Umatilla Middle School

Transcription

1 Umatilla Middle School Band Handbook Lindsey Crouch, Director of Bands Kelly Sanders, Principal 305 East Lake Street Umatilla, FL (352) Student Name:

2 Introduction page 1 Why Music? page 2 Tiger Ensembles page 3 Grading Policy page 4 Required Materials page 6 School Instruments page 7 Personal Instruments page 7 Instrument Care & Storage page 7 Practice Makes Perfect page 8 Absences page 8 Concert Dress page 9 Band Room Conduct page 10 Concert Conduct page 11 Field Trips page 12 Calendar Events page 12 Chaperones page 14 YMCA Program page 15 Charms page 15 Officers page 15 Fundraising page 17 Band Fees page 18 Field Trip Fees page 19 Yearly Fees page 19 Band Parent Volunteers page 20 Contract page 21

3 Welcome to the Umatilla Band Program! Dear members and parents of the Tiger Band, Welcome to all new and returning band members! I hope you had a great start to This is my fourth year as the director of the Umatilla Middle School bands! I earned my degree in music education from Florida Southern College, located in Lakeland, FL. My primary instrument is the flute and I am an active member of the National Association for Music Education, the Florida Music Educators Association, and the Florida Bandmasters Association. I got married in July of 2015 and my husband is a history teacher at Umatilla High School, and a trombone player. I am so excited about what will no doubt continue be a wonderful year of musicmaking, success, growth, personal development, and fun. To be involved with the band program at UMS is to be part of a recognized tradition of excellence. Since the school s foundation in the late 70 s, the soloists and various bands at Umatilla Middle School have consistently received Excellent and Superior ratings at Music Performance Assessments, performed to enthusiastic audiences both at school and throughout the community, and traveled the district to share their music. This year we will build on this tradition and strive to take the band program to new heights of artistic and personal achievement. Through the extraordinary hard work and dedication of all student musicians, fantastic student leaders, an active Parent Booster Organization, increased community support, and outstanding faculty, the Umatilla Middle School Band Program is ready to once again set the standard for middle school band programs in the state of Florida! The purpose of this handbook is to serve as a reference to the current procedures and policies of our successful band program. Our program is plugged into technology as well you will be able to find our information through the following venues: please keep an eye out for s from CrouchL@lake.k12.fl.us Website: (located on the UMS website) Both parents AND students need to read the included information carefully and fill out the necessary forms found at the end of this handbook. The forms are due WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 and count as a test grade. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Again, welcome to the UMS Tiger Band family! Musically Yours, Lindsey Crouch Director of Bands Page 1

4 . MUSIC IS A SCIENCE It is exact, and it demands exact acoustics. A conductor s full score is a chart a graph which indicates frequencies, intensities, volume changes, melody, and harmony simultaneously and with the most exact control of time. MUSIC IS MATHEMATICAL It is rhythmically based on the subdivisions of time into fractions, which must be done instantaneously not on paper. MUSIC IS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE Most of the terms are in Italian, German, or French. The notation is not English, but a highly developed kind of shorthand that uses symbols to represent ideas. The semantics of music is the most complete and universal language. MUSIC IS HISTORY Music reflects the environment and times of its creation often even the country, the cultural diversity of the community, and the prior experiences of the composer s life. MUSIC IS PHYSICAL EDUCATION Music requires fantastic coordination of fingers, hands, arms, cheeks, and facial muscles, in addition to extraordinary control the diaphragm, back, stomach, and chest muscles, which respond instantly to the sound the ear hears and the mind interprets. MUSIC IS ART Music allows a human being to take all of these dry, difficult techniques and use them to create emotion. That is one thing a science cannot duplicate humanism, feeling, emotion. KEEP MUSIC IN SCHOOLS! Please be an advocate for your child s music education! If you are happy with what s going on in our Band Program or you really enjoyed a concert, please feel free to the administration at Umatilla Middle or the Superintendent of Lake County Schools. You can make a difference! Page 2

