Rockin' Lizard Band Handbook

2011-2012

Jon McPhail, Head Band Director 428-3197

Megan Wike, Associate Band Director 428-3196

Nancy Guerrero, Principal

Laura Ihonvbere and Jesus Espinoza Assistant Principals

School Phone Number 428-3100

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to the CD Fulkes Middle School Band Program! We are going to have an exciting and fun filled year of learning and making music. We hope this handbook will be beneficial in explaining all of our policies and procedures. Please keep this copy for reference throughout the coming school year.

After reading the material carefully, please complete the forms found at the end of this handbook. All forms need to be returned by Friday September 2nd.

It would be virtually impossible to cover every item and detail regarding the C.D. Fulkes Band Program in this document. Every attempt, however, has been made to provide you with all pertinent and necessary information. If you have any questions, please contact a Band Director at one of the telephone numbers provided on the front cover. We look forward to a successful year watching the students grow both individually and musically!

Thank you for your support, and we hope that your year in band is a successful one!!

Musically yours

Jon McPhail and Megan Wike

Contents

Mission Statement 4

Goals 4-5

Grading 5-6

Band Hall Rules and Regulations 7

Discipline 8

Director’s Office and Music Library 8

Before and After School 8

Extra Help 8

Band Supplies 9

Performing Ensembles 9

Concerts, Contests, and Festivals 9

Band Trips 10

Fundraising 10

Turning in Money 10

Make-up Work 10-11

Private Lessons 11

Uniforms 11

Instrument Identification 11

Instrument Storage 12

School Owned Instruments 12

Instrument Repair 12

Instrument Insurance 12

Extra Curricular Eligibility 13

Activity Conflicts 13

Band Boosters 13

Parent Pick-up After Band Activities 13

Parent Volunteers 13

Communication 14

Medical Release Form 15

Student Information and Handbook Acceptance Page 16

Band Calendar 17

Private Lesson Information 18

Private Lesson Application and Pledge Form 19-20

Band Booster Concession Stand Sign-up 21

T-Shirt Order Form 23

Acknowledgement of Handbook and forms 25

CD Fulkes Band Mission Statement

Our middle school band program is designed to promote a basic understanding and appreciation for music. We want music to become an intrinsic part of our students’ lives. We want our students to have a life-long interaction with music because they love music. We want them to play, write music, and/or attend concerts for the rest of their lives.

We believe that people will be more likely to stay involved in music if they:

1. Are capable of preparing music accurately without assistance from a professional musician.

2. Understand how to use their instrument efficiently.

3. Have a good working knowledge of basic music theory.

4. Have made contributions of high quality to rehearsals and performances.

5. Have experienced profound musical moments as a performer and/or audience member.

Our band program is designed to provide each student with the skills and experiences to meet our goals. Features of our program include:

1. Two levels of performing bands all year, plus the beginning band program.

2. At least three full band concerts for the performing bands and two full concerts for the beginning band students.

3. Performing bands are able to perform at 2 football games and all pep rallies.

4. Solo and ensemble opportunities for all band students.

5. Opportunities to participate in district/region auditions and other musical contests such as UIL concert and sight reading contest, spring band competitions and solo/ensemble contest.

6. A grading system that allows each student to master skills at his/her own pace and still holds each student accountable for mastering assigned materials.

CD Fulkes Band Goals

1. To develop the technical skills necessary to play a musical instrument both as a solo instrument and as a member of an ensemble, to develop the skills necessary to read music and to support learning in the other academic classes.

2. To promote the success of the individual student as well as the CD Fulkes Band Program. Music is fun!! But there is no fun in mediocrity.

3. To increase the amount of fun and satisfaction each student receives from being in band. “What you get out of band depends on how much you put into it”.

4. To build leadership and character. The CD Fulkes Band Program strives to be known by outstanding character and citizenship. We will work to ensure proper conduct, consideration, and courtesy as a vital part of the participation of students—both in the band hall and in all public situations.

5. To promote and encourage each and every student to work together as a team toward specific goals and objectives. Students will learn both leadership and teamwork skills.

Grading for:

Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Band

Grades will be earned in the following areas:

Ensemble rehearsal skills 20%

Sectionals 20%

Playing tests 25%

Performances 25%

Written Tests 10%

The Winter Concert counts as the semester exam for the 1^st semester and the Spring Concert counts as the semester exam for the 2^nd semester.

1. Ensemble rehearsal skills – Students are expected to bring to each rehearsal their instrument, their band notebook with all music and all supplies necessary to perform to the best of the ability. Students must exhibit good ensemble skills such as listening carefully to instructions and the performance of other students, good posture and excellent attention to musical adjustments and correction.

