SmithMiddle School Band
Complete Guide to Rules & Performances
School Year 2010 – 2011
Table of Contents
Fort. Huachuca Accommodations Schools Band Activity Schedule
Instrumental Music Philosophy
Rules of Good Musicianship
Other Rules for a Performing Organization
Band Grading Policy
Rehearsal Attendance Policy
Performance Attendance
Needed Accessories
Practice Cards
Test and Chair Order
Music Folder
Instruments
Progress Reports
Extra Help and Private Teacher List
Fundraisers
Return Form
Field Trip Permission Slip and Information
Smith Middle School Band 2010 – 2011Officers
PresidentRakeen Abdali
Vice PresidentKaitlyn Henderson
SecretaryKyla Ramos
TreasurerAndrea Brimm
LibrariansOlivia Blancho and Juliana Diaz
6th Grade RepHunter Henry
Instrumental Music Philosophy
Smith Middle School Band instrumental music department believes in encouraging and developing children with skills and concepts that will help them achieve their dreams for tomorrow.
Rules for Good Musicianship
Please keep in mind that rules for a concert band may be stricter than an average classroom. Besides learning about instruments and how music is made, students are also taught how to behave in a performing organization. Students are expected to:
1.Follow directions,
2.Keep hands, feet and objects to self,
3.Be quiet throughout the rehearsal and performance,
4.Be in seat on time with instrument ready to play,pencil and music folder on the stand,
5.Be prepared for every rehearsal and performance, and
6.Make smart choices.
Consequences: (Remember, we choose how to behave!)
- First incident will receive a warning.
- Second incident will deduct a letter grade from class participation grade.
- Third incident will receive lunchtime detention.
- In case of a severe incident, student will be sent to counselor or principal and parents be notified.
- Students will follow the Colonel Smith Middle School Behavior Plan.
Other Rules for a Performing Organization
Food, beverages (except water), or chewing substances are to remain outside of the band hall. (These things ruin instruments and make the performer look bad!! They also may result in costly repairs to the instruments.)
Except in case of an emergency, restroom visits should be taken care of before or after rehearsal.
Band Grading Policy
The Smith Middle School Band uses a point system. The grading policy includes:
- Class participation,
- Instrument take home,
- Performance attendance,
- Practice recordgrades,
- Individual playing tests including the ability to perform from memory the Star Spangled Banner, excerpts of current concert music, and nine major scales,
- Performance of a solo or in a small ensemble,
- Extra credit will be given for attending a live performance. Turning in a concert program is required as proof of attendance, and
- Extra credit for studying with a private instructor. The instructor’s input will determine the grade for this area.
Since the Band is a year-long class, students are expected to commit to the complete year. This way quality music education can be provided.
The total grade, including private lessons and practice grades, playing tests and performance grades are averaged in accordance with district guidelines.
All grades and points are cumulative for the duration of the school year. At the end of the school year, the student with the highest average will receive an award at the awards concert. Certificates of achievement are also awarded at this time to students who have earned recognition for the superior work throughout the school year.
Rehearsal Attendance Policy
Band is the first class of the day. Requirements for class attendance are followed in accordance with district guidelines.
Performance Attendance Policy
A performance schedule can be found at the beginning of this handbook. This should be reviewed with parents and dates added to the family calendar so no conflicts arise If an unavoidable situation does occur, the director must be notifiedthree weeks prior to the performance datewith a note from parent or guardian including the reason for the absence. This is necessary for individual parts to be redistributed and practiced before the performance. A note asking to be excused from a performance after the fact will not be accepted.
Concerts are graded and are based upon the following:
A grade requires:
- Arriving on time for warm-ups.
- Appropriate dress (see needed accessories).
- Appropriate behavior on and off stage and in the audience
- Attendance of the entire performance.
B grade fulfills all but one of the above requirements.
C grade fulfills all but two of the above requirements.
D grade fulfills all but three of the above requirements.
F grade for an unexcused absence from any performance including any not listed on the band schedule. The final grade for that grading period will also be lowered one letter grade. A conference with the student, director and school principal may be held to reevaluate participation in the band program.
In emergency situations, if possible, please call the school at 520-459-8892 or Mr. Balandovich at 520-378-6953.
