East Central High School

Hornet Band

Handbook for

Band Students & Parents

East Central High School - East Central ISD

7173 FM 1628 - San Antonio, TX 78263

www.ecisd.net/echs/band

Please visit our band website

www.ecisd.net/echs/band 

to view the most up-to-date online versions of this Band Handbook and other information of interest to the students and parents of the East Central Hornet Band.

ECISD Band Pillars of Success

(in alignment with the ECISD Athletic Pillars of Success)

Partnership with Band Students, Faculty, and Parents

• Band members will be expected to behave in a manner which will represent the team, school and community in an exceptional, positive, and productive manner. We want to develop exceptional people first, exceptional students
  second, and exceptional musicians third.
• A good working relationship with the faculty is vital. It is our goal to establish positive communication with faculty in order to help band members succeed.
• We will work with parents to create advocates of the program. Through frequent communication directors will show parents that we are proponents for the advancement of their band student, academically and musically.

Life Lessons/Character Development

Our directors will strive to make band members exceptional people first, exceptional students second. and exceptional musicians third. Collectively, we will be intentional in creating a culture of positivity, developing leaders, and being exemplars of grit. The primary ingredients in achieving this are attitude and effort. We will follow the formula E + R = O , which states:

The EVENTS that happen to us + our RESPONSE to them = The OUTCOME we get.

Representation of Community

It is a privilege and not a right to represent and be a member of a UIL organization at ECISD. Each band student is expected to demonstrate good bandsmanship, honesty, and integrity… all of which embody the standard for East Central decorum. Each student must abide by all applicable laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, policies and procedures, whether federal. state, local, school district, team, and UIL.

Community Engagement

As a community, we will strive to enrich students with respect for the surrounding community. We will help our students develop into ethical leaders and responsible citizens. We will make our community engagement
initiatives a top priority each year.

Performance Time

• Performance time is primarily dictated by a combination of ability, character, development in rehearsals, work ethic, and the virtues of safety, respect, and responsibility. As a non-negotiable item, performance time is awarded at the director's discretion.
• Varsity programs represent the highest level of competition and performance time will vary from player to player.
• Non varsity bands will serve as development organizations in nature.

Specialization and Commitment

We strive to support and promote multiple activity participation throughout our electives and sports. Participation in multiple activities aids in the development of motor skill acquisition and performance necessary for all activities.

The College Process

We will partner to assist and support students/families who aspire to play and perform at the next level. Students will be provided guidelines for utilization as potential collegiate students. The ECHS band solicits visits from local college faculties to recruit and promote their college and university band programs.

The Role of Non-Varsity Bands

Regarding Non-Varsity bands, ECISD recognizes these as valuable developmental years regarding motor skills, ability, and confidence. The nature of these opportunities are medium to high-level with diverse performance competitions.

The Role of Non-School Bands, Band Camps. etc.
East Central ISD values opportunities that contribute to the future success of Hornet Band members. These opportunities include, but are not limited to: non-school bands and organizations, drum corps, independent units, community bands, and participating in showcase tournaments and clinics. ECISD understands that participation in non-school bands provides value and many benefits to UIL band. Because of this, East Central strives to create a healthy, student-centered partnership with non-school organizations. Some of these local organizations include San Antonio Youth Wind Ensemble (SAYWE), Youth Orchestra of San Antonio  (YOSA), and local DCI units. Directors also encourage students to seek out local universities for resident or commuter summer band camp opportunities.

We encourage and support all students and directors to participate in training and competition beyond the East Central Bands. This provides a chance to build meaningful relationships with parents and other community members. In the event that there are scheduling conflicts between outside organizations and the East Central band, finding a resolution to the conflict will be up to the band member and director on a case-by-case basis.

Program Excellence, Awards, Wins & Losses
Excellence is a process, therefore if our program is to be excellent then we must have programs that promote growth and allow for learning from both winning and losing. Our program will not strictly be defined by results. Rather, we will be focused on an overall program filled with growth mindset objectives.

The Role of Middle School Bands
Our middle school programs can determine the success of the high school bands. Middle school programs must be tightly connected to the high school programs. All students will play at this level provided that they are eligible and their classroom behavior is acceptable. Middle and high school directors will work directly with each other to ensure vertical alignment in terms of philosophy, strategy, and training. High school directors will visit our middle schools to increase retention amongst 8th grade students and to ensure middle school and high school programs are cohesive.

