Dimmitt
ISD
Band
2004-2005
PREFACE
The
purpose of this handbook is to provide information about the band program in
the
PHILOSOPHY
It
is a part of the philosophy of the Dimmitt ISD that it exists primarily to
educate the youth and that it is the chief agency in developing the
intellectual powers of its’ students.
Among the objectives of the Dimmitt ISD is the desire to encourage the
creativeness and development of special aptitudes and talents as well as to
instill an appreciation for and an awareness of the value of the visual and
performing arts.
Music
study furthers the total growth of students in a quickly developing society
that stresses scientific achievement, material wealth, and extreme
specialization in various fields of endeavor.
Music, as an integral part of the school curriculum, contributes to the
overall balance of the student’s educational experience. It is the purpose of music to serve students
first as an art form; and second, to provide an opportunity for recognition,
satisfaction, and enjoyment through a worthwhile experience. It is the further purpose of music to discover
innate talent and develop clear-thinking individuals with well-developed
problem solving skills, good work habits, and wholesome ideas of conduct,
strength of character, mature citizenship, and pride in being part of a group
activity.
To
implement these basic philosophies, Dimmitt ISD offers band to all students who
desire to participate in an organization that will challenge their
abilities. Band at Dimmitt is
performance and activity oriented. It is
our belief that students become excited and involved in music through the
challenge of quality performance. A
direct result of this motivation will be an increased interest in other areas
of music as well. The band program is
organized to serve the musical needs and interests of these students. Competitive activities are strongly
emphasized and utilized as a key motivating factor in the band program.
AUTHORIZATION
FORMS
Medical
Authorization and Consent and Understanding forms must be filled out and
returned to the band director by the pre-set deadline. These forms are included in the back of the
handbook.
ATTITUDE
AND DISCIPLINE
The
greatest single factor that will determine the success of any individual and
the group as a whole is attitude. It
takes intense dedication to reach well thought-out goals. Students must learn to discipline themselves
to practice daily. To improve
individually is to improve the group.
Not
all students are in band for the same reasons.
Some are there for the pure joy of the musical experience. Others are in band for the reward of the
performance. Many participate simply for
the social activities. Poor attitudes,
while evident in only a few students, can have a major detrimental impact on
the entire organization. Regardless of
motivation, each student is expected to participate wholly. All motivational types are welcome if the
accompanying attitude allows the student to diligently strive to improve both
individually and as a group member.
Because
of the nature of all group activities, discipline must be strict. Our goal is to promote a positive learning
environment for every student, regardless of ability level or experience. Band students and parents must be willing to
accept the ideals, principles, and rules of the organization. Because the band is constantly under public
scrutiny, we must always be aware of the importance of appropriate
behavior. The student must remember that
he/she represents the organization, school, and community at every performance
or public appearance. Any misconduct
casts a negative reflection on our school and community and may well undo the
good works of hundreds of loyal students.
Good
bands are built on discipline; but let us first agree on the definition of
discipline. Discipline is order. Discipline is respect. There is order in all things physical or
material, as well as all things spiritual or intellectual. With order comes attainment of things
worthwhile. While everyone agrees that
order is essential, we will all prioritize differently. We must also respect the differences among
our band members. Respect each other’s
opinions and property and we can achieve order without chaos.
The
goal of the faculty of Dimmitt ISD is to prepare students through a variety of
training methods to handle most situations.
Discipline is an important part of our band program. We do not punish students for mistakes. Discipline and punishment are two different
things. When a transgression occurs, the
student needs to be trained, not necessarily punished. When most people make mistakes, they do not
intentionally break rules. If there are
honest mistakes, then corrective training and behavior modification will be
implemented. If a student willingly,
knowingly and intentionally violates the precepts our organization functions
under, then immediate punishment will accompany the training program
instituted. Everyone makes
mistakes. We will never punish mistakes
without first re-training the proper method of handling any given
situation. Parents will be kept informed
of most disciplinary actions involving their child.
