2016-17 LA VEGA BAND HANDBOOK

Tom English – Director

Ramon Carrillo – Janessa Rios - Assistant Directors

In order to assist band members and parents in understanding areas of responsibility, a statement of band policy is herein set forth. Becoming familiar with this policy will enable each individual to make the most of this great opportunity to be a member of the La Vega High School Band Program, becoming a better person and a better musician.

We, as directors, firmly believe each student should improve through regular practice. When a student has lost the will to improve him or herself or to make a better contribution to the band, he or she is wasting the time and effort of fellow members and the community by continuing in the program. The happiest student is one who improves through regular habits of practice and daily progress. He or she must not only know right from wrong but must be able to stand for principles and develop a high sense of purpose toward which he or she is willing to work. Responsibility is the focus behind any level of achievement within this program. We intend to conduct ourselves in a manner that will facilitate the learning of all students.

Objectives of the Band Program

  • To teach music by actual performance.
  • To develop performance skills on the various wind and percussion instruments.
  • To provide for the musical needs of the school and the community.
  • To develop discrimination with regard to the selection of music.
  • To acquaint the students with music theory/history and how history and musical composition relate to students’ lives and musical experiences.
  • To provide all students with the opportunity for worth use of their time, a means for self –expression, and a healthy social experience.
  • To develop the ability to function as a responsible member of a group, enhance interaction, and develop esprit de corps.
  • To foster leadership skills within each student.

Did you know? Top 10 skills children learn from the Arts

1. Creativity – Being able to think on your feet, approach tasks from different perspectives and think

“Outside of the box” will distinguish your child from others. In an arts program, your child will be asked torecite a monologue in 6 different ways, create a painting that represents a memory, or compose a new rhythmto enhance a piece of music. If children have practice thinking creatively, it will come naturally to them nowand in their future career.

2. Confidence – The skills developed through theater, not only train you how to convincingly deliver

a message, but also build the confidence you need to take command of the stage. Theater training gives children practice stepping out of their comfort zone and allows them to make mistakes and learn from themin rehearsal. This process gives children the confidence to perform in front of large audiences.

3. Problem Solving – Artistic creations are born through the solving of problems. How do I turn this clay into a sculpture? How do I portray a particular emotion through dance? How will my character react in this situation? Without even realizing it kids that participate in the arts are consistently being challenged to solve problems. All this practice problem solving develops children’s skills in reasoning and understanding. This will help develop important problem-solving skills necessary for success in any career.

4. Perseverance – When a child picks up a violin for the first time, she/he knows that playing Bach right away is not an option; however, when that child practices, learns the skills and techniques and doesn’t give up, that Bach concerto is that much closer. In an increasingly competitive world, where people are beingasked to continually develop new skills, perseverance is essential to achieving success.

5. Focus – The ability to focus is a key skill developed through ensemble work. Keeping a balance betweenlistening and contributing involves a great deal of concentration and focus. It requires each participant to not only think about their role, but how their role contributes to the big picture of what is being created. Recent research has shown that participation in the arts improves children’s abilities to concentrate and focus in other aspects of their lives.

Retrieved February 26, 2015 from

6. Non-Verbal Communication – Through experiences in theater and dance education, children learnto breakdown the mechanics of body language. They experience different ways of moving and how thosemovements communicate different emotions. They are then coached in performance skills to ensure they areportraying their character effectively to the audience.

7. Receiving Constructive Feedback – Receiving constructive feedback about a performance or visualart piece is a regular part of any arts instruction. Children learn that feedback is part of learning and it is notsomething to be offended by or to be taken personally. It is something helpful. The goal is the improvementof skills and evaluation is incorporated at every step of the process. Each arts discipline has built in parametersto ensure that critique is a valuable experience and greatly contributes to the success of the final piece.

8. Collaboration – Most arts disciplines are collaborative in nature. Through the arts, children practiceworking together, sharing responsibility, and compromising with others to accomplish a common goal. Whena child has a part to play in a music ensemble, or a theater or dance production, they begin to understandthat their contribution is necessary for the success of the group. Through these experiences children gainconfidence and start to learn that their contributions have value even if they don’t have the biggest role.

9. Dedication – When kids get to practice following through with artistic endeavors that result in a

Finished product or performance, they learn to associate dedication with a feeling of accomplishment. Theypractice developing healthy work habits of being on time for rehearsals and performances, respecting thecontributions of others, and putting effort into the success of the final piece. In the performing arts, thereward for dedication is the warm feeling of an audience’s applause that comes rushing over you, making allyour efforts worthwhile.

