Truman Middle School Band Handbook

Band Director
Jon Hinton

Principal
Charles Lester
Asst. Principals
Lanette Aguero
Robert Wallace

Preface

As a member of the Truman Middle School Band, you represent an outstanding school and a band program with high standards of excellence. It is our responsibility to build upon prior successes and to maintain high standards for the future. We feel extremely fortunate to have parents, administrators, teachers, and school board members that are committed to a quality band program. We look forward to you being a part of our band and carrying on these traditions.

Please read the following handbook for information regarding attendance, rules, policies, and student/parent responsibilities. Students and parents must be willing to commit to the policies in this handbook so that the Truman Middle School Band can be successful, fun and competitive. I know the handbook is lengthy, but all the information is necessary and it will save us instruction time in the future. SAVE THIS HANDBOOK FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

Please read the handbook and sign the last page.

Band Director
Jon Hinton - Truman Middle School
John Czerweiski – South Grand Prairie HS

Description of Bands
Symphonic Band
Symphonic band is the most advanced band. This group consists of mainly eighth grade students mixed with a few exceptional seventh grade students. This band will be challenged with a higher level of music and sight-reading. Symphonic band may participate at several pep rallies, the Annual Grand Prairie Fallfest and/or Mayfest, Solo and Ensemble contest, All City and Region band tryouts, school concerts, field trip performances, UIL Concert and Sight reading Contest, and other band contests.

Concert Band
The concert band is a level lower than the Symphonic band. This group is made up of seventh and eighth grade students. Emphasis of this band is placed on reviewing the basic fundamentals of playing such as tone production, rhythm, note names, etc. The Concert band may participate in pep rallies and will perform in the Annual Mayfest and/or Fallfest and various concerts during the school year. These students will also have the opportunity to try out for Symphonic band as well as participate in the district wide solo and ensemble contest.

Beginning Band
The Beginning Band program introduces the student to his/her musical instrument and spends the first year in small classes (brass/percussion, clarinet and sax/flute). These classes teach the basic fundamentals of how to play a musical instrument combined with basic music theory (rhythms, note names, scales, etc.). All of the beginning band classes will combine to give two concerts and participate in the Sandy Lake band contest during the school year. Each beginner band student will also have the opportunity to perform at the district wide solo and ensemble contest.

Band Member Responsibilities:

Attendance
Regular attendance and participation is important for your daily progress and development. Students are required to attend all performances, before and after school rehearsals/sectionals, and contests. Most dates for public appearances are announced weeks or even months in advance. All absence requests must be submitted in writing and APPROVED by a director BEFORE the event. Please make every effort to plan jobs, family trips, etc. around these performances. Absences should be for GENUINE EMERGENCY ONLY, such as serious illness of the student or death in the family. Our performances are a large part of your grade and any unexcused absence from one is considered a VERY SERIOUS OFFENSE. Unexcused absences from a class, rehearsal, or a performance may result in a lowered grade, demotion in chair rank, a failing grade, removal from the organization or a combination of these consequences. No person may remain in the performing band that is unfaithful in attendance. Students, please note that not having a ride does not constitute as an excuse. Students must inform their parents in advance so that arrangements for rides may be made. Plan ahead.

Sectional Rehearsals
All Symphonic Band Students must attend all weekly sectionals, unless previously excused by the band director. Students will earn a 100 for being present at the sectional, and often chair tests are given during the sectional for an additional grade. Thus, students will have the opportunity to earn two grades in a sectional. During the first two weeks of school, students will be asked to give their before and after school conflicts; a sectional schedule will be designed around these. Conflicts with other school functions will be avoided as much as possible. If a student fails to report a conflict, that student will be held responsible for attending the sectional. This first schedule will be in effect through the end of the semester. The second semester, another schedule will be developed for contest season. Every effort should be made to avoid doctor’s appointments, etc. on sectional days. One sectional make-up day will be available per six weeks. Remember this motto: To Be Early Is To Be On Time, To Be On Time Is To Be Late. Sectional times will be posted in the band hall and on the Truman Web Site.

Morning Sectionals are from 7:45am to 8:30am.
Afternoon Sectionals are from 4:05pm to 5:00pm.

