Big Lake Middle School
Band Program Overview
The Big Lake Middle School band curriculum now will provide every other day large group rehearsals and weekly small group lessons for participating students. By registering for band, a student makes a yearlong commitment to the program. Because schedule changes are difficult to manage, we cannot accommodate exceptions.
LESSONS
Lessons are the heart of the middle school instrumental program. They are the basic foundation of the band program. It is in the lesson that students learn the value of consistent practice and the importance of being able to follow directions given by the instructor. The lesson is also the vehicle for addressing the unique technical and mechanical considerations of the instrument that the student plays and is a means for assessing individual student progress that is not possible in a large group rehearsal.
Currently, we will be working on a lesson schedule to try to meet with each student at some point during a 2 week period in a like instrument lesson group. We will be trying to add in lesson time as the year progresses and our program continues to grow again.
Consistent lesson attendance and preparation is imperative to make progress on any instrument. Students are expected to practice approximately 20-30 minutes most days. To document daily practice, students are required to use a practice calendar they receive at the beginning of each month.
Students demonstrate the results of their practice in lessons. They are responsible for knowing when their lesson is scheduled. Students will be excused from one of their other classes for a 20-minute lesson once per week with their instrument section. They are responsible for bringing their instrument and necessary books and materials to their lesson. They are also responsible for any missed work.
PRACTICE CALENDAR
To document daily practice, all students are required to use the practice calendar that they receive at the beginning of each month. It is due on the 1st of each month. If it is not turned in by the 5th, detentions may be assigned till it is returned with parent signature. The practice calendar provides up to date information on the band program in regards to speakers, concerts and combined rehearsals. All practice calendars include space for comments and a parent signature every month. It is the student’s responsibility to get this signature. The practice calendar is the primary tool for frequent communication among student, instructor, and parent.
MIDDLE SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC OUTCOMES
1. Students perform a varied repertoire of instrumental music, alone and with others.
2. Students perform simple rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic patterns accurately on their instrument.
3. Students compose and arrange music within specific guidelines.
4. Students will be able to read and notate music.
5. Students will demonstrate a quality music performance while working cooperatively in a large group.
6. Students evaluate music, music use, and music performance.
7. Students understand relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
8. Students understand music in relation to history and culture.
9. Students show proper concert and rehearsal etiquette.
10. Students strive to display music performance skills.
BAND REHEARSALS
All students registered for band have rehearsals every other day. In rehearsals, students apply the knowledge and skills developed in lessons to perform music in a large group. Bands are organized by grade level (6th, 7th or 8th). Everyone is expected to have all their equipment at all rehearsals (Instrument + Planner + Pencil + Portfolio + Lesson Book + good reeds, valve oil, etc.). Appropriate consequences will be assigned for students who do not bring their instruments to band rehearsal...first two times complete an “On The Sidelines” sheet and then thereafter each rehearsal missed requires a 40 minute detention after school in the band room practicing.
All members of each band contribute to the success of the group and all parts are equally important in affecting balance, intonation and musicality. There are no auditions or chair placement challenges that might promote a competitive element to rehearsals that would be contrary to what is in the best interests of students at this level of personal and musical development. Parts are assigned based upon a student’s progress in lesson materials to ensure that the part they are assigned doesn’t require skills and knowledge that exceed the student's abilities (e.g. being assigned a part that contains pitches in a range that are much more advanced than the student has learned or is able to control with a good sound.)
REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE
Be on time!! Be on task!!
No Gum/Candy/Pop - warned 2 times with gum/qtr...thereafter = 40 minute detention!!
Have instrument and materials ready with conductor
No talking in the middle of a song
Play ONLY when instructed to do so **Only play YOUR instrument
Use proper posture....sitting up straight & feet on the floor
Save NON-essential questions until after class
No resale of supplies during band class
Remain in appropriate seat during rehearsal
Be respectful of band room equipment
(NO PERCUSSION IF IT IS NOT YOUR INSTRUMENT!)
Be respectful to classmates
Be respectful to your director
Keep room neat and tidy
Put away all equipment used at the end of the hour ---- Straighten chair and stand
GRADING
This is a general breakdown of what you will be graded on as a band student throughout the year. Please keep in mind this is not an exact calculation for a quarter grade, but its purpose is to give you a basic idea of what will be used as grading material or criteria.
Lessons
Playing tests
Participation/Behavior/Attendance (see checklists)
Concerts (see checklist)
Theory/Written Assignments
Evaluations (Peer, Self, etc.)
Performance Evaluations
Practice Calendars
Portfolios
Final Project or Misc.
