The Rising Raven Band

Band Handbook
Directors
Tim Bradberry, Megan Finstad, and Tamara
Williams
Dr. Viola Garcia Middle School
11000 Rosslyn Rd
Houston, TX 77083

Main office phone: 281-878-3730

School fax: 281-878-3749
tnbradberry@aldineisd.org​ | ​mlfinstad@aldineisd.org
tlwilliams3@aldineisd.org
 Band website: ​www.RisingRavenBand.com

Email/Text notifications: ​www.remind.com​ o

​ r Remind in the App Store
(Text @garciaband to 81010)

Our Band Philosophy

 
Be Coachable
The ​Band​ i​ s bigger than​ ​you
Be a self-starter

Our goal is to provide a musical education that will help you towards being successful in
all avenues of life. We do not expect every person to be a virtuoso musician or performer. We
do expect mature, responsible attitudes and actions – and lots of hard work! There are no
bench players in band, EVERYONE is a starter.
The success of any organization is dependent on the spirit, pride, leadership, teamwork,
dedication and cooperation of all its members. Certain rules, guidelines and procedures are
necessary so that the overall goals of the group are met and the welfare of each individual is
best served.
The purpose of this handbook is to provide a written policy on the organization, grading
system, and expectations of the Garcia Middle School Band Program. It is not intended to be
all-inclusive, as every possible situation and question cannot be predicted in advance; however,
a thorough knowledge of these materials is essential to the smooth operation and success of
the band program. ​Both student and parent(s) are to sign and return the emergency
treatment form and additional forms attached in the back of this handbook.

Garcia Band Staff

The teacher’s name on your students schedule MAY NOT reflect who actually instructs that course

Mr. Tim Bradberry – Director of Bands

● Conducts and evaluates students enrolled in Honors Band
● 6​th​ grade: trumpets, French horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba
● Co-teaches instrumental instruction in Symphonic Band and Concert Band

Ms. Megan Finstad – Co-director of Bands

● Conducts and evaluate students enrolled in Symphonic Band

Garcia Middle School ⬥ 11000 Rosslyn Road ⬥ Houston, TX 77083

 ● 6​th​ grade: flutes, clarinets, oboes, bassoons, and saxophones
● Co-teaches instrumental instruction in Honors Band and Concert Band

Ms. Tamara Williams – Co-director of Bands

● Conducts and evaluates students enrolled in Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz
Ensemble, and 6​th​ grade percussion
● Co-teaches instrumental instruction in Honors Band and Symphonic Band

Garcia Middle School ⬥ 11000 Rosslyn Road ⬥ Houston, TX 77083

 Code of Conduct
Band Hall Rules & Essential Agreements
● Follow instructions the first time they are given.
● Follow all learned procedures.
● Bring your instrument and all necessary materials to class ​EVERYDAY​.
● Respect yourself and your property, as well as others and their property – if it is not
yours, do not touch it.
● Non-band students are not allowed in the band hall at any time.

Care of the Band Hall

● Band Hall – is a safe-haven for musical creativity. Only band members are allowed
inside. There is no playground behavior accepted (running, shoving, pushing, etc.).
● Refreshments – no gum, food, or drinks are allowed except when authorized by the
directors.
● Litter – all trash (paper, broken reeds/drum sticks, etc.) is to be deposited in the
wastebaskets provided. Show responsibility for the space by picking up and throwing
away litter for yourself and others.
● Practice Rooms – are designed for rehearsing and practicing, NOT social gatherings.
Only one student will be allowed in each practice room at a time, unless permitted by a
director.
● Instrument Storage Room – is designed for storing musical equipment, NOT for social
gatherings. Keep your instrument locker clean and free of excess items.

