Mr. Shawn Gee – Director of Bands Mrs. Debby Brian – Principal

“Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life

and to everything” – Plato

Northwestern Middle School 5200 E. Central Avenue

Zachary LA 70791 Phone: 225-654-9201

Fax: 225-658-2025

Band Handbook 2017-2018

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Northwestern Middle School Band Parents and Students, Greetings! I hope you all had a fantastic summer. I would like to introduce myself. My name is Shawn Gee and I am the new Director of Bands at Northwestern Middle School and Copper Mill Elementary. Before coming here, I was the Director of Bands at Christian Life Academy where I directed the CLA Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and 4-6th Grade Beginner Band. In 2016, I graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Music Education. At LSU, I studied trumpet and performed with the LSU Symphonic Band, Symphonic Winds, and LSU Lab Jazz Band. I’m absolutely excited to direct the NMS and CME bands this year!

Finally, an open line of communication between parents, students, and teachers is essential to the success of a band program, as well as the success of your student’s overall education. My main line of contact is through my e-mail, Shawn.gee@zacharyschools.org. Please do not hesitate to contact me! Staying in contact is absolutely important! We are looking forward to a great school year! Geaux Braves!

Musically yours,

Mr. Shawn Gee Director of Bands

Northwestern Middle School And

Copper Mill Elementary 225-654-9201

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Mission Statement

The Northwestern Middle School Band experience hopes to fully enrich

each and every student with not only musical proficiency, but a lifelong journey

and pursuit of musical knowledge. In the pursuit of a lifelong appreciation and

participation in music, we strive to develop each student holistically as they

develop life skills including responsibility, dedication, perseverance, leadership,

and communication.

Philosophy of Music

As a music educator, I believe that all students should be able to receive a

music education. It is my duty to provide students the opportunity to express

themselves and to learn about the historical, technical, and expressive aspects of

music through listening to, analyzing, evaluating, performing, and creating music.

My job is to spread the gift and love of music to the next generation. Ultimately, I

hope to provide educational and rewarding experiences that inspire students to

become incredible musicians while incorporating their music education into their

future plans.

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CONTACT

Throughout the school year, if you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please find my contact information below: Mr. Gee’s Email: shawn.gee@zacharyschool.org Band Website: northwesternmsband.weebly.com Remind Messenger: This is a free system that allows us to communicate back and forth via text message, without sharing our private phone numbers. We highly encourage you to sign up on your phone AND your child’s cell phone to receive reminders throughout the year. To sign up, 6th Grade - Text @cmeband6 to 8101 7th Grade - Text @nmband7 to 81010 8th Grade - Text @nmband8 to 81010 Jazz Band - Text @nmbandjazz to 81010

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Grading Policy • Participation 40% Includes: Instrument, music supplies, and class work

• Playing Tests and Written Tests 30% Based on preparation of music, concerts, contests

• Practice Cards 20% Practice cards that are checked every 2 weeks

• Final Exam 10%

Grading Scale 93-100% - A 85-92% - B 75-84% - C 67-74% - D 0-66% - F

Band is a performance-based class so each performance will be treated as a quiz, test, or exam

when appropriate. These performances include concerts, festival performances, and playing

quizzes. While it is a performance-based class, we will also include written assignments that will

consist of music subdivision, reading, terminology, assessment, and analyzing.

Weekly Practice Sheets

• The rewards of playing a musical instrument increase in direct proportion to the number of hours invested in individual practice. The key is to set aside a designated time every day for practice. Set up a daily schedule to ensure that practice is an important part of your daily studies.

o Due every Wednesday or the first day back to school (vacation or sick) o 100 minutes of practice time per week, 200 minutes every 2 weeks o Will be picked up each week and graded every two weeks o Signed by parent/guardian

Playing Tests

• Playing tests will be assigned as needed throughout the school year. • Band members will always be given at least 1 week to prepare for any playing test. • For these tests, your child will video record themselves playing the assigned music and send

it to my e-mail – shawn.gee@zacharyschools.org. I will view the tests and grade them as soon as possible. If a student has trouble sending the recording, please let me know as soon as possible so we can set up a time to do the playing test in person.

