This handbook is designed to acquaint band students and their parents with the standards and policies, as well as the organizational procedures that are involved with the band program. Please take the time to read this handbook. Complete the Band Contract at the end of this document and turn it into Dr. Leslie/Mrs. Angel on or before August 29, 2025.

To the Student:

Welcome to the Del Webb Middle School Band Program. As your teacher, I know that anyone who actively participates in band will enjoy the experience of being in a group whose members not only strive for a high degree of musical excellence, but also possess qualities of good citizenship. By working hard, trying your best and maintaining a positive and respectful attitude, you will become a successful musician.

A successful band depends on the active participation of all its members. I hope each one of you will be committed to the band by attending class regularly, practicing, and performing in our concerts. Also, remember we are in a learning environment; ask questions and respectfully voice your opinion. I will be challenging you, but I will also be learning from you. By working together, we can make the learning process fun and share our love of music.

To the Parent:

Welcome to the Del Webb Middle School Band Program. As the band director, I am here to ensure that your child receives a quality music education. The benefits to musical training are endless, and if taken seriously at a young age, can be an investment in your child’s future. Please encourage your child to find a quiet room where they can practice each day. It is also important to remember that learning to play an instrument can be frustrating and challenging at times, please encourage your student to keep trying, it will get better! Also, please take note of the band calendar. It is vital that students are at every performance, and they have support from family and friends.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to call me at (702) 799-1305 x 4040. If I am not available, please leave a detailed voice message, and I will return your call as soon as possible. You may also email me at <leslita@nv.ccsd.net>. I look forward to meeting you and seeing you at our concerts and other functions.

Sincerely,

Tracy Leslie, D.M.A.

Director of Bands

Band Remind Codes

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Course Scope and Goals:

Unlike any other subject, music gives students the opportunity to work with sound, to create sound and to express personal meaning, feeling and understanding through sound.

Beginning Band Course Scope:

This one-year course is designed for students with no previous band experience. The course involves applying basic fundamentals of music reading and the specific performance techniques of the instrument being studied. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This is an elective course appropriate for grades six through seven and may be repeated. BEGINNING BAND FAQ

Intermediate Band Course Scope:

This one-year course is designed for students who have successfully completed the skills required in beginning band. Areas of emphasis include intermediate fundamentals of music reading and the specific performance techniques of the instrument being studied. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This is an elective course appropriate for grades six through eight and may be repeated.

Advanced Band Course Scope:

This one-year course is designed for students who have successfully mastered intermediate band skills. Areas of emphasis include fundamentals of music reading, specific performance techniques of the instrument being studied, and advanced concepts of tone production and intonation. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This is an elective course appropriate for grades six through eight and may be repeated.

Band Course Goals:

To select an instrument based on individual characteristics of the student and demonstrate proper care and maintenance
To produce a characteristic sound on an instrument through the use of correct embouchure, posture, and breath support
To identify and interpret the note and rest values, meter signatures, and rhythmic patterns
To recognize the note names and produce the appropriate pitches for the practical range of the instrument
To demonstrate correct playing of scales and literature
To identify and interpret music terminology, tempo markings, and styles
To develop an awareness and understanding of proper intonation
To become aware of career opportunities in music
To develop critical and analytical listening skills
To develop an understanding of the relationship between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts
To develop improvisational and compositional skills
To develop an understanding of music in relation to history and culture
To utilize acquired musical skills in public performances

Performance Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

Contribute in a positive way, to the ensemble quality, balance, and overall sound.
Develop the incentive to reach the highest possible standards for both rehearsals and performances.
Develop self-discipline by functioning as a responsible member of the organization.
Experience successful achievement and pleasure through group involvement.

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Behavior Expectations:

Every student is an integral part of this band program. Therefore, it is expected that students will represent themselves as well as our ensembles in a manner that reflects the standards we strive for at Del Webb. Students should exhibit the qualities of an outstanding musician in the classroom and at all musical events both on and off school campus.

