Download printable handbook here
We are pleased to welcome you to the 2007-2008 Cooper Junior High Band! As a band student or band parent, you will want to know how things work in the band program. This handbook is your guide to our procedures and policies for the Cooper Band Program. You will want to note essential items such as our behavior management plan, grading policies, and information regarding performances. Other items, such as information regarding repairs and step-up instruments, are there for your reference.
New things: 1) Smart Music practice software is being used this year for submitting practice reports, working on solos, practicing assigned music, and for submitting playing tests. Please look over the separate Smart Music handout and consider purchasing a subscription to Smart Music for your child- this program will be very needed and appreciated when it comes to completing band homework and preparing to be the best musician possible. 2) CHARMS music website (www.charmsmusic.com) will be used by the directors and parents to keep in close contact throughout the year and also to get out important announcements, the calendar of events, fees and forms due, etc. Please login to CHARMS and make sure you update your information and also check CHARMS regularly for important info.
At the end of the handbook, we have included a signature page and some other important documents to be returned. We need this signature page and the volunteer form returned by September 7. Thanks in advance!
Another important item included is our 2007–2008 calendar. You should keep this for your reference throughout the year. We know that students are involved in many activities, so we have done our best to avoid conflicts with other school events (quite a tricky task!). Since your student will receive a grade for many of our events, we believe it is in everyone’s best interest to plan as far ahead as possible. If dates, times, or details of events change, we will notify you as soon as possible via the band website, CHARMS, email, and written letter given to students.
If you have any questions or comments throughout the school year, we invite you to contact us. We look forward to working with you this year!
Adam Powell
Director of Bands
972-429-3263
adam.powell@wylieisd.net
Conference: 2:45-3:15
June Campbell
Associate Director of Bands
972-429-3264
june.campbell@wylieisd.net
Conference: 2:45-3:15
The SUCCESS of our students depends on a three-way partnership between teachers, parents, and students. The teachers will do everything they can to effectively explain, demonstrate, and instill good playing habits. We will provide every opportunity possible for students to experience SUCCESS on their instruments. We feel strongly that parents need to be involved in the musical lives of their students if meaningful SUCCESS is to occur. We appreciate the investment you have made in your student’s musical life!
As a member of the Cooper Junior High Band, you are a part of one of the school's most important and respected teams. As with all other teams, the success of the Cooper Band will depend on the loyalty, cooperation, and dedication of each and every member. We hope each member will feel proud to be a member of his/her/OUR organization, and will want to be a contributing member.
The Cooper Junior High Band is one part of the Wylie High School Band Program (Cooper JH, Draper INT, Wylie East HS, and Wylie HS). All skills and knowledge gained from participation in our band program are continued and expanded upon in the high school bands. We expect that our students will take their talents to the high school and be a part of “That Wylie Band.”
Beginner Band
- Open to any 7th grader wanting to learn an instrument (instrument selection is limited based on the needs of the program).
- Members must work hard to improve and strive to earn a spot in Concert Band after the first semester
- Members will not perform at concerts, football games, contests, etc.
- Members are invited to attend all band events.
Concert Band and Symphonic Band
- Open by audition only, by director's consent
- Members are 7-8 graders in school year 2007-2008
- Rehearses every day.
- One weekly section rehearsal required (before school, after school, or during class).
- Occasional full band rehearsals may be required (before or after school)
- Performs at pep rallies, football games, school events, concerts, and contests.
- Members participate in self-improvement activities (All-Region Band auditions and Solo/Ensemble Contest)
WE BELIEVE THAT EVERY BAND STUDENT IS IMPORTANT at Cooper Junior High!
All students will bring supplies to band everyday.
BOOK(S)
- Foundations for Superior Performance (Warm-Ups and Technique for Band)
by Richard Williams and Jeff King (Published by Neil A. Kjos Music Company)
- Essential Musicianship for Band (Ensemble Concepts)- Symphonic Band only
by Eddie Green, John Benzer, and David Bertman (Published by Hal Leonard Corporation)
Percussion need to purchase the mallet book only.
OTHER SUPPLIES
- Marching Flip Folder with at least 5 windows for music
- Marching Lyre for your instrument (except flute, oboe, bassoon, and percussion)
- Hamilton Model KB400N Wire Music Stand or equivalent
- Qwik Time Model QT3 Metronome or equivalent
- 1 ½” capacity 3-ring binder with pockets (Black preferred)
- 5 index dividers with labels
- Pencil pouch with several pencils – NOT any kind of ink pen
- Approved type instrument
- Cleaning/tuning rod
- Soft, clean cloths or handkerchiefs
- Instrument is furnished by the school.
