1

INTRODUCTORY LETTER

Dear Band Students and Parents:

The Calallen Independent School District takes great pride in being able to offer band

classes at Calallen Middle School. Although we consider participation in instrumental

music programs a right of all students, we do expect standards to be met of each student

enrolled in the classes:

1. RESPONSIBILITY

2. DEPENDABILITY

3. MUSICAL EXCELLENCE

4. DEDICATION

It is the goal of your directors to produce outstanding bands. It is also the belief of the

directors that students learn more and develop better self-discipline, responsibility, and

knowledge, and take more pride in superior bands than in poor ones. Producing an

outstanding band requires that each student accepts certain responsibilities.

The following pages will outline the basic requirements for band at Calallen Middle

School. Please return the last two pages of this handbook to your band director with all

requested information completed and signed. This will indicate your notification and

acceptance of the policies of the Calallen Middle School Band Program. Please retain

the remainder of the handbook so you may refer to it when necessary.

We congratulate you on being part of a superior organization and hope that each of you

will feel pride in being part of our tradition.

Sincerely,

Glenn Herbst and Christopher Ross

Directors

2

ATTENDANCE AND GRADING SYSTEM ATTENDANCE

Other activities outside of school must not interfere with the rehearsal and performance

schedule that you are given at the beginning of the school year. Students who enroll in other

school activities such as athletics, need to plan ahead to avoid conflicts that cannot be resolved.

The band directors will work together with the other teachers, coaches, and directors of various

activities to give each student every opportunity to be a part of other groups. Non-school activities

must not conflict in any way with the practice and performance schedule of the band. There will be

no exceptions.

CMS Band is dependent on ALL its members. Unlike most other classes where individuals are

accountable only for their own success or failure, band students’ success is, in large part, dependent

on the full participation of all the members. The following attendance policies will affect the

students’ grade and chance to participate:

An unexcused absence from a rehearsal or performance may result in the

removal of a student to a non-performing status.

EXCUSES ARE ACCEPTED ONLY IN THE EVENT OF ILLNESS OR SERIOUS FAMILY

EMERGENCY. PARENTAL CONTACT IS REQUIRED.

GRADES

In determining the band grade each nine weeks, two areas comprise the average:

1) Performance Grades-including class assignments, section rehearsal

assignments, objectives, chair test, and playoffs of performance music.

2) Participation Grades-including having music, instrument, and pencil at all

rehearsals, correct marking of music, care and maintenance of instruments,

punctuality to rehearsals and performances, and attendance at rehearsals and

curricular performances. Instruments are to be taken home every day. If

instruments are left in the band hall overnight without permission, the student’s

grade will be adversely affected.

Eligibility

To be eligible to perform, audition, and/or participate in extra-curricular performances and

trips (i.e. region tryouts, UIL solo and ensemble, UIL Concert and Sight-Reading, end of

year trips, pep rallies, etc.) a student must have passed all subjects with a minimum grade

of 70, during the 9 week period before the performance date. However, a failing student

may regain eligibility by passing all courses during the 3 week progress report. Note: If

the student is ineligible due to grades, and then at the end of a grading period, the student

is passing all classes, he or she will regain eligibility one week later on the following

Friday at 4:00 p.m. Schools on 9 week grading periods must check at the end of

the first 6 weeks of the school year and students can lose or regain eligibility.

The next grade check for a 9-week grading period will occur at the end of the 9-week grading period (even if it is more or less than 3 weeks).

3

CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE CONDUCT-“THE 3 C’s”

CARE OF THE BAND HALL

1. No FOOD, DRINK, GUM.

2. Do not lean on music stands.

3. No writing on stands, chairs, walls, lockers, etc.*

4. Only band students in the band hall

*Note: Any student in violation will be responsible for the repair, and/or cost of the

item damaged. This infraction will also result in a disciplinary action as stated in the

CMS Student Handbook under vandalism. CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS

1. Be in seat with ALL materials (instrument, music, pencil, supplies) at the 2nd bell.

2. Get water and go to the restroom before or after class.

3. Stay in your seat during class and always be quiet and sit still.

4. Be in seat with ALL materials (instrument, music, pencil, supplies) at the 2nd bell.

5. Follow teacher’s directions.

6. Respect others.

7. If a band director writes a referral for a band student, the student will be at risk of

being removed from the Band Program. We expect all band students to be a model

student who will follow the rules and expectations set forth by the CMS Campus

Code of Conduct. CONSEQUENCES

All disciplinary actions and consequences shall abide by the CISD Student code of

conduct.

