Performing Bands

Beckendorff Junior High Band

Handbook

Required Title of Form

Explanation

Band Handbook Return Page

Confirm awareness of policies and procedures of BDJH Band

Parent Authorization to Consent to Treatment of Student

“Medical Release Form” to be taken with the band whenever we travel

Parent/Guardian Authorization for Regular Extracurricular Travel

Allows your child to travel on the bus with the band to an event

Uniform and Supply Order Form Performance attire and required supplies for band to be purchased through the band department.

Optional Title of Form Explanation

Private Lesson Enrollment All students who would like to sign up for private lessons should return this form. Please DO NOT send any money at this time. The deposit will go directly to the private lesson teacher at the first lesson. Space is limited in the program. Students are assigned on a first come, first served basis.

- Page 1 -

Welcome to the Beckendorff

Junior High Bear Band Program!

This document is a handbook of important information for band students and their parents. Please read each page carefully together, and keep for reference throughout the school year.

The last page must be signed and returned. Philosophy

The Beckendorff Band Program is dedicated to helping young people experience the joy of studying and performing music, fostering a life long love of music, and helping students acquire character and team building skills that will help them throughout their lives.

Band Descriptions

Concert Band: The Concert Band is one of our performing ensembles comprised of students with at least one year of formal instrumental training. Concepts and expectations are the same for all students in the performing bands. Music is chosen to fit the appropriate skill level of the students. This band meets daily for one class period during normal school hours. In addition to the ensemble instruction during the school day, each student is required to attend one after-school rehearsal per week. Additional full band rehearsals may be called in the spring semester as needed. Concert Band members are required to participate in all performances for the band. Dates are to be published in a separate calendar that will be sent home early in the fall semester. These events include, but are not limited to, the following:

Football game performance(s)

Fall, Winter, and Spring Concerts

KISD Solo and Ensemble Contests

Bear Band Jamboree

Pre-UIL Benchmark Assessment

UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest

Symphonic Band: The Symphonic Band is our next performing ensemble. Concepts and expectations are the same for all students in the performing bands. Music is chosen to fit the appropriate skill level of the students. This band meets daily for one class period during normal school hours. In addition to the ensemble instruction during the school day, each student is required to attend one after-school rehearsal per week. Additional full band rehearsals may be called in the spring semester as needed. Symphonic Band members are required to participate in all performances for the band. Dates are to be published in a separate calendar that will be sent home early in the fall semester. These events include, but are not limited to, the following:

Football game performance(s)

Fall, Winter, and Spring Concerts

KISD Solo and Ensemble Contests

Bear Band Jamboree

Pre-UIL Benchmark Assessment

UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest

- Page 2 -

Honors Band: The Honors Band is the performing ensemble comprised of the most advanced students from the seventh and eighth grades. This band meets daily for one class period during normal school hours. In addition to the ensemble instruction during the school day, each student is required to attend one after-school rehearsal per week. An additional full band rehearsal per week in addition to their weekly sectional may be called as needed. Honors Band members are required to participate in all performances for the band. Dates are to be published in a separate calendar that will be sent home early in the fall semester. These events include, but are not limited to, the following:

Community and school pep-rallies

Football game performance(s)

TMEA All-Region Band Auditions

Fall, Winter, and Spring Concerts

KISD Solo and Ensemble Contests

Bear Band Jamboree

Pre-UIL Benchmark Assessment

UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest

Spring Band Festival Beckendorff Symphony: The BDJH Symphony is an after-school group comprised of students from the BDJH Bands and Orchestras. Membership is by invitation. Invitations typically go out in late October. Brass, woodwind, and percussion students who would like to be considered for the Full Orchestra must be currently enrolled in the Beckendorff Band program. Students must maintain an “A” average in their band class, maintain academic eligibility in all of their other classes, and attend all rehearsals and performances for the organization.

Commitment to the Band Schedule

Music is a performing art and playing a musical instrument is an acquired skill. Each person’s presence is necessary to prepare and execute a performance. Trying to rehearse or perform with members missing is like trying to practice or play a piano with missing keys. All students are required to attend all rehearsals and all performances. Students with unexcused absences from rehearsals and/or performances may be removed from the performing group. We ask that you mark your family calendars with these events so you can avoid these dates when planning family activities and non-school related events. Occasionally, band events may conflict with another BDJH school event. In that case, the directors/coaches/sponsors of both groups will work with the parents and students so that the student’s and group’s best interests are met. Please contact the band staff well in advance of a known conflict so that a solution can be worked out.