• Students may occasionally be tested in the band room.

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Rehearsal/Performance Criteria • In order to receive full credit for each rehearsal and performance, students must have a

pencil, their instrument, and their music. Depending on the instrument, students must have the appropriate materials ready. If you are missing a pencil, you may borrow one from me or a friend, but you will have points taken off your participation.

o If you are missing your instrument, half of your points will be taken off your grade for the rehearsal.

o If you are missing music, you may borrow an original copy, but will also have to give me your school ID for the class period. You will also lose some points for that rehearsal.

§ If you have lost music, let me know BEFORE the rehearsal so I can give you a new sheet of music

Rules

1. Do not talk when the director is talking a. This takes away from class time and takes away from helpful information that

helps the band. Talking and interrupting the teacher is disrespectful and will be disciplined.

2. Be prepared a. Be prepared to have all materials at your seat before the tardy bell rings. This

includes your instrument and music. This also means having your music prepared. 3. Do not touch or play on anything that does not belong to you!

a. The band room is the most EXPENSIVE room in the entire school. Everything in the band room is expensive. If a student breaks an instrument or item, it is the responsibility of the student to replace or repair the item.

4. No eating, drinking or gum chewing in the band room a. Exception-water in a water bottle with secure cap.

Expectations

1. Students will follow director’s instructions. 2. Students will have their instrument, music, and a pencil every day. 3. Students will give 100% attention during rehearsal, whether I am working with your

section or not. 4. Students will be in their assigned rehearsal area with all necessary equipment at the

beginning of rehearsal time. 5. Students will keep their hands and feet to themselves. 6. Students will request permission to speak by raising their hand and waiting to be

acknowledged. All rehearsals are expected to be extremely quiet so that time will be utilized as wisely and efficiently as possible.

7. 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 (exceptions: flute, clarinet, and oboe).

8. Students will be ready to play when my baton is raised and will stop playing when my hands go down or when I stop the music.

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Consequences • Consequence – 1st Offense: Verbal Warning • Consequence – 2nd Offense: Phone call/email home • Consequence – 3rd Offense: Remedial work • Consequence – 4th + Offense: Student is referred to the office • Consequence – Unfinished remedial work: The assignment will be doubled, and due on the

following school day. Parents will also be called and notified. • Consequence – Unfinished doubled remedial work: The student will be referred to the

office

Care of Facilities • No gum, food or drinks are allowed in the band hall except when authorized by the director. • All trash is to be deposited in the wastebaskets provided. • All spit from spit valves will be let out on the wastebaskets provided. (brass players) • Acts of vandalism or the willful misuse of school property will be dealt with severely and

appropriately. Every band member is responsible to help the director monitor the facility and control vandalism, which includes but is not limited to writing or carving on walls, destroying music, or breaking school property. .

• Practice and ensemble rooms are designed for practicing, not social gatherings. • Please knock on office doors; and, if you are invited in, you may enter. Otherwise, offices are

off-limits to students.

Daily Supplies • Each student should plan to bring the following items to rehearsals and/or performances.

Other items may be added at the discretion of the director. o All issued music o Essential Elements 2000 Book (Book 1 or 2 will be provided from band fee) o Pencil o Instrument o All supplies relative to their instrument (example: slide grease, reeds, valve oil) o Other equipment as needed

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NMS Ensembles

NMS Concert Band This is where the majority of musical development occurs. The concepts and techniques studied in these ensembles enhance the quality of our other ensembles. All other ensembles stem directly from the success and quality of our concert ensemble. The group performs at concerts and other band functions throughout the school year.

NMS Jazz Band The NMS Jazz Band will be performing standard jazz tunes as well as new and innovative repertoire. All students are able to join the ensemble no matter the instrument. The Jazz Ensemble will perform in concerts and other band functions throughout the year.

