DILLEY ISD BAND HANDBOOK
Student /Parent Agreement
Please return the Student/Parent Agreement and Acknowledgement of Rules form as
soon as possible. It is important that you fill out each space provided on the form or your
student may be disqualified from participating in band. Although the handbook is
detailed, most of it is common sense. Please become as familiar with it as possible. It is
our intention that this handbook shows our sincerity in building a fine band program here
in Dilley. The goals and procedures presented in this packet will assist our students in
reaching the success that they deserve, not only in the 2008-2009 school year, but in the
years to follow.
Rehearsal Goals
Band rehearsals are used to:
• Build and reinforce the fundamentals of music and/or marching.
• Establish procedure and discipline.
• Expand the current musical knowledge of the students.
Band Course Descriptions
Marching/Concert Band
Prerequisite: A student must have successfully completed a full year of band the
previous year or request a special audition or interview process to gain
permission from the director. Band is an elective course designed to provide
students the opportunity to become acquainted with music through performance
of a band instrument with an emphasis placed on increased technical and music
proficiency. Band is a UIL competitive organization and therefore attendance at
all rehearsals and a commitment beyond the class period is required.
Performances other than UIL include Dilley HS football games, parades, winter &
spring concerts, region band auditions and solo & ensemble. Marching band can
count as either .5 of the state required P.E or fine arts credit and concert band
counts as .5 fine arts credit.
Applied Music
Prerequisite: A student must be in Band Class. This is an upper level music
program and previous music proficiency is a must. Students will work on higher
levels of music such as All State Band audition music and Solos and Ensembles.
The other portion of this class is Mariachi Studies. Students will perform and
compete in this area. This a local credit and students will receive .5 credits per
semester.
-2–
Disciplinary Policy
Rehearsal Rules & Procedures
• Be respectful to the directors, chaperones, and to other students.
• Be respectful to school and personal property.
• Be in your seats (or in your warm up spots) ready to play at the time set by the director.
• Remain quiet when the director is on the podium or teaching.
• Keep you hands, feet and any other part of your body to yourself.
• No horseplay.
• No food or drink in the band hall.
• No gum or candy in your mouth during rehearsals.
• Stay in your seat during rehearsals. Raise your hand for permission to get up.
Section leaders who can resolve issues may get up to go to the office for oils as
needed.
• Raise your hand if you have a question.
No cell phone use during rehearsal or performances. Directors will have to collect your
phone if it is being used. This includes text messaging. There will be times when the
smart phones are used as tuning and metronome devices.
Dress code will be followed as per school rules and handbook.
Disciplinary Actions
1) Verbal warning
2) Contact parents/ detention or other disciplinary action such as extra reports.
2A) MARCHING: Students may be assigned “Yards”. The student will march a minimum
of 100 yards, at attention, glide step, in step; Running laps and push-ups will also be
assigned.
3) Teacher/parent/student conference.
4) Referral to office / suspension from a game with out a grade/ remove from future band
activities including social activities.
5) Removal from Band
For more severe infractions, some disciplinary actions may be skipped.
Band functions before, during, and after school hours are considered a school
function. Any student that is involved in a serious disciplinary offense during a
band activity such as the use, possession of or being under the influence of illegal
drugs or alcohol, or lewd behavior will be removed from the band program and the
proper authorities will be notified. Tobacco products are illegal in the public
schools and are covered by this policy.
Grading Policy
Grades will be based from the following:
50% Participation at rehearsals, sectionals, performances, and other assignments
30% Evaluations
20% Six Weeks Exam
-
3–
Outside of School Rehearsals & Concerts &
Attendance Policy
A grade will be given to all extra rehearsals or performances called before or after
school. Any student that fails to attend or be in the proper attire will receive a lowered
grade or will be required to make up the grade in tutorials after school. Students will be
excused for illness, death in the family, “once in a lifetime event”, school activities such
as the PSAT, College Board, & ACT Testing, UIL academic competitions or school trips.
School sports conflicts will be resolved with prior mutual agreement between the
coach and the band director.
It is the STUDENTS responsibility to notify the coach and director of any
conflicts.
We expect you to split practice time 50% with the band and 50% with the school sport if
a conflict arises.
Students will be excused from band practice for games/meets with advance notification.
Excused absences are at the discretion of the band directors.