- Page 3 -

Home practice

Developing wholesome practice habits is essential to acquiring instrumental skills. With appropriate practice habits, band will be a successful and gratifying process for the band student. Parental support and guidance are key factors in establishing a regular practice schedule insuring the attainment of musical goals. The most effective home rehearsal programs are based on a daily half hour practice time. Some ways that parents can help their children are:

Decide with your child the best time and place that they should practice every day.

Make sure that students have a sturdy chair and a music stand in the practice area. This will promote good posture and instrument carriage, essential skills in playing an instrument well.

Monitor student practice and give positive reinforcement. This is the most effective communication that parents and siblings can share in this quest.

Home practice is expected! The physical requirements of producing a quality tone, playing with clean technical accuracy, and the reading of music notation can only be developed with regular daily practice. No instrument should spend the night in the band hall. Practice records must be completed daily and submitted each Tuesday for documentation of the weekly practice grade. Late records will be accepted for grade deduction until 2:00 p.m. one day after they were due. After that time the practice record will not be accepted. Incomplete practice records will not be accepted.

Code of Conduct

The ability of our students to reach their utmost potential and to achieve their musical goals is determined by individual and group efforts. The discipline required to attain the desired level of student achievement must be of the highest standard. Band classes are conducted in a positive, motivating manner in which all students have the opportunity for success. Proper student behavior is expected at all times. One student’s poor conduct affects the entire class and will not be tolerated. Students are expected to behave in a manner consistent with BDJH Discipline Management guidelines. KISD discipline management code, dress code, and bus rules apply on all trips. BDJH Band members are expected to be respectful of bus drivers, sponsors, and chaperones. Poor conduct by a BDJH band member during rehearsals, band functions, or trips may result in the suspension of that individual from extra-curricular band activities for the remainder of the school year, reassignment into a different band class, or even dismissal from the band program.

Guidelines for Success

Be there! Be in your seat ready for class when the tardy bell rings and actively participate in class.

Be prepared. Make sure you have all your equipment and materials with you at your seat. Practice every night so that you will be prepared the following day.

Be polite. Raise your hand and wait for permission before you speak.

Be respectful of equipment and facilities. Only handle your own instrument and band equipment. Gum, food, drinks, running and general horseplay are not allowed in the band hall.

- Page 4 -

Grading Policy

35% Minor Grade

Participation in class with all necessary equipment, Quizzes, Daily Grades

15% Other: Practice Card, Taking instrument home, Homework

50% Major

Playing tests over pre-assigned material

Written tests over pre-assigned material

Performances and clinics** **An unexcused absence from a required performance may result in the suspension of that student from any other extra-curricular band activities (spring trip, reward parties etc.) the remainder of the school year, removal from the performing band, and/or demotion within the particular section. Unexcused missed rehearsals will result in a zero for a minor grade. Unexcused missed performances will result in a zero for a major grade. The band directors and principal will be responsible for determining the penalty to be assessed. Students who have an excused absence from a required performance will be given an appropriate alternate assignment. An excused absence must be approved by a director at least 48 hours prior to the performance except in case of an emergency.

Supplies

Instrument and proper equipment

Pencils with eraser

Black three ring ½ inch binder – to be purchased through the band department

Method Books – to be purchased through the band department

Formal Uniform as described on page 6 – to be purchased through the band department

Bear Band T-shirt - to be purchased through the band department

Academic Eligibility

In the State of Texas the law states that a student shall be suspended 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 class on their report card. A student who receives an “I” (incomplete) on their report card shall also be considered ineligible to participate in extra-curricular activities. Students have one week to clear an incomplete – students who do not clear the incomplete within one week of the end of the grading period are considered ineligible until the next grading period. This suspension begins seven days after the end of the six weeks period. Events affected by this state ruling would include:

Any band contest where ratings are awarded, both individual and/or group. (This includes spring trips and festivals)

Any band performance associated with an event where admission is charged. This would NOT include performances where no admission is charged. Performances are considered an extension of the learning in the classroom and are therefore curricular, not extra curricular. A suspended student may regain eligibility seven days after the grading period ends, or after the three-week evaluation period (progress report) if all classes are indicated as passing with a 70 or above.