10. Accountability – When children practice creating something collaboratively they get used to the ideathat their actions affect other people. They learn that when they are not prepared or on-time, that otherpeople suffer. Through the arts, children also learn that it is important to admit that you made a mistake andtake responsibility for it. Because mistakes are a regular part of the process of learning in the arts, childrenbegin to see that mistakes happen. We acknowledge them, learn from them and move on.

By Lisa Phillips

Retrieved February 26, 2015 from

Band Curriculum

Symphonic Band

The symphonic band is the primary performing organization in the instrumental music department during winter and spring. Membership is by audition only. The symphonic band will be comprised of students with the performing ability necessary to play grade 3 and 4 UIL literature.

Concert Band

The concert band is comprised of students with the performing ability necessary to perform grade 1 and 2 music from the UIL list. Membership is by audition only.

Marching Band

Membership in the marching band requires strenuous physical exercise and the ability to play the literature encountered in the activity. All student enrolled in the band program are required to march with exception of students of the program, who are eligible to audition for the color guard/flag line. The marching band performs in the fall.

Jazz Band/Applied Music

Students may elect to audition for the jazz band. The jazz band plays for community events and performs throughout the spring. Jazz band must have full instrumentation to be successful. Five Saxes, Five Trumpets, Four Trombones, Rhythm, which is Piano, guitar, bass guitar and Drum Set.

Applied Music will be emphasized in the fall with particular preparation of Region Band Audition music and individual solos and group ensembles. This music preparation also prepares students for college auditions in the spring. Possible groups are woodwind quintet, brass quintet, woodwind choir, brass choir, saxophone quartet, flute ensembles, clarinet ensembles, percussion ensembles and additional small groups.

Leadership Workshop

The leadership workshop prepares students to become effective leaders within the band program and beyond. Students will attend a leadership workshop by an outside clinician held in July. This workshop will help prepare band members for leadership roles in our band.

Summer Camps

Students are encouraged to attend camps during the summer. There are numerous camps that develop leadership, flag and percussion skills and band skills. A list of area camps may be obtained by asking a director.

Tardiness to Marching Band

Marching band will begin at 7:45 AM each morning during the marching season. Marching season during the regular school year will begin on August 23, 2016 and end on October 29, 2016.

Students who are tardy to marching band will make up their tardy at the conclusion of the school day.

Attendance Policy

The only excusable absences are prearranged school conflicts and those that would be excused by the school for regular attendance records, e.g., illness, a death in the family, or a religious holiday. Individual needs will be addressed as they occur. This system is subject to modification by the director.

Performance no shows!

The student will receive a zero for the performance which will result in the lowering of one letter grade on his or her report card.

For all absences, the following procedure must be followed by the student and parent:

  • The head director must be notified in advance. Mr. English cell # (254) 715-8375.
  • An absentee request form must be filled out and on file.
  • For illness, a parental note or Doctor’s excused must be submitted.
  • Although cleared by the school office, absences from a band activity that same day must be cleared with the head director as well—please call Mr. English.
  • In extreme cases, a phone message may be left on the band office phone with a follow-up personal call to Mr. English.
  • Follow-up call is the sole responsibility of the student!

The mere filing of an absentee request form does not constitute approval.

School Conflicts with Band

Resolving conflicts between band and other school activities or events is the responsibility of the student working with the head director and the other activities sponsor. Ample advanced notification is necessary so these conflicts can be worked out. Students are to share our band calendar with sponsors of other activities. Please make sure they are aware of performance dates, especially marching contest, region auditions, solo and ensemble contest and UIL Contest, both marching and concert contest.

When outside activities create hardships concerning band, unless it is a situation that should only happen once, the student will need to consult with the head director about possible alternatives. Students should have a calendar and be aware of all band dates well ahead of schedule. It is the policy of the band director to assist students when conflicts occur within the scope of the band policy. Students are reminded that band is a very demanding activity and that involvement in outside activities should be limited to those compatible with the band schedule. All conflicts with performances must be resolved in favor of band participation. Work is not an excuse for missing any band activity.

