it happens early on. If you end up in a borderline situation near the end of the grading period, Mr. Benoit will generally give you a gentle suggestion of what you would need to do to make sure you receive the higher grade rather than the lower one.
F. School Policies
Our music program is part of the overall educational program at Largo High School. As such, it is important to remember that all school policies as articulated by Pinellas County Schools and the adminstration of Largo High School are always followed. When we are off-site for a performance or other event, we are still at a SCHOOL event, and all school policies still apply.
G. General Expectations
Our members are expected to come to every class and after school event on time, appropriately dressed and groomed, and prepared to do their best to learn the material presented in rehearsal. For after school events, Band of Gold time is 15 minutes early…you need to be able to set up, warm-up, and make other preparations BEFORE the event starts.
The SCHOLAR is the one responsible for checking and keeping up to date with the calendar, and making sure that all necessary arrangements are made to participate in all band events.
Scholars should consider every action in relation to two questions:
- “How does this help me improve my knowledge and/or skills?”
- “How does this help the band as a whole?”
EVERYONE is responsible for keeping the band room and all other areas we visit neat and clean, and taking proper care of all items.
Rehearsal time is precious…we use every minute we can. If a rehearsal is scheduled from 3:30 to 5:00, then arrive early to get everything set up, warm-up, etc. so the rehearsal proper can start right at 3:30. We’ll finish rehearsing by 5:00, after which we take whatever time is necessary to make sure things are put back away, equipment is properly stowed, and the room is left neat and clean. We ALL share in these responsibilities that ensure that we have a pleasant environment to work in and are able to learn the greatest amount possible.
Whenever we have a performance, whether at Largo High or off site, EVERY member will remain after the end of the performance or our return to school until all equipment is properly stowed and any other necessary tasks are finished.
ALL band members know the Largo High School Alma Mater and can sing it from memory.
H. Academic Requirements
Some of the performances that we attend are governed by eligibility guidelines set by the state of Florida and Pinellas County Schools. We MUST ensure that all of our performing members meet the applicable standards for participation; in fairness to all, we never require more than the official policy dictates (although we obviously encourage all students to achieve much better than the minimum!)
The main requirment is that the scholar maintains a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. This is calculated on actual grades received, with NO weighting for quality point classes. A 4.0 average would be the highest possible, and represent a grade of A in every class ever taken in high school. It is the cumulative GPA, so every class taken by the student over his or her entire high school career is counted. You can calculate your GPA very easily…take every class you have received a final semester grade for, give 4 points for each A, 3 points for each B, 2 points for each C, 1 point for each D, and 0 points for each F or I. Add those up, and divide by the number of semesters taken. A 2.0 (i.e., C average) is the standard requirement for acceptable progress and eventual graduation, so meeting this standard isn’t just important for band, it’s also critical to the student graduating.
A scholar may have a bad semester, but it’s only the cumulative GPA that is considered for eligibility purposes. Because of this, there is one additional option for 9th and 10th graders only. The first time a 9th or 10th grader falls below a 2.0 cumulative GPA, we may complete and submit an FSMA Academic Performance Contract for Music Eligibility. This allows the student to have one additional semester of eligibility to bring his or her grades up; as long as the student makes at least a 2.0 average each semester, he or she will be able to remain eligible up to the start of 11th grade. Once you get to 11th grade, this is not an option; only the cumulative GPA counts. This was designed to give a student who gets off to a really rough start in high school a chance to get things turned around and has really helped some students who otherwise might have needed a year or more of good grades to get back over a 2.0.
Students who do not meet the academic requirements are still entitled to receive an education in music! Although we may not allow them to perform in certain events, they are still welcome to be part of our program and we will work with them not only to develop their musical skills and knowledge but also to help get them back on track with their grades. Our FIRST and FOREMOST educational goal for ALL students in our program is that they GRADUATE from Largo High School.
I. Financial Requirements
Running a music program is expensive! We have a “medium” size program…we spend more than some, a lot less than others. We do our best to provide as much as possible for our students for the least amount of money, and all spending decisions are always carefully considered in terms of the benefit they bring to the students for the cost. Even so, our band boosters expect to see more than $70,000 go through the books this school year, above and beyond the money that is provided by the school and county. It takes a large effort and commitment from everyone to make sure this money is available for the benefit of all of our students. <You can see the boosters budget for 2023-2024 here> — updated link coming soon>.
We will NEVER deny any student the opportunity to participate in a school ensemble for financial reasons. If you ever have a financial difficulty that prevents you from paying for something, please communicate this to the band director and or the band booster president; we will work with you to find a way to make things work. We DO need to get the money one way or another however, otherwise we have to cut out various events or opportunities for the students. To realize all of our goals, we need EACH family to do the best they can to help in whatever way possible.
