dawson middle school band student/parent...
TRANSCRIPT
DAWSON MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND
STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK
2014-2015
Rebecca Click, Director of Bands
Eric Guerrero, Assistant Director
David Walker, Assistant Director
1
Welcome Letter
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome to the Dawson Band Program! We are thrilled to have you as a part of our band family
for the 2014-2015 school year. This handbook has been written for the Dawson Middle School band
members and their parents with the intention of supplying information regarding the purpose,
procedure, and activities of band program. All band students and parents are urged to read the entire
handbook carefully to avoid conflict with the policies stated herein. Please retain it for future reference.
The CISD Band program has a long and distinguished history of excellence through hard work and
effort from its members. It is the job of each current member to see that this tradition is continued and
improved upon each year. The success of the Dawson Middle School Bands will only be determined by
the dedication, determination, discipline and pride displayed by its members, staff, parents, and
community. It is important to remember that each member represents what is best about young
people, our community, and the involvement in a musical organization. The goal of the band staff is to
provide students with the best music education possible, as well as directing students to develop their
character to the fullest extent through hard work, goal setting, cooperation and responsibility.
The DMS Bands are determined through auditions, which helps us to perform quality literature
from the wind band idiom. The bands perform fall, holiday and spring concerts, as well as UIL
Concert/Sightreading contest and various festivals. The Jazz Band and Percussion Ensembles perform
for the community and school district concerts during both semesters.
Members will have the opportunity to individually perform solo and ensemble literature at our
annual Spring Solo and Ensemble Contest. Students are also encouraged to audition for the CISD All-City
Honor Band and the TMEA All-Region Band. Being selected as a member of these elite groups is among
the highest honor a seventh or eighth grade band student can attain.
As a member of the Dawson Middle School band, you represent an exceptional school with an
outstanding band program with high standards of excellence. We look forward to you being a part of
our band as we carry on this great tradition.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Click Eric Guerrero
David Walker
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Table of Contents
Welcome Letter ........................................................................................................................................ 1
Performing Ensembles at Dawson ............................................................................................................ 3
DMS Band Schedule .................................................................................................................................. 4
Band Supplies ............................................................................................................................................ 4
General Band Fee ...................................................................................................................................... 4
Band Equipment........................................................................................................................................ 5
Band Grading Policy .................................................................................................................................. 5
Objective Sheets ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Retesting Policy ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Participation .............................................................................................................................................. 6
DMS Concerts ............................................................................................................................................ 7
First Chair Test of the School Year ............................................................................................................ 7
Challenge Procedure and Policy ............................................................................................................... 7
Rehearsals and Performances................................................................................................................... 8
Sectionals .................................................................................................................................................. 9
Student Responsibility .............................................................................................................................. 9
Moving Up or Down in the DMS Bands .................................................................................................. 10
Band Travel ............................................................................................................................................. 10
Band Uniforms ........................................................................................................................................ 11
Fundraising .............................................................................................................................................. 11
Band Socials ............................................................................................................................................ 12
Communication ....................................................................................................................................... 12
Band Website .......................................................................................................................................... 13
Charms .................................................................................................................................................... 13
Remind .................................................................................................................................................... 13
Private Lessons ........................................................................................................................................ 14
A Note to Parents .................................................................................................................................... 15
Volunteer Opportunities ......................................................................................................................... 15
3
Performing Ensembles at Dawson
Wind Ensemble
Wind Ensemble is an advanced band and considered the first performing ensemble. Students
perform at concerts, contests, and pep rallies throughout the school year. The Wind Ensemble
participates in the UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest in the spring. Members of this
ensemble participate in the All-City and All-Region audition processes. Students also compete
both individually and in small groups at Solo and Ensemble Contest. Members of this band are
required to attend weekly sectionals. Instrumentation is limited to students who show
advanced performance abilities and demonstrate work ethic and leadership qualities.
Symphonic Band
Symphonic Band is an advanced band and considered the second performing ensemble.
