TOMBALL JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

BAND HANDBOOK

2016-2017

David Morgan, Director of Bands davidmorgan@tomballisd.net

281.357.3000 ext. 4476

Cathy Breeden, Assistant Director cathybreeden@tomballisd.net

281.357.4477

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The Tomball Junior High School Band

The Tomball Junior High Band is an exciting and active band program.

For the returning band member, your year will continue with musical

development and performing excellence. Everyone will have many

opportunities to learn new skills, improve skills in performance, and

enjoy the many social benefits of being in band. For many of you, the

friendships you make this year will continue on for the rest of your life.

Being a member of the Tomball Junior High and Tomball High School

bands will create a lifetime of memories that will be enjoyed forever.

Our goals for members of the Tomball Junior High Band program are to:

Become OUTSTANDING musicians

Create OUTSTANDING performing ensembles

Become OUTSTANDING citizens of the community

Establish an OUTSTANDING reputation for TJHS

Become OUTSTANDING academic students

Make friends and memories that will last a lifetime

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WHY MUSIC MUSIC IS A SCIENCE.

It is exact, specific, and it demands exact acoustics. A piece of music is a chart, a graph

which indicates frequencies, intensities, volume changes, melody, and harmony all at

once and with the most exact control of time.

MUSIC IS MATHEMATICAL.

It is rhythmically based on the subdivisions of time into fractions which must be done

instantaneously, not worked out on paper.

MUSIC IS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE.

Most of the terms are in Italian, German, or French; and the notation is certainly not

English - but a highly developed kind of shorthand that uses symbols to represent ideas.

The semantics of music is the most complete and universal language.

MUSIC IS HISTORY.

Music usually reflects the environment and the times of its creation, often even the

country and/or racial feeling.

MUSIC IS PHYSICAL EDUCATION.

It requires fantastic coordination of fingers, hands, arms, lip, cheek, and facial movement,

in addition to extra-ordinary control of the diaphragmatic, back, stomach, and chest

muscles which respond instantly to the sound the ear hears and the mind interprets.

MUSIC IS ART.

It allows a human being to take all these dry, technically boring (but difficult) techniques

and use them to create emotion. That is one thing science cannot duplicate; humanism,

feeling, emotion.

WHY DO WE GIVE OUR CHILDREN MUSIC? Not because we expect them to major in music,

not because we expect them to play all their lives,

not so they can relax, not so they can have fun,

but so they will be human, so they will recognize beauty,

so they will be sensitive,

so they will be closer to an infinite beyond this world,

so they will have more love, more compassion, more gentleness,

more good - in short, more life.

Of what value will it be to make a prosperous living unless you know how to live?

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SECTION I – COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Honor Band

The Honor Band is designed for students with one or more years of playing

experience who have achieved the highest level proficiency on his or her

instrument. The privilege of being a member of the Honor band carries the

highest level responsibility and expectations. The Honor band can be compared

with top band programs across the state of Texas. Because it is extremely

difficult to receive individual instruction in a full band setting, students will be

required to attend a section rehearsal after school each week. Honor Band

students will be expected to participate in private lesson program. Members of

the Honor band will also be required to audition for the All-region band and

orchestra in October as well as compete in the T.I.S.D. Solo & Ensemble contest

in the spring. The Honor band also participates in the U.I.L Concert and Sight

Reading contest in April. The Honor band may also participate in additional

contests and festivals in the spring, in addition to the winter and spring concerts.

Symphonic Band

The Symphonic Band is designed for students with one or more years of

playing experience. It is a performing band. Continued emphasis on

fundamentals and technique are emphasized. This course is intended for

students who have yet to develop the proficiency necessary to be successful in

the Honor Band. Students will be required to attend a section rehearsal after

school each week. Intensive individualized instruction will be offered to each

student. Students will have the option of participating in auditions for All-region

band and will participate in the T.I.S.D. Middle School Solo & Ensemble contest.

The band may also participate in the UIL Concert and Sight Reading contest in

April. Concerts will be held in December and in May.

