Band Handbook

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Madison Bison Band

Handbook

2025 – 2026

Dear Madison Band Parents and Students,

Welcome to the Madison Bison Band! It is great to have you as part of our award-winning organization! Enclosed is the Madison Bison Band Handbook. In our Handbook, you will find very important information concerning the Madison Bison Band program for the 2025-2026 school year. This handbook will help to inform parents and students of the basic structure of our program and give a clear list of the band student’s responsibilities throughout the school year. Understanding the contents of this handbook is vital to the success of our organization. Please keep this packet of information and refer to it as needed throughout the school year. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding our handbook information. Email is the best way to contact us. Planning is 5th period 12:18-1:08.

Contact information is:

Paula McGrew-Head Director

325.692.5661 ex. 7217

paula.mcgrew@abileneisd.org

Jennifer Reece-Associate Director

325.692.5661 ex. 7290

Jennifer.reece@abileneisd.org

Please read the contents of this packet carefully. Please complete the Band Contract and Student Behavior pages and return to Mrs. McGrew or Mrs. Reece by Thursday, August 28, 2025.

Thank you for allowing us the wonderful opportunity to teach the greatest students in town…………Madison Band Students!

Sincerely,

Paula McGrew Jennifer Reece

Director of Bands Associate Director of Bands

Madison Middle School Madison Middle School

Remind:

Remind is a district approved communication platform that allows teachers to directly communicate with parents/students. Parent cell phone numbers are automatically added to our Remind application and will receive posts from our band classes. Please make sure your (parent) has a current/operational phone number on file with AISD.

Bison Bands:

The Bison Band is divided into four different performing groups: Beginner Band, Jazz Band, Symphonic Band and Honor Band. Band placement is at the discretion of the band staff. The staff carefully considers the placement of each student. Students are placed in the group which best fits their individual educational needs. **All band students will have required (graded) after school events throughout the year. These are an extension of the classroom curriculum and include, but are not limited to, Region Help Sessions, Solo and Ensemble practice/contest, Beginner Band rehearsals, Pre-UIL, UIL, Festival performances, middle school band night at Shotwell and other practices assigned by the directors. Dates for the events are listed on the calendar, exact start/stop times will be announced closer to the date. Check the band website MadisonBisonBand.com for the most up to date information for the program.

Beginner Band – The beginner band consists of all students who are new to instrumental music. Classes are divided by instrument and begin with the very basics of music. There is absolutely no experience necessary to be a member of the beginning band! The beginning band will perform in a minimum of two concerts a year and one spring festival event.

Jazz Band- This band class is open to students with at least one year of playing experience. The group will participate in a minimum of two performances a year. We anticipate the group participating in a Jazz Festival also this year. It is mandatory that students also participate in the Symphonic or Honor Band in addition to the Jazz Band. Students will be unable to participate in Jazz Band as their only band class.

Symphonic Band – The Symphonic Band consists of students who have had at least one year of band experience and have demonstrated an intermediate level of proficiency on their instrument. This group will participate in a minimum of three performances a year and will compete in UIL (University Interscholastic League) band evaluation in the spring semester. Students in this group also have the option of participation in the Region Honor Band auditions and in the Solo and Ensemble Contest.

Honor Band – The Honor Band consists of students who have had at least one year of band experience and have shown an advanced level of proficiency on their instrument. The Honor Band will perform in a minimum of three performances a year and will compete in UIL (University Interscholastic League) evaluation in the spring semester. Students in this band are required to audition for the Region Band and strongly encouraged to participate in the Solo and Ensemble Contest.

Equipment Needs:

Beginner Band

Pencil
Black 1” 3-ring binder
15 clear page protectors
Required Method Book: Accent on Achievement Book I (purchase one appropriate for your instrument: flute, clarinet, alto sax, french horn,

trumpet/cornet, trombone, b.c. baritone, tuba)

Brass Instruments: valve oil, slide grease
Woodwind Reed Instruments: # 3 Vandoren Reeds. (3 working reeds must be available at all times)

Percussion: Simple Steps to Successful Beginning Percussion (by Kennan Wylie)

Honor / Symphonic / Jazz Band

Pencil
Black 1” 3-ring binder
15 clear page protectors
Brass Instruments: valve oil, slide grease
Woodwind Reed Instruments: # 3 Vandoren Reeds. (3 working reeds must be available at all times)

Music Vendors: (instruments and equipment)

Our local music store: N-Tune Music and Sound — 221 Grape St. (677-2471)

Tuesday-Friday 10-6PM and Saturday 12-5PM Closed Sunday-Monday

We ask that you use tremendous caution if you choose to purchase instruments at pawn shops or online sites like Ebay or Amazon. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding an instrument you have found before you make a purchase. Repair shops are unable to provide repair for off brand instruments. Please adhere to our recommended instrument brand list when shopping.

