Department of Instrumental Music

MontgomeryMiddle School Upper Campus

375 Burnt Hill Road

Skillman, NJ08558

Dear Band Members & Parents

Welcome to your next step on a long and fruitful journey in the field of instrumental music. I say this to both parents and students because the cooperative effort of both is essential to the success of our program. From time to time I will send out letters to the parents regarding activities we will be doing. If at any time you have any questions about the program please fee free to contact me at

Dr. Adam Hackel Ed. D.

7th Grade Band Director

Important Dates:

Band Trip MeetingOct 3rd

Middle Sch. Band Night Oct 21st

Joint Rehearsal 14 Dec Winter concert 15 Dec

In School Concert 23 Dec Spring Musical 23-24 March

Sr. Citizen Concert TBA. In School Rehearsal 25 Apr. Spring Concert 26April In School Concert 27 AprAfter School Joint rehearsal 8 May Band Trip 11-12 May

Ensembles Offered

7th grade Concert Band

This course offers study of basic and intermediate band literature. Students will be exposed to developmental concepts and techniques in music education. There is no prerequisite to this course; however, a working knowledge of instrumental music or private lessons is highly encouraged as the starting point for most of our music assumes successful completion of 6th grade band. This class is held during the school day.

Chamber Ensemble

This extra curricular activity offers study of advanced and intermediate band literature. Students will be exposed to sophisticated concepts and techniques in music education. The prerequisite to this course is an audition with the Dr. Hackel. Should positions open during the school year, the director will hold auditions for the needed instrument. This ensemble is held after school on Wednesday.

Pit Orchestra

This extra curricular activity offers the study and performance of Advanced Broadway musical literature. The students in this organization will perform as the musical group in support of the Middle School Spring Musical. Auditions for this will be in early October.

Jazz Band

This group offers study and performance of various jazz, contemporary, and popular musical pieces. The prerequisite for enrollment is an audition with Mr. Heller. Practices are held on Tuesday and Thursday after school.

General Band Information

Instruments:

1) If you are assigned a school instrument you are responsible for keeping it safe and maintaining it in proper condition. If your instrument is damaged, stolen, or missing, you are accountable for replacement of the instrument. Any problems must be brought to the attention of the directors immediately.

2) You are also responsible for brining your music, instrument, book, pencil and notebook to class and performances. Failure to do this will influence your grade.

Auditions

Except for Concert band, an audition is required for acceptance into the higher-level ensembles.

Auditions will consist of:

  • Scales, (Winds only) or Rudiments (Percussion)
  • A prepared piece of music given by the director.
  • Sight Reading a piece of music you have not played before.

Contract of respect and understanding

  1. The number one requirement for band is a good attitude. Students with a willingness to learn will always have a chair in the band.
  2. Students must be in good academic standing within the standards of MontgomeryMiddle School in order to perform at concerts. Students who are unable to play due to poor academic or disciplinary standards may be removed from the band roster if they do not improve.
  3. All students are required to practice their instruments and learn their music.
  4. Students are required to attend and perform at concerts. This is a significant part of the class requirement and grade. Students who do not show up for concerts will receive a Failing grade for the performance portion of that marking period.
  5. Emergency exceptions to concert attendance need to be brought in writing to the Directors and Administration immediately for consideration.
  6. Students will show proper respect to instructors and other students at all times.
  7. Students are required to show up in a timely manner for class. Tardiness will impact your grade.

Grading Policy

In the 1st and 3rd marking periods the follow grading events are in effect:

  • In class Assessments (40%) Students will be asked to perform selections of their music at various times throughout the marking period.
  • Lesson (20%) Students will meet for lessons approximately every 6-7 days with Mr. Heller. During this time he will work with students on instrumental fundamentals, scales, and support of the music we are playing in class.
  • Participation (40%)

Participation grades are based on attitude, attendance, and participation in class. Participation consists of the following items:

  • Bring your:
  • Instrument to class
  • Pencil, Notebook, Music
  • Be on time
  • Be ready to go when the director is ready
  • Learn and practice your music
  • Clean up after yourself
  • Treat the director and other students with proper respect.

Each day every student will receive a participation grade as follows:

4-Exceeded class standards, did something very well or demonstrated unusual enthusiasm or leadership in class. (104%)

3-Met class standards, followed all the class rules. (80%)

2-Needs Improvement, child was not prepared for class or was disruptive during class. (60%)

1-Need significant improvement, child was very disruptive or disrespectful to the class. (30%)

If a child receives a “1”, or more than 3 “2’s” in a marking period a parent meeting will be requested.

In the 2nd and 4th marking periods the concert is worth 40%, the lessons 20%, the in class assessments 20%, and the class participation 20%.

Example of an ‘A’ Student

  • Always works to the best of their ability in daily rehearsals to obtain the highest in performance standards.
  • Reinforces concepts and music learned during school with regular and meaningful practice at home.
  • Is able to work effectively with teachers and classmates and can work independently or with members of a section.
  • Is on time and attentive.
  • Always attends after school performances.
  • Always brings correct music, pencil, equipment and handbook at all times.