RULES
OF CONDUCT
As
a member of the band, you are a part of one of the school district’s most
important organizations. Therefore, the
success of the band will depend on the loyalty, cooperation and dedication of
each and every member. The guidelines
outlined in the following pages are simple, sound, and easy to follow. In keeping these rules, you are meeting an
obligation that will help make our band successful.
Each
band member should carefully read and adhere to the following:
·
Any behavior that causes a disruption or interferes with the education
process will not be tolerated.
·
Possession, sale or use of narcotics, drugs, alcohol, tobacco or other
controlled substance will be grounds for immediate removal from the program and
referral to the administration.
·
Possession of any weapon, dangerous instrument or object that could be
reasonably considered a weapon will be grounds for immediate removal from the
program and referral to the administration.
·
Be prepared for rehearsal.
Prepare your music ahead of time.
Practice is a must. Have all
necessary materials: instrument, music,
drill charts, reeds, mutes, PENCIL, valve oil, sticks, mallets,
etc.
·
Conduct which does not display respect for each other will not be
tolerated.
·
Any type of discrimination will result in immediate disciplinary
action.
·
Rehearsal time is at a premium.
Please, be ready to begin rehearsals at the appointed time. Early is on time; on time is late.
·
Each of us must be respectful of our facilities. Therefore, do not bring food, drink, candy or
gum into the band hall.
·
The band hall is open to students whenever a director is on
campus. We want you to be at home in our
facilities. The director’s offices,
however, are places to conduct business.
Please, do not enter without permission.
·
Your instruments are very expensive.
Do not touch any other instruments.
·
The band functions as a family.
Ask all non-band members to remain outside. We have many valuable instruments in the band
hall. Your friends do not know the
proper way to handle or care for musical instruments.
·
The band will provide you with storage space for your instrument. Your space may be inspected or searched by
the faculty at any time. It is your
responsibility to maintain sanitary conditions in your area.
Methods
of training or disciplining the student will be one or more items from the
following:
1) written report or additional
research in the field of music or related to the disciplinary
problem
2) after school detention
supervised by the director not to exceed one hour
3) immediate corrective action
4) loss of third quarter
privileges at football games
5) loss of free time on activity
trips
6) one on one counseling with the
director to institute a discipline management
plan
7) parent telephone conference
8) parent conference at school
9) administrative involvement
10) removal from group activities
11) cleaning practice facilities
12)
additional physical training
The directors will attempt to keep parents informed of any disciplinary action concerning your child. Minor infractions might not require parental involvement.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance
is required at all rehearsals and performances.
Excused absences must be pre-approved by the director.
High
School - All rehearsal time is
at a premium. During football season, marching
rehearsals will be held Monday and Tuesday,
During
Concert season, each section will have one, 1-hour sectional rehearsal outside
of school time each week in preparation for contest. These will be planned to fit student
schedules. Sectionals will begin after
the Christmas break.
Chronically
poor attendance will be sufficient grounds to be removed from a specific
performance. A part of your grade is
based on daily work. If you are not
here, you cannot receive a grade.
7th
& 8th grade – During football season we will concentrate on developing marching
and playing skills. 8th grade
students will be expected to perform with the high school marching band. If assigned, your attendance is required at
all after school rehearsals. The Jr.
High Band will perform at all pep rallies.
During
Concert season, each section will have one, 1-hour sectional rehearsal outside
of school time each week in preparation for contest. These will be planned to fit student
schedules. Sectionals will begin after
the Christmas break.
Chronically
poor attendance will be sufficient grounds to be removed from a specific
performance. A part of your grade is
based on daily work. If you are not
here, you cannot receive a grade.
5th
and 6th Grade – In order to develop instrumental skills you must have daily
repetition. Class time will be spent
playing your instrument. You must be
prepared for class. You must reinforce
instruction with individual practice.
You are expected to practice a minimum of 15 minutes per day. Weekly practice cards, signed by the parent,
will be turned in the first day of each week.
This assignment will not be accepted late accept in the case of student
absence.
We
will perform in concert during the months of December and May. Participation in Solo & Ensemble and
Festival Contests are subject to grade eligibility.
