ALL BAND STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN MARCHING BAND!!!

Membership

Membership in the Kempner Band is a privilege. Students must have prior band experience to be admitted to the band. Exceptions may be made in the case of rare circumstances per director decision.

Conduct and Due Process

Organizations with high performance standards also must have high disciplinary standards. Students represent themselves, their family, their community, their District, and their school at every activity. All students are to conduct themselves properly at all times. Display of temper, profanity, flagrant violation of rules, possession of or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, etc. will not be tolerated. Any behavior that is not conducive to good citizenship will subject the student to “Due Process” that may result in dismissal from the organization. “Due Process” shall be defined as a student’s right to discuss with the instructor and principal any decision regarding action that would result in the student’s loss of grade, suspension from activities, or expulsion from the organization.

Due Process will be followed precisely as outlined in the FBISD Student/Parent Handbook. Students and/or parents may discuss any item of concern with their respective directors at an appropriate time in the appropriate place. If a satisfactory resolution has not been reached, the students/parents may contact the student’s grade-level principal to discuss the matter further. If the concern has not been resolved either by the directors or by the grade level principal, the parents may contact the campus principal to address their concern.

Attendance Policy

See calendar for schedule of rehearsals and performances: www.kempnerband.net/calendar

ATTENDANCE: Most Fine Arts courses require some rehearsals and performances outside of the school day. Student members are required to attend all activities, rehearsals, and performances. Those who must miss a rehearsal, activity, or performance must consult with one of the directors WELL IN ADVANCE of the function. In every case, the director will work with the student to see that his/her best interests are met. Keep in mind that a performance has priority over a practice in any activity.

ABSENCES Students’ absences are categorized as follows:

• An excused absence is one that the director has prior knowledge of and/or is based on an acceptable reason;

• An unexcused absence is one that the director has no prior knowledge of and/or is based on a reason that is unacceptable.

Written communication and documentation is required for absences from required/graded events. Acceptable reasons for an absence include a medical emergency or illness, a death in the family, a religious holiday, or a family emergency. Circumstances may justify an excused absence for reasons other than those listed above in accordance with FBISD policy. However, justification is determined at the discretion of the directors and no absence is guaranteed to be excused. Scheduling conflicts are not considered acceptable reasons for an absence.

Failure to notify directors well in advance of an accused absence will constitute an unexcused absence. Multiple unexcused absences from rehearsals and/or performances demonstrate a lack of dependability in accepting the responsibility of group membership. Failure to attend a rehearsal, activity, or performance without prior permission or good cause may result in suspension from future activities or performances, grade deduction, reassignment to a lower performing ensemble, or removal from the course.

GRADE DEDUCTIONS Students may have points deducted for unexcused absences as follows:

• Unexcused absence from rehearsals or practices that are extensions of classroom activities such as section rehearsals = two daily grades.

• Unexcused absence from a performance that is an extension of classroom activities, such as school concerts or UIL Concert/Sightreading Evaluation, which do not meet the definition of extracurricular = two major grades.

REHEARSAL/PERFORMANCE SCHEDULES Program directors will e-mail or post a calendar of rehearsals, performances, and activities for the upcoming year on a website, Charms Office, or Schoology during the summer break. Directors will provide a revised calendar at the beginning of the school year, post it on Charms Office, or post it on Schoology. Please check the calendar and report any conflicts to the directors. Attendance at all performances and rehearsals is a requirement of the class. If an excused absence is anticipated, written notification should be submitted as soon as the student/parents are aware of the conflict and no later than two days in advance of a rehearsal or at least two weeks in advance of a performance (see excused absence above).

Grades

Learning objectives are based on performance skills, responsibility, and participation. Therefore, students are expected to fulfill individual as well as group responsibilities. Since Fine Arts courses are a performance-based, team activities, all students are required to attend all performances, and rehearsals (see Attendance above).

