MEXICO HIGH SCHOOL

DIXIE GRAY BAND

BAND HANDBOOK

2014-2015

Mr. Robert Cortez, Director of Bands

Mexico High School Dixie Gray Band

639 North Wade Street

Mexico, MO 65265

(573) 581-4296 ext. 3027

E-Mail: rcortez@mexico.k12.mo.us

Website: http://mrcortez.weebly.com

Welcome to the Dixie Gray Band Program!

This handbook is designed to acquaint the band student and parents with the rules expectations that

are a part of being in the Mexico High School Band program. This handbook acts as an extended

course syllabus, an outline of the expectations of the band program, and a contract between the

director and band students.

Please take a few minutes to become familiar with the policies set forth within this handbook. After

reading the handbook, please take a moment to fill out the information sheet sent home with this

handbook (with the MHS Activities agreement form on the reverse side), sign both sides, and return it

to school no later than Thursday, August 28. Please note that both the parent/guardian and the

student must sign the form – ultimately, it is the students’ responsibility to understand the guidelines

and expectations published here.

Throughout the year, you may find it necessary to contact me for questions, comments, or other

concerns – please contact me in the following ways:

E-Mail – rcortez@mexico.k12.mo.us Phone – 581-4296 ext. 3027

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. I am generally available to take

calls during my conference hour, approximately 9:20-9:50 in the morning. I also check my e-mail

regularly throughout the school day.

To increase teacher-parent communications, weekly plans, a calendar of events, and other important

notices will be published on my webpage at http://mrcortez.weebly.com. Important dates will also

appear on the main calendar on the Mexico Schools website.

You can also keep updated by subscribing to the Dixie Gray Band (and/or Jazz Band) texting/e-mail

alert system. Simply text “@mhsdi” to (951) 817-7164 for the Dixie Gray Band alert system, or

“@mhsja” to the same number for the Jazz Band. You can also send a blank e-mail to

mhsdi@mail.remind.com for the Dixie Gray Band, or mhsja@mail.remind.com for the Jazz Band to

subscribe to e-mail alerts.

I am looking forward to the 63rd year of the Dixie Gray Bands! I hope to see all of you at the various

performances we will have this year – a tentative calendar of events can be found at the back of this

hand book, and updated calendars are available on the website (http://mrcortez.weebly.com).

Musically Yours,

Robert Cortez

Director of Bands

The History of the Dixie Gray Band

The Dixie Gray Marching Band, “A Sound Tradition Since 1951,” is the largest and most visible

organization at Mexico High School. The band combines musicianship, dedication, spirit, and

pride to compose and maintain an entertaining and competitive band.

In 1951, Mr. John Willer established the band program at Mexico High. The name “Dixie Gray

Band” was coined by Mr. Willer, combining a tagline under the Mexico Ledger’s masthead

(“Covers the field like dew does little Dixie”) with one of the school colors (scarlet and gray) to

become “Dixie Gray.”

Mr. Willer retired in 1977 after which Mr. Jack Schurer became director. In 1979, Mr. Joe

Pappas assumed leadership of the Dixie Grays. He was succeeded by Mr. Keith Kirchner in

1990, who remained as director until his retirement in 2005.

In 2005, Mr. Robert Cortez became only the fifth band director in the long, proud history of

the Dixie Gray Band, moving to Mexico from Las Vegas, Nevada.

The band has performed in many venues across the country, entertaining thousands of fans

including performances at Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, and Minnesota Twins

baseball games, while competing around the region from Dallas, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois,

Disney World in Orlando, Florida and beyond.

On April 26, 2006, the Dixie Gray Band became the first-ever marching band to perform the

National Anthem in the new Busch Stadium. The band has performed for the St. Louis

Cardinals for a total of nine consecutive years, and hopes to make it ten this year.