Off-Limits
● Pianos​, ​uniform room, and storage room
● Band Hall Office – is for director’s use only. Student’s should KNOCK first and wait to be
invited in; otherwise, it is off-limits.
● Band Hall Phone – is for director’s use only. Pretend it doesn’t exist, particularly when it
rings during the middle of a rehearsal or class. Student use of the office phone is by
permission only.
● Copy Machine – is for director’s use only. Student use of the copy machine is by
permission only.

Students will be successful when they live within these expectations. When problems arise, they
can almost always be traced back to not following a procedure. We will follow the Garcia
Middle School and Aldine ISD discipline plans. Again, these rules are important to the success
and well being of our band students as well as for the protection of the band hall and the
materials within. We expect our band students to follow these guidelines and also help us
enforce them.

Garcia Middle School ⬥ 11000 Rosslyn Road ⬥ Houston, TX 77083

 Expectations
Behavior
All students are to conduct themselves properly at all times. Displays of temper,
profanity, flagrant violation of rules, etc., will not be tolerated. Any behavior which is not
conducive to good citizenship or which violates the Aldine ISD Student Code of Conduct may
result in suspension from participating in the extracurricular/incentive activities of the
organization, or dismissal from the organization altogether.

Rehearsals
In band rehearsals, we not only deal with a creative process, but with a great deal more
students than a traditional academic classroom. Because of this, it is imperative that band
students be organized and prepared for EVERY rehearsal. When an individual is not able to play
his/her instrument during a rehearsal, it hurts the group as well as the individual. It is important
that the student’s instrument is in good working condition, that he/she has a pencil to mark
music, and he/she has all necessary materials and accessories (band binder, music, reeds, oil,
etc) for EVERY rehearsal. It is also obvious that the creative process in which we are involved
cannot take place unless there is a quiet, attentive atmosphere in the classroom.

Sectionals
Members of the ​Honors and Symphonic Bands​ must attend ​ALL​ sectional rehearsals
scheduled. Sectionals will be held after school once a week from ​4:15 – 5:15​.

● Mondays – saxophones, trumpets, horns

● Tuesdays – flutes, bassoons, Percussion Ensemble, eventually Jazz Band
● Wednesdays – oboes, low brass, Percussion Lessons
● Thursdays – clarinets and Percussion Ensemble, eventually Jazz Band

Sectional rehearsals are a curricular extension of the instruction in Honors and

Symphonic Band classes. We work together with our athletic department and all other sponsors
at Garcia to avoid as many conflicts as possible. Athletes are allowed to miss 1 day of practice
per week to attend band sectionals. We have a set sectional schedule; however, these days are
subject to change depending on scheduling conflicts. ​There is an activity bus that can take
band students home, if needed – for those who are already bus riders. Walkers and car riders
must still be walkers and car riders.

After School Dismissal

All students will remain in their last period class until their regular mode of
transportation is released. Once they are released then each student will pick up their
instrument from the band hall and exit the building or report to their designated after school
program.

Garcia Middle School ⬥ 11000 Rosslyn Road ⬥ Houston, TX 77083

 Expectations continued

Practicing
All members of our band program will put forth the effort and time necessary in
practicing their instrument in order to be successful. ​Instrument goes home EVERY day!​ Spend
a minimum of 15-20 minutes a day working through skills/music/exercises introduced in
rehearsal. Here is a simple practice outline:
● Fundamentals – long tones, flexibility, flow studies (5 minutes)
● Scales – scales and rhythm exercises (5 minutes)
● Music – new and previously learned (10 minutes)

Bus Trips
● Arrive on time (early) or be left behind--”If you’re on time, YOU’RE LATE; If you’re early,
YOU’RE ON TIME!”
● Dress as directed
● The bus driver is in charge, follow their rules: no food or drink, no trash, no loud noise
● Load and unload the truck in an orderly, organized fashion
● Return all equipment to its proper storage place upon returning to the school. This
includes helping the percussionists with their equipment.
● Parents are expected to pick up at the designated time. Failure to do so will result in the
student being suspended from future band trips unless the parent chaperones.
Students who travel to events on school transportation MUST return on school
transportation

