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Band Rules 3

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Forms 11 -13

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Berry Miller Junior High Band

2018 – 2019 Handbook

Directors:

Mr. Chris Bennett

BMJH Band Open House

Tuesday, August 28th

Symphonic, Concert I, & Concert II Bands – 7:00 pm

Honors Band – 8:00 pm

BMJH Cafeteria

Please join us for our mandatory band open house where we will

discuss the upcoming year.

Mrs. Heather Massey

Mr. Blake Lein

Mr. Robert Fish

WELCOME!

Welcome to a fantastic year planned for the Miller Band program! The following handbook provides information about the Miller Band program in a clear and concise format; however, it cannot possibly cover every detail of our band program. Please know that our doors are always open to answer any questions or alleviate any concerns you might have throughout the year.

Please take the time to read the handbook thoroughly. The last few pages contain forms that need to be completed and signed tonight or returned before Friday, August 24, 2018. This will be your child’s first band grade of the year! Thank you for your continued support of your child’s music education and band experience.

Sincerely, Your Directors

Facts about music programs:

The college entrance examination board found that students involved in public school music programs scored 107 points higher on the SAT’s.

Music programs assist in building a child’s confidence and self-discipline.

It has been proven that early music training dramatically enhances abstract reasoning skills.

Students that have participated in fine arts were reported to have the lowest usage, both current and for life, of substances such as drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

Music enhances higher brain functions required for math, science, and engineering.

Music programs introduce children into a social environment where they can feel safe.

There are many more facts that could fill this entire document! Feel free to log on to www.MusicForAll.org and navigate to the “Resource” tab.

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Berry Miller Junior High band program! Learning to play an instrument can be a rewarding and enriching experience. This handbook will address the procedures, policies, and expectations for each student. Please read through this entire handbook and take note of which policies affect your child.

Music is a performing art and membership in a performing organization is a privilege. Performance and the preparation for performances are essential to the art. 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 and their presence is necessary to prepare for and execute each 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. Announcements will be made verbally in class as well as copies sent to you in writing as far in advance as possible. If a conflict arises, please contact one of the directors as soon as possible so that we may resolve them in a timely manner. We respect your time commitments and pledge to inform you of any changes made to all calendar events.

PHILOSOPHY

It is our goal as music educators to help our students develop an appreciation and love for music. The study and performance of music is an opportunity that our young people need to experience. It is not our goal as teachers to make professional musicians but rather to enable them to fully enjoy the life-long benefits of making music.

Recent studies have shown that students who participate in music programs such as band become the strongest students, academically, in their schools. Band students consistently graduate at the top of their classes, score higher on achievement tests (STAAR, ACT, SAT), and have a higher percentage of earning advanced college degrees. The skills learned through our band program – self-discipline, time management, group cooperation, commitment, responsibility to self and to a group, and teamwork – will be reflected with increased self-esteem in a successful adult life.

Here in the Berry Miller Band Program, we wish to instill in every child that it is “fun to be good”! This “culture of band” will produce great performances, which are the fruits of a considerable investment in preparation, hard work, and lessons learned from trial and error. Our goal as musicians is to enjoy new levels of success through communication and self-expression.

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. These skills will enable our students to become outstanding musicians and prepare them to become successful and productive young adults.

MILLER BAND EXPECTATIONS

Above all, a Berry Miller Junior High Band member should exhibit the highest standards of character, honesty, and integrity in everything that he or she does. These specific expectations will help us reach the end of the year with a high level of achievement and a minimal amount of damaged equipment or wasted time.

In addition to the Berry Miller school classroom guidelines, the following Band Hall expectations apply:

1. Be nice and respectful to all students, staff, and equipment.

2. Band students will always follow directions the first time they are given.

3. Students MUST take home their instrument and band binder

daily. Locker checks will be done each morning. For each day the instrument is left at school 20 points will be deducted from a weekly 100. This will be the weight of a daily grade. Students are expected to practice a minimum of twenty five to thirty five minutes per night outside of band class and private lessons.

4. Only band students are allowed in the band hall. DO NOT let

your non-band friends enter. This rule is to safeguard our members and equipment.

5. Only percussion students are allowed in the percussion

room. 6. All students will be required to keep a band binder. They

should be 1.5” in size and black in color. They will also need a pencil, highlighter, paper, and all the accessory items for their instruments as outlined by a band director. Such items as class notes, tests, band rules, band calendar, band music, and various handouts will be kept in their band binder.

7. Students will follow all established classroom and trip procedures; this includes, but is not limited to: entering/exiting the room, picking up or dropping off your instruments, being prompt with all materials, rehearsal and concert times and trip itineraries.

