msHandbook 2

All interested students will be allowed to try several different instruments and chose which one fits them best physically, best uses their natural abilities, and is to their liking. It is critical that a student be correctly matched with an instrument!! Most students arrive with some idea of what they would like to play. Over half of them change their minds before the trial process is over.

There will be an evening announced that will enable the parents to come, meet the director, ask questions, and obtain instruments from the music company. A sincere effort will be made to conflict with as few other activities as possible. If a parent wants their child to be in band, but cannot make the meeting, it is imperative that they contact the director before the night of the meeting, so that other arrangements can be made. Items obtained at the meeting will include the instrument and accessories as described above. A beginner band book corresponding to the student’s instrument choice will be ordered during the first week of school.

Those who choose to do so are perfectly free to obtain instruments from other sources. Those parents, however are still requested to attend the meeting in order to obtain information, accessories and text materials, but will not be expected to remain for issuing of instruments.

At such a time when a student and parent decide to purchase a “step-up” instrument, these instruments should be purchased through the band program. This is due to a substantial discount from what the parent can get by purchasing from a retail music dealer. Parents, please arrange a conference time with the band director to discuss the specific needs of your child. This will result in a purchase that will best fit his/her needs. CISD Bands will not be held accountable for purchases made by those persons who make purchases without assistance. Students who take private lessons should make instrument purchases under the close guidance of the private instructor!

Use of School Owned Instruments

CISD Bands has an ever-growing number of instruments available for student use. There is a yearly fee for the use of these instruments. This fee may be paid in its entirety at the beginning of the year, or may be paid in installments over a period of the first seven months of school. This fee is to help defray the cost of maintenance of the instrument.

Parents must sign the appropriate forms for issuing the instrument. It is preferred that the parent come to the band office to do this personally. Students may not sign for the use of any school owned instruments. All elements of liability are contained on the forms. Damage beyond normal wear and tear will be assessed as soon as possible after the instrument is returned to the district, and grade cards will be withheld until payment is made. Damage incurred to school instruments while the instrument is improperly unattended is the responsibility of the renter. Students who do not settle instrument fines will not be eligible for school instruments in the future.

The director reserves the right to consider academic and citizenship grades, and past band history when making the decision to issue a school instrument. Students must retain an average of 80 in band, and show consistency in passing all of their classes to be eligible for a school owned instrument. Those students who are issued instruments and fail to meet these guidelines will be placed on probation, and possibly have their instruments recalled. Parents may or may not receive notice concerning this matter.

Purchasing Supplies

Supplies, such as reeds, oils, etc. may be purchased from the band office with CASH ONLY!!! We can no longer use the student account system; therefore students must have cash with them at the time of purchase. Purchases should be made at times other than immediately before, during, or immediately after class!!!!! You may also purchase basic supplies from Jim’s Auto Shop here in Celina.

Classroom Supplies

Students are responsible for having the following items at every class period:

• Instrument (this includes reeds, and all supportive supplies)
• Music and Method Book
• Pencil
• Binder

6th graders will need the method for their instrument. During the second semester, sixth graders will need to purchase a band shirt. (see performance attire)

7th & 8th graders will need to purchase a band ensemble method book. They will be available through the band office. They will also need a flip folder, and a lyre. Flute and percussion players will not need a lyre. The same shirt will be used from the previous year and will only need to be replaced if it is no longer presentable, or outgrown.

High School Links