Santa Fe Junior High Band Handbook

2021 – 2022

Introduction

Welcome to the Santa Fe Junior High School band program! Learning to play an instrument can be a rewarding and enriching experience. The purpose of this handbook is to provide a written policy on the organization and operation of our band program. It contains information of great importance for both students and parents. Please take the time to read each page carefully as a family.
Band is a group activity that depends upon the collaborative work of many individuals. The actions of one person will have an effect, either positive or negative, on the entire group. For this reason, we have guidelines that everyone must follow so that each person may grow as an individual musician and also make a positive contribution to the entire group.

Philosophy

The study and performance of music is an opportunity that our young people of today truly need. It is not our goal as teachers to make professional musicians of our students, but rather it is to enable them to fully enjoy the life-long benefits of making music. Recent studies show that students who participate in music programs such as band become the strongest students, academically speaking, in their schools. The skills learned in our school band program — self-discipline, increased self-esteem, group cooperation, commitment, responsibility to self and to a group, and teamwork — will be reflected in a successful adult life. Knowing that great performances are the fruits of a considerable investment in preparation, hard work, and lessons learned from failure, the opportunity to enjoy a new level of communication and self-expression is the goal for every musician, young or old. Creativity is within us all, and the language of music serves as the perfect vehicle for this journey in personal growth and in the development of knowledge and skills.

Characteristics of a Santa Fe  Band Member

1. I am a valued and cherished member of this organization because of the unique and special qualities that only I possess.
2. Each day I will choose to use my talents, abilities, and character qualities to enhance my own growth and to nurture the growth of my fellow classmates.
3. In every moment I will choose to behave in a manner that is consistent with my character.
4. In every situation I have the ability to choose my own response. My response will either conform to or contradict the internal set of values that governs my life.
5. I have the power to create my own environment by the choices I make in each moment. I am not a victim of anyone or anything. I do exactly what I want to do—no more, no less.

General Overview

This handbook addresses the procedures, policies, and expectations for students in our levels of the band—Symphonic, Concert, and Beginning Band. Please read through this entire handbook, and take note of which policies affect which level, as there are differences between the levels and the Beginner Band (the context will tell you the differences).

If you are a Beginning Band student, we are pleased that you have chosen to start your musical journey by helping to establish a tradition of excellence for the Santa Fe band program. If you are a returning band student, welcome back! It is important that everyone understands our expectations, so that we may work together to be the best musicians possible. This handbook outlines the guidelines and expectations for making this year a rewarding and memorable experience.

Music is a performing art. Performance and the preparation for performance are essential to the art. Membership in a performing organization is a privilege. Each member of a performing organization has a responsibility to attend ALL rehearsals and ALL performances of the group. All students are vital to the success of the ensemble as a whole, and their presence is necessary to prepare for and execute a performance. Multiple unexcused absences from rehearsals and/or performances demonstrate a lack of dependability in accepting the responsibility of group membership and can be grounds for moving a student to a non-performing class if such a change is possible.

The directors will communicate with students and parents in a variety of ways. It will often be verbal, but we will also send announcements to you in writing as far in advance of any obligation as possible. That is why we posted a tentative calendar of events on our website. We carefully constructed it so that major band events, such as concerts, do not fall on school-sponsored athletic events (game days). Symphonic and Concert Bands, we will develop a schedule for section rehearsals that will minimize or even eliminate conflicts with before and after school athletic practices, as well as game days. The band directors and the athletic staff will work closely together to ensure that students may fully participate in the school activities that they want to be a part of at Santa Fe Junior High. If and when conflicts arise, please understand the necessity of informing us of them as soon as possible so that we have time to resolve or work around them in a timely manner. In return, we pledge to you that we will do the same. What follows is a list of our expectations in terms of rehearsals and performances. We will also attempt to work around other campus activities, such as NJHS, but we cannot guarantee that there will be no conflicts.

What We Expect of Our Students

Students in the Symphonic and Concert Bands will attend all section rehearsals as well as full ensemble rehearsals after school. Section rehearsals will be once per week. Section rehearsals are a curricular extension of the instruction in the junior high band classes. They are a continuation of the pedagogical aspects of instrumental learning that started at the beginning band level. Occasionally, band events such as sectionals may conflict with another SFJH school event, in which case, the directors/sponsors of both groups will work with the student and the parent so that the student’s and the group’s best interests are met, provided that the student informs us of the conflict in a timely manner. Section rehearsal schedules will vary throughout the year, due to different students participating in different SFJH activities.

