msHandbook 4

All Students will be asked to purchase a band t-shirt during their 6th grade year. The shirt will be worn to Sandy Lake Contest, and to football games in the 7th and 8th grade years. If any 7th or 8th graders have lost or damaged their shirt, they may purchase a new one.

6th Grade Band

Students will need to have nice dress clothes for concerts. Young ladies will need to be in skirts or dresses. Length needs to be below the knee. Ladies hair should be pulled back so that it is not in their eyes. Gentlemen should have slacks, dress shirt, and a necktie. Gentlemen should have hair that is cut so as to be off the collar, and the ear lobe is clearly visible. Neither girls nor boys should wear t-shirts, tennis shoes, or denim attire. If this presents a financial difficulty, please contact the director. Students should understand that this is a formal occasion, and the appropriate dress and behavior is required.

7th & 8th Grade

Students will need to purchase a black tie and cummerbund set. The school will provide tux pants and a white pleated shirt. Please also provide your child with a pair of black socks and black shoes (no tennis shoes, please). Ladies may substitute black hose for black socks. These will be worn at all formal performances. This is the performance uniform that will be worn though high school. Ties and cummerbunds may be purchased through the band office. Pants and shirts should be professionally cleaned after each performance. Please inform dry cleaners not to write student’s name on the uniform! Tuxes will be turned in at the conclusion of the final formal performance of the school year. Students should bring a change of clothes to wear home from that performance.

With parental approval, ladies are encouraged to wear appropriate and conservative make-up, due to stage lighting. Ladies and Gentlemen, PLEASE refrain from wearing any fragrances!!! Gentlemen should be clean-shaven and have hair that is cut off the collar, and the ear lobe is clearly visible. Ladies should have their hair pulled back so that is not in their eyes.

Solo & Ensemble and Banquets

Young ladies will need to be in skirts and dresses. Gentlemen should have slacks, dress shirt, and a necktie. Neither girls nor boys should wear t-shirts, tennis shoes, or denim attire. Parents, please make sure that your son/daughter has the proper concert attire. If this presents a financial difficulty, please contact the director. Students should understand that this is a formal occasion, and the appropriate dress and behavior is required.

Performances

Attendance at ALL performances is absolutely required. The performance itself is an extension of the classroom. Performances count as a test grade. The winter and spring concerts will count as two test grades and two performances. Exceptions will be made for deaths in the family, sickness, etc. In order for an absence due to illness to be excused, it must be documented!! A note from a doctor is preferred. The director may, upon request hear an appeal from the student and parent. Conflicts due to church related activities, religious beliefs, etc. should be brought to the attention of the director no later than the end of the first week of the semester of the conflict, or immediately upon availability of knowledge of the conflict. One unexcused absence will result in the lowering of the final band grade by 20 points (two letters) for that six-week period. Two unexcused absences will result in a failing grade for the semester. If an unforeseen circumstance occurs that in the parent’s opinion merits special consideration, a hearing may be arranged with the director and principal.

Students who are academically ineligible from performance participation will be asked to do extra assignments to offset any grade deductions. It is the responsibility of the student to acquire these assignments. Students who do not acquire the make-up assignments for missing a performance will take an unexcused absence from the performance!!!!!

Solo and Ensemble Contests

This opportunity is provided for students who wish to have the opportunity to develop their ability to play solo literature, become better acquainted with their instrument, and become a more independent player. Participation is not limited to those who are taking private lessons, although these students are easier to accommodate.

Participants will play a solo, with piano accompaniment, for a judge. The judge will give them a rating from one to five (one being the best) and several constructive comments on how they can improve their playing and/or performance. Usually medals are awarded for a “one” rating. We will attend both UIL and non-UIL solo contest events. An accompanist will be provided for a fee that covers two rehearsals, the making of a tape of the accompaniment, and the contest itself. Students who wish to use their own accompanist may do so, upon approval by the director.

The school district will pay the entry fees for all participants. As a result, it is very important that participants be prepared for all contests. Students who commit to contest entry then nullify their entry, either by choice, conflict, failing grade, or lack of preparation must reimburse the district for the entry fee. Please check the band calendar as you make plans for family and church events.

Dress for Solo and Ensemble contests is as follows: Young ladies will need to be in skirts or dresses. Gentlemen should have slacks, dress shirt, and a necktie. Neither girls nor boys should wear t-shirts, tennis shoes, or denim. Gentlemen should be clean-shaven and have hair that is cut so as to be off the collar, and the ear lobe visible. Ladies should have their hair pulled back so that it is not in their eyes. Parents, please make sure that your son/daughter has the proper concert attire. If this presents a financial difficulty, please contact the director. Students should understand that this is a formal occasion, and the appropriate dress and behavior is required.

Football Games

Attendance at football games when the band is playing is required, not optional!!! These are considered to be performances, and are graded accordingly. Please review the section on performance attendance to be acquainted with the grading policy. Students who participate in football will be excused during their games. During the 7th grade game, 8th grade football players are expected to play with the band, and during the 8th grade game, 7th grade football players are expected to play with the band.

Students are expected to be prompt to all games. Arrival should be no later than the time assigned in class. A student will be considered present when he/she is in his/her proper place in the bleachers with their horn out and ready to play. Students who are tardy may receive extra work, a lowering of the grade for that game, or both. Parents, please have your child at the game on time!!

Students are instructed to avoid playing other’s instruments and only play their instrument when the band is playing. Playing out of turn is disturbing and sloppy, and is not the image that is healthy for the band program. Only band students are allowed in the band area.

All 7th and 8th grade band students will need to purchase a band shirt if they have not already done so, or if their band shirt is no longer in acceptable condition. These will be worn at the football games with a pair of blue jeans. Parents, please do your best to fit your child with a pair of jeans that are the dark blue or “indigo” color. Please refrain from the stonewashed or “pre-faded” jeans that are light

blue or white. Band shirts and jeans will also be worn at other informal performances given by the band. Band shirts will be available through the band office.

Band Trips

The CISD Band Program tries to offer as many field trips as possible to its students. These trips are offered to students who meet eligibility and disciplinary requirements. Trips include but are not limited to contests, auditions, and other various activities.

Students’ behavior is expected to be above question on all trips. Students are expected to know and follow all instructions from the director or sponsor. Students who behave, in the opinion of the director, in such a way as to negatively reflect on CISD Bands will receive suitable punishment, and possibly be sent immediately home at the parent’s expense. Very little tolerance will be extended in this area.

Dress code limits of the appropriate campus will remain intact on all school trips. Reasonable exceptions of this will exist for things such as swimming, etc.

Fundraisers

Once per year, students will be asked to participate in a fundraiser to raise money for clinicians, guest bands, additional equipment, and various other expenses and projects. Since these funds benefit the entire band, all band students are encouraged to participate. If a parent does not wish their child to participate, please call the director at the band hall, or send a note with your child. Effort will be made to spend funds raised in band-sponsored fundraisers on items that will benefit the entire band.

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