Dorothy Mcelhinney Middle School

Dorothy McElhinney Middle School 2016- 2017 STUDENT & PARENT BAND HANDBOOK

Dorothy McElhinney Middle School Crimson Colt Music Department 35125 Briggs Road, Murrieta, CA 92563 (951) 304-1885 School Office (951) 304-1889 Fax (951) 304-1885 x3502 Band Room (lv messg) e-mail: [email protected]

Mrs. Linda Gordon, Director of Bands Dorothy McElhinney Band Program

The DMMS Music Program provides an opportunity for students to develop an appreciation for music and encourages the skills and discipline necessary for achieving musical excellence throughout their middle school experience. Students learn the importance of a cooperative team effort while working with fellow members to accomplish the shared goals of the band program. Music students have fun meeting new friends and traveling to new and exciting places. In addition, the program challenges students in areas of personal growth and musicianship.

A Note from the Director…

Welcome! I am so pleased to have you and your family part of our Band program family this year. From now until June, your student will be part of a dedicated, hard-working, fun-loving team as we learn the skills required to prepare for our many top-level performances throughout the year.

The motto of the DMMS Crimson Colt Music Program is “Discipline in Mind, Dedication in Heart, and Excellence in Performance”. Through the medium of music education, our students learn the concepts of responsibility, teamwork, character, and good citizenship as they experience the world of music.

This Band Handbook information is provided to help you understand the policies of the DMMS Band program. Feel free to refer back to this document to answer any questions about what we are all about and how things run. Hopefully, this will be a helpful guide for defining the goals and expectations that are important for the Dorothy McElhinney Middle School Band Program to continue to develop the quality performance ensembles we have come to be known for.

I invite you, our band parents, to stay actively involved with your student’s musical life. Contrary to what your student may say, we really do want parents on campus! We need Room Parents (Moms or Dads) for each Band Class, tutors, supervisors, music office clerical help/copying, event organizing, chaperoning, library maintenance, and more, here in the Band room. Feel free to e-mail me and let know what you have to offer and share, be it time or talent. I appreciate every bit of help, large or small, and so will our students, trust me. You are also invited to become a member of our Band Boosters organization, our dedicated parent support group that works collectively with me to support and fund our program for your talented student!

If you have any questions or issues throughout the year, please contact me. I am here for you and for your student. Got a problem or a question? I ask you to come to me as Director first, please, so I am aware of any and all issues to work with you on behalf of your student. The band room is always noisy, and I often can’t hear the phone, so I recommend e-mail as the best and most reliable communication option. I attempt to answer e-mails promptly when I am able. My e-mail is: [email protected]

Thank you in advance for your kind support and I look forward to working with each student and each student family to help make this a great and positive year!

Blessings, Linda Gordon, Director of Bands Dorothy McElhinney Middle School Crimson Colts

Dear DMMS Band Student Member:

The Band program at DMMS forms a vital and important part of the total middle school experience, and represents a large, colorful, visible, talented, and highly disciplined segment of the school. School life, and many of the programs and traditions of the school, would seem dull without this presence. Our performances at campus rallies, concerts, community, and civic events, add a great deal of color and life to the community, and we are very proud of that.

The goal of the DMMS Music Program is to build people through dedication and excellence by living by our core values. We are passionately committed to our culture of integrity, respect, discipline, and musical excellence. It is the pride of a job well done and the accomplishments achieved that make the sacrifices worthwhile. The success of the organization will lead to the success of the individual and vice versa. Band is a win/win situation!

So, welcome to the DMMS Band Program. As a member, you have the unique opportunity to create and continue the tradition of high standards that will pave the way for excellence for years to come. Maintaining our culture of excellence requires us to constantly be aware of multiple areas of responsibility.