Band Uniform
All Smith Middle School Band members are issued a band uniform. A uniform cleaning fee of $ 10.00 (nonrefundable) is collected at the time the uniform is issued to the student. Uniforms will not be sent home until all fees are received.
These additional accessories are needed by the student:
Marching band shoes, ordered through the band, $20.00.
Band t-Shirt, ordered through the band, $10.00.
Reed players
Reed players are required to have several reeds, cork grease, cleaning swab (recommend handkerchief for clarinet players), and music lyre.
Reed strength is determined by the player’s ability and endurance. See the director for guidance if needed.
Flute players should have a cloth handkerchief for swabbing out the instrument.
Brass Players
All brass players are required to have a mouthpiece brush, and soft cloth for wiping down the instrument after each use. Trumpet, French horn, baritone, and tuba players are required to have valve oil. Trombone players are required to have slide cream and a water spray bottle, slide grease for tuning slides.
Percussion
Percussion players are required to have a drum key, size 2B snare sticks for marching; size 5A or higher for concert snare.
Practice Cards
Band members must practice a minimum of 30 minutes per day, five days a week.
Practice cards are required to be in the band folder with current practice minutes filled in. Aparent or guardian must sign each week in order to receive a grade.Practice cards are due each Monday orthe first school day of the school week.One letter grade will be deducted for each day the card is turned in late.
The practice card grade is based on the number of days a full 30 minutes was practiced:
5 days earns an A,
4 days earns a B,
3 days earns a C,
2 days earns a D, and
1 day or less earns an F.
Testing and Seating Order
A test will be given weekly during rehearsals either individually or in groups. A grade will be given based upon the quality of the performance. Each test will cover one of the following skills:
- A major or minor scale (memorized),
- The Star Spangled Banner or one of the marching pieces,
- An assigned portion of the band music, and/or
- Written music theory exercises.
All tests may be retaken to improve the grade. To do this an appointment must be set up with the director.
Seating order is determined by testing at the beginning of the school year. Students who wish to acquire a higher chair may challenge the next student up from their seat. Challenges are generally scheduled during lunch hour once a week. Challenges are based on performance of the band music currently being worked on in rehearsal and major scales.
Music and Folders
Each band student is issued a folder and music. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain both music and folder in good condition. If the music or folder is lost, the student must see a band librarian for a music and folder replacement form. The student must take the filled out form to the school office to pay for the missing items. Folder replacement cost is $10.00 and each piece of music is 50 cents. Once the band director has received a receipt from the office, the librarian will give the student the new replacement.
Instruments
The student is expected to provide his or her own instrument. Smith Middle School has a very limited number of the larger instruments that can be checked out on a first come, first serve basis. Instrument storage cages will be assigned to each student. Important papers and forms to be taken home will be placed in cages throughout the day as they are available. Each student should check their cage to see if any new information has been left and take their instrument home every night. It is not recommended for students to keep instruments in book lockers or PE lockers due to an increased possibility of theft.
Progress Reports
Progress reports are issued around the fourth week of each quarter. The report will evaluate both the strengths and weaknesses in all areas of the student’s participation in the band program. These reports should be read and signed by a parent or guardian and returned to the band director as soon as possible. Student’s grades can be monitored on the school website.
Extra Help
Any student having difficulty with music being rehearsed is entitled to receive extra help. An appointment should be made with the band director. There are many musicians in the area that are willing to help students. Please see the private instructor list provided.
Fundraisers
The band has one fundraising project a year to pay for purchase of equipment and supplies. The fundraiser is usually completed by late November. This project is voluntary but each band member is encouraged to participate since all students benefit.