5 Tiger Ensembles Beginning Band Students in grades 6-8 with little or no prior band experience play in this ensemble. This class focuses on instrument selection, rehearsal procedures, playing development, and music reading skills. Beginning band class meets daily, and members participate in at least two concerts during the school year. Students are encouraged to take private lessons, if possible. Symphonic Band Students in grades 6-8 with at least one year of band experience are eligible to participate in this ensemble. Symphonic band meets daily, and members participate in at least four concerts during the year, including Music Performance Assessment. Students are encouraged to take private lessons, if possible. Jazz Band Students in grades 6-8 with at least one year of band experience are eligible to play in this group. Acceptance is by recommendation from the band director only, and must be taken in conjunction with Symphonic Band. Jazz band meets daily, and members perform in many concerts throughout the year, including Music Performance Assessment. Students are encouraged to take private lessons if possible. COURSE DESCRIPTIONS The Umatilla Middle School band program provides a performing outlet for highly motivated and dedicated students interested in becoming more involved in the art of musical performance. Class activities will include performing and listening to music from many different styles and time periods, music theory, music history, and sight-reading skills. Performances and rehearsals will occur periodically throughout the school year both on and off campus and both during and after school. Band rocks Page 3

6 Grading Policy Practice Reports 15% Students are expected to practice 5 times a week for a minimum of 15 minutes (75 minutes a week) and track their practice in their Individual Practice Logs. Practice Logs are kept at school and filled out during class. Logs must be filled out completely to earn full credit. Your Practice Logs will be checked at the beginning of every week (which is normally a Monday, but if Monday is a holiday, then it s due on Tuesday). Your Practice Report grade will be based off of the number of minutes practiced per week: = A, = B, = C, = D, 15-0 = F. Each practice session must be a minimum of 15 minutes. Extra credit will be given to those who practice 90 minutes or more a week. Daily Participation 20% Students automatically start off with 5 points for each daily rehearsal. Points will be deducted if any of the following criteria is not met: 1. Preparation of Materials: Have your instrument, accessories (reeds, valve oil, slide spray, sticks/mallets, etc.), all assigned music and/or method books, and a working pencil every day. 2. Respect Property and Each Other: (see page 10) 3. Execute Proper Rehearsal Procedures: (see page 11) 4. Effort & Attentiveness: Put forth your best effort and listen to all instructions. 5. Preparation & Continuous Progress: Know how to play your assigned part, make progress every day, and ask questions if you are unsure of something in your music. Assessments 30% Beginning band students will follow the pass-off assignments in the Individual Progress System (IPS) for this portion of the grade. The IPS will be passed out during class students are expected to play and pass off one exercise a week (9 exercises per quarter). Symphonic & Jazz Band students will have playing tests announced at least a week in advance. Written tests will also be used as assessments. Students will know the material they will be responsible for ahead of time for both playing & written tests. Material can consist of any aspects of band including, but not limited to: music theory, scales, assigned parts, concert critiques, and chair tests. Page 4

7 Performances 35% In order to earn the total amount of points for each performance and rehearsal, you will: Be in your appropriate concert attire Arrive on time (which is EARLY) & be ready to play Give your best effort on stage Be an attentive & polite audience member, and stay in your assigned seat Stay for the entire length of the performance and listen to all other bands Please also see the CONCERT CONDUCT section on page 11 for more details. Extra Credit will be assigned in the Practice Report category for the extra musical activities listed below. Participate in weekly private lessons with a qualified instructor Practice 90 minutes or more in a week Mentor a younger band member on a weekly basis Attend a band, chorus, or orchestra concert, and turn in a copy of the concert program. Prepare for and audition for the All-State Band (September) Prepare for and audition for the All District Band (December) Participate in the All-State Band (January) Participate in the All District Band (January) Participate in Solo & Ensemble (February) Page 5

