T.A. Howard Middle School

BAND PARENT MEETING & HANDBOOK2009-2010

T.A. Howard Middle School

BAND PARENT MEETING & HANDBOOK2009-2010

Nathaniel Neugent, Director

Meredith Keller, Associate Director

(817) 299-3526

Nathaniel Neugent, Director

Meredith Keller, Associate Director

(817) 299-3526

Meeting Agenda - 8/27/09

Meeting Agenda - 8/27/09

Introduction Most Important Info Handbook Information Forms and Fees Band Calendar Answer Any Questions

Introduction Most Important Info Handbook Information Forms and Fees Band Calendar Answer Any Questions

MII #1: Practice Records

MII #1: Practice Records

Teach responsibility first, music second

Due every Monday, in basket by 4:10 pm 30 points off is one day late (correction)

Must have a “Grand Total” Must be signed by parent Sunday evening Encourage your kids to be honest and accurate

A 60 is better than a zero

Teach responsibility first, music second

Due every Monday, in basket by 4:10 pm 30 points off is one day late (correction)

Must have a “Grand Total” Must be signed by parent Sunday evening Encourage your kids to be honest and accurate

A 60 is better than a zero

MII #2: AttendanceMII #2: Attendance

Communication is the key. If your child will miss a rehearsal or performance for any reason, please communicate that to us ASAP.

Email or a signed note is required. A phone call is best if it is a last minute emergency but follow up afterward in writing.

Communication is the key. If your child will miss a rehearsal or performance for any reason, please communicate that to us ASAP.

Email or a signed note is required. A phone call is best if it is a last minute emergency but follow up afterward in writing.

MII #3: Daily Rehearsals

MII #3: Daily Rehearsals

They must have all their materials and necessary instrument supplies present at each rehearsal to receive full credit.

Before and after school rehearsals count twice as they are very important and very few of them.

They must have all their materials and necessary instrument supplies present at each rehearsal to receive full credit.

Before and after school rehearsals count twice as they are very important and very few of them.

MII #1, 2, & 3 – Grades/IC

MII #1, 2, & 3 – Grades/IC

You can check your students grades weekly in Infinite Campus (IC).

It automatically puts zeroes after the due date…so if we are behind in entering them, it shows as a zero

Feel free to email us anyway just to be safe

You can check your students grades weekly in Infinite Campus (IC).

It automatically puts zeroes after the due date…so if we are behind in entering them, it shows as a zero

Feel free to email us anyway just to be safe

MII #4: Private Lessons

MII #4: Private Lessons

Students are now in large classes with multiple instruments making individual instruction more difficult.

Private Lessons will help your child improve more than anything else we do.

Half-scholarships are available for those with a financial need. You must qualify for free or reduced lunch to qualify.

An updated list of teachers is available on our website…they will also be calling those who turned in the MMEP forms.

Lesson times are set up on a first come-first serve basis. Those first in line get the premium times (in class).

Students are now in large classes with multiple instruments making individual instruction more difficult.

Private Lessons will help your child improve more than anything else we do.

Half-scholarships are available for those with a financial need. You must qualify for free or reduced lunch to qualify.

An updated list of teachers is available on our website…they will also be calling those who turned in the MMEP forms.

Lesson times are set up on a first come-first serve basis. Those first in line get the premium times (in class).

MII #5: Pep Rallies & Football Games

MII #5: Pep Rallies & Football Games

Students must arrive wearing band shirt (tucked in), blue jeans, tennis shoes

Bring Wire Stand (and take home when done)

Clothespins help hold music down Tubas & Bari Saxes from home are required

Tue, Sept 15 is our 1st Pep Rally Fri, Oct 2 & Tue, Oct 27 are our 2 Football Game performances

Students must arrive wearing band shirt (tucked in), blue jeans, tennis shoes

Bring Wire Stand (and take home when done)

Clothespins help hold music down Tubas & Bari Saxes from home are required

Tue, Sept 15 is our 1st Pep Rally Fri, Oct 2 & Tue, Oct 27 are our 2 Football Game performances

MII #6: Band ConcertsMII #6: Band Concerts

Arrive in with Tux shirt on and tucked in At Willie Pigg, drop off in back by band hall Students are expected to listen to other bands after their performance given the few opportunities they have to hear each other

Tubas & Bari Saxes from school are required, except Concert Band kids from home

We are still waiting for Pigg dates to be released!