Performances: Performances are extensions of the classroom. All performances are mandatory and will count as three test grades. Students and parents will be notified of all performances well in advance (please see attached calendar). If a student becomes ill or there is a death in the family, the director must be notified before the program and the student will have the opportunity to make up a grade for the performance. It is the student/parent responsibility to make sure students attend all out of classroom performances on time and picked up in a timely manner with reliable transportation.

Concert Attire:

It is important for band students at any level to look professional as they perform. Therefore, we require the following attire at all concerts (unless otherwise instructed)

Beginner/Symphonic/Honor/Jazz Band – “Sunday Best” Dress to impress!

(No jeans, flip flops, hoodies, Crocs, nothing with holes is permissible)

Boys: Nice dress slacks, button down/polo type shirt, and nice dress shoes. A suit and tie is always impressive.

Girls: Pants, skirts, blouse or dresses and nice dress shoes.

3 grades are taken for concerts that include concert etiquette, stage deportment and performance. Attire, punctuality and supplies are all part of these grades. Plan now to have appropriate clothes for these events.

Casual Performances – On some occasions, we will wear band shirts and jeans. These performances will include recruiting concerts, Pre-UIL and festivals. Our band shirts will be available for purchase at the beginning of the year. All Band students (6th, 7th and 8th grade) will be required to purchase a band shirt. We will be providing Jazz Band Shirts to those students this year. The (charcoal grey) design will be used again this year. Older band students who own this shirt do not have to re-purchase one as long as it still fits and has no damage. Parents are also encouraged to buy a band shirt! Order forms will be distributed during band class. *Parents are strongly encouraged to use discretion when helping your students choose their concert attire. It is very important that we always look our best when we are performing!

Rules of the Class:

Be in the room by the tardy bell.
Be in your seat with all materials uncased 30 seconds after the bell.
Bring all supplies to class every day.
Receive permission before talking or leaving your seat.
Going to the restroom during class is for emergencies only.
Take care of your equipment.
Follow instructions.
NEVER play on another student’s instrument. Including percussion!
Be courteous to others.
Learn your music.
Attend all band functions.
There will be no gum, candy, drinks in the band hall. There are no exceptions.

Work hard and have a great time!

Practicing:

All Bison Band Students will be required to practice a minimum of 120 minutes a week (2 hours). Jazz Band will be held accountable for practicing 60 additional minutes each week. Practice sheets will be sent home with students on a weekly basis. The practice sheets are designed to monitor the amount of time students practice each week and the material practiced. In order for students to receive full credit, the sheets are to be signed by the parents at the end of the week and returned to band class on the first day of the school week. There will be a 10 point deduction for each day late, and will be accepted up to three days late. The practice sheets are based on the honor system; please be honest when filling them out. It is very evident when a student has not practiced on a consistent basis. The only way to become proficient on an instrument is to practice.

Grades:

Grades can consist of but are not limited to:

Class participation
Playing tests
Performance attendance
Practice Sheets
Equipment Check (reeds, oils, music, pencils, instrument)
All concerts/festivals will count as three test grades. (attendance/performance,

equipment and concert/etiquette)

Computing Averages:

Grades 6-8: Grading period averages shall be determined by averaging grades in two categories for each course in the electronic grade book. A minimum of two (2) graded assignments in each category per grading period must be recorded.

Categories and Percentages:

70% Classwork (practice cards/quizzes/classwork/homework)

30% Assessments (tests/essays/presentations/projects/research)

Private Lessons:

Private lessons are available to students wishing to study privately with one of our AISD approved instructors. Interested students should fill out an application available in the band hall office. Private lessons may be taken during the student’s band period, before or after school at Madison, or another site depending on arrangements made with individual teachers. All private lesson teachers are approved/vetted through the district. Prices are determined by the experience level of the instructor. The current teacher list is available at Abileneisd.org under departments/fine arts/private music lessons.

Spring Fun Event(s) to be announced upon approval:

At the end of the year all eligible 7th and 8th grade band students will have the opportunity to attend the Spring Fun Event. This has become a tradition for the Madison Band and we look forward to this year’s event. Students are invited to go on the trip based on meeting the following criteria:

Attend all required performances throughout the school year. This includes

your commitment to Region Band, Solo/Ensemble, UIL, Pre-UIL and

festival performances.

Report card grades passing (70 or above) for all subjects during the 4/9/26

district eligibility check.

No “U” in citizenship the entire school year.
No referrals to the office for the entire school year.
No assignments to ISS or DAEP for the entire school year.

