General Band Rules

1. No food, drinks, or gum allowed in the band hall (except bottled water).
2. Gum is not allowed at any band function.
3. Be on time for all band functions. Remember to be early is to be on time.
4. Respect the property of the school, directors, and other band members.
5. No student is to hold, play, or otherwise operate or handle another person’s instrument. IF IT IS NOT YOURS, DON’T TOUCH IT!!
6. Do not engage in any behavior that will keep a director from teaching or a student from learning.

Attendance

The band is dependent upon ALL of its members. Unlike most other classes where individuals are accountable only for their success or failure, the success of a band student is in large part dependent on the full participation of ALL of the organization’s members. It is therefore vitally important that every student understand, respect, and execute the following principles:

1. Prioritize Band Commitments -- Work schedules, family trips, and other non-school sponsored activities must not interfere with the rehearsal and performance schedules that are posted on the band website and distributed to each student in hard copy form at the beginning of the school year.

2. Organize Responsibly -- Students who are involved in other school activities must plan ahead responsibly. Proactive, advance planning is essential and must take place:

 Either to completely avoid the occurrence of a legitimate conflict OR

 To favorably resolve the presence of a legitimate conflict for the benefit of all parties involved.

3. Plan Proactively -- Ask to receive a complete semester schedule from all of your activities so that you will have the maximum amount of time to work out potential schedule conflicts.

4. Communicate Timely -- The band directors will work together with the other teachers, coaches, and directors of various activities in order to give each student every opportunity to participate fully in all activities. You must do your part to communicate with coaches, teachers and other directors also.

The following attendance policies will affect the student’s grade and band participation eligibility:

5. Unexcused Absences – Unexcused absences from scheduled rehearsals and performances include, but are not limited to:

 Doctor’s appointments
 Work
 Non-school organization meetings
 Family Vacations or Evenings Out

6. Tutorials -- Students attending tutorials that will cause you to miss a scheduled band event, at any point in the year, must communicate with the directors before the tutorials start. You must make up any absence or partial absence from sectional or rehearsal. Failure to do so will affect your band grade accordingly.

7. Sectionals – Every student will be required to attend a section rehearsal one time per week in the spring semester. The sectional schedule will be set soon after the beginning of the semester.

Disciplinary Procedures

Any failure to follow the rules set forth in this handbook will result in disciplinary action. Any action will follow this procedure:

1. Verbal Warning
2. Band Detention
3. Parent Conference and additional Band Detention
4. Administrative Referral
5. Formal reevaluation of continued band participation

Progression though this sequence is at the discretion of the directors.

A student being assigned band detention will be required to complete extra work as assigned by the directors. The extra work can include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Remedial Academic Study
• Band Hall Detail Work
• Cleaning
• Reorganizing
• Graffiti Removing
• Equipment Moving
• Music Library Work
• Post-function Cleaning
• Written Music Work

Grading

Grades will be determined using the following criteria:

• Weekly and daily playing tests, taped tests, and written tests
• Instruments, books, and supplies used in class daily
• Six weeks and semester tests
• Memorization of marching band music at scheduled playoff dates and times
• Attendance and participation at all extra rehearsals at the scheduled time
• Attendance at all public performances

Performances are the only way a band member can share his/her gift with others. They are also the only way our patrons have any knowing how much you have learned and improved and are a major part of each student's grade. Students are expected to stay for the duration of each concert and football game in order to hear the progress made by each group and to receive grade credit.

• Inspections (instruments, music, band books, pencils, reeds, valve oil, and other supplies.
• Punctuality to class, extra rehearsals, and concerts

Eligibility

Texas law requires that students maintain passing grades (70 or above) in all classes to participate in UIL or other extra-curricular activities. A failing grade brings a three week non-participation penalty, beginning one week after the grading period ends. The eligibility rules begin with the first six weeks grading period. For a variety of reasons, each year seems to present some new challenge or circumstance when dealing with eligibility issues. To avoid any conflicts and questions about eligibility, JUST PASS YOUR CLASSES. Teachers at Panhandle High School are always willing to help a student succeed. Do the work required and turn it in on time, take advantage of tutorials when offered, and put forth honest and genuine effort in class.