Honor Band While not taught in class, there are honor band auditions for the parish that I will encourage the students to audition for. Honor band will provide the students to play in a large ensemble with some of the best musicians of their ages in the district/parish. I will provide any support for the students to help prepare for the auditions.

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Concert Dress Code An important part of music performance is the uniform “look” of the ensemble. Like any

team or group, we want to emphasize the uniformity of a professional looking ensemble. Please assist us in this matter by closely following Northwestern Concert Dress Code for all major performances:

o Gentlemen will wear solid black dress shoes, solid black socks, solid black belt, solid black dress pants (no jeans), and their NMS Band shirt tucked in. No pin striping or other such designs may be worn.

o Ladies will wear solid black dress shoes (closed toed), solid black socks, solid black

belt, solid black dress pants (no jeans), and their NMS Band shirt tucked in. No pin striping or other such designs may be worn.

o All students are asked to refrain from wearing excessive perfumes, colognes, and

hairsprays at performances. Hygiene is important; deodorant will be sufficient.

o Students not adhering to the concert dress code will lose the majority of their performance portion of their grade. If there are circumstances that do not allow a student to follow the concert dress code, please discuss with the band director at least one week prior to performance so accommodations can be made.

o This uniform will be worn at the NMS Veterans Day Concert, Spring Concert,

District IV Festival, Festival Disney and other public performances.

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Instrument Care

RESPONSIBILITY FOR SCHOOL-OWNED INSTRUMENTS / EQUIPMENT • Musical instruments and other equipment must be signed out through the band director.

At that time, you must complete a rental agreement form and will be responsible for the equipment until it is officially checked back into the inventory.

• Ordinary care must be used when maintaining this instrument/equipment. You will not be held responsible for normal wear and tear or aging of any instrument/equipment. You will, however, be held financially responsible for damage which occurs due to lack of proper care, neglect, rough handling, or loss of equipment.

• No student is to, at any time, touch or play any school-owned instruments to which he or she has not been assigned by a band director. This includes percussion instruments and equipment.

DAILY INSTRUMENT NEEDS AND UPKEEP • All band students are required to furnish their own accessories necessary for proper

performance of their instruments. In the event items are damaged or misplaced, students are responsible for furnishing a replacement in a timely manner.

• Woodwinds – instrument swab, cork grease, at least 3 reeds in good condition, • Brass –valve oil/rotor oil/slide grease

Instrument Storage and Identification

• Instrument lockers are to be used for instrumental storage only. Each student is assigned a specific locker, which is to be kept clean. Instruments are to be put in their cases, and the cases kept closed and latched while in the storage area. NO INSTRUMENTS ARE TO BE KEPT IN LOCKERS OVERNIGHT OR OVER THE WEEKENDS.

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Supply List 2017-18 Woodwinds

Flute

1. Cleaning kit - Should include: drop cloth for the inside of the instrument and polishing cloth for the outside of the instrument

2. Tuning Rod Clarinet - (brands to look for: Buffet, Yamaha, LeBlanc, Selmer)

1. Reeds: Vandoren 2 ½ or 3 or Rico Royal 2 ½ or 3 2. Cleaning kit – Should include: cork grease, a drop cloth for the inside of the instrument,

mouthpiece brush Bass Clarinet - Instrument rented through school

1. Reeds: Vandoren 2 ½ or 3 or Rico Royal 2 ½ or 3 Saxophone - (brands to look for: Selmer, Yamaha, Conn, Keilwerth)

1. Alto Saxophone Reeds: La Voz Medium, Vandoren 2 ½, Rico Royal 2 ½ 2. Tenor Saxophone Reeds: La Voz Medium, Vandoren 2 ½, or Rico Royal 2 ½ 3. Bari Saxophone Reeds: La Voz Medium, Vandoren 2 ½, or Rico Royal 2 ½ - 4. Cleaning kit – Should include: cork grease, cloth for the outside of the instrument, mouthpiece

brush Brass and Percussion

Trumpet - (brands to look for: Bach, Yamaha, Getzen, King, Conn) 1. Valve oil 2. Tuning slide grease

