McMath Tiger Band Member Handbook 2014-2015 Travis E. Harris Dr. Debra Nobles Kelsey Gaskill Director of Bands Principal Associate Director 940-369-3333 940-369-3300 940-369-3336 tharris@dentonisd.org dnobles@dentonisd.org kgaskill@dentonisd.org McMath Middle School 1900 Jason Drive Denton, TX 76205 (940) 369-3300
Welcome to the 2014 2015 McMath Middle School Tiger Band! About Carroll McMath McMath Middle School is proud to be named after Mr. Carroll McMath, renowned band director and respected citizen of Denton, Texas. During Mr. McMath's tenure at Denton High School, seventy-three members of the Bronco Band were selected as members of the All-State Band and Orchestra. The Bronco Band earned 15 sweepstakes and 79 first division ratings in UIL Competition. Carroll McMath promoted music and education wherever he was. He was named Denton's "Teacher of the Year" for 1972-1973 and was one of ten finalists for the state "Teacher of the Year" award. He was inducted into the Region 5 Band Directors Hall of Fame in 1991 and into the Phi Beta Mu Texas Band Directors Hall of Fame in 1992. He held leadership positions in numerous professional organizations, the Denton Kiwanis Club, and the First Baptist Church of Denton. Mr. McMath was also happily married for 55 years to Roberta Ellison, with whom he raised two fine sons, Bob and Bill. Carroll McMath's service, honors, and accolades only tell part of his story. His life represents not only the quest for excellence in music performance, but also exemplifies the highest level of personal integrity, a quality that made him a role model for hundreds of students, fellow teachers, and everyone who knew him. Overview In this handbook you will find important contact information, activities calendars, fee schedules, classroom expectations and ensemble goals. It will serve as a contract between the McMath Tiger Band and its members. The policies, herein, will be held to throughout the 2014-2015 school year and have been approved by the administration of McMath Middle School. If you have questions throughout the year, please consult this handbook as it is intended to be a tool for students and parents. It is important that all details are understood by the members and parents of the Tiger Band. Your time, energy, and cooperation are greatly appreciated as we continue our tradition of excellence. Mr. Travis E. Harris Mrs. Kelsey Gaskill Mr. Brian Wilson Mr. Jesse Woolery Mr. Robert Brannock McMath Middle School Instructors Director of Bands: (940) 369-3333 tharris@dentonisd.org Asst. Director: (940) 369-3336 kgaskill@dentonisd.org Director of Bands-DHS: (940) 369-2219 bwilson@dentonisd.org Adjunct Instructor: All Level Band Asst. Director- DHS: (940) 369-2209 jwoolery@dentonisd.org Adjunct Instructor: Double Reeds Asst. Director- DHS: (940) 369-2225 rbrannock@dentonisd.org Adjunct Instructor: Percussion
Beginning Band: Percussion Course Descriptions Beginning Band Focus is placed on learning the fundamentals of music and attaining a basic set of skills on your instrument. This class meets daily and gives an introduction to the language, history, and basic theory of music. Beginning Band classes are made up of like-instruments to facilitate a more in-depth and instrumentspecific instruction. Each student is required to practice 180 minutes every week. Practice records are signed by the parent and then turned in by the students. Practice records are due, for full credit, on Wednesday of every week. Members are highly encouraged to take private lessons from our private lessons staff. Students taking private lessons may count their lesson time toward their 180 minute weekly minimum. Cub Band This band is made up of seventh and eighth grade students who have demonstrated a great deal of talent on their instrument. Students are selected for the Cub Band based upon audition and their past performance in the band program. A weekly practice record will be handed in, for a grade, every Wednesday. All members of this ensemble are strongly urged to participate in Solo & Ensemble Contest, required to participate in all band performances, and are strongly urged to audition for All District Band and All Region Band. Members are highly encouraged to take private lessons from our adjunct music faculty. Tiger Band This band is made up of seventh and eighth grade students who have demonstrated an advanced proficiency on their instrument. Students are selected for the Tiger Band based upon audition, grades and their past performance in the band program. Members of this ensemble are strongly urged to audition for the All District and All Region Bands, perform a solo in the Solo & Ensemble Contest, and are required to participate in all band performances. Sectional times will be assigned once the school year has begun. Members are strongly urged to take private lessons from our adjunct music faculty. Tiger Jazz Band This band is made up of seventh and eighth grade students who have demonstrated an advanced proficiency on their instrument. Students are selected for the Jazz Band based upon audition, grades and their past performance in the band program. Members of this ensemble are required to learn additional music selected for the jazz ensemble and participate in ALL jazz activities (concerts, contests, appearances, etc.). Sectional times will be assigned once the school year has begun. Members are strongly urged to take private lessons from our adjunct music faculty. The goals for every Tiger Band musician are the same: To be a better musician today than you were yesterday. To continue your musical learning throughout life. To represent yourself and the McMath Tiger Band with dignity and pride. To commit yourself to musical excellence in every class and performance.