Students perform at concerts, contests, and pep rallies throughout the school year. The
Symphonic Band participates in the UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest in the spring.
Members of this ensemble are highly encouraged to participate in the All-City and All-Region
audition processes. Students also compete both individually and in small groups at Solo and
Ensemble Contest. Members of this band are required to attend weekly sectionals.
Instrumentation is limited to students who show advanced performance abilities and
demonstrate work ethic and leadership qualities.
Concert Band
Concert band is considered the third performing ensemble. Students focus on improving skills
on their instrument through developing characteristic tone quality, technique and ensemble
listening. Students perform at concerts, pep rallies, and one contest throughout the school
year. Members of this ensemble are encouraged to participate in the All-City audition process.
This class is open to all students in the Dawson Band program.
Jazz Band
Students will learn various jazz styles throughout the year and the fundamentals for jazz
improvisation. Students will be graded primarily on class participation and concert
performances. All instruments are welcome. Membership is at the discretion of the band
directors.
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DMS Band Schedule
The DMS Bands will meet during the following hours:
Jazz Band– 9:30-10:15 (2nd)
Symphonic Band- 10:20-11:05 (3rd)
Wind Ensemble – 11:10-11:55 (4th)
Concert Band – 12:50-1:35 (5th)
On occasion, it may be necessary to call extra full band rehearsals. These will take place before or after
school. At least one week’s notice will be given for these rehearsals so that students will be able to
make arrangements. Also, in order to help maintain a high level of performance, members of Wind
Ensemble and Symphonic Band will have one 60 minute like-instrument sectional rehearsal (see page 9).
Attendance at all rehearsals is mandatory.
Band Supplies
Each band student needs to have the following:
Instrument
Any accessories needed for your instrument (reeds, valve oil, stick bag, etc.)
1 One inch binder
25 top loading poly protector sheets
1 pencil bag
2 number two pencils (at least)
1 highlighter
1 box of Kleenex
Also, each student needs to have the book Foundations for Superior Performance: Warm-ups and
Techniques for Band by Richard Williams and Jeff King (also known as the Blue Book). Please purchase
this book for your instrument.
General Band Fee
In order to help streamline and reduce the number of times money is collected throughout the year, we
are implementing at $50.00 general band fee. This fee covers the cost of various expenses incurred
throughout the year, including band t-shirt, contest entry fees, recording fees, judges, clinicians, etc.
This fee does not cover band socials or piano accompanists.
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Band Equipment
1. Instruments: Your instrument is extremely valuable and proper care should be taken to maintain its
value. Should your instrument need repairs, please consult a director to find a repair shop.
2. School Owned Instruments: Students who play school owned instruments should take the same care
as they would their own instrument. Students who play oboe, bassoon, tenor sax, bari sax, french horn,
euphonium, and tuba are required to pay an annual maintenance fee of $150. Percussionists pay $100.
This fee is non-refundable. This fee covers normal wear and tear of the instrument and the end of year
cleaning. The student is liable for damage due to negligence, carelessness or loss, but not normal wear.
The student must inform the director of any repairs needed immediately.
3. Instrument Storage Lockers: Each student will be assigned an instrument storage locker to keep their
band supplies during the day. Students are responsible for the cleanliness of their band locker. These
lockers should be used for their instrument and music binder only! No student may access another
student’s locker at any time, for any reason. Vandalism of another student’s locker will result in
disciplinary action. Students may choose to provide their own lock. The combination or spare key must
be given to the directors. Students are expected to take instruments and music home nightly. The band
directors and school district are not responsible for equipment or instruments that are left at any time.
4. Music and Binders: Each student will have a binder with 25 top-loading poly sheets to hold their
music. Your director will give you one copy of music per tune. We spend a great deal of budget money
copying music for students that lose their original copy. Students will be allowed one extra copy for
each piece if necessary. Abuse of this policy will result in grade deduction.