Garcia Middle School ⬥ 11000 Rosslyn Road ⬥ Houston, TX 77083

 Procedures
Daily
● Enter the band hall calmly and quietly
● Be in your assigned seat with your music and necessary supplies, your instrument
assembled and ready to play
o TARDY:
▪ 1. If you walk into the classroom late.
▪ 2. Are not ready to rehearse when the director gives the downbeat.
● Students should have no reason to return to the instrument storage room once they are
seated until the director has dismissed rehearsal
● Look up at the board for today’s agenda, written warm-up, and/or notices.
o If there is a written warm-up, start immediately.
● Rehearsal begins and ends with the director
● Large instruments will be dismissed first. Percussion will organize percussion area and
equipment. Smaller instruments will disassemble and REMAIN in their seat till dismissed
by a director.
● Leave band hall quietly.

Purchasing Supplies/Music
All purchases need to be made at the beginning of the school day or at the end of
school. ​The instructional day is not the time for these transactions.
The decision for students to make purchases during rehearsal/classes is at the discretion
of the director. Your inability to participate in your rehearsal due to not taking care of these
responsibilities may negatively impact your grade. For example, not having a working reed is
not an excused reason to not participate in rehearsal even if you have money to purchase a
reed at class time.

Turning in Paperwork/Permission Slips/Event Notices/Money

● The majority of permission slips and event notices will be submitted electronically
through Remind and our website.
● All full sheet paperwork will be picked up during class.
● All permission slips/notices will be placed in “COLLECTION BOX” (​ black mailbox)​.
● All money must be CASH or money order​. The district does not accept checks.
● All money must be turned in at the beginning of the day and needs to be sealed in an
envelope or stapled in a brown “deposit bag” (​ provided by the band program)​ with the
following information: (1) Student’s name (2) Amount (3) Purpose of money

Parent Communication
● The majority of our communication to parents will be done through ​www.remind.com
(@garciaband​), which will also show up on our website, ​www.risingravenband.com
● E-mails
● Handouts
● Director phone calls
● Twitter (@garciaravenband)
● Facebook (​www.facebook.com/garciabands​)
● Instagram (@rising.raven.band)

Garcia Middle School ⬥ 11000 Rosslyn Road ⬥ Houston, TX 77083

 Mandatory Performances
Band is a performance class!
Band members are required to perform at all scheduled performances and
contests.​ The following performances are included:

● Football games ​(UIL eligibility permitting)-Honors, Symphonic and Concert only

○ October 5 - Thorne Stadium 7PM
○ October 15 - Smith Stadium GARCIA VS SHOTWELL 5:30PM
● TMEA Region Band tryouts ​(Honors and Symphonic - UIL eligibility permitting)
○ October 13 - All Day)
○ Woodridge Forest Middle School
● TMEA Region Band Clinic/Concert
○ November 2-3
○ Westfield High School
● TMEA Region Orchestra Clinic/Concert
○ November 9-10
○ Porter High School
● Winter Concert
○ December 18
● Solo & Ensemble
○ Honors, Symphonic, and Concert: February 9th at Grantham
○ Beginners: April 1st at Stovall
○ $20 piano fee for all students (Percussion excluded)
● *Pre-UIL​ (Honors and Symphonic - UIL eligibility permitting)
○ March 23rd at Davis HS
○ *Plan in advance. Do NOT purchase Houston Livestock & Rodeo tickets for this
day.
● UIL Concert and Sightreading
○ April 16-Symphonic Band at Davis HS
○ April 17th-Honors Band at Davis HS
● AISD Jazz Festival
○ May 4th-Location TBA
● Spring Concert
○ May 20-6PM

Students will receive a ‘0’ for missed performances. Extenuating circumstances will be taken into
consideration at director’s discretion.

