Active Membership Requirements

The Timber Creek Orchestra program is open to all interested students at Timber Creek High School, Trinity Springs Middle School, and Trinity Meadows Intermediate School who demonstrate a combination of the following:

• A desire to participate in the program

• A basic ability to perform

• A positive and cooperative attitude in rehearsal and performance settings

As with any co-curricular organization, membership in the orchestra program is a privilege. Failure to meet the requirements of the campus and/or organizational requirements may result in removal from the program. 

Behavioral Expectations

Behavioral expectations are designed to create an environment that enhances student learning and performance. These expectations are based upon the premise that every student has a right to participate in the learning process without interference.

In general, students are expected to adhere to the “Code of Conduct” as detailed in the Keller ISD student handbook. 

The following provides more specific application to the orchestra program:

Be kind

• Be polite and treat others as you want to be treated.

• Be loyal, honest, courteous, and sportsmanlike in all dealings with your director, fellow orchestra members, and chaperones. A respectful response to adults with positive verbiage when addressed is expected.

• Negative verbal displays or non-verbal actions are considered inappropriate. This also applies to the internet/social media!

• Participate in all orchestra activities with a supportive and positive attitude.

• Everyone can have a bad day, be extra tired, or not feeling well, but it is still expected that you are kind.

Be professional

• Leave unnecessary “drama” at the door! While there needs to be sensitivity toward those who are experiencing legitimate difficulties, day-to-day friction between students should be addressed outside of class.

• Rough-housing/horseplay of any form in any setting is prohibited. There are still plenty of opportunities to kick back and have fun.

• Students should refrain from public displays of affection during all orchestra activities.

• Refrain from the use of degrading verbiage, profanity, and/or obscene gestures. Bullying of any form will not be tolerated.

Be punctual

• “To be early is to be on time. To be on time is to be late.”

• Always give yourself enough time to get setup, warmup, and ready to rehearse.

Be focused

•  Listen carefully to all instructions the first time they are given; what applies to one section of the ensemble often applies to your section as well.

• When given a musical instruction, always mark your music – otherwise you won’t remember. Be sure to use a pencil (not pen!)

• You will often be asked to play small excerpts of a piece; expect to stop and start many times.

• Speak or play your instrument only when you have been asked to do so.

Be responsible

• You must have your materials present and in working order for every rehearsal:

  • • Instrument

    • Shoulder rest (upper strings) / Anchor Strap/Rock stop (lower strings)

    • Orchestra binder containing all concert music and method books

    • Sharpened pencil (no pens)

    • Electronic tuner

• Gum, food, and drink (excluding water) are prohibited in all orchestra areas.

• Keep your instrument locker clean and neat; it is only for your instrument.

• Keeping the room clean and neat is everyone’s responsibility!

Be careful (with your instrument)

• Treat your instrument with care – it’s delicate; the finish of your instrument is easily damaged.

• Inappropriate treatment of school instruments will result in forfeiture of use. 

•  Wipe rosin from your instrument and loosen your bow each time before packing up. 

• Do not leave your instrument in the car at any time. Being exposed to extreme and rapid changes of temperature can cause warping and cracks resulting in permanent damage.

• Instruments other than yours are off-limits, including percussion instruments and pianos. 

Behavior-Related Consequences

Timber Creek Orchestra students are among the best on our campuses and in our community. With a positive and team-oriented attitude, orchestra members will keep behavioral considerations out of the consequence mode. However, should students exhibit behavioral concerns, consequences may include one or more of the following responses:

• Verbal warning

• Student and/or parent conference

• Principal referral

• Loss of role/placement in orchestra

• Removal from the orchestra program

Any student who severely disrupts a rehearsal or performance setting may be dismissed from the setting and/or be sent directly to the principal for disciplinary purposes without warning or call to parents. Severe actions may also result in immediate disciplinary action and removal from the orchestra program. This policy applies any time the orchestra is convened for rehearsal, performance, travel, and social activities.

REMEMBER: A consequence is something you choose.

Classroom Expectations

To have a successful musical program, the orchestra must use every minute of rehearsal efficiently. 

Tardies

The school policy is the standard. Students must be in the classroom when the tardy bell rings. A specific amount of time is given for instrument setup and tuning, after which students are expected to be ready for rehearsal.

Active Participation

During rehearsals, students are expected to be attentive and engaged in the task at hand. Every student will actively participate in rehearsal unless he/she brings a note from a doctor describing a medical condition which would prevent participation. In short, if you are well enough to be at school, then you are well enough to participate. 

