The purpose of this handbook is to ensure the smooth operation of the Clark Band
Program, ensuring fairness for all students while delivering an exceptional fine arts
education and experience. The expectations and policies outlined herein are founded on the following principles:
● All students strive for success.
● All students wish to participate in a program they can take pride in.
● All students are here to learn and grow as young artists.
● All students desire organization, clear instructions, and consistent expectations.
Purpose and Benefits of Fine Arts
The Clark Band provides a positive and challenging environment as well as frequent performance opportunities for students. The Clark Band also provides an artistic outlet for students to help develop the whole person. The benefits of involvement in the fine arts are thoroughly well-researched and documented. Students involved in the arts consistently have higher grades, higher standardized test scores, have fewer discipline issues, and are better campus citizens.
However, we believe that the most important purpose and benefits of this program do not happen on the stage, football field, or contest. Our primary result is the citizenship and leadership skills that our students learn when working over long periods of time with other students toward a major
goal. Colleges and businesses have begun to see that applicants who have years of Fine Arts involvement know how to work with others and can better handle stressful and competitive work environments and want these students in their program or business.
The Clark Band trains students to be successful adults and better people.
Code of Conduct
Students involved in the Clark Band must adhere to the NISD Code of Student Conduct. Participation in the band is a privilege. As such, students are expected to conduct themselves with a high degree of integrity and honor and will be held to a higher standard.
Clark Band students will always treat each other, NISD staff, parent volunteers, and guests with a high level of respect and courtesy. Clark Band students will be positive role models in their program and on their campus. They will demonstrate commitment and strive to achieve a level of professionalism that reflects the love of their art.
Commitment and Citizenship
A major key to any group being successful is the level of commitment that each student has toward the other students in the group. Becoming a member of any group implies an agreement with that group’s mission and goals, and acceptance of the expectations of the group, awareness and acceptance of the group’s calendar, and most importantly, a commitment to the other students in the group.
Students in the Clark Band are set up to experience continual growth and development. They are expected to continue their membership from semester to semester and year to year so that both they and the group can continue this growth in an uninterrupted manner. Students who leave a program and then attempt to rejoin will either go through a re-entry program or be prohibited from re-entry due to these expectations.
In addition to commitment, Fine Arts students are expected to be positive contributors to their group. Successful groups have student members who are supportive of other students and encourage other members to achieve the goals of the group. Students who cannot support other students and remain a positive asset to the group need to strongly consider their membership in the group before accepting a position. Students who become a negative influence will be subject to removal.
Desire to belong to a group must also have a willingness to put the needs of the group over the self. The policies and procedures of the Clark Band will be fair to all students, while at the same time putting the needs of the group first.
Curricular and Extracurricular
Fine Arts organizations have activities that fall into both Curricular and Extracurricular categories. Curricular activities are those that involve either an extension of the classroom (rehearsals) or involve course objectives that can only be met outside of the classroom (public performances). Extracurricular activities involve a competitive component such as ratings or placement (see Academic Eligibility below for more details).
Curricular components of a program may be graded to assess the fulfillment of course objectives. Extracurricular components that are required for members of an organization may be graded for participation.
Attendance
Students involved in the Clark Band, and their parents must understand that their attendance affects every other member of the organization. When a student is absent from a rehearsal it has a significantly negative impact on other students and the program. Rehearsal schedules are publicized in advance and students who expect to participate in a Fine Arts organization must plan accordingly.
Performances are the final product of long-term planning and effort. Group placement and part assignments are made in advance based on the performance needs of the group. An unexcused absence from any performance is extremely detrimental to other students and the group as a whole and will not be tolerated. The band directors will publish a rehearsal and performance calendar well in advance to the start of each season/school year. Students wishing to be a part of the Clark Band must be willing to commit to the rehearsal and performance expectations before accepting a position in the group.
These are the only examples of excused absences:
1. Family Emergency- defined as an unexpected occurrence that presents no alternative option other than the student’s absence from the event. This must be communicated in writing, from the parent/guardian, and approved by the director.
2. Illness / Medical Emergency- defined as something that takes you away from the school day. If you are at school all day, you should be at the rehearsal or performance. If you are absent for illness, a doctor’s note should be provided.
3. Conflict with another NISD-Sponsored activity- does not automatically warrant an excused absence. Students should make every effort to attend both events. Band directors and sponsors of the other activity will communicate to agree upon a reasonable solution of the conflicting date.