WORK is not an acceptable excuse. Students that must work
should inform their employer of their obligation to the band. With ample advanced
notice, most employers are willing to schedule around your band commitments.
In the event a change is made in a scheduled performance or rehearsal, students are
encouraged to make every effort to adapt to that change. If ample notice of the change
(2 weeks) is not possible the policy on absence will be adjusted accordingly at the
director’s discretion.
1) Attendance is mandatory at all rehearsals and performances. Performances are defined
as anytime the band plays in a public or private setting where the whole band is needed. I.e.:
Friday night football, concerts, contest, parades, pep rallies etc.
2) Excused absences are at the discretion of the band directors.
See “Outside of School Rehearsals & Concerts”
3) Every band function will begin with a roll check. If you are not in you assigned position
by this time, you are considered absent. If you are late, it is your responsibility to see
that the absence is changed to a tardy.
4) Three unexcused late arrivals constitute one unexcused absence.
5) Non-school functions or events are not necessarily excused.
6) It is your responsibility to make both the band director and the other sponsor or coach
aware of any conflict that has not been addressed.
7) Failure to perform in the band UIL events will result in automatic failure of the six
weeks and possible removal from band unless there is a very good reason and it is
approved in advance of the competition.
8) Excessive unexcused tardiness or absence may result in removal from performances
or a loss of privileges.
CONTACT INFO
Band Director Terri Robertson 830 965-1814 ext 3010; terri.robertson@dilleyisd.net
Band Director Jordan Vaught 830 965-2195 ext 2007; jordan.vaught@dilleyisd.net
-4MARCHING BAND
• NO SANDALS! Tennis shoes with socks This is for safety.
• Hats are highly recommended.
• Drink plenty of WATER OR SPORTS DRINKS!!!
• Have your instrument, music and a pencil at all rehearsals.
Please turn all cell phones off during all practices and performances. Better yet, turn
them in to our office and get them after rehearsal.
Trip Behavior
Being in unfamiliar surroundings requires us to be alert to all instructions and changes
that might occur. It is VITAL that all students follow instructions the first time, especially
at away games. I am confident that this will not be a problem. The school dress code will
be enforced. The band shirt will be worn to and from away games. Remember, when
you are in uniform, you are a walking billboard for Dilley. When traveling, it is important
to follow all instructions given by your directors, chaperones, bus drivers and
drum majors. When traveling with the band, a neat appearance will be required.
In the case of several disciplinary actions on trips, the student will be required to
leave the game with a parent and be suspended from further trips.
It is recommended that all students travel to and from away games with the band. If a
student needs to travel with a parent or guardian, your parent must check you out after
the game with your bus chaperone. No exceptions. (This is for the safety of the student.)
If a student is to travel with someone other than their own parent or guardian, a
written note must be signed by the principal or superintendent and turned in
before that Friday morning rehearsal. Students will only be permitted to leave with
their parents or an adult authorized by the parents after the school song has been
performed at the conclusion of the football game. If a student does go home with a
parent from a game, they are expected to take all of their equipment/uniform home with
them until the following rehearsal.
BUS BEHAVIOR
• Stay in your seat (no more than 2 to a seat)
Make sure you are on the bus you were assigned to.
• Do not sit on the back of the seats.
• Do not throw any objects from the bus.
• Keep all body parts within the bus at all times.
• Before departing the bus, pick up all trash and personal belongings.
• No music on the bus without headphones.
• ALWAYS be considerate of others.
• Observe all other bus rules posted on the bus.
• Please remember, if you don’t want something stolen, it is better that you don’t bring it.
All students are ultimately responsible for getting ALL of their equipment on and off the
bus AND trailer before and after all trips.
-5–
Football Games
Tradition
Many bands across the state have a tremendous amount of pride in their band. We at
Dilley intend to perform our pre-game entrance, stand music, half-time show, and postgame music with pride and school spirit!!! The band will be respectful to other traditions,
schools, bands, fans, teams, or spirit organizations, even if the respect is not
reciprocated.
Home Game Procedure
• Assemble in the band hall in uniform pants, black socks and band shoes and be in their
assigned seats at a predetermined time.
• Line up in formation and march into the stadium, perform “The Star Spangled Banner,
School Song”, and “Fight Song”.
• Perform the half-time show.
• Provide music to support the football team through out the whole game.
• Dismissal by director.
• Return all equipment back to its proper place in the band hall.
