Eastland ISD Bands

Parents and Guardians,

We hope this letter finds you well. 

We wanted to share with you a few details that are forthcoming from the band program that will be changed as far as grading and expectations for all band students. This comes after much discussion and thought with all three directors in working to better each student to enjoy and be proficient on their instrument. 

• Students are expected to practice weekly. 

  • HS 15-20min per day (100min a week)

  • MS 30 mins-hour a week

  • This can be taking their music home and listening to it and studying it, but actual playing needs to occur. 

• Students will have assignments to complete in MakeMusic and SightReading Factory. Students will also have in class playing assignments and assessments. 

  • MakeMusic and SightReading Factory will begin with MS in the Spring.

  • Band is no longer a free 100 class.  

  • Band has TEKS just as every other class does and we need to make sure that our students are meeting the knowledge and skills for their levels. 

• Grades are going to look drastically different if your student does not complete assignments or practice. 

  • All of these are based on the TEKS and what we as a program need to do to improve. 

You may be asking why the changes? 

• Yes, band is still fun and will be fun. We all just need to do what we are supposed to do.

  • Band is also fun if we do what we are supposed to do.

  • There are times and places for all things. 

• In 2020, we lost valuable instructional time and time and practice will only make up for that. 

• 45min classes each day will not make up for the lost instructional time over the last 4 years. We all bear the responsibility and will need to be proactive about how we move forward. 

• Progress is slow in music, it is not an overnight success.

• If your student wants to be considered for leadership positions in the future, they need to show the directors they are dedicated to practicing and being here early. They are band members first and foremost, then leaders. 

What can you do as a parent and supporter of your student?

• Encourage your students to practice at home. 

• Encourage your students to practice before or after school

• Band Hall is open at 7:30am and we are here until 4pm-4:30pm, most days. 

• Practicing is homework for band, no matter what anyone says, practicing is the only way to get better on your instrument outside of the band hall. 

• Your encouragement and help is gratefully appreciated in all that we do. 

• We want your students to be as successful as they can be and we feel that with your help, this can be done.

Please let us know if there are any questions or if there is anything else we can to help! 

Sincerely,

Dr. Cody Knott Jenna Larios-Garcia Mario Larios-Garcia

Director of Bands EMS Band Director Assistant Band Director