I. 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

II. 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

**NOTE exceptions to above item (#5) will be handled on a case by case basis.

6. Tutorials -- Students attending tutorials at any point in the year must communicate with the directors well before the tutorials start. Every effort must be made to assure that tutorials will not conflict with band activities. However, if there is ever an absolutely unavoidable tutorial conflict with an extra rehearsal or sectional makeup time, you must make up any amount of time that you were absent from band. Failure to do so will affect your band grade accordingly.

7. Sectionals – During band class, seventh and eighth grade students will attend a section rehearsal one time per week in the spring semester in preparation for UIL Band Contest. You will be given a hard copy of this schedule and are expected to be prepared at each one.

 Students who owe three or more make-ups and have not taken care of these before the stated deadline will not be permitted to travel with the band to UIL Contest, and will not be allowed to travel to Wonderland Park in May.
 Any student who falls into the above category due to lack of responsibility will receive the proper band grade reduction.
 Sectionals include Band Clinics by Guest Conductors.

8. Makeup Procedures – Students are expected to act responsibly and make up their missed sectionals (excused or unexcused) in a timely manner --- not the day before contest. Here are some guidelines that are also included in the UIL Sectional Schedule:

 Do not miss any sectionals. Attempt your best effort at this.
 If you do miss, make up what you miss IMMEDIATELY! Do not put yourself, the band directors, and coaches in a bad situation because of your mistake.
 Do not say that you must miss a makeup session because you have athletics or some other activity. If you missed band time, you must make up band time. Using other activities to avoid makeups is not an excuse.
 You are allowed to make other timely “makeup” arrangements with the directors.
 You must turn in a tape or CD recording of the contest music. The directors will tell you what to record. Failure to turn in a tape will result in a grade of “zero” for each missed sectional.
 Your sectional grade is part of your spring semester practice time. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT. Make your attendance great!

9. Pre-UIL Concert – Spring Sectionals end with the Pre-UIL Clinic and Concert. This is a required full performance and its 2009 date is now posted at:

a> href=http://classroom.panhandleisd.net/webs/robert.chapleau/pre-uil_concert.htm


III. 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
a) 1st offense - 1 day
b) 2nd offense - 2 days
c) 3rd offense - 3 days
d) 4th offense - 4 days
e) 5th offense - 5 days*
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. Administrative referral may occur at any step, depending on the severity of the offense, and according to 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 --Written Music Work
• Post-function Cleaning -- Lunch Clean-Up Duty


IV. 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
• Time Cards

 6th Grade Students
o Time cards are grade-based
o Time cards are worth 30% of the total band grade
o Refer to the Time Card Schedule and Guidelines for more information

 7th-8th Grade Students
o Time cards are grade-based
o Time cards are worth 30% of the total band grade
o Refer to the Time Card Schedule and Guidelines for more information

A yearly time card due date schedule is posted on the
Time Card Central page, as are other important time card rules and information.

• 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 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

V. Eligibility

Texas law regarding academic eligibility 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 Junior High 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.

VI. 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 $35.00 will be collected on all PISD instruments and is non refundable.

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

• Brass – mouthpiece, valve oil, slide cream
• Woodwinds – mouthpiece, ligature, cleaning cloth, appropriate swab, 3 or more good reeds, cork grease.
• Percussion – stick bag with all necessary sticks/mallets

Students needing reeds, valve oil, or other accessories may purchase those before school, before or after class, or immediately after school.

VII. Uniforms

The PJHS Beginning and Concert Band Uniform consists of a purple embroidered Polo Shirt, khaki pants, brown socks, and brown shoes. Since it is used currently in all grades 6-8, you may want to consider buying a larger shirt for “future growth allowance”. Please consult the chart below for payment and purchasing deadlines and other details.

Polo Shirts – PJHS Band Form 1 allows you to place your order for this required uniform component. When all of the forms are returned, the directors will use this information to place the bulk order for all of the band shirts. Each student, including those with siblings in band, must have their own shirt. If a student has an older brother or sister no longer in PJHS band, they are welcome to use that shirt, provided it is in good condition.


Remainder of Uniform -- through parental purchase. Details are included below.

POLO SHIRT

Color: Purple
Source: Directors
Cost: $20.00
Deadline: See PJHS Bands Form 1

PANTS

Color: Khaki, Brown, Tan
Source: Your purchase
Cost: Variable
Deadline: Dec. 1, 2008

SOCKS

Color: Brown
Source: Your purchase
Cost: Variable
Deadline: Dec. 1, 2008

SHOES

Color: Brown
Source: Your purchase
Cost: Variable
Deadline: Dec. 1, 2008

Concert Dress Guidelines:

* Uniforms should be pressed and cleaned before each performance.
* Shirts must be tucked in the entire concert evening.
* No flip flops, sandals or open-toed shoes allowed
* No jeans, shorts, or Capri pants
* Any student not wearing the complete uniform may not be allowed to perform in the concert.

VIII. 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.

IX. Bus Conduct

• Students will board buses by grade level unless otherwise instructed. There may be instances where you 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.
• Walkman type stereos will be allowed as long as they have headphones.

X. Restaurant Conduct

Students are to remain on buses, seated and quiet, until instructions are given. In situations where an entire group is together, eighth grade will be first in line, followed by seventh grade, and then sixth grade. 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.

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

XI. 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 7-12 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 7-12 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. Students who drop out of any Solo-Ensemble events are responsible for reimbursing the school for that cost. Students are to repay the appropriate fees for each event dropped.

XII. 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.

XIII. 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 sticks, bells, snare drums, etc.
• 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.

XIV. Communication

The yearly activities of the PJHS Bands are typically communicated to students and parents through the following media:

* Band Hall Postings
* Regular Mail
* General E-mail
* PJHS E-newsletter
* PJHS Band Website

Students and parents can also 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 out periodically. The band e-mail address is pantherband@nts-online.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.