Roma Middle School Bands STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK 2015-2016 Directors: Corey L. Graves Dena Laurel Eden Gonzalez Maricruz Bustamante John Mireles Moses Simon Jennifer Villarreal Olegario Lopez Brad Samsen Lizardo Hinojosa Rebecca Cannon Eden Perez Eduardo Hinjosa
2 Table of Contents A Brief Overview... 3 Concert Bands.4-5 Participation Expectations.. 5 Rehearsal Expectations.. 5 Grading Policy... 6 Academic Eligibility.. 7 Use of the Band Hall Facilities.. 7 School Instruments. 8 Attire.. 8 Off Campus Travel Policies... 8-9 Fundraising. 10 Scale Stars.. 11 Student Leadership. 12 Academic Eligibility Form. 13 Calendar of Events.. 14 Medical Release Form 15 Student Information Form.. 16 2
3 CONGRATULATIONS on your decision to be part of the fine tradition that is the award- winning Roma Middle School Band! This handbook is designed as a guide for both parents and students to give specific details concerning all aspects of the band program. For any further information, please feel free to call the Roma Middle School Band office at 956-849- 1434. A Brief Overview The Roma Middle School Band program has established itself as one of the leading band programs in the state of Texas. As a member of this organization, you have the esteemed privilege and challenging responsibility of carrying on this tradition of excellence. Band is a full-year course (and commitment) consisting of two distinct semesters. A schedule of this year s events will be attached to the handbook. Please review the schedule carefully and feel free to discuss any concerns that you might have with us at the number provided above. The Fall Semester: Music and Instrument Fundamentals All-Region Preparation Pep Rally at Roma Middle School Roma Fest Parade Roma Middle School Football Game Fall Concert (Symphonic Winds/Symphonic Band) Holiday Concert (All Bands) All-Region Audition All-Region Clinic and Concert The Spring Semester: Concert Contest Festivals UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Contest Spring Trips (All Bands) Spring Concert (All Bands) Scale Star Trip (Beginner Band Qualifiers) Solo and Ensemble Contest 3
4 Concert Bands There are three concert bands at Roma Middle School. Students are placed in a concert band according to their playing ability, attitude, participation, and the instrumentation needs of the ensembles. Students may be moved from band to band as deemed necessary or appropriate. The three concert bands encompass a wide range of playing abilities and time commitment. Through our team teaching process, students will have the opportunity to experience full band, sectionals, and individual lessons. All students will receive one credit towards their fine arts/elective requirement. Symphonic Winds Director: Mr. Corey L. Graves The Symphonic Winds is the premiere performing concert band at Roma Middle School. Symphonic Winds students meet during 4 th period and are required to attend sectionals and full band rehearsals outside of school time each week. Members of this ensemble perform UIL PML grades 3-5 literature and give numerous concerts during the year. Musicians are chosen for this group during the last semester of the previous school year. While it is an honor to be chosen for this organization, students must go the extra mile to maintain their membership by participating in the All-Starr County and All- Region Band process. The Symphonic Winds also performs at major music festivals and UIL Concert & Sightreading Contest each spring, competing against the best concert bands from across the Rio Grande Valley and the state of Texas. This group will be comprised of students in grades 7-8 who are very serious about improving their musical abilities. Symphonic Band Director: Mr. Eden Gonzalez The Symphonic Band is our second concert band at Roma Middle School. Symphonic Winds students meet during 2 nd period and are required to attend sectionals and full band rehearsals outside of school time each week. Musicians are chosen for this group during the last semester of the previous school year. Members of this ensemble perform UIL PML grades 1-3 literature and give numerous concerts during the year. Students are highly encouraged to audition for the All-Starr County an All-Region Bands as it may affect their band placement, which is contingent upon the needs of the ensembles. The Symphonic Band, comprised of students in grades 7-8, serves for many students as a preparation for the Symphonic Winds. 4
