Charleston

Middle School Band

Handbook

2015-2016

Charleston Middle School

Band Handbook
PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS
The Charleston Middle School Band is an active, competitive musical group that
performs at concert assessments, public concerts, and football games. A high level
of excellence and dedication is expected from every band member.
All students have a right to pursue an interest in music. Music is an important
element in the quality of our lives and it enriches the traditional curriculum with
opportunities for self-expression, creativity, and social and emotional development.
In band, students will:

learn to play an instrument and read music.

participate in musically satisfying performing ensembles.

cultivate a lifelong appreciation for various types of music.

improve fine motor and cognitive skills.

develop teamwork and leadership skills.

learn how to set and achieve short-term and long-term goals.

feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when they meet goals.

make memories that last a lifetime.

REWARDS

Awards at the annual awards

concert
Recognition at school awards
assemblies
Meeting qualifications for HS letter
jackets
Medals for participation in Solo &
Ensemble
All-Region honors (clinic, concert, &
letter jacket patches)

Band camp scholarships

PACE tickets
Annual trips and social activities
Recognition in the Charleston
Express
Praise and positive notes or calls
home
Free practice or ensemble time
(monthly)
The fun of learning (each day of the
year)

LESSONS, REHEARSALS, AND ACTIVITIES

All band members are encouraged to take a 15-minute private lesson with Ms. Holt
each week. Section rehearsals are scheduled on a regular basis before and/or after
school. The Charleston Middle School Band usually has one or two Tuesday evening
rehearsals in March in preparation for Region Concert Assessment. Ms. Holt should
always be notified IN ADVANCE when a band member will miss a lesson, sectional,
or extra rehearsal. All band members are required to participate in the Region Solo
and Ensemble Festival. Band members are strongly encouraged to prepare for AllRegion Band tryouts. All band members are asked to participate in all fundraising
activities.

CONFLICT WITH SCHOOL CLUBS AND

ORGANIZATIONS
Band is a class in which students receive a grade and academic credit; therefore,
the bands activities must take priority over school clubs and organizations that are
not graded.

INSTRUMENTS
All band members are expected to have a good quality instrument kept in proper
playing condition. The school has a small inventory of instruments for students to
use for a $15.00 per semester cleaning and maintenance fee. These are mostly
limited to larger, more expensive instruments (euphoniums, tubas, French horns,
tenor saxophones, baritone saxophones, bass clarinets, marching percussion
instruments, large concert percussion instruments). Other instruments are available
on a very limited basis. Students who use school instruments are expected to take
proper care of them and are financially responsible for damage other than routine
wear and tear. You may take damaged instruments to DSD Band Instrument Repair
at 1124 Strozier Lane in Barling. They are open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m.

MUSIC AND SUPPLIES

The band will provide books and sheet music for concert and marching season.
Students who fail to turn in music will be assessed a fee so that their music can be

replaced. Students are expected

to have all supplies (reeds, oil,
swab, sticks, etc.) necessary for class. At the beginning of the year, woodwinds will
receive 1 box of reeds and a tube of cork grease and brass will receive a bottle of
valve oil and a tube of slide grease. The band director will provide a list of music
stores in the area as well as mail order and online sources for extra supplies.

UNIFORMS
Uniform: Black band polo (provided), khakis, plain black belt, comfy shoes (football
season), black shoes and socks (concert season).

Students are responsible for keeping their uniforms clean and neat for each
performance. When the band is in uniform, each member is expected be in
complete uniform, worn properly. Jewelry must not be visible.

GRADING
Students band grades are a reflection of their participation and contribution to the
organization. Students are graded as follows. Percentages are approximate.
Rehearsal Grades (35%): Participation in daily band rehearsal is worth up to 10
points. These points are earned by adhering to the REHEARSAL PROCEDURE on
page 3. Excused absences will not jeopardize students class participation grade.
Practice Records (15%): Students turn in practice records every Wednesday for 25
pts.
Exams and Quizzes (20%): Band members will have 2-3 playing and/or written
exams worth up to 100 points every 9 weeks. Scores on playing exams will be
determined on the basis of tone quality and musical accuracy (see rubric). Check
eSchool HAC for more information.
Performances (30%): Performances are worth 200 points each. Each member is
expected to attend and be on time for every performance of the Charleston Middle
School Band. Any band member with an unexcused absence from an extra rehearsal
or performance will receive zero points. Sickness, family emergencies, and conflicts
with other school events that cant be resolved will be excused. Absences for any
other reason will be excused at the discretion of the band director. Students who are
late will also lose points. Students should always notify the band director IN
ADVANCE when they know they will miss or be late for an extra rehearsal or
performance, otherwise, the absence will not be excused. Excessive absences can
result in removal from the band.
Its always easiest to reach me on my cell at (501)467-0920, but you can also call
my office: (479)965-7170. The best times to call are 7:30 - 8:00 a.m. or after 4:00
p.m.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY
Students are eligible to participate in interscholastic activities as a part of a school's
educational program if they meet all eligibility rules. According to the Arkansas
Activities Association (AAA):
A student promoted from the sixth to the seventh grade automatically meets the
academic eligibility requirements. A student promoted from the seventh to the
eighth grade automatically meets the academic eligibility requirements for the first
semester.
The second semester eighth grade student meets the academic eligibility
requirements for junior high by successfully passing four (4) academic courses the
previous semester, three of which shall be in the core curriculum areas (math,
science, English, social studies) as specified by the Arkansas Department of
Education's Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools.

