Junior High Band Information

HANDBOOK AND POLICIES

PJH Band Handbook

Class Information

August 25: JH Band Parent Orientation, 6:30pm (PJH Band Hall) Attendance is expected for at least one parent or guardian of each band student.

October 2: 8th Grade Band Night with HS Band at the PHS football game (8th graders only)

October 2: Scents of Soy Candle Fundraiser begins

November 5 – 6: Solo Evaluation, during class

December 11: ATSSB Region Auditions, evening (Groesbeck HS). Auditioning is optional but highly encouraged.

December 15: Winter Concert, 6:00 PM (PHS Auditorium)

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Instrument

  • Instrument supplies (reeds, mouthpieces, neck straps, etc.)

  • 3 ring binder

  • Pencils

  • One package of dividers

  • One box of tissues

  • Band shirt (will be available for purchase through the band program)

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Junior High Ensembles

The Honor Band is the top performing ensemble at Palestine Junior High School. This ensemble represents the highest musical standard and achievement for students in grades 7 and 8. The goals of this ensemble are exposing students to a broader range of music literature, instilling a greater sense of musicality in performing, competing in group and individual competitions, and preparing students for high school band. Students in this ensemble participate in ATSSB Region Band and the UIL Concert and Sight Reading Evaluation, as well as other events throughout the year. The Honor Band is under the direction of Mrs. Alexa Sanchez.

Honor Band

The Symphonic Band is the second performing ensemble at Palestine Junior High. This ensembles is comprised of students in grades 7 and 8 who are developing ensemble skills and refining technique on their instruments. The goals of this ensemble are exposing students to a standard music literature, instilling musicality in performing, competing in group and individual competitions, and preparing students for high school band. Students in this ensemble participate in ATSSB Region Band and the UIL Concert and Sight Reading Evaluation, as well as other events throughout the year. The Symphonic Band is under the direction of Ms. Johanna Reynolds.

Symphonic Band

The Palestine Junior High Concert Band is the third performing group at Palestine Junior High. It is composed of students in the 7th and 8th grade. This ensemble’s focus is continuing to reinforce fundamentals learned in beginner band, and starts to build learning how to rehearse and participate in an ensemble, refining note-reading and rhythm-reading skills, and competing in individual and group competitions.

Concert Band

JUNIOR High Band FAQS

  • Our goals are to encourage and promote musical technique so that our students gain a higher appreciation in music throughout the rest of their lives. We also strive to instill skills within our students to positively impact not only their musical lives, but also their academic and social endeavors.

  • While we try to cover most of our foundational skills and concert repertoire in class, we encourage our students to practice a minimum of 120 minutes per week outside of class. This helps our students to continue to reinforce what we teach during class as well as serving to further their own playing ability. Students will also have weekly assignments that reflect on concepts we have worked on in class to demonstrate their musical mastery.

  • The answer is an enthusiastic YES! We want our students to be involved in organizations as much as possible. We only ask that students and their parents keep us informed of their conflicts so that we can resolve those conflicts and make sure they’re keeping up.

  • All band-related events will be posted on our Google Calendar, SportsYou, ParentSquare, and on our website so that students and families can plan accordingly. In the weeks leading up to a concert, directors will pass out information regarding concert attire and itinerary. As always, please feel free to e-mail our directors if there are any issues with dates or times. Communication is a major key!

  • Yes! We like to reward our students for all of the hard work they put in over the year! We usually plan a spring trip and, details of the trip will be made available in the spring semester.

  • Absolutely not! We will never prohibit a student from participating due to financial reasons. Please communicate with a director to address student needs so that we can make arrangement to assist as necessary.

  • The majority of our students are strongly encouraged to own their own instrument, with a few exceptions (French Horn, Baritone, Tuba, Percussion). We do have limited instruments available for those interested in renting them. An annual fee will be applied to your band account in order to pay for required maintenance throughout the year.

    If you are interested in purchasing an instrument for your student, most music companies offer monthly payment plans or rent-to-own plans.

  • We love for our students to take private lessons! We wish that we could give individualized instruction to all of our students every day, but with 50-100 students in each of our classes and only 45 minutes in our class period, it’s just not possible on a consistent basis. The band directors are happy to help students find a lesson teacher. Please speak with a band director if you are interested in private lessons.

  • We’ve been there! When your child first gets braces, it can be uncomfortable. It’s actually fairly rare for it to prevent them from playing their instrument. After braces are put on, most students have an adjustment period, and some use wax to help make playing more comfortable. We can also provide “bumpers” for students to use on their brackets to protect their mouths while playing. Ask a director for more information. We do ask that parents/students try to be mindful about scheduling dental appointments in close range to auditions/contests/performances, as adjustments made to the braces may affect the student's ability to perform for a few days.