Auxiliary Section

(Dega Darlins / Addition)

 

Handbook

2009-2010

 

 

 

 

PHILOSOPHY

The “Dega Darlins” of Talladega High School is the visual ensemble for the THS Band.   As a part of the organization, a member is in a position of honor and leadership and shall maintain a high standard of moral character and social conduct at all times. Members work with all members of the Talladega High School Band to reach common goals of excellence.  Dega Darlins Addition (JV) is a year long group that serves as the one of the Winter Guard competitive squads in the winter/spring, as well as other dance type performances when available.

 

AUXILIARY: GENERAL INFORMATION

  1. Dega Darlins is a YEAR LONG competitive visual ensemble, whose practice and competition schedule is often vigorous.  Please review all rules and regulations thoroughly before committing. 
  2. All Dega Darlin members, both Varsity and JV, will play an instrument in the THS band.  Young ladies that do not currently play an instrument will take on the responsibility of securing an instrument and will be taught how to play it in class.  Some school-owned instruments are available. 
  3. The “Dega Darlins (JV & V)” will consist of no definite number because the number of qualified candidates varies from year to year. Minimum numbers will be announced sometime during the instructional clinic held each spring.
  4. Decisions of judges are final. No scores will be announced, however, individual scores can be reviewed in the band office on the next working day after the auditions.
  5. Selection for auxiliary members will be based on poise and projection, showmanship, coordination, flag basics, body movement, kicks, and ability to take commands, performance and faculty evaluations.
  6. Tryouts are closed to spectators.
  7. Section leaders for Varsity will be determined on the audition date. 
    1. Candidates will be chosen based on their audition score and the Band Director Leadership Composite.
    2. 1st place – Section Leader.  The section leader is a part of the THS Band Leadership Team. 

 

AUXILIARY: PREREQUISITES FOR TRYOUTS

  1. Must be entering Talladega High School’s 10th, 11th, or 12th grade for Dega Darlins (varsity); 9th grade members must audition for Dega Darlins Addition.  Young ladies in the 10th-12th grades will be placed in the appropriate group by the judges upon making the line; Dega Darlins or Dega Darlins Addition.  
  2. Any student who has been dismissed from or has quit the band (Zora Ellis, Talladega High School, including all winter guards) must re-enter the band program as a marching member on her instrument.  After completing one year as a marching member she will then be eligible to audition the next calendar year.
  3. A $20.00 fee will be assessed to all candidates to defray expenses for clinic week. This fee is non-refundable. Make checks or money order payable to Band Boosters of Talladega, Inc.
  4. Must have parent/student consent form and on file in the band office by the 1st day of clinic, April 6, 2009.
  5. Must have ALL debts cleared at their local school, by Thursday, April 9, 2009.
  6. Must tryout again even if the student has been a member the previous year.  Being a previous member does not guarantee a spot. 
  7. Must attend each instructional clinic day in its entirety.
  8. Must have demonstrated satisfactory conduct throughout the year in which tryouts are held. A student who has been assigned to ISI 3 days will not be allowed to audition. A student who has been assigned OSS at any time will not be allowed to audition.
  9. Each auxiliary member and/or parent is responsible for all costs for costumes, equipment, additional fees, trip costs, and   pertinent camp fees. Range: $600- $1,000.00. Specific costs are spelled out at the first parent meeting after auditions.

Half payment for uniforms and equipment must be made before said items will be ordered. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN ON UNIFORMS AND/OR

EQUIPMENT ONCE THEY ARE ORDERED.   No items will be distributed to members before payment is made.

10.  Candidates must be in school all day on the day of tryouts.

 

CONDUCT

1.  All members MUST:

  1. Follow all school rules as defined in the Talladega City Schools Code of Conduct.
  2. Exhibit good sportsmanship.
  3. Cooperate with and show respect for the band directors, staff, parent chaperones and student leaders.
  4. Be respectful to teachers and school administrators.
  5. Not display undesirable emotions (rage, anger)
  6. Not publicly display affection.
  7. Be honest and truthful at all times.
  8. Conduct oneself appropriately in the classroom and as a member of the Dega Darlins while engaged in activities with the group.  Be a good example for peers.
  9. Members who become pregnant during the season will not be allowed to continue in practice or performance.  Our concern is for the unborn child. 
  10. While motherhood itself is not enough reason to be suspended, it is highly suggested that mothers do not participate in the auxiliary sections.
  11. Demonstrate satisfactory conduct throughout the year in which tryouts are held.  A student who has been assigned ISI 3 days will not be allowed to continue as a member.  A student who has been assigned OSS at any time will not be allowed to continue as a member.
  12. A member can be dismissed from the squad for improper conduct as determined by the principal and band director.

 

PERFORMANCE

  1. Music comes FIRST!!  - All members JV and Varsity must keep a desirable level of performance on her instrument in order to participate in Dega Darlins/Addition.  This includes but is not limited to music pass-offs on your instrument.  Band Directors reserve the right to suspend or dismiss a young lady from the squad based on musical performance on her instrument.  (In the event that a young lady is dismissed from the group, there will be NO REFUNDS.)
  2. All members must perform at ALL scheduled events, year round. 

