Morehead Raider Beginning Band Handbook 2017-2018

Dionne Saenz, Director Office Phone: 236-3500, email: dsaenz13@yisd.net

Ana Escobedo, Director Office Phone:236-3500, email: alescobedo@episd.org
Welcome to the Morehead Raider Band Program! I am excited about the upcoming
year and delighted to have you as a member. In the Raider band we strive for excellence
while establishing a strong foundation of responsibility, self-discipline, proper conduct,
and musicianship. This handbook is intended to let you know how things will work in our
band. Please take time to look through it and complete the information pages provided.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me through e-mail or phone. I am
always happy to discuss our program and answer any questions you may have.

Sincerely Yours,
Mrs. Dionne Saenz & Ms. Ana Escobedo
Band Directors Morehead Middle School

EXPECTATIONS FOR BEGINNING BAND

This class is open to students interested in learning how to play flute, oboe, clarinet,
trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion. Alto sax will be available for
students that have completed half a year on clarinet and have excelled on that instrument.
The major focus points are posture, breathing, tone production, reading musical notation,
and developing listening skills. Performances may include a Holiday Concert, Spring
Concert, EPISD Solo and Ensemble, and in school performances.

CLASS RULES
1. Enter the band room quickly and quietly.
2. Bring your materials everyday. (Instrument and accessories, binder, book, music,
pencil).
3. Listen and follow directions.
4. Raise your hand before speaking or leaving your seat.
5. Respect your classmates and teacher.
6. Keep your hands, feet and objects to yourself.
7. PRATICE A MINIMUM OF 20 MINUTES A DAY 5 DAYS A WEEK!

CONSEQUENCES
Consequences for violation of classroom procedures will include the following:
>Verbal Warning
>Writing Assignment
> Teacher/Student Conference
>Parent notification and discussion
>Disciplinary referral
>Teacher/Student /Principal conference
>Teacher/Student/Principal/ Parent conference

GRADING SYSTEM
Nine-week grades will be based upon the assignments given that period. These
assignments will include class participation, in-class playing assignments, out of class
playing assignments, chair tests, written work, and performance participation. Possible
point deductions may include no music or binder in rehearsal, no music in a performance,
no instrument or equipment, instrument left in school overnight, chewing gum, no
pencil in class or rehearsal, equipment/music not put away, improper dress for
performances (student will not be allowed to perform), disruptive in a rehearsal or
performance. THE MAJORITY OF YOUR GRADE IS DEPENDENT ON YOUR
PARTICIPATION!

SECTIONALS

Sectionals are extremely important to create an OUTSTANDING BAND. Attendance is

mandatory for all sectionals and will be graded as an extension of the
classroom. After school and non-sports activities must be avoided as much as
possible. This includes detention and tutoring. Sectionals will be held once a week for
every student in the Concert Band. Sectionals allow the directors to work with students
in smaller groups to help them progress faster. Sectionals will be from 3:00 p.m.-3:45
p.m. The sectional schedule is as follows:

Monday-Flutes/Clarinets
Tuesday- Trumpet/French Horn
Wednesday-Trombone/Baritone/Tuba
Thursday- Percussion
Friday- Oboe/Bassoon

PERFORMANCES
PERFORMANCES PARTICIPATION IN BAND EVENTS IS REQUIRED FOR
ALL BAND MEMBERS. FAILURE TO PARTICIPATE WILL CAUSE YOUR
GRADE TO BE REDUCED. Excused absences will be accepted for personal illness,
conflict with other school activities, and academic ineligibility (off campus performances
only). Absences will not be excused for reasons such as transportation, waking up late,
memory slips, babysitting, and conflicts with non-school activities. Please contact the
director before an absence from an event.

CONCERT ATTIRE
The concert dress will be: Black Pants, Black Socks, Black Dress Shoes, and the band
t-shirt tucked in with a black belt.
Jeans are not allowed in a performance. All performances are considered to be a special
occasion.

SUPPLY FEE:
A band fee of $25.00 per student will be required. This will pay for each student's band
binder with 10 page protectors, band shirt, a pencil, nametag, method book, and all
music. Please make all checks payable to the Morehead Middle School Band.
An additional supply list for each instrument will be included along with a letter from
identifying the instrument your child will be playing. Each student is responsible for
having his/her supplies in a timely manner. Please make sure you have the correct
materials for the correct instrument. You may purchase supplies at Olivas Music, Birdies
Music, or Whites Music Box.