Rehearsals and Performances Daily rehearsal time is extremely valuable. Our high expectations and level of performance require that every minute of rehearsal is utilized effectively. Only through quality rehearsal is a quality performance achieved. The quality of every rehearsal and performance depends on the efforts of each individual musician. Performance is the tangible result of all of the hard work and effort from the students and directors. The only outcome we seek is one of superior effort from every member. When performing, students should always remember that they represent their directors, band family, school, and community. Any actions that detract from the positive image we strive to display will not be tolerated and will be dealt with according to the guidelines of the student handbook. Performance Guidelines ALL PERFORMANCES ARE REQUIRED 1. Excused absences should be submitted in writing before the performance and approved by Mr. Harris. 2. In the event of an excused absence, an alternate assignment will be given. 3. Emergency absences will be submitted to and approved by Mr. Harris in writing. I.e. health-related emergency, death in family, and acts of God. ***Non-School related activities are NOT considered excused absences.*** (This includes but is not limited to non-school related athletic events, miscellaneous recitals, etc ) Music and Handout Copies Each student will be given one free copy of all music and handouts needed for rehearsals, performances, and other special events. Because of our tight paper budget and to help teach students to be responsible for their own supplies, we will be charging $0.50 for each additional copy.
Sectionals & Attendance Sectionals In order to achieve and maintain a high standard of musicianship, it is necessary to have rehearsals outside of the school day. Although section rehearsals are not required, they are a vital part to the success of our band program and extra credit will be awarded for each section rehearsal attended. Attendance (Daily Class Time) It is important that ever member of our Band program takes part in rehearsals and classroom instruction. The McMath Tiger Band will follow campus-wide policy for attendance. See student handbook for clarification. Instruments All students are required to have an instrument by the end of the second week of school unless otherwise specified by Mr. Harris. Students not having an instrument by the deadline will be losing valuable instruction time and their schedule may be changed from band to another elective. Personally-owned or rented instruments should adhere to the recommended instrument list. It is extremely important that each student have a quality instrument that is in good working condition. School-owned instruments are available to members who play the instruments listed below. Oboe Baritone Saxophone Bassoon French Horn Bass Clarinet Euphonium Tenor Saxophone Tuba Denton ISD School Owned Instrument Usage Fee $100.00 per year for wind instruments (listed above) $50 per year for Fee Waiver reduced lunch students(copy of approval form required) $25 per year for Fee Waiver free lunch students(copy of approval form required) $50.00 per year for the use of school owned percussion instruments $25 per year for Fee Waiver free/reduced lunch students(copy of approval form required) ***payment plans are offered; District Instrument Usage Fee is due by OCTOBER 31ST*** Fee Waiver Denton ISD provides a Fee Waiver for students that qualify for free or reduced lunches. This waiver covers part of the instrument usage fee depending on status as notated above. Please ask the directors for the Fee Waiver form.