Chronically
poor attendance will be sufficient grounds to be removed from a specific
performance. A part of your grade is
based on daily work. If you are not
here, you cannot receive a grade.
ATTENDANCE
IS REQUIRED AT ALL PERFORMANCES. An
unexcused absence from a performance will result in a “0” for the performance
grade and is sufficient reason for dismissal from the performing band. Excused absences must be pre-approved by the
director. Make-up work will be assigned
in order to credit the student with the appropriate performance grade.
GRADING
PROCEDURE
Grades
consist of three categories, each counting equally:
·
Daily grade - having the proper supplies for rehearsal, general
attitude and participation in required rehearsals. This does include both class and after school
rehearsals.
·
Performances - all regularly scheduled, required performances.
·
Tests - assigned playing tests.
Due to the number of students per class, it is not feasible to hear each
student individually during every class period.
Therefore, some assigned tests will be recorded by the student and
turned in to the director. If your tape
is turned in before the due date, an additional five points will be awarded to
the test results. Five extra points can
also be earned by performing your test with a metronome. If a test is turned in late, there will be a
ten-point deduction for each day late.
Tape recorders and metronomes are available for student use. You must rewind your own tapes; the director
will not grade tapes that are not rewound.
TRY-OUTS
and CHALLENGES
Try-outs
or auditions are an integral part of the instrumental music world from the
earliest stage of training to the highest level of performance. Competitive activities are strongly
emphasized in the Dimmitt band program.
The band department, therefore, maintains a system of competitive
try-outs, tests and challenges to further instrumental education and to
evaluate work done by the individual student.
Try-outs will be scheduled each year to determine music part placement
only. The audition is to correctly assign the students to the appropriate part
with other students of approximately the same ability level. By being assigned to the appropriate part,
every student can succeed. The level of
performance expected of each student is the same. However, the difficulty of the music may
vary. EVERY STUDENT that plays an
audition for the director WILL BE IN BAND.
Following
all tests or try-outs, any student may challenge the student placed immediately
ahead of them. The challenge procedure
is as follows:
1. Both students
report to the director.
2. The director indicates challenge materials and time.
3. Challenge
material will include scales, arpeggios, and music from the folder of the
person being challenged.
4. At the appointed time, the director will hear the
challenge. The director will
not know which students are performing until after the challenge is resolved.
5. Students may immediately re-challenge, following the
same procedure.
6. As contests approach, challenges will be suspended.
All-Region, All-Area, All-State, and Solo & Ensemble competitions are important in encouraging the individual development of our students. Therefore, students who successfully participate in these ‘extra’ activities will be rewarded within our band program with preferential chair placement and leadership opportunities.
ELIGIBILITY
Adherence
to the UIL No Pass / No Play rule will be closely monitored. On a six-week cycle, eligibility will be effected every three weeks.
Therefore, it is imperative that students remain diligent in their
studies. YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO
PARTICIPATE IN ANY EXTRA-CURRICULAR PERFORMANCE IF YOU HAVE FAILED A CLASS. Pass your classes!
PRIVATE
LESSONS
In
order to move our program forward, a private lesson program is in place to
allow any student to study privately with a professional musician accomplished
on his/her own instrument. The directors
encourage every student to take advantage of this program. Studies have shown that students studying
privately far exceed those only receiving instruction in class. Students taking private lessons tend to
achieve higher placing in individual competition. There are a limited number of scholarships
available provided by the Band Boosters.
These scholarships will be granted based upon demonstrated need. An application is attached and should be
turned in to the director as soon as possible.
Those students desiring private lessons not granted scholarships will be
expected to pre-pay for all lessons each month.
Payments should be made through the directors to the Band Boosters. Lesson cost is $10.00 per half hour per week. All private instruction will occur outside of
school hours.