BAND FOLDERS
Each student is required to have a black 1 inch three ring binder with 10 page
protectors. THESE WILL BE PURCHASED THROUGH THE SUPPLY FEE. These
folders are for band and band only! Each student must have his or her name and class on
the front cover of the folder. This folder will be for all method books, concert music,
handouts, assignments and practice logs. Putting method books and other types of
music in your instrument case will cause damage to your instrument! Folders will be
graded periodically for organization and for having all the proper materials.
METHOD BOOKS AND CONCERT MUSIC
The Method Book we will use this year is: Standard of Excellence Book 1. This will be
purchased through the supply fee. Method books and instruments are to be brought to
class everyday. The band director will provide all concert music and handouts.

INSTRUMENT RENTALS-
PLEASE DO NOT RENT AND INSTRUMENT UNTIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED A
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR TELLING YOU WHICH INSTRUMENT YOUR
CHILD WILL PLAY.

After we have selected the instrument we take a lot of time discussing maintenance and
proper care of the instrument. If your child tries to assemble the instrument without
proper guidance, this will most likely lead to damage and may cost you money!
It is highly encouraged for a student to rent an instrument from a reputable music
store. Instruments purchased at non music stores are cheaply made and once they
break, it is difficult to find replacement parts. You may rent an instrument at Olivas
Music, Berties Music, or Whites Music Box. If you are unable to rent an instrument,
please speak to the band director.

SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS
School owned band instruments will be issued based on the instrumentation needs of the
band and the availability of the instrument. No student is guaranteed the use of a school
instrument unless they play tuba. Students using school instruments will be responsible
for repair assuming the instrument was given to them in playing condition. There will be
a $45.00 rental fee for the year for all school owned instruments. ALL SUPPLIES
MUST BE SHOWN TO THE BAND DIRECTOR BEFORE A STUDENT
RECIEVES A SCHOOL INSTRUMENT. If the school instrument is lost or stolen
while in the students possession, that student is responsible for replacing that instrument.
Students must demonstrate GREAT behavior while using a school instrument.

REPAIRS
In the event that an instrument must be repaired, a note, repair tag, or claim check
number from the repair shop must be presented to the band director. If another student in
the class damages an instrument, that student will be held responsible for any repair due
to the damaged caused. The band director must be notified immediately if an instrument
is not in playing condition or is damaged.

INSTRUMENT INSURANCE
It is suggested that parents purchase maintenance and theft insurance for their childs
instrument. Although many homeowner policies cover musical instruments, the
deductible is rather high, in many cases, exceeding the value of the instrument. Local
music retailers may have applications for this type of insurance. This insurance is not
required and is in no way affiliated with the Morehead Band program.

EXTRA CREDIT
Students will receive extra credit for any public performance they attend that is relevant
to their instrument or band in general. If the student shows the director a program from
that performance they will receive extra credit. Extra Credit is always available to
students.

PRIVATE LESSONS
The director will always strive to give as much attention to each student as possible, but
between time constraints and size of the program, the director does not always reach each
individual student as often as needed. Private instruction is highly recommended by the
band director. Private lessons offer one on one instruction for the student by a
professional on their instrument! Although it is not required, if interested in private
lessons the band director will have names and numbers of musicians that provide such
instruction.

FUNDRAISING

There are fundraisers held each school year. Proceeds from fundraising will be used for
the purchase of band equipment, bus fees, contest entry fees and music as well as other
expenses which occur during the school year. Please make a strong effort to do your part
and turn in all FORMS AND MONEY ON TIME!!!