5. Band Hall and Practice Rooms: The primary use of these facilities is for group rehearsal and individual
practice for band students only. Students found disrupting any of these activities will be asked to leave
immediately. These rooms should reflect your attitude towards the band program. Show respect and
pride in keeping them neat and clean. No food, drink or gum is allowed in any band facility.
Band Grading Policy
50% Objective Sheets 30% Participation/Daily Work 20% Concerts/Performances
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Objective Sheets
Each grading period, students will have a set of Objectives to perform. Objectives will be over band
music, all-region/all-city music, scales, technical exercises, or other materials determined by a director.
Students will perform their requirements for a director during class time or sectionals. If a child is absent
or physically prohibited from performing their test, a make-up time will be established between the
child and his/her director. These tests will be 50% of your grade during each nine weeks, so please make
sure that you are prepared. Elements of the Objectives may be used for chair placement throughout the
year that the directors’ discretion. Testing procedures, policies, and objectives are subject to change as
needed.
Retesting Policy
Students will have the opportunity to test up to three times per objective to achieve a higher grade.
Students will have one week to retest after their initial attempt. Should the student wish to retest a
second time, they will have an additional week to do so. The highest score will be accepted as their final
grade.
Other important Items to note:
Individual objectives are each worth a test grade.
Students may only retest to improve their GRADE, not alter a chair placement.
All testing and retesting must be complete by the end of the grading period.
Participation
Each week students will be given a weekly participation grade. All students will start the week with a
100 for weekly participation. The following will negatively affect your participation grade:
Not having music in class (-20)
Not having instrument (-25)
Leaving materials out (-10)
Instrument stored incorrectly (-10)
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No pencil or highlighter in class (-10)
Locker left open (-5)
Needing excessive copies of music (-5 per page)
Students with less than 100 points may choose to speak to a band director for ways to earn back lost
points.
DMS Concerts
Each year the Dawson Middle School Bands perform at three annual concerts. The fall concert
(October) the winter concert (December) and the spring concert (May). All students are required to be
at each concert as they are graded. Students are graded for being on time, dressed appropriately, and
having all their materials. Students are expected to stay for the entirety of the concert. Please make sure
that you have checked the dates for each concert and that there are no conflicts.
First Chair Test of the School Year
During the week of September 2nd, we will have our first chair test. Each student will perform two
major scales, the chromatic scale, and selections from the book, “Foundations for Superior
Performance” (blue book). After all students have tested, we will determine chair order in each section.
If a student has performed exceptionally well on this test, and instrumentation allows, we will move a
child up to the next band. We will also move a child down a band if he/she has not done any work on
preparing this music.
Challenge Procedure and Policy
Students who feel they deserve advancement within their section of their current band may challenge
the person sitting ahead of them. The challenge procedure is as follows:
1. Obtain a challenge form. Both participants must sign, and then return the form to your director.
2. The director will post the form with all the required music, scales, date and time needed to
perform the challenge.
3. A challenger/challengee who loses must wait 1 week before submitting another challenge form.
The winner may immediately challenge the next person.
4. Forfeiture will result if a person does not show up to the challenge or does not sign the form.
5. In case of a tie, a tie breaker will be assigned at the director’s discretion.
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Rehearsals and Performances
Rehearsal time is limited, so it is extremely important that we utilize each rehearsal to its fullest extent.
Only through quality rehearsal time can quality performance be achieved. Guidelines are established so
that each member can be sure to understand fully what is expected of them by the staff. The guidelines
are as follows:
1. Follow directions of all instructors.
2. Be on time to each rehearsal/performance.
3. Have all materials and equipment for all events.
4. Show respect for other members of ensemble.
5. No damage or defacing of school/others property.
6. Keep track of all personal materials.
Consequences for not following these guidelines are:
1. Personal warning.
2. Loss of participation points.
3. Removal from rehearsal, writing assignment.
4. Conference with parents and directors.
5. Removal from organization.
Performances are the tangible outcome of all the hard work and effort expended by students and
directors. The only outcome sought is that of excellence. When performing, students should always
remember that they represent our school and community and will act accordingly. Any actions that
could even remotely detract from the image that we strive to display will not be tolerated. In addition
to the above guidelines, students should thoroughly read and understand the following rules pertaining
specifically to performances;
1. Be early
2. Be courteous and polite to everyone/other school groups.
3. Maintain a performance atmosphere on stage.
4. Follow all instructions of the directors, chaperones, and administrators.
Deviation from these rules will result in the consequences stated above or immediate removal from the
organization.