Responsibility to Ourselves: There are always ways to improve! Take the initiative when given the chance to interact with those who have more experience than you or those who specialize in your area/instrument. Do not take constructive criticism personally. Be critical of your own performance and don’t settle for anything less than what you set out to achieve. Whenever possible, you should equip yourselves with the best possible quality instrument you can afford. Get tutoring, or take lessons. The classroom lesson at school is only able to teach at a moderate level and does not make possible the one-on-one instruction that is so vital to musical growth and development. YOU have the primary responsibility for learning, developing, and contributing your talent to the group. Responsibility to the School: As a student of the DMMS music program, you are a representative of the DMMS Band Program, the DMMS student body, and the community as a whole. Responsibility to Music as an Art Form: The performing arts have always been a vital part of humanity. YOU possess a very special talent. You now have the obligation and responsibility to society to use that talent for the betterment of yourself and your community. If you can, you must!

Responsibility to Each Other: You have the obligation and responsibility to respect the rights and feelings of others. Always treat others as you wish to be treated. Excessive talking, rumors, and bad manners are all examples of disrespectful behavior and not welcome in our Band Family. These behaviors violate our core values of integrity and respect. Responsibility for Promptness and Commitment to the Program: Band is a group/team activity. Every individual member is important and essential to the group’s success. In this activity, it is very obvious when you are late or not present. It is suggested that you arrange your personal schedule to accommodate rehearsals and performances. Call times are the times that you are to be in your position, ready to perform. Call times are not the times when you just arrive. To be early is to be on time – to be on time is to be late – to be late is inexcusable.

Responsibility for School Instruments, Equipment, and Facilities: If you are using a school instrument, you accept the responsibility for maintaining it and taking all precautions to see that the instrument is returned to the school in the same condition it was issued. In addition, any area (on or off campus) you/we may occupy should be left cleaner than how you/we found it, even if it is not your/our mess. We have special, soundproof walls in the band room and choir room: respect the walls. Do not touch, deface, mark, poke at them or damage them in any way. Responsibility for Excellence: Musical excellence on the part of individuals affects the performances of the whole ensemble. Private instruction during the year is strongly suggested for all students. Practice time is required, with regular testing for comprehension. Daily practice makes excellence. It is recommended that ALL instrumental students have their own metronome tuner with tuner clip. We will be using this is class almost daily. Responsibility for Attendance: You have made a commitment to be in the music program. In order to have a successful rehearsal and a successful performance, it is essential that we have full attendance. Attendance at all scheduled rehearsals and all scheduled performances is required.

All rehearsals and performances are graded and mandatory as per MVUSD School Board

Attendance at Performances It is impossible to “make-up” the experience of a performance. Furthermore, the other members carry an extra burden because of someone else’s inconsideration. As a member of the DMMS Performing Arts Department, understand that the performance culminates everything we work so hard for during the year. It is therefore essential to your fine arts education that you experience the performance of your art. Absences from performances are only permitted in the event of an emergency: SEVERE PERSONAL ILLNESS OR DEATH IN THE FAMILY. ALL requests for excused absences must be presented on the “Absence Excuse Form” to the Director as soon as the schedule for the semester is received . Any absence after the schedule is presented would have to fall under the “emergency” category. All other absences will be considered “Unexcused.”

“Absence Excuse Forms” can be found on the band website on the “Forms” page. Verbal approval, email, or handwritten notes are not sufficient – the “Absence Excuse Form” MUST be filled out. *Unexcused Absence from Performance: Being absent from a performance or leaving early due to homework, sports practices/games, birthday parties, other non-essential school activities, non-emergency doctor appointments, tutoring, and vacations, is a not excused absence. An unexcused absence from a performance is unacceptable and will result in the student’s grade being lowered to an “F” for that grading period. Further consequences may occur. *Attendance at Rehearsals: (This includes SymB and ConB parade rehearsals and performances) These rehearsals dates and times are already on the DMMS Band calendar (DMMS website/Teacher/Gordon,L/Calendar). Absences from rehearsals are only permitted in the event of SEVERE personal illness, death in the family, or other special circumstances that are PREAPPROVED by your Director. If there are problems with leaving early or unexcused absences from a rehearsal or performance, the appropriate consequences regarding performing opportunities will be enforced by the director. Families should schedule appointments and other events on non-rehearsal days. *Unexcused Absence from Rehearsal: An unexcused absence from a rehearsal is unacceptable and will result in the student’s grade being lowered one letter grade per infraction, for that grading period. Excessive absences, even for the above reasons, will cause severe problems and could result in loss of position or rank within the organization. Tardiness: Rehearsals and performances are scheduled at specific times and it is expected that you are there before the required time. Attendance will be taken promptly at the scheduled time. If there are problems with tardiness, the appropriate consequences regarding performance opportunities will be enforced by the director.

