INSTRUMENTAL LEVEL 1 BEGINNING BAND

INSTRUMENTAL LEVEL 2 CONCERT BAND

INSTRUMENTAL LEVEL 3 SYMPHONIC BAND
Echols Middle School
Mr. David Caddell
(205) 342-2884
dcaddell@tcss.net

ECHOLS MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The goal of the ECHOLS MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM is to provide a safe, friendly learning environment in
which every student enrolled has an opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument, achieve musically at the
highest level and grow into young men and women of good character and discipline.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS/ENSEMBLES

Instrumental Level 1 Beginning Band

Instrumental Level 1 is the Beginning Band class at Echols. Student learning is based on forming a good
foundation in sound production, music reading, music theory, etc. Students perform twice a year, once at the
holiday concert and then again at the spring concert. Membership is open to all sixth and seventh grade
students with no prior band experience.

Instrumental Level 2 Concert Band:

Instrumental Level 2 is the Concert Band ensemble at Echols Middle School. Students enrolled in Concert
Band continue to build their musical knowledge base through large group, small group, and individual
performance. Students may participate in football games, pep rallies, Veterans Day program, concerts, etc.
Second year players in Concert Band are eligible for participation in honor bands. Strong performers in
Concert Band are encouraged to audition for the District V Honor Band and the Alabama All-State Band.
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Membership is open to all second year players in 6 or 7 grade.

Instrumental Level 3 Symphonic Band:

Instrumental Level 3 is the Echols Symphonic Band. Students enrolled in Instrumental Level 3 are expected to
be among the top musicians in our band program. Performances include football games, pep rallies, Veterans
Day program, concerts, etc. Students are eligible to participate in honor bands and are encouraged to
audition for placement in the District Honor Band and the Alabama All-State Band. Membership is open to all
third year band students. Second year players may qualify for membership in the Symphonic Band through
selection by Mr. Caddell. All decisions on placement are based on instrumental needs and are solely at the
discretion of Mr. Caddell.
COURSE MATERIALS*
Materials needed for participation in the Echols Band include but are not limited to the following:

Band Instrument

Essential Elements, Book 2 (Symphonic Band)

Instrumental Care Kit/Cleaning Supplies

Essential Elements, Book 1 (Beginning and Concert
Bands)

* - See Supply List for Individual Instrumental supplies

1 3-Ring Black Binder

Sheet Protectors (optional)
Notebook Paper
2 Pencils
Flip Folder and Lyre (Concert/Symphonic Bands)

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
All Echols Middle School and Tuscaloosa County School System rules apply in the band room and at all band
functions. By adhering to the following Echols Middle School Rules, we can preserve the highly respected
reputation of the Echols Band Program.
1. Come to class on time prepared with all course materials (your Instrument, music, pencil, etc.)
2. Talk, play your instrument, or leave your seat only with permission.
3. Respect others and their property. Never touch or play another persons instrument including all percussion
equipment and pianos.
CONSEQUENCES:
Failure to follow our Classroom Expectations, Echols Middle School rules, or Tuscaloosa County School System
policy may result in the following consequences:

First Offense:

Warning

Sign Discipline Log

Second Offense:

Parent Contact

Sign Discipline Log

Third Offense:

Parent Contact

Sign Discipline Log/Discipline Letter

Fourth Offense:

Office Referral

Sign Discipline Log

Mr. Caddell reserves the right to refer immediately any student to the office at any time.
DAILY ATTENDANCE AND TARDIES
Attendance and tardies are recorded daily. When an absence occurs, it is the students responsibility to present
absence slips and arrange for make-up work in accordance with Tuscaloosa County School System and Echols
Middle School policy. Students with excessive absences may be disallowed from band functions, honor bands,
field trips, etc.
GRADING
Grades will be given in the following categories. Each assignments grade will be added together and divided by
total points possible.
Daily Assignment
Pass-Offs
Written Assignments
Projects
Performance Assignments
Quizzes
Practice Reports
Tests
CELL PHONE/TABLETS/BYOD
Rehearsals and normal class periods are cell phone-/tablet-free zones. Students are allowed to use tuning apps prior to
class. Any cell phone used in the band room for non-rehearsal activities may be confiscated. Students may record pass-offs,
playing tests, etc. before school on their personal devices.
CONCERTS/PERFORMANCES
Concerts and ensemble performances are required for all band members. Our Christmas/Winter Concert is Monday,
December 14, 2015 at 6:30 pm in the Echols Gym. Our Spring Concert is Tuesday, May 10, 2015 at 6:30 pm in the Echols
Gym. Please mark these dates on your calendar. There is no make-up assignment for participation in concerts. Student
absences due to extenuating circumstances (i. e. hospitalization, death of an immediate family member, contagious
disease) will be excused at the discretion of the Mr. Caddell given proper notification.

