Eagle Band Handbook
Dear Band Parents and Students:
Welcome to the 7th and 8th grade Cedar Creek Middle School Eagle Band! We hope that you have had an enjoyable summer and are looking forward to the upcoming school year.
Band is a valuable and enjoyable activity that provides students with many educational, musical, and social opportunities. While in band, students develop relationships with others and genuine joyous memories. Instrumental music instills the value of responsibility, cooperation, discipline, and constructive work ethic that engages students in group activities which support healthy /happy young adults.
We have three simple goals:
In our handbook, you will find policies, procedures and other important information for all CCMS members. Please take the time to read this material, as the success of our middle school band program depends upon each individual working toward the same goals.
Please SIGN and RETURN the attached Acknowledgement and Member/Guardian Information forms with your child to us no later than Friday, September 17th.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email.
With all best wishes for a wonderful year,
Jackie Fullerton jfullerton@bisdtx.org
Paul Fletes pfletes@bisdtx.org
Lucielle Lopez llopezhernandez@bisdtx.org
Benjamin Russell brussell@bisdtx.org
Bastrop ISD Mission Statement
As a leader in innovative, student-centered education, the mission of Bastrop ISD is to ignite a passion for life-long learning and to successfully motivate and prepare all students to compete globally by ensuring that they are engaged in diverse, rigorous, and relevant learning experiences that incorporate 21st century skills.
Philosophy of Music
Every aspect of music is important and will be emphasized at various stages in the student’s development. The core of the wind and percussion instrumental program is the concert band. From the experience gained in this ensemble at Cedar Creek Middle School, students will go on to perform in groups such as the high school marching band, symphonic and concert bands, jazz ensemble and various chamber groups.
The Cedar Creek Middle School music department stresses the advancement of the student’s abilities to function in both large group and small ensemble settings. Through the study of a wide range of repertoire, music offers a unique opportunity to challenge each student cognitively, effectively, and physically. It provides for emotional expression, intrinsic worth, and has a positive impact on individuals, families, communities and cultures.
We have 3 competitive ensembles at CCMS. The Honors Wind Ensemble (Varsity), Symphonic Band (JNon- Varsity) and Concert Band ( Sub-Non-Varsity). These groups will perform at pep rallys, football games, concerts and UIL Concert and Sightreading Evaluation. There is also a 4th band class for students who need more individualized attention on basic instrumental skills.
Symphonic and Concert Band Performance Expectations:
Honors Wind Ensemble Expectations:
- Attend a weekly sectional (most tests will be played off during sectionals)
- Participate in All District/ Region Band Auditions
- Performance of a solo and/or small ensemble
Concerts/ Pep performances:
Performance attendance is mandatory for all band members. A calendar of dates and times will be sent home so that parents and students may reserve those dates and times. Exceptions can be made through the consent of the directors before the night of the concert or in emergency situations. All students are eligible to participate in band concerts, regardless of eligibility. Any unexcused absence from a concert will result in ineligibility for the spring trip.
Other activities will arise throughout the school year, and we will make every effort to communicate these to parents as soon as possible. The band directors will work with other teachers, coaches, and the sponsors of other activities to give each student every opportunity to be a part of other groups. We understand that many of our students are involved with multiple extra-curricular activities and want to see all students successful in whatever interests they may have. Conflicts with regards to scheduling will arise throughout the year and we will make every effort to communicate these to parents as soon as possible. The band directors will work with other teachers, coaches and the sponsors of other activities to give each student every opportunity to be part of other groups. Please ask to receive a complete semester calendar from all your activities so that you can have the maximum amount of time to resolve potential schedule conflicts. If a conflict exists, please contact a director as soon as possible to make arrangements.
Academic Requirements:
In order to participate in co-curricular activities, a student must have been in attendance and have passed the number of courses required by state law and by the rules of the State Board of Education. (TAC Section 97.113) Students must pass ALL course work to be eligible to perform at certain events that fall under the No Pass/ No Play rule such as spring trips, Region Band contests, and some events that occur during the normal school day. The Texas Public Education Handbook considers rehearsals and concerts co-curricular for the purpose of evaluation of student progress. All students are required to participate in rehearsals and concerts. Students who are having academic problems in other classes are encouraged to take part in tutoring to regain eligibility. If you are unsure of where to find academic assistance, please contact your teacher and/or a band director so that we can provide any necessary assistance.
Instruments
Proper instrument care and storage is the student’s responsibility. Cases should be clearly marked with the student’s name. If needed, ask a director for a free name tag. No instrument should be used or handled by anyone other than the owner. Parents should keep a record of the make, model, and serial number of their child’s instrument. Insurance is recommended.
organized and safe.
French Horns, Baritones, Tubas, Oboes, Bass Clarinets, Tenor Saxophones, Baritone Saxophones, and Bassoons are expensive instruments provided to students by Bastrop ISD. There is a requested rental/maintenance fee of $60 for the school year.
Any damage resulting from carelessness or abusive behavior to instruments or cases will be charged directly to the student/parent. Students using school instruments must purchase their own mouthpiece and will have documentation signed by the parent accepting responsibility for the use of that instrument. Parents are responsible for instruments that are lost, stolen or damaged.