Our financial requirements fall into a few different categories:
1.You will need to have a concert uniform. You’ll need to buy this if you don’t already have the appropriate stuff. See the section on Uniforms for details.
2. You will need an instrument, so you will have expenses related to that. If you use a school instrument, see the section on School Instrument Rental for details.
3. Your instrument may also need various accessories (a flip-folder/lyre for instance), some of which may be consumables (such as reeds and valve oil). Costs will vary based on a lot of factors. The most common items can be purchased through the band office at our cost.
4. If we take a major trip, that will be accounted for separately; there will be a set cost for the trip and the opportunity to fundraise towards it…we will always have a final deadline at which all funds need to be in place or we can’t actually do the trip, so we have to work well in advance of any major travel.
5. Parents who volunteer in capacities that would involve unsupervised contact with students (such as driving students or chaperoning an overnight trip) will need to have level II screening, which involves fingerprinting and background check, all of which runs approximately $50. Please see the Volunteer Information Page.
6. And in order to make our program work successfully, we MUST do a significant amount of fundraising. We really need EVERY family to help us with these efforts, so that ALL of our members may benefit.
J. Performances
We do a number of performances, both at Largo High School and at various other sites. These are a key component of the course, and the highlight for many students and parents. We strive to make EACH performance the best we are capable of at any given time. When we are performing anywhere, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- When in public, YOU ARE ALWAYS PERFORMING!
- ALL Largo High School and Pinellas County Schools rules and policies are ALWAYS in force at ALL times.
- All members, parents, and supporters are expected to be courteous and polite to everyone at all times.
- Rude, obnoxious, vulgar, or profane behavior and language are never acceptable.
- Demeaning, insulting, or in any way disparaging other performers, schools, ensembles, directors, or supporters is totally unacceptable and grounds for dismissal from our program.
- Any and all public displays of affection are unacceptable while in uniform. When not in uniform, such displays will be limited to hand-holding.
- Gum chewing is unacceptable at any rehearsal or performance.
- Uniforms will be worn completely and correctly at all times in public.
- Hair style and color, make-up, nail polish, jewelry, and any other physical adornments should be very modest and understated; we want the audience listening to our music, not being distracted by large or unusual decorations. You are performing in a group; your job is to blend in with the group both musically and visually. Public performances in an ensemble are NOT the place to express the unique characteristics of your individual style!
- When performing in a group, avoid using heavy perfume, cologne, body spray, etc. It may be fine to you, but may be very distracting or irritating to another performer. Everyone reacts to various scents differently; be considerate of the other performers in your ensemble.
- Eating and drinking in uniform is only allowed when specifically approved by the director.
- When in the audience for another group’s performance, listen politely and attentively to them, and applaud their efforts in all cases.
- All electronic devices must only be used in appropriate ways and at appropriate times. Be polite!!
- At the conclusion of the performance, everyone stays until all equipment is properly stowed and any other necessary tasks completed.
- Strive always, in everything that you do, to project the pride, class, and dignity that we all want the BAND OF GOLD to be known for!
K. Uniforms
“CONCERT BLACK”
ALL Members:
- Black dress shoes (wind/percussion marching band shoes are fine for this).
- Black socks
- Long black pants
- A long sleeve mandarin collar black shirt
The first three items are readily available from many sources.
The shirt is designed in a a way to give us a clean formal look without the need of a bow tie. You may certainly get it from any vendor you wish, but the simplest and least expensive option we have found is:
https://www.concertattire.com/products/mandarin-collar-non-pleated-shirts?variant=41826640593065
Be sure to order it in BLACK! We have a full set available in the band room that you may try on for size if you want to check that before you order.
WOMEN only:
You may still wear the long black dress as we have done in the past . It must be a long (floor-length) plain matte black dress that covers the shoulders. Wear black dress shoes with this. If you have a dress and think it might fit the criteria, bring it in and show Mr. Benoit – he’ll let you know whether it is acceptable or not. We ARE somewhat particular about this…if you want to get a dress that you know will meet the criteria, the BLACK version of
If you order this particular dress, be aware that it comes UNHEMMED; like any dress, if you really want it to fit well you will need to do some alterations (or someone do them).
A word about shoes – you need to have appropriate dress shoes that fit the formal nature of the dress, but a lot of times we also have to walk a fair distance (such as from case storage to the warm-up room at MPA), so make sure they are either flats or a relatively low/comfortable heel.
GUIDELINES FOR ALL UNIFORMS:
- Eating and drinking in uniform is only allowed when specifically authorized by the director.
- Uniforms will always be worn completely and correctly while in public.
- Members will assist each other with uniforms; your pride is reflected in the appearance of others as well as yourself.
