DAWSON MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND

STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK

2014-2015

Rebecca Click, Director of Bands

Eric Guerrero, Assistant Director

David Walker, Assistant Director

1

Welcome Letter

Dear Students and Parents,

Welcome to the Dawson Band Program! We are thrilled to have you as a part of our band family

for the 2014-2015 school year. This handbook has been written for the Dawson Middle School band

members and their parents with the intention of supplying information regarding the purpose,

procedure, and activities of band program. All band students and parents are urged to read the entire

handbook carefully to avoid conflict with the policies stated herein. Please retain it for future reference.

The CISD Band program has a long and distinguished history of excellence through hard work and

effort from its members. It is the job of each current member to see that this tradition is continued and

improved upon each year. The success of the Dawson Middle School Bands will only be determined by

the dedication, determination, discipline and pride displayed by its members, staff, parents, and

community. It is important to remember that each member represents what is best about young

people, our community, and the involvement in a musical organization. The goal of the band staff is to

provide students with the best music education possible, as well as directing students to develop their

character to the fullest extent through hard work, goal setting, cooperation and responsibility.

The DMS Bands are determined through auditions, which helps us to perform quality literature

from the wind band idiom. The bands perform fall, holiday and spring concerts, as well as UIL

Concert/Sightreading contest and various festivals. The Jazz Band and Percussion Ensembles perform

for the community and school district concerts during both semesters.

Members will have the opportunity to individually perform solo and ensemble literature at our

annual Spring Solo and Ensemble Contest. Students are also encouraged to audition for the CISD All-City

Honor Band and the TMEA All-Region Band. Being selected as a member of these elite groups is among

the highest honor a seventh or eighth grade band student can attain.

As a member of the Dawson Middle School band, you represent an exceptional school with an

outstanding band program with high standards of excellence. We look forward to you being a part of

our band as we carry on this great tradition.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Click Eric Guerrero

David Walker

2

Table of Contents

Welcome Letter ........................................................................................................................................ 1

Performing Ensembles at Dawson ............................................................................................................ 3

DMS Band Schedule .................................................................................................................................. 4

Band Supplies ............................................................................................................................................ 4

General Band Fee ...................................................................................................................................... 4

Band Equipment........................................................................................................................................ 5

Band Grading Policy .................................................................................................................................. 5

Objective Sheets ....................................................................................................................................... 6

Retesting Policy ......................................................................................................................................... 6

Participation .............................................................................................................................................. 6

DMS Concerts ............................................................................................................................................ 7

First Chair Test of the School Year ............................................................................................................ 7

Challenge Procedure and Policy ............................................................................................................... 7

Rehearsals and Performances................................................................................................................... 8

Sectionals .................................................................................................................................................. 9

Student Responsibility .............................................................................................................................. 9

Moving Up or Down in the DMS Bands .................................................................................................. 10

Band Travel ............................................................................................................................................. 10

Band Uniforms ........................................................................................................................................ 11

Fundraising .............................................................................................................................................. 11

Band Socials ............................................................................................................................................ 12

Communication ....................................................................................................................................... 12

Band Website .......................................................................................................................................... 13

Charms .................................................................................................................................................... 13

Remind .................................................................................................................................................... 13

Private Lessons ........................................................................................................................................ 14

A Note to Parents .................................................................................................................................... 15

Volunteer Opportunities ......................................................................................................................... 15

3

Performing Ensembles at Dawson

Wind Ensemble

Wind Ensemble is an advanced band and considered the first performing ensemble. Students

perform at concerts, contests, and pep rallies throughout the school year. The Wind Ensemble

participates in the UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest in the spring. Members of this

ensemble participate in the All-City and All-Region audition processes. Students also compete

both individually and in small groups at Solo and Ensemble Contest. Members of this band are

required to attend weekly sectionals. Instrumentation is limited to students who show

advanced performance abilities and demonstrate work ethic and leadership qualities.

Symphonic Band

Symphonic Band is an advanced band and considered the second performing ensemble.

