1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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)

8. 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.

9. 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)

10. 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.

11. 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.

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

13. Instrument Rentals www.musicarts.com www.band_connection.com

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

15. 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

16. Budget Update
Budget Update

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

18. 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

19. Now it’s your turn Do you have any questions?
Contact Info:
Brad Smith –
Candace Sparrow –
Chad Wallace –