- Purchase reeds from your private teacher.
- Hodge oboe reed case or equivalent – should hold at least 3 reeds
- Empty medicine bottle or film canister.
- GEM Swabs SILK oboe swab or equivalent (not a chamois- or pad saver-type swab)
- Cork grease
- Thumb rest cushion
- Instrument is furnished by the school.
- Purchase reeds from the band director or your private teacher.
- Fox bassoon reed case or equivalent – should hold at least 3 reeds
- Empty medicine bottle or film canister
- GEM Swabs SILK bassoon swab or equivalent (not a chamois- or pad saver-type swab)
- Cork grease
- Approved type instrument and mouthpiece
- 1 box of reeds – Vandoren (strength recommended by private teacher or band director)
- 1 LaVoz Clarinet Reed Guard IV or equivalent – should hold at least 4 reeds
- GEM Swabs SILK clarinet swab or equivalent (not a chamois- or pad saver-type swab)
- Cork grease
- Thumb rest cushion
- Mouthpiece brush
- Approved type instrument and mouthpiece- Tenor and Bari Saxes provided by the school
- 1 box of reeds – only Vandoren (strength recommended by private teacher or band director)
- 1 LaVoz Alto/Tenor/Bari Saxophone Reed Guard IV or equivalent – should hold at least 4 reeds
- Selmer Ray Hyman saxophone neckstrap or equivalent
- GEM Swabs SILK saxophone swab or equivalent (not a chamois- or pad saver-type swab)
- Cork grease
- Mouthpiece brush
- Instrument cleaning cloth
- Approved type instrument and mouthpiece
- B.E.R.P.
- Selmer tuning slide grease
- Al Cass valve oil or equivalent
- Trumpet cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush, and valve casing brush
- Instrument cleaning cloth
- Instrument is furnished by the school.
- Approved mouthpiece
- B.E.R.P.
- Selmer tuning slide grease
- Rotary valve oil
- French Horn cleaning snake and mouthpiece brush
- Bathroom hand towel
- Approved type instrument and mouthpiece
- B.E.R.P.
- UMI Trombotine slide cream NO SUBSTITUTIONS
- Small spray bottle (available at Wal-Mart, Target and other similar stores)
- Bathroom hand towel
- Selmer tuning slide grease
- Holton Rotary Valve oil or equivalent
- Trombone cleaning snake
- Trombone mouthpiece brush
- Instrument is furnished by the school.
- Approved mouthpiece
- B.E.R.P.
- Selmer tuning slide grease
- Al Cass valve oil or equivalent
- Rubber euphonium mouthpiece pouch
- Euphonium cleaning snake
- Euphonium mouthpiece brush
- Bathroom hand towel
- Instrument is furnished by the school.
- Approved mouthpiece
- B.E.R.P.
- Selmer tuning slide grease
- Al Cass Valve oil or equivalent
- Rubber tuba mouthpiece pouch
- Tuba mouthpiece brush
- Soft, clean cloth or handkerchief
- Bathroom hand towel
- Approved practice pad and stand
- Marimba Warehouse Model MPM Xylophone for home practice
- 1 pair Innovative Percussion Model IP-LD Snare Drum Sticks or equivalent
- 1 pair Innovative Percussion Model F8 Marimba Mallets or equivalent
- 1 pair Innovative Percussion Model F10 Xylophone/Bell Mallets or equivalent
- 1 Innovative Percussion Model SB-3 Mallet Bag or equivalent
- 1 pair of medium yarn marimba mallets – IP 240
- 1 pair of medium timpani mallets – IP CT-3
- Black towel for music stand (dish-towel size)
- 1 pair of medium yarn marimba mallets – IP 240 (you should now have two identical pair)
- Large stick bag – Vic Firth Super Drumstick Bag (SBag2) or any equivalent sized bag from Zildjian, LP, or Lone Star
- 1 pair of IP Paul Rennick snare drum sticks (second semester)
- 1 Practice Pad – 12” Real Feel, double-sided or 12” Vic Firth Heavy Hitter pad (second semester)
- Please do not play your instrument or allow others to use it. You are responsible for your instrument!
- Please do not enter the Band Hall until 8:05 a.m.
- Carefully put your instrument and binder in your band locker.
- Our band room gets crowded in the morning, so please ask your non-band friends to wait outside for you. Thank you!
- Enter the Band Hall in an orderly manner.
- Space is very limited in our band hall – leave your backpack and books in your school lockers. If you must bring books to class, there will be a designated area for book storage in the band hall.
- Please get your instrument and binder out quickly, quietly, and CAREFULLY. Put your cases back in your locker. Clarinets, flutes, and oboes may bring cases to your seats and put them under your chair.
