All students are expected to be familiar with the Fine Arts Handbook and agree to abide by all guidelines listed below.

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Lettering Guidelines

Students may letter in the following categories:

Individual Class Criteria

• Students must demonstrate constant progress on their instruments through practice.
• Students must compete in the TAPPS solo and ensemble competition as soloists and receive an Excellent or Superior rating on a class I or II solo.
• Students must play in all mandatory performances, including all TAPPS competitions in which the band participates.

• Students must compete in ACSI and receive an Excellent or Superior rating.
• Students must place in TAPPS and the TCS sponsored art shows.

• Students must participate in ACSI and TAPPS as a solo, trio, or quartet and receive an Excellent or Superior rating.
• Students must compete in ACSI and TAPPS with the choir as a group or large ensemble.

• Students ust complete in TAPPS.

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Performance Attendance Policy

The Fine Arts Department classes are given credit based on performance participation. Therefore, participation in all performances will affect the student’s grade. The class syllabus for each class lists required appearances for the student. The exception to this policy is the TCS Ensemble schedule, which could be subject to change throughout the school year.

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Elementary Band Handbook

• Gray TCS Polo (available in TCS Eagle Outfitters) tucked in
• K-12 Black pants (TCS uniform approved, available through Lone Star Team Gear) with black belt
• Black close-toed shoes with black soles
• Solid black socks for the boys

• Fall Carnival: (Gray polo with jeans/school-approved shorts)
• Christmas Band Concert: (Concert uniform plus fun Christmas accessories)
• Outdoor Spring Concert and Awards Ceremony: (Gray polo with jeans/school-approved shorts)
• Select Elementary Chapels – The elementary band or members from the band will help lead worship several times this school year during elementary chapels

• Music and Arts (1428 W Pipeline Rd, Hurst, TX 76053; 817-595-1511)
• Rivard Brothers (2425 W Arkansas Ln, Pantego, TX 76013; 817-459-2263)

• Rivard Brothers
• Music and Arts
• Music Go Round (6006 Southwest Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76109; 817-763-8188)

• Flute – Polishing cloth and cotton cleaning cloth
• Clarinet – At least 2 working reeds at all times, pull-through cleaning swab, cork grease
• Saxophone (any kind) – At least 2 working reeds at all times, pull-through cleaning swab (not a pad saver brush), cork grease, neck strap
• Trumpet – valve oil, tuning slide grease, mouthpiece brush, cleaning snake
• Trombone – slide cream/oil, tuning slide grease, water spray bottle, mouthpiece brush, cleaning snake
• Baritone – valve oil, tuning slide grease, mouthpiece brush, cleaning snake
• Percussion – each percussionist must have a practice pad and drumsticks; if the student has a drum or drum set at home, they do not need a practice pad

• Box of 5 or 10
• 2 ½ level strength for beginners
• The band director will have emergency reeds available for $2/reed

• Brands for brass cleaning items, not limited to: Holton, Giardinelli, Trombontine, Superslick, Yahama, Brasswind
• Brands for woodwind cleaning items, not limited to: Giardinelli, Selmer, Rico, Leblanc, GEM
• TCS and Music and Arts have an educational working relationship – you may go to Music and Arts (1428 W Pipeline Rd, Hurst, TX 76053) and purchase the cleaning and accessory kit for Temple Christian School for your specific instrument.

• Beginners - TMS 32 Notes Percussion Glockenspiel Bell Kit with Practice Pad + Mallets + Sticks + Stand (readily avvailable on Amazon Prime)
• 2nd Year Players - Drum stick suggestions: Vic Firth SD1 General, Vic Firth 5A, or the equivalent in a different brand

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Secondary Band Handbook

• Each student will keep track of their practice time, and parents/guardians will initial on each week of practice (11th-12th graders do not need parent initials).
• Practice sheets will be turned in for a grade once a week.

• Middle and High School - 20 minutes of playing time, 3 days/week
• Extra credit is possible for extra practice!
• “Playing time” is actual playing, not putting instruments together or putting away

• Gray TCS Polo (available in TCS Eagle Outfitters) tucked in
• K-12 Black pants (TCS uniform approved, available through Lone Star Team Gear) with black belt
• Black close-toed shoes with black soles
• Solid black socks for the boys

• Fall Carnival: (Gray polo with jeans/school-approved shorts)
• Christmas Band Concert: (Concert uniform plus fun Christmas accessories)
• Outdoor Spring Concert and Awards’ Ceremony: (Gray polo with jeans/school-approved shorts)
• Select Secondary Chapels – The middle school and high school bands or members from the bands will help lead worship several times this school year.

