Policies

*All policies, rules and regulations apply to ALL members of the Marching Southerners! They also apply to ALL performances (parades, pep rallies, games, exhibitions).*

Memorization and Pass-off Policy

All music should be memorized during camp with the exception of new music that arrives during the regular season. This will be checked by a “pass-off” system. Section members will play for the section leaders. This system is designed to encourage superior performance standards for each member of the band. Failure to memorize music or perform up to standard will jeopardize the student’s position in the marching block.

Uniform Policy

Uniforms should be neat and wrinkle free for all performances. Winds and percussion must have the specified shoe type (Dinkles: black patent leather shoe) and calf-length black socks at all performances. Each member is expected to wear their current member shirt at all performances. When not wearing the jacket, bibbers must be worn properly (straps over the shoulder) with shoes.

•    Hats of any type, other than those previously approved, are not permitted in the stands. Black JSU hats are permitted in the stands at football games.

•    Sunglasses are not permitted during pre-game, halftime, postgame, or exhibition performances. Sunglasses are permitted in the stands at football games and are strongly encouraged for all rehearsals.

The following grooming guidelines have been established to ensure a uniform and clean-cut appearance of The Marching Southerners:

•    Hair – Excessively long hair, both male and female, must be put in a ponytail and worn inside the shako. It is preferred to have hair cut to a manageable length. If anyone in a section that has exposed hair and does not wear a shako chooses to dye their hair, the dyed hair must be a natural hair color.

•    Jewelry – No jewelry is to be worn while in uniform. Earrings, with the exception of clear or black studs, will not be worn while in uniform. No tongue rings or facial piercings are allowed during performances. If you have large ear piercings, they must be removed, and you may use clear spacers. Wedding bands and engagement rings are permitted and can be worn under the gloves; however, any worn while in uniform will not be the responsibility of the University Bands, or JSU if it is lost or if any damage occurs. Should a member be in violation of these jewelry guidelines, they will have to remove the, or be sent home.

•    Cosmetics – With the exception of the Colorguard and the Ballerinas, the use of cosmetics is to be kept to an absolute minimum while in uniform.

•    Tattoos – All exposed tattoos must be covered completely during all performances.

            ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING, VAPING, OR DRINKING ALCOHOL WILL BE TOLERATED WHILE IN PARTIAL OR FULL UNIFORM OR AT ANY BAND-RELATED FUNCTION. A “band-related function” includes any rehearsal or event where The Marching Southerners are present. Anyone caught smoking, drinking, or vaping will automatically be dismissed from the program.

ANY PERSON IN VIOLATION OF THESE GUIDELINES WILL BE SUBJECT TO DISMISSAL FROM THE MARCHING SOUTHERNERS AS WELL AS LOSS OF ANY BAND SCHOLARSHIP AT THE DIRECTORS’ DISCRETION.

Rehearsal Policy

         Rehearsal begins promptly at 4:15pm excluding Thursday when rehearsal begins at 6:30pm (Miscellaneous Ensemble section rehearsals are arranged by section leaders. Attendance at these arranged sectional rehearsals is mandatory unless approved by the directors). Students are expected to display a PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE toward all rehearsals.

            Due to the large number of members in The Marching Southerners, talking must be kept to an absolute minimum. When the band has stopped, immediately cease playing and/or marching, and listen to the instructions being given. When there are instructions being given from the top (the band tower), all talking stops, including talking amongst the staff and section leaders. This is the only way to efficiently use rehearsal time to meet our high-performance standards.

            ABSOLUTELY NO DRINKING OF ALCOHOL BEFORE/DURING PERFORMANCES OR BAND RELATED FUNCTIONS. Anyone caught drinking before or during band related functions will automatically be dismissed from the program. It is university policy that no student can drink alcohol on a university sponsored trip/event.

            THE USE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AT ANY TIME. Anyone caught under the influence of illegal substances during rehearsals, performances, or travel will be immediately dismissed from the program.

            Foul or abusive language will not be tolerated. You represent our band at all times. Be ready to play in the stands at ALL times. Students must stand when they play. Music will not be used when performing; everything must be memorized. Only current members of the Marching Southerners are allowed in the stands during football games. Alumni or family are not permitted within the section.

Attendance Policy

All rehearsals and performances are required. Do not schedule any kind of appointments or classes during rehearsal time (this includes pre-recital hearings and make-up lessons). As stated before, you are expected to be at rehearsal on time. If you are late to rehearsal, you are to report to a graduate teaching assistant to correct the absence for the day. The full absence policy can be found HERE.

Unexcused Absence Policy

After the FIRST unexcused absence from a rehearsal, the student’s grade for the class is deducted by one letter grade.

After the SECOND unexcused absence from a rehearsal, the student’s grade for the class is deducted by another letter grade. The student may also be subjected to alternate status at the discretion of the directors.

After the THIRD unexcused absence from a rehearsal, the student will fail the class and be dismissed from the program. This will also involve the loss of any JSU Band scholarship that the student may have. 

If a student misses ANY performance without an absence request form being submitted AND approved by the directors, the student will fail the class and be dismissed from the program. This will also involve the loss of any JSU Band scholarship that the student may have.

Excused Absence Policy

Students needing to excuse an absence from a rehearsal will have to fill out an absence request form. The form will need to be submitted by 12:00pm on the day of the rehearsal in which you wish to be excused. The directors will then review the form and either approve or deny your absence request form. If your absence request form is denied by a director, your absence will be considered unexcused for that day. Listed below are the different circumstances that may permit a student for an excused absence:

•  Illness (a doctor’s note must be uploaded on the absence request form)
• JSU Sponsored Activity (a sponsored activity form must be uploaded on the absence request form)
• Wedding (must be of an immediate family member, or wedding in which you are a bridesmaid or groomsman)
• Funeral
• Car trouble (must submit an absence request form AND let your section leader know as soon as you are aware of the issue)
• Other (this can be specified in the comment section of the absence request form and is subject to approval by the directors/staff)

*If it is discovered that a student has falsified information regarding their excused absence, it will result in immediate dismissal from the program and loss of any JSU Band scholarship. *

Tardy Policy

Two tardies is equivalent to one UNEXCUSED absence. If you will be tardy to rehearsal due to a class conflict, you must notify the directors at the beginning of the semester via email. If you are tardy to rehearsal, you must check in with a GTA upon arrival. Otherwise, this will result in an UNEXCUSED absence.

*Auxiliary units (Colorguard and Ballerinas) may follow different guidelines and policies regarding unexcused absences, excused absences, and tardies. These different guidelines and policies will be provided and explained by leadership staff.*

Note: Perfect attendance is the standard. Anything less than this will be construed as a lack of interest on the part of the student and will result in a lowered grade and/or reassignment out of the marching block.
The student assumes responsibility for any unexcused absence. DO NOT ASK TO BE EXCUSED for work, studying for exams, fraternity or sorority functions, make-up lessons, etc. Our demands regarding your time will be announced in advance so that you can make arrangements to be at all functions. Members are required to participate in all performance events listed on the performance calendar at the beginning of the semester. All members are expected to arrange their schedules to meet these commitments. Extra events may include Pep Rallies, Parades, Special Exhibitions, or other community or University events.