Cardinal Pride Band
Student/Parent Handbook
2016 – 2017
***The 2016-2017 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.
PARTICIPATION EXPECTATIONS
A yearly band calendar is enclosed for use in planning your family schedule for the 2016-2017 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 903-771-0085 ext. 417. 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.
REHEARSAL EXPECTATIONS
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 has 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 Cardinal Pride Band will be
counseled, and if necessary, removed from the band program completely.
ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY
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 threeweek 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 PISD 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.
Extra-Curricular Expectations
Any violation of the Pottsboro ISD extra-curricular behavior expectations will be dealt with in
accordance of the Pottsboro ISD Student Code of Conduct.
GRADING
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.
USE OF BAND HALL FACILITIES
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.
SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS
Pottsboro 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.
BAND UNIFORMS
It is a privilege to wear the Cardinal Pride 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 Cardinal Pride 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.
BAND SHIRT
All band students are required to purchase the current year’s Cardinal Pride 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 may also be requiring the purchase of a Cardinal Pride 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.
Letter Jacket Policy
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:
UIL Marching Contest performance
UIL Concert and Sight Reading performance
ATSSB HS All-Region Band audition
ATSSB HS All-Region Band placement
ATSSB Area Advancement
ATSSB All-State Band placement
UIL Solo & Ensemble participation
UIL Solo & Ensemble 1st division rating
UIL State Solo & Ensemble participation
UIL State Solo & Ensemble 1st division rating
10 pts
10 pts
4 pts
6 pts
8 pts
12 pts
2 pt – per event
4 pts – per rating
4 pts – per event
6 pts – per rating
FOOTBALL GAME POLICY
The Cardinal Pride 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! In addition, all volunteers with the Cardinal Pride Band MUST fill out the attached background
check forms.
Remind 101
The Cardinal Pride Band Directors communicate often via Remind 101. All members are expected to
sign up, so that they may stay up to date with any changing information. A sheet detailing instructions is
attached.
FUND RAISING
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. Profits from fund-raising activities or other
deposits to trip funds are maintained/supervised by the director. 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 go to the general account, BECAUSE THE MONEY WAS RAISED IN
THE NAME OF THE BAND. Students may be allowed to fund raise up to $50 above the cost of the upcoming trip to be used as spending money on the trip. Any money over the $50 will go into the general fund.
TRAVEL AND BEHAVIOR POLICY
Students who represent Pottsboro 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:
1. The student will be sent home from the trip at the parents’ expense.
2. The student will be held liable for damages to property.
3. The student may be placed in In-School-Suspension (ISS) or Alternative Education Placement.
4. The student may be removed from the Cardinal Pride Band
Students’ attire during school activities outside the school day should be in good taste and in accordance with
PISD 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 Pottsboro, the Cardinal Pride 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 Cardinal Pride Band travels out-of-state every other year. The purpose of these trips is always centered
around a performance or musical experience. However, students gaining life experience that would not be
achieved in Pottsboro 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.