The Role of 6th grade/Beginner Band
Beginner band class is a band class which is designed to prepare sixth grade students for future band programs. The purpose of the beginner band program is to provide students with a preview of UIL bands which they will be eligible to participate in the next year. Students will focus on character development, fundamentals, endurance, agility, and band skill sets. Where possible, the band directors and middle school administration shall host homogenous beginner band classes so the students can benefit from one-group  instrumental instruction (no more than two instrument families per class, considering two band directors at each campus).

Professional Training and Development for Staff
ECISD band directors will use the Texas Music Educators Association/Texas Bandmasters Association Professional Development systems as foundations for professional training and professional development. Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) and Texas Bandmasters Association (TBA) are TEA accredited entries for Continuing Education hours. Band Directors will be encouraged to attend specific training sessions applicable to them.

Attendance

• The band follows all school and district policies and procedures for attendance. When considering opportunities for leadership, advancement, and any other privilege or honor in the East Central Band, the first consideration is ATTENDANCE.
• Absences without communication can result in removal from a marching spot in the show. Continued unexcused absences from rehearsals and/or excessive absences and tardies at school will result in the removal of the student from the band program, to include the student’s band or colorguard class.

Band Boosters

• The East Central High School Band Boosters exist to assist the band directors in reaching the band program’s financial goals.
• The boosters usually meet on the 4th Tuesday of every month. The meetings are open to active members and begin at 7:00 pm in the East Central Band Hall.
• Support provided by the boosters includes financing of social events, hosting the East Central Golden Hornet Marching Band Contest and various UIL marching contests, and numerous other activities.

Band Classes

Wind Ensemble 

• The Wind Ensemble is the flagship group of the Hornet Band program. This band is known as the Varsity band. High standards are kept in order to maintain excellence in this band, and to display a role model group for all other East Central band ensembles.
• Selection into this group is by director recommendation, and demonstration of academic eligibility and proficiency. Members who do not meet the requirements of the directors’ recommendations, or who do not meet academic eligibility and proficiency may be moved into another ensemble.
• Rehearsals begin at 8:30am every day and continue into the 1st period class. Members are expected to be in their seats fully prepared to begin rehearsal at this time. Members with multiple tardies or absences to these rehearsals may be moved into another ensemble.
• Members of this ensemble will be highly encouraged to individually participate in the TMEA Region Band/All-State audition process and UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest. This ensemble also participates at UIL Marching Contest, UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest.

Symphonic and Concert Bands 

• Placement in these groups are also by director recommendation, and demonstration of academic eligibility and proficiency. Members who do not meet the requirements of the directors’ recommendations, or who do not meet academic eligibility and proficiency may also be moved into another ensemble.
• Members are expected to be in their seats fully prepared to begin rehearsal at the appropriate time. Members with multiple tardies or absences to these rehearsals may be moved into another ensemble.
• Members of these ensembles will be encouraged to individually participate in the TMEA Region Band/All-State audition process and UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest. These ensembles also participate at UIL Marching Contest, UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest.

Freshmen Band 

• All band students entering East Central High School in the 9th grade are enrolled into the Freshmen Band class for the fall and spring semesters. The majority of 9th grade band students will participate in the Freshmen Band for the duration of their freshman year.
• Members are expected to be in their seats fully prepared to begin rehearsal at the appropriate time.
• Members of this ensemble will be encouraged to individually participate in the TMEA Region Band/All-State audition process and UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest. This ensemble also participates at UIL Marching Contest, UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest.

Care & Conduct/Expectations

Band members will observe all policies set forth by East Central ISD, in addition to the following, as they pertain to the instrumental music setting. The student may be removed from the band and may lose all privileges associated with membership in the band upon a qualified infraction.