Personal Needs / Restroom Pass

Students are asked to take care of personal needs before class begins to minimize disruptions. If a special need arises, students should ask for permission to use the restroom. Students will be given a specific time limit which, if exceeded, will result in being marked tardy for the class. Students must leave all electronic devices with the director. Students who exhibit a regular pattern of requesting a restroom pass will be denied. 

Chair Placement / Solos

Chair placement and solos will be assigned according to the director’s discretion for what will most benefit the sound and presentation of the orchestra. The decision of the director is final. Decisions are not based on seniority; rather, on musicianship and ability as evidenced in assessments.

Instrument Storage

The rehearsal room (when applicable) will be unlocked before and after school for students to drop off and pick up instruments. 

When available, violin and viola players will be assigned a locker. If a student chooses to use a combination lock of their own, they must provide the director with combination. No keyed locks will be allowed. Lockers are subject to search at any time and without warning, should be kept clean, and free of trash.

Cellos and basses should be stored on the appropriate racks.

Personal Items

Clothing items, books, purses, school projects, cell phones, electronic devices, other valuables, etc., left in instrument lockers, in the classroom, or in the hallway area are not the responsibility of the orchestra or director. Building custodians are instructed to dispose of all loose items on the floors or in hallways after hours.

Personal Practice Expectations

REHEARSAL and PRACTICE are not the same. Students are expected to practice outside of class to reinforce concepts presented in class. Students should come to class ready to contribute to the group’s rehearsal for the day.

What to Practice

Students are expected to work on all material covered in class during each practice session including scales, technique exercises, concert music, and any additional solo literature. 

When to Practice

The following chart outlines minimum time students should be practicing outside of class. Practice time should be scheduled with the same priority as work from other classes. If a day is missed during the week due to other activities, weekend time should be given to practice. 

Consistency is key – shorter daily practice sessions are far more beneficial than one or two long practice sessions at the end of the week before recording a passoff. 

Beginner

Minimum 15-20 minutes daily

Minimum 5 days per week

Intermediate

Minimum 30-40 minutes daily

Minimum 5 days per week

Advanced

Minimum 45-60 minutes daily

5 days per week

Where to Practice

Daily practice should take place in a quiet, well-lit, and comfortable area. It should be interruption-free (no phone, TV, computer, etc.). Students should use a music stand for their music to ensure proper posture and playing technique. 

Performance Events

Concert participation is required for all students and is a significant factor in the student’s overall grade. The event calendar with all scheduled performances is provided on the TCO website. Please post these dates on your personal calendar.

For information about attendance conflicts, makeup assignments/grades, please refer to the attendance and grading policy sections of the handbook.

Pickup from Events

We are very appreciative of the effort that families go to for their child’s success and enjoyment in the orchestra program. Please be aware of the CALL time, as well as performance START and END times. Students should not only be on time for the call of the event but should also be picked up within five minutes of the event’s conclusion.

Late pickup

Being late for pickup makes your child feel uncomfortable as well as taking away time from the director. Please be aware of all the people that a late pickup of a child can affect. If a child is left longer than thirty minutes, the Keller Police Department will be called to bring them home. 

Riding with friends

Students are expected to seek parental permission before riding in a friend’s vehicle to or from any orchestra-related activity. 

Performance Etiquette

For the performers on stage:

• Be on time. Call times should be strictly observed. (To be early is to be on time. To be on time is to be late!)

• Ensure that you have all necessary equipment and materials.

• Make a restroom stop before reporting to the rehearsal hall.

• Electronic devices must be left with your personal items in the rehearsal hall.

• Do not talk while anywhere on stage (the audience can see you).

• It is inappropriate to acknowledge anyone in the audience except at the conclusion of the performance.

• Adjust your setup (chair, stand, spacing) so it is exactly like our rehearsal space.

• After each piece, remain sitting tall in “ready position” while you accept the audiences’ applause. Reach for your music only after the applause has ended.

•  Always remain in “ready position” unless the director says otherwise.

• When standing for applause, turn and face the audience while holding your instrument, stand tall, and SMILE!!!

• Remain in uniform before and after your performance portion of the event.

• Students are expected to remain in the audience following their performance and to participate as audience members until all TCO ensembles have performed. Learning to be a good audience member is a curriculum standard and therefore carries significant weight in the concert grade. Concerts are not “come and go” events.

For the audience: 

• Be on time. (To be early is to be on time. To be on time is to be late!)

• Make a restroom stop before the concert begins.

