Caddo Mills MS Bands

2700 Gilmer St. Caddo Mills, TX 75135 903-527-3161, Ext. 112 Cassy Chappell - Middle School Director Arthur Galope, Jr. Director of Bands cmmsband@hotmail.com

Caddo Mills Middle School Band

Policies, Rules, and Procedures 2012-2013
Parents/Guardians and Students, Welcome! I am very happy that you chose to be a part of the Caddo Mills Middle School Band. This will be an exciting year and we are going to accomplish a lot! Good student leadership and active participation are important to our success, but, above all, lets have fun making music together! My top priority is to help you have a positive experience with band. Playing in band is a lot of fun, but work and effort are required to make music enjoyable. In order to have an enjoyable and educational experience we must do our best and take pride in what we are doing. Throughout the course of the year we will study music theory, learn to evaluate our performances and practice, and perform for the community. Below you will find the current Caddo Mills Middle School Band Policies, Rules, and Procedures. To consistently achieve the high standard of excellence desired by this organization, members should familiarize themselves with the procedures and traditions of the band. The final page of this packet is a Student Information and Signature Form to be signed and returned back to the Middle School Band Director (Mrs. Chappell) no later than TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4. The signing and returning of the Student Information and Signature Form informs the Directors and Principal that the student and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) have read and understand the Policies, Rules, and Procedures of the Caddo Mills Middle School Band. It is hoped that some of the questions always prevalent with the band will be answered here. Additional information concerning travel,

rehearsals, sectionals, performances, and contest information will be sent out throughout the year. If you have any questions or comments regarding the Policies, Rules, and Procedures, please call the Middle School Band office at (903) 527-3161 or email the Middle School Band Director at cmmsband@hotmail.com.

Membership Students are NOT required to have any experience in order to participate in Beginning Band. Students are required to have one year of Beginning Band to participate in the Concert Band. Students will be placed on parts based on musical playing ability which is determined by the Band Director. Rehearsals Rehearsals happen daily during regular class time. The Band Director reserves the right to call any additional sectionals or full band rehearsals. Extra rehearsal schedules will be sent out periodically throughout the school year. Students will be given at least 7 calendar days notice for any additions or changes to the schedule. Attendance for all sectionals and full band rehearsals is considered mandatory (and a grade) for the overall continued success of the CMMS Band Program. Performances We only have a few performances a semester so all performances are mandatory (and a grade). If you know you are going to be absent from a performance, the Director needs to be informed at least 24 hours in advance of the performance. Excused absences will only be given for extreme/special circumstances and will be handled on an individual basis. Attendance All CMMS Band members are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances. Except in cases of extreme emergency, illness, or another school function, band members will not be excused from rehearsals or performances. Students should arrive at least 15 minutes before all scheduled functions in order to be on time. Students who continuously are tardy, miss rehearsals, and miss performances will be dealt with severely. To request for an excused absence, a written excuse from a parent/guardian or doctor needs to be given to the band director. These requests are to be submitted within 24 hours after any illness or 7 days prior to the intended absence.

Supplies Students are required to have an instrument in good working condition. The Caddo Mills Band Program has a limited number of instruments available for students to use without any rental or maintenance fee. However, we do encourage the students with families that are able to rent, lease, or purchase instruments from McKay Music (972) 240-0074 in Garland, Texas. When purchasing an instrument, consider the following: - Where you are buying it from - How much you are paying for it - The condition of the instrument If you choose to purchase an instrument from somewhere other than a music retail store, please consult with a band director before purchase. Students can purchase additional supplies (reeds, cork grease, valve/rotary oil, slide cream, and cleaning supplies) from Award Music as well. If a student is using a school-owned instrument, an Instrument Care Agreement should be filled out and signed by the student and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) at the beginning of the school year. Each band member is responsible for the proper care, conditions, and repairs of this instrument for the length of the agreement. Any damages or serious malfunctions must be reported to the Band Director immediately. Damages due to the negligence of the student will be charged to that student. If the instrument is lost or stolen while away from the band hall, the student must reimburse the band for the cost of the instrument. Other necessary supplies: - 1 inch black binder - Clear protective sheets - 3 x 5 note cards (Beginning Band only) - A pencil!! Clarinets and Alto Saxophones Only 3 Beginners start on Vandoren 2 strength reeds (At the start of their beginner year, I will give the students their first reed, after that they will be responsible for buying them from me for $3 a piece or elsewhere). Each reed will last a month to a month and a half. Optional, but Highly Recommended Supplies These can be purchased from McKay Music (972) 240-0074 in Garland, Texas or most any other music store. Metronome (You can also find these for free as applications on phones or the internet!)