• Students in band serve as representatives of the school and school district at many public extra-curricular functions. Membership in these organizations is a privilege and it is within the right of any director to deny membership to a student if they believe that they would not positively represent the organization.
• Any behavior, which is not representative of good citizenship, as perceived by the band staff, may result in the student’s dismissal from the ongoing activity at hand, and possibly the band program. This also applies to the actions of band students in both public and private events.
• All students are expected to conduct themselves in the best manner possible. Displays of profanity, temper, flagrant violation of rules, etc., will not be tolerated. Individual behavior during a band function is a reflection of the group.
• Students will follow directors’ instructions.
• Students will be in their assigned rehearsal area ready to work at rehearsal time with all equipment, including instruments, music, pencils, and all supplies to rehearsals daily.
• Students will keep hands, feet, and other objects to themselves.
• Students will not use or play on equipment they do not own without permission from a director.
• Students will not touch, handle, borrow, or use anyone else’s instrument, uniform, or personal belongings without proper permission.
• When allowed in the band hall, either before or after school, students will not disturb any rehearsal in progress.
• Students will respect the property of others, and return their equipment to its proper storage place when not in use. Students should keep their equipment in the designated storage area, and keep said storage area clean and neat in appearance. Students who demonstrate difficulty with this may lose the privilege of having a storage area in the band hall.
• Students will not deface or mark on stands, chairs, walls, etc.
• All band students are considered marching band members. All students in the marching band must be enrolled in a band class at East Central High School. Marching band rehearsals begin in late July and continue throughout the summer months into the beginning of November.

Chaperones

• Staff members of East Central High School will be on a first-call basis as band chaperones.
• Students will treat chaperones as an extension of the band staff. Proper respect will be shown to all adults at all times.
• In order for parents/guardians to serve as chaperones, everyone must complete the ECISD VIP training, which facilitates the proper guidelines to follow when volunteering for the band.

Color Guard Information

Policies and procedures have to be put into place to provide a successful Color Guard season within the East Central HS Band program. All policies and procedures in the Band Handbook pertain to the East Central HS Color guard program as well.  The following information is more specific to the colorguard program.

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

Because of the nature of our class instruction, all colorguard students are asked to “dress out” every day like if it were a PE class. Students are given an extra 5 minutes at the beginning of class to change clothes. Students will be ready with equipment (flags, rifles, sabers) by the time warm-up begins. Students will be given a few minutes at the end of class to change back into school clothes.

MARCHING BAND

All band students are considered marching band members. All students in the marching band must be enrolled in a band class at East Central High School. Marching band rehearsals begin in late July and continue throughout the summer months into the beginning of November. The colorguard is an important visual portion of the halftime and contest shows. Band directors and staff have the highest expectations for the colorguard students. Rehearsal and performance attendance are expected. Absences without prior consent can result in a reduction in grade and/or removal from a marching spot in the show. Continued unexcused absences from rehearsals can result in removal from the color guard program.

WINTERGUARD

Winterguard auditions will happen right after marching band UIL Contests. The audition will be over a routine taught in class plus marching band rehearsal/performance attendance. If a student cannot fit their assigned colorguard period into their schedule, that student will be placed in the class immediately below the one in which they were placed that works with their schedule. (For example, a student makes the varsity team but cannot be moved to the class period for that team. That student will be placed on the JV team)

GUARD OFFICERS

Guard officer auditions will happen at the end of the school year to prepare for the following year.

Communication

The directors encourage positive and reciprocal communication, and we have set forth various sources of communication, such as:

• WEBSITE -  www.ecisd.net/echs/band 
• GOOGLE CLASSROOM - see directors for codes
• PHONE & EMAIL - Please refer to the Personnel section on page 2

Digital Citizenship

Any communication appearing on the internet is public domain, even if it is marked private.  Members are responsible for their personal internet postings, as well as postings from or on others’ internet sites. The topics of inappropriateness will include but not limited to:

• profanity, foul, or disrespectful language (abbreviated or alluding to)
• pictures
• suggestive poses
• clothing
• references to alcohol, drugs, and/or tobacco
• posts that demonstrate poor sportsmanship or a disrespectful attitude towards staff, other bands, or band members
• postings (either verbal or photos) that could be interpreted as being negative or threatening towards other ECISD teaching staff or band members

Any such incident will result in review by the band directors and/or campus administration and may lead to probation or dismissal from the band.

Band members that violate the above internet guidelines shall be subject to the following:

• Upon confirmation of a violation, the member will be asked to remove any offensive items. Parents/guardians will be contacted and made aware of the offensive behavior. In addition, the student will be suspended from future band activities for an indefinite period of time, depending upon the severity of the offense.
• Upon confirmation of a second violation, the member will be removed from band.