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SECTION II – GRADE DETERMINATION

Grading – Honor, Symphonic Bands Participation / Rehearsal Skills

Participation is a very important factor when considering any student’s grade. This

portion of the grade is based on the student’s daily participation in class. Students

cannot learn in a band class unless they are able and willing to participate each day.

Major Tests

Students may be given as many as one major test per week. Tests may be given as

taped assignments, or live performances in section rehearsals or in class. Tests will be

based on material covered in class and in section rehearsals.

Grading policies and procedures for the Tomball Junior High Band are the same

as those outlined in the TISD Student Handbook. Nine weeks grades will be

determined as follows:

Band members are required to attend all band activities. In a case where there is an

unexcused absence from a rehearsal or performance, penalties and/or grade reduction

are at the discretion of the band director (as outlined in the TISD Handbook for

Extracurricular Activities). For more information on sectional attendance and

performance attendance policies, see elsewhere in this handbook.

Practice Records

Students will be expected to practice at home 150 minutes per week. Practice Records

(paper or on-line) will be required to document practice time.

60% Major Grades – These include major playing or written tests and assignments

and concerts and contest performances.

40% Daily Grades – These include any practice records, and weekly Ensemble

Rehearsal Skills grades, and sectional attendance.

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SECTION III - RULES AND PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The following classroom rules will be easy to live by if you remember to respect the directors, other students, and yourself. These guidelines will help us excel as individual musicians and as a group.

Band Hall Rules 1. Keep your instrument, case and supplies in their assigned places.

2. Do not touch other students’ belongings.

3 Be considerate of rehearsals taking place in the Band Hall.

4 Keep the Band Hall neat and orderly; throw trash away even if it is not yours; keep other

books and belongings in your school locker.

5. Keep students who are not in Band out of the Band Hall.

6. Get permission to be in the Directors' office, or to use the phone.

7. Take your instrument home every day.

8. Percussionists ONLY may touch percussion instruments.

9. Music stands are for holding ONLY music.

10. Leave your area neat after rehearsals

11. Running or horseplay is not allowed.

12. Shouting or screaming is not allowed.

Rehearsal Rules

1. Keep the rehearsal SILENT.

2. Come into the Band Hall calmly and quietly.

3. Receive permission to talk.

4. Keep food, drinks, and gum out of rehearsals and practice rooms.

5. Bring a pencil to rehearsals.

6. Be seated with all equipment (book, music, reeds, valve oil, etc.) before the bell.

7. Stay still and in position at all times.

8. Participate fully in the rehearsal; follow the director's instructions.

9. Take care of individual problems at home, or before or after school - not in the

rehearsal.

10. Leave other subjects, homework, games, and distractions out of the rehearsal.

Parent Responsibilities

1. Help your child to be present, on time and organized.

2. Help your child to find time to practice every day.

3. Sign you child's practice record each week.

4. Help your child keep the instrument in good working condition with all necessary

accessories (reeds, etc.). An instrument in need of repair is very frustrating to your child.

5. Mark your calendar with band events for the whole year.

6. Help your child have his uniform ready for performances.

7. Communicate with the directors any difficulties which arise.

8. Attend performances.

9. Volunteer.

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SECTION IV – GENERAL INFORMATION

Attendance Policies:

Attendance is mandatory at all required rehearsals and concerts. Concerts are part of

the T.E.K.S.

(Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) and are therefore required. Final grades will be

significantly effected by an unexcused absence. All students will receive a calendar of

all required concert and performance dates near the beginning of the year. Please try to

schedule other activities or appointments around the designated dates. The only

excused absences from required events will be if you are absent from school that day,

or possibly if you are involved in another school sponsored activity that the director

knows about in advance. Problems with transportation must be discussed with the

director in advance. Every effort will be made to work out the problem so that everyone

has transportation to and from required events. All absences, excused or unexcused,

must be accompanied by a written excuse from the parent or guardian.

Poor attendance at certain rehearsals could result in not being allowed to attend other

activities or trips.

Band Council All band members are considered members of the band club. Each band class will

elect two representatives to the band council. A president, vice-president, and treasurer

will be appointed by the Director of Bands. The council will assist the directors with

spirit activities, communication and other appointed duties.