DAILY GRADES (50%)

Daily grades may include but are not limited to daily class participation, preparation, written quizzes, performance quizzes, material checks, posture checks, as well as before and/or after school rehearsals. All before/after school rehearsal, which are an extension of classroom activities such as section rehearsals, are counted as two daily grades.

MAJOR GRADES (50%)

Major grades may include but are not limited to performance tests, written tests, co-curricular performances, and special projects. All performances, which are an extension of classroom activities such as school concerts, are counted as two major grades.

MOTIVATIONAL PLAN/RELUCTANT STUDENTS/RETESTING

• Students will be encouraged to demonstrate proficiency on core competencies. Students will be given regular graded assessments in order to provide opportunities for director feedback. Students may be asked to perform in class individually or as member of a small group to demonstrate proficiency of core competencies.

• Directors or peer tutors will work with reluctant students in a one-on-one tutoring situation to re-teach concepts and encourage reluctant students to demonstrate proficiency on core competencies.

• Students may retest as many times as necessary in order to demonstrate proficiency on assessments. No points on numerical grades will be deducted when retesting. Directors will update grades accordingly upon demonstration of proficiency through re-retesting until the last day of the current nine-week grading term.

CONDUCT GRADES

• A student merits a conduct grade of “E” when he/she consistently fulfills all classroom expectations.

• A student merits a conduct grade of “S” when he/she regularly fulfills most classroom expectations.

• A student merits a conduct grade of “N” when he/she does not fulfill classroom expectations regularly and director feedback is occasionally necessary.

• A student merits a conduct grade of “U” when he/she does not fulfill classroom expectations, is disruptive to the educational process, and director feedback is necessary regularly.

Required Equipment and Accessories

White T-Shirts- White shirts must be worn at all marching band rehearsals. Logos are fine but the shirt needs to be mostly white.

Water Jug- Students must purchase a Kempner Band water jug. We use these water jugs at all rehearsals, performances, football games. Freshman and new students will receive a water jug included with their fees.If a student loses their water jug, they can purchase one for $10.

Hot Weather Uniform- Member Shirt, Black Basketball Shorts, black ankle socks, and marching shoes. We wear hot weather uniform at the 1st two football games and we change in to hot weather uniform at contests between performances.

Band Shoes- MTX Black Marching Shoe. These shoes must be purchased and worn at all Marching Band performances. Students who do not have this shoe will NOT be permitted to march

Member Shirt- Black Dri-Fit shirt with Kempner Logo on Back. This shirt must be purchased, $20. The member shirt is worn under the full band uniform and we wear it as part of hot weather uniform.

Flip Folder- All woodwind and brass students must purchase and own a flip folder with at least 10 pages. These can be bought at the local music stores or online. We use the flip folder at football games to hold our music. Students without a flip folder will not be permitted to perform and will have points deducted from their performance grade.

Lyre- A lyre is a small piece of equipment that attaches a flip folder to an instrument. Each lyre is specifically designed for each unique instrument; trumpet must have a trumpet lyre, etc. It is recommended that students take their instrument to a local music store to ensure the lyre they purchase fits their instrument. Some instruments such as percussion, do not need a lyre. Ask a band director to be sure.

Black Towel/Maroon Towel- Brass students need to have black towels to lay their instrument down during marching band rehearsals. Woodwinds need to have maroon towels.

Leadership Selection

All Leadership is required to clean the band hall and set the room back in order after every rehearsal and performance.

Positions

Drum Majors- Selection of drum majors will be based on an audition in May. The Drum Majors set the standard for Discipline and Pride. A Drum Major will lead the marching band during performances and rehearsals. Drum Major duties will include conducting the marching band, assisting band directors, setting up metronome, dismissing the band(“Kempner Marching Cougars, what do we strive for”), selecting marchers of the week and section of the week, in charge of attendance on buses and call the bus to lockdown, unloading buses and directing students what to do after they are off the bus. In charge of picking hey band, organizing siblings and study buddies,

Brass Sergeant &Woodwind Sergeant- Selection of sergeants will be hand picked by the band directors. Sergeants will lead the band when in 2s. Sergeants are in charge of taking attendance during rehearsals. Sergeants assist the section leaders and manage the section leaders, in charge of attendance on buses and call the bus to lockdown, unloading buses and directing students what to do after they are off the bus.

