Table Of Contents

Band Beyond Vance /

Band At Tennessee And The Future……………....7

Band Boosters Organization………………………7

Band Student Leadership………………………….7

Challenges…………………………………………5

Citizenship………………………………………...4

Course Offerings…………………………………..2

Daily Class Procedures…………………………….5

Discipline Plan…………………………………….5

Duties Of The Band Members……….……………5

Extra Help…………………………………………7

Financial Considerations………………………….7

Forward……………………………………………1

How Band Students Are Graded…………………..2

Forward

This Handbook has been prepared as an aid to the students and parents involved in the band program at Vance Middle School. It is designed to be a guide to understanding the organization, policies, rules, guidelines and expectations of the band program. Students and parents are encouraged to use this handbook to help answer questions and consult it for information that they may need to know throughout the school year. As always, the band director is available to discuss, clarify or assist

with matters that may or may not appear in this publication.

Intermediate and Professional Line Instruments………………………………………..7

Message From The Director………………………1

Opportunities For Individual

Participation……………………………………….6

Performances………………………………………6

Practice Card Guidelines…………………………..3

Private Study………………………………………6

Rehearsal and Performance Attendance…………..4

School Owned Instruments and Equipment……….5

Seating Tryouts……………………………………5

Social Activities…………………………………...8

Summer Band / Junior Viking Music Camp……………………….……………………...7

Uniforms…………………………………………..5

What Students Should Practice At Home…………3

Contact Us

Band Office - 652-9263

Vance Main Office - 652-9449

FAX - 652-9297

Email - mccoyr@btcs.org

Information Web Page -

teacherweb.com/tn/vancemiddleschool/mrmccoy

Band Booster Email - vancebandboosters@yahoo.com

Course Offerings

The band program at Vance Middle School offers separate classes to best serve the needs of members of the band during the school day. These classes meet daily. Each class is listed below with a brief description.

I. ADVANCED BAND - The Advanced Band is the main performing instrumental ensemble at Vance. Performances include concerts, festivals, competitions, parades and some Vance sporting events.

Students enrolled in one of the Advance Band classes should have at least one full year of previous band instruction either in the Bristol Tennessee Elementary Band, Vance Middle School Introductory Band or another school band program. The Advanced Band is divided into two classes determined by grade level.

II. INTRODUCTORY BAND - This class is designed for students with little or no experience playing an instrument prior to attending Vance. The class prepares students for participation in the Vance Band and also the Tennessee High Band. Class size is limited so that each student may receive maximum individualized instruction. Students will receive the opportunity to move up to the Advanced Band after reaching a satisfactory level of playing their instrument. This is usually at the end of the year.

How Band Students Are Graded

The band student grade is based on the components listed below. Each component is further explained later.

I. Participation (average of daily grades)

II. Playing Tests (each counted separately)

III. Written Tests (each counted separately)

IV. Practice Cards (average of all during 6 weeks)

V. Returning Forms (average of all during 6 weeks)

VI. Rehearsal Attendance (average of all during 6

weeks)

VII. Performance Attendance (each counted

separately)

Students are given sufficient opportunities to score as high as possible with each component.

I. PARTICIPATION Students must be prepared with all necessary materials and equipment necessary for class. This list includes instruments, folders, music, mouthpieces, reeds, pencil, sticks, mallets, lyres, flip-folders and other items as determined by the director. Each student will start with the score of “100” for the six-weeks. Points will be deducted for not having the necessary items. Points will be deducted as follows:

1) No instrument/mouthpiece/reed/sticks = 10 per 2) No music/folder/pencil/materials = 5 per day

Please note that students can make up lost points. This can be accomplished with the same method of make up as practice cards (see practice card grade explained). In addition, repeated and frequent instances of not having necessary items or materials will be handled as a disciplinary issue.

II. PLAYING TESTS There will be at least one playing test each six-weeks. The tests will be played in class, on tape at home or on tape at school. These tests monitor progress on essential playing skills and help prepare the band for performances. Playing tests are generally announced ahead of the test day. The director does reserve the right to retest or have an unannounced test on a skill that has been sufficiently covered in class.