Note: Any student with repeated discipline issues will be kept from attending trips,

competitions, etc. at the band director’s discretion. DISCIPLINE

Discipline is a quality that must come from within the individual. Because of this

fact, each student is responsible for his or her own actions as a member of the CMS

Band. Any student who shows an inability to work effectively in class may be re-

assigned to another class outside of band at the discretion of the band director.

As a school group, the band is governed by School and School Board policies

anytime we are together for any band function whether it involves all students or only

one. The permission trip form you sign at the end of this handbook will be in effect

for the whole year for trips related to band. Any student who violates school rules

while with the CMS Band will be subject to all usual disciplinary procedures. In

addition, those students will be subject to dismissal and will not continue to perform

or travel with the band. Also, students who receive assignment to DAEP for

disciplinary action outside of band activities will not perform or travel with the band

in any extra-curricular function for the remainder of the semester and or year.

Directors Grading Responsibilities-Mr. Herbst (Beg. Alto Sax, Beg. Flute, Beg.

Clarinet, Concert and Honor Band) Mr. Ross (Beg. French Horn, Beg. Trumpet, Beg.

Tuba, Symphonic Band) Mr. Valperts (Beg. Trombone, Beg. Baritone) Mr. Goodman

(Beg. Percussion, Beg. Double Reeds)

4

INSTRUMENTS, SUPPLIES, UNIFORMS, FEES INSTRUMENTS

All instruments are to be in good playing condition at all times. Proper maintenance is

required. Students are expected to have all the proper supplies for his/her instrument.

USE OF SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS

A limited number of the more expensive instruments are owned by the CISD for the

purpose of balancing the instrumentation and maintaining all performing bands at every

level. If, in the opinion of a CISD director, a school-owned instrument is not properly

maintained or cared for at any time of the school year, it is the director’s prerogative to

remove the instrument from the student’s care, and/or repair what is needed on the

instrument. All instruments checked-out must be returned in the same

condition at the end of the year. If repairs are necessary for the instrument

during the year due to negligence, it is the responsibility of the

student/parent to pay for the repairs. This includes dents, bent valve casings,

stuck slides/valves, lack of maintenance (oiling slides and valves), and

dropping the instrument. All brass-school owned instruments must following

a basic maintenance schedule.

SUPPLIES Reeds will be available for purchase through the CMS Band program. Note: Reed

supplies are on a limited basis and sometimes the Dept. will not have any in stock. A price

list will be posted outside the band office. Make checks payable to CMS Band. Students

will be given the item after payment is received. All other supplies must be purchased at a

reputable music dealer.

ACCESSORIES (Symphonic and Honor Band)

*Brass: Trumpet Mutes (Dennis Wick or Tom Crown)…if needed for a particular

composition, cleaning cloth, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush, valve oil, and slide grease.

*Woodwinds: Cleaning cloth, swabs, 3 or more new reeds (Vandoren), Bass Clarinet

(Rico Reeds), Double reeds (Jones, Emerald)

*Percussion: Vic Firth EP2 Stick Bag

*When purchasing items, please inform South Texas Music Mart that you are a Calallen Band Student.

UNIFORMS-Formal Concerts and UIL (Symphonic and Honor Band)

Girls: Solid-Long black dress/short sleeve- must cover knees when seated, or solid

black slacks with a black blouse. Solid black dress shoes.

Boys: Solid black slacks, black dress shoes, black socks, and long sleeve white dress shirt,

and a black tie.

All students will wear the CMS Band T-shirt for Pep Rallies, and other

performances/trips that the director specifies.

