Stallion Band Handbook. Dr. John Folks Middle School

Stallion Band Handbook Dr. John Folks Middle School

FOLKS MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND HANDBOOK This manual has been prepared as a guide through which you will become better equipped in the basic fundamentals of being an outstanding bandsman. In accepting this band handbook, I accept the privileges and responsibilities as a member in the Folks Middle School band. I promise to uphold in my actions and attitudes and exhibit qualities which will honor the band and the school. TABLE OF CONTENTS ε INTRODUCTION ε THE BAND PROGRAM o Performing Ensembles o Summer Band ε GRADING o Tests and Grades o Eligibility ε ATTENDANCE ε AWARDS ε FACILITIES ε EQUIPMENT o Band Instruments o Misc. Equipment and Supplies o Return of School-owned Equipment ε UNIFORMS ε REHEARSALS ε PERFORMANCE BEHAVIOR ε BAND TRIPS o Annual Events ε PRIVATE LESSONS ε FAMILY INVOLVEMENT ε STUDENT FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES ε FUNDRAISING INTRODUCTION Welcome to the beginning of our inaugural school year! It is my sincere hope that you will find many long-lasting friendships, learn to respect those around you and feel a tremendous sense of pride in a job well done through membership in the Folks Middle School Band. We do not expect every person in the band to be a virtuoso

musician or performer even though many of our band members may fall into this category. We do expect mature, responsible attitudes and actions, and for everyone to give 100% of their best effort. The goal of the Folks Middle School Band is to achieve excellence in all that we do in service to our school and community. Membership in the band program is not required; band is an elective. Membership in the Folks Middle School Band entitles you to many privileges and responsibilities and if you choose to be in the band, 100% effort and participation are required. This is your band. The success of our band depends on you. Excellence is attained through hard, efficient work, perseverance and personal sacrifice. The reward is being a part of a legacy and winning organization. It would be a mistake to assume that our objectives can be realized without the assistance and cooperation of the students parents. With the help of parents, the school and home become an effective educational team. Parents and students are requested to read and discuss this entire handbook and to keep it available as a reference for the entire year. When you have read and understood the contents of this guide, please sign and return the attached forms to your band director. This handbook is designed to answer many of the questions that you might have concerning your part in the band program. Although everything cannot be mentioned here, this handbook sets forth most of the guidelines of the program that are to be followed. It should also help you to understand what is expected of you, the band staff and other band members. The handbook will also help the program to establish and maintain the traditions, regulations, and procedures which will make the Folks Middle School Band a winning organization. If you do not find an answer here, ask your band director. Welcome again to the Folks Middle School Band! I appreciate your support and look forward to our school year together. Musically, Carolyn Ireland Head Director, Folks Middle School THE BAND PROGRAM The primary purpose of the Folks Middle School Band Program shall be: ε To provide students with the proper fundamentals and motivation necessary to continue musical endeavors through the high school level and beyond.

ε To instill in all students a desire for excellence in all aspects of the band program (solos, ensembles, auditions, rehearsals, performances and competitions). ε To foster and encourage an appreciation of music that manifests itself in enthusiasm while performing and listening to various styles of music. ε To provide an enjoyable, musical experience that will enhance students academic education and that directly relates to the core subjects. ε To instill in each student a sense of pride, responsibility and teamwork and values that are applicable in all aspects of life. The above purposes serve as the underlying philosophy and spirit with which the Folks Band Program will operate. Description of Performing Ensembles At Folks MS, there are four performing bands (Wind Ensemble/A Band, Symphonic Band/B Band, Beginning Band and Jazz Band). Beginning Band The Folks Band Program is comprised of beginning classes and performing ensembles. Beginners are defined as those students with little or no previous formal instrumental musical instruction. Although the majority of our beginners are sixth graders, we will have a number of beginning seventh and eighth grade students each year. Beginning Band instruments will consist of the flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba and percussion. All beginning band students will be placed in a beginning class by a band director following instrument placement auditions. Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band All students in an upper performing ensemble must have completed at least one year of beginning instruction. All second and third year students will be placed into one or more ensembles by audition. The materials used for the auditions are similar to those used for the Region Band auditions and include: 1. Scales 2. Prepared Music 3. Sight-reading Summer Band Summer band practice is a fun and exciting part of our Folks Middle School Band program and it is important in order to have a successful start to our year. The bands performance demands will begin very early in the school year, usually within the first week of school. In order to put on quality performances so early in the year, it is imperative that the band makes the most of valuable summer band rehearsal time. Here

