HUTTO MIDDLE SCHOOL Symphonic & Concert Band

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1 HUTTO MIDDLE SCHOOL Symphonic & Concert Band HANDBOOK

2 Contact Information: Hutto Middle School Band Brent Acuff and Jo Ann Champion, Directors 1005 Exchange Blvd. Hutto, TX (512) , ext phone (512) fax General Course Descriptions Middle School Symphonic Band The Symphonic Band is an elite performing ensemble regarded as the varsity competitive ensemble in Hutto Middle School Band. Polishing advanced technical and musical skills is the focus of this band, as well as preparing our students to successfully enter the Hutto High School Band program. Please note that the Symphonic Band will participate in UIL competition. Because of the level of performance and competition required of this group, it will be necessary to schedule sectional and full-band rehearsals outside the regular school hours. Each student will be required to attend these rehearsals and contests. Symphonic Band members are also expected to participate in individual competitions that will greatly enhance their musical experience (Central Texas Middle School Honor Band, Solo & Ensemble, etc.). Symphonic Band members are expected to practice every evening at home for homework (at least 20 min.). Instruments should NEVER be left in the band hall over night. Middle School Concert Band The Concert Band is a performing ensemble. Achieving a greater level of both technical and musical skills is the focus of this band, as well as preparing our students to successfully enter the HMS Symphonic Band. Please note that the Concert Band may participate in UIL competition. Because of the level of performance and competition required of this group, it may be necessary to schedule sectional rehearsals. If needed, these rehearsals will be after school. Each student will be required to attend these rehearsals and contests. Concert Band members are also encouraged to participate in optional individual competitions that will greatly enhance their musical experience (Region Band, Solo & Ensemble, etc.). Concert Band members are expected to practice every evening at home for homework (at least 20 min.). Instruments should NEVER be left in the band hall over night.

3 Grading Policy Certain events are considered co-curricular. This means that these events are considered extensions of the classroom that happen outside of the regular class time. Co-curricular events require attendance by ALL BAND MEMBERS, regardless of their eligibility status. Examples of co-curricular events include extra rehearsals and concerts. Certain events are considered extra-curricular. This means that these are competitionoriented, require loss of class time other than band class or require an admission fee. These include pep rallies, football games, trips, contests, and other UIL events. Ineligible students may not attend extra-curricular activities. Co-curricular and extra-curricular events will be a part of the student's grade in band, as they are considered to be reasonable requirements for the course. Only ineligible students will be excused from extra-curricular events, and it will not affect their grade. These students will complete an alternative assignment to substitute for the missed performance. All students are expected to practice at home at least 20 minutes per day. Playing a musical instrument requires physical as well as mental conditioning, so a daily practice period becomes essential. Assignments are heard during class on a regular basis. Some assignments may be recorded on computer using Smartmusic Music Practice System software. I. Daily Grades (50%) This grade is earned weekly for class participation and music supply inspection for music, pencil, instrument, reeds, valve oil, etc. Students will have 6 weekly grades per six weeks grading period. All students begin each week with a 100 for their weekly grade. 5 points are deducted from the weekly grade each time they do not bring materials to class and therefore are unable to participate in rehearsal. This grade cannot be made up, however, the student may improve his/her grade by bringing all materials to class/practicing each night for the remainder of the six weeks. Written assignment policy: If a student is absent from school when a written assignment is given, that student is allowed to make up the work according to the school make-up work policy. If a student is in class and refuses to do a written assignment, the student will not be allowed to make up the work. If a student makes an unsatisfactory grade on a written assignment (not extra credit), he/she may redo the assignment one time only for a higher grade. An average of the two grades will be recorded. II. Assessments (40%) Includes several grades for playing short musical excerpts from the material that is being covered in class. Playing grades are usually performed individually. Some assessments may be in the form of written assignments given throughout the year. Performance grades consist of grades taken for participation in concerts/contests, pep rallies, football game performances, Winter Concert, Pre-UIL Concert, UIL Contest,

