Be ready
Arrive on time, seated with your music and instrument, ready to begin at the end of the pledge.
WELCOME, MUSIC FAMILIES
A great year of music starts with clear expectations.
We are excited for another outstanding year in the Southwestern Music Department. This digital handbook puts the dates, expectations, attire information, and required acknowledgments in one easy place.
IMPORTANT
09.11
Acknowledgment deadline
Please complete the entire digital handbook by Friday, September 11, 2026.
CHOOSE YOUR HANDBOOK
Which handbook do you need?
BEGIN HERE
Tell us about your student
Complete the student and parent/guardian information before reviewing the handbook.
01
Student information
Start here.
02
Parent / guardian information
We will send the completed copy here, too.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Mandatory performance dates
Please put these dates on your family calendar now and share them with employers, coaches, and other activities.
Performance attendance matters.
Work is not a valid excuse for missing a performance. If a conflict is unavoidable, the director must be notified in advance and approve the absence.
One calendar file includes every performance date shown above.
STAY CONNECTED
Communication
Parents and students are automatically signed up for ParentSquare, which we use when information needs to go home. Concert reminders will also be sent there.
Thank you for helping us communicate clearly throughout the year.
THE STANDARD
What we expect from every musician
Membership in Southwestern Music is a privilege earned through hard work and sincere interest in music.
Be prepared
Bring your instrument, case, music, folder, pencil, and required equipment to every rehearsal.
Be focused
When rehearsal begins, talking stops. Every minute of rehearsal is valuable to the entire ensemble.
Be responsible
Treat our rooms, chairs, stands, lockers, cabinets, instruments, and percussion equipment with care.
Be a teammate
Follow directions, participate when asked, and contribute to the success of the group.
Practice & grow
Grading includes preparation, playing tests, rehearsal and concert etiquette, participation, listening, and evidence of practice.
ATTENDANCE & GRADING
Performance is part of the course.
- Students are permitted 7 legal class absences per semester.
- School-sanctioned events are excused absences.
- Students more than 15 minutes late are considered absent and receive a zero, with the opportunity to make it up within 48 hours.
- Skipping class results in a zero with no opportunity to make up the class.
- Students must check in with the director and sign out before leaving class.
- An unexcused public-performance absence results in a zero. Approved make-up opportunities may be available case-by-case.
Weekly effort grade: Students receive a weekly grade of 25 points based on their level of effort in all areas of class activities.
CONCERT ATTIRE
Professional. Conservative. Concert-ready.
Everyone is responsible for having appropriate concert attire ready before each performance. Financial assistance is available upon request.
Girls
- All-black uniform
- Black stockings/nylons
- Black dress shoes
- Hems just below the ankle and not dragging
Boys
- Tuxedo jacket provided by school
- Black socks
- Black dress shoes
- School jacket returned in good condition at year-end
For everyone
- No glitter or lavish makeup
- No bright nail polish
- No lavish jewelry
- No gym shoes or open-toed sandals
- No white socks or stockings
Failure to follow concert-attire rules may result in not being permitted to perform and a one-letter-grade reduction. New Band members only will purchase a $20 red polo shirt for public performances in the spring.
A FEW MORE DETAILS
Program expectations
Rehearsals
Secure your instrument and music, get a chair and stand, and be seated immediately. Attendance is taken precisely. Bring required equipment and keep food and drink out of the music rooms; water is permitted.
Technology & classroom rules
No cell phones or other internet-enabled devices in the classroom. No headphones, AirPods, or earbuds during class. Follow directions without talking and participate when asked.
Lessons, sectionals & enrichment
Each music student is required to participate in one lesson/sectional once every six days. Private lessons and NYSSMA solo participation are encouraged.
Officers & leadership
Officers are selected carefully by the directors. Positions include president(s), vice president, secretary, treasurer, coordinators, and section leaders. Presidents must be juniors or seniors while in office.
Director discretion
All rules and regulations within this handbook are at the discretion of the director.
FINAL STEP
Complete your family acknowledgment
Initial the dates that apply, provide uniform information, and finish with both signatures. A completed copy will be emailed to the addresses entered above.