8. Students will show pride by wearing our formal and informal uniforms in a complete and correct manner. Tuxedo shirts must stay on and tucked-in following a performance. Students are encouraged to wear their band shirts to school!!

Consequences for Breaking Expectations:

1. Warning Given

2. Alternate In-Class Assignment and/or 30 Minute Lunch Detention

3. 1 Hour After School Detention

4. Referred to Administration

5. 2 Hour Friday Detention

6. Permanent Removal from Band Program

***SEVERE CONSEQUENCES may include permanent removal from the band program immediately***

TARDY POLICY

At the bell, students must be through the big band hall or small band hall door to be counted present. Students who are not physically inside the classroom will be asked to go to the nearest tardy station for a tardy pass.

Students must then be seated forty-five seconds after the tardy bell rings, prepared for band class to be considered on time as part of the band director’s classroom expectations.

We will follow the guidelines as found in the Miller Student Handbook for tardy consequences. Tardies start over each NINE WEEKS.

TRIP & PERFORMANCE PRIVILEDGES

Participation on any band sponsored trip or in a performance is a privilege reserved for students who exhibit good behavior, citizenship, and teamwork. It is at the director’s discretion to remove a student from any band sponsored trip or performance who the directors believe could negatively impact the ensemble or detract from the overall experience of the trip or performance. This is including, but not limited to: excessive and/or continuous disruptions of band class, excessive and/or continuous detentions (both band and school-wide), excessive and/or continuous office referrals (both band and school-wide), ISS during the time of the trip or performance (a UIL policy), OSS during the time of the trip or performance (a UIL policy), or if a campus administrator requests a student not attend the trip or performance. In the event that a student is removed from a trip due to disciplinary reasons, the family will receive a full refund for the cost of the trip via SKYWARD. If a student is removed from a graded performance for disciplinary reasons, the student will receive an alternate assignment to earn full credit for the performance.

Facilities, Equipment, and Other Expectations:

Our facilities are in great condition and we hope that it will stay that way for years to come. Therefore:

Food, gum, and drinks are never permitted in the band hall.

Practice rooms, ensemble rooms, and instrument storage slots

should remain clean at all times.

Students will not deface school or band property (music stands,

walls, storage rooms, instruments, etc).

Non-Band students are prohibited from the band hall unless given

consent from a director or proper authority.

Any items left on the floor will be discarded at the end of the day.

Keep instruments in cases with latches closed and locked in

assigned slots when not in use.

Students should have their name on the outside of their instrument

cases in a recognizable place. We would recommend that you

purchase a luggage tag that you can write down all of your

information and attach it to the handle of your instrument case or

bag. Be sure that your serial number, make, and model are written

down at home. If you need assistance finding this information, feel

free to contact a director for assistance.

No one is to use office phones or computers without consent from

a director.

Practice rooms are for practice, recording assignments, pass-offs or

private lessons. Any student caught misusing the practice facilities

will be removed and dealt with accordingly.

Instrument lockers are to be used for instrumental storage ONLY!!

Each student is assigned a specific slot, which is to be kept clean.

Instruments are to be put in their cases, and the cases kept closed

while in the storage area. NO INSTRUMENTS ARE TO BE KEPT IN

THE LOCKERS OVERNIGHT OR OVER THE WEEKENDS, EXCEPT

STUDENTS WITH SCHOOL-OWNED INSTRUMENTS AT HOME.

Due to our morning sectional schedule, students wishing to practice

should arrive at Berry Miller early in the morning. Once all practice

rooms are occupied, students may be turned away due to lack of

space in the band hall.

No one is allowed to exit or enter through either of the external

band hall doors, except if a director has given them permission.

This is for school security.

Students arriving to school early or staying late after school should

be careful not to disturb the before and after school rehearsals. If

you are waiting outside for your ride, DO NOT leave your

instrument unattended for any period of time.

We are fortunate to have risers for our brass players. Careless

behavior on or near the risers is considered a serious offense. There

are safety strips installed around the back and sides to prevent

chairs from sliding off, as well as an underside connecting device

that holds the risers tightly together. Anyone tampering with these

devices will be subject to removal from our band program.

For your safety and to protect your instrument, absolutely NO gum

or candy is allowed in the band hall. It is a dangerous choking

hazard to have ANYTHING in your mouth while playing a wind

instrument. The ingredients in gum and candy cause short and

long-term damage to all instruments. Playing a school-owned

instrument with anything in your mouth will have serious

consequences.

Performances

All members of performing organizations represent Berry Miller Junior High School and Pearland ISD. When traveling to other locations on district transportation vehicles, all students are expected to:

Be on time.

Dress appropriately. (See Uniform Section)

Avoid excessive noise on the bus and places we travel.

Travel on the same bus for all segments of the trip.

Return equipment to its proper storage place upon arrival to BMJH.

