Handbook
Updated June 10, 2025
Updated June 10, 2025
Band takes hard work and dedication on the part of every member. Each student is expected to do his or her part in order to make sure that the whole group is successful. Instrumental music is also a family endeavor, requiring a team effort at home. Here are keys to a successful year in band.
When students sign up for band, they make a commitment to attend every rehearsal and lesson. Because we meet weekly, each missed band class or lesson puts the student not a day behind but a week behind. Classroom circumstances and illness requiring absence from school are, of course, acceptable reasons for missing a lesson or a rehearsal. Sleeping in, forgetfulness, or not wanting to come to practice are not. You will be contacted should there be any issues in this area. Attendance issues may result in a student being illegible to participate in performances and asked to leave the group.
Arriving on time may be the most important part of band classes. There is a lot to set up before we can start a lesson or rehearsal. For this reason, it is important that students arrive early to class, set up and are ready to go when class time starts. Our motto is: “To be early is to be on time. To be on time is to be late.”
Students are expected to participate in band for the entire year. Growth is slow and steady. We understand other commitments come up and other activities occur; however, do not let them keep you from continuing.
If you choose to stop being in band, however, parent communication via email, call, or note is required to drop. Also, we can not take instrument returns without a return notice to Quinlan & Fabish.
Steps for removal. We hope we will never remove anyone from band. However, expectations for attendance, behavior and responsibility must be met for students to continue in the band program. Directors will (1) communicate and conference with the parent/guardian about the expectations that are not being met and (2) goals will be set for improvement. Students who do not meet expectations will not be allowed to continue to participate in band.
We ask that students put in 15-20 minutes of home practice, 4-5 days during the week. Some weeks, students may have more time to practice than other weeks and we understand that everyone is very busy. Parents play a huge part in home practice. The sounds at the beginning can be strange and loud at times. Please encourage your child to play as often as possible and ask to hear what they have learned. Patience and perseverance is key for the beginning band student, and with steady practice brings steady growth. Practice should be considered a regular homework assignment for band. Making it part of a routine is the best way to ensure progress.
1. Respect. Yourself, your peers, and your leaders. Your property and the property of others. Your ideas and the ideas of others. Your time and the times of others. The music, the learning process, and your role in each.
2. Be Prepared to Do Your Best. Take risks and make mistakes. Keep an open mind. Choose a positive attitude. Have ready all required class materials. Eliminate potential distractions.
3. Do the Right Thing. Think first of others. Be accountable for your words and actions. Apologize when appropriate. Accept consequences when necessary.
4. Remember, nobody is perfect. Learning is a personal process, not a competition. Today's best will be different from tomorrow's best. You are important - let your voice be heard. Ask critical questions, make thoughtful comments. Others cannot learn for you. Lessons are free; learning is not.
5. No food, gum, or beverage will be allowed in the music rooms during any rehearsal at any time.
1. School owned instruments are to be played only by those assigned to them.
2. No student is allowed in the directors’ offices without the director’s permission.
3. Do not take your instrument to a music shop to be repaired without first showing the instrument to your director. Your director can sometimes save you money and valuable time by fixing minor repairs.
4. Please have all repairs done in a timely fashion.
There is a yearly activity fee of $25.00 per student. Payment is expected at the first lesson of the school year. Checks should be made out to CCSD93. You can also pay with cash. Return this to your band director. Per district policy, student eligible free/reduced lunch are not required to pay the $25 band activity fee.
You will receive a calendar with lesson dates and times. Students will be taken out of their regular classroom for 30 minutes once a week for practice. This will be done on a rotating schedule so students will not miss the same part of class each week. The schedule will be adjusted as necessary to accommodate for testing and other special academic circumstances. Students are responsible for arriving on time to their lessons. Leave your class 2-3 minutes early to go to lessons. Always tell your teacher where you are going before you leave. Students are responsible for getting missed work from their lessons.
5th Grade Band:
At the beginning of November, students will begin meeting as a full band. Once practices start they will continue until the final concert. “Morning Band” will be held at schools. See 5th Grade Band Dates for start.
Rehearsals start at 7:45am and run until the normal school bell rings to dismiss students to their classrooms or to a bus. Doors will open at 7:40am. Parents will need to provide their own ride to school. You will receive a calendar of the Morning Band dates for the year in the fall.
Students will be picked up by a District 93 bus and taken to their home school in time for school to start.
If you are worried about morning transportation you have several options. You can have your child attend “before-care” sponsored by the Carol Stream Park District or you can talk to your band director about finding you someone to carpool with. Patrol duties and band do not conflict.
6th Grade Band:
Full Band rehearsals will occur two times a week. Once before school and once after school. Bussing is provided. See the main office for bus routes. Before school rehearsals start at 7:00am and run until the normal school bell rings to dismiss students to their classrooms or to a bus. Doors will open at 6:55am.