Students perform at concerts, contests, and pep rallies throughout the school year. The

Symphonic Band participates in the UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest in the spring.

Members of this ensemble are highly encouraged to participate in the All-City and All-Region

audition processes. Students also compete both individually and in small groups at Solo and

Ensemble Contest. Members of this band are required to attend weekly sectionals.

Instrumentation is limited to students who show advanced performance abilities and

demonstrate work ethic and leadership qualities.

Concert Band

Concert band is considered the third performing ensemble. Students focus on improving skills

on their instrument through developing characteristic tone quality, technique and ensemble

listening. Students perform at concerts, pep rallies, and one contest throughout the school

year. Members of this ensemble are encouraged to participate in the All-City audition process.

This class is open to all students in the Dawson Band program.

Jazz Band

Students will learn various jazz styles throughout the year and the fundamentals for jazz

improvisation. Students will be graded primarily on class participation and concert

performances. All instruments are welcome. Membership is at the discretion of the band

directors.

4

DMS Band Schedule

The DMS Bands will meet during the following hours:

Jazz Band– 9:30-10:15 (2nd)

Symphonic Band- 10:20-11:05 (3rd)

Wind Ensemble – 11:10-11:55 (4th)

Concert Band – 12:50-1:35 (5th)

On occasion, it may be necessary to call extra full band rehearsals. These will take place before or after

school. At least one week’s notice will be given for these rehearsals so that students will be able to

make arrangements. Also, in order to help maintain a high level of performance, members of Wind

Ensemble and Symphonic Band will have one 60 minute like-instrument sectional rehearsal (see page 9).

Attendance at all rehearsals is mandatory.

Band Supplies

Each band student needs to have the following:

Instrument

Any accessories needed for your instrument (reeds, valve oil, stick bag, etc.)

1 One inch binder

25 top loading poly protector sheets

1 pencil bag

2 number two pencils (at least)

1 highlighter

1 box of Kleenex

Also, each student needs to have the book Foundations for Superior Performance: Warm-ups and

Techniques for Band by Richard Williams and Jeff King (also known as the Blue Book). Please purchase

this book for your instrument.

General Band Fee

In order to help streamline and reduce the number of times money is collected throughout the year, we

are implementing at $50.00 general band fee. This fee covers the cost of various expenses incurred

throughout the year, including band t-shirt, contest entry fees, recording fees, judges, clinicians, etc.

This fee does not cover band socials or piano accompanists.

5

Band Equipment

1. Instruments: Your instrument is extremely valuable and proper care should be taken to maintain its

value. Should your instrument need repairs, please consult a director to find a repair shop.

2. School Owned Instruments: Students who play school owned instruments should take the same care

as they would their own instrument. Students who play oboe, bassoon, tenor sax, bari sax, french horn,

euphonium, and tuba are required to pay an annual maintenance fee of $150. Percussionists pay $100.

This fee is non-refundable. This fee covers normal wear and tear of the instrument and the end of year

cleaning. The student is liable for damage due to negligence, carelessness or loss, but not normal wear.

The student must inform the director of any repairs needed immediately.

3. Instrument Storage Lockers: Each student will be assigned an instrument storage locker to keep their

band supplies during the day. Students are responsible for the cleanliness of their band locker. These

lockers should be used for their instrument and music binder only! No student may access another

student’s locker at any time, for any reason. Vandalism of another student’s locker will result in

disciplinary action. Students may choose to provide their own lock. The combination or spare key must

be given to the directors. Students are expected to take instruments and music home nightly. The band

directors and school district are not responsible for equipment or instruments that are left at any time.

4. Music and Binders: Each student will have a binder with 25 top-loading poly sheets to hold their

music. Your director will give you one copy of music per tune. We spend a great deal of budget money

copying music for students that lose their original copy. Students will be allowed one extra copy for

each piece if necessary. Abuse of this policy will result in grade deduction.