If a student is absent on the day the playing test is given, the test is due to be made up the very next school day after the absence. The student is responsible for making the test up. The test will need to be made up on a prearranged time with the student and band director. Times available for make up work are: before or after school, homeroom time and other times during the school day that the student and band director would have available. Upon return after the absence, the student should find out what was missed from class during the absence. Failure to make up the test will result in that grade being a “0.”

Students are encouraged to practice and be prepared for playing tests. If a student receives a low score on a playing test, they may replay the test for a better score. This may be handled in the same way as doing a make up test.

III. WRITTEN TESTS Students will take written tests that are used to assess understanding of playing skills that are necessary to playing an instrument. Topics of these tests include basic music theory and music terminology. Students will be given necessary materials for review. In addition students will use the information as part of daily playing in class. Make up and re-taking tests may also be done if necessary as described in playing tests.

IV. PRACTICE CARDS Practice cards are graded weekly and averaged together for a six-weeks grade. Individual practice at home is important part of each student’s success and the overall success of the band. Individual practice is the same as homework from another class. See Practice Card Guidelines for more information regarding the practice cards. A description of what students should practice at home appears in this handbook. Students are to record the practice time on the practice card and parents will need to sign the card as verification of time practiced.

V. RETURNING FORMS Students will return information forms that will be given grades. These forms will be either given out in class or sent by mail. Forms that will be returned include handbook

acknowledgement, interim grade reports, trip intent forms and others that the band director may designate. The student is given a grade based on when the form is returned. A deadline will be set for each form and points will decrease until it is turned in. The forms that are due within a six-weeks period will be averaged together for one grade to be part of the final six-weeks grade. These forms are necessary for effective communication between schools and home. Extreme delays in returning forms may result in disciplinary actions.

VI. REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE Students receive a grade for attending before or after school rehearsals. See the section on rehearsal and performance attendance. All rehearsal grades will be averaged together for one part of the final six-weeks grade. Unexcused absences will be counted as a”0.” Students that are on time for rehearsals will receive a “100.” Lower grades will result for tardiness to rehearsals.

VII. PERFORMANCE ATTENDACE Students receive a grade for performances including football games, concerts, parades, clinic or honors groups and for any other performances. See the section on rehearsal and performance attendance. Performance grades are counted as separate test grades. Unexcused absences will be counted as a”0.” Students that are on time for rehearsals will receive a “100.” Lower grades will result for tardiness to performances.

Practice Card Guidelines

Cards are due at the beginning of each week to receive full credit. Cards will be accepted on the following remaining days of the week with a reduction of 5 points each day. (Absences from school are considered) The card should have time recorded on the chart.

1) Time should be recorded by the number of minutes practiced and totaled (avoid using 1 hour etc).

2) Students are issued a practice card at the beginning of the school year. Lost practice cards must be replaced. Replacement cost is 25 cents and available from the band director. Students should obtain a new card as soon as possible if the card is lost. A temporary card (plain paper) may be used one time each six-weeks.

3) Students may be excused from practicing for the reasons listed below. Parents should write the abbreviation for the reason for not practicing and initial on the day not practiced. Please note that this should be used with discretion of the parent. Often students can make up practice time missed during other days during the week.

OT = Out of town

Sick = Illness

Shop = Instrument in shop for repair

Dis = Covers anything the parent feels is a valid reason

for not practicing (emergencies etc.)

4) Students may receive credit for the items listed below. Use the abbreviations on the appropriate day. These are offered as an extra credit and are not meant to substitute for regular practice time at home. These will be counted only if the weekly minimum practice is recorded as well.

RE = Before School/After School Rehearsal

PER = Performances of the Vance Band

PL = Private Lesson

CON = Student attends another instrumental concert (elementary band, high-school band, university or professional band or orchestra)

PER/other = Students that play their instrument in a non-school related performance (church, youth ensembles)

5) Practice time and recommended schedule

A. Minimum practice time expected each week is 90 minutes. This generally is 18 minutes each day when spread over 5 days during the week. Students may also choose to spread the time over 7 days.