Guard Captains- Selection of Guard Captains will be hand picked by the color guard director and band directors.

Section Leaders- Section Leaders will be hand picked by the band directors. Section leaders set the standard for discipline in their section. Section leaders address discipline issues within their section on the field. Section leaders ask students to run laps when discipline issues occur. Section leaders ensure the members of their section are in uniform and have all equipment before inspection, tuning their section, passing off marching show music.

E- Crew Captain- The E-Crew Captain is hand picked by the band directors. The E-Crew captain can hand pick the other members of E-Crew. The E-Crew Captain is in charge of loading and unloading the Trailer for all trips. The E-Crew Captain is in charge how all equipment is stored, in charge of keeping the E-Room clean and in order

Uniform Crew

Water Crew

Auditions for Placement in Band Classes

Prior to the academic school year, ALL students will audition for placement in one of the program’s performing arts classes. This placement will be determined by an audition on materials selected by the director, consideration of the student's past performance, and/or recommendation from previous director(s). Students auditioning for the top performing ensembles or groups may be required to meet additional prerequisites of the organization(s) concerning grade level, audition material, and past performance. No position is guaranteed in any ensemble to any student, regardless of a student’s seniority, ability, or other merit. The directors reserve the right to move a student to a different ensemble if they deem it necessary for the student or the ensemble. Any student that does not complete the audition process will be placed in the appropriate entry-level class. Director placement is final and non-negotiable. PA

We will use the results of the assessment to help determine the placement in performing bands for next year
Students will be placed in Wind Ensemble(Varsity), Symphonic(Non-Varsity), or Concert Band(Sub-Non_Varsity), Color Guard, Battery, and Front Ensemble Classes

Other Factors Determining Placement

Commitment
Work Ethic/Attitude
Grades
Private Lessons
Director Recommendations
Available Spots

Audition Scales

Students will perform 12 Major scales in the format from the 12 Major Scales sheet. Students will have a time limit of 2 Minutes. Students should perform as many scales in as many octaves as they can within the time limit. Scales must be performed with no finger mistakes to receive credit.

Priorities of Scales Audition

Beautiful sound and approach to instrument
Correct Notes
Correct Rhythm with an even steady tempo
Articulation: Tongue up and Slur Down
Tempo(Only play as fast as you can cleanly)

Fight Song Audition

Students will play the Kempner Fight Song taking the 2nd ending(No repeat). Students must perform the Fight Song at 120BPM to receive full credit. Students will receive up to 100 pts for the Fight Song audition. The Fight Song should be performed in a “March Style”. Staccato 8th notes, lifted quarters, and firm articulation should be used throughout.

Oboe play Alto Sax part

Bassoon/Baritone play Trombone part

Horn play Mellophone part

Football Games/Marching Contests

ECPL

ECPL stands for Eat Change Pack Load. During this designated time students need to eat their meal, load trailers, and get into uniform and ready for inspection.

Inspection

Before games and marching contests directors will inspect uniforms and materials to ensure every member is in the proper uniform with all materials needed to be successful.

Students will line up by section in designated areas. Members are to stand at attention on silence during inspection. Students need to be fully dressed in performance uniform. Uniform will be checked for all items, correct pant length, correct fit, black socks, gloves, etc.. Any member not in full uniform or missing items will have points deducted from their performance grade and/or run laps at the next rehearsal.

Other items checked:

Hair
Jewelry
Fingernails
Water Jugs
Flip Folders

Meeting

Immediately after inspection students will meet in the cafeteria and get final instructions and information from band directors.

Busses

Students will be assigned busses and seats by directors. After students are seated an oa bus drum majors will take attendance. Water jug, garment bag, equipment, etc needs to be kept neatly in your seat. Drum majors will check that no items have been left after the bus is exited.