Band Class Standards:

Look - Look at the person who is speaking to you
Listen - Listen with your full attention
Respect - Respect others and their property
Participate - Participate in all class activities to the best of your ability

Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior:

Verbal warning and possible lowering of citizenship grade
Phone call/email/letter to parent or guardian and possible lowering of citizenship grade
Detention and possible lowering of citizenship grade
Referral to Counselor and possible lowering of citizenship grade
Discipline Referral and possible lowering of citizenship grade

Citizenship Grades are determined by the school wide Citizenship Policy

Severity Clause: Any student who severely disrupts the class to the extent that the educational process is disrupted, will be immediately sent to the office regardless of previous warnings or actions.

Rewards for Appropriate Behavior:

Verbal praise

Phone call to parent or guardian

Positive Referral
Awards, prizes, certificates

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Grading Policy:

Class Grades will be calculated based on current CCSD Grading Policies

Grading Scale:

A - 90-100% Excellent 4.0
B - 80-89% Above Average 3.0
C - 70-79% Average 2.0
D - 60-69% Below Average 1.0
F - 50-59% Emergent 0

Quarter Grades - Weighting:

20% Formative Assessments
80% Summative Assessments

Quarter Grades - Descriptions:

Daily Demonstration of Skills - DOS (Formative/20 pts per week) - GRADING RUBRIC
Weekly Playing Assessments (Summative/70 pts. each) Students have the option of performing any playing assessment earlier than the assigned date, but no later than one week before the end of the quarter - GRADING RUBRIC
Written Assessments (Summative/point values vary)
CCSD Middle School Festival (Adv. Band Only/Summative/500 pts.) - GRADING RUBRIC
Winter/Spring Band Concerts -See the Band Calendar (All Bands/Summative/500 pts per performance) - GRADING RUBRIC
Additional performances as added throughout the year (Summative/100 pts. per performance) - GRADING RUBRIC

Semester Grades - Weighting:

Quarter (9 weeks)……50%
Quarter (9 weeks)……50%
No semester exams
Semester grades of .5 or higher will be rounded up

Infinite Campus:

Grades will be regularly updated in Infinite Campus. Parents may access Infinite Campus with their personal codes. Parents can also request written reports.

After School Sectionals and Rehearsals:

While not required often, these sessions will allow us to focus on problems that we may not have time to address during class. We may also use this time to work with guest teachers, conductors, and performers. You will be notified well in advance of sectionals or rehearsals that do not occur during the school day. Each after school sectional and rehearsal will be calculated as a DOS grade.

Absences and Make-Up Work:

Summative work missed due to absence may be made up. Please remember that the educational experiences lost during an absence are irretrievable as the interaction in the classroom setting can seldom be duplicated. Being absent from school will not only have a negative impact on your education, but it will also affect the entire band.

Retakes:

You may retake any Summative Assessment for a higher grade. You have until one week before the end of the quarter to retake the test. You may retake tests before school, after school, by video submission and in class on scheduled retake days.

Make-up Mondays:

If you are absent on the day of a Summative Assessment, you will make-up your missed test on the following Monday during class. If you are also absent on the Monday following the test, you can come in before school, after school, by video submission and in class on scheduled retake days. Any missing assessments will be calculated as a zero until made up. Students will have 5 school days to make up any missed summative assessments, otherwise the test grade will be calculated as a zero.

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Daily Band Class Expectations:

Classroom Procedures:

Enter the room calmly and quietly through the double doors in the hallway once it is opened for you. Note: Gum and food are never allowed in the band room. You may bring water in a clear, closable container.
Place personal belongings underneath your assigned seat.
Get a music stand from the back of the room and all required materials (see below) from your band locker.
After assembling instruments, cases will go in an assigned location during class. You should have your music, method book(s), and pencil on your stand for every rehearsal.
During class, please raise your hand to ask a question or talk, and stay in your seat, unless you have permission to leave it.
When I dismiss you to pack up at the end of class, clean your instrument inside and out, return all band items to your band locker, and rack your music stand.
Return to your assigned seat for dismissal.
When I dismiss you, exit through the outside door to the courtyard.

Tardy Policy:

Consequences for unexcused tardies will follow the established DWMS Tardy Policy.