Fort Huachuca Accommodation Schools BandsSchedule
2010 - 2011
July 19Summer Band Camp
July 27–29 Smith Middle School Band Testing (TBA)
August 4 Summer Band Camp Concert - 6:30 pm @ Smith
August 5Marching Clinic 9:30 – 11:00 @ Smith (Smith Middle School Band)
August 6 Uniform Fitting Day For Smith Band 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
August 11 School Starts - Smith bands
August16 Myer Intermediate (5th Grade) Band starts
August 25 Band Instrument Rental Night 3:30 – 6:30 pm @ Myer School
August 26 Beginning Band starts
September 30Book Fair Family Night @ Myer, Myer Intermediate Band
October 1 Buena High School Home Coming
October 8 Smith Band plays at Myer School 1:30 pm
October 13 Fall Concert for Smith Bands 7 pm
October 16 Bisbee 1000 Stair Climb, Smith Band
TBA Joint Concert with Sierra Vista Community Band
October 22 Annual Band Fundraiser begins today at Smith
October 28Book Fair Night at Smith, Smith Band
November 11Veterans Day Parade – 9:00 am – noon, Smith Band
December 4 Sierra Vista Holiday Parade time TBA
December 8 Holiday Concert at Smith 7:00 pm Smith Band
December 15 Beginning & Intermediate Bands Concert @ Myer 1:30 pm
March 9 Spring Concert @ Smith 6:30 pm
March 11 Smith Band plays at Myer School @ 1:30 pm
April TBA Joint Concert with Sierra Vista Community Band @ Smith, 6:30 pm
May 4 Solo & Ensemble Night @ Smith 6:30 pm
May 6 Smith Bands play at Johnson School 1:30 pm
May 18 Awards Concert @ Smith
May 19 Beginning Band Concert at Myer1:30 pm
All Concerts and activities are a required part of being in the FHAS Band program.
All times and events are subject to change.
Student Practice Card
Student’s Name: ______
Grading Period______
Week / Mon / Tue / Wed / Th / Fri / Sat / Sun / Parent’s Signature1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
Total Points:
Minimum practice is 30 minutes a day, five days a week!!
5 days earns an A,
4 days earns a B,
3 days earns a C,
2 days earns a D, and
1 day or less earns an F.
Must be signed by parent or guardian for credit!!
Due the first day of each week.
Smith Middle School Band
Student’s Name: ______
(please print)
Music Performing Ensemble Contract
This contract is to verify that the undersigned student and parent have read the Smith Middle School Band Handbook and the parents and student understand its content as well as the responsibilities of band membership outlined therein.
This contract also allows the student to be transported by school bus to various musical functions as described by the performance calendar.
Parents who sign this contract also allow the Smith Middle School Music Department to use their child’s name in all band programs and other media publications when necessary.
______
Student Signature Date
______
Parent Signature Date
______
Phone number: home Phone number: cell
Local vendors
Jacobs’ Guitar ShopNorth Tucson Music & Arts Center
1682 E. Fry Blvd8320 N. Thornydale Road
Sierra Vista, AZTucson, AZ 85741
Atalanta’s Music & BooksThe Chicago Store
38 Main Street130 E. Congress Street
Bisbee, AZ Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 432 – 9976(520) 622 – 3341
Beaver’s Band BoxInstruments Music Center
4570 E. Broadway Blvd7063 E. Speedway
Tucson, AZ 85711Tucson, AZ 85710
(520) 325 – 1509(520) 733 – 7334
Note: The Fort Huachuca Accommodation Schools does not endorse these businesses. This list was compiled as a resource for those interested in both providing and obtaining music materials. To add to this list please contact Karl Balandovich at 520-459-8892 or e-mail .
Private Instructors
NameInstrumentPhonee-mail
Karl BalandovichBrass/Woodwinds/
Kathy Jo HitchmanFlute520-678-5419
Holly
Victoria LariosClarinet 915-
Rebecca SherodClarinet520-458-0860
Erin SimpsonClarinet 970-708-9563
Patty Mackey-SinksClarinet/
Ron
Rachel ClemmerTrumpet520-459-3306
Robert WaldronTrumpet/Guitar 520-227-1237
Brendan WeberTrumpet
Rebecca RobinsonFrench Horn/Brass520-266-1181
Mary StoekerFrench Horn520-378-9423
Ray CaldwellTrombone520-803-0464
Liz ManringTuba520-220-9678
Eric VillalobosLow Brass562-686-5017
Brad GallantDrums/ Mallets513-479-1120
Jon NorrisDrum520-678-9367
Rebecca WilliamsPiano/Guitar520-234-0888
36th Army Band 520-533-2515
Note: The Fort Huachuca Accommodation Schools does not endorse private teachers. This list was compiled as a resource for those interested in both providing and obtaining music lessons. To add to this list please contact Karl Balandovich at 520-459-8892 or e-mail .