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CROWNOVER
MIDDLE SCHOOL
BAN D
HANDBOOK
2015-2016
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Table of Contents
Welcome to the 2015-2016 Crownover Band………………………………………………………….…….3
Crownover Band Goals……………………………………………………………………………....………3
Crownover Band Ensembles………………………………………………………………………….……...3
Band Fee……………………………………………………………………………………………………...6
Required Band Books…………………………………………………………………………………..…….6
School Owned Instruments……………………………………………………………………………….......6
Fee Waiver Students……………………………………………………………………………………….....7
Band Hall Procedures………………………………………………………………………………………...7
Grading Policies/Procedures…………………………………………………………………..……………...9
Eligibility………………………………………………………………………………………..………..…..9
Equipment and Materials………...……....……………………………………………………………...…..10
Student Supplies…………………………..…..………………………………………………………..…...10
Band Officer Qualifications/Responsibilities…………………………………………………………….....10
Fundraisers………………………………………………………………………………..…………………11
Private Lessons…………………………………………………………………………………………..….11
Facebook and Twitter……………………………………………………………………………………….11
Reminders…………………………………………………………………………………………………...11
Crownover Middle School Band Agreement……………………………………………………………….12
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Welcome to the 2015-2016 Crownover Band
Congratulations on being a member of the Crownover Cowboy Band. The band program will provide
participating students with an enriching, creative, educational, and rewarding experience. This handbook
has been prepared for Crownover Cowboy Band students and their parents to inform you of our band’s
goals, objectives, and policies. The reason for these policies is to continue to build a band program of the
highest quality and to give every band student the best instruction possible. All students and parents are
expected to read the entire handbook carefully to avoid conflicts with the procedures and rules stated
within. We are extremely fortunate to have school board members, administration, faculty, and especially
parents who are committed and dedicated to creating and maintaining a band program of the highest
quality! If you have any questions or concerns throughout this year, please do not hesitate to contact us by
either email or telephone or look at our website, http://www.dentonisd.org/rcmsband
Christin Bunch
Alex Pettigrew
940-369-4722
940-369-4794
[email protected]
[email protected]
Director of Bands
Associate Director of Bands
Crownover Band Goals
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To instill an individual desire to succeed
To promote cooperation and teamwork
To promote respect for one another
To express the aesthetic value of music through performance skills and theory comprehension
To academically fulfill the state and district requirements for fine arts in the school curriculum
Cowboy Band Ensembles
Beginning Band
The beginning band classes are comprised primarily of sixth graders and very few seventh graders. In the
beginning band classes, students will learn from basic to more advanced skills of how to play their
individual instrument. Beginning band students are required to participate in all scheduled performances,
all before and after school rehearsals, and a band festival in the spring. Performances are REQUIRED
and are not optional since band is a performance based class.
Beginner Band Objectives
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Demonstrate correct posture while playing an instrument
Demonstrate correct embouchure while playing a wind instrument
Demonstrate correct hand and stick position while playing a percussion instrument
Be able to produce a characteristic tone on your instrument
To understand and demonstrate various articulation markings; slurring and tonguing
Clap and count various rhythms that include whole, half, quarter, dotted quarter, eighth notes, and
sixteenth notes
Play nine major scales and arpeggios at least one octave and the chromatic scale
Develop technical motor skills such as tapping your toe to the beat and clapping rhythms at
different tempos
Develop listening skills including intonation: the ability to play in the center of the pitch – not
sharp or flat
Demonstrate correct knowledge of musical terms
Develop listening skills within small and large ensembles of alike and different instruments
To develop socially through large-group interaction
To develop personal and social self-discipline
Beginner Band Performance Expectations/Requirements
(These items are graded)
 Winter and Spring Concerts
 One to two After School Rehearsals before each performance
 Participation in Solo & Ensemble Contest
 Practice Record of 15-30+ minutes daily
 Have all materials daily: instrument, band binder with music book, sheet music, handouts, and a
pencil
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Beginner Band Performance Dress
Band Shirt and School appropriate Blue Jeans
Concert Band
This ensemble is comprised of seventh and eighth graders in our band program. The standards are high for
this group and they play music that is challenging. Concert Band students are required to participate in all
before and after school sectionals, all before and after school rehearsals, and all scheduled performances
and festivals. Performances are REQUIRED and are not optional since band is a performance based
class.
