This handbook is designed to let students and parents know what to expect from the band and chorus program as well as what is expected from you. It should answer most of the questions you are going to ask and your band director will be able to clarify any further questions you might have. All rules posted here are to be followed without exception. All school rules are applicable as always.
Table Of Contents
Philosophy ... 1
Instruments ... ...1
Music ... 2
Lessons Group and Private. .2
Band Period 3
Chorus 3
Concerts .3
Festivals / Districts / other .4
Commitment ..5
Grading ..5
Communication .5
CONTRACT .6
Appendices
Philosophy
The goal of the FMS Music Department is to increase knowledge, awareness, and appreciation of music and the arts through study and performance.
Instruments
Students must supply their own
instruments. Instruments can be rented through any local music store that supplies
them, but please realize that all school business is done through the Symphony
Music Shop, Rt.6 in
Any student planning on being a percussionist must have both a bell set and a drum practice pad. Percussionists should have at least one pair each of their own sticks and mallets. Any and all percussion needed for concerts will be provided, but you must have a practice pad and bell set for home practicing and your band lesson.
Several instruments not typically rented are available for loan through the music department including a baritone horn and a French horn. If a student is interested in learning one of these other instruments, the switch must be approved by the director. To borrow an instrument form the school, you must sign it out with the director, even if it is for use in a performing ensemble. You are still responsible for getting your own reeds, oil, your lesson book, etc. All instruments are to be returned in the condition they are lent at the end of the school year. Any damage, theft, etc. that happens to an instrument while it is signed out under your name becomes your responsibility. Take care of school instruments. This includes school-owned keyboards and percussion instruments.
You are to have your instrument with you at every lesson and for every band rehearsal, no exceptions. You are also to have any and all music needed, a pencil with an eraser, and anything else you may need for your particular instrument (this includes oil for brass players and reeds for woodwind players not having a reed is like not having your instrument.) Not having your instrument at a lesson or a rehearsal will result in the lowering of your grade by 1 point (see Grading).
Reeds, valve oil, and other such necessities are available from the band director at a cost to the student.
If an instrument is unavailable for a rehearsal due to a repair being performed upon it your grade will NOT be affected providing you have a note signed by an adult to that effect. This does not cover you if you have no functioning reeds or broken instruments that are not currently in the repair process. A little planning goes a long way!
If you would like to switch instruments, you should wait until after your first complete year on your original instrument. If you intend to switch over the summer, please alert the band director as early as possible so that your schedule for the following year is accurate. Switches should be done either early in the year (by October) or after the Spring concert. All switches will require a discussion between music teacher, parent and student.
The band would not sound balanced if everyone played the same instrument, so please consider the ensemble as a whole along with your current commitment, previous experience, and personal wishes. Switching instruments is not discouraged, but you must understand that switching mid-stream would put you very far behind the other students in your class. Certain switches will almost always be encouraged switching TO tuba, trombone, trumpet, baritone, or French horn will almost always be strongly encouraged.
Music
Your lesson book Standard of Excellence (which you pay for) is yours to keep. All band music is considered property of FMS and should be treated with care and returned when the band director indicates. Photocopied music should be considered yours to keep, but this does not mean you will get another copy if you lose or destroy yours. Write on your music ONLY IN PENCIL and try to avoid writing in fingerings, note names, and counts as much as possible. Read the music as much as you can.
Lessons
Your group lesson depends on your class schedule. It will meet for one period every week. You may or not be paired with similar instruments, so be prepared with your instrument, everything you need for your instrument, and your music (see Grading).
You are to have your instrument (and anything you need for your instrument, including reeds) and all music at all band rehearsals. Playing your instrument well is not the only objective of this music program. We must learn to play well together.
As soon as you get into class you are to be seated and warming up properly with slow scales and long tones. You must bring your instrument in working condition (reeds, mouthpiece, etc.) to every rehearsal. Brass players must have functioning valves and tuning slides. The teacher will dismiss you a few minutes early to give you time to put away your instrument before you go to your next class. If class is disrupted or delayed by the students and rehearsal goals are not met, the dismissal time will not be early.
You are strongly encouraged to take private lessons. Lessons are available from the Symphony Shop and several other local music stores (see attached list). There is also a list of local private music teachers available in the music office. Should you choose to take music lessons, your grade in band will be raised by five (5) points. Proof must be given before report card time in order to qualify for this (see attached form).
All students, regardless of participation in lessons, should practice outside of school on a regular basis. Home practice should consist of perfecting all of the correct notes and rhythms of your band music and lesson music (if applicable). Continued study of tone development, rhythm, articulation, and scales and arpeggios is essential for your progress. Scales will be assigned throughout the year and a cumulative scale exam will be given in June so practice everything you have! Students should have an inexpensive, portable metronome (a beat-keeper) to be used during home practice.
Band rehearsals
The band will meet after school to rehearse as a full ensemble several times over the course of the semester. A schedule of when you are to stay after school will be given to you as soon as possible. Please listen carefully to announcements and pay close attention to the posted band schedule to know when your band will be meeting.