4 spring music festivals, etc. (To get full credit, the student must be on time and in the required uniform). Performance grades cannot be made up. Performance: The middle school band student will only have 2-3 concerts, 1 football game performance, and one full-band contest (7th/8th grade) per year. Attendance and performance at all MS pep rallies is also required (unless your child is absent from school). Proper uniform, promptness, and participation is required at each performance. A performance grade CANNOT BE MADE UP!!!!! The only excuse to miss a performance is a family emergency, religious obligation, or serious illness. If an extenuating circumstance should arise, please contact the directors as soon as possible. The group depends on each individual for a successful performance. Please refer to the attached calendar to prepare well in advance for each performance. III. Quizzes and Homework (10%) Quiz grades will be taken throughout the grading period on excerpts from music being studied in class. These will either be performed in class or taken through Smartmusic software. Students may make up a playing grade any time during the six weeks the playing grade was assigned. A student may also try to improve a playing grade at any time during the six weeks. Quiz grades will also be taken for extra rehearsals (sectionals) and for items such as practice logs. Performances and Attendance In order to participate in any ensemble performance, students must have attended 90% of all in-class rehearsals and have no more than 2 unexcused absences from after-school sectionals. If a student must miss an after-school practice, he/she will be responsible for turning in a note from a parent giving the reason for the absence. Every effort will be made to avoid scheduling conflicts between band and other school-sponsored activities. Excused absences include those for medical issues, family emergencies, and schoolrelated reasons approved in advance by the band director(s). Fundraisers As budgets become tighter it becomes necessary to supplement our band budgets. We will have one or two fundraisers during the year to help raise funds for our musical needs. The income will be used to help buy new instruments, music and other equipment and to help pay for band trips, as well as to fund clinician and consultant visits and workshops. Our first fund raiser is scheduled early in the fall semester, so look for information and brochures from your child. We need both student and parental help. A second fundraiser may be held later in the year if additional funds are necessary. Participation in fundraisers is voluntary.

5 Communication Hutto Band Website: We have created a website to keep you, the parent, informed concerning activities occurring in our band program. You can find our website at: Hutto Middle School Band Twitter: Follow us on Hutto Middle School Band Facebook: LIKE our page: Hutto Middle School Band Other Important Websites: The following websites are used often in our band program for academic and/or organizational purposes: Charms Music Office Assistant: We use this site as a student data management system. Students will be given login information at the beginning of the school year and will be asked to maintain updated contact information throughout the year. Announcements are ed home weekly, so we encourage all students and parents to have a valid/active address. Smartmusic Music Practice System: This is the assessment software we utilize in class for taking tests, quizzes, and for tutorial purposes. Students are strongly encouraged to have a home subscription to Smartmusic. Expectations for Band Participation Please take a few minutes to read over the following guidelines with your child so that everyone involved with our band program will understand what is expected of each member. These guidelines have been established so that our band program can continue to attain high standards of excellence. Each guideline is designed to create a positive learning environment and to build a sense of pride within the organization. NO TALKING IN BAND REHEARSAL It becomes impossible to create a learning atmosphere in a class of up to 80 students when individuals are talking out of turn. Students are expected to raise their hand and be recognized. DO NOT ARRIVE LATE TO CLASS OR BAND REHEARSAL Each member in the band depends on other members being present so that proper rehearsing can take place (tuning, balancing, etc.). Therefore, each student is expected to be in his/her seat with all equipment and materials by the time rehearsal starts (2 minutes after the tardy bell). Late arrivals disrupt our learning environment.

6 BE PREPARED FOR REHEARSAL Make sure that you bring all materials that might be necessary in class such as instrument, tuner, music, pencil, and accessories. Practice individual notes and rhythms at home so that rehearsal time can be spent on the entire band. NO CHEWING GUM, EATING, OR DRINKING IN THE BAND HALL Gum, food, etc. tends to disrupt proper breathing techniques and can often damage (expensive) instruments and equipment in the band room. Water bottles and lunchboxes must be kept in cubbies during class, not at the student s seat. WEAR FULL UNIFORM IN PUBLIC When required to wear either of the band uniforms, students are expected to appear in full uniform at all times while in public. This includes: the shirt (pep-rally or white) tucked in and tie worn neatly (not loose). Remember, we are trying to create a neat and proud image. BE RESPONSIBLE The equipment in the band hall is very expensive and easily damaged. Students are expected to treat the facility and the equipment in it with pride and respect. **Students may be dismissed and/or placed on probation from the band program at the discretion of the band director(s) for participating in illegal activities. These activities include but are not limited to: 1. Possession, distribution or use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances (including misuse of prescription and over the counter medicine and herbal supplements) 2. Any activities punishable as a felony 3. Stealing 4. Fighting or threatening harm to others or yourself 5. Persistent misconduct/disruption of the educational environment. Consequences: Disciplinary consequences in our band program vary in degree. In general, we try to utilize a system of positive and negative reinforcement that enables the student to develop a sense of accountability to his/herself and to the ensemble while fostering a sense of intrinsic motivation and pride. Consequences for offenses may include: 1) Verbal warning 2) Verbal warning & Teacher/student conference 3) 3 rd Down lunch detention assignment 4) Student/Parent/Team conference 5) Student referred to an administrator 6) Probation or removal from the band program