Bathroom Passes:

Students are expected to use the restroom between classes or during lunch whenever possible, however each student will be given two bathroom passes per quarter in band class. Any student who uses more than two passes per quarter or abuses the privilege will have their citizenship grade lowered.

Required Materials:

Instrument
Mouthpiece and/or reeds and ligature - reeds are to be supplied by the student
Neck strap for saxophone players (provided by student)
Soft cloth to wipe off fingerprints
Brass students will need an old cloth/puppy pad on which to empty their water keys, valve oil, slide grease and/or spray bottle
Cleaning kit
Advanced and Intermediate band percussionists will need all necessary sticks and mallets
Pencil with an eraser (never write on music with pen or highlighter)
Method book and sheet music: Organize your music in a band folder or binder; please do not fold or cut sheet music in any way (lost or damaged original publisher’s copies of sheet music will require a $5 payment for the replacement cost which includes shipping)

Detailed List by Instrument

Daily Demonstration of Skills (DOS):

Demonstration of expected skills during class, at after school sectionals or rehearsals, and at field trips or other band related events (you will be notified well in advance of after school practices and events that do not occur during regular class time as well as field trips or other special events): DOS RUBRIC

Fully and actively engage in band class activities by demonstrating:

Proper posture
Good hand position
Correct embouchure and breathing
A good characteristic sound
Proper care and maintenance of instrument, case, and music
Ensemble integrity

NOTE: If you have an injury that prevents you from properly engaging in class activities or you do not have your instrument because it is in the repair shop, a parent note will be required.

Unprepared for Class:

Students are expected to have their instrument and the supplies required to play their instrument - such as mouthpieces, reeds, music and neck strap - every day for class. The progressive discipline plan will be implemented for students who come to class unprepared (unexcused only):

1st Day Without Instrument Per Quarter:

The student will practice fingerings on a pencil during rehearsal
The student’s DOS Grade will be affected
Student will fill out a Citation Form

2nd and 3rd Days Without Instrument Per Quarter:

The student will complete a Rehearsal Observation Form
Student will fill out a Citation Form
The student’s DOS Grade will be affected
The student’s Citizenship Grade will be affected
Parent Contacted (letter/email/phone call)
A Minor Behavior Referral will be submitted to the SSO

Additional Days Without Instrument Per Quarter:

Referral to SSO
Student will fill out a Citation Form
The student’s DOS Grade will be affected
The student’s Citizenship Grade will be affected
Parent Contacted (letter/email/phone call)
Additional consequences as necessary and possible parent conference

Note: Consequences will start over each quarter, however any student that habitually comes to class unprepared may be subject to additional consequences such as SSO or counselor referral.

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Practicing:

Why Daily Practice?

Just as athletes must constantly train and work on technique in order to excel in sports, musicians must diligently practice their instruments in order to perform music well and develop muscle memory. The time spent practicing outside of class time is a major part of your responsibility to the band. Once a concept or assignment is presented in class it should be practiced at home so it is ready for the next class meeting.

CCSD recommends students to spend a minimum of twenty minutes per night, Monday through Thursday, on homework. Thus, students must take their instruments home and practice a minimum of twenty minutes each day. In order for optimal progress, students and parents should refer to the following schedule:

Minimum Practice Time for Optimal Progress:

Beginning Students: at least 20 minutes/6 times a week
Intermediate Students: at least 30 minutes/6 times a week
Advanced Students: at least 45-60 minutes/6 times a week

Practice Strategies:

Practice makes permanent!

Find a quiet place at home where you can practice without being disturbed by the television, family members, pets, or media.
Set clear and specific goals and objectives before you begin. Focus on what you need to improve, not what you can already play.
Start with a good warm-up. Focus your concentration. Use the warm-ups we do in class.
Select portions of your music that present problems. Practicing small segments that are difficult for you is more beneficial than playing through the entire piece over and over.
Practice slowly. Work slowly for accurate tone, intonation, and rhythm. Use a metronome and tuner!

Remember, it will sound “bad” at first! It gets better with practice!