- All students are expected to be in their seats and be prepared to start on time with instrument, binder, and a pencil. Make sure your pencil is sharpened before class.
- Make sure your music has your name at the top and the measures numbered at all times.
- Look on the board and put your music in the order listed. The percussion section should make sure that all necessary instruments are ready before class has started.
- Please do not play your instrument. Review some scale patterns or difficult passages in your music while you wait for rehearsal to begin.
- Please limit questions before and after class to essential items only. For these items, see the assistant director for the class.
- ALWAYS PLAY WITH YOUR BEST SOUND.
- Listen to yourself, your section, and your band while you play. Never JUST play.
- Keep your eyes on the director whenever he/she is talking.
- MARK YOUR MUSIC! Use your PENCIL!
- When the director gives you a “cut-off” signal, try to be the first to stop.
- ALWAYS TRY HARD! SUCCESS ONLY COMES THROUGH EFFORT!
- Woodwinds should swab out the moisture from their instruments and put reeds in their reed guards. Brass players should empty water from their instruments.
- Before you leave your area, make sure you have all of your belongings.
- Carefully put your instrument and binder in your locker. Remember: your instrument is valuable – treat it with respect.
- Exit the Band Hall in an orderly manner.
- No gum, food, or drink in the band hall.
- Raise your hand to ask a question, otherwise there is no need to talk.
- Have your necessary supplies for class (Instrument, pencil, mouthpiece, reeds, valve oil, music, binder, etc.).
- Follow directions the first time they are given to you.
- ACTIVELY participate in the improvement of your band!
- First tardy results in a 30 minute detention and parent contact.
- Second tardy results in a 30 minute detention and parent contact.
- Third tardy results in three hour Thursday night school and parent contact.
- Fourth tardy results in five hour Thursday night school and parent contact.
- Additional tardies result in office referrals, potential ISS, and potential truancy court.
- CJH Band Polo Shirt- sold at beginning of year
- Black pressed slacks with a black belt
- Black dress socks
- Black closed toe casual/dress shoes (no sandals or tennis shoes permitted of any kind)
- CJH Band Polo Shirt- sold at beginning of year
- Black or Blue Jeans
- Tennis Shoes and appropriate socks (no sandals or flip-flops allowed)
- Students will receive a grade between 0-100 for playing tests.
- The standard for passing will be clearly outlined to the student when the test is assigned.
- An example of how the standard will be worded is: “Perform with characteristic tone quality and/or vibrato, correct notes, rhythms, dynamics, phrasing, and intonation. Minor flaws, if any, did not detract from the overall performance. Preparation is clearly evident.”
- Playing tests may be retested as many times as needed to achieve passing prior to the end of the six weeks. Students will be given two opportunities in either class or sectionals to pass the objective. If more times are needed, other tries will occur by appointment or during the teacher’s scheduled tutorial time.
- The idea behind this grading is concept mastery- by allowing students to keep trying until they have mastered the concept, we are encouraging them to keep working until they have achieved their best and are rewarding them for their best effort.
- The attendance component is based on arriving on time and staying for the duration of the concert.
- The participation component consists of proper concert attire and stage behavior.
- The audience etiquette component consists of displaying respect for the audience and fellow musicians when they listen to the other band perform.
- Lack of productive participation in class
- Not having required materials
- Binder checks
- Follow classroom procedures and rules and your participation grade will be EXCELLENT!
- Having all needed supplies daily (especially including pencil and music)
- Having your instrument and mouthpiece every day for class
- Taking proper care of your instrument (trombone slides work properly, woodwind reeds, etc.)
- Students are expected to practice daily and should aim for a weekly total of 210 minutes. Try to spread this out into 7 days, 30 minutes a day.
- The grading criteria are clearly outlined on the practice reports- students also have the option of using Smart Music to document practice grades
SPECIFIC INSTRUMENT SUPPLIES:
Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
Clarinet
Saxophone
Trumpet
French Horn
Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Percussion
8th Graders will also need to have the following:
REHEARSAL PROCEDURES AND EXPECTATIONS
HIGH-QUALITY REHEARSALS are the key to HIGH-QUALITY PERFORMANCES. It is each student’s right and privilege to receive the best instruction possible, and this will only happen when the band is quiet and attentive. No student will be allowed to interfere with the learning of others or with the progress of the band.
PROCEDURES
WHEN YOU ENTER:
DURING REHEARSAL:
AFTER REHEARSAL:
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RULES (EXPECTATIONS)
BEHAVIOR
MANAGEMENT PLAN
It is very important that all students contribute productively to the
progress of the group and to the goals of the music program. Responsibility
for behavior lies directly with the individual band members. Anyone who
interferes with the effectiveness of the classroom, performance, travel
situations, or the learning environment in general chooses to accept the
consequences of their actions.