5 The 6 th Grade Beginning Band Director: Mr. Corey L. Graves The 6 th Grade Beginner Band serves any 6 th grade student interested in learning to read music and play a musical instrument. These students classes are scheduled during 3 rd and 8 th periods in homogeneous classes, meaning that each instrumental class will have its own teacher. Our 6 th Grade Beginner Band performs UIL PML grades ½ to 2 level music. They perform two major concerts each year and compete at one music festival at the end of the year. The goal of the 6 th grade band year is to earn a chair in the Symphonic Winds or Symphonic Band as a 7 th grade band member. The beginner band demands daily time commitment devoted to practicing the instrument. Participation Expectations A yearly band calendar is enclosed for your use in planning your family schedule for the 2015-2016 school year. Each band student is important to the success of our many activities, so we must be able to count on 100% attendance at these performances. If a family emergency occurs unexpectedly, PARENTS, please call the band office at 956-849-1434. Occasionally, there may be family commitments, (weddings, graduations, etc.) in which case, we will try to be flexible and work with you on an individual basis. This must be discussed in detail well in advance (i.e. a month or more, unless circumstances do not allow for this time frame). If a band student has an unexcused absence from a performance/required function, they are subject to the following: A failing grade for the performance A loss of chair placement/band placement A loss of band incentives such as field trips, parties, etc. Rehearsal Expectations In band rehearsals we not only deal with a creative process, but also a great deal more students at one time than do other classroom teachers. Because of these circumstances, it is imperative that band students be organized and prepared for every rehearsal. When an individual is not able to play his/her instrument during a rehearsal, it hurts the GROUP as well as the individual. It is important that the student s instrument is in good working condition, that he/she has a pencil to mark music, and important accessories such as sheet music, music binder, reeds, and valve oil are ready for EVERY rehearsal. Be alert and present in every rehearsal. Students who do not live up to the high rehearsal expectations of the Roma Middle School Band will be counseled, moved to a lower level band, or removed from the band program completely. 5
6 Grading Policy Grading in band is based on the Five P s: Participation, Preparation, Practice, Performance, and Playing Tests. Daily participation grades consist of active involvement in class and advance preparation for class: this includes having a pencil, a binder with dividers, correctly numbered and marked music, and a well-maintained instrument. All of these items WILL be checked WEEKLY! It is ESSENTIAL to practice your instrument EVERY DAY! This is the time we put the skills we learn during class time into use so that we become better musicians. Each studio will monitor weekly practicing with a Practice Log that can be signed before school or during the lunch period. Every student will be issued a special BAND PASS to enter the band hall at these times and will be responsible for using this practice time at least FIVE times throughout the week. Students who go beyond this requirement will be awarded extra credit. Instruments are to be taken home daily. Students who play larger instruments, such as the tuba, euphonium, trombone, French horn, or baritone/tenor saxophone may substitute taking their instruments home with practice before school or during lunch. However, these select instruments must go home on the weekends. Performance and Playing Test grades will include class assignments, sectional rehearsal assignments, chair tests, and attendance at all events scheduled outside of class time. Grades will be based on the following percentages: Daily Participation, Preparation, and Practice: 50% Performance and Playing Tests: 50% 6
7 Academic Eligibility All music organizations adhere to the eligibility rules and regulation as stated by the Texas Educators Association (TEA) and Roma Independent School District (RISD). Any student whose recorded six weeks grade average in any course is lower than 70 at the end of a six-weeks period shall be suspended from participation during the next sixweeks period. However, a student may regain eligibility seven calendar days after the three-week evaluation period if the student is passing all courses on the last day of the three-school-week period. The Roma Middle School Band directors will enforce all eligibility rules and regulations. Students who are ineligible will continue to rehearse during his/her band classes, before and after school sectionals, and participate in curricular performances to earn his/her band grade. Ineligible students may not travel with the band or participate in extracurricular performances. An example of a curricular performance would be a spring concert and an extracurricular performance would be any type of contest. Be advised that excessive absences from school may also result in a student being declared ineligible. The band directors and Roma Middle School staff work hard to assist and encourage band students to perform up to their potential in ALL classes. Since band is a group activity, each individual band student plays an integral part in the success of the group. The band directors will consult both with teachers and students for strategies for improving individual student performance. We cannot