REHEARSAL PROCEDURE

Enter the band room quietly. Be seated quickly and ready to play at the tardy
bell.

Have your instrument, your music, and a pencil every day.

Be attentive and engaged at all times. Follow instructions the first time they
are given.

If you must talk, adjust your voice to suit the activity. Raise your hand if you
have a question.

Always play with correct posture, hand position, etc.

After rehearsal put everything in its proper place and leave quietly.

Play or hold only the instrument assigned to you.

Do not have gum, food, candy, or drinks in the band room without
permission.
o

Students may have a bottle of water in rehearsals.

Do not run, horseplay, or exhibit rude behavior in the band room.

Do not abuse or misuse chairs, music stands, or other band room equipment.

Never use cell phones during class without permission. Do not place them on
music stands.

Do everything you can to maximize rehearsal time.

PRACTICE
Our band will be strong if each student practices regularly and efficiently. Students
will practice at least 45 minutes each week. This may be done at home or at the
band room before school, during lunch, or after school. The practice time must be
spread over at least three days because regular, consistent practice throughout the
week is more effective than a once-a-week cram session. Students will document
their practice time as they go and turn in their practice recordwith your signature
every Wednesday. To see a sample practice record, visit www.charlestonbands.org
Band members are encouraged to take private lessons. The band director offers
private lessons at no charge to band members who are committed to improving
their individual playing skills. The band director can also recommend private
teachers in the area.

TRAVEL
The Charleston Middle School Band occasionally travels to performances. Departure
and arrival times are announced to the band in advance. Transportation is provided
by school bus. All students must ride the bus to the event. A student may travel
from the event with their parent, however the parent must see a band director in

person when leaving with their child. Band directors must have written permission
for students to leave events with adults other than their parents or legal guardians.
State law requires students to remain in their seats at all times while the bus is in
motion. Food, drinks, candy, gum, etc. are not allowed on the bus. The band director
may make exceptions for long trips. Students are expected to be respectful to the
bus driver and chaperones. Students must be totally quiet during roll call.
For everyones safety, noise must be kept to a minimum. Singing, cheers, chants,
group recitations, screaming, shrill laughter, shrieking, loud talking, loud music, and
throwing objects are not allowed on the bus. Band students will also make sure the
bus is clean and free of trash after every trip.

PROCEDURE FOR PERFORMANCES AND TRIPS

All Charleston Middle School Handbook rules are to be followed.

Be a few minutes early.

Be orderly and attentive at all times. Be ready for anything!

Always behave in ways that reflect positively on the Charleston Schools.

Public displays of affection will not be tolerated.

Stay with the group at all times. Get permission to leave from the director
if necessary.

At football games food and drink (except water) is not allowed in the
stands. If given a 3rd quarter break, be seated and ready to play at the
beginning of the 4th quarter.

Be courteous to spectators and band members from other schools.

Load and unload your own equipment. YOU are responsible for your
things.

BAND CAMP
Band members are encouraged to attend one of the many fine band camps in the
area. Each year the Charleston Band Boosters award band camp scholarships to
deserving students. The number and amount of scholarships may vary depending
on available funds. Interested students should contact Ms. Holt or any Charleston
Band Booster board member for more information.
University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Junior High Band Camp Early June ($190)
University of Arkansas Fort Smith Jazz Camp Late June ($190)
Arkansas Tech University, Russellville July 11-16 ($330)

Dates and prices are approximate. Scholarships are available.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Please check the band website first! It has a yearly calendar, weekly updates,
pictures, videos, etc.