Always listen to your sound. Keep concentrating on using enough air, a good embouchure, and good hand positions.
Record yourself. You will be able to hear much more detail in your playing!
Divide your practice time with a break.
End your practice by playing something you know well or go through larger sections of the music. Let the music flow!
Before you finish, think about what you have accomplished. Have you accomplished your goals and objectives? Be honest! If not, plan on working on your goals and objectives in your next practice session.
Practice a little every day, rather than a lot in one day. Practicing every day will help you progress quickly. The brain and muscles can only take so much in one session.

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Performances:

Band students are expected to participate in all scheduled performances for their band level. Please check the Band Calendar for updates throughout the year. Please note, the Winter (December 10, 2025) and Spring (May 13, 2026) Band Concerts are required for all students.

Expectations for Performances:

Punctuality
Proper Dress
Behavior
Performance
Clean-up
Evaluation

Students are required to stay for the entire performance in which they are participating. Leaving early will result in points being deducted from the performance grade.

Make-up for a Missed Performance:

Performances represent the most important all-inclusive assignment in band class. Additionally, it is impossible to replicate all of the work, preparation, and effort that go into a successful performance. Students who miss a performance may make up the credit by completing the following assignment:

The student will perform all music they were to play in the concert for me as their audience. This performance will take place before or after school, within one week of the date of the performance they were unable to attend. The student must schedule the performance with me in advance – the performance may take place before or after the concert date.
The student will complete an evaluation assignment that will demonstrate the necessary mental preparation that allows for a successful performance. This assignment will be filled out after the student has performed for me, relating to the level of preparedness on the part of the student.

Students who miss the performance and fail to complete the make-up performance assignment will receive a minimum F for the performance and a U in citizenship for the quarter in which the performance takes place.

Concert Etiquette:

The Del Webb Middle School bands strive to maintain the highest standard of performance and behave in a professional manner. Concerts are a way of showing our progress, developing performance skills, and making special memories. The slightest distraction can be frustrating to the performer as well as the audience, so we ask that both students and parents read and adhere to the following guidelines:

Call time refers to the time that you are to be in your assigned location ready to start, not walking in the door. Always be on time!
Arrive in concert attire and with all necessary materials (instrument, music, etc.).
Listen to and follow all directions.
Move quietly and calmly when entering and leaving the performance area.
Listen respectfully to the other groups performing. Talking, making noises, or moving around excessively is not only distracting, but is also rude and disrespectful to those performing.
Turn off all cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices.
Refrain from flash photography during the performances.

Concert Attire:

Beginning and Intermediate Bands:

All students will wear a black embroidered Del Webb band polo shirt for concerts. This shirt is to be worn with black slacks or black skirt, black socks or black tights, and black shoes.

Always tuck in your shirt
No jeans or shorts
No sneakers
Skirts must cover the knees while student is seated

Advanced Band:

As outlined in the Advanced Band Behavior/Performance Contract, the Advanced Band will be required to wear formal attire for concerts such as the Winter and Spring Concerts as well as the CCSD Middle School Band Festival. The estimated cost of this attire is $75 which will include:

Concert Dress - (worn with black flats - not included in price)

Concert Dress Shirt, Formal Pants, and black necktie (worn with black shoes and socks - not included in price)

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Instruments:

Instrument Policies:

Each student in the band program is required to have an instrument to play for the duration of the school year. Instruments may be personally owned, rented from a music store, or borrowed from the school. Once a student selects an instrument, switching to another instrument will only be at teacher discretion. No instrument is any easier to learn than another, so changing instruments mid-year only hinders a student’s progress.

Although the school has a limited number of instruments available for student use, I strongly encourage students to rent or purchase their own. The benefits of having your own instrument include being able to choose something of higher quality, which will in turn improve your overall sound. Having your own instrument will also allow you to practice over the summer. A student who owns his or her instrument also develops a strong sense of ownership and pride in their music making. Also, many stores have payment plans that apply rental fees towards purchase of the instrument.