No singing
Can not change seats
No speakers or radios, headphones only
Stay seated at all times while bus is in motion

Stadium Entrance

Lockdown
Unload Bus
Assemble instruments
Shut case and leave neatly for loading crew
Line Up in 2’s
Go directly to your spot in stands
Set water jug down on bleacher to your right, logo facing out, handle in back
Set up in doors and windows
Go to stand-by and wait for warm-ups to begin
Absolutely no talking until after “Train”

Football Game Rules

You are a representative of Kempner HS, conduct yourself with the highest conduct while in uniform

No eating in the stands, concessions are strictly off limits
Stay in uniform at all times
No cell phones during the game, if caught, offender will run laps at next rehearsal
No cursing
Bathroom breaks, must be accompanied by a chaperone
You are required to play for every song, you don’t get to take a break
No Alumni, parents, etc. are allowed to sit with the band

Uniforms

Hot Weather Uniform

We wear hot weather uniforms for football games when the temperature is extreme, usually the first 2 games of the year. We also wear hot weather uniforms for pep rallies, after performances at contest, etc..

Member Shirt
Black Athletic Shorts
Black Ankle Socks
Marching Shoes

Marching Band Uniform

The following Marching Uniform items are provided by KHS and will be issued to students; jacket, bibbers(pants), shako(hat), gloves, gauntlets, hat box, and uniform bag. Students will need to purchase black MTX marching shoes and provide long black socks. Students with long hair will have to pull their hair into a “show bun” when in uniform. Students are not permitted to wear jewelry when in uniform. Students are not permitted to have nail polish on when in uniform. Students are not permitted to eat when in uniform.

Concert Band Uniforms

We have special performance clothing that is owned and maintained by Kempner High School through the annual school district budget, but there are additional items that the student is responsible for providing. These uniforms are expensive and they must last for another 7 years. Take care of them! We will wear the Concert Uniform for all Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Full Orchestra performances this semester.

Ladies will be fitted in a black concert dress, but they will need to supply black closed toe shoes.

Gentleman will be fitted in tuxedo jackets and pants, but they will need to supply their own black socks and black dress shoes (you may wear your marching shoes), as well as a white tux shirt, and black bow tie. A black cummerbund is optional but not required.

Other Considerations when in Concert Uniform;

No jewelry
No wild hair colors
No eating while in uniform

Color Guard Uniforms

Color Guard members are required to purchase a fall and winter uniform which are custom made and fitted for each show and each student. Students are allowed to keep these uniforms at the end of the season.

Indoor Drumline Uniforms

Indoor Drumline members are required to purchase uniforms which are custom made and fitted for each show and each student. Students are allowed to keep these uniforms at the end of the season.

Band Hall Rehearsal Etiquette

Students must enter the room in a calm orderly fashion
Backpacks and other items need to be placed neatly against the lockers
Students must rack all chairs and stands not being used at the beginning of rehearsal
Cell phones need to be out of sight out of mind
No Talking once rehearsal begins
No comments when issues occur
No talking while changing music
Eliminate unnecessary noise
Do your best at all times

Practice Room Rules

No Food/Drink

Water is only permitted if in a bottle with a lid
1 person in a practice room at a time(duets and ensemble practice must be approved by a director)

You must be actively practicing while in room
This room is not for doing homework
Clean the practice room after use, even if it’s not your trash
Leave the practice room door open when you leave
Private Lesson teachers must give their schedule to directors prior to use

Binders

All students are required to have a black 3 ring binder. They will keep music, exercises, etc… in the binder. It is suggested that students get page protectors.

Solo & Ensemble Requirements

All Kempner Band Students(except Color Guard) are required to participate in Solo & Ensemble. The S&E Contest will take place at the end of the year in May. Professional judges will give students a rating based on their performance. Students will receive a Double Major Grade for participation.