Chorus rehearsals
Everyone is encouraged to sing; there is no such thing as a person who cant sing! Chorus is an after school activity only. Rehearsals will be Tuesday afternoons from the end of school until 4:00 pm. You must provide your own ride home. Any sectionals, small ensembles, etc. that come up will rehearse on Thursdays. Auditions for solos will be open to anyone in the ensemble and will take place on Thursdays. Students in these Thursday groups will be able to take the late bus. All rehearsal rules for band apply to chorus as well. This includes having everything you need for rehearsal music, a pencil, a good attitude, and great behavior. Since there is no grade for chorus, any infraction of rules or excessive disruption of rehearsal will result in dismissal from the group.
Concerts
Instead of a semester exam, band students will showcase what they have learned in a concert. There will be 2 band concerts this year a holiday concert and a spring concert. The dates will be announced via a letter to parents as early as possible.
Attendance is required (see Grading).
Concert dress is black pants with white collared shirt for boys and long black pants / skirt with white shirt for girls. Any infraction of the dress code will result in you not performing with the band this will have the same result on your grade as not coming to a concert at all.
Festivals, Districts, Other
All 7th and 8th grade students are eligible to audition for several local festivals and contests. All students are recommended to try an audition at least once. These events are open to both instrumental and vocal students and are an incredible experience.
Junior districts auditions are December 2, 2007. Instructions and requirements will be announced and posted as this date nears.
The Whaling
City Middle School Music Association includes a Marching Band and a
Chorus. These groups are middle school
ensembles based at
Commitment
Students should be committed to this program for the year (see contract at end) but unforeseen problems do arise. Should a student need to cease participation for any reason, a signed note from a parent/guardian will be required to sign the student out of the band class. This note should include a phone number where the parent/guardian can be reached to discuss the reasoning behind this decision.
Middle school is a time where students tend to make rash decisions based on peer pressure, self-identity, and other social factors. In order to ensure the student is making the right decision, the process for dropping band is designed to encourage the student to stay. A deadline for dropping band has been set to maintain as much continuity as possible and provide the best learning environment possible for all students. Any requests to drop band after the deadline will be denied. The student will not be forced to participate, but will stay in the music class and not return to Library/Flex. At that point the students grade will be based solely on behavior and preparedness for class. The deadline is the second time the student is scheduled to have band class.
If a student wishes to drop band, he or she will be required to participate for two (2) more classes after the note is received. These classes will count towards the grade. After those two (2) classes, the student will not be required to participate.
Should a student be asked to leave and/or not participate in the program, a phone call or conference will be arranged.
Grading
25 points band period (behavior, preparation)
25 points concerts/performances/lessons
50 points participation/improvement
Not having either your instrument or your music (including your lesson book) results in the loss of 1 point from your grade.
The Band rehearsal is a "non-talking" classroom. While not actively engaged in playing you will listen to the conductor's instruction. If instruction is not directed to you, you will silently practice fingerings/stickings of the band music. Talking and disruption will decrease your grade.
Do you practice regularly outside of class or does each band period sound as if it is your only contact with your instrument? Home practice will consist of perfecting all of the correct notes and rhythms of your band music. This includes knowing note names, vocabulary and the like. Continued study of tone development, rhythm, articulation, and scales and arpeggios is essential for your progress. Students are encouraged to have an inexpensive, portable metronome to be used during home practice.
EXTRA
CREDIT is available for those students that practice at home every day.
Students whose parents witness their childs 15-30 minute practice
session and sign the cover of the lesson book in the appropriate place will
receive up to 5 bonus points at report card time. Replacement assignment sheets are available from the music
teacher.
Practice
does not make perfect,
Practice
makes permanent.
PERFECT
practice makes perfect!
There is another way of getting 5 extra credit points take private lessons. If you do take lessons with someone outside of school, simply have them fill out the slip at the end of this handbook and you will receive 5 points toward your final grade.
Concert Attendance is MANDATORY. If a concert is missed due to an unavoidable situation you must have a note delivered to the teacher at least two weeks ahead of time unless it is an emergency. In an emergency case a note must be submitted by one week after the concert date. AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE IS LIKE A ZERO ON AN EXAM. The BEST grade you will get for that quarter will be a 'C'.
Treat all of the people around with kindness and courtesy and the same will be returned to you. Any infraction of school rules and policies, as set forth in the FMS handbook, will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the instructor and the principal if need be.
Communication
Mr. Shanbrun:
School Office Phone: (508) 998-0265
Music Office Phone: same as above, ext. 301
Please
be advised that calls do not go through to classrooms during the day and that
your call may not be returned for over 24 hours.
Email: bshanbrun@acushnet.k12.ma.us
This
is the desired form of communication and a reply will most likely be sent
before the end of the workday.
Web: http://www.acushnetschools.net/ford
- follow the link to the music page.
CONTRACT
-please
detach and return to director with signatures-
I, _____________________ understand my responsibilities and expectations as described in this handbook. I also understand that by enrolling in FMS band I agree and promise to participate until the last day of school. I am committed to this program for this year.
I promise to play every day.