Mexico Public Schools

Administration

Mr. Kevin Freeman, Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Zachary Templeton, Asst. Superintendent

Dr. Terry Robinson, MHS Principal

Mr. Jeff Anderson, MHS Athletic Director

Mr. Brad Ellebracht, MHS Vice Principal

The Mexico Public Schools – Band Staff

Mr. Robert Cortez, Director of Bands – Mexico High School

Mrs. Kim Foley, Director of Bands – Mexico Middle School

Mrs. Melodie Eisenhofer, Colorguard Coach

Mrs. Leisha Young, Visual Design

Band Handbook Overview

1 – Attendance

2 – Punctuality

3 – The Band Room

4 – Rehearsal Etiquette

5 – Game Day/Performance Procedures

6 – Fines and Fees

7 – Grading

8 – Uniforms

9 – Varsity Letter Information

10 – Fund Raising

11 – Travel

12 – Eligibility Standards

13 – The Bands

14 –Forms to Return/Other Information

Attendance

Attendance at all band rehearsals is crucial. This includes rehearsals during the regular school day and those

scheduled outside the school day, such as Thursday mornings. In an ensemble setting, it is absolutely imperative

that the group works together to achieve the common goal; we cannot work as a group – as a team – if

members of the group are absent. If you are absent from school, please contact the school attendance office;

single-day excused absences do not negatively affect your grade (see “Grading”). Missing multiple days may

require make-up work. Unexcused absences will earn a zero (0) for the day. If there are any extra rehearsals

scheduled (including morning rehearsals/performances), missing them will negatively affect your grade.

Attendance at performances is absolutely mandatory. The band will perform at all home football games,

marching competitions, various parades, a prescribed number of basketball games, and other events on- and

off-campus. The band will also perform at the District Music Festival and during the Spring Tour.

As per Mexico Public Schools Policy, students who have two school-sanctioned events (athletics, performing

arts) may choose between the two events of equal merit without penalty. If it is your intention to participate in

a school-sanctioned activity and will miss a performance with the Dixie Gray Band or Jazz Band, you must make

arrangements with the band director at least three weeks in advance when possible. Excuses are generally NOT

granted for the Winter or Spring Concerts, or the District Music Festival. To request to be excused from a

performance, submit a “Request for Excused Absence” form.

If extreme circumstances prevail on a performance date, please notify the band director in writing (using the

same form) at least one month before the performance date (if possible) to request an excused absence. If the

excused absence is granted, make-up work will be assigned to earn points missed.

Some examples that may be excused include major family events (weddings, graduations, etc.) and official

school events, both of which require advance notification. Missing a performance due to severe illness will be

excused with a doctor’s note, and will require make-up work. Missing a performance due to work-related

issues, babysitting, or attending school events without a month’s notice will not be excused in which case no

make-up work will be assigned or accepted.

Please note that one of our events on the calendar falls on an ACT test date. Please make appropriate

arrangements as to not schedule a test on October 25. Alternative dates for this school year are 9/13, 12/13,

2/7, 4/18, 6/13. Visit http://www.ACT.org for more information.

The long notice required before an excused absence is absolutely crucial so that the band director may adjust

parts within the band to compensate for your absence. If you have any questions, please contact the director.

Punctuality

Be on time (that is, a little early) for everything. Call times for performances will be announced at least one

week before the performance date if possible. Rehearsals during the school day will be set by the bell schedule;

extra rehearsal start times will be announced in advance.

Tardiness disrupts the pace of a rehearsal in progress and adds stress in a performance setting. Tardiness to

rehearsals or performances will negatively affect your ability to participate at your best; aim to be at the

appointed call area (most often the Band Room) ten to fifteen minutes prior to the “call time” at minimum.

Tardiness to school class periods will be referred to the office as per school policy, and will result in disciplinary

action in addition to the possible loss of daily participation points (see “Grading”).

The Band Room

As members of the band, we are bound to spend a lot of time in the Band Room. We must strive to keep the

band room neat and clean. The condition of a band’s rehearsal area shows the band’s self-image, discipline, and

pride. The following guidelines are set with that in mind:

There will be no eating or drinking in the band room during rehearsal time with the exception of

bottled water. The director may issue exceptions to this rule for special occasions

Personal belongings are to be kept in your locker. Your locker will be kept in good order and locked

when not in use

Trash will be placed in the appropriate containers, not in or on top of lockers, the floor, or any other part

of the Band Room. Should you choose not to abide by this, you will be assigned thirty minutes of after-

school detention to clean the band room.