In Stands Behavior
The Dilley Band Program is a quality band program and must act accordingly. Students
are encouraged to support the cheerleaders and football team in a positive and
respectful manner. You are expected to remain in your assigned seats at all times. An
unruly band does not perform well, look good, provide support, or portray the proper
image. Be prepared for weather, restroom needs, music, etc. before you
get into the stands. Once the game begins, cell phones should be turned off and should
only be used during the break UNLESS prior approval from the directors has been
attained.
ABSOLUELY NO NON-BAND STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO SIT WITH THE BAND!
In addition to the policies listed above, all school policies will be followed strictly.
Students that are involved in an illegal act will be immediately released to the proper
authorities and be removed from the band program.
Performance Policy
Students may be asked to sit out of a performance for any of the following reasons:
1) Wearing the uniform in an inappropriate manner.
2) The uniform looks unkempt, stained or wrinkled due to poor care.
3) Ineligible due to grades.
4) Cannot stay in step for extended periods of time.
5) Severe behavior infractions.
6) Do not have their instrument/equipment/prop.
7) Fail to complete and return medical forms and information or any required paperwork.
8) Unprepared due to extended absence.
9) Excessive unexcused tardiness or absence or missing a major practice prior to a performance.
10) Does not know their music or drill, cannot perform the routine in the style and/or technique
taught, or if directors feel there is a lack of effort on the part of the student.
11) Out of school dress code compliance.
-6School Owned Instruments
Students that are issued school owned equipment will be held responsible for the care
and upkeep of the instrument. School equipment is checked out in working condition and
is expected to be returned in the same condition. General repair of school instruments
throughout the school year is the responsibility of each student.
Instrument Storage
Instruments should be kept in the assigned case with case latched
and closed. Each student should never touch an instrument belonging to another
student, and should not allow another student to touch their horn.
Uniform Care
Each student will be issued a uniform. It is the student’s responsibility to keep the
uniform in good condition. The student will return the uniform in the same condition as it
was checked out to him/her. If alterations are needed, no cutting may be done. The
stitches need to be loose, so it can be removed easily. The uniform will be hung up
properly if it is not being worn.
Jackets
Students who have participated in High School ( 9th – 12th) band for 8 semesters, and/or
made HS Area Band, State Solo and Ensemble, or is drum major or color guard captain
are eligible for a letter jacket provided that they are not eligible through another varsity
group. The band will provide the jacket and letter, but anything extra is at the student’s
expense.
Band Camps
Students who earn a position in the band which enables them to attend a Band Camp at a
University will be expected to attend the camp. Dilley ISD pays for the band camps.
Failure to attend the camp after filling out the paperwork, will result in the family of the
student having to pay the cost of the camp back to the school district.
-7Anticipated purchases:
Shirt $15.00
Reeds/Oils/Supplies*
All WW students are required to have three
working reeds that they should rotate on a daily basis
*Purchase on your own as needed.
PROHIBITED CONDUCT
Dilley ISD students who participate in Band, including Band Aids and Color
Guard are prohibited during school, on school property and during school
sponsored events from the following:
1. Possessing, smoking, selling or using tobacco products.
2. Possessing, selling or using illegal drugs or alcohol.
3. Engaging in conduct that contains activities relating to glue, aerosol paint,
or volatile, mood-altering chemicals.
4. Engaging in serious misbehavior, as that term is defined in the DISD
Student Code of Conduct.
5. Stealing
6. Conduct that causes injury or harm to persons or property
7. Using profanity, vulgar language or obscene gestures
8. Fighting
9. Any conduct resulting in arrest and or citations (other than traffic
violations) from Law Enforcement Officers at any time.
10. Inappropriate sexual behavior
11. Inappropriate use of cell phones/internet
PROCEDURES AND DISCIPLINARY ACTION
The directors will review all the facts and circumstances surrounding a particular
violation with the participant. Upon determination of a Band Policy violation, the
following individuals will be notified.
1. The participant's parent(s) or guardian(s)
2. The appropriate school administrator
3. The appropriate school counselor if deemed necessary by the administrator and
director/drum major.
Once it is determined that a participant violated the Band policy, the director shall impose
appropriate disciplinary action. We will strive for consistency in imposing disciplinary
action and will exercise sound professional discretion. Nothing in the Band Policy limits
the authority of a director to impose reasonable sanctions or disciplinary action as stated
below, including extra practice sessions for participants who breach organization conduct
expectations but do not engage in prohibited conduct.