French Horn – Instrument rented through school

1. Rotor Oil 2. Tuning slide grease

Trombone - (brands to look for: Bach, Yamaha, Conn, Getzen)

1. Slide oil or Slide-o-Mix 2. Tuning slide grease

Baritone/Euphonium – Instrument rented through school

1. Valve oil 2. Tuning slide grease

Tuba – Instrument rented through school

1. Valve oil 2. Tuning slide grease

Percussion – (Bell kits with snare practice pad, brands to look for: Ludwig, Pearl, Yamaha, Vic Firth)

1. Vic Firth SD1 General Snare Sticks 2. Bell Kit and Practice Pad

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Band Department Fees

Band Fees: A Band Fee will be assessed at the beginning of the school year for all students in band. This fee will be $30 per student and is non-refundable. The Band Fee will be used to help pay for their method books, festival entrance fees, transportation, sheet music, small pieces of band equipment and other expenses. Band Polo Fee: The fee will be $20. A band polo will need to be purchased for every student. Students will wear this as their uniform shirt. Jazz Band Fess: The fee will be $20 per student. This fee will cover the students book expense and our registration fees. Instrument Rental Fee: An instrument user fee for those students who will be playing on school owned instruments will be assessed. This fee is $50 per semester/$100 for the school year. The fee is non-refundable, and a NMS rental contract will be signed in accordance with the rental. The school instrument rental fee is used for the maintenance of school owned instruments.

WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE ALL BAND FEES/INSTRUMENT RENTAL FEES PAID IN FULL BY Friday, September 1st. IF YOU NEED TO SCHEDULE A PAYMENT PLAN, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME. CASH AND OR/MONEYORDERS ARE PREFERRED.

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FOR OUR SPRING BAND TRIP, THE NMS BAND AND CHOIR ARE PERFORMING AT……

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BAND TRIP PAYMENT INFO

BAND TRIP DEPOSITS AND SUBSEQUENT PAYMENTS FOR ALL BAND RELATED TRIPS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS THE IMPORTANCE OF FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL PAYMENT OF TRIPS AND THE BAND AND SCHOOL’S ABILITY TO FULFILL ALL CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS WITH TRAVEL COMPANIES, BUS COMPANIES, FESTIVAL GROUPS, HOTELS, ETC. IF A STUDENT IS REMOVED FROM A BAND TRIP FOR ANY REASON, BY A PARENT/GUARDIAN, ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. IF MR. GEE REMOVES A STUDENT FROM A TRIP FOR ANY REASON, ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. THIS PROTECTS THE BAND DEPARTMENT AND SCHOOL FROM FINANCIAL LOSS.

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Fundraising We have several fundraisers planned for the school year. Participation in fundraisers is strongly encouraged, but not required. The fundraisers will be used to defray the students’ fees and trip expenses. There will be specific fundraisers that will be used to purchase additional materials and equipment for the NMS Band Program. If the money is not fundraised, then any expenses will be paid to the band department from the family’s own financial resources. Fundraising will belong to NMS and ZCS, and cannot be refunded to a student. If a student raises money and is unable to attend a trip for any reason, the money the student raised becomes property of the NMS activity account. The funds are good only for the academic year, and are not transferable for students from year to year. The NMS Band program will be participating in 4 different fundraisers throughout the year and we are striving for 100% participation! Here is a list of the fundraisers we are participating in the fall.

Fall Fundraisers • World’s Finest Chocolate (September) • Great American Cookie Dough 59 Minute Fundraiser (Saturday, November

4th )

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Wish List Our "wish- list" includes, but is not limited to: extra music for concerts, metronomes, tuners, new and used instruments, funds to bring in guest clinicians, supplies, technology, sound equipment for the band department, commissioned music, instrument accessories, fees and/or deposits for honor band entries and other competitions.