GRADING

Grades will be based on a point system. Students are awarded points for:

Early Rehearsal7:45 to 8:10 AM 75 points per day 375 per week

Daily Classroom Participation 150 points per day 750 per week

Monday Night Rehearsal 500 points

Section Rehearsal 250 points

Football Game 750 points each

U.I.L. Contest 999 points

Invitational Marching Contest 999 points

Invitational Concert Contest 999 points

Parades 500 points

Homecoming Parade500 points

Pep assemblies or rallies 250 points

Concerts 999 points

Playing off assigned band music from memory 0 to 250 points

Marching and Playing Tests 0 to 250 points

Students who are ineligible MUST turn in a three page hand written report in order

to receive a grade to make up for the missed performance. Deadline lines must be met to get full credit.

Duties of the Band Member

  • Be on time to all rehearsals and performances. Early is on time--on time is late.
  • Upon entering the rehearsal setting, get your instrument, and go directly to your seat.
  • When the director or staff member steps on the podium or asks for your attention, all talking should cease.
  • Come to the rehearsal with a good attitude.
  • There should be no excess playing (e.g., horsing around on the instrument, playing on the drums without a solid playing goal, only good solid material.
  • Make a real effort to improve on a daily basis, and establish a good practice routines.
  • At the end of rehearsal, put all materials in the proper place. Instrument in its case, music in its storage slot, etc.
  • Maintain a strong academic standing in all course work. Stay current with your assignments. Don’t fall behind in your class because it is very difficult to catch up. Team up with students in band so you can help each other in your classes.
  • Become responsible for and assume responsibility for your own actions.
  • Have proper respect for yourself and those in authority.
  • Read and play music with insight—have high musical expectations for yourself.

The Importance of Attitude

The greatest single factor that will determine the success of any individual or organization is attitude.The kind of person you are is an individual choice, and how you feel about something is one of the few actual independent choices you have in life. It takes intense dedication to reach goals.

Students should learn to discipline themselves to practice fundamentals daily. The right attitude must be present along with sincerity, concentration, and dedication as the basic foundations. Such an attitude makes and artistic performance inevitable and is the difference between a winning organization and a mediocre group. The band can do much for you. Make the most of it in every rehearsal and performance.

The Importance of Discipline

Because of the nature of the organization, band discipline must be strict! Band students and parents must believe in the ideals, principles, and philosophy of the organization. Each member must always be aware of good behavior and think for him or herself. Any misconduct casts a bad light on the school, community, and band program. Any member who discredits the organization by his or her conduct or actions in band, in another class, or on a trip shall be subject to dismissal from the band program or may lose a privilege within the program. This may include the chance to go on a spring trip. This decision will be at the head director’s discretion.

Parents’ Responsibility to the Band

It is the responsibility of every parent and guardian to see that the policies outlined in the band handbook are followed and that the form in the back is signed and returned. This state that you understand the policies set within and that any questions are to be directed to the band director. Each parent is responsible for the attendance of his or her student to all band functions. It is the responsibility of each parent to see that the child practices his or her instrument. The hands of the director are tied without the help of the parents. Parental support is absolutely necessary for the success of the La Vega Band Program.

How Parents Can Help

When a band question arises, it is important that you get factual information before discussing it with others. We do more harm to ourselves, the band family, when we talk about things that contain one or more falsehoods presented as facts. Our band rarely has this problem. If questions arise, it is important to remember this axiom: If it is a performance issue or anything dealing with the band proper, contact the head band director. If it is a fund-raising question talk with Mr. English or anything deal with parent issues, talk to the band booster president. Below is a list of things you can do to be supportive.

  • Show an interest in the musical study of your student.
  • Arrange a regular time for your student to practice. Fifteen minutes each day to begin with as a beginner student is plenty as long as they practice with good sounds.
  • Find a quiet place where they can practice without interruption.
  • Listen to performances of practice material when asked to do so by your student.
  • Help your student keep a daily record of practice.
  • Keep the instrument in good repair, and keep at least three reeds in the case; get a metronome.
  • Be extra careful with school-owned instruments. Repair cost are high.
  • Teach your child to be prepared and on time to each rehearsal or performance.
  • Encourage private lessons either with teacher or director.
  • Make faithful attendance at all band activities important.
  • Make sure your student has a personal planner and use it.
  • Keep the handbook in a place where it can be referenced.
  • Notify the director if the student is to be absent for rehearsals.
  • Double-check to make sure your student has their instrument.
  • Visit our rehearsals.
  • Attend Booster meetings, concert, games and contest.
  • Turn in fund-raising money on time.

Rules and Procedures