Maximo Sierra-Director of Bands
“Enriching lives through music….one student at a time.”
«We are what we repeatedly do;
Excellence, then, is not
an act but a habit.»
-Aristotle-
Contents
1.0Purpose
1.1Our Mission
1.2General Goals and Objectives
1.3Communications
2.0General Conduct/Expectations
2.1General School Conduct
2.2Discipline Plan
3.0School Owned/Issued Instruments
4.0Eligibility
4.1Student Leadership
5.0General Grading Policy
6.0Private Lesson Program
7.0 Fees
7.1Statement of Financial Policy
8.0Fundraising
Fall
9.0Marching Band
9.1Marching Band Rehearsal Schedule
9.2Marching Band Positions (Spots)
10.0Travel Guidelines
11.0Marching Band Student Leadership positions
12.0General Attendance
12.1Performances
12.2General Performance Procedure
12.3Music Inspection
12.4Uniform Inspection
12.5Instrument Loading/Unloading
12.6Football Game Procedure
12.7Band Uniform Guidelines
12.8General Responsibilities of Student Leaders Field Military Positions
Spring
13.0Concert Ensembles
13.1Performance/Rehearsal Requirements for the Concert Ensemble
13.2Concerts/Performances
13.3General Attendance
13.4Section Rehearsals
14.0TMEA Region Band & Orchestras
15.0Jazz Band
16.0Solo & Ensemble
17.0Band Council
18.0General Daily Supplies
19.0Color Guard General Information
20.0Letter Jacket Award System TBD
Pebble Hills High School
Instrumental Music Code and Band Handbook
1.0 Purpose
The Instrumental Music Code has been written to help students gain the most from their band experience as well as provide guidance to the practical everyday experiences of the band program.
1.1 Our Mission Statement-
The Mission of the Pebble Hills High School Band is to create and maintain a positive learning community, to provide a challenging music curriculum, and to build character through musical knowledge to ensure the success of every student in all aspects of life.
1.2 General Goals and Objectives
I.Mental and physical discipline
A.Develop powers of concentration
B.Memorize music
C.Learn techniques of preparation as they relate to group and individual performances
D.Develop self and group discipline
II. Citizenship through group endeavor
A.Develop leadership abilities
B.Develop responsibility
C.Develop ability to cooperate with others and to work as a team member
D.Develop diligence
III. Physical conditioning
A.Develop strength, stamina, and endurance
B.Develop coordination
IV. Cultural growth
Provide opportunities to attain knowledge of music history through performance of various types of instrumental literature.
V. Value Judgments
Ability to make musical value (as they pertain to a musical setting) judgments through critical listening. The student will recognize quality of sound, pitch, style, tempo, rhythm, blend, balance, phrasing, dynamics, and articulation.
VI. Music theory
A.Know and use note values and rest
B.Know and use keys, key signatures, and scales
C.Know and use musical terms, signs, and symbols
D.Recognize and tune intervals and harmony
E.Ear training / listening skills
VII. Proper instrumental technique
A.Care of the Instrument
B.Assume correct posture and playing position.
C.Develop the embouchure / stick grip / hand position
D.Develop characteristic instrumental tone.
E.Develop proper breathing techniques
F.Develop technical instrumental proficiency (fingering, articulation, rudiments, scales, etc.)
VIII. Creative self-expression
A.Express oneself in every performance experience
B. Explore careers
Music Education is riveted with opportunities to teach things that are not musical.
In addition to the State of Texas guidelines, the Pebble Hills High School Band will strive to:
1. Provide any interested student with the opportunity for musical knowledge, musical fellowship, and fun through participation in band.
2. Provide for the mental, physical, social, and emotional development of students.
3. Instill pride and discipline in each student.
4. Provide each student with solo and group endeavors to achieve personal goals and satisfaction.
5. Provide basic psychological needs such as recognition, belonging, self respect, and a feeling of achievement.
1.3How to contact us and how we communicate with you the parent
Note: SOME SITES ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
All information needed will be posted on our Band web page.
Or e-mail us at:
Booster club meetings will be held every month except for June and December in the Band Hall. Minutes from the last meeting can be found on our band web page.
2.0General Conduct / Expectations
Band Members will observe all policies set forth by the Soccoro Independent School District, in addition to the following, as they pertain to the instrumental music setting:
- All students are expected to conduct themselves properly at all times. Display of profanity, temper, flagrant violation of rules, etc., will not be tolerated. Individual behavior during a band function is a reflection of the group.
- Students will follow director’s instructions.
- Students will be in their assigned rehearsal area ready to work at the set rehearsal time.
- Students will bring all equipment including music, pencil, instrument, and all supplies to rehearsals daily. (See detailed supply list for each instrument.)
- Students will keep hands, feet, and other objects to themselves.
- Students will maintain a high level of acceptable behavior.
- Students will not bring food, drinks, candy or gum in the Band Hall area without permission from a band director.
- Students will not play on equipment they do not own or have permission from a director to use. Students will not touch, handle, borrow, or use anyone else’s instrument, uniform, or personal belongings.