FIELD TRIPS, SUSPENSION POLICY

Attending field trips, honor bands, and other out-of-school activities is a privilege, not a right, and are supplemental to the
normal band class. Students attending these special events and activities must have exemplary school attendance (no more
than 10 absences from school), no out-of-school suspensions, be in good academic standing, and attend all required Echols
Band performances. Students with excessive absences and/or out-of-school suspensions may be removed from any trip or
additional activitys roster.
FEES/FUNDRAISERS
With the continued growth of the band program, purchases of large instruments and equipment are vital. This year, I am
asking everyone to fundraise or donate a voluntary band fee of $100.00. Our band is in need of 4 new French Horns, 2 fullsize tubas, euphoniums, new timpani, etc. These common purchases are beneficial to the success of our overall band
program by enriching the overall sound of band resulting in a more positive experience for all students.
MONEY COLLECTION
All money turned in to Mr. Caddell must be in an envelope. Write your students name and the reason your student is
turning in the money on the outside of the envelope. Any check must include your students name, 2 phone numbers and a
drivers license number.DO NOT GVIE MONEY DIRECTLY TO MR. CADDELL UNLESS SPECIFICALLY TOLD TO DO SO. All money
is turned in to the money box on the wall of the band room (Bob).
INSTRUMENT STORAGE
Each student is assigned a cubby for his or her instrument. Space is limited. Students may come to the band room when
arriving to school to put their instrument away. Instruments are stored in the band room during the school day. Students
may pick their instruments up at the end of the school day and exit through the band room door to catch their bus, car or to
walk home. Only band instruments and band supplies are stored in cubbies. NO FOOD OR DRINK IS ALLOWED IN ANY PART
OF THE BAND ROOM, ESPECIALLY IN INSTRUMENT STORAGE AREAS.
SCHOOL-OWNED INSTRUMENTS
Students playing oboe, bassoon, French horn, euphonium, or tuba play school-owned instruments. Instruments will be
issued the first Monday of the school year. Please take care of all instruments. Students playing school-owned instruments
are asked to pay a $100.00 ($50.00 per semester) rental fee to offset the cost of needed repairs throughout the year. All
students must provide their own care/maintenance kits, reeds, mouthpieces, etc.
JAZZ BAND
The Echols Jazz Band is an auditioned group comprised of students from the Echols Concert and Symphonic Bands.
Auditions are the last week in October with audition materials available October 1. The Echols Jazz Band is made up of 5-6
saxophones, 5-6 trombones, 5-6 trumpets, guitar, bass, drum set and a piano player. Additional players may be added
based on student interest. Students selected for participation in the Echols Jazz Band are expected to attend all rehearsals.
Rehearsals will be on Thursdays from 3:15 pm - 5:00 pm.
HONOR BANDS, EXTRA ACTIVITIES
Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to participate in various out-of-school activities intended to encourage
students to pursue higher levels of musicianship that may or may not be possible in class. Honor Bands, ABA Solo and
Ensemble, All-State Band, etc. are examples of these activities. Not all students who express interest are recommended for