B. Practice time is more beneficial when spread through the week. Practicing only one or two times per week for longer times is discouraged.

C. The grading scale for practice cards is:

Minutes/Score Minutes/Score Minutes/Score Minutes/Score

85-90 = 95 60-64=70 35-39 = 45 10-14 = 15

80-84 = 90 55-59=65 30-34 = 40 5 – 9 = 10

75-79 = 80 50-54=60 25-29 = 35

70-74 = 80 45-49=55 20-24 = 30

65-69 = 75 40-44=50 15-19 = 25

D. Bonus points for each 20 minutes above 90. Maximum points are 100 per week.

E. Five cards will be averaged for the practice card grade. The five highest will be graded. Please note

F. Students may miss one practice card each six-weeks without affecting the practice card average for the six-weeks grading period. Missing more than one will impact the practice card average and thus the final six-weeks grade.

G. Students may make up missed practice card grades by playing specific items such as scales, technique, exercises etc. This will be handled as make-up work. Only two weekly practice card

grades may be made up each six-weeks.

What Students Should Practice At Home

This is a suggested schedule to develop a practice routine as well as help students use their practice time efficiently. This will also help parents know if students are benefiting from home practice. This routine will allow students to cover their playing assignments and will help them to progress in their playing ability. In addition, by following this routine students will be able to easily meet practice time requirements for their practice card.

I. Warm-up 3 – 5 minutes Choose short exercises from each of these categories:

1. Slow scales

2. Long Tones / Lip Slurs

3. Major scales and scale sequences

II. Etude Assignments 5 – 10 minute

1. Review technique lines played in class

2. Practice newly assigned lines

3. Isolate problem areas and work to improve them

III. Performance Music 10 – 15 minutes

1. Review music covered in class that day

2. Practice newly assigned music

3. Isolate problem areas and work to improve them

IV. Recreational Playing

Students should try different types of music. Music from popular songs or music from churches would be beneficial. Students should also experiment with making up their own music. Recreational playing should not take the place of regular practice time. This time should be only counted when completion of practice assignments has been completed.

Students should strive to play their instrument daily. Practice time is more beneficial to the student’s progress when it is done as a daily routine. Playing an instrument is a physical activity and students need to spend time regularly practicing. Practice time can be effective in shorter sessions each on the same day. Ten or fifteen minute session, two or three times per day will sufficiently keep students conditioned, keep them ready for class and rehearsals and fulfill time requirements for band class. Longer practice time sessions are not discouraged.

If students seem to be bored with or seeming to master practice assignments, different and additional materials and assignments are available. Parents will probably hear some things frequently. This is normal. You should hear new things regularly. If you want to know specifics of materials, you may check the teacher web website or get the information from the band director. Ask your child to perform their music for you from time to time.

Citizenship

The administration Bristol Tennessee City Schools, the faculty and staff of Vance Middle School assume that middle school students are mature and responsible for their own behavior at school and that all discipline matters can be handled in a calm and reasonable manner. In order to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning, certain standards of behavior are necessary. Each student is under control of all classroom teachers and their substitutes.

Along with the “Duties of the Band Member,” the following is a brief listing of classroom rules:

1. No talking or playing out of turn during instructional time.

2. Gum, food, drinks, candy are not allowed in the band room (unless permission is given by the teacher)

3. Keep hands, feet and other objects to yourself.

4. Show proper respect for other students, director, substitutes and visiting instructors.

Discipline Plan

Procedures for disciplinary infractions will be enforced fairly, promptly and equitably to every student. The following discipline system will be used in class:

1^st infraction – warning

2^nd infraction – 30 minute next day after school detention in the band room

3^rd infraction – 30 minute next day after school detention in the band room or school day detention / parents notified

4^th infraction – student sent to office for school-based referral that may include In School or Out of School Suspension / parents notified

Extreme Behavior Problem - student sent to office for school-based referral that may include In School

or Out of School Suspension / parents notified

Tardies - 3 unexcused tardies to class will result in 30 minute next day after school detention in the band room.

