1

Smith Middle School Leopard Band Handbook

2019-2020

Mr. Gonzalez, Band Director Mrs. Ward, Band Director Band Office: 254-336-4300 Alex.gonzalez@killeenisd.org Rebecca.ward@killeenisd.org

Mrs. Ward, Band Director

Mr. Magee, Band Director

Band Office: 254-336-4300

Rebecca.ward@killeenisd.org Seth.magee@killeenisd.org

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS: PAGE ITEM

3 WELCOME LETTER

4 BAND EXPECTATIONS

5 GRADING POLICY

6-7 EXTRA INFORMATION

8 SMITH BAND 2019-2020 CALENDAR

--- FORMS ---

9 REQUIRED FORMS EXPLANATION

10 MEDICAL EMERGENCY FORM

11 PERMISSION FOR FIELD INSTRUCTION

12 PARTICIPATION CONTRACT

13 PARENT COMMITMENT FORM

14 SPIRIT SHIRT ORDER FORM

15 SMITH BAND CODE OF CONDUCT

16 UNIFORM CONTRACT

17 EXTRA ACCOUNTABILITY FORM

3

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are extremely excited to see the growth of the Smith Leopard Band program and we cannot wait to see what our students will accomplish this year.

I hope that you will take an active part in supporting our endeavors. Parent support is so very important to a successful program, and we are incredibly confident that this year will be excellent if we each give 100 percent of our efforts.

Please note the concert dates as well as other band events on your calendar so that you can plan around them to avoid conflicts. All of the work that we do in class is geared toward putting on excellent programs and performances for you! We want every parent to be as involved as possible. All dates on the calendar that are in bold, are required events that ALL students MUST attend. All events scheduled may be changed if need.

Attached are some forms that need to be filled out, signed, and returned to us, as well as calendars and other information about the Leopard Band program. Please complete, sign (by parent and student as necessary), and have the forms returned to us on or before Friday, September 6th. The Leopard Band members and I thank you for your support. Communication is incredibly important to us, so if you have any comments, questions, or concerts, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time! Our contact information is below.

It’s going to be a great year!

Sincerely,

Rebecca Ward Seth Magee Band Director Band Director 254-336-1250 254-336-1250 rebecca.ward@killeenisd.org seth.magee@killeenisd.org

4

• LEOPARD BAND: EXPECTATIONS •

The following have been established as Smith Middle School Leopard Band Classroom Expectations.

1. BE ON TIME. Be in your assigned seat with your materials, ready to participate in all activities. Tardies will be handled as outlined in the SMS Student Handbook.

2. BE PREPARED. Always have your music/materials with you at your seat (Band Binder, pencil, paper, highlighter).

3. BE COURTEOUS. Keep your hands, feet, books, and other objects to yourself. Use only the music and binder assigned to you. Eating, drinking, or chewing anything in our classroom is not acceptable. Personal grooming (fixing hair, applying make up, polishing nails, spraying cologne, drawing or writing on body with pens) is not acceptable in Band.

4. BE RESPECTFUL. Arguing, rude gestures, teasing, putdowns, or any other disrespect to any person is not permitted. Having a positive, cooperative attitude toward everyone in the class is a MUST. You must not distract others from listening to the teacher. Respect the band room and the materials in it.

5. OBEY ALL DIRECTIONS AND SCHOOL POLICIES. When the teacher asks for your attention, you must be silent and listen. In order to be successful, students must follow any directions the first time they are given. Use of electronic devices without teacher permission will result in a minor violation and may be taken up for class period and/or result in lunch or afterschool detention as the teacher sees fit.. 6. DO YOUR BEST! A band is a team and when we work as a team, we are successful as a team. It is VERY important to come to class ready to give 100% so that we as a Leopard Band will be as successful as possible! LEARNING CHOICES: Gum is not allowed in a band classroom or rehearsal. Repeated offences will be considered as a defiance issue. Consequences for failure to adhere to the policies above are as follows: 1st Offense: Verbal Warning & Documentation of Offense 2nd Offense: Refocus Area & Parent Contact 3rd Offense: Refocus Area, Teacher Detention, & Parent Contact 4th Offense: Automatic Referral I may delete, substitute, or add other learning choices for continuous disruption and/or severe disruption that stop the class from continuing in an orderly manner. Any student who causes continual disruption to the class may be removed from Band. LEARNING INCENTIVES Positive reinforcement activities/incentives will be provided at regular intervals for students who behave appropriately by following all rules.