Items to Consider Purchasing 1. METRONOME: I strongly encourage that each and every student invests in

buying a tuner/metronome for at home practicing. Beginners and professional musicians use these tools daily when practicing. I use one everyday! I strongly encourage you to use them! Average Price: $30

2. MUSIC STAND: This helps support good posture and will aid in good

practice habits! Average Price: $12 3. BERPS: This is specifically to brass players; this device will help you with

your buzzing and your playing. You can adjust the resistance of your buzz and overtime, it will help with your range and tone. Average Price: $20

Music Apps to Consider Download • Bandmate – App to let you see pitches you play in the staff according to

your instrument. • iRealPro – App that helps you improvise over backing tracks. • Tonal Energy – App that provides you with a drone, tuner, and metronome.

Contains many other features as well. • Tenuto – Music Theory app that contains ear training, aural training, and

games. For All! • insTuner – Tuner and Drone. • Pro Metronome – Metronome

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NorthwesternMiddleSchoolBandCommitmentForm

Student:· Bysigningthisform,IammakingthecommitmenttoparticipateintheNorthwesternMiddleSchoolBandprogramduringthe2017-2018schoolyear.Asastudentmemberinthisperformingensemble,itismyresponsibilitytoattendallscheduledrehearsals,performancesandcompetitions.IunderstandthatitismyresponsibilitytonotifythedirectorassoonaspossibleifIamunabletobeataperformanceorrehearsalbycallingthebandofficeat______________,orbyaparental-signednote.

• Performances:Directormustbenotifiednolaterthan2weekspriortothescheduledperformanceforaplannedabsence.

• Rehearsals:Directormustbenotifiednolaterthan24hoursinadvanceforaplannedabsence.

• Ialsounderstandthatthedirectorwillunderstandifemergenciesarisethatdonotallowforpriornotice.Awrittennoteaftertheemergencyhassubsidedwillsuffice.

· IunderstandthatitismyresponsibilitytostresstheimportanceofpunctualitytomyparentssothatIdonotsuffernegativeconsequencesfortardinessorabsenteeism.Parents:· Igivemychildpermissiontoparticipateinthe2017-2018bandseasonandIrealizethatattendanceatallpracticesandperformancesinrequiredtoperformandcompetesuccessfully.· IunderstandtheabovestatementsandthecommitmentthatmychildismakingtotheNMSBand.· Iunderstandthatmychildneedstobeatallofthesepracticesandperformancesontimeandwillnotifythedirectorassoonaspossiblewhenmychildwillbetardyorabsentfrompractices.StudentSignature_______________________________________________________Date____________________________________ParentSignature_______________________________________________________Date____________________________________

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NMS Instrumental Music Rental Contract Parents fill out: Student's name ___________________________ Date_______ Instrument______________________ Mr. Gee fills out: Make_______________ Serial Number _________ Accessories: _____________________________________ In renting the instrument described above, it is agreed by the student and parent(s) to pay the rental fee of $50 for the fall semester ($100 for the full school year). It is also agreed that following conditions will be in effect. Conditions for Renting a School Instrument: I. School owned instruments will be rented only to students in the school instrumental music program and with the consent of the instructor. II. Pay promptly the instrument rental fee. III. Maintain instruments in good playing condition. IV. Make good to the satisfaction of the school any damage or loss excepting reasonable wear. V. Allow no other person to use the instrument unless they have been assigned to that instrument. VI. Surrender the instrument to the school upon request when any of the conditions of this agreement have been violated. We agree to the above: ___________________________________________________________________________

Student's Signature Parent's Signature ___________________________________________________________________________ Home Address City Zip Date ___________________________________________________________________________ Home Telephone Number E-mail Address

*Make checks payable to "Northwestern Middle School Band"*

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NorthwesternMiddleSchoolBandDepartmentEmergencyInformationMedicalEmergencyInformation/Healthformpleaseprintlegibly

