Morehead Raider Concert and Honor Band Handbook 2018-2019

Ana Escobedo, Director Office Phone 236-3519 email, alescobe@episd.org

Welcome to the Morehead Raider Band Program! We are excited about the upcoming year
and delighted to have you as a member. In the Raider band we strive for excellence while
establishing a strong foundation of responsibility, self-discipline, proper conduct, and
musicianship. This handbook is intended to let you know how things will work in our band.
Please take time to look through it and complete the information pages provided.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me through e-mail or phone. I am always
happy to discuss our program and answer any questions you may have.
Sincerely Yours,
Ms. Ana Escobedo
Band Director –Morehead Middle School

EXPECTATIONS FOR CONCERT AND HONOR BAND

The concert bands are open to any student with at least one year of successful band
experience. The primary objective of the concert band is to develop the musical
fundamentals of its members in order to prepare them for more advanced ensemble
experiences. Mandatory performances will include a Winter Concert, Spring Concert,
Middle School All Region Band, EPISD Solo and Ensemble Contest, EPISD Concert and
Sight-Reading Contest, Pep Rallies, Football Games, and Middle School Band night
performance with the Coronado HS Band.

CLASS RULES
1. Enter the band room quickly and quietly.
2. Bring your materials everyday. (Instrument and accessories, binder, book, music, pencil).
3. Listen and follow directions.
4. Raise your hand before speaking or leaving your seat.
5. Respect your classmates and teacher.
6. Keep your hands, feet and objects to yourself.
7. PRATICE A MINIMUM OF 30 MINUTES A DAY 5 DAYS A WEEK!

CONSEQUENCES
Consequences for violation of classroom procedures will include the following:
1st time >Verbal Warning
2nd time >Writing Assignment
3rd time > Teacher/Student Conference
4th time >Parent notification and discussion
5th time >Disciplinary referral
6th time >Teacher/Student /Principal conference
7th time >Teacher/Student/Principal/ Parent conference

SECTIONALS
Sectionals are extremely important to create an OUTSTANDING BAND. Attendance is
mandatory for all sectionals and will be graded as an extension of the classroom. All
possible conflicts must be communicated in advance with the directors. This includes
detention, tutoring and sports. Sectionals will be held once a week for every student in the
Concert Band and Honor Band. Sectionals allow the directors to work with students in smaller
groups to help them progress faster. Sectionals for Concert Band and Honor Band will be from
3:00-3:45 pm. The sectional schedule is as follows:
Monday-Flutes/Oboe
Tuesday- Bassoon/Clarinets/Saxophone
Wednesday-Percussion/Drum Line
Thursday- Trumpets/Horns
Friday- Trombones/Baritones/Tubas
ALL REGION BAND

The Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) sponsors an audition for all eligible
students in middle school band. The All Region Band is the premier performing group
for all middle school students in El Paso. To be selected as a member of the All Region
Band means you are one of the best in El Paso. All Concert Band and Honor Band
members are required to learn the audition music. Students who make the All Region
Band are required to attend all rehearsals and concert.

EPISD MIDDLE SCHOOL SOLO/ENSEMBLE CONTEST

All band students will have the opportunity to participate in the EPISD Solo/Ensemble
Contest. This type of contest allows student to perform individually or in a group for a
judge to possibly earn a medal! The directors will help the students by providing a solo
and/or ensemble music for them to learn and work with the student to insure success.

INSTRUMENT CARE AND GUIDELINES

All band students must take their instruments home every day. No one is allowed to
leave their instrument at school. The care of your instrument (yours or the school’s) is
one of your biggest responsibilities. Write down the serial number and leave it in a safe
place. Keep it clean and well maintained. Always have your name on your case in plain
view. Many cases look alike and have often been taken home by the wrong
person. Check to make sure you have your instrument before you leave school.