UNIFORMS
Uniforms
will be issued only to those members meeting the criteria set by the directors. Abuse of and/or failure to obey these
requirements will result in the student losing the privilege of wearing our
uniform. Any damage, other than normal
wear, or loss of uniform parts will be charged to the students. Uniforms will be issued prior to each
season. Cords will be awarded to those
students successfully performing their contest show music from memory for a
director. Band students must furnish
their own set of approved marching shoes, gloves and a band shirt. (Shoes, gloves and t-shirts will be ordered
during registration.) There will be a one-time $25 uniform cleaning fee
collected during registration. Damage
to uniforms caused by either neglect or intent will be charged to the student.
MUSIC
Music,
which is necessary for participation in class-related activities, will be
provided for you. This includes music
for marching season, concert season, All-Region and Solo & Ensemble. You are required to take care of this
music. The student must pay for lost or
damaged music. You are responsible for
private lesson music.
SCHOOL
INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT
The
Dimmitt band program owns a limited number of instruments. These instruments are assigned to the
students on the basis of ability and need.
It is the responsibility of the student to return the instrument in as
good a condition as when it was issued. Students
must report any damage or necessary repair immediately to the band director
regardless of the cause. Unnecessary and
expensive maintenance can be avoided by making sure the instrument is cleaned
regularly. Periodic unannounced
inspections will be held to insure proper care is given. Failure to properly care for school
instruments will void the privilege of using them. Students using school owned instruments would
be required to pay a $25.00 maintenance fee each semester. This fee will be collected during
registration.
ASSISTANTS
/ INSTRUCTORS / CLINICIANS
At
times the band will have assistants, instructors, or clinicians helping with
the program. These are professionals
interviewed and selected by the director.
All assistants, instructors, and clinicians will be treated with the
same respect and attentiveness as the band directors.
BAND
TRIPS
·
All band trips will have received prior approval of the school
administration.
·
The bus will leave on time unless unavoidably delayed. It is the responsibility of the student to be
on time. The bus will not wait for
anyone.
·
One or more adult chaperones will be on each bus.
·
The bus is to be treated with care and all trash must be placed in the
receptacle provided.
·
No one will leave the group for any reason without director
approval. Anyone leaving with approval
must travel in groups of at least 3.
·
Parents should meet their child at the appointed time at the band
hall. The directors will never leave a
student at school alone. Therefore,
do not make the directors wait for your ride.
PLAN ahead.
·
Smoking, drinking, drug use, or the possession of such material will
not be tolerated. Violators will be
prosecuted under both district rules and criminal law.
·
Public displays of affection are inappropriate. While everyone understands the desire for a
sharing of affection, there are times where such behavior could be offensive.
·
Students will travel to a band commitment as a group on the
transportation provided. There will
be no exceptions to this policy.
·
Students will be expected to return on the transportation provided as
well. Under extenuating circumstances,
exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Students can only be released to their own
parent or guardian. Written requests
must be approved and filed with the principal’s office and band director before
the band leaves Dimmitt ISD.
·
Do not apply any perfumed product on a bus or in the band hall. Some people are sensitive to strong aromas
especially in closed in spaces. Some
perfumed products include: hair spray, hand lotion, cologne, after-shave,
perfume, baby powder, etc.
·
To protect the lives of the students it is necessary that the bus
drivers be able to concentrate on their driving. Therefore, there shall be no shouting,
singing, clapping, etc., or any other loud noises that might distract the
driver.
·
If you wish to listen to pre-recorded music, please bring
headphones. Everyone does not have the
same taste in music. You will not be
allowed to listen to music without headphones.
·
If the band is traveling on charter buses equipped with televisions and
VCR’s, movies, pg-13 or lower, must be approved by the director or adult
chaperone on the bus.
·
Everyone must remain seated, facing forward while the bus is in motion.
·
Do not bring food, drink, candy or gum onto the bus unless specifically
approved by the director. There will be
occasions which dictate eating on the buses.
The directors will specify these.
·
Profanity is offensive and will not be tolerated. It is imperative that we be respectful of
each other.
·
Any jokes, comments or observations with sexual overtones will be
interpreted as sexual harassment and dealt with accordingly.
