While you wait…
STAY CONNECTED!
Take a moment and find us in your favorite social media sites to keep up with the latest and greatest of your FAVORITE BAND
PROGRAM!
Facebook: Tidwell Titan Band (look for group, request invite for group)
Instagram: titanband Twitter:@tidwellband
Sign up for texting REMIND 101
6th grade: Text - @tmsband20 to the number: 81010
Wind Ensemble: Text - @titanwe20 to the number: 81010
Symphonic Band: Text - @titansym20 to the number: 81010
Welcome
to the
Tidwell Titan
Band!
Directors
• Mrs. Renee Quinlan, Head Director
• Mr. Chris Gonzalez, Assistant Director
• Mr. Rothman Tafel, Assistant Director
• Mr. John Bingaman, BNHS Percussion
• Mr. Jed Weeks, BNHS Director of Bands
• Mr. Brad Toth, BNHS Assistant Director
Music Education
Through music we will teach the
value of discipline, self-respect,
cooperation with others, loyalty,
dedication, hard work, and honesty.
We will make it a priority to see that
every child has the opportunity to
have music in their lives because we
believe in music and the indescribable
aspects it brings to all.
7 year plan
6
thgrade – individual instrument classes
to learn basics
7
th-12
thgrade – performing/competition bands
9
th-12
thgrade – marching band
Extras:
7
th-12
thgd – Jazz Band
Our websites
Informational site
tidwelltitanband.weebly.com
Music Hub for Students
Handbook
The Band Handbook is on the band website
www.tidwelltitanband.weebly.com
The directors will take the students
through the band handbook and the
students will follow the procedures and
guidelines outlined by NISD, Tidwell
MS, and the Titan Band Program.
As parents, please visit the handbook and get familiar with our procedures and guidelines. Most of the things we will go over during this
Band Fees
Fee #1: $25 (taxable)
Band T-Shirt, Band binder, Pouch, Protectors, Dividers
Fees are due by November 1
Fee #2: $25 (school owned instrument)Usage fee for a school owned instrument for repairs and cleaning
ONLINE PAYMENT of fees with a debit/credit card can be made at:
https://tx-northwest.intouchreceipting.com/
Enter your username/password; choose your student; click Band; click Payment
ALL Oboe, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, Horn, Euphonium, Tuba
Tentative other Contest Fees
– please do not pay until asked due to COVID tentative date
Solo Contest $15 per person (contest + piano accompanists)
Ensemble Contest $10 per person (contest fee)
Online payment is preferred!
Checks are made payable to: TIDWELL MS
Friends/Family Band Shirt
Order on in-touch by November 1.
ONLINE PAYMENT of fees with a debit/credit card can be made at:
https://tx-northwest.intouchreceipting.com/
Performances
first semester
6
thgrade
December 15 – in class
zoom showcase
performance!
7th/8th grade
October Virtual Concert (now)
Wind Ensemble (+others)
District and Region Recordings
Concert and Symphonic band
November 12 – ensemble contest
December 7 – Holiday in class zoom showcase performance
As indicated on your band calendar. All first semester concerts will be zoomed and recorded. All 7/8th gd tryouts will be recorded.
We will play 2nd semester by ear.
Band calendar is on the website.
Performances
second semester
6
thgrade
April 17 – Solo Contest @TMS April 21 – Band Festival Contest May 6 – Awards Concert @TMS
7th/8th grade
Feb 6 - Wind Ensemble - ensemble contest
UIL – March / April
April 22 – Band Festival Contest May 1 – Solo Contest @BNHS May 4 – Awards Concert @BNHS
Band calendar is on the website.
Why and how will I receive
a grade for band?
Graded on participation, skill sets, fundamentals, and performances
Google Classroom Assignment (6th, 7th, 8th)
Might be a recording on instrument or worksheets
Practice Record
Due every Wednesday stating how many minutes the student had “at home” practice time.
Participation / Performance Grade
Participation in class, sectionals and performances
WEDNESDAYS – the day band things are due!
Smart Music Assignment (7th, 8th)
Practice Record
Much like Cornell notes, students practiced goals and steps to achieve goals.
Much like a “reading log” – due WEEKLY (on Wednesdays)
Students keep track of their practice minutes throughout the practice week.
The practice “week” runs from Wednesday thru Tuesday; having all practice records due on WEDNESDAYS each week!
Holding young people accountable
= Successful young adults
Count 40 min sectional time (7thand 8thgrade)
Count 20 min of Private Lesson time
Any before/after school practice
Director will DROP lowest practice record grade at 9 week mark!
6
th
gd Practice Record
6
th
gd Practice Record
7/8
th
gd Practice Record
+
Extra Practice Form Smart MusicPractice Analysis
Grade Breakdown
181+ = 110
151-180 min (3hr) = 100 121-150 min (2.5hr) = 90 60-120 min (2 hr) = 80 41-60 min (1hr) = 70 21-40 minutes = 60 1-20 minutes = 50
0 minutes = 0
=
DUE EVERY WEDNESDAY!
7/8
th
gd
Sectionals
All 7
thand 8
thgrade members
•Sectionals will start on September 21st and run until the end of April.
•Any Monday afternoon we do not have school will be made up on Friday afternoon of the same wk. •Sectionals attendance and playing objectives are a grade every week as a continuation of instructional time. Please see NISD student grading policy guidelines for further information.