BATHROOMPOLICYStudents are expected to go to the restroom before class begins!

5

• SMITH BAND: GRADING POLICY • Beginning Band Some nine week periods have a concert which falls within its days. According to school board policy (see Administrator’s Procedure Manual VII-C, pg. 1) concerts are co-curricular, and therefore, graded activities. Concerts, according to district policy, are assigned at 0% for non-attendance unless excused absences are provided as outlined in the policy. The concert grade counts as two summative grades (one for performance and one for audience etiquette). All performances are MANDATORY. Students must wear their appropriate uniform to receive full credit for the performance. A formative grade is given for participation. All students begin at 100%. Any behavior that hinders the process of learning is unacceptable and will merit a mark on their participation grade. Leopard Band members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which exhibits respect and consideration for the feelings, property, and safety of others within their band community. The formative grade is the daily level of engagement assessed by us as well as a self-assessment by each student based on a rubric. In summation, the sixth grade band grade is determined by:

Summative Grade – 60% -Playing tests, Accountability Forms, Nine week exams, and concert performances. Formative Grade - 40% - daily participation and activities

Varsity/ Non-Varsity The grading policy for the older students is the same as for sixth grade, but includes the UIL Concert/Sight-reading Contest that counts as two summative grades. If grades are not taken in class they will be taken during sectionals. Make-Up Concert Grade Policy for Excused Absences Only

An excused absence requires contact from the parent/guardian via phone call or email. Excused absences also include: serious illness/injury, death of an immediate family member, or family emergency. Absences will be

excused at the band director’s discretion. Please give at least 48-hour notice for known absences. For unknown absences, correspondence will be accepted the day of the concert. Please email or leave a message for absences

the day of a concert.

If a student has an excused absence from a concert, they may make up the grade according to the following: 1. The student must set up a time before or after school within 7 days of the concert.

Failure to do so will result in a 0%. 2. The student will watch/listen to the entire concert on video, and sizzle play with their band during that time.

They will be graded on their knowledge and participation of their concert music. 3. The student will complete a critique sheet for the other band performing. 4. The highest grade possible will be a 90%.

Please remember, if the student does not have an excused absence from the concert they will not be able to make it up.

Eligibility Per the state of Texas, all students that participate in an extra-curricular activity must adhere to the “No Pass No

Play” rule. This rule states that if a student falls below a 69 in any of their classes, they are not permitted to perform at any contests or attend any field-based instruction. All students in the Leopard band program are

expected to maintain a 70 or above in all of their classes: core and extra-curricular.

6

• OTHER LEOPARD BAND INFORMATION •

BAND FEES All students will be required to pay a $15 activity fee that will cover their basic activity expenses.

Since we are using the same design t-shirt as last year, this will be a separate fee of $12 for those who need it.. The fees will be due at some time during Week 3 of the school year. Email will be sent out

with enough time. The activity fee pays for needed items through-out the year such as binders, sheet protectors, and pencils!

CONCERTS & APPROPRIATE ETTIQUETTE

All students are required to attend all concerts that feature their band. All students who are grade eligible and behavior eligible are expected to attend all contests and field trip activities. At all concerts, students are expected to be performers and audience members. As audience members, students will be expected to handle themselves responsibly during performances and be respectful while sitting in

the audience. Talking, use of electronic devices, or any other disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Students are representing not only themselves, but our school and they will be held to the esteemed standards of Smith Middle School at all times. Failure to behave appropriately may result in a diminished grade, removal from performances/events, and possibly the band program as the

director sees fit.

EXTRA REHEARSALS

Band students may be required to attend rehearsals before or after school at the discretion of the band director. These rehearsals are very important as they give extra time to focus on voice parts, ensemble blend, performance practice, and participation. Extra rehearsals will be minimal with respect to other

commitments your student may have. There will be ample notification for these rehearsals so that arrangements can be made. Sectionals for band students will start the third week of school and a

schedule will be sent out by the first Wednesday.