Tuner (You can also find these for free as applications on phones or the internet!) Cleaning kit for your students instrument For Flute, Clarinet, and Alto Sax make sure that this cleaning kit includes a cleaning swab. This is the most important part of the kit! Brass Only (Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba) Al Cass or Blue Juice Valve Oil; and Selmer Tuning Slide Grease Trombone Only Small spray bottle; Trombotine (This will help keep the slide greased and easier to play) A binder/folder grade may be taken at any time to make sure students have the appropriate supplies needed for rehearsal. Band Fees All students are required to pay band fees. They are as follows: Beginning Band - $18 This will cover the method book used during the school year as well as their band shirt. Details about these items are discussed on the following pages. These fees are due to Mrs. Chappell by Tuesday, September 4, 2012. All checks should be made out to CMMS Band. Concert Band - $16 This cost will cover your band polo for 7 th and 8th grade. Details about the shirts are discussed on the following pages. These fees are due to Mrs. Chappell by Tuesday, September 4, 2012. All checks should be made out to CMMS Band. Method Books Beginning Band: A method book will be purchased for each beginner by the school at the beginning of the school year. However, if the student loses or severely damages the book, it will be replaced at the owners expense. Beginners should bring this book to class every day. Woodwind and Brass players will use Measures of Success Book 1. Percussionists will use Simple Steps to Successful Beginning Percussion by Kennan Wylie. Concert Band: The school will provide a class set of method books for each Concert Band member. However, if a book is lost or severely damaged, the student responsible will be required to pay for a new method book. Performance Attire

A Band T-Shirt for Beginning Band members and Band Polo for Concert Band members, black pants (not jeans), black socks, and black shoes (not tennis shoes) are what are required for concert/contest performance attire with the Caddo Mills Middle School Band. For football games, pep rallies, and other warm outside activities, the students will wear their band shirt and jeans or school appropriate shorts (appropriate pants will be decided upon by Mrs. Chappell). The band T-shirt will be purchased for $8 and a band polo for $16 through the Caddo Mills Band Program. Only one Band T-shirt or Polo is required. If the student has an old, worn, or torn Band T-shirt or Polo, there may be a request to purchase a new one. Shirt order forms and money need to be turned in by Tuesday, September 4! Rules 1. Enter the Band Hall in an acceptable manner and be in your chair with all supplies needed for class by 2 minutes after the tardy bell. If you are not in your seat ready to play, you will be considered tardy. (Supplies needed include: Instrument, Binder with appropriate music, and pencil) 2. Be polite to others and never interrupt or distract a Band Director, Teacher, or Administrator. 3. Raise your hand and wait to be called on if you have a question or comment. 4. Play only on your own instrument (this includes percussion!). 5. There will be no food or drink or gum of any kind allowed in the Band Hall. Procedures 1. Every band member should bring instruments, music, pencil, and proper equipment to every rehearsal and performance this includes a working reed for saxophones and clarinets. 2. Every band member should be in their assigned seat when rehearsal begins. Roll will be taken 2 minutes after the tardy bell rings. 3. There is to be no individual playing before or after rehearsal or at any time during a rehearsal, unless the director deems it necessary. Instrument warm-up will be done together under the direction of the director. 4. There is to be no talking or disturbance during rehearsals. 5. The white board should be read when entering the band hall. Music should be placed in the proper order according to the instructions on the board. Music will be listed on the board in the order to be rehearsed. Music should be placed in order before the rehearsal begins.

6. Students are not allowed to write on the board or add anything to the bulletin boards. Posted information should never be removed from the boards. 7. Music folders, instruments, and equipment should be kept in their proper storage place when not in use. Music and folders should not be left on the music stand. 8. Books and personal belongings should not be left in the band hall. All trash should be thrown in the trash can. Students may not bring school books or lunches to their seats. 9. Loud talking, shouting, or horseplay is not allowed in the band department. 10. Personal phone calls are not permitted unless it is a call made to parents after rehearsals or performances. Cell phones will be taken up if they are seen or heard during rehearsal. 11. Purchase or get any materials (reeds, valve/rotary oil, slide cream, music, etc.) from the Director before school, after school, or before class begins. 12. All assignments are due at the beginning of class. Late work will not be accepted after the second day. Special circumstances will be given to those with prior knowledge given to the Band Director. 13. Class will be dismissed by the Band Director, not the bell. Consequences 1st Offense Verbal Warning 2nd Offense Separate from class 3rd Offense Writing Assignment 4th Offense Detention/Parental Contact 5th Offense Office Referral The above rules, procedures, and consequences are in addition to any and all rules of conduct of Caddo Mills Middle School and the Caddo Mills Independent School District. Depending on the severity of the rule(s) or procedure (s) broken, more consequences can be deemed necessary under discretion of the Band Director and/or Principal. Concert Band Chair Placement and Challenges CHAIR PLACEMENT The Director will assign students to parts or chairs to achieve proper balance within the band. Generally, students will be placed on parts