Practicing

Most classes assign homework to reinforce the lessons learned during class. Band is no different. To become a successful musician practicing is essential. Students should practice at least two hours per week.

Although 7th and 8th grade students are not required to turn in practice sheets, they are expected to practice at least two hours per week and will be graded on their musical preparation for class as well as in lessons with Mr. Heller.

Private Lessons

Students are much more likely to enjoy band if they are successful. Students interested in private instruction should contact Dr. Hackel. Lessons are available on any instrument through Music and ArtsCenter on Route 1 as well as through private teachers. You may contact Dr. Hackel or Mr. Heller at anytime for information on private teachers. Before selecting a teacher, always ask questions about their experience and areas expertise!

Materials

Instruments:

  • It is expected that student owned or rented instruments are in excellent working order.
  • Students should regularly clean their instruments to prevent corrosion and bacteria buildup.

Required Materials

All Student are required to have:

  • 1 1-1.5” Black 3 ring Binder
  • 6-10 Clear non-reflective document protectors
  • 1 Korg TM-40 Chromatic Tuner/Metronome #63941
  • 2 Pencils (No Pen in Band)
  • A cleaning kit for your individual instrument.
  • All oboes, bassoons, clarinets, and saxophones must have the following:

At least 2 reeds *

  • I recommend only Blue-Box Vandoren Reeds

Cork Grease

Swab

Reed Case

*Students should ask the directors for recommendations on reed strength though in general students should be on at least a 2 1/2.

  • Flutes must have a cleaning rod and cloth.
  • All brass must have the following:

Valve Oil*

Slide Grease

*Trombones do not need valve oil

  • All percussion must have the following:

Snare Drum Sticks

Plastic Bell/Xylophone Mallets

Stick Bag

Bell Kits and Practice Pads for Lessons

Stick control for the snare drummer

  • by G.L. Stone

Suggested Materials for Home Use:

  • All woodwind and brass players should have a care kit for their instrument that includes the basics for cleaning and maintaining their instrument.
  • All students should have a music stand for practice.
  • It is highly recommended that all students practice with a metronome. An online metronome is available at Most of our playing quizzes will be done with a metronome.
  • Smartmusic is a computer program which facilitates practicing. It is a highly effective practice tool and we strongly recommend it for all levels of students. Go to for details.
  • Students should have a variety of music books for home practice. There are many collections of popular music and jazz as well as technical exercises available for each instrument.
  • If your instrument needs to be repaired:Tell us what is wrong. Maybe we can fix it! If your instrument was rented from Music and Arts, I will send your instrument out for repair with our Service Rep. In many cases, a loaner instrument may be given to you to use while you wait for your instrument to be returned.
  • If we cannot fix it, bring it to a repair shop ASAP! Here is the number of the local Music and ArtsCenter:(609) 987-9595

Do not send your mouthpiece to the repair shop! You may be able to use a school owned instrument until yours is fixed!

When your instrument is in the shop, you must bring a note to class stating approximately when it will be finished.

There are several local music stores that supply the necessary items:

Music and Arts in Princeton

Sam Ash Music in Edison

You can also order music or supplies through several websites:

Great Performances

We live in an area that is literally the center of the musical world. New York and Philadelphia are home to the world class orchestras and jazz artists, and anybody who is anybody comes through at least once per year. New Jersey also offers outstanding orchestras and the local

universities offer first rate performances at very low cost. I strongly encourage everyone to take advantage of these opportunities.

Concert Attire

For all concerts and outside performances proper attire is required. Boys will wear black pants, white shirts, black socks, and either black, or dark colored shoes. Girls will wear a black skirt and white shirt or a black or white dress. Skirts must be at the mid calf while sitting. Girls may also wear black pants with a white shirt. Appropriate footwear is a dark colored dress shoe. No sneakers or boots will be worn for concerts at any time. Failure to adhere to this may affect your grade or ability to play with the band.

Band Leadership

Students who demonstrate leadership, scholarship and discipline may be chosen to help the director lead the band.

Band leadership will meet from time to time to help plan for upcoming band activities. The band leadership is in place to assist the director who reserves all ultimate responsibility and authority over the Band.

Leadership Positions

Secretary:

The class secretary will assist the Director with administrative duties during the class.

Pit Manager

Pit Orchestra, will have a student director to assist the director as needed.

Librarian:

Assist the director with the music library, and attendance.

Section Leaders (SL):

Each Instrumental section will be assigned a Section leader. The Section Leaders will assist with attendance; pass out music and forms as needed and assist the Director as needed.

2011—2012

Dr. Adam Hackel Ed. D.

7th Grade Band Director

MontgomeryUMS Music Polo Shirt Order Form

Print and Return By September 26th.

The Montgomery Music Department will use, for various performing opportunities and at HersheyPark, a beautiful green T-Shirt shirt with a Montgomery Music design made by one of you as part of our park attire.

The cost of the shirt is $13.00.

Please return the bottom portion of this letter with a check for $13.00 made out to MontgomeryMiddle School along with your shirt size by .

If there are any questions contact Dr. Hackel .

Name (please print):

______

Shirt Size (adult): S—M—L—XL—2XL