8 Required Materials Beginning Band Method Book (*for YOUR instrument): Accent on Achievement by John O Riely Instruments, Mouthpieces, & Accessories BEGINNINERS: The list below should be used when first starting on an instrument. If you are considering purchasing an instrument, please see Mrs. Crouch for a recommendation before buying. FLUTE Gemeindhardt, Yamaha, or Jupiter Student Model with an Offset G Key Tuning/cleaning rod Soft cleaning cloth that can be threaded through the cleaning rod BASSOON School provides instrument Weighted bassoon swab 3 working reeds handmade by professional or Jones Brand (medium soft) Cork grease Polishing cloth 35 mm film canister or small container for water TRUMPET Yamaha Student Model Bach 5C mouthpiece Valve oil Slide grease Cleaning snake Polishing cloth TUBA School provides instrument Con Helleburg mouthpiece Valve oil Slide grease Polishing cloth CLARINET Yamaha Student Model With HITE mouthpiece 4 working reeds (Vandoren size 3) with reed-guards Weighted swab Cork grease OBOE School provides instrument Silk oboe swab or turkey/ostrich feather 3 working reeds handmade by professional or Jones Brand (medium soft) Cork grease 35 mm film canister or small container for water TROMBONE Yamaha Student Model Bach 6 ½ AL mouthpiece, Slide grease/slide cream Small spray water bottle ADVANCED: If needed, see Mrs. Crouch to find out if you should move up to a different reed strength, mouthpiece size, etc. Percussionists will need to purchase more advanced sticks and mallets. FRENCH HORN Yamaha Double Horn Mouthpiece: Giardinelli C8 or C10 OR Farkas MDC Slide grease Polishing cloth ALTO SAXOPHONE Yamaha Student Model with Selmer C* or HITE mouthpiece Weighted saxophone swab Soft cloth for outside Cork grease 4 working reeds (Vandoren size 3) with reed-guards EUPHONIUM School provides instrument Bach 6 ½ AL mouthpiece Valve oil Slide grease Polishing cloth Polishing cloth PERCUSSION Vic Firth Sticks: SD2 (bolero drumsticks), M3 (medium mallets), M6 (hard mallets), & T3 (timpani mallets) Practice Pad Metronome Stick Bag Percussionists will be required to stay afterschool every Monday for a 30 minute rehearsal with Mrs. Crouch. Page 6

9 Purchasing an Instrument DO NOT PURCHASE AN INSTRUMENT WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF YOUR BAND DIRECTOR!!! Mrs. Crouch can provide you with a list of quality instruments (and what to look for when buying a particular instrument) that will assist you in your search for an instrument. You get what you pay for. Off-brand instruments can be very inexpensive, but they are made poorly and impossible to repair. Please avoid any colored instruments! Mrs. Crouch has the right to prohibit the use of an instrument that is not good quality and will affect our band sound. School Instruments The band owns many instruments including: flutes, oboes, clarinets, saxophones, bassoons, french horns, trombones, euphoniums, tubas, and a variety of percussion equipment. The director issues these instruments they will be distributed based on students financial need and instrument availability. Students and parents will sign a rental contract and will be held responsible for care and maintenance of assigned instruments. An instrument rental fee of $50.00 will be charged for using school owned instruments. The instrument rental fee is due in two payments - $25 in the Fall and $25 in the Spring. Any repairs due to student abuse or neglect will be the financial responsibility of the student. Instrument Care Students should have appropriate supplies on hand at all times and instruments need to be in good working order. If an instrument is in need of repair, bring it to Mrs. Crouch before sending it to the repair shop. If Mrs. Crouch determines the instrument needs to go to a repair shop, be sure to phone the shop ahead of time and arrange for a loaner instrument. Students remain responsible for all class playing and participation requirements even if their instrument is in the shop. Students renting school instruments can arrange to pick-up a loner instrument through school, but will still be responsible for the cost of the repair. Instrument Storage Instruments can be stored throughout the school day in the instrument storage room only students with personally owned instruments will be issued individual lockers that they may store their instrument, music, and other band materials in. Students are strongly encouraged to take their instrument home daily to practice. Page 7

