Memorial Parkway Junior High Eagle Band Handbook 2018-2019 Established in 1982 1 Page
Memorial Parkway Eagle Bands David Lorine and Cecilia Bell Directors August 14, 2018 Dear MPJH Band Parents and Students, On behalf of all the band directors, I would like to welcome back all returning students and welcome all our new arrivals. The organization that you belong to has a reputation of being one of the strongest band programs in Katy ISD and throughout our region. As the Eagle Bands head director, it is my goal to keep that reputation going, without forgetting about the fun aspects of learning what it takes to be a fine musician. I am very proud to be working with an exceptional band staff. Ms. Cecilia Bell is returning as our woodwind teacher and director of the Symphonic Band. We both share the same philosophy: maintaining our high expectations to insure that our goals are met. With the two of us working together, we guarantee that the members of the MPJH band program will have a unique, rewarding and entertaining experience. The following handbook is a guide on how the MPJH band program is run. Parents, please go over the information carefully with your child. We have attempted to include as much information possible about our particular policies. We will be sending a calendar home separately, hopefully, no later than the third week of school. Please return the required forms as soon as possible. Thank you so much for being a part of the award winning Eagle Band!! The musical skills and knowledge that students will learn here will last a lifetime. Sincerely, The Eagle Band Staff David Lorine Cecilia Bell davidjlorine@katyisd.org marycbell@katyisd.org (281)237-5943 (281)237-5941 2 Page
MPJH BAND BOOSTERS 2018-2019 MPJH Band Parent(s), Welcome, or welcome back, to the MPJH Eagle Band! Your child s experience in band at MPJH is so much more than learning to play an instrument. In the band hall at MPJH, your child will find a sense of community, make new friends, and have a place to belong. Research suggests that through his or her involvement in band, your student will develop improved concentration and become more responsible. They will have the opportunity to compete, excel, and be recognized for their skills; and through competition and success they will gain confidence. We believe that you and your child will treasure the time they spend in band as the best part of their experience at MPJH. Our program is blessed to have Mr. David Lorine return as Head Director. His 20+ years of experience in our school enables him to consistently lead our bands to successful ratings in district competitions, and the kids respect and look forward to learning from him. Our Assistant Director, Cecilia Bell, is beloved for her positive attitude, her lively spirit, and her ability to inspire her bands to reach their full potential. You can be confident your child will receive exceptional music instruction. To continue these proud traditions, the parents of band members will be called upon to support our band directors and our children. Our band program s success depends upon parent involvement and support, through fundraising efforts as well as volunteering of time. We encourage you to identify an opportunity to support your child s music education that works for you and your schedule. The first step is to join the MPJH Band Booster Club, which insures you will receive Booster updates and information. Then, review the Band Program Needs in the Forms section of this handbook and pick one or two activities to embrace. Our goal is to have many parents participating in small roles. Whatever time you commit to the Eagle Band benefits your child directly. I ask you to proudly embrace the role of Band Parent and help the MPJH Eagle Band continue its tradition of success! Please don t hesitate to contact me with questions concerning the MPJH Band Boosters, and ways in which you can help. I look forward to serving with you. Sincerely, Lee Semmel, MPJH Band Booster President 281-615-6380 mpjhbandboosters@gmail.com 3 Page
4 Page Policies and Requirements
I. Commitment Band activities are group events that require the participation of all students. All group performances require mandatory attendance from each student involved. Students may be given a major test grade for all extra-curricular and curricular performances. We ask that you mark your calendars with these dates so as to avoid conflicts when planning family activities and other non-school related events. Trying to rehearse or perform without all band members is similar to playing the piano with missing keys. We need and expect all students to attend sectionals and performances. Occasionally, band events may conflict with another MPJH school event. In that case, the directors/ sponsors of both groups will work with the parents and student so that the student s and groups best interests are met. II. Academic Eligibility A. Loss of Eligibility A student who earns a grade below 70 on their report card for a six-week period in any class will be placed on an ineligibility list. Students on this list will be suspended from participation in all extra-curricular activities for a three-week period. Suspension begins the day report cards are sent home (not the day grades are submitted). Events affected by this state ruling include: Any