• Place all electronic devices in silent mode. Use only for taking pictures at appropriate times.

• Be silent and stay seated while the orchestra is performing.

• If you need to move from your seat, wait until a break between pieces.

• It is appropriate to applaud when the conductor enters the stage and after each piece has finished (when the conductor lowers his/her arms).

• Clap when it is appropriate and clap appropriately.

• Yelling, whistling, and overly enthusiastic noise-making, while appropriate at a rock or jazz concert, is not appropriate for an orchestral concert unless encouraged by the director.

• If the performance is outstanding, you should stand up and clap.

• As a courtesy to others, take all unhappy and crying children to the foyer until calm.

Travel

The TCO occasionally has opportunity to travel to other venues for contests, festivals, and special events. Itineraries, costs, and event details will be published well in advance of the trip.

Transportation

Students will be expected to use school or official transportation provided by Keller ISD. It is expected that students remain with the group for the entire trip. Unless it is an emergency, last-minute communication from parents for an early pickup is not acceptable and could have a negative impact on the student’s participation on future trips.

Meetings with Non-Orchestra Members

While traveling with the orchestra, students may not arrange meetings with or including non-orchestra members without express and prior approval by the director. Requests must be submitted in writing by parents and should be made well in advance.

The director reserves the right to modify these guidelines in the interest and safety of TCO students.

Travel Behavior Expectations

• Follow directions, especially about boundaries – where to be and not to be. Comply with all requests made by chaperones or other adults, unless you believe the request to be unsafe or professionally inappropriate. If you completely disagree with a chaperone, ask the director for clarification.

• Do not bring anything on the trip that would get you in trouble at school. 

• Be safe; do not engage in reckless behavior that could harm yourself or others. If you see students doing things that could cause them or another student to get hurt, please tell a chaperone or the director.

• Proper behavior on buses, in hotels, and in restaurants is the same as the rehearsal room. 

• Students are expected to always be courteous to drivers, chaperones, and other passengers.

• All Keller ISD policies are in effect when students are traveling with the orchestra. Disregard for these policies will result in the inability of the student to travel with the orchestra.

• If there is ever a question about anything regarding the trip, ask a chaperone or the director.
  
  

During bus travel:

• It is each student’s responsibility to load their bags, instruments, and equipment on the buses. Assist other students who may need extra help, especially those with larger instruments.

• Bags, purses, etc., are to be stowed in the overhead compartments or under the seat, not in the bus aisles.

• Students are to be completely quiet during every roll call and when instructions are being given by the chaperones, the director, or the driver.

• Students must ride the same bus for the duration of the trip; do not switch buses unless told to do so by the director.

• If you notice a student who is missing, speak up.

• While the bus is moving, students may speak at reasonable noise levels that do not distract the driver.

• Every student must remain seated when the bus is in motion. Students are not allowed to sit in the aisle or on another person’s lap.

• Blankets may only be used when a student is sitting alone.

• Group activities on the bus should be respectful and should not involve peer pressure to coerce students into unwanted or uncomfortable situations. No lewd or disrespectful songs or other activities are allowed.

• Electronic devices are allowed with headphones only.
  
  

Overnight trips:

• When staying in a hotel, do not use hotel phones for long distance calls, or use non-complimentary internet and pay-per-view TV channels.

• At room checks, make sure you find out when to report to breakfast or check out the next morning.

• DO NOT leave the room for any reason. Contact the chaperone if you need help. Chaperones should give students their room number in case you need to contact them. Know your chaperone’s room number.

Class Period

Absences will be handled as stated in the district student handbook. Students who are absent during the school day have no additional formal responsibility to contact the director once the appropriate steps have been taken to notify the campus attendance office. However, it is very much appreciated if the parent could email the director prior to or on the date of the classroom absence. 

Class material covered is the responsibility of the student, and any missed rehearsal segment is expected to be addressed by the student on his or her own accord. 

Students who miss a significant number of in-school or after-school rehearsals for excused or unexcused reasons may not be allowed to perform at the concert. This affects students who miss:

• More than 30% of the classes in the 6 weeks leading up to a concert.

  • • Odd/Even or A/B classes: 5 or more class periods

    • Daily: 10 or more class periods

• Unexcused absences from any required dress rehearsals before the concert.

Students who miss too much class to perform will be required to make a recording as described in the grading policy section and submit it before the day of the concert in lieu of their concert grade.