Website: www.charlestonbands.org
Email: jholt@tigersmail.org
Cell Phone: (501)467-0920 Call or text.
Offi ce: (479)965-7170 Its always easier to reach me on my cell.
Facebook: Charleston Bands

CHARLESTON MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND

2015-2016 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
CHECK THE BAND WEBSITE WEEKLY FOR UPDATES AND
CHANGES:
August 21, 2015 (Thursday)
October 1, 2015 (Thursday)
PM
October 15, 2015 (Thursday)
PM
October 10, 2015 (Saturday)
October 20, 2015 (Tuesday)
Band Aides only
October 29, 2015 (Thursday)
6:00 PM
November 17, 2015 (Tuesday)
Smith)
December 6, 2015 (Sunday)
Auditorium
December 12, 2015 (Saturday)
Smith)
January 22 & 23, 2016 (Fri & Sat)
Smith)
January 29 & 30, 2016 (Fri & Sat)
February 12 & 13, 2015 (Fri & Sat)
Band Room
March 12, 2016 (Saturday)
March 15, 2016 (Tuesday)
March 29, 2016 (Tuesday)
Room

Band Kick-Off, 7:00 PM, Tiger Stadium

Home Football vs. Paris, meet at 6:00
Home Football vs. Lamar, meet at 6:00
Dale Bumpers Marching Invitational
Region VIII Marching Assessment,
Home Football vs. Booneville, meet at
All-Region Jazz Tryouts, Chaffin JH (Ft.
Holiday Concert, 2:00 PM, CMS
Jr. High All-Region Tryouts, Ramsey JH (Ft.
All-Region Jazz Clinic, Darby JH (Ft.
All-Region Band Clinic, Darby JH
CMS Symphonic Band Camp, CMS
Solo & Ensemble, Clarksville HS, TBA
Spring Concert, 7:00 PM, CMS Auditorium
Adjudicated Rehearsal, 5:00-6:30, CHS Band

*April 2, 2016 (Saturday)

Russellville, TBA
*April 7-9, 2016 (Thur - Sat)
Greenwood PAC
May 3, 2016 (Tuesday)
Mid- to Late- May 2016 (Saturday)
Earl June (Mon-Sat)
Late June (Mon-Sat)
July 6-11, 2016 (Mon-Sat)
Camp

Music for All Concert Band Festival,

Region Concert Assessment,
Awards Concert, 7:00 PM, CMS Auditorium
Music Festival / Spring Trip, TBA
UAFS Junior High Band Camp
UAFS Jazz Band Camp
Arkansas Tech University Junior High Band

UNDERLINED DATES ARE REQUIRED EVENTS.

OTHER DATES ARE OPTIONAL OR DO NOT REQUIRE THE ENTIRE BAND.

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND AN EVENT, PLEASE LET MS. HOLT KNOW AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE.
*The exact day and time will be determined later and will be announced and posted on the
band website (charlestonbands.org) as soon as we find out. Please keep all three days open!

KEEP THE BAND HANDBOOK, INCLUDING THIS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS, AT

HOME.Please read, complete, and detach this page,
then return it to Ms. Holt by August 28th.

Students: I have read the band handbook and calendar. I understand it and
will honor it this year.

Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _________________

Parents/Guardians: My child and I have discussed the band handbook and

calendar. I understand it and will support it.
Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _________________
Parents, please take a moment to complete the following survey.

 How do you prefer to receive information from teachers? (You may check
more than one.)

E-mail: ______________________________________________________
Phone calls
Text messaging cell phone number: ( ________ ) _________ ______________
Notes sent home with your child
Which phone number should I call if I need to reach you?

( ________ ) _________ - ______________ or ( ________ ) _________ ______________

Please list any health concerns you think I should know about for trips out of
town:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Please check the box that matches your preference:

I have no objection to my child being photographed in band activities
for newspapers or other media.
I do not want my child to be photographed.

Thank you!

Band Parent Volunteer Form

There are many times during this school year when our band will
need support from parent volunteers in the Charleston Band
Boosters concession stand
and at some of our events in the spring.

The concession stand raises thousands of dollars for our band

students every year for new instruments, travel expenses, and
band camp scholarships.
Please choose one or more ways you are willing to help out this
year.

September 11, 2015 (Friday)

September 15, 2015 (Tuesday)
September 25, 2015 (Friday)
October 1, 2015 (Thursday)
October 9, 2015 (Friday)
(Homecoming)
October 10, 2015 (Saturday)
October 15, 2015 (Thursday)
October 23, 2015 (Friday)
October 29, 2015 (Thursday)
November 6, 2015 (Friday)
(Senior Night)
February 12, 2015 (Friday)
February 13, 2015 (Saturday)
March 29, 2016 (Tuesday)

HS Football vs. Prairie Grove

Charleston Jamboree
HS Football vs. Danville
JH Football vs. Paris
HS Football vs. Two Rivers
Dale Bumpers Marching Contest
JH Football vs. Lamar
HS Football vs. Lavaca
JH Football vs. Booneville
HS Football vs. Mansfield
CMS Symphonic Band Camp
CMS Symphonic Band Camp
Adjudicated Rehearsal

Thank you!