Failure to attend the assigned detention could result in referral to school day detention or In School Suspension.

Students will also be responsible for behavior when representing the Vance Middle School Band away from school, including performances, concerts and trips. Detailed information regarding behavior expectations for these events will be given to students.

Rehearsal And Performance Attendance

It is the duty of a band member to attend and be on time to all rehearsals and performances. “Early is on time-on time is late!” Band is a performing group. Performances and rehearsals are a vital part of the students’ evaluation. Full band rehearsal is fundamental to the success of the band. Time spent in these rehearsals cannot be recreated adequately at home. Since the band is divided into two classes during the school day to maximize instructional time, it is necessary to put the classes together to prepare for performances. These times will be announced as far in advance as possible. It is inevitable that situations will arise that may prevent attendance at a rehearsal or performance. Please use the following information to assist you when the situation of absence occurs.

I. Rehearsals outside of the class day will be the following

1. Before School Rehearsal – begins at 7:20 am and lasts until 8:00 am

2. After School Rehearsal – begins at 2:45 pm and lasts usually until 4:00 pm

II. All rehearsals are required except in regard to one of the following conditions

1. Schedule Conflict Excused by the director prior to the rehearsal or performance (notify as soon as possible by phone, email, note or personal contact)

2. Illness Student must provide a written note from parent or doctor’s excuse as soon as possible after the absence.

3. Emergency Student must provide a written note from parent or doctor’s excuse as soon as possible after the absence. If possible, please notify the band director ahead of time.

III. Other School Activities School Sports and other school related activities often do not directly with band rehearsals and performances. The band student choosing to do these additional activities must realize and honor their obligations to each group that they participate in. The director will work on an individual basis to help each student work out a satisfactory arrangement for attending performances and rehearsals if there is a conflict. This will most likely include sharing time between band and the other activity. When notified in a timely, fashion the band director will be able to accommodate participation in both conflicting activities. It is essential that communication be done prior to the day of the rehearsal or performance. Below is some information that will be useful to parents and students if this situation arrives.

1. Cheerleaders When the band performs at home football games, 7^th grade cheerleaders may cheer at the 7^th grade football games and play with the band during the 8th grade games. 8th grade cheerleaders will cheer or play with the band as determined by the band director and cheerleading sponsor. Rehearsals will be coordinated with the cheerleading sponsor.

2. Sports / School Activities

a. Football - When the band performs at home football games, students that play football will be excused from that performance. Rehearsals will be either excused or shared depending on the situation.

b. All other sports and activities - Time may need to be shared between the sport and band in order to meet obligations to both. Communication between the band director, coach or sponsor and parents will make the situation work easily without confusion or

misunderstandings. Please notify the band director of practice or performance ahead of time so that he is aware.

Uniforms

The band provides band uniforms. The uniform consists of pants a jacket. Students are responsible for having the following accessories for the uniform:

1. White shoes (gym shoes are acceptable) These shoe should have white souls and should not have any emblem or logo that is another color.

2. white crew length socks

3. white band gloves (available at Music Doctors)

Students will also need a Vance Band T-Shirt. These may be purchased from the Band Boosters.

Daily Procedures

I. Dropping Off and Picking Up Instruments

1) Students should drop off their band instrument and band materials in the morning when you arrive at school. Each student will have an assigned space for his/her instrument.

2) Students should not keep instruments or materials in lockers.

3) Since most mornings we will be having rehearsal during 1^st period (CAP), students should get instruments and music prepared for rehearsal.

4) The band room is open at 7:00 am each morning. Students may drop off and then proceed onto the cafeteria if you will be eating breakfast or to the gym. Students may also remain in the bandroom until the 7:23 bell.

5) When the 7:23 bell rings, students should go to the restroom if you need to. Students should also go to their locker if needed.

6) Students should come to the band room to pick up instruments and music immediately after the bell. Mr. McCoy is usually here for a while after school but not always. It is best to pick up your instrument right away.

7) Only students that are in band are to come through the band room before or after school. If you have friends that are not in band, they will have to wait for you.

