2014 – 2015
Southwest Middle School
First Year Beginning Band
Handbook
Director
Amy Bernloehr
Handbook Objectives
1. Communicate policies and procedures.
2. Begin the process of three-way communication between teachers, parents and students.
Southwest Band Principles
The Southwest Band Program is based on more than just musical excellence. We obviously take great pride in how well we perform as musicians, but our true reward comes with the way in which we conduct ourselves on a daily basis both in and out of the band classroom or stage.
There are the key principles we try to live by as band members:
1. Responsibility – Do the best you can in everything you do.
2. Respect – Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
3. Attitude – Approach every situation with a positive attitude.
4. Be Proactive – Try to anticipate situations and prepare for them in advance.
5. Trust – Trust is earned and easily lost.
6. Commitment – Keep your commitments to yourself and others, even when it is difficult.
How to Contact the Director
Communication via email is preferred, but if you need to contact the director, please contact the school at 407-370-7200 and then the corresponding extension.
Ms. Bernloehr – amy.bernloehr.ocps.net, ext. 5254-228
What is Beginning Band?
The Beginning Band is a year long class which is open to students in the sixth grade who have had little or no experience in instrumental music. Schedule changes will only be made at semester after the parents and the directors have discussed the switch. All students will choose an instrument with the aid of the director using the draft selection process. Basic concepts such as proper embouchure, hand position, posture, listening skills and breathing skills will be emphasized. The Beginning Band is a class that meets every school day and will perform one concert this school year.
Draft Concept
The draft concept was developed several years ago so that every child would have equal opportunity to choose the instrument that they would like. Students will have the opportunity to experiment on every wind instrument, determine which instruments they would like to play and sign up to test four of those instruments. When tested, band directors will score students on a scale of 1-10, with ten being the highest score. This score will be based on how well the mouthpiece naturally fits the student’s facial structure as well as how well students can adapt to fit the mouthpiece. While this mouthpiece testing is being conducted, students will also learn notes on the staff as well as note lengths. They will be given notes as well as class work regarding this information. The scores from their class work and from their test will be averaged together to create a draft score. On draft day, we will have posters for each instrument hanging around the band room. When a student’s draft score is called, they will be able to sign their name by any instrument that they have:
1-scored a 6 or above on
2– has openings.
Just like a football team cannot have 25 quarterbacks and one lineman, band cannot have 50 percussionists and one flute. For this reason, we put the number of openings beside each instrument that we require to have a balanced band. If your child’s draft number is called and there are openings, GREAT!!! If there are no openings remaining, they must go to their second choice. This process ensures that every child has the same opportunity to choose an instrument that is their first choice.
With the implementation of End of Course Exams for all of the Fine Arts electives, it is very important that the student chooses an instrument they can stick with. There will be no changes once the student has selected their instrument. This will help prepare all students for success in high school and on their Final Exams.
Grading Procedures
40% Major Grades - Every student will have a playing tests, performances, and written test throughout the year.
40% Minor Grades– Students will be evaluated for their daily class participation as well as sectional/rehearsal attendance, and quizzes.
20% Other Grades– Bring the required materials to class, complete homework assignments, and complete practice records.
Rehearsal Expectations
Always be in the right place, at the right time,
with the right equipment, and the right attitude.
Academic Eligibility
Students must follow the OCPS extracurricular academic eligibility requirements to remain in the band program.
Band Room Expectations
1) Band students will be respectful to others.
2) Be seated with your instrument, binder, music, and pencil when the bell rings.
3) Be prepared. All instruments go home every day. (the exceptions are large school owned instruments such as tubas and percussion)
4) Band students will always follow directions the first time they are given.
5) Keep your equipment (leave other’s alone) in the right place, and keep it neat.
6) No gum, food, or candy in the band hall. Only water is allowed.
Supplies
1” Black 3 ring View Binder (This binder has 2 pockets and clear plastic covering in which to place 8½ x 11 Title/Practice Report pages, front and back.)
Dividers
Notebook paper (in notes section)
2 Sharpened pencils
Pencil Bag
Metronome or Metronome App on a smart device
Uniforms
The Southwest Middle School Beginning Band Uniform will consist of the following:
White Button down long sleeved shirt with collar able to be tucked in
Black Dress Pants –with belt loops. No jeans
Black Socks or Hose
Black closed toed shoes (ABSOLUTELY NO WHITE ON SHOES!!!)
Black Belt
Without the proper attire, no student will be allowed to perform. There will be no exceptions to this rule. If this presents a problem, please contact the director as soon as possible so that a solution can be reached.
Volunteers
Parents groups are the key to any successful school organization. We will send emails before events asking for volunteer help. Your time makes a difference! It is required that all volunteers go to www.volunteer.ocps.net, to register online to be an ADDitions volunteer. Parents who are not registered unfortunately, will not be permitted to volunteer.
