Standard Warrior Band

Updated 8/14/11

NOTE 4/4/12…basic policies below are expected to stay the same for 2012-2013. Dates/Times discussed in first paragraph will be adjusted for 2012.

All PARENTS are invited to attend our General Band Parents Meeting Thursday 8/25, 5:45-6:15pm in the SMS Cafeteria. (Beginner’s parents will be there as well and will stay a bit longer.  Among other things, we will be outlining goals and signing up volunteers.  MR WALLS may be tied up with BBQ activities on Back to School Night, so please try to attend this meeting if you are interested in learning about the band program and about the Standard Music Boosters.   Nick Rail Music and California Keyboards will be there from 5pm to 7:30 pm to rent instruments, sell books and accessories, etc.All PARENTS are invited to attend our General Band Parents Meeting Thursday 8/25, 5:45-6:15pm in the SMS Cafeteria.(Beginner’s parents will be there as well and will stay a bit longer.  Among other things, we will be outlining goals and signing up volunteers.  MR WALLS may be tied up with BBQ activities on Back to School Night, so please try to attend this meeting if you are interested in learning about the band program and about the Standard Music Boosters.   Nick Rail Music and California Keyboards will be there from 5pm to 7:30 pm to rent instruments, sell books and accessories, etc.All PARENTS are invited to attend our General Band Parents Meeting Thursday 8/25, 5:45-6:15pm in the SMS Cafeteria.(Beginner’s parents will be there as well and will stay a bit longer.  Among other things, we will be outlining goals and signing up volunteers.  MR WALLS may be tied up with BBQ activities on Back to School Night, so please try to attend this meeting if you are interested in learning about the band program and about the Standard Music Boosters.   Nick Rail Music and California Keyboards will be there from 5pm to 7:30 pm to rent instruments, sell books and accessories, etc.

These EXPECTATIONS, along with our ADVANCE PLANNER, and GOALS, serve as our HANDBOOK for SMS 7-8th grade band members.  They apply to all Warrior Band(WB) members.  WB is our main and more advanced band for 7-8th graders.  Concert Band(CB) is an intermediate group for 7-8th graders needing a little bit more instructional help in a smaller group setting.  Except as noted, these EXPECTATIONS also apply to CB members.  See #3 and 3a-d below for an explanation of Warrior Marching Band(WMB).

All band members are expected to work together, with positive conduct, attitude, and 100% effort.  At band camp we will discuss and set Warrior Band Goals for 2011-2012.  All band members must be willing to work towards these goals.  Only when each individual is striving to do their best can the band as a whole be successful!

Students who read and agree to meet these EXPECTATIONS are making a commitment to stay in band for the entire year.  Also, please remember that a student’s conduct, attitude, effort and willingness to meet these EXPECTATIONS and work towards the Band Goals will also factor into their grade in band.

Specific Requirements include:

1. Come to class on time and prepared.  This means having music, instrument, and all needed accessories when you sit down.  WB Drummers will have music and equipment set up BEFORE sitting down for breakfast.  Any needs or problems in WB must be discussed with the band director BEFORE the 8:25 bell.  CB members must  also plan ahead and take care of needs OUTSIDE of class.
2. Students must also be musically prepared for class.  This includes practicing outside of class and passing all required playing tests.

2a) Although some class-time will be provided for test passing, students must also be willing to play tests at lunch, or before/after school.

2b) Band members (including drummers!) must take instruments and music home on weekends and back on Mondays unless otherwise directed.

2c) In addition to playing tests, students must memorize the competition march (Valley Forge) in the fall, and all KNOTTS music in the spring.

2d) It will occasionally be necessary to have Section Rehearsals outside of class-time.  The marching drum line will have to meet weekly at first.  Other sections (flutes/trumpets/clarinets, etc) will be asked to meet only if we need to work on problems specific to that instrument section of the band.  Students are expected to attend Section Rehearsals when asked to do so!!

3.  All WB members are automatically part of the Warrior Marching Band(WMB) and must attend all morning marching practices, marching competitions, parades and WMB events.  Morning practices are MWF, 7:30am.  Arrive by 7:25am in order to be ready to begin on time!(see Advance Planner)  CB members must also attend morning practices if they wish to be part of the WMB.  (Only WMB will go to KNOTTS)  If a student is absent from morning practice but is present for school, that morning absence is unexcused unless CLEARED with the director(see below)!!! 

3a) Excused practice absences are granted at the discretion of the Band Director.  If a student is in school on the day of a practice, they need to CLEAR the absence on the SAME DAY.  In general, if you are well enough to come to school, you are well enough to come to practice.  Lack of transportation is not normally an acceptable excuse, but we do understand the flat tires, car breakdowns, etc., do happen. Having a friend you can call as a last minute ride is a good plan.  

3b) Unexcused practice absences will deduct from the quarterly band grade. 

3c) Students with less than 75% morning attendance  will be considered on a case-by-case basis for participation in the KNOTTS trip (for example. percentage of excused/unexcused absences, number of tardies, etc)

3d) NOTE: Based on student marching/playing abilities, it may be necessary for the director to designate some students as non-competition members of the WMB.  However, ALL WMB members must attend ALL morning practices, unless otherwise directed. 

4.  ALL band members must attend ALL performances as listed on the ADVANCE PLANNER (plus any other event that comes up for which you are notified in advance).  An unexcused absence from a performance is a very serious offense.  Even one member missing during a competition or event can have a negative impact on the overall band performance.  It is very important that students and parents work together with the director to ensure that every student meets their attendance responsibilities.