TRANSPORTATION

School transportation is provided for all competitions and concert trips to the elementary
schools. Parents are asked to complete the permission form on page12 in order to avoid
filling out slips for each individual trip.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS

Parent volunteers are a very important part of the success of the Morehead MS Band
program. Extra adult help will be needed in the form of helping supervise students at
concerts, contests and help directors with various tasks. If you would like to volunteer
please fill out the bottom portion of page 12 and indicate in which way you would like to
help. ALL PARENT VOLUNTEERS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE DISTRICT
EVERY YEAR. APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE THROUGH THE
EPISD WEBSITE.
 MOREHEAD MIDDLE SCHOOL BEGINNING BAND 2017-2018 CALENDAR

August 17 OPEN HOUSE 5:30 7:30 PM

August 21- First Day of School
September 4- Labor Day (No School)
September 5- Information forms and supply fee $25 Due
September 25 Fall Fundraiser Begins
October 13- End of 1 st 9 Weeks
October 26- Parent/Teacher Conference (early dismissal)
December 14- BAND CONCERT (5:30 call time 6:00 start in the GYM)
December 20- End of 2nd 9 weeks, Early Dismissal
December 21-January 3 Winter break
January 4- Students Return
JANUARY 27 - EPISD SOLO AND ENSEMBLE CONTEST AT FRANKLIN HS
(time of performance TBA)
February 22- parent teacher conferences
March 12-16- Spring Break (No School)
March 23- End of 3rd Nine Weeks
April 26 BAND CONCERT (5:30 call time 6:00 start in the GYM)
May 6- UTEP BEGINNING BAND FESTIVAL (Beginners only, time TBA)
May 7-11- STAAR Testing
May 14-18 SUPERIOR FESTIVAL AT WESTERN PLAYLAND (BOTH
BANDS, time and day TBA)
May 26- Half Day (early dismissal)
May 29- Memorial Day (No School)
June 1- Last Day of School/End of 4th 9th weeks
 Morehead Raider Band Parent/Student Contract

I have gone over the band handbook with ___________________________.

(Students Name)
We understand the importance of Band for which students earn grades that count
towards their overall academic performance. We respect and support the attendance and
grading policy regarding classes, rehearsals, and performances, as well as, the uniform
policy and home practice requirements.
As a parent, if a concern arises I will contact the band director to further discuss a policy
or issue.

______________________________ _________________
Parent Signature Date

______________________________ _________________
Student Signature Date

STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET 2017-2018

STUDENT NAME: ____________________________ ID#_____________________

CLASSROOM TEACHER:_______________________________

ADDRESS: __________________________________ ZIP CODE_____________

CELL PHONE: ______________________HOME PHONE: ___________________

STUDENT SHIRT SIZE: (if you are not sure I can size the student for you.)

10/12:_____ 14/16:____ SMALL:____ MEDIUM:____ LARGE:____XLARGE:_____

MOTHER/GUARDIAN NAME:_________________________________________

CELL PH._______________________HOME PH.___________________________

WORK PH.: _______________________E-MAIL: _____________________________

FATHER/GUARDIAN NAME: __________________________________________

CELL PH.: ______________________HOME PH.____________________________

WORK PH._________________________E-MAIL: ____________________________

(To be filled in by director)

INSTRUMENT__________________________SERIAL #: _______________________
 PERMISSION FOR STUDENT TRAVEL 2017-2018

(Please fill out and return by September 5th )

My child has permission to attend all officially approved band performances for the
2017-18 school year. The school also has my permission to transport him/her by school
bus. I understand the school is not responsible for any accidents.

____________________________________ _________________________________

Student Name Parent/Guardian signature

____________________________________ ________________________________

Phone number
_____________________________________________________________________

PARENT VOLUNTEERS

ALL PARENT VOLUNTEERS MUST APPLY AND BE APPROVED BY THE

SCHOOL. PLEASE CONTACT VALERIE HORN (HMS SCHOOL SECRETARY)
FOR DETAILES.

I am willing to help with the bands activities.

________________________________________ ____________________________

Parent/Guardian name Date _______________________

__________________________________

Phone Number __________________________________________

If yes, are you available during the day? _________

Here are different ways you can help:

_______Pizza Committee

_______Water Committee

_______Fundraiser Committee

_______Uniform Committee

_______Chaperone (must be available during the school day)

ALL NEW AND RETURNING STUDENTS MUST TURN IN THIS

FORM WITH THE TOP PART COMPLETELY FILLED OUT BY
SEPTEMBER 5, 2017. THE PARENT VOLUNTEER PORTION IS OPTIONAL.