Please support our new Fine Arts facility on the district blog on www.mansfieldisd.org

Arrive in with Tux shirt on and tucked in At Willie Pigg, drop off in back by band hall Students are expected to listen to other bands after their performance given the few opportunities they have to hear each other

Tubas & Bari Saxes from school are required, except Concert Band kids from home

We are still waiting for Pigg dates to be released!

Please support our new Fine Arts facility on the district blog on www.mansfieldisd.org

Fine Arts/Prof Dev Facility

Fine Arts/Prof Dev Facility

MII #7: Charms (Mass Email)

MII #7: Charms (Mass Email)

With new info for parents…and prior to every event, we send home a handout, post it on our website, and mass email using “Charms”.

Please keep your email address up to date with us.

Changing it in IC does not change it with us. A short email is the best way.

With new info for parents…and prior to every event, we send home a handout, post it on our website, and mass email using “Charms”.

Please keep your email address up to date with us.

Changing it in IC does not change it with us. A short email is the best way.

Expectations for ALL Bands

Expectations for ALL Bands

Exemplary Rehearsal Skills Band Materials present & prepared every day

Instrument goes home every day Except Tubas & Bari Sax take MP only

Must bring to performances Weekly Practice Records

Each band has different grading scales Attendance at all required Performances

Exemplary Rehearsal Skills Band Materials present & prepared every day

Instrument goes home every day Except Tubas & Bari Sax take MP only

Must bring to performances Weekly Practice Records

Each band has different grading scales Attendance at all required Performances

Band Class ScheduleBand Class Schedule

A Days 7:30 – 8:30 Sectionals 8:45 – 10:10 1st Symphonic Band

10:15 – 10:55 Quest 11:00 – 1:00 2nd Honor Band 1:05 – 2:30 3rd Concert Brass 2:35 – 4:00 4th Conference 4:10 - 5:10 Sectionals

A Days 7:30 – 8:30 Sectionals 8:45 – 10:10 1st Symphonic Band

10:15 – 10:55 Quest 11:00 – 1:00 2nd Honor Band 1:05 – 2:30 3rd Concert Brass 2:35 – 4:00 4th Conference 4:10 - 5:10 Sectionals

Band Class ScheduleBand Class Schedule

B Days 7:30 – 8:30 Sectionals 8:45 – 10:10 1st Music App. (Neugent Team)

10:15 – 10:55 Quest 11:00 – 1:00 2nd Honor Band 1:05 – 2:30 3rd Percussion (Keller Team)

2:35 – 4:00 4th Concert Woodwinds 4:10 - 5:10 Sectionals

B Days 7:30 – 8:30 Sectionals 8:45 – 10:10 1st Music App. (Neugent Team)

10:15 – 10:55 Quest 11:00 – 1:00 2nd Honor Band 1:05 – 2:30 3rd Percussion (Keller Team)

2:35 – 4:00 4th Concert Woodwinds 4:10 - 5:10 Sectionals

GRADING POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS

GRADING POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS

1. PERFORMANCE – 40%2. REHEARSAL – 40%3. PRACTICE – 20%4. EXTRA CREDIT

1. PERFORMANCE – 40%2. REHEARSAL – 40%3. PRACTICE – 20%4. EXTRA CREDIT

PERFORMANCE GRADES - 40%

PERFORMANCE GRADES - 40%

Are made up of the following components: Playing Tests Written Work Public Performances (concerts, contests, etc) These count in your average twice. If you do not attend a concert and do not have an approved excused absence, two zeroes will be entered into the grade book.

We also expect proper concert etiquette from our students while listening to other bands perform.

Students are expected to stay and listen to all bands to receive full credit for the concert…listening is part of the learning process.

Are made up of the following components: Playing Tests Written Work Public Performances (concerts, contests, etc) These count in your average twice. If you do not attend a concert and do not have an approved excused absence, two zeroes will be entered into the grade book.

