clarke middle school band handbook · 2019. 7. 26. · clarke middle school band beginning band...

CLARKE MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND HANDBOOK

Welcome to the Clarke Middle School Bands! We’re glad you are joining us for a very exciting year! YOU are what makes

this band program outstanding!

Expectations of a Clarke band member:

1) All instruments must be clearly marked with your name. Any materials lost throughout the year must be

replaced at your expense.

2) Band members are required to exhibit good discipline and attention during all rehearsals and performances.

Constant disruptions by a band member during rehearsals show a lack of respect for the band. Any student

who chooses to act in this manner will have consequences and may be removed from the program.

3) Students will be required to attend certain out of school functions as part of their band grade. Performances

are always graded!

4) Maintain a 70 or higher in all classes at all times. Students who become ineligible will not be allowed to

participate in any band event outside of school.

5) Get to class on time.

6) NO public display of affection!

7) During a fire drill, you will walk quietly and in one straight line. NO EXCEPTIONS!

ALL band students are required to have the following materials at their seat for every class no exceptions:

1) Instrument in good playing condition with all necessary supplies. (if instrument needs repair, take it to a

director before you take it to the music store. We can often fix minor problems in our office.)

2) ½” or 1” Black binder with minimum of 10 sheet protectors for assigned book and all music

3) PENCIL on music stand every day

Uniform

All students will be required to be in the correct band uniform for all contests and performances. Students not in the

correct uniform for a performance/competition will not be allowed to perform and will receive a zero for that grade.

The uniform for each performing ensemble consists of:

Beginning Band

1. Band uniform shirt tucked in (Band uniform shirt is included with the enrichment fee - see next page)

2. Solid black pants

3. Long black socks

4. Solid black dress shoes (girls may wear solid black boots or black flats with some sort of stockings)

Symphonic Band- To be determined.

Honor Band

Boys

1. White collared button up dress shirt

2. Solid black dress pants

3. Black crew socks

4. Solid black dress shoes

5. Boys will be issued a long black tie and vest

Girls

1. Black concert dress (issued by the band)

2. Solid black, closed toe dress shoes (flat or small heel is fine)

GRADES

Students will receive a weekly participation grade which includes:

1. Bringing your instrument, band book, and music EVERY day

2. Taking your instrument home to practice EVERY day

Students who do not have their instrument for class will lose 20 points from their weekly participation grade. Students

who leave their instruments at school over-night will lose 20 points for every night their instrument is left here including

weekends. Students who are not practicing or progressing as expected will be required to complete and turn in weekly

practice logs for a grade and parent phone calls will be made.

If the student does not bring their instrument to school because it needs a repair, bring it to Mrs. Lopez before taking it

to the music store (most likely I can fix it). If the instrument does need to go to the shop, you must bring a note from

your parents stating its being repaired otherwise you will lose the participation points.

Throughout the nine weeks, students will also have various playing tests and concerts. All performances are required

and graded. MANY times throughout the year we will have morning and afterschool sectionals/rehearsals which are

also always mandatory and graded.

In order to participate in end of year band activities (Band trip/field trips/band BBQ, etc.), students must be passing, have had

good behavior and must have attended all concerts/performances and competitions throughout the year.

LOCKERS

Students will be assigned a locker to store their instruments during the school day. Lockers are for instrument and band

binder ONLY and should only be used during school hours. Key or combination locks are allowed however, if you forget

your combination or lose your key and can’t participate in class, it will affect your grade. We are not responsible for lost

or stolen personal items. Students are required to take their instruments home every day to practice.

BAND ENRICHMENT FEE

Students will be asked to pay/fundraise a band enrichment fee which will cover the following:

Beginning Band $30

1. Beginning band uniform shirt

2. End of year Band BBQ, band activities and *awards

Symphonic/Honor Band $50

1. Band Night shirt/meal

2. Meals for off campus competitions/ performances

3. Band uniform (we do not have enough uniforms this year for all students so we need to purchase more)

4. End of year Band BBQ, band activities and *awards

Our goal is for every student to have an exciting and educational experience without putting any extra financial burden

on parents so we will be having several fundraising opportunities throughout the year. We would like for this to be paid

off by December. Students who want to participate in end of year band activities must pay the enrichment fee! If you

have any questions about the enrichment fee please feel free to contact a director.

*students who participate in ALL band performances and competitions throughout the year will be eligible for an

award.

DAILY PROCEDURES FOR BAND

1. When you arrive at school put your instrument in your band locker. DO NOT keep it with you or leave it in another

classroom during the school day. Understand that this is to keep it safe. Your instrument is your responsibility!