2. Sectionals - Each student will be assigned to attend a weekly sectional rehearsal. We work with other school sponsors and coaches to reduce the number of conflicts that students have with rehearsals and practices with other school organizations, but it is also necessary that each section must practice together as a group as each sectional deals with instrument specific instruction. If you notice a conflict with another activity, you must speak to your assigned sectional instructor to work out a resolution to the conflict. Sectionals schedules will be posted at least one week in advance.

3. Playing Tests – Playing tests will be assigned over music learned in class or in sectionals. Playing tests will take place either during sectionals (to reduce student anxiety over playing in front of the entire ensemble) or students/sections may be pulled and tested during class time. Playing tests may result in a change of chair assignment during the school year. Students may take most playing tests over for a director outside of class or sectional time until they are happy with their test grade. Retesting will not change a student’s chair assignment though.

4. Performances – The Round Rock ISD School Board has determined that band is a Performing Art, and that performances are an extension of class time. Performance is our ultimate goal in band. It is essential that students be at all performances. Absences are excused only in the case of family emergency, or due to the severe illness of the individual involved in the activity. In the event a student must be absent from any required band function, a parent must inform a band director at least 72 hours before the activity occurs for the absence to be excused. Absences will be assessed on an individual basis.

5. Written Tests – Written tests will be given over musical terms and fingerings as well as worksheets on music theory and music history.

Grading for:

Beginning Band

Grades will be earned in the following areas:

Ensemble rehearsal skills 25%

Playing tests 25%

Performances 25%

Written tests 25%

The Winter Concert counts as the semester exam for the 1^st semester and the Spring Concert counts as the semester exam for the 2^nd semester. It is essential that students be at these performances. Absences are excused only in the case of family emergency, or due to the severe illness of the individual involved in the activity. In the event a student must be absent from any required band function, a parent must inform a band director at least 72 hours before the activity occurs for the absence to be excused. Absences will be assessed on an individual basis

1. Ensemble rehearsal skills – Students are expected to bring to each rehearsal their instrument, their band notebook with all music and all supplies necessary to perform to the best of the ability. Students must exhibit good ensemble skills such as listening carefully to instructions and the performance of other students, good posture and excellent attention to musical adjustments and correction.

2. Playing Tests – Playing tests will be assigned over music learned in class or in sectionals. Playing tests will take place either during sectionals (to reduce student anxiety over playing in front of the entire ensemble) or students/sections may be pulled and tested during class time. Playing tests may result in a change of chair assignment during the school year. Students may take most playing tests over for a director outside of class or sectional time until they are happy with their test grade. Retesting will not change a student’s chair assignment though.

3. Written Tests – Written tests will be given over musical terms and fingerings as well as worksheets on music theory and music history.

Patience, practice and perseverance are the keys to a successful band student!

Band Hall Rules & Etiquette

1. If a student has something that he/she needs to discuss with a director please do so before or after school or immediately following class. Directors will NOT be available before a student’s class for questions, except in extreme emergencies.

2. Speak when given permission

3. Remain in assigned seats at all times

4. Be respectful of yourself, others, and your surroundings

5. Keep hands feet and objects to yourself

6. Come prepared to learn

7. Students must be in the band hall (not in the bathroom or the back storage room) when the tardy bell rings and must be in their seats, ready to perform, one minute after the tardy bell.

8. Running and horseplay are not allowed at any time in the band hall area.

9. Food or drinks of any kind (particularly gum/candy/cokes) are not allowed in the band hall area.

10. Students are not allowed to handle another student’s instrument or materials.

11. Only band students are allowed in the band hall area.

12. Students may not abuse music stands or any other school property by using them for purposes other than which they were designed.

Students may be assigned a detention for any of the following infractions:

1. Talking in class

2. Being out of seat without permission

3. Chewing gum, eating candy, food or drink of any kind in the band hall

4. Abusing music stands or any other school property

5. Running or horseplay in the band hall

6. Tardies

7. Handling another student’s instrument

8. Bringing non-band students into the band hall area

All of our band rules are based upon this one principle:

RESPECT - yourself, other students, the directors, our facilities, our equipment, our time, our rehearsals, our performances.

