msHandbook 3

Most students and parents are aware that success in learning a musical instrument is impossible without regular practice habits enforced. Exceptions to this are extremely rare. Learning to play an instrument is something that you can give your children for the rest of their lives. Adults are aware of the long-term value that children are not typically aware of. Innumerable times people will tell of how when they were children, their parents made them practice an instrument, absolutely against their will. However, later in life, when they had that skill, they were grateful over and over again for parents who made them follow through with their musical development.

Following are some suggestions for making this process a positive, rewarding one, instead of a daily battle:

• Set a daily practice time. This should be at the same time every day. The student should know that the TV goes off, and it is at this time that they are expected to practice. The student should be in on the decision making process. They will have a better inclination to follow through if they feel like they helped make the decision. It also gives the parent some leverage over an unwilling student!

• Be sure that they have a place that is conducive to them being able to concentrate, be uninterrupted, and have adequate space (especially for low brass players).

• Be sure that the instrument is in proper repair. Nobody likes to practice with an instrument that is in disrepair and does not function or respond properly.

• Set a time once a week (two nights before test night is best) for your child to play for you. Do not, however force the child to play for anyone else unless he/she feels comfortable doing so.

• ALWAYS be positive and encouraging to the student about how they sound, especially in front of other people. One negative comment can literally destroy a month of progress! Sincere praise can never be overdone!!!!

Classroom Behavior and Discipline

This is perhaps the single most important area that will determine how successful a band program will be. It is the goal of all CISD Band staff that every student will have the best possible environment in which to learn. In order to attain this goal there are specific guidelines that will be followed in the classroom.

Promptness - Students are to be in their seats with all of the above described materials, and instruments ready to play when the tardy bell begins to ring. This includes valves oiled, slides greased, keys oiled, reeds attached, etc. Students who use class time to prepare instruments, or have instruments that will not perform correctly in rehearsal due to unpreparedness, will receive a tardy.

Attentiveness - Students are expected to be attentive at all times that class is in session, and will be held responsible for all information given from the podium. This includes instruction that is given to sections other than your own! The instructor has the option of repeating or not repeating instructions that were missed due to lack of attentiveness; pop quizzes may be given to reinforce this point. Students should be aware that distracting other students will result in disciplinary action. Outside materials such as homework from other classes, books, letters, etc. should not be out in rehearsal. Students who have beepers, cell phones, watches with alarms, or other auditory devices should have them turned off in rehearsal (inside and outside of the school day). These and other inappropriate items will be confiscated if they are seen or heard.

Talking - It is impossible for a student to be attentive to what is going on in rehearsal if he/she is talking, or if someone is talking to him/her. Talking in class will not be tolerated. If, however a student has a question, they may raise their hand and it will be answered at the first appropriate moment. The atmosphere of the classroom will be largely determined by how well the students can discipline themselves on this matter. Students should at no time volunteer any opinions regarding discipline to other students. This behavior will result in immediate disciplinary action. Any student who feels they have been disciplined unfairly may confer with the director in private after the class is concluded, or may set a conference with the instructor outside of class.

Class Preparedness - In order for any band program to succeed, students must practice and be prepared for all rehearsals. At times, specific assignments will be made. At other times, the student should assume that if the music is in the folder, they should be prepared to rehearse it when it is called. Reasonable amounts of time will be given for students to prepare music. Pop tests can and will be given to evaluate student’ level of class preparedness.

Consumables - Food, candy, gum, etc. are strictly prohibited from the band hall. This is largely due to the potential damage to very expensive instruments and equipment. Warnings will rarely be given regarding this matter!

Switching Instruments - Due to liability pitfalls, students are forbidden to play other students’ instruments without written consent of the parent. This consent should include a releasing of CISD from liability for the condition and welfare of the instrument.

Care of Music - Students are issued music for rehearsal, practice, and performance purposes. These copies are property of CISD Bands, and must be returned in acceptable condition. All music should be kept in a band folder. Music should never be folded, rolled, or placed loosely in an instrument case. Students are required to erase any and all pencil marks on their copies of music before they are turned in. Students who destroy, deface, or abuse music copies will be required to pay a replacement fee of 5 cents per copy.

Band Hall Lockers - Students are assigned lockers in the band hall for the storage of instruments and supplies that pertain to band. Students are not allowed to place non-approved items in band hall lockers. Approved items are:

• Instrument
• Music Folder
• Pencil

Students may not bring in outside locks and place them on band lockers. Any unauthorized locks will be removed and discarded at the student’s expense. Students should not leave instruments in slots over weekends and holidays. All instruments must be out of the band hall over the summer break. Students who do not use their instrument slots for instrument storage should still check them daily for messages, returned papers, etc., especially those who take private lessons.

Band Membership - Students should come to class ready to rehearse, rather than ready to find the most creative ways possible to “get away with” breaking the rules. Our purpose is to become the best band possible, for our school, our community, and ourselves. If, upon self-evaluation, the student realizes that this is not their goal, it is recommended that they re-evaluate their involvement in the CISD Band Program.

Inappropriate Activities - If a student engages in drugs, alcohol, or tobacco use or engages in criminal activity, said student may be subject to removal from the band program. This rule is effective regardless of whether the offense occurred on or off school property and/or during or outside of school related activities.

Grading

Grades are determined largely be the amount of practice time a student turns in. All middle school students will need to practice at least 30 minutes per day, six days per week to get an ‘A’ for that practice week. Less time will get a lesser grade. Practice time will be recorded on practice chart and turned in on the first day of the school week; the chart is due the first day the student returns.

Parents are asked not to sign the chart until the end of the practice week; and it is preferred, when possible, that parents write in the times.

There will also be various tests throughout the school year, including final exams at the conclusion of each semester. Tests will be over scales, and other playing and written materials that are covered in class. Grading criteria for playing tests will reflect the amount of time allotted for preparation and the concept being graded.

Because of the time restriction involved with giving final exams to band students, the director may ask those students who are willing to take exams outside of the school day to do so. Students with transportation problems and other after school commitments will still be allowed to take tests during the school day.

Students who take private lessons are allowed to ask the private instructor for help with the test material. However, if the test material does not fit in with the plans for the student for that day, the instructor may decline in favor of other lesson materials. The scores on these weekly tests will periodically determine seating. This effectively serves to motivate students to practice and be prepared.

Other grading factors include class participation, positive attitude, and consistent daily effort in the “non-playing” aspects of class. These include posture, correct horn position, display of proper breathing habits, bringing the proper materials to class, and other such skills that are taught throughout the class period.

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