5. Band Hall and Practice Rooms: The primary use of these facilities is for group rehearsal and individual

practice for band students only. Students found disrupting any of these activities will be asked to leave

immediately. These rooms should reflect your attitude towards the band program. Show respect and

pride in keeping them neat and clean. No food, drink or gum is allowed in any band facility.

Band Grading Policy

50% Objective Sheets 30% Participation/Daily Work 20% Concerts/Performances

6

Objective Sheets

Each grading period, students will have a set of Objectives to perform. Objectives will be over band

music, all-region/all-city music, scales, technical exercises, or other materials determined by a director.

Students will perform their requirements for a director during class time or sectionals. If a child is absent

or physically prohibited from performing their test, a make-up time will be established between the

child and his/her director. These tests will be 50% of your grade during each nine weeks, so please make

sure that you are prepared. Elements of the Objectives may be used for chair placement throughout the

year that the directors’ discretion. Testing procedures, policies, and objectives are subject to change as

needed.

Retesting Policy

Students will have the opportunity to test up to three times per objective to achieve a higher grade.

Students will have one week to retest after their initial attempt. Should the student wish to retest a

second time, they will have an additional week to do so. The highest score will be accepted as their final

grade.

Other important Items to note:

Individual objectives are each worth a test grade.

Students may only retest to improve their GRADE, not alter a chair placement.

All testing and retesting must be complete by the end of the grading period.

Participation

Each week students will be given a weekly participation grade. All students will start the week with a

100 for weekly participation. The following will negatively affect your participation grade:

Not having music in class (-20)

Not having instrument (-25)

Leaving materials out (-10)

Instrument stored incorrectly (-10)

7

No pencil or highlighter in class (-10)

Locker left open (-5)

Needing excessive copies of music (-5 per page)

Students with less than 100 points may choose to speak to a band director for ways to earn back lost

points.

DMS Concerts

Each year the Dawson Middle School Bands perform at three annual concerts. The fall concert

(October) the winter concert (December) and the spring concert (May). All students are required to be

at each concert as they are graded. Students are graded for being on time, dressed appropriately, and

having all their materials. Students are expected to stay for the entirety of the concert. Please make sure

that you have checked the dates for each concert and that there are no conflicts.

First Chair Test of the School Year

During the week of September 2nd, we will have our first chair test. Each student will perform two

major scales, the chromatic scale, and selections from the book, “Foundations for Superior

Performance” (blue book). After all students have tested, we will determine chair order in each section.

If a student has performed exceptionally well on this test, and instrumentation allows, we will move a

child up to the next band. We will also move a child down a band if he/she has not done any work on

preparing this music.

Challenge Procedure and Policy

Students who feel they deserve advancement within their section of their current band may challenge

the person sitting ahead of them. The challenge procedure is as follows:

1. Obtain a challenge form. Both participants must sign, and then return the form to your director.

2. The director will post the form with all the required music, scales, date and time needed to

perform the challenge.

3. A challenger/challengee who loses must wait 1 week before submitting another challenge form.

The winner may immediately challenge the next person.

4. Forfeiture will result if a person does not show up to the challenge or does not sign the form.

5. In case of a tie, a tie breaker will be assigned at the director’s discretion.

8

Rehearsals and Performances

Rehearsal time is limited, so it is extremely important that we utilize each rehearsal to its fullest extent.

Only through quality rehearsal time can quality performance be achieved. Guidelines are established so

that each member can be sure to understand fully what is expected of them by the staff. The guidelines

are as follows:

1. Follow directions of all instructors.

2. Be on time to each rehearsal/performance.

3. Have all materials and equipment for all events.

4. Show respect for other members of ensemble.

5. No damage or defacing of school/others property.

6. Keep track of all personal materials.

Consequences for not following these guidelines are:

1. Personal warning.

2. Loss of participation points.

3. Removal from rehearsal, writing assignment.

4. Conference with parents and directors.

5. Removal from organization.

Performances are the tangible outcome of all the hard work and effort expended by students and

directors. The only outcome sought is that of excellence. When performing, students should always

remember that they represent our school and community and will act accordingly. Any actions that

could even remotely detract from the image that we strive to display will not be tolerated. In addition

to the above guidelines, students should thoroughly read and understand the following rules pertaining

specifically to performances;

1. Be early

2. Be courteous and polite to everyone/other school groups.

3. Maintain a performance atmosphere on stage.

4. Follow all instructions of the directors, chaperones, and administrators.

Deviation from these rules will result in the consequences stated above or immediate removal from the

organization.

