Mighty Tomcat Band

***The 2008-2009 Band Handbook is on-line. Please read and review BEFORE signing and returning the Permission & Emergency Release form found at the end of this handbook. We must have a Permission & Emergency Release form on file for every student.

A yearly band calendar is enclosed for use in planning your family schedule for the 2008-2009 school year. Each band student is important to the success of our many activities. We must be able to count on 100% attendance at all rehearsals and performances. If a family emergency occurs unexpectedly, PARENTS, please call the band hall at 903-546-6319 ext. 329. Occasionally, there may be family commitments (weddings, graduations, etc.) in which case, we will try to be flexible and work with you on an individual basis. This must be discussed in detail and well in advance of the conflicting date (i.e. a month or more). Student job commitments are NOT reasons for an excused absence from band performances or rehearsals. Many band students work and participate successfully in band. We suggest that these students take a copy of the yearly band calendar to his/her employer and clear all band performances and rehearsals. Most employers are very understanding and are flexible if they know of band commitments well in advance and if they are educated to the fact that band performances are a required and vital part of the course work.

In band rehearsals, we not only deal with a creative process and a great deal more students at one time than other classrooms, but time constraints as well. 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 musical instrument during a rehearsal it hurts the group as well as the individual. It is important that the student’s musical instrument is in good working condition, that he/she have a pencil to mark their music, and that he/she have important accessories such as drill charts, music, reeds, and valve oil for EVERY rehearsal. It is also obvious that the creative process we are involved in cannot take place unless there is a quiet, attentive atmosphere in the classroom. Students who do not live up to the high rehearsal expectations of the Mighty Tomcat Band will be counseled, and if necessary, removed from the band program completely.

Any student whose recorded six weeks grade average in any course is lower than 70 at the end of a six-week period shall be suspended from participation during the next six-week period. However, a student may regain eligibility after the three-week evaluation period if the student is passing all courses on the last day of the three-week period, not just the courses that were failed at the end of the six weeks period. A one-week grace period follows each grading and progress period. The TBISD Band Staff will enforce all eligibility rules and regulations. Students who are ineligible will continue to rehearse during their band class, before and after school, and participate in all co-curricular performances to earn their band grade. Ineligible students may not travel with the band or participate in extra-curricular performances. Examples of co-curricular performances are spring or winter concerts and pep rallies. Examples of extra-curricular performances are halftime shows or any type of contest. The band staff works hard to assist and encourage band students to perform up to their potential in ALL classes. Since both Marching Band and Concert Band are group activities, each individual band student plays an important part in the success of the group. The band staff consults with both teachers and students regarding strategies for improving individual student performance. Obviously, we cannot be successful as a band unless our students are successfully passing ALL classes.

Grading in band is based upon participation and playing evaluations. Band students receive a grade for each performance attended (i.e. football games, concerts, competitions, etc…). Students will receive additional grades based on daily participation, sectionals, and playing tests. Students must have equipment in good working order and be present at all required rehearsals and performances for their participation grade. If these expectations are not met, the participation grade will be affected.

Students are welcome to use the band hall practice rooms for practice either before or after school. However, the number of available places is limited since sectionals will be taking place after school. Due to the many thousands of dollars worth of musical instruments that are in the band hall, we do ask that ONLY band students come into the band hall during the school day. Anyone not in band is subject to removal from the band hall before or after school. We stress to all band students to be responsible and keep their equipment PROPERLY STORED in the instrument room at all times. If instruments are left out or not properly stored away they may be confiscated and a “storage fee” will be assessed to retrieve the instrument. The “Storage fee” is a choice between the student paying a dollar or being assigned a clean-up duty to help develop better housekeeping habits.

Tom Bean ISD provides school musical instruments in the low woodwind, low brass, French horn, and percussion sections. These instruments are quite costly (example: concert Tuba - $6,000) and are not normally owned by individuals. Any damage sustained during the year is the responsibility of the band student who has signed for the instrument. We expect the instrument to be returned in the same condition as when issued. Dings, dents, and other damage will be repaired at the student’s expense. Instrument check-out sheets will be filled out the first day of band.

It is a privilege to wear the Mighty Tomcat Band uniform. Make sure you have all parts of the uniform at each performance. KEEP YOUR UNIFORM CLEAN! If your uniform does not meet the high standard required in the Mighty Tomcat Band, you are subject to being removed from a performance or not traveling with the band. This uniform is a symbol of pride and will be worn accordingly. You must wear all of the uniform (minus the hat) or none of the uniform! You are required to wear the current year’s show shirt under your uniform which will give you the option to remove the uniform at appropriate times. If a band member is seen wearing the uniform incorrectly at any time, privileges will be lost immediately and more severe punishment may be considered. Band uniforms are to be properly hung up and returned to the uniform room after each use. Uniforms are NEVER to leave with you or be left anywhere except the uniform room.

All band students are required to purchase the current year’s Mighty Tomcat Band show shirt at the beginning of each summer band camp. These shirts are worn underneath the uniform during performances, on trips, and sometimes on game day. This year we will also be requiring the purchase of a Mighty Tomcat Band polo shirt. The polo shirt will be worn on occasions when the uniform is not necessary or required, or when the show shirt would be too informal. A price sheet for both the show shirt and the polo shirt will be handed out on the first day of band camp.