These
guidelines are not meant to prevent students from having fun. They are designed to allow everyone the same
opportunity to have a good time. If
everyone adheres to these basic guidelines, no one will have a negative
experience as we travel. These rules
give everyone the freedom to enjoy the experience without others infringing on
your rights.
FOOTBALL
GAMES
A
detailed itinerary will be made available prior to all performances. For all games, the band will meet in block
formation in the band hall at the time specified. Attendance will be taken at the time
indicated on the itinerary. Anyone that
is late will lose third quarter privileges and receive a lower grade for the
performance. At that time, the band director
will conduct a brief uniform inspection to insure proper care, maintenance, fit
and wear of the uniform. If we are not
traveling in uniform, a brief inventory inspection will be held to insure that
no parts are forgotten. All uniform
parts must be present at inspection. If
a student has discrepancies, their grade for the performance will suffer and
they may not be allowed to perform.
Following inspection, the students will load the bus by grade, seniors
first. Students will ride on their
assigned bus only. The uniform coat may
only be removed if placed on a hanger if we are traveling in uniform. If we are not traveling in uniform, modest
travel clothing may be worn. The current
band t-shirt will be worn under the uniform at all times. When the band is traveling out of uniform, we
will wear blue jeans; the current years band t-shirt and tennis shoes. There are no exceptions to this policy. This requirement is for safety and security
purposes. Uniform attire allows our
students to be identified immediately.
Upon
arriving at our destination, all students must remain in their seats until
directed to do otherwise. After leaving
the bus, students must get their instruments and immediately seek the Drum
Major and line up in block formation.
After entering the stadium, we will sit in the stands in the same block
order as used for inspection. NO ONE
WILL PLAY WITHOUT EXPRESS INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE BAND DIRECTOR. Once in the stands, the percussion will
be given time to complete warm-ups. All
warm-ups must be completed with everyone in their assigned seats no later than
30 minutes prior to kick off. At no time
before, during or after the game will any individual or section play without
director approval. The percussion
section will be allowed to play cadences and street beats throughout the game,
with director approval. In order to
assist the football team, we will not play while our team has the ball. The sounds distract the players. We will play while on defense. Students must be prepared at all times to
play the Fight Song. In order to
assure this, everyone must remain in his or her assigned place. Football games are fun, but we must always
remember that the band is constantly in the public eye. Your behavior in the stands can never reflect
negatively on the program, school, or yourselves. Approximately halfway through the second
quarter, we will move out of the stands to complete warm-ups and focus for the
performance. Immediately following the
performance everyone must return to his or her place in the stands. When all students are back in place, you will
be dismissed for the third quarter. All
students will have the third quarter off unless directed by the band
director. No one will play or perform in
any way during the third quarter. When
the clock reaches “0:00” you must be in place prepared to play. If you are late in returning, you will lose
future third quarter privileges. At no
time will food or drink be brought into the stands. We must keep all food and drink out of the
stands in order to protect the instruments and uniforms.
PERSONAL
APPEARANCE
The
personal appearance of the individual is important. In no way is this program trying to suppress
the individuality of the members.
However, all audience focus must be on the group, not the
individual. Therefore, when in uniform,
the following guidelines will be exacted:
1. No
jewelry...watches, rings, earrings, body piercing, necklaces. The
only exceptions will be senior rings and religious necklaces worn under
the clothing.
2. All
band members (male and female) will wear their hair off the collar. Hair will be worn pulled back in ponytails or
females may wear
a French braid. All hair will be worn
inside the hat for marching
band. Distracting hair colors violate
district policy.
3. When the uniform is
designated to be worn, it is to be worn in its entirety. The jacket may not be
unzipped or removed and the suspenders must be worn. Hats and gloves may be removed with director
permission.
4. Makeup will not be
worn in uniform. This is to insure
uniformity of appearance and to prevent makeup form getting on the uniforms.
5. Color Guard makeup
will be specified by the director.
Attire
for travel and rehearsal must be conservative and modest and will always
include the current years band t-shirt.
