Austin MS Band Handbook

2016-2017
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------A Note From the Director
I am very excited to have your child in our Austin Bear Band! Thank you for making this
commitment with your child. Responsibility, self-discipline, accomplishment, pride, growth,
goal setting, and of course, fun!, are all the things that I hope to accomplish with your child.
By working together, we will help these students to become excellent adults and contributors
to our world!
Please reference this handbook throughout the year to help you and your student understand
the many aspects of our band program. Our goals are to provide nothing less than an
outstanding musical experience for each student. To accomplish this goal, we must all work
together. It is absolutely important for students to understand and uphold their responsibilities
of participating in this organization. When our students are successful, we are successful as
a program - each student and their success is important to us!
This handbook will be available on the band website all year and we would encourage you to
refer to it when you need to. The website is austinband.weebly.com. It is very important for
students, as well as parents to read and understand this material. We are looking forward to
a wonderful year! Thank you for joining us!

Getting in contact with the directors

Please feel free to contact me, or my cooperating teachers, if any questions arise throughout
the year or if you need clarification for anything in this handbook. I will be sending out email
correspondence throughout the year as well as keeping our band website updated. Please
allow 24 hours for us to return your call or email. Email is the best way to get in touch with us,
as we are often having fun with music and not near the phone!
Ann Lough - Director of Bands at Austin MS
806-326-3023
ann.lough@amaisd.org
Britni Nuckols Director of Bands at de Zavala MS
Assistant in Beginner Woodwind Class
Britni.nuckols@amaisd.org
Justin Nuckols Director of Bands at Tascosa HS
Assistant in Symphonic Band
Justin.nuckols@amaisd.org
David Spence Assistant Director at Tascosa HS
Assistant in Beginner Brass Class and Symphonic Band
David.spence@amaisd.org
1

Statement of Mutual Responsibility

The Bear Band is gaining a strong reputation for a high standard of excellence in musical
performance. This level of success requires a great deal of collaborative effort among
teachers, administrators, parents, and students. By enrolling in the Bear Band, you are
making a commitment to the band as an organization, to yourself, and to the other
students in band. This commitment includes accepting responsibility for the following:
Full year participation
Grow musically as best as you can
Maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude
Help support the goals of the band program

Classroom Procedures
The following procedures will be enforced in the Austin Band program:
Be Responsible
Bring your instrument every day and take it home everyday
Bring your required materials and instrument supplies every day
For your daily practice
For following class instructions and procedures
Be Respectful
Of yourself, your peers, your teachers, and your band facility!
do not bring food, drinks, or gum into the band hall.
only band and orchestra students are allowed in the band hall
During rehearsal: no talking or other off task behavior during rehearsal
Of the property of others: only handle YOUR instrument
Be Safe
Take care of yourself and others in the band hall by exhibiting safe
behavior.
No running or horseplay in the band hall. There is a nice park across the
street.

Code of Conduct (taken from the AISD Code of Ethical Behavior)

Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege, not a right. Each sponsor, along with
the principal, shall have the authority to establish specific guidelines for membership and
leadership eligibility. Because of the demands and responsibilities of elected offices,
appointed positions, and varied activities in organizations, participants must be able to
commit time and effort while still maintaining high standards. Therefore, if participants
meet the eligibility requirements and are selected to represent an Amarillo secondary
school, they agree to comply with the behavior guidelines set forth in the Amarillo
Independent School District Discipline Management Plan, the Student Code of Conduct,
and the Code of Ethical Behavior for Extracurricular Activities.
The Code of Ethical Behavior shall govern not only conduct at school and schoolsponsored activities, but also conduct at any time outside the school day. If any participant
violates either the Code of Conduct or the Code of Ethical Behavior in any way, he/she
may lose the privilege of participation.
2

Academic Eligibility
Under state law, all students must maintain passing grades in all classes to meet eligibility
requirements for participation in extracurricular performances (contests, festivals, football
games, and some other off-campus events are considered extracurricular) concerts,
sectionals, and all other rehearsals are curricular and therefore not subject to eligibility
rules. If a student earns a grade below 70 in any course (including band) for a report card
period, they are ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities for at least the next 3
weeks.