The director reserves the right to allow only students enrolled in band classes (or other classes taught by

Mr. Cortez) into the band room.

Students may enter the band area before school to place items in lockers. Please note, however, that

Jazz Band meets from 7:00 to 8:00, so please do not enter the band room to use lockers until 7:50, and

do so quickly and quietly. Lockers will be accessible after school.

Lockers will be assigned at the beginning of the year. You must keep your locker clean and locked, and

you must only use a locker to which you are assigned.

Use of lockers in the band room is a privilege that may be revoked at any time. The director, Mexico

High School Staff and Administration, and the Mexico Public Schools assume no responsibility for the

loss, theft, or damage to items placed in lockers. Lockers are subject to search at any time.

Rehearsal Etiquette

Because of the nature of a musical ensemble, rehearsal time is crucial. It is therefore imperative that these

times are used efficiently. Nothing is worse than wasting large periods of time – to avoid this, you must ensure

that you are fully prepared for every rehearsal by having practiced your music and having your instrument (and

all its supplies) prior to each rehearsal.

Brass Players: Instrument and all its parts, music, lyre and flip folder, drill charts, drill chips, pencil,

valve/slide oil, and clean mouthpieces.

Woodwind Players: Instrument and all its parts, music, lyre and flip folder, drill charts, drill chips, pencil,

at least two spare (working) reeds, clean mouthpiece, ligature, and neck strap.

Percussion Players: Instrument, stick bag (containing marching sticks or mallets, general snare drum

sticks, yarn mallets, and anything else needed to perform the music), music, lyre and flip folder, drill

charts, drill chips, pencil, and drum key.

During rehearsal, the director must have the undivided attention of the group. Rehearsals will be intense and

fast-moving, but the director will know when it is time for a “commercial break.” To get the most out of the

limited rehearsal time we have, the following must be observed by students:

Talk only when it is appropriate to do so

Eat, drink, and chew gum when it is time to do so; during band rehearsals (or performances) or in the

band room without permission is not the time to do so. Only bottled water is allowed – sodas, juices,

and sports drinks have sugars and other chemicals that will damage your instrument if blown through it,

and will cause damage to the room if spilled. AT NO TIME during any band practice, performance, or

other band event will caffeine-based and/or energy-type drinks be allowed (Monster, Red Bull,

Rockstar, etc.).

Use only appropriate language in the Band Room or whenever you are with the Band as a whole.

Smoking, Drinking alcohol, or Use of Illegal Substances will not be tolerated. Those who violate this rule

will be referred to the office or police department after parents are notified. MSHSAA guidelines

indicate that the use of these substances may result in a 180 day exclusion from any MSHSAA activity –

including sports, music, speech, etc.

When the director stops the music, it is for a reason. Stop playing immediately and listen

Talking back or arguing with the director is a good way to be removed from the next performance

opportunity, sent to the administration for discipline procedures, being excluded from the ensemble,

and/or losing participation or performance points. The time to address concerns is after scheduling a

time to discuss matters with the director in his office, in private.

Realize that working hard will lead to success and that band is a lot of fun with the right attitude.

If a student unwisely makes the decision to act in an inappropriate manner and violate the procedures and

expectations outlined in this handbook, the following procedures will be followed:

1 – Verbal Warning, loss of participation points

2 – Parent Contact (phone, letter, e-mail, or in person), loss of participation points

3 – Referral to office, loss of participation points, parent conference

If any behavior is deemed excessively disruptive or disrespectful by the director, students will be sent directly to

the Principal’s office for disciplinary action.