Any student that receives a grade below 70 at any grading period will be required to attend tutorials for that teacher. The student must bring a signed note from that teacher saying the tutorial session was attended. The duration of the tutorial attendance will be left to the discretion of the classroom teacher and the band directors.

Equipment

Maintenance and care of school equipment issued to students becomes the responsibility of the student and parent. Abuse, lack of basic maintenance or accidental damage will be repaired at the renter’s expense. Only students who are issued school instruments will be allowed to play on those instruments. An instrument usage fee of $50.00 will be collected on all PISD instruments and is non refundable. Due to the rising cost of repair, this fee has been raised from previous years. This rental cost is still only a small portion of the actual cost to maintain an instrument. Percussionists are required to pay this fee as well.

Each student will need to have the appropriate accessories for his/her instrument.

• Brass – mouthpiece, valve oil, slide grease
• Woodwinds – cleaning cloth, appropriate swab, 3 or more good reeds, cork grease
• Percussion – All appropriate sticks/mallets

Fees

Each member of the PHS Band will pay a one time fee of $30 at the beginning of the year. This fee will cover the following items:

• Band Shirt(s)
• Gloves (if needed)
• Shoes (if needed)
• Other miscellaneous band expenses your student may incur.

The school will order and provide all of these items. Reeds, valve oil, and other personal instrumental items are NOT included in this fee. Please make checks payable to Panhandle ISD. All fees need to be turned in with the handbook verification form.

Uniforms
• Protect your uniform from the elements of nature by using a uniform bag.
• Band members will be held accountable for all damaged or lost articles.
o Coat ($98)
o Pants ($45)
o Plaque ($35)
o Gauntlets ($32)
o Hat ($28)
o Shoes ($25)
• Hair must not touch the collar of the jacket nor should hair be seen on your forehead when you perform. No jewelry is to be worn with the marching uniform.
• Uniform accessories needed: black shoes, black socks, and black gloves.
• The uniform is to worn completely at all times. YOU SHOULD NEVER BE SEEN IN PUBLIC WITH ONLY PART OF YOUR UNIFORM ON!
• Our uniforms are machine washable. Please see the attached care instructions. You are liable for any damages caused to the uniform through washing. Please be careful!


Marching Band

The self-discipline, attention to details, and esprit de corps that is necessary for success in the marching band sets a standard for the entire school year. No other activity that you are in will involve the amount of physical and mental energy that you will use in marching and playing an instrument or performing with the color guard. The movement alone can be physically exhausting. You need to be in shape. Stretching, calisthenics and other exercise will be part of our marching band rehearsals. You will also need to be prepared to rehearse and perform in a variety of weather conditions from extreme heat to extreme cold.

The music that we perform while marching must be memorized. Longer rehearsals, sustained playing at high volume, and the requirement for more advance technique (especially percussion) will demand more endurance on your instrument than any other time of the year. This combination of music and movement however, probably provides the most exciting performance opportunities of the year, and certainly in front of the largest and most enthusiastic audiences. Literally hundreds of people will see and hear us when we perform at our football games. Our goal, along with the football team and the cheerleaders is to be part of a total entertainment package that Panhandle High School provides this community each Friday night. Not only do we provide entertainment, but also in many ways a community wide source of pride and representation is present during the football season.

• Summer Band – Preparation for the fall marching season begins in August before school starts. During the summer band practices, we review marching fundamentals and begin work on our show music and stand tunes. More importantly, it is our time to learn how to work individually and as a team, to develop class and section spirit, and one of the best opportunities to have fun together and establish the special bond that will make your band experiences lifelong memories.

• Evening Rehearsals – We will rehearse the full marching band one evening each week. The evening rehearsal is our primary time for teaching new drill, and the work that we do in the evening rehearsal largely determines our strategy and priorities for the week ahead.

Stadium Conduct

• Stay in your assigned place. A seating plan is designed for the best sound and visual appearance of the band.
• Be ready to play stand tunes on short notice.
• No one is allowed to leave the band area without a director’s approval.
• Band members are not allowed to have food in the stands or go to the concession stand for food or drinks during the game. We will have water available at halftime and for emergencies.


Travel

When the band travels as a group, the following must be observed.

• Conduct – school sponsored trips are extensions of the school day with school regulations in effect for the duration of the trip.
• Bus Procedures – All members will travel to and from each event by bus. If another arrangement is necessary, this must be discussed with a director in advance. Students will not be released to anyone other than parents.

It is very important that all rules are followed. Your failure to follow all rules will jeopardize the opportunity for future trips to occur.

Preparation

• Equipment: All cases should be clearly labeled with name and school. All equipment should be packed and placed together by sections at the end of rehearsal preceding the trip. Section leaders are responsible for seeing that all equipment is in place before any loading begins.

• Luggage and Personal Items: Whenever we travel overnight, students will be allowed to have one suitcase or bag and a carry-on bag. All items should be labeled with name and school. An itinerary listing items necessary for the trip will be provided to the students. We reserve the right to inspect luggage as deemed necessary. Luggage and bags should be placed in the designated area for loading.
Bus Conduct

• Students will sign up for buses prior to boarding. Students will remain on the same bus for the entire trip.
• Students are to remain seated while the bus is in motion.
• Be on time and quiet for roll checks.
• No student is to get off the bus until instructed to do so by directors or sponsors.
• No personal ice chests will be allowed on the buses. For long trips, an ice chest will be provided to chill canned drinks that are brought.
• Walkman type stereos will be allowed as long as they have headphones.

Restaurant Conduct

Students are to remain on buses, seated and quiet, until instructions are given. Seniors will be first in line, followed by juniors, sophomores, and freshmen. Depending on the type of restaurant, instructions may include no talking until you’re seated. After ordering and seating, students are expected to maintain a low noise level. This helps to build our reputation as a well-mannered group that is welcome wherever we travel. Your best manners are expected. Students who cannot display the kind of maturity that is appropriate for dining out will be seated with a sponsor or director if necessary. When calculating your bill (at full service restaurants), be sure to include the appropriate gratuity (15%).

Hotel Procedures

• Preparation: Students will be asked to sign a rooming list when we begin making our overnight plans. Roommate preference will be granted with priority given to those students who meet the deadlines, turn in specified numbers, and have upperclassmen standing. Directors may reassign students, if necessary, to balance rooms, and/or alleviate possible conflict or discipline problems.
• Check-In Procedure: Upon arrival at the hotel, you are to remain on the buses seated and quiet while awaiting instructions. No one is dismissed to their room until all instructions have been given. When students get to their room, they are to make a thorough inspection for any damages or problems (example – TV does not work, leaking faucet, hole in the wall, etc.). The directors and/or sponsors should be informed of any damages or problems immediately. This procedure assures that you will not be held liable for any previous damages or problems. Whenever possible, phones and pay-per-view movies will be disconnected in the rooms. You will, in any case, be responsible for any bills of this nature that are charged to your room. Students are encouraged to use cell or pay phones for any calls that need to be made.
• Conduct: As hotel guests and representatives of Panhandle and the Panhandle High School Band, your conduct should always be that of ladies and gentlemen. Loud talking, running, scuffling, or behavior that could be disruptive to other guests will not be tolerated. You will be expected to adhere to any posted rules such as those concerning use of the pool, game room, restaurant, etc. Sponsors and/or directors will be assigned to each room. They will be available to assist your with wake-up times, curfews, and any emergencies or problems that might arise. They are there to help you, not to ruin your fun. It is your duty to report to the sponsors or directors any problems that occur in your room. Failure to do so can put the entire room at fault.
• Curfew: A curfew is a designated time that you are to be in your room. Additionally, you are not to be out of your room until the designated time. Curfews will be scheduled according to the day’s activities. A time for lights out will also be given and at this time there should be no other noise, this includes use of the phone, radio, television, etc. If someone knocks on your door, always ask that they identify themselves before your open the door. Do not open the door for anyone unless they are a sponsor or director. Girls are not to be in boys’ rooms and boys are not to be in girls’ rooms at any time.
• The rules that we have for curfew and boys/girls in the same room are established to assure an enjoyable and safe environment for everyone. Violation of these rules will be dealt with as a major infraction of school policy and punishment will be according to student discipline handbook guidelines.
• Checkout: When we check out, make sure your room is picked up and that your have not left anything in the room. Sponsors will collect keys. We will have a designated time and area for loading luggage and equipment. You are responsible for seeing that everything is in the proper place at the designated time.

Individual Competitions

The ultimate goal of our program is the development of the individual musician to the limits of his/her potential. To assist in reaching this goal, we strongly recommend participation in the individual competitions and festivals offered during the year.

1. All-Region tryouts involve the finest students from schools in our Region and are the first step in advancement toward All-State. All students in grades 9-12 may participate if academically eligible. The music is announced in August and the tryouts are in December. Students must check their calendars carefully and make a complete commitment to both the tryouts and the performance before entering.

2. Solo-Ensemble competition takes place in February and results in non-competitive ratings and medals. All students in grades 9-12 may participate if academically eligible. Unlike Junior High solo-ensemble, the high school level is governed by the University Interscholastic League and maintains very specific music lists and rules for performance. Soloists hoping to advance to State must perform from memory at the region level. The UIL limits participation to two different events. Students are responsible for their own accompanists, if needed.

3. State Solo-Ensemble is held during the last week of the school year in San Marcos for all
students who receive a 1st division on a class I ensemble or a memorized class I solo at the region level. According to UIL, the band directors and school district personnel reserve the right to determine whether or not a student participates at the state level regardless of the rating at the regional level.

Lettering

Every band member is eligible to letter in band during each year he/she is in the organization. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria.

• Maintain an average of 80 or above in band for the entire school year.
• Attend all required band functions and performances with no unexcused absences.
• Participate in THREE of the following events:
o Audition for Region Band
o Make and Participate in All-Region Band
o Participate in UIL Solo/ Ensemble Contest
o Make a division one at UIL Solo/ Ensemble Contest
o Qualify for State at any competition (ex. All-State Band, Solo and Ensemble, etc)
o Attend a summer band camp (you must show proof that you attended)
• Abide by all rules of conduct and policy as stated in the PHS handbook and PHS band handbook.

Private Lessons

Private Lessons are an excellent opportunity for students to excel more quickly in the improvement of their instrument playing ability. Every student is encouraged to take lessons. The private lesson instructors will assist students with the preparation of music for All-Region, Area, and State tryouts; for participation in Solo-Ensemble; and with occasional parts of the band performance music. Teachers will include fundamentals that will need to be practiced consistently in order to receive the greatest benefits from private instruction. Parents should become informed about the lesson content, expectations of the teacher, and their student's rate of progress. Parents should contact the band director with questions about lessons or private teachers.
Private Instruction is offered as enrichment, NOT remedial instruction. It is encouraged for the complete development of each student's potential as a performing musician. IT IS NOT REQUIRED and students' places in band and their band grades are not judged by participation in private lessons.

Miscellaneous Procedures and Information

• Students should keep their name on their instrument at ALL times. Name tags will be furnished for each band member. Please fill the information out of these tags. Percussion must label their stick bags and all other equipment.
• Money given to directors by students and parents for fees will be issued with a receipt. Parents are also advised to send these fees in form of a check if possible.
• Any monies turned in by a student that were raised under the auspices of Panhandle I.S.D. or Panhandle Bands are non-refundable. On a case by case basis, any payments made directly by a student or their parent can be refunded. Please consult the directors.
• Band is considered a two semester elective
• Pencils are the only writing utensils allowed in the band hall. No pens please because of the carpet.

Communication

The yearly activities of the Pride of Panhandle Band are typically communicated to students and parents through the following media:

• Band Hall Postings
• Regular Mail
• General E-mail
• PHS Band Website

(classroom.panhandleisd.net/webs/jason.jones/)

Students and parents can expect written communication from directors throughout the course of the school year. Generally, this is handed out in preparation of major events such as, concerts, football games, and contests. We would also like to include parents with e-mail newsletters that will be sent our periodically. The band e-mail address is jason.jones@region16.net. Please feel free to call or email us at any time.

Parents wishing to discuss their child’s grades or course expectations will need to set up a conference by contacting us in advance so that we can make sure our schedule is clear.

Although not anticipated, this handbook may be updated or amended. Thank you for your help and interest in the PISD Instrumental Music Program.