are some guidelines and suggestions to help make summer band camp more productive and enjoyable: 1. Every student who will be in the 7 th or 8 th grade in the fall (with the exception of beginning band students) is expected to attend summer band camp. During this time, we will rehearse the music for our first performances. 2. Families are requested to arrange summer activities and vacations so that their child is able to attend band camp which will occur 2-3 weeks before the start of school and will last for one week. Band members will receive communication at the end of the previous year and during the summer reminding them of camp dates and times. GRADING Tests and Grades A students grade will be comprised of taking his/her instrument home, being prepared musically and logistically for class, and attending and participating in sectionals, extra rehearsals, concerts and contests. Practice is expected daily from each student. We understand that there may be days when this is not possible but students should make every effort to uphold this expectation. Class participation consists of a student s preparation and effort in class. This is called rehearsal etiquette and is a physical as well as mental state that all musicians must learn. Students must have their instrument, music, pencil and/or book in class every day. Failure to do so will result in a lowered grade for the day. If the student is prepared for class on a daily basis, they will progress quickly and therefore enjoy band much more. Materials/Instrument checks are given to encourage students to keep their instruments in good playing condition. Maintenance and care of the instrument will be taught from the first day of class with the instruments. Each student should be prepared for class every day and should have all materials listed in the Folks MS Band handbook under Various Equipment. The Folks Middle School Band will be using performance evaluations with graded rubrics at various times during the school year as part of each student s grade. This will also be a factor in determining grades as well as band placement and chair placement. Test grades may be taken in sectionals or class as determined by the director. These may or may not be announced in advance. During sectionals or class, the director will initiate guided practice in accordance with the needs of the group (e.g. fundamentals contained in the method books in accordance with the TEKS for secondary band). After this period of guided practice, the student will be assigned a portion of this material to be played at a later date. The student will then be given a period of independent practice to prepare the material. The director will then test the student on the material assigned. If the student feels he/she can do better, he/she may be given an opportunity to retake the assessment and replace the grade within a time period determined by the director. Due to performance deadlines, it is necessary for the music to be fully prepared by certain deadlines and this will be a factor in determining if/when a student may make up or retake a playing assessment. It is the student s responsibility to set up a time with the director for retaking tests.

Practice records are used as a means to record practice time during a given week. A grade will be given each week for these records. They will be due on the first class day of the week. A parent signature is required every week. If a student is absent on the first class day of the week, there will be no penalty for a practice record turned in on the day that they return to school. Practice records are given to encourage regular practicing for progress. They will enhance a student s grade if turned in on time, but could lower a student s grade if neglected. All students will be rewarded one point for each minute of practice time, with the maximum of 210 minutes. The following items will result in your grade being lowered: 1. Unexcused absence from full band rehearsal 2. Unexcused absence from a special rehearsal 3. Unexcused absence from a performance 4. Unexcused absence from a section rehearsal 5. Improper appearance for performances, festivals etc. (not being fully dressed) 6. Failure to play off music 7. Improper care of uniform, instrument, or equipment 8. Poor posture (crossed legs, slumping in chair, holding instrument incorrectly) 9. Poor participation (not playing when instructed etc.) 10. Failure to bring instrument, music, equipment, folder, pencil (this is part of proper rehearsal technique for all musicians) Eligibility Texas House Bill 72 mandates that a band student receiving a grade below a 70 in any class for a six-week period is not eligible to participate in any extra-curricular performances or activities (including pep rallies, performing with the high school band at a football game, and contests) for the following three weeks. They may participate after