activities sponsored or sanctioned by the school district Any performance associated with a sporting event Any contest where ratings are awarded, both individual and group (this includes Spring trips or parties.) This would not include any concert for parents when no admission is charged. B. Reinstatement of Eligibility At the end of the three-week suspension, progress reports are issued. A student who earns a 70 or above on their progress report in all classes (not just the one previously below 70) will be reinstated. Reinstatement begins when the progress report is sent home (not the day the grades are submitted). If at the end of the three-week suspension the student has a grade below 70 on their progress report, they will remain on the ineligible list. Once the student is passing all classes on either their report card or a progress report their eligibility will be reinstated. Remember that participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege and not a right. Restrictions may be placed on participation with regard to attendance at section rehearsals, behavior in the classroom and any other restrictions that the band directors feel are necessary for the extracurricular activity to be meaningful to the student. 5 Page
III. Home Practice The most effective home rehearsal programs are based on a daily half-hour dedicated to quality practice. Home practice is expected. The physical requirements of producing a quality sound, playing with clean technical accuracy, and the reading of music notation will strengthen over time only if regular, daily practice is performed. All instruments must be taken home at night. No instrument is allowed to spend the night in the band hall. Practice cards must be completed daily and submitted each Tuesday for documentation of a weekly practice grade. IV. Private Lessons We appreciate all of your support and encourage you to take advantage of our outstanding private lesson program. Private lessons are designed to benefit all band students. Students having any difficulties with fundamentals can receive the extra attention and tutoring needed to become successful. Students already performing well will gain great strength from the advanced pace and more challenging material the private lesson teacher can provide. The benefit of private lessons is invaluable to all students musical progress. Students receive weekly one on one attention that is not possible in a large band class. They learn more about their instrument, are challenged further, and tend to gain immense self-confidence from the private lesson experience. The MPJH band directors will provide private lesson instructors with the name and phone numbers of any student interested in taking lessons. Private lesson instructors will call you to arrange individual lesson times and location. Lessons that are provided through the District are typically held once a week and cost $17.00 per half hour lesson. V. Consent to Treat/Extracurricular Travel Form KISD requires that each student traveling with the band, has on file a Parent/Guardian Authorization for Regular Extracurricular Travel And Consent to Emergency Treatment of Student form. The forms go with the band when the band travels to any off-campus location. In the near future your child will be receiving an approved medical form by the District. VI. Uniform A. Informal All MPJH band students are required to purchase an Eagle Band T-shirt (Please see the attached order form). This is the official band T-shirt and is worn during special school events, as well as occasional off-campus events. When using the Eagle Band T-shirt with jeans as an informal performance uniform, the T-shirt should always be tucked in. 6 Page
B. Formal The students will also have a formal concert uniform, which will be worn for certain concerts and band contests. The bands are graded on uniformity of dress at contests. It is essential for all students to be dressed appropriately. Any student not in the proper attire cannot be allowed to perform with the group. 1. Beginner Band Student Provided: black dress slacks black dress shoes black socks white long-sleeved dress shirt or blouse It is the responsibility of each family to provide the components of the uniform. No black jeans or sneakers of any kind. 2. Honors, Symphonic and Concert Bands Student Provided: black cummerbund & bowtie white tuxedo shirt with studs black dress slacks black dress shoes black socks Students are required to purchase a tuxedo shirt. In order for all tux-shirts to match they must be purchased through the band. MPJH band has a vendor who will come to the school to measure your child for a proper fit. Students will also need to purchase a cummerbund and bowtie. Look for information concerning the fitting/purchase day to come home with your child in September. Tuxedo shirts are to be tucked in for the duration of any event (not just while performing). A band student must not be out of uniform at any time during a school trip or at a school performance. It is the responsibility of each family to provide the remainder of the uniform (black dress pants, black dress shoes, and black socks). No black jeans or black sneakers of any kind. 7 Page