2. Do not touch anything that does not belong to you!!!

3. Music will be copied and issued to you, however, if you lose it, you are responsible for replacing it and making a new

copy.

4. ABSOLUTELY NO food, drinks or GUM permitted in the band room at any time- NO EXCEPTIONS! Students who are

asked repeatedly to spit out gum will receive a behavioral contract which can eventually lead to a referral.

5. ONLY BAND STUDENTS ALLOWED IN THE BAND ROOM- your friends who are not in band need to wait outside.

6. You must be in school uniform at all times unless otherwise permitted by principal.

7. At the end of the day come immediately to the band room to get your instrument and music. If you go home sick,

come to the band room first. YOUR INSTRUMENT SHOULD NEVER SPEND THE NIGHT AT SCHOOL!

8. NO ONE is allowed in the BAND OFFICE at ANY TIME unless you have permission from a director.

Consequences for breaking band rules include:

1. Parent phone call/conference

2. Parent shadowing during class

3. Parent/administrative conferences/referral

4. Permanent removal from the band program

SCHOOL INSTRUMENT POLICIES

Socorro ISD has a very limited number of district owned instruments available for student use, based on the

instrumentation needs of the band and/or financial need. These are mainly the larger and more expensive instruments.

SISD charges a once yearly fee of $45.00 for the use of these instruments. The fee can be waived in the case of financial

difficulties. In addition, district policy states that students who switch to one of these instruments at director request

who already own their own band instrument will have the fee waived. Also, students who are issued two instruments

(one for home use and one for classroom use) only pay one $45.00 fee.

Students using district owned instruments are responsible for supplying all needed maintenance supplies, and must

show these to the director before any school instrument will be issued.

If your child has been assigned to play a district owned instrument, it will be issued as soon as the following steps are

completed:

1. Parent and child fill out and return the Instrument Loan Rental Card.

2. Bring receipt for $45.00 (from main office) or letter requesting a fee waiver to the band office OR you can pay

rental fee in the band office.

3. Show a director the maintenance supplies for your instrument.

4. Return Musician Info Sheet/Acknowledgement Form signed by student and parent

FOR BEGINNING BAND ONLY:

There will be an instrument fair on Thursday, August 9th from 4:00pm- 5:30pm for ALL beginning students to be

evaluated and select their instruments. Supply lists and school instrument rental cards (if applicable) will be given out

the following week.

ATTENTION PARENTS!

TROUGHOUT THE YEAR WE WILL NEED PARENT VOLUNTEERS TO ASSIST IN VARIOUS BAND ACTIVITIES. IF YOU ARE ABLE

TO HELP, PLEASE GO ONLINE ON THE DISTRICT WEBSITE UNDER PARENTS AND FILL OUT THE BACKGROUND CHECK AND

SISD VOLUNTEER FORM OTHERWISE YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO VOLUNTEER WITH THE BAND PROGRAM OR ANY

SCHOOL RELATED ACTIVITY.

Please be advised that ALL of the information regarding band events will be posted on our

website. We will rarely send home flyers with information with the students so please check

the website often! If you do not have access to a computer please contact Mrs. Lopez to

make arrangements.

This year we will be sending occasional text messages to keep you updated on important

information for each class. (PLEASE wait until the 2nd week of school for schedules to be

finalized) Here are the instructions:

For Beginning Band:

Text @clarkebeg to 81010

For Symphonic Band:

Text @clarkesym to 81010

For Honor Band:

Text @clarkehb to 81010

PLEASE FILL OUT AND RETURN THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM AND PERMISSION SLIP AT THE END OF THIS

HANDBOOK TO THE BAND DIRECTOR!

If you have any questions, please call the band office at 937-5736. We’re looking forward to helping you continue on

your musical journey!

