Welcome to MRJH Maverick Band Webpage!
MRJH BAND MISSION STATEMENT
It is the goal of the Morton Ranch Junior High band program to instill in students the qualities of self-discipline, teamwork, dedication, hard work and self-confidence through the study and performance of music
HOW TO CONTACT US
Scott Shanks 281-237-7489
Michelle Mitchell 281-237-7472
Sheri Engelmann 281-237-7531
Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
About Our Bands
The Symphonic Band is our most advanced band, and requires the highest level of commitment from the students. Students in the Symphonic Band are required to perform at all football games, pep rallies, and concerts. These students are also required to participate in Region Band auditions, Solo and Ensemble Contest, Pre-UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest, UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest, and any music festival in which the band participates. Symphonic Band students will have at least one required before or after school rehearsal each week.
The Concert Band is also an advanced band, requiring a high level of commitment from the students. Students in the Concert Band are required to perform at all football games, pep rallies, and concerts. These students are also required to participate in Solo and Ensemble Contest, Pre-UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest, UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest, and any music festival in which the band participates. Concert Band students will have at least one required before or after school rehearsal each week.
Beginning Band students are required to perform at all concerts and at any festival in which the beginning band is participating. The beginning band will have a very limited number of required after-school rehearsals before each concert which will be on the band calendar you receive at the beginning of the year. Beginning band members are expected to take their instruments home and practice for 30 minutes every day.
ELIGIBILITY
Most of the work that our students do is curricular and not subject to eligibility. Curricular activities include free concerts, section rehearsals, concert rehearsals, and private lessons.
Students who participate in extracurricular activities must meet T.E.A. (Texas Education
Association) and U.I.L. (University Interscholastic League) eligibility requirements. Students who fail any single class at the end of a six weeks (report card) will become INELIGIBLE seven days later. Ineligible students must pass ALL classes in the next grading period then wait seven calendar days after the grading period to become eligible. Students may regain eligibility seven calendar days after the end of the three week grade evaluation period (progress report) provided the student is passing all courses at that time. Semester grades are never used for eligibility.
Activities that are classified as extracurricular for which TEA, UIL, and KISD Eligibility
requirements apply include:
1. Any event for which admission is charged
2. Any event that is inter-school competitive.
3. Any event where ratings are awarded.
4. Pep Rallies
Should a band student become ineligible for extracurricular functions, he or she will still be eligible for curricular functions. Ineligible students will be given alternate assignments during contest preparation time.
DISCIPLINE
Discipline is a quality that must come from within the individual. Because of this fact, each student is responsible for his or her own actions as a member of the Morton Ranch Band. Any student who shows an inability to work effectively in class may be re-assigned to another class at the discretion of the Band Director.
As a school group, the Band is governed by School and School Board policies. These apply anytime we are together for any band function whether it involves all students or only one. Any student who violates school rules while with the Morton Ranch J.H. Band will be subject to all usual school disciplinary procedures. In addition, those students may be subject to dismissal from band, placement in a lower band, and may not continue to perform or travel with the Band.
SECTION REHEARSALS
Section rehearsals for each section of the Symphonic and Concert bands will be scheduled one day per week, either before or after school. Attendance is absolutely required to be a member of the Symphonic and Concert bands. Sectional attendance is an extension of the band class and is included in the student’s band grade. It is the student's responsibility to arrange transportation. If a section rehearsal must be missed, it must be made up within one week of the missed rehearsal or a grade of zero will be received. Any conflict with another school activity will be worked out with no penalty to the student, as long as the student informs the directors of the problem at least 24 hours in advance. Failure to notify the directors in a timely fashion may affect the student’s grade. Absences are considered excused only in the event of absence from school, a family emergency or a conflict with another school event that the student has told the director of at least 24 hours in advance. Please do not schedule any appointments during your regular sectional time if at all possible. NON-SCHOOL SPONSORED activities, teams, and organizations must not conflict in any way with the practice/performance schedule of the band. The band is dependent on all its members. Unlike other classes where individuals may succeed or fail by themselves, band students' success is dependent on the full participation of all those who have accepted a part.
Section rehearsals missed (for any reason) must be made up within one week of the missed rehearsal. Excused absences may be made up for full credit while unexcused absences may be made up for 50% credit only.
GRADES
In determining the band grade each six weeks the following three areas will comprise the average:
Major Grade (50%) including class assignments, section rehearsal assignments and playing tests, as well as performances, which count as two major grades. (Playing/chair tests may be given during section rehearsals.)
Daily/Participation Grades (35%) including correct marking of music, care and maintenance of instruments and music, punctuality to rehearsals, attendance at rehearsals with required supplies, and daily grades taken in class or section rehearsals including supply checks.
Homework (15%) This may include practice reports required several times throughout the year, and written and playing assignments assigned to be completed at home.
Make-up tests Students may make up any attempted assignment for an improved grade before the end of the grading period. Any make-up grades will not affect chair placement.
PRACTICE
Playing a musical instrument is a physical as well as a mental skill. Students must practice daily in order to develop and maintain their physical ability to perform well, not just to learn new music. Students should anticipate practicing a minimum of 30 minutes every day in order to keep up their skills and to perform well enough to participate well in band. The development and maintenance of these skills is cumulative, and they will be lost if proper practice does not occur.
USE OF SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS
A limited number of the more expensive instruments are owned by the KISD for the purpose of balancing the instrumentation district-wide and maintaining performing bands at every level. There is a yearly maintenance fee of $100 for each student playing a school-owned instrument. If, in the opinion of a KISD director, a school-owned instrument is not being properly maintained or cared for at any time of the school year, it is the director's prerogative to remove the instrument from the student's care.