three weeks is the failing grade is brought up to a 70 or above and all other classes are also passing. By state law, the band s rehearsals/practices and concert performances are considered to be co-curricular rather than extra-curricular. A co-curricular activity is defined as an extension of the classroom instruction. Students who fail and are rendered ineligible are still eligible to participate in all co-curricular activities. These activities include (but are not limited to) before and after school practices, sectionals, concerts at Folks Middle School and clinics. Attendance at these co-curricular events is mandatory for all band members and will account for a portion of the students band grade. Band students receiving one or more grades below a 70 on a six-week grade report will be expected to attend tutorials (either with the teacher of the class in which they failed or with a band director) as a prerequisite to remaining active in the band program. The band is a team and needs all of its team members to be successful. This is why eligibility is so important. Failing students who attend tutorials and continue to fail may be kept in the band program as long as an effort to pass is being exhibited and no behavior or attitude problems are involved. If a student has failed the previous six week period and is uncertain whether a particular band event is co-curricular or extra-curricular (and whether their attendance is required or not) OR if a student is uncertain whether they have regained eligibility since a previous grading period, it is the responsibility of the student to ask a band director. ATTENDANCE POLICY All band students must abide by the Folks Middle School attendance policies. In addition, the following FMS Band attendance policies are in effect for all band students:

1. All scheduled rehearsals and performances are considered mandatory and each student s presence is required for grading purposes. Performances are the culmination of several weeks of careful individual and group preparation, intense rehearsal and hard work. Absences from rehearsals or performances (other than illness or emergency such as a death in the family) must be approved by the band director prior to the rehearsal or performance. Multiple absences may result in lower chair placement, a lower grade, removal from performances or lower band placement. 2. Absences will be excused in the following cases: a. A death in the family b. Medical emergency c. Religious holiday Excused absence from school on the day of the rehearsal or performance Circumstances may justify an excused absence for reasons other than those listed above. Students who make commitments to more than one school activity are asked to be fully committed to each as a team member and should put priority on performances and contests over practices and rehearsals. Students whose activities conflict should communicate with the teachers/sponsors of both activities to make arrangements to be at all events. Feel free to ask a band director to help with communication with the sponsors of other activities. 3. Absences will be unexcused in the following and/or similar cases: a. Family birthdays b. Family trips or errands c. Rock concerts d. School club meetings 4. ALL absences (excused and unexcused require prior notice to a band director. Absences without prior notice and/or without a written note from a parent or guardian will be considered unexcused (regardless of the reason). In the case of illness or a family emergency, an explanatory telephone call prior to the rehearsal or performance is required. 5. ALL absences will be made up (even excused absences). Absences must be made up within one week of the missed event. Absences not made up within this time frame will result in a grade of zero. Unexcused absences must be made up but will not result in full credit as the conditions of the missed event cannot be replicated (we can t simulate an audience etc.). AWARDS In any group, there will be outstanding members. The awards program of the band department is designed to recognize these individuals for various accomplishments. Students must be eligible under league and school rules to receive any award. Awards

paid for by the school will be approved by the school principal before the order is placed and must be in compliance with UIL standards. Band Member of the Week Each week, the band directors will decide on one student from each band in recognition of outstanding performance during the past week. Outstanding Bandsman of the Year This award is given at the end of the year to one boy and girl from each of the bands at Folks MS. Students are selected based on outstanding performance, leadership, dedication, attendance, behavior and spirit throughout the year. Most Improved Bandsman of the Year This aware is given at the end of the year to one boy and girl from each of the bands at Folks MS. The purpose of this award is to recognize students who may not have been the most outstanding musicians but who have demonstrated effort and improvement that exceeds expectations. FACILITIES Our band hall is a fine facility and each band member should do his/her best to keep the band hall in the best shape possible. With over 100 band members using the band hall each day, there are some guidelines that students must follow:

1. Gum, candy, food, and drink are not permitted in the band hall or any room associated with the band hall at any time. (Socials and controlled activities may be excluded). 2. Band members are expected to keep the band hall neat and clean at all times. All music and instruments are to be put away in designated areas before, during and after each rehearsal. Running, scuffling, and throwing things in the band hall are prohibited. The director s podium, stand, and chair are off limits to students. 3. Only band students are to be in the band hall or band-related areas. Do not bring your friends into the band hall area. Ask them to kindly wait outside while you are putting up instruments. 4. Writing on the boards, music stands, walls or any surface not designed for such activity or without director approval will not be tolerated. 5. Students are not to touch, move or use any equipment that does not belong to them or is not checked out to them. 6. Students are not to move chairs or stands to or from rooms or in the rooms without specific instruction to do so. 7. The band hall areas, practice rooms, music library, uniform room and percussion room are private and are to only be used by the band and its members. 8. Practice rooms are for practicing. Students in these rooms must secure permission to be there and should use the room for its purpose. If a student is not going to practice, he/she may not use the room. The practice rooms should be closed with the lights off and locked when not in use. 9. If you are in the band hall before or after school hours, you are to be practicing or getting tutoring. Idle behavior will not be allowed and you will be asked to leave. 10. The band hall telephones are business lines and are not to be used for personal calls during school hours. The ball hall telephone will be available for emergency calls after school hours. 11. Damage No student shall damage or deface any property belonging to the district. The type of discipline which may be imposed for damage to school property by students depends on the circumstances. The student shall be subject to removal from the band program, suspension or other disciplinary action for any willful destruction of school property, in accordance with FMS and NISD policy. 12. Liability A parent or guardian is liable for any damage caused by the student. EQUIPMENT Band Instruments 1. The following school-owned instruments may be available for use:

a. Piccolo b. Oboe c. Bass Clarinet d. Bassoon e. Tenor Saxophone f. Baritone Saxophone g. French Horn h. Euphonium/Baritone i. Tuba j. Some Percussion (advanced levels only) 2. Mouthpieces or reeds will not be provided with school-owned instruments. Percussionists must own their own mallets and sticks. These items can be purchased from local music stores. Please speak with the band directors about recommended brands etc. 3. School-owned instruments can be checked out from a band director at times to be specified. 4. The issue of school-owned equipment will be done on a contract basis with the student assuming all responsibility for the storage and damage to the instrument outside of normal wear and tear. Students will be expected to pay an instrument usage fee for these school-owned instruments that will cover only normal wear and tear to the instrument from normal daily use. 5. If a student is failing to meet the proper care needed to maintain the instrument in working order or if a student abuses the instrument, the student may lose the privilege of using any equipment furnished by the school. 6. School-owned equipment will be stored in the assigned storage area and will be kept in its case (properly stored) with the case closed and latched. 7. Privately owned instruments will also be kept in assigned areas. The band department or the school district assumes no responsibility for damaged or lost (stolen) privately owned instruments. It is recommended that students have the proper insurance related to music instruments. 8. All students are expected to keep their instrument (school-owned or privately owned) in proper working order. Students are also expected to have on hand all necessary accessories for the instrument (e.g. reeds at least two new, working reeds at all times, valve oil, slide grease, mutes, etc.). 9. Students are never to play anyone else s instrument. Percussionists ONLY may play percussion equipment. 10. All students are required to take their instrument home EVERY DAY. When daily practice is required as part of the grade, is it apparent who does and does not practice by whose instruments are left nightly. Miscellaneous Equipment and Supplies 1. Students should own a music stand and metronome for proper practicing habits. 2. Metronomes and tuners are available at the band hall and practice rooms. These should be used responsibly they are expensive and are not toys.

