Introduction:
The Alief Taylor Band staff believes that each of our students can learn and achieve mastery of basic musical skills regardless of their current achievement level, socioeconomic status, family background, race, or gender. The music department's primary goal is to provide quality music instruction to all of our students in order to achieve mastery of music reading, performance, and theory skills. In addition, our students will develop self-confidence, a sense of responsibility, respect for themselves and others, and respect for the property of others. It is the responsibility of our staff, parents and students to work together to ensure that all of our students reach their highest level of musical mastery.
The Taylor Band Handbook serves as a guide and outlines the requirements and expectations of all members. Every member and their parent(s) or guardian(s) is expected to read the constitution very carefully. It is impossible for this handbook to provide solutions to every situation. Exceptional situations will have to be dealt with on an individual basis. The Director and the school Principal reserve the right to add, delete, or alter any portion of this constitution as allowed by district guidelines and state laws. For questions concerning the content of this Constitution, please contact the a band director at 281-988-3871 (band office).
GOALS OF THE ALIEF TAYLOR BAND
1. To develop the mental and physical abilities and required coordination to participate in a musical performance.
2. To develop attitudes of cooperation and hard work.
3. To develop goals, both as an individual and a group.
4. To learn to accept satisfactory achievement of goals and appropriate criticism fostered by a sense of sportsmanship.
5. To develop an appreciation of and exposure to different styles of music to which the student is not exposed in daily life.
6. To develop qualities of socially acceptable conduct, confidence, poise, leadership, self-discipline and pride.
7. To develop appropriate mastery of a musical instrument through performance.
8. To develop a life-long appreciation of music and promote future audiences.
9. To provide the basic study and background of music for a vocation or avocation.
10. To provide the opportunity to represent the school and community in public concerts, performances and other public relations functions.
11. To provide opportunity for the exceptional child to develop and be recognized as such within the classroom.
12. To provide students the opportunity to be accepted by peers within a group and to participate with friends in activities of similar interest.
13. To develop a sense of the role music plays in our civilization and the human experience.
14. To encourage academic excellence.
MEMBERSHIP AND PLACEMENT
The Alief Taylor Band offers instruction in Concert Bands, Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, Drum Line, Percussion Ensemble and Color Guard.
Placement is determined by student audition.
All Taylor Band ensembles and performing groups are two-semester courses, and members are expected to participate for the full year.
REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
1. All Rehearsals and Performances are MANDATORY, and count as major portion of the student’s grade.
2. Absence due to illness will be excused with a note signed by a parent or guardian.
3. Work, club meetings and non school-related activities are NOT excused absences.
Note: Wednesday afternoons are non-rehearsal days and are intended for student tutorials, club meetings, doctor’s appointments, etc. Please schedule all routine appointments on Wednesdays when possible.
4. Prior notice is required to excuse any absence other than illness.
5. Students who participate in athletics and/or other school-sponsored activities are expected to split rehearsal time equally, and attend all performances. Absences from Taylor Band U.I.L. marching and concert performances are not excused under any circumstances other than illness.
LETTERING AND AWARD JACKETS
1. Students will be awarded a letter jacket based on the completion of the following 30 point system.
2. Transfer students must substantiate participation from their previous school.
3. Foreign exchange students will be considered on an individual basis at the discretion of the director.
4. All additional awards will be given in accordance with the rules outlined by the UIL or at the discretion of the director.