- Any borrowed uniforms will be neatly hung back on hangers and turned in at the conclusion of each performance.
- Hair style and color, make-up, nail polish, jewelry, and any other physical adornments should be very modest and understated; we want the audience listening to our music, not being distracted by large or unusual decorations. You are performing in a group; your job is to blend in with the group both musically and visually. Public performances in an ensemble are NOT the place to express the unique characteristics of your individual style!
- When performing in a group, avoid using heavy perfume, cologne, body spray, etc. It may be fine to you, but may be very distracting or irritating to another performer. Everyone reacts to various scents differently; be considerate of the other performers in your ensemble.
L. Travel Guidelines
Traveling and performing with a large and diverse group of individuals is a formidable undertaking. The Band of Gold has a reputation for pride, class, dignity, and excellence that we always strive to maintain. This applies to our adult chaperons as well as our members; our chaperons serve a vital and necessary function and must be fully aware of all rules and expectations. All rules and standards of behavior exist to promote the highest level of performance possible.
WHEN TRAVELING BY BUS:
- All members will assist with preparing and loading the instruments, equipment, and any other items for transport as instructed by the director.
- Chaperons will check each bus before it is loaded and inform the director of any problems.
- Chaperons will board buses before scholars and sit throughout the bus (not clustered all up front).
- Buses load by class, seniors first, then juniors, sophomores, and freshmen.
- Roll must be checked EVERY TIME before the bus moves.
- The bus driver is responsible for our safe transporation and should be treated politely and courteously by everyone at all times.
- Keep all body parts, equipment, etc. inside the bus while it is moving.
- Conversations should be in a normal tone of voice (“indoor voice”).
- Personal music players may be used with headphones.
- Chaperons may reassign seats if they feel it is necessary.
- Buses are to be kept neat and clean by everyone. All Freshmen and any messy upperclassmen will stay on the bus at the conclusion of each trip to make sure the bus is left clean and orderly and no items are left behind
AT PERFORMANCES
- All chaperons must know who has the medical forms and first-aid kit at all times.
- No scholar or chaperon is ever permitted to have any alcoholic beverage at any time during a trip.
- Smoking is illegal on all school board property. Adults are never to smoke around scholars.
- The band will always move together as a group; chaperons should flank the band and help ensure they are able to stay together.
- Chaperons should always be available to help, but must be careful not to distract from the performance or performance preparations.
- If the band splits into smaller sections, a chaperon is to go with each group.
- Scholars are NEVER to leave the group by themselves at any time for any reason.
- Chaperons are not instructors and should not tell scholars how to march or play; this is the responsibility of the director and staff.
ENFORCEMENT
- Members will police themselves so that everyone may concentrate on preparing for the performance.
- Chaperons must be fully informed of all rules and procedures so they can help remind members of the expectations.
- Chaperons may not punish scholars; that is the responsibility of the director.
- The director must be informed of any and all problems to decide an appropriate course of action.
- Problems with chaperons will be handled by the head chaperon, booster president, and director.
- Problems with instructional staff will be handled by the director.
M. School Instrument Rental
NOTE: Pinellas County Schools is in the process of transitioning to ONLINE rental contracts, so some of this information may change!
A limited number of school owned instruments are available for rental.
Instruments may be rented by the semester or by the year. The cost this year is $35.00 per semester, or $60.00 for the entire school year. It makes sense to rent for the year if you can; you save $10.00.
An instrument rental contract must be completed for each instrument the scholar will use, including any that may have the rental fee waived. Scholars may not take the instrument off school property until this form has been completed and any applicable rental fee paid.
There are a few circumstances where rental fees may be reduced or waived:
- If a scholar qualifies for free lunch, the rental fee may be waived.
- If a scholar qualifies for reduced lunch, the rental fee is reduced to $18 per semester or $35 for the year.
- If a scholar needs a second instrument for a specialized reason (such as needing both a concert and a marching version of an instrument), the rental fee for the 2nd instrument may be waived.
- If the scholar is playing an instrument other than his or her primary instrument at the specific request of the director to assist with an instrumentation need, the rental fee may be waived for this instrument.
If you believe that you may qualify for free or reduced lunch, it is important to apply for that even if you don’t ever plan on eating the school lunch; if you want to take advantage of a free or reduced instrument rental, we have to verify your eligibility; the music department is not allowed to just take your word for it. Click here for information about applying for free/reduced lunch.
Scholars and parents are responsible for proper care and maintenance of school owned instruments, and are responsible for the cost of any repairs beyond standard maintenance and reasonable wear and tear.
The rental process is now completely online; the steps are:
- Parent emails Mr. Benoit with student name and student date of birth.
- Benoit generates contract
- Parent receives email with link to sign the contract
- Parent also receives email with Revtrak link for payment.
