Welcome to the Wester Wildcat Band Your Directors Brad Smith-Brass/Honor Band/ Concert Band Candace Sanders-Woodwind/Symphonic Band Chad Wallace- Percussion Coordinator (CHS/WMS/ CMS Seth McConnell – Percussion

Parent Volunteer Forms How to become involved? Parent Volunteer Forms If you want to participate with the band in any capacity you must have a Parent Volunteer form on record with FISD prior to the event.

Money If you have not finished the forms or paid the fees for… Shirt (Make check out to Wester Band Boosters) Supplies (Make check out to Wester Band) School Owned Instrument fee (Make check out to FISD) All of these forms are available on Charms

Forms www.charmsoffice.com Student Information in Charms Database Login: westerband Password: student I.D. # Student Information in Charms Database Handbook Acknowledgement Form Private Lesson Interest sign up (available tonight) Fee Sheet / T-shirt Order Form Decal Order Form (optional)

Private Lessons Extremely Important for each student Helpful for Musicians at any level Highly qualified staff of teachers We are still hiring a couple of teachers but will hopefully have all of the positions staffed soon.

Practicing The most important aspect of their grade. Done consistently Same place/Same time daily Set a goal Start with the end in mind Practice log – Charms Due on Monday Charms practice log = no late work What if you don’t know what to listen for? If it sounds bad, it is. Did your teacher tell you to do it that way? Encourage them to continue working. They should almost always be using a metronome. Beginners will learn how to soon.

Parents of Sixth Graders It will never sound this bad again Currently working on developing a good sound Once that is accomplished, we will begin moving quickly No Band Child Left Behind (when it comes to a good tone)

Practicing at school All Band students can use the practice rooms on Monday - Thursday Must be practicing while in the practice rooms Can be done before school only. Privileges will be revoked if necessary.

Procedures Before School 8:15 tutorial bell – go to tutoring 8:33 bell – bring instrument to band hall Fine arts hall is closed until 8:33 Must be here by 8:15 to practice in practice rooms (most rooms full by 8:00)

Honor/Symphonic/Concert Sectionals Once a week for 45 minutes Trying to avoid school conflicts Required for all Honor/ Symphonic Students Schedule will change as the year progresses due to different conflicts that may arise.

Practice Routine Communicate with us: It is important that the students have a routine. Help your child schedule time daily to accomplish what is assigned in all of their classes (Including Band) Practicing their instrument is just as important as their other classes (not a “special” anymore). Communicate with us: You know your child. If they tend to get discouraged easily and you see it happening, let us know. If they are just not doing the work, we will be able to tell and we will be in contact with you. Don’t let them convince you that there is nothing to work on. I am still learning and working to become a better musician. There will be tedious times this year. Encourage them and motivate them to push forward. It won’t last long.

Calendar/Contact Information Check Charms regularly www.westerwildcatband.com We will also send notices home in advance of each activity. (always through email) If you are not receiving emails from Mr. Smith make sure that your email address is correct in Charms Always email or call with questions regarding activities.

Instrument Rentals www.musicarts.com www.band_connection.com www.williamsonmusicco.com www.wwbw.com

Eligibility UIL Rules No Pass - No Play This is State Law

WMS Band Booster Board President- Shelley Sacarello Vice President / Vol. Coord - Lisa Hutto Secretary- Nancy Burgess Treasurer- Laura Cooper Dance Coordinator – Carol O’Neal Decal Coordinator- Maria Cordova Web Master – Brad Smith/ Mr. Cooper Concession Coordinator – Michelle Spencer Hospitality Coordinator – Cara Barney Fundraising – Toni Marsh

Budget Update Budget Update

Make sure you order a decal for your car. Car Window Decals Make sure you order a decal for your car.

Fun Activities Sandy Lake for the 6th graders Six Flags for the 7th and 8th graders Concerts Contests Great Music Winter Band Party Donut Parties All Region Practice Marathon

Now it’s your turn Do you have any questions? Contact Info: Brad Smith – smithb@friscoisd.org Candace Sparrow – sparrowc@friscoisd.org Chad Wallace – wallacec@friscoisd.org