Ford Middle School Band

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2023-2024

PARTICIPATION EXPECTATIONS

FMS Band is a graded academic course.
FMS Band students participate in both curricular (not requiring academic eligibility) and extra-curricular (requiring academic eligibility) activities.
Participation in all scheduled events is required (Calendar of Events attached).
Conflicts between school-related activities will be worked out between faculty members or administration (please communicate school-related conflicts well in advance).
FMS Band events carry precedence over non-school related activities.
Please communicate conflicts as soon as possible.
Grades associated with Band events due to unexcused absences will not be able to be made up.

REHEARSAL EXPECTATIONS

Prompt attendance of classroom rehearsals and all sectionals as scheduled.

Instrument, required accessories (reeds, valve oil, etc.), music binder and all related materials in working order.
If you have an instrument repair need, that need must be brought to a director’s attention within the setup period of class. Once rehearsal begins, there will be no disturbances allowed.
Professional, respectful and attentive behavior.
Consistent display of correct playing fundamentals.
Display appropriate preparation of musical assignments.
Gum is not allowed during any band class.
Only your instrument, required accessories (reeds, valve oil, etc.), music binder and all related materials are allowed in the band set up during rehearsals.
Backpacks need to stay in or near the student’s band locker.
Cell phones are not allowed to be at your seat or in use at any point during the school day.
Once rehearsal begins, students are expected to stay seated throughout the duration of rehearsal.

GRADING

Student grades are based on the following criteria:
- Daily– 50%

Supplies (instrument/accessories, binder, pencil), punctuality and preparation, objective sheets, in class quick assessments (down the line), practice logs, and other written assignments

Tests – 25%
- Playing tests or written tests. Some tests grades may be pop quizzes
Performance/Sectional Attendance/Participation – 25%
- Attendance of mandatory activities including sectionals, Concert/Contest and Concert Etiquette

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

FMS Band Activities:

Some events are curricular (i.e. Concerts, UIL, etc.)
- Academic eligibility not required
Some events are extra-curricular (i.e. Competitions, etc.)
- Academic eligibility required

Governed by the Texas Education Agency and University Interscholastic League

Complete information and eligibility calendar at:
- http://www.uiltexas.org

COMMUNICATION

Parent to Teacher

E-mail is most effective way to ensure receipt and prompt reply of your correspondence
- andrea.brooks@allenisd.org
- stephen.cookus@allenisd.org
- miles.locke@allenisd.org
Phone contact may be made by calling 972-727-0590
CANVAS

Student to Teacher

Email (See above)
CANVAS

Teacher to Parent/Student

CANVAS
Group correspondence will be made via CHARMS Office Assistant and Skyward Message
Individual correspondence will be made via AISD email or FMS phone

CHARMS OFFICE ASSISTANT

Online database used to house student/family contact information.

FMS Band e-mail announcements utilize addresses housed in this database
Families are responsible for keeping CHARMS contact information updated
Contains an up to date calendar and volunteer needs for events

How to access CHARMS

http://www.charmsoffice.com
- Login: fordmsband
- Password: Initial log-in will be your child’s AISD student ID number, after initial log-in you will be prompted to change your password.
Check and update student address and phone number
Check, add, and update parent addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses
Remember to “Update” each page when changes are made
IMPORTANT – In your email settings, please add charmsemailsender@charmsmusic.com as an approved/spam exempt address.

PRIVATE LESSONS

All FMS Band students are encouraged to take private lessons.
Individual tutoring helps create more student success and enjoyment.
AISD contracts professional musicians who specialize in teaching individual instruments.
One-to-one student to teacher ratio for individualized attention and expertise.
Weekly lessons are $22.00 and can be scheduled during band class or after school.
FMS Band faculty can recommend a teacher and facilitate the enrollment process.
A listing of AISD approved instructors may be found at: https://www.allenband.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=207916&module_id=318368

BAND UNIFORMS, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES & TEXTS

INFORMAL UNIFORM

Used at outdoor events, pep rallies, etc.
FMS Band t-shirt
Blue jeans (unless otherwise designated)
Athletic shoes

FORMAL CONCERT UNIFORM – IMPORTANT!!

Used at Formal Concerts, All-Region, UIL, etc.
Professional, neat and conservative

INSTRUMENT

Your instrument is valuable and proper care should be taken to maintain its value.

Consider upgrading student instruments to intermediate or professional models.
- Will enhance student skill level and enjoyment.
- Consider keeping your beginner instrument for use in the AHS marching band.
- Directors can provide a list of our recommended upgrade models.
Some instruments are rented from AISD. These include: oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, tenor & bari saxes, french horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion
- Details regarding AISD-owned instruments later in handbook

It is recommended that all students have instruments under their parent’s home owners/renters policy.
It is the responsibility of the student to communicate any repair issues.
SUPPLIES – designated FOR BAND ONLY
- Band Binder Supplies (purchased on your own)

All exercises and music, including private lesson materials
Every student must have their own copy of Foundations for Superior Performance for their instrument.
Metronome, Tuner with pick-up mic (with working batteries)
Wire (or regular) Music Stand (for home practice)
Label or luggage tag to identify your instrument case with your name and Ford MS
Instrument accessories:

INSTRUMENT LOCKERS

Each student is issued a locker to house their instrument and band materials during the school day.
FMS provides a combination lock for each locker. Should a student not make proper use of their provided lock and it is lost, students will be assessed a replacement fee of $5.00.
No backpacks, PE clothes or food in lockers.
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure their locker is locked when not in use. Our room can be used by the administration for various events during the year which could allow non-band students in our room. PLEASE KEEP YOUR LOCKERS PROPERLY LOCKED. We will not be responsible for any damage or lost instruments due to unlocked lockers.

AISD-OWNED INSTRUMENT RENTAL

INSTRUMENTS THAT ARE CONSIDERED TO BE SCHOOL OWNED: Oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, tenor & bari saxes, french horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion

FEE

Each student who plays a school owned instrument will be assessed a yearly fee of $125.00.
Payment may be made via AISD Fine Arts Webstore or a check payable to Allen ISD

(include DL # and phone #).

Fee covers rental and repair of normal wear and tear.
Students who also utilize a home instrument need only pay one fee
REPAIR

ALL REPAIRS (outside of general wear and tear as determined by the director) are the responsibility of the student throughout the school year. Repairs must be done by Music and Arts, the AISD authorized music repair shop.

INSURANCE

If an instrument is lost, stolen or destroyed off-campus, replacement cost is the responsibility of the student
Some homeowner’s policies cover rental instruments, some do not.
For other insurance options, contact the following:
- Music Agency, Inc. http://www.musicagencyinc.com/
- Heritage Insurance Services, Inc. http://www.musicins.com/

Ford Middle School

FMS Band Handbook