- Spring Hill Middle
- Band
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Introduction
This handbook has been written for the Spring Hill Middle band members and their parents with the hope of providing information regarding the various phases and activities of the band department. The handbook also contains the policies and regulations of the department.
All members and parents are urged to read the entire handbook carefully at the beginning of the school year to avoid conflicts with the policies and rules stated herein.
The band program is intended to be conducted in a manner that will encourage all students to achieve these goals:
- Make a real effort to learn and improve daily.
- Cooperate with fellow band members and share with them the responsibilities and privileges that are a part of the music program.
- Follow all classroom rules, school regulations, and travel instructions issued for trips.
- Have the proper respect for those in authority.
- Be honest and fair with others concerning equipment, music, and school life in general.
- Read and play music with insight and expression.
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Practice
Practice is a requirement of our class - it is the homework for your band class. But even more importantly, practice is a necessity for any musician to achieve success. Your success in music is dependent upon the amount and quality of private practice you do at home. Twenty minutes a day is a good standard minimum to set for yourself. Here are some guidelines for better practice:
- Set aside a particular time of the day to practice.
- Have a designated area where you practice, such as your room, basement, garage, etc.
- Use a metronome if at all possible.
- Quality is always more important than quantity. The most important aspect of private practice is being able to accomplish a certain goal.
- Organize a definite warm-up procedure. Use scales, arpeggios, lip slurs (brasses), and/or rudiments (percussion).
- Study the music and decide what measures you cannot play, and then work out small segments. Learning twenty measures well is better than just “playing through” a piece.
- If possible, take private lessons with a qualified instructor.
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Grading
- There will be pencil checks worth 1 pt.
- Playing tests can range from 3-5 pts.
- Marching performances are worth 8 pts.
- Concerts are worth 8 pts.
- Punctuality is very important, students will lose a point for being late to events.
- There may be worksheets and other activities that may have points assigned. The point ranges are low. Point values will be determined at time of assignment.
Practice Sheets and Other Homework
Practice reports (if assigned) are due on Friday. Each week is worth 3 points. Expectations are 20 minutes of rehearsal a day. Less than 100 minutes will only be worth 2 points, less than 60 minutes is worth 1 pt. Students who do not turn them in will receive a 0.
Performances
Attendance at performances is required and is worth 8 pts. If the student has a legitimate reason for missing a performance and notifies the school or me in advance that they will be absent, then the performance may be excused and the points can be made up through extra credit. (By the way, “we have to go shopping,” is NOT a legitimate excuse!) If the student gives no advance notice, the performance is unexcused and can not be made up.
Extra Credit Options
- Attending extra concerts (HS, MS, ELEM, Vocal or Band). 2-5 points if you bring the program back signed by a parent or instructor, 25 points if you critique the program.
- Attending extra Fine Arts performances out of town (HS, MS, ELEM, College, Professional). This could include dance, drama, or music, but not rock or country concerts (they don’t need our support). 2-5 points for a signed program.
- Another school’s half-time show or pep band (HS, College) 2-5 points for a short (1 page) critique.
- Performances (you play!) at churches, special groups (4-H, etc.) – 2-25 points.
- Private or group lessons on your main instrument – 2 points per lesson.
- Special report on a musical topic we choose together – 2 – 5 points.
- Extra help from the Band Director – 2-25 points.
- Extra rehearsals – 2 points/half hour.
- Many other possibilities – just ask!
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Classroom Management Plan
- Always follow directions
- Never chew gum
- Have all of your equipment at all times
- Do your best
- Never interrupt rehearsal
First offense: Warning-may be written or verbal
Second offense: 30-minute detention (two days to make it up)
Third offense: Office
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Grading System
Points are awarded for all activities. The student’s nine-week’s grade will be based on the percentage of total points earned compared to total points possible. I will use the district’s standard grading scale. Following are activities in which Middle School Band students will be engaged.
Expected Student Learning Outcomes
Seventh - Eighth Grade:
- Students will play with correct embouchure.
- Students will demonstrate proper breath control.
- Students will demonstrate how to produce a characteristic sound on their instrument.
- Students will sing, play, count, and tap foot to the exercises rehearsed.
- Students will play a range of two octaves.
- Students will play three major scales. (Concert Bb, Eb, F)
- Students will play their chromatic scale one octave.
- Students will recognize simple phrases and styles.
- Students will recognize melody and harmony within a chordal setting.
- Students will sight read standard band literature at level I.
- Students will demonstrate good pitch both singing and playing.
- Students will sing, count and play exercises in book
- Students will demonstrate accurate rhythmic time across both notes and rests in level I band literature.
- Students will demonstrate an appreciation for all types of music.
- Students will demonstrate an ability to work both as an individual and a team member within the ensemble.
- Students will demonstrate manners, appreciation, and a positive attitude as a member of the ensemble.
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Concert Attire
- Girls: Nice black and white dress, skirt (please be aware of the length), or slacks outfit.
- Boys: Black and white - white shirt and nice slacks.
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Instruments & Accessories
Each sixth grader is required to purchase “EE 2000 Book 1” for your instrument. The book can be purchased through Meyer Music, or most music stores, even online. Seventh and eighth graders will need Book 2.
- Instruments are needed for every scheduled rehearsal day.
- All instruments are expected to be clean and in excellent repair with extra accessories (oil, swab, etc.) at all times. Clarinet and Alto Sax players should have four good reeds at all times. Larger reed instruments should have at least two reeds.
- Instrument inspection will be conducted.
- If you are physically unable to play, please bring a note from your doctor, parents, or the school nurse. If you are at school, you should plan to sit with your instrument and at least finger the part.
- Label your instrument case with name, address, phone number, and the name of the performing organization you are in. Parents should write down the brand name and serial number in case the instrument is misplaced or stolen.
- Bring your instrument to the assigned shelves - DO NOT leave it in your locker or on the floor.
- EXCEPTION: Flutes, oboes, and clarinets may be kept in your locker.
- Chewing gum damages instruments. DO NOT bring it into the room!
- All students must possess lyres/flip folders for their respective instrument. Ask Mr. Wooge what your instrument requires.
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Equipment & Supplies
Brass Instruments
- Cleaning cloth.
- Flexible “snake” for cleaning the inside of the instrument.
- Mouthpiece brush.
- Valve or slide oil (most trombone players use cream).
Woodwind Instruments
- Cleaning cloth and swabs.
- Supply of at least 4 good reeds (2 for larger instruments).
- Reed guard to protect reeds from warping - thus prolonging life, and saving $$$.
- Cork grease.
- Bore oil (wooden clarinets).
Percussion Instruments
Required Items
- Snare sticks.
- 1Pr. Hard bell/xylophone mallets.
- 1 Pr. “General” Timpani mallets.
- Prescribed method book.
Recommended Items
- 1 Pr. Yarn Cymbal/Vibe mallets.
- Stick bag.
- Practice Pad.