First Offense: A consequence will be determined by the band director
Second
Offense: 30 minute detention
Student/Teacher Conference
An alternate consequence may be determined by the band director
Third
Offense: 1 hour detention
Parent Contact and Student/Teacher Conference
An alternate consequence may be determined by the band director
Fourth
Offense: Instrument put away and alternate assignment given
Parent/Student/Teacher Conference
An alternate consequence may be determined by the band director
Fifth
Offense (or 3rd day in a six weeks reaching the 3rd offense):
Loss of privileges for trips and socials for the semester
2-day alternate assignment given
An alternate consequence may be determined by the band director
Specific
consequences for your actions will be determined by the needs of the individual
student and the circumstances involved in the situation.
Students who continually choose to disrupt the learning environment of
their fellow band members risk being removed from band. Be in a habit
of making good choices – you and your fellow musicians will benefit!
Students have a FOUR (4) minute passing period, which is plenty of time to move between classes. The Cooper Band Tardy Policy for performing bands is as follows:
Students must be in their assigned seat with all necessary supplies when the bell rings. While you are getting to your seat, please be very careful with your instrument. Students who are not in their seat when the bell rings will be marked tardy. The director reserves the right to change the policy at any time.
Individual and small group teaching is important to help promote and improve positive playing habits. In most cases, this teaching is not possible within the large band classes. To accommodate this need, each student in the band program will participate in regularly scheduled sectional rehearsals for his or her instrument.
Students will be expected to come to one section rehearsal per week. Sectional attendance is a major test grade and is always required. Sectionals will be held in the morning or afternoon, and sometimes during class. The purpose of the section rehearsal is to help the student improve on his/her instrument in a more concentrated and individualized manner than the large band rehearsal allows. We find that by breaking the band up into its "parts", we can work on difficult problems in a more relaxed environment. As a result, full band rehearsals move along much more quickly.
Attendance at each sectional is expected of each student. Directors will work with other student organizations to limit conflicts and present solutions when there are conflicts. Students will not be penalized by a school-sponsored organization of any kind if there is a conflict. Due to the specific instruction given for each instrument during sectionals, make-up sectionals with another section are not beneficial for the student. Please schedule medical and other appointments at times other than the regularly scheduled sectional.
Students that miss a sectional will be required to attend a makeup sectional for partial credit (highest grade possible of 70 for attendance). Sectionals will be set far enough in advance to avoid most conflicts that arise. Please remember that sectionals are designed to help YOU!
A performance is any event in which the students, individually, or as a group, play their instruments for an audience, a judge, or a clinician. Attendance is required at all scheduled band performances. Performances are a vital extension of the academic class, and are a culminating activity that serves as an evaluation tool for all the learning that takes place leading up to a performance. The directors will do everything possible to avoid a conflict between a performance and another school activity.
Formal performances consist of the following: Winter Concert, Solo-Ensemble Contest, Celebrate the Arts, UIL Concert and Sight-reading Festival, Spring Concert.
Informal performances consist of the following: Football games, Fall Concert, Band Buddy Concert, Pep Rallies (dress must meet school dress code for Pep Rallies, with your band shirt or athletic jersey as your top)
Required Formal Performance Attire:
Required Informal Performance Attire:
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GRADING POLICY
MAJOR GRADES (60%)
PLAYING TESTS are assigned regularly throughout the year. They may be taken during sectionals, during the student’s regular band class, by personal arrangement with the instructor, or via Smart Music.
SECTIONAL ATTENDANCE GRADES are given at each sectional. To receive full credit, students must be ready to perform on time. Points will be deducted for tardiness or being unprepared.
PERFORMANCE GRADES are given for all curricular performances. Performance grades will be counted twice in the six weeks of the performance. The performance grade consists of three components: attendance, participation, and audience etiquette.
PLEASE NOTE: An unexcused absence from a performance will result in the student receiving 2 zeros as major grades. This might cause a student to fail for the six weeks grading period. Excuses are accepted only in event of illness (with doctor’s note), or a major family emergency
DAILY GRADES (40%)
PARTICIPATION grades are given weekly and are based on the student’s daily participation in band class. Points may be deducted for the following reasons:
EQUIPMENT GRADES are given each week and are based on the following things.
PRACTICE grades are issued each week.
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SCHOOL-OWNED INSTRUMENTS
School-owned instruments will be issued only to students who exhibit responsibility for their instrument and dedication to our program. Neglect or abuse of the instrument will result in the student being required to turn in the instrument.