Concert Band Objectives
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Demonstrate ability to clap, count, and play sixteenth notes, triplets, and dotted eighth sixteenth
note rhythms
To further develop listening skills including intonation
To comprehend musical phrasing
Learn the art of following a conductor in a large ensemble
Demonstrate ability to play in different musical styles
To demonstrate knowledge of nine major scales along with the chromatic scale corresponding
with All-Region requirements.
To learn performance procedures including stage presence and perform before a live audience
To understand the consequences of individual actions at a group level
Concert Band Performance Expectations/Requirements:
(These items are graded)
 Winter/Spring Concerts (parent transportation to and from)
 Festival/Clinics/After School Rehearsals and Concerts
 Practice Record of 15-30+ minutes daily
 Have all materials daily!
 Participation in Solo & Ensemble Contest
Symphonic Band
This group is comprised of the most advanced seventh and eighth graders in the Crownover Band program.
The standards are high for this group and they play music that is technically and musically challenging.
Symphonic Band students are required to participate in all before/after school sectionals and all before or
after school rehearsals. Performances are REQUIRED and are not optional since band is a
performance based class.
Symphonic Band Objectives
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Demonstrate ability to clap, count, and play sixteenth notes, triplets, and dotted eighth sixteenth
note rhythms
To further develop listening skills including intonation: the ability to play in the center of the pitch
– not sharp or flat
Learn the art of following a conductor in a large ensemble
To comprehend musical phrasing
Demonstrate ability to play in different musical styles
To demonstrate knowledge of nine major scales along with the chromatic scale corresponding
with All-Region requirements
To learn performance procedures including stage presence
To understand the consequences of individual actions at a group level
Symphonic Band Performance Expectations/Requirements:
(These items are graded)
 Pep Rallies (during school day)
 One to two MS Football Games (parent transportation to and from)
 Winter/Spring Concerts (parent transportation to and from)
 1 Festival (UIL/ or other local festival – school transportation)
 Festival/UIL Clinics/After School Rehearsals and Concerts
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UIL (during school day – school transportation)
Practice of 20-40+ minutes daily
Have all materials daily!
45 minute sectional once a week (scheduled around most school conflicts)
Participation in Solo & Ensemble
Participation in All-District tryouts if director feels you are prepared
Participation in All-Region tryouts if director feels you are prepared (school transportation
to all region)
Wind Ensemble
This group is comprised of the most advanced seventh and eighth graders in the Crownover Band program.
The standards are very high for this group and they play music that is technically and musically
challenging. Wind Ensemble members are required to participate in all before/after school sectionals and
all before or after school rehearsals. Performances are REQUIRED and are not optional since band is
a performance based class.
Wind Ensemble Objectives
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Demonstrate ability to clap, count, and play sixteenth notes, triplets, and dotted eighth sixteenth
note rhythms
To further develop listening skills including intonation: the ability to play in the center of the pitch
– not sharp or flat
Learn the art of following a conductor in a large ensemble
To comprehend musical phrasing
Demonstrate ability to play in different musical styles
To demonstrate knowledge of nine major scales along with the chromatic scale corresponding
with All-Region requirements
To learn performance procedures including stage presence
To understand the consequences of individual actions at a group level
Wind Ensemble Performance Expectations/Requirements:
(These items are graded)
 Pep Rallies (during school day)
 One to two MS Football Games (parent transportation to and from)
 Winter/Spring Concerts (parent transportation to and from)
 1 Festival (UIL/ or other local festival – school transportation)
 Festival/UIL Clinics/After School Rehearsals and Concerts
 Recording Sessions during the spring semester
 UIL (during school day – school transportation)
 Practice of 20-40+ minutes daily
 Have all materials daily!
