# Percussion Complex Policies ## Complex Organization and Instrument Care All percussionists are responsible for the organization and care of the instruments housed in the Complex. Most of our equipment is professional quality, maintained meticulously for years by faculty, GAs, and past students. **This immense range of resources is a privilege, not a right.** The following expectations are non-negotiable. ### General Expectations These simple habits keep our instruments alive — and some become points of contention during a busy semester. If someone leaves an instrument unprotected, put your frustration aside and care for the instrument; damage to instruments costs more than damage to your ego. There is no place for passive aggression over covering, casing, setting up, or tearing down. But do not condescendingly police your peers either — it's about the instruments, not you. The most important expectations everyone must follow: - Cover all keyboards when not in use. - No plastic- or metal-core mallets on UNLV marimbas unless permitted by a faculty member. - If a drum has a case, return it to its case when not in use. - Disassemble multi-percussion setups when not in use, unless a faculty member approves otherwise. - Non-percussionists may not use our equipment unless authorized (do not invite friends to jam). - Do not replace heads unless checked out via the instrument checkout form. - No brass mallets on glockenspiel or crotales. Ever. - No instruments leave campus without faculty permission. - Move timpani between buildings in cases whenever possible. - Wrap non-cased instruments in blankets or padding when moving by cart. - If you notice damage, or cause it while an instrument is in your possession, you **must** notify a grad or the Coordinator. > [!Warning] PLEASE > Mistakes will happen. **If you break something, you say something** — do not let it hide for someone to find days, weeks, or months later. ### Friday Clean Up Days Every Friday at 11:00am, all undergrads and select graduate students clean and organize the Complex before Grone's Groove at 11:30am. This protects our instruments — and teaches new students where instruments and supplies live. **This is a mandatory weekly activity. Attendance counts toward your Applied Lessons grade.** ## Personal Equipment The Complex is a daily home base — not a locker room, dorm room, or living room. Store mallet bags, computer bags, purses, and backpacks in the lockers provided. GAs may use HFA 207 for **modest personal storage**, freeing lockers for undergrads. - NO FOOD in the Complex. Period. - Drinks other than water (coffee, tea, soda, etc.) are permitted until there is a spill. Afterwards, water only. - No wheeled conveyances in the Complex (see below). > [!warning] In fact! > UNLV policy bans wheeled conveyances (scooters, bikes, etc.) in ***any*** building — except skateboards adequately stored in/on a backpack posing no tripping hazard. > > See full policy [here](https://www.unlv.edu/policies/use-wheeled-conveyance-unlv-property) - Do not store items in a practice room beyond your active practice there. - Do not store items behind or under instruments, or in the nooks and corners of the Complex. - All lockers must have locks, with combinations or spare keys provided to the Coordinator. > [!info] Locker Privacy > Lockers remain property of UNLV and the Percussion Area; we retain the right to access them if necessary. No combination or spare key on file, no locker. - **You are liable for any theft or damage to personal belongings left in the Complex, accidentally or purposefully.** ## General security policies - Keep all percussion rooms locked at all times. Check that doors are closed and locked when you leave or walk by. - If you see a stranger in a percussion room, ask if they belong. Do not assume they have permission. Be courteous, and report suspicious activity to Dr. Bissantz or a graduate student immediately. If unsure how to approach: "Hello. How are you? My name is \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. How can I help you?" - Politely question any stranger moving percussion equipment. Do not assume they have permission. - Never use instruments as tables or furniture. - Keep instruments covered when not in use (if they have covers). - Keep rooms clean and free of trash and food. Keep stick bags and book bags off the floor. ## The 12 Golden Rules of Percussion *by Dr. Brian Mason* 1. If you open it, close it. 2. If you turn it on, turn it off. 3. If you unlock it, lock it up. 4. If you break it, admit it. 5. If you can't fix it, call in someone who can. 6. If you borrow it, return it. 7. If you value it, take care of it. 8. If you make a mess, clean it up. 9. If you move it, put it back. 10. If it belongs to someone else, get permission to use it. 11. If you don't know how to operate it, leave it alone. 12. If it's none of your business, don't ask questions.