DARK SKY PERCUSSION - 2022 Member Handbook

DARK SKY PERCUSSION – 2022 Member Handbook
The Dark Sky organization is dedicated to creating outstanding and unique musical performances for our
World Class members. We are committed to the development of leaders who display integrity, strong
communication skills and a work ethic that will put them at the top of anything they choose to tackle in
their future. The following agreement is the backbone to accomplishing our collective goals and making the
journey through this season one of accomplishment and joy.

ATTENDANCE:
As a Dark Sky Member, I agree to:

   •   Full vaccination in order to participate
   •   Contact Director immediately if I contract a “Covid breakthrough infection” and avoid rehearsals
       until cleared with a Negative test result.
   •   Attend scheduled rehearsals and performances on time, which includes planning for traffic.
   •   Communicate unavoidable conflicts:
           o Send private DISCORD message to SHARON (communicating with section leader or
                instructional staff does not replace this requirement)
           o Request an absence 2 or more weeks in advance; including date, times & reason
           o NOTE: Written communication by member does not insure permission by staff
           o Communicate emergencies asap to a Director via text or Discord message, a text to fellow
                member does not replace communicating with Director
   •   Attendance at BATTERY/VISUAL staging dates are crucial to progress. If an absence is avoidable, you
       must line up a sub to fill in for you and send a photo of their Covid Vac card in advance.
   •   Submit dates of conflicting musical performances &/or school-related conflicts to Sharon; check
       your schedules NOW.
   •   Miss no more than 2 rehearsal weekends for DCI auditions, less if possible – no further dates will be
       approved. Choose carefully, use video option when available.

My commitment reflects the actions of a World Class member and performer.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
   As a Dark Sky Member, I agree to the financial commitment:
   • Make payments on time or earlier as outlined in 2022 Tuition Agreement schedule
   • Pay a NONREFUNDABLE DEPOSIT of $500 – lack of deposit voids being contracted
   • Complete FULL tuition on or before tuition deadline
   • Communicate payment issues BEFORE payment DUE DATES to Sharon
   • Purchase show shoes selected by Dark Sky (approx. $50-$120)
   • Return show uniform after final performance
   •   www.darkskypercussion.org/membersonly - link for tuition payments

                                                                                                           1

DARK SKY PERCUSSION – 2022 Member Handbook

LOST, STOLEN OR DAMAGED EQUIPMENT: You will be assigned valuable equipment that must be
maintained and kept safe while in your possession. Members are responsible for replacing equipment that
is lost or stolen and for repair of equipment that is damaged due to negligence (this includes allowing
others to play on your instrument), but not normal wear and tear from responsible use. Dark Sky
instruments should never be stored in vehicles.

ADDITIONAL MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES:

   •   Check the private DISCORD Member & Section Pages page weekly for current information,
       schedules, changes, links, and clarifications
   •   Wear a mask at all in-person INDOOR rehearsals; recommended for loading & unloading trailer
   •   Bring water container to rehearsals/performances – NO SHARING
   •   Study posted performance & rehearsal videos weekly
   •   Answer DSP admin communications in a timely manner (24 hours or sooner)
   •   Prepare musical content as directed, including memorization; prepare staff-assigned videos
   •   Take care of outfit: hang properly, clean as directed, mark with name for easy identification
   •   Member is responsible for cost to replace a lost or damaged outfit
   •   Play on assigned instruments only – NO SHARING
   •   Rehearsals are closed. No one outside the current members, staff and media team should be
       invited without prior approval of a Director (this is for Covid protocol)
   •   Report injuries &/or accidents immediately to a Director

The Dark Sky organization has assembled a World Class staff. Members are expected to conduct
themselves in a mature and supportive manner toward all staff and members as well as other performers
from other programs, staff, volunteers, and hosts. In addition, the Dark Sky Administration and Board have
high expectations of our staff. If at any time you experience or observe staff behavior that is disrespectful,
shaming or harassment, we request that you report issues immediately. A report can made in person to a
Director, emailed, private messaged or made anonymously (see Harassment Policy).

Dark Sky expects members to make mature health choices: smart nutrition, stay hydrated, commit to
stretching and working out properly at rehearsals and between camps as instructed by Health & Wellness
instructor.

Members agree to be drug and alcohol free at all Dark Sky rehearsals and performances, and when
traveling to or from Dark Sky. Smoking is not permitted on the Duarte HS campus or any school/venue
scheduled during the season. Charges incurred for damages to any facility we use, visit, or rent will be paid
in full by those responsible for the damages.

                                                                                                             2

Harassment Policy

Dark Sky Percussion is committed to maintaining an environment that nourishes respect for
the dignity of each member and staff. This policy (adopted 8/18) strives to safeguard the
health and well being of all of its members and to create an environment free of
discrimination and unlawful harassment.