Band letter jackets will be awarded to students based on a points system. Students will be required to earn 35 points before receiving a letter jacket. It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of his/her individual point total and notify the band director when the required amount is attained. At that time the band director will verify the point total with the student. Letter jackets will be ordered at the beginning of each semester. Points are awarded as follows:

The Mighty Tomcat Band travels to all off-campus performances as a group using transportation provided by the district. Under special circumstances students are allowed to leave from the performance WITH THEIR PARENT/GUARDIAN as long as the parent signs out the student and the band director physically sees the parent take the student. Any other types of releases from a performance must be cleared in advance through the band director and the principal and are subject to the exact same departure procedure. Football games are fun, and we are there to support the team. However, we must remain a class act at all times. Band members can stand up and YELL and SCREAM in support of the team throughout the game, but should always remain in their “spot”. It is important to remain alert concerning all of the expensive equipment around us as well as the need to be ready to play at a moment’s notice. Only band students are allowed in the band section!

Bi-annual band trips and any non-contest trips are funded completely by band members, either through private sources (student jobs, parents, etc.) or through student fund-raising. Individual student quotas for festival trips are set up and administered through the band boosters. Profits from fund-raising activities or other deposits to trip funds are maintained/supervised by the director and booster club treasurer. Specific payment schedules are set up for spring trips. Students are subject to being dropped from the spring festival trip if published payment schedules are not followed. During the year, if any specific information is needed concerning individual account balances, etc., contact the band director. If a band student drops from the band program, moves, or is removed from the band program, all fundraising monies in his/her individual quota revert to the general account, BECAUSE THE MONEY WAS RAISED IN THE NAME OF THE BAND. Students are allowed to fund raise up to $150 above the cost of the up-coming trip to be used as spending money on the trip. Any money over the $150 will go into the general booster fund.

Students who represent Tom Bean ISD on out-of-town trips are expected to maintain very high standards in every aspect, at all times. They are expected to attend and be on time for all sessions and activities scheduled for them. In the event of overnight trips, they are expected to be in their rooms at the time designated by their sponsors or directors. Each student will be responsible to one or more parent sponsor who will supervise the activities of the student for the trip. Negligence in attending sessions, in meeting curfew requirements, or in failing to maintain our standards of conduct may make it necessary for the director to send the student home at his/her own expense. Students who are involved in a serious disciplinary offense on a school-related trip, such as the use or possession of illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, stealing, fighting, going in the room of a member of the opposite sex, or some other serious offense will face disciplinary action which may include one or more of the following:

3. The student may be placed in In-School-Suspension (ISS) or Alternative Education Placement.

Students’ attire during school activities outside the school day should be in good taste and in accordance with TBISD dress code. If there is any question of taste, the director’s decision is final. All adults on trips serve as sponsors, and students will be expected to treat them with respect at all times.

Even though you will not always have a band shirt on, people will find out where you are from. You have the opportunity to make a tremendous name for Tom Bean, the Mighty Tomcat Band, and for yourself. Be courteous and polite at all times. There is no way we can anticipate every possible scenario, so we ask for good judgment. Please use common sense. If there is any question in your mind as to whether you should do something or not…DON’T DO IT! It is better to be safe than sorry.

The Mighty Tomcat Band travels out-of-state every other year. The purpose of these trips is always centered around a performance or festival. However, students gaining life experience that would not be achieved in Tom Bean or in Texas is an important part of these trips. Also the trips serve as a bonding and growth experience where students learn to get along outside of the normal school experience. Attendance for these trips is not required but is strongly recommended due to the nature of the team-building experience. On years where a trip will be taking place, a meeting for both parents and students will be held to further discuss expected behavior, travel rules, and details of the trip.

We are extremely fortunate in the Mighty Tomcat Band to have outstanding student leaders. These students are invaluable to the success of the band program. The band staff selects a Drum Major and Band Officers for the following school year. These appointments are subjective and based on a holistic evaluation of a student from every aspect of their band experience including, but not limited to: playing ability, attendance/promptness, citizenship, academic achievement, discipline, initiative, and leadership skills/potential as it relates to the band environment. While all students have an opportunity to be considered for one of these appointed leadership positions, it should be understood that only a limited number of positions can be filled and will vary from year to year. As a member of the Mighty Tomcat Band there is an expectation for ALL students to foster and develop positive leadership skills regardless of title. Interested students may receive more detailed information concerning these offices from the band staff. Band Officers act in a service role coordinating and assisting in all band functions. Officers also provide leadership in spirit activities and work to develop friendly relationships between the Mighty Tomcat Band and bands from other schools.

BAND Officers for 2008-2009:

President – Alex Higgins

Vice President – Alex Chastain

Librarian – Parker Ellis

Uniform Managers – Nick Ellis

Equipment Manager – Phillip Peterman

Drumline Captain – Jordan Wilbanks

Colorguard Captain – Delaney Allison

DRUM MAJOR for 2008-2009:

Bridgette Presson

The Mighty Tomcat Band has a very active, supportive parent organization known as the Tom Bean Band Booster Club (TBBBC). The booster club includes parents from all bands, both high school and middle school. Without the hard work and dedication of the parents, the band program at Tom Bean could not be as successful and productive as it is. General meetings of the boosters are held throughout the school year on the fourth Monday of every month; however, there are numerous opportunities for interested parents to help out. For information regarding membership, please contact the band director or one of the booster club officers.

President Eddie Chastain 903-546-4812

Vice-President C.J. Higgins 903-546-9950

Secretary Debbie Jones 903-546-6319

Treasurer Tammy Phillips 903-771-9461

P.R./Historian Erica Ball