Sectional Rehearsals Band Students in Varsity and Non-Varsity Bands are required to attend one sectional rehearsal per week held either before or after school. During sectionals, attention is given to specific skills of that instrument, practicing music needing additional work and individual attention toward solos and

ensembles. Students are encouraged to arrive on time in order not to miss very important information that pertains to their particular instrument. Since 7th and 8th graders are not in small individual classes anymore, sectionals really help them improve as individuals. Sectionals assist

students in understanding what and how to practice.

FIELD TRIPS

In the event that a band field trip removes a student out of another teacher’s class, it is the responsibility of the student to acquire and all assignments that will be missed prior to the field trip

and return them in on time to the respective teacher. Repeated failure to do so will result in the student no longer being able to participate in band related field trips.

DRUG TESTING

As per the district, all 7th and 8th grade students participating in extracurricular events (including band) must consent to random drug testing. SMS must have the form signed by both the student and the

parent/guardian, and returned to the teacher before the student may participate in these activities. All 7th

7

and 8th grade band students will receive this form in addition to those in this handbook.

•LEOPARD BAND: UNIFORM POLICY •

Varsity/ Non-Varsity Band: Students will need to provide black pants, black socks, black belt and solid black shoes. Each student will be issued a tuxedo shirt, black tie, and black vest.

Beginning Band: Smith Band Spirit Shirt, Jeans, black socks, black belt and solid black shoes

will be worn at all performances. *This will be worn at all concerts unless otherwise specified.

*Acceptable Jewelry: A watch, small earrings, and a thin necklace with small charm are the only acceptable

jewelry pieces.

*Hair will be out of the face by ponytail, hairclip, braid, etc. Hair accessories (headbands) will be black ONLY.

If you are in financial need, have a parent/guardian contact one of the band directors by email or phone for more information and resolution

•LEOPARD BAND: PRACTICE POLICY •

Individual Practice: Practicing is the single most important factor in the development

of your playing skills. It is important for students to come to class having practiced their parts adequately so that they can make a positive contribution to the entire

ensemble. All members of performing organizations will put forth the effort and time necessary in practicing their individual parts to be successful. This time will be

documented on practice reports.

Home Practice: The Smith Middle School Bands Can only perform as well as the individual performers prepare their music through careful and regular home practice. Practice should include thorough warm up, scale practice, private lesson preparation,

band music, and music theory study. Parents can help by encouraging regular practice and provide a place and time that will not disturb other family members or impair the concentration of the band student. Having to “practice outside or in the

garage” or “practice softly” will result in serious problems that difficult to correct. We recommend that students own music stands and metronome for proper playing and

good habits at home. Students may also make arrangements to practice individually in the band hall practice rooms before or after school hours. The Band Hall is open for this convenience. The student must get the director to sign and verify their practice

charts in that case.

8

2019-2020 ROY J SMITH MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND CALENDAR

9/28 - MSX (Varsity Only) 10/11 – Ellison HS Band Night Football Game (All 8th Grade Members Zoned for Ellison)

Time TBD – After School At Leo Buckley Stadium 10/11– Shoemaker HS Band Night Football Game (All 8th Grade Members Zoned for Shoemaker)

Time TBD – After School 10/24 – Fall Band Concert (Varsity Only) – 6:00PM At Ellison HS Auditorium 11/5 – Beginning Band Demo Concert – 6:00PM At Smith MS Cafetorium 12/17 – Christmas Band Concert (Intermediate & Varsity Only) – 6:30PM At Ellison HS Auditorium 2/11 – Beginner Showcase w/ Intermediate Finale – 6:00PM At Smith MS Cafetorium 2/20– Pre-UIL Concert/Sight Reading (Intermediate & Varsity) At Ellison HS Auditorium Week of 3/3 – UIL Concert/Sight Reading (TENTATIVE) (Intermediate & Varsity) At Copperas Cove HS Auditorium/Band Hall 4/4 – KISD Band Festival 4/25 – Solo and Ensemble 4/30 and 5/1 – Spring Band Auditions During Class at Smith MS 5/21 – Spring Band Concert – 6:00PM (Beginners, Intermediate, & Varsity) At Ellison HS Auditorium 6/1 – Summer Band Trip (TENTATIVE) Location TBD

*Varsity will be playing for Home Football games and a couple of possible big games for Basketball season. *All events are required and graded, unless otherwise noted. *Calendar is subject to change, in which case families will be notified 14 days in advance * Sectionals are required and graded every week for Varsity members; Non-Varsity Players are always welcome to come.