Consequences

Step 1 – Verbal Warning

Step 2 – Call parent from office

Step 3 – Office Referral

Discipline

The most important element in any worthwhile endeavor is discipline. A successful band student must possess a certain degree of personal discipline. It might manifest itself in several ways:

1. Personal practice on one’s instrument

2. High behavior standards

3. Positive attitude

4. Dedication to the cause of the program

5. Effort

6. Loyalty to the group

These features are essential to a fine band program and are a must for every individual. Band members are expected to maintain high standards of behavior while representing the band and CD Fulkes Middle School in public, in performance, on buses, in uniform, in the band hall, and at all times anywhere on the CDFMS campus. Improper conduct by band students will not be accepted.

Director Office and Music Library

The band office and music library are off limits to all students unless they are invited in or perform. Students may enter these two rooms by knocking and asking permission to enter from one of the directors. Never go into the band office if there is not a director in the office.

Before and After School

Band students are welcome in the band hall before school to store instruments in their assigned slots for the school day. The band hall will be open between 7:00 and 8:20 am for this purpose. Students may remain in the band hall before school only if they are practicing their instruments or if they have band sectional.

Band students are allowed in the band hall after school for practice, section rehearsals, or private lessons. All students not practicing after school should leave by 3:40 pm. Only present band members are admitted into the band hall at all times. Under no circumstances may a non-band member enter the band hall.

Extra Help

Extra help is available through both of the band directors. Students are encouraged to ask for help whenever they feel they need it. Times are available at the director’s discretion.

Band Supplies

All students must bring the following supplies to class, every day, for the entire school year:

1. Instrument in good working condition and all of its necessary equipment.

A. Flutes – silk swab, tuning rod

B. Oboes, Bassoons, Clarinets and Saxophones– at least 4 GOOD reeds, reed case, silk swab and cork grease

C. Brass – Mouthpiece brush, snake, valve (or rotary) oil, slide grease

D. Percussion – Stick bag, SD1 snare sticks, Mike Balter 5B mallets, Vic Firth staccato timpani mallets, Yarn marimba mallets (optional)

2. Music folder - All band students must have a black, 1-inch, three-ring binder with a minimum of 10 clear plastic page protectors for music, and at least 20 blank sheets of notebook paper.

3. Pencil pouch, pencil and highlighter

4. Metronome (should be left at home after supply check has been done) or Smart Music subscription – sign up form at the end of the handbook.

5. Flip folder and music lyre (7th and 8th grade bands only)

Performing Ensembles

The Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band are performing groups that are open normally to 7th and 8th graders that have completed at least one year of band. Performance participation is required in order to be a member of these groups. During the course of the year, students may participate in the following types of performances: pep rallies, football games, district and region band auditions, formal evening concerts, U.I.L. band evaluation, a music festival, and solo and ensemble performances. Directors will consider the following for student placement in the ensembles: technical skill on the instrument, academic records (passing of classes), practice logs, behavior/attitude in band, effort, playing audition, group instrumentation, and class enrollment/size. Students must pass off all of their UIL contest music for a director in order to participate in the UIL contest.

Concerts, Contests, and Festivals

A band is a performing musical organization. It is through performance and preparation for performance that a great deal of learning occurs. With this concept in mind, several concerts and contests are scheduled throughout the year. Each of these is a required event that serves as a major test grade. The only valid excuse is severe illness or death in the family. Unexcused absences constitute a zero and cannot be made up. In any event, the director should be notified by a parent at least 72 hours in advance of the absence.

Band Trips

During the course of the year, band students might participate in a trip activity. These trips are designed to be a reward for students that participate well, behave well, and earn passing grades. Students and parents should understand that grades below 70 and/or report card conduct grades of less than satisfactory might prevent a band member from participating on trip activities. All “no-pass, no-play” rules will be followed, as well as other school district policy. Students who receive SAC (in-school suspension) or are suspended from school more than once in a semester could be excluded from any band trips. This will be on a case by case basis.

Fundraising/Student Activity Account

Every year the CD Fulkes Band program undertakes at least two fundraisers. The money raised by our students is used to fund our spring trip and the operating expenses for the band, such as buying new instruments, new equipment for the band hall, new music, hiring clinicians, pizza parties and extra activities for the students. Students are not required to participate in fundraising activities. Students and parents should understand that taking part in the fundraiser does not guarantee trip participation. Eligibility and behavior are also a factor in determining whether a student may travel with us. Students that are no longer in band will forfeit use of band fundraising money. Once trip money has been paid, it is not refundable but we will be able to give the student a pass to the park to be used at a later time.

RRISD rules regarding fundraising are to be strictly adhered to. Door to door sales are NOT permitted to individuals not known well by the students. If you do not wish for your child to participate in fundraising activities, please notify a band director by sending a note to school or by calling the band office.

