Non-Enrollment Policy
All Cal Poly students are expected to enroll in the course appropriate for the ensemble of which they are a member. Any exceptions to this rule must be discussed with one of the directors prior to the beginning of the academic quarter. Regardless of enrollment status, all members of the band must fulfill all requirements as stated in the course syllabus to avoid dismassal.
Music & Supplies
All sheet music must be brought to each rehearsal. In the event of an absence, arrangements must be made to have it available so that it is available for others to use. A pencil is also required for each rehearsal.
Metronome & Tuner
Every member of the Cal Poly band program is expected to own and use a metronome and tuner when practicing. The standard of pitch for Cal Poly Wind Bands is A4=440Hz.
Winter & Spring Quarters
Because so much of what the Wind Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Bands do in winter quarter serves as preparation for the Spring Quarter, it is necessary to make these ensembles a two-quarter commitment. There are no formal Spring Quarter auditions. All exceptions to this rule (other than Winter Quarter graduation) must be cleared with the directors and discussed well in advance.
Auditions
Participation in all university bands is by audition only. Auditions will take place in September for the Fall quarter and November for the Winter/Spring terms.
Lockers and Practice Rooms
If you need a locker and/or wish to sign-up for a reserved practice room time, please forward the Music Use Fee receipt to the Music Department Office, during a scheduled check-out time. The schedule for locker check-out during the second week of classes will be posted on the Music Department website. Please note that you must have been officially accepted into an ensemble before you will be allowed to obtain a locker.
Please measure your instrument and check out the smallest possible locker. We do not have enough large lockers to accommodate every large instrument. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Music Use Fee
All students who need an instrument, locker or wish to reserve a practice room will need to pay the $20.00 music use fee each quarter. This should be paid at the Cashier’s window in the Administration Building. Only students who have officially been accepted into/are enrolled in an ensemble are entitled to pay the use fee for lockers, instruments, and practice time. Students can pay for more than one quarter if they will be continuing in the group winter and/or spring.
Instructions on how to pay the Music Use Fee can be found here.
Please note that the Music Use Fee is not required of all students. Only those students who are able to acquire a storage locker, use a school instrument, or wish to reserve a practice room time are required to pay the Music Use Fee.
Concert Attire
Wind Ensemble & Wind Orchestra
It is important that our visual presentation at concerts be professional and somewhat uniform. Concert attire should be comfortable, allow you to be expressive and not draw audience attention away from the musical presentation. To that end, there are guidelines as to the proper Wind Ensemble/Wind Orchestra performance attire.
Option 1: All Black
This option is available to all students.
- Long black dress or black blouse and black skirt (below the knees while sitting)
- Black nylons (ankles must be covered)
- Black trousers, black long-sleeve collared shirt or turtle-neck sweater
- Black formal shoes
A formal black coat/jacket and/or a black vest and/or tie may be worn as accessories.
Option 2: Black Tuxedo
This option is available to all students.
- Black tuxedo coat (no tails)
- Black tuxedo pants
- Black dress shirt
- Black Bow tie
- Black cummerbund (recommended) or black vest
- Black socks
- Black dress shoes (tuxedo shoes are recommended)
New or used tuxedos may be purchased at retail stores such as Men’s Warehouse. Another purchasing option would be from online retailers such as Tuxedos Online. (If purchasing online, please be sure to have someone with tailoring/alteration experience help you with measurements. Also, be sure that you’re ordering a basic/standard single-breasted black tuxedo with no tails – not something that sparkles and would draw the eye on the Vegas Strip.) Finally, if you buy a vest, it should be plain black and should match the color of your tuxedo coat.
University Jazz Bands
Concert attire for the bands of Cal Poly Jazz will be announced prior to each concert.
Mustang Band
Fall Quarter: Marching Band uniform unless otherwise announced
Winter Quarter: Pep jersey unless otherwise announced
Travel Guidelines
The Cal Poly Bands travel on performances on a regular basis. This experience is invaluable and is an important part of the program. Participation in all elements of the itinerary is mandatory unless excused by the conductor in advance. It is important that we travel in an “all for one, one for all spirit”, and bear in mind that we represent the University community as well as the Band Program.
Basic Rules
- Keep in mind that we represent the United States of America, California, Cal Poly, and our band program at all times. Illegal, dangerous, or risky behavior will not be tolerated. If you are contemplating any activity that you think may fall into one of these three categories, you should consult with one of the directors first.
- Any parents (or older non-student travelers) are not chaperones. Those 18 or over are adults and will be treated as such. While the directors are very protective of their students (regardless of age) and will provide wisdom and oversight throughout the trip, it is important that everyone understand that ramifications for illegal, dangerous, or risky behavior will be the same as it would be for any adult.
- Bearing witness to other travelers engaging in illegal, dangerous, or risky behavior and not reporting it immediately to one of the directors is no different than having committed the act oneself.
- The “Alcohol Policy” and “Band Social Gathering Policies”, as described in the Band Handbook, are applicable at all times while traveling off-campus.
- Never go anywhere alone. If you get separated from your group, or if you are finding it difficult to find others with similar interests to your own, contact one of the directors immediately and we will help. We always have quite a few students on the trip with leadership experience (several WoW leaders, in fact) and there is no doubt that they can help make sure everyone has at least one or two traveling buddies.
- All travelers are expected to listen attentively, act, and respond accordingly when the trip leader is providing information and/or instructions. This is particularly important while in airports or on the road.
Alcohol Policy
The use of alcohol during the period eight hours prior to a performance is strictly forbidden. After performances alcohol may be consumed only if legally allowed. At no time, and under no circumstances, is it permitted for an ensemble member to be visibly “drunk.” If one drink will intoxicate you, then you must not drink at all!
With regard to tours and traveling, nothing can ruin a trip more quickly or more effectively than the inappropriate use of alcohol. The slightest amount of alcohol in the body can subtly impair one’s ability to function. It is recommended that the use of alcohol be totally eliminated along the entire itinerary. Please understand that road trips are not the time or place to experiment with alcohol or any other drug.
Any violation of this policy will be dealt with immediately and severely. Violators will be sent home at their own expense and penalties with regard to band participation will be imposed.
