Code of Conduct Guidelines
Introduction
This document specifies expectations that the All American Brass places on the conduct of its Band Associates. As a rule of thumb, Band Associates are expected to use common sense and conduct themselves in a respectful, mature manner when interacting with our clients, our audience, and each other. For clarity and emphasis, these Guidelines delineate expectations around specific topics.
No Code of Conduct (including this one) can specify detailed policies for every potential situation. As a result, these Guidelines are not intended as a comprehensive policy. The All American Brass has full latitude to amend, augment, interpret, and apply these Guidelines as needed to ensure the smooth functioning of the band.
Each Band Associate Must Protect the All American Brass' Reputation
When rehearsing, performing, traveling, or just “hanging out” with the band, Band Associates represent not just themselves but the All American Brass as an organization. Each Band Associate has a direct impact on our reputation within the band, in our community, in the region, and beyond. Ultimately, that reputation determines whether the All American Brass will continue to be invited to the many interesting events we enjoy. As a result, Band Associates are expected to adhere to a scrupulously high standard of behavior whenever they are perceived by others to be representing the band. The key phrase here is “perceived by others;” if onlookers view you as part of the entity that is the All American Brass then you represent the band regardless of whether that is your intent. Reputation is in the eye of the beholder and in the hands of every All American Bras Band Associate.
Alcohol
Drugs
All American Brass Associates are responsible for understanding and applying the Code of Conduct Guidelines. Contact the director or person in charge immediately if you witness or are involved in any situation that violates the Guidelines. In situations not specifically covered by the Guidelines, Band Associates are expected to use common sense and conduct themselves in a respectful, mature manner when interacting with our clients, our audience, and each other. We are expected to adhere to a scrupulously high standard of behavior among ourselves and whenever we are perceived by others to be representing the band. Our behavior affects the All American Brass' reputation in our community, the region, and beyond. Ultimately, that reputation determines whether the All American Brass will continue to be invited to the many interesting events we enjoy.
This document specifies expectations that the All American Brass places on the conduct of its Band Associates. As a rule of thumb, Band Associates are expected to use common sense and conduct themselves in a respectful, mature manner when interacting with our clients, our audience, and each other. For clarity and emphasis, these Guidelines delineate expectations around specific topics.
No Code of Conduct (including this one) can specify detailed policies for every potential situation. As a result, these Guidelines are not intended as a comprehensive policy. The All American Brass has full latitude to amend, augment, interpret, and apply these Guidelines as needed to ensure the smooth functioning of the band.
Each Band Associate Must Protect the All American Brass' Reputation
When rehearsing, performing, traveling, or just “hanging out” with the band, Band Associates represent not just themselves but the All American Brass as an organization. Each Band Associate has a direct impact on our reputation within the band, in our community, in the region, and beyond. Ultimately, that reputation determines whether the All American Brass will continue to be invited to the many interesting events we enjoy. As a result, Band Associates are expected to adhere to a scrupulously high standard of behavior whenever they are perceived by others to be representing the band. The key phrase here is “perceived by others;” if onlookers view you as part of the entity that is the All American Brass then you represent the band regardless of whether that is your intent. Reputation is in the eye of the beholder and in the hands of every All American Bras Band Associate.
Alcohol
- Distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of alcohol at band rehearsals and performances is prohibited unless expressly authorized by the director or person in charge.
- Band Associates who perform under the influence of alcohol lower the quality of the band’s performance and gravely damage the band’s image. Band Associates who are or appear to be unable to perform because of alcohol use may be dismissed from a performance without compensation.
- While the All American Brass is a musical organization, it also has a strong social component. Since Band Associates are adults, moderate use of alcohol may be appropriate at social occasions at which Band Associates gather. Band Associates are expected to exhibit judgment and assess the perception of others in determining when alcohol use is and is not appropriate. In situations where minors are present, please be especially mindful of modeling mature adult behavior.
Drugs
- The All American Brass maintains a drug-free workplace. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited at rehearsals, performances, while traveling with the band, in formal or informal social settings with the band, and any time you are in uniform.
- Laws and societal attitudes regarding recreational use of cannabis are in flux across the United States. Jurisdictions permitting possession of limited amounts of cannabis or products containing cannabis for personal recreational or medical use remain a minority in the United States. Even in legal jurisdictions, cannabis use in the United States still retains (rightly or wrongly) a social stigma not associated with alcohol use, making cannabis possession and/or use a reputation problem and logistics issue for the All American Brass (for example, imagine the entire band being detained because of cannabis possession during a routine traffic stop). Therefore, the All American Brass Code of Conduct Guidelines prohibit use of cannabis in any band-related setting, regardless of whether it is permitted by local statute. The distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of cannabis or products containing cannabis is prohibited at rehearsals, performances, while traveling with the band, in formal or informal social settings with the band, and any time you are in uniform.
- As noted earlier, the All American Brass has a strong social component. Band Associates are encouraged to make new friends and enjoy spending time together. However, unwelcome verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, or interferes with the band’s ability to rehearse and perform, will not be tolerated.
- As a rule of thumb, if what you are contemplating doing will make another Band Associate uncomfortable, it is probably inappropriate.
- Abusive language or actions toward All American Brass leadership and/or fellow Band Associates will not be tolerated.
- Unauthorized use, removal, or destruction of All American Brass property or the property of other Band Associates is prohibited.
- “Uniform of the Day” guidelines are published on Google Calendar and/or via email in advance of every event. Band Associates are expected to understand and comply with those guidelines.
- Band Associates are expected to be at the venue ready to perform at the specified time. This applies to the wait times before the band steps off for parades and before corporate events. Band Associates need to arrive at the announced call time so the Director can prepare the band for the event. This includes warm-up, tuning, and getting the band set up in marching or concert formation before an event begins. Strive to be on time!
- If you need to step away from the band for a bathroom break or drink of water, make sure you’re back in plenty of time before our performance starts. Band Associates who straggle in as we step onto the parade route are disrespectful to others and may damage the image of the band. Don’t wander away from the formation unnecessarily; keep bathroom and water breaks brief.
All American Brass Associates are responsible for understanding and applying the Code of Conduct Guidelines. Contact the director or person in charge immediately if you witness or are involved in any situation that violates the Guidelines. In situations not specifically covered by the Guidelines, Band Associates are expected to use common sense and conduct themselves in a respectful, mature manner when interacting with our clients, our audience, and each other. We are expected to adhere to a scrupulously high standard of behavior among ourselves and whenever we are perceived by others to be representing the band. Our behavior affects the All American Brass' reputation in our community, the region, and beyond. Ultimately, that reputation determines whether the All American Brass will continue to be invited to the many interesting events we enjoy.