Turning in Money

Any time a student gives a director money for fundraising, private lessons, purchase of uniform shirts, instrument usage fees, or payments made for the band trip, it must be given to a director in the following manner:

1. All money must be in a sealed envelope with the student’s name, band class and what the money is for written on the outside of the envelope.

2. If writing a check, the student’s name and what the check is for must be written on the “for” line of the check.

3. Never combine payment in one check. For example, do not combine a private lesson payment with a trip payment or an instrument usage payment with money for a shirt or supplies. Those payments may go into separate accounts and therefore, we must have separate checks for each.

4. Checks are highly preferred. RRISD requires that checks have a driver’s license number either printed or written onto the check.

Make-Up Work

If a student is absent for any reason, he/she is totally responsible for finding out what material was missed. If the absence results in a missed test of some sort, the student is responsible for making up the grade within three days. If the student is still unable to make up the missed assignment, the instructor will arrange to do so at his/her convenience. Only students with excused absences will be allowed to make-up missed test grades. There is no make-up work given for missed performances or sectionals. A student will be excused from these grades only in extreme emergencies such as severe illness or death in the family and only if a director receives a note from home and/or a phone call from the parent in advance when possible.

Private Lessons

Round Rock ISD is proud to offer a full staff of private lesson instructors. These highly qualified teachers are specialists on their particular instruments. Lessons are approximately 20-30 minutes in length and are held during band, before school or after school in the practice rooms outside the band hall. All students are highly encouraged to take private lessons. It is difficult for the directors to give each student enough individual attention, especially in a class of 50 students of mixed instrumentation. Therefore, students who take private lessons get more individual attention and often progress on their instruments at a much faster rate. Scholarships for up to 50% or possibly more of the cost of private lessons are available.

Uniforms

All events, informal or formal, require a specific uniform for all band students (as described below). Any student that does not show up for the performance in the required uniform will have their performance grade lowered and may not be allowed to perform at that event, and will be given a zero for that performance/test grade if the way they are dressed would be very distracting from the performance of the group as a whole. If a student is having trouble acquiring any part of the required uniform, a director should be notified at least one week prior to the event so that the directors can help that student get the necessary parts for their uniform.

Beginning Band – The Beginner Band concert uniform will be a C.D. Fulkes Middle School band shirt, blue jeans and tennis shoes for all concerts and performances.

Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble – Your concert uniform will be a white oxford or tuxedo shirt with black pants or an ankle-length black skirt, black socks or hose, black shoes and a black belt if needed. A maroon bowtie and cummerbund will be issued to you before each performance and will be returned after each performance. Please talk to the directors as soon as possible if you have any questions regarding uniforms.

Uniform for Pep Rallies, Football Games and Festival of Bands – 7^th/8^th BANDS ONLY Students are to wear their band shirt (which is purchased through a band director) and blue jeans or shorts, which are appropriate according to the RRISD dress code. Any student participating in the Stepper or Cheerleading program may wear that group's uniform (except for Festival of Bands). Steppers and Cheerleaders will be expected to perform a portion of both pep rallies and football games with the Band. A schedule will be worked out between the sponsors. Football players will be excused from performing at games if they are playing in a game that evening. They are expected to perform at all pep rallies and Festival of Bands with the band.

Instrument Identification

Students are required to have their name on their own instrument case. A luggage tag may be used or students may see a band director and we can put a large piece of white tape on the side of their case with their name on it. All materials and accessories should also have the student’s name or initials written clearly on them.

Instrument Storage

Lockers are located in the band hall where students may leave their instruments during the school day. Students are expected to keep their instruments in their assigned lockers. Please remember, school band lockers are only for the convenience of students and their parents. Instrument security is not guaranteed by the school district, C.D. Fulkes Middle School or the C. D. Fulkes Band program. The safest place for your instrument in the evenings, on weekends or over holidays is at your home. Leaving an instrument in the regular school locker (as opposed to instrument lockers in the band hall) is NOT acceptable and NOT safe!

Students are responsible for buying a “Masterlock” brand lock (other locks don't have a serial number on the back). The band directors will keep the serial number and locker combination for emergencies. If a student brings a lock other than the Masterlock brand, please be aware that if the combination is forgotten, we will be forced to cut the lock off the locker so that the student can have access to their instrument, music and supplies. A lock is required to be on EVERY student’s band locker. If this is not possible for your family, please see a band director as soon as possible. Students will not be give a band locker until they have a lock.