3. Each student is expected to have all copies of music, pencils/markers/pens, erasers and folders at all rehearsals and performances. 4. Instrument locks and lockers are provided to keep instruments safe during the school day. Locks must be kept on lockers at all times. At the end of the day, all instruments should be taken home and lockers locked. The school is not responsible for theft or vandalism. Students who are found in possession of another student s lock or items will face disciplinary action. Lost or damaged locks will be replaced at the student s expense of $10.00. Note: It is the responsibility of each student to get his/her own equipment to and from rehearsal and performance sites. It is also the responsibility of each student to see to it that his/her instrument, music, equipment etc. are loaded on the bus. Students are not to expect anyone else to load or transport their equipment for them. Should a student have to leave early from an event, they need to assign a person to ensure transport of items back to the band hall or make sure that their transportation allows them to take these items home. Return of School-Owned Equipment The FMS Band follows NISD policy regarding the return of materials and equipment. Any equipment that is not turned in or that is turned in damaged will be charged to the student and grades may be withheld until that student s debts have been cleared by the band department. UNIFORMS The casual performance uniform will consist of the band shirt, blue jeans/khakis/black pants (depending on performance), and tennis shoes. The concert uniform for the advanced bands consists of: Gentlemen: a white dress shirt, a black tuxedo jacket, black dress pants, all black shoes, and black socks. The school will provide a black tuxedo jacket, and a white tuxedo shirt. In the event that one of the tuxedo items is damaged or lost, the following replacement fees will apply: Jacket - $100, Shirt - $20.00. Ladies: a black concert dress. The school will provide the dress. In the event that the dress is lost or damaged, the following replacement fee will apply: $100. Uniforms will be returned at the end of the school year in a dry-cleaners bag with a receipt attached. NOTE: Parents who experience difficulty acquiring required uniform components are encouraged to contact one of the band directors as soon as possible. There is no financial situation that we cannot overcome. REHEARSALS Rehearsals are an essential part of the band program. Rehearsal time is very valuable and every moment must be used for actual rehearsal purposes. Each student should be at least 10 minutes early whenever possible in order to collect equipment, set up, and warm up to

be ready to play at the assigned time. In order to organize the band rehearsals so that maximum benefit from precious time is attained, there must be some guidelines to follow: 1. Band students should be respectful to other band students. 2. Be on time, in your place, ready to begin rehearsal at the appointed time. 3. Have a pencil (with eraser) handy at every rehearsal. It is also recommended that you have a colored pencil or marker/pen. 4. Make sure that your chair and stand are properly set up. 5. Make sure that all measures in a selection to be rehearsed are numbered. 6. Make sure that you have the music that you need and your equipment ready before the rehearsal begins. Do not expect to be able to do things of this nature during rehearsal. Rehearsal time is for rehearsal only. 7. In order to be considered NOT TARDY, you must be in your seat at the appointed time (the moment the director steps onto the podium or when the bell rings) with your equipment (instrument, music, mutes, extra reeds, etc.). 8. No instrument cases or personal materials such as bags or backpacks are allowed in the rehearsal area. 9. When a director, guest clinician, administrator or parent steps onto the podium, all talking must cease and you must give your undivided attention to that person. The quicker you respond to the beginning of rehearsals, the faster the objectives can be obtained and the further the band program can go with the allotted time 10. Use rehearsal time for rehearsal purposes only. No not do homework, read newspapers or books, text message, write notes etc. during rehearsal. 11. All scheduled rehearsals are considered mandatory and your presence is required for grading purposes. Absences from rehearsals must adhere to the FMS Band program attendance policies. 12. All students should raise their hand and wait to be acknowledged before speaking. 13. The expectation is that all students will follow directions when they are given. Directions can be from a director, another faculty member or administrator. 14. Students should keep hands, feet and objects to themselves. 15. Do not blast or make other obnoxious noises on your instrument. Warm up intelligently. 16. For your safety and the safety of others, no gum, candy, or drinks of any kind are allowed in the band hall. All students must leave all food in its appropriate place and spit out gum before entering the band hall. It is dangerous to have anything in one s mouth while playing a wind instrument and it can cause damage costing hundreds of dollars to an instrument if objects become lodged inside. 17. No one shall touch or play another person s instrument. This is for health reasons as well as safety reasons. Each student is responsible for his/her own instrument. 18. Band students will bring to their parents /guardians attention all correspondence which is sent home (practice records, information letters etc.). Any correspondence that requires a parent/guardian signature and is to be returned to the band director, will be returned promptly. 19. The basic rule of behavior is that you may do nothing that interferes with either the learning or teaching of the band. 20. When the rehearsal is over, check your area and pick up any trash in the area and dispose of it properly. Clean your instrument (percussionists should cover instruments) and properly put it back on the shelf or in your locker (with latches closed) and leave the room quietly.