9

Sectionals

Sectionals are like-instrument rehearsals to help with all-region, all-city audition music, their band

music, and to test objectives. Members of the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band are required to

attend a weekly sectional year round. Concert band students are invited to attend sectionals in the fall

to prepare for All Region and All City auditions. In the spring, Concert band sectionals will be called as

needed. One week’s advance notice will be given for all required concert band sectionals.

These rehearsals will either be before or after school. Morning sectionals will run from 7:15-8:15. After-

school sectionals will run from 3:45-4:45. Sectional schedules will be passed out at the start of each

semester. Sectional schedules are subject to change at any time. One week’s notice will be given should

a sectional schedule need to change.

A separate weekly participation grade will be given based on attendance. Students are expected to be in

chairs, warming up prior to the start of sectionals. Three unexcused tardies equal one unexcused

absence. Unexcused absences from sectionals will result in a 0 for their weekly sectional grade. Three

unexcused absences may result in dropping a band. Absence from a sectional must be communicated in

writing to your student’s band director. Your director will notify you if the absence is excused or

unexcused.

Examples of excused absences include:

Absence from school the day of the sectional

Medical/Dental appointments (absence must be communicated one week in advance)

Approval from a band director.

Examples of unexcused absences include (but not limited to):

“Forgetting”

Oversleeping

Leaving for Tutorials (unless approved in advance by your band director)

Student Responsibility

Students are encouraged to plan ahead and know their obligations for band, other school activities and

personal schedules such as vacations, doctor appointments, etc. The director must be notified in writing,

at least one week prior to the potential conflict. Last minute notification will not be tolerated and will

result in a parent conference. Should a student be excused from a performance, that student must

perform for a band director for graded evaluation.

10

Moving Up or Down in the DMS Bands

Current band students will have the opportunity to move up or down after the first chair of the year.

Moving up or down will be done at the director’s discretion after the audition. Band staff will also be

evaluating the students daily. If there is a need to add instrumentation to an upper band, students who

display outstanding performance, leadership and the desire to work on more difficult music will be

asked to move up.

Students who do not “keep up” with their band’s music through class work and tests will be moved

down bands. Students with disruptive behavior will be asked to leave the band program. Movement

between bands can occur at any point in the school year.

Band Travel

Several times during the year the bands will be traveling to concerts and contests. We will be traveling

either by school bus or motor coaches.

Bus Rules:

Do not move from your assigned seat or stand while bus is moving.

Keep feet/hands inside bus at all times

No loud voices or singing.

No gum, food or drink.

Unload when director instructs

Violation of any of these rules will result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to, verbal

warning, parent phone call, removal from event, revoking of travel and event privileges, or removal

from band program.

All students must ride to/from the activity. Students may ride with their parents with written

permission - given a week before the event.

11

Band Uniforms

The Dawson band uses three different uniforms throughout the year:

Band T-Shirt: All Dawson Band students are required to purchase a band t-shirt. We typically ask

students to wear jeans and sneakers in conjunction with the t-shirt. Band t-shirts are worn at

pep rallies, spirit days, and informal performances.

Band Polo: All Dawson Band student students are required to have a band polo. Returning 8th

graders do not need to purchase a band polo unless they need a different size, or cannot locate

it. All incoming 7th graders need to purchase a band polo. In conjunction with the polo, students

will wear black dress pants (no black jeans), black socks, and black dress shoes. Band polos are

worn at all band contests, the fall concert, and other performances.