Behave appropriately

Exhibit good concert etiquette

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

Band Audition Placements

Students audition for band placement at the end of each school year for the upcoming school year. Band audition music for Berry Miller and Dawson Bands are usually passed at the beginning of May. Students will have a set time to work on the music and scales and will then audition during their class time. Band considerations are always being monitored. We base it on the student’s audition in May, their playing ability, citizenship, attendance at concerts and section rehearsals, class preparation, and overall behavior throughout the school year. Band placements are final once posted. Directors, however will monitor students throughout the course of the school year, and if a change in a band class needs to be made, directors will check with counselors and parents before suggesting a change in class.

GRADING POLICY

Grades are determined by the following:

Daily Grades 40% – Rehearsal etiquette, daily/weekly locker checks, practice records, and supply/binder checks. Each of these items make up 10% of the daily grade for band.

Test Grades 60% – Playing tests, written tests, curricular performances, sectional attendance, outside of school rehearsal attendance, listening help session attendance, and special projects (i.e. recording projects and objective sheets).

Students should expect to have at least one test grade each week (playing test, etc). IMPORTANT NOTE: Playing tests will generally occur during section rehearsals for students in Honors Band, Symphonic Band, and Concert I Band during both semesters. Testing will occur during the Concert II Band’s class period. Missing a section rehearsal for an unexcused reason will affect both the quiz and test components of the student’s grade. Section rehearsals and playing tests are part of the test (major grade) component.

All personal instruments must go home every day for security of the instrument, home practice, and for grading purposes (locker checks). Students are expected to practice 25-35 minutes a day.

MATERIALS NEEDED IN CLASS

You will need the following things every day:

Positive attitude

Band Binder as outlined on the next page

All music, in your binder (method books, sheet music with measures numbered, etc)

Instrument (in proper playing condition)

Any necessary accessories (valve oil, extra reeds, slide spray bottle, etc.)

Percussionists will always have their own sticks/mallets kept in their personal stick bag.

PARENTAL SUPPORT

Parental support is crucial to any successful child, which makes it a necessary part of any great band program. There will be numerous opportunities throughout the year to become actively involved in your child’s band experience! Parent volunteers are welcome at all band functions, such as our football game performances, all band concerts, contests, and festivals. Please take a moment to fill out the Awesome Parent Volunteer form at the end of this handbook.

We will need volunteers to help us organize events and help the directors with day-to-day help in the band hall office as well. We appreciate any help that you can offer us! Thank you in advance!!

**During the school year the band has many outside of school events. It is important that all students are picked up in a timely manner. Students who are picked up more than 15 minutes after the end of an event on two occasions will not be allowed to attend other after-school events with the band.**

PRIVATE LESSONS

Pearland ISD is proud to offer a private lesson program for your child. Private lessons are highly encouraged for all students, regardless of band placement.

Private lessons are for all students, and we encourage your child to enroll in them. The level of literature that our bands play is extremely high and challenging, and the one-on-one instruction will help them with that music!

Students playing on school-owned instruments, including percussion, are required to take private lessons as per Pearland ISD policy. Once enrolled in the PISD private lesson program, your child will receive weekly, thirty-minute lessons of individualized instruction by a person who specializes on your child’s instrument.

A separate Private Lesson packet with more information has been issued to your student. Please fill the registration form out and return it to your child’s band director as soon as possible.

PRACTICE RECORDS

Students will be asked to log their practice time daily and submit it to their director for a weekly grade. Students are required to practice their instruments daily; they always will have homework in band. Private lessons, section rehearsals, listening times, before, after, or weekend band rehearsals do not count towards a child’s practice record unless it has been approved by a director. Students should not miss more than two days in a row of practicing. Consistent practicing is the key to mastery.

The practice records are meant to be a tool to analyze your child’s practice habits and monitor how their outside of class preparation leads to higher mastery on band music and other musical skills.

Practice records will be accepted throughout the entire 9-week grading cycle. A student may only receive full credit the week it’s due (unless the student is absent).

Practice records are due the first day of each week. We will accept them for full credit throughout that week. Late practice cards will have a maximum score of a 70 (plus extra credit) after the original due date has passed. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis based on student absence and other extreme circumstances. Please email a director if you have a circumstance we need to consider.

Practice records that still have not been turned in by the end of the grading cycle will remain a zero in the grade book. As long as your student turns in a record with a parent signature, they will earn at least a 50.

Practice records account for 10% of the student’s total average.

SECTIONALS

Honors Band The Honors Band has required sectionals all year long. These will take place either before or after school. There will be weekly playing tests during sectional time. Fall sectionals will focus on Region audition music, and Winter Concert Music, while spring sectionals will focus on UIL, National Wind Band, or Honor Band Contest music.