Sectional Rehearsals / Performances

Sectional rehearsals (TCH Sinfonia and Intermezzo only), dress rehearsals and performances before or after school are graded class requirements for orchestra – they are not optional. Good communication between the director, students and parents can prevent misunderstandings. 

Students are expected to stay for the entire rehearsal or performance. 

Prior Commitments / Conflicts

While orchestra is an elective course, it is not an extra-curricular activity and must be given the same priority as any other class. Referring to the orchestra calendar on the TCO web site can greatly assist in preventing scheduling conflicts. Conflicts with other school activities occasionally happen and can often be worked out. However, clubs, organizations, tutorials, and make-up work should to be completed outside of orchestra time.

If the student has a conflict that was planned before the required event is announced, the parent must communicate this conflict in writing to the director at the beginning of the school year.

For conflicts with events added later to the orchestra calendar, parents have 10 days to notify the director of the conflict.

Conflicts will be handled on an individual basis. Be aware that not all absences will be “excused.” The director retains the right to approve or disapprove the absence as excused. 

Student Employment

Students who have after-school jobs are expected to communicate with their employer and request that their work schedules be arranged to accommodate all rehearsals and performances. Employers should be informed that orchestra is a class, not an extra-curricular activity. Student employment is not an excused reason for missing class.

Excused Absences 

Absences and tardies for a rehearsal or performance are only excused when they meet the following rare criteria and parents immediately send a written note informing the director. Verbal or written statements from students are not considered formal notice.

A makeup assignment will be required in lieu of a missing performance event. Please refer to the grading policy for more information.

The following reasons for missing a sectional rehearsal / performance event are excused:

• The student is too ill to attend school.
  The parent should send a written note from the doctor as soon as possible. In most cases, a signed doctor’s medical excuse will exempt the student from making up the grade. Students who are present at school both the day-of and the day-after the rehearsal/event will not be excused without a note from the doctor.

• There is a death in the family or comparable family emergency.
  The parent should send a written note to the director as soon as possible. The student will be exempt from making up the grade. 

• Religious holiday.
  Established religious holidays are excused but should be communicated in writing by the parent at the beginning of the year.

• Special circumstances that are pre-approved by the director.

Unexcused Absences

The following reasons for missing a performance are unexcused:

• Work

• Oversleeping

• Transportation not arranged

• Non-emergency appointments

• Driver’s license appointments

• College visits

• Tutorials and club meetings

• Makeup work / tests / assignments for other classes

• Any absence without prior notification

An unexcused absence from a performance could result in any of the following at the director’s discretion:

• Loss of chair position / future solo assignments

• Exclusion from orchestra social events

• Exclusion from a contest trip or event

The student will not be allowed to complete a makeup assignment and will receive a zero grade for the performance.

Email to/from the Director

Because of the director’s daily travel schedule to multiple campuses, the best mode of communication is via email. Normal response time during the week is within 24 hours. Communication response on weekends, holidays, and breaks is limited.

            Mr. Schubert’s email: David.schubert@kellerisd.net

ParentSquare

We will also be using the ParentSquare app for communication this year. The application is a free download from your favorite app store. The log in code will be provided. 

Aeries

Aeries is the primary source for keeping your contact information up to date. Please ensure that parent email addresses and phone numbers are entered and accurate. It also where official grades and attendance records are posted.

MakeMusic Cloud

Students will be using MakeMusic Cloud (MMC), an online software tool, for practice accompaniment and assessments. Parents are encouraged to monitor assignments and grades. Students must invite their parents to join the class by entering parent email addresses. Parents will receive an email invitation and must respond to join the class.

TCO Web Site | www.timbercreekorchestra.com

The TCO web site is a vital resource for most things related to orchestra. Please bookmark the site for easy reference. Information includes:

●      Event calendar

●      Instrument rental

●      Private Lessons

●      TCO Parent Association / Volunteers

●      Forms and documents

●      Link to the KISD Web Store

Formal Events

Like many contemporary orchestras, students will wear “concert black” of their choice within the guidelines below. This allows a considerable amount of leeway for students to use items they may already have in their closet or that can be readily purchased.

Females

• Black ankle-length skirt (slit no higher than the knee), dress, or pants

• Black blouse or sweater with sleeves

• Black hose, knee highs, or trouser socks

• Black closed-toe dress shoes (no sequins or metallic embellishments)

Males

• Black dress pants or dockers

• Black long or short-sleeved dress shirt

• Black socks

• Black closed-toe dress shoes

• Black sport jacket (it’s classy, but not required!)

What NOT to wear

• If the fabric has a print or pattern or any color other than black, no.