Game Day and Performance Procedures

Every member of the Dixie Gray Band will be prepared at the designated call time at the designated area (usually

the Band Room). Bad weather does not automatically call off a performance – tune into KWWR/KXEO radio, or

log on to http://info.kwwr.com for official cancellations. Additionally, “official” text messages and e-mails will

be sent out to those subscribed to the MHS Band Text Alert System. Directions for enrolling in this program are

in the back of this handbook. If there is no official cancellation, the performance will go on.

Some points to stress about performance days/game days:

Uniforms (marching or concert) are to be worn correctly at all times unless the director makes a change

for the entire group. For marching season, this includes gloves and hats.

The band must act, look, and sound like ONE UNIT (one band, one sound). Therefore, we will warm-up

and perform as a group – play only when the band is supposed to play. Please save your individual

practice time for home.

The band will be at a performance from call time until the entire band is dismissed. For concerts, band

members will stay for the entire concert to watch every group perform, then will clean up as needed.

For football games, the band will march in as one unit before the game, and will exit as one unit

afterwards.

During marching band season, band members will only leave the stands during the third quarter break.

This break ends with two minutes and thirty seconds (2:30) left on the scoreboard clock in the third

quarter. By this time, students should be back in the stands, in uniform, ready to perform (without food

or drink).

You will sit in your assigned sections during performances

Only current members of the band and approved guests will be allowed to sit in the band section during

football or basketball games.

Band members will remain with the band from call time until dismissal. Do not ask to leave early.

Marching uniforms must be hung properly and returned before you are excused from the game. This

will be done in reverse order by class (Seniors, then Juniors, etc.). If your uniform is not hung properly,

you will be sent to the back of the line. If you return a uniform improperly, you will be assigned to

collect uniforms and clean the band room after the next performance.

Stay alert during football games – we will support your peers during the game. There may be times we

will play during short time-outs, during defensive stands, and after we score. Be ready!

Use or evidence of use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco in any form during a performance (or any time you

are with the band) will result in immediate disciplinary action and referral to the proper authorities.

Once again, the use of energy drinks, caffeine drinks, or similar items is not allowed when you are with

the MHS Band.

Remain professional in your demeanor and actions when you are representing the school and/or are

with the band. It reflects your self-pride, discipline, and our group esprit de corps.

Fines and Fees

The following is a listing of fees, fines, and requirements that are anticipated for band members. Returning

band members may reuse band shoes and band shirts, providing that they are in good condition. Every attempt

is made to include everything for the school year, but there may be additions made to this list:

REQUIRED FEES:

Uniform cleaning fee (includes one pair of marching gloves) = $25

Band uniform shoes = $25 Must be official shoes – will easily last four years.

Band shirt = $10 (if needed)

Concert/Symphonic Band Uniform (see “Uniforms”)

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Missing or damaged music = $1 per page

Extra Uniform gloves = $2 per pair, after the first pair

Damage to marching band uniform = Actual cost of the repair plus 15%. Damage that results in the

uniform no longer being usable will result in replacement cost, approximately $500.

Damage or loss of school-owned band instruments = Cost of repair or replacement plus 10% (including

drum heads, stands, chairs, and other equipment)

Grading

Grading is based on a school-wide points-percentage system to the following scale:

A .......................100-94 C ....................... 76-74 A- ......................93-90 C- ...................... 73-70 B+ .....................89-87 D+ ..................... 69-67 B .......................86-84 D ....................... 66-64 B- ......................83-80 D ....................... 63-60 C+ .....................79-77 F ........................ 59-0

Participation points are earned at the rate of fifty (50) per week. Minor performances (football games, some

parades, and some other events) are worth between 100 and 150 points each, and major performances

(concerts, music festival, competitions) are worth between 300 and 450 points each. Basketball season counts

as 600 points total. Distinction between major and minor performances will be made by the director prior to

each performance. Thursday morning band practices and other extra sectionals or rehearsals are worth points

as well.

As part of the participation grade, students are expected to be on time and prepared for class. Failure to do one

or both of these may result in participation points being deducted or lost for the day. It is the responsibility of

the student to request and obtain make-up work within two school days of being absent. Students will have the

equal number of days missed to turn in make up work.

