Community Elementary School Band
Welcome to the CES band program! I am so excited that you have chosen to join us this year! Below is a list of guidelines and expectations that we will follow for the coming year. Please keep this handy to refer back to if you have any questions, and feel free to contact me anytime with your questions as well.
Beginning Band
Beginning band is composed of all 5th graders interested in participating in band. I ask that once you enroll in band, you give it your best shot for the entire year. Instrumental music is not always easy, but if you work hard I promise we will have fun. No prior musical experience is needed to play in the band. The instrument options for this level are: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion.
6th Grade Band
The 6th grade band is a continuation of beginning band. Students are encouraged to continue learning the instrument they began with the previous year. If students are new to the district and did not participate in band in 5th grade, but are interested in starting, they must speak with a director before enrolling. Also, if a student wants to change instruments between 5th and 6th grade, this needs to be discussed with the director before the end of the student’s 5th grade year.
Equipment
Each student will be responsible for their own equipment, including their instrument, pencil, book, and cleaning or maintenance supplies for their particular instrument:
· Flute: cleaning rod, cleaning rag
· Clarinet: reeds (at least 2 at all times), reed case, cork grease, cleaning cloth
· Saxophone: (at least 2 at all times), reed case, cork grease, cleaning cloth
· Trumpet: valve oil, cleaning snake
· Trombone: slide grease, cleaning snake
· Percussion: drum sticks, bell mallets, drum/bell stand, drum key
All students are expected to take their equipment home for adequate practice time. Students that do not bring proper equipment back to band class will not be able to fully participate. With each group of students only practicing once every three days, it is very important that all students come prepared for class. A calendar will be sent home so that you will know what day you have band.
Concert Attendance
Because band is a performing art, we will have two required concerts this year. Attire for every concert will be black pants or skirt and a white, black, or grey top.
The 6th graders may also have additional playing opportunities that will be discussed as the opportunity arises, such as 6th grade promotion.
Grading
Students will be graded on their readiness for class (bringing the proper equipment), concert attendance, playing tests, and written work. Sometimes playing tests will be announced in advance and sometimes they will be given in a “pop quiz” manner. Also, being in band is more than just playing your instrument. We may occasionally do written theory work or written quizzes to assess your understanding.
NO
· Gum, candy, or cough drops. You will be asked to spit these out at the beginning of band.
· Pop or Gatorade. You may bring a water bottle to class.
· Cell phones. You shouldn’t have them anyway.
· Restroom breaks. You have the opportunity to go before or after class. If you need permission for medical reasons, bring a doctors’ note.
Consequences
Refusal of a reasonable request may lead to any of the following consequences:
· Verbal warning. Students will be offered the chance to correct their behavior. Students will not earn all possible points for class participation.
· Alternative assignment. Students will be given an alternate assignment to complete in order to earn any class participation credit. This is the step taken when students are not prepared for class or lack necessary materials for appropriate participation.
· Parent Contact. The director will call or conference with the student’s parents in order to correct the behavior.
· Office Referral. Students will be referred to the administration about their behavior.
If a student forgets their instrument:
1st Offense: An assignment will be completed in the classroom
2nd Offense: An assignment will be completed in the office and parent(s) will be contacted
3rd Offense: An assignment will be completed in the office and the student will contact the parent(s)
4th Offense: An assignment will be completed in the office and parent(s) will be contacted and there will be a contract set-up between the band director(s), the student, the student’s parent(s) and the principal
I hope to make this year fun and exciting for you as you learn a new instrument. If any questions arise during the year, please feel free to contact me at the school.
Mrs. Mitchell
CES Band Director
(620) 252-6430
Please complete the form and return the bottom portion only to school so that I know the student and parent have read and understand what is expected this year in the CES 5th Grade Band.
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Student Signature
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Parent Signature
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Primary Phone Number Alternate Phone Number
The band staff may occasionally send notices or reminders via email. If you have an email address and would like to receive such notes, please give your email address:
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