Barrington Middle School
Prairie Campus Bands
Band Member’s Handbook
and Curriculum Guide
2016-2017
WELCOME
Welcome to Barrington Middle School-Prairie Campus and the BMS Bands. I hope that you will find your membership in the Prairie Campus Bands to be challenging, rewarding, and FUN! I am excited to begin my 19th year of teaching in the Barrington Community Schools, and I look forward to spending the year making great music with you.Welcome!!
This handbook contains very important information for you and your parents. Please be sure to read all the information carefully, as I will be referring to it throughout the school year. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at .
OUR PHILOSPHY
The BMS-Prairie Campus Bands offer you the opportunity to participate in an instrumental music program dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in music through performance. It is my goal to help you learn how to communicate, through sound, the feelings embodied in a piece of music, and to develop the musical skills necessary to recreate meaningful music. Through Band activities you will also contribute positively to your school and community, as well as receive personal satisfaction from your hard work and success. Hopefully, participating in Band will encourage you to participate in and enjoy music throughout your entire life.
DAILY REHEARSALS AND INSTRUMENT STORAGE
BMS Bands rehearse everyday during the colt time period. It is important to have your instrument and music at school every day. You will be assigned a cubby in which you can put your instrument and band folder. You should bring your instrument to your band cubby when you first arrive to school in the morning. You must also place a label somewhere in or on your case that includes your name and phone number in the event that your instrument is misplaced or accidentally taken by another student.
PERCUSSION EQUIPMENT
If you are a percussionist, you will use school equipment for rehearsals and concerts, but you must have a pair of your own sticks at each rehearsal. I recommend you purchase an extra set to keep in your stick cubby. Also be sure to put your name or initials on your sticks with permanent marker or pen.
INSTRUMENT CARE
Careful maintenance should make a good instrument last almost indefinitely. I can show you how to keep your instrument working properly on a regular basis and can perform minor repairs if necessary. However, I recommend that you take your instrument to areputable music store for yearly or bi-yearly “tune-ups”. If done routinely, these tune-ups will be relatively inexpensive and will keep your instrument working properly. Quinlan and Fabish can be contacted at: 847-253-5592 or
SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS
School instruments, including tuba, baritone, trombone, horn, bass clarinet, bassoon, and tenor and bari saxes, are available for you to use for rehearsals so you do not have to bring your own large instrument back and forth. Please treat these instruments with great care. Some of them are old and all of them are quite expensive to repair or replace. If you use a school instrument, you and your parents will be financially responsible for any damage that may occur as a result of carelessness or improper usage.
SHEET MUSIC AND LESSON BOOKS
You will receive your own set of sheet music for each concert. It is your responsibility to keep this music neat and organized. In addition to your sheet music, you will need to have your band method book with you every day. Sixth-graders will use Premiere Performance Book One and Two, seventh-graders will use Premier Performance Book Two, and eighth-graders will use Essential Techniques. The books are available at Quinlan and Fabish and Consolidated Music in addition to other stores that sell band and orchestra music.
BAND SUPPLIES
Performance supplies such as reeds, cork and slide grease, and valve and slide oil are available for purchase at school. Quinlan and Fabish also has a website so you can order online at any time:
EXTRA HELP
Sometimes it seems like we move very quickly through the lesson book or we play music that requires skills you haven’t learned yet. If you have difficulty with any of your music, ask for help!
UNIFORMS
All sixth-graders and new seventh- and eighth-graders will need to have a BMS Band polo shirt. This shirt will be worn with black pants, black socks, and black shoes at each performance. Shirt sizing will be done by a band parent during the first couple weeks of school.
PRIVATE LESSONS
I highly recommend private lessons for middle school students. They provide musical challenges for you that the Band music might not always provide. In addition, you will have the opportunity to study with a teacher who specializes on your instrument in a one-on-one teaching-learning environment. You will be able to improve your technical and musical skills while preparing solo and ensemble music specifically written for your instrument. Please contact me for a list of private teachers.
JAZZ ENSEMBLE
The BMS Prairie Jazz Ensemble is open by audition to Band students who play sax, brass, piano, guitar, bass guitar, drum set, or mallet percussion. The Jazz Ensemble rehearses on Tuesdays after school until 4:20 and performs at the BHS Jazz Festival and sometimes during the lunch periods at Prairie Campus. More information will be sent home in mid-September, but keep Tuesdays after school open if you are interested.
SOLO AND ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL
Each year, many BMS students participate in the district Solo and Ensemble Festival held in April. Participation in the Festival will give you the opportunity to prepare and perform music alone or with a small group. You will perform your pieces for a judge who will give you written and verbal comments about your performance. Complete information on this festival will be sent home after the new year.