I highly recommend that you purchase an instrument from a reputable music store. There is a list provided in this handbook or click here for a list. Our local music stores carry quality instruments for reasonable prices. Additionally, they will guarantee the instruments which will provide peace of mind when the instrument needs to be repaired. Also, these higher quality instruments will last for several years while instruments purchased from Amazon, eBay, Costco and other online or big box stores may be less expensive up front, but they will not hold their value in the long run. When purchasing an instrument, quality matters.

I respectfully ask that students not purchase Jiggs pBone, pTrumpet, or pCornet. These instruments are not suitable for daily band class. Additionally, I would suggest that students do not purchase instruments that are non-traditional colors such as red, blue, or green. In most cases, the color that is applied to an instrument is like a wrap on a car, with daily use, the “wrap” will begin to peel away and expose the underlying surface of the instrument. This can happen within 6 months to a year of daily use.

All students should bring their instruments to the Band Room (room 221) in the morning before school instead of carrying it around from class to class. The band room will open at 7:45 am every morning. Please use the outside door as the 200 hallway is closed until the warning bell. If I am in a meeting, I will return before the bell rings so that students may put their instruments in their lockers. If, on rare occasions, I do not return in time, students are responsible for coming to class on time with their instruments. Never leave instruments unattended or with a friend. This often leads to missing, stolen, or damaged instruments. After school, students should pick up their instruments to take them home for practice.

All students must attach a tag or label to the case that indicates name, phone number, and notates Del Webb MS. If you are purchasing or renting an instrument, I would recommend documenting the make, model, and serial number in case the instrument is lost or stolen. Tying brightly colored ribbon or yarn somewhere on the case, in addition to the personal tag or label, will be helpful in identifying your case and help prevent mix-ups. All students will be assigned a locker in the band room in which to store their instrument during the day. In most cases students will have to share a band locker with another student. Cooperation and consideration of other people’s property will be expected. If assigned a lock, students are asked not to share their locker combination with anyone!

School Instrument Loans:

Students who use a school instrument must return the CCSD Agreement for Use of Musical Instrument signed by themselves and their parent/guardian. The form will specify the type of instrument, the make and model, the serial number, the condition of the instrument and case, and a list of accessories included with the instrument at the time of loan. Use of the instrument is based on the following guidelines:

The student will practice diligently according to the instruction of the music teacher. If the teacher determines that the student is not practicing accordingly, the instrument will be returned to the director and the student will lose participation points. The student will not be allowed to practice the instrument until a note from the parent is received, assuring the director that the student’s practice habits will improve.
The parent and student will be financially responsible for any damage to the instrument while in the student’s care. This includes damage by siblings, pets, other students, or any other negligent handling of the instrument. Instruments are not toys and should be treated with great care and respect.
The parent and student will be financially responsible for loss of the instrument while in the student’s care. If loss of the instrument occurs, parent and student will be required to pay the entire replacement cost of the instrument.
The parent and student will return this instrument upon request of the music teacher, cleaned and in good playing condition. Normal wear and tear will be accounted for, but any severe damage will result in fines being assessed to cover the repair. The student will lose participation points for any time lost for repair of damages caused by student negligence.

When borrowing a school instrument, please take care of the instrument as if it were your own.

Instrument Care Guidelines:

Brass Care Guide

Woodwind Care Guide

All Instruments Care Guides with Pictures

Put your instrument in its case or bag when not using it. Always lock the case or zip the bag closed. Place the instrument case or bag on its side or flat. NEVER sit or stand on the case or use it as a footrest!
Avoid leaving the instrument in extreme heat or cold. Excessive temperatures damage instruments.
Avoid leaving the instrument in the car. Excessive temperatures damage instruments. The instrument could also be stolen.
Never balance the instrument against a chair, wall or other object. Never hang the instrument from a music stand or other object. Never set the instrument on its bell. It could fall and break.
Wash your hands before playing. Keep instruments away from food and water. If you have just eaten, wash your mouth out with water or brush your teeth before playing.
After playing, gently wipe your instrument. Brass players should empty their water key onto their rag/puppy pad. Woodwind players should swab out their instruments. Percussionists should store all sticks and mallets in a labeled stick bag. NEVER “clean” your instrument in the dishwasher.
Always place your reed in a reed saver or reed case. Never leave the reed on the mouthpiece for storage. Reeds that are left on mouthpieces will not dry and as a result will grow mold and breed bacteria! Reeds are expensive and need to be protected.
Treat the instrument and case with care and respect. Avoid throwing, banging, or hitting the instrument or case.