Tests and quizzes will be given several times during the school year; only those assigned as “seating tests” will

affect sectional seating. Make-up tests or quizzes must be scheduled within two days of returning to school

after an absence. Tests will be rescheduled at the director’s discretion. On the third day after a student returns

from an excused absence, any outstanding assignments, tests, or quizzes will be graded as “0” in the gradebook.

Any work, tests, or quizzes that are due to absences not excused by the school will be entered as “0.” The

director reserves the right to alter these procedures on a case-by-case basis.

At the conclusion of each grading quarter, an “Evidence of Practice” assignment will be added to the overall

grade. Points will be earned as the director observes and tracks the practice activities of each band student.

Generally, students who come to class prepared (with music being practiced) will receive most if not all of these

points; those who are continuously unprepared for rehearsal will not.

During District Music Festival, students will earn the regular 450 points for the major performance, and will earn

200 points for working their mandatory shift during the festival weekend. This year, District Music Festival will

be held March 19-20-21. It is highly recommended that these dates be kept in mind when requesting work

schedules or other activities. The calendar of events can be found at the back of this handbook and online at

http://mrcortez.weebly.com .

Extra Credit opportunities are available throughout the year by taking or giving private lessons, working in the

band room, tutoring students in the middle school band, working extra shifts at music festival, helping with

concessions, or other approved activities. See the director for details.

Semester examinations will be given at the conclusion of the second and fourth grading quarters. These will be

announced in class.

Parents and students will be able to check grades online. Information will be distributed by the school when this

becomes available.

Notice: A student’s grade may automatically be adjusted to “F” is (s)he exceeds the maximum number of allowed

absences during the grading period as determined by the attendance office and school administration. In this

case, the director will have no authority to alter the grade.

Uniforms

Marching band uniforms will be provided to each member when possible, provided that the $25 cleaning fee is

paid. Uniforms are to be worn correctly in full at all times, with the band shirt worn underneath and black socks

to be worn with the band shoes. Necessary uniform alterations are the responsibility of each band member, but

must be cleared through the director and performed by a professional tailor or seamstress. No material is to be

cut from the uniform (including pant hems!). Uniforms must be returned properly (approved by the band

parent or uniform manager on duty) to be excused after a football game, parade, or other marching band event.

The INFORMAL marching band uniform will consist of the band shirt, black shorts or pants (as prescribed by the

director, depending on the weather), and tennis shoes. This uniform will be used for pep rallies, early football

games, and other events deemed by the director. Each band student is required to obtain the informal uniform.

Concert and Symphonic Band members will need the following uniform for concerts and District Music Festival:

Men – Black dress pants, white tuxedo shirt (long sleeve), black bow tie, black dress shoes, and black

socks.

Women – Same as above, or a solid black dress between knee and ankle length with appropriate

footwear. Dresses must comply with the Mexico Public Schools dress code.

Students and parents will have the opportunity to purchase a package deal including the tuxedo shirt and bow

tie through the band parents association in late October or early November. Order forms will be made available

at that time.

Jazz Band members will wear the Mexico Jazz polo shirt (provided by the band parents association upon

successfully auditioning for the ensemble – replacement shirts are $20) and black khaki-style or dress pants with

black dress shoes. Jazz Polo shirts will be tucked in.

Colorguard members will wear the supplied uniform, but must supply the appropriate undershirt and pants.

Approved guard shoes must be worn with the uniform. These shoes will be ordered at the beginning of the

school year.

Varsity Letter Information

Dixie Gray Band Letters are awarded at the Band “Bandquet” in May. Every band member has the opportunity

to earn a band letter through participation in the many band events during the school year. The first year, a

chenille letter is awarded and for each year after, a gold bar will be presented to the award recipient.

Extra pins may be earned through participation in Jazz Band, Colorguard, or serving as a Captain or Drum Major.

Medals awarded as part of District or State Music Festivals may also be worn with the Varsity Letter Jacket.