Symphonic Band

The Symphonic Band has required sectionals all year long. These will take place either before or after school. There will be weekly playing tests during sectional time. Fall sectionals will focus on fundamentals, Region audition music, and scales, and spring sectionals will focus on UIL music.

Concert I Band

Concert I Band has required sectionals all year long. These will take place either before or after school. There will be weekly playing tests during sectional time. Fall sectionals will focus on fundamentals and scales, and spring sectionals will focus on UIL music.

Concert II Band

Concert II Band will have required sectionals or full band rehearsals that will start mid-November and continue until Spring Break. These will take place either before or after school.

Outside of School Rehearsals

All care will be made to publish all rehearsal dates on the band calendar from the beginning of the school year. However, from time to time, we may need to schedule an extra rehearsal in preparation for a concert or competition. All effort will be made to communicate those additions to you in a timely manner.

Listening Help Sessions

During the course of the school year, students will periodically be required to sign up and attend a 10 – 15 minute individual listening time. This is so the directors can work on region band music, solos, and UIL/Honor Band/Competition music individually. This time will be chosen by the students and will be based on the student’s schedule in combination with the director’s schedule.

Very Important Note Regarding Sectionals, Outside of School Rehearsals, and Listening Help Sessions

Sectionals, outside of school rehearsals, and listening help sessions are curricular, meaning they are required and graded as defined by the TEA/UIL side-by-side. Every effort will be taken to make the day and time convenient for all students. We will work around school sponsored athletics and events the best we can. Due to the nature of these rehearsals and scheduling them, we can promise that all care will be made so your student will not miss an athletic practice the day before a game and students will NEVER miss a game. We want them to be at those school-sponsored activities too!

Attendance at all required sectionals, outside of school rehearsals, and listening help session are mandatory, and will be a part of the band grade. If a student misses a sectional, they are expected to make up that rehearsal time at another scheduled sectional prior to their next sectional time. If the absence is excused the student can make up for full credit. If the absence is unexcused, the student can only make up for up to a 70. Please see the general attendance guidelines for clarification on excused versus unexcused absences.

GENERAL ATTENDANCE

In order to have and maintain high quality ensembles, attendance from all members is essential. The following guidelines outline the attendance procedures and policies for concert ensembles as it relates to sectionals, rehearsals, and listenings.

Excused absences – Absences will be excused

at the discretion of the directors. The student will need to speak with a band director in advance to obtain necessary approval. Absences can be excused under the following conditions: personal illness (absent from school day), death in the

family, or other serious problems. There must be an open line of communication from the student and/or parent. Please be communicative with the band directors about all absences. Documentation will be required so as to properly follow up with the student’s absence. The student is expected to make up the missed sectional time prior to their next scheduled sectional, listening, or rehearsal. Excused absences can be made up for full credit – a 100 in the gradebook.

Unexcused absences – In addition to a

student not notifying and obtaining approval from the director in advance for absences, all appointments, tutorials, club meetings, outside of school activities, etc will be counted as unexcused. The student is expected to make up the missed sectional time prior to their next scheduled sectional, listening, or rehearsal. Unexcused absences can be made up for partial credit – a 70 in the gradebook. The student is responsible to work out the make-up time in a case of unexcused absences. Please note that a student may lose his/her position in the band for consistent unexcused absences.

Academic Tutorial Attendance

We want our students to maintain high academic grades in their core classes. Therefore, we encourage students to attend tutorials. We do ask, since the “band tutorial” or sectional meets one time a week, that you plan to go to your teacher either after sectionals are completed or on a morning/afternoon that you do not have a sectional. We do understand sometimes students need to get last minute help for a test, project, or assignment, so please communicate with us! We want to help!

Morning Sectionals will run 7:00 am – 8:00 am for Concert II, Concert I, and Symphonic Bands and 7:00 am – 8:15 am for Honors Band. Students will have time to attend morning tutorials after sectionals. If a student needs to leave a little early to attend sectionals, please let the director know in advance, there is not a reason for a student to miss an entire sectional to attend tutorials. In the event a student needs to attend an after school tutorial, please email us so we can work out the best schedule for your student. After-school sectionals are from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm for Symphonic and Concert Bands and 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm.

Please understand that the vast majority of our tests and grades are taken only in sectionals, so it is important students are in attendance.

BAND BINDER

Miller band members will receive A LOT of music throughout the year. A well-organized binder is required and will make things much easier for band students. The required band binder consists of:

1. A black 1 ½ inch three-ring binder with pockets.

2. 5 sharpened pencils and a highlighter (any color) in a pencil bag

3. Notebook paper, approximately 10 sheets.

4. Set of 5 dividers 5. Approx. 25 plastic sheet protectors

There will be binder checks taken every few weeks, so please ensure that your child has a band binder. This will also help protect his/her music and keep it organized. The following is what should be on/in every student’s band binder.