• Students must attend ALL rehearsals and ALL performances of the group in which they are a member. Failure to attend required rehearsals and/or performances is grounds for removal from the band program.
• An unexcused absence is one that the director has no prior knowledge of and/or is based upon a reason that is unacceptable to the director. An excused absence is one that the director has prior knowledge of and/or is based upon an acceptable reason. Being absent during the school day and then missing a sectional or performance is an example of an excused absence. Students in attendance during the school day are expected to attend their before and after school responsibilities. If you leave school early due to illness, etc., on a day when you have sectionals, it is your responsibility to inform the directors on your way out, so that we will know how to count your absence (excused). You will need to get your instrument, anyway.
• All students are to conduct themselves properly at all times. Displays of temper, profanity, flagrant violation of rules, etc., will not be tolerated. Any behavior which is not conducive to good citizenship or which violates the Santa Fe ISD Student Code of Conduct may result in suspension from participation in the extracurricular activities of the organization (UIL contest, Solo and Ensemble Contest, TMEA All-Region Band, etc.), or dismissal from the organization altogether. If necessary, additional measures may be taken through the school administration.
• All members of our band program will put forth the effort and time necessary in practicing their instruments to be successful. Your instrument goes home every day. There is no shortcut to success. As they say, “Slow and steady wins the race.”
• All members of performing organizations represent Santa Fe ISD, and the community. As such, when traveling to other locations on district transportation, all students are expected to:

1. Be on time
2. Dress as directed (see Uniforms section)
3. Avoid excessive noise on the bus and places we go
4. Travel on the same bus for all segments of the trip
5. Return equipment to its proper storage place upon returning to school

If a student is required to leave an off-campus event or activity, the student’s parent or legal guardian must provide written notification to the director for the principal to sign at least three days prior to the event, and the student may leave ONLY with his/her parent or legal guardian. This policy is meant to protect the student, not to inconvenience the parent.

Behavior, Discipline, and Classroom Procedures

Our band program has very few “rules.” They are as follows:

1. Follow directions the first time they are given.
2. Follow all learned procedures.
3. Bring your instrument and all necessary materials to class every day.
4. Respect yourself and your property, as well as others and their property.
5. Non-band students are not allowed to be in the band hall at any time.
6. For your safety, no food, drinks, or gum in the band hall.

Students will be successful when they live within these expectations. Whenever problems arise, they can almost always be traced back to not following a procedure. We will follow the Santa Fe ISD School Discipline Plan.

Grading Procedures

      The grading policy for the SFJH Band will be as follows:

            Warm-Up Grades: (10%)  2 Minute Warm-up, Instrumental Warm-up, etc.

            Daily Grades: (40%)        Supplies, Fundamentals, Participation and Playing tests

            Major Grades: (50%)        Performances and Activities

Eligibility: No Pass No Play

Adherence to the UIL No Pass/No Play rule will be closely monitored.  On a nine-week cycle, eligibility will be determined every three weeks.  Therefore, it is imperative that every student remains diligent in his/her studies.  Students will not be allowed to participate in any extra-curricular performance if they have failed a class.  We want every student to participate in all activities.  If you have trouble in any subject, get help in tutoring.  The band directors are also available before and after school every day for help.  You are an integral part of this organization.

The following rules are based on the Texas state law, which governs student participation in extra-curricular activities.  This is not a Santa Fe ISD rule, but a state law, which we are required to follow.

A student must maintain a 70 or higher grade average in ALL classes for the previous 9 week grading period.  An ineligible student can regain eligibility by receiving a passing grade in ALL subjects at the 3- and 6-weeks progress reports.  Extra-curricular activities include Football games, Region Band tryouts, Solo and Ensemble Contest, any activity that is supported by an athletic competition, and most band competitions.

All students are allowed to participate in the following events, even though their average in a class is below 70.  These events are considered co-curricular:  Band practice after school, individual help sessions after school, UIL Band Concert and Sightreading Evaluation, and any concert held on Santa Fe ISD property.  If a student becomes ineligible or chooses not to participate in either the All-Region Band or Solo and Ensemble Contest after the entry fees have been paid, the student will be expected to reimburse the band department for the entry fees.

School Owned Instruments and Equipment

The Santa Fe Band program owns a limited number of larger, more expensive instruments.  These instruments are assigned to the students on the basis of ability and need.  Instruments furnished by the school include:  oboe, bass clarinet, bassoon, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, and percussion instruments.  It is the responsibility of the student to return the instrument in as good a condition as when it was issued.  Report any damage or necessary repair immediately to the band directors regardless of the cause.  Failure to properly care for school instruments will void the privilege of using them. All equipment issued to your child is the property of Santa Fe ISD and must be maintained in good operating condition.  Damages caused by neglect will be the responsibility of the student and his/her parents.  Fees assessed will be the actual replacement cost or costs of repair of the damaged equipment or instrument.

Materials Needed in Class

All students in the Santa Fe band program will need to be prepared for class every day (this is one of our procedures listed earlier). This is done in several ways. First and foremost is to come to class having practiced your part or assignment adequately so that you may make a noticeable and positive contribution to the entire ensemble and to make individual playing improvements. Staying on top of your practice assignments in band will help you as an individual and your band as a whole have a more meaningful experience this year. “Cramming” your part just doesn’t work; have you ever heard of a farmer “cramming” his crops a few days before harvest?

Materials you will need every day:

1. Positive attitude (not really “material,” but it’s really important!)
2. Pencil with an eraser.
3. All music, in your binder (method books, etc., sheet music with measures numbered, etc.).
4. Instrument (in proper playing condition) as well as any needed accessories (valve oil, extra reeds, slide spray bottle, etc.).
5. Percussionists will always have (and use) their own sticks/mallets that they will keep in their personal stick bag (have a name tag on your stick bag and your name on all your sticks/mallets).