• If it has a logo, picture, or other artistic design, no.

• If it is a t-shirt, shorts, athletic-wear, short skirt, capri pants, no.

• If it stretches too tight, no.

• If it has a slit above the knee, exposes bare shoulders, midriff, legs, or feet, no.

• If it is strapless or sleeveless, no.

• If it is running shoes, sandals, flip flops, or slippers, no.

• If you are in doubt, no!

Remember, this is a “dress-up” event. Our image needs to be as professional as that of any major performing group (Fort Worth Symphony, etc.). If you have questions about the acceptability of any item, please contact the director for approval.

Students who come to a concert performance in unacceptable attire will have their concert grade reduced, and in extreme cases, will not be allowed to perform.

Informal Events

All students will wear an orchestra shirt (provided prior to the first concert of the year), nice full-length jeans (no rips or holes), and closed-toed shoes. Running shoes are acceptable.

Orchestra is a performance-based class; therefore, rehearsal (formative) and performance (summative) are the primary areas in which students will be assessed. The weighting of formative and summative grades adheres to Keller ISD grading guidelines.

Rehearsal (formative)

• Preparation for daily rehearsal

• Active participation in class

• Pass-off assignments

• Sectional rehearsal attendance

Performance (summative)

• Extra rehearsals (pre-concert, dress rehearsals, etc.)

• Concert participation (both as a performer and audience member)

It is the responsibility of students to ensure their assignments are completed and submitted by the due date. Parents are strongly encouraged to monitor their child’s work and provide technical assistance with online submissions if needed.

Rehearsal Grade (formative)

Preparation for daily rehearsal

Students must have their materials present and in working order for every rehearsal.

Active participation in class 

Students must adhere to student conduct expectations.

Passoff assignments

Passoffs are assigned at the beginning of each week. Students are required to record their performance and submit by the due date (usually on Friday at midnight). These include scales, fundamental technique exercises, and excerpts from concert music presented in class. 

Students must achieve a MakeMusic score of 90 or higher to show mastery of the material. They have unlimited attempts to reach this goal before the assignment deadline. If met, they receive a final grade of 100 in Aeries. 

If they are unable to achieve the minimum MakeMusic score by the due date, students should submit their best recording. A temporary grade of 70 is entered in Aeries. The assignment is returned to them, and they are given an additional week to improve their performance and submit another recording to raise their official grade. 

Because of the amount of time given for students to complete these assignments, the due date is the same for all students. Overdue passoffs receive a 10-point deduction for each day they are late.

If there are technical difficulties, students should make an audio recording with another device and submit it to Mr. Schubert by email. Overdue deductions still apply.

Sectional Rehearsals

Attendance and participation are required. There is a 20-point temporary deduction for absences with the opportunity to make-up the points by attending a different sectional. Absences must be prearranged with Mr. Schubert

Performance Grade (summative)

Extra Rehearsals

Because of the rarity and importance of these rehearsals, attendance and participation are counted the same as a performance grade. The same policies regarding excused and unexcused absences (as well as makeup assignments) will be applicable.

Concert Participation

Concert participation is required to be part of the orchestra program. In accordance with state standards, the grade is comprised of two parts: 1) as a performer, and 2) as an audience member (which includes demonstrating proper concert etiquette during the event). 

If the parent fails to notify the director in advance (see attendance policy), a make-up assignment to remedy the grade is not guaranteed. This will result in a zero for the concert grade. The concert grade will also be adjusted for the following infractions: tardiness, uniform violations, forgotten music, forgotten instrument, and lack of professional demeanor.

Makeup Assignments

For excused absences to performance events, students must video record themselves performing all the music from the event that will be missed. The recording will be graded on a standard scale using a performance rubric. This assignment is due before the date of the missed event. For illnesses and family emergencies, students must submit the recording within 3 days of the end of the absence. For every 24-hour period the recording is late, 10% will be deducted from the student’s grade.