Eligibility

According to the East Central ISD Parent & Student Handbook:

“UIL rules state if a student is not passing, he/she may not play. Students who failed at the end of a nine-weeks grading period can become eligible at the end of the three weeks progress report period if they are passing all subjects. This allows students to regain their eligibility after three weeks of classroom assessment. Students will not lose eligibility at the three weeks progress report period; the report card alone takes away eligibility. Also, students who failed at the nine weeks period may still practice with the team. The calendar of eligibility dates helps explain the UIL ruling.

Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege, not a right. By state law, students must make a passing grade in all their classes in each grading period in order to be eligible to participate in any extracurricular performance or competition in the next grading period, unless the failing grade was received in a designated advanced or honors course. Students who are ineligible because of one or more grades below 70 will be allowed to practice or rehearse during a suspension, but cannot perform or compete. If the student raises the grade(s) to passing within three weeks, she or he will regain eligibility to perform or compete.
Many of our approved extracurricular activities have standards of conduct, dress, and grooming that are stricter than those that apply to all students. You and your child will be informed of those rules at the beginning of the semester, school year, or activity and will be asked to sign a form acknowledging that you are aware of those standards and know that violation of those standards will result in suspension or removal from the activity. These additional rules are authorized by the school board, which has delegated to the superintendent the authority to approve them.”

* Activities that are considered curricular components of any course are not affected by the eligibility law. Examples of theses activities are all rehearsals and performances that take place as a regular extension of classroom instruction. Any performance that is competitive in nature or for which admission is charged is deemed extra-curricular.

Facilities

• No gum, food, or drinks (except for water) are allowed in the band rooms other than the hallway, except when authorized by the directors.
• All trash goes  in the trash cans provided in each room.
• 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.

Financial Obligations

It is the philosophy of the East Central High School Band that no student should be denied the privilege of band membership due to financial hardship. For options in meeting financial obligations, parents should contact the head band director, or the East Central Band Boosters for finances made through the band booster club.

Grading Guidelines

Students will be expected to meet the responsibilities for each band class as determined by the director. Since band classes are academic music classes with some extra-curricular activities attached, the band student’s grade will reflect achievement in both curricular and extracurricular areas.

Instruments and Supplies

• Instrument and supply lists are posted on the band website.
• ECISD will provide a limited number of the other instruments for student use. All district owned equipment must be handled with optimum care. Students failing to take proper care of their school-issued instrument may lose the privilege to use such instruments.

The following is a list of general procedures for district owned instruments:

• It is up to the student to provide a mouthpiece for school-owned wind instruments.
• If possible, students who play large instruments may be issued one instrument for home use and one for school use. This will be at the discretion of the directors and will be based on instrument availability and transportation needs.
• Students must check out their instrument.
• Each instrument will be issued in good playing condition. Each issued instrument will be checked and cleaned prior to issue. Students are expected to maintain their issued instruments accordingly.
• The band member is responsible for all equipment and/or materials checked out to him or her. It is up to the student to let the band directors know when the instrument needs repair.
• All equipment and materials must be kept in their proper storage location when not in use.

Leadership

The high school band program at East Central provides many opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills with a variety of offerings. Students can audition and/or apply for both selected officer positions and elected officer positions. In this manner, students can not only serve their band program but also refine skills that they will be able to use in other school organizations, as well as in their future careers. Audition criteria is selected at the discretion of candidates based on their performance both during the audition and during their performance during the current school year.

Student leaders are held to higher standards of performance and behavior than a general band student. They are expected to be positive role models for all band members at all times. The must also have been eligible for both UIL Marching and Concert and Sightreading Contest prior to application. All student leaders are leaders throughout the school year.