Formal Wear: For our winter and spring concerts, we ask students to dress in formal attire.

School dress code applies to all concerts. Guidelines are as follows:

o Ladies:

Nice blouse and dress pants

Blouse and Skirt

Formal Dress

Dress shoes

o Gentlemen:

Polo and dress slacks

Shirt, tie (optional jacket), dress slacks

Dress socks and shoes

o For All Students:

No Jeans or shorts

No T-Shirts

No tennis shoes or “flip flops”

Fundraising

Our band participates in many special events, requiring funding beyond that which is provided by Carroll

ISD. Fundraising is a vital part of the success of our band program. If everyone does their part in meeting

the goals asked for on the fundraiser, the band will be able to operate and meet the expectations set

before them. All students in the band program participate in fundraisers. Students may participate in

only one band fundraiser per year. Fundraiser earnings pay for transportation to contests, clinicians,

band socials, new music, equipment, and other necessary supplies.

12

Band Socials

The Dawson Band hosts two major social events during the year, the Fall Social and the End of the Year

Celebration. The purpose of these two events is not only to reward students for their hard work over the

fall and spring semesters, but to encourage the student bond that is part of being a member of the band

program. In previous years, the fall social has been the Masquerade Ball, and the end of year celebration

has been at NRH20.

In order to participate in these social events, students must be in good standing with the DMS band.

Throughout the year, they must attend all required events, such as contests, rehearsals, sectionals, etc.

In addition, they must not have a history of discipline issues not only within the band program, but

within Dawson Middle School. Final decisions concerning student attendance are at the discretion of the

DMS band staff.

Students may be permitted to bring one guest from outside the band program to social events. The

band staff will discuss guest guidelines prior to each event. Band students are responsible for their

guest’s behavior and will be held accountable for their actions. Final decisions concerning guest

attendance are at the discretion of the DMS band staff. Directors reserve the right to refuse any guest

request for any reason.

Communication

With the number students in our band program, we receive many phone calls and emails. Our goal is to

respond to you in a timely manner. We do most of our contact through email.

You may email at the following addresses:

Rebecca Click: rebecca.click@southlakecarroll.edu

Eric Guerrero: eric.guerrero@southlakecarroll.edu

David Walker: david.walker@southlakecarroll.edu

Call during a conference time: We are not always near a phone during this time, but it is the best time to

try to reach us. We may use conference time for an emergency trip to the music store and other band-

related errands. In general, we are teaching every period of the school day. Mrs. Click’s conference

period is 9:45-10:20, and Mr. Guerrero’s is from 12:00-12:45. Regardless of what time you call, you may

always leave a message on our voice mail and we will return your call as soon as possible.

Mrs. Click: 817-949-5564

Mr. Guerrero: 817-949-5563 (Dawson Office)

Dawson Middle School: 817-949-5500

13

Band Website

www.dawsonband.org

In keeping up with the technological norm, we are constantly working to increase visibility of our

program through the internet. Students and parents should use this forum to keep up with current

activities. The official band calendar will be on this site as well as many documents, links, and resources.

The official band calendar can be downloaded or merged into many current smart phone and

computer calendar applications.

Clicking on an event on the official calendar brings up the details for that event, such as times,

attendance requirements and equipment/uniform necessities.

Throughout the coming school year there will be information about upcoming contests, rehearsals,

concerts, and calendar updates. All announcements in class will be posted on the front page of the

website. Please check the website on a weekly basis for the most up to date information.

Charms

Charms Office Assistant (www.charmsoffice.com) is the data management system we use for many

organizational aspects of the band program. In order to receive band emails, it is imperative that your

parent/student contact information is up to date in the charms system. Please follow the steps below to

log in to your child’s Charms account:

1. Type in www.charmsoffice.com in your web browser.

2. On the homepage, click ”Enter/Login” and select “Parent/Student/Member Area”

3. Enter the school code: dawsonmsband

4. You will come to a page that asks for a student area password. The password is your student’s

Carroll student ID number. After your first login you may change the password if you choose.

5. On the next page you should see your child’s name on the top right hand corner. This page has

several options to explore. To make sure your student’s information is correct, click on “Update

Info”.

6. Please make sure the correct email addresses and phone numbers for both students and

parents.

Remind

We would highly recommend both students and parents sign up to receive Remind (formally

Remind101) texts from the band staff. Remind is used only for urgent communication. To subscribe, text

@dawsonmsband to 817-918-4545.

14

Private Lessons

The private lesson enrichment program is offered to all CISD band students. This program is the

absolute most important facet in improving the quality of individual student musicianship, and thus, the

band program in general. Parents are highly encouraged to consider private lessons for their child, in

order to gain the most improvement and quality participation out of the band program.

Here are some specifics on the private lesson program:

Private lessons are offered to all band students on a voluntary basis.

Lessons will be taught once a week before and after school, or during a student’s band class.

Private lesson teachers are interviewed and screened by the directors for quality pedagogy and

professionalism.

Lessons will be scheduled to accommodate parents, students and the teacher’s schedule.

Purposes of the private lesson program:

To continue to improve the quality of music education at CISD.

To provide for individual differences of music students.

To boost the achievement level of all music students.

To aid the student in attaining the musical goals set forth in the TEKS.

To provide private lessons in the school building, allowing students to take advantage of the

convenience and expense factors lost by traveling elsewhere for instruction.

To provide the school with control over the quality and cost of private instruction.

To provide the student with one-on-one guidance by a specialist on the student’s instrument.

Cost:

The cost will be $20 per lesson. Lessons before or after school are thirty minutes. For the convenience

of lessons during the school day, students will receive a 22 minute lesson, at the same cost of $20.

Payment will be made directly to the private lesson teacher. It is the responsibility of the private lesson

teacher to keep accurate records of the transactions and furnish proper receipts to the parent.

Teachers must be notified 24 hours in advance if a student will be unable to attend his/her lesson. If

not, the student/parent will be responsible for the cost of the lesson.

15

A Note to Parents

Parent involvement and interest in their student’s musical growth can be the single most important

factor in their total musical education. When parents are actively involved in their student’s musical

endeavors, the chances for success are exponentially greater than for the student whose parents show

little or no interest at all.

Students are learning more in the band hall than how to just blow a horn or beat a drum. They are

developing ‘life skills’ like discipline, team work, responsibility, self-confidence, social skills, and critical

thinking skills. It is the director’s goals to help each student develop in these areas and we know if we

work with you as a team we can be successful.

Many times parents say things like: “The only thing I ever learned to play was a radio.” or “I couldn’t

carry a tune in a bucket!” For those of you who feel you fit in this category, here’s some good news. It

doesn’t matter! What is important is that through your actions, you can show your child that you care

about their musical development

There are many ways to do this. You can show your support by attending concerts and contests with

your child. As much as possible, try to provide equipment and accessories that they may need. Give

them a productive place in which to practice. Praise your child when they practice regularly an offer a

little positive reinforcement when they don’t. Ask your child how things are going in band class and

have them play for you. Parents do not need any prior musical experience in order to effectively

support their child’s development.

The directors, through this handbook, phone calls, parent meetings, and website want to improve

communication between the staff and parents. The goal is to keep you informed about your child’s

band activities so as to facilitate your involvement in their musical education. Remember, you can be

the most important figure in your child’s musical growth, and if we work together, we can make your

child’s musical experience at DMS a success!

Volunteer Opportunities

As stated earlier, parent involvement is the key to a successful program. We have various opportunities

to get involved in the planning and execution of band events and activities. Listed below are just a few

of the events we have and opportunities to volunteer your time:

Data Entry DMS Band Auditions Hosting All City Auditions Band Picnic Hosting All Region Phase One Auditions End of the Year Celebration Fall Social Solo and Ensemble Chaperoning Band Competition Equipment Logistics for Band Contest … Just to name a few!