ILMEA AUDITIONS
Each fall, Band students from our area are selected by audition for membership in the Illinois Music Educators Association’s District Honor Band. Students participate in a day of rehearsing with a renowned conductor/teacher and conclude the day with a performance for parents. Auditions are open to interested seventh- and eighth-grade students who are highly motivated and make practicing a priority. Private lessons are strongly encouraged.
GRADING
To align with the grading policy being implemented at Prairie Campus (90% Summative; 10% Formative), you will be assessed on the following:
Playing LogsYou are expected to practice a minimum 100 minutes a week if you are a 6th grader, and a minimum 60-90 minutes a week if you are a 7th or 8th grader. However, the goal is to be able to perform your music accurately and consistently, and in some cases this means it will require more time on your part. Do what you need in order to perform at your best. These assignments will be available through Schoology, so be sure to visit your band course to obtain them. Playing at home daily is your homework, and playing logs will be your only regular written assignments.
Sectionals/Individual Performance Skills You are expected to attend sectional rehearsals according to the published schedule. These sectionals occur during the school day on a rotating basis. Attendance at these sectionals is extremely important, as rehearsal time does not provide the opportunity to deal with many of the musical skills unique to the various instruments. You will be assessed on specific assignments during your sectionals and band rehearsals. Materials will be assigned from the lesson booksand the band music. You will be expected to perform these assignments at a standard appropriate to your grade and experience level. The performance rubric is included on page 8 of this handbook.
Performances These are an important part of the BMS Band program and are graded as final exams (Summative Assessments). Attendance at all performances is mandatory. A complete schedule of performances is included in this handbook on page 11. Please add these dates to your family’s calendar. Please keep in mind that Band is a graded class and scheduled performances must take precedence over all other activities. The Memorial Day parade is the only weekend event that is required. If you have out-of-town family commitments, please notify me at least two weeks in advance. You are still expected to memorize the parade music and participate in all rehearsals just as though you would be attending the parade.
Rehearsal Etiquette
Appropriate rehearsal etiquette is essential to efficient and effective band rehearsals. Please strive to remain attentive and on-task throughout the entire band rehearsal. The rehearsal etiquette guidelines for Band are as follows:
▪You are expected to be in your assigned chair ready to play two minutes after the tardy bell rings.
▪You are expected to have your instrument, music, and playing supplies at each rehearsal when you first walk in the door.
▪Once the rehearsal begins, you should refrain from talking. Please raise your hand if you must ask a question or share a comment.
▪You should play your instrument only when directed to do so.
▪You are expected to leave the room in good condition for the next band. Return all materials and supplies to their proper place.
What Else Can Students Do To Enhance Their Band Experience?
Students may consider the following activities:
▪attending other concerts and musicals
▪taking private lessons
▪auditioning for ILMEA
▪participating in the Jazz Ensemble
▪participating in the Solo/Ensemble Festival
▪participating in the Pep Band (8th graders can earn NJHS hours)
▪helping to set-up for concerts (8th graders can earn NJHS hours)
ACHIEVING SUCCESS
The successes of the BMS Prairie Campus Bands depend upon the cooperation and hard work of three important components: you, your parents, and me. Each of us has responsibilities which, if successfully executed, will result in a rewarding experience for all of us. Let me outline these responsibilities below.
DIRECTOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES
▪to provide a safe learning environment free of prejudice and full of respect in which each student is valued for his/her contribution to the band.
▪to instruct students in the daily process of music education- from technical proficiency on their instruments to the execution of concepts leading to a sensitive interpretation of the musical literature selected.
▪to instill in each student the skills, values, and rewards of participation in the band experience and essential to life. These include problem solving, team work, goal-setting, self-expression, creativity, coordination, memory skills, self-confidence, self-esteem, concentration, poise, respect for others, etc., etc., etc.
▪to communicate with students and parents the progress of each student through personal conferences, phone conversations, or written communication.
STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES
▪to come to class on time with all necessary materials prepared to work and learn.
▪to follow all guidelines for appropriate rehearsal etiquette.
▪to respect the contribution of each member of the Band. Remember the Golden Rule…“Do unto others...”
▪to devote the necessary time to home practice in order to learn all technical exercises and music as assigned by the director.
▪to attend all rehearsals, sectionals, and performances prepared to learn and ready to make a positive contribution to the band. (And have fun at the same time).
PARENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
▪to provide a quiet place for practice.
▪to remain nearby during practice times as often as possible.
▪to schedule a consistent, daily time for practice (strive for an average of15-20 minutes per session).
▪to praise your child’s efforts and achievements, to acknowledge improvement, and to offer compliments and encouragement regularly.
▪to be sure you and your child attend all required performances.
