Band

Instilling a love of music

The Band program at Steubenville Catholic Schools begins in 5th grade and continues throughout all schools in a coordinated effort. It is one program with four developmental and performance levels: the Elementary School Band, 6th Grade Band, Junior High Band, and High School Band.

The whole student is considered early on, and musicianship is the focus. This Music Education at Steubenville Catholic Schools has its foundation in general music knowledge and skills developed in the primary grades of Elementary School with an excellent General Music program. The instrumental program builds upon that knowledge, producing students who have well-rounded performance experience in many genres and are ready to move into higher-level learning musical experiences and/or careers.

"Music has become an important part of my education; I understand so much more of history, poetry, literature, language, and culture through my experience in music."

— Sarah, Class of 2027

Steubenville Catholic High School Instrumental Program

The High School Band program at CCHS consists of the Crusader Marching Band for the Fall Semester, and Concert Band in the Spring.

Crusader Marching Band

The Crusader Marching Band of Steubenville Catholic Central is made up of approximately 60 dynamite students (from 7th to 12th grade), all with their own unique personalities and skill levels. The Crusader Marching Band includes Musicians, Royalettes and Color Guard. The Marching Band traces its history to the opening of CCHS, a legacy within a tradition! Are you thinking of being part of the band? Would you like to play an instrument? Or is performing through dance your desire? The Crusader Marching Band is always looking for new students who are curious about participating.

We play at all football games, Pep Rally’s, Fish Fry’s, Kennywood, and in local parades. The Crusader Marching Band performs at concerts, the Varsity Show, and the Summer Fest. During the summer, there are several mini-band camp weeks and a weeklong residential summer camp to hone skills; practice shows and have fun. The Crusader Marching Band is a family, a group of like-minded student-musicians and dancers who want to be part of something wonderful.

Marching Band is a class during Fall Semester. Those in the Crusader Marching Band fulfill a PE credit as well as a Fine Arts credit. In the 2nd semester, the Concert Band practices for and performs two concerts and at graduation.

CCHS Concert Band

The Concert Band is a second Semester class which performs at a minimum of two events: the Spring Concert and at Graduation. Small ensembles made up from members of the Concert Band do have performance opportunities throughout the year. Performance is required as part of the curriculum. Members of the Concert Band are also expected to play in the Pit Orchestra for the Spring Musical.

The Concert Band is a developmental band consisting of standard band instrumentation. Because there is currently no orchestral program at CCHS, string players are welcome to join and participate in gaining ensemble experience. Introduction to different genres of band music occurs through practice and preparation for concert performance.

Experience on a band instrument is preferred, but instruction is available to those who are less experienced on a case-by-case basis.

BJKM Junior High Band

The BJKM Junior High Band plays at the Christmas Concert and the Spring Concert. The JH Band meets three class periods each week and is a developmental band that builds on skills learned in the 5th and 6th grade band programs. Using Book 2 of Hal Leonard ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS, students are exposed to higher levels of note reading, scales, sight reading, key and time signatures and ensemble playing. Playing tests are given to assess student progress and achievement. Performance in a concert setting is required for these young musicians as part of the curriculum.

Currently, the JH Band consists of 7th and 8th grade instrumentalists and offers instruction and experience on the following instruments:

Brass
Trumpet
F Horn
Trombone
Baritone
Tuba
Woodwinds
Flute
Clarinet
Saxophone
Oboe
Bassoon
Percussion
Drums
Cymbals
Mallets
Other percussion instruments

Some members of the JH Band who demonstrate proficiency and motivation are offered an opportunity to join the Crusader Marching Band. This opportunity is done through an audition process which takes place in February and March before the Summer/Fall marching season begins. At this time, the JH members of the Crusader Band attend JH Band as a class once school begins for the Fall Semester.

Interested in more?

Questions about the Instrumental Band program can be directed to Mr. Paulowski, our band director.

Click to Email Mr. Paulowski

Staff

The Crusader Marching Band professional staff includes a Band Director, Assistant Band Director, Color Guard Coach and Royalette Coach. Specialists for each area are brought in by the Band Boosters for Brass, Woodwind and Percussion for Band Camp. Band Camp also has a paid medical provider who provides for immediate concerns.