participation in these events. Honor Bands are merit-based activities typically held on a college/university campus in which
students from various schools gather for a weekend to prepare and perform a concert. Honor bands typically offer music
more challenging than our normal band class. Students who are interested in participating in honor bands must have band
director approval. We will participate in the University of Alabama Honor Band, District V Honor Band, and the Alabama
All-State Band as a program.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons give students an opportunity to get individualized instruction from a person who plays their instrument. Mr.
Caddell knows a lot about each instrument; however, someone who plays that instrument knows a lot more. Students are
encouraged to seek private instruction. Private instruction should supplement our daily lessons and rehearsals.
UNIFORMS
Bands wear uniforms to take the emphasis of how individuals look and place all of our audiences attention on our playing.
For Echols football and pep rallies (Symphonic/Concert Bands), we will wear our band t-shirts and khaki shorts/pants.
Beginning Band will wear a similar uniform for any in-school performance. Formal uniforms are worn to our concerts.
Symphonic/Concert Bands ladies wear black dresses (provided) . Gentlemen wear a blue vest/tie, tuxedo shirt and tuxedo
pants. Black dress shoes and socks are required for all. Beginning band wears black dress pants/skirt, white shirt/blouse,
and black shoes/socks.
MORNING DROP-OFF/AFTER-SCHOOL REHEARSAL
The band room opens daily at 7:20 am. This gives students who play larger instruments about 30 minutes of practice time
in the morning. Drop-off your student off in front of the gym, NOT THE BAND ROOM. The band room is located in the bus
lane. For safety reasons and improved traffic flow, please stay clear of the bus area. Pick-up after rehearsal and after 3:30
pm is directly from the band room.
REMIND 101 TEXT UPDATES
Sign-up for Remind 101 updates to receive text message reminders about upcoming events. This service is the quickest way
for me to get information to you about upcoming events, changes in schedules, emergencies, etc.
To sign-up send a text message to 81010 with the class code for your student. I have also added a separate section for
students so that I can text parents separately, if needed.

Class

Class Code

Beginning Band

@echolsbeg

Concert Band Parent

@echolscon

Concert Band Student

@emsconstu

Symphonic Band Parent

@echolssym

Symphonic Band Student

@emssymstu

CONTACT/CONFERENCE INFORMATION
Feel free to contact me at the school by note, phone, or email to schedule a conference. My planning period is from 2:00
pm 3:00 pm. Appointments for conferences can be made by contacting the office at (205) 342-2884 or by emailing me at
dcaddell@tcss.net. Please schedule conferences at least one day in advance.

ECHOLS MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND

STUDENT INFORMATION PAGE
2015-2016 ACADEMIC YEAR
Student Name _______________________________________________________________________________________
Band Class ________________________________________

Instrument __________________________________

Home Phone Number ________________________________ T-Shirt Size (Adult) _________________________________

Parent/Guardian Information
Parent/Guardian 1 Name _________________________________________________________________________
Preferred Phone Number _______________________ Parent/Guardian Email ______________________________
Parent/Guardian #2 Name ________________________________________________________________________
Preferred Phone Number _______________________ Parent/Guardian Email ______________________________
Should both parents be contacted with student information, newsletters, updates, etc? ___Yes

___No

Does your student have at-home internet access? ___ Yes ___No
Possible After-School Conflicts (any time after 3:15 pm):
No Conflicts
Echols Football
Day(s): _________________
Echols Volleyball Day(s): _________________
Echols Basketball Day(s): _________________
Echols Tennis
Day(s): _________________
Echols Softball
Day(s): _________________
Echols Cheerleading Day(s):_________________
Math Team
Day(s): _________________
Non-Echols Sports Day(s): _________________
Scholars Bowl
Day(s): _________________
Science Club
Day(s): _________________
Other (Please Specify): ____________________

What activities would you be willing to assist?

Copy Music/Papers
Chaperone Events
Desktop Publishing/Tech Support
Fundraising
Minor Construction
Moving Equipment
Event Planning
Room Parent
Other (Please Specify):
_______________________________

Statement of Understanding:
By marking this box, I acknowledge that I have read the course syllabus for my student's class and understand all policies,
procedures, responsibilities, etc. associated with the Echols Middle School Band Program.

Parent Signature ___________________________________________________

Date ___________________________

EXTRA CREDIT: In 1000 words or less, tell me about your student. What makes your
student special?