The director understands the physical nature of marching rehearsal. Rehearsal clothing should accommodate ease of
movement and comfort while maintaining proper decorum. Tennis/running shoes are to be worn for all
marching rehearsals. Under the uniform
students should wear their band t-shirt and shorts. We will dress in groups. Under garments must not be used as outer
garments.
BAND
ORGANIZATION
Administration: Superintendent, Principal, Assistant
Principal, Band Director, Assistant Band Director
Student
Leaders:
Drum Major: selected by the Band Director during a try-out each spring for the
following year. These individuals assume
a leadership role in all marching performances and rehearsals of the band. Information concerning qualifications and
try-outs may be obtained from the band director.
Band President: elected
by the band students each spring for the following year. The Band President must be a senior. This individual is the highest elected office
representing the band. The Band
President must uphold the highest traditions and spirit of the band. The Band President also coordinates all other
student officers for the band as well as promotes all band activities, social,
educational, etc.
Vice President: elected by the band
students each spring for the following year.
The Vice President must be a Junior or Senior. This student assists the President as needed.
Secretary: Appointed by the director each spring for the following year. The Secretary is responsible for maintaining
accurate attendance records and representing the band at school and community
functions.
Librarian: elected by the band students each spring for the following year. Librarian will assist with the issue of all
necessary music.
Historian: elected by the students each
spring for the following year. The
Historian must be a senior. The
Historian will maintain a
photographic record of all band activities for the year. Preparing the video for the banquet is the
primary responsibility of the Historian.
Class Representatives: elected by the band students each spring for the following
year. Class Representatives serve on the Band
Council for the entire year.
Section Leaders: selected by the director based
on ability, experience, interpersonal skills as well as teaching skills. With
director approval, a section leader may appoint an assistant in larger
sections. Section leaders are not
considered officers.
All
student leaders must maintain eligibility in order to retain office. Elected officers will meet all specified
responsibilities and assist the director as needed. Appointed officers and section leaders will
be responsible for the musical and marching performances of their sections and
will assist the director as requested.
All student leaders will attend a mini-camp with the director prior to
summer band. The purpose of this will be
to set goals, agendas, discuss marching techniques, design the band T-shirt,
and other objectives as needed. Any
student leader failing to meet the duties of their position can be placed on
probation or replaced.
SUMMARY
It
is the wish of the staff at Dimmitt ISD for every student to have the
opportunity to participate in band if they so desire. We welcome all students, regardless of past
musical experience to our classes. We
will teach those wanting to learn. Our
band can only grow and improve if we work together, helping each other overcome
difficulties and sharing the joy of our successes. The only way a student can fail band, is to
fail to try. The only way band can fail
a student is if we all fail to accept our differences, strengths and
weaknesses. It is our goal that each
student enrolled in one of the band classes will have a rewarding and
worthwhile musical experience. When
there are questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call and discuss
them with your band directors. The
telephone number in the band hall is
806-647-3108
(MS) or 806-647-3105 (HS).
AUTHORIZATION FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT
AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY
I
have given my consent for my child _________________________________ to travel
and take part in any activities sponsored by the Dimmitt High School Band.
I
understand that these activities will be closely supervised by the directors
and responsible adults and that everything possible will be done to ensure the
safety of my child. I also recognize
that accidents and/or illnesses occur. I
hereby release the
In
the event of an accident, illness or injury, I request that I be contacted
immediately and before any medical and/or dental treatment is
administered. However, if I cannot be
reached immediately at the number shown below, I recognize that it may be
necessary to proceed with medical and/or dental treatment for the well being of
my child. In such an emergency where I
cannot be contacted, I hereby authorize the attending physician, surgeon,
and/or dentist to exercise his/her personal judgment as determined to be
necessary for the health and/or safety of my child, and to proceed with such
treatment as though I were personally there giving him/her my full consent and
support.
My
emergency number (or numbers) __________________________________________
I
certify that I am the parent or legal guardian of the minor child named above
and that I have health insurance as follows:
Company
_______________________________________________________________
Name
of Policy Holder _____________________________________________________
Policy
Number
___________________________________________________________
Policy
Holder’s Signature ___________________________________________________