10 Practice Makes Perfect Daily practice at home is necessary for us to grow as a band, and for you to continue to grow as a musician. Students are required to practice 5 times a week for a minimum of 15 minutes (75 minutes a week) and track their practice in their Practice Logs, due at the end of every week. Follow these tips for a successful practice session: 1. Choose a well-lit area away from distractions, such as the computer and television. 2. Make sure you have all materials a music stand, your instrument, music, practice report, & a pencil. 3. Begin with long tones (all instruments) and mouthpiece buzzing (brass only). These things help get your muscles loose and your mind engaged. 4. Practice as many scales as you comfortably know in the All-State pattern. Percussionists should practice scales and rudiments. (Always start slow, then speed up)! 5. Find selections from your band music or method book that have been difficult for you in class and work them out slowly. Increase the tempo as you are able to. Make note of any questions you need to ask the following day in band. 6. Choose a selection you that you play well & enjoy and run through it. 7. Cool down by playing long tones again. Students are encouraged to take private lessons, if possible. Private lessons enforce the concepts learned in band class, and can also be helpful for all-state & all-county audition preparation, as well as Solo & Ensemble practice. Contact Mrs. Crouch for a list of qualified private instructors. Absences Outside of daily school class rehearsals, written & signed notice from a parent is required at least two weeks ahead of time for an absence from a concert, rehearsal, or required event. Absences will generally be excused for unavoidable one-time event conflicts (example: weddings, graduations, etc). Absence due to serious illness, accident, or family related emergency will, of course, be excused. However, as much advance notice as possible should be given. Remember that the band is counting on your performance! See Mrs. Crouch for your make-up assignment for all excused absences. All unexcused absences will result in an F in the grade book; make-up assignments will be available for partial credit. Please put band dates on your calendar now and let Mrs. Crouch know ASAP of any known conflicts for the year! Page 8

11 Concert Dress Students are required to wear the approved concert uniform. The band uniform is a symbol of pride and respect for the band, the school, and the community. It is a visual representation of the organization. Dressing in uniform is a part of participating in the band. Failure to dress appropriately will result in the student not being allowed to perform. This will count as an unexcused absence and will result in an F in the gradebook. In addition, students will need to complete a makeup assignment for partial credit. T-Shirts: UMS Band t-shirts will be distributed to all students. These t-shirts will be used throughout your years in the UMS Band Program these t-shirts will be worn at any band events or trips that are not a performance. Please take good care of them if you lose or damage your t-shirt, you must purchase another one for $15. Dress Shirts: UMS Band Dress Shirts will be distributed to Symphonic & Jazz Band members. These shirts will be worn for all concert performances throughout your involvement in the advanced bands. Please take good care of them if you lose or damage your dress shirt, you must purchase another one for $35. Beginning Band: GIRLS white long sleeve blouse (tucked in & buttoned up), plain black pants OR plain black floor length skirt, plain black belt (no bedazzled belts allowed), black knee-high stockings, black closedtoe dress shoes (1 inch or shorter heel). Jewelry is limited to a watch or single bracelet, a small ring, and small hoop or stud earrings. BOYS white long sleeve shirt (tucked in & buttoned up), plain black pants, plain black belt, black dress socks (high socks), black dress shoes Symphonic & Jazz Band: GIRLS UMS Tiger Band dress shirt (tucked in & buttoned up), plain black pants OR plain black floor length skirt (no jeans, leggings, or jeggings), plain black belt, black knee-high stockings, black closed-toe dress shoes (1 inch or shorter heel). Jewelry is limited to a watch or single bracelet and small earrings. BOYS UMS Tiger Band dress shirt (tucked in & buttoned up), plain black pants, plain black belt, black dress socks (high socks), black dress shoes PLEASE NOTE: If you are having difficulty finding a particular part for your child's band uniform, please contact Mrs. Crouch as soon as possible. Every effort will be made to provide help, if communicated in a timely fashion. If you wait until the day before or the day of a performance, not much can be done to help solve a uniform problem. Page 9

12 Band Room Conduct As a member of the UMS Band program, you are always representing the school, the band, and yourself while in other classes, around the school, and in the community. Always display a positive image through your actions and words, both written & verbal. Remember, it is a privilege to be a band member! COMMUNICATE It is the students responsibility to C.A.R.E.: COMMUNICATE ATTEND RESPECT EXECUTE PROCEDURES Let Mrs. Crouch know well in advance about any schedule conflicts. If you would like some extra help, just ask. If I can t help you, I will find someone who can. If you are ever troubled or unsure about something that has to do with this program, please talk to Mrs. Crouch. ATTEND Be at all rehearsals and performances on time which means early! There s a difference between being present and being ready. Being absent from a performance is very serious. When even one member of a performing ensemble is gone, the total musical experience is diminished for all. Always play to the best of your ability. Play with energy and enthusiasm; be engaged. RESPECT Respect our property. For the safety of our expensive equipment: candy, food, and drinks are not permitted in the band room (water bottles are allowed). No chewing gum in the band room, EVER. Respect the right of others to learn, and the teacher to teach, by not causing an interruption to the rehearsal. If you cannot say something positive, do not say anything at all. Do not use the band room to store your personal property (bags, books, clothes, projects, lunches, etc.). You are only permitted to open your locker and your instrument case. Page 10