21. If you should have to leave the rehearsal before it is over, make sure to secure your instrument so that it cannot be knocked to the floor by passers by. Do not leave instruments sitting on music stands. PERFORMANCE BEHAVIOR During performances, we are on public display at all times. The impression that the public has of our band program is formed not only by our playing but also by our behavior at the performances as well. The following guidelines will help us to ensure that we make a favorable impression at all times: 1. Be properly uniformed at all times. 2. Remain seated in your assigned seat and do not move about the band. 3. No eating or drinking is allowed in uniform. 4. Do not play your instrument at any time that the band is not playing. 5. We only play the music that has been rehearsed. 6. Be ready to play and attentive to direction from the directors at all times. 7. No one (except band members) is allowed within the band area (stage and audience). 8. Do not make discourteous remarks to others (this especially applies to when you are listening to the other bands performing). 9. Only use the restroom with permission from the band director and be quick about this. 10. Do not talk, hum, sing or make any other distracting noises during the performance. 11. Do not daydream during the rests. Count and be prepared for your next entrance. 12. If you or anyone else makes a mistake during a performance, ignore it and go on. Do not laugh about it, make negative comments or make distracting gestures. 13. In between pieces, quietly prepare for the next piece. 14. As an audience member, do not talk, hum, sing, tap, rustle your program, pop gum, wear loud watches or jingly jewelry, open wrappers on candy, snap or zip purses or bags, sigh with boredom, read or make any other type of distracting noise. Be an active listener. 15. Do not enter or leave the performing area while a performance is in progress. It is acceptable to enter or leave between pieces. 16. Do not applaud between movements of a single piece. Applause is appropriate at the end of the entire piece. Consult your program to see if a piece has more than one movement. 17. Applause is the only appropriate reaction at the conclusion of a music piece. Whistling, cheering and hollering are for rock concerts, not band concerts. 18. The general rule is to be quite and attentive during any musical performance. BAND TRIPS

On all band trips, assembly behavior is expected on the bus. NO exceptions. There is only one definition of silence. This allows the performers to focus on the performance and what will be expected of them during the performance. Annual Events Solo & Ensemble Contest The contest is designed to measure the individual student's ability to prepare and perform suitable music as a soloist or in a very small ensemble (usually no more than six players). Student performance is assessed according to its own merits and weaknesses students are not "rank ordered." Students, however, are assigned a numerical rating of overall quality for their performance and may be awarded either a medal or ribbons for exemplary efforts. Region Band Contest (Advanced Bands ONLY) The region contests offer individual players the opportunity to test their abilities against other players on the same instrument from schools across the region. Students will prepare two pieces in advance as well as the required scales. At the auditions, they will perform these as well as a sight-reading piece individually to a blind panel of judges. Students in each section are subsequently ranked, and a selected number from each instrumental category will be chosen to participate in a later clinic and public concert performance. Students who are selected for the Region Band are presented with a remarkable opportunity to rehearse and perform music at an advanced level, which is more challenging due to the fact they are among the elite musicians in the region. Those students, on certain instruments, who place high enough in their section, will have the opportunity to perform with the region orchestra as well. All Wind Ensemble students are required to audition for the Region Band Competition since they are the students who represent the best that the Folks Band Program has to offer. All Symphonic Band and students are required to learn audition materials and may be selected to audition. U.I.L. Concert & Sight-reading Contest (Advanced Bands ONLY) This spring contest measures the ability of the larger ensembles (Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band) to perform in two critical areas: a concert performance and a sightreading performance. The ensembles are assessed by two separate judging panels and are assigned ratings which offer a look at how the groups compare to superior standards of performance. Fall Football Game Field Trip This excursion offers eighth-grade band students an opportunity to see what life in marching band is like for an evening. Although the Folks MS students do not march, they are given a chance to play alongside their high school counterparts while entertaining the crowds and the teams from the bleachers. Being that Folks MS feeds into both O Connor HS and Taft HS, there will likely be two games, one for each high school, that the 8 th graders will have the opportunity to attend. PRIVATE LESSONS