be successful as a band unless our students are successfully passing ALL classes. Use of Band Hall Facilities Students are welcome to use the band hall practice rooms for practice either before school, during lunch, or after school. Due to the many thousands of dollars worth of musical instruments that are in the band hall, we do ask that ONLY band students be allowed in the band hall. Students must ask their friends who are not in the band to wait for them in the school hallway. The band hall is a safe haven. We stress to all band students to be responsible and keep their equipment PUT AWAY in their storage facilities at all times. Clean-up duty is assigned to those untidy housekeepers to help develop orderly skills. Band Hall Guidelines: Gum, food or drinks of any kind are not allowed in the band hall/practice rooms. Keep the band hall clean at all times. Help put up chairs and stands neatly. Band storage units are for instruments and music only. Be Prepared! Respect and Help each other! No horse playing. Such activity could result in removal from band or expulsion from school. 7
8 School Instruments Roma ISD provides school musical instruments in the double reed, low reed, and selected brass and percussion sections at no cost. These instruments are quite costly (i.e. concert tuba = $6,000) and are not normally owned by individuals. All of these instruments are sent to the repair shop and reconditioned during the summer. Any instrument damage beyond normal wear and tear during the year is the responsibility of the band student who has signed for the instrument. (Refer to instrument check out contract). We expect the instrument to be returned in the same condition as when issued. Dings, dents, and other damages, if deemed excessive by the director, will be repaired at the student s expense. If the instrument is lost or stolen while checked out to a student, it is the parents /student s responsibility to replace the instrument. Attire Informal Attire All band students are required to purchase a Roma Middle School Band Spirit Shirt at the beginning of each school year. These shirts are worn at pep rallies, parades, football games, trip activities, and at other performances where less-formal attire is appropriate. Payment plans are available. *NOTE: Shirts are available for band parents upon request. Formal Attire All band students must dress formally for all concert contests and concert performances. After signing a contract, all 7 th and 8 th grade gentlemen will be issued a RMS band uniform and are only asked to provide, black shoes, and black socks. 7 th and 8 th grade girls will be issued a black concert dress. Girls are asked to provide their own athletic shorts and black shoes (not open toe). *NOTE: 6 th grade students will be fitted for black attire if available for all. Off-Campus Travel Policies GENERAL Students who represent the Roma ISD on out-of-town trips are expected to maintain high standards, in every respect, at all times. They are expected to be in attendance for all sessions and activities scheduled for them. Additionally, they are expected to be on time for all events. Each student will be responsible to one or more faculty sponsors who will supervise the activities of the student for the trip. Negligence in attending sessions or in failing to maintain our standards of conduct may make it necessary for the sponsor to send the student home at his/her own expense. 8
9 Self-discipline is the key element for a pleasant experience for both the sponsor and the student when the student is on a school-related trip. Students who are involved in a serious disciplinary offense on a school-related trip (such as the use, possession of, or being under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol, stealing, fighting, or some other serious offense) will face disciplinary action, which may include one or more of the following: 1. The student will be sent home from the trip at the parents expense. 2. The student will be held liable for damages to property. 3. The student may be removed from this school activity as well as other school co-curricular activities. 4. The student may face administrative consequences in which they may be relocated to in In-School-Suspension (ISS), Off-Campus-Suspension, or Alternative Education Placement. Students attire during school activities outside the school day should be in good taste. If there is any question of taste, the director s decision is final. All adults on trips serve as sponsors. Students will be expected to treat them with respect at all times. In the event a parent-sponsor gives needed supervision, band students must honor that with utmost respect. GENERAL Even though you will not always be wearing an identifying band shirt, people will find out from which school you came. You have the opportunity to make a tremendous name for Roma ISD and for yourself. Be courteous and polite at all times. There is no way we can anticipate every possible scenario, so we ask for good judgment. Please use common sense. RULE OF THUMB: If there is any question in your mind as to whether you should do something or not DON T DO IT! It is better to be safe than sorry. WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT THERE WILL BE NO PROBLEMS. Requirements to travel: In order to travel with the Roma Middle School Band, students must complete the following requirements: Turn in medical release form and permission slips Attend any required meetings for parents and students Attend after school rehearsals Pass-off all related music Maintain excellent behavior and grades in school Must not have an outstanding monetary balance Must have the appropriate uniform. 9