I. The student’s name, instrument, and band on a cover page inside the binder

II. Five dividers labeled

1. Information 2. Objective Sheets / Practice

Card 3. Daily Drill / Scales/ Concert

Music 4. Music 5. Private Lessons

The band directors will specify what needs to go in what section, but every band student needs to have clear plastic page protectors in each section. A more detailed handout will be given the first week of school with the first binder check occurring at the first sectional of the year for Honors and Symphonic Bands and the second week of school for Concert I Band. The binder will be checked in Concert II Band during class beginning the second week of school.

School Sponsored Clubs

We want our students to be well-rounded and participate in other clubs and organizations at BMJH. The directors will do their best to work around conflicts. If your student is involved in a club or organization that meets on the same day/time as a rehearsal or sectional, we ask that students inform BOTH the band director and club sponsor as quickly as possible so a solution can be reached. We want to support your student in all activities they do to the best of our ability.

Medical & Dental Appointments

The definition of an ensemble is a group of individuals who come together to accomplish the same end goal as a team. As a member of the Berry Miller Junior High Band you have an obligation to your fellow band members to be at ALL rehearsals and ALL performances.

Please schedule dentist, doctor, and orthodontist office visits for times other than when you will be involved in rehearsals (including band class and/or section rehearsal) or performances.

We do understand that emergencies occur and that some situations are unavoidable, but unless the doctor’s appointment is due to a sudden illness or emergency, the absence will be considered unexcused.

Braces/Orthodontia

Wind players: If there are plans (even a consideration) for orthodontia (braces), please be mindful of the timing involved in getting them. Braces are necessary 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 consider NOT getting them put on (or removed) in close proximity to performances/contests. Check the band calendar for our performances (i.e. Region Band Auditions, Solo and Ensemble Contest, and UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest). Please keep us informed of any health issues that may impact your child’s performance.

Please inform us early of your intention to get braces put on (or removed) 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 some times are better than others.

BAND FEE

There is a $35 band fee that the Berry Miller Junior High Band charges for the year. The band fee will cover expenses such as clinicians, music, supplies, and a BMJH Band shirt.

BAND SHIRT

The Berry Miller Junior High Band shirt is the official “informal” uniform of the Miller Band. All band students are required to have one. The band shirt will be a short-sleeved t-shirt. The price for the 2018-2019 band shirt is included in your band fee. Other family members are welcome to purchase one as well. At the cost of $10.00 per shirt. The shirt is DIFFERENT than last year, so all students will need to purchase one. A band shirt order form is included at the end of this packet.

FORMAL CONCERT UNIFORM

In an attempt to have the ensemble look uniform, ALL BAND STUDENTS require a formal uniform for concert performances. The formal concert uniform consists of:

Boys: white tuxedo shirt, solid black dress pants (I would recommend tuxedo pants), solid black belt, solid black socks, solid black dress shoes, navy blue cummerbund, navy blue bowtie, and a plain white undershirt

Girls: white tuxedo shirt, solid black dress pants (I would recommend tuxedo pants), solid black socks or stockings, solid black closed-toe dress shoes, navy blue cummerbund, navy blue bowtie, and a plain white undershirt

All students ordering a tuxedo shirt will be measured and fitted in the fall – the tuxedo shirt is $20. Students will also need to purchase their own bowtie and cummerbund for $18.

Students who already own a cummerbund, bowtie, and a tuxedo shirt

that still fits from last year are not required to purchase new ones.

PERSONAL PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Pearland ISD 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 locker to keep their instrument during the day. It is the student’s responsibility to keep his/her instrument in that assigned location during the day. Personalized name tags will be on all instruments and students will need to make sure that they are taking their instrument home and not someone else’s. The band hall is always locked whenever there is no director available to monitor it.

INSTRUMENT MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

Regular cleaning and maintenance of the instrument by the student will prevent many common problems and repairs. However, in the event that a repair must be done, do not attempt to fix the instrument on your own! Contact a band director immediately. If a director cannot fix the problem, then we will recommend that you send it to an instrument repair shop. Some local stores that we highly recommend include:

H&H Music in Clear Lake (281) 481-2991

Music & Arts in Webster (281) 316-1724

Music & Arts in Alvin (281) 585-6731

We also have sales representatives that stop by our school each week, and we can have them take the instrument in and bring it back the following week. They will call you with an estimate before any work is done. If the repair must be done very quickly (for any performance or audition), we

recommend you take it to the shop yourself so that you can get it back quicker.