Care of Equipment and Facilities Band Hall Expectations Being in the band hall before or after school is a privilege; therefore students should be academically or musically engaged at all times. If a sectional or rehearsal is taking place in the band hall, please enter quietly. This includes observing rehearsals or private lessons. Make every attempt to not distract or interrupt students in the rehearsal. Instrument and Music Storage All instruments (school or personal) need to be kept in the students assigned band locker. Combo lock will be supplied by the band and must be locked at all times. Should the provided lock be lost or damaged, the student must pay a $10 replacement fee. We will NOT accept outside locks as a replacement. Music folders should be kept in your band locker and never crammed into your case. Please keep the lockers neat and orderly. The band hall lockers should be used ONLY for storage of your instrument and band folder. Practice and Ensemble Rooms These rooms are for practicing only. A director s permission is required at all times and a key must be checked out from a director. Chairs, stands, and other equipment should be left in place. Any inappropriate behavior or actions regarding the use of these rooms will result in immediate disciplinary action as stated in student handbook. Instrument Supplies *A metronome and a Korg chromatic tuner with clip are REQUIRED.* **All Tiger and Cub Band members must own a flip folder and, when applicable, music lyre. ***It is highly recommended that each student have a wire music stand to use at home. This will help reinforce proper posture, breathing and hand position. Flute: Cleaning swab, polishing cloth, key brush/duster, key oil. Clarinet: Cleaning swab, cork grease, key oil, bore oil (for wooden clarinets only), polishing cloth, at least 10 Vandoren reeds (Strength 2.5), 4 reed guards, 5RV mouthpiece and Rovner ligature. Oboe: Feather swab, cork grease, reed case, reeds. Bassoon: Seat strap, cork grease, reed case, reeds. Bass Clarinet: At least 10 Vandoren reeds. (Strength to be assigned) Saxophone: Cleaning swab or shove-it cleaner, neck swab, neck strap, cork grease, polishing cloth, key oil, at least 10 Vandoren reeds, 4 reed guards, C* mouthpiece and Rovner ligature. Please note that one reed will not last long. You should consider purchasing several at a time. We will show students how to take care of their reeds to make certain they last as long as possible. Students should always have at least 4 good reeds on hand. Trumpet: Piston Valve oil, slide grease, polishing cloth (any soft rag will do), mouthpiece brush, cleaning snake, Bach 7C mouthpiece. French horn: Rotary valve oil, slide grease, polishing cloth (any soft rag will do), mouthpiece brush, cleaning snake, Farkus MDC mouthpiece. Trombone: Yamaha Slide Lubricant, tuning slide grease, water spray bottle, polishing cloth (any soft rag will do), mouthpiece brush, cleaning snake, Bach 7C mouthpiece.
Euphonium: Tuba: Percussion: Piston Valve oil, slide grease, polishing cloth (any soft rag will do), mouthpiece brush, cleaning snake, Bach 7C mouthpiece. Piston or Rotary (depending on instrument type) Valve oil, slide grease, polishing cloth (any soft rag will do), mouthpiece brush, cleaning snake, Helleberg mouthpiece. Supplies and percussion procedures will be chosen by Mr. Brannock. Concert Dress The McMath Tiger Band takes great pride in projecting a professional, uniform appearance at all of our events. Concert Dress Casual Concert Venues: Black band polo/spirit shirts (to be determined and announced by Mr. Harris), blue denim jeans or shorts and athletic shoes. Formal Concert Venues: Black band polo, black slacks, black socks and black dress shoes. Eligibility The primary objective of each student in school should be to obtain the highest quality overall education. Academic performance goes hand in hand with musical success. We take pride in knowing that band students are among the highest achieving students in the school and are also among the most active in other organizations. Educational research has shown that students who are involved in extra and cocurricular activities such as band performs at a consistently higher academic level and have higher levels of self-esteem. Grades: A single failing grade in any class on a report card will deny you many performance privileges. This problem can virtually destroy all of our hard work, both individually and as a band. Your grades have a direct effect on every other student in the band. The teamwork needed for a successful performance is based on the responsibility of each student to pass his or her classes. Here are a couple of hints to stay eligible: Do all of your homework and turn it in on time!! The incredible fact is that the majority of ineligibles fail simply because they do not complete their work. A single zero on any assignment can cause your overall grade to plummet. Do not be afraid to ask for help!! Check with the teachers to find out when tutorial sessions are available. Every teacher at McMath Middle School is here to help any student willing to put out the effort. Just ask!