 45 minute sectional once a week (scheduled around most school conflicts)
 Participation in Solo & Ensemble Contest
 Participation in All-District tryouts
 Participation in All-Region tryouts (school transportation to all region)
 Private lessons with an approved DISD private lesson instructor
Concert, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble Performance Dress
Pep Rallies and Football Games
Blue Jeans, Band Shirt
All other performances unless otherwise noted – Students will provide
Classic “Concert Black” – This means all black dress clothing. Solid black shirt with no embellishments.
See below for more specific info for girls and boys.
Girls – All black: blouse, (no sleeveless shirts) dress pants or long skirt (must cover the knees when
seated), black socks or hose, and low-heel solid black dress shoes.
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Boys – All black: collared long sleeve button down dress shirt, dress pants, black belt, black dress socks
(must cover the ankles), and solid black dress shoes.
Jazz Band
This ensemble is for seventh and eighth graders interested in playing in the group. They perform music
from the big band, Be-Bop, swing, and rock eras.
Jazz Band Performance Expectations/Requirements
Jazz Band meets during advisory period every day. Students are required to participate in all rehearsals.
You will receive a grade based on participation. All performances are REQUIRED!
Performance Dress for Jazz Band
Concerts/festivals
Blue Jeans and Jazz Band Shirt for most performances; Classic “Concert Black” for formal performances.
The jazz shirt is $15. Payment is due October 1st. Make checks out to CROWNOVER BAND.
Full Orchestra
This ensemble is for seventh and eighth graders interested in playing in the group. They perform music for
full orchestra and perform at concerts and festivals.
Full Orchestra Performance Expectations/Requirements
Full Orchestra meets during advisory period at least one day a week. Students are required to participate in
all rehearsals. You will receive a grade based on participation. All performances are REQUIRED!
Performance Dress for Full Orchestra
Concerts/festivals
Classic “Concert Black”
Band Fee
ALL students are required to pay a band fee even if you qualify for the fee waiver program. Students in 7th
and 8th grade will pay a $75 band fee and students in 6th grade will pay a $60 band fee. Please make checks
payable to CROWNOVER BAND. This fee covers: band shirt (not including jazz), band binder, music,
handouts, entries for all district, all region, master classes, clinicians, solo and ensemble contest entry fee
and piano accompanist fee, social events, entry fees for Sandy Lake, UIL, other contests and festivals, and
food for contests and festivals. Until this fee is paid, no student will be allowed to receive their band shirt
or participate in the activities covered by this cost. This fee does not take the place of fundraising nor does
it cover instrument usage fees. Band Fee is due October 1st.
Required Band Books
All Beginner Band Students
Essential Elements 2000 Books 1 & 2
Beginner Band Percussionists
Books provided by percussion instructor
Wind Ensemble, Symphonic, and Concert Band
Foundations for Superior Performance
Essential Elements Book 2
Band books may be purchased at:
Penders Music in Denton located at the corner of Elm and Stroud St. 940-382-7124
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Music and Arts Centers in Lewisville located at 500 E. FM 3040, Suite 121 972-315-8400
***Your books must be purchased and brought to class by the end of the 1 st week of school.***
Flip Folders & Lyres
All Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band members must purchase a flip folder that is used at pep rallies
and football games. Lyres should be purchased if you play clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, horn, or
trombone. Frequent supply checks will be made in class. If a student does not have all their materials when
a check is done, they may be moved down to last chair, points will be marked off their daily participation
grade, a detention may be given, and/or parents or guardians may be contacted.
School Owned Instruments
There is a maintenance fee charged to all school owned instruments. These funds are used to do any upkeep on the instruments as needed (cleanings, repairs due to normal wear and tear, etc.). Any repairs due to
students mishandling or neglecting the instrument will be charged extra to the student (dents, stuck valves
due to irregular oiling, valve mechanism damaged due to mishandling, foreign objects found in the
instrument, etc.) The percussion fee covers specialty mallets students are not required to purchase such as
bass drum beaters, gong beaters, triangle beaters, chime mallets, etc., as well as drum heads and
maintenance on percussion instruments.
Maintenance Fee for the entire year is due October 1st.
Please make checks payable to CROWNOVER BAND.
