FILEMÓN B. VELA MIDDLE SCHOOL

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BAND HANDBOOK

2015-2016

BAND HALL PHONE: 698-0730

WELCOME TO THE VELA MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM!

Instrumental music is an exciting activity in which the students’ opportunities for participation increase as each year passes. Band students learn to express themselves in a unique manner different from many other subjects and activities. One of the most important concepts learned is how to achieve as a group, and work for common goals. Band students are always in the public eye. Therefore, responsibility and discipline are stressed so that students will become excellent representatives of their school and community. MOST IMPORTANTLY -- BAND IS FUN! Many students will make lifetime friends and memories through their association with the school band program. The purpose of this handbook is to introduce you to the Vela Band Program. Please feel free to ask questions. We look forward to working with you! Sincerely,

Mario Sarmiento Director of Bands

Mike Garza Assistant Band Director

Jimmy Cantu Assistant Band Director

BISD does not discriminate on basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or provision of services, programs or activities.

Dr. Esperanza Zendejas, Superintendent Mario Sarmiento, Band Director Rosie Ara, Principal

VELA MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM

COMMUNICATION

If you have any questions concerning the band program, please consult the directors first. Problems are often a result of miscommunication and can sometimes be resolved quickly through a telephone call.

Please make every effort to attend all concerts and encourage your child to practice regularly.

PARENTAL SUPPORT IS VITAL TO THE SUCCESS OF ANY SCHOOL PROGRAM!

ORGANIZATION Students are placed into a band by directors’ discretion. During the course of the year, if the directors observe a change in a student’s behavior, attitude or ability to perform at the initial placement, a change in the schedule will be recommended. A student may move up or down as a result of directors’ discretion.

BEGINNING BAND No previous music background required Performs two concerts during the school year Student required to supply musical instrument CONCERT BAND B Admission by directors’ discretion Open to students with at least one year playing experience Performs in school concerts, parades, and BISD Evaluation Hearing at the discretion of the directors, and other enriching activities where students may receive constructive criticism by highly qualified judges. CONCERT BAND A Admission by directors’ discretion Open to students with one year of playing experience Performs in school concerts, parades, UIL Concert and Sight Reading Competition, invitational festivals and other enriching activites where students may receive constructive criticism by highly qualified judges. SYMPHONIC BAND Admission by directors’ discretion with strict adherence to instrumentation guides Open to students with at least one year of playing experience Upon admission, student will be enrolled in Band Class and Instrumental Ensemble Class which further enhances their skills, performance challenges and expectations. Performs in school concerts, pep rallies, parades, UIL Concert and Sight Reading Competition, invitational festivals and other enriching activities where students may receive constructive criticism by highly qualified judges.

REPAIRS AND SUPPLIES

If an instrument should need repair, please consult a director. A director can do many repairs. Supplies (reeds, valve oil, etc.) are essential items for band class and can be obtained at the school or local music stores. Students will learn proper care for each instrument and what supplies are necessary to keep instrument in good working order.

SCHOOL-OWNED INSTRUMENTS These are expensive instruments provided to students by Brownsville l.S.D. Any damage resulting from carelessness or abusive behavior to instruments or cases will be charged to student(s) responsible.

LOCKERS Lockers will be assigned to students to secure their personal or school loaned band instrument during the school day. Each instrument is to be taken home everyday. Students must provide their own combination lock to be issued a locker. Students are responsible for their locks and locker materials. Lockers should be kept locked at all times in order to avoid lock or locker materials from being misplaced, stolen or lost. Lockers are to be kept clean. Due to availability, some students not assigned a locker will have a designated place to put their instrument during the school day.

THE BAND HALL The band hall is for band students only. Do not invite your non-band friends into the band hall. The band hall is open before and after school for band students to practice, attend sectionals and lessons. These are very important to the success of the band. Students are to arrange for transportation home once they have finished their sectionals, lessons, and/or individual practice. Students off task will be asked to make arrangements to go home. Due to student safety, gates will only be open during certain designated times after school for student pick-up. No loitering in the Band Hall No food, drinks, or gum allowed in the band hall.