9

® FORMS! FORMS! FORMS! ¬

The following pages of the handbook contain a variety of forms of many types. While this will require some of your time now, this will take care of the majority of “form filling out” for the school year. These forms will be kept on file for future use. I appreciate your time and prompt attention to this mater!

** All forms and Band Fees due by September 6th **

I will keep all of these forms on file and pull them for use as needed. I appreciate your time and prompt attention to this matter.

The following pages include:

1. Smith Band Calendar (keep for your records)

2. Medical Emergency Form (required)

3. Permission to Participate in Field-based Instruction (required)

4. KISD Student Participation Form (required)

5. Band Commitment Form (required)

6. T-Shirt Order Form (required)

7. Extra Accountability Form (keep for your records)

8. Behavior Contract (keep for your records)

9. Uniform Contract (keep for your records)

If you are in financial need, have a parent/guardian contact Mrs. Ward or Mr. Magee by email or phone for more information and resolution

*All checks need to be made out to Smith Middle School. Checks must be imprinted

with name and address of check writer (no temporary checks). Please include

10

following information: TX DL number or military ID, Current home address, cell and work phone numbers.

Smith Middle School Band

Medical Emergency Form August 2019-May 2020 Name ______________________________________________________ Grade _______________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________________ Home Phone ___________________________________ Cell Phone _______________________________ Parent/Guardian Name ____________________________________ Work Phone ___________________ Parent/Guardian Name ____________________________________ Work Phone ___________________ Insurance Company _______________________________________ Member # _____________________ Military Dependent # ______________________________________ Sponsor # _____________________ Hospital Preference _______________________________________________________________________ List Student’s Disabilities or Allergies __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ List ALL medications student takes on a regular basis __________________________________________________________________________________________ Please list the name of another local person who may be notified if the parent/guardian cannot be contacted at the time of emergency. Name _________________________________________________ Phone ____________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________________ Relationship to Student ___________________________________________________________________ In the event of an emergency, if immediate care is needed and none of the above can be notified or contacted, I give my permission to Smith Middle School Band Staff or designated Chaperone to secure emergency medical attention for the above named student. Parent/Guardian Signature ________________________________________________________________

11

Please return this form As Soon As Possible.

Permission to Participate in Field-Based Instruction 2019 - 2020

The Smith Middle School bands of Killeen I.S.D. will be conducting field-based instruction throughout this school year. Specific notes will be sent home as to exact travel destinations, dates, purpose of trip, and times as required: Teacher/Administrator: Rebecca Ward, Band Director Seth Magee, Band Director Liability and Permission forms By law, states, counties, and special districts (such as independent school districts), are generally immune from liability. That is, the school district is generally not liable for injuries sustained by students or for the loss or damage to personal property. The Texas Tort Claims Act provides that, in certain circumstances, a school district in the State is liable for property damage, personal injury or death caused by wrongful act, omission, or negligence of an employee acting within the scope of his employment if the property damage, personal injury or death arises from the operation or use of a motor-driven vehicle or motor-driven equipment. This act makes a school district liable in some circumstances for injuries or damages that result from the operation of motor vehicles such as buses. Parents and students are reminded that the District will likely not be liable in the event of personal injury or property damage. Further, the permission form is acknowledgement by the parent that the student will be participating in certain activities and that the District will likely be immune from any liability for damages that may result. Parents and/or students agree to be responsible and to indemnify and hold harmless the District, its Trustees, employees, and agents from all claims made by third parties against it or them which result from their child’s actions on the experience. Please complete and return the bottom portion of this form prior to the trip. Failure to do so will result in your child’s non-participation in the experience. ****************************************************************************************** I, __________________________, the parent/guardian of __________________, approve the participation of my child in field trips with the Smith Middle School Leopard Bands. In consideration of allowing my child to participate in these field-based instruction experiences, I certify that I have read and agree to be bound by the terms/conditions of this participation as described above. Date_______________ Parent signature_____________________________

Please return this from As Soon As Possible.