To be early is to be on time – to be on time is to be late – to be late is inexcusable.

In case of an emergency or sudden illness just prior to an after school rehearsal or performance, please call the school office or Band Room Office and leave a message with the Director. E-mails prior to the event are also acceptable for emergency excusing only. Linda Gordon, Director of Bands (951) 304-1885 ext. 3502 (leave message) Best contact: [email protected]

Band Materials All Band students will need a black 1” or larger 3-ring “view binder” notebook for band class use only. It is important to have a music-specific binder that fits easily in the backpack for safe school-owned music storage and transportation between school and home. The view binder will house all homework assignments, study sheets, method book(s), and DMMS-loaned sheet music. There WILL be regular notebook checks to see if notebook is neat, unmarked, organized, and all handouts are present.

The Black View Binder: 1” – 1 1/2”, vinyl, not poly, 3-ring binder with clear view front

 5 index tab dividers: don’t label yet, we’ll do that in class.

 20 – 25 sheets of regular lined notebook filler paper

 3-ring pencil Pouch, fastened securely on the 3-rings. NO boxes or separate containers.

 No. 2 Pencils, sharpened, OR mechanical pencil, with extra lead. NO PENS in band class!

 Pink Rubber Eraser- Large  1-2 Highlighters, 2 different colors preferable for music marking

 small package of colored pencils

Binder Guidelines : All binders should be labeled with your name and your class on the inside cover left corner. Binders should be kept clean, undecorated and stage-ready at all times. Binders count as a materials grade each class period, along with fully-functional instrument and band book. Always know where it is, always have it with you. Replace it when it falls apart; ripped up, mangled, or marked up notebooks lose points. Binders return to back pack after rehearsal. Binders in Lost & Found WILL lose materials points. Band Books: The following method books are used daily in class. Please ensure that you get the appropriate book(s) for your student’s class and instrument. It is recommended that you purchase the “Comprehensive” edition of your book; this has a DVD with it. Initial your DVD with your initials, or better yet, leave it home to use with your at-home practice routine. Beginning Band (BB) : Don’t purchase the book until the instrument unit is completed and choice has been made on your student’s instrument. Cadet Band (CB) : “Standard of Excellence”, Book 1 (red book) Cadet Band Advanced (CBA): “Standard of Excellence” Book 1 (red) & Book 2 (blue) Concert Band (ConB): “Standard of Excellence”, Book 2 (blue book) Symphonic Band (SB): “Standard of Excellence” Book 2 (blue) to start. Next book TBA. *All Percussionists: Must have BOTH the Drum/Bells part and the Timpani/Accessories Books.

Sheet Music Loan Program: Upper level Band students will be given DMMS-owned music to use. Music will be checked out to the students. Students will be charged for lost or damaged sheet music. All music is to be stored in the music section of the view binder within the non-glare protector pages. Concert Season Dress Code: The Director will advise all of the performing groups of the appropriate dress prior to each event. Students are required to come to each event or performance properly groomed and dressed. The dress code for our concert ensembles is as follows: Concert & Symphonic Band : “Black from neck to toe” Ladies: Black Music Dept. V-neck polo; Long black Music Dept. formal skirt; black, plain “ballet” flats Men: Black Music Dept. button polo/tucked in ; dress pants (no jeans!) black socks, black dress shoes (no sneakers/all black “Vans” ok) , plain men’s dress black belt.