Come check us out – the performance calendar is below – and then sign up! New band members need no experience, you can come to the band room each Monday after school until 3:45 for a “New Player Clinic” for any instrument throughout the school year.

The Steubenville Catholic Schools Instrumental Program is entirely supported by the CCHS Band Boosters. Please see information below in the Crusader Marching Band portion of this page for more information on how parents of all levels can be involved and benefit from being part of the Band Boosters.

Band Boosters

The Steubenville Catholic Schools Instrumental Program is entirely supported by the CCHS Band Boosters. Parents are absolutely integral and welcome to be involved in the band program at all levels. All instrumental parents are, by extension, Band Booster members and have a vested interest in being involved by volunteering for activities and leadership.

The Band Boosters, while focusing specifically on supporting the Crusader Marching Band, support the entire Steubenville Catholic Schools band program through their efforts. Through creative fundraising, they help build the high school band program through instrumental repair and replacement for all band students in the feeder band programs at BJKM grades 5, 6, 7 and 8.

The Steubenville Catholic School system provides the directors, coaches, music and facilities. The Booster program provides the means for everything else including transportation, instruments and equipment, uniforms, food, chaperones, through creative fundraising, coordination and care.

Support the CCHS Band

The Crusader Band represents CCHS throughout the community and is a tremendous source of pride and recognition for our school. Your supportive gift, no matter the size, allows us to continue to represent Crusader pride and school spirit throughout the Ohio Valley and beyond. We depend on alumni, parents, and friends like you to continue to support this program.

Thank you for your generosity in support of our students!

CCHS Crusader Band Handbook

This handbook is applicable to any and all students who participate in any ensembles of the Crusader Band Program: Marching Band, Jazz Band, Concert Band, Brass Band, Steel Drum Band, Chamber Ensembles, and any other performing groups established within the Crusader Band Program.

Mission Statement:
The Crusader Band Program (1) provides opportunities for students to develop their God-given talents (2) performs for the school and community at large and (3) ensures a supportive environment where students and staff are respected and valued for their unique talents and abilities.

Organization and Hierarchy of Leadership:

The Band Director serves as the ultimate leader of the Crusader Band Program. The Assistant Band Director works with the Band Director to build a successful and thriving Band Program at Steubenville Catholic Schools. The Color Guard/Royalette Coach works with the Band Director and Assistant Band Director during the Marching Band Season to lead the Color Guard and Royalette sections of the Marching Band to achieve visual excellence.

The Band Director shall hire several instrumental specialists to serve as coaches for specific sections during the annual CCHS Band Camp. These coaches work under the Band Director and are accountable to him.

There are 3 types of student leadership roles within the Band Program: Appointed, Elected, Seniors.

Appointed Leadership:

These positions are focused on the instructional needs of the band members. They run sectionals and assist the director in teaching the marching band fundamentals. They should possess excellent examples of leadership qualities, musical/ movement skills, and marching experience. Once appointed, they should expect to attend any training, meetings, or events that calls for “appointed leaders.”

The Band Director shall appoint the students who have demonstrated to be the best fit for these positions. Students interested in appointed leadership positions should apply using the following process:

Letter of Recommendation
- Teacher, Administrator, Coach, or another Adult Leader in your life who can attest to your ability of leadership
Interview/ Essay- answer the following questions:
- In what position of leadership could you serve the band program best?
- Why do you think you should be a leader in this band?
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- What past experiences would you draw from for inspiration on leadership (both good and bad)?
- In your view, what are the specific responsibilities of the leadership position for which you are applying?
Audition
- Instrumentalists
  - Scales
  - CCHS MB Recurring Tune
  - Pregame or Stand Tune (On Lead Part)
  - Sight Reading
- Drummers (same time as Drumline Audition)
  - Rudiments
  - Prepared Piece
  - Sight Reading
- Flags/ Royalettes (Same time as Auxiliary Auditions)
  - Choreography
    - Current Stand tunes
    - All School Songs
    - Ability to recognize changes necessary to accommodate team line
- Field Commanders
  - Conducting in front of Band
    - Star Spangled Banner
    - Stand Tune
    - 10/15 minutes in front of the Band to read with them, work on the piece of music, and then play through again.

Elected Leadership

These positions of leadership are elected by the students of the band program. They are responsible for the logistics of the band: collecting money for student-led events, moving the equipment to/from performances and rehearsals, and other important logistics.

In the 4th Quarter of the school year, a meeting will be called for all upcoming members of the band program. At this meeting, elections will be held for next year’s band officer positions. A simple majority will elect the new officers.

The Band Council is comprised of the following elected officer positions:

President
- Call Meetings of the Band Council
- Set Agenda for Band Council Meetings
- Lead Band Council in determining and serving the band’s logistical needs.
- Appoint Band Council members, sections, or band members to set up and tear down after each rehearsal.- Take care of the line markers, bring water, etc…
Vice Presidents
- Creating and communicating an efficient system for loading and unloading the band trailer
- Responsible for loading the trailer before performances.
- Responsible for unloading the trailer after performances.
- Serve as president when the president is absent.
- There will be two Vice Presidents:
  - Instrumental will represent the Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion Sections
  - Auxiliary will represent the Color Guard and Royalettes
Secretary
- Responsible for taking minutes during all band council meetings
- Responsible to communicate with the band members when there is need to from the Band Council
Treasurer
- Collects all money for student-led events: Senior Party, gifts for Band Staff, etc…
- Keep record of all incoming and outgoing transactions.
Historians
- Responsible for keeping records of band events and performances.
- Collects photos for slideshows (Senior & Band Banquet) Creates slideshows
- There will be two Historians: Instrumental & Auxiliary

Senior Leadership

All Seniors serve as the social and cultural leaders of the band. They have a responsibility to keep the morale of the band high and the tradition and identity of the band alive. Seniors should take new members under their wing and encourage them to achieve their very best. Seniors should emulate the highest standards and be the model band member.

ALL SENIORS and ELECTED AND APPOINTED Student Leaders must attend the Leadership Training Mini-Camp in the CCHS Bandroom.

Attendance Policy

The Crusader Bands rely on every member to play his or her part to the best of their ability. When a member is missing from a rehearsal or performance, it greatly affects the sound of the entire ensemble.
- Students are expected to attend every rehearsal appropriate to their ensemble.
- Students are expected to attend any sectionals called by the band director or section leader.
- Students are expected to attend all performances appropriate to their specific ensemble.
- Students in the Crusader Marching Band are required to attend Band Camp in its entirety.
Should circumstances prevent a student from attending a rehearsal, sectional, or performance, a written form of communication should be provided with the name of the student, date he or she will be absent, and signed by a parent or guardian.
Written Forms of Communication
- Email to zpaulowski@steubenvillecatholiccentral.org
- Note dropped off to the blue basket in the front of the bandroom
- Text to (740)424-8381
- Direct Message to Director Zeke Paulowski via Team Reach App
Tardy/Early Dismissal:
- When a student is planning on being tardy to a rehearsal or performance or leaving from a rehearsal or performance early, please inform the band director in writing BEFORE the missed time.
- If a student is going to be late to an after school rehearsal because they were making up work or a test, they must bring a note from that teacher.
- Because students will receive a grade for their performances, it is very important that students are present or meet the necessary criteria for an excused absence.

Dress Code / Uniform

Concert Attire

The concert is an opportunity to showcase the hard work of the students for the semester. The objective of the attire is to create an image of uniformity within the ensemble and to draw attention away from individual band members and to place the focus on the band as a whole.

Gentlemen

Black dress pants
Black or white dress shirt
Black dress shoes
Black dress socks
Black belt
Black dress sweater is optional
Accessories (optional):
- Christmas Concert: Santa Hat, Christmas Tie
- Spring Concert: Pastel Tie
Blazer (optional)

Ladies:

Black dress pants
Black dress (knee length) WITH BLACK LEGGINGS
White or black dress shirt
Black dress shoes
Black dress socks
Accessories (optional)
- Christmas Concert: Santa Hat, Christmas Colored (Red/Green) Accessory
- Spring Concert: Pastel Accent Accessory

In accordance with the School Dress Code remember:

No spaghetti straps
No extremely tight, loose or revealing clothing.
No Hats or head coverings

Please consult pages 9-11 of the Student Code of conduct for a complete listing of appropriate attire for school functions.

Students who fail to wear the proper attire will not be permitted to perform.

Marching Attire:

The Crusader Marching Band distinguishes between a Summer Uniform and a Winter Uniform. The purpose of the uniform is to focus the audience’s attention on the band as a whole singular unit. Students who are not dressed appropriately will not be able to participate.

Communication will be sent ahead of time about proper attire for each event. The Band Director will assess the setting, weather, type of event, and other factors to ensure that the band is dressed appropriately for each event.

Summer Uniform

Blue Crusader Marching Band Polo Shirt
Khaki Shorts or Pants
White Socks
White Marching Band Shoes
Long Hair should be tied back in a braid

Winter Uniform

School Issued Jacket and Suspenders
White Marching Shoes
Band Roster Shirt underneath Jacket
White Socks
Long Hair should be tied back in a braid

Students are responsible for keeping their uniforms clean during the season and should not do any activities while in uniform that may unnecessarily soil the uniform.

Pep Band Attire:

CCHS School/Team Shirt
Jeans
Tennis Shoes

There may be other attire required for various events. Please be sure to check the Team Reach app and email for announcements about attire changes.

Grading Policy

Band is a co-curricular activity: There is a class during the school day as well as after school/ weekend commitments. Because it is a class, students will receive a grade every term they are enrolled in a band class. This grade will be reflective of attitude, preparation, and achievement measured in rehearsals and performances.

Grading Breakdown:

50% Performances
- Attendance for Performances
- Correct Equipment
- Positive and Focused Attitude
25% Participation and Preparation in rehearsals
- Bringing the necessary equipment to rehearsals
- Playing to the best of their ability
- Focused attitude
25% Written and Playing Tests as assigned
- Accuracy in pitches and rhythms
- Attention to musical expression marks
- Familiarity with music and evidence of preparation for tests
- Turning in the assignment on time
Late Work Policy
- Students will receive a 10% deduction for all unexcused late work.
- At the end of the term any missing assignments will receive a 70%

Traveling Policy

Most of the time, the Band will travel as one unit via bus. Students are to ride the bus to the event and ride the bus from the event. In order to make sure travel is safe, efficient, and smooth please adhere to the following:
- If a conversation can be heard in the front of the bus, it is too loud
- There will be no hanging out of the windows
- When the bus pulls over or stops at a railroad crossing, all students will be silent
- Keep the bus clean by picking up all the trash.
- Listen to instructions from the bus driver or chaperones.
- Sit in the same seat returning from the event as you did heading to the event.
- Students are representing the Crusader Band and ultimately Catholic Central High School. They should maintain a proper Christian disposition when out in the community.
- Students must remain with the Band at all times unless they ask their section leader, chaperone, or band director to leave.

Behavior Expectations at Games, Performances, and other Events

Students should represent the Band Program and Catholic Central High School’s high expectations for behavior in the school and in the community especially when they are there as part of the band.
Students are expected to arrive with the Band, stay with the Band, and leave with the Band
- Members of the CCHS MB may bring students with them near the Marching Band reserved seating section; however, the members of the marching band CANNOT leave that section without permission from the Band Directors, Chaperones, or Section leaders.
- Band Members should always use the buddy system when traveling to the concessions, restrooms, etc.. Never travel alone.
- Band Members will have a break to get a snack, use the restroom and see their friends and family following the halftime performance until three (3) minutes remain on the clock for the 3rd Quarter
  - It is the responsibility of each member to watch the clock and report back to the stands at the correct time. Failure to report will result in a consequence, loss of privileges, writing assignment, 5 minute drill, demerit, phone call or email to parents, or other appropriate disciplinary action.
- Students will behave in a manner that reflects positively on Catholic Central High School.
  - Using Christian language
  - Showing kindness and respect to everyone they encounter
  - Avoid any actions that may be viewed by the community as inappropriate or scandalous.