• Pep Rallies and Pep Band – The High School band serves TCS as the pep band for rallies and home football games, with possible Middle School additions.
• TAPPS Band Music Competition –High School state competitions that include full band as well as solo and ensemble competitions.
• Solo Competition Disclaimer: If a student has registered for the TAPPS Solo Competition but drops out after payment has been made, they will be held financially responsible.
• Middle School Band performs in local music competitions, to be determined by the Band Director

• Music and Arts (1428 W Pipeline Rd, Hurst, TX 76053; 817-595-1511)
• Rivard Brothers (2425 W Arkansas Ln, Pantego, TX 76013; 817-459-2263)

• Rivard Brothers
• Music and Arts
• Music Go Round (6006 Southwest Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76109; 817-763-8188)

• Flute – Polishing cloth and cotton cleaning cloth
• Clarinet – At least 2 working reeds at all times, pull-through cleaning swab, cork grease
• Saxophone (any kind) – At least 2 working reeds at all times, pull-through cleaning swab (not a pad saver brush), cork grease, neck strap
• Trumpet – valve oil, tuning slide grease, mouthpiece brush, cleaning snake
• Trombone – slide cream/oil, tuning slide grease, water spray bottle, mouthpiece brush, cleaning snake
• Baritone – valve oil, tuning slide grease, mouthpiece brush, cleaning snake
• Percussion – each percussionist must have at a practice pad and drumsticks; if the student has a drum or drum set at home, they do not need a practice pad

• Box of 5 or 10
• 2 ½ level strength for beginners; 3 level strength and higher as progress
• The band director will have emergency reeds available for $2/reed

• Brands for brass cleaning items, not limited to: Holton, Giardinelli, Trombontine, Superslick, Yahama, Brasswind
• Brands for woodwind cleaning items, not limited to: Giardinelli, Selmer, Rico, Leblanc, GEM
• TCS and Music and Arts have an educational working relationship – you may go to Music and Arts (1428 W Pipeline Rd, Hurst, TX 76053) and purchase the cleaning and accessory kit for Temple Christian School for your specific instrument.

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Elementary Choir Handbook

The TCS Eagle Choir program is for 3rd graders and it is based on the belief that every child who wants to sing can have a place in choir. The choir meets once a week. The program is dedicated to nurture excellence in young musicians, improve their unison singing skills, and beginning to sing choral arrangements for two parts. The singers will begin exploring the basic knowledge of music theory. The singers will begin to develop an understanding of music as a language of communication by learning to sing expressively. Each singer is given an opportunity for personal growth and creativity. With much weight given to sacred music, students learn that music is a gift from God, to be developed and offered back to Him in worship. Styles of worship are discussed, with an emphasis on order, beauty, and adherence to Scripture. The choir performs throughout the school year at the Fall Carnival, Christmas Concert, Spring Concert, select elementary chapels, and possibly other performance opportunities.

• Enter and exit the choir rehearsal room quietly
• Come to a rehearsal having a positive mind-set every day

• Respect the Lord - honor Him and those in authority
• Respect others - love others and do not touch any instruments or belongings
• Respect yourself - do your best for the Lord and take care of your instrument (voice)

Performance Dress Code

• Girls: Green TCS polo and uniform skirt, skort or jumper
• Boys: Green TCS polo and uniform dress slacks

    Spring Concert: Boys and Girls may dress up for concert

The TCS Eagle Honor Choir program is for 4th and 5th graders, both returning to the choir and new. This choid is an audition-only group and will meet two days a week. This class is an elective class for students desiring to benefit from a group choral experience.  The curriculum focuses on teaching students correct vocal techniques and an elementarry understanding of the body and voice as used to produce healthy singing as it is expected for this group. Emphasis is given on strengthening the development of the individual voice, continue to improve their unison singing, and develop their part-singing skills. Students examine and sing a broad variety of styles of choral music. All music taught also contains opportunities for instruction in basic music theory. The student will begin to develop an understanding of music as a language of communication by learning to sing expressively and given opportunities for personal creativity. With much weight given to sacred music, students learn that music is a gift from God to be developed and offered back to Him in worship. Styles of worship are discussed, with an enphasis on order, beauty, and adherence to Scripture. The choir performs throughout the school year at the Fall Carnival, Christmas Concert, Spring Concert, ACSI Choral Festival, select elementary chapels, and possibly other performance opportunities.