Garcia Middle School ⬥ 11000 Rosslyn Road ⬥ Houston, TX 77083

“NO PASS, NO PLAY” LAW:​ All band members are responsible for passing ​ALL​ of their
courses. House Bill 72 became law in 1984 and mandates that a student be suspended from
participation in ALL extracurricular activities (athletics, band, clubs etc.) sponsored or
sanctioned by the school district if the student receives a grade lower than a 70 in any class. If
your child does not pass their courses, they are not living up to the standards of our band
program and are putting the entire group at risk of performing at a lower standard. Therefore,
any band student who fails 2 or more classes in the 1st​ ​ and 2nd​ ​ 9-week sessions will be subject
to demotion to a lower band. 7​ graders who show a pattern of ineligibility will be subject to
th​

removal from the band program.

Materials for Band

Each band student must have the following materials for every rehearsal:
● Positive attitude ​(not really “material,” but extremely important)
● Band Binder
● Pencil with eraser ​(keep it in your binder for daily use)
● Clear page protectors ​(40 or more - not all handouts/music will be hole-punched)
● Music (​All music will be provided for students. Replacement of each sheet of music is ​$1.00​)
● Instrument with all necessary accessories ​(see next page)
● Band Studies Workbook (​Provided by director – replacements can be downloaded from
www.website.com​)

Music Companies
Music supplies and repairs can be provided by the following companies:

Music & Arts Center​ – 8600 Jameel Rd Ste 100, Houston, TX 77040
Phone: (713)996-7993, ​www.musicarts.com

H&H Music​ – 713 FM 1960 West, Houston, TX 77090

Phone: (281)580-8000, ​www.hhmusic.com

Best Band Repair​ ​(instrumental repairs only)​ – 11115 Mill Rd. Ste. 105, Cypress TX 77429
Phone: (832)286-8388, ​www.bestbandrepair.com

Garcia Middle School ⬥ 11000 Rosslyn Road ⬥ Houston, TX 77083

 Instrument Supply List

Flute​ - Gemeinhardt, Yamaha French Horn

● Silk Swab ● Stork C8 Series

No care kits, please! ● Hetman #11 Light Rotary Valve Oil

Oboe and Bassoon Trumpet - ​Yamaha, Bach, Schmidt

● Silk swab ● Reed case - holds ● Back 7C or 5C mouthpiece

● Cork Grease minimum 3 reeds ● Valve oil

● Small water container (pill bottle or Jones soaker cup) Trombone - ​Yamaha, Bach, Schmidt

● One new reed purchased per month (Director will check ● Bach 6 ½ AL Mouthpiece OR 5G
first week each month) ● Trombontine Slide Cream

Clarinet - ​Buffet E11, Yamaha 450 ● Small spray water bottle

● Box of blue Vandoren reeds Euphonium

● Vandoren M30, Profile 88 mouthpiece ● Bach 6 ½ AL mouthpiece OR 5G

● Bonade Inverted Ligature ● Slide Grease
● Handkerchief Swab ● Valve oil

● Cork Grease ● Reed Guard Tuba

Bass Clarinet ● Conn-Helleberg

● Box of blue Vandoren reeds ● Slide Grease

● Silk swab ● Valve oil

● Reed Guard ● Cork grease Percussion

Saxophones ​- Yamaha YAS 280 ● Practice pad

● ALTO ONLY: Vandoren AL3 OR Selmer C* ● Practice marimba kit with “C”-Pack
mouthpiece (includes sticks, mallets)

● ALTO ONLY: Bonade inverted ligature

● ALTO ONLY: Silk Swab

● Box of blue Vandoren reeds

● Neck strap ● Reed Guard

(padded)

Garcia Middle School ⬥ 11000 Rosslyn Road ⬥ Houston, TX 77083

 Uniforms
The band wears a designated at each performance. We will have ​TWO main uniforms that will
be used throughout the school year.