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ATTENDANCE Attendance at all band performances and practices is required. Only a director may excuse a student. Students are graded for all performances and practices as they are considered an extension of the academic class. The Christmas Concerts and the End of the Year Concerts will serve as the Semester Exam grade. Students who do not attend a required rehearsal and or performance may lose other privileges that are associated with being a part of the band.

PERFORMANCE DRESS Each band student will need to have a Vela Band shirt. Beginning Band students will have the opportunity to earn their shirt through a fundraising activity at the beginning of the year. Also, these shirts reflect pride in our band program and school spirit. Beginning Band Uniform Vela Band Shirt All White Pants All White Shoes All White long Socks Concert and Symphonic Band Uniform All White Pants All White Shoes All White long Socks Band Jacket - Supplied by school Vela Band Shirt – To be worn under the Band coat By definition a uniform is only uniform if each student wears all parts in a consistent manner with all other band students. Vela Band shirts are to be tucked in at all times. White pants should be hemmed at an appropriate length and not torn. Band Jackets are to be buttoned and zipped at all times. Jacket sleeves are not to be rolled up. You are representing yourself, the band, the school, and the city every time you put on the Uniform.

CONCERT ETIQUETTE In addition to performing at the concert, students are required to listen to the other performing groups. Please turn off cell phones and pagers. Once a group has started performing, proper etiquette is not to enter or leave the performance area and to remain seated. During the performance it is proper to be quite and listen to the performance. It is not proper for the audience to yell or whistle while at a musical performance. Clapping is only appropriate at the end of the performance.

REHEARSAL AND DAILY PROCEDURES

The following is the guideline to a successful rehearsal. These guidelines should be considered rules. Rule violations incur a penalty and a resultant action that is negative to the band. The student who violates the rules is responsible for reducing the amount of time for rehearsal and consequently hurting the entire band.

1. Enter the rehearsal hall in a quiet, courteous, and orderly manner. 2. Quickly get your instrument and music and take your seat. 3. A student will be considered tardy if they are not in their seat, ready to rehearse when the tardy

bell rings. 4. Students will check the chalkboard for the agenda and put their method books and music in the

order of the agenda. 5. Concert attention will be observed when the director steps on the podium and no further

talking will be permitted. 6. Students will not play instruments without permission. 7. Students will not play other student's instruments. This includes percussion and district owned

instruments. 8. Band member should have the following for every rehearsal: a. INSTRUMENT with the necessary accessories b. ALL MUSIC c. PENCIL 9. All schoolbooks, instrument cases, and equipment not needed for the rehearsal should be left

in the instrument storage lockers or in your backpack. 10. Good posture is of great importance at all times. 11. Music stands are for music. They are not to be leaned on or abused in any way. 12. If your instrument is in the repair shop, please bring a note from home. Bring your

mouthpiece and music. There is always the possibility that we could provide a temporary instrument.

13. When class is over, quietly remain in your seat until you are dismissed.

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14. The band directors will check the instrument storage lockers daily to make sure every one has taken their instrument and music home to practice. It is, of course, impossible to practice at home if your instrument is sitting in the band hall overnight. If you go home sick, come to the band hall and get your instrument and music. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES DOES YOUR INSTRUMENT EVER SPEND THE NIGHT IN THE BAND HALL OR YOUR LOCKER!

15. Students who do not bring their instruments to school will have points deducted from their participation grade.

16. No food or drinks will be allowed in the band hall. 17. No radios, iPods, mp3 players, distracting electronic device or video games are permitted in the

band hall unless the band director has given the appropriate permission.