Auditions In the years we do not have grade-specific classes auditions are held each spring in order to set Band rosters for the following year. Auditions are competitive in nature and stress individual playing proficiency. Priority is given to characteristic sound, technique, and musicality. Students must demonstrate the ability to prepare required material including scales. Although competition for chair placement is encouraged, the emphasis is on positive, constructive criticism and individual growth. A student s musical growth and personal development is the primary concern for the directors, regardless of the band or chair in which they sit. Instrument and Music Vendors Music & Arts Centers 360 East FM 3040, Suite 820 Lewisville, TX 75067 (972) 315-8400 Penders Music 314 S. Elm St. Denton, TX 76201 (940) 382-7124 Web Site The band has a super cool web site! This site currently features a constantly updated calendar, information forms regarding upcoming events, links to other band related sites, contact information for our directors and private lesson staff, and pictures! We encourage you to bookmark this site and reference it often. ***Please sign up for BAND E-alerts, Join or Facebook Group, and follow us on Twitter*** Website: http://www.dentonisd.org/page/49992 Facebook Group: McMath Tiger Band Twitter: @McMathTigerBand
Private Lessons Private instruction can greatly enhance your musical growth and all-around Band experience! The secret to the success of the McMath Tiger Band has been our great participation in private lessons. The Tiger Band music faculty strongly encourages all students to take advantage of the private lesson program. We have an extremely talented group of instructors who are all dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential. Private lessons can help students prepare for band class, solos, ensembles, and All District and All Region Band. At the high school level, they help students prepare for All-State and college scholarship opportunities. Many of the students enrolled in this program become our musical leaders. Lessons are just $18.00 for 22 minutes once a week. These lessons can be scheduled before school, during your band period, or after school (depending on your teacher s availability). Spots are limited so take advantage now! Scholarships are available for students that are on Fee Waiver. ***PLEASE PERIODICALLY CHECK CALENDAR ON THE BAND WEBSITE, FACEBOOK, AND TWITTER*** http://www.dentonisd.org/page/49992 McMath Tiger Band group on Facebook.com @McMathTigerBand on Twitter Detailed information will be sent home at least one week prior to each event. Also, all handouts will be on the Tiger Band web page and Facebook. Please check the web pages frequently for updates, handouts and announcements. Thanks for helping our students and our band program have an awesome year!!
BAND POLICIES BAND STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO: MATERIALS Have all materials for EVERY rehearsal. Materials include but are not limited to instrument, accessories, music binder, pencil, notebook paper, metronome/tuner. Uniform tops and bottoms, spirit gear, and shoes. These will be needed only when notified by me. GRADING POLICIES Fundamentals- 50%- calculated weekly and is affected by attendance, having all materials, and being actively engaged in each day s lesson. Performance -30%- consists of weekly playing assignments and any extra or co-curricular performances such as pep rallies and/or sectionals. Skills-20%- consists of quizzes, worksheets, and practice records. ABSENCES Excused Absences Refer to the student handbook and my make-up work policy Unexcused Absence Refer to the student handbook and my make-up work policy. MAKE-UP WORK o Make up work will follow district and campus guidelines. o Practice Records not turned in on time will result in Wednesday after school detention/practice time in the band hall under the supervision of Mr. Harris and/or Mrs. Gaskill. o Make up assignments replacing major performances will be assigned by the band director.