“T-Shirt” uniform​:
Band T-Shirt – will be purchased with the band package
Khaki Pants – school approved: NO JEANS, NO black or blue pants, NO shorts, No skirts.
*Situations involving clothing for religious reasons will be taken on a case by case basis.
Belt – school approved
Shoes – school approved
“Formal” uniform​:
Garcia Middle School will provide the appropriate FORMAL Uniform. This uniform will
consist of:
1. Black tuxedo pants
2. Black button up shirt
3. Long tie in school color
4. Vest
5. Black Patent leather shoes
***Students will be responsible for purchasing a pair of LONG FULL LENGTH DRESS SOCKS!

Uniforms WILL be worn with shirt tails tucked in. Pants WILL be worn securely on the waist and
above the hips.
Students who come to a performance wearing anything other than the correct uniform will receive a "50" for
their uniform grade. Depending on the severity of the uniform violation, a student may/will be suspended from
participating in the event/performance.

Grades
Every nine weeks grade will be based on these categories: Major (60%), Daily (30%) and Homework (10%):

MAJOR GRADES​ 60% will consist of the following:

● Sectionals
● Performances
● Proper uniform at performances
● In-class playing tests & pass-offs

DAILY GRADES​ 30% will consist of the following:

● Have ALL necessary materials (i.e. instrument, music, pencil, binder)
● Tardies - 15 points each offense

HOMEWORK GRADE​ 10% will consist of the following:

● Any paperwork that requires a PARENT SIGNATURE, or assignment given in class due the next day.

OVERALL BAND GRADES

● Students are expected to maintain a band grade of 80 or higher! Anything under an 80 IN BAND, could
result in a probationary status for performances and off campus trips.

Garcia Middle School ⬥ 11000 Rosslyn Road ⬥ Houston, TX 77083

 Band Realignment & Reassignment
● At the end of each semester we will re-evaluate each student to determine whether
realignment is necessary.
● Realignment may occur in order to “balance” each performing ensemble in order to
be successful.
● Students, who perform at a level (performance, behavior, and eligibility) that
warrants that student being reassigned to a higher band, may have that opportunity
awarded to them at the DIRECTOR’S DISCRETION.
● Students who perform at a level unacceptable to the band that they are in
(performance, behavior, and eligibility), may be re-assigned to a lower band based
on the DIRECTOR’S DISCRETION.
● STUDENT BAND REASSIGNMENTS will also be based on the availability of the student
schedule being changed.
● If a student is re-assigned, this WILL alter the student’s course schedule.
● The Director of Bands, Mr. Bradberry, has the authority to change student
schedules if the situation warrants change.

Cell Phone Policy

Band students must adhere to the Aldine ISD cell phone policy, with the exception of:
● Cell phones must be turned off and cannot be visible on campus during the
school day.
● Cell phones/tablets may only be used IN CLASS if the student is using a tuning
app and the device is clearly visible on their music stand. ANY ABUSE of this will
result in immediate confiscation of said device.
● As per AISD policy fees will be collected in the front office before returning of
device.

NO STUDENT WILL HAVE A CELL PHONE IN THEIR POSSESSION DURING THE UIL CONCERT
& SIGHT READING CONTEST PROCESS.

Video / Security Recordings

● Please feel free to video ANY performance, practice, or activity that YOUR student in
participating in during a band event. However, be advised that posting said video to
social media COULD put you in a copyright infringement situation. AISD will NOT BE
RESPONSIBLE for this situation should it arise.
● Security cameras are recording 24/7 on Garcia Middle School property.

Parent Responsibility Policy

It is the parents’ responsibility to have their child at the school, or designated location, on time.
It is just as imperative that you, the parent, pick up your child at the designated time. You will
receive all information of events well in advance of the activity. We understand delays may
occur. ​However, if you are over 30 minutes past the designated pick-up time, a
parent-teacher conference will be set up to discuss future travel arrangements.

Garcia Middle School ⬥ 11000 Rosslyn Road ⬥ Houston, TX 77083