DISCIPLINE

Band by its very name suggests oneness, teamwork, ensemble, great cooperation, with everyone striving for a common goal. This all comes at a time in a middle school student's life when they are striving for individual identity. A very small number of students find that they cannot make this kind of sacrifice and become disruptive discipline problems for the band director. These students will not be allowed to affect the quality of learning taking place in that band class. Continued problems will result in that student being moved down to a lower level band or to another elective. Band students need to accept responsibility for their actions, good or bad, and go on.

All discipline problems will be handled on an individual basis. 1. First offense -- warning 2. Second offense -- parental contact, student may write an essay on discipline and/or be assigned

to band detention. 3. Third offense -- student will take discipline letter home to parents for signature to be returned

the next day. 4. Fourth offense -- referred to administration.

The following are general rules that will be adhered to at all times: 1. No inappropriate language in the band hall or at a band function will be tolerated. 2. The Vela Eagle Band hall is for rehearsing music and practicing. There will be no loitering in

the band hall. 3 There will be no "horse-playing" or inappropriate behavior in the band hall or during any band

functions.

4. Students found guilty of theft or destruction of school property or property of other students will jeopardize their participation in the band program.

5. No inappropriate signs of affection are permitted in or around the band hall area. 6. Any student who is assigned to ISS may be prohibited from participating in “out of classroom”

band activities for the duration of the ISS term. 7. Any student who is assigned to Alternative school will be automatically prohibited from

participation in the Vela Band Program for the duration of their time at the Alternative School. Their future participation in the band will be at the discretion of the director.

TRAVEL – OFF CAMPUS

All travel by the Vela Eagle Band is subject to the travel guidelines set forth by the Brownsville Independent School District School Board.

Throughout the year, the band travels off campus to football games, concerts, contests, and auditions. As a member of the Vela Eagle Band, you are an ambassador of our school, community and city. You are expected to maintain the highest standards when you are representing the Vela Eagle Band.

All trips, concerts, and activities outside of scheduled classes are considered a privilege and not a right. Student must follow all lawful instructions given by the Band Directors at all times during band activities. Failure to comply with ANY of the requirements listed in this handbook, the Vela Middle School Student Handbook, the BISD student code of conduct or Local, State, or Federal laws may result in the loss of any or all of these privileges. These decisions will be made by the head band director. A student may not be allowed to travel with band any fundraiser money has not been paid in full.

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SECTION REHEARSALS/TUTORING OUTSIDE THE CLASS DAY

Sectionals are required attendance unless excused by the director. Students will receive a grade for these rehearsals because they are considered an extension of the academic class. Symphonic/Concert Band A & B: Sectionals will be scheduled either before, during or after school each week. A grade of 100 will be assigned to all students in attendance for the entire rehearsal. Points will be deducted for tardies up to 10 minutes. Tardies exceeding 10 minutes will be considered an unexcused absence. Every attempt will be made to arrange these rehearsals around other student activities. However, please bear in mind that in scheduling rehearsals for 130 students, some minor conflicts may arise. Please be flexible as these rehearsals are extremely important to the success of our band. During the fall semester, sectionals will focus on special musical etudes, music fundamentals, music theory, and listening skills. Spring semester sectionals will prepare the students for Solo and Ensemble Competition, UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest, B.I.S.D. Band Evaluation, and other festivals. Although much advance planning goes into our calendar, a rehearsal may be called when special circumstances dictate. Members are expected to adjust schedules when adequate advance notice has been given.

AFTER-SCHOOL REHEARSAL PROCEDURES • Be on time • While waiting for your lesson or sectional, warm-up and practice the appropriate materials. • Have a ride arranged to go home immediately after rehearsal • Stay in Band Hall if your ride has not arrived • Do not wander around the school campus, stay in an adult supervised area • If you do not have a rehearsal/practice, do not stay after school

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BAND GRADING PROCEDURE

THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS A BAND STUDENT MUST DO ARE: 1. PRACTICE REGULARLY 2. BE IN REGULAR ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL 3. TIMILY PREPARATION OF ASSIGNED MATERIAL Playing an instrument is a skill that develops with time. Lack of practice and frequent absences will cause a band student to fall behind. Participation is the band experience.

