Oiler Band

Mr. Alejandro Mireles, B.M.

alejandro.mireles@uisd.net

+1(956)473-6897

I. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE

The purpose of this course is to ensure that students have assimilated the fundamental ensemble techniques and terminology in order to achieve success as a middle school concert band.  Students will demonstrate musical expertise through performances, inside and outside the classroom, as well as the development of these techniques by being required to attend performances and remain actively engaged throughout the entirety of the concert performance. 

II. MATERIALS

Students are expected to have all of the following materials at every rehearsal:

1. A binder containing all assigned music, handouts, and assignments

2. Instrument and accessories (mouthpiece, reeds, tuner, etc.)

3. No. 2 pencil

4. Other materials deemed necessary by the director

III. PERFORMANCE CALENDAR

See the 2024 - 2025 band calendar for all rehearsal schedules and performances.  Also stay informed 24/7 via sites.google.com/uisd.net/rpmsband/home and Remind using school code @rpmsband to access our calendar and other important information.

IV. GRADING POLICY

Participation at all rehearsals and performances is graded and mandatory.  Grading is based on participation, active involvement, demonstration of literature proficiency, attendance, and effort coupled with enthusiasm shown in rehearsals and performances.  Students will be graded as follows regarding attendance:

25% Daily active participation in the class setting and outside

25% Playing tests, listening assignments, and written assignments

50% Performances

V. ABSENCES, TARDIES, AND CONFLICTS

If you must be absent from or tardy to a rehearsal or if you will have a recurring conflict with rehearsals (i.e. church, sports, academic, etc.), you must advise Mr. Mireles via email, in writing, or Remind.  This notice must be received at least 24 hours prior to the tardy or absence.

Unexcused Absences

1. Include but are not limited to, “I forgot”, poor planning by scheduling an appointment or personal event that directly conflicts with a date that has been on the calendar, no ride, babysitting, work/job, and other reasons that may be created

2. Frequent (more than 3) tardies, absences, or consistent lack of preparation will result in a parent conference or demotion within the musical ensemble

3. One unexcused absence from a performance will result in a 50 as a test grade as performances are clearly addressed through the curriculum and Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (TEKS)

Excused Absences

1. Personal illness:  requires a written doctor's excuse or parent’s note

2. Funeral/major surgery/family emergency in the immediate family, with every effort made to contact the instructors in advance

While it is sometimes necessary to miss a rehearsal due to an emergency, the Oiler Band is a performance-oriented class, and grades are based on your performance and participation.  Excessive absences by any member diminish the quality of the overall ensemble. Every member of the ensemble plays an important role in the success of the band.

U.I.S.D. Owned Property/Equipment

U.I.S.D. provides equipment such as instruments and uniforms for all band students. It is the responsibility of each student to properly maintain and care for this equipment.  Other equipment includes but is not limited to chairs, stands, lockers, mutes, and warm-up books, which must also be cared for. If any equipment is damaged or lost, the student & parents will be assessed a fee to replace or repair the damaged item(s).

Core Academic Classes

Academic achievement in a student’s core classes is essential to the overall growth of the ensemble.  Students are to remain abreast of all academic endeavors within their core classes and commit to the fullest in any assignments their teacher(s) may ask of them.  Students are to be actively involved in their classes and should be monitoring their own personal class grades.