MMS BAND HANDBOOK
Moody Middle School Band Handbook
2023-2024 School Year
PHILOSOPHY
To teach the importance of self-discipline, cooperation, loyalty, and respect for others, as well as the importance of responsibility.
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To create in students a desire and appreciation for excellence in performance of any endeavor.
To teach students how to set individual goals in life, and how to accomplish those goals.
To teach students the skills and tools needed to perform to the
best of their ability.
PRIDE
A Moody Band Member is a member of an exciting, entertaining, and learning organization that he/she should be proud to be a member of. This pride should be reflected at all times. Pride makes our band what is. Be proud of your fellow band members and all of your accomplishments as a member of the Moody Band
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RESPONSIBILITY
The single most important thing to a successful band program is that the members exhibit responsibility. There are duties that each member must perform on a daily basis that allow the band to function and improve. All rules of the band are based on this as well as the grading policy. This is the most fundamental learning objective of the class. Meeting the expected rules and procedures listed below will ensure both a successful program and the enjoyment of the experience.
RESPECT
The number one responsibility of the program can be summed up in one word: Respect. The Rules and Procedures listed below are merely a means to define respect and an attitude of respect will ensure nearly automatic compliance with the rules and procedure.
RULES AND PROCEDURES
- BE ON TIME
- BE QUIET AND ATTENTIVE DURING REHEARSAL
- PARTICIPATE FULLY AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
- PROPERLY STORE EQUIPEMENT
BE ON TIME:
To performances, if you are not early you are late. The director will signal the start of class by stepping up to the podium approximately 3 minutes after the bell to allow students to properly prepare for rehearsal. Failure to participate fully by this time will constitute a tardy. Frequent tardiness will be seen as a disciplinary problem and referred to the principal. Regardless students must be inside the band room by the tardy bell or this will also constitute a tardy.
BE QUIET AND ATTENTIVE DURING REHEARSAL:
When the director is speaking students should show respect by being attentive. Each time the director is interrupted in instruction a minor writing assignment consisting of sentences or copying text may be given to the student. Four such assignments will constitute an office referral and detention. Students that receive three office referrals in a semester may be barred from attending the band activities including trips and concerts. Any further problems will result in a conference with the principal. Severe infractions may be referred directly to the principal. A severe enough issue may get a student barred from further band activities pending Principal approval.
PARTICIPATE FULLY AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS:
The director will ask the students to demonstrate good techniques that are essential for musical performance such as sitting correctly, counting and/or singing passages, and playing individually for grades, and any other routine procedures that are deemed necessary for learning and improving. 100% Participation is expected and refusal to do so is considered disrespect and will constitute a disciplinary action.
PROPERLY STORE EQUIPMENT:
Each student will be assigned an area that their instrument, music, and other equipment should be stored. The students are expected to use this area and not leave equipment out. Properly putting equipment away to avoid confusion and damage is also expected. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action taken as listed above for rehearsal.
*Any damage as a result of not following this rule will be the responsibility of the student/parent.
GRADING POLICY
2022-2023
EXPECTED PERFORMANCE:
Grading for band classes will consist of a Daily Participation category; and a Playing Tests and Performances category. The categories will be weighted mathematically so that they are 40%/60% of the overall grade. Thus failure in one area will not automatically result in overall failure but to achieve a high grade a student must meet both areas to a high degree.
DAILY PARTICIPATION:
Each week, students will receive a grade for participation in band provided they have the necessary equipment to fully participate. Not participating will result in a loss of 20 percentile points, thus affecting the grade but not seriously hurting the final grade. Minor and infrequent lapses will thus not heavily impact a student’s overall grade but these penalties will add up and can have a large effect if the student consistently fails to meet their daily expectation.
PLAYING TESTS:
Students will be expected to meet some basic required performance levels, but each student’s grade will reflect where they begin and where they end. As long as student participates and improves they will receive a positive grade and will enjoy band.
PERFORMANCES:
As stated previously, attendance at performances is MANDITORY. Performances are the single most important thing to the program. It is why we exist. Missing a performance for an unexcused absence will drastically affect a student’s grade. For excused absence a report may be done to make up the grade. Possible excused absences include: Death in the Family/Hardship, severe illness, or other school commitment. Any excuse except Death/Hardship must be reported to the director BEFORE THE DAY OF THE PERFORMANCE. Whether something is excused is subject to the decision of the director.
*Spring Trip: The band will take a fun trip as a reward for working hard all year. Students must be currently eligible and must have participated in the Christmas Concert, Spring Concert, and all spring contests. Cost will be based on the success of fundraising and students will pay the difference.
MOODY BEARCAT BAND
INSTRUMENT GUIDE
FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS SEEKING A BAND INSTRUMENT
Band Parents and Students,
I want to say how excited I am to be here in Moody and to be the Middle School Band Director. I look forward to working with the wonderful kids and staff here at Moody ISD. While we know that not every kid will stay all the way through school in the band program, I know that they will enjoy their time with us and perhaps gain a better appreciation of the kinds of work and discipline that the Fine Arts can demand.