The single most important factor in the development of a championship band program is the development of the individual player. The amount of individual attention the directors can give each student is extremely limited by the number of students they must teach and the time each class period allows. Though private instruction is not required, it is strongly recommended and is expected of students in the top band. Private lessons can help a student progress much faster than group instrument. Lessons are a valuable asset in preparation for Region Band auditions and Solo and Ensemble contest, they can greatly increase the chances of moving to higher band placement and they enhance the possibility of scholarships in the future. It is our goal to have 100% of the Folks Band Program students enrolled in private lessons. During the year, there may also be opportunities for students to study with professional musicians through master classes. These sessions will be done in small groups of like or similar instruments and may occur during the school day or after school. These classes may have a small shared fee associated with participation and advance notice will be sent home with those students who will have the opportunity to participate. FAMILY INVOLVEMENT The Folks Middle School band looks forward to an active support group for the band program. This support group will be comprised of parents and other interested parties who lend their valuable time and talents to support our organization. Your involvement in the program will ensure that you will be actively involved in your child's musical progress and offers you an opportunity to share in the social rewards that music programs have to offer. Our goal is to put 100% of our fundraising profits back into the program so that we can cover the cost of such items as new instruments, instrument repairs, music, contest fees, and social activities for our young musicians. We hope that our parents and volunteers will do much more than simply participate in our annual fundraisers. We are always in need of parental assistance at concerts, contests, fundraisers, special events, and social occasions. These events could take place during the school day as well as before and after school. The Stallion Band needs and appreciates your support. In addition to volunteering your time within the program, parents should recognize that they are truly the most influential people in assisting their child's success in music. Teachers cannot assure success simply by having a student in class each school day. The lessons and goals of the teachers must be reinforced and encouraged at home through individual practice. The following suggestions are offered to assist parents in helping their child get the most out of the band experience: 1. Stress the importance of taking the instrument and music home every day. 2. Show an active interest in the child's music studies. 3. Find a location at home where your child can practice without interruption or frequent disturbances. 4. Arrange a regular practice time. 5. Help your child practice as much as possible by counting, studying the text of his or her book, or simply listening attentively. 6. Never make fun of the "strange" sounds occasionally produced. 7. Ensure that there is a safe place at home to store your child's instrument.

8. Keep the instrument in good repair and make sure that your child has all necessary supplies. 9. Protect school owned instruments. The cost of repairs is your responsibility. 10. Encourage your child to be on time at rehearsals, lessons and all band activities. 11. Encourage your child to play for others when the opportunity arises in the home, at school and in the community. 12. Notify your child's director if he or she will be absent from rehearsal or a performance. 13. Encourage your child to make up assignments when absent. 14. Discuss anything that will help the directors better understand your child. STUDENT FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES A school instrument usage fee will be in effect for the 2012-2013 school year, per district mandate, in the amount of $30. This fee needs to be paid by any student that uses a school-owned instrument throughout the school year, including all percussion students. Beginning band percussionists will only be responsible for a $15 fee since they will not be using school percussion instruments until the second semester. This fee will help fund the maintenance of the instruments, however, students will be responsible for repairing any damage done to a school instrument in their possession. Please sign and return the district form on the second to last page. FUNDRAISING An opportunity to defer the cost of uniforms, clinician fees, music, travel, contest fees, and supplies exists through fundraising. The band program only participates in two, oneweek fundraisers per school year. Participation in these drives is encouraged but is not required for grades or any other purpose. All profits will be used exclusively for the benefit of the Folks Band program. Donations to the band program will be accepted as well. OTHER If your family happens to have instruments, mouthpieces or supplies that aren t being used by any family members and you want the music to continue, please consider donating those items to the Folks MS Band Program. When a child has a passion for music and wants to perform but cannot afford the band experience, the Folks MS Band Program will do what it can to see that dream come true. We will gladly accept donations of band materials so that other children can have musical opportunities.