.

Communication Methods

The Tomball Junior High Band staff will make every effort to effectively communicate

expectations and information to all students and parents in a timely manner using:

CHARMS website – www.charmsoffice.com

REMIND app

Teacher web pages

Email

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Eligibility

Band is an organization that depends on every member to be eligible to participate in

extracurricular activities. These include U.I.L. events such as solo & ensemble, region

band, and concert and sight reading contest. Students must pass all classes with an

average of 70 or higher for the nine weeks prior to the scheduled activity to be eligible to

participate. If you become ineligible you will be removed from the performing band.

Band is a co-curricular activity, therefore all students will always be eligible to

participate in concerts and section rehearsals. Concerts and sectionals are not

extracurricular.

Fundraising

1. Fundraising is necessary to run our program.

2. Several fundraisers will be available for students to participate in to allow them the

opportunity to earn funds for the band

3. Fund raising money is spent in the following ways:

• social activities (skating party, bowling, etc.)

• clinicians

• transportation

• contest entry fees

• reward incentives

• instrument repair

Tomball ISD provides only the very basic needs for the band program. In order to

provide our students at Tomball Junior High School with more than the basics, fund

raising is necessary. Not only does band provide a musical experience, but it is also a

tremendous social outlet for our students. Band is a group activity and requires equal

participation from all members.

Instrument Storage

Students will be assigned a slot for instrument and music storage. Books, backpacks,

shoes, gym uniforms, etc. must not be kept in the assigned band slot. Such items will be

taken to the school lost and found.

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Instrument Repair

Band instruments should not be put into a repair shop without first being inspected by a

director. Most problems are very minor and easy to repair. Music stores provide service

for our school if the problem is major. A director must still see all instruments when

problems occur so proper instructions can be given.

Insurance

Instrument insurance is strongly encouraged for all students, insurance can be

purchased through music dealers, homeowners policies, or private music insurance

companies. Please call with any questions.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are extremely valuable for both the student and the band program. The

private lesson provides individual instruction with a professional musician for thirty

minutes each week to work on some of the problems that, because of time, cannot be

addressed in a band class. We have private teachers available for every instrument. If

you are interested in placing your student in the private lesson program for the school

year, please contact us as soon as possible so the teachers can be notified as soon as

possible. Although it is not required, most of the top students in the band program are

taking private lessons. Private lessons are taught before or after school on specified

days of the week. Students and parents will be informed what day of the week lessons

will be available for their particular instrument. The cost of private lessons is $21.00 per

lesson.

Region Band Auditions

In October, members of the Symphonic Band will be required to audition for the All-

Region Band. Concert Band members who wish to audition will be allowed as well.

The All-Region Band (Region IX) is one of the most prestigious Bands assembled in

Texas each year. Only about 150 of over 2000 students auditioning are selected to be a

part of the band. Being selected to this band is a tremendous honor.

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Students will be given audition material during the first or second week of school.

Symphonic band members, will attend weekly section rehearsals to prepare for the

audition.

School Owned Instruments

Students issued school owned instruments will be responsible for all maintenance and

repair of the instrument. A district instrument usage fee of $60 per year will be assessed

at the beginning of the year. This will cover NORMAL maintenance expenses.

Instruments issued to students must be returned in the same condition as when issued.

Student will be financially responsible for repair and or maintenance beyond that which

is considered NORMAL.

Section Rehearsals

Section rehearsals are designed to offer specialized instruction specific to each

instrument. Band members will be required to attend 1 section rehearsal per week.

Solo and Ensemble Contest

The Tomball I.S.D. Solo & Ensemble Contest is will be held in January 2017. Students

have the opportunity to prepare and perform Solo works to be played with piano

accompaniment, and small group or Ensemble works. Students will begin preparing for

this in November or December. Symphonic Band members are required to participate in

a Solo and/or Ensemble performance, but not more than two events.