5

CALALLEN MIDDLE SCHOOL

MINIMUM SKILLS FOR BAND Level Minimum Skills for Band Band Class

1 None Beginner Band

2 Perform the Concert Bb, F, C, Ab, Eb and 2 Octave Symphonic and

Chromatic Scale- RegionBand Standard). In addition, Honor Band

2 etudes and possible sight-reading selection.

Objective Sheets All Symphonic and Honor Band students will be required to complete the 9-week

objective sheet for their class requirement and a grade. Students will be responsible and

prepare each objective listed and perform it for one of the directors. The performance skill

must be mastered with correct notes, rhythms, and acceptable tone quality. The director

will not give a grade for the objective, but instead either pass it off or allow the student to

try again at another time until the skill is mastered. It will be the responsibility of the

student to contact a director and set up a time for a retry. Students will have 3 chances to

master an objective. At the end of the 9-weeks, the students will turn in the Objective

Sheet to their director. If the student does not complete all of the objectives within the 9-

weeks, and/or does not turn it in, then the grade can be adversely lowered in the band class.

Our goal in the CMS Band program is not to fail a student, but to allow them to

master a skill and improve all aspects of their academic and musical life.

6

Fundraising

The purpose of fund raising is for students to have an opportunity to make a difference in

the Calallen Middle School Band program, and to assist in lowering the out of pocket

expenses for our trips. Last year’s fundraisers enabled us to purchase a new xylophone.

We are looking forward to improve our technology this current year. Over the past 9 years,

the CMS Band Department purchased lockers, instruments, sound equipment, and chairs to

help the success of our band students. Everyone involved with fundraising/donating

should be very proud of this accomplishment! In order to keep the program running strongly and to ensure that our students are using

sturdy, lasting equipment, we are going to encourage EVERY student to participate in fund

raising throughout the school year.

Trips

Participating in fundraisers throughout the year will also help with the end of the year field

trip, as well as any other trips that might be made throughout the school year

(competitions, festivals, etc.). The more students who participate, will allow the total trip

cost to be more manageable for all of the students.

The CMS Band Department will have 2-3 fundraisers, one each semester, selling items,

coupon books, and possibly a benefit plate, etc…These fundraisers will be used towards

the end of year trips, festivals, transportation cost, and supplies

Equipment

The CMS Band Department will possibly have one large food item sale fundraiser for the

purchase of equipment needed in the band hall and possibly assist the end of year trips.

Most of our instruments/equipment are decades old, and are in need of being replaced. As

stated above, Calallen Middle School Band Department purchased new lockers for the

2006-2007, 2007-2008 and 2010-2011 school year, and chairs and stands for the 2008-

2009 school year. In addition, a new sound system and recording equipment for the 2011-

2012 school year, a set of new Timpani (4) for the 2013-14 school year, and a Majestic

Xylophone for the 2014-2015 school year. This is the direct result of the successful Band

BBQ. The Band Department is always open for suggestions and help needed into the

planning of this type of large event.

7

Best wishes to everyone this 2017-2018 school year! CALALLEN MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND CALENDAR

HONOR, SYMPHONIC, CONCERT AND BEGINNER BAND

AUGUST

TBA Sectionals Begin-Details given during class (Symphonic and Honor Band)

17th Great American Fundraiser Kick-Off with Mr. Robert Quick (Cookie Dough)

21st Beginner Band Drive @CMS Cafeteria/pit from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. SEPTEMBER 5th 1st Pep Rally Performance-Fight Song, School Song, Featured Song, Cadence OCTOBER

14th Objective Sheets Due-Honor/Symphonic Band-End of 1st Quarter

21st UIL Marching Contest-Calallen HS NOVEMBER 7th or 8th – UIL State Marching Contest DECEMBER 5th Christmas Concert-Concert, Symphonic, and Honor Band-CMS Gymnasium

6:30 p.m.