SCHOOL INSTRUMENT USAGE

Each student is financially responsible for any and all equipment or materials checked out to him/her for his/her personal use. Equipment is to be used, not abused. Damages caused by fire, theft, or abuse will be charged to the student. The Pearland Independent School District Administration and Board of Trustees require a fee of $50 per semester for students playing on school-owned instruments. Forms will be available at the start of school. You may pay each semester, or all at once. School-owned instruments are furnished by the school for the purpose of avoiding large expenditures from the parent, as well as to provide a well-balanced instrumentation for each performing organization. Additionally, it is expected and required that all students with school-owned instruments enroll and participate in the Pearland ISD private lesson program.

STEP-UP INSTRUMENTS

In many cases, students are ready for a step-up (professional) model instrument after the first or second year of band. As a general rule, if your child is placed in either the Honors or Symphonic Band, and is certain that he/she will continue on with band in high school, it may be time for a step-up instrument. The following instruments require a step-up model for advanced students: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, and trombone. Please contact your child’s band director for a list of district approved step-up models.

New and used professional models of instruments are widely available. When making this purchase, there are usually some variations in the price. We recommend that you shop around for the best price! Some recommended places to check for new or used instruments include music stores (such as Music & Arts and H&H) or Encore Pro

(www.encorepro.org). Ask us, we want to help! You could also contact high school band directors or private lesson teachers to see if they know of a former student who is selling their professional model instrument.

BAND FUNDRAISER

Our popular Rock-A-Thon fundraiser will take place on October 26th, 2018. There will be more information about this fundraiser coming in a separate handout. Our goal is $10,000 raised to help offset costs of trips and help throughout the school year!

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY RULES (NO PASS_NO PLAY)

House Bill 72, which became law in 1984, mandates that a student be suspended from participation in ALL extracurricular activities sponsored or sanctioned by the school district during the three week period following the a six-week grading period in which a student received a grade lower than 70 in any class. This suspension continues for at least three weeks, and academic eligibility is not regained during the school year until such time as the student’s grade in EACH CLASS is 70 or greater at progress report time or at the end of a six-week grading period. A student may continue to practice or rehearse with other students for an extracurricular activity, but he/she may not participate in an extracurricular performance until the suspension is lifted.

DAWSON BAND NIGHT

The 8th grade students from Miller get to perform in the stands alongside the Dawson Eagle Marching Band. All students and chaperones gain entry to the game free of charge. The uniform for the event is our band shirt and jeans. All band parents are highly encouraged to attend! The date for this event is Friday, September 14, 2018. More information will be coming home with your student soon.

FALL CONCERT

All Miller Bands perform at our annual Fall Concert on Thursday, October 4, 2018 in the Dawson High School auditorium. The concert begins at 7:00 PM. The uniform for all band members is the Formal Concert Uniform (tuxedo shirt, etc). Family and friends are welcome to attend!

REGION BAND MASTER CLASS

Miller JH will sponsor a Region music master class three weeks prior to the audition to help our students get better prepared for Region Band. Music and scales will be covered, as well as audition tips for students. Highly qualified clinicians will be on hand to give your child the best possible preparation for the Region Band audition. Students auditioning are required to attend this master class. The date for this event is Friday, September, 28th at 4:30 pm. More information will be coming home soon.

REGION BAND AUDITIONS

In the fall semester, Miller Band students will have the opportunity to audition for the Region 19 All-Region Band. All Honors and Symphonic Band students are required to audition, and all students from the Concert I and Concert II Bands are highly encouraged to audition for membership in this elite group. Students can attain four levels of membership: Region Orchestra, Region Symphonic Band, Region Concert Band, or District Band. Students will need to wear their Miller Band t-shirt and jeans. More information about auditions will be forthcoming. Auditions will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at Berry Miller JH.

REGION BAND CLINIC AND CONCERT

Students who earn membership in the Region Symphonic or Region Concert Band will perform Saturday, November 10, 2018 at the Region Band Clinic and

Concert. Information for this elite group will be provided to students who earn placement into Region Band. The clinic and concert will be at Deer Park HS South Auditorium.

HOLIDAY CONCERT

All Miller Bands perform at our annual Winter Concert on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at the Dawson High School auditorium. The concert begins at 6:30 PM. The uniform for all band members is the Formal Concert Uniform (tuxedo shirt, etc.). Family and friends are welcome to attend!

REGION ORCHESTRA CLINIC AND CONCERT

Students who chair high enough in the Region Band Auditions will earn membership in the Region Orchestra. It will perform on Saturday, January 19th, 2019. There will also be a mandatory rehearsal after school on Friday, January 18th. Information for this elite group will be provided to students who earn placement into Region Orchestra. The clinic and concert will be at Deer Park HS South Auditorium.