Parades: (select bands) Veterans’ Day Parade: black Music Dept. polo, black dress pants, black over-the-ankle socks With all black ties on sneakers, flexible/bendable black tie on shoes, or black marching shoes. Temecula Lighted Parade: Costume above waist TBA; black dress pants, black over-the-ankle socks with all black tie-on sneakers or flexible/bendable black tie on shoes, or black marching shoes.

Beginning Band & Cadet Band :

Young Ladies: Black Music Dept. polo shirt with “dressy black” below the waist; can be black skirt over black tights, or dress black pants or long black skirt, black footwear Note: jeans, jeggings/leggings are not acceptable concert wear. Dress up! 

Young Men: Black Music Dept. polo shirt (tucked in), black dress pants (no jeans) Over the ankle men’s dress black socks, black dress shoes (no sneakers/all black “Vans” OK) plain black belt..

Black Music Dept. uniform polos are available for purchase at Registration, Back to School Night, and one day per week at breaks and lunches in the Booster room by the lunch lines. Polos are $25.00. Note: It is the policy of this Music Department to provide assistance to students of families in need. If you have a financial hardship, please see the Director for help regarding obtaining any of the items we require, including the polo, uniform parts, band book, or instrument. Everything will be done within our capabilities to help meet your need. Polos may be rented instead of purchased; see the Band website for the rental check out form (DMMS/Teachers/Gordon,L/Forms) Band Room Rules: There are a lot of students that pass through the band room every day, and for everyone to co-exist there must be guidelines and procedures. The DMMS Band program adheres to the school rules posted in the front of the Student Planner distributed to all students at the beginning of the year. Daily: Entrance to the Band room is strictly through the hallway. Exit is through the back band room door or the door nearest the school driveway. Backpacks are to be neatly lined up and stacked under the “Events” board in the band room during band rehearsal time, as per the Fire Marshall. Band Lockers/Cage: All instruments “live” in the band room during the school day. Arrive early enough to drop off your instrument, band binder and band book to your personal locker cage. Even if you arrive on campus later in the day, drop of your horn; it’s ok to quietly walk in during another class to do this. Likewise, if you have to leave campus early, quietly come pick up your items to take home. Do not leave your instrument or band items anywhere on campus other than your personal locker cage. All horns go home every night; there is practicing homework every night. When in the band room, do NOT leave your instrument on a chair. Hand it to your neighbor or take it with you, carrying it vertically in front of you. Instrument Assembly/Disassembly: Always place your instrument case back in your locker cage. Do not leave it on the floor or in the aisles. Locker Cages: Every student will have an assigned area for instrument storage, whether it’s in a locker cage, or Room #2 for large instruments and rolling racks.

Band Room : We are blessed to have a well-appointed beautiful acoustic band room. It is imperative that all band students respect the room and the equipment we own.

1) Do NOT touch the acoustic fabric-covered walls; the special fabric is delicate and will wear out and get dirty quickly. Do NOT throw your backpacks up against the walls; line them up neatly in the backpack area. 2) Keep the sink area clean; wipe down the counter, store cleaning supplies in the provided basket. 3) Make sure there is a wastebasket under the soap dispenser before you use it. 4) Put all trash in the provided containers. 5) DMMS is a NO GUM CAMPUS, which includes the band room. Students chewing gum will receive consequences. Gum, food, drinks, slushies, etc., are not permitted in the Band Room. 6) Water bottles are permitted within the band circle during rehearsal, as long as they are securely closes with a cap. Water bottles that come in MUST be taken out; classes that leave water bottles behind will lose their water bottle class privilege. 7) No horseplay. No running. No throwing objects. There is expensive equipment we need to protect. 8) Practice rooms and pianos are to be used by appointment only with the Director. 9) Do not cut through the chair rows when leaving; walk to the ends and then out. Follow procedures. 10) Do NOT touch, move, or use other people’s instruments or remove items in their personal cages. 11) Keep the room and your section clean. No spit valves emptying on the carpet; use a lap rag or the designated “SPIT BUCKET” only! 12) Ask the Director before using the telephone or leaving the room for any reason Restroom use: Breaks and lunchtime breaks are the times to use the restroom, not class time. If it is necessary to use the restroom in a class not following a break or lunch time, report to the Director in the music room before leaving for the restroom before class starts. All others are expected to use their break times for this activity.

