Rules and Procedures Manual

ABC Middle School Band Program

Celeste Manzano, Band Director
Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to the ABC School Band program! I am a recent graduate from Stetson University who
is ecstatic to pursue their passion of teaching with this program. I am writing to communicate the
expectations in place to create a safe and encouraging environment. This manual serves to
familiarize you with our program's facets and ensure a rewarding musical journey. Please read
the rules and procedures manual. Band students must be accountable for the handbook's content,
so please read and retain it for future reference.

Band is an ELECTIVE and a SELECTIVE course. It sets itself apart as Co-Curricular. Different
from general music classes, it cultivates greater proficiency over time. This involves learning and
applying math concepts (rhythm), mastering new notation systems, refining motor skills, critical
listening, and harmonious teamwork towards common goals. Additionally, it necessitates home
practice, occasional after-school sessions, and instrument care.

We recognize the pivotal role parents play. Your support and presence at performances foster
growth. Let us collectively create an environment nurturing lifelong musical appreciation.

Thank you for entrusting us with your musical education. We look forward to an exciting,
enriching journey together.

Warm regards,

Celeste Manzano
Ms. Manzano
ABC Middle School Band Director, B.M.E. Stetson University
cmanzano@volusia.k12.fl.us
(XXX) XXX-XXXX
*Band Website inserted
Reasoning for Rules and Procedures
All rules and procedures are implemented to maintain a safe and encouraging environments for
all students at ABC Middle School. As a function that represents the school, our actions are seen
as a reflection of the entire student body. Due to the programs association with the school,
students are expected to adhere to school policies. Students who violet the school handbook are
subject to the appropriate disciplinary process.

Rules
1. Treat each other, band staff, and chaperones with respect at all times (Eye contact, listen
then speak, use please and thank you, and talk with inside voice).
2. Raise your hand and wait to be called on to speak.
3. Keep hands and feet to yourself.
4. Look at the person giving instructions. Give your undivided attention when anyone of
authority is on the podium. Inappropriate talking severely limits our success.

Procedures
1. Students should dispose of food and gum before entering the band room.
2. Loud boisterous behavior is inappropriate in the band room. This type of behavior
distracts from a positive learning environment and is never acceptable.
3. Students are expected to enter the band room in an orderly manner. All backpacks, cases,
and materials not related to this class must be put away in their locker or placed in an
approved area designated by the director.
4. Students must be seated and set up with a music stand, notebook, music, pencil, and
instrument within 3 minutes of the bell ringing. Then the roll will be taken, and those
who are unprepared will be marked tardy.
5. Students will be silent when there is an announcement over the speaker.
6. In case of an emergency drill, students will remain seated silently, and look at the director
for instruction.
7. Once a student has been acknowledged to use the bathroom, students must sign the
bathroom log before leaving and after returning to the room.
 8. Students ARE NOT allowed to play their instruments until instructed to do so by the
director.
9. Students will play only their own instrument, or one that has been assigned to them. Do
not touch or play property that does not belong to you.
10. Students must have their instrument (and accompanying materials) in their hands daily. If
an instrument is in the repair shop, the parent must provide a note stating this fact.
11. Students are to bring all band music and band books to class in a folder every day.
12. Students should always have a pencil in their music folder.
13. All instruments must be kept neatly in a locker assigned by the director during the school
day.
14. Reed players are expected to always have a reed keeper and at least 3 good reeds.
15. Being allowed in the band room is a privilege, and it is not available to non-band
members. Please do not bring your non-band friends into the band room.
16. Band students are expected to practice at home regularly. At least 100 minutes (about 1
and a half hours) per week is recommended.
17. Students who missed have been absent must check the make-up work bin once entering
the band room.
18. DO NOT TOUCH PERCUSSION EQUIPMENT. Students may not touch or use the
piano, A/V equipment, or whiteboard unless instructed to do so by the director.
19. Once I have everyone’s attention, students will be dismissed to pack up their belongings
and any band related equipment.
20. After students pack away all their materials, they must sit back down in their chairs and
wait patiently for the End of Period Bell.

Consequences
Positive Consequences Negative Consequences
Email Sent home to parents recognizing your Moved from your seat
accomplishment.
More effective rehearsals that garner more Email/Phone call sent home & potential
challenging music. parent teacher conference
Candy of your choosing! Detentions and/or Referrals
Earned respect from other band members. Removal from Class
More opportunities to advance your Inability to enter the band room before or
placement in the band program. after school

Attendance Policy
All students are required to attend every rehearsal and performance for the class to which they
belong. Absences not only effect learning but hold back the entire ensemble. If there are
scheduling conflicts, they must be brought to the teacher’s attention at least 2 weeks in advanced.
Failure to meet this expectation will be handled on a “case-by case” bases and may affect your
final grade for the respective quarter.

Excused Absences
If you are unable to make a rehearsal or performance, you must indicate your reasoning at least 2
weeks prior to the intended absence. Excused absences include but are not limited to: Illness,
Established Religious Holiday, Family Related Emergences, Other School Obligation In the case
of a sudden illness within two weeks of the performance/rehearsal date, a doctor’s note must be
provided, or the absence will not be excused.

Unexcused Absences
Examples of inexcusable absences are as followed:
o “I Forgot”
o “I didn’t have a ride”
o “I was out of town”
o “I had homework”

**Two or more unexcused absences will result the lowering of your final participation
grade and may affect your band placement for the following school year**

Tardiness

During School Hours

Ms. Manzano follows the school policy with regards to actions against tardiness during school
hours. Reference the school handbook for more information.

Afterschool rehearsals or performances

Rehearsals will begin on time. Students who are not seated and prepared to play once rehearsal
starts WILL BE marked as Tardy.

**Two Tardis Count as One Unexcused Absence**

Students who arrive 15+ minuets late will not be counted present and will be marked as an
unexcused absence.

Opportunities to Makeup and Unexcused Absence

All rehearsals and performances are crucial in developing comradery, disciple, and work ethic.
Failure to attend these events, impacts every band member involved and their ability to succeed!
Students wanting to makeup unexcused absences must take the imitative to notify me. You then
must write a detailed and thoughtful paper on a prompt of my choosing. After review of the
paper, I will decide if the effort put forth is qualified to substitute any missing rehearsals or
performances.

This is roughly how my middle school band room will be setup. This puts alike instruments and
sections in the same area. It is also how typical bands perform. If we will be assessed in this set-
up, we should practice what this looks like, sounds like, and the procedures for being in this
setup. The chairs in the rows will have at least a foot in between them to give students space. The
forward to back area will have a large amount of space to give me room to walk through during
class.