GREINER ACADEMY BAND

501 S. Edgefield
Dallas, Tx 75208
Phone # 972-925-7143

W.E. Greiner BAND HANDBOOK

AND
MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT
Welcome to the W. E. GREINER Academy band program. As a member of the Greiner Band Program, you belong
to one of the BEST and MOST ACTIVE organizations this school has to offer and to the family of organizations
under the Sunset High School Band Program. We are a group of students and teachers dedicated to excellence in
music and successful achievement in music for ALL students.
The following information is important in making your Band experience a successful one. Please read all
contents of this document.
EXPECTATIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND IMPORTANT FACTS:

1. Grades:
Band members will be graded on playing tests, daily grades, class and concert performances, written assignments,
and possibly practice journals/records. Advanced players may be graded on performance during sectionals. The
citizenship grade will be based on conduct and attitude.
2. Performances, Concerts, and Contests:
All band members are REQUIRED TO ATTEND all band performances, concerts, and contests. Students will be
graded on their performance at these events. Music performance is an extension of the classroom and is a vital part
of the learning experience of students in music organizations. District and state policy state that music instruction
in sectionals and concerts which take place before and after school are in accordance with the definition of
“curricular activities” and are therefore part of a student’s grade. Pep Rallies, Contests, and any “social” outings
band members participate in are deemed “extra-curricular.” This definition simply means that all academically
eligible (passing) band students are expected to participate in these activities, but will not receive an academic grade.
Plenty of notice will be given prior to each event.
3. Absences and Punctuality:
Excused absences from the above activities will only be:
a. Serious personal illness
b. Family Emergency (i.e. death in the immediate family, etc.)
c. Doctor’s Excuse
d. Extra-curricular academic ineligibility (often referred to as “no pass, no play”). You are
ineligible for extra-curricular activities (band included) if you earn below a 70 on your report
card in any class. The student will have 3 weeks to become eligible again. This is a state law
that is enforced regardless of whether we agree or disagree with it. Exception: As of May 1,
2019, the TEA/UIL rules for no pass, no play were changed. The no pass/no play restriction
has been removed from spring UIL concert/sightreading contest. Each school/school district
may or may not choose to enforce the old legislation. TBD.
In case of student absence, whenever possible, the band director should be called and given a written note prior to
any event that the student is aware that he/she will miss. If the absence is unexpected, a note must be brought on the
next attended school day. Students who do not fulfill responsibilities (communicating absences, attending
performances and sectionals, etc.) or students who are in violation of stated school policies, will jeopardize
membership in the organization, suffer loss of grade, or be assigned to another organization.

CONTACT INFORMATION: See letterhead above or go to: ramorgan@dallasisd.org

Violation of attendance guidelines will result in disciplinary measures such as before or after school detention, loss
of privileges and or membership in the organization, and phone contact with a parent or guardian. Of course,
students will be excused in the event that the student has experienced extenuating circumstances.
4. Band Room Guidelines and Conduct:
All Dallas ISD and Greiner Middle School behavior and conduct codes apply while in the band room or on field
trips (see above and code of conduct book). Pay special attention to: Being on time; no candy-food-drink in the
band hall; do not talk while I am teaching or giving directions; and respect everyone in the room.

5. Home Practice:
Practicing daily is MANDATORY!! Most kids do this at home. (You may practice before or after school in the
band hall if practicing at home isn’t an option. You must check in with a band director each day you do this and
your parents should be aware of your schedule.) Individual home practice is critical for the progress of our band.
You are expected to practice 30 minutes/day, 6 days/week to be a “good” player. The “best” players seldom take a
night off. Are you going to be a “good” player or one of the “best?”

6. Sectionals:
At various times during the year, each instrument section or group may be called to sectionals ( rehearsals before or
after school for extra help). You will be given ample time to plan your schedule for these practices. It is the
student’s responsibility to make up these and any other missed assignments. The entire Beginner Band will have
one rehearsal after school prior to each concert. You will be notified before this rehearsal is called. Advanced
players will have around 10 sectionals per semester.

7. Uniforms and band calendar:

The uniform for all of the Greiner Bands will be the band shirt and solid black pants, solid black socks, solid
black shoes, solid black belt, solid black undershirt, etc. Stay tuned for more band shirt info. There will be an
official band calendar handed out to students early in the year. It is the student’s responsibility to deliver this
calendar to each parent. In order to avoid most conflicts in your activities, please refer to the calendar often.

8. Parent Involvement:
A strong band program is reflected in strong parent support. As parents, you can significantly influence your child’s
musical experience in a positive way. Please attend as many performances and contests as you can. Your child may
not say it, but it will really mean a lot to them. At home, children may enjoy performing for their family; please
allow them to “concertize” as this reinforces learning and gives the student a sense of pride and accomplishment.
This can be especially “interesting” with beginner “musical sounds.” If you play an instrument, you might even
play along. Also, the band will need help chaperoning trips and with fundraising. If you are interested in helping
the band in any way, please contact the director(s).

9. School Owned Instruments:

The Dallas Independent School District provides certain musical instruments for student usage when available. The
usage fee for this year is $25.00 and may be paid each semester, each month, or in a lump sum at the beginning of
the year. The proceeds from this fee go toward routine instrument maintenance and repair of instruments, as well as
for reeds, valve oil, etc. Each student will be instructed in holding, handling, and caring for the instrument. In the
event of instrument damage due to student abuse or neglect, the student(s) will be responsible for repair fees (a copy
of any and all repair bills will be made for you). Only the band student will touch the instrument assigned to them.
Please help the student’s friends and siblings to understand this caution.

We are very excited about the 2019-2020 Greiner Band. Anything is possible when we work together toward
having an excellent band. Please feel free to call 972-925-7143, email at ramorgan@dallasisd.org , or come by for a
visit. LET’S HAVE A GREAT YEAR!

Mr. Ralph W. Morgan

Greiner Band Director