HIGHLAND PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL MCCULLOCH INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

RAIDER BAND HANDBOOK 2020-2021

Loren Taylor, HPMS Director of Bands

TJ Emsley, Assistant Band Director

Cindi Sobering, Assistant Band Director

Rylon Guidry, Director of Instrumental Music

Corey Parks, HPHS Assistant Band Director

Daniel Reberger, Percussion Director

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations! You are a member of the HPMS/MIS Raider Band program. As a member of the Raider Band, you are a future member of one of the most outstanding high school music programs in the State of Texas. The Raider Band program has established a wonderful tradition of excellence and we endeavor to reach new heights and train our members to be outstanding, contributing members of the Highlander Band by the time they leave the HPMS band hall. A student’s participation in our band program is beneficial in many ways. Band students are engaged daily in a highly creative performing art that stimulates growth in many areas of the brain. This growth effortlessly translates into a student’s academic life. In addition, band students will develop skills and traits such as teamwork, responsibility, dedication, social skills, confidence, and leadership. The goal of our staff is to provide students with an experience that will enrich their lives and help them develop skills that will lead to success in their future endeavors.

PURPOSE

This handbook is provided to help you understand the rules and procedures under which the MIS/HPMS Raider Band program will operate. The staff’s goal is that the contents of this handbook will make your experience in the Raider Band program as beneficial as possible.

DIRECTOR CONTACT INFORMATION Loren Taylor, Director of Bands TJ Emsley, Assistant Director taylorl@hpisd.org EmsleyT@hpisd.org (214) 780.3665 (214) 780.4520 Cindi Sobering, Assistant Director Daniel Reberger, Percussion Director SoberiC@hpisd.org RebergD@hpisd.org (214) 780.3565 (214) 780.3737 Corey Parks, HPHS Assistant Director Rylon Guidry, Director of Instrumental Music ParksC@hpisd.org Guidryr@hpisd.org (214) 780.3737 (214) 780.3737

COMMUNICATION

The band directors will communicate an immense amount of information to our band family throughout the year. Please make every effort to thoroughly read all communication in a timely manner. EMAIL Please keep an up-to-date email address on file with the band directors at all times in order to ensure that there are no lapses in communication. The directors will use email as the primary source of parent communication throughout the year. Charms – We often send important emails via a system called Charms. Please add the following

email address to your contacts to make sure you receive important announcements from us: charmsemailsender@charmsmusic.com

Raider Band Reader: Each week, Ms. Taylor will send out a special band newsletter called the Raider Band Reader. Important dates, current band news, and event logistics will be included in the newsletter. Most band-related answers can be found in the newsletter each week! PHONE Please keep an updated phone number on file with the band directors to ensure that we are able to reach you quickly in case of emergency. Phone contact will be used for the purposes of individual communication needs. WEBSITE Please bookmark our band website! Music, news releases, documents, and other important resources can be found on the band website. www.hpraiderband.org GOOGLE CLASSROOM Google Classroom will be the primary form of communication with students during virtual learning. Parents are encouraged to join as guardians to help your student’s progress. Students will be invited by the directors to join our classrooms at the start of the school year. REMIND: The band staff will send travel updates and quick reminders via Remind. Please text your child’s class code to the phone number 81010: Honors Band: @hpmshonors Symphonic Band: @hpmssb 6th Grade Band: @misbb SOCIAL MEDIA **NEW This Year!** The HP Raider Band finally has a social media presence! Follow us to celebrate all of the amazing things our students do in band! Facebook: www.facebook.com/hpraiderband Twitter: @hpraiderband Instagram: @hpraiderband STUDENT/PARENT COMMUNICATION: Students and parents are encouraged to communicate with directors before concerns become bigger issues! The earlier that we are aware of a situation or conflict, the better we are able to resolve it.

CONDUCT & EXPECTATIONS Band is a full-year commitment. Discontinuing participation in the program within the current school year is not an option unless approved by the band staff. Band members are expected to observe all policies set forth by Highland Park ISD, in addition to the following, as they pertain to the instrumental music setting: HPISD Band Program Norms and Expectations “Respect yourself, respect others, respect property.”

➢ All students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the HPISD Student Code of Conduct & HPISD Extracurricular Code of Conduct at all times.

➢ Extreme infractions of the code of conduct could result in dismissal from events as well as the band program at the discretion of the band staff and administration.

➢ Display of profanity, temper, flagrant violation of rules, etc., will not be tolerated. ➢ Students will listen carefully and respond appropriately to the directors and all guest teachers. ➢ Students will be in their assigned rehearsal area ready to work at the set rehearsal time with all

equipment, including music, pencil, instrument, and all supplies to rehearsals daily. ➢ Students will keep hands, feet, and other objects to themselves. ➢ Students will not touch, use, handle, borrow, or play on equipment they do not own without

permission from a director, including other students’ instrument or personal belongings. ➢ All rehearsals are expected to be silent so that our time will be utilized wisely and as efficiently

as possible. Students should raise a hand and wait to be acknowledged before speaking. ➢ Students will not disturb rehearsals when entering the band hall before or after school. ➢ Students will not deface or mark on music stands, chairs, walls, etc. ➢ Students will not write on dry-erase boards without permission from a director. ➢ Students will leave instrument cases in assigned storage/band lockers during rehearsals unless

otherwise instructed by a director. Lockers are for instruments and band supplies only. Students who abuse their band locker could lose the privilege of using the band storage area.

CARE OF THE BAND FACILITIES Our band facilities are a PRIVILEGE. We must treat our space with RESPECT and PRIDE!

➢ Food and Drink – No gum, food or drinks are allowed in the band facility except when authorized by the directors. Water with a spill-proof cap is the only exception.

➢ Litter – All trash (paper, broken reeds/drum sticks, etc.) should be thrown away. Vandalism – 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 directors monitor the facility and control vandalism, which includes writing or carving on walls, destroying music, or breaking school property.

➢ Instrument Repair/Music Library – Students are not allowed in these rooms without permission. The copy machine is off limits without permission.

➢ Practice and Ensemble Room Guidelines - These facilities are for practice only. Practice rooms should be limited to two people at a time unless special permission is granted.

➢ Band Offices – Band offices are off limits to students without permission from a director. Students must knock and/or be given permission to enter.

THE HPMS/MIS BANDS The HP Raider Band program encompasses all band students, grades 6-8, at McCulloch Intermediate School and Highland Park Middle School. HONORS BAND: Selection into this advanced group is by audition, director recommendation, and demonstration of academic proficiency. Members of Honors Band are expected to demonstrate high levels of musicianship, technical proficiency, and commitment to detailed rehearsal and individual practice. Students in this group are required to prepare for and audition for All-Region Band at the Director of Bands’ discretion, attend weekly sectional rehearsals before or after school, and attend additional rehearsals as deemed necessary by the Director. Due to the high rigor of this fast-paced competitive group, participation in Private Lessons is very strongly encouraged for all Honors Band members. Honors Band Expectations:

• Prepare for and perform concerts throughout the school year • Participate in the TMEA All-Region Band process (November) • Perform at Solo and Ensemble Contest (March) • Perform at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest (April) • Perform at Concert Contest (April) • Attend weekly sectionals and all additional rehearsals

SYMPHONIC BAND: Selection into this group is by audition and director recommendation. Members of Symphonic Band will develop technical and musical proficiency, fundamental musical skills and tone production, and ensemble skills. 8th grade students in this group are encouraged to prepare for and participate in the All-Region audition process at the discretion of the Director. All Symphonic Band students are required to participate in weekly sectional rehearsals before or after school and attend additional rehearsals as deemed necessary by the Director. Private lessons are highly recommended to all students in this class. Symphonic Band Expectations:

• Required to prepare for and perform concerts throughout the school year • Encouraged to participate in the TMEA All-Region Band process (November) • Required to Perform at Solo and Ensemble Contest (March) • Required to Perform at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest (March) • Required to Perform at Concert Contest (April) • Attend weekly sectionals and all additional rehearsals

6TH GRADE BEGINNING BAND: All 6th graders in band are part of the MIS 6th Grade Beginning Band. Students in this class will learn the basic fundamentals of reading music and playing their instrument in preparation for the rigorous middle school band classes. Students will learn one instrument for the duration of their band career with the goal of mastering the instrument and gaining lifelong appreciation of music. As such, changing instruments is not typical and highly discouraged except in special circumstances as deemed appropriate by the band staff. 6th Grade Band Expectations:

• Prepare for and perform concerts throughout the school year • Perform at Solo and Ensemble Contest (April)

Schedule: 6th grade band students will meet each day in like instrument classes during their assigned band period (varies by instrument). The primary teacher for each class is indicated to the right of the instrument name.