Brass and Woodwind Students
$100.00 for the year
Percussion Students
$50.00 for the year
***Because of our increasing numbers in the band program, every school owned instrument will be used.
Any student using a school owned instrument will be held to a high standard of practicing and
performance. If continual progress is not being made, students on school owned instruments will lose the
privilege of using the school instrument. To continue in the band program an instrument will need to be
rented or purchased from a local music vendor.***
Fee Waiver Students
This program is for band students who are on the free/reduced lunch program and may qualify to use an
instrument free of charge. You must apply for free/reduced lunch online through the DISD website each
year. Students will not be considered for the fee waiver program until they provide proof of free/reduced
lunch. You must fill out the fee waiver instrument form (provided to you by the band directors) and attach
your notice of approval for free and reduced lunch meals form. We must receive both forms to be
considered for the fee waiver program. Both forms are due Friday, August 28th. Students must maintain
good behavior in band class, practice the required minutes, turn in the weekly practice record for 6 th grade
students, and keep the instrument in good condition. If the instrument is damaged due to neglect or
carelessness, you will lose the privilege of using the instrument for the rest of the year and your schedule
will be changed to another class. We have a very limited number of fee waiver instruments available and
not all free/reduced lunch students may get a fee waiver instrument. Students who qualify for free lunch
will pay a $25 fee to use a school owned fee waiver instrument. Students who qualify for reduced lunch
will pay a $50 fee to use a school owned fee waiver instrument. Percussion students who qualify for free
lunch will pay a $25 percussion fee. These fees are in addition to the band fee that all students must pay.
Fee waiver instrument maintenance fees are due October 1st.
Band Hall Procedures
Before School Procedures
Every morning when you arrive at school, enter through the back doors with your band pass and put your
instrument in your band locker and then go outside and wait for the bell to ring. If a sectional is going on,
enter quietly and do not disturb the sectional. If you decide to stay in the band hall in the morning you
must be practicing in a practice room. If the rooms are full, you must go wait outside in your waiting area.
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No more than the allowed number of students per practice room at a time. Practice rooms are first come
first serve.
After School Procedures
You must take your instrument home every day. You are expected to practice a minimum of 20 - 30
minutes, five days a week. Do not hang around the building after school. The only band students allowed
to be in the band hall after school are those who have sectionals or private lessons.
Daily Classroom Procedures and Expectations
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Enter the band hall quietly (no running, yelling, or horseplay).
Put your personal belongings under your chair and out of the way.
Go to your band locker, put your instrument together, and take your seat.
Large instrument cases need to be left in your band locker.
There will be no playing on your instrument before class begins.
The director will warm up the group together.
Raise your hand if you have a question.
Listen attentively to the director.
Listening (not talking) = Learning
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Treat your band directors with respect.
Treat your fellow band classmates with respect.
Raise your hand if you have something to say.
Listen carefully to all directions.
Try your best.
Please Do Not…
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Bring food, drinks, candy, or gum into the band hall. Food & drink in the room will NOT be
tolerated! Detentions will be assigned.
Touch equipment or instruments that are not yours. Only percussionists can touch the percussion
equipment!
Run in the band hall.
Use foul language. Inappropriate language is unacceptable!
Talk during class without permission.
Enter the director’s offices or music library without permission.
Tardies
All students are expected to be on time to every class. We will give you one minute after the bell rings to be
in your chair with all supplies out and your instrument put together in ready position. If this is not done in
the time given you will be counted tardy. 3 Tardies = Detention
Tardy Consequences:
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Verbal warning
Teacher Detention on your 4th tardy and parent’s contacted
Excessive tardiness will lead to an office referral or removal from the band program
Crownover Band Consequences
The directors do not expect to have many behavior problems with students. If problems arise they will be
dealt with immediately. Be respectful to the directors and your peers and there will not be any problems.
The only reason we have band “rules” is to have the most successful band we can. Remember, we have
many students and often are very busy.
The following consequences may or may not be used in this order.