90-100%A
80-89%B
70-79%C
60-69%D
59% - LowerF
EXTRA CREDIT:
There are opportunities that will arise throughout the quarter for EXTRA CREDIT. Some of these may include private lessons, written reports, attending a professional concert (credit granted upon teacher’s discretion), etc. However, there will be a limit as to how much extra credit can be earned, and it MUST be completed before the last week of the quarter. DO NOT WAIT until the last week and expect to make up for the whole quarter!
BAND PARENT EXPECTATIONS
Provide a quiet place for you child to practice.
Help your child schedule a time for practice.
Encourage them to play for family, friends, and relatives.
Expose your child to a wide variety of music.
Make sure your child’s instrument is in good working order.
Assist them in acquiring a library of recordings by masters of their instrument.
Acknowledge improvement.
Help your child realize that frustration is part of learning and to “stick it out when the going gets tough”.
Please call us if you have any questions or concerns about your child.
Attend your child’s concerts.
CONCERT PERFORMANCES
Concert performances demonstrate the progress made through lessons and rehearsals. Although performances are not the ultimate goal of the middle school band program, they are beneficial to the spirit and morale of the students. Evening performances will take place at the Big Lake High School Auditorium. Additional performances may arise throughout the year.
CONCERT ATTENDANCE POLICY
Concerts are a natural outgrowth of classroom rehearsals and activities. They are like a final exam. As a member of a band “team of musicians”, you are required to attend all concert performances unless an excused absence, such as sickness or family emergency, arises. If any other conflicts arise, they will be dealt with on a case to case basis and must be done so prior to the concert date. (Make-up work will be required for an absence - see teacher). All other absences will be unexcused and will affect your total grade. Please plan family vacations around the scheduled concert dates. We appreciate your support and cooperation!!
ATTIRE FOR PERFORMANCES
The BLMS band department has a dress code for the 2016-17 concert performances. It is typical and appropriate that musical performance groups present themselves in a uniform way that highlights each individual’s membership in a larger group. Uniform dress is an important part of the history and tradition of band performances. The required dress for BLMS band performances will be black pants or a black skirt that is at least knee-length and a white shirt . Black shoes are encouraged, but not required. Why require uniform dress?
1. Band rehearsals and performances nurture the collective efforts of individual students to contribute to an overall group performance. Uniform dress helps promote an identity of being part of a larger group and contributes to the cohesiveness of the band, much like the uniforms of an athletic team.
2. Uniform dress is a part of the history and traditions of performing ensembles like bands, choirs and orchestras. It contributes to the students’ knowledge of traditional performance practices and enhances the artistic impact of performances.
3. In the past, we have discovered that shorter skirt lengths pose problems when climbing up and down the steps of the risers and sitting on a chair on an elevated platform facing the audience.
4. By requiring the students to wear uniform attire, it eliminates any question or confusion regarding what is appropriate dress for public performances.
CONCERT ETIQUETTE
STUDENT - Look your best! Follow the BLMS concert dress code.
Enter and exit quietly.
No talking on stage!
No waving to audience.
Watch your director.
Don’t panic if problems arise!
Take your music with you. ***Be careful with instruments/equipment.***
AUDIENCE - Enter and exit at appropriate times: before group starts or after performance is totally completed.
No talking during performance.
No walking around during performance.
No hats in public building.
Clap only at the completion of each song or after soloist
INSTRUMENT INFORMATION
Instrument Storage
The school provides storage for musical instruments during the school day. Because of the high number of students using the storage area throughout the day, students are advised not to leave any valuables or money in their instrument cases to prevent theft.
*** Many instrument cases look alike. We are thankful that no student instrument has ever been stolen from BLMS, but there have been situations where students have grabbed the wrong instrument at the end of the day because it looked like their own and it didn’t have a nametag. To help prevent such traumatic occurrences from happening, ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THEIR NAMES CLEARLY MARKED ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE CASE. Stickers or other identifying marks are not sufficient.
The school is not responsible for lost or stolen instruments or any other materials that the student chooses to leave in their band locker.
Instruments are only to be kept in student lockers or in designated instrument storage cabinets in the band area. Instruments are never to be left at school over the weekend or holidays. Those students who frequently leave their instruments in the band room overnight will be assigned a detention to be served in the band room practicing after school.
Students who participate in after-school activities should pick up their instruments after practice....the band locker areas will remain open until approximately 5pm. On game nights you must put it in the coaches’ office.
The students will each be assigned an instrument locker during the first week of school.
We highly recommend that they purchase a combination lock for it.
Instrument Repair
The instrumental music department can make arrangements for most instrument repairs with music stores or local repair businesses. The student should bring the instrument to one of the band directors. Any fees or billings are handled directly between the repair service and the customers, not the school.