EMERGENCYTREATMENTPERMISSIONIntheeventofanyemergencyandwecannotreachtheabovementionedpeople,theundersignedherebygrantsauthoritytobeexercisedatthediscretionoftheNMSBandDirectortoobtainwhatevermedicalassistanceand/ortreatmentthatmaybenecessaryformychild,thestudentnamedabove.IalsograntpermissionformychildtoattendanyactivitiessponsoredbytheNorthwesternMiddleSchoolBand.ParentSignature____________________________________________________Date____________

Student’s Name: __________________________________________ Class Period/Band_____________________ Phone #: _____________________Cell Phone #:_________________ Mailing Address: __________________________________________ Student’s Email: ___________________________________________ Mother/Guardian: ______________________Father/Guardian: ________________________ Home Phone #: _________________________Home Phone #: _____________________________ Work Phone #:__________________________Work Phone #: _____________________________ Cell Phone #: ___________________________Cell Phone #: _______________________________ Parent / Guardian Emails: _________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Person to be notified in an emergency Phone # Medical History (past and present problems of importance): 1. Allergies: 2. Medications being used (including dosage and frequency): 3. Any health problems of possible significance: 4. Any other medical information considered important: 5. Doctor: __________________________________Phone #: ________________________________

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Parental/Legal Guardian Media Consent Form One of the things that we are doing this year is putting recordings online and starting a

band website. Videos of our performances will appear on YouTube.com, Northwestern Middle School Band website, and the Northwestern Middle School website. This will enable parents to watch videos of our performances whenever they would like. Students may also be used for various videos to talk about performances and trips. All recordings will be used positively to show people the great musical elements that we have at Northwestern Middle School. These performances include, but are not limited to, concerts (winter, pre-festival, spring), pep rally performances, trip performances, district and state rehearsals and performances etc. I will also be receiving recordings of student playing tests throughout the year. These playing tests will not be published online but will be used for their assessment on concert repertoire, scales, and fundamentals.

I hereby consent to the use of any photographs/video tape taken of my child by Northwestern Middle School or the media for the purpose of advertising or publicizing events, activities, facilities and programs of Northwestern Middle School in newspapers, newsletters, website, other publications, television, radio and other communications and advertising media. By law, Northwestern Middle School protects the privacy of the students and is prohibited from releasing student’s personal information. From time to time representatives of the news media are invited to cover events are our schools. When this happens there is a possibility you child/children may be photographed, videotaped, or interviewed for a news story. Please mark on of the choices below and return to school. Please mark on the choices below and return to school. ___ Yes, I allow my child/children to be identified in any good news district or school publication. My child/children can be recorded and the videos can be displayed online. ___ No, I do not want my child/children identified in any good news district or school publication. PLEASE PRINT Student’s Name: ________________________Signature:_______________________________ Address: ___________________________City:__________________State/Zip:_____________ Parent/Guardian’s Name:_______________________Signature:__________________________ Address:____________________________City:___________________State/Zip:____________

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NORTHWESTERNMIDDLESCHOOLBANDSHIRTORDERFORM

AllbandstudentsarerequiredtopurchaseandweartheofficialNMSBandShirtswhenperforming.Theshirtwilllookasfollows:aredpolowithabandlogo.Thebandshirtis$20.Theremainingpartoftheuniformistheresponsibilityofthestudentandisasfollows:EVERYONE:Longsolidblackpants/slacks(nojeans);Solidblackbelt(nocharmsonthem);solidblacksocks;andsolidblackdressshoes.***NOCAPRIS,JEANS,ORCARGOSTYLEPANTSAREALLOWED******NOTENNISSHOESORCASUALSHOESAREALLOWED***

PLEASEFILLOUTTHEFORMBELOWANDRETURNTOTHEBANDDIRECTORCASHANDMONEYORDERSAREPREFERRED.STUDENT’SNAME:_______________________________________________________CLASS/BAND(ex:2ndhouradvancedband;etc.)_______________________________________________SIZE:Pleasecircleone

Y/L A/S A/M AL A/XL A/XXL