High School students must earn 10 points in a school year to letter. Points will be awarded for the following: 

• TMEA All-State Orchestra membership (10 points)

• TMEA Area Orchestra membership (2 points)

• Auditioned for All-State Orchestra but was not selected as an All-State Orchestra member (1 point)

• TMEA Region Symphony Orchestra membership (7 points)

• TMEA Region Philharmonic Orchestra (5 points)

• Auditioned for Region Orchestra but was not selected as a Region Orchestra member (2 points)

• First Division on a Class one solo at Keller ISD Solo & Ensemble Contest (4 points)

• First Division on a Class one ensemble at Keller ISD Solo & Ensemble Contest (4 points)

• First Division on a Class two solo at Keller ISD Solo & Ensemble Contest (2 points)

• First Division on a Class two ensemble at Keller ISD Solo & Ensemble Contest (2 points)

• First Division on a Class three solo at Keller ISD Solo & Ensemble Contest (1 point)

• First Division on a Class three ensemble at Keller ISD Solo & Ensemble Contest (1 point)

• Perform in a local youth or college ensemble (FWYO, DYO, DAAYO, GNTYO, etc.) (2 points)

• Audition for a local youth or college ensemble (1 point)

• Perform in school pit-orchestra for a musical (5 points)

• Leadership role (section leader, member of team, officer, etc.) (2 points)

Keller ISD policy states that students must purchase their own letter jackets. Orchestra directors will provide a list of eligible students to the letter jacket company and set up a date for students to be measured at school. This shall be the extent of the involvement of the directors in securing a letter jacket for the student. All transactions are handled directly between the student and the district-approved vendor.

At the discretion of the campus director and the Director of Fine Arts, each orchestra student that has not earned a letter jacket by the end of their 11th grade year, and who has remained a member in good standing every semester of their 9th, 10th, and 11th grade years, will qualify for a jacket at the beginning of their senior year.

All appeals to lettering decisions, and all special circumstances, will be heard and dealt with on a case-by-case basis by a committee composed of the Director of Fine Arts, the appropriate campus director, and another committee member appointed at the discretion of the Director of Fine Arts.

Each campus director will be responsible for ensuring that a student does not receive more than one major award.

To eliminate the need for a system of point transfer and archival record keeping, lettering points will not carry over from one year to the next. Each year all students will begin with zero points.

Parent Expectations

Be an encouraging manager

• Find a consistent time and a quiet place for your child to practice.

• Make it a high priority – put it on the family calendar. It should have equal weight with homework from other classes. 

• You will have to remind your child to practice. Remember to frame it as a benefit and not a disciplinary penalty.

• Monitor your child so they stay on task – you don’t have to be in the same room, but you do need to be aware of what they should be working on.

• Setting a timer is a good way to ensure adequate time is being given to practice.

• There will be days and/or seasons of discouragement when they want to give up… don’t let them! That’s when it’s crucial to keep pressing forward; usually a breakthrough is on the horizon!

• Additional helpful practice tips are available at the TCO website. 

• See that your child keeps up with weekly passoff assignments.

Be a supporter

• Ensure that your child takes his/her instrument and music to school and home again.

• Keep your child’s instrument in proper working order, including periodic string replacement.

• If possible, give the gift of private lessons to your child.

• Keep a schedule of orchestra activities in a prominent place to help avoid conflicts.

• Volunteer time for your child’s orchestra program.

Be a loyal, appreciative audience member

• Show interest in your child’s study of music.

• Ask your child to play for you.

• Attend your child’s performances. The best audience is always made up of parents!

• Your affirmation will mean more to your child than words can describe. Music is a family affair. Don’t miss an opportunity to celebrate your child’s talent and accomplishments.

Chaperones must be district staff members or parents of orchestra students. All chaperones must complete the Keller ISD parent volunteer application which can be accessed via the TCO web site. 

Parent chaperones may not bring other non-orchestra children, such as a student’s siblings, on the trip. Being a chaperone is hard work, especially on overnight trips. Chaperones are responsible for doing the following to keep the students safe and help the trip run smoothly. If you have any questions, please ask the director.

General Guidelines

• Add the cell phone numbers of the other chaperones and the director to your phone’s contact list. 

• Install the Remind app on your phone and join the applicable group.

• Learn the names and needs of the students assigned to you.

• Familiarize yourself with any allergies and special dietary needs; double-check to make sure they have food that they can eat during meals.

• Keep students safe by controlling student environment to reduce students’ risky behavior. Enforce the district Code of Conduct consistently.

• Be on time at meetings and designated checkpoints, and stay apprised of any changes or updates to the itinerary.

• Model appropriate behavior and use professional language with students and other chaperones. Please do not use offensive or critical language toward students or other adults.

• When a student refuses to comply with a reasonable request, seek assistance from a member of the staff or the director. Do not allow students to draw you into an argument, and NEVER put your hands on a student, unless the student is a clear danger to himself/herself or others. Report any notable behavioral issues and violations of school rules to the director immediately. Disciplinary action should be left to the director who will address these issues with administration during or after the trip.