Alief ISD Band Letter Jacket Point System
30 points to earn a jacket
I. Fall Semester - Marching Season
A. Enrolled in band class - 2
B. Marching at UIL - 2
C. Band Staff
1. Drum Major – 30
2. Section Leader / Field Leader - 2
3. Band Officer - 2
4. Uniform Crew – 2
5. Librarian - 2
6. Load Crew - 2
D. Jazz Ensemble – 1
II. Spring Semester - Concert Season
A. Enrolled in band class
1. Wind Ensemble - 3
2. Symphonic Band or Concert Band - 2
3. Jazz Ensemble - 1
B. Performing at UIL C & SR - 2
C. Performing in Jazz Ensemble Contest – 1
III. TMEA Auditions
A. Freshman Region Auditions
1. Trying Out - 2
2. Alternate - 2
3. Region Band - 3
B. Region Jazz Auditions
1. Trying Out - 2
2. Region Jazz Band – 3
3. Tape for State - 2
4. All State Jazz Band – 30
C. High School Region Auditions
1. Trying Out - 2
2. District Band - 2
3. Region Band - 3
4. Area Band - 4
5. All State Band - 30
D. Region Orchestra – 1
IV. UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest
A. Take a Class 1 Solo or Ensemble
1. Superior Rating - 3
2. Excellent Rating - 2
B. Take a Class 2 Solo or Ensemble
1. Superior Rating - 2
2. Excellent Rating – 2
C. Take a Class 3 Solo or Ensemble
1. Superior Rating – 1
V. Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest
A. Performing a solo or ensemble – 2
1. Superior Rating - 3
2. Excellent Rating – 2
3. Good Rating – 1
VI. Other Activities
A. Contest host volunteering when school/district hosts band events – 1
B. Basketball Band – ½ each game
C. Full Symphony Orchestra – ½ per semester
D. Musical – 1
VII. Winter-Guard and Indoor Drum Line
A. Membership - 2 points
B. Competition – 1 point
UNIFORMS
Each student is assigned a Roaring Lion Band Uniform that is the property of Alief I.S.D. The uniform includes a jacket, sash, pants, uniform hanger, hat and hat box. At the beginning of each school year (usually during summer band), each student will be fitted for uniform parts. The uniforms are stored in the uniform closet in the band hall throughout the year. If a student damages or loses any part of the uniform, the student is responsible and will pay the cost of repair or replacement of the article.
In addition to the issued uniform pieces, each student is expected to have the official band t-shirt, black MTX marching shoes, black crew socks (not ankle socks) and close-fitting shorts to wear underneath the band pants (regulation school length).
Hot Weather
For the first two football games of the season (when the weather is the hottest) the band will wear the navy bibber uniform pants with the official band t-shirt, black band shoes and socks.
UNIFORM CHECK-OUT AND CHECK-IN
Uniforms will be checked out to each student before performances at a specific time designated by the directors. The uniforms will be checked in immediately after each performance upon return to the band hall. Uniforms are never to be taken home by the student. Students who fail to follow the appropriate check-out/check-in procedures will face consequences.
Uniform Guidelines
* Jacket/t-shirt sleeves and pant legs are never to be rolled up.
* T-shirts are to be tucked-in at all times.
* Bibbers (band pants) and jackets must be completely zipped at all times.
* Hats and jackets are never to be worn backward or in any other inappropriate manner.
* Removal of jackets, hats, etc. will be determined by the directors.
* If hair is below the collar, it must be worn up and under the hat whether male or female.
* No jewelry (including watches, earrings, necklaces etc.)
* No fingernail polish
* NO EATING OR DRINKING WHILE IN UNIFORM (with the exception of director- approved items)
* Upon check-in, do not leave anything in the hat box other than the hat.
FOOTBALL GAME GUIDELINES
1. Upon arrival at the stadium, students should quickly exit the bus and immediately get into stadium entry formation. When loading and unloading the trucks, take care of your instrument first, and immediately fall back into formation.
1. Students must appear uniform at all times.
2. Students may not go to the concession stands.
3. Restroom breaks are allowed when needed. Permission must be obtained. Students must travel in pairs.
4. Cell phones and gum are NEVER allowed.
5. Students are to remain in their assigned spots for the ENTIRE game.
6. Students are expected to play their instruments each time the band performs. Don’t play your instrument except when the band plays. (No Hacking!!!)
7. All students must have their OWN music, flip folder and lyre.
8. No one except band members or chaperones is allowed in the band section. If a parent needs to contact a student, they must contact director first.
STUDENT TRAVEL
1. ABSOLUTE SILENCE DURING ROLL CALL!!! Respond to roll call by saying “here” loudly and clearly while also raising your hand.
2. Band Members are required to ride in designated Alief I.S.D. vehicles both to and from games and activities. Any exception requires an Alief Taylor Band Activity Release Form to be signed by a parent or guardian, a director and a Taylor Principal prior to the event. These forms are available only from the band directors.
3. Only band students, directors and approved chaperones may travel with the band.
4. Students will remain seated when the bus is in motion. Do not extend, hands, arms or other body parts out of the windows.
5. Loud talking, yelling, signing, whistling profanity and abusive language is prohibited.
6. Water guns, paper wads and general horseplay are prohibited.
7. Radios, CD players, etc. are allowed only with headphones.
8. Public displays of affections (including hand holding) are prohibited on the bus or anywhere else.
9. No playing of musical instruments or drumming with sticks and/or beaters is allowed on the bus.
10. Obey all directions chaperones immediately. Disrespect of chaperones is not acceptable at any time.
11. Never leave the bus without permission of the director. Upon arrival at any destination or stopping point await director’s instructions before exiting.