To earn a letter in band, students must earn one hundred (100) letter points during the school year and be an

active participant in the band program. Points are earned as follows:

Performance at all home and assigned away football games = 30

Winter Concert = 10

Spring Concert = 10

Performance at District Music Festival = 15

Meeting Basketball Season requirements = 10

Participation in Band Camp = up to 50 points (10 per day)

Auditioning for All-District Band = 10

o Making the All-District Band = 15 additional

o Making the District Honorable Mention Band = 10 additional

Participation in District Music Festival (Solo or Small Ensemble, not including Jazz Band) = 10

o Getting a II Rating = 10 additional

o Getting a I Rating and going to State= 20 additional

Fund Raising Participation – meeting the goal of 30 magazines = 10

Fund Raising Participation – selling 15 items for Christmas fundraiser = 5

Band Room service points = 2 per hour, up to 10 points

Tutoring hours = 2 per hour, up to 10 points

Music Festival extra shifts = 5 per shift, up to 15 additional points

Jazz Band and Colorguard members may also receive special awards for participation. These members must

satisfy the criteria for a Dixie Gray Band Varsity letter in order to obtain the Jazz or Flags pin.

Fund Raising

Raising funds for the band helps keep our instruments and uniforms in good order and will allow for us to take

our annual tour this year, as well as have a Band Dance and Bandquet. It is vital that we all pitch in to raise

funds; during the fall semester, we will hold our annual magazine drive. During the holiday season, we will have

a gift catalog fundraiser, and our annual chocolate drive will be held in the spring.

Although fund raising activities are voluntary, all members of the band are strongly encouraged to participate in

fundraisers both to offset the cost of the band trip, and to raise funds for uniform replacement and upkeep,

instrument repair and purchases, and other costs of the band program.

The band parents also raise funds through running the Concession Stands at Hawthorne Heights during the

football and track seasons. Parents are encouraged to help out during these seasons; students are also

encouraged to assist during the track season. Extra credit points are available for students who work in

concession stands during track meets and non-varsity football games.

Travel

As part of the Dixie Gray Band experience, we generally take an out-of-town trip for a performance, clinic, or

competition. The process of scheduling, transporting, feeding, and lodging such a large group is a complicated

task that must be planned carefully.

Room lists will be created before we leave on a trip. Students must sign up for their own rooms (no one may

sign up for someone else) by the announced deadline or they will be placed by the director. After room lists are

published, no changes will be made. Students are generally separated by gender onto a boys’ and girls’ bus.

When we travel as part of the band experience, members of the Dixie Gray Band are expected to act in a

positive, respectful manner throughout the trip. Rules and regulations will be distributed prior to the trip;

basically, students will be expected to behave themselves and follow general rules published by the director,

school, and school board. More information will be distributed before any planned trip.

Eligibility Standards

In 2009, the Mexico School Board enacted the Board-Approved Academic Policy. Students are required to keep

passing grades in their classes in order to participate in interscholastic music events such as District and State

music festivals. To view the entire policy, visit the Mexico Public Schools website at www.mexicoschools.net. In

addition to these Eligibility Standards, students who will travel with the band for performances or other

activities (including the band trip) must maintain a minimum 90% attendance rate and may not be failing any

courses. Since trips are pre-paid, No refunds can be given should eligibility standards not be met.

The Bands of the Dixie Gray Band Program

The Dixie Gray Marching Band: All students enrolled in the MHS Band Program will participate in the Marching

Band, which runs from August through November. The marching band provides entertainment for football

games several other on- and off- campus events throughout the season. The marching band will also prepare a

competitive field show to perform at home games and band competitions.

Marching band rehearsals are held during Band Camp and during the class period. The marching band will also

meet every week on Thursday Mornings from 7:50 a.m. through the first period band class. Colorguard

practices are TBA. Drum line members will have weekly evening practice times TBA.