 

 

 

 

(Continued)

 

  1. Members WILL have to pass-off her routine prior to performing.  Failure to pass-off the routine to the required ability established by the band directors will result in the member sitting out one performance.  ANY member sitting out two performances due to lack of passing of the routine in the time allowed will be dismissed from the Squad. 
  2. Unexcused failure to attend an event will result in dismissal from the squad.  The band director and administration will consider logical exceptions.
  3. Failure to attend any practice without a doctor’s excuse or prior permission will be considered unexcused and could result in not being able to perform at the next event.
  4. A member who misses two rehearsals during the week or who is suspended for demerits will not perform.  However, the member must attend the performance dressed in attire identifying them as an auxiliary member.  All other rules apply.
  5. All members must sit together at events and wear the designated attire.
  6. Restroom visits occur during 3rd Quarter only.
  7. A member may not have food in the stands.
  8. All members must be present all day the day of a performance.  Members cannot check in or out on the day of a performance unless excused by the administration.
  9. Dress Rehearsal Rule (Thursday rule):  Students MUST be present at the practice immediately prior to a performance.  (Example:  If we have a Saturday performance and the immediate practice prior to Saturday is on Thursday, students must be present in order to perform on Saturday.)
  10. All members must be on time to performances and practices.  Failure to do so will result in demerits.
  11. Work is not an excused absence.  Jobs must not interfere with practice or performance.  All attendance procedures will be followed in relation to this matter.
  12. Hair, tanning, nails, other appointments, etc. are not excused absences or tardies.
  13. Any two absences from a performance for any reason may result in dismissal from the group.  (these count year round.)
  14. No visiting or sitting with family or friends at performances other than the times permitted will be allowed.  (winter guard – this includes the ready area when we arrive.)
  15. A demerit system will be administered and enforced by the band directors. 

 

REHEARSALS

  1. Regular Practices for Dega Darlins begin when tryouts are completed.  Dega Darlin Addition rehearsals begin following marching season, some will be done prior to second semester, however, 2nd semester will have a weekly practice schedule. 
  2. Each Dega Darlin member must attend all camps, rehearsals and orientations planned for the combined or individual squads. 
  3. Mandatory Marching band rehearsal will be held Monday – Thursday afterschool during football season.  Auxiliaries will practice until 6:00 as deemed by the band directors.
  4. Practices for Winter Guard will often times take place at the ZEJH gym, however, it is not always available.  (Location of practice will be announced prior to the practice.)
  5. Please check www.degaband.com and www.degadarlinsaddition.blogspot.com for updated rehearsal information.
  6. The band directors will decide additional needed rehearsals and times, as needed.

 

(continued)

 

  1. We will have a longer Winter Guard Camp, usually in November.  The date and time is set based on the availability of the choreographer and will be announced as soon as possible.

 

UNIFORMS / COSTUMES

  1. Dega Darlin members will dress in the Talladega High School Band uniform for concerts.
  2. The band director will make design and selection of the costumes for the Fall and Winter Guard show and performances. 
  3. The individual will purchase all uniforms, wind suits, t-shirts, bags, etc.
  4. Uniforms will be neat and clean for all performances.
  5. Uniforms will be worn properly at all times.  Jewelry only as designated by the director.
  6. Auxiliaries should wear designated uniform for all games, pep-rallies, and performances, as determined by the band directors.  This includes styling of hair as well. 
  7. All students must have all equipment, uniform and parts, etc. for each performance in order to perform.

 

FUNDRAISING

  1. Fundraising opportunities will be offered for those that wish to raise money for

      their uniforms and fees.

  1. There will be at least one fundraiser that is required for all members in order to

            raise the money needed for the show materials.

 

 

 

THS BAND: DEMERIT SYSTEM

Demerits shall be given for the infractions listed below.  In addition to the listed infractions, demerits may also be given for other conduct determined unacceptable by the band director’s, administration and sponsor.  The demerit system will be effective and will accumulate from tryout to tryout for Auxiliary and from year to year for band members.  Each member will be expected to maintain the proper attitude and accept the band director’s decision.  THE BAND DIRECTOR, SPONSOR, AND ADMINISTRATION SHALL HAVE FINAL WORD IN DETERMINING CONDUCT THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR BAND AND AUXILLIARY MEMBERS.

 

INFRACTION                                                                                                                DEMERIT

Failure to accept constructive criticism                                                                                      1

Failure to meet deadlines (money, forms, etc.)                                                                           1

Tardiness                                                                                                                                 3

Eating, drinking, or gum chewing                                                                                               1

ISI (per day)                                                                                                                             5

Unexcused absence from practice.                                                                                            7.5

OSS (per day)                                                                                                                          15

Improper display of affection                                                                                                      2

Fighting or causing dissension among members                                                                          7.5

Improper attire at any event (cannot perform)                                                                            7.5

Using profanity at any time while representing school                                                                  7.5

Unsportsmanlike conduct (as determined by the directors)                                                          5

Failure to attend practice without proper equipment                                                                    5

Not passing off music/routines within given deadlines                                                                 7.5

Failure to attend performance without proper equipment                                                           7.5

 

 

After 7.5 demerits, the member is suspended for 1 event; 15 demerits will remove a member from the squad. The Band Director and administration will determine suspension and dismissal from the band.

David McDaniel, Director of Bands

(256)315-5677 (office) – dmcaniel@mail.talladega-cs.net

 

Danielle Todd

(256)315-5706 – etodd@mail.talladega-cs.net

 

Also visit the following sites:

www.degaband.com – Talladega High School Band

www.degadarlins@blogspot.com – Dega Darlins

www.degadarlinsaddition@blogspot.com – Dega Darlin Addition Blog

www.scgconline.org – official website for the Southeastern Color Guard Circuit, of which we are a member.

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