2nd Period

• Flute Ms. Taylor

3rd Period

• Trombone Ms. Taylor • Euphonium Ms. Taylor/Ms. Sobering • Tuba Ms. Taylor/Ms. Sobering • Horn Mr. Emsley/Mr. Parks

7th Period

• Oboe/Bassoon Mr. Parks • Percussion Mr. Reberger

8th Period

• Clarinet Mr. Parks • Trumpet Ms. Sobering/Mr. Guidry • Saxophone Mr. Guidry/Mr. Emsley

REQUIRED SUPPLIES FOR BAND At the beginning of the year, each student will be supplied with a black binder, pencil, and pencil pouch. In the event the student loses any of these items, the student is responsible for its replacement. Daily supply requirements: • Instrument • All instrument accessories (3+ reeds, cleaning swab, valve oil, slide grease, spray bottle, etc) • Band Binder neatly organized with music and all rehearsal materials. • Tuner and working clip-on microphone • At least 3 pencils (we will provide the first one) • Pencil pouch

GRADING GUIDELINES HPISD band programs have instructional objectives that are derived from the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). These objectives are aligned to address the academic skills needed for successful performance in the next grade level or course in a sequence of courses. Grades are assigned in accordance with the HPISD grading policies. The grading system is broken down into four categories:

1. Performances: Concerts, contests, All-Region, Solo & Ensemble, etc. 2. Attendance: Full band rehearsals, clinics, and sectionals (punctuality to outside of school

rehearsals and the student’s band class is taken into account). 3. Skills: playing assignments (pass-offs), equipment checks, playing/written assignments 4. Participation: class/rehearsal contributions and compliance

Late Work and Absences:

• All band classes will abide by HPISD and HPMS/MIS Grading Policies regarding late work. • Absences and special circumstances will be considered on an individual basis at the discretion

of the directors. More information can be found in the Attendance Policies section. ELIGIBILITY

All HPISD Bands adhere to the eligibility rules (“No Pass No Play”) and regulations as stated by TEA, UIL and HPISD. Students participating in band activities must adhere to eligibility requirements. A student shall be suspended from participation in extra-curricular activities sponsored or sanctioned by the school district during the 9 week period following a grade report in which the student received a grade lower than a 70. Loss of eligibility takes effect beginning seven days after the end of the reporting period at the end of the school day. Eligibility may be regained at the end of each 3 week period throughout the following 9 weeks. In order to regain eligibility, students must have a grade of 70 or above in ALL classes. Reinstatement of eligibility begins 7 days after the 3 week progress report period.

The eligibility requirements do not affect activities that are considered curricular components of any course. Examples of these activities are all rehearsals and performances that take place as a regular extension of classroom instruction. UIL Concert and Sight Reading contest is considered an extension of the classroom and does not fall under the No Pass No Play rules; however, the directors may hold students accountable for extreme low grades at their discretion. Students will receive communication about their eligibility status well in advance for all activities that fall under the Texas No Pass No Play law. Students who are frequently and severely ineligible could lose their spot in Honors Band or lose their spot in future contests.

ATTENDANCE POLICY All band students must abide by the MIS/HPMS attendance policy. Students are expected to participate in all events required by their respective ensemble, including rehearsals, sectionals, chamber music events, and performances. Note on Attendance: Students cannot be successful in band or school if they are continuously absent. If a student is absent on any given day, he/she is responsible for checking with his/her teachers and band directors to make up any missed assignments. PUNCTUALITY • “On Time” within the Highland Park Band Organization and Program is defined as:

o Arriving with enough time to store personal items, gather materials, retrieve and set up instrument(s), and prepare mentally for rehearsal/performance; AND

o Being set with all instruments, equipment, supplies, and music ready to play no later than 10 minutes before the official start of outside of school events and rehearsals.

EXCUSED ABSENCES INCLUDE... • Death in the family • Medical emergency or illness • Religious holiday • Private lessons during band class

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES INCLUDE… • Family trips • Homework • No Ride • Tutoring • Personal business or entertainment

The Director of Bands must be notified by the parent in the event of an excused absence. REQUESTS FOR AN EXCUSED ABSENCE

• Excused Absence Request Forms are available outside Ms. Taylor’s office. Forms must be submitted with parent signature at least two weeks prior to the event.

• In the case of illness or family emergency, an explanatory telephone, email, or written note from the parent as soon as possible is appreciated.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

• Unexcused absences will adversely affect the student’s musical progress, the progress of the band, and his/her band grade.

• If attendance is a consistent problem, it could jeopardize the student’s membership in a competing group and/or band grade.

• Rules for absences apply to the entire rehearsal, before or after school. • Being tardy to any rehearsal is the same as an unexcused absence for the portion

missed of the rehearsal. Consequences will be determined by the length and reason for the tardiness.