- Students should ask for permission to speak by raising your hand and waiting to be acknowledged. All rehearsals are expected to be extremely quiet so that our time will be utilized wisely.
- When allowed in the band hall, either before or after school, students will not disturb any rehearsal in progress.
- Students will respect the property of others, and return their equipment to its proper storage place when not in use. Each student is responsible for keeping their storage area clean.
- Students will not enter the directors’ offices without permission.
- Students will not deface or mark on music stands, walls, etc.
- Students should keep their equipment in the designated storage area, and keep said storage area clean and neat in appearance. Students who demonstrate great difficulty with this may lose the privilege of having a storage area in the band hall.
- Students will utilize their assigned storage slot / locker for instrument cases during rehearsals. Cases should not be brought into rehearsals unless requested by a director.
- Any behavior, which is not representative of good citizenship, as perceived by the band staff, may result in the student’s dismissal from the activity at hand as well as the band program. This also applies to the actions of student leaders in both public and private events.
- Students are expected not to bring students (friends) that are not part of the band program into the band room.
- Electronics will be confiscated and turned in to the principals’ office if used during instruction time. Electronics will include cell phones, Mp3 players, Ipods, PSP’s, and Laptops etc.
- Students are asked to refrain from showing “public displays of affection” or PDA, in the band hall. See School and District Handbook
2.1General School Conduct
As a band member, you are expected to display above average conduct at all times! This is not limited to band activities, but encompasses daily classroom and campus behavior. Failure to maintain good conduct will result in disciplinary action at the discretion of the band director.
2.2Discipline Plan
Pebble Hills High School Band
The purpose of discipline is to create an environment that enhances learning and performance. This plan is based upon the premise that every student has a right to participate in the learning process without interference. Responsibility for behavior lies directly with the individual student. Therefore, anyone who interferes with the effectiveness of the classroom, performance, travel situations or learning environment in general, CHOOSES to accept the consequences as outlined below.
GENERAL STANDARDS
1.Lack of preparation: Each student is expected to be in class, on the field, or present for travel on time, with the correct equipment, and with the proper attitude.
2.Interruptions: Verbal or nonverbal are considered inappropriate behavior. Students are expected to maintain a mature level of behavior.
3.Refusal to do as instructed: Students are expected to respond with a positive attitude toward instruction.
4.Profanity and/or Obscenity: Students are expected to refrain from this type of activity.
5.Chewing gum: Food or Drinks of any kind are prohibited in the Band hall.
6.Use of Illegal Drugs and/or Alcohol is prohibited (refer to school handbook).
7.Failure to take proper care of equipment, including uniforms and facilities is unacceptable.
NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES-
1st offense - Warning
2nd offense - Warning - conference
3rd offense - Warning - conference - call to parents - loss of chair and/or marching position
4th offense - Warning - conference - call to parents - sent to principals office (referral) - loss
of chair and/or marching position. Possible removal from participation in
performing group and moved to a different class.
Any student who severely disrupts the class will be sent directly to the principal for disciplinary action and he or she will notify parents. Removal from the band class may result as well.
3.0School Owned / Issued Instruments
The Soccoro Independent School District will provide a limited number of instruments for student use. These instruments include such highly expensive instruments such as bassoons, oboe, Baritone Saxophones, French Horn, Euphonium, Tubas, and general Percussion equipment. This equipment is generally purchased by the school district for student use because of its extremely high value. Thus, all school owned equipment must be handled with optimum care. Students failing to care for, or take care of their school issued instrument will lose the privilege to use such instruments. SISD states that we have a $45 fee for all district instruments. If you play one of these instruments please be prepared to pay an instrument fee. (Cash payment to business office only)
The following is a list of general procedures for school owned instruments:
- If at all possible, students will be issued one instrument for home use and one for school use. Order of distribution will be done based on chair order.
- Soccoro ISD does not provide insurance for individual or school owned equipment. It is recommended to all students with school owned instruments to provide insurance coverage for the said instrument. Students will be held responsible for school owned instruments issued to them. This responsibility will include fire, theft, accidental damage, abuse and general maintenance needed.
- Students must sign a district instrument check-out form before the instrument can be used by the student.
- Each instrument will be issued in good playing condition; each instrument will be checked and cleaned by a music company prior to issue.
- The band member is financially responsible for all equipment and/or materials checked out to him or her.
- All equipment and materials must be kept in their proper storage location when not in use.
Special Note:
School owned instruments are not to be treated as “free” instruments. Basic Supplies must still be purchased and repairs must still be made just like personal instruments. Please strive to treat these instruments as if they were your own. Most school owned instruments exceed a $6,000.00 value. Since the expense of purchasing, leasing or renting is deterred, students using school owned instruments are strongly encouraged to participate in a private lesson program.