PLEASE SHOW THE DIRECTORS IF YOUR INSTRUMENT IS NOT WORKING. In

many cases, it may be an easy fix. If your instrument has to go to the repair shop, you
must bring the claim tag from the music store that is repairing the instrument. Any work
missed while your instrument is being repaired must be completed by the end of the nine
weeks. Any work not completed by the end of the grading period automatically becomes
a zero.

GRADING SYSTEM

Nine-week grades will be based upon the assignments given that period. These
assignments will include class participation, in-class playing assignments, out of class
playing assignments, chair tests, written work, and performance participation. Possible
point deductions may include no music or binder in rehearsal, no music in a performance,
no instrument or equipment, instrument left in school overnight, chewing gum, no
pencil in class or rehearsal, equipment/music not put away, improper dress for
performances (student will not be allowed to perform), disruptive in a rehearsal or
performance. THE MAJORITY OF YOUR GRADE IS DEPENDENT ON YOUR
PARTICIPATION!
PERFORMANCES

PERFORMANCES PARTICIPATION IN BAND EVENTS IS REQUIRED FOR

ALL BAND MEMBERS. FAILURE TO PARTICIPATE WILL CAUSE YOUR
GRADE TO BE REDUCED. Excused absences will be accepted for personal illness,
conflict with other school activities, and academic ineligibility (off campus performances
only). Absences will not be excused for reasons such as transportation, waking up late,
memory slips, babysitting, and conflicts with non-school activities. Please contact the
director before an absence from an event.

CONCERT ATTIRE

The concert dress will be: Black Pants, Black Socks, Black Dress Shoes, and White
polo shirt tucked in with a black belt.
Jeans are not allowed in a performance. All performances are considered to be a special
occasion.

SUPPLY FEE:

A band fee of $25.00 per student will be required. This will pay for each student's band
binder with 10 page protectors, band shirt, a pencil, nametag, method book, and all
music. If you already own the Foundations for Superior Performance Book your
supply fee will only be $15. Please make all checks payable to the Morehead Middle
School Band.
An additional supply list for each instrument will be included for the specific instrument
the student plays. Each student is responsible for having his/her supplies in a timely
manner. Please make sure you have the correct materials for the correct instrument. You
may purchase supplies at Olivas Music, Birdies Music, or Whites Music Box.

BAND FOLDERS

Each student is required to have a black 1 inch three ring binder with 10 page
protectors. THESE WILL BE PURCHASED THROUGH THE SUPPLY FEE. These
folders are for band and band only! Each student must have his or her name and class on
the front cover of the folder. This folder will be for all method books, concert music,
handouts, assignments and practice logs. Putting method books and other types of
music in your instrument case will cause damage to your instrument! Folders will be
graded periodically for organization and for having all the proper materials.

METHOD BOOKS AND CONCERT MUSIC

The Method Book we will use this year is: Foundations for Superior Performance.
This will be purchased through the supply fee. Method books and instruments are to be
brought to class everyday. The band director will provide all concert music and
handouts.
SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS

The band program is limited in the instruments that we can provide. The instruments that
the school provides are as follows: French horn, Baritone, Tuba, Baritone Sax, Bassoon
and Bass Clarinet. All supplies needed for your particular instrument is the responsibility
of the student and parent. Supplies for school and personal instruments may be
purchased from any of the suggested music stores in the El Paso area. The following
instruments are not provided by the school: Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Alto Sax, Trumpet
and Trombone. Parents are responsible for the rental or purchase of these instruments,
including the supplies needed. If a student uses a school instrument there is an annual
usage fee of $45. Checks and Money Orders are not accepted at Morehead Middle
School. Only cash will be allowed. Please be aware that this is a fee for the use of the
instrument and does not cover any accessories and repair/damage that may be needed.

A checkout form before issuance of an instrument will be sent home for parent/guardian
evaluation and signature. The form and payment must be turned in order for the student
to be issued an instrument. ALL SUPPLIES MUST BE SHOWN TO THE BAND
DIRECTOR BEFORE A STUDENT RECIEVES A SCHOOL INSTRUMENT.