Stratford (Concert Band) & Jay Stream (6th Grade Band) - Tuesdays and Thursdays before school.
Jazz Bands:
6th-8th Grade Jay Stream and Stratford Jazz Bands are clubs that meet once a week after school. Students must play a placement or audition in order to be a part of the group.
Each band will have 2-4 concerts each year. They will be communicated as early as possible. Dates are published at the end of the previous year. We do not anticipate any changes, but if they are we will communicate them out as soon as possible. Concerts are evening events and are required. Any absences must be approved by the director. Make up work may be required.
6th-8th Grade: See Supplies Page.
5th Grade: All students need to purchase a wire music stand and the Standard of Excellence, Book 1, for their instrument. Please make sure all items are labeled with your child’s name and school. Each instrument also has specific accessories that you will need such as reeds, valve oil, slide cream, spit swab, etc.
Instrument Specific Supplies:
Flute: cleaning rod and cloth or Hanky swab; polishing cloth optional
Oboe: pull through swab, 2-3 wooden reeds (medium-easy strength)
Clarinet: pull through swab or Hanky swab, at least 2-3 reeds (Rico 2 ½), box of 10 preferred
Saxophone: pull through swab or Hanky swab, at least 2-3 reeds (Rico 2 ½), box of 10 preferred
Trumpet/Euphonium (Baritone)/French horn: valve oil; polishing cloth optional
Trombone: Superslick Slide Treatment Kit or slide cream; polishing cloth optional
Percussion: Kit including bells, practice pad, sticks and mallet
Students are asked to wear black pants, black socks, black shoes and their band polo (to be purchased at the beginning of the year) to our combined concerts.
White on top. Black on bottom. White shirt/blouse, black pants or skirt, and black shoes/socks/tights.
5th Grade Band Spirit T-Shirts
Each year, students will be given the opportunity to purchase a band spirit t-shirt. These shirts will be worn at our concerts, three day events (band caroling, band field trip, and yearbook photos) and can be worn any day to school. Students are NOT required to buy a t-shirt, but strongly encouraged as we will be wearing them for multiple events throughout the year. Band t-shirt order forms will be sent home at the first lesson. The spirit shirt also covers the funds for our winter and spring celebrations as well as practice incentive rewards.
Private lessons are invaluable to any band student’s growth and success on their instrument. Private lessons are not part of the school curriculum. Private teachers are contacted by the parents. Most private teachers give lessons once a week for 30 minutes per lesson. Due to the one-on-one nature of the lesson and the expertise of the instructor, most students truly excel during private lessons. Private lessons are highly recommended for every band student. A list of private teachers is available.
The District also has a great group of High School Tutors available from Glenbard North High School. Each year a new list is published and students may take private lessons from one of these students. If your child would like extra help, needs a practice “buddy” or would like an extra challenge, a High School Tutor may be for you! Contact your director for names.
The summer band program is an opportunity for band students to play their instruments for a week the summer. It is a great way to stay “sharp” while school is out. Summer band begins shortly after school lets out. Look for information to come out in early spring.
While band does not appear on the school report card, monitoring student progress and communicating with parents is our top priority. At the end of each trimester, a separate progress report will be sent home. Students are assessed in musical areas including note and rhythm learning, preparation of music, command of their instrument, and other categories based on the Illinois Music Standards. Feedback is also given on your child’s behavior and improvement. You are encouraged to talk with your child about their report and contact your band director if you have any questions or concerns.
Google Classroom may be used for students to periodically record themselves playing their instruments and send them to his or her teacher for feedback.
We use Remind to share announcements with students & parents. Remind is a free, safe, and simple messaging tool that helps teachers share important updates and reminders with students & parents. Subscribe by text, email or using the Remind app. All personal information is kept private. Teachers will never see your phone number, nor will you see theirs.
We send weekly e-mail updates about the current lesson and information for next weeks. This will include reminders about lessons, morning band, and learning goals. Your e-mail will be used from Sign-Up in the spring. Please reach out to your band director if your email every changes, as it is our primary way of communicating with band families.
ALWAYS TRY E-MAIL FIRST. It much faster as all directors travel.
Mrs. Amy Dandeles - 630-588-5252 - dandela@ccsd93.com
5th Grade Lessons at Carol Stream School
Jay Stream Middle School
Mrs. Cathrine Savino - 630-588-5251 - savinoc@ccsd93.com
5th Grade Lessons at Cloverdale, Elsie Johnson, Heritage Lakes, and Western Trail
5th Grade Morning Band for All Schools
6th Grade Band Jay Stream & Stratford
Jazz Band Jay Stream
Mrs. Steinke - 630-671-4344 - steinks@ccsd93.com
5th Grade Lessons at Roy De Shane School
Stratford Middle School
Jazz Band Stratford