Absence Procedures
Directors must be notified in writing stating the reason for the absence with a parent
signature in order for an absence to be excused. Unexcused absences from rehearsals or
performances may result in a lowered grade, loss of privileges, or reassignment to a
different part or role within the band for varying periods of time depending on the
circumstances.
It is necessary to be present in order to benefit from music instruction. Students are
expected to attend all scheduled band rehearsals and performances. Please do not
schedule regular appointments during your childs band class or sectional times.
Excused Absences include the following:
Personal or family illness verified by a note from parent/guardian not to exceed a
total of eight (8) days in a school year.
Natural disasters, weather or road conditions as declared by the District making
travel dangerous.
Death in the family.
Attending a special school function, without a school sponsor and identified by the
District (ex: State play-offs). Emergencies recognized and approved by the principal
or District.

Grading Policy
The Austin Bear Band grading categories will be as follows:
Formative Assessments (daily grades, rehearsal behavior, materials and
supplies, practice records) 50%
Summative Assessments (playing tests, concerts and performances, written tests)
50%
Student grades can be monitored on Skyward, which is found on the AISD website.
Grades will be updated as soon as possible. *Please keep track of your childs grades in
all classes, as this impacts their eligibility to participate in band activities!*
3

Concert Dress/Uniform
Symphonic Band (7th and 8th grade)
Spirit

Uniform
this years band shirt
Jeans
Closed toe shoes

Formal Uniform
BLACK dress shirt or black polo shirt long sleeve or short
Black dress pants, no jeans
Black socks for gentlemen
Black close toed dress shoes, no tennis shoes
Beginner Band
Spirit/Concert Uniform
this years band shirt
Jeans
Closed toe shoes

Remind
Remind is a communication tool that helps teachers connect instantly with students and
parents. It allows me to send quick, simple messages via text message or email to keep
you updated on current upcoming events. To enroll in the text message or email reminder,
please follow the instructions below:

6th grade - text: @amsbegband to the number 81010 or go to this website to sign
up for email reminders instead of text messages:
https://www.remind.com/join/amsbegband

7th/8th grade - text: @symband78 to the number 81010 or go to this website to

sign up for email reminders instead of text messages:
https://www.remind.com/join/symband78

Oct. 20

Nov. 3

Nov. 4

Nov. 4

Nov. 5

Nov. 10

Nov. 11

Nov. 12

Dec. 13

Jan. 31
Mar. 31
Apr. 12
Apr. 13

Thurs.

Thurs.

Fri.

Fri.

Sat.

Thurs.

Fri.

Sat.

Tue.

Tue.
Fri.
Wed.
Thurs.

Mon.

May 15

Thurs,
May 4-6
Fri, Sat

Oct. 14

Region Band Clinic/Concert

TBA

TBA

During Class

Band & Orchestra Fundraiser

Kick-off
Region Band Clinic

Austin MS

8:30-11:30am, 1:303:30pm, concert @4pm

District Band Clinic/Concert

Caprock HS

Caprock HS

Austin MS

Austin MS

Austin MS

deZavala MS

THS/Bivins
Stadium
Bowie MS

LOCATION

During school, 2:30-8pm

During Band Class

Band Pictures for the

yearbook
District Band Clinic

After School 5-9pm

Meet after school - leave

after Halftime
After School 5-9pm

8th Grade Football Band

Night - With Tascosa Band
District Band Auditions
Region Band Auditions

TIME

EVENT

Formal for the

concert only
6th-Spirit, 7/8thFormal
Formal
Formal
Formal
Formal

No

No

No

No

Spirit

Spirit

Spirit

Spirit

UNIFORM

6, 7, 8

Winter Concert

Warm-up @ 6:00,
Austin MS
Concert @ 6:30
7/8
Solo/Ensemble Festival
TBA, 5-7:30pm
Houston MS
7/8
Pre-UIL Concert
TBA - After School
Canyon HS
7/8
UIL Contest***
TBA - During School
Canyon HS
7/8
UIL Contest***
TBA - During School
Canyon HS
TBA - we will only go on
Greater Southwest Music
1 of the 3 days, but I do
6
Austin MS
Spirit
Festival
not know which day yet.
Time TBA
Warm-up @ 6:00,
6, 7, 8
Spring Concert
Austin MS
Spirit
Concert @ 6:30
TBA - To Be Announced
***UIL is a 1 day event, but we will not know which day we perform until a month before.

7/8

7/8

6, 7, 8

7/8

7/8

6, 7, 8

7/8

7/8

DATE Grade

Fri.

DAY

Yes

Yes

Yes
Yes
Yes

Strongly encouraged

Yes

Yes - only who

qualify
Yes - only who
qualify

Strongly encouraged

Yes - only who

qualify
Yes - only who
qualify

Yes

Yes - only who

qualify

Strongly encouraged

Yes

Required

Our band calendar is located on Google Calendars and is housed on our band website under the calendar tab. The website is
austinband.weebly.com. Please note all band activities on your personal calendar to avoid conflicts and last minute stresses.