- Page 5 -

Private Lesson Program

The Fine Arts Program of the Katy Independent School District offers private lessons to instrumental music students. Those interested in getting the most benefit from their band experience are encouraged to take advantage of this program. Lessons are held once a week, after school, in 30-minute time slots on designated days and campuses. The instructors are highly qualified professional musicians and/or university music students who have been carefully screened by KISD band directors. Tuition fees are currently $17.50 per half hour lesson and are paid directly to the private lesson instructor. Once students have enrolled in the program, private teachers are contacted with enrollment information. The private teacher for each particular instrument will then contact assigned students and schedule lesson times. Lessons are on an availability basis, and the individual private teacher determines the day and campus. We highly encourage you to take advantage of this outstanding program. Private lessons are designed to benefit all band students. Students who are having difficulties with fundamentals can receive the extra attention and tutoring needed to become successful. Students already performing well will gain great strength from the advanced pace and more challenging material the lesson teacher can provide. The benefit of private lessons is invaluable to all students’ musical progress. The one-on-one attention that students receive is simply not possible in a large band class. Students learn more about their instrument, are challenged further, and tend to gain immense self-confidence from the private lesson experience.

Band Travel

In advance of all band travel, we will publish and send home an itinerary with event conclusion times. The itinerary will be sent home with the students. Parents, please be prompt when picking up your child from a band function. For safety and traffic flow concerns, please do not park in the bus circle. Band students will always be released to the back of the school after rehearsals and performances. KISD policy states that students must travel as a group to a band event. Special permission is required to return with a parent/guardian from the directors and campus administrator. Written notice is required 48 hours in advance if your child will not be riding school transportation from a band event. Students can only be released to their parent/guardian. Relatives, siblings, neighbors, friend’s parents, etc. may not take your child home early from a band trip. Pursuant to local KISD Board Policy, parents need to be able to show a photo ID to the band directors and/or chaperones before a student is released, and will have to “sign out” the student.

Spring Trips

Toward the end of each school year all Beckendorff Jr. High bands are involved in a spring trip and competition festival. Spring trips are a reward for our band members’ hard work, dedication and self discipline. In order to participate in the spring trip students must attend all after-school rehearsals, performances and competitions during the school year (unless excused by the director), and maintain academic eligibility and Satisfactory or higher marks in conduct. Students who do not fulfill these obligations will be ineligible to attend the Spring Trip.

- Page 6 -

Uniform

All band students will need to have an informal and a formal band uniform. Informal (Band t-shirt and jeans): All band students will need to purchase a Bear Band t-shirt. This is the official band t-shirt that is worn during special school events as well as occasional off-campus trips. When worn as an informal performance uniform, the t-shirt is worn tucked into blue jeans with sneakers. Blue jeans should be worn at the waist and be free of any rips or holes. Formal: The students will also have a formal concert uniform that will be worn for formal performances and contests. The bands are judged partly on uniformity of dress at contests. It is essential that all students be dressed appropriately. Any student not in the proper attire cannot be allowed to travel or perform with the group. Formal uniforms are to be purchased through the band department to ensure uniformity.

Boys will wear a tuxedo shirt, plain white undershirt (no graphics please), bow tie, cummerbund, black tuxedo pants, black calf length socks, and black dress shoes. The cummerbund and bowties are provided by the school, but the rest of the uniform is the responsibility of each band family. Tuxedo shirts and tuxedo pants should be ordered through the band department.

Girls will wear a black blouse with performance skirt or palazzo pants, long black socks or hose, and black closed-toe dress shoes. Blouses and skirts/pants should be ordered through the band department. Students returning to the BDJH Band Program may wear the same uniform they purchased last year if they wish.

Bowties and Cummerbunds are provided by the band department. Students wearing the tuxedo shirt will be assigned a specific bowtie and cummerbund and are responsible for checking out and returning these items immediately before and after each performance. Failure to return the bowtie and/or cummerbund will result in a $20 fine so that the band department can replace the item.

Accessories: The purpose of a uniform is for everyone in the band to look as similar as possible so the listeners are not visually distracted from the performance. Accessories should be kept to a minimum. If a student is unsure about an accessory, please see your band director prior to the performance for guidance.

Medical Treatment Form

KISD requires that each student traveling with the band have on file a current medical form. Please complete the form (available on the band website) and return to the band directors. The forms go with the band whenever the band travels to any off campus location.