14th Objective Sheets Due-Symphonic/Honor Band JANUARY

Sectionals Begin for UIL Preparation-Details given during class

TBA Discount Card Fundraiser Sale-Great American Fundraising 27th East Zone Middle School All-Region Band Tryouts-Gregory-Portland FEBRUARY

2nd -3rd Region 14 Clinic/Concert at Flour Bluff High School

TBA-UIL Solo and Ensemble MARCH 6th-7th UIL-Concert & Sight-Reading Contest @ Flour Bluff HS-Symphonic and Honors MARCH/APRIL

TBA Fundraising Event Possibility (Food Items/Plate Sale to be determined-open to ideas from

our parent volunteers) APRIL

TBA Beginner Band Practices after School for Spring Concert

19th Beginner Band Formal Spring Concert-CMS Gymnasium 6:30 p.m.

TBA-Spring Trip Concert, Symphonic, and Honor Bands (overnight-destination in

planning) MAY 3rd-Concert, Symphonic and Honor Band Spring Concert @ CMS Gymnasium 6:30

p.m. TBA-Spring Trip for 7th and 8th grade (The new STAAR Testing Dates will have an impact

on our overnight trips-We will keep you posted on the approved trips/dates)

TBA- Spring Trip for 6th Grade/Beginner Band

Note: Activities, Times, and Dates are Subject To Change

8

LOCKERS

Every year we have students who will put a lock on their band locker and not

inform the director of their combination. We will need to have access to their

combination, in case the student forgets, or they left it on their locker at the

end of year, and we have to cut the lock off. In the process of cutting the lock

off, we have damaged some of our locker handles, because some locks are cut

proof, and having the combination will help protect our property.

The procedure for students to get a locker will be as follows:

1. ALL STUDENTS MUST SEE MR. ROSS BEFORE

GETTING A LOCKER ASSIGNED TO THEM.

2. ALL LOCKS WILL A COMBINATION LOCK, AND

KEY LOCKS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTABLE.

3. MR. ROSS WILL DOCUMENT THE COMBINATION

AND SERIAL NUMBER (IF THERE IS ONE) BEFORE A

STUDENT WILL GET A LOCKER ASSIGNED. NOTE: IF

THERE IS NOT A SERIAL NUMBER, MR. ROSS WILL

ENGRAVE A SERIAL ON THE LOCK ITSELF.

4. SOME LOCKERS WILL NOT REQUIRE A

COMBINATION LOCK, BECAUSE THEY WILL BE

ASSIGNED A LOCKER IN THE HALLWAY THAT IS

SIMILAR TO THEIR SCHOOL LOCKER.

5. STUDENTS WHO ABUSE THE LOCKER WITH

EXCSESSIVE TRASH OR PERSONAL ITEMS, LIKE THEIR

CLOTHING, FOOD ITEMS, PUTTING ANOTHER LOCK ON

SOMEONE ELSES LOCKER, ETC. WILL BE SUBJECT TO

LOSING THEIR LOCKER PRIVLEDGES.

6. STUDENTS MUST HAVE A LOCK, AND IT MUST

BE LOCKED AT ALL TIMES. THIS IS NOT AN OPTION.

THIS IS FOR EVERYONES PROTECTION FROM THEFT

AND VADALISM.

9

BAND HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Please take the time to read through the handbook then sign and return the required Acknowledgement

Form and Permission Trip/Emergency Treatment Form. Copies of the Handbook are also available from

your director.

PLEASE READ THE HANDBOOK CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING BELOW

“We have read the CMS Band Handbook and our student has our permission to participate in the Band activities stated in this

handbook within the guidelines described. We understand that Band is a full-year commitment for the 2017-2018 school year.”

Parent/Guardian Signature__________________________________________________ “I have read the CMS Handbook and agree to abide by the policies stated. I realize that failure to follow policies or directions will result

in disciplinary action that could lead to dismissal from the Band and Band classes.”

Student Signature__________________________________________________________

Date of both signatures______________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Permission Trip/Emergency Treatment Form

This form should be completed in full. It should enable your child to receive treatment if taken to the hospital

by school personnel or sponsor. One form should be completed for each child. PLEASE COMPLETE ALL

SECTIONS! I, the undersigned in the following, for the purpose of enabling_______________________________________

a minor, to participate in the following school function: ALL CALALLEN MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND

ACTIVITIES AND TRIPS DURING THE 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR, do hereby release and authorize the

Calallen Independent School District, its employees, representatives or agents as follows:

1. You are hereby released from any and all liability or claims present or future, known or unknown,

of every kind, character or description, which may be created by or arising out of either directly or

indirectly, said school function.