• Do not administer any medications to students, including pain relievers (such as Tylenol). All medications must be preapproved on the student’s medical form and are to be administered by a designated district staff member.

Bus Travel

• Supervise the loading and unloading of all bags, instruments, and equipment on the buses. Students may load this equipment with supervision to ensure proper care of their personal or school instruments.

• Before leaving any location (food stops, bathroom breaks, competition sites, etc.), check the roll on each bus. Buses should NOT leave until every student is counted. 

• Chaperones are expected to maintain order on the bus. They should sit in the middle rows and occasionally move around the bus to keep an eye on all students, especially those in the back.

• When exiting the bus, one chaperone should do a final check, walking through the bus to make sure no students or items are left behind.

Bus Etiquette

• Students will ride the same bus for the duration of the trip and should not switch buses unless told to do so by the director.

• Every student must have a seat, and students should remain seated when the bus is in motion. Students are not allowed to sit in the aisle or on another student’s lap.

• Bags, purses, etc., are to be stowed in the overhead compartments or under the seat, not in the bus aisles.

• Blankets may only be used when a student is sitting alone.

• Students are to be completely quiet during every roll call and when instructions are being given by the chaperones, director, or driver. While the bus is moving, students may speak at reasonable noise levels that do not distract the driver.

• Group activities on the bus should be respectful and should not involve peer pressure to coerce students into unwanted or uncomfortable situations. No lewd or disrespectful songs or other activities are allowed.

Hotels

• Know the rooms for which you are responsible and know the room number and the names of all students in each room.

• Make sure that all students for whom you are responsible know your room number.

• At room checks, make sure all students are present. Students should be told when they are to report to breakfast or check out the next morning.

• Students are not allowed to leave the room for any reason and should call the chaperone if they need help. Chaperones should give students their room phone number in case they need to contact an adult.

All-Region Orchestra

The All-Region Orchestra is an additional performance opportunity for middle and high school students who have shown a significant level of proficiency on their instrument. Students are ranked competitively against instrumentalists from Region 30, including Keller ISD and several other districts. There are separate contests for middle and high school. Students who place among the top performers participate in a two-day clinic and performance. High school students earn lettering points for auditioning and additional points if awarded a seat.

Audition

Audition music excerpts are released at the beginning of the school year with in-person auditions taking place on a Saturday in mid- to late-October. 

Clinic and Concert

This is a two-day event (Friday-Saturday). Students receive music in advance and rehearse with a guest clinician. A public concert concludes the event. All students named to a seat in the All-Region Orchestra will be expected to participate in the clinic and concert.

All-State Orchestra

The All-State Orchestra is an additional performance opportunity for high school students who demonstrate the highest levels of musical maturity and technical proficiency. Students are ranked competitively against instrumentalists from across the state. Students earn lettering points for auditioning and automatically qualify to letter if awarded a seat.

Audition

Full etudes are released in May. Etude cuts and additional audition excerpts are released in August. Students submit their audition via audio recording which must be completed by late-October.

Clinic and Concert

Students who place among the top performers are named to the Texas All-State Orchestra. They participate in a clinic and perform at the TMEA (Texas Music Educators Association) convention, which takes place in February in San Antonio. Students named to a seat in the All-State Orchestra will be expected to participate in the clinic and concert.

The Solo and Ensemble Festival is a district-wide event for middle and high school students designed to improve the level of individual and small group performance. The festival is not competitive and does not rank or rate students against one another. Students earn a rating for their performance(s). The rating is determined by a performance standard and musical difficulty. High school students earn lettering points for each solo and ensemble entry.

The contest is held in mid-April. Detailed information will be distributed closer to the event. Participation in the solo portion of the festival is required for intermediate and advanced students. Students receive a test grade for this event.

Accompanist (optional)

The student will have two one-on-one rehearsals and the performance with the accompanist. The TCO will secure qualified piano accompanists or students may elect to use accompanists of their own, at the discretion of the directors.

Statement of Expectations

The Keller Independent School District believes that being involved in Extra-Curricular activities is an honor, demanding many responsibilities.