13 EXECUTE PROCEDURES Be in your seat, ready to make music when the bell rings. Personal items belong in the cabinets by the door. The only thing you should have at your seat is your music folder, your instrument (NOT your case), and a pencil. Stop ALL SOUND immediately when the conductor stops. Use the restroom before or after rehearsal NOT during. Cell phones should be turned OFF and put away in the band room during rehearsal. Students whose phones ring or are found texting in class will have their phone confiscated and a note will be sent home. The bell does not dismiss class. The director dismisses class. Discipline Plan for those that forget to C.A.R.E. (Based off of the UMS Behavior Tracking System) 1. Warning. 2. Conference with the student and director to develop a plan for solving the problem. 3. Consequence appropriate to the behavior or action in question, contact parent(s), and detention. 4. Referral to administrator. Concert Conduct Playing music is enjoyable, but sharing music with others is also very rewarding. We put in countless hours of hard work for public performances and concerts. Here are a few guidelines that will ensure an outstanding concert or performance. Be on time (EARLY) with instrument, music, extra reeds, sticks, mallets, etc. Behavior o Follow all directions from the director, parents, & chaperones on & off stage. o Stage Behavior Whisper only to those immediately next to you. Play only when instructed to do so o Audience Behavior Be quiet & respectful applaud at the end of every piece No flash photography Listen while another band is performing, do not talk or text Sit in your assigned seat, return there after your performance, and stay there until the concert is over and you are dismissed STAY FOR THE ENTIRE CONCERT!!! It is considered rude to leave before the concert is complete, even if you have already performed. Your performance grade will be lowered if you leave early. Page 11

14 Field Trips One of the fun things about being a band member is the privilege to travel with the band! In order to attend a field trip, you must meet the following requirements: Return your field trip permission form and fees on time. To earn a spot on the field trip(s), every student MUST participate in each fundraiser, attend Concert MPA, and participate in every concert. No exceptions. A portion of each student s band fees must be paid to attend the Fall field trip; all band fees must be paid-in-full to attend the Spring field trip. All students travel with the band to and from the event on the bus. All conduct expectations are still in effect you are representing Umatilla Middle School and the Tiger Band. See the Band Room Conduct section on page 10. The two main field trips are: Band Day: Every November, the band travels to Lakeland, FL to watch a live concert at Florida Southern College. A picnic lunch will be provided after the concert. The field trip fee is $25 (this is subject to change). Spring Trip: Each spring, the Symphonic Band will have the opportunity to go to a theme park as a reward for their hard work throughout the year! This year, we will spend the day at ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE and go see Blue Man Group perform. We will also have fast-passes for every ride. Lunch & dinner will be provided. This field trip fee is $150 (this is subject to change). Calendar Events Our UMS Band Calendar is updated on our Charms page. Please check Charms periodically! When a new concert or event has been scheduled, additional information will be sent home with each student. In addition to the current events scheduled, there are numerous other Band Events happening throughout the year. These include, but are not limited to: F.B.A. Music Performance Assessment (MPA): This is the district-level evaluation sponsored by the Florida Bandmasters Association. This evaluation occurs in March and the F.B.A. Concert Band Assessment will be counted as a mandatory part of the student's grade. Per the Florida Bandmaster s Association rules, in order to perform at MPA, students must have at least a 2.0 GPA. Winter & Spring Concerts: The Tiger Bands present a winter concert each December and a Spring Concert each May. These performances showcase the band program, and are a mandatory part of the students grade. Page 12