Region Band Audition Requirements

Wind Ensemble Members are REQUIRED to audition for region band in December

All students are required to learn and be tested on the Region Audition Music.The Region Band Audition Music is made up of 3 etudes. Each etude will be divided into sections and students will be given a test over each section. Students will play each section, in class, in front of the other band students and be given a score by the directors. Students will be tested every week in class during the fall semester. Region auditions are at the beginning of December.

Scale Requirements

Playing and practicing scales is an essential part of being an instrumentalist. All Kempner Band students must be able to play 12 Major style scales at the following tempos:

Wind Ensemble- 200BPM

Symphonic Band- 160BPM

Concert Band- 130BPM

Private Lessons

Wind Ensemble Members are REQUIRED to take private lessons.

All students are encouraged to take private lessons in order to improve their individual playing skills. While directors are skilled instructors on the various instruments in the band, there is simply no substitution for private instruction received from someone who is considered to be a professional performer on a particular instrument. A list of Kempner Private Lessons teachers is available on our website. Students may take lessons from a non-Kempner private lesson teacher as long as it is a University Student, music instructor, professional musician or a band director.

FBISD Private Lesson Rates

$20 for a 30 minute lesson from an experienced teacher

$17 for a 30 minute lesson from an inexperienced teacher

$12 for a 30 minute lesson from a High School student

Ensembles

Marching Band- ALL BAND STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN MARCHING BAND!!! The Marching Band is made up of Brass and Woodwind students, percussion students, and all color guard members. The Marching Band performs at pep rallies, football games, marching band contests, and the Fort Bend Parade. Marching Band rehearsals include summer band camp starting at the end of July and rehearsals after school 3 days per week.

Wind Ensemble- The Wind Ensemble is the varsity concert band conducted by Mr. Brodt. Placement in the Wind Ensemble is for the most skilled, dedicated, and experienced music students. The Wind Ensemble plays professional level music and Wind Ensemble members are required to take private lessons and required to audition for the Region Band. Wind Ensemble members are required to attend a sectional on Tuesdays and a full rehearsal on Thursdays every week during the spring semester.

Symphonic Band- The Symphonic Band is the non-varsity concert band conducted by Mr. Duenas. Symphonic Band students are required to attend a sectional on Mondays after school and attend a full rehearsal on Wednesdays after school during the spring semester.

Concert Band- The Concert Band is the sub-non-varsity concert band conducted by Mr. Brodt. Concert Band students are required a few Full Rehearsals after school in the weeks leading up to UIL.

Jazz Band- The Jazz Band is made up of Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Piano, Guitar, Bass, and Drum players. The Jazz Band is Co-Directed by Mr. Brodt and Mr. Duenas.The jazz band rehearses from 7:00am to 7:30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Reeds

We supply reeds for emergency situations ONLY
Sign the reed log when taking a reed
You should have at least 3 reeds at all times in rotation
Every reed student should have good a reed case
Double reeds can be purchased through private lesson teachers
Double reeds from KHS are $15 for Oboe $20 for Bassoon
Legere plastic reeds are for marching band ONLY

Approved reed brands- Vandoren, D’Addario Reserve Classic

Approved reed strengths- 3, 3.5, 3.5+

Marching Rehearsal Procedures

2’s - Members will line up and 2’s and enter the field on silence led by the Brass & Woodwind sergeants. Members will place water jugs neatly on the sideline and block up on a dot.

Water/Restroom Breaks- We will have a 5 minute break on the hour and on the half hour. We will have a 30 second water break on the 15 and on the 45 of the hour. There is no talking or sitting down during 30 second water breaks. Drum Majors will monitor restrooms during 5 minute breaks and ensure all students are back on time. Restroom breaks are only allowed during 5 minute breaks.

No Talking/Move with purpose- Students are not to talk while on the practice field. Students should always move with a purpose when on the practice field.

Dress Code-

1. White T-Shirts

2. Tennis Shoes(No sandals or slides)

3. Students are not allowed to take shirts off

4. Shorts must be an appropriate length