We have some instruments for students to use based on need and availability, but we encourage you to get an instrument if possible for the best experience and enjoyment of the program. The following information can make it surprisingly easy and economical to get a quality instrument.
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Getting an instrument can be a daunting experience. I know they are expensive and I sympathize that budgets are tight and money is spread thin, however, I will help educate everyone to the best of my ability to ensure that you get a good value and that your child has equipment that will serve them well. But understand that there are “rip-offs” out there and some companies can be less than honest about the quality of their wares. Therefore I will list reputable brands that are safe as well as stores I feel only deal in quality instruments. Also there are several trusted music stores in the area that I will list where you get an instrument through several options including Rent-To-Own, which is a better deal than you might think. For instance, most music stores do not charge any interest on their Rent-To-Own plans! They also do take the instrument back if a student does not want to continue and cancel the contract. I don’t know how they can afford to do that, but I’m not complaining. This greatly lowers the risk of losing an investment if a students does not stay with band.
Other options include “Hand-Me-Downs” from a relative, “Pawn Shops”, and social media such as “Craig’s List”. These have definite pitfalls and can be far more of a problem than many people realize, but there is the potential that this can also be a good, economical, way to get an instrument. What are the dangers? To put it simply people who are not really trained to work with musical instruments often have little knowledge of the true value of these instruments, or, even worse, they think they know about the value but are wrong. For instance, how new and shiny an instrument looks, or how old and weathered, often have very little to do with the actual function, and thus, value. That is why I highly encourage anyone who is looking at getting one this way, to have it checked out by a band director, first if possible. For instance, I will go to nearby pawnshops and check out one somebody is looking at to tell you if you have a good deal. Often even a good brand of instrument may need so much work that it is much more than the instrument is worth. Sometimes the owners selling these may not even know that. So get as much expert advice as possible. This is why my number is included at the end of this letter. Please see brand list below.
Another option appears to be great and a “no-brainer” at first, is really a bad, bad idea. That is buy from major chain store such as the stores that end in “Mart”. These stores sell a great many things that are good products and are great values, but instruments just are not one of those. They are made in an assembly line fashion, with an eye for economy but not quality. BE WARNED: MUSIC STORES WILL OFTEN NOT SERVICE THESE INFERIOR PRODUCTS AND THE ORIGINAL STORES DO NOT AT ALL! They are brand new instruments at very low prices, but they are actually a HUGE rip-off. Your child will not enjoy playing them!
The following list of instruments are considered “safe” brands, and should be sought out. However the condition they are in can still be an issue, but you know these can be made to play well.
Yamaha (good anything), Selmer, Vito, Bundy, Buffet, LeBlanc, Normandy, Cannonball, Gemeinhardt, Buescher, King, Blessing, Getzen, Bach, Conn, Reynolds, Olds, Artley, Emerson, Jupiter
*If it is not on this list talk to us before you buy. We tried to think of all brands we trust, but it is possible we missed one.
Do not believe a seller when they say “Like a Yamaha” or something like that. That is not a trustworthy statement and I have seen it really cheat people over the years.
Again, getting a student his or her own instrument through a good source with greatly aid their experience and enjoyment of the band program. I will do anything I can to help anybody in trying to find a good, and good priced instrument.
If I can help you and answer any questions about this please feel free to call me.
Thank you,
Bradley Mitchell (254-210-2200)
HANDBOOK AGREEMENT CONSENT FORM
*Please fill out and have both student and parents sign this document. Return it to the band office as soon as possible.
Student Agreement:
I have read and agree to the Moody Middle School Band Handbook and pledge to follow all band rules and policies. I understand that if I disagree with any action or policy of the staff I may make an appointment to speak to the directors who will review the situation, but does not guarantee resolution. The building Principal will have the final say on any such issue.
Student’s Name___________________________________ Grade: _________________
Student’s Signature________________________________
Parent Agreement:
I have read and agree to the policies of the Moody Middle School Band Handbook and pledge to follow all band rules and policies. I understand that if I disagree with any action or policy of the staff I may make an appointment to speak to the directors who will review the situation, but does not guarantee resolution. The building Principal will have the final say on any such issue.
Parent/Guardians Name: ______________________________________________
Parent/Guardians Signature: ___________________________________________
Moody ISD Band Program
Band Travel Waiver and Emergency Medical Release – 2018/2019 School Year
(Please Print except for signatures)
Emergency Contact Person if Parent/Guardian cannot be reached:
***
IMPORTANT MEDICAL INFORMATION
(illness, allergies, health concerns)
** LIST ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON BACK OF THIS FORM **
PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOUR CHILD TAKES ANY PRESCRIPTIONS THAT ARE NEEDED FOR ANY HEALTH CONDITION. ALL MEDICATIONS MUST BE NOTED ON THIS FORM.
***INSURANCE INFORMATION
I hereby give permission for my child (aforementioned student) to travel with the Moody ISD Band Program. I also give permission for my child to receive emergency medical treatment by our family physician or another physician in case of an emergency. I understand that I am financially responsible for any and all expenses incurred for said treatment.