It is the responsibility of the student/parent to check over the instrument at that time and
understand that the instrument must be returned in the same condition at the end of the
year in which it was issued at the beginning. If repairs are necessary during the year it is
the responsibility of the student and parent to deliver the instrument to a repair facility as
instructed by the band director.

If in the opinion of the directors, a school-owned instrument is not being properly

maintained or cared for at any time it is the director's prerogative to remove the
instrument from the student's care. This also includes if a student continuously
leaves the instrument at school overnight.

If your instrument is not working properly, let a director know

immediately. Sometimes minor repairs can be taken care of at school and can save you
time and money. If the instrument does need repair it is the students’ and parents’
responsibility to take it to the music store if necessary. If this occurs, a written and
signed note by a parent or the receipt from the music store is required. INSTRUMENTS
LEFT AT SCHOOL OVERNIGHT WILL BE LOCKED IN THE CLOSET AND
WILL RESULT IN A LOWERED GRADE.

It is necessary and important for us to have an OUTSTANDING BAND and that each
student has a quality instrument. This includes accessories: mouthpieces, ligatures, reeds,
etc. It is often difficult to have a characteristic tone as well as tune instruments and
accessories that are not of good quality. Each student’s instrument and accessories will
be checked periodically.

REPAIRS
In the event that an instrument must be repaired, a note, repair tag, or claim check
number from the repair shop must be presented to the band director. If another student in
the class damages an instrument, that student will be held responsible for any repair due
to the damaged caused. The band director must be notified immediately if an instrument
is not in playing condition or is damaged.
INSTRUMENT INSURANCE
If they are renting from a music store, it is suggested that parents purchase maintenance
and theft insurance for their child’s instrument. Although many homeowner policies
cover musical instruments, the deductible is rather high, in many cases, exceeding the
value of the instrument. Local music retailers may have applications for this type of
insurance. This insurance is not required and is in no way affiliated with the Morehead
Band program.

EXTRA CREDIT
Students will receive extra credit for any public performance they attend that is relevant
to their instrument or band in general. If the student shows the director a program from
that performance they will receive extra credit. Extra Credit is always available to
students.

PRIVATE LESSONS

The director will always strive to give as much attention to each student as possible, but
between time constraints and size of the program, the director does not always reach each
individual student as often as needed. Private instruction is highly recommended by the
band director. Private lessons offer one on one instruction for the student by a
professional on their instrument! Although it is not required, if interested in private
lessons the band director will have names and numbers of musicians that provide such
instruction.

COMMUNCIATION

Communication between teacher, student and parent is extremely important. We will

communicate to parents by posting pertinent information on the band website
www.moreheadbands.weebly.com as well as sending information home with the
students. Please check your child’s band binder often and the website in order that you,
the parent can stay informed about the band and its activities. Mass e-mail works best
for us. On the signature page of this handbook, we need a current e-mail address, one
that you check regularly. You will need to adjust your SPAM filters to allow
communication from moreheadbands@gmail.com . It is vital that we have email contact
with you, the parent. If you change email during the year, please send us a new address
via email. You can also call the school at 236-3519.

REMIND PROGRAM – For Concert and Honor Band, text the following code:
@moreheada, to the phone number: 81010
ELIGIBILITY

You must maintain a 70 or better average in all classes, plus conduct grades of S
(satisfactory) or better. Texas law mandates the “No Pass, No Play” rule. This means a
grade below 70 every 6 weeks makes you ineligible for performances, contests and
includes all sports. Students must be eligible for: All-Region, all contests, and all
performances outside of school. If everyone follows these suggestions, we can minimize
problems.

1. Do everything you can in order to learn what each teacher is

presenting. Take notes, follow along with the book, and ask questions.

2. DO ALL OF YOUR HOMEWORK AND HAND IT IN ON TIME. Many

students become ineligible just because they do not turn in homework or
assignments.

3. Prepare for all tests and projects well in advance.

4. If you do not understand something, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t
wait until the last minute, if you don’t understand something, go in and see the
teacher right away.

