Welcome Back!
I am very excited to begin another year of band with you! I realize that you may feel rusty, but don’t worry- we’ll start by reviewing everything we’ve learned so far and ease back into playing. We need everyone to do their best this year and always try to get better and work harder. Let’s all work together to make it the best it can be!!
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Everything you need to know…..
Be prepared!
Everyday of class students will need:
♪ instrument and method book: “Standard of Excellence”
♪ required supplies, specific to instrument (valve oil, reeds, etc.)
♪ binder with class music (see below)
♪ PENCIL (not pen)
Binder
Every student in the MauryRiver band is required to have a 3-ring binder dedicated to band class. Enclosed we will keep important information, worksheets, articles of interest, practice logs, and of course- MUSIC!
MRMS Band logo binders are available for $4!
Classroom Goals
1. Respect yourself, others, and property
No food, candy, or gum in the band room (bottled water OK).
Do not play other people’s instruments (this includes percussion!)
Do not harm school property, we must be grateful for what we have
Treat stands like they are prized possessions
Do not leave your seat without being given permission
2. Follow directions the first time that they are given
3. Work together to create a positive learning environment for everyone
Bring a positive attitude to class
Be prepared
Raise your hand and wait to be called on before speaking.
Everyone has different talents and skills- try to learn from each other.
Classroom Goals (continued)
4. Actively participate
Always be prepared
When not playing, listen to other students play and learn from what they are doing.
Daily Routine
- Students will enter the band room, set-up their instruments, and go directly to their assigned seats. Any case that will not fit under a chair must be left to the back or sides of the band room, out of the way
- Students should be sure that they have all required materials at their seat (PENCIL!) and begin working on the music indicated on the board.
- When Mr. Schucker stands on the podium, students put their instruments in the ‘ready’ position and await instruction
- At the end of class, students will patiently put their instruments in the lockers and sit down in a chair.
- When the bell rings, students will wait for Mr. Schucker to dismiss the class.
Consequences
Actions that do not help the band reach the goals described above will result in individual consequences, to be decided on an individual basis. Examples of consequences include silent lunch, time out, and after school detention.
Grading (based on the Virginia Music Standards of Learning)
Students will earn their grade through demonstration of:
♪ 30% Classroom Performance
students will earn 5 points a day by being on time, being prepared, and staying on task.
♪ 35%Performance Opportunities/written work
performance opportunities will take place to mark progress
♪ 25%Practice
10 minutes a day (or 70 minutes a week) is required.
♪ 10%Attendance at band concerts (this is mandatory)
Extra credit is available through:
♪ Attending concerts outside of class- a written paragraph as well as an accompanying program must be submitted to be rewarded for this effort. See Mr. Schucker for more details. (Max points: 4)
♪ Extra practice- ‘bonus’ practice weeks will be scheduled.
♪ Auditioning for special honor bands throughout the year.
(Max points: 2)
♪ Participating inspecial honor bands throughout the year.
(Max points: 3)
♫Practice♫
Students are expected to practice outside of class everyday and record their progress. This is essential for personal growth and for the success of the band- we are a team and everyone must do their part. A guideline to aim for is a minimum of 10-15 minutes a day; this is very easy to accomplish and will help you and the band immensely.
Concert Date!
**PLEASE NOTE: Any absence from a concert or other required event must be brought to the attention of the director at least 2 weeks prior to the event in order for the absence to be excused, and for replacement work to be assigned. After 2 weeks before the concert has passed, only emergencies will be accepted as excused absences. Sporting events are not a reason to miss a scheduled, for credit, academic activity.
Concert Attire
Black and white performance attire is a music performance standard.
Girls: Knee length (or longer) black dress or skirt, or black slacks, white sleeved blouse or shirt, and dress shoes
Boys: Black dress pants, black socks and dress shoes, and white long or short sleeve dress shirt. Appropriate dress ties are welcome.
Stage appearance no-no’s: jeans, athletic shoes, white socks, hats, shirts untucked. Do not wear these to a concert!
Instruments
Due to the hands-on nature of this class, all students are required to own or rent a personal instrument and maintain it in proper working order. This instrument must be treated respectfully!
IFPURCHASING AN INSTRUMENT: I cannot insist strongly enough that a student’s instrument is purchased from a reputable music store. Cheap instruments bought at convenient locations can greatly limit a students chance for success.
Method Books
Every student must own a copy of the Standard Of Excellence method book for their instrument and bring it to class everyday. If you misplaced yours, see Mr. Schucker for an order form.
SmartMusic
Harness the power of technology! SmartMusic is a piece of software designed to help students practice more effectively. Additional background music accompanies the student’s playing, and students can alter tempo (speed), assess themselves, and listen to their part. The software will label which notes are played incorrectly and provide fingering instruction for the proper notes. The base subscription gives access to thousands of pieces of music! In fact, concert music that we are working on in class can often be downloaded so the students can hear the rest of the band playing while at home. Due to MauryRiver’s base subscription, each student can buy their own home subscription for only $36.
Jazz Band
We will once again be forming a jazz band this year to explore this exciting genre of music! As this band has traditionally been the best players in the school, it is an honor to be selected for this group and auditions will take place as listed below. All instruments are welcome! Typically jazz band practices will take place Mondays after school from 3:30-5:00 and you will be required to be at all of them. If interested, please plan to attend:
*August30th-3:30-4:30- jazz introduction, clinic
*September 8th- 3:30-4:30- jazz introduction, clinic
September 16th- 3:20-?? auditions (students will sign up for times)
September 20th-3:30-5:00- first jazz rehearsal
*Plan to attend both introduction sessions. Bring Instruments!
Help!
I am always available before and after school to help any students who want individual attention. Please be sure to verify a date and time with me.
I greatly appreciate your time and look forward to having a lot of success in band this year!
Matthew Schucker, band director