All City and Region Bands

All Symphonic Band and interested Concert Band students must learn the All City and Region Band audition music. This will be played as an assignment for a grade. Each student will then compete in the All City and Region Band try-outs. We feel that through the work done on this music, each student improves greatly on his/her playing skills, and that the band plays more maturely and with greater confidence. We are not concerned with whether or not you make the All City and Region Bands, but with the improvement that comes from participation.

Band Grading Policy

All grades will be averaged together at the end of each 6 weeks.
The lowest grade will be dropped (excluding contests and concerts).
Attention and attitude in class will also be considered.
Extra credit will be given for attending any approved instrumental performance.
Practice cards are due every Thursday with a parent or guardian signature.
Playing Tests – All bands (Beginner Band weekly)
Symphonic Band – extra rehearsals, performances, sectionals, and occasional written tests or worksheets.
Concert Band –weekly playing tests, performances, worksheets, and occasional extra rehearsals.
Beginner Band- playing tests, occasional worksheets, two extra rehearsals before each concert, and written tests.

Practice Card Grades
Your practice card is designed to help you establish an organized routine for daily practice. A practice card is not needed to tell whether you have practiced or not!! How you improve from day to day and week to week reveals this fact. Honesty is the best policy concerning practice time. It is helpful for the parents to be involved in the student’s practice and progress. Parent encouragement and support is important for success. Practice cards will be handed out at the beginning of the school year. Please fill out the practice card according to the guidelines listed below.

Write down the total number of minutes, not hours, per week.
A Parent must sign the card for a grade to be given.
Turn in your card every Thursday.
10 points per day will be deducted for late cards. No cards will be accepted after Monday.
All time outside of class may be counted as 30 minutes on your practice card. For example: private lessons, sectionals, concerts, clinics, etc.

Band Equipment:

Instruments — Your instrument is extremely valuable and proper care should be taken to maintain its’ value. Should your instrument be in need of repair, you must bring it to the shop and have it repaired immediately. Never try to repair the instrument yourself as you do not have the proper tools or skills required. You may get your instrument repaired or purchase any supplies at Brook Mays music store which is located on the corner of Cooper St. and IH-20 next to Hobby Lobby in Arlington or Mr. E’s on North Cooper. All instruments must have a permanent nametag. No one should play or handle any instrument that does not belong to him/her.

School owned instruments — Students who play school owned instruments should take the same care as they would their own instrument. These students as well as advanced percussion students are required to pay a semester GPISD user fee of $50.00. The student is responsible for general maintenance as well as damage due to negligence or carelessness and for loss or theft. Instruments or equipment must be returned to the director at the director's request.

Instrument Storage bins — Each student will be given an instrument storage bin to keep their instrument during the school day. These bins should be used for instrument and folder storage only. Keep your storage bin neat and clean!

Music and Folders — All 7th and 8th grade band students are required to have a black, one inch, three ring notebook with plastic inserts. All 6th grade students will have a red binder of the same size. A detailed supply list will be made available to you during the first week of school.

Music Facilities — These are your rooms and should reflect your attitude towards the band program. Show respect and pride by keeping the band facilities neat and clean. No food, drink, or gum is allowed in the band hall!

Supplies — All students are required to have the appropriate supplies for their instrument. Supplies may be purchased from Brook Mays Music music (corner of Cooper St. and IH-20. next to Hobby Lobby in Arlington) or Mr. E’s Music.

Flute — head joint rod, soft cloth, and a metronome.
Reed instruments — a minimum of four good, playable reeds (two for oboe and Bassoon), a reed guard (case), cork grease, and a swab for internal cleaning, and a metronome.
Brass instruments — a soft polish cloth for cleaning, valve oil, slide grease, mouthpiece brush, a water spray bottle (trombone only) and a metronome.
Percussion – A practice pad, 1 pair Vic Firth SD1 General drum sticks, 1 pair medium yarn mallets, and a metronome.

Classroom Rules and Procedures:

In order to accomplish as much as possible in the up-coming year, we must have certain rules to get the most out of each rehearsal. The following are to be observed daily.