12

KILLEEN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN SECONDARY BAND, CHOIR, AND ORCHESTRA

1. Students shall receive grades for participation in all curricular performances that involve their class, including those performances that take place outside of the normal school day.

2. Students will be excused from participation in curricular performances in the event of personal illness, family emergency or dangerous travel conditions. Students will e expected to notify their teachers in advance of all absences from performances. In case of a sudden emergency which makes prior notification impossible, a letter from the parent explaining the circumstances must be sent with the student upon returning to school. A determination will then be made whether the absence from the performance is to be excused.

3. Curricular performances are graded activities. Students who have an unexcused absence from a

curricular performance will receive a “zero” for that graded activity, which will be counted as a maximum of 20% of the overall grade for the nine weeks.

4. Students will be expected to participated in all extra-curricular activities of the organization of which they are members. Students will be provided information regarding specific criteria for these performances in the performing organization to which they belong.

5. Students who are habitually absent from extra-curricular activities for unexcused reasons or due to

ineligibility may, at the director’s discretion, be moved to a lower performing group at the earliest possible time this can be scheduled. Students may be removed from the instrumental program at the end of a semester if they are unable or unwilling to participate in curricular and/or extra-curricular activities or are ineligible because of grades on a continuing basis.

6. Directors may make additional requirements of students in regard to dress, grooming, behavior and preparation for performances.

7. At the beginning of the school year, students and parents will receive a calendar of rehearsals and

performances which have been scheduled at that time.

8. Each student enrolled in secondary instrumental or choral programs will be provided a copy of this letter and an acknowledgement to be signed by his/her parent or legal guardian and returned to the instrumental or choral director.

Please return this form As Soon As Possible .

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

KILLEEN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRIC PARENTAL RESPONSE TO SECONDARY BAND/CHOIR PARTICIPATION POLICY

NAME OF ORGANIZATION: Smith Middle School Band NAME OF STUDENT: __________________________________________ I have read the policies regarding my child’s participation in co-curricular and extra-curricular performances with the Smith Middle School Leopard Bands as outlined above, and I agree to these as a condition for enrollment of this student in that course. I further agree to make every effort to see that my child attends all performances required for participation in the program.

13

_____________________________________________ __________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date

BAND COMMITMENT FORM

Please return this form As Soon As Possible.

I have reviewed the responsibilities of a Smith Middle School Band member, including the attached calendar, grading policy, participation policy and uniform information. I am willing to participate and support the program in every way. Student Signature ____________________________________ Parent Signature _____________________________________ Please complete the information below. Student Name (print)___________________________________ Band Period ________ Mother’s Name ____________________________ Daytime phone #_______________ Father’s Name _____________________________ Daytime phone #________________ Home Address______________________________ City________________ Zip______ Home Phone #__________________________ Parent Email Address ____________________ Parent Volunteers – Must complete a volunteer packet/background for KISD at killeenisd.org I am interested in assisting with Band activities. Please contact me concerning the following: _____Chaperone a trip or contest. _____Chaperone a party. _____Plan a party. _____Assist with music library. _____Parent helper at concert. _____Other ______________________________________________________________ When are you available? _____During the school day _____After school/evenings _____Saturdays

14

SMS BAND SHIRT ORDER FORM Cash or Checks (with a driver’s license # and Telephone # written on it)

payable to: Smith Middle School

Student Name_____________________________Instrument________________Period____

STUDENTS RECEIVE SHIRT AS PART OF ACTIVITY FEE. PLEASE IDENTIFY THE STUDENT’S SHIRT SIZE ON THIS FORM. ALSO, USE THIS FORM TO ORDER ADDITIONAL SHIRTS. Band Spirit T-Shirt: This shirt is Required. Students will be able to wear this shirt to school to represent the band and will wear the shirts during concerts. This year the shirt will be a Black T-shirt with a red and gold Leopard. Additional shirts may be added on this form. If purchasing additional shirts, please write a separate check from the activity fee. Student Size:__________________ Additional shirts and sizes: _____________________________________ TOTAL = $_________