Repairs
If a student owned instrument requires repair, please consult the director first. Many repairs are simple enough for the directors to fix. If a director cannot fix the instrument, it can be brought to the music dealer from where the instrument was purchased. Most instruments rented through an outside business have specific repair plans included in the price of the rental. Please send a note signed by a parent verifying that the instrument is in for repairs. Any student that fails to bring a note will be given lowered participation grades due to lack of instrument. School owned instruments can only be repaired through the band office. Repairs to school owned instruments must be communicated to and supervised by a band director.
The following supplies are mandatory for all students for every rehearsal and performance:
Woodwind: Instrument, 3 to 5 good reeds, swab, binder/music (books), mechanical pencils
Brass: Instrument, valve oil, slide grease, binder/music (books), mechanical pencils
Percussion: Stick bag with sticks and mallets, binder/music (books), mechanical pencils
Each student will be required to purchase a 1 in black binder to hold their method book and all required music. This binder will keep all music and documents received in band class looking professional and organized.
Pep Band Performances: CCMS Eagle Band members will wear their band shirt and denim jeans to all pep performances. Please make sure that the denim does not have any holes or tears. If the event is outside please dress for appropriate weather. Directors will let students know if a different dress is warranted. Students may wear athletic shoes with the pep band uniform.
Formal Concert Performances:
Formal Concert Uniform for Ladies: School owned Black Dress. The student must provide black tights and black dress shoes.
Formal Concert Uniform for Gentlemen: Black dress shirt (purchased through the school($20), black satin long tie(provided by the school), Black dress pants, shoes and socks. Students must provide their own black dress pants, shoes and socks.
All Items must be black.
Appropriate discipline is an expectation for all students who are members of the Band program. To continue our tradition of success the band program demands the very best from our students both inside and outside the classroom. The band has a responsibility as a representative of our school and community. The public forms their opinion about our band, school, and community from the level of behavior we exhibit as a group. The band directors will show all students respect and expect the same from each and every student. The following list outlines our expectations of students:
all procedures and directives from band directors.
Consequences for refusal to follow appropriate procedures will directly reflect intervention via Cedar Creek Middle School discipline parameters. Which include : redirection, revisit social contract, positive reinforcement, warnings, parent notification/ conferences, detention hall, loss of privileges, and referrals to the office. Students displaying repeated problematic behavior will be advised and may face possible dismissal from the band program.
We will follow all discipline in accordance with BISD policies.
Grading Procedures and Practice Guidelines:
Grades for band classes are determined in the following manner:
Participation is an essential component of the band program. Participation/daily grade is based primarily on daily effort and performance. Points will be deducted for the following:
Practice Guidelines for Students:
Incorrect habits are sometimes more easily developed than correct habits, and a habit is hard to change. Students should make sure to engage themselves in their practice by doing the following:
Repetition of a problem area reinforces both muscle and mental memory.
Chair tests are weekly assessments of student performance. Testing assignments will be given one week in advance. Students will be heard by a director and given a grade based on their performance ability. Tests will take place in class, be recorded and submitted through google classroom, or take place during sectionals. Appropriate practice will ensure adequate student preparation.
Many problems can be easily avoided with proper and timely communication. Students are expected to communicate with the band directors in advance if a conflict arises. Any absence without communication will be considered unexcused. As a general rule, written communication from a parent is best for documentation and grade purposes. Other factors to consider are:
Absences
Students will be given a copy of the yearly calendar of performances.
Some performances might have to be changed due to extenuating circumstances.
Every effort will be made to give students substantial notice of calendar changes.
Absences will be classified as excused for the following reasons ONLY:
Students are expected to arrange for transportation after ALL scheduled band events, performances, and rehearsals. This is an issue that directly impacts the safety of our students. The band staff will comply with all school policies regarding this subject. This includes notifying the local authorities when a student has been left unattended and his/her safety is in question. Every effort will be made to stay on schedule, but schedules don’t always go completely according to plan due to a number of circumstances beyond our control. All students should be picked up within 15 minutes after the group returns.
No student will be denied participation in the band program due to financial difficulties. Every student has the right to fully participate in our program regardless of financial situations. However, band students have a minimal financial obligation each year for various fees and supplies. These supplies include the band binder, solo contest fees, transportation, audition fees, band shirt, and other performance related expenses. The band directors have made a sincere effort to keep these costs as small as possible. All students are strongly encouraged to participate in all fundraising activities to offset their costs later on in the year. If there are any concerns over financial circumstances, please contact a band director as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made.
Whenever it is necessary to send money, please follow the guidelines listed below:
All band trips are carefully selected and contingent upon the band raising enough money. Fundraising profits CANNOT be refunded under any circumstances. To be eligible for trips, including the end of the year field trip, a student must meet UIL academic standards for eligibility, attend all concerts and performances, and fulfill the monetary requirements.
Fundraising
It is vital that all students participate in band fundraisers. Fundraisers will help bring down the cost of the competition trip, provide materials such as new music and other needed supplies for the students. It is our goal to try to keep the cost of being in band low and to provide the best materials for our students to use in class.
Handbook Acknowledgement
I have read the Cedar Creek Middle School Band Handbook. I agree to follow the policies and procedures outlined in this manual.
Student’s Name:_______________________________________________________________
Student Signature: _____________________________________________________________
Parent Signature:_______________________________________________________________
Date: __________________ Band period: _________________
All of the Cedar Creek Intermediate activities run much more smoothly with the help of our wonderful parent volunteers. If you would be willing to help the band program and your child by volunteering for various activities, please check the appropriate spaces below.
If available, what day/time is best for you?_______________________
Parent Name: _______________________________________
Email: _______________________________________
Phone: _______________________________________