CONSEQUENCES For RULE VIOLATIONS 1. VERBAL WARNING 2. TEACHER-STUDENT/PARENT CONFERENCE 3. CALL TO PARENTS/WRITTEN WARNING 4. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE 5. REFFERAL We reserve the right to skip any of the above listed procedures and refer any student, directly to the administration, should the behavior warrant such action.
REHEARSAL PROCEDURES 1. Enter the Band Hall in a calm, orderly fashion, assemble instruments and be seated. 2. Begin individual warm-up/practice; i.e. long tones, trouble spots, etc 3. Rehearsal begins when the tardy bell rings, so be in your seat ready to play by that time. 4. A Rehearsal Schedule will be on the board every day to enable us to spend as much time rehearsing as possible. 5. All individual practice and warm-up ends when I take the podium All attention is on me It s time to work. (Students are free to relax when I leave the podium) 6. After rehearsal, all students will: a. Disassemble instruments and neatly store them b. Stack chairs and stands c. Turn in written work 7. All students will speak only when: a. Recognized by me after raising their hand b. Speaking directly to their section leader c. I leave the podium 8. No individual playing unless directed by me.
Handbook Acknowledgement Form (Due September 5 th ) I/we have read and understand all of the rules and guidelines pertaining to membership in the McMath Middle School Tiger Band program for the 2013 2014 school year. I understand that I can be a tremendous factor in my child s musical growth. I also understand that in order to achieve the greatest amount of success, my child should bring his/her instrument and music home with them every day. Furthermore, my signature verifies that I have read, understand, and agree to fulfill all obligations addressed in this hand book and will participate in all required performances. Student Name Parent Name Student Signature Parent Signature Fee Schedule Payment Plans Available Make checks payable to McMath Tiger Band. These fees pertain to (but are not limited to) various individual and group contests, related travel expenses, band shirts, guest clinicians and judges, rewards and parties, and other materials deemed necessary by Mr. Harris throughout the year. Band Fee: Tiger, Cub, and Beginner $75.00 Band Fee (Check written to McMath Tiger Band) Tiger JAZZ Band $50.00 Band Fee (Check written to McMath Tiger Band) District Instrument/Equipment Usage Fee This is a school board approved district fee and is NON-NEGOTIABLE. School-Owned Instrument Fee(Check written to Denton Fine Arts): $100.00 School-Owned instrument fee (required for students playing a school-owned instrument) $50.00 Fee Waiver Reduced Lunch Status instrument fee $25.00 Fee Waiver Free Lunch Status instrument fee For Percussion Only(Check written to Denton Fine Arts): $50.00 Percussion Usage Fee $25.00 Fee Waiver Reduced/Free Lunch Status usage fee Private Lesson Information We are interested in private lessons. Please have the private lesson instructor contact us as soon as possible! We are already taking private lessons with.
McMath Tiger Band Trip Authorization Form 2014 2015 Student s Name He/She is covered by insurance company Policy Number in case of emergency I hereby give my consent for the above named student to go on school sponsored trips with the band, band directors and/or representatives. I also give my consent for school employees to secure emergency first aid or medical services for the above named student. I release the Denton Independent School District and all accompanying school authorities and chaperones from all responsibility pertaining to claims and expenses in the case of accident, injury, or loss of life that might occur. I understand that all reasonable precautions will be taken to insure the safety of my child during this activity. Medical Information (please print) Parent/Guardian Address Home Phone Cell Phone Email Parent/Guardian Address Home Phone Cell Phone Email Allergies (drugs and/or food) Chronic medical conditions (diabetes, asthma, epilepsy ) Medications taken regularly Other information Signature of Parent/Guardian Date Signature of Parent/Guardian Date