Doctor/dental appointments, driving tests, make-up tutorials, etc. should all be scheduled outside of rehearsal times. Directors have worked to make this possible in our schedule.
Students who miss rehearsals or performance for unexcused reasons are subject to grade penalties and/or suspension from performances. Students who cannot fulfill the attendance expectations and responsibilities of their group will face removal from the program.
An excused absence may require additional practice or make-up work to cover any missed information.
Regarding marching band rehearsals- An unexcused absence from ANY rehearsal can result in a removal from the performance that week. Consistent unexcused absences will result in a removal from a performance spot. Directors reserve the right to remove a student who has missed multiple rehearsals in a week, for ANY reason, from that week’s performance(s).
Regarding all performances (marching or concert season) students are expected to attend, for the entire duration of the event, including concerts, football games, marching contests, etc. Unique circumstances that would require students to leave early with their parents, must be communicated and approved by a director in ADVANCE of the performance.
Fees
Participation in the Clark Band requires participation fees to cover certain costs including transportation, meals, contest entries, supplies, specialized instruction, etc. We are blessed to have a district that provides great financial support, and every effort is made to keep costs down. However, for our organization to
function and provide great opportunities for our students, fees must be paid for each participant. The Clark Band offers several fundraising opportunities to help off-set these fees, and our families are encouraged to participate in these programs.
Funds that remain unused upon graduation or program departure may only be transferred to a sibling in that same program, and only after a request is made to the director, in writing.
Academic Eligibility
Although some activities and events for the various Fine Arts programs are curricular and therefore not affected by TEA/UIL eligibility requirements, many activities and events do fall under these eligibility requirements. These activities have eligibility requirements when:
(A) the activity is competitive (ratings or placement);
(B) the activity is held in conjunction with another activity that is considered to be extracurricular.
(C) the activity is held off-campus, except in a case in which adequate facilities do not exist on campus;
(D) the general public is invited; or
(E) an admission is charged.
Exception:
From the TEA/UIL Side-By-Side: 2) A student ineligible to participate in an extracurricular activity, but who is enrolled in a state-approved course that requires demonstration of the mastery of the essential knowledge and skills in a public performance, may participate in the performance subject to the following requirements and limitations.
(A) Only the criterion listed in paragraph (1)(D) of this subsection applies to the performance.
(B) The requirement for student participation in public is stated in the essential knowledge and skills of the course.
Students are expected to maintain passing grades in all their classes and must understand that their eligibility affects every other member of the organization. When a student becomes ineligible it has a negative impact on other students in the program.
Students who become ineligible will forfeit their position/role during the period of ineligibility and may lose or not be permitted to regain that position/role when eligibility is regained. Issues with eligibility will have an impact on future position/role assignment considerations.
Equipment and Facilities
We are very privileged to have the equipment and facilities that we have. The expectation for students involved in the Clark Band is to use the equipment and facilities responsibly and with respect. Students will properly care for and respect all equipment, whether specifically checked out to the student. Students
will properly use all facilities and furniture for the intended purpose. Intentional abuse or willful neglect of any equipment, furniture, or facility may result in disciplinary action, financial restitution, and/or removal from the program.
Regarding all school-owned instruments:
1. Upon check-out, the instrument is the sole responsibility of the student to whom it is assigned.
2. Only the assigned student is allowed to use the instrument.
3. Any student checking out an instrument must be assigned a locker, and lock. If the instrument is stored in the locker, it must be ALWAYS locked.
4. It is expected that the student will make his/her best effort to keep the instrument, case, and accessories in the best possible condition. This includes general maintenance such as keeping the instrument properly stored, when not in use; cleaning/swabbing the instrument on a regular basis; lubricating all valves and slides as necessary; keeping the case free of any items that are not
meant to be stored with the instrument; avoiding extreme temperatures or conditions that might cause damage to the instrument.
5. The Clark Band will pay for any repairs associated with standard wear and tear. However, any repairs associated with mishandling of the instrument, or general negligence will be the responsibility of the student to which it is assigned.
6. Should any items be lost or stolen, it is the responsibility of the assigned student to file the appropriate paperwork and pay full replacement costs.
7. It is expected that the student will return the instrument and all accessories in the same condition it was in upon check-out.
Off-Campus and Overnight Trips
The NISD Code of Student Conduct is in effect during all off-campus travel. Students involved in the Clark Band are expected to behave with a high degree of integrity and honor and will be held to a higher standard. Students understand that they are traveling as a group and are representing their organization
that has worked very hard to achieve success. They are also representing their school and the NISD community.