5. Parents please stay involved in your child’s education, check with teachers
to make sure all work is being turned in. Call the school to make an appointment
to visit with your child’s teacher(s).

Above all, turn in your work. If you turn in your work, follow directions, and go to
every class with a good attitude, most teachers are willing to give you a break if you need
it. Do yourself a favor and meet your teachers halfway. We highly recommend that all
parents sign up through the school for parent portal. It gives access to the student’s
grades.

FUNDRAISING
There are fundraisers held each school year. Proceeds from fundraising will be used for
the purchase of band equipment, bus fees, contest entry fees and music as well as other
expenses which occur during the school year. Please make a strong effort to do your part
and turn in all FORMS AND MONEY ON TIME!!
TRANSPORTATION
School transportation is provided for all competitions and concert trips to the elementary
schools. Parents are asked to complete the permission form in order to avoid filling out
slips for each individual trip.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS

Parent volunteers are a very important part of the success of the Morehead MS Band
program. Extra adult help will be needed in the form of helping supervise students at
concerts, contests and help directors with various tasks. If you would like to volunteer
please fill out the parent volunteer form and indicate in which way you would like to
help. ALL PARENT VOLUNTEERS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE DISTRICT
EVERY YEAR. APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE THROUGH THE
EPISD WEBSITE.
 MOREHEAD MIDDLE SCHOOLBAND 2018-2019 CALENDAR

FALL SEMESTER
August 13- First Day of School
August 16th – Band Information Night in the Band Room at 5:30 pm
August 17th - Information forms due
August 24th- Supply fee $25 Due
September 3rd - Labor Day (No School)
September 8- CHS BAND NIGHT @ Coronado H.S.
September 9- All Region Band Clinic at UTEP (Students trying out are encourage to
attend)*
September 22- Football Game Morehead vs. Charles MS @ Morehead Performance
October 2nd – *****Fall Fundraiser Begins*****
September 27 - Parent Teacher conferences (half day)
October 13- End of 1st 9 Weeks
October 21-26- Tentative Dates for Morehead MS Carnival Performance
October 26- Parent/Teacher Conference (early dismissal)
December 9 - All Region Tryout at Bel Air HS (Only students who entered)
December 12 - All Region Reading Session @Wiggs MS (only students who auditioned
and made it)
December 14- BAND CONCERT
December 15-16 – MS All Region Band Clinic/Concert @ Coronado HS
December 19- Elementary Tour (/Concert Band Only during school day)
December 20- End of 2nd 9 weeks, Early Dismissal
December 21-January 3 – Winter break

SPRING SEMESTER
January 4- Students Return
JANUARY 27 - EPISD SOLO AND ENSEMBLE CONTEST AT FRANKLIN HS
February 12- All Region Jazz Tryouts @ Valley View MS (Only students who entered)
February 19-21- All Region Jazz Rehearsals @ Del Valle HS 6 pm-8 pm (Only students
who made it)
February 22 MS All Region Jazz Concert @ UTEP Recital Hall 7 PM.
February 22- parent teacher conferences
March 12-16- Spring Break (No School)
March 23- End of 3rd Nine Weeks
April 26 – BAND CONCERT *Tenative*
May 6- UTEP BEGINNING BAND FESTIVAL (Beginners only, time TBA)
May 14-18- STAAR Testing
May 17 – EPISD M.S. CONTEST @ Coronado H.S. *Tenative*
May 26- Half Day (early dismissal)
May 29- Memorial Day (No School)
June 1- Last Day of School/End of 4th 9 weeks

DATES IN BOLD ARE MANDATORY ATTENDANCE FOR THOSE INDICATED

Dates may be subject to change or new dates may be added. Directors will notify students
and parents in advance of any changes. Please post where both student and parents can
see and refer to it. Extra copies of this calendar can be given upon request and will be
posted on the website moreheadbands.weebly.com

INSTRUMENT SPECIFIC SUPPLIES-

 The following accessories and supplies will also be needed for your instrument)