• Enter and exit the choir rehearsal room quietly
• Come to a rehearsal having a positive mind-set every day

• Respect the Lord - honor Him and those in authority
• Respect others - love others and do not touch any instruments or belongings
• Respect yourself - do your best for the Lord and take care of your instrument (voice)

Performance Dress Code

• Girls: K12 black tab skort, gray TCS polo, white bobby socks, black and white saddle oxfords (may be purchased at one Star Team Gear)
• Boys: K12 black slacks, gray TCS polo, black casual

    Spring Concert: Boys and Girls may dress up for concertC

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Secondary Choir Handbook

The TCS Middle School Choir program is for 6th-8th graders, both returning to the choir and new. This choir will meet five days a week. This class is an elective class for students desiring to benefit from a group choral experience. The curriculum focuses on teaching students correct vocal techniques and an elementary understanding of the body and voice as used to produce healthy sounds. Emphasis is given to choral blend as well as to the development of the individual voice. Students examine and sing a wide variety of styles of choral music. All music taught also contains opportunities for instruction in basic music theory. The student will begin to develop an understanding of music as a language of communication by learning to sing expressively and given opportunities for personal creativity. With much weight given to sacred music, students learn that music is a gift from God, to be developed and offered back to Him in worship. Styles of worship are discussed, with an emphasis on order, beauty, and adherence to Scripture.

• Enter and exit the choir rehearsal room quietly
• Come to a rehearsal having a positive mind-set every day

• Respect the Lord - honor Him and those in authority
• Respect and love others
• Respect yourself - do your best for the Lord and take care of your instrument (voice)

• Practice/memorizing songs (10%)
• Prepared for class and Participation (10%)
• Follow Rehearsal Procedures (10%)

The TCS High School Choir is for 9th-12th graders, both returning to choir and new. This choir will meet five days a week. This is an elective class for students desiring to benefit from group choral experience. A full year of high school choir meets fulfillment for fine arts credit toward high school curriculum requirements. The curriculum focuses on teaching students correct vocal techniques and a solid understanding of the body and voice as used to produce healthy sounds. Emphasis is given to choral blend as well as to the development of the individual voice. Students examine and sing a wide variety of styles of choral music. All music taught also contains opportunities for instruction in basic music theory. Students learn that music is a gift from God, to be developed and offered back to Him in worship. Styles of worship are discussed, with an emphasis on order, beauty, and adherence to Scripture. High school choir participates in festivals and competitions through TAPPS and ACSI. TAPPS and ACSI offer solo and ensemble competitions within the high school choral program.

• Enter and exit the choir rehearsal room quietly
• Come to a rehearsal having a positive mind-set every day

• Respect the Lord - honor Him and those in authority
• Respect and love others
• Respect yourself - do your best for the Lord and take care of your instrument (voice)

• Practice/memorizing songs (10%)
• Prepared for class and Participation (10%)
• Follow Rehearsal Procedures (10%)

Ensemble is an auditioned vocal group open to all high school students, grades 9th-12th. The purpose of the ensemble is to take vocal talent that God has given to the next level of service. This ensemble will meets before school two days per week and three days per week before major concerts and competitions. Participating students receive a half fine arts credit for the entire year. The group leads musical worship in various chapel services throughout the year. They also serve as called upon at such events as parent/teacher meetings, teacher conferences, chapel services for other schools, civic group meetings, etc. TCS Ensembles participate in several categories of competition through TAPPS and ACSI. The demands on these groups require the ability to sing harmony, to learn music quickly, the confidence to sing solo and, most importantly, to represent the school with a Christ- like testimony and attitude.

• Enter and exit the choir rehearsal room quietly
• Come to a rehearsal having a positive mind-set every day

• Respect the Lord - honor Him and those in authority
• Respect and love others
• Respect yourself - do your best for the Lord and take care of your instrument (voice)

• Practice/memorizing songs (10%)
• Prepared for class and Participation (10%)
• Follow Rehearsal Procedures (10%)

• Stay hydrated at all times
• Take care of seasonal allergies and vocal mechanism
• If individual copy(-ies) of music assigned to the student is lost or damaged, it is student’s responsibility to buy the replacement or issue a check to the Fine Arts Department at TCS for replacing the damaged/lost copy(-ies)
• High School Choir and Ensemble must have all TCS choral uniforms dry cleaned and returned to TCS on or before the last day of the school year. Uniforms must be in the protective sleeve from the dry cleaners with a copy of the receipt attached. We recommend Bond Cleaners, 1644 W Randol Mill Rd, Arlington, TX 76012, (817) 277-1049.

