The following guidelines have been developed to foster a sense of dedication and responsibility in each student, qualities that are essential to the success of any band student. Please read, fill out (both front and back), then sign and return the last two pages to your Director.

1. Attendance of all rehearsals and performances is necessary for the success of our band program. Students on academic probation are expected to participate in the band rehearsals and performances.

2. Always be in your seat, instrument out, ready to play ten minutes prior to an extra-curricular rehearsal or performance warm-up time.

5. If you must miss school, be sure to check on any possible missed assignments. Remember, zeroes can make you ineligible!

6. Any Unexcused absence prior to a performance, be it due to illness or any other reason, could result in the loss of your place in the performing band for that particular performance, depending on the closeness of the event.

7. Any avoidable absence from a performance can result in dismissal from the band program. An avoidable absence may be defined as: An absence not excused by the director prior to the event.

1. Grading will be based on playing requirements, attendance at scheduled events, preparedness, conduct, instrument being taken home, and some written work.

2. Make up work is the responsibility of the student.

3. Students will be tested weekly. Most tests will be for chair positions, however, some tests will be "pass offs" (pass or fail).

4. Late assignments will only be accepted for a limited time after the due date and for a significant grade deduction.

5. Students must maintain a passing grade in band for continued enrollment.

Bartlesville Public Schools has a limited number of instruments which are available to students that play: Oboe, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, French Horn, Baritone, and Tuba.

1. When a school instrument is loaned to a student, the parent and student must sign an Instrumental Agreement Form insuring that the instrument is properly cared for and will be returned to the school at the request of the director.

2. Any repair resulting from damages due to irresponsibility, misuse, or neglect will be the responsibility of the student and his/her parent or guardian.

3. Abuse of a school owned instrument will not be tolerated.

All band students will need to purchase a Band T-Shirt to wear for specified events.

1. Students must furnish the following items:

a.) White dress shirt with collar.

2. Whenever in public, wear the whole uniform or none of it. Do not wear ribbons, hair bows, or jewelry with the uniform without prior approval. All accessory items must be pre-approved!

3. We will wear the formal uniform at all concerts and contests.

**If you anticipate having difficulty in acquiring the proper attire, please notify the Band Staff as soon as possible so that something can be worked out.

Before purchasing a new instrument or mouthpiece, always discuss it with your director. There are many instruments on the market and some are better than others. We want to guide you in your selection of a good quality instrument. Do not purchase any new equipment without the option of showing it to your Band Staff before the sale is final.

1. Please notify the Band Staff during the first few weeks of school if you would like to audition for the All-District Honor Band.

2. Because of the difficult of the tryout material, and the limited amount of time to help students auditioning, a preliminary audition may be held to determine if a student possesses the musical ability and has done the necessary preparation to audition for the All-District Band. Please do not ask to audition if you cannot attend after-school extra-help sessions.

3. Notify the Band Staff before the Christmas break if you would like to participate in a solo or ensemble for contest. The Band Staff will pick or approve all solo/ensemble music. All solos will be memorized.

4. In mid January, after the students have worked on their solo/ensemble with help from the Band Staff, they will perform for a director with music. Only those who have done some preparation will be allowed to enter their solo or ensemble at contest.

3. If you ever have a question regarding eligibility or need help contacting another teacher, please do not hesitate to contact us.

1. Be in your seat with you instrument out when the bell rings.

2. If you are well enough to be at school, you are well enough to at least follow the music and finger along on your instrument. Do not use illness or orthodontia as an excuse to leave your instrument at home.

5. Only play your instrument in appropriate areas.

6. Do not use band as an excuse to get behind in your class work. Remember, bad grades can make you ineligible.

9. If you must take your instrument to the shop, keep all mouthpieces, reeds, music, etc. and bring them to school with you. We may have an instrument at school you can use while your instrument is being repaired.

10. Band is a Full-Year Course. All students are expected to enroll in and complete both semesters for the school year. Only in the case on an extreme emergency approved by the Band Staff will a schedule change be authorized.

11. These policies are general in nature. Use your own good common sense to govern you behavior. Remember, you represent our band and our school.

1. The Bartlesville Band and Orchestra Boosters is a volunteer organization make up of band and orchestra parents and interested citizens. The purpose of the organization is to offer encouragement and monetary support to the band programs offered within the Bartlesville Public School system. In addition to these activities, members also assist those bands who make trips to contest and festivals by providing transportation and chaperones. Currently, meetings are held the second Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Mid-High Band Room. The organization is open to ALL parents, not just H.S. parents. All Parents are encouraged to take part in this organization. If you have any questions, feel free to call.

We try not to spend a significant amount of time fundraising; especially in the M.S. Band program. Unless we have a very large trip coming up, we normally only participate in one fundraiser during the school year. For this reason, we ask that every student participate or secure donations for the program. If your family does not participate in fundraising, please notify the Band Staff when the fundraiser in introduced to the students and please consider donating to the Band.

A Middle School Band Calendar is attached to this handbook and will be passed out the first day of school. Please be sure to post this very important information in a prominent location. Please check the School Calendars often for any changes or additions. Remember all performances are required unless otherwise noted.

Your child should be bringing their instrument home and practicing every night. Even as little as 30 minutes a day is helpful as long as it is serious concentrated practice. If this is not happening, there is a good chance you student will fall behind and his/her band grad will start to suffer. Please feel free to contact the band office by phone or e-mail anytime to check your child’s progress, or to make us aware of any difficulties or frustrations your child may be experiencing.