U.I.L. Concert and Sight Reading Contest

The UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest, Usually held in April, is the most important

performance for any band during the school year. It is the culmination of the year's work

of everyone in the Band, and the Band as a whole. Three contest selections are

performed for judges who award ratings based on a standard for band performance that

has been strictly adhered to for over 50 years. The Symphonic Band is required to

compete. All band members must be eligible to compete. (See Eligibility)

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Uniforms

Concerts are formal events. Students should, therefore, be sure to pay special attention

to what they wear. The following is a guideline of what is required.

Formal Uniform

The formal uniform is used at concerts, contest, and other major events.

• White formal tux shirt, with wing collar

• Black dress pants (should be slacks, not black jeans, or leggings)

• Long Black socks (all black, may be nylons, if more appropriate for ladies’ shoe

type)

• Black shoes (all black, closed toe)

• Black vest (issued to students by the band)

**You will be expected to pay for lost or damaged vests and ties.

Informal Uniform

The informal uniform, used mainly for pep rallies and football games consists of:

• The current year TJHS Band t-shirt (available for purchase at Band Registration)

• Blue jeans (same as formal uniform above)

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Tomball Junior High Band Registration

SECTION 1 Qty.

Ordered Cost

Instrument related supplies available at Music & Arts table. Required items listed on the Supply Needs Worksheet

Sizes (Circle size(s) ordered)

$15.00 $15.00

YL AS M AL AXL 2AXL

1 (Includes Band T-Shirt and Dry cleaning of vest) New design for 2016-2017 - All students need a new shirt!

2 Region Band Entry Fee (REQUIRED FOR HONOR BAND) $12.00 $12.00

3 Solo Contest Entry Fee (REQUIRED) $8.00 $8.00

4 Solo Accompanist Fee (Woodwind and Brass) $25.00

5 Percussion maintenance fee ( Percussionists only) $20.00

6 Instrument maintenance fee for use of a school-owned instrument $60.00

7 Total for Section 1

$ 8 Payable to: TJHS

Band

9 Cash $___________________ CHECK # ____________________

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Tomball Junior High Cougar Band

30403 Quinn Road, Tomball TX 77375 – 281.357.3000, ext. 4476-4477 David Morgan, Director of Bands (davidmorgan@tomballisd.net) Cathy Breeden (cathybreeden@tomballisd.net)

Band Calendar

August 2016

9-16 Summer Band Schedule – All Bands – See the Summer Band Letter

23 Band Registration Night - 6:8:00 TJHS Cafeteria

September 2016

October 2016

19 Nov 2 - Poinsettia Fundraiser

21 8th Grade night at THS football game – REQUIRED for all 8th graders

22 Brass/Percussion Region Band Auditions - Peet JH – Conroe – REQUIRED for Honor Band BR/PER

24 7th Grade Football game PERFORMANCE – ALL BANDS

29 Woodwind Region Band Auditions – WWJH – REQUIRED for Honor Band Woodwinds

November 2016

Fall Social Activity – All Bands - To Be Determined

15 Wind/Percussion sectionals for Region Orchestra – selected students – Doerre INT – Klein

18-19 Region Orchestra Clinic/Concert – selected students – Klein Forest HS

21-25 Thanksgiving Holidays

December 2016

9-10 Region Band Clinic/Concert – selected students – College Park HS

12 Winter Concert – All Bands

January 2017

27 TISD Middle School Solo & Ensemble Contest – TJHS – All Bands

February 2017

3 -Popcorn Fundraiser

23 Night of Percussion – All Percussion

March 2017

April 2017

1 Saturday Rehearsal/clinic – site and times – To Be Determined

4 Pre-UIL Performance Concert - All Bands – 6:00 PM – THS auditorium

18-19 UIL NV Concert & Sightreading Contest – Lynn Lucas (Willis)– Symphonic Band – Date/Time TBD

20-21 UIL V Concert & Sightreading Contest – TMHS – Honor Band – Date/Time TBD

May 2017

16 Spring Concert – All Bands – THS auditorium

June 2017

1 Promotion Ceremony Performance – Honor Band

****SPRING FESTIVAL/SCHLITTERBAHN – STILL TO BE DETERMINED****