8) F Horn, Baritone, Tuba players should place their mouthpieces on their case and binders on shelves. Do not put mouthpieces in cases or take to lockers.

II. 1^st Period Rehearsal

1) Students should be seated with instruments and music ready to start rehearsal before the 7:30 bell rings.

2) Students are expected to be in attendance and on time as well as prepared.

3) Students receive a grade for 1^st period class.

4) Students must have permission ahead of time before missing class to go another teacher or program, etc. If another teacher needs you for something else, be sure you have checked with Mr. McCoy first before going.

5) Students may play their instruments before class starts. Students are encouraged to practice on music we are preparing or other assigned music. Any playing that goes on should be constructive. Students are discouraged from making loud or ugly sounds or any type playing that would otherwise not be constructive.

6) Instrument cases are to be kept on instrument shelves during class. Do not have at your seat or leave cases in the floor.

7) 1^st PERIOD REHEARSAL STARTS WITH THE SOUND OF THE BELL. At that time, all talking and playing should stop.

8) Pledge to the Flag and morning announcements will be over the intercom. Students are to remain quiet during announcements.

III. Class Time

1) Students enter the room and immediately begin getting instruments and music ready.

2) If you need to go to the restroom, please get ready for class first then ask for permission to go. Return to your seat quietly if class has begun.

3) Students may play their instruments before class starts. Students are encouraged to practice on music we are preparing or other assigned music. Any playing that goes on should be constructive. Students are discouraged from making loud or ugly sounds or any type playing that would otherwise not be constructive.

4) CLASS STARTS WITH MR. McCOY ANNOUNCING OR SIGNALLING. At that time, all talking and playing should stop.

5) Students must have permission ahead of time before missing class to go another teacher or program, etc. If another teacher needs you for something else, be sure you have checked with Mr. McCoy first before going.

6) Students are to have their instrument and necessary materials each class. Students will need to bring THEIR OWN binder to their music stand. Students have a list of materials that are needed for band class and rehearsals.

7) Students should share music stands in general (Two per stand) There are exceptions made. These will covered in class.

8) Clarinet/Saxophone/Oboe/Bassoon players should have 3 extra playable reeds at all times in their case.

Trumpet, Horn, Trombone Players should have valve oil, slide oil and tuning slide grease available in their cases if needed.

F Horn, Baritone and Tuba players should have valve oil, slide oil and tuning slide grease available in their cases if needed. F Horn, Baritone and Tuba players should also have the same items for the instruments that they keep at home.

9) Students should refer to the Vance Band Handbook for

Duties of the Band Member

1. Be on time to all practices and performances (including class). “Early is on time – on time is late!”

2. Arrive at all practices and performances (including class) with the correct equipment and a positive attitude.

3. Make a real effort to learn and improve daily.

4. Maintain a strong academic standing in all other course work at school.

5. Become responsible for and expect to assume consequences for your own actions or inactions.

6. Have proper respect for those in authority.

7. Follow all classroom rules, school rules and policies and travel instructions issued for trips.

8. Be honest and fair with others concerning equipment, music and school life in general.

9. Cooperate with fellow band members and share with them the responsibilities and privileges that are part of the band program.

10. Contribute positively to your music education and that of others by the best use of your talents.

11. Improve your knowledge and skills on you instrument and music by practicing regularly.

Performances

Listed below are the performances that the Vance Band customarily participates. Exact dates and times will be communicated as far in advance of the date as possible. Students are expected to participate in each performance. See section on Rehearsal and Performance Attendance. Performances may be added or deleted if needed.

Football Games September / October

Games are played on school days, usually late afternoon or early evening. Band students perform at selected Vance 8^th grade home football games. Students will play “pep” songs in the stands. Students will wear band shirts and jeans as uniforms.

Marching Band Festival October

The Vance Band will perform the National Anthem to start the band festival that takes place usually the first Saturday in October. This festival will feature high school bands from all over the region.

Christmas Parade December

The Vance Band will march in the Downtown Bristol Christmas Parade. This parade is usually the first Thursday in December.

Christmas Concert December

The Vance Band performs a concert of holiday favorites.