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Band Fee:

At the beginning of the year each band student will be expected to pay a yearly course fee of $40.00. The course fee will be used to provide students with the following materials. This fee can be paid online through the DWMS Webstore (LINK) or directly to the school banker:

Band Shirt ($15.00)
Cleaning Kit ($15.00)
Method Book/Music ($10.00)

Advanced and Intermediate Students: Purchase only the items you need from the above list.

The method books and cleaning kits can also be purchased at any of the music stores listed in this handbook.

If You Use a School Instrument:

At the end of the year a cleaning charge of $40.00 will be due in order to clean and sanitize the school instrument used during the year. Additional repair fees may be charged if there is damage to the instrument.

Please contact me directly if you are in need of financial assistance to help with the course fee.

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Additional Information:

Private Lessons:

It is difficult to cover all of the intricate details that are involved in playing an instrument in a large class setting. For students who are dedicated to learning how to play their instruments to the best of their abilities, I strongly recommend private lessons. The individual attention and expertise of a private teacher will be a tremendous benefit to those students who choose to take lessons. A list of private teachers will be available in the band room.

Section Leaders:

The success of the band depends upon student cooperation with the section leaders. Section leaders will be responsible for passing out and collecting music, communicating information to their section and many other important responsibilities.

Section leader positions are by audition or appointment.
Auditions are open to anyone in the band.
The section leader may be removed from the position at any time at my discretion.
There may be more than one section leader in any section.

Chair Placement:

Advanced and Intermediate band students will be placed in chair assignments by section for the year. Chair assignments are based on playing ability and instrumentation needs.

Fundraising:

Our band will participate in several fundraising events this year. Fundraising is very important because it gives our band the necessary funds to buy new music, equipment, and attend various field trips. On certain occasions, an account will be opened for each student so that a certain percent of the money that he/she has earned will go toward something for that student. Participation in fundraising is optional.

CCSD Honor Band:

All Advanced and Intermediate band students are eligible and encouraged to audition for the District Honor Band. All students planning to participate must get my approval, must adequately play all audition material and must be able to attend all Honor Band rehearsals and performances. Audition material will be available to the student the day after it becomes available to me (usually early December).

NMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival:

All band students are eligible for NMEA Solo and Ensemble. All students planning to participate must get my approval, and, if needed, provide his/her own accompanist.

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Local Music Stores:

Please note that Del Webb MS does not endorse any one music store over another.

Southeast Valley:

Kessler and Sons Music

9550 S. Eastern Ave, Suite #120

702-492-7263 (Kesslermusic.com)

(North of Silverado Ranch, next to Big 5 on the East side of the street)

Family Music Center

2714 N. Green Valley Pkwy

702-435-4080 (Familymusic.com)

(Next to Trader Joes on the southeast corner of Sunset and Green Valley Parkway)

Music & Arts

643 N Stephanie St Suite 13

702-450-2112 (stores.musicarts.com/Henderson)

(Next to Silver State Schools Credit Union across from the Galleria Mall)

West Valley:

Kessler and Sons Music

3211 N. Tenaya, Suite #105

702-242-2263

(NW corner Tenaya & Cheyenne)

Family Music Center

8125 W. Sahara

702-360-4080

Music & Arts

8700 W. Charleston Blvd

725-202-8632

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Calendar of DWMS Band Events for the 2025-2026 School Year

CLICK HERE for the Band Calendar

All dates are tentative and subject to change and dates may be added as necessary.

Parents: Due to the new CCSD Policy, if you think you will be interested in being a chaperone for any of our trips, festivals, etc. you will need to become fingerprinted and badged through the district. More information can be found online here: http://www.ccsd.net/community/protect-our-kids/

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Band Handbook Contract

2025-2026

Download a printable copy of the band handbook contract: