La Vega Junior High BAND HANDBOOK

2018-2019Band Directors:

David SprinkleTom English

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2018 - 2019

LVJH Band CalendarDate Event Place Time TBD Pep Rally LVJH Gymnasium TBD

Nov. 2 Eighth Grade Football Game Night LVHS Stadium 6:30 PM(8th Graders Only)

Dec. 4 Region Band Auditions Groesbeck HS TBDDec. 7 Region Band Auditions Robinson HS TBD

Dec. 13 Winter Concert LVHS Auditorium 7:00pm

Jan. 19 Region Band Clinic/ Concert Groesbeck HS All Day ClinicConcert

5:30-10 PM

May 3rd* Solo/Ensemble Contest Connally HS After School

TBD Pre-U.I.L. Contest TBD TBD(ALL LVJH Band Students)

March 26-27 UIL Concert/SR Contest Midway HS TBD

May 7th End of Year Band Concert LVHS Auditorium 7:00pm

May 17th Band Trip Six-Flags Over Texas TBD

*Tenative Date

These Dates Are Tentative and Are Subject To Change

ALL BOLD EVENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR ELIGIBLE BAND STUDENTS AND WILL BE PART OF STUDENT’S GRADE. THEY CANNOT BE MADE UP IF MISSED.PLEASE PUT THESE DATES ON YOUR CALENDAR.

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ELIGIBILITY

1. Students must pass all classes in order to participate in Band events. No student may participate in UIL activities if he or she has a failing or incomplete grade in any class at the end of the six-weeks grading period. A one week grace period follows the submission of grades where a student may compete. At the three week progress report, a student may regain eligibility if he or she passes ALL classes (not just the one in which the failure or incomplete occurred). Again, a one week grace period follows the reporting of the progress report grades until the student may compete.

2. No student may take part in any band activity unless he or she is in attendance at school that day (at least ½ of the school day) or the preceding day if the activity occurs on a weekend or holiday. These regulations apply to all school trips as well as activities in Port Lavaca. Exceptions to this rule may only be made by the school principal.

3. All Students are required to actively participate in every rehearsal, regardless of their eligibility status.

NOTIFICATIONStudents who are unable to attend a performance or practice outside school time must notify the band director in advance with a written notification from a parent or guardian. If you have a question about an absence being excusable, check with the directors. Athletic games, especially those not associated with LVJH, which conflict with concert dates are NOT excusable. Contact both the band directors and the coaches involved so they may work it out with you if it is possible. All competitions entered by the band must be attended by all eligible students. Any absence from a performance that was not communicated in advance will not be considered excused.

PUBLIC APPEARANCESAll band members will report to the designated place early enough to prepare for the performance. This includes time for assembly of instruments and putting music and other materials in order. All students are required to be in uniform (see page 7). Public performances are used as grades in the band class.

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PERFORMING ORGANIZATIONS

CONCERT BAND 2

Concert Band 2 is the natural progression after 6th Grade Beginner Band. Students perform at pep rallies, and the Winter and Spring Concerts. Concert Band 2 students are encouraged, but not required, to participate in Region Band tryouts, and Solo/Ensemble Contest.

CONCERT BAND 1

The Concert Band 1 is the Non-Varsity band at LVJH, and students are placed by band audition. This band performs at pep rallies, the Winter Concert, Pre-UIL Contest, UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest, and a Spring Concert. These students are held to the same standards as the Symphonic Band. Concert Band 1 students are encouraged, but not required, to participate in Region Band tryouts, and Solo/Ensemble Contest.

SYMPHONIC BAND

The Symphonic Band is mostly made of eighth grade students, with a few seventh-grade students, as placed by Band Auditions at the end of the preceding school year. The Symphonic Band is the varsity band of LVJH. This group performs at pep rallies, the Winter Concert, Pre-UIL Contest, UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest, a Spring Concert, and other performances as required by the program. Students in the Symphonic Band are required to learn the audition material for Region Band, and learn a solo for Solo/Ensemble Contest.

PLACEMENT IN BANDS

Students are placed in bands for the given school year by means of an audition process at the end of the preceding school year. Students’ placements are based on their audition results, and how they fit with the needs of the students and the program, at the directors’ discretion.

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REHEARSALSTo keep efficient and musical rehearsals, these are our rehearsal rules:

1. When entering the Band Hall for rehearsal, assemble your instrument and put the case back in its locker. Have everything you need with you at your chair: music, pencil, instrument, extra reeds / valve oil.

2. Enter the band hall calmly. Any playing before class starts should be soft, low, and slow.

3. When the tardy bell rings or the director steps onto the podium, all playing and conversation should cease. All restroom needs should be taken care of BEFORE or AFTER rehearsal.

4. When the rehearsal is in progress, students must give 100% of their focus and attention to the rehearsal, 100% of the time.

5. There is no talking or playing out of turn, or getting up from your chair without permission.

6. A student is considered tardy if the student is not seated in the proper area with the proper equipment when the tardy bell rings or the director begins warm-up.

7. No food, drink, or gum is allowed in the band hall. Only water bottles that are sealable will be allowed.

8. Everything is expensive. Only handle equipment that you have permission to handle.

GENERAL CONDUCTLa Vega ISD’s Band Programs share the same discipline Procedure, and it greatly mirrors that of LVJH. If any students are behaving in a way that is limiting the success of the Band:

1. Student will receive one verbal warnings about unacceptable behavior. This will be recorded in our discipline student roll book.

2. Parents will receive a phone call from a director after the third verbal warning.

3. Student and parent meeting will be required if another verbal warning is issued.

4. The student will be assigned a student behavior contract during the meeting.

5. A Referral will be given on the next verbal warning and a meeting regarding behavior contract.

6. Discipline procedure will restart after every six weeks.

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CARE OF EQUIPMENTStudents will be issued a band locker and a lock to secure their instrument and music during the school day. Students must lock their instrument in their locker, as they have a responsibility to protect their instruments. Lockers are only for storing Band supplies, and not for any other items.

Students needing an instrument will be checked one out from the school at no fee. There is an associated form that must be signed by the student and the parent in order to take the instrument home – this form details the responsibility the student has to take care of the instrument, and includes an agreement to do so.

Students are only permitted to handle equipment they have express permission to handle. Students attempting to handle instruments or equipment that are not in their care are liable to damage them, and will be held accountable for any damage caused.

Students are responsible for all music that is issued to them and must take proper care of all music parts. Students will be responsible for paying for all lost music and folders that have been issued to them.

CONCERT ETIQUETTE

1. Walk (not run) into a concert hall quietly. Quiet talking is okay before a band is on stage.

2. As the house lights dim, talking should stop. No Cell Phones at this point!3. While a band is performing, give them your full attention. No sounds or

movement.4. Polite applause is the way to show your appreciation for a good performance.

At pep rallies, yelling and cheering is appropriate. At concerts, it is not.5. If you must leave your seat, do so between pieces. Do not return to your seat

until the next break between pieces. Walking down the aisles of the Auditorium during a piece is distracting to the audience and performers.

6. Band students are required to stay through the entire concert. Any student with a legitimate reason for having to leave early should bring an excuse form to the band director at least one day before the concert, as per the “Notification” section on page 4.

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CONCERT ATTIREPep Rally Uniform – Your Band T-Shirt and Khaki Pants, with close-toed shoes.

Concert Black Uniform – Black Slacks, Black Shoes, and a Black Collared Shirt. This may be used if Tux Uniforms are not available.

Concert Uniform – A Tux Uniform will be assigned to you. You must wear a white shirt underneath it, with black slacks and a bowtie, black socks (mid-calf length) and black shoes.

CONCERT FOLDERSEach student will have his/her own concert folder, and each student is responsible for the music assigned during the year. All concert music and method books will be turned in at certain times during the year and students will be held accountable for any missing parts or books.

GRADING SYSTEMGrading for LVJH Band is as follows:

20% of grade is Participation in Class – the student making the decision to play their instrument in class when they are supposed to play, to the best of their ability. Just like learning a language, students learn skills on their instrument through active practice, inside and outside of band class.

30% of the student’s grade is music pass-offs – There are four scales and arpeggios due every six weeks. Scale and arpeggio patterns are the vocabulary of band music, and it is important for students to be fluent with these patterns. These will be due throughout the six weeks, not all at once at the end. Students may also be required to pass off concert music as they get close to their concert performances.

50% of grade is participation at required events – Pep Rallies, Concerts, and Contests, as these are the summative projects of band students.

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END OF THE YEAR BAND TRIPThe band takes an annual trip at the end of the year to Six Flags. This trip is designed as a reward for students who have participated actively all year, and thus has the following eligibility requirements:

1. Students must be academically eligible at the time of the trip (see Eligibility, p.4)

2. Students must have a permission slip signed and returned by a parent or legal guardian.

3. Students must attend all required Band events on the Band Calendar (p.3)

4. Students must have settled all financial obligations to the Band and the School

5. Students must meet the following behavior standards:

a. No Suspensions or DAEP for the entire school year.

b. Fewer than three days of ISS during the second semester.

GENERAL RULES FOR TRIPSBand students will occasionally need to ride school transportation to various locations. All students are expected to behave properly and reflect well on LVJH and the LVJH Band Program.

1. Students must follow all directives from the Drivers, Directors, or Chaperones the first time, every time.

2. When buses stop to unload, do not immediately stand up. Wait quietly for instructions.

3. Students are to follow all bus rules. These are state law.4. Students are to follow all school rules. No inappropriate or aggressive language

or inappropriate behavior will be allowed.5. All electronic sounds must be played through headphones.6. All food and drink trash must be cleaned up and placed in the containers

provided. No glass food or drink containers are allowed. The bus must be clean at the end of the trip.

7. Standing while the bus is in motion is not permitted for any reason.8. All students must have on file in the band office a trip permission form signed

by parent or guardian and a medical release form also signed by the guardian.

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Form 1 (fill out and return by August 24th)

OFFICIAL LA VEGA Jr. HIGHSHIRT ORDER FORM

Every Band student is required to have the official band shirt for concerts and Contest. All students will need to purchase one so they can participate in public performances.

Student Name________________________________________________________

Grade____________________________ Band Class Period_______________

Circle the appropriate size: Youth Small Youth Medium Youth Large

Adult Small Adult Medium Adult Large XL XXL XXXL($17.00) ($18.00)

Return this form with $15.00 per shirt ($17.00 for 2X / $18.00 for 3X).

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Parents may also order shirts for the same price. Just indicate the size and order at the same time as the students.

Orders Will Not Be Accepted After August 24 th .

Form 2 (fill out and return by August 24)

BAND HANDBOOK & BAND CALENDARACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

Students: I have received the 2018-19 LVJH Band Handbook.  I understand that I am responsible for the policies and requirements outlined.  I will do my best to uphold the standards and principles of the LVJH Band and fulfill my commitment to the organization of which I am a part.

Student Signature_________________________________ Date____________

Parents/Guardians: We/I have received and understand that we/I am responsible for the LVJH Band Handbook policies and guidelines covered in this handbook.  We/I understand the requirements and needs for my child’s performing ensemble as outlined in all of these pages.      

Parent/Guardian Signature___________________________ Date______________