Calendar of Events

6th Week Objective Sheets

Students will have certain objectives that they will pass-off in each six-weeks grading
period. Each student will be able to attempt to pass-off each objective as many times as
desired to master it. If the student masters the objective, they will receive a 100. If the
students attempts the objective but does NOT eventually master it, he/she will receive a
70. If the student never attempts to pass-off the objective, he/she will receive a 0.
Students have until the end of the 6 weeks to pass-off each objective. This should allow
plenty of time to pass-off/master the given objectives.

Sectionals (For 7th and 8th Grade only)

Symphonic Band members are required to attend one weekly sectional before or after
school as set by the band directors. We work very well with the athletics coaches and all
other teachers and make every effort to resolve any conflicts as they arise in regard to
school activities. Students will be notified of sectional schedules in writing, by email,
and the schedule will be placed on our Google Calendar and website.
Students will earn a test grade for each sectional based on their prepared material and
participation. Morning sectionals are held from 7:10-7:50AM. Students attending morning
sectionals should arrive by 7:05AM to have time to get their instrument together and to
begin warming up.
Afternoon sectionals are held from 3:40-4:20PM. Students attending afternoon sectionals
should arrive by 3:35 to have time to get their instrument together and to begin warming
up.
Sectionals are designed to address specific musical skills for each instrument in small
groups, which is vital to the success of the full band. Students are considered late if they
are not in their seat ready to play at the appropriate time. Students may have a lowered
grade if they arrive late to sectionals.
Students attending morning or after school tutoring for other classes need to do so on any
day other than their sectional day, OR attend a make up sectional.
***Please do not schedule appointments or other activities during section rehearsal times.
If a student must miss a section rehearsal due to illness, absence from school, or other
excused conflict (please discuss any known conflicts with a band director prior to the
absence), the sectional grade may be made up by making an appointment with the director
or attending a make up sectional time.***

Practice
Students who practice effectively are successful! Consistent and regular practice is a very
important habit for young musicians to get into. Every student in the Austin Bear Band is
expected to practice daily! Studies show that students who practice a little each day
perform better than those who practice for a long time once or twice a week. Before and
after school rehearsals are not considered individual practice time.

Online practice records will be due each Sunday for all students.
Each student will need to go to the band website austinband.weebly.com to log
their minutes. - If you do not have access to a home or school computer, there
will be paper copies that students can pick up and turn in each Monday.
These records are not intended to let the directors know whether or not a student has been
practicing, as the directors can usually tell by each students performance in class whether
or not he or she is practicing sufficiently and correctly. The purpose of the practice record
is to involve the student and his or her parent in the practice process and to provide an
accountability and credit for the required work. Practice records are designed to promote
quality practice, and provide the student and parent with an outline for how to practice
effectively.
If students are unable to complete an online practice record at home, they may do so on a
band hall computer or a computer in the library. If they do not have access to a computer,
they may write their practice minutes on a hard copy of the practice log. I will have these
available in the band hall to pick up. Paper copies still need to be signed by a parent and
are due each Monday.
The directors understand that students sometimes lose interest in practicing. During these
times of low interest, it is both the directors and parents responsibility to help motivate the
student to continue practicing until his or her interest returns. Parents may be concerned
that forcing their child to practice will negatively impact the childs attitude toward music.
However, the most detrimental influence on a childs attitude toward music is their inability
to perform successfully, and lack of practice simply perpetuates this negative cycle.
As a parent, ask your child what their practice goals are, each day. This simple task will do
a great deal to promote good practice habits! Students nearly always will have specific
skills to practice that have been presented in class.

Instrument Care and Maintenance

All instruments require regular maintenance to remain in working condition and to prevent
the need for extensive repair. During Maintenance Monday students will be given a
short period of time to wash their mouthpiece, oil valves, grease slides and corks, and
adjust any screws. Students are expected to use this time wisely and correctly and be in
their seat 5 minutes after the bell for inspection. The directors will choose several
instruments to randomly inspect each Monday. Percussionists are responsible for
keeping percussion instruments covered and equipment stored properly.
7

School Owned Instruments

Students using a school owned instrument will need to pay a yearly fee of $30 to help
defray the cost of regular maintenance and cleaning. This does not cover the cost of
major damages or repairs. If you are using a school-owned instrument, you are
responsible for the cost of any repairs. Checks for the instrument maintenance fee can be
made out to Austin MS Band.