The Director of Bands reserves the right to review any exceptions to the absence policy

(either for or against) depending on individual circumstances.

PRIVATE LESSON PROGRAM

Private lessons are invaluable to the development of every music student’s musical and technical growth. Lessons can be scheduled before or after school or during the student’s band class. The HPISD private lesson teachers are appointed by the HPISD band staff as highly qualified professionals who are experts at their individual instrument. The cost at school will be $22.00 dollars for half of a class period once a week. Checks are made payable to the individual private teacher. Private instruction on a musical instrument is considered enrichment to the musical growth of your student, not remedial instruction. The program is highly recommended for all students. PRIVATE LESSON ENROLLMENT Please visit hpraiderband.org/lessons to enroll in the Raider Band private lesson program. The Director of Bands, Ms. Taylor, is the coordinator of our private lesson program and can answer your private lesson related questions.

BRACES AND DENTAL WORK Orthodontic and dental work can greatly impact a student’s ability to play their instrument. We ask that you take the band calendar into account when scheduling major work since each student’s participation has a significant impact on the overall success of other students in the band. If you have any questions related to this topic, please contact Ms. Taylor!

DISTRICT-OWNED INSTRUMENTS

HPISD provides a limited number of instruments for student use. The instruments include the bass clarinet, oboe, bassoon, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, and general percussion equipment (not including practice pad, practice marimbas, or personal sticks). These instruments are provided by the school district due to their expense. All district-owned equipment must be handled with care. Students failing to properly care for their district-owned instruments may lose the privilege of using them.

HPISD does not provide insurance for individually owned or district-owned instruments or equipment. All students are encouraged to provide insurance coverage for their instrument. Most district-owned instruments exceed $2,000 in value, with some reaching upwards of $10,000. Students will be held responsible for damage caused by misuse or obvious neglect of the district-owned instruments issued to them.

Students and parents must sign an instrument agreement form upon receiving the instrument. Each instrument will be issued in good playing condition and is expected to be returned in the same condition at the end of the school year.

HPISD will assess an instrument usage fee of $150 per instrument for routine summer cleaning and maintenance for district-owned instruments.

CONCERT ATTIRE FORMAL ATTIRE Required for Honor and Symphonic Band Members. Formal concert attire is worn at all formal concerts, including Veteran’s Day concert, Winter Concert, Pre-UIL, UIL, Spring Concerts, all contests, and other events as deemed necessary by the Band Director. GIRLS • Ankle-length black dress appropriately

hemmed - purchased through the Band Dept. (Cost is approximately $65)

• Black dress shoes – Closed toe / no significant heel

• Black stockings • No large or “gaudy” jewelry

BOYS • White long-sleeved tuxedo shirt • Black tuxedo pants • Black bow tie • Black vest • Tall, Black dress socks • Plain black dress shoes – no tennis shoes

INFORMAL ATTIRE Informal attire is worn by 6th grade band students for all beginning band concerts. 7th and 8th grade students wear informal attire for informal events such as pep rallies. HPMS Band T-Shirt (current year) Denim blue jeans Tennis shoes – must be closed-toe shoes

CONCERTS AND PERFORMANCES

Concerts and performances are a necessary aspect of any performing arts group and are required for all band members. The band calendar is distributed the first day of school in both hard copy and electronic form. It can also be viewed on the band website (hpraiderband.org). Students should consult their calendars for dates and times. The band calendar is subject to change. All changes and updates will be communicated as soon as possible. EXPECTATIONS: • A “call time” will be communicated for all performances.

o “Call Time” is the time that the students are expected to be in their seats, ready to play. “Call Time” is not when a student should be entering the door.

o Typically, 10-15 minutes early is a good rule of thumb when planning arrival times for band concerts and performances.

• A logistics sheet, which contains all necessary logistics for the event, will be sent home for every concert at least one week in advance. Parents and students should read and be familiar with all information communicated in the logistics sheet prior to the event.

• Attendance at all performances is required • All concerts are extensions of the classroom and are graded accordingly • Punctuality is imperative to the success of ALL members of the band! • Students are expected to listen to all performing groups at the respective concert • Proper concert etiquette is to be exhibited by all band members both on and off stage • Cell phones should not be present in the auditorium during a performance

ALL-REGION PREPARATION GUIDELINES

• All Honors Band students are expected to prepare the music at a high level and audition for All-Region Band.

• Symphonic Band students are encouraged to prepare the audition material and can be invited to audition for All-Region Band by the Director of Bands based on quality of preparation.

• The Director of Bands has ultimate discretion regarding any student participating in the All-Region Band process.