4.0Eligibility
Many band activities are designated by the state as extra-curricular. These activities are therefore governed by the state laws regarding participation. The state law is such that a student shall be suspended from participation in all extra-curricular activities sponsored or sanctioned by the school district during the six week period following a grade reporting period in which the student received a grade lower than 70% in any one class. However, the student may not be suspended from participation during the period in which school is recessed for the summer. Also, students are not suspended for practice or rehearsal of extra-curricular activities. Students may regain eligibility under certain circumstances. If a student has been suspended as a result of failing, he / she may regain eligibility by passing ALL courses in the third week of the affected grading period. Thus, he/she may regain eligibility at the conclusion of the 4th week of the suspension period. A few band activities are designated by the state as co-curricular. These activities are those which occur on campus, and are a natural extension of the learning taken place in the classroom. Examples of this type of activity are the public concerts which are presented at Pebble Hills High School. These activities are not governed by the state eligibility law.
4.1 Student Leadership Eligibility
Leadership positions are held in high standards. These students take on these positions to fulfill the strong qualities of the band. Students are required to maintain eligibility as stated in section 4.0 of the handbook. Any student wanting to become an officer, drum major, or become part of the bands leadership must execute the following-
a) be eligible at all contests’ for a full year prior to taking office
b) must maintain eligibility while holding a leadership position
Any officer, drum major, or leader that becomes ineligible will lose their leadership position.
5.0General Grading Policy
Students will be graded on the following scale:
Daily / Participation 60% Includes: Instrument, Music Supplies, Concentration,
Class work, Weekly Music checks, Hearings etc...
Extension of Class 20% Includes: Co-curricular events such as concerts and
(Test)section rehearsals and Playing and Classroom Tests.
Final Tests 20%Includes: Playing and Classroom Tests
6.0Private Lesson Program
This is a district wide program that provides a high quality enhancement to classroom instruction. Teachers are all specialists on their instrument. Most of our teachers are professional musicians in the El Paso area, and have advanced degrees in the performance of their instruments. Lessons are extremely valuable to the individual student and are highly encouraged.
7.0Estimated Fees for 2016-2017
General Band Fee- $300.00
Color Guard Fee – TBD Uniforms
**This fee will be used to cover a variety of expenses encountered by the band program that are not funded by the Socorro I.S.D. Such expenses may include (but not limited to) marching drill design, marching music arrangement, contest fees, specialized marching instruction, supplemental supplies, flags, poles, equipment, Band T-shirts and social activities.
Miscellaneous Items Needed for Marching Band
These items are necessary for all marching band members. The items are self-explanatory and are part of the required equipment. Most of this equipment should last throughout the high school band experience and can be purchased at any of your local music dealers.
Viper Black Marching Shoe
Black Gloves 3 Pair Recommended
Flip Folder with at least 10 pages
Lyre for your particular instrument
Instrument supplies for your instrument (oil, grease, reeds etc.)
U.I.L. Solo and Ensemble Contest
Piano Accompanist Charge (Paid in January) $ 35.00 approx. if playing a solo only.
Band Banquet
These costs will vary year to year. Banquets are open to all family members.
7.1STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POLICY
It is the policy of the Pebble Hills High School Band that no student should be denied the privilege of band membership due to financial hardship. Arrangements can be made with the director for those students who are in need of such considerations.
8.0FUND RAISING
The Pebble Hills High School Band & Booster Club engages in several fund raising activities each year, both for general band expenses and for student accounts. The monies raised from fundraising activities will be credited to an account held by the Booster Club. If the fundraising is strictly students, the money must be turned in to the school and kept in a school account. This money will be used only for the direct benefit of the students. Money in fund raising accounts is subject to state law regarding the collection of sales tax, and cannot be transferred to another student. A student may use the money in his/her account for the following band expenses:
1. Summer band fees
2. Travel or trips with the band
3. Solo and Ensemble Fees, All TMEA region fees.
Because the above constitutes the vast majority of costs associated with the Pebble Hills Band, these are the only expenses to which fund-raising profits can be applied. Money from fund raising is by law the property of the school district, and cannot be transferred from one student to another. A student who ends the school year with an account balance may carry that balance over to the next year. Please be aware of each fundraiser you participate in to see if the amount raised is for student accounts or for general band purposes. Either way the money will be used to benefit only the students of the Pebble Hills High School Band.
FALL- Sememster
9.0Marching Band
Pebble Hills High School Marching Band is the most visible organization of the instrumental music program. All band students in grades 9-12 are expected to participate in the Marching Band. Students who participate in certain school sponsored varsity level events such as cheerleading, drill team, or football may be excused from participation at the discretion of the band director. Please note different solutions will be presented for varying situations. Students may also be excused from participation in the marching band for other reasons such as medical complications or physical disabilities. Such exemptions will be at the discretion of the directors and are subject to change.
9.1Marching Rehearsal Schedule
Monday 7:00-8:00 AM Full Band/Flags
Tuesday 7:00-8:00 AM Full Band/Flags4:30-7:00 PM or 5:30-8:00 PM
Wednesday 7:00-8:00 AM Full Band/Flags
Thursday7:00-8:00 AM Full Band/Flags
Friday 7:00-8:00 AM Full Band/Flags
1 Hour Practice time after school is mandatory for individual practice.
9.2Marching Band Positions
Primary Marchers