WT White Longhorn Band Handbook
As a member of the WTWHS Longhorn Band, you represent an outstanding school and a band program with a high standard of excellence. It is our responsibility to build upon prior successes and to maintain these high standards for the future. It is your responsibility to give your absolute best effort at all times to insure the continuation of the quality experience here at WT White High School.
A well rounded education is enhanced by one of the most basic of all studies...the study of music. Music, in addition to enhancing the human spirit, teaches discipline, develops self-confidence, and gives each student a feeling of pride and accomplishment. Playing in band teaches students the importance of working with others and helps them develop the social skills necessary to be a part of a performing organization. Instrumental music engages students in a group activity which allows them to use their free time constructively. Band instills values: responsibility, leadership, purpose and direction, devotion to duty, spirit of cooperation, and sensitivity to beauty. Not all band students become great musicians, but certainly all become more mature, cooperative, self-disciplined, hard working members of society with an appreciation of the fine arts. Music is a subject which affects all sides of a student's personality. This includes the intellectual, physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and social aspects of a person.
The mission of the WTWHS Longhorn Band is to provide students the opportunity to express themselves in some form of musical activity, in group and individual settings, as they mature and grow into productive members of society. Along with musical expression, discipline, pride, and commitment to excellence are instilled as each student participates with others to create what we call BAND.
More Handbook information is coming soon!!
School-owned Instrument Policy
Section I: Purpose
The purpose of this handbook is to clearly outline and communicate the policies and expectations regarding the use of all school-owned instruments. This handbook contains information concerning repair procedures, care and maintenance, and other important aspects of using a school-owned band instrument. Please read each section of this handbook and be familiar with the policies that affect your instrument.
Section II: Care and Maintenance
Students are expected to perform routine cleaning and maintenance procedures to ensure that their instrument stays in proper playing condition. Taking proper care of your instrument also adds to the life of the instrument.
Brass instruments are to have valves oiled on a regular basis--usually every other day as needed. Slides are to be adequately greased weekly or as needed. Only use lubricants specifically designed for brass instrument valves and slides. A gentle, non-abrasive silver polish should be used on brass instruments to maintain the finish.
Woodwind instruments must be cleaned and completely swabbed out after EVERY use. Never store your instrument with a reed on the mouthpiece. Take your reed off of the mouthpiece completely and store it in a suitable reed case after each use. It is crucial that the inside bore of the instrument is free of moisture when you put it in the case for storage. Instruments should NEVER be left in a car, trunk, or any place where the temperature will become higher than 95 degrees or lower than 55 degrees for an extended period of time. It is important to wipe off fingerprints from the surface of the instrument after each use. The oil and grease on your hands will eventually cause the finish to deteriorate.
Normal Repairs
It is the school district's responsibility to take care of any and all repairs due to normal wear and tear while the school instrument is in a student's possession. In the event that an instrument needs repair, contact the band director immediately. If possible, the student will be issued a replacement instrument while the original instrument is being repaired. It is extremely important that repairs are taken care of in a timely manner. Any necessary repairs that are deemed beyond normal wear will be billed to the student and parent (guardian) listed on the instrument checkout form.
Mutual Responsibility of Damage Policy
As mentioned, students are responsible for any and all damages beyond normal wear while the instrument is in his/her possession. In some rare cases, a school instrument will suffer damage as the result of negligence on the part of more than one person. In cases such as this, all students involved will be expected to take appropriate responsibility in paying for the repair of the damaged instrument.
Instrument Storage
At home -- school-owned instruments are to be stored in their assigned instrument case. Instruments should be kept in a safe place where the room temperature does not become too hot or too cold. Instruments are not to be left out of their cases for any extended period of time. Instruments are never to be left in a vehicle or the trunk of a vehicle. Exposure to extreme temperatures will cause major damage to the instrument in a very brief period of time.
At school -- every band student will be issued an instrument locker. Instruments are to be stored in this locker at all times when not in use.
Important - take instruments home DAILY!
Students are to take their band instruments and music home daily. Larger instruments such as sousaphones, tubas, baritone saxophones, etc. that are normally not taken home every day will need to be kept in their case in their assigned storage area or locker in the band hall at the end of the school day.
Section III: Other School-Owned Instruments
In addition to the instruments assigned to individual students, there are other instruments that are used by more than one DISD band student.
Percussion Instruments - students who play percussion instruments are expected to maintain the same level of care with their instruments as any other band student. Many percussion instruments are used by the entire percussion section and are not issued to individual students. During marching season, however, specific percussion instruments will be issued to individual students. Policies regarding normal wear and tear will apply in this situation.
Section IV: Do's and Don'ts for School-Owned Instruments
Do!
Keep all accessories in the appropriate storage areas in your case.
Perform daily maintenance on your instrument.
Polish your brass instrument with mild polish as needed.
Store your instrument in its case when not in use.
Take your instrument home daily.
Keep a towel or your case at each marching rehearsal to rest your instrument on.
Wipe off all fingerprints after each use.
Store your instrument in its assigned case.
Don't!
Store music in your case.
Leave your instrument unattended or out of your instrument locker.
Allow someone to play on or with your instrument.
Expose your instrument to extreme hot or cold temperatures.
Rest your instrument directly on the ground.
Neglect oiling valves and greasing slides.
Leave your instrument in the bandhall overnight.
Allow anyone to perform repairs on your instrument other than a certified repairman.
Band Calendar.Band Handbook.Marching Band
Concert Band.Boosters.APTheory.Did you know?
Building our future with pride.