- Page 7 -

Personal Property and Equipment

Katy ISD does not provide insurance for individually owned equipment. Certain insurance companies allow you to purchase an additional or “rider” policy to cover musical instruments. These policies are usually very inexpensive and more than sufficient. Please contact your agent for more information on what is covered and under what conditions. Separate musical instrument insurance may be purchased through The Music Agency of Arlington, TX (www.musicagencyinc.com). Students will have a place within the band hall to keep their instruments during the school day. It is the responsibility of each student to place his or her instrument in the assigned location each day and to retrieve the instrument at the end of the day and take it home. Many students have cases that look the same, so students are required to clearly label their instrument on the outside of the case.

School Owned Equipment

Katy ISD provides certain instruments for student use. These instruments are generally more expensive or are of a special nature and require a more professional mode of maintenance and care. It is the policy of Katy ISD to require a maintenance fee (currently $100.00 per year) that covers normal “wear and tear”, cleaning, and routine maintenance of the instrument to insure the instrument remains in top working condition and to maximize the life of the instrument. Damages caused by fire, theft, abuse, or neglect will be charged to the student. (This would include any dents, dings, bent keys, etc.) Normal wear and tear is expected and is covered by the maintenance fee. School-owned instruments are furnished by the school district for the purpose of avoiding large expenditures from the parent, and to provide a well-balanced instrumentation for each performing organization. Good stewardship (care of that which does not belong to us) is a character trait that we will foster in all our students. All equipment and materials must be kept in their proper storage location when not in use, and occasional inspections will be carried out throughout the year. All school-owned equipment will be issued with a form that the parent must sign.

A Brief Guide to Band Contests

All-Region Band Auditions

All students enrolled in the Honors Band are required to participate in the All Region Band Auditions. 7th and 8th grade students not enrolled in the Honors Band may participate with the approval of the directors. The All-Region Band Auditions are individual competitions in which the students in Katy ISD, Aleif ISD, and Houston ISD compete for “chairs” in a highly select musical organization. By learning the scales and audition music required for the competition, students gain valuable audition experience and advanced musical skills. Students who are selected to the All-Region Band will then participate in a special one time All-Region Clinic and Concert. There is a small entry fee (approx. $13) for the All-Region Band Auditions that must be paid 35 days prior to the audition in order for the student to be entered in the competition. Once a student has been entered, audition fees cannot be refunded for any reason.

- Page 8 -

Solo and Ensemble Contests

These events are a very important part of a student’s musical education. The experience of playing solos and ensembles is very different than playing in a band. It gives the student an opportunity to do individual work on a solo and ensemble work with a small group of students (trio, quartet, etc.). The experience of preparing and performing these types of music increases the student’s musical knowledge and skills and helps them to develop self-confidence, persistence, and teamwork. Students in the Honors, Symphonic, and Concert Bands are required to participate in a solo and an ensemble. Solo

Students are required to prepare a solo and perform it for their peers and parents in an after school recital in late January or early February. The KISD Solo and Ensemble Contest is an optional activity in which students are highly encouraged to participate. KISD Solo and Ensemble Contest

This contest is typically held the first weekend in February. Beckendorff students may enter their solo at this competition. Entry fees (approx. $10.00 per event plus the cost of an accompanist) must be paid prior to the contest. Entry fees cannot be refunded for students who become ineligible or do not attend the contest for any reason. Music performed must be listed on the current Texas UIL Prescribed Music List. The directors and/or private lesson teachers will guide the students in choosing appropriate music. Students performing solos are required to perform with piano accompaniment. Some students may arrange to be accompanied by their private teacher or other capable pianist. We will assign an accompanist to the students unless other arrangements have been made. For a fee (approx. $30) the accompanist will have one or two rehearsals with the student and perform at the contest. Entry fees must be paid at the time of entry into the competition. Accompanist fees will be due upon notification of accompanist assignment. Ensemble Performance and Contest

All students enrolled in a performing band are required to prepare an ensemble and perform it at contest in May. Entry fees are approximately $10 per student per event. Students will be assigned to an ensemble (group) by the band directors. Students will be asked to choose from a selection of appropriate music provided by the band directors. They will prepare their ensembles as a group project with the final goal being performance for a judge at Ensemble Contest in May.