The six weeks grade is an average of the individual grade categories listed below: 1. Playing Test 2. Sectional grades (Symphonic/Concert Band A) 3. Performance grades (concerts) 4. Written tests (music theory) 5. Participation/Daily Grade 6. Homework (Instrument going home for daily practice)

The participation/daily grade is based primarily on daily effort, attitude, and practice habits (preparation). Each student starts the six weeks with a 100. Points are deducted for: 1. Repeated failure to bring instrument, music, and other necessary supplies to band 2. Continued lack of practice and poor effort in class 3. When the student's performance and/or participation negatively effects the performance of other individuals and/or the group.

Good discipline is directly related with a student’s ability to be successful in band. The band has a tremendous responsibility as one of the primary representatives of our school. The public forms their opinion about our school from the behavior we exhibit as a performing group. Band students must be trusted to exhibit excellent behavior and citizenship at all times. Those students whose behavior becomes problematic will be DENIED performance and/or activity privileges with the band and possible dismissal from the band program.

PRACTICE Practice is sometimes fun, sometimes drudgery, ALWAYS NECESSARY! The best way to make practice time more enjoyable and productive is to get a regular habit of everyday practice established. LOOK FOR IMPROVEMENT; don’t just “put in your time”. When your playing improves, then all the time spent practicing will seem worthwhile. A good practice routine would be structured along the following lines: Warm up and flexibility 7 minutes Scales or rudiments 5 minutes Band music 8 minutes Solo/lesson work 8 minutes Warm down 2 minutes Concentrate on getting a GOOD SOUND! It makes no difference how fast, loud, or high you can play if the tone is not enjoyable to listen to. NEVER SACRIFICE ACCURACY FOR SPEED. Practice the parts that you cannot play. It makes no sense to practice the spots you can already play well. ADD TO THE BAND’S SOUND, NEVER DETRACT FROM IT. Practice to be perfect. REMEMBER: Regular, daily practice for short periods of time (20-30 minutes) is best

PRIVATE LESSONS Lessons will be given to students preparing for All-Region Tryouts through the tryout date. These lessons are very important to the mastery of the required material for the tryout. In addition, each student can benefit from individual study because they allow a student to progress with individual ability. Plus, your student will be studying with a specialist on their particular instrument. Students are responsible for being on time and prepared for each lesson scheduled. Students who do not show satisfactory progress or fail to appear may loose their lesson time at the discretion of their teacher.

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BRACES AND ORTHODONTIC PROCEDURES

Wind players (woodwinds and brass): If there are plans (even if it is only a consideration) 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 with them 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 (or removed, for that matter) in close proximity to major performances (i.e. All-Region Band Auditions, UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contests, Festival Contest, Holiday Concerts, End-Of-Year Concert, and Solo and Ensemble). Please inform us early of your intention to get braces or get them taken off so that you have adequate time to adjust to your “new” mouth. We realize it may be impossible to work around missing a class for a doctor/dentist/orthodontist appointment.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR GUIDLINES Each student will begin the six weeks with a 100 participation daily grade average. Points will be deducted when a student fails to follow the class rules. Any student who disrupts the class will lose points and be removed from class if the behavior continues. Students who are tardy lose points and will be disciplined according to the school tardy policy. A student who has fewer than 70 points in six weeks will be denied social activities with the band for the following six weeks.

TARDY POLICY 1 = Warning 2 = Detention 3 = Detention and Parent Call 4 = Referral to Assistant Principal

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Misuse of Technology Resources and the Internet: As per the BISD Student Code of Conduct the following falls under General Conduct

Violations Removals (Brownsville Academic Center) pg.12:

• Violate policies, rules, or agreements signed by the student or the student’s parent regarding the use of technology resources.