Cell phones and other electronic devices must be set to “silent” or “off” while in the Band Room. Cell phones may NOT come into the band circle without permission. Keep them safely hidden in the lower part of your backpack. Students may NOT take pictures in the band room with permission. Confiscated cell phones will be turned into the office, where they will have to picked up by a parent.

Consequences for failure to adhere to the policies of the Music Department:

1. Verbal warning – Your opportunity to SELF-CORRECT and make a BETTER CHOICE

2. Loss of participation points

3. Held after class or removed from class 4. After-school detention or lunch detention assigned

5. Parent contact/notification

6. Referral to administration

7. Saturday school/removal from the band program

Grading Policy: Band is a participatory activity. Students that are absent will not earn a daily grade. Don’t be absent!  Practice Record: a weekly or monthly assignment calendar/journal to be completed daily, documenting homework assignments and student’s at-home practice times. Students are to keep this in the front of the black Band View Binder at all times, and use it daily to record at-home practice minutes and daily homework assignments. Note: Symphonic Band and Concert Band may or may not be required to complete the monthly Practice Record as a monthly assignment, but if practicing appears to be lacking, the Practice Record may be added back into graded use at the Director’s discretion. Big picture: PRACTICE!!

Parents, you can check your student’s homework side to see what they should be practicing at home. How the Practice Record works: Here are the instructions for using the Practice Record properly: HOW TO GET FULL POINTS on the Practice Record: BEGINNING BAND & ALL CADET BANDS: 150 weekly/25 minutes daily / 6 days per week. CONCERT & SYMPHONC BANDS: 180 minutes weekly/30 minutes daily/ 6 days per week. You may take ONE BUSY DAY OFF PER WEEK. Do not miss two days in a row/week without practice or the week doesn't count. Add up weekly minutes, write total on Saturday’s box. *IF YOU ARE ILL OR TRAVELING AND CANNOT PRACTICE: Parent, write a note on the missing days, explaining the reason for not practicing. Have your student make up minutes either before or after the missed time.

How to SUCCEED at MUSIC AND ACADEMICS. Parents in the know know that music education helps students STUDY SMARTER and be MORE SUCCESSFUL IN ACADEMIC CORE SUBJECTS. Music education connects the synapsis of the student brain quicker, enabling students to do homework faster and more effectively Here’s how to tap into SUCCESSFUL HOMEWORK: Daily, have your student…. 1) Sit in a quiet place with no distractions. Give your student a small kitchen timer, teach him/her how to set the timer for ten minutes. 2) Play the assigned band assignment until the timer goes off. 3) Go immediately to your MATH or SCIENCE homework FIRST. Take a small break AFTER done. Daily Routine: 10 min music, then do math; 10 min music then do science; 10 min music/LA; 10/other homework. 4) RECORD YOUR TOTAL MINUTES ON YOUR RECORD IMMEDIATELY! 5) At the end of the week, add up all your minutes for the week. 6) Parent and Student sign off that the minutes are actual and factual. (PS.. you can’t fake practicing. The Director knows if you have practiced or not, so inflated minutes will not equal poor performance in class. ) How to Practice: Don't practice mistakes, fix them. Listen to what you are playing; does it sound right?? If not, stop: check key, rhythm, etc. Play again, use your band book CD for assistance. Still don’t get it? Call a band friend, ask Mrs. Gordon before school, ask your section leader… if you need help, ASK FOR HELP!

WE WANT YOUR STUDENT TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN MUSIC & IN ALL SCHOOL SUBJECTS!

Beginning and Cadet Bands:  15% Daily Materials: Have everything with you; view binder, band book, instrument.

 20% Daily Participation: Do your best, be prepared, stay on task and focused.

 50% Performances, Tests & Quizzes: These are a BIG DEAL.

 15% *Practice Record, Assignments or additional homework (written or playing)

Grading for Concert/Intermediate and Symphonic Bands:

 15% Daily Materials: Have everything with you; view binder, band book, instrument.