15 Pep Band: The advanced band will have many opportunities to play for our UMS family. This year, the PEP BAND will be performing at all home FOOTBALL & BASKETBALL games. These performances are mandatory and will be an excellent recruitment tool to help our band grow! Community Concerts: We will have many opportunities to perform around our community. These performances are mandatory and a part of the student's grade. These concerts are extremely important and help boost the UMS Tiger Band s visibility in the community. Middle School Night: The advanced band members have the opportunity to perform at a Umatilla High School football game! We play in the stands with the UHS Marching Bulldog Band. Parades: The band may perform in community parades and are mandatory and a part of the student's grade. These parades help boost the UMS Tiger Band s visibility in the community. Talent Show & Fundraiser: This event will take place in the Spring. It is a fundraiser, concert, and dinner all in one! All band members are required to attend. Any band member may volunteer to play a solo or to play in an ensemble (duet, trio, quartet, etc.) to showcase their talent. Tickets will be sold for the dinners. F.B.A. Solo & Ensemble Assessment: This assessment is held in February. Solo & Ensemble gives the student the opportunity to perform a prepared work for an adjudicator and receive personal feedback. Studying privately will help the student prepare much more effectively for this event. District 19 Honors Band: Students will have the opportunity to audition for the District XIV Honors Band in December. Students are encouraged to audition for this event. This event occurs annually in January. Florida All-State Clinic/Conference: Students will have the opportunity to audition for one of the Florida All-State bands in the fall. This conference occurs annually the second weekend in January. Students who are accepted into All State are expected to arrive in Tampa the night before their re-seating audition, are responsible for their own transportation, and are responsible for paying the hotel costs for 3 nights (Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday). If students cannot meet these three expectations, they will not be allowed to attend. Band Awards Ceremony: An Awards Ceremony will be held each spring; every student will be recognized. The student s family and friends are invited to attend. The band student, parents or guardians, and siblings may attend the awards ceremony at no additional cost. Every student is given an award. All major awards are distributed based on a points system (points are rewarded for going above & beyond in the band program). Awards will not be given out if the student has not paid their yearly band fees. Page 13

16 Chaperones Without the help of volunteer chaperones, field trips would not be possible. Thank you very much for giving your time and support to the UMS Tiger Band! Becoming a chaperone: Chaperones must complete a Volunteer Application Form for Lake County at least one month before the date of the field trip the form is available at Chaperones must be Level II approved by Lake County Schools (Level II clearance includes being fingerprinted and having a background check done). This must be done at least one month before the date of the field trip. Because student safety is our paramount concern, the following guidelines have been developed for chaperones in order to ensure a safe and successful trip: All school rules apply on school sponsored field trips. Chaperones are expected to follow school rules, follow the directions given by the Band Director, work cooperatively with other volunteers and school staff members, and serve as a role model for students. Chaperones must arrive at school at least 10 minutes before the official student arrival time (arrival times will be based upon each filed trip). Chaperones are required to ride the buses with the students both to AND from the field trip. Chaperones will need to dress appropriately and wear an orange Tiger Band t-shirt in order to be easily identifiable. Use appropriate language. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or tobacco products are not to be possessed, consumed, or provided to students. Chaperones shall not provide any prescription or over the counter medications to students. Other family members of the chaperones MAY NOT accompany chaperones on the field trip. Chaperones are responsible for ALL of the students in their assigned group and must be with those students AT ALL TIMES. Cell phones will need to stay away so your full attention can be on the children that you are supervising. Chaperones need to be aware of any medical conditions/allergies etc. of any children assigned to them. Chaperones are responsible for following the field trip itinerary developed by the Band Director; they are responsible for making sure all of their assigned students are in the right place, at the right time. Treat all students for whom you are responsible fairly and equally. Report any accidents or problems to the Band Director immediately. Page 14

17 YMCA UMS has a free after-school program run through Central Florida s YMCA. This program includes homework time, snacks, clubs, and free transportation. There is a JAM SESSION open to all band students every Tuesday after school from 4:00 6:00. This JAM SESSION will be practice time for students; there will be student helpers and the opportunity to get one-on-one assistant. This year, every band student will be required to be registered for the YMCA program. In the event of an after-school band event, your student will be able to get a snack and have homework time before our event. This is a requirement by the band director and the UMS Administration. Charms CHARMS is an online band database. It is the premiere management, communication, assessment, and financial system for successful band programs. Every student will have their own account. On their account, they will have access to our yearly calendar, their band fees/fair share/student account information and payments made, instrument rental information, uniform checkout, fundraiser updates, messaging, file management, and students can even record and upload all of their playing tests! The database is located at There is also an app for your iphone and Android. Once your account has been set up, please refer to it often for updates. Being an Officer Officers UMS Tiger Band Officers are chosen based on musical comprehension, skill level, and leadership abilities. All student officers will carry out the policies of the band, band director, and school to the best of their abilities. Student Officers will be selected with the greatest of care by the band director and the UMS administration. For a Student Officer to keep his/her position he/she must represent the highest qualities of a UMS Tiger Band Member by: Attending all rehearsals and performances Auditioning for All District Band and participating in Solo & Ensemble Maintaining the highest level of musicianship on his/her instrument Being a good leader and role model among your peers Maintaining an A/B average in all band classes and a C average in all other classes Page 15