Full Band Contests and Festivals

The bands participate in full band competitions in the spring. At this type of contest the band performs three musical selections for a panel of judges. The judges rate the band’s performance on a scale of one to five. The scores are then averaged to come up with the band’s final rating. The ratings scale is as follows:

First Division: Superior Second Division: Excellent Third Division: Average

Fourth Division: Below Average Fifth Division: Poor

The pre-UIL and UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest have an additional component. After the “Concert” portion of the contest, the band goes to another room with three

- Page 9 -

different judges. The students and director are given a piece of music they have never seen before. The band is given a short amount of time for the director to discuss the piece. The students may not make any sound or practice any part of the music out loud during this time. Then the band plays the piece and is given a rating from one to five. The skill of reading music is something the students learn and practice all year long, and this contest is often cited as the most interesting by parents who observe it. After both portions of the contest are over, if the band received a rating of Superior from both the Sight Reading and Concert panels of judges, the band is given the Sweepstakes Award.

Braces and Orthodontic Procedures

Brass and Woodwind Players: If there are plans for orthodontics (braces) please be mindful of the timing involved in getting them. Braces are a fact of life for many students, and if you should get braces, you will continue to be successful after the first week or so after getting them. (It takes time to get used to them). We only ask that you kindly consider not getting them put on, removed, or adjusted in close proximity to major performances (i.e. Region Band Auditions, UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contests, Solo and Ensemble Contest, Fall, Winter, and Spring Concerts, and audition time). Please inform us early of your intention to get braces or have them taken off so that you have adequate time to adjust to your “new” mouth.

Parent Volunteers

Parents, we need you! Parent involvement is at the heart of any successful band program. There will be many opportunities for parents to help the Beckendorff Junior High Band. Thank you for your support and willingness to help the BDJH Band Program!

Online Information

Please visit our teacher website where you can find the latest posting of information regarding your child’s band class.

Contact Information

Susan Steber, Director of Bands (281) 237-9476 SusanISteber@katyisd.org Darlene Blose, Associate Band Director (281) 237-4634 DiannaDBlose@katyisd.org Justin Jones, Associate Band Director (281) 237-1273

Band Parent Meeting

This year we will be having a virtual parent meeting that will be posted on the band website by August 29. Please visit the site and watch the presentation for more information about the Beckendorff Band.

- Page 10 -

Please return to your band director by Wednesday, September 3, 2014.

RETURN PAGE FOR BDJH BAND HANDBOOK

PERFORMING BANDS

Student’s Name __________________________ Instrument ____________________Period ___

1. I understand that participation in all band rehearsals and performances is required. Unexcused absences from

rehearsals and performances may be grounds for being moved to a different band and will negatively affect the

students’ band grade.

2. I understand that I am responsible for giving the directors prior notice if conflicts arise that might prevent me

from being in attendance at a required event. I also understand that the directors will inform me within a

reasonable amount of time if additional events beyond the ones listed on the BDJH Band Calendar are added. I

further understand that notification of an absence does not necessarily mean that the absence will be excused,

and that these circumstances are handled on a case by case basis.

3. I understand that attendance at my after-school section or full band rehearsal each week is required, and that

failure to do so will negatively affect my band grade and may jeopardize my placement in a performing band.

4. I understand that any behavior that is not consistent with the Katy ISD Student Code of Conduct, BDJH Parent

Student Handbook or that is not conducive to good citizenship may result in disciplinary measures ranging from

suspension from the extracurricular activities of the band up to and including dismissal from the band program.

5. I recognize the necessity of quality, daily practice in order to be successful as a musician and to fulfill my

obligation to my peers within my ensemble. I also acknowledge my responsibility in documenting this practice

time each week on my weekly practice report.

6. I understand the implications of “No Pass/No Play” (Academic Eligibility) and that failure to maintain passing

grades (70% or greater) in all my classes will result in me being ineligible to participate in band contests and

field trips.

7. I understand the materials that I will need in class every day, as well as uniform requirements for performances

as outlined in the BDJH Band Handbook.

8. I understand that, when possible, I should schedule doctor, dentist, and orthodontist appointments at times when

I am not involved in a rehearsal. I also understand the importance of timing the installation or removal of braces

as to not be in close proximity to performances.

9. I understand that the directors will value my input and should be the first point of contact whenever concerns

involving the band program arise.

10. I have read and understand the requirements for participation in any of the band’s spring trips.

11. I am aware that each student will be checked out a specific bowtie and cummerbund immediately prior to each

major performance. Failure to return either the bowtie or cummerbund will result in a $20 fine.

12. I have received a copy of the BDJH Band Calendar

I am aware of the above policies of the BDJH Band.

______________________________________ _______ ___________________________________

Student’s Signature Date Parent/Guardian Signature Date

- Page 11 -

- Page 12 -

Please fill out reverse

- Page 13 -

- Page 14 -