 25% Daily Participation: Do your best, be prepared, stay on task and focused.

 60% Performances, Tests & Quizzes: This is a BIG DEAL. DO all these at 100%!

 10% Memorized Scales ( all are required to be memorized “12 or Nothing”)

Performance Grading Policy:

Performances will count as a heavily-weighed test grade and will be graded as follows:

• On time, prepared and on task: 100% points awarded

• Late: subtract 30% – 100% points off, depending on how late.

• Unprepared/off task: subtract 10% or more off, depending on severity

• Unexcused or unacceptable absence: no make-up opportunity: 0% awarded

• Dressed Inappropriately: subtract up to 50 % points. (Student may or may not perform.)

Extra Credit: Extra Credit may be given to..

1.) Any student who takes private lessons. Tell the Director. 2.) Student auditions and shows proof of, the actual audition to a city, county, college, or regionally sponsored (i.e. SCSBOA All-Southern Jr. High) Honor Band, and district Honor Band, or participation in an SCSBOA Solo/Ensemble music festival, which is above and beyond the band curriculum. Participation in community bands is excluded. Honor Band is defined as a group specifically set up for a specific age group, time frame, with a performance concluding the honor band commitments. 3.) Awarded arbitrarily to students who are music mentors or peer tutors to fellow students. 4.) Attend a concert? Tell the Director or the class about it and receive credit for the experience. 5) RECYCLE SATURDAY fundraising, 5 to 10 points for participation and service.

Seating Placement Tests: Cadet, Concert, and Symphonic Band students should be ready to be quizzed on their knowledge of assigned music to determine chair order, i.e., first chair, second chair, etc. Always aim for Chair #1! Random tests throughout the year will be done on scales, previous/current music and/or exercises being studied in class. A sight reading exercise may be used in case of a tie. Individuals may challenge the person immediately above them. Forms are on the “Events” board. Instruments and Equipment: School District Owned Instruments: A small number of school instruments may be available for yearly rental, to students who have a financial or personal need. Acquire more information on availability and forms from the band office. If using one of our school instruments, you accept the responsibility for maintaining it and taking all precautions to see that the instrument is returned to the school in the same condition it was issued. Any student using a school instrument will need to complete the “Music Instrument Use Agreement” form, located on the website, or from the Director.

Instrument and Material Storage: Every student will be assigned a locker cage in the band room or band storage room that is the appropriate size for their instrument. View binders may be stored here during the day but are expected to go home every night, with the instrument, for required nightly practice. Cage Safety Issue: All instrument cages must be closed and locked once an instrument is removed to prevent the gates being left open. Open cage doors lead to injuries as students may run into an open gate. Percussionists: You are required to have a keyboard instrument of some kind (bell kit, piano or keyboard, xylophone, etc.) Pianos and electronic keyboards with at least 30 keys are acceptable. Do not bring your drum to the classroom unless asked to. Percussion students store their notebook, band room and sticks in their backpack when not in use during the school day. Label everything and store it in your cage. Do NOT leave items (sticks, music) on the percussion cart! Instrument Repair: If an instrument doesn’t work, students can’t participate. Not having a good quality, functioning instrument is frustrating. If your student’s instrument is not working properly, show it to your Director. (A) Instruments rented from an outside music shop : If your Director cannot spot the issue, it must be taken to a qualified repair shop ASAP! Always inquire about getting a “loaner” from the music store while instrument is in repair. Parents, please inform the Director that an instrument is in the shop, either by email or note. Students will still need to bring their view binder to class to receive daily points. (B) MVUSD School-rented instruments and privately-owned instruments : Mr. Frank Reilly, “Mr. Frank”, from Shamrock Music services our school every Tuesday to pick up and deliver repairs. Process for getting your instrument repaired: 1. Show your Director first to determine the issue. 2. Pick up a REPAIR form on the “Events” in the band room. Take it home to have it filled out by a parent. Repair forms must be parent-signed before any repair will be released to Mr. Frank. 3. Put the form into your instrument case with the instrument. Remove all personal items. Leave mouthpiece. 4. Take a strip of orange ribbon and tie it to your instrument case handle. 5. Place the case by the side or under the Director’s desk before 9:00 am on Tuesday mornings for repairs. Repair costs for MVUSD instruments and private instruments are the responsibility of the student’s family as part of the required maintenance. Parents will be emailed when it arrives, with the repair cost. Send in cash, or check, made out to: Shamrock Music. Once received, I will release the instrument back to your student.