Private Lessons
Even though the director will work with all students on an individual basis, the value of private lessons cannot be overstated. Band class is essentially ensemble practice, while in private lessons students can progress individually at a much faster rate. The director has a list of names of reputable instructors in the area; please contact Ms Bernloehr. We also have several private instructors that teach here at Southwest Middle School. Information and sign ups for these teachers will be handed out within the first few weeks of school.
Donations
Each year the band program does two fundraisers in order to raise money to purchase new instruments, new equipment and new music. In the past few years, we have spent over $150,000 dollars on new French horns, refurbishing our percussion equipment, baritones, tubas, new stands, bassoons and new bari sax. There is however other needs that we have that help us better teach the band students at Southwest. For these items, we are asking that each student donate $25.00 to the band program so that we can continue to provide each student with the best learning methods possible.
Practice Rooms
Practice rooms may only be used with permission of the director. You may NOT use practice rooms during a period in which you have an academic class. If you have a period with a study hall, you may make arrangements to use the practice room during this time so long as the privilege is not abused. Practice rooms time is at a premium, so please schedule in advance. Practice the material that needs work and make the most of your time- we want to hear lovely music emanating from the practice rooms!! There is a maximum occupancy of two students per room unless there is special permission granted by the director. All students are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of these rooms or their privileges will be revoked.
1. No more than two people per room without permission.
2. You must be practicing an instrument while in this room.
3. No goofing off while in this room.
4. Make sure you take out what you bring in.
School Instruments Rental
Normally, the band does not provide instruments for students; however, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Southwest Middle School rents the following instruments to individual students on a first come, first served basis: Oboe, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, French Horn, Euphonium, and Tuba.
Students issued school-owned instruments will pay a $50.00 Instrument Rental Fee payable to Southwest Middle School for the rental of the instrument for the entire school year. This fee will not cover any damage (dents, broken parts, etc.) brought about by the student. Such repairs become the student/parent’s responsibility and will not be paid for by the school. If stolen and/or destroyed, the instrument will have to be replaced by the student.
Students using school owned instruments will also need to purchase their own mouthpiece and other accessories as needed. All supplies are available from area music stores.
Band Lockers
Each Band student will have the opportunity to be issued a Band locker. The school is not responsible for items left in band lockers therefore students are advised to take their instruments home every afternoon. For reasons of security, students are never to share their locker combination with anyone except their locker partner. Also only band materials are to be kept in their locker. The locker use donation for all students is only $5.00 per locker for the whole school year. Students are also responsible for providing their own combination locks. A copy of the combination must be provided to the director before students may begin using them. Make checks payable to Southwest Middle School. This donation pays for repairs and upkeep of the band lockers. Students who habitually leave their instruments overnight or do not keep the lockers and the locker room in a neat and clean manner will have their locker privileges revoked.
Instrument Security
THE ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM DOES NOT HAVE INSURANCE OR ANY PLAN THAT WILL COVER DAMAGE, THEFT, OR LOSS OF PRIVATELY OWNED EQUIPMENT. IF THAT EQUIPMENT IS TO BE COVERD, IT MUST BE THROUGH THE PARENT’S PERSONAL INSURANCE, SUCH AS HOMEOWNER’S POLICY, ETC.
Supplies/Repairs
Supplies such as reeds, oil, cork grease, and swabs may be ordered from area music stores and will be delivered to school. Students who need to purchase accessories may do so before school, NOT before or during class. Plan ahead and be sure to have the appropriate materials on hand when needed. That way when emergencies happen, you need only to reach into your case and get another reed or some oil.
Brass players will be expected to have valve or slide oil, mouthpiece brush, and tuning slide grease on hand at all times. There will be a mouthpiece puller available in the band office if needed. Please do not attempt to pull out a stuck mouthpiece with pliers because it can result in serious expensive damage to your instrument.
Woodwind players should have a reed guard, four good reeds, swab, and cork grease on hand at all times. Please also remember that you will only be as good as your equipment allows you to be- if you are playing on the cheapest reed available, you can only achieve the sound potential of the reed. Both Vandoren and Mitchel Lurie are preferred brands.
Percussionists- will be responsible for their own snare drum and mallet kit (which may be kept at home to practice with), drumsticks, and mallets for bells and timpani.
Signature Sheet
We have read the SWMS Handbook and understand and agree to the information it contains. We know that if we have any questions, we may contact the director by telephone or e-mail.
______
Parent Signature Student Signature
STUDENT INFORMATION
Name: ______
Band Class Period: ______
Address: ______
______
Home Phone: ______
Parents Name:
Mother______
Work Phone: ______
Cell Phone: ______
Email Address: ______
Father: ______
Work Phone: ______
Cell Phone: ______
Email Address: ______