Rental of School-Owned Instruments
A limited number of students who play the bassoon, bass clarinet, French Horn, baritone or tuba rent their instruments from ISD 727. They are dispersed based on 1st come 1st served basis and older students are given priority. The rental fee for the 2016-17 school yearis $75. The rental contract plus the fee is due at the time the instrument is picked up. The rental fee is charged for use of the instrument until the end of the 2016-17 school year. **Any needed repairs that may arise throughout the course of the school year is also the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Cleaning and maintenance must be completed and paid for prior to the end of the school year.
Percussion Instruments
The school district also requires all percussionists to pay a fee for use of the district-owned percussion instruments. The fee contributes to the maintenance of the instruments and replacement of worn mallets that students are not required to own. The fee for the 2016-17 school year is $25.00. The fee must be paid by the time the school year begins.
The percussion instruments are not to be touched except by percussionists. All percussion equipment is expensive and will only be handled by percussionists who receive special instruction as to the proper care of them.
Instrument Supplies
Flutes: Cleaning rod + cleaning cloth
Clarinets and Saxophones: 2 reeds (minimum)+ reed guard+ swab+cork grease
Trumpets, Horns,Baritones,Tubas: valve oil+ mouthpiece brush+tuning slide grease+polishing cloth
DISCIPLINE POLICY/BAND RULES
It is our desire to provide the best possible learning experience for your child in the band room. A positive, organized, and respectful learning environment will give your child the opportunity to succeed academically. The following classroom goals and rules are posted in our rehearsal areas:
BE RESPONSIBLE
BE READY
BE RESPECTFUL
*** STUDENT EXPECTATIONS ARE POSTED IN THE BAND ROOM ***
** All school rules are to be followed during band rehearsals. **
PURPOSE: To allow all students to learn & participate to the best of their ability; to allow teacher(s) to teach to the best of his/her ability; to allow students & teachers to enjoy working together.
BAND MEMBER EXPECTATIONS
Remember the three R’s
BE RESPONSIBLE
1. Take care of your instrument.
a. Keep your instrument clean and oiled.
b. Label your case with a nametag.
c. Record your serial #.
d. Never leave your instrument at school over the weekend. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen instruments.
e. If your instrument isn’t working, ask us for help.
f. Play only on your own instrument.
2. Take care of your music and materials.
a. Music is issued to you to use. If you loose it, you will need to pay for a replacement piece.
3. Attend all lessons, rehearsals and performances.
a. Be on time.
b. If you miss a lesson for any reason, please contact me as soon as possible.
BE READY
1. Come prepared
a. Have any required materials (band contracts, practice calendar, etc.) filled out and signed by your parent.
b. Be ready to play your assignment.
c. Buy reeds, books, etc. before lessons, not before full band rehearsal.
BE RESPECTFUL
1. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
2. Take care of band equipment (music stands, percussion, etc.)
CONSEQUENCES FOR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR:
THE HORNET WAY!!
1. 1st violationVerbal Warning
2. 2nd violationVerbal Warning & student conference
3. 3rd violation40 minute detention and notify parents/guardians
4. 4th violation40 minute detention/removed from class/sent to admin. & meeting with parents/guardians
REWARDS FOR POSITIVE BEHAVIOR:
* A more relaxed (& fun) rehearsal/lesson.
* Earn free minutes at end of rehearsal to socialize with friends.
* Student led rehearsal: Students choose music to rehearse.
* Choose “pop” music to play in rehearsal/concerts.
* “Free seating” rehearsal: students may sit where/with whom they wish (must still be able to rehearse appropriately).
SUMMARY
A band program, like any other aspect of a student’s education, will best meet the needs of the student when all involved have a clear idea of purpose and method. For this reason, effective communication is essential. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact us. Parental support and encouragement, along with a student’s determination, are the greatest factors for success in music.
HOW TO PRACTICE
Before you start
1. Have a goal for each practice session.
a. What do you want to be able to know and do by the end of the practice session?
2. Warm-up properly
a. Play long tones and review previous exercises.
b. Play scales: major + minor + chromatic
Work on your new material
1. Remember the “STARS” when you practice new material and check for:
Sharps and flats in the key signature
Time signature and tempo markings
Accidentals throughout the piece
Rhythm-slowly count and clap all difficult rhythms and pay close attention to rests.
Signs-look for dynamics, articulations, tempo changes, repeats, etc.
2. Circle any problem areas and make necessary marks with your pencil (i.e. write in counting, fingering, accidentals, etc.)
3. Always end your session with something you really like.