N. Instructional Staff and Guest Artists
We are fortunate to have a variety of skilled individuals work with our students at various times. Some of these are paid for their services, while others are volunteers.
Any individual who works with our scholars must be a registered volunteer for Pinellas County Schools even if they are being paid for their services. We are careful to ensure that only individuals who have received clearance from the school board instruct our members. These individuals should be accorded at least the same courtesy and respect as any other teacher, and everyone needs to keep in mind that even those we do pay receive very minimal compensation compared to the value of their services.
If a scholar or parent ever has a concern about anything having to do with any of these individuals, please bring this to the DIRECTOR FIRST, before airing the concern to anyone else or pursuing any other course of action. The director is the official representative of the school board and is charged with the responsibility of supervising them; this responsibility is taken very seriously!
O. Awards
Our members achieve many things throughout the year, so many that we couldn’t possibly recognize them all at a concert as is done in many middle schools. It would just take too long! So each spring, we have a special awards banquet at which we enjoy a great meal and fond memories of the year and give out a LOT of awards that scholars have earned. ALL members in good standing with our program are recognized at this event; we make sure to acknowledge every scholar who has contributed to our program’s success throughout the year in some way.
Some of our awards have a great deal of tradition behind them, while others are more recent. In either case, it is very frustrating when we have a special award to give a member and announce his or her name…and the scholar and parents aren’t there to hear it. We want ALL of our families to attend this event, so everyone who gets an award can get the recognition in front of their peers that they deserve!
There is a cost for the meal, and we recognize that this may cause difficulties for some people. Unfortunately, we cannot apply fundraising credits to this cost, but our boosters do subsidize the banquet to a certain degree (how much depends on our financial situation in the spring, but we always lose money deliberately on the banquet). Scholars and parents may certainly skip the dinner and come at the end of it just for the awards.
As soon as we have a date and location confirmed, this will be communicated to everyone, posted in the News section and posted on the Calendar. PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF THE DATE AND PLAN TO ATTEND!!!
P. Consignment & Instrument Repair
For the convenience of students and parents, a selection of common accessories and consumables are available through the band office at cost. This includes items such as reeds, valve oil, slide cream, etc. Payment is due upon receipt. We make no money off this, it’s just done to help keep things moving.
A note about reeds…if you play a reed instrument you should have a good reed holder (not the plastic thing the reed came in) and at least FOUR reeds at all times…one that you’re breaking in, two that you use on a daily basis and alternate so they can dry out properly, and one really good one that you love playing on and are saving for the concert. Reeds take a certain amount of breaking in, and then they wear out after a while. If you rotate reeds in this manner, they will actually last longer (four reeds rotated will last longer than four used consecutively until they’re used up) and you’ll always have a good one to play on the concert. Reed holders are not expensive, and we often just give one to clarinet and saxophone players, so that you really won’t have an excuse for not using one!
If a school instrument ever needs repair or has an issue, the standard procedure is to write a note about the problem, leave the note in the case sticking out where it can be seen, and leave the case right in front of the director’s office. That way he can check out the issue and determine if we can fix it on site or if it needs to be sent in to the shop.
If you have a rental instrument from a music store that has an issue, you need to take it to the music store; they are generally picky about what kind of work gets done and who does it on the instruments that they actually own. Of course, if you have a maintenance agreement of some type, you want to follow the whatever that is.
If your personal instrument has an issue, you can also leave it with the director to check out–please make a point of letting him know in the note that it is your personal instrument! You are fortunate to have a director who has a certain amount of training in instrument repair…if it is a simple matter within the scope of his tools and expertise, he will be happy to fix it for you. If it is more complex and needs to go in to a full repair shop, he will be able to advise you about this and can provide contact information for various repair options.
Q. Boosters
The Largo High Band Boosters, Inc. is an incorporated non-profit organization chartered to support the instrumental music program of Largo High School. Every family in our program is expected to actively participate in the supporting this organization to achieve its goals.
The boosters provide both financial and logistical support for the music program. YOUR help is always needed and GREATLY appreciated! If our music program is to achieve its potential, we need EVERYONE’S help! Your support through offering your time, talents, gifts, and service ensures that every scholar in our program has the best possible education experiences we can provide. Please don’t wait to be asked–volunteer for the sake of all the children!
Our booster board meetings are listed on the calendar and everyone is always welcome to come. We only have a couple of formal general meetings during the year as needed; these are also publicized through the calendar, by e-mail, and other notices.
The booster organization consists of an executive board, a board of directors, and the general membership. All parents of students in our program are automatically accorded general membership. The executive board is elected by the general membership in April of each year; the board takes office in May.
<Click here for the current list of officers for the Boosters> – updated link coming soon!