1.With so many students in the room, it is imperative that there be no talking during rehearsal so that each student can hear what is being said and be able to concentrate to his/her highest level. The better we can develop our listening skills during instructional times, the better we can listen to tone quality, balance, blend, and intonation while playing. Hopefully these listening skills will carry over to other classes as well. We are very insistent in this area. Please expect us to STRONGLY stress the need for your cooperation. DO NOT TALK AT ANY TIME DURING REHEARSAL WITHOUT PERMISSION!!!!!!!!

2.Play only when the director is conducting and NEVER when he/she is talking.

3.Have the proper respect for those in authority and for your fellow classmates.

4.Be on time to everything we do!

5.No gum, candy, food or drink allowed in the band room.

6.Keep the rehearsal and practice rooms neat and orderly. Do not deface our band hall…it sends a poor message to visiting bands.

7.Do not attempt to leave class until the director has dismissed you. The bell does not release you from class. You must be released verbally.

8.Only band students are allowed in the band hall. Ask your friends to wait out in the hall for you.

Pep Rallies

The Symphonic and Concert Bands may perform at some pep rallies throughout the school year. Students involved in sports, cheerleading, and other activities will participate with both the band and their other activity during pep rallies.

Pep Rally Procedure:
Dress is Band Shirt and jeans.
You will be dismissed early from class in order to warm up.
Come to the band hall to get all equipment and then quickly proceed to the gym.
During the Pep Rally it is important that you pay attention to the director during the performance.
You may not make noise on your instrument or mouthpiece during the cheers unless you are a percussionist.
Participate enthusiastically to show that the band supports our school.

Warrior Band Fans Band Booster Club

We are fortunate to have a very strong band booster organization. By virtue of having a child in the band program all parents are encouraged to pay the $10 basic membership fee and to volunteer whenever possible. The main objective of the booster club is to provide funds for the various projects in our band programs. Some of these projects include supplemental lesson scholarships, social activities, senior scholarships, etc. It takes a great deal of work and cooperation from parents of all levels to accomplish our goals. Please help out in any way you can when called upon for service.

Fundraisers
The band will conduct one or more fundraisers this year. The band fundraiser is an essential part of the band program and its’ funding, and every student will be expected to participate in the fundraiser so that the band will be able to attend the regular contests and events that we have planned. The program will take place in September and possibly a smaller program in January.

Random Drug Testing
The GPISD Administration has instituted a random drug testing policy for all students participating in extra curricular activities. This testing is completely random and the school (i.e. Truman MS) has nothing to do with its administration or initial steps after a positive result. Every student must return the GPISD RDT (Random Drug Testing) form along with the back page of the Band Handbook Agreement. Please understand that this is a voluntary but highly recommended and encouraged program that is designed to be in our students’ and extra curricular programs’ best interest. Further information is available on the GPISD website (www.gpisd.org).

Bus and Travel Guidelines

Single file line quietly to the bus/ No talking!!!!!!
Do not talk on the bus until a director or chaperone stands up and gives you permission to do so.
Do not move from one seat to another or stand up while the bus is moving.
No gum, food, or drinks are allowed on the bus.
No Radio/ CD players allowed.
Do not unload the bus until a director or chaperone instructs you to do so. Do not talk once you are dismissed from the bus!!!!
All students must ride to and from the activity on the bus. Students who need to request a ride with their parents need to get director approval and send a written note prior to the day of the trip.

Dress Code for Performance Situations

Pep Rally Band Dress (Symphonic, and Concert Bands)
The dress for all pep rallies, outdoor performances, parades, and other designated functions is: band shirt and jeans. The band shirt will be purchased at the beginning of the school year. More information regarding price and style will be forthcoming.

Concert Dress (Symphonic, and Concert Bands)
Uniform will consist of formal black shirt, pants, socks, shoes, and belt. More detailed information will be sent home in September.

Concert Dress (Beginner Band)
Gentlemen: slacks, collared shirt, (tie and jacket are optional), dress shoes, and dress socks
Ladies: dresses or nice slacks and blouse with dress shoes.