7 Materials needed for class: Miscellaneous Information All Students: All students will need to report to band class each day with their instrument, accessories, music/book, band binder and a pencil. Without these vital materials, the student is unable to participate in that day's class and therefore misses a great deal of information that cannot be easily made up. Failure to bring any materials to class will result in a lower grade in band. All students: 1 black, 3-ring binder with interior pockets 30+ plastic sheet protectors 3-ring pencil pouch 2 #2 pencils with erasers 1 highlighter (choice of color) sheets of notebook paper Your instrument and mouthpiece All necessary cleaning and maintenance supplies Flip folder for pep rally music and appropriate lyre for your instrument (flutes will need a Flutist s Friend instead; oboes, tubas, baritones, and percussion will only need a flip folder) FALL SEMSTER ONLY Foundations for Superior Performance book for your instrument (both bands) Accent on Achievement Book 2 for your instrument (Symphonic Band members only) Accent on Achievement Book 1 for your instrument (Concert Band members only) Korg CA-30 or CA 40 tuner and Peterson contact microphone (available for purchase through the school) Percussion-specific supplies: o Stick bag (any brand) o Vic Firth Ralph Hardiman model SRH marching snare drum sticks o Snare drum sticks (Vic Firth SD-1 general) o Timpani mallets (Prodigy PT-3 from Lone Star Percussion) o Xylophone mallets (Prodigy PX-10 from Lone Star Percussion) - 2 matching pairs o Yarn mallets (Prodigy PM-10 from Lone Star Percussion) 2 matching pairs o Practice pad (any brand, BUT no Remo plastic. Must be a gum-rubber pad.)

8 Instrument Storage and Personal Belongings Students may store their instruments in the band hall (lockers/shelves) during the school day only! Instruments should not be left at school at night. Using the band hall as a storage area is a privilege which can be taken away if abused. If a student's instrument is left in the band hall overnight consistently it becomes obvious that the student is not practicing and is not contributing to the improvement of the band, and this will affect the student's grade in band. Instruments should be dropped off at the band hall (in your assigned slot) in the morning upon arrival at school. Each instrument must be picked up from the band hall immediately after school. Absolutely no personal items are to ever be left in the band hall. The band directors will not hold personal items for the students and will not accept any responsibility for personal property left in the band hall. Personal items accidentally left in the band hall will be immediately delivered to the middle school lost and found. It is extremely important that our facilities and equipment be well maintained. Students need to be responsible for keeping our band hall clean and safe. 1. Students should never abuse any school equipment or facilities. 2. Students should never chew gum or eat in the band hall. 3. Students should always pick up after themselves. Band Competitions and Band Trips The Symphonic and Concert Bands perform at the UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest in addition to participating in co-curricular performances. Students will also receive the opportunity to attend the spring band festival competition and trip. The purpose of this trip is to reward students for their hard work, excellent behavior, participation at UIL contest and 100% participation in class on an everyday basis. Students must be academically eligible and have competed at UIL contest with the band to participate in the trip. Also, students may lose their trip privileges through persistent or severe misconduct, at the discretion of the band director(s). In addition to the required contest, there are also opportunities to participate in individual competitions throughout the year such as Solo & Ensemble Contest and Central Texas MS Honor Band auditions (both are requirements for the Symphonic Band). These individual events can be used for extra credit in band and receiving band awards at the end of the year. All Concert and Symphonic Band students will be required to learn the CenTex audition music and a solo for a grade in class, regardless of their decision to participate in the contests. Preparation for these events takes self-motivation, dedication, and a lot of individual practice. Participation in the spring trip is a privilege, NOT A RIGHT. Students must maintain academic eligibility to participate, as well as meet the criteria established by the band