• A t t e m p t t o a c c e s s o r c i r c u m v e n t p a s s w o r d s o r o t h e r s e c u r i t y –related information of the district, students, or employees or upload or create computer viruses, including off school property if the conduct causes a substantial disruption to the educational environment.

• Attempt to alter, destroy, or disable district technology resources including but not limited to computers and related equipment, district data, the data of others, or other n e t w o r k s c o n n e c t e d t o t h e d i s t r i c t ’s s y s t e m , i n c l u d i n g o f f s c h o o l property if the conduct causes a substantial disruption to the educational environment.

• Use the internet or any other electronic communications to threaten district students, employees, or volunteers including off school property if the conduct causes a substantial disruption to the educational program.

• Send, post or posses electronic messages that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal, including cyber bullying, and “sexting”, either on or off school property if the conduct causes a substantial disruption to the educational environment.

• Use email or web sites to engage in or encourage illegal behavior or threaten school safety, including off school property if the conduct causes substantial disruption to the educational environment.

BROWNSVILLE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT District Policy for Videotaping, Photographing, or Recording Students

Be advised that Section 26.009 (b) of the Texas Education Code permits school districts to make a videotape or photograph of a child or record or authorize the recording of a child’s voice if the videotape or voice recording is used for purposes of safety, including the maintenance of order and discipline, in common areas of the school or on school buses; for purposes related to a co-curricular or extracurricular activity; or for a purpose related to regular classroom instruction or media coverage of the school. Parent permission is not required by law; however, if you have an objection to the videotaping, photographing, or recording of your child, or the use of those images as described above, please contact the campus principal.

For more information, call the Public Information Office at (956) 548-8000, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except holidays.

GUIDELINES FOR DISTRICT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Students involved in extracurricular activities are held to a higher standard of conduct than the general student body. Brownsville ISD views participation in extracurricular activities as a privilege, not a right. Any student who violates the Student Code of Conduct shall be subject to extracurricular discipline and or regular school district disciplinary action. A student may be removed from participation in extracurricular activities or may be excluded from school honors for violation of organizational standards of behavior of an extracurricular activity or for violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Academic ineligibility is not to be confused with disciplinary action. Under the provisions of Senate Bill 1, all students must maintain a passing grade in all courses. The probationary time for academic ineligibility is three weeks and is established under the education code. I understand and consent to the responsibilities outlined in the District’s Student Code of Conduct. I also agree that my child shall be held accountable for the behavior and consequences outlined in the Student Code of Conduct at school, and at school-sponsored or school-related activities. This shall include school-sponsored travel and any school-related misconduct, regardless of time or location.

ITEMS NOT COVERED IN THIS HANDBOOK

You are expected to follow all lawful directions given by band directors and the student leader staff. Any violation of BISD or Vela Middle School code of conduct may cause a student to lose their privilege to participate in all “out of classroom” activities. Any students assigned to Alternative School will be barred from all “out of classroom” band activities. Any students assigned to ISS may be barred from any “out of classroom” band activities at the discretion of the director.

______________________________ ______________________________ Band Director Principal

BISD does not discriminate on basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or provision of services, programs or activities.

SIGN AND RETURN THIS PAGE

I have received and read the Vela Middle School Band Handbook. I agree to abide by the policies and guidelines set forth herein.

Date: ____________

Student: ________________________________ Instrument:___________________________

Grade: ________________ Band Period: ____________

Parent: __________________________________________

Phone #: _________________________________________

Work/Cell Phone #: ______________________________________

Work/Cell Phone #: ______________________________________

NOTE TO PARENTS: If you would be willing to help the band program by serving as chaperones or other activities, please check the spaces below:

1. ___________Chaperone for band social activities

2. ___________Concert help

3. ___________Fundraising

4. ___________Food

5. ___________I’m crazy and will volunteer for anything

Parent Signature:________________________________________________