2. In the event of accident, injury, or illness necessitates medical attention, you are specifically

authorized and given sole discretion to obtain such medical attention at such places and from such

person or persons as your sole judgment shall determine necessary.

3. You are further authorized and given sole discretion to administer such disciplinary action as you

may determine necessary, including but not limited to your authority to return said student home at

any time during the duration of the trip.

___________________________ _________________

Signature of parent or guardian Date

Phone#_________________________ Emergency Contact/Relative Phone#_________________________

Known Medical

Problems_____________________________________________________________________

Calallen Middle School Band 2017-2018

10

Student Must Have this form on file before an instrument is issued

School Owned Instrument Form

SCHOOL: Calallen Middle School SCHOOL YEAR: 2017-2018

STUDENT INFORMATION:

NAME: __________________________________ ID #:_________________

ADDRESS: ___________________________________ GRADE: ______

CITY:_________________________________ ZIP: _____________

INSTRUMENT INFORMATION-This information will filled out by Director when

the instrument is being checked-out:

INSTRUMENT: _______________________________ CONDITION: __________

SERIAL #: _______________________________

ACCESSORIES (circle): Case Mouthpiece: ________

Bocal

Seat Strap Other: ___________________________

LIST ANY DAMAGES AT CHECK-OUT:

_________________________________________________________________________

CONDITIONS:

I accept full responsibility for the instrument that has been loaned to me.

I agree to return it by the end of the school year, and to present it promptly for

inspection when asked.

I agree that the instrument will be returned in the same condition when it was

checked-out

I agree to exercise proper care in the use of the instrument and be responsible for

repair cost for any damage incurred by my misuse, negligence, or carelessness.

I agree to allow no other person to play on this instrument unless specified by the

Director.

I agree to replace the instrument, cases, and accessories if they are lost, stolen, or

destroyed.

Student Signature:___________________________ Date:___________

Parent Signature:____________________________ Date:___________

Parent Name (please print): _______________________________________________

11

How to access parent/student information in Charms

Log on to www.charmsoffice.com, and click “ENTER / LOG IN” in the upper right

corner.

Locate the “PARENT/STUDENT/MEMBERS LOGIN” section of the web page.

Login to your student’s program account using the following School Code:

CalallenMSBand

This will bring up the main “Public” page. This will allow you to look at the

“public” calendar for your organization, event list, and handouts and other

“publicly shared” files, as well as a few other options.

The first time you go here, enter your child’s ID NUMBER(CMS Student ID

Number) into the Student Area Password field. You will be directed to the Change

Password screen, to set a personal password different from the ID, for future use.

You may also be directed to create both a unique Username and Password for the

student. There are also mechanisms to recover/reset a lost Username/Password –

when you create your new password, create a “hint” as well.

Whenever you enter using this Username/password, another more detailed screen

appears, with various button options for you to access areas in the Charms account.

What appears here is partially up to the Account Administrator or Head Director.

One area in which you can help the director/administrator maintain his/her records:

o Update Personal Information – if the director has allowed it, you may

help make changes to your and your child’s student information page (such

as updating phone numbers / cell carriers and email addresses if they

change) to help them communicate with you more effectively. You may

also be able to indicate which parent volunteer/resource groups you would

like to participate in, if this feature is activated. Click Update Info to save

changes.

You may also see links to enter Practice Logs, view Grades, and use the

Recording Studio if the teacher has enabled these options.

The Calendar may list events, rehearsals, and volunteer/RSVP opportunities.

Most importantly, the parent page assists both you and the teacher to communicate

with each other. Stay up to date on what’s going on with your student!

12

You can also download the Charms App to your smartphone – search your App

Store for “Charms Parent/Student Portal” (or “Charms Blue”). It’s the way to stay

in touch on the go!