National Concert Band Festival Send Off Concert (Honors Band)

In preparation for our performance at the National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, we will have a send off concert for all of our parents, friends, and community. The concert will be on March 7th, 2019 beginning at 7 pm at Dawson High School.

National Concert Band Festival Performance (Honors Band)

The Honors Band has been inivtied to perform in Indianapolis as a part of the National Concert Band Festival. The festival dates are March 14-16. This is a highly prestigious event. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

PRE-UIL CONCERT

In preparation for the UIL Concert & Sight Reading Contest, the Miller Bands will perform a Pre-UIL Concert. The bands will perform on March 22, 2018 at JH South. All parents are welcome to attend. Exact performance times will follow closer to the date.

DAWSON HS Incoming 9th Grade Parent Meeting

Mr. Brown and the Dawson HS Band staff will be hosting an informational meeting for all 8th graders transitioning to high school on February 19th, 2019. We strongly urge every 8th grade parent and student to attend, regardless of what your plans may be for high school. Mr. Brown will have a presentation to answer all your questions about being a member of the award winning, Dawson Eagle Band!

UIL CONCERT & SIGHTREADING CONTEST

For Symphonic & Concert I Bands, this is their biggest and most important competition of the year! The Symphonic, Concert I Bands will perform at the UIL Concert & Sight Reading Contest on either April 17th or 18th, 2018.

For the Honors Band, this marks the first of several performances towards recording for the National Wind Band Honors Contest and TMEA Honor Band Contest. The UIL Concert & Sight Reading contest is the first in the series, of concerts and competitions. The Honors band will perform on April 18th.

Exact performance dates & times will be announced at a later date. The uniform for this event is our formal concert uniform. All parents are highly encouraged to attend.

BMJH BAND SPRING TRIP – San Antonio

The Honors, Symphonic, Concert I, and Concert II Band students will be traveling to San Antonio on Saturday, May 11, 2019 to spend the day at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The trip fee is $130, and can be paid all at once or in 5 payments of $26 each. We will need between 20 – 25 chaperones. If you are interested in chaperoning this trip, please indicate so on the permission slip being given to the students. The cost of the chaperone trip is $110. This can be paid all at once or in 5 payments of $22 each.

More information on this trip will be discussed at the band parent meeting. There will be a special trip meeting on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 discussing trip rules, itinerary, and expectations. See the band calendar and website for more info.

NATIONAL WIND BAND HONORS COMPETITION & TMEA HONOR BAND CONTEST (Honors Band Only)

Every year, the BMJH Honors Band competes in a nationwide contest called the National Wind Band Honors Contest. It requires the group to record their UIL contest selections multiple times and then submit their recording to compete across the country. In addition, the Honors Band will be recording for the TMEA Honor Band Contest. This is our state championship.

The Honors Band will be performing and recording for this contest at the following times:

UIL Concert & Sight Reading – April 19th

Shadow Creek HS Showcase – May 3rd

PISD Honor Band Recording Concert – May 10th @ Pearland JH West.

University of Houston – May 16th (pending approval by University). Time is TBA.

Parents are HIGHLY encouraged to attend these performances.

SPRING CONCERT

The Miller Bands perform at our annual Spring Concert on Monday, May 20, 2019 at Dawson High School at 6:30 pm. This is the final performance of the year, and all family and friends are welcome to attend!

EXTRA FUN ACTIVITIES

Band is also a place for students to grow socially as well as musically. Therefore, we have organized several social trips throughout the school year. Students, regardless of band placement or age are invited to attend. Students will need to be in good standing in the band classroom, meaning that they will need to exhibit qualities of being a good band student, taking care of their academic grades, and making their commitments to band and the school.

All band students are invited to attend the following activities. Please see the calendar for specific dates:

ITZ Pizza

Six Flags Fiesta Texas Spring Trip

Information will be sent home about all of these events as we approach them.

CONCLUSION / ITEMS TO RETURN

Adherence to the expectations contained within this handbook and the exercise of common sense will help us to achieve our goal of musical excellence through team effort.

Please return these pages:

Handbook Acknowledgement

Student Information/Travel/Medical Treatment Card

Private Lesson Form (in separate packet)

Please properly fill out all of these forms tonight or turn them in to your band director all at the same time by Friday, August, 31, 2018.

PISD SOLO & ENSEMBLE CONTEST

Our annual Solo & Ensemble Contest will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2019. The site will be Pearland JH East. More information will come closer to the event. All Honors, Symphonic, Concert I, and Concert II Band members are required to perform a solo. Students must provide their original solo and piano accompaniment parts. This can be purchased online at http://www.penders.com/. Solos require students to pay for piano accompaniment, and the Miller Band will hire pianists to practice and perform with the soloists. The accompanist fee for solos is $25. This fee goes towards covering the pianists’ rehearsal and performance time.