• The All-Region band is the highest honor an individual middle school band student can obtain. As such, auditioning for All-Region Band is a privilege and deserves one’s best efforts and preparation.

• Honors Band students will be graded based on their preparation and/or performance of all of the All-Region Music. Preparation for All-Region will count as a series of major grades and culminate with an exam (also referred to as a “Mock” audition).

• Students who are selected as All-Region Band Participants by the judge panel are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances pertaining to this event. This is a TMEA Regional Event, and a distinct honor and privilege. Attendance (if selected) should take precedence over all other extra-curricular activities.

o Students who are selected to participate in this Elite group that do not attend effectively take the opportunity away from another student

RAIDER BAND FINANCIAL POLICY The Highland Park Independent School District (“District”) considers the instruction offered within the classroom during normal classroom hours to be curricular and the other instruction and activities outside the normal classroom hours to be co-curricular. Co-curricular activities therefore include all activities outside of normal classroom instruction. Included within these co-curricular activities is student participation in band contests. Such contests include, but are not limited to, Dallas Winds Windband Invitational, TMEA Honor Band, UIL Concert and Sight Reading. The Raider Band Booster Club (“RBBC”) funds expenses, not covered by the District, of more than $500 per band member per year. It is the strong desire of the RBBC and all associated with the band program, that none of our students miss out on the opportunities to participate band program due to finances. If you believe that a band member’s participation is contingent upon further modification of the band fees or fundraising goals, please privately contact the Director of Bands. REFUNDS The start of year registration fees and fundraising do not fully cover the amount of money it takes to run the band program. As such, refunds due to exiting the program can highly impact all students in the band program. Registration Fees • If a student has paid for band fees, but drops band prior to the first day of school, the student

will receive a full refund for band fees paid for the upcoming school year. (Funds paid for previous years cannot be refunded.)

• If a student exits the band program for any reason prior to September 30th, the student will

receive a 50% refund for any fees paid for the current school year. • If a student exits the band program for any reason after September 30th, the student will not

receive a refund. • The Director of Bands has ultimate discretion regarding student registration refunds. • Refunds will not be transferred to another booster club. Instrument Usage Fees • If a student exits the band program prior to taking possession of their school-owned instrument,

the student will receive a full refund of the instrument usage fee. • If a student exits the band program after taking possession of the instrument, a refund will not

be given. o After a student retrieves the instrument, it must be sent back to the music store and to

be cleaned again. o This creates an additional expense for the band program that might not be recuperated

by the band program. Donations No refunds will be given for donations made to the program, including optional general donations and optional credit card processing donations.

FUNDRAISING The Raider Band will host one major fundraiser, called the Practice-A-Thon in addition to several other, smaller fundraising opportunities throughout the year. Other fundraising opportunities include Amazon Smile, Restaurant percent nights, grant opportunities, and other similar options. All fundraising opportunities are a necessary aspect of the band program and help defray the immense costs that are required to run and maintain the band program. Funds raised help pay for the following: • Band Clinicians • New Instruments and Equipment • New Music • Technology • Instrument Repair • Fundraiser Rewards

• Raider Band Booster Board Expenses • Transportation to and from band

contests/functions • Student Parties • Professional Development • Band Publicity

Every student is expected to raise at least $120 through fundraising activities throughout the year. Direct donation may serve as an alternative to fundraising. Any funds donated to the MIS/HPMS band program will directly serve in the best interest of the Raider Band program and will go directly back to our band students. All donations are greatly appreciated! Amazon Smile Visit smile.amazon.com and add Raider Band Booster Club from Dallas, TX as your charitable organization. A portion of your purchases done directly through smile.amazon.com will be donated to the band program. Please make sure to bookmark smile.amazon.com. Purchases made through your Amazon account will only benefit the band if made directly through the Amazon Smile website.

BAND REGISTRATION IS DUE BY

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20

This can be your child’s FIRST 100 of the school-year!

Complete the steps below by August 20 to complete your child’s band registration for the 2020-2021 school year.

Read and go over the band handbook with your child Visit our band website and subscribe to our Google Calendar Mark your personal calendar with all Band Calendar dates Visit hpriaderband.org/raider-band-boosters/registration to complete registration. Pay your band fees either online or via check. (Checks can be paid on the first day of school) Make sure your child has all necessary start-of-year instrument supplies Follow us on social media! @hpraiderband Sign up for your child’s Remind group Make sure your child signs up for their Google Classroom page

Students will be able to join once district student accounts are activated for the year.

Add our Amazon Smile account to your Amazon account Bookmark the band website: hpraiderband.org