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Sectionals
Sectionals are like-instrument rehearsals to help with all-region, all-city audition music, their band
music, and to test objectives. Members of the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band are required to
attend a weekly sectional year round. Concert band students are invited to attend sectionals in the fall
to prepare for All Region and All City auditions. In the spring, Concert band sectionals will be called as
needed. One week’s advance notice will be given for all required concert band sectionals.
These rehearsals will either be before or after school. Morning sectionals will run from 7:15-8:15. After-
school sectionals will run from 3:45-4:45. Sectional schedules will be passed out at the start of each
semester. Sectional schedules are subject to change at any time. One week’s notice will be given should
a sectional schedule need to change.
A separate weekly participation grade will be given based on attendance. Students are expected to be in
chairs, warming up prior to the start of sectionals. Three unexcused tardies equal one unexcused
absence. Unexcused absences from sectionals will result in a 0 for their weekly sectional grade. Three
unexcused absences may result in dropping a band. Absence from a sectional must be communicated in
writing to your student’s band director. Your director will notify you if the absence is excused or
unexcused.
Examples of excused absences include:
Absence from school the day of the sectional
Medical/Dental appointments (absence must be communicated one week in advance)
Approval from a band director.
Examples of unexcused absences include (but not limited to):
“Forgetting”
Oversleeping
Leaving for Tutorials (unless approved in advance by your band director)
Student Responsibility
Students are encouraged to plan ahead and know their obligations for band, other school activities and
personal schedules such as vacations, doctor appointments, etc. The director must be notified in writing,
at least one week prior to the potential conflict. Last minute notification will not be tolerated and will
result in a parent conference. Should a student be excused from a performance, that student must
perform for a band director for graded evaluation.
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Moving Up or Down in the DMS Bands
Current band students will have the opportunity to move up or down after the first chair of the year.
Moving up or down will be done at the director’s discretion after the audition. Band staff will also be
evaluating the students daily. If there is a need to add instrumentation to an upper band, students who
display outstanding performance, leadership and the desire to work on more difficult music will be
asked to move up.
Students who do not “keep up” with their band’s music through class work and tests will be moved
down bands. Students with disruptive behavior will be asked to leave the band program. Movement
between bands can occur at any point in the school year.
Band Travel
Several times during the year the bands will be traveling to concerts and contests. We will be traveling
either by school bus or motor coaches.
Bus Rules:
Do not move from your assigned seat or stand while bus is moving.
Keep feet/hands inside bus at all times
No loud voices or singing.
No gum, food or drink.
Unload when director instructs
Violation of any of these rules will result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to, verbal
warning, parent phone call, removal from event, revoking of travel and event privileges, or removal
from band program.
All students must ride to/from the activity. Students may ride with their parents with written
permission - given a week before the event.
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Band Uniforms
The Dawson band uses three different uniforms throughout the year:
Band T-Shirt: All Dawson Band students are required to purchase a band t-shirt. We typically ask
students to wear jeans and sneakers in conjunction with the t-shirt. Band t-shirts are worn at
pep rallies, spirit days, and informal performances.
Band Polo: All Dawson Band student students are required to have a band polo. Returning 8th
graders do not need to purchase a band polo unless they need a different size, or cannot locate
it. All incoming 7th graders need to purchase a band polo. In conjunction with the polo, students
will wear black dress pants (no black jeans), black socks, and black dress shoes. Band polos are
worn at all band contests, the fall concert, and other performances.