All students will get at least two rehearsals with their pianist prior to the contest. The band directors will notify the students regarding their accompanist fee.

Shadow Creek Showcase of Sound Contest

All BMJH students will participate in the annual Shadow Creek Showcase of Sound right here in Pearland, Texas. Honors and Symphonic Band students will attend the contest on Friday, May 3, 2019, and Concert I and Concert II Band students will attend the contest on Saturday, May 4, 2019. Students will meet at Berry Miller JH and be bussed to the contest as a group. Performance times for each band will be announced as the contest date approaches.

BAND: Student Information/Travel/Emergency Treatment Card

PLEASE RETURN THIS PAGE TO THE BAND DIRECTORS BY AUGUST 31, 2018

Student’s Name: _____________________________________ Date of Birth: _______/_______/_______ Sex: M or F

School: Miller Junior High School Grade: 7 or 8

Address: ____________________________________________________________ Home Phone: ________________________

Street City Zip

Family Emails for all band communication: (please print CLEARLY):

___________________________________________________________________

Father’s Name: ______________________________________________________ Employer: ___________________________

Father’s Cell: _______________________________________________________ Work Phone: _________________________

Mother’s Name: _____________________________________________________ Employer: ___________________________

Mother’s Cell: _________________________________________________ Work Phone: _________________________

Family Physician: ____________________________________________________ Office Number: _______________________

EMERGENCY CONTACT: in case parent/guardian CAN NOT be reached

Name: ______________________________________________________________ Relationship: ________________________

Home Phone: ________________________________________________________ Cell Phone: _________________________

I hereby give my consent for the above student to compete in University Interscholastic League (UIL), or school sponsored activities approved events, and travel with coach, sponsor, or representative of the school on any trips. Neither UIL nor Pearland ISD assumes any responsibility in case an accident occurs.

If, in the judgment of any representative of the school, the above student should need immediate care and treatment as a result of any injury or sickness, I do hereby request, authorize, and consent to such care and treatment as may be given to said student by any physician, athletic trainer, nurse, hospital, or school representative; and I do hereby agree to indemnify and save harmless the school and any school representative from any claim by any persons whomsoever on account of such care and treatment of said student.

PARENT SIGNATURE REQUIRED: ______________________________________________

Please list below any allergies the student may have to food or medication:

Berry Miller Junior High School Band Handbook Acknowledgement -- 2018-2019

Name _________________________ Instrument ____________________ Period _____ Please place your initials next to each item below, indicating your understanding of the particular item and your willingness to abide by it.

Student Initials

Parent Initials

Expectation, Policy, or Understanding

1. I understand that I must attend all rehearsals (before, during, after school, and weekends) and all performances that are a part my enrollment in band. I understand that repeated failures to do so may be grounds for being moved to a non-performing class or removal from the band program altogether, depending upon the nature of the situation.

2. I have received a copy of the BMJH band calendar and I have noted these events on my family calendar. I also understand that due to the fact that the specific day and time of some events may not be known until just before the event, I need to leave some dates open.

3. I understand that it is my responsibility to inform the directors when conflicts arise that might prevent me from being in attendance at a required event. I also understand that the directors will inform me within a reasonable amount of time if additional events must be scheduled beyond those listed on the calendar sent home with the handbook.

4. I understand the difference between excused and unexcused absences, and that I should schedule medical and dental appointments at times when I do not have a before or after school band responsibility. I also understand the importance of timing the installation or removal of braces to not be in close proximity to performances or auditions.

5. I understand that improper behavior will not be tolerated at any time. I understand that any behavior that is not consistent with the PISD Student Code of Conduct or that does not contribute to good citizenship may result in disciplinary measures ranging from suspension from the extracurricular aspects of the band program, up to and including dismissal from the band program altogether, in addition to any measures that may be taken through the campus administration.

6. I recognize the necessity of quality, daily practice in order to be successful as a musician and to fulfill my obligation to myself and to the members of my ensemble. I also acknowledge my responsibility in documenting this practice time on weekly practice reports.

7. I understand the procedures that will be used in determining my grade for my band class.

8. I understand the concept of “No-Pass/No-Play” (academic eligibility) and the consequences (both personal and group) that result when I or someone else fails to maintain a 70% average in any class.

9. Students with School-Owned Instruments: I acknowledge that if I have been entrusted with the use and care of a school-owned instrument, I will use it and care for it appropriately. Any damage beyond normal “wear-and-tear” will be my financial responsibility. I also understand the PISD policy on private lessons and school owned instruments.

I/we have read BMJH Band Handbook and I/we agree to abide by the expectations and policies of the band program.

____________________________________ _____________________________________

Student’s Signature Parent’s Signature

Please return this page to the band department by Friday, August 31, 2018.