18 Responsibilities of an Officer The Student Officer positions that are available include one 8 th grade Band Captain, three 8 th grade representatives, and three 7 th grade representatives. The responsibilities of a UMS Tiger Band include (but are not limited to): Attending officer meetings every Wednesday morning at 8:15 AM Representing the band director in her absence Assisting in all aspects of fundraising o Collecting money, collecting order forms, keeping records, distributing items Supervising the Band Library, filing music, and making copies of music Recording attendance Collecting and passing out paperwork and music Making announcements in class, around school, or at band events Promoting band concerts and fundraisers Helping to set up/break down at every concert and band events Keeping track of and distributing uniforms Keeping the band room tidy and in working order Making sure rehearsals run smoothly Becoming an Officer Students wishing to become an officer must go through an application process. This process includes filling out an application form, getting two teacher recommendations, completing a personality assessment, and (if you are applying to be the Captain) being interviewed. Fine Print If any elected officer fails to meet these requirements or fails to be a positive role model to the band, their title will be stripped from them and another officer will be elected in their place. It is imperative for every officer to know that, while they have ownership of their band, the band is still under the direction of Mrs. Crouch and whatever she says is law. Page 16

19 Fundraising Fundraising is absolutely essential in order for the music department to meet its annual budget and provide much-needed music, equipment, and supplies to the students. In order to meet these financial needs of the band, all students are asked to participate in several fundraising events throughout the year. This money is used for items such as new music, maintenance of school-owned instruments, new instruments, trips, District Assessment fees, t-shirts, polo shirts, new uniforms, and much more. Since all students in the band benefit equally from these efforts, it is expected that each student will participate and contribute a minimum amount towards the group goal. This year s fundraisers include (but are not limited to): Otis Spunkmeyer cookie dough, Little Caesar s pizza, World s Finest Chocolate, and the Talent Show Fundraiser. If you and your child wish to not participate in the fundraiser, you may donate $100 in lieu of each fundraiser that you opt out of. Should you choose to opt out of a fundraiser, no monies will be placed into your individual student account. Fair Share Requirement It is for this reason that a "fair share" concept is being implemented. Each student in the band program, in addition to the payment of their fees, must also contribute their assistance in making up the difference in the budget by participating in fundraising activities. This requirement must be met before a student will be allowed a spot on the endof-the-year trip. Families of band students are being asked to provide either a minimum of ten (10) hours of service to the band program OR sell ten (10) items in various fundraiser activities throughout the year. This requirement must be met before money will be put towards an individual student account (see below). These requirements can be mixed and matched to meet the minimum requirement. Hours of service include chaperoning, booster committee work, and other projects approved by the Director. Individual Student Account In addition to fundraising for the band s general operating account, all fundraisers give students an opportunity to earn money for their student account once the fair share requirement has been met. Students can use money in their student account for most band-related costs, including school instrument rental fees, band fees, t-shirts, & trips. Students are not allowed to use student account money to pay for monthly rental costs through a music store. Page 17

