McBain Rural Agricultural Schools

Instrumental
Music Department

Parent and Student

HANDBOOK
Heather Wiggins, Director of Bands

Email address: hwiggins@mcbain.org

Contents:
2019-2020 Calendar of Events
Grading Procedure and Attendance Policy
Uniform Policy
School Owned Instruments and Equipment Policy
Sheet Music and/or Method Book Policy
Student Account

We are what we repeatedly do; excellence then, is

not an act, but a habit!
Grading Procedure and Attendance
Students will be assessed in three different areas:
1. Daily Performance/Participation: Grading in band is based upon each student
performing up to his or her own potential.
2. Check Off’s/Playing Quiz - Students will be asked to play a portion of their
music for a grade. This is done during class time. Students are graded on their
individual playing potential and a musical standard set by the teacher. Most of
these playing quizzes will be done using Google voice. The procedure to take
these quizzes is as follows:
1. Have your music, instrument and the music excerpt ready to perform
2. Call 1-920-550-1765 (please call from the same number each time)
3. Wait until you hear the announcement and then tell me you name
4. Play your quiz and hang up…that is it

3. Finally, band is a “Performance - Based” class. Students are expected and

required to attend ALL performances. Our performances are the “MEAP”
tests for our class. Understanding that there may be some situations that arise
in which a student cannot attend a performance, those situations will be dealt
with on an individual basis. It is the students and parents responsibility to
inform the teacher at least 1 month before a performance if there is a conflict.
This will allow for the ensemble to change musical strategies if necessary.
There is a calendar that is included with this handbook if you have questions
concerning performances.

Uniform Policy:
 High School Marching Band Uniforms
Every band member will be issued a marching band uniform at an appropriate time.

In the fall of 2013, the School District purchased new uniforms. All band members
should realize that they are responsible for the care of the band’s uniforms.

1. The uniform is always in one of two modes: folded neatly on the provided uniform
hanger, hanging up in the band uniform storage room (not at home), or worn only by
the band member to whom it has been issued. THE UNIFORM IS NEVER ON
THE FLOOR, ROLLED UP IN A BALL, OR THROWN INTO THE BOTTOM
OF THE GARMENT BAG.
2. The hat and shoes will not be stored, or carried in the garment bag.
This policy is in place to insure the McBain Marching Band looks the best it can at all
performances. If each band member is careful and conscientious with the uniform, the
band will look GREAT!
* High School Concert Band Uniforms:
Ladies – will be asked to purchase a white tuxedo $20.00 shirt (ordered through the
school to get our discount) and they will be issued a black concert cumber bun, bowtie
and black skirt. To be put on before the concert at school and returned immediately
following the performance.
Gentleman – will be asked to purchase a white tuxedo $20.00 shirt (ordered through the
school to get our discount) and they will be issued a black concert cumber bun and
bowtie. To be put on before the concert at school and returned immediately following the
performance.

 Middle School Uniform 7/8th grade

Ladies and Gentlemen: Black on bottom (including socks and shoes) and Black McBain
Polo (purchased by individuals for$10). Absolutely no jeans.

 Middle School Uniform 6th grade

Ladies and Gentlemen: Black on bottom (including socks and shoes) and white on top.
Please no jeans or t-shirts

EACH BAND MEMBER IS FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR MISSING

PARTS TO ANY UNIFORM. (MARCHING BAND, HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT BAND, AND/OR
COLOR GUARD.)

Year long commitment:

In High School the music, performances and drill that is written is selected for the band
based on the enrollment in the beginning of the year. In middle school as early learners it
is important to committee to the class for the entire year in order to see growth. Therefor
I want to make sure both parents and students understand and agree to this year-long
commitment. When students want to drop half way through the year they are not just
affecting themselves but the entire make up and balance of the band and all students
involved.

School Owned Instrument/Equipment

Policy:
Students who use a school owned instruments are held fully responsible for proper
instrument care and storage. Any repairs that are deemed “out of ordinary wear and tear”
by Mrs. Wiggins will become the financial responsibility of the student/family. Students
will be issued a school owned instrument at an appropriate time, and will be required to
return all part of the instrument in good condition.

Sheet Music and/or Method Book Policy:

Every band member will be issued school owned sheet music and a folder. Each band
member is financially responsible for replacement of these materials should they become
lost or damaged. Each student is also responsible for bringing his or her own music to
each rehearsal with a pencil.

Student Accounts:
Every band member will have a Student Account that is accounted for by Mrs.
Wiggins. The money that accumulates in this account can be used for a variety of
things, such as: marching band shoes or gloves, band trips, private lessons, reeds,
oil, summer music camp, or any band related event. Money cannot be withdrawn
from the account for cash, and funds from Students Accounts will not be given to
students directly. If you wish to use some of the funds in your account, simply
write Mrs. Wiggins a note and she will take care of the rest. If you have any
questions about how you can spend your student account money, please ask Mrs.
Wiggins. The most common way to accumulate funds in your account is through
the fund raising. Please make note that our website at mcbain.org also contains
some of this information.

Band Schedule for 2019-2020

Band Schedule for 2019-2020
 September 13, HOME GAME, report time 6:15
 September30, Cadillac Marching Invitational: Time TBD
 October 4, HOME GAME, report time 6:15
 October 18, HOME GAME, report time 6:15
 October 25, HOME GAME, report time 6:15

 September 30, Pizza Fundraiser (Little Caesars)

 November 11, Veteran’s Day Concert (School Day performance)
 December 9, 7th – 12th Winter Band/choir Concert @7
 December 10, 5th/6th grade Winter Band Concert @7
 Pep Bands will be determined at a later time…stay posted
 February 2-14 PIZZA FUND RAISER
 February 1, High School Solo and Ensemble
 February 25-27 Dates for Band District Festival
 March 14, State Solo and Ensemble
 May 11, 7/8 and High School Concert @7:00
 May 12, Spring Band Concert 5th and 6th grade @ 7:00
 May 22, Graduation

These are the dates I have so far

Mrs. Wiggins
 Please return this by FRIDAY, September 15, 2017

I have read and understand and agree with the handbook for the
McBain Instrumental Music classes.

__________________________ _______________________
Parent/guardian signature Student signature

RELEASE FOR PHOTO/VERBAL (MMC and NEWS)

This year we will have the Cadillac News coming in and out of the
instrumental room to do brief stories on our program. We will
need your permission for any photographs and/or verbal comments
used.

__________________________ _______________________
Parent/guardian signature Date

OPTIONAL:
I use a program called remind. It sends out 1 or 2 text messages
before an upcoming event. The text will be informational about
times to report, what to wear and when (approximate) times we
will be done so rides can be ready. Parents if you would like this
information texted to you please supply me with your cell number.
This is very similar to the school system except it will only go to
the band parents per your students’ class. This will only be used to
inform you of things that may be coming up with your student in
band and/or concerts.

________________________________________
Cell Phone of parent /guardian