Private Lessons
We are glad to help students find private instruction on their instrument with a credible
teacher and allow them to take these lessons during their band classes and before and
after school. Students are responsible for helping to ease communication between private
lesson instructor and parents. If you are interested in private lessons for your student,
please contact Mrs. Lough. You can also request private lessons on the band website.
Austinband.weebly.com

Fundraising
The Austin Bear Band is both a curricular course and campus organization. In order to
function as an organization throughout the year, the band participates in a fall fundraiser,
and a spring fundraising event. All money raised is used for the benefit of students in the
Austin Band program. We hope that since every student does benefit from the use of the
funds, that every student will also participate in our fundraising events. Donations are
gladly accepted in lieu of fundraiser participation for those interested. More information on
fundraisers will be shared as our fundraising time nears.

Trips and Off Campus Travel

7th and 8th graders might have the opportunity to go on a spring trip this year. This trip will
not be required but will be a fun and musical experience! If we are allowed to go this year,
it will be in April. Specific information about the trip will be sent home with students and will
have a contract included. It is important to remember that when students leave campus,
they are representatives of our band, our school, and our district. This means that conduct
and dress code still apply.

Website and Updates

Please make it a habit to visit our band website so that you can stay up to date with all of
our band events. Our Google Calendar will always be updated first with any changes!
When you click on an event on the calendar, you can see event details and attachments.
Please also look for regular emails and subscribe to our messaging system (directions
found on the website).
Have I mentioned. austinband.weebly.com ??

Please check it out!

8

Austin Middle School Band Information Form

Students Full Name: _________________________ Instrument: _______________ Grade: _____
Address:_________________________________________City:_______________Zip:_________
Fathers Name:____________________ Home Phone:______________ Cell Phone:___________
Email Address:_______________________________________ Employer:___________________
Mothers Name:___________________ Work Phone:______________ Cell Phone:____________
Email Address:_______________________________________ Employer:___________________
Instrument Played:_________________ Brand:_____________ Serial Number:_______________

Medical Information
Medical Insurance Co. and Policy Number_____________________________________________
List any medical condition, allergies or problems that the directors should be aware of:
______________________________________________________________________________
List any medication(s) being taken: __________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
I the undersigned have read the Austin Band Handbook and understand that the policies therein
are the guidelines under which the band program is conducted and agree to abide by the policies
therein. I hereby give the directors my permission to seek necessary medical assistance,
including hospitalization, in the event of any medical emergency involving my child. I understand
that I will be notified as to the nature of the emergency as soon as possible. I also agree that the
directors and chaperones will not be held responsible for any accidents or misfortunes that might
occur on any band sponsored trip.
Student Signature ____________________________________________Date______________
Parent/Guardian Signature _____________________________________Date______________
______I HAVE SIGNED UP FOR REMIND TEXT/EMAIL UPDATES required see page 4

Permission to Videotape, Audiotape or Photograph

I give my permission to release my childs first name, last name to appear in the local news, district
publications that focus on the achievements of the band student or the band program, or the band
website. I also give permission to release videotape, audiotape, or a photograph of my childs
personal or group achievement.
Please indicate below:
_____ I give permission to release my childs name, videotape, audiotape, and photograph
_____I DO NOT give permission to release my childs name, videotape, audiotape or photograph

Austin Band Financial Obligations 2016-2017

Due by Friday, September 16th, 2016
Return this form along with payment
Please call or email to make later payment arrangements
This is part of our Spirit uniform for Symphonic Band & our Concert uniform for Beginner Band
Indicate the size needed by placing a to the left of the size:
_______ Adult S
_______ Adult M

_______ Adult L
_______ Adult XL

_______ Adult XXL

Required: Band Notebook - this covers the cost of:

One black 1-inch Binder, pencil pouch w/ pencil, and dividers

Required:
Band T-Shirt

$12

Required:
Band Notebook

$4

Required:
Extra Fees

$4

TOTAL
DUE

$20

There are several activities that occur throughout the year that are not
covered through fundraising. For example: contest entry fees, buses, etc.
This cost goes to help cover those needs for the school year.

Payment Information cash/check

If paying by check, please make the check payable to: Austin MS Band

Do you play on a school-owned instrument?

Please circle

yes

or

cash
check

check number

no

The yearly band fee for a school owned instrument is $30

Please include this payment along with your other band fees
by Sept. 16th. The total amount would be $50.

Band Student and Parent/Guardian Signature

I understand that I am paying for Required: Band T-Shirt, Band Notebook and other required fees to
make the band program successful.

Student Signature

Date

Parent or Guardian Signature

Date

10