Signed,
______________________(student)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I, _____________________ understand the responsibilities and expectations for my son/daughter as set forth in this handbook. I furthermore understand that by enrolling in FMS band my son/daughter agrees and promises to participate until the last day of school.
Signed,
______________________(parent) Phone #:___________________________
...............................................................................................................
Private Lesson Extra Credit Project
Student______________________________________Instrument____________
Private
instructor (please print)____________________phone_______________
I
verify that the above student is currently studying music with me. I understand that this is an extra credit
project worth an additional five (5) percentage points of the final grade for
band and general music.
____________________________ __________________
signature of private instructor date
APPENDIX
I: HOW PARENTS CAN HELP
AT HOME
1. Your interest and praise is
what matters most.
2.Arrange a regular time and space for practicing every day.
3.Find a quiet, comfortable place for practice every day.
4.Become familiar with your child's music and lesson book.
Take time to listen to your child's practicing.
5.Help your child keep a daily practice record. Space is provided
in the lesson book.
6.Provide a safe place to store musical instruments.
7.Help your child to be very careful with school-owned
instruments. The costs of repairs are very high.
8.Help keep the instrument in good repair with reeds, valve oil,
etc. in the case.
9.Help your child to learn the sectional and band rehearsals
schedule. Post it in a convenient place.
10.Encourage
your child to play for others when the opportunity arises, in the home, at
school, and in the community summer camps, programs, bands.
AT SCHOOL
1.Post rehearsals and concerts on the family calendar.
2.Notify the teacher if your child is to be absent or tardy to a
rehearsal that takes place outside of the school day.
3.Visit rehearsals occasionally.
4.Discuss with your music teacher anything that will help to
understand your child.
5.Attend parent/teacher conferences when possible.
6.Help chaperone music events such as concerts, field trips,
contests, etc.
7. Encourage participation in
other musical ensembles, districts, festivals, etc.
THREE KEYS THAT WILL OPEN THE DOOR TO MUSIC
1.Assist your child in his/her practicing.
2.Be generous with your interest and praise.
3.Credit each achievement with some form of recognition.
Looking for gift ideas for your young musician?
Ask the music instructor for
instrument-specific or student-specific recommendations for holiday, birthday,
and congratulatory gifts!
APPENDIX
II: Private Lesson Teachers
Private
lessons are available at a cost to you from the following teachers/studios:
Symphony Music Shop (508) 996-3301
DeRossi
Music (508) 993-2494
The
Friends Music (508) 675-1889
Top Music (508) 992-1933
You
may also wish to call the UMass Dartmouth Music
Department and find a college music major to teach
your child. These students are typically very good teachers and sometimes charge
less than a professional.
Do not
feel pressure to take lessons on your band instrument. Lessons on piano, voice,
guitar, bass or any other instrument are beneficial.
APPENDIX
III: Recommended Recordings
The
best way to know how you should sound playing your instrument is to listen to
someone who plays it very well. Listening to recordings of virtuosi will help
bring a better understanding of tone, timbre, phrasing, breathing,
articulation, and repertoire. PLUS, its beautiful music!
Flute:
James Galway, Jean-Pierre Rampal, Wolfgang Schultz, Aurele Nicolet
Clarinet:
Richard Stoltzman, Eddie Daniels, Paul Meyer, Benny
Goodman, Artie Shaw, Woody Herman
Alto
Saxophone: Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderly, Eugene
Rousseau
Tenor Saxophone:
John Coletrane, Gerry Bergonzi,
Stan Getz, Branford Marsalis
Trumpet:
Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis, Maurice Andre, Thomas
Stevens, Edward Tarr, Don Smithers,
Clark Terry, Clifford Brown
French
Horn: Denis Brain, Barry Tuckwell,
Hermann Baumann
Trombone:
Christian Lindberg, Phil Wilson, Ron Barron, Bill Watrous
Tuba:
Roger Bobo, Toby Hanks, Sam Pilafian
Percussion:
Jazz Drummers Max Roach, Buddy Rich, Elvin Jones
Vibes Lionel Hampton
Timpani Vic Firth
(
Any DCI recordings or videos of Drum
Corps are great!
APPENDIX
IV: TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
The following rehearsals will be held in the FMS Music
Room from 6-7pm. These are voluntary and meant to get you introduced to the
music learning process as early as possible so you can practice over the
summer.
June 12 Flute
June 13 Trumpet
June 14 Sax and Clarinet
June 15 Percussion
______________________________________
Winter Concert:
Rehearsals: 11/29*, 11/30, 12/6, 12/7*, 12/13**
Concert: 12/14
7pm. Students should be AT FMS by 6:30.
*- 5th
grade only
** - all
band & chorus
(all rehearsals let out at 4:15)
_____________________________
Spring Concert:
Dress
Rehearsals: TBA
Concert: 6/6 or 6/7
8th Grade Graduation:
Last day of
school arrive by 5:30, released about 7.
______________________________________
Starting in February of 07, the 5th grade
band will meet 1-2 times per month after school until 3:30. Students may take
the late bus if available. Please be sure to check the FMS homepage for updates
and reminders!
Chorus rehearses every Tuesday from 3-4.
All concert dates include both band and Chorus.