We also expect proper concert etiquette from our students while listening to other bands perform.

Students are expected to stay and listen to all bands to receive full credit for the concert…listening is part of the learning process.

Playing TestsPlaying TestsStudents should expect weekly playing tests that will be announced in advance. These tests could cover, but are not limited to covering, the following:

Daily Drill Scales Exercises Pep Band Tunes All-Region Band audition materials Concert band music (“your part”)

Students must “pass-off” their part at a minimum standard to perform with their band at contest.

Tests may decrease as we approach performances.

Students should expect weekly playing tests that will be announced in advance. These tests could cover, but are not limited to covering, the following:

Daily Drill Scales Exercises Pep Band Tunes All-Region Band audition materials Concert band music (“your part”)

Students must “pass-off” their part at a minimum standard to perform with their band at contest.

Tests may decrease as we approach performances.

Public PerformancesPublic Performances With a performance oriented curriculum our performances are the most important grade we take

We have very few performances each year so they weigh heavily in their average

Are on the Band Calendar and include but are not limited to: All Concerts All Band Contests Individual contests such as All-District, Region, & Solo & Ensemble Contest

Football games & Pep Rallies

With a performance oriented curriculum our performances are the most important grade we take

We have very few performances each year so they weigh heavily in their average

Are on the Band Calendar and include but are not limited to: All Concerts All Band Contests Individual contests such as All-District, Region, & Solo & Ensemble Contest

Football games & Pep Rallies

Public PerformancesPublic PerformancesAttendance at all public performances is required, except in the following circumstances:

Death in the family Critical family emergency (for example, a car accident)

Bed-ridden illness (for example, pneumonia)

Once-in-a-lifetime family event (for example, your grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary)

Attendance at all public performances is required, except in the following circumstances:

Death in the family Critical family emergency (for example, a car accident)

Bed-ridden illness (for example, pneumonia)

Once-in-a-lifetime family event (for example, your grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary)

Public PerformancesPublic Performances In the case of a once-in-a-lifetime family event, parents must contact the director as soon as possible, in writing, stating:

1. The student’s name. 2. The date and time of the conflict.

3. The specific reason for the conflict.

In the case of a once-in-a-lifetime family event, parents must contact the director as soon as possible, in writing, stating:

1. The student’s name. 2. The date and time of the conflict.

3. The specific reason for the conflict.

Public PerformancesPublic Performances

An unexcused absence from a public performance could result in any of the following, at the director’s discretion: Loss of their chair position Exclusion from any end of year party. Exclusion from contest trips (Any student that misses a required concert or competition will not go to Schlitterbahn).

Reassignment to another ensemble. Removal from the band program.

An unexcused absence from a public performance could result in any of the following, at the director’s discretion: Loss of their chair position Exclusion from any end of year party. Exclusion from contest trips (Any student that misses a required concert or competition will not go to Schlitterbahn).

Reassignment to another ensemble. Removal from the band program.

Daily RehearsalsDaily Rehearsals

Beginning Monday, any student without their instrument or mouthpiece will receive a ZERO for their daily rehearsal grade

Tuners & Clips will have one more week to pass out

You must have a signed note from your parent/guardian if your instrument is in the shop for repairs. (Please include where and when it was taken to the shop on the note.)

Beginning Monday, any student without their instrument or mouthpiece will receive a ZERO for their daily rehearsal grade

Tuners & Clips will have one more week to pass out

You must have a signed note from your parent/guardian if your instrument is in the shop for repairs. (Please include where and when it was taken to the shop on the note.)