Read and follow the instrument care guidelines listed the DMMS Band website. Travel Procedures: Field Trips, performance expectations, etc. 1. A FIELD TRIP & MEDICAL RELEASE FORM must be signed and on file with the Director before any student may participate. Special health problems should also be noted so that adequate care can be provided when away from home. Update the form during the year as necessary. N otify the Music Dept. of any e-mail changes immediately. 2. ADULT SUPERVISION is provided on all Band trips. Students traveling to an event with the performance group must return in the same manner, with the following exception: only in the event of a family emergency. In such a case, students may return with their own parents or guardian if a note has been given to the Director/s, relieving the District and the Director/s of all responsibility and liability. 3 PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION: All rules regarding PDA apply to riding the bus as well. PDA will not be allowed at any time. The Band staff or chaperone may ask you to change seats or buses if they feel the need to do so. 4. BUSES: All students will be assigned a specific bus prior to departure. Switching buses is NOT permitted. Return to your seat quickly so that attendance may be checked. You are required to obey the driver, staff member, chaperone or person in charge of the bus in a courteous manner. NO yelling or screaming at any time. All body parts inside the bus. Moving from seat to seat is not permitted. Quiet talking is permitted. No screaming. No flash photography. 5. VALUABLES: The Music Booster organization or Director(s) assume no responsibility for any personal items. 6. QUIET ZONE: Talking is allowed only while the bus is traveling on the freeway; students must be silent when the bus is on surface streets or upon entering any parking lot. 7. CLEANING THE BUS: Buses are to be cleaned and free of trash at the end of all trips. Roll up all windows. Thank your bus driver on exiting the bus. 8. LOADING EQUIPMENT: Students are responsible for loading and unloading their own equipment, personal belongings, and instruments before and after all events.

PICK-UP TIMES: At the conclusion of all events, students should arrange to be picked up at school promptly at the designated pick-up time. Pick-up times are listed on travel itineraries that are sent home or emailed prior to the event.

Students are expected to be off campus within 15 minutes of arrival Dorothy McElhinney Middle School Crimson Colt Music Department 35125 Briggs Road, Murrieta, CA 92563

STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK AGREEMENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I/We (parent and student) have read the Band Handbook and I/we are aware of the expectations of this class.

I/We are aware this is a performance-based class, which requires attendance at all schedule rehearsals and performances. I/We realize attendance at all rehearsals and performances is graded, and missing a rehearsal may prevent my student from participating in the performance, thereby losing test points.

I/We are aware there may be extra rehearsals called as needed for performances, mostly for the upper level bands. I/We also realize that the nature of rehearsal and performance planning can change at any given moment, so we will try to be flexible.

I/We will provide the required materials as required, including a quality, functional instrument, books, and supplies as outlined in the handbook. We will keep the instrument in good repair.

I/We are aware that music may be loaned to our student, which must be returned in same condition. Lost or damaged music will be charged to me/us.

I/We are aware that our student may be issued uniform pieces that are to be worn only for specific performances, in a specific way. These uniform parts are to be returned in same condition in a timely fashion, and will be subject to replacement or repair costs if warranted.

I/We will abide by the rules of the school and the music room to the best of our ability.

I/We realize that Band information and events will be posted and communicated through the DMMS Music Department website: MVUSD/DMMS/Teachers/Gordon,L.

______Student's Name (Printed) Student's Signature

______Parent/Guardian Name (Printed) Parent/Guardian Signature_

______Parent/Guardian Phone Number Date