10 Fundraising End of the year trips are funded completely by band members, either through private sources (parents, etc.) or through student fundraising. RMS band members will be given an opportunity to fundraise for any major trip. Students may choose not to fundraise and instead pay through a private source. It is understood that all monies raised will be turned in to our RMS secretary/bookkeeper and deposited into the RMS Band Activity Account. Only monies from a private source may be refunded in case of cancellation, emergencies, etc. and must be approved by band director after meeting with the parents. If a trip is cancelled, due to unforeseen circumstances (trip denial by board, not enough money raised, etc.) the band directors will make every effort to use fundraised money to have a make-up event. Money fundraised will not be refunded and will remain in the band activity account and carry over to the following school year. Balances for individual accounts will not carry over to the following year s field trip. 10
11 Scale Stars Scale Stars at RMS are some of our brightest and most talented students. Students who were Scale Stars at RMS have become Texas All-State Musicians, making them some of the best musicians in the state! To earn the recognition of a Scale Star, students must pass off a series of diatonic scales and a full-range chromatic scale by memory for a studio teacher other than their own. These scales must be played flawlessly, exhibiting perfect rhythmic precision, characteristic tone, and pitch accuracy. There are Five Levels of Scale Stardom: Scale Star Level 1: The student must pass off each scale on their Middle School All-Region sheet. The student will be asked to slur or tongue each scale. Be prepared to play them with either articulation. Scale Star Level 2: The student must pass off each scale of their Middle School All-Region sheet in addition to the remaining five scales of the twelve major scales: Concert D Major, Concert A Major, Concert E Major, Concert B Major and Concert G-Flat Major. The student will be asked to slur or tongue each scale, so be prepared to play them with either articulation. The studio teacher will define the appropriate range (one or two octaves) for each scale. Scale Star Level 3: The student must pass off all twelve natural minor scales. The student will be asked to slur or tongue each scale, so be prepared to play them with either articulation. The studio teacher will define the appropriate range (one or two octaves) for each scale. Scale Star Level 4: The student must pass off all twelve harmonic minor scales. The student will be asked to slur or tongue each scale, so be prepared to play them with either articulation. The studio teacher will define the appropriate range (one or two octaves) for each scale. Scale Star Level 5: The student must pass off all twelve melodic minor scales. The student will be asked to slur or tongue each scale, so be prepared to play them with either articulation. The studio teacher will define the appropriate range (one or two octaves) for each scale. EACH LEVEL OF STARDOM COMES WITH ITS OWN SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND INCENTIVE! WORK HARD AND MAKE IT HAPPEN! 11
12 Student Leadership Student leaders are integral people who help keep the Roma Middle School band program alive and running! As band officers these select individuals will help make important decisions that will shape this band s future successes. The Band Council will be selected by a majority vote of the band members in 7 th -8 th grades. These band officers may come from either Symphonic Winds or Symphonic Band. Those interested in becoming a member of the Band Council must meet the following requirements: 1. Be an incoming 7 th or 8 th grade student 2. Fill out a Band Council Application 3. Be in good academic standing at the time of elections The Band Council will consist of the following positions: President, Vice- President, Secretary, Treasurer, Music Librarian, Uniform Manager, 8 th Grade Representative, and 7 th Grade Representative. 12
13 Roma Middle School Band Eligibility Form as of the End of the 3 rd Week Dear Roma Middle School Faculty: Student Name Instrument Please give a pass/fail status on the above named student. Thank you for taking time from your busy schedule! Sincerely, Roma Band Department Subject Pass/Fail Comments Teacher Initials 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 13