Formal Wear: For our winter and spring concerts, we ask students to dress in formal attire.
School dress code applies to all concerts. Guidelines are as follows:
o Ladies:
Nice blouse and dress pants
Blouse and Skirt
Formal Dress
Dress shoes
o Gentlemen:
Polo and dress slacks
Shirt, tie (optional jacket), dress slacks
Dress socks and shoes
o For All Students:
No Jeans or shorts
No T-Shirts
No tennis shoes or “flip flops”
Fundraising
Our band participates in many special events, requiring funding beyond that which is provided by Carroll
ISD. Fundraising is a vital part of the success of our band program. If everyone does their part in meeting
the goals asked for on the fundraiser, the band will be able to operate and meet the expectations set
before them. All students in the band program participate in fundraisers. Students may participate in
only one band fundraiser per year. Fundraiser earnings pay for transportation to contests, clinicians,
band socials, new music, equipment, and other necessary supplies.
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Band Socials
The Dawson Band hosts two major social events during the year, the Fall Social and the End of the Year
Celebration. The purpose of these two events is not only to reward students for their hard work over the
fall and spring semesters, but to encourage the student bond that is part of being a member of the band
program. In previous years, the fall social has been the Masquerade Ball, and the end of year celebration
has been at NRH20.
In order to participate in these social events, students must be in good standing with the DMS band.
Throughout the year, they must attend all required events, such as contests, rehearsals, sectionals, etc.
In addition, they must not have a history of discipline issues not only within the band program, but
within Dawson Middle School. Final decisions concerning student attendance are at the discretion of the
DMS band staff.
Students may be permitted to bring one guest from outside the band program to social events. The
band staff will discuss guest guidelines prior to each event. Band students are responsible for their
guest’s behavior and will be held accountable for their actions. Final decisions concerning guest
attendance are at the discretion of the DMS band staff. Directors reserve the right to refuse any guest
request for any reason.
Communication
With the number students in our band program, we receive many phone calls and emails. Our goal is to
respond to you in a timely manner. We do most of our contact through email.
You may email at the following addresses:
Rebecca Click: [email protected]
Eric Guerrero: [email protected]
David Walker: [email protected]
Call during a conference time: We are not always near a phone during this time, but it is the best time to
try to reach us. We may use conference time for an emergency trip to the music store and other band-
related errands. In general, we are teaching every period of the school day. Mrs. Click’s conference
period is 9:45-10:20, and Mr. Guerrero’s is from 12:00-12:45. Regardless of what time you call, you may
always leave a message on our voice mail and we will return your call as soon as possible.
Mrs. Click: 817-949-5564
Mr. Guerrero: 817-949-5563 (Dawson Office)
Dawson Middle School: 817-949-5500
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Band Website
www.dawsonband.org
In keeping up with the technological norm, we are constantly working to increase visibility of our
program through the internet. Students and parents should use this forum to keep up with current
activities. The official band calendar will be on this site as well as many documents, links, and resources.
The official band calendar can be downloaded or merged into many current smart phone and
computer calendar applications.
Clicking on an event on the official calendar brings up the details for that event, such as times,
attendance requirements and equipment/uniform necessities.
Throughout the coming school year there will be information about upcoming contests, rehearsals,
concerts, and calendar updates. All announcements in class will be posted on the front page of the
website. Please check the website on a weekly basis for the most up to date information.
Charms
Charms Office Assistant (www.charmsoffice.com) is the data management system we use for many
organizational aspects of the band program. In order to receive band emails, it is imperative that your
parent/student contact information is up to date in the charms system. Please follow the steps below to
log in to your child’s Charms account:
1. Type in www.charmsoffice.com in your web browser.
2. On the homepage, click ”Enter/Login” and select “Parent/Student/Member Area”
3. Enter the school code: dawsonmsband
4. You will come to a page that asks for a student area password. The password is your student’s
Carroll student ID number. After your first login you may change the password if you choose.