6TH GRADE HANDBOOK
Tell us about your student
Complete the student and parent/guardian information before reviewing the sixth-grade handbook.
01
Student information
Start here.
02
Parent / guardian information
We will send the completed copy here, too.
WELCOME, SIXTH-GRADE FAMILIES
A familiar place in a brand-new year.
Sixth grade brings a new building, new teachers, new students, and new procedures. One familiar place is the Music Department, where students will continue seeing familiar faces as they grow as musicians.
Last year, students dipped a toe into Band, Choir, or Orchestra. This year, we are ready to dive in, work hard, and have fun. Please read this handbook together and complete the electronic acknowledgment no later than Friday, September 11, 2026.
Jamie K. Sigler, Director of Bands
Sue Huther, Director of Choirs
Cody Hiller, Director of Orchestras
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Mandatory performance dates
Please put these dates on your family calendar now and communicate them to coaches, dance teachers, and other activities.
Performance attendance matters. An unexcused absence from a concert results in a zero because a performance cannot be made up in the usual way. Illnesses and emergencies are handled individually; please contact the director as early as possible.
One calendar file includes every performance date shown above.
THE STANDARD
What we expect from every musician
Strong ensembles grow from preparation, focus, responsibility, and respect.
Be seated & ready
Secure your instrument and music, get your chair and stand, and be seated when attendance is taken.
Bring your materials
Bring instruments, cases, mutes, reeds, music, folders, pencils, and all required equipment.
Rehearse with focus
Warm up softly. When the conductor begins rehearsal, all talking stops immediately.
Care for our rooms
Keep lockers, cabinets, slots, chairs, stands, instruments, and percussion equipment clean and protected.
Respect the ensemble
Arrive on time, follow directions, participate when asked, and treat every student and adult with respect.
Practice & grow
Prepare music outside rehearsal and be ready for lessons, checks, tests, quizzes, and performances.
RULES & GRADING
Prepared musicians build strong ensembles.
- No cell phones or other internet-enabled devices in music classrooms.
- No backpacks in the band room and no headphones, earbuds, or AirPods during class.
- No gum, candy, food, or drinks in music rooms; water is permitted.
- Students must arrive on time, follow directions without talking, participate when asked, and respect all students and adults.
- An unexcused absence from a public performance results in a zero. The director must approve contemplated absences in advance.
- Band and Orchestra students participate in one lesson or sectional every six days.
Participation grade: Lessons, tests and quizzes, rehearsal and concert etiquette, attire, materials, performances, practice, listening activities, and care of equipment all contribute to the course grade.
CONCERT ATTIRE
Professional. Conservative. Concert-ready.
All sixth-grade music students need a Southwestern Middle School Music Department black polo with their own black pants, black socks, and black shoes.
Required black polo
- A new polo costs $20
- Select the correct size in the form below
- Submit payment in an envelope clearly marked with the student's name
Student-provided items
- Black pants
- Black socks or nylons
- Black dress shoes
- No gym shoes or open-toed sandals
Concert appearance
- No glitter or lavish makeup
- No bright nail polish
- No lavish jewelry
- Clothing should be ironed and concert-ready
The goal is to look professional and conservative. Failure to follow concert-attire rules will result in a lower concert grade.
A FEW MORE DETAILS
Program expectations
Communication
Families are automatically signed up for ParentSquare. Teachers use it to share information and concert reminders throughout the year.
Percussion equipment
Percussionists must have Vic Firth American General 2B snare sticks and Vic Firth General yarn marimba mallets. All equipment must be returned to the correct cabinet after rehearsal.
Lessons, sectionals & enrichment
Each Band and Orchestra student participates in one lesson or sectional every six days. Private lessons are encouraged.
Additional performance opportunities
Other opportunities may arise during the school year. Families will receive a permission slip or commitment form with the details when an additional performance is planned.
Director discretion
All rules and regulations within this handbook are at the discretion of the directors.
FINAL STEP
Complete your family acknowledgment
Initial the dates that apply, select the student's polo size, and finish with both signatures. A completed copy will be emailed to the addresses entered above.