 Verbal or Non-verbal warning
 Classroom isolation
 Move to last chair
 Not allowed to participate with the rest of the class
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 Discipline writing assignment
 Detention
 Call to parents
 Office referral to principal
 Parent/Teacher/Principal conference
 Removed from the band program
If a student is in ISS, Suspended, or in AEP for any reason (academics, disciplinary, dress code, etc.)
during the school year the student will not be allowed to participate in any reward parties or field trips
such as Chuck E. Cheese, Contests, Six Flags, or the End of Year Band Party.
Grading Policies/Procedures
Attendance
Students are expected to participate in band rehearsals and activities that are scheduled outside of the
school day. We understand that absences for personal illness and other extenuating circumstances are
sometimes unavoidable. All absences must be approved in advance by the director. Advanced notice
should be given at least three school days for morning or afternoon rehearsals and two weeks for
performances. Unexcused absences from a rehearsal or performance will result in a zero for that particular
event, and therefore failing the marking period. Please make every effort not to schedule doctor’s
appointments, etc. during sectionals, rehearsals, and performances. Remember – each person is an
important part of the band program and cannot be replaced. Communication of attendance conflicts is an
important skill for students to develop. Development of this skill requires the continued assistance of the
parents/guardians and the directors. Please remember that it is always a good idea to have a written and
verbal communication plan. The main office does not tell the directors the details of a student’s
absence or if it will be prolonged. Please call the band hall at 369-4722 or email a director to notify
the directors of all absences.
Major Summative (60%)
Concerts, Contests, and Festivals
Written and Performance End of Unit Tests
Objective Sheets
Minor Summative (40%)
All classroom assessment criteria, included but not limited to:
Music Theory (5 minute Theory)
Fundamentals
Weekly Playing Quizzes
Technique/Counting Exercises
Scales
Sectional Performance
Sectional Playing Quizzes
After School Rehearsal Performance
Eligibility
Band activities are divided into two categories: 1) Co-Curricular 2) Extra-Curricular.
1) Co-Curricular activities are not subject to the “no- pass, no-play” rule. They are treated as class
requirements. Attendance is mandatory, regardless of the students’ grades in other classes. Examples of
co-curricular activities: Winter/Spring Concerts, Pep Rallies, after school rehearsals, clinics, sectionals, etc.
2) Extra-curricular activities are subject to the “no-pass, no-play” rule. Examples are: Football Games,
Festivals, UIL, Six Flags and other “reward” field trips. To participate in one of these activities the student
needs to pass all classes. A student is ineligible to participate in extra-curricular activities for the 9 weeks
period immediately following a grade of 69 or below in any subject. However, if after the progress report
comes out, that student is passing all of their classes, they become eligible at the end of the following week.
Students have a responsibility to pass their classes to be eligible for extra-curricular band activities. It has
been our experience that the most common reason for failing a class has been not turning in homework.
Attendance is mandatory for any performance pending eligibility. If a student is ineligible for more than
two nine week periods, the student will be subject to removal from the band program.
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Equipment And Materials
Instrument Lockers
Each student will be assigned an instrument locker to keep their band materials in during the school day.
Please keep lockers locked and clean. No instrument should be left in the band hall overnight or on
weekends/holidays. This is a security measure for the safety of the instrument as well as the home practice
requirements. Students should not tamper with other student’s locks. If a student loses a lock they must
pay $5.00 to replace the lock.
Music and Binders
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Please take care of your music and band binder.
Put your name on your binder and all of your music
Additional copies of music if lost will cost $1.00 per page
All markings on your music should be done in pencil. No pens.
Band Hall and Practice Rooms
These are your facilities and they should reflect your attitude towards the band program.
 Show respect to each other by keeping all these areas neat and clean.
 Absolutely no food, soft drinks, or gum will be allowed in any practice room or the band hall.
Water only is allowed.
 Since there are so many people in and out of the band hall each day, we need your help to ensure
that it stays clean and that these rules are followed.
 Some of the practice rooms will be available for before and after school practice.
 Students are encouraged to take advantage of the practice rooms to fulfill their practice
requirements.
 No more than the allowed number of students per practice room at one time.
 Practice rooms are for practicing, not socializing or doing homework.
Director’s Office
The office is the director’s work area. Please do not come into the office without director consent. The
telephone is for office use. Students will only be allowed to use the phone in cases of emergencies with the
director’s permission. There is a phone located in the main office for student use.