•If a student is sick from school or cannot make it to sectional, they must make up the sectional during a different sectional time for their band per conversation with the director. If they are present in school and not at the sectional, their grade may be affected.
•For morning sectionals, students can enter through the outside bandhall door 16.
•Percussion will have their sectional with Mr. Bingaman in class each week until the Spring and we might add a before/after school sectional.
7/8
th
Concert Attire
( no Tidwell black dresses or boy tuxes this year unless we go to UIL.)
Formal
“Sunday Best” or “Business Casual”
Look nice, no tennis shoes, slacks,
dresses, skirts, blouses, button down
Informal
Discipline
The Tidwell Titan Band discipline policy is as follows. Each infraction will result in the student filling out the Student Discipline/ Missing Supply Google form at the time of the infraction. In this form, the student will provide their first and last name, student ID number, and class period. They will then check all infractions that apply for the situation. The infractions include:
Tardies
Excessive Talking
Disrespecting Band Equipment
Forgot Instrument
Forget Pencil
Binder- Missing/Unorganized
Reeds- Missing/Chipped
Forgot Tuner/Metronome and pickup
Along with filling out the Google form, each infraction will result in a consequence.
The 1stinfraction will result in a warning.
The 2ndinfraction will result in a Teacher/ Student conference. The 3rdinfraction will result in a phone call home.
The 4thinfraction will result in Parent/ Teacher/ Student conference. The 5thinfraction will result in an AP conference.
Private Lesson Program
The BEST way to be at the top of the class!
One-on-one time with a professional!
Lessons are only $20! NISD Discount!
Lessons can occur before school, during band
class, or after school depending on
student/teacher/parent schedules.
Go ONLINE and SIGN
UP TONIGHT!!
Private Lesson Program
Go ONLINE and SIGN
UP TONIGHT!!
In class…TIME does
not equal 100 or “A”
How many folks in life are paid for showing up and doing nothing?
“Time = Pay me” Is this what we want our young adults to learn?
I’m not paid for my time or just showing up. I’m paid for the job I do.
How much should my
child practice?
•Consistent time on the instrument is key;
not a cram session
•This varies depending on the musician’s
expectations and goals, but if you wish to
see progress at playing an instrument, we
ask that the student practice 5 days during
the 7 day week for about 20-30 minutes a
session
•The hands and face are an intricate maze
of muscles that need to be built. Muscle
memory must be developed.
When should my child
practice?
At a consistent time of day when they have a high level of energy and ability to focus. Setting a routine is
important.
For students with attention issues, two separate practice sessions throughout the day may be more beneficial.
Brushing teeth before the practice session is
recommended for you to cut down on instrument maintenance costs.
Be careful that the student isn’t practicing while
everyone else in the family is having leisure time, this may create resentment
Why do we
“PRACTICE?” and what
does it teach my child?
•We will teach kids to practice to improve their weaknesses
•Students should learn their parts at home; It’s their job to learn everyone else’s during class rehearsals.
•There is no substitute for time on the instrument; There are no short cuts to success! •Repetition is sometimes the best thing to build the muscles, technique, and master the task!
•Students will learn to plan. Have a plan, follow the plan, and don’t stop until you get it fixed.
•When students get stuck or frustrated, take a break. Walk away and breathe… •Directors teach their students to approach problem solving in the same manner as a medical doctor or mechanic: Diagnose, Isolate, Treat! These lead to permanent
What should my child
sound and look like?
Normal! No strain or discoloration of the face. Relaxed and tension free hands and
face and a tall, upright and proud posture. Feet should be flat and foot tap should be with metronome.
Sounds good? You should be able to tell if they sound good by going to
www.youtube.com and pulling up a professional that plays their instrument. Ask your child for a professional’s name. The better you educate yourself on what a professional musician sounds like, the easier you can track their progress.
In time. You should be able to tap your foot with them and stay consistent with the
beat of the metronome. It’s the exact same as tapping your foot to the radio, but maybe not as catchy. If you can’t find the pulse, chances are there isn’t one!
Why the metronome?
(that clicky thing!)
•The metronome is a tool to build our internal pulse and
subdivision.
•“Pulse” is the backbone of almost everything: clocks, bodies,
music.
•“Subdivision” divides the beat into smaller units to make it
easier to play technical exercises, kind of like factoring in math.
Your child will be successful!
•
Help them keep their binder organized
•
Help them manage their time efficiently at home
between homework, practice, and down-time
•
Check your email for band updates; check
the website; use Charms (please make
sure you have a valid email address)
•
Ask them for handouts
•
Ask them to play their instrument for you
ENCOURAGE,
ENCOURAGE,
ENCOURAGE!
Greatness!
This journey that your family has embarked on will have its highs and lows. Students will sometimes come home unhappy, scared, upset, or frustrated. Rest assured your directors will have the same woes. With a quality support system of
directors, lesson teachers and parents your child will be successful. Every child will be different in ability and we understand that. Our expectations for trying, growing, and never giving up will never change. Consistency and persistence are the keys.
Band is the vehicle we use to teach our kids about life. Life is hard, you must be prepared, you must plan, and you can never give up. Your success in life depends on how hard you are willing to try, work, and commit. The things band teaches will carry us much further than the music we play. Music is the payout we all get from the work! Enjoy the journey because no one can ever take that away from you!