Daily Rehearsals - 40%Daily Rehearsals - 40%

Students will receive full credit (100 points) for each rehearsal that they:

1. Have their materials present and in working order:1. Instrument2. Mouthpiece, good reeds, or appropriate sticks/mallets3. Band Binder (clean w/dividers, pencil bag, blue book &

all music)4. Pencil (no pens)5. Tuner w/clip (required for All Brass & Woodwinds)

2. Follow entry & exit procedures outlined in Rehearsal Expectations

3. Actively Participate in the rehearsal process by following the etiquette outlined in Rehearsal Expectations

Students will receive full credit (100 points) for each rehearsal that they:

1. Have their materials present and in working order:1. Instrument2. Mouthpiece, good reeds, or appropriate sticks/mallets3. Band Binder (clean w/dividers, pencil bag, blue book &

all music)4. Pencil (no pens)5. Tuner w/clip (required for All Brass & Woodwinds)

2. Follow entry & exit procedures outlined in Rehearsal Expectations

3. Actively Participate in the rehearsal process by following the etiquette outlined in Rehearsal Expectations

Daily Practice - 20%Daily Practice - 20%

Practice is monitored through Practice Records

Minutes are recorded Monday - Sunday

PR’s are due by the end of Monday regardless of A or B day

Must be signed by parent to be counted…please review…don’t just sign

Practice is monitored through Practice Records

Minutes are recorded Monday - Sunday

PR’s are due by the end of Monday regardless of A or B day

Must be signed by parent to be counted…please review…don’t just sign

Practice RecordsPractice RecordsHONOR BAND 240+ minutes per week = 110 210-239 minutes = 100 180-209 minutes = 90 150-179 minutes = 80 120-149 minutes = 70 Less than 120 minutes = 60 No parent signature = 0

SYMPHONIC BAND 210+ minutes per week = 110 180-209 minutes = 100 150-179 minutes = 90 120-149 minutes = 80 90-119 minutes = 70 Less than 90 minutes = 60 No parent signature = 0

HONOR BAND 240+ minutes per week = 110 210-239 minutes = 100 180-209 minutes = 90 150-179 minutes = 80 120-149 minutes = 70 Less than 120 minutes = 60 No parent signature = 0

SYMPHONIC BAND 210+ minutes per week = 110 180-209 minutes = 100 150-179 minutes = 90 120-149 minutes = 80 90-119 minutes = 70 Less than 90 minutes = 60 No parent signature = 0

CONCERT BAND 180+ minutes = 110 150-179 minutes = 100 120-149 minutes = 90 90-119 minutes = 80 60-89 minutes = 70 Less than 60 minutes =

60 No parent signature = 0

CONCERT BAND 180+ minutes = 110 150-179 minutes = 100 120-149 minutes = 90 90-119 minutes = 80 60-89 minutes = 70 Less than 60 minutes =

60 No parent signature = 0

Extra CreditExtra Credit

Attending or participating in a non-Howard concert (15 pts.)

Auditioning for All-District band (10 pts.)

Making All-District band (20 pts.) Auditioning for All-Region band (20 pts.)

Making All-Region band (40 pts.) Watching the HS band at half time (15 pts.)

Attending or participating in a non-Howard concert (15 pts.)

Auditioning for All-District band (10 pts.)

Making All-District band (20 pts.) Auditioning for All-Region band (20 pts.)

Making All-Region band (40 pts.) Watching the HS band at half time (15 pts.)

Extra CreditExtra Credit

Bring proof (ticket stub, program, note from parent) and signed by parent

Turn it in with their next Practice Record

We file it away and enter it in IC at the end of the 6 weeks

Bring proof (ticket stub, program, note from parent) and signed by parent

Turn it in with their next Practice Record

We file it away and enter it in IC at the end of the 6 weeks

UIL EligibilityUIL Eligibility

Extra-curricular vs. Co-curricular Contests vs. Concerts

Can lose eligibility each 6 weeks

Can regain every 3 weeks Must wait for the one week “grace period”

Extra-curricular vs. Co-curricular Contests vs. Concerts

Can lose eligibility each 6 weeks

Can regain every 3 weeks Must wait for the one week “grace period”

Section RehearsalsSection Rehearsals

Occur before school from 7:30 - 8:30 A few small sectionals may be scheduled after school from 4:10-5:10

Since most sectionals only meet once a week, attendance at every sectional is crucial for the individual and section’s progress.

An unexcused absence to a sectional will adversely effect your students grade, jeopardize their chair in the ensemble, and leave them behind in the music and on playing tests we do in sectionals.

Occur before school from 7:30 - 8:30 A few small sectionals may be scheduled after school from 4:10-5:10

Since most sectionals only meet once a week, attendance at every sectional is crucial for the individual and section’s progress.