School-owned Instruments

Students are responsible for the care and maintenance of their school-owned instrument. The student is expected to take care of that instrument and not allow others to handle or play it. If damage occurs while another student is playing with the instrument, the student who has been issued the instrument is still considered the responsible party. Take no chances – do NOT allow other people to play an instrument that has been issued to you! In the event that an instrument has been damaged, the person who was issued the horn will be expected to pay the repair cost to return the instrument to the issued condition. Students and parents are required to sign an Instrument Use Agreement Form prior to the issuing of an instrument. The RRISD currently charges a $50.00 usage fee for the school year. That fee may be reduced or waived if a student is on the free or reduced lunch program.

Instrument Repair

If a student’s instrument needs repair, please bring a note from home giving permission to send it to the music store so we can send it for you. Music stores will usually fix it faster if we send it than if you take it yourself and we may be able to even fix it ourselves for free. If it does need to go the repair shop, make sure to tell us at which store you have a rental contract. If you take it to the repair shop, send a note from home with your student so we know. If we are not informed, a student’s ensemble rehearsal grade will be penalized for not having their materials in class.

Instrument Insurance

All students are encouraged to have personal instrument insurance. Some homeowner’s policies will cover instruments, but the deductible is usually large. Many music stores also provide coverage during the rental period, but most do not cover theft unless there is evidence of forced entry. Please check with the music store you rented or purchased from to find out what your policy covers,

Extra Curricular Eligibility

Students who have a failing grade ARE eligible to participate in co-curricular events, such as school concerts and sectionals. However, state law does not allow a student to participate in UIL district or region competition or any other extra-curricular activity unless ALL grades on the six-weeks report card are 70 or above. Football games, competitions and trips are considered extra-curricular, and students must be eligible to participate in these activities. Students remain ineligible for a period of three weeks, at which time they regain eligibility if all grades on their progress report are 70 or above. They may begin participating in extra-curricular activities at the end of the fourth week. The Band Directors will monitor grades throughout the year.

Activity Conflicts

Every effort will be made to work through the school calendar with the sponsors of other activities to minimize scheduling conflicts. For after school sectional rehearsals, we offer an alternate morning sectional for students who have a conflicting athletic practice after school. If you become aware of any other band rehearsals or performances that conflict with another school activity, please let us know as soon as possible and we will get together with the other sponsor to work out an equitable solution for your student.

Band Boosters

Parents with a son / daughter in the C.D. Fulkes Band program are members of the Cedar Ridge Band Boosters even if the student is attending another high school. This parent organization raises money from concession stand and other fund raising events to finance new instruments, music, awards, band camps, and year-end trips for our band students. You are encouraged to become active in this fantastic organization as they work to see music education remain strong in our schools.

Parent Pick-up after Band Activities

It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian of the band student to make arrangements to pick up their student in a timely manner after band activities are over. We will always try our best to let activities out on time and return from trips at or before the posted return time. All band members need to be picked up at the band hall on the west side of the school – not in front of the school. If a student has not been picked up within 30 minutes of a band practice, sectional, concert or trip has ended, we will try to contact the student’s parent or guardian by calling all the phone numbers that we have listed. Please remember that the band directors are anxious to get back to their families or may need to pick up their own children in a timely manner after these activities are over.

Parent Volunteers

The greatest need in any band program is volunteers. Any help you can offer is always appreciated. We always need chaperones for trips, helpers to load equipment, and sometimes just a extra set of eyes and ears to keep students safe. The CRHS Band Boosters need our parents for concessions. Their profits directly affect us and come back to us throughout the year by way of supplies, lessons, clinicians and guest artists.

Communication

We work hard to keep you, the parents and guardians of the band students, informed about what we do, when we do it and what we need to wear. This band handbook has a ton of information, but could never answer all the questions that will arise. We send out flyers and itineraries often with the students, but also know that once a child no long has a Tuesday folder, they don’t always get everything home.

In order to get as much information home to you as possible, we also try to send out e-mails to the parents and maintain a website that you can visit. We will be taking the e-mail addresses that you give us on the student information sheet and adding it to our database so that you can stay connected to what is going on in band. If you do not receive an e-mail from a band director by the 1^st of September, please e-mail me at jon_mcphail@roundrockisd.org and ask that your e-mail address is added to our database.

I also do my best to maintain an up to date web page where information can be found. The address for this page is http://teacherweb.com/TX/CDFulkes/McPhail-Band/ or it can also be reached by going to the CD Fulkes home page and clicking on the band link on the right of the page just under the picture of the lizard.

You are welcome at any time to call, e-mail or come by and visit with either one of us. You are part of our band family also! J

Musically yours,

Jon McPhail Megan Wike

Band Director Associate Band Director

428-3197 428-3196

jon_mcphail@roundrockisd.org megan_wike@roundrockisd.org