MHS Pep Band: All students who are in the MHS Band Program will participate in the Basketball Pep Band,

which runs December through February. When the boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball schedules are released, a

number of them will be placed on the pep band schedule. Students must participate in a certain number of

games to receive full credit for basketball season (specified when the schedule is released). Additionally,

students may not miss any of the “double header” games.

Symphonic and Concert Bands: For the 2014-15 School Year, these bands will continue to be combined due to

the lack of an assistant band director. The band will perform at the District Music Festival and three concerts

throughout the year. Band students will be required to also work one shift during Festival Weekend.

Jazz Band: The Jazz Band is a membership-by-audition ensemble. Auditions will be held during the Spring to

determine membership in the fall. The jazz band will perform at various on- and off- campus events throughout

the school year including performances at local elementary schools, and possibly at a jazz festival. The jazz band

meets as a zero hour class (7:00 to 8:00) every day except early start days. Jazz Band students must also be

concurrently enrolled in the regular band class (exceptions are rare and will be made by the director on a case-

by-case basis).

Colorguard: The Dixie Gray Colorguard is an audition group that performs with the Band during football season

and independently during Basketball season. Members of the colorguard must be members of the band.

Auditions for colorguard are held each spring, and colorguard camp is suggested for all members.

Other Information

Student Assistance Times

Students needing extra assistance can schedule a time with the director during seminar (with approval of

seminar teacher), or after school by appointment. Please see the director to set up an individual practice time.

Students may also seek assistance from the Drum Majors or section leaders.

Every attempt has been made to include all pertinent information, guidelines, and expectations in this

handbook. If there are instances where an issue is not addressed in this handbook, the director will address

these issues on a case-by-case basis. Individual circumstances may also lead the director to choose a course of

action that is contrary to what is published in this handbook.

Forms to Return

-Commitment and Information Form with Activity/Athletic Form on the Reverse Side (please complete, sign, and

return no later than Thursday, August 28).

Stay Connected – Stay Informed!

Sign up for the Dixie Gray Band text/email notifications! Remind101.com hosts this service that will allow students and parents to receive important notifications via text message or e-mail. To register, follow these directions:

For the MHS DIXIE GRAY BAND: To receive TEXT MESSAGES – send a text containing “@MHSDI” to (951) 817-7164 To receive E-MAIL NOTIFICATIONS – send a blank e-mail message to mhsdi@mail.remind.com

For the MHS JAZZ BAND: To receive TEXT MESSAGES – send a text containing “@MHSJA” to (951) 817-7164 To receive E-MAIL NOTIFICATIONS – send a blank e-mail message to mhsja@mail.remind.com

Standard text fees apply. To unsubscribe, reply to the text message or e-mail with “unsubscribe.”

Mexico High School Dixie Gray Band 2014-15

Calendar of Events (revised 7/10/14)

August

4-8 - Dixie Gray Band Camp

12 - Uniform Fitting

20 - First Day of School

22 – Annual Dixie Gray Magazine Drive Kickoff

22 - Home Football vs. North Callaway

23 - Mexico Soybean Festival Parade (tentative date)

26 – Band Parents Meeting, 7:00 P.M.

September

12 - Home Football vs. Hannibal

26 - Home Football vs. Centralia (Middle School Band Night)

October

3 - Homecoming Parade and Game vs. Kirksville

14 - Band Parents Meeting, 7:00 P.M.

17 - Home Football vs. Moberly (Senior Night)

25 - Marching Competition - Pinckneyville, IL

November

8 - Northeast Missouri All-District Band Auditions @ Moberly HS

22/29? - Mexico Holiday Parade

December

12 - Dixie Gray Christmas Concert and Band Dance

16 - Basketball Double-Header vs. Kirksville

January

3 - Basketball - Gary Filbert Classic, Games TBA

10 - Northeast Missouri District Band Concert @ Moberly HS

27 - Basketball Double-Header vs. Moberly

28-31 - Missouri Music Educators Association State Conference (All State Band)

February

6 - Basketball Double-Header vs. Marshall

10 - Fine Arts Preview Concert

23 - Band Parents Meeting, 7:00 P.M.