An unexcused absence to a sectional will adversely effect your students grade, jeopardize their chair in the ensemble, and leave them behind in the music and on playing tests we do in sectionals.

Band SuppliesBand Supplies Should have all rehearsal supplies from Registration

Must purchase supply again if lost or broken Binder, music ($.25 per pg.), Blue Book…the tuner Clip can break easily if not cared for properly

If you need to wait to buy more costly supplies like a WW mouthpiece, please email me and let me know your timeline

See Handbook for recommended list M&A Price list will be published on website Students can purchase supplies from M&A through us - make checks out to Music & Arts

Should have all rehearsal supplies from Registration

Must purchase supply again if lost or broken Binder, music ($.25 per pg.), Blue Book…the tuner Clip can break easily if not cared for properly

If you need to wait to buy more costly supplies like a WW mouthpiece, please email me and let me know your timeline

See Handbook for recommended list M&A Price list will be published on website Students can purchase supplies from M&A through us - make checks out to Music & Arts

Instrument Maintenance and Care

Instrument Maintenance and Care

Store daily in slot and take home each day and every weekend We cannot be responsible for lost/stolen instruments

Brass students should clean, and oil/grease them once every 2 weeks. This can be counted as practice time!!!

WW’s should swab after every practice and use key oil every month. Check for loose screws once a week.

Store daily in slot and take home each day and every weekend We cannot be responsible for lost/stolen instruments

Brass students should clean, and oil/grease them once every 2 weeks. This can be counted as practice time!!!

WW’s should swab after every practice and use key oil every month. Check for loose screws once a week.

Instrument Maintenance and Care

Instrument Maintenance and Care

Parents, if there is a problem with an instrument, please do not attempt to repair it.

Send it with a student to us as we can often save you repair money by fixing it ourselves. We will not attempt a repair we know we can’t do and we will then recommend sending it to a shop.

Recommended repair shops are listed in the Handbook.

We will have a M&A Rep come once a week. We encourage parents to purchase insurance coverage on your child’s instrument. The Music Agency offers affordable and thorough instrument only insurance.

Parents, if there is a problem with an instrument, please do not attempt to repair it.

Send it with a student to us as we can often save you repair money by fixing it ourselves. We will not attempt a repair we know we can’t do and we will then recommend sending it to a shop.

Recommended repair shops are listed in the Handbook.

We will have a M&A Rep come once a week. We encourage parents to purchase insurance coverage on your child’s instrument. The Music Agency offers affordable and thorough instrument only insurance.

School-owned InstrumentsSchool-owned Instruments Are provided by the district due to cost Include: Piccolo, Oboe, Bassoon, Tenor & Bari Sax,

French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba, and large percussion MISD requires a $60 fee for Brass & Woodwinds and

a $20 fee for percussion Maintenance and repair is student/parent

responsibility while checked out…consider insurance

Tubas & Bari Sax are provided one to stay home due to size. You must bring your “home” instrument to all performances (except Honor Band tubas use “school”)

Extra School-owned instruments for home practice can be checked out if we have one available for an additional $60 fee.

Are provided by the district due to cost Include: Piccolo, Oboe, Bassoon, Tenor & Bari Sax,

French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba, and large percussion MISD requires a $60 fee for Brass & Woodwinds and

a $20 fee for percussion Maintenance and repair is student/parent

responsibility while checked out…consider insurance

Tubas & Bari Sax are provided one to stay home due to size. You must bring your “home” instrument to all performances (except Honor Band tubas use “school”)

Extra School-owned instruments for home practice can be checked out if we have one available for an additional $60 fee.

Step-up InstrumentsStep-up Instruments Can drastically improve your child’s performance as

they begin to physically outgrow the smaller beginner models

Please seek our advice along with your Private teachers advice when considering buying one

Do not buy online unless it is a quality used horn…we can help with that

See recommended list in Handbook Stepping up often means you will need a new

mouthpiece (esp. for brass) Even once you’ve settled on a make & model, try

several different samples before buying…good music stores will loan them to us before buying so we can try them out!