Personal Property and Equipment

Santa Fe does not provide insurance for individually owned equipment. See your homeowner’s insurance policy for what is covered and under what conditions. Students will be assigned a particular place to keep their instruments during the day. It is the student’s responsibility to keep his/her instrument in this assigned location during the day. We will attempt to make personalized name tags for students to use on their instrument cases. Students will need to make sure daily that they are taking their instrument home and not someone else’s. Some instrument cases look identical to others. This is the reason for the personalized nametags. Students will be issued an instrument storage locker for their instrument. All instruments will be kept in the band hall during the school day. Under no circumstances is a student to keep his/her instrument in his/her hall locker or in another teacher’s classroom.

Uniforms

 Symphonic and Concert Band students of the Santa Fe Junior High will have two separate uniforms.  The first uniform will consist of a band shirt and jeans.  This uniform will be used for pep rallies, football games, and field trips. The second uniform will consist of a white tuxedo shirt, solid black pants, black socks, and black dress shoes.  This uniform will be our concert uniform used for the Winter Concert, Pre-UIL Concert, UIL Contest, and the Spring Concert.  Students in inappropriate attire will not receive full credit for that performance.

Beginning Band students are required to wear their band t-shirt and jeans for all performances and activities for the year.  No shorts allowed. Students in inappropriate attire will not receive full credit for that performance.

If you are able to donate funds for student attire, please see one of our directors.

Medical and Dental Appointments

Please schedule dentist, doctor, and orthodontist office visits for times other than when you will be involved in rehearsal (including band class and/or section rehearsal) or a performance. Because of the group dynamic involved in membership in band, all students need to attend all rehearsals and performances. When someone is missing, the group is incomplete, and they miss out on working through complex passages, etc., and will be less able to participate the next time they are in attendance.  We do recognize, however, that there are situations where this is impossible or unavoidable, such as an emergency. Unless the doctor’s appointment is due to a sudden illness or emergency, the absence will be considered unexcused.

Statement Regarding Braces/Orthodontia: Wind players: If there are plans (even if it is only a consideration) for orthodontia (braces), please be mindful of the timing involved in getting them. Braces are a fact of life for many students, and if you should get braces, you will continue to be successful with them after the first week or so of getting them. It takes time to get used to them. For this reason, we only ask that you kindly consider not getting them put on (or removed, for that matter) in close proximity to performances (i.e. Region Band Auditions, Solo and Ensemble Contest, and UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest). Please inform us early of your intention to get braces (or get them taken off) so that you have adequate time to adjust to your “new” mouth. There is never a “good” time to get braces put on or taken off, but sometimes are worse than others.

Fundraising

Band fundraising projects are held periodically to help support the band program. This money is only used to support the band program and will directly support the students. Encouraging your child to participate is appreciated by all band members. Those students using school-owned instruments have a special responsibility to fundraise.

Contest Information

1. All-Region Band – a competitive event in which select 7^th/8th-grade students from the Santa Fe Band audition with students from surrounding areas for positions in the All-Region Band. Those students who are awarded a seat in the Region Band will be required to participate in a special clinic and concert with all of the other region band members on a following weekend.
2. Solo Contest – a competition in which band students play a solo for a judge to receive a rating. Students are rated on a scale of I to V (superior to poor) with a sheet of constructive comments to make them better players. All students are encouraged to participate.
3. UIL Concert and Sightreading Evaluation – a group contest in two parts for Symphonic and Concert Bands. The first part is the concert portion.  Each band will perform a march and two other selections for three judges.  The second part is a sight-reading portion.  Bands that receive superior ratings in both parts of the contest receive the highest rating possible, a sweepstakes award. (Exact dates and times TBA)

Web Page

The Junior High Band webpage is located at: www.SFJHBand.com

Please check the webpage often to find important information concerning your child and the band.  You may also email the band directors at any time with your questions. We will be sending out emails that let you know of upcoming activities and performances for your child.

Band Booster Club

We are fortunate to have a district-wide band booster organization.  The main purpose of the booster club is to provide funds and support for the various projects in our band programs.  Some of these projects include supplemental lesson scholarships, social activities, guest clinicians, senior scholarships, etc.  It takes a great deal of work and cooperation from parents at all levels to accomplish our goals.  We appreciate your help and support whenever possible.  You, the parents, make it happen for your children.

Schlitterbahn/Spring Trip/Celebration/End of Year Party

Students must meet the following requirements in order to attend.

• Must attend the Winter and Spring concerts
• Participate in Pre-UIL or UIL (if applicable)
• Must consistently participate in all classroom activities and follow all classroom procedures
• Cannot have more than one ISS assignment per Semester
• Cannot be placed in DAEP or be suspended from school at any time
• All outstanding fees must be paid
• Must be academically eligible

Conclusion

In the introduction to this handbook, we stated that we want the best of all possible outcomes for all of our students and our ensembles this year. The concept of a team is captured in the acronym, T.E.A.M. “Together Everyone Achieves More.” Bands are a “team” – a group of people acting together toward a common goal.