VII. Supplies A. Beginner Band (beginner percussionists use different books) $25 BAND FEE Instrument and proper equipment (mouth piece, valve oil, drum sticks, etc.) Pencil must have in class every day Brass & Woodwinds: Method Book: Essential Elements Book 1. PERCUSSION: Rhythm Reading for Drums Book 1 by Garwood Whaley 20 Solos for the Young Snare Drummer by Kennan Wylie purchase at area music store Formal uniform as described in uniform section for Beginner Band MPJH Eagle Band T-shirt mandatory must be purchased at the beginning of school year (Please see the attached order form) B. Honors, Symphonic and Concert Band $25 BAND FEE Instrument and proper equipment (mouth piece, valve oil, etc.) Pencil must have in class every day Formal uniform as described in uniform section Flip folder for pep rally/football game music Music lyre to hold flip folder (not required for flutes, oboes, bassoons, or percussion) MPJH Eagle Band T-shirt mandatory must be purchased at the beginning of a school year (Please see the attached order form) VIII. Eagle Band Fundraiser The MPJH band holds one student-based fundraiser each year. Proceeds from the fundraiser are used to enrich and enhance your student s band experience. A portion of your student s individual sales will be used to defray the cost of band trips; therefore, a minimum level of participation is required. A student may opt out of doing the fundraiser, but will then have to pay for the trip themselves. These fees will be non-refundable if a student is not able to come on the trip (academically ineligible etc.). IX. Maintenance/ Usage Fee Katy ISD provides certain instruments for student use. These are instruments that are generally more expensive or of a special nature and require a more professional mode of maintenance and care. It is the policy of Katy ISD to require an instrument maintenance fee ($80 per year) that covers normal wear and tear, cleaning and routine maintenance of the instrument to insure the instrument remains in top working condition and to maximize the life of the instrument. For more information please refer to the sample maintenance/usage fee form in the form section of the handbook. Full or partial payments must be made in order for your child to continue using school equipment. These fees are due October 1 st. 8 Page
The Way Things Work 9 Page
I. Band Hall Rules A. Rules 1. Be in your seat ready for class when the tardy bell rings 2. Be prepared for every rehearsal with all necessary materials 3. Do not speak without permission 4. No gum, candy, food or drink in the band hall 5. No running or horseplay in the band hall 6. No handling of anyone s band equipment except your own 7. Use proper entrances and exits at the end of the school day 8. No devices or headphones allowed in the band hall B. Consequences 1. Verbal reminder 2. Student/Director conference 3. Conference with parents 4. After school detention 5. Conference with principal 6. Removal from class C. Rewards 1. Being a member of a winning team 2. Develop outstanding musicianship 3. Being a part of the Eagle Band Experience 4. Participation in exciting performances 5. Awesome events; parties, concerts, football games, pep rallies 10 Page
II. Grading Policy A. Weekly practice card grade 15% 1. Filled out and signed by parent 2. Turned in on Tuesday 3. Taking your instrument home every night (we know you didn t practice if your instrument is left in the band hall) B. Weekly daily grade 35% 1. Active participation in class 2. Having all necessary equipment (Instrument, music, book, reeds, mouthpiece, valve oil, neck strap, pencil) C. Tests, Performances, and Sectionals 50% 1. Playing test over pre-assigned material 2. Written test over pre-assigned material 3. Curricular and extra-curricular performances and rehearsals D. All Bands An unexcused absence from a required performance may result in the suspension of that student from any other extra-curricular band activities for the remainder of the school year, removal from the performing band or demotion within the particular section. The student s band grade may also be affected. The band directors and principal will be responsible for determining any additional penalty to be assessed. III. Section Rehearsals Regular section rehearsals and a thorough private lesson program are at the heart of every successful band program. The purpose of these rehearsals will be to give the students individual and small group specialized instruction that they cannot receive during full band rehearsal. We will be strengthening individual fundamentals and working on a variety of band and Region Band music. During the Fall Semester, the Honors and Symphonic Band students are required to attend one after school sectional per week. Concert Band members are encouraged but not required to attend the sectionals. Following the conclusion of sectionals (sometime in November), Honors, Symphonic and Concert Bands will be required to stay after school for one rehearsal a week to help better prepare for our Winter concert. Please note that all Honors and Symphonic students will also be required to attend section rehearsals the second semester to further strengthen fundamentals and prepare for UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest. 11 Page Students attending section rehearsals will earn a weekly section rehearsal participation grade. They will also have the majority of their playing tests during their sectionals.