Any criminal acts (theft, vandalism, possession of drugs/alcohol, etc.) while on any off-campus travel will be immediately handed over to local authorities. The group’s sponsor will then contact the campus administrator and parent/guardian. At that time arrangements will be made for the parent/guardian either to pick up the student or to arrange a trip home at the parent/guardian’s expense. Students guilty of criminal acts while on any Clark Band trips will forfeit participation in future band trips, for a minimum of one year.
The primary purpose of all trip rules and procedures is to keep students safe. Students traveling with the Clark Band are acknowledging their responsibility to follow all rules and procedures. Check-in and curfew times are critical to the safety of the students and must be taken seriously. Any failure to check-in
or make curfew will be treated as a serious offense and may result in the student being sent home at the parent/guardian’s expense. The student will face disciplinary action upon returning to campus.
Students are to understand that chaperones are present for the safety of the students and to help ensure that the trip runs smoothly. Chaperones are to be treated as an extension of the authority of the band directors. All requests and instructions given by official chaperones are to be followed immediately. Any disrespect shown to a chaperone or failure to comply with a chaperone’s instructions will be treated as insubordination and the student will face disciplinary action. Serious infractions may result in a student permanently losing the privilege of traveling with the Clark Band.
While traveling, students will treat all business employees and members of the public with the utmost respect and courtesy. Students are to be aware that they will not be the only patrons or customers in a business when traveling and must behave accordingly. Any difficulties should be referred to a chaperone
or group sponsor to handle.
These are general requirements regarding the expectations of students while traveling off-campus. It is expected that in any situation not specifically outlined in this handbook, that students will make choices that reflect the standards of NISD, and the maturity that must go along with travel off-campus or on overnight trips.
Student Travel
For any event in which the band is traveling out of town, students are expected to travel with the organization on NISD vehicles. Under extreme circumstances, a parent/guardian will be allowed to drive their student to the event, separately, provided this has been communicated to the directors IN ADVANCE of the event. The student will still be expected to adhere to the band’s schedule of events, regardless of travel arrangements.
At the conclusion of a band event, a parent/guardian can sign their student out to travel home with them.
Social Media
Clark Band students are expected to serve as model citizens in all aspects of public life, including social media. Any social media or online post by students involved in the Clark Band that are degrading or insulting to other students, disparaging to the program or sponsors, or are disparaging to other school programs, will be treated as harassment, and turned over to NISD Administration for investigation.
Degrading or insulting social media posts are cause for disciplinary action and potential removal from the program. Photos or videos posted online that involve band students and the use of alcohol, drugs, illegal paraphernalia, or lewd behavior are also cause for immediate removal.
Hazing
Hazing is defined as any act, occurring on or off-campus, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purposes of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization. Consent to the act does not excuse the student of responsibility for the misconduct.
Students found guilty of hazing will be reported to NISD administration for disciplinary action, and removal from the Clark Band.
Removals
Removals are a rare and highly unfortunate occurrence. A removal will occur when a student has, by their actions, demonstrated a lack of commitment; a high level of disrespect to other students, the program, the equipment, or a facility; violated a policy or law while on a trip; or they have become a consistently negative influence on other students in the program. Ultimately if a situation has come to a removal
discussion that will be at the discretion of the director.
Conflict Resolution and Appeals
Clark Band directors will follow the policies set forth in this handbook. Students will also follow this handbook and policies stated within. If a concern or conflict arises, the student should first re-examine both this handbook and policies before contacting the sponsor. If there is still a concern the student should
contact the director, and an effort will be made to address the concern. If the concern is not resolved, the student should then go through the campus Assistant Principal that is over that campus’ Fine Arts Department.
Appeals relating to any action taken by the sponsor will follow this same process. Any situation not specifically covered by this handbook will be reviewed before any action is taken. Any action will then be based on 1) applicable laws, 2) Clark Band policy, 3) what is best for the organization, 4) what is best for the student.
Grading Policy
Grades are calculated based on participation in the following:
Formative: (50%)– Students will receive a formative grade for each Objective Pass-Off, assigned at each IPR. Various playing assignments include UIL related materials, solo repertoire, or fundamental exercises. The grade will be given based on demonstration of progress/mastery in the assignment with items such as intonation, dynamics, articulations, rhythm, and note accuracy. The grading breakdown for Objective Pass-Offs is as followed:
● 50%: 1stAttempt
● 60%: 2ndAttempt
● 70%: 3rdAttempt
● 100%: Pass
Other formative grades might include turning in required items or Daily Performance at extracurricular rehearsals. In order for a student to be successful in said rehearsals, he/she must bring required materials to class (instrument, music, pencil). Students must be on time to class to have the best chance of success. Points will be subtracted for failure to demonstrate progress/mastery in these areas of the TEKS: posture, intonation, musicality, and technique.