Brass instruments

1. Valve oil or slide oil/cream

2. Mouthpiece and mouthpiece brush

3. Cleaning cloth

4. Flexible “snake” for cleaning the inside

5. Tuning slide grease

Woodwind instruments

1. Cleaning cloth or swab

2. 4 reeds in good, playable condition

3. Reed guard

4. Cork grease (All Clarinets and Saxophones)

Percussion Equipment

1. Stick bag

2. Set of SD1 Generals snare sticks

3. 1 pair Yarn mallets

4. 1 pair hard Rubber mallets

5. Pitch pipe

6. Vic Firth Slim Pad

Reeds that must be used

Clarinet Vandoran-3 or 3 1/2

Bass Clarinet Vandoren 2 1/2 or 3

Alto Sax Vandoren 2 1/2 or 3

Tenor Sax Vandoren 2 1/2 or 3

Bari Sax La Voz 2 1/2 or 3

Percussion (Directors will not lend snare sticks and/or mallets to students. All
Percussion students must have the required equipment every day. Not having these
sticks and mallets is the same as not having an instrument and will be dealt with in the
same manner. It may also result in being removed from the percussion section).

Additional Supplies: Pocket size metronome, small tuner, a folding wire music stand
(for home practice) and small mirror for music stand. If you have a smart phone you can
download a metronome and tuner aps.

Mouthpieces preferred:

Clarinet: Fobes Debut

Alto, Tenor Sax: Hite or Fobes Debut

French Horn: Farkas MC or MDC

Trumpet: Size 5C

Trombone/Baritone: Size 6 1/2 AL

Tuba: Bach 24AW or Conn 7B

 Morehead Raider Band Parent/Student Contract

I have gone over the band handbook with ___________________________.

(Student’s Name)
We understand the importance of Band for which student’s earn grades that count
towards their overall academic performance. We respect and support the attendance and
grading policy regarding classes, rehearsals, and performances, as well as, the uniform
policy and home practice requirements.
As a parent, if a concern arises I will contact the band director to further discuss a policy
or issue.

______________________________ _________________
Parent Signature Date

______________________________ _________________
Student Signature Date

STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET 2018-2019

STUDENT NAME: ____________________________ ID#_____________________

ADDRESS: __________________________________ ZIP CODE_____________

CELL PHONE: ______________________HOME PHONE: ___________________

STUDENT SHIRT SIZE: (if you are not sure I can size the student for you.)

10/12:_____ 14/16:____ SMALL:____ MEDIUM:____ LARGE:____XLARGE:_____

MOTHER/GUARDIAN NAME:_________________________________________

CELL PH._______________________HOME PH.___________________________

WORK PH.: _______________________E-MAIL: _____________________________

FATHER/GUARDIAN NAME: __________________________________________

CELL PH.: ______________________HOME PH.____________________________

WORK PH._________________________E-MAIL: ____________________________

(To be filled in by director)

INSTRUMENT__________________________SERIAL #: _______________________

PERMISSION FOR STUDENT TRAVEL 2018-2019

(Please fill out and return by August 17)

My child has permission to attend all officially approved band performances for the
2018-2019 school year. The school also has my permission to transport him/her by school
bus. I understand the school is not responsible for any accidents.

____________________________________ _________________________________

Student Name Parent/Guardian signature

______________________________________

Phone number

PARENT VOLUNTEERS

ALL PARENT VOLUNTEERS MUST APPLY AND BE APPROVED BY THE

SCHOOL DISTRICT.

I am willing to help with the band’s activities.

________________________________________ ____________________________

Parent/Guardian name Date

____________________________________

Phone Number

If yes, are you available during the day? _________

Here are different ways you can help:

_______Pizza Committee

_______Water Committee

_______Fundraiser Committee

_______Uniform Committee

_______Chaperone (must be available during the school day)

ALL NEW AND RETURNING STUDENTS MUST TURN IN THIS

FORM WITH THE TOP PART COMPLETELY FILLED OUT BY
AUGUST 17, 2018. THE PARENT VOLUNTEER PORTION IS OPTIONAL.