• Fall Carnival (Gray polo with jeans or uniform pants)
• Christmas Choir Concert (Performance Dress Code)
• Spring Choir Concert and Awards Ceremony (Performance Dress Code)
• Select Secondary Chapels – The middle school choir, high school choir and/or ensemble members will help lead worship several times in the school year.
• ACSI Choral Festival- The middle school choir, high school choir and ensemble will participate in the annual music festival (Performance Dress Code)
• TAPPS Choral Music Competition (High School Only) –Regional and State competitions that include full choir as well as solo(s) and ensemble(s) (Performance Dress Code)

Musical/Production Guidelines and Policies

The cast and crew are not required to sell a minimum number of tickets. However, you are encouraged to invite all of your friends and family to buy tickets to the performances.

Tickets will be available for purchase one month before opening night.

All cast will be required to sell two business or personal advertisements for the production program.

• Students are allowed 3 unexcused tardies.
• Students are allowed 2 unexcused absences.
• Students are allowed 3 excused absences.

If a student should fail to comply with the above stated attendance guidelines, it may result in dismissal from the show.

Tardies and absences must be approved though the Production Director or Producer in order to be excused. Tardies and absences need to have a 24 hour notice, unless due to illness.

If a student arrives to school later than 9:00 a.m., he/she will not be allowed to rehearse that day.

• $1.00 for lost or abandoned scripts and/or music
• $10.00 for replacement script
• Lost or damaged rental material will be the replacement cost
• $1.00 per missed entrance on stage
• $1.00 per disturbance for disrupting rehearsal
• $5.00 for unauthorized cell phone/computer usage

Students will have 5 days to pay fines. Students with unpaid fines will not be allowed to rehearse, and this will be an unexcused absence.

Only school uniforms or athletic/PE attire may be worn during rehearsals.

Cell phones are to be turned off or silenced and placed in the basket provided or kept in your backpack during rehearsal. Unauthorized use of electronic devices will result in a $5.00 fine.

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TCS Co-Curricular (6th-12th Grade) Policy

1. Every activity has a grace period before deciding to drop that activity. If a student drops an activity after the grace period, the following actions will be enforced: The student may not participate in the next activity until the dropped activity has finished.

2. Students must show proper respect for the authority set over them (officials, coaches, directors, etc.). If a student’s attitude becomes unacceptable, his/her participation may be reviewed by committee.

3. All students must obey parking/driving rules at home or away. Students are never allowed to drive their vehicles down to the playing fields. They must park in the student parking lot.

4. Any student that is dismissed from or quits an activity forfeits their eligibility to receive an award. All fees for that activity are non-refundable. A student that has been academically ineligible must be approved by the eligibility committee before they can receive an award.

5. All students must maintain a good academic standing in order to participate in an activity. A student with a failing grade for any 9-week period will be restricted from any activity that occurs after the school day. The exception will be graded activities that have prior approval from the eligibility committee.

6. A student is considered to be ineligible on the day his/her nine week report or report card is issued with a failing grade on it. A student with failing grades may not participate until three calendar weeks have passed and the grade has been brought up to passing.

7. If a high school student is participating in the TCS sports program they must participate in an SST class.

8. Choir and band rehearsals for the TCS Christmas and Spring Concerts and spring musical dress rehearsal will be on the school calendar. All other concerts and competitions will need to rehearse during scheduled class time or after school, coordinated through the administration.

9. All practices for sports and activities must be limited to scheduled rehearsal/practice time. Any variation from this schedule must be pre-approved by the administration.

10. The following is a priority ladder in case of conflicts within the school calendar:

• Priority #1 TAPPS
• Priority #2 ACSI
• Priority #3 TPSMEA
• Priority #4 Youth & Government
• Priority #5 All other activity or organizations outside of TCS

Any state level activity takes priority over non-state events.

It is the responsibility of TCS to avoid conflicts with sports and other TCS hosted events.

   11. Students that receive more than three hours of detention in a 9-week period will be suspended from all activities that occur  during the next three calendar weeks.

   12. Students must be present by 9:00 am on the day of a co-curricular activity in order to qualify to participate in the activity. Any exception to this policy must be approved by a principal.

   13. All students must read the TCS Athletic Handbook and/or TCS Fine Arts Handbook

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