Participants in violation of the Band Policy "Prohibited Conduct" will be subject to:
First Offense:
The first offense will result in a three-week suspension from the Band that the participant
is currently enrolled in. The suspension becomes effective immediately following the
review, notification and confirmation of a violation. Suspension includes travel in a
school vehicle to and from competition. The suspension does not include practice;
however the director may also impose a suspension on practice.
Second Offense:
The second offense will result in a one-year suspension. A participant will have to appeal
to the director to be readmitted to the program.
NONDISCRIMINATION
FB (LEGAL)
No officer or employee of the District shall, when acting or purporting to act in an
official capacity, refuse to permit any student to participate in any school program
because of the student's race, religion, color, sex or national origin.
FNE (LEGAL)
The District shall not discriminate against any student or exclude any student from its
education program or activity, including any class or extracurricular activity, on the basis
of the student's pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or
recovery there from, unless the student requests voluntarily to participate in a separate
portion of the District's program or activity.
PARENT/STUDENT UIL MARCHING BAND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM
No student may be required to attend practice for marching band for more than
eight hours per calendar week (Sunday through Saturday). This provision applies
to students in all components of the marching band.
On performance days (football games, competitions and other public
performances) bands may hold up to one additional hour of warm up and
practice beyond the scheduled warm-up time at the performance site. Multiple
performances on the same day do not allow for additional practice
and/or warm-up time.
Examples of activities subject to the UIL Marching Band Eight-Hour rule:
• Marching band rehearsal (Both full band and components)
• Any marching band group instructional activity
• Breaks
• Announcements
• Debriefing and viewing of marching band videos
• Playing off marching band music
• Marching band sectionals (both director and student led)
• Clinics for the marching band or any of its components
The following are not included in the eight-hour time allotment:
• Travel time to and from rehearsals and/or performances
• Rehearsal set-up time
• Pep-rallies, parades and other public performances
• Instruction and practice for music activities other than marching band and its
components
NOTE: An extensive Q&A for the eight –hour rule for marching band can be
found on the MUSIC PAGE of the UIL WEB SITE at www.uil.utexas.edu .
“We have read and understand the Eight-Hour Rule for Marching Band as stated above and
agree to abide by these regulations.”
Parent Signature ___________________________________ Date __________
Student Signature __________________________________ Date __________
DILLEY HS HANDBOOK
Parent / Student Agreement
Student’s Name_________________________________________________
Grade _________ Instrument __________________
Address_______________________________________________
City _____________________________ TX Zip ___________
Home Phone ____________________ E Mail ________________
Student’s Cell Phone _______________________
Parent / Guardian Name ______________________________ Relation ____________________
Email ______________________
Home Phone ________________
Work Phone _______________
I have read and understood the rules and procedures of the Dilley HS Band. I understand the
contents of this handbook may have sections added, replaced, or deleted as the year progress.
Any changes will be posted in the band hall.
I have read the Dilley Band Code of Conduct and Philosophy and agree to adhere to these rules
as a condition for my voluntary participation in Dilley extracurricular activities. I understand that
failure to abide by these policies will result in disciplinary measures related to my extracurricular
participation.
By signing below I acknowledge that I understand and agree with the extra-curricular policy and
philosophy that has
been adopted by Dilley Independent School District Band Department.
_________________________________________
Student’s Signature
_______________
Date
_________________________________________
Parent’s Signature
_______________
Date
MEDICAL RELEASE/ PERMISSION SLIP FOR BAND DURING THE
2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR.
My child, ____________________________________________________,
has my permission to travel with the Dilley Mighty Grey Wolf Band to
Football games, Contests, Parades and Field Trips during the 2014-2015
school year. I give Terri Robertson and Jordan Vaught my permission to
seek any medical attention necessary for my child in case of an emergency.
My emergency phone number is
_________________________________________.
My Child’s cell phone number is
________________________________________.
My child is allergic to
_________________________________________________.
My child is taking the following medications
_______________________________
_____________________________________________________________
______.
Insurance Company
___________________________________________________
Insurance Policy Number
_______________________________________________
Signed ______________________________________________________
Relationship to student _________________________________________
Date _____________________________________
I would like to chaperone. _____________________