14 Calendar of Events Date Event Place August 24 th First Day of School! RMS 29 th RMS Beginner Instrument Band Drive (6 th ) RMS 31 st Fundraiser Drive Begins (6 th / 7 th / 8 th ) RMS September 1 st 2 nd RMS Beginner Instrument Band Drive (6 th ) RMS October 4 th Roma Fest Parade (7 th / 8 th ) Roma 17 th UIL Pigskin Marching Contest (7th/8th) PSJA 22 nd RMS Fall Concert (SymphonicWinds/Symphonic Band) Roma PAC TBA RMS Pep Rally (7 th / 8 th ) RMS Gym November 23 rd -24 th Starr County Band Audition (7 th / 8 th ) RMS TBA Sectionals for All-Region Qualifiers (7 th / 8 th ) RMS December 4 th - 5 th Middle School All-Region Auditions (7 th / 8 th ) Palmview HS 9 th RMS Christmas Concert (6 th / 7 th / 8 th ) Roma PAC 11 th -12 th Middle School All-Region Clinic/Concert (7 th / 8 th ) La Joya PAC 13 th Tuba Christmas (7 th / 8 th ) UTPA January 21 st RMS Band Clinic with Guest Clinician (7 th / 8 th ) RMS 22 nd Starr County Band Clinic and Concert (7 th / 8 th ) Roma PAC February 24 th -26 th MS Pre-UIL Band Contest (7 th / 8 th ) Valley View HS March 8 th -10 th UIL Concert & Sightreading Contest (7 th / 8 th ) La Joya HS April 19 th Percussion Concert (6 th / 7 th / 8 th ) Roma PAC 18 th -22 nd 5 th Grade Recruitment Week! RISD Elem. Schools May 12 th RMS Spring Concert (6 th / 7 th / 8 th ) Roma PAC 13 th Spring Trip Schlitterbahn (6 th / 7 th / 8 th ) South Padre Island 17 th RHS Spring Concert (8 th graders) Roma PAC TBA RMS 7 th / 8 th Grade Band Trip Fiesta Texas San Antonio 20 th RMS Band Awards Day (6 th / 7 th / 8 th ) RMS 24 th 6 th Grade Scale Star Trip (Chuck E. Cheese/ Movies) McAllen TBA 3 Recording Days for National Wind Band (7 th / 8 th ) TBA 14
15 Roma Middle School Band 2015-2016 Medical Release Form Student s Name: Instrument: Grade: Phone: Male/Female: Date of Birth: Social Security #: Father s Name: Mother s Name: Address: Community: City: State: Zip Code: In case of an emergency, list three individuals who can be contacted if the student s parents can not be reached. 1. Name: Phone #: 2. Name: Phone #: 3. Name: Phone #: Medical Information Name of Family Physician: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Office #: Home Phone #: Health Insurance Co.: Policy Number: Health Ins. Tel. # Do you consent to medical treatment as deemed necessary and reasonable by the examining physician or school professional in charge? Yes No In the case of an emergency, of what information should the doctor be aware (i.e. allergies, dizziness, diseases, etc.)? PARENT/GUARDIAN STUDENT RELEASE & AGREEMENT My son/daughter has my permission to attend district and out-of-district trips and school-sponsored extracurricular and co-curricular activities. I understand that Roma ISD and Roma Middle School will not be liable for injuries and medical cost for students. My signature also serves as permission for my son/daughter to obtain medical treatment on a school-sponsored trip. Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature Date 15
16 Roma Middle School Band 2015-2016 Information Form Last Name: First Name: Grade (Circle One): 6 th 7 th 8 th Instrument: Parent Names: Home MAILING Address: City: Zip Code: Community (Los Saenz, etc): Home Phone: Parents Cell Phones: Father s Work #: Mother s Work #: Email Address: MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE READ THE HANDBOOK CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING! We have read the Roma Middle School Band Handbook and our child has our permission to participate in the band activities stated in the handbook within the guidelines described. We understand that band is a FULL-YEAR commitment. Parent/Guardian Signature Date I, the student, have read the Roma Middle School Band Handbook and agree to abide by the policies stated. I realize that failure to follow policies or directions will result in disciplinary action that could lead to dismissal from the band class or the band program. Student Signature Date 16
17 Roma Middle School Band 2015-2016 T-Shirt Form All band students are required to purchase a Roma Middle School Band Shirt at the beginning of each school year. These shirts are worn at pep rallies, parades, football games, trip activities, and other performances where less-formal attire is appropriate. There are also special days within the school year that the principal will allow band students to wear their band shirt instead of the normal school uniform! Don t be left out! The cost of the shirt is $12.00. Please fill out this form and return it with payment by Friday, September 5, 2014. Student Name: Grade: (please circle) 6 th 7 th 8 th Instrument: ***Remember to pick a shirt size that will allow for the growth of your child throughout the school year!!!*** Shirt Size: (please circle) YM YL AS AM AL AXL AXXL AXXXL If parents/guardians would like to purchase a shirt as well, please indicate below by filling out this section: # of Parent/Guardian shirts: Sizes for each:,,, (Shirt #1) (Shirt #2) (Shirt #3) (Shirt #4) Total # of Shirts (included 17