(including partial day ISS assignments.)

Band Website

MadisonBisonBand.com is our band website that we encourage you to check frequently. We will post weekly announcements, performance information, calendar, printable practice charts, recordings and so much more. This is the most up to date information for the band program.

AISD Fine Arts Student Behavior Contract…………New this year!!

This document discusses that participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege and behavior violations could result in the student losing the ability to participate in our program. Please read carefully and discuss the behavior expectations with your student. Students and Parents must sign and return this form to the band directors by Thursday, August 28th.

AISD Fine Arts Student Behavior Contract

2025-2026

Student Name:

Campus: Madison MS

According to the University Interscholastic Rules, participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege. If the student violates this behavior contract the privilege to participate in fine arts can be taken away.

The requirements and expectations of this behavioral contract will determine whether the student will receive the privilege of participating in fine arts. If a student fails to meet any of the criteria listed, the student may be removed from all fine arts programs at Madison MS for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year. If removed, the student will be eligible to return to fine arts at the beginning of the 2026-27 school year.

The student must meet the following criteria:

No behavioral issues with students, faculty, or classroom that affect the program negatively.
No behavioral issues with directors or peers that affect the program negatively.
No conflicts resulting in placement at ISS or DAEP.
Adhere to all code of conduct policies within the school campus and fine arts programs.
Be passing and in good standing academically in all classes each grading period.
Be present at all practices before, during, or after school, unless the student has notified their director ahead of time.

As a student, I understand that:

I am solely responsible for my actions.
The privilege of participating in fine arts may be revoked if I fail to adhere to the criteria listed on this behavioral contract.

Student Signature: _________________________________________________ Date: ___________

Parent Signature: __________________________________________________ Date: ____________

Director Signature : _________________________________________________ Date: ____________

Campus Administration:______________________________________________ Date: ____________

Madison Bison Band Calendar 2025-2026

*Times are subject to change for weather or venue change. Check the band website for the most accurate information. MadisonBisonBand.com

DATE	EVENT	LOCATION	PARTICIPANTS	TIME
Sept 9	Fundraiser	Madison Band Hall	All Bands	In Class
Sept 26	MS Band Night	Shotwell	Honor/Symphonic	6:00-?PM
Oct 24	Philharmonic	Civic Center	All Bands	In Class
Nov 8	Region Band Auditions	Clack MS	Honor/Symphonic	9:00-1:00PM
Nov 10	Region Sectional	Mann MS	Region Members	6:00-8:00PM
Nov 13	Region Clinic/Concert	Cooper HS	Region Members	All Day
Dec 3,4,5	Beginner Rehearsal	Madison Band Hall	Beginner Band	3:45-4:45PM
Dec 9	Holiday Concert	Cooper HS	All Bands	7:00-8:30PM
Feb 19-20	Solo and Ensemble	Madison Band Hall	Honor/Symphonic	4:00-5:30PM
March 24	Pre-UIL	Cooper HS	Honor/Symphonic	TBA
April 1	UIL	Cooper HS	Honor/Symphonic	TBA
April-May ?	Jazz Band Festival	Cooper HS	Jazz Band	TBA
April 29-30	Beginner Rehearsal	Madison Band Hall	Beginner Band	3:45-4:45PM
May 1	Clyde Festival	Clyde HS	Beginner Band	TBA
May 2	Spring Trip	DFW	Eligible 7th & 8th gr.	TBA
May 8	Beginner Rehearsal	Madison Band Hall	Beginner Band	3:45-4:45PM
May 11	Spring Concert	Cooper HS	All Bands	7:00-8:30PM

**SIGN & RETURN THIS PAGE**

Band Contract Signature Page

2025-2026

My initials indicate I have read this packet and understand the information. We have put the concert/festival dates on our calendar. Due to unforeseen conflicts with weather, athletic schedules, etc. there may be times that we may move a performance date (very rare). The expectation is to attend all rehearsals and performances as we are a performance based class with grades attached. Communication of any time/date changes will be posted on the band website, Facebook page and be available on paper handouts in the classroom.

If we have any questions or concerns, we will contact Mrs. McGrew or Mrs. Reece.

____ We are aware of the band website with all information.

www.MadisonBisonBand.com

___ ALL band students must purchase/own a band shirt as a requirement for participation in the program. Forms will be sent home at the beginning of the year.

___We have read and signed the AISD Behavior Contract

Date:___________________ Class Period:______________

Student Name: ___________________________________________

Address_____________________ Phone number _______________

Student Signature: ________________________________________

Parent or Guardian Signature: _______________________________

Please complete this page and return to Mrs. McGrew or Mrs. Reece by Thursday, August 28, 2025