Vanessa Lopez

Director

CLARKE MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND

BEGINNING BAND SUPPLY LIST

PLEASE WAIT UNTIL AFTER YOU HAVE BEEN EVALUATED FOR AN INSTRUMENT TO ACQUIRE SUPPLIES

Two music stores to acquire instrument and supplies are Whites Music Box (George Dieter/Pendale) and Olivas Music

(Zaragoza/Rojas)

FLUTE

1. Tuning rod

2. Handkerchief for cleaning

*OBOE/*BASSOON

1. 2 medium soft reeds OR 1 medium soft plastic reed

CLARINET/*BASS CLARINET/ALTO SAX/*TENOR SAX

1. Have AT LEAST 3 good reeds at all times!!!! Buy Vandoren, V-12 or Juno size 2.5 OR buy 1 soft plastic reed.

2. Swab and cork grease

3. Neck strap (all)

ALL BRASS (Trumpet, *Horn, *Trombone, *Baritone, *Tuba)

1. Tuning slide grease

2. Valve oil (Trombones- slide cream)

3. Mouthpiece brush (to clean mouthpiece at home)

4. Mouthpiece pouch (baritone and tuba only)

All students need:

1. Folding music stand for home practice

2. Pencil on your music stand everyday

3. Making Music Matter- Frank Ticheli- for your instrument

4. A black binder with about 5 sheet protectors only for band book and music

5. Tuner/metronome combo (or download app)

*School instrument rental information on pg.4 of the band handbook.

Instrument, book and supplies are needed NO LATER than Monday, August 20th

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call the Clarke Band office at 937-5736 or email Mrs. Lopez at

[email protected] (email is best)

mailto:[email protected]

WOODWIND SUPPLY LIST (Symphonic/Honor)

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU to rent/buy a step-up instrument! These are higher quality instruments that produce

better sounds and are easier to play on. Advanced band students are required to play/perform at a much higher level

and beginning level instruments are not built to play some of the more difficult music you will receive this year.

You will only sound as good as the quality of instrument you hold in your hands!

Two music stores to acquire instrument and supplies are Whites Music Box (George Dieter/Pendale) and Olivas Music

(Zaragoza/Rojas).

FLUTE

1. Tuning rod

2. Handkerchief for cleaning

SINGLE REED (Clarinet, Alto Sax, *Tenor Sax, *Bass Clarinet)

1. AT LEAST 3 good reeds at all times!!!! Vandoren, V-12 or Juno size 3

2. Swab

3. Cork grease

4. Neck strap (all)

DOUBLE REED (*Bassoon, *oboe)

1. At least 2 good reeds at all times

2. Swab

3. Cork grease

All woodwind players need:

1. Sharpened pencil


3. Honor Band Method book- Sound Innovations by Peter Boonshaft and Chris Bernotas for Intermediate

Development

4. Symphonic Band Method book- Making Music Matter- Frank Ticheli- for your instrument

5. A black binder with sheet protectors only for band book and music

6. Tuner/Metronome combo (or download app)

*School instrument rental information on pg.4 of this handbook.


All instruments need to have a name tag at all times!! (Available in band office)




BRASS SUPPLY LIST (Symphonic/Honor)

If you play TRUMPET OR TROMBONE, WE STRONGLY ENROURAGE YOU to rent/buy a step-up instrument! These are

higher quality instruments that produce better sounds and are easier to play on. Advanced band students are required

to play/perform at a much higher level and beginning level instruments are not built to play some of the more difficult

music you will receive this year.

You will only sound as good as the quality of instrument you hold in your hands!

Two possible music stores to acquire instrument and supplies are Whites Music Box (George Dieter/Pendale) and Olivas

Music (Zaragoza/Rojas).

All advanced brass players need the following equipment:

1. Honor Band Method book- Sound Innovations by Peter Boonshaft and Chris Bernotas for Intermediate

Development

2. Symphonic Band Method book- Making Music Matter- Frank Ticheli

3. Tuning slide grease

4. Valve oil (Trombones- slide cream)

5. Mouthpiece brush

6. Mouthpiece pouch (baritone and tuba only)

7. Polishing cloth


9. Sharpened pencil with eraser

10. A black binder with sheet protectors only for band book and music

11. Tuner/metronome combo (or download app)

*School instrument rental information on pg.4 of this handbook.




Routine maintenance should be done at home - DO NOT remove slides and valves during class time. If the valves stick,

oil them with a few drops once a day at home or before class starts. Mouthpieces should be cleaned weekly at home

with a little soap and water to keep them sanitary.

All instruments need to have a name tag at all times!! (Available in band office)


PERCUSSION SUPPLY LIST (Beginning / Symphonic / Honor)

Two possible music stores to acquire instrument and supplies are Whites Music Box (George Dieter/Pendale) and Olivas

Music (Zaragoza/Rojas).