7TH & 8TH GRADE HANDBOOK
Tell us about your student
Complete the student and parent/guardian information before reviewing the middle-school handbook.
01
Student information
Start here.
02
Parent / guardian information
We will send the completed copy here, too.
WELCOME, MUSIC FAMILIES
Excellence grows through teamwork.
We sincerely enjoy working with the 7th and 8th grade Band, Choir, and Orchestra. Our goal is to produce high-quality ensembles while helping students learn responsibility, teamwork, pride, and valuable life skills.
Our expectations are high because we believe every student can grow into an outstanding young adult and musician. Please read this handbook together and complete the electronic acknowledgment no later than Friday, September 11, 2026.
Jamie K. Sigler, Director of Bands
Sue Huther, Director of Choirs
Cody Hiller, Director of Orchestras
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Mandatory performance dates
Please put these dates on your family calendar now and communicate them to coaches, dance teachers, employers, and other activities.
Performance attendance matters. An unexcused absence from a concert results in a zero because a performance cannot be made up in the usual way. Illnesses and emergencies are handled individually; please contact the director as early as possible.
One calendar file includes every performance date shown above.
THE STANDARD
What we expect from every musician
Membership in Southwestern Music is a privilege earned through hard work and sincere interest in music.
Be seated & ready
Secure your instrument and music, get your chair and stand, and be seated when attendance is taken.
Bring your materials
Bring instruments, cases, mutes, reeds, music, folders, pencils, and other required equipment.
Rehearse with focus
Warm up softly. When the conductor begins rehearsal, all talking stops immediately.
Care for our rooms
Keep lockers, cabinets, slots, chairs, stands, instruments, and percussion equipment clean and protected.
Respect the ensemble
Arrive on time, follow directions, participate when asked, and treat every student and adult with respect.
Practice & grow
Be able to play or sing the music in your folder and show evidence of preparation outside rehearsal.
RULES & GRADING
Prepared musicians build strong ensembles.
- No cell phones or other internet-enabled devices in music classrooms.
- No backpacks in the band room and no headphones, earbuds, or AirPods during class.
- No gum, candy, food, or drinks in the band room; water is permitted.
- Students must arrive on time, follow directions without talking, and participate when asked.
- An unexcused absence from a public performance results in a zero. The director must approve contemplated absences in advance.
- Band seating auditions occur each fall. Challenge opportunities are available according to the director's procedures.
Daily participation grade: Preparation, lessons, tests and quizzes, rehearsal and concert etiquette, attire, materials, performances, practice, and listening activities all contribute to the course grade.
CONCERT ATTIRE
Professional. Conservative. Concert-ready.
All students wear a Southwestern Middle School Music Department black polo with their own black pants, black socks, and black shoes.
Black polo
- Reuse last year's polo if it still fits
- A new polo costs $20
- Submit payment in an envelope clearly marked with the student's name
Student-provided items
- Black pants
- Black socks or nylons
- Black dress shoes
- No gym shoes or open-toed sandals
Concert appearance
- No glitter or lavish makeup
- No bright nail polish
- No lavish jewelry
- Clothing should be ironed and concert-ready
The goal is to look professional and conservative. Failure to follow concert-attire rules will result in a lower concert grade.
A FEW MORE DETAILS
Program expectations
Communication
Families are automatically signed up for ParentSquare. Teachers use it to share information and concert reminders throughout the year.
Percussion equipment
Percussionists must have Vic Firth American General 2B snare sticks and Vic Firth General yarn marimba mallets. All equipment must be returned to the correct cabinet after rehearsal.
Lessons, sectionals & enrichment
Each Band and Orchestra student participates in one lesson or sectional every six days. Private lessons and NYSSMA solo-festival participation are encouraged.
Additional performance opportunities
Other opportunities may arise during the school year. Families will receive a permission slip or commitment form with the details when an additional performance is planned.
Director discretion
All rules and regulations within this handbook are at the discretion of the director.
FINAL STEP
Complete your family acknowledgment
Initial the dates that apply, tell us whether your student needs a new polo, and finish with both signatures. A completed copy will be emailed to the addresses entered above.