Section Leader Expectations & Responsibilities:

• Must support and encourage the endeavors of the band directors for the success of the entire band program for the duration of the school year
• Must display good habits in the band program such as being on time to rehearsals, showing good practice habits in the band hall, and encouraging other band members to do things for the good of the band
• Must be a member of the band for at least one year
• Must be in good standing with the band directors
• Must be able to execute instructions from the staff or drum major and be able to convey these instructions to groups of students in their sections
• Must be socially mature in all cases (including social media) and must be able to separate personal conflicts from section relationships
• Must have a history of reliability. Exhibiting a good attitude and encouraging good morale within the band is a significant responsibility of a student leader
• Must be enthusiastic in his/her dealings with the section and others section leaders
• Accepts responsibility for the performance and behavior of the section
• Must be willing to accept new ideas in various capacities

Section leaders are determined by the band directors through an audition and interview process. Officers are determined first by audition, then by election from the band members. Any person in the East Central Band program who violates school rules and regulations, and/or disregards the East Central ISD ideals of safety, respect, and responsibility, will not be allowed to retain a band officer position.

Positions appointed by audition

Drum Majors

• Are the student directors responsible for many aspects of marching rehearsals and performances, including conducting the band at football games
• Are in charge of getting water coolers to rehearsal areas
• Assist Directors in any assigned duties

Section Leaders

• Are the “go to” persons for each section
• Demonstrate maturity and exceptional qualities in safety, respect, responsibility, musicianship, and marching skill

• Arrive at early to rehearsals and are ready to welcome members and take attendance
• Lead (or assist) their sections through musical/physical warm-up routines when necessary
• Assist section members in setting and cleaning drill spots.
• Assist individual section members with music learning/memorization
• Maintain discipline at all times, within section and in general field area
• Are prepared to run sectional rehearsals when needed
• Make sure that sections are seated together in the proper area and are ready to play when needed
• Coordinate with Librarians to make sure everyone has music

These student leaders are to help the band and band directors in the day-to-day operations of the band program. Although there certainly are other strong leaders in band, a strong leadership hierarchy is important to our success. If a band member has a complaint about a council member, they must contact a band director, who will consider the complaint and outline a course of action.

Letter Jackets

The goal is for our band members to earn their letter jacket by the end of the first fall semester, having completed participation in any capacity at the UIL Marching Contest without losing  eligibility, or lack of participation by absences. ECISD will budget the cost of the jacket and a letter patch, while the student will be responsible for any additional decorations added to the jacket.    

Marching Band

All band students are considered marching band members. All students in the marching band must be enrolled in a band class at East Central High School. 

Band classes are where playing fundamentals are taught and reinforced throughout the year, and where we prepare and assess the music for the shows that we perform. This is also where we determine UIL eligibility. This would not be possible if our band students were not present in band class. It is also a TEA (Texas Education Agency) requirement for band students to be in band class in order to receive their PE credit. After school rehearsals are primarily for marching drill preparation, and to rehearse with the dance team.

All members of the East Central Hornet Band will participate in some form at East Central football games, mostly as marching members on the field, in the front ensemble, or with the colorguard. All members will also participate in parades and pep rallies that feature performances by the Hornet Band.

Uniform Inspection

Prior to student departure for a marching band performance, students must pass a uniform inspection. In order to board the bus, students must have a complete uniform, music, flip folder, and other components for the marching performance. Students who do not pass the uniform inspection may not be allowed to attend the event. Students not meeting uniform, music, and loading guidelines may be subject to disciplinary consequences.

Football Game Procedures

Students will remain on campus after school on game days. Students are not allowed to leave campus before the game. This is in consideration of time, organization, and safety. Please do not ask for exceptions to this policy. Students who break from this policy may be handed consequential actions.  

• During inclement weather, a lightning warning may be heard at the stadium indicating that there will be a 30 minute delay. In this situation, the band will retreat to the band hall until an “All Clear” is given to return to the game. At no point will anyone be dismissed from the event during this time. In severe conditions, if the school administrator on duty determines that severe weather may affect the safety of the students and staff, the band director will be notified and only then may students be dismissed.

Meal Programs

• On home football game days, the ECHS Band Booster club will offer low cost meals through their Game Day Dinner club, which will feed students from a variety of restaurants. Please consult with the booster club on payment for this feature.
• On away game days, the ECHS band will provide a meal to students afterschool prior to boarding the buses.

Physical Education Requirement

Each student in the marching band is eligible to receive a physical education substitution credit (maximum 1.5 credits) in accordance with TEA guidelines. Students who do not participate at rehearsals and performances may be denied PE credit.

Uniforms

Marching Band uniforms will be issued during summer band camp. Band uniforms will be stored at school in the uniform storage area. Uniforms are sent to the dry cleaners by the band directors at no cost to the students.