Discrimination is unwelcome conduct that that is directed at a person on the basis of their
membership in a protected class; i.e. color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, martial status,
public assistance status, disability, sexual orientation, age or any other status protected by
law.

Harassment can include such behavior as slurs, demeaning jokes or comments, innuendoes,
unwelcome compliments, pranks, stereotypical comments, derogatory descriptions or other
verbal or physical conduct.

Sexual harassment occurs when discrimination or unlawful harassment is sexual in nature or
gender-based. Sexual harassment involves making unwelcome sexual advances, requests for
sexual favors or other conduct of a sexual nature, where: a) submission to such conduct is made
either explicitly or implicitly as a basis for membership b) such conduct interferes with an
individual’s performance or creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile environment.

Sexually harassing conduct may include use of suggestive sexual comments, jokes, or
innuendo; persistent, unwanted flirtation or invitations for dates or other social activities;
unwelcome sexual advances or passes; sexual remarks or questions about a person’s body,
clothing or sexual activities; patting, pinching, or other offensive touching; or displays of or
sending of sexually suggestive pictures or objects.

Members (or Staff) can report discrimination or harassment concerns/accusations regarding
a staff member and/or peer via the Dark Sky website reporting link. Your report can be done
anonymously. WGI also has a reporting link on their website.

A report may also include inappropriate conduct experienced while at a Dark Sky rehearsal or
performance by someone not affiliated with Dark Sky: an employee of a host school, SCPA or
WGI employee or volunteer, media, parent from our or any organization.

All reports are taken seriously and delivered via email to the Dark Sky Director and the Dark Sky Board
President. Follow up to a report may include: police report, phone reports to SCPA and WGI, report

9/2020 Additions:

   •   All Staff will pass yearly background checks via National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI)
   •   All staff must attend Harassment Training
   •   All members will receive Harassment Training and reporting instructions

                                                                                                          3

DARK SKY PERCUSSION – 2022 Tuition Commitment
TUITION SCHEDULE: put these dates with reminders in your phone/calendar

FINANCIAL AGREEMENT: $2300
October 10th:          $500 (nonrefundable - can split $250-250 or $300-$200)

October 24th:          $250-300 is due to complete deposit if not paid in full before this date

November 7th:          $300

November 28th:         $300

December 19th:         $300

January 2nd:           $300

January 23rd:          $300

February 13th:         $300

February 27th:         Tuition MUST be complete

Totals do not include shoes or charges for equipment damage or loss

   •   Methods of Payment: Private link on website (parent/guardian can make a payment on website Donate link)
   •   Communicate payment issues with Sharon; silence is NOT acceptable!

                                                                                                                 4

DARK SKY PERCUSSION – 2022 Member Commitment Agreement

Print Name: __________________________________________ Date: __________________________

Physical Address: ______________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address (if different than physical): ___________________________________________________

School Attending (if applicable): ___________________________________________________________

Liability Release: _____ (initial) I agree to not hold Directors, Officers, Board Members, Staff, Consultants,
Volunteers or anyone associated or involved with Dark Sky Percussion liable for any injury incurred for the duration
of my membership in the organization.

Insurance Company (if applicable): _________________________________________________________

EMERGENCY NAME & CONTACT # (mandatory): ______________________________________________

Treatment Authorization: _____ (initial) I authorize Dark Sky Percussion to seek medical treatment in case of
injury or illness as deemed necessary by a designated adult representative of the organization (First Aid Certified). In
the event that I (listed below) become incapacitated, involved in a medical emergency and/or the Emergency Contact
cannot be reached, I hereby give my permission for said representative to seek medical care on my behalf.

Medical History: List medical issues, injuries and/or prescriptions that Dark Sky Percussion Directors should be
aware of (i.e.: asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, knee injuries):

Print:

Transportation Release: _____ (initial) I understand that it is my responsibility to transport myself to and from
Dark Sky sponsored functions. I agree to not hold Directors, Officers, Staff, Board Members, Consultants, Volunteers
or anyone associated with Dark Sy Percussion liable for accident, injury or death incurred while traveling.

Media Release: ______ (initial). I understand that as a member of Dark Sky Percussion, I will be photographed and
videotaped for publicizing Dark Sky on social media and to include sponsors (i.e. Pearl Corporation, First Avenue
Music). Collected media will not be sold to any third party or used for any other purpose than intended (marching
arts, percussion arts, Dark Sky Percussion promotion).

I understand and accept the commitments as listed in the 2022 Dark Sky Member Agreement. My
signature signifies that I understand and agree to the Agreement and Tuition Schedule as presented in
the agreement document:

Instrument Check-Out: ___________ Serial #: ____________________________ (DO NOT store in vehicle)

SIGNATURE: ______________________________________________________________
                                                                                                                       5

6