Quantity Size Youth Adult

$12.00 YL

S M L XL XXL

T-shirt

15

ROY J SMITH MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND – CODE OF CONDUCT In the RJSMS Band, culture is held to an equal standard as curriculum. Students in the Smith Band exemplify the very best of student behavior, which allows the program to be successful. As a member of the Smith Band, it is your responsibility to uphold the following terms to be a meaningful member of the Band. As a student, I…

• Will be ready for each lesson on time. o Beginners will have two minutes after the late bell to be ready. o Varsity/Intermediate will have three minutes after the late bell to be ready.

• Will have my necessary supplies for class. o Pencil o Instrument o Binder with Music o Accountability Form for Each Week o Other Required Materials as Prescribed in the Equipment Checklist

• Will remain accountable for my grades in all classes. o Students will be expected to pass every class in every grading period. This will affect the student’s placement

in the program. No exceptions. • Will behave correctly.

o Students will not talk during class unless it is before/after the lesson or during instructional transitions. o Students will not have their phones out in class. o Students will respect their peers. No exceptions. o Students will use school-appropriate language. o Students will exhibit correct posture during playing exercises. o Will not run in the hallways or the band hall. o Will respect adults at all times.

• Will be present at all concerts and required events. o Concerts are REQUIRED. o Students will wear the correct attire for each event

• Will satisfy my required band activity fee and instrument rental fee (if applicable). • Will be prepared for rehearsals.

o Students are expected to practice outside of school to be prepared for rehearsals during class. Especially in varsity band and intermediate band, class time is NOT practice time.

• Will properly care for my property and the property of the school. o Students will show care for their instrument and equipment. o Students will LOCK THEIR LOCKERS with their equipment inside. o Students will not touch percussion equipment unless they are a percussionist. o Students will not enter a practice room without a director’s permission.

These standards will allow the students of the Smith Band to excel in and out of class. Failure to uphold these expectations may result in in-class detention, a grade deduction, or recommendation for removal from the band. We value you as a student of the program and know that you can rise to this occasion. I, ______________________, agree to uphold the standards outlined in this contract. I understand that there may be consequences for not upholding these expectations. I will do my best to follow these guidelines. _____________________________ ______________ Signature of Student Date

16

SMITH MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND – UNIFORM CONTRACT FOR INTERMEDIATE/VARSITY STUDENTS ONLY The Roy J. Smith Middle School Band requires that students in certain performing ensembles wear uniform attire for concerts and performances. The professional appearance of the band during formal events is important, and it is a positive reflection on the program, the school, KISD, and the students. The following contract underlines the importance and expectations of the band’s uniform expectations. Members of the Varsity Band are required to wear formal tuxedo attire for concerts and performances. White tuxedo shirts, black vests, and ties are provided by the school. Students are expected to provide their own dress black pants (slacks, solid black, no leggings or damaged items), long black socks (no markings or extra colors), solid black dress belt, and solid black shoes (no marking or extra colors). Concerning school-owned uniform items, students are expected to maintain their condition and cleanliness. Following the Spring Concert at the end of the year, school-owned uniform items will be turned back in. Upon return, all issued uniform items are expected to be in pristine condition (no holes, rips, tears, stains, etc.). Ladies in the ensemble may wear small, neutral jewelry with the uniform during performances and concerts. I have read the uniform contract and agree to the terms set by the Roy J. Smith Middle School Band. I agree that I will return any uniform items issued to me in the condition that is listed above in the contract. I agree that I will pay for the replacement of any damaged uniform items that have been issued to me. I agree that I will provide my own dress black pants, long black socks, solid black shoes, and black dress belt for concerts and performances. I understand that failure to uphold this contract may result in a penalized dismissal from concerts and performances. UNIFORM ITEMS ISSUED: ______ ______ ______ STUDENT PRINTED NAME: __________________________ STUDENT SIGNATURE: __________________________ DATE: __________________________

17