The parent and student will fill out a form that specifies the condition of the instrument at the time of checkout. The form also shows your acknowledgement of responsibility for that instrument. Periodic inspections will be conducted. The student MUST treat the instrument with great care – as though you and your parents have made the investment.
Students are at ALL times responsible for the instrument and its case. Any damage resulting from carelessness or abuse will be charged to the student responsible.
Instruments that are owned by the student are expected to remain in good playing condition at all times. Make sure you properly care for your instrument and keep all needed supplies for care and cleaning of your individual instrument. You are only going to be as good as the equipment you are using. Therefore, make sure you always have good reeds, the right mouthpiece, etc. when playing your instrument in class, for tests, or at performances.
In addition, when band students reach their second or third year of playing an instrument, many of them have reached a level of playing that could be greatly aided by a higher quality instrument. As the student’s commitment to band increases, parents are encouraged to investigate purchasing an instrument that will allow the student to grow to his/her fullest potential. Changing instruments from a beginner model to an advanced model is often called “stepping-up,” and is HIGHLY recommended for students planning to continue playing at Cooper, and especially in high school.
There are numerous models, with varying degrees of quality, available to students who are “stepping-up.” We strongly encourage you to contact us before you make any purchase. We will have recommendations and resources for you to consider.
The Cooper Band Hall has lockers where instruments must be stored during the day. We strongly encourage all students to use these lockers to insure the safety of your instruments. Locks are optional and must be provided by the student. Locks must use a combination (no keyed locks) and the combination must be provided to the band director before the student begins using the lock- this way if the students forgets or loses the combination, the director can open the locker for him/her. The band hall is secure during the day and the directors will not leave the band hall unattended without locking the doors.
If an instrument should need repair, please consult a director. The director can do many repairs at the school. If the director is unable to repair the instrument, please take it to one of the local music dealers. School-owned instrument repairs should always be handled through the director.
To protect your investment and ensure your participation in class, instrument repairs should be done promptly.
To protect your investment in the event of theft or vandalism, parents are strongly encouraged to insure your instruments. This may be done through your homeowner’s policy or through an independent carrier. For more information about the independent carrier, please go to http://www.musicagencyinc.com for details regarding plans and pricing.
School owned instruments are covered by the school district while on campus. Since school owned instruments are rather expensive to replace, we suggest that parents seek coverage for them while they are not on campus.
Accident Insurance for injuries that may be sustained during practice or performance in the band program is available from an independent carrier as well.
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PRIVATE LESSONS
Individual study with a specialist on the student’s instrument is vital to ensure the development and continuation of proper playing habits. Although private study is not required, we strongly recommend it as a means of achieving greater musical growth for ALL students.
We are fortunate to be able to offer our students a highly qualified faculty from whom private lessons are available. Each faculty member is approved by WISD and is an authority on his or her instrument.
Private lessons are $16.00 per week for one 25-minute lesson every week. The rate is subject to change due to existing market conditions. Payment for lessons will be arranged with the individual private lesson teacher. These lessons are usually taught during the student’s band class or before/after school (if schedules permit.) Some private teachers also have time available to teach lessons out of their homes. If you are interested in lessons, please see your director and fill out the information he/she gives you.
A Cooper Band member represents his or her school, home, community, and self when on a band trip. At no time should a student’s conduct be considered a negative reflection on the school, the home, the community, or the individual. Band students are held to a higher standard than students not in band. Students that do not follow instructions or do not behave appropriately on trips are subject to disciplinary action. Consequences may include the loss of trip privileges and/or removal from band.
As an individual, you will often be passed unnoticed; however, as a member of a group, the public will observe your every action with interest.
Parental involvement is essential for the smooth operation of the Cooper Band program and for the students to gain the most enjoyment from their band experience. Examples of roles filled by parents are phone calling, making copies of music, chaperoning trips, helping move equipment at football games, coordinating concert receptions, assisting with concert clean up, planning social events, etc. All band parents or guardians are encouraged to show their support of the program by volunteering to help out with something, no matter how small it may be. Your children are the benefactors of your involvement in their school activities.
BAND
BOOSTERS
We are very fortunate to have an active booster organization that works to support all WISD Band programs in grades 6-12. The Booster Club meets on various Monday evenings throughout the school year in the High School Band Hall. Our boosters are involved in many activities including: Football concession stands, Private Lesson program, Band Camp Scholarships, etc. We would like to see all parents involved in our booster organization. Please attend the first meeting at the Wylie HS Band Hall on October 1 at 7:30 P.M. to get more information or to join Band Boosters.