The following are expectations of our students:

• Obtaining a quality education is the primary reason for attending school

• Intense competition coupled with good sportsmanship and courteous behavior

• Exhibit positive leadership

• Develop and maintain high morals and ethical values

• Conduct becoming of a young lady or gentleman

• Exhibit respect to coaches, faculty, officials, opponents and fellow students

• Develop and show school pride

Standards for District Extra-Curricular Activities

Keller ISD students are expected to adhere to the District Student Code of Conduct as it applies to school-related and/or school sponsored activities. Prior to participation in a Keller ISD Extra-Curricular activity, student and parents must read and sign a copy of the Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct. As previously stated, students involved in Extra-Curricular activities are expected to maintain high standards of ethical conduct. Extra-Curricular participation is viewed as a privilege; therefore coaches and directors may develop within their program a more stringent code of conduct that is consistent with that of the Keller Independent School District. These codes of conduct will be developed to deal with misconduct that occurs outside of the schools jurisdiction, regardless of time or location. Misconduct that reflects negatively on Keller Independent School District will fall under the Code of Conduct. Disciplinary action or suspension will be mandated to student athletes who are involved in a disciplinary infraction (including, but not limited to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violent behavior, and other illegal offense) that results in the violation of the district Student Code of Conduct, which in turn results in a CPC assignment. Any offense or violation to the District Code of Conduct or Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct, will be considered an offense.

Administrative Procedures for the Keller ISD Code of Conduct

The following administrative procedures have been adopted by the Keller ISD Extra-Curricular Department to deal with violations of the Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct.
**All violations will adhere to the following policies:

1. Confirmation that a violation has occurred via one of the following:

• • Report from a law enforcement agency

  • Personal disclosure by the participating student

  • Observed behavior by a school employee

2. Notification to parents or legal guardian within 72 hours

3. Notification of campus principal by activity sponsor

4. Parent and player meeting with sponsor and any or all of the following as applicable (administrative panel)
   A. Athletics – Campus coordinator, Athletic Director, Principal or designee

• Fine Arts – Fine Arts Director, Principal or designee

• Band, Drill Team, Cheerleaders, UIL academic events – Principal or designee

5. Determine type of discipline to be administered:
   Copies of meeting summary sent to the activity sponsor, campus principal and or district level director

Cumulative Offenses

Disciplinary offenses committed in grades 7 and 8 are cumulative for a student’s middle school career, but will not carry on to high school. Any subsequent offenses that occur in high school will be cumulative during the students’ high school career.

Exceptions to this rule are if a middle school student commits a Class A misdemeanor or is guilty of a felony. In this case, the offenses will carry from grade 7 through the completion of grade 12.

Categories for the Code of Conduct Offenses

Level 1

Class B or C misdemeanors or misconduct that does not involve a law enforcement agency. At the disciplinary panel’s or sponsor’s discretion the student may continue to participate in activities while penalties are being assessed.

* If a student is arrested for a crime of violence then he or she may be suspended until their case has been decided. If the student is found guilty then the appropriate level one offense penalties will be administered.

Explanation of Disciplinary Action Taken

1ST OFFENSE

• Meeting with student, parent and discipline panel

• Student will be assigned by school official up to two of the following:

• Twenty hours of community service

• Twenty miles of running

• Two week suspension from activities if in season

• * In cases involving substance abuse, students may be additionally asked to attend substance abuse counseling.
  
  

2ND OFFENSE

• Meeting with student, parent and discipline panel

• Suspension from activities for a minimum of 30 days

• Student will be assigned one or both of the following

• Twenty hours of community service

• Twenty miles of running

• * In cases involving substance abuse, students may be additionally asked to attend substance abuse counseling. Students involved in their second substance abuse offense must attend substance abuse counseling.
  
  

3RD OFFENSE

• Meeting with student, parent and discipline panel

•  Penalty will include suspension from activities for one calendar year

• * In cases involving substance abuse, students may be additionally asked to attend substance abuse counseling. Students involved in their second substance abuse offense must attend substance abuse counseling.

Level 2 - Misconduct Involving Felonies or Class A Misdemeanors.

Explanation of Disciplinary Action Taken

1ST OFFENSE

• If a student is arrested for a felony crime or a Class A misdemeanor

• Student will be suspended from all activities until the case is completed

• Students found NOT GUILTY will return to the activity with no further penalty

• Students found GUILTY will be removed from all activities for a period of one calendar
  year

• * In cases involving substance abuse, students may be additionally asked to attend substance abuse counseling. Students involved in their second substance abuse offense must attend substance abuse counseling.

2ND OFFENSE

• If a student is arrested for a felony crime or a Class A misdemeanor

• Student will be suspended from all activities until the case is completed

• Students found NOT GUILTY will return to the activity with no further penalty. Students found guilty will be removed from the program.

Appeals

Board Policy FNG (Local) will be provided upon request.