24 - Basketball Double-Header vs. Hannibal

27 - Basketball Double-Header vs. Fulton

March

19-20-21 – Music Festival @ Mexico HS

April

7 - Band Parents Meeting, 7:00 P.M.

9-12(?) - Band Trip – Chicago, IL

30 - MSHSAA State Music Festival @ University of Missouri - Columbia

May

5 - Parade of Bands

7 – Band Banquet

18 – Graduation

MHS Dixie Gray Band

Request for Excused Absence from Performance 2014-2015

Name _____________________________________________ Instrument/Part _______________

Today’s Date ___________________________ Phone ______________________

Please note that excused absence requests are due no later than one calendar month prior to the event – earlier notification

is better, however. District Music Festival, Band Competitions, and the Concerts (marked *) will only be excused with

notification at least one month in advance with reasons acceptable to the director. Exceptions will be considered on a case-

by-case basis. Also note that an excused absence does not excuse you from earning the points possible – make-up

assignments will be due three school days after the event missed. Basketball absences do not require a form unless it is

notification that you will miss multiple games due to school-sanctioned concurrent activities. Alternative grading plans will

be discussed with students involved in school-sanctioned sports during basketball season.

Excused absences will not be granted for student job-related conflicts.

Circle Conflict Date(s)

8/22 8/23 9/12 9/26 10/3 Parade 10/3 Game 10/17 10/25*

11/22 or 29 12/12* 2/10 3/19* 3/20* 3/21*

5/5* 5/18

Other date(s) ______________________________________________________________________

Please identify and write the justification for missing the marked performance(s) one-by-one:

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Student Signature ____________________________________________ Date _________________

For school-related events, student signature is sufficient; for any other conflict, parent/guardian signature is also required:

Parent/Guardian Signature ________________________________________ Date ______________

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Director’s notes: ____ Absence Approved ____ Absence Not Approved

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Director Signature ______________________________________________ Date _____________________

MEXICO SCHOOL DISTRICT

ACTIVITY/ATHLETIC COMMITMENT PLEDGE 2014-2015

Participant’s Name_____________________________________________

Grade __________________ Sport/Activity___MHS Dixie Gray Band_____

Prior to participating in any practice or tryout sessions for any interscholastic sport, each athlete

must:

1. Successfully pass a physical examination to participate in athletics, by a licensed physician and the

copy of such examination must be on file in the office of the building activities director. Physical

exam is valid if issued on or after February 1 of the previous school year.

2. Return this Activity/Athletic Commitment Pledge Form with the student and parent(s) signatures.

3. As a school’s student/athlete voluntarily participating in interscholastic activities/athletics, I

acknowledge that:

I have read this Student Activity/Athletic Handbook and understand what the Mexico School District

expects from me in regard to the expectations set forth, in this handbook and to sportsmanship,

citizenship, scholastics, and staying free from drug, alcohol, and tobacco use while enrolled in this

school. I understand the consequences for violating school policy and I will not do so while a Mexico

School District student participant.

I have been properly advised, cautioned, and warned by administrative and coaching personnel of the

Mexico School District that I am exposing myself to the risk of injury, including but not limited to,

the risk of sprains, fractures, and ligament and/or cartilage damage which could result in a temporary

or permanent, partial, or complete impairment in the use of my limbs, brain damage, paralysis, or

even death. Having been so cautioned and warned, it is still my desire to participate in sports and to

do so with full knowledge and understanding of the risk of injury and with full consent of my

parent/guardian.

I, along with my parents, certify that I have read and understand all of the Mexico School District

activity/athletic policies in this handbook. In order to be eligible for participation, I understand I

must comply with all requirements listed.

I agree that I will refrain from participating in any student hazing activities as a participant or as an

observer; I further understand that violation of the district’s hazing policy may result in suspension

from school and suspension from participating in all activities.

Student’s Signature __________________________________________________ Date ___________

Parent/Guardian Signature ___________________________________________ Date ____________