Consider keeping your beginner horn for high school marching band

Can drastically improve your child’s performance as they begin to physically outgrow the smaller beginner models

Please seek our advice along with your Private teachers advice when considering buying one

Do not buy online unless it is a quality used horn…we can help with that

See recommended list in Handbook Stepping up often means you will need a new

mouthpiece (esp. for brass) Even once you’ve settled on a make & model, try

several different samples before buying…good music stores will loan them to us before buying so we can try them out!

Consider keeping your beginner horn for high school marching band

Fee SummaryFee Summary

Howard Fees (make check out to Howard Band) Band Registration Fee: $5 (covers misc. supplies)

Howard Band T shirt: $12 (parents can still buy)

Tuxedo Shirt: $14MUSIC SUPPLIES (make check out to Music & Arts)

Metronome/Tuner Combo Tuner Clip

Howard Fees (make check out to Howard Band) Band Registration Fee: $5 (covers misc. supplies)

Howard Band T shirt: $12 (parents can still buy)

Tuxedo Shirt: $14MUSIC SUPPLIES (make check out to Music & Arts)

Metronome/Tuner Combo Tuner Clip

Fee SummaryFee Summary

MISCELLANEOUS Instrument Usage Fee (School-owned Winds): $60

Instrument Usage Fee (Percussion) $20 Private Lesson (per half-hour lesson): $16 Make checks out to your private teacher

Lost Sheet Music (per page): $.25 Pay with cash

Lost Blue Book: $7 for Winds, $10 for Percussion

MISCELLANEOUS Instrument Usage Fee (School-owned Winds): $60

Instrument Usage Fee (Percussion) $20 Private Lesson (per half-hour lesson): $16 Make checks out to your private teacher

Lost Sheet Music (per page): $.25 Pay with cash

Lost Blue Book: $7 for Winds, $10 for Percussion

CalendarCalendar

We are still waiting on Willie Pigg Dates for Concerts – so No calendar yet…

We will email everyone when the calendar is posted on the website

We are still waiting on Willie Pigg Dates for Concerts – so No calendar yet…

We will email everyone when the calendar is posted on the website

Upcoming EventsUpcoming Events

Mon, Aug 31-Nov 13 – Weekly All-Region Music Sectionals begin this Monday – 7:30-8:30 am

Wed & Thu, Sept 2 & 3 - Fundraiser kick-off Cookie Dough - 2 weeks long – Cumulative Prizes

Tue, Sept 15 - Pep Rally - (3-4 pm) Wed, Sept 16 – Fundraiser Order & Money due

Mon, Aug 31-Nov 13 – Weekly All-Region Music Sectionals begin this Monday – 7:30-8:30 am

Wed & Thu, Sept 2 & 3 - Fundraiser kick-off Cookie Dough - 2 weeks long – Cumulative Prizes

Tue, Sept 15 - Pep Rally - (3-4 pm) Wed, Sept 16 – Fundraiser Order & Money due

Oct-Nov EventsOct-Nov Events

Fri, Oct 2 - Game performance – Summit Band Night Summit vs. Mansfield at Newsom Stadium (Visitors side) Meet here, ride buses from Howard

October ?? - Fall Concert – Willie Pigg, we hope

Fri, Oct 16 - Legacy Band Night 8th graders zoned to Legacy – RL Anderson - meet

there

Tue, Oct 27 – Howard Game Performance RL Anderson Stadium – meet here, ride buses from Howard

Thu, Oct 29 – Howard Band Halloween Dance Sat, Oct 31 – All-District Auditions – Jones

MS

November – All-Region Audtion stuff

Fri, Oct 2 - Game performance – Summit Band Night Summit vs. Mansfield at Newsom Stadium (Visitors side) Meet here, ride buses from Howard

October ?? - Fall Concert – Willie Pigg, we hope

Fri, Oct 16 - Legacy Band Night 8th graders zoned to Legacy – RL Anderson - meet

there

Tue, Oct 27 – Howard Game Performance RL Anderson Stadium – meet here, ride buses from Howard

Thu, Oct 29 – Howard Band Halloween Dance Sat, Oct 31 – All-District Auditions – Jones

MS

November – All-Region Audtion stuff

Questions???Questions???

THE ENDTHE END