Solo and Ensemble Festival March

All band students are encouraged to prepare a solo selection, ensemble selection (two or more players) or both. This event is sponsored by the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association. The festival allows the student to work and prepare individually for honors. Individual and small group performance is a very important part of a student’s musical experience. The students will receive a rating and a critique of their performance all designed to help them improve even more. This activity is optional. Musical pieces and assistance for the event are available from the band director.

Concert Festival March / April

The Vance Band will prepare music for adjudication for a panel of judges at the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association State Concert Festival. This is usually during the school day.

Spring Trip Festival April / May

Each year the band travels to participate in a nationally recognized festival/competition. This is generally a two-night trip and includes several educational and fun events as well. The trip is approved by the school system. School system staff members as well as parents chaperone the trip. Details of the trip are made available very early in the year so that students may plan for and earn money for the trip through fund-raising.

Spring Concert May

The Vance Band will perform their contest music and other selections. Student awards and recognition are also presented that evening.

Opportunities for

Individual Participation

Junior Clinic January / February

Band students from Northeast Tennessee try out each year for positions in one of three Honors bands. This event is sponsored by the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association. Students selected will participate in rehearsals and a concert. There is one band for each grade level, seventh, eight and ninth. The

audition consists of scales, a short prepared exercise and sight-reading. The prepared piece will be given out during the fall to begin practicing. Students may receive additional help with preparation for the tryouts. This is an optional activity for band students and the highly dedicated and interested band members are encouraged to try out. This is one of the highest honors a middle school band student may receive since only the top band students from Northeast Tennessee are chosen.

Honors Band January / February

This event is similar to Junior Clinic. Participants are from several surrounding states. Participation in this festival is based upon the band director’s recommendation and then the festival host according to need selects students. This is an optional activity for band students. Only band students who have demonstrated strong dedication and interest will be considered for the band director’s recommendation. Students will spend a weekend at the festival rehearsing with guest conductors and perform a concert. Students will also attend a university band concert. There will also be some fun and recreation built into the schedule as well.

Seating Tryouts

Seating tryouts are held at least one time during the school year at the discretion of the band director. The purpose of the tryout is to determine chair order and part assignments. All instrument sections and students must try out regardless of instrument or size of the section. Tryouts usually consist of scales and a prepared selection of music. Challenges may be either played individually on tape or individually for the director or a judge designated by the director. Requirements and materials for the tryouts will be announced and distributed well in advance of the tryout. The tryout will be considered to be a playing test grade as well.

Challenges

Students may challenge the student directly ahead of them in the section to improve their placement in the section. Challenges will consist of scales and materials and/or music currently being covered in class. A form for challenging is available from the band director. This form explains the procedure for the challenge. The director may hear challenges live or on tape. Challenges may be made any time after seating tryout scores are posted. Challenges may be suspended at the discretion of the director near a performance date.

Private Study

Each student is encouraged to study privately on his or her instrument at home. If students follow directions for what to practice and how to practice, students will be able to keep up with playing expectations. Private study is encouraged to all band students to help them improve their playing skills as well as enhance the student’s enjoyment and success. The private instructor is able to focus the entire session on one student and individualize the instruction to best serve student. Some students may wish to be challenged beyond the band class and a private instructor will be able to provide this service. Students that wish to do well for auditions for Junior Clinic and Honors Groups should consider private study. Other students may be having difficulty with some aspects of playing their instrument. Again a private instructor will be able to provide this service. A list of private instructors will be published and sent by mail throughout the school year. If you have questions regarding private instruction, please contact the band director.

Extra Help

Students are encouraged to seek extra help when having difficulty playing their instrument or having difficulty with a piece of music. Students may also receive help for Junior Clinic Tryouts, Solo & Ensemble Festival or any other music or skill the student may need help on. Students and/or parents should check with the band director to arrange for extra help.