20 Band Fees Instead of asking that each student bring in money for individual items throughout the year (such as uniforms, transportation, and field trips), all band fees will be calculated as a total yearly fee. The fee may be paid all at once or spread out over the school year in 4 equal payments. In order to earn a spot on the field trips, each student must be committed to paying their band fees. Twenty-five percent of your band fees are due BEFORE the first field trip in November. Your band fees must be paid-in-full BEFORE the awards ceremony and the spring trip. Beginning Band Symphonic Band Symphonic & Jazz District Program Fee $10.00 $10.00 $10.00 Charms $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 T-shirt $ MPA Transportation -- $15.00 $15.00 Uniform Cleaning -- $25.00 $25.00 Pep Band Fee -- $ Jazz Polo Fee $15.00 TOTAL $30.00 $60.00 $70.00 All Band Fees are due in four payments: Payment Date Beginning Symphonic Symphonic & Band Band Jazz 1. October 14 th $7.50 $15.00 $ December 9 th $7.50 $15.00 $ March 3 rd $7.50 $15.00 $ May 5 th $7.50 $15.00 $17.50 Page 18

21 Field Trip Fees These fees are estimations and are subject to change! The field trip fees may be paid all at once anytime during the year, or with the permission forms that will go out 3 weeks before the field trips. Beginning Band Boot Camp: $5 (this bootcamp is required for all beginning band members to start their instrument it includes transportation and instruction from a professional musician) Band Day: $25 (concert admission, transportation, and lunch included) Spring Trip: $150 (park admission, transportation, fast passes, and lunch & dinner included) Total Yearly Fees These yearly fees are estimations calculated based on the band fees, field trip fees, and instrument rental fees. If your student does NO fundraising and attends every field trip, here are their yearly fees: o Beginning Band ($60) o Symphonic Band ($235) o Symphonic & Jazz ($245) If your student does NO fundraising, attends every field trip, AND rents an instrument from UMS, here are their yearly fees: o Beginning Band ($110) o Symphonic Band ($285) o Symphonic & Jazz ($295) **REMEMBER: Your student has four opportunities to earn money in their INDIVIDUAL STUDENT ACCOUNTS by participating in each fundraiser. The money in this account can go towards your student s Band Fees, Instrument Rental, and Field Trip Fees. Also, there are 10 months in the school year you may spread the payments out over each month if you need to. Band is for everyone and no student will ever be turned away because of financial reasons. Page 19

22 UMS Band Volunteers Why the band program needs volunteers Volunteers donate their time and resources for the benefit of the students. The more we can achieve as volunteers, the better we can enhance the band program experiences of our students. This is a large task if attempted by a small group of concerned parents. However, it can be a truly rewarding experience if it is shared by a large group with the common goal of helping their students to get all they possibly can from their band program. As with any volunteer organization, there can never be too much participation and support. Every individual can contribute something unique to the group. While monetary contributions are always welcome, your most valuable resource is the small amount of time that you could donate to participating in your student's music education. Each hour of volunteer time will also go towards your student s FAIR SHARE. Meetings There will be a few general business meetings are held throughout the year. All parents of band students are strongly encouraged to attend and to participate. All parents are encouraged to attend the general business meetings to gain an understanding of how important we are to our band students! Becoming a Volunteer Complete a Volunteer Application Form for Lake County at least one month before the date of the field trip the form is available at If you are interested in chaperoning, you must be Level II approved by Lake County Schools (Level II clearance includes being fingerprinted and having a background check done). This background clearance lasts for 3 years and allows you to be around students. Page 20

23 Umatilla Middle School Band Contract I,, do hereby agree to follow the expectations and policies of the UMS Tiger Band for the school year to the best of my ability. Student Initials As a UMS Tiger Band Member, I will Have an attitude of humility, encouragement, and helpfulness, because I understand that the band needs to work together to be successful Hold myself to the highest standard of behavior in all my classes, during rehearsals, during concerts, and on field trips Be committed to fundraising for the band and paying my yearly band fees Be committed to practicing and filling out the weekly practice report Understand extreme misconduct or disrespect can lead to removal from the UMS Band Program Am aware of scheduled band concerts and events and understand that these are required and can affect my grade (so I will plan ahead to avoid conflicts!) BY SIGNING THIS CONTRACT, YOU INDICATE TO THE BAND DIRECTOR AND THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OUTLINED IN THIS HANDBOOK, AS WELL AS YOUR COMMITMENT TO BEING IN THE UMS TIGER BAND. Student Signature Parent Signature This Band Contract is due, signed and dated, back to Mrs. Crouch by WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 and will count as a test grade. Extra credit will be given to those students who return their completed contract before the due date. Date Page 21