Beginners will purchase a band shirt at the beginning of the school year. These shirts will come into use at the Sandy Lake Band contest in the spring or they may be worn to school for fun. We will send more information to you within the next couple of weeks.

It is important to look proud, project a positive first impression, and portray a sincere respect for the audience and public. We want to represent Truman Middle School in the best way possible with a professional, organized appearance in all situations.

Eligibility Rules

Band students are ineligible to participate in extra-curricular activities for the six weeks period immediately following a report card of 69 or less in any class. However, if after three weeks the student is passing all of his/her classes they will become eligible at the end of the fourth week. All off-campus events (except concerts) are considered extra-curricular.

Students failing classes place an unwelcome burden upon the other students in the band and the band directors to compensate for their absence from an important event. The band works as a team! Parents please, help your children to pass their classes. Most failures are a result of a lack of effort on daily work, poor study habits, or not handing in major projects. Remember NO PASS, NO PLAY.

GPISD Supplementary Music Lesson Information
Supplementary music lessons are offered as a supplement to classroom instruction. This individual instruction is extremely beneficial in that it meets each individuals needs therefore, each student is able to progress at his/her own rate of ability. These lessons are also designed to utilize the characteristic literature of the instrument rather than to rehearse the music a student will be performing in his or her school organization. Supplementary lessons are not required, but are strongly recommended. Students who elect to not participate in the supplemental music lesson program will not be penalized in their class activities.

Student’s Responsibility to the Supplementary Music Lesson Teacher:
Be fully prepared for each lesson.
Follow guidelines pertaining to absenteeism.
Provide documentation of required practice time each week.
Supply method books and other materials as required by the Supplementary music teacher.
Meet criteria for student participation in the supplementary music lesson program.

Lesson Location and Scheduling:
During the school day, lessons will be taught at TMS in the Band Hall. Lessons will be scheduled by the lesson teacher for students who desire to participate in the program. These lessons may be scheduled during the student’s band class, advisory time, and before or after school at your convenience on a first come basis. No lessons will be scheduled during academic classes.

It will be the responsibility of the student to notify his/her supplementary instructor at least 24 hours in advance if a lesson is to be canceled unless, of course, a serious emergency arises. This courtesy is also the responsibility of the supplementary instructor if he/she must cancel a lesson.

The music directors will aid the student in advising the private teacher of concerts, programs, holidays, etc., which may result in any interruption of the regular lesson schedule.

Financial Implications:
A fee of $15.00 per 30-min. lesson should be pledged and a check for that amount made out to the private teacher. Parents should give the check to the private teacher. Financial aid is available on a limited basis.

How to Help Your Child Practice

Your child’s progress in band will depend a great deal on what is achieved during daily home practice sessions. Learning takes place in school, but proficiency is gained at home. You may wish to use the following guidelines to help your child in his/her home practice.

Time Schedule

A half hour a day is the minimum amount of practice time recommended for the average student. Practicing at the same time every day is good, but some flexibility should be built into this schedule. In other words don’t bring the world to a halt at 6:30 every evening because it’s practice time. Kids need time for fun and relaxation just as adults do. If the situation merits, reschedule the practice session to an earlier or later time.

Climate

Practicing should be done in an area that is free of distractions away from the TV, radio, CD player, telephone, and family traffic. Good lighting, a straight-back chair, a mirror, and a music stand are definite assets. All woodwind players should have several reeds available at all times.

It’s How You Practice That Counts

Incorrect habits are sometimes more easily developed than correct habits, and a habit is hard to change so THINK when you practice. Don’t just go through the motions. Remember that the playing of your instrument comes through development of coordination, just like an athlete.

Impatience is the Enemy of the Ambitious Player

Set a goal for the session, a scale, an exercise, a line or two of a tune, even a measure that’s giving you trouble. Don’t try to do too much at one sitting.
Isolate a problem or a section in a piece of music. It may be a rhythm, a measure, and a line. Work it slowly at first, then build up the speed gradually. Before you leave it, put it together with the rest of the line or exercise.
Repetition of a problem area, over and over, reinforces muscle memory.
In technical passages, change rhythms and articulations (slurring and tonguing) for even, accurate, fluid technique.
When you get tired, rest.