Classroom Policies

Respect the director and staff at all times through your words and actions.
Respect your peers at all times through your words and actions.
Respect the space by properly storing equipment in the bandroom
- Instruments should always be put away in cases and placed on a shelf in the instrument locker room.Clothing
- Personal belongings should not be kept in the band room such as: Clothing, Hats Shoes, Music, Chromebooks, Textbooks, and Other Personal Items, not related to band activities
Music should always be kept in a 3 Ring Binder with Sheet Protectors
- Music found sitting out around the Bandroom will be thrown out and the student will be responsible for obtaining new copies of the music.
- The Bandroom is used by several different classes from 6th-12th grades. Objects left out in the bandroom cannot be guaranteed that they will not be moved by the next rehearsal.

Instrument/ Equipment Policy

Students must arrive to rehearsals and performances with the appropriate equipment
This Includes (as applicable)
- Attire/Uniform
- Instrument
- Music
- Flags
- Props
- Other Materials that are required by the Director and Instructors
Woodwind and Brass Instruments should be either rented or owned privately
- Students should provide any reeds, valve/slide/key oil, or other accessories required to successfully play their instruments.
- There is the option to rent selected instruments from the School
- Families are asked to rent or purchase their own instruments when they are able. This ensures that the use of the school’s inventory can be focused towards families in most need.
- Drums will be provided by the school
- Sticks should be purchased by the student and taped in the style determined by the Drumline Captain and Band Director
- Marching Drums
  - Snare:
    Vic Firth Corpsmaster Signature Snare Drumsticks
    Ralph Hardimon
  - Tenor:
    Promark TS8 System Blue Sean Vega Tenor Sticks
  - Bass:
    Ahead Chavez Arsenal ABM6 Marching Bass Drum Mallets
- Concert Band:
  - Snare: Innovative BB-CS Bakbeats Concert Snare Drumsticks
- Flags, Poms and other Props for the season will be provided to the Color Guard and Royalettes
  - It is the responsibility of each member of Auxiliary to keep their flags, flagpoles, poms and any other props utilized during the season in good condition and know the location at all times.
  - Any tears or break in any prop distributed to a student must be reported to the Auxiliary coach immediately to determine how it can be repaired especially if it is to be used at an imminent show or performance.
  - Students will be held responsible for any lost props.

CCHS Marching Band Summer Band Camps

The preparation for the Crusader Marching Band begins during the summer months. Students and parents are responsible for checking the band calendar posted on the school’s website to know the dates for all training, clinics, mini-camps, residential camp, and other rehearsals and performances during the summer break.

Auditions for the drumline will be held during March
Auditions for Royalettes and Color Guard teams will be held in April
The application process for student leadership will begin following the previous year’s Band Banquet
Student Leadership Training will be held on the Monday following the Fourth of July.
Mini Camp for new members of the Marching Band will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday following the Fourth of July.
Mini Camp Review for all members of the Marching Band will be held on Thursday and Friday following the Fourth of July.
A week of Mini Camps will be held in the third week of July from 8:00AM-12:00PM Monday-Friday.
Residential Band Camp will be held the last full week of July.
Following Band Camp, there will be biweekly rehearsals until school starts.
When school is in session, there will be rehearsal every Thursday after school 3:00PM-5:00PM.

Role of Parents

It is assumed that students who join the Crusader Band Program have the support of their parents or guardians to do so. Being in Band is a major commitment that should be discussed at home between students and parents.

Parents will encourage their children to practice their music at home.
Parents will attend all Mandatory Booster meetings and are encouraged to attend the monthly Band Booster meetings.
Parents will ensure that all fees for Band Camp, apparel, and other expenses are paid in full.
Parents must meet the minimum requirement for chaperoning and volunteering as set by the Band Boosters.
Parents will collaborate with instructors and directors to hold their children to the highest moral standards as befits a member of the Crusader Band Program.

Agreement & Acknowledgement

All students and parents must download and sign the agreement to these terms and policies of the Crusader Band Program.