4a) Excused performance absences are granted at the discretion of the band director.  Illness and emergencies are the main grounds for granting Excused Absences.  In order to be cleared, a request from parent must be submitted on SAME DAY, or no more than 2 school days after the event.  Emails(gwalls@standard.k12.ca.us) and written notes are the best way.  On Saturday competitions, you can also call 392-2130 (then enter 5133 when prompted) to call directly into the band room.  Please call well before the listed ”be here” time, or just after the “be back” time.  PLEASE NOTE: Mr Walls DOES NOT check voice mails left on this number.

4b) As noted at the beginning of this section, attendance is critical to our band success.  In the past, attendance during marching season has been our biggest concern.  Therefore, even excused absences for the main WMB events (BTSN, 3 competitions, and 2 parades) must be limited.  All students will be allowed only one excused absence from these six events (see above and below).  For each excused absence after that, students will have to do make-up work in order to avoid grade penalty and to stay eligible for KNOTTS trip.

4c) Unexcused Absences.  Depending on circumstances, consequences may include one or more of the following: lowering the quarterly band grade one full grade (grade is “F” if there is a 2nd unexcused absence in same quarter), loss of KNOTTS trip participation, placing student in a different band class, or totally removing student from band.  Examples of unexcused absences include, but are not limited to: “going out of town”, “attending athletic event”, “I did not have a ride”, “I am grounded”, “birthday parties”, etc.

4d) Any special circumstances, problems, concerns, or exceptions must be discussed with director well in advance, preferably ASAP after you read this handout.

5.  KNOTTS TRIP is a REWARD for those who meet all the requirements listed above.  In summary, that means: a passing grade in band of C or better every quarter, plus excellent morning practice attendance (sections 1&2&3 above); no unexcused absences from ANY band event (section 4c); and getting any other event absence cleared and/or made up (section 4a,4b, 4d).  Students are not charged anything for this trip. (see #6) Band members also are encouraged to maintain good grades in all classes.  You should try for a minimum 2.0gpa!!!

6.  FUND RAISING.  Knotts trip is paid for by the Standard Music Boosters through their Fireworks booth and various other fundraisers held throughout the year (see Advance Planner).  These fund raisers also help pay for many other things, including CG equipment, band and CG camp helpers, DM camp, instrument repair, new uniforms, new instruments, and bus transportation to all WB events. NO STUDENT IS EVER REQUIRED TO SELL ANYTHING (but they are required to perform at Pancakes and Pops). However, it is very important that both students and parents assist with these projects whenever possible.  Not everyone will be able to participate in every project, and that is OK.  However, everyone should try to help sometime!!

Other Important Information….

Except as noted on Advance Planner, bus transportation is provided for events not on the SMS campus.  Students will meet in the SMS band room and travel together to the event.  Students DO NOT have to ride the bus home. (see Communicactions #1)

Communications:

1. Before every event, students are given a written handout with complete info.  For marching events these handouts appear about one week before the event (or as soon as I receive the info from the event chairman).  These handouts are also posted here on the website.
2. Check our website regularly for event, advance planner, and calendar updates 
3. Mr W also tries to send out regular email updates.  If you would like to be added to the EMAIL list, please send a message to rotgc@earthlink.net   Be sure to identify yourself and your child.
4. Mr W is also on Facebook and communicates there frequently.  Be sure to identify yourself and your child if you send a friend request.
5. School phone is 392-2130 and band extension is 5133 (good for direct phone calls after reg school hours)….please remember that I do not check voice mail
6. Booster president is Melanie Hohler  lilmlg_of3@yahoo.com

Uniforms and Band Fees

1. There is no charge for the band uniform.  Uniforms are provided free, courtesy of the Standard School District and the Standard Music Boosters. 
2. Fees are charged for things that you need along with the uniform.  HELP IS AVAILABLE for all fees.  Just ask!

2a) Students must provide their own black, full length dress socks to wear with the uniform

2b) All other items needed are covered by band fees…. Band Shirt $12 ($14 XXL), Band Shoes ($23){used shoes are available for free -not all sizes may be available}, and band gloves ($3).  Uniform Cleaning fee ($12)…. students pay only for what they need so 8th graders usually pay less than new students and 7th graders.  If you need everything, total is $50, payable to STANDARD MIDDLE SCHOOL.  Subtract as appropriate for items you do not need to determine your total.  BAND FEE DEADLINE is SEPTEMBER 30. (Band fees and Instrument fees CAN NOT BE COMBINED…. they must be paid separately.)

3.  Shirts and Hoodies are available for all students, parents or friends.  Info is on the website, under WARRIOR WEAR.

School Instruments and Instrument Fees

For 2011-2012, we have a record number of 6-7th graders signed up for beginning band.  This means we will need every school instrument we can find to provide instruments for all those who need one.  If you used a school instrument in the past, but can possibly afford to rent/provide your own from a music store, please do so and inform Mr W ASAP that your school instrument will be available for someone else to use.

Otherwise, remember that the school instrument must be checked out for the NEW 2011-2012 year.  This means you must fill out a NEW FORM and pay a new FEE ($35). Checks payable to STANDARD SCHOOL DISTRICT.  Forms and Instrument fees due by 9/2. (Band fees and Instrument fees CAN NOT BE COMBINED…. they must be paid separately.)

This annual fee is NOT rent.  This is a maintenance fee to help cover costs of instrument repairs and upkeep.  If you can not afford to pay the entire fee up front, please pay a little at a time.  An average trip to the shop for one instrument now costs us over $50!!!!  We send many of our instruments to the shop each summer.  The district budget basically covered the costs of the summer upkeep and repairs.  Although the Music Boosters have budgeted some assistance, most repairs during the school year will HAVE TO BE PAID FOR FROM FEES COLLECTED!!!

For all fees, CASH (exact change appreciated) or MONEY ORDERS are the preferred method of payment! Band and Instrument FEES must be paid in the BANDROOM…. do NOT try to pay them in the SMS office!