1. Symphonic/Honor Percussion: no method book required

2. Beginning Percussion method book: Simple Steps to Successful Beginning Percussion

3. Bell kit and practice pad


5. *Concert snare drum sticks: Vic Firth SD-1

6. *Acrylic or hard rubber mallets: Vic Firth M-14 & VF M-5

7. *Medium/hard yarn mallets: Vic Firth M-183

8. *Mallet/stick bag

9. Pencil

10. Black binder with sheet protectors only for band book and music

11. Metronome (or metronome app)

*Another option is to order Mallet bag and all mallets/sticks with Mrs. Lopez for an est. cost of $45

Books and supplies are needed no later than Monday, August 20th

Socorro ISD is requiring all percussionists to fill out a usage agreement form for the school instruments that are used

during class and for performance (no rental fee is required).

All mallets, sticks and equipment NEED TO BE MARKED WITH YOUR NAME!! Anything you lose during the year must be

replaced at once, which can get quite expensive.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call the Clarke Band office at 937-5736 or email Mrs. Lopez (email is

best)

CLARKE MIDDLE SCHOOL BANDS

2018-2019 tentative CALENDAR OF EVENTS

BOLD events are required concerts/performances

ALL - All Bands

ADV - Honor and Symphonic

BEG - Beginning Band

AUGUST

(ALL) August 3th- Chihuahuas Ticket Fundraiser begins (tentative)

(ADV) August 6th- All-Region audition music available from directors (participation expected of all Honor Band members)

(BEG) August 9th @ 4:00pm-5:30pm - 6th-8th Beginning Band Instrument Fair

(Eligible ADV) August 17th – Chihuahuas game/ national anthem performance

SEPTEMBER

(ADV) September 5th @ 5:30pm – California Band trip meeting @ Clarke band room

(ADV) September 8th- El Paso Wind Symphony All Region Clinics- UTEP

OCTOBER

(ALL) TBA Fundraiser

NOVEMBER

(ALL) Butter Braid Fundraiser- Tentative

(Elibible ADV) November 3rd- All-Region Auditions- Bel Air HS

(Eligible ADV) November 9-10th- All-Region Rehersals/Concert- Coronado HS (Veteran’s Day Holiday)

DECEMBER

(Eligible Honor band) Airport holiday performance (day TBA)

(ALL) Band Winter Concert (day TBA)

FEBRUARY


APRIL

(Eligible ADV) April 5th-6th- SISD Middle School Band Contest- Pebble Hills HS

(Eligible ADV) April 23rd-25th- UIL Middle School Band Contest- Pebble Hills HS


MAY

(Eligible ALL) May 4th - SISD Solo & Ensemble Competition @ PHHS/Eastlake HS

(Eligible BEG) May 11th- SISD Beginning Band Festival

(ALL) Final Concert and Awards @ Clarke Gym (day TBA)

(Eligible ADV) – End of Year Band BBQ @ Walter Clarke Park

(Eligible ADV) - Band Trip California

* In order to participate in end of year band activities (field trips/band BBQ), students must be passing, have had good behavior

all year and must have attended all concerts/performances and competitions.

Capt. Walter E. Clarke Middle School Band

Musician Information / Acknowledgement Form

Student name___________________________ Grade__________

Parent email____________________________ Band Class Period__________

Parent phone___________________________ Alternate phone________________________

Shirt Size_________________ (Please specify youth or Adult size)

By signing this form, I understand that I am responsible for understanding all the conditions and regulations of the band.

I am also responsible for knowing all grading policies, behavioral expectations, classroom, and instrument procedures.

You can call the band office at 937-5736 if you have any questions or concerns.

Vanessa Lopez

Band Director

[email protected]

_____________________________________ __________________

Student Signature Date

_____________________________________ __________________

Parent Signature Date


STUDENT FIELD TRIPS

SOCORRO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

PARENT PERMISSION FORM

School: Capt. Walter E. Clarke Student: ______________________________ ID: _____________ Grade:__________

Dates of Field Trips: All off campus events between August 2018 and May 2019*

Organization: Band Teachers: Vanessa Lopez

All school sponsored field trips shall be consistent with the district’s instructional program and provide an educational

experience for participating students. The campus administration shall assume responsibility for assuring that all field

trips are directly linked to the Texas Essentials of Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) as per EFD Regulation.

__________________________________

Sponsor Signature

__________________________________

Parent Signature

__________________________________

Emergency Contact and Phone

*Off campus events include, but are not limited to: Chihuahuas Game Performance, Americas Feeder Pattern Band

Night, Airport performances, SISD Band Contest, UIL Band Contest, UTEP/SISD Beginning Band Contest, and all off

campus rehearsals at Americas High School.

clarke middle school band handbook · 2019. 7. 26. · clarke middle school band beginning band...

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