5. On the next page you should see your child’s name on the top right hand corner. This page has
several options to explore. To make sure your student’s information is correct, click on “Update
Info”.
6. Please make sure the correct email addresses and phone numbers for both students and
parents.
Remind
We would highly recommend both students and parents sign up to receive Remind (formally
Remind101) texts from the band staff. Remind is used only for urgent communication. To subscribe, text
@dawsonmsband to 817-918-4545.
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Private Lessons
The private lesson enrichment program is offered to all CISD band students. This program is the
absolute most important facet in improving the quality of individual student musicianship, and thus, the
band program in general. Parents are highly encouraged to consider private lessons for their child, in
order to gain the most improvement and quality participation out of the band program.
Here are some specifics on the private lesson program:
Private lessons are offered to all band students on a voluntary basis.
Lessons will be taught once a week before and after school, or during a student’s band class.
Private lesson teachers are interviewed and screened by the directors for quality pedagogy and
professionalism.
Lessons will be scheduled to accommodate parents, students and the teacher’s schedule.
Purposes of the private lesson program:
To continue to improve the quality of music education at CISD.
To provide for individual differences of music students.
To boost the achievement level of all music students.
To aid the student in attaining the musical goals set forth in the TEKS.
To provide private lessons in the school building, allowing students to take advantage of the
convenience and expense factors lost by traveling elsewhere for instruction.
To provide the school with control over the quality and cost of private instruction.
To provide the student with one-on-one guidance by a specialist on the student’s instrument.
Cost:
The cost will be $20 per lesson. Lessons before or after school are thirty minutes. For the convenience
of lessons during the school day, students will receive a 22 minute lesson, at the same cost of $20.
Payment will be made directly to the private lesson teacher. It is the responsibility of the private lesson
teacher to keep accurate records of the transactions and furnish proper receipts to the parent.
Teachers must be notified 24 hours in advance if a student will be unable to attend his/her lesson. If
not, the student/parent will be responsible for the cost of the lesson.
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A Note to Parents
Parent involvement and interest in their student’s musical growth can be the single most important
factor in their total musical education. When parents are actively involved in their student’s musical
endeavors, the chances for success are exponentially greater than for the student whose parents show
little or no interest at all.
Students are learning more in the band hall than how to just blow a horn or beat a drum. They are
developing ‘life skills’ like discipline, team work, responsibility, self-confidence, social skills, and critical
thinking skills. It is the director’s goals to help each student develop in these areas and we know if we
work with you as a team we can be successful.
Many times parents say things like: “The only thing I ever learned to play was a radio.” or “I couldn’t
carry a tune in a bucket!” For those of you who feel you fit in this category, here’s some good news. It
doesn’t matter! What is important is that through your actions, you can show your child that you care
about their musical development
There are many ways to do this. You can show your support by attending concerts and contests with
your child. As much as possible, try to provide equipment and accessories that they may need. Give
them a productive place in which to practice. Praise your child when they practice regularly an offer a
little positive reinforcement when they don’t. Ask your child how things are going in band class and
have them play for you. Parents do not need any prior musical experience in order to effectively
support their child’s development.
The directors, through this handbook, phone calls, parent meetings, and website want to improve
communication between the staff and parents. The goal is to keep you informed about your child’s
band activities so as to facilitate your involvement in their musical education. Remember, you can be
the most important figure in your child’s musical growth, and if we work together, we can make your
child’s musical experience at DMS a success!
Volunteer Opportunities
As stated earlier, parent involvement is the key to a successful program. We have various opportunities
to get involved in the planning and execution of band events and activities. Listed below are just a few
of the events we have and opportunities to volunteer your time:
Data Entry DMS Band Auditions Hosting All City Auditions Band Picnic Hosting All Region Phase One Auditions End of the Year Celebration Fall Social Solo and Ensemble Chaperoning Band Competition Equipment Logistics for Band Contest … Just to name a few!