III. Contests Students must provide advanced written notice if they will not be able to attend their assigned sectional. Absences will be excused if the student is absent from school that day, ill, has a doctor s appointment, or for other director approved reasons. Any student absent from school on a sectional day must re-schedule with one of the directors for a make-up time. The section rehearsal schedule has been coordinated with the MPJH Athletic Department so that band athletes may attend required sectionals on the scheduled day and time. Sectionals will occur each morning from 7:30 am 8:20 am. Section rehearsals for the first semester will begin on August 20 th. Section rehearsals for the second semester will begin on January 14 th. A. Region Band Try-Outs (November 2 nd & 3 rd ) The Region Band Try-Outs are individual competitions in which students in the West/Northwest Houston area compete for chairs in a highly select musical organization. By learning the scales and try-out music required for the competition, each student gains audition experience and advanced musical skills. Students who are fortunate to make the Region groups will then participate in a special honors clinic and concert with a well-known conductor. The fee for Region Band Try-Outs is approximately $13.00. It must be paid 35 days prior to the audition in order to be entered in the competition. All entry fees are nonrefundable. B. Solo and Ensemble Contest (February 2 nd ) This event is a very important part of the student s musical education. The experience of playing in solos and ensembles is much different than playing in band. It gives the student an opportunity to do individual work on a solo and small ensemble work with a small group of students (trio, quartet). Students are strongly encouraged to participate in one solo, one small ensemble, and a medium ensemble, if they desire. This contest increases the student s musical knowledge and skills, as well as develops self-confidence and teamwork. Entry fees are approximately $8.00 and must be paid 35 days prior to the contest. Entry fees cannot be reimbursed for students who become ineligible, or do not attend the contest, for any reason. 12 Page
Students performing solos are required to perform with a piano accompanist. Some students may arrange to be accompanied by their private lesson teacher, or other capable pianist. We will assign an accompanist to the students unless other arrangements have been made. For a fee (see below) the accompanist will rehearse at least twice with the student and perform at the contest. Snare drum solos do not usually use piano accompaniment. Accompanist s Fee: Class I, II & III Solos - $35.00 C. PRE-UIL Concert and Sightreading Conest March 23 rd for Symphonic and Honors Band U.I.L. Concert and Sightreading Contests: Symphonic Band: March 28 th or 29 th Honors Band: April 2 nd or 3 rd (exact dates and times will be given at least two weeks prior) These contests are the most important events of the year. Everything we have worked on the entire school year will come down to an hour long competition at this event. The previous contests were all based on individual or small group performances. Concert and Sight-reading requires the ENTIRE TEAM, therefore, attendance is mandatory. 13 Page
14 Page Forms
Form Return Checklist Return to Band Hall / Directors Please group/staple forms together as noted. This will help with processing all the paperwork. All paperwork due: August 24, 2018 Student Name Beginner Concert Symphonic Honors Circle One Handbook Acknowledgement * $25 Band Fee (check made payable to Katy ISD) * Consent to Treat / Extracurricular Travel * for Band Directors T-Shirt Order * Band Booster Membership Fee Yard Sign Order For Band Boosters (Check made to MPJH Band Boosters) Clip Band Booster Order Form Sheet to check or cash Decal Order Form *Reguired 15 Page
Required: Due 8/24/18 Handbook Acknowledgment We have read the MPJH Band Handbook: Student Name: please print Student Signature: Band: Period: Parent Signature*: * Form MUST be signed by a Parent or Guardian 16 Page
BAND BOOSTERS ORDER FORM Required: Due 8/24/18 Student s Name: Last First Band: Period: Band T-Shirt (REQUIRED) Shirts are available in adult sizes only. Please feel free to order as many t-shirts as you like. They come in handy if you volunteer to chaperone, work at one of the parties, or attend one of the football games. They are a requirement for band members. For family members, they are for fun and support. Small Medium Large X-Large XX-Large Band Shirts: $15.00 Per Shirt Size Quantity Total Cost Grand Total for T-Shirts: MPJH Band Booster Membership Fee $8.00 MPJH EAGLE BAND Window Decal $5.00 each Show your MPJH Eagle Band pride! Yard Sign $15.00 The Band Booster membership fee is only $8.00 per family per year. This fee allows the Band Boosters to keep you informed on upcoming events, concerts, and contests, as well as to recognize student s achievements. Not Actual Size Number of Total GRAND TOTAL (Payable to MPJH Band Booster) = $ 17 Page
MPJH Band 2018-2019 Band Program Needs Please return by 8/24/18 Our band program s success depends upon parent involvement. Parent s Name: Email: Student s Name: Phone Number: Cell Phone: Beginner Concert Symphonic Honors (Please circle one) Please check the areas in which you are interested in supporting the band program. Chaperoning: Join the students as they travel to contests or field trips. Opportunities for chaperoning include weekday, daytime, evenings and weekends. Tinsel & Tunes (Volunteer for coordination of dinner, auction and raffle) Meetings will begin in September. Event takes place early December. Help with Parties (Help us reward hard work by setting up, cleaning up, or chaperoning one of the band parties held 2-3 times each year) Band Booster Board Looking for parents to help with accounting and financial management of the organization. Email: mpjhbandboosters@gmail.com Phone: 281-615-6380. 18 Page