9 staff prior to the trip, including participation in all scheduled performances of the ensemble, including UIL contest. Students who receive multiple office referrals in any class may be denied the privilege of participating in the trip. Students will receive notification of the criteria for participation well in advance of the event. Instrument Usage Fee All students who use a school-owned instrument will be required to pay an instrument usage fee. The fee for woodwind and brass instruments is $50 per year (due by Sept. 2, 2014). This fee covers normal wear and tear of the instrument. Any damage caused by student negligence will be the responsibility of the student. The rental fee money must be turned in before an instrument will be issued to a student. If there is a financial difficulty in paying this fee, please let the band directors know immediately so that a payment plan can be arranged. Students using a school-owned wind instrument (non-percussion) are responsible for providing their own mouthpiece, reeds (if necessary) and cleaning/maintenance supplies, as these are not provided by the school. Because our percussion students share the large percussion equipment in class each day, their rental fee is split. The fee for percussion students is $25 per year, and covers normal wear and tear on the instruments, replacement of worn drum heads, mallets, etc. Any damage caused by student negligence will be the responsibility of the student. The rental fee money must be turned in before a percussion student will be allowed to play on a school-owned instrument. Students are expected to maintain school instruments in the appropriate manner and treat them with the utmost care and respect. Again, any damage caused by the student through negligence or otherwise will be the financial responsibility of the student. Awards Model, Star, and Master Musician Awards: These awards are designed to challenge all band students to strive for an exceptional level of musical excellence. Students interested in earning these honors must complete the following: Model Musician: o Perform all 7 CenTex Major Scales with 100% accuracy o Earn a seat in the All-Region Band or earn a 1 st division on a solo at Solo & Ensemble contest

10 Star Musician: o Perform all 7 CenTex Major Scales with 100% accuracy o Earn a seat in the All-Region Band and o Earn a 1 st division on a solo at Solo & Ensemble contest Master Musician: o Perform all 7 CenTex Major Scales with 100% accuracy from memory o Earn a seat in the All-Region Band and o Earn a 1 st division on a solo at Solo & Ensemble contest Uniforms Students must be in full, required uniform to receive full credit for performances. Pep Rally/Game Uniform is used by 7th and 8th grade band members for pep rallies and football games. This uniform needs to be ready during early Fall semester and includes: Band t-shirt, tucked in! Full length blue jeans Belt White socks Tennis shoes Dress uniform is used by 7th and 8th grade band members for more formal events, such as concerts and contests. This uniform will need to be ready to wear for our Winter Concert in December and includes: *Black dress pants & a black belt *White oxford button-up shirt with a collar and long sleeves *Black socks *Black closed-toe shoes ****If there is a financial problem in obtaining the uniform, please contact the band staff ASAP.

11 Private Lessons Because the focus of the band course shifts from strictly individual playing skills to ensemble performance techniques in Concert and Symphonic Band, students are encouraged to take advantage of our private lesson staff s services. These instructors offer private one-on-one instruction both during and after the school day at an extremely low rate (less than $20 per week). Having this extra help from an expert in your student s particular instrumental field can make a world of difference in their progress. Contact information for our lessons staff is as follows: Flute: Leah Thomason leahspark@sbcglobal.net Oboe: Sarah Bates oboebates@gmail.com Bassoon: Monique McIntosh monique_mcintosh@suddenlink.net Clarinet: T.B.A. Saxophone: Dr. Crystal Alexander-Duckett crystal.alexanderduckett@gmail.com Trumpet & Horn: Lee ( Sparky ) Thomason leahspark@sbcglobal.net Trombone: Emede Gonzalez emede.gonzalez@hutto.txed.net Baritone/Tuba: T.B.A. Percussion: T.B.A.

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13 Hutto MS Band Student Information Sheet Student Name: Grade: Instrument: Brand: Serial#: Address: City: Zip: Mother s Name: Daytime Phone#: Home Phone#: Address (if different from above): Father s Name: Daytime Phone#: Home Phone#: Address (if different from above): Student s adult t-shirt size: address (for receiving band announcements only-we promise no spam will be sent to you!) : Mom s Dad s Student s In case of emergency (if you can t be reached): Contact name: Relationship: Phone number: Any pertinent medical information (allergies to medication, health conditions, etc.): I have read and advised my child of the Hutto Middle School Band Handbook and understand the guidelines and commitments. I have also received a copy of the dates for band performances and rehearsals, and understand the requirements for attendance. By signing this form, I also give my permission for medical treatment to be given to my child if needed. Furthermore, I give permission for my child to ride the bus for all band activities this year. Student Name (print): Date: Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature ***RETURN THIS PAGE TO THE BAND DIRECTORS BY WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014.***