Performances/Concerts (50%)- These grades will be determined by a combination of active participation and conduct. Band conduct refers to being on time to class, being prepared with required materials, being attentive during instruction and performance, and responding promptly and appropriately to the conductor’s instruction. Active participation refers to the punctuality of a student, as well as a contribution towards the group’s performance.
Students will receive a grade for performance in all concerts. BAND CONCERTS AND REHEARSALS ARE NOT OPTIONAL. A missed concert or rehearsal experience cannot be recreated; therefore, it cannot be made up if missed (see Band Handbook for Excused Absences procedures).
Under circumstances that are covered under an excused absence, a student must play off the concert program for a director.
Parent/Director Relationships
Both parenting and band directing are very difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding between directors and parents, both are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide a more positive experience for everyone. Parents have the right to know, and understand, the expectations placed on them
and their children. Directors have the right to know that if parents have a concern, they will discuss it with the directors at the appropriate time and place.
Communication parents should expect from their child’s director:
1. Director’s philosophy.
2. Expectations the director has for your son or daughter.
3. Locations and times of practices and contests.
4. Organizational requirements, i.e., fees, special equipment needed, school & organization rules, and expectations.
5. Procedures that will be followed if your child becomes injured during participation.
Communication directors expect from parents:
1. Concerns regarding their son or daughter expressed directly to the director at the appropriate time and place.
2. Specific concerns regarding the director’s philosophy and/or expectations.
3. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.
As your child becomes involved in the Tom C. Clark Mighty Cougar Band, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It’s important to understand there may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. These are the times discussion with the director is encouraged.
Appropriate concerns to discuss with a director:
1. The mental and physical treatment of your child.
2. What your child needs to do to improve.
3. Concerns about your child’s behavior.
It is very difficult to accept that your child is not playing in the ensemble or the part that you hoped. Directors make decisions based on what they believe is in the best interests of all students participating. As you can see from the list above, certain things can and should be discussed with your child’s director. Other things, such as those listed next, must be left to the discretion of the director.
Issues NOT appropriate for discussion with your child’s director:
1. The ensemble in which your child performs.
2. The part that your child plays in the ensemble.
3. Any situation that deals with other students. Unless it directly pertains to your child.
There are situations that may require a conference between the director and parent. These are not discouraged, as it is important for each party to have a clear understanding of the other's position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure is suggested to help promote resolution to the issue.
If a parent has a concern to discuss with the director, the following procedure should be followed:
1. Call the director to set up an appointment.
2. If the director cannot be reached, call the head director, and ask him to set up a meeting with the director for you.
3. Think about what you expect to accomplish because of the meeting.
4. Stick to discussing the facts, as you understand them.
5. Do not confront the director before, during or after a practice or contest. These can be emotional times for both the parent and director. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution of the situation, but often escalate it.
What should a parent do if the meeting with the director didn’t provide a satisfactory resolution?
1. Call the assistant principal to set up a meeting with the principal, directors, and parent present.
2. At this meeting, an appropriate next step can be determined, if necessary.
Parents and Parent Volunteers/Chaperones
Parent involvement in the Clark Band is encouraged and highly valued. Parental involvement and interaction are keys to the success of all Fine Arts programs. Parents are encouraged to be involved and communicate with sponsors. Parents should not communicate concerns or address conflicts at public performances. Concerns need to be addressed in writing or during a conference where the necessary privacy may be observed.
To volunteer or chaperone, parents must first complete the NISD Volunteer Form and clear the background check. This background check must be done each year, and parents are encouraged to submit the online form in early August so that they can be cleared before the school year begins. This form is available on the Northside ISD Home Page via the Volunteer link.
Parents serving as chaperones are to aid in assuring the safety of the students and to assist with activities during the trip. While on any district travel, chaperones must observe the same expectations as the staff, namely follow the district dress code; no use of tobacco products; no consumption of alcohol; no possession of non-prescription drugs or any contraband items, and no lewd behavior. Just like the staff, chaperones are being watched by students and need to set the best of examples.
Students’ involvement in co-curricular activities has been proven to increase their chances of success later in life. We hope the information contained in this manual helps make that experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.