according to their abilities. However, sections may be staggered to provide the best sound possible. CHALLENGES Students who feel they are deserving of advancement within the section may challenge the person sitting ahead of them. The challenge procedure is as follows: 1. Fill out a challenge form using your own paper. Make sure it is filled out completely and return it to the Director. Both participants must sign the challenge form. 2. The challenger and the person being challenged choose one piece of music each and write the selection on the form. Measure numbers or rehearsal letters should be furnished. The music is to be chosen from scales, region music, and/or those selections being prepared for the next performance, and should be a minimum of 16 and a maximum of 24 measures. NOTE: A director reserves the right to choose the music selection for the challenge. 3. The challenge will be held within approximately two weeks or 10 school days after the challenge form is turned in to the Director. 4. A challenger may only move up 2 chair positions and must move one chair at a time. Lower chair challenges will be completed first. 5. A forfeit will result if the person being challenged refuses to sign the form or if one of the participants is tardy or absent for the challenge. 6. In case of a tie, the players will remain in their original order. Grading You can do well in this class by remembering the three Ps: Participation, Preparation, and Performance. Participation: 20% Daily rehearsal attendance Having materials at rehearsal Put materials away Respectful behavior All of the above will add up to 100 points per week. For each offense (every signature in The Book), 5 points will be deducted from the weekly grade. It is important for each student to be on time to each rehearsal with their needed materials. Being present and participating in the daily rehearsals is important in achieving our goal of unity in making music together. A band cannot function without each of its members. Also, we must have a clean and orderly band room. If a student leaves his or her equipment out, the next group will not be able to function properly. If a student has an excused absence for the day, the student will still

receive their participation points for the day. However, if the student is unexcused, the participation grade for the day will be zero. It is also of utmost importance that students are respectful of any adult or student during class. Disrespectful behavior keeps the band from being productive in effectively making music together. Preparation: 30% Practice Reports 100 points/week Music Theory Activity 100 points Folder checks 100 points Pencil checks 100 points It is important that each student is prepared for rehearsal. In rehearsals, we rehearse. We do not practice. That is each students individual job. If each student does not know his or her part, we cannot achieve the goal of unity in making music. Practice records will be checked every Monday in class. They must be signed by a parent or guardian. Each student must practice at least 100 minutes per week. Anything less than 100 minutes results in a deduction of points for that weeks record. Students are responsible for keeping track of their practice time on the monthly calendar handed out at the beginning of each month. In the event, the student does not have their calendar at home to be signed, they may attach it to their calendar by class time on Monday in order to receive credit. One point is deducted for every minute under 100 minutes. These individual grades will be rounded to the nearest whole number in the final grade. In the event the student does not have their practice report completed and signed by Mondays class, but get it signed later, they will receive a 70 for each late signature at the end of the month when calendars are taken up. Folder checks and pencil checks will happen frequently. The Director has the option of announcing or not announcing the check in advance. Theory is an important part of music. It is the fundamentals that music is based on. Students will have monthly theory assignments. The will receive these at the beginning of each month. They may complete them at any time during the month, but will be collected for a grade on the last class day of each month. Performance: 50% Theory tests - 100 points Scale tests 100 points Playing/Chair tests 100 points Extra Rehearsals/Sectionals 100 points Concert/Performance 100 points 9 weeks tests 100 points Theory is an important part of music. It is the fundamentals that music is based on. There will be theory tests periodically throughout the year to assess the knowledge that has been taught throughout the year.

The material for the playing/chair tests will come from our method books, concert music, and All-Region music. The purpose of these tests is to check on your progress in playing your instrument. I will be able to see what I need to teach you and how well you are applying what has already been taught. Also, there will be a concert at the end of the semesters. The purpose is to show others what we have been working on all semester, and to give you an opportunity to apply your knowledge and ability in a live performance. If a situation arises that keeps the student from attending the concert, this will be dealt with by the band director. An unexcused absence will result in a grade of zero for the concert. Proficiency Tests End of year Test Proficiency tests will be given at the end of each school year. Their purpose is to assess all of the knowledge students have learned each school year. It will consist of 2 parts: playing and written. The playing portion will include all of the scales the student has been taught. The written portion will include all of the fundamental music theory the student has been taught. Specific information will be given to students and parents closer to the date of the test during the 2nd semester. Academic Eligibility All band students must maintain academic eligibility as defined in the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules. Students who are declared ineligible will not be allowed to participate with the band at pep rallies, football games, Music Festivals, UIL contests, or Region Band auditions until they become re-eligible. These students will be given alternate assignments to make up for their attendance grade to the events. Grades are released every three weeks. In the event any student is failing a class, the student will be given a grade check form. These forms are to be filled out in their entirety, signed by their parent or guardian, and turned in exactly one week from the day it was given. The student will receive a detention for each day the grade check is late. This process will continue until the student is passing all of their classes at the next grade check.