Chairs/Stands
The chairs are for sitting only. Please keep all four legs on the floor. The band hall and large ensemble
room chairs are set up for the largest class. Please do not remove chairs from the rows. Music stands are
for holding music only. They are expensive to replace and can be broken easily by leaning or doing
homework on them. Please help keep these for a long time by taking care of them now.
Required Daily Band Materials
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Instrument
Pencil
Band Binder issued to you
Music
Band book(s)
Any handouts and/or notes given to you in class
Student Supplies
All students are expected to provide the appropriate supplies for their instrument. Supplies may be
purchased from one of the band directors or at any music store.
Flute
Cleaning/tuning rod, soft cloth/swab, metronome/ tuner
Reed Instruments
Minimum of 5 good playable reeds, reed guard (case), cork grease, a swab for cleaning, metronome/ tuner
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Brass Instruments
Soft cloth for grease and oil, valve oil, slide grease, a cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush, a water spray
bottle for trombones, metronome/ tuner
Percussion
Each percussion student will be provided with a list of recommended mallets and sticks the first day of
school to be purchased each year and continuing through high school. Percussionists will also need a
metronome.
Band Officers
Band officers are an important part of the Band Program. All officers will be chosen by the directors.
All positions are based on:
 Regular attendance in class, sectionals, and performances
 Dedication to the band program (knowing individual parts)
 Behavior in all classes and during performances
 Students who discontinue showing the following traits will be removed from their position.
 Positions include President, Vice President, Treasurer, Percussion Captain, and up to 6 additional
helping officers
Fundraisers
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All students need to fundraise a minimum of $50.00.
The $50.00 will help cover our large band expenses
If you would rather your child did not participate in the fundraiser, you may instead write a check
or send cash in the amount of $50.00 to cover your child’s portion of these band expenses.
Please make checks payable to CROWNOVER BAND.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are extremely beneficial for your child. Besides individual daily practice, lessons are the
most beneficial thing for your band student. Lessons are once a week for thirty minutes. All private lesson
teachers hired by any Denton school have been through an interview and approval process. The teachers are
high quality, professional musicians that teach around Denton and the Metroplex. Private lessons are
available to all band students. This type of one on one instruction will be extremely beneficial for your
student. The lesson teacher will be able to customize the time with each student to meet that student’s
needs, whether they are beginner or advanced. This opportunity is similar to learning to play basketball
from Michael Jordan. These private teachers are the “Michael Jordan’s” of their instrument. Lesson times
are available before school, after school, and during the student’s band class. Students will receive one 30
minute lesson per week. Lessons are required for all double reed students (oboe, bassoon). Lessons are not
required for other instruments, but are highly recommended to get your student ahead and performing at the
top of the class. They will make a tremendous difference in the success of each student and the entire band
program. Our goal this year is to have 75% of our overall band program in private lessons. Our goal for
Wind Ensemble is 100%.
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REMINDERS
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Both fee waiver forms for students that qualify for free/reduced lunch DUE Friday, August 28th
CHARMS form DUE Friday, August 28th (info on separate handout)
Private lessons form DUE Friday, August 28th (info on separate handout)
Handbook agreement form DUE Friday, August 28th
Band Officer Applications DUE Friday, August 28th
All Fees DUE Friday, October 1st
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Please print, sign, and return this page only no later than
Friday, August 28th
CROWNOVER MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND
AGREEMENT
I have read and understand the Crownover Middle School Band Handbook. Every day I
will strive to do my best to have a good attitude and follow all the band expectations put in
place by my directors. I will communicate regularly with my parents/guardians about band
events. I understand that a good attitude is my decision and mine alone.
Printed Student Name______________________________________
Student Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ______________
I have read and understand the policies and expectations for the Crownover Middle School
Band.
Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________________ Date: ______________
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As your band directors we are committed to lead by example and we will strive to be the best
teachers we can be on a daily basis at Crownover Middle School. Every day we will do our
best to treat each student with respect, dignity, and fairness.
Christin Bunch
Director of Bands
Alex Pettigrew
Associate Director of Bands
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