12. No backpacks, purses etc. are allowed on buses. Directors will make exceptions if necessary.
13. Upon returning, make sure to take all items off the bus. Throw trash away and close windows.
14. Upon arrival back at Taylor, all students are expected help unload equipment and stow it in it’s proper place, and check-in uniform properly. Only then are you dismissed.
14. No one will be allowed to travel or perform with the band until turning in assigned medical release form , and physical exam form to the director. The medical release form is included with this handbook. The official Alief Physical Exam form is available at the Taylor main office.
15. IMPORTANT: An ETA (estimated time of arrival) is given for every event. In the event that there is a significant change in our arrival time, we encourage students to notify a parent or guardian via cell phone.
Band members must be picked up from activities or events by the scheduled time, or within a 30 minute time limit. After 3 tardies in excess of 30 minutes, parents will be referred to the campus administration. After 45 minutes, campus police will be contacted to transport the student to the Alief I.S.D. Police Station where the parent will need to pick up the student.
Chimney Rock Center (CRC)
6300 Chimney Rock 713-295-2500
BAND HALL PROCEDURES
1. ONLY band students are permitted in the band hall.
2. Students are not permitted to have gum, candy, food or drinks (except bottled water) in the band hall at any time. Items from the vending machines are to consumed outside the band hall.
3. Do not mark on dry-erase boards, music stands, walls, floors or any other surface not designed for such activity.
4. No equipment is to be moved out of the band hall without prior permission or instruction from a band director.
5. Do not touch, move or use any equipment that does not belong to you (including piano and percussion equipment). Only percussionists are allowed in the percussion area. Only guard members are allowed in the guard area.
6. The music library, uniform room and electronics room are off limits to students unless the student has been authorized to use the room by a band director. Computers, stereos, TVs and telephones are to be used only with director approval.
7. Instruments should be stored in the proper locker or storage area at all times. Music must be kept in student’s individual folder. (Do NOT leave music on stands or out in the band hall at any time.)
8. Students may not congregate in instrument storage room, uniform room or practice rooms.
9. The band hall office is off limits to students unless invited in by a director.
10. There will be no horseplay, fighting, or public displays of affection (including hand holding) in the band hall at any time.
Instrument Lockers
Instrument lockers are designed to hold your band instrument. A few additional items may be temporarily stored in them until marching rehearsal (change of clothes, water bottle, etc.) All other personal items including school books and supplies, backpacks, purses, and other personal belongings will not be permitted for storage during the school day. You may, however, place your belongings in your locker while you rehearse during your band class. Lockers will be assigned during the first week of school. For your safety, lockers should remain locked at all times. You will be issued a combination lock which is the property the Taylor Band. You may Not use you own lock.
Students will not be allowed to enter the band hall to retrieve personal items from the locker during any class other than their assigned band class. This rule is meant to minimize distractions during the other classes rehearsals.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are a great way to get additional tutoring on your instrument. Private lessons are not required but are encouraged. Cost and availability of private lessons vary greatly. If you are interested in taking private lessons to improve your playing ability on your instrument, contact a director and we will try to help you find a lesson instructor.
Instrument Insurance
1. All school-owned instruments, including percussion, must be insured.
2. It is highly recommended that students also insure their personal instruments. The same insurance used for school instruments is available for personal instruments as well. The price, deductible, and coverage are the same as for school instruments. Insurance application forms are available through the band directors.
3 For your own personal protection, you should keep your instrument in its case, in your assigned and locked locker. Horns should not be left overnight, on weekends or on holidays.
4. Make sure that your instrument case, reeds and accessories are marked with your name.
5. Please keep a written record of your instrument brand, model serial number and monetary value in a safe place at home.
DISCIPLINE
CONSENT FORM
Parental/Band Agreement
I have read the responsibilities for Band members. I understand that the honor carries much responsibility and hard work, and that it is very time consuming. I am willing for my child to assume the responsibility and I will give my support to the activities and the sponsor by recognizing and meeting the responsibilities and schedules. I have also read the constitution, by which all band members must abide.
We further agree that we release Alief ISD, the sponsor, and the bus driver from liability should an accident or illness occur to our child during practice, travel, and/or games.
We understand that if our son/daughter does not pass ALL subjects each grading period, that according to state law, they will not perform, go to the game with the school, or be able to participate in ANY band function until they regain eligibility.
Parent's Signature Date
Band Member's Signature Date
Director's/Sponsor's Signature Date