Numerous studies indicate parental attitude, support, and involvement are important factors in a child’s ability to successfully learn to play and enjoy music. The guidelines listed above are designed to assist you in giving your child the best support possible for his/her musical endeavors. Like any skill, interest counts far more than talent. With the right support from you, playing music will become a natural part of your child’s life.
A FINAL NOTE
I am looking forward to this year and the great music we will make together. We will work hard, and my expectations will be high, but I assure you that we will play a lot, learn a lot, and have lots of fun in the process. Let’s have a great year!
BMS-Prairie Band Performance Rubric
Category / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1Tone Quality / Tone is consistently focused, clear, and centered throughout the range / Tone is focused, clear, and centered, but not always across the entire range / Tone is often focused, clear, and centered, but sometimes uncontrolled in the normal playing range / Tone is often not focused, clear, or centered, regardless of range
Rhythm / The beat is secure and the rhythms are accurate / The beat is secure and rhythms are mostly accurate; there are a few duration errors / The beat is somewhat erratic; some rhythms are accurate; there are frequent duration errors / The beat is usually erratic and rhythms are seldom accurate
Dynamics / Dynamic levels are obvious and consistent / Dynamics are typically accurate and consistent / Dynamic levels fluctuate but can be heard / Attention to dynamics is not obvious
Phrasing / Phrasing is always consistent and sensitive / Phrasing is usually consistent / Phrasing is occasionally consistent / Phrasing is rarely consistent
Expression/Style / Performs with nuance and style / Performs usually with nuance and style / Sometimes performs with nuance and style / Rarely demonstrates expression and style; just plays the notes
Note Accuracy / Notes are consistently accurate / An occasional inaccurate note is played / A few inaccurate notes are played / There are many wrong notes
Articulation / Attacks are secure; markings are executed accurately / Attacks are mostly secure; markings are executed accurately / Attacks are rarely secure; but markings are often executed accurately / There are few secure attacks; markings are not executed accurately
Style Markings / Markings were played accurately / Most markings were played accurately / Failed to play several markings accurately / Little or no attention was given to style markings
Posture/
Hand Position / Demonstrates clear understanding / Demonstrates clear understanding / Correctible problems / Severe problems
Some Useful Information
Mrs. Byte/Band Office 847-756-2545
40 E. Dundee Road, Barrington, IL 60010
E-Mail:
Quinlan and Fabish 847-253-5592
59 W. Seegers Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Consolidated Music 847-381-0164
125 Barrington Commons Plaza, Barrington, IL 60010
PRAIRIE CAMPUS BANDS
PERFORMANCE CALENDAR 2016 - 2017
DATEEVENTGRADETIMELOCATION
Sat, Sep 24ILMEA Auditions*7/8variesNorthbrook
Wed, Oct 12Band Concert6/7/87:00 PMPrairie Gym
Sat, Nov 5ILMEA Dist 7 Festival*7/88:30 AMWauconda
Fri, Nov 11Veterans’ Day Assembly8morningCommons
Sat, Nov 19ILMEA Dist 7 Jazz Festival7/88:30 AMLake Zurich
Tue, Dec 138th-Grade Band Field Trip810:20 AMBHS
Tue, Dec 13BHS Band Concert87:00 PMBHS Auditorium
8th-Grade Band performs
Tue, Jan 31BHS Jazz Fest6/7/87:00 PMBHS Auditorium
Wed, Feb 15Band Concert6/7/87:00 PMPrairie Gym
Sat, Apr 8Solo/Ensemble Fest6/7/8morningBHS
Thurs, Apr 20Band Concert5/6/7/87:00 PMPrairie Gym
Mon, May 29 Memorial Day Parade7/89:30 AMMeet at Prairie
*interested/selected students only (not a requirement)
Performance dates and locations subject to change with ample notice.
Barrington Middle School Bands
Prairie Campus
“SIGNED HANDBOOK FORM”
September 1, 2016
To all Prairie Campus Band parents and students-
I am very excited about the coming year and the many Band activities and performances we have planned. I know that the year will be filled with great music making, and I look forward to being a part of that with all of you.
Please take some time to look over and read through, with your child, our 2016-2017 HANDBOOK, especially the information regarding concert performances. It is critical that everyone is present and that the band concerts take precedence over all other activities on those evenings. Remember that band is a graded class, and concerts are similar to final exams.
When you have read the handbook, please complete the bottom portion of this letter and return it to school with your child. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to call 756-2545 or e-mail .
I look forward to working with you and your children this year.
Mrs. Byte
------
We have read and discussed the 2016-2017 BAND HANDBOOK
______
Student Signature
______
Parent/Guardian Signature
______
Parent/Guardian Signature
Please return to Mrs. Byte by Friday, September16
1