Intermediate and Professional Line Instruments

As students become more musically advanced and more dedicated to the band, they may wish for an instrument of better quality than their student model level instrument. While these student line instruments certainly will serve the student throughout their time in band, intermediate and professional line instruments are good investments for student development. Students can use their intermediate and professional instruments for serious practice and indoor performances and the student line instrument for outdoor marching band. Area music dealers offer complete lines of intermediate or step up instruments. If you are interested in these instruments, you are encouraged to discuss the preferred brands and models with the band director before making a purchase.

Band Student Leadership

Student leadership is strongly encouraged among members of the Vance Band. Although all students are urged to be as cooperative as possible, student officers, drum majors and section leaders are relied upon to set a good example for the rest of the band students to follow. Requirements for the student leaders are listed below.

I. Officers: a committee of four students from each grade level is chosen by the students to represent the band Students. Criteria for band officers is:

A. Must have demonstrated willingness to accept extra responsibility and set a positive example for others to follow.

B. Must have maintained an overall “B” average in band with no band six-weeks grade lower than 75.

C. Must have maintained a high standard of conduct in band and other school activities.

II. Drum Majors: The drum major(s) are responsible for directing the band at football games, parades or other designated performances throughout the year. Students receive information about requirements and will have training sessions to help them prepare. Students are judged and selected based on leadership, conducting skill, musicality and overall confidence.

III. Section Leaders: The position of section leader is awarded to those students who receive first chair after seating try-outs. Section leaders are often called upon to distribute music, keep the section orderly and help the director when needed. Section leaders must maintain the highest standards of conduct and leadership to avoid losing the position to another student.

Band Boosters

A parent’s organization called the Vance Band Boosters exists to encourage and promote the band program financially and physically. All parents and/or guardians are automatically members of this organization and encouraged to participate in the booster activities whenever possible. Newsletters, memos and email will announce meeting times. Also band booster information will be available on the website.

Financial Considerations

To fully support the band program, the Band Boosters and the Bristol Tennessee City Schools have approved a “Fair-Share” program. The program goes to cover expenses of the band including: music, transportation, new equipment, instrument repair, awards, and postage for mailings equipment repair, office supplies uniform maintenance, refreshments, uniform cleaning, festival entry fees, uniform replacement and instruments. There are many expenses and are too numerous to mention. This lists only the major ones. Here is how the “Fair-Share” program works. Each band student is assessed a specific amount. This amount is determined by the band boosters organization and announced at the beginning of the year. The amount is based on the budgeted needs of the band for the school year. The 1^st half of the fair share is due is September and the 2^nd half is due in January. Of course, these can be paid at other times too throughout the school year. In addition, students may earn money toward this assessment by participating in the two fund-raisers sponsored by the band boosters.

There are other opportunities that come up occasionally that may allow students to earn money for their accounts. Students can also use the funds they raise to apply to their cost of a spring trip. All funds that are raised by students may only be applied to payment of the fair-share account and trips. Payments and proceeds from fund-raisers will be credited from year to year while the student is band at Vance. Any money remaining will be transferred to the student’s account at Tennessee High.

Summer Band /

Junior Viking Music Camp

Each summer the Vance Band meets for a portion of the summer. During this time students will begin preparing musical selections for early performances after the start of the school year. Students will also receive additional and supplemental instruction on their instruments that may not be covered during the school year. Incoming band students will get accustomed to the band program before school starts so that they will not be overwhelmed with band when school starts. Rising 8^th grade band students will get the opportunity to assume the leadership roles in their sections by assisting the new students. Students that are in town are expected to attend these sessions. Sessions will be approximately two times per week. A schedule of sessions will be sent out in May. There will also be a summer social event at the end of the camp for students and parents.

Band Beyond Vance / Band at Tennessee High / Band In the Future

The Bristol Tennessee Elementary Band and Vance Middle School Band provide a foundation for participation in high school, college, church and municipal bands or orchestras. Traditionally most Vance band members continue in the highly successful Tennessee High School Band, which offers marching band, concert band, jazz band and small ensembles for student musicians. Many students have gone on from Tennessee High to play in college bands; church orchestras and some now play professionally. For more information on the Tennessee High Band, please call the band director, Mr. Kevin Hebert 652-9315.

Mr. McCoy, Band