McClureMiddle School Bands

3660 Old Stilesboro Road

Kennesaw, Ga.30144

(678)331-8131

“Expectations for Excellence”

Dear Parents,

It is our pleasure to welcome you and your family to the McClure Band Program at McClureMiddle School. Your student is in for a fun, challenging and rewarding year!

The purpose of this handbook is to provide information for the students and parents so that you may prepare for a great year in band. Please familiarize yourself with the contents of this handbook. This handbook is not designed to list every detail or rule, but rather to give an outline of what is expected from each student. Please check the Band Blog regularly for important announcements and updates. To access the Band Blog, go to the McClure school web site and click on Faculty/Staff. Scroll down and click on eitherSallas, McCardel or Rider’s name to visit the Band Blog.

It is our goal to have one of the finest band programs available for all of our students. This will be impossible to attain without the absolute best from each member in the areas of behavior, attitude, musicianship, attendance, and overall dedication to the goals that we set forth for the program. We hope that this handbook will help to guide each band member toward achieving his or her absolute best. Please keep your handbook to refer back to throughout the year when you have questions regarding various situations. Throughout the school year if you ever have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us via e-mail or phone. E-mail is the quickest way for a response. Let us all work together to build a program that will represent our school and community with pride.

Sincerely,

Cyndi Sallas, Connie McCardel and Ashleigh Rider

McClureMiddle School Band Directors

Meet the Directors

Ms. Cyndi Sallas
Director of McClureMiddle School Bands

Cynthia Sallasis the new Director of Bands at McClureMiddle School. Prior to her appointment at McClure, she spent five years as associate director of Bands at PopeHigh School in Marietta, GA. While at Pope, Ms. Sallas’ bands consistently received superior rating at Large Group Performance Evaluation and Jazz Festival. Prior to Pope, Ms. Sallas spent ten years as Director of Bands at AshfordHigh School in Ashford, Alabama. While at Ashford, bands under her direction consistently received superior ratings each year. During her term, she quadrupled the size of the band and significantly increased parent involvement. Ms. Sallas has served as Adjudicator for Marching competitions and Symphonic Festivals in both Alabama and Georgia.

Ms. Sallas received a Masters in Music Education from TroyStateUniversity in 1998 and her Bachelors in Music Education, also from TroyState, in 1991. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society. Ms Sallas was bestowed the Young Women of America and the Sigma Alpha Iota Leadership Awards.

Ms. Sallas' professional affiliations include Music Educators National Conference, National Education Association, Sigma Alpha Iota, Phi kappa Phi, Omicron Delta Kappa and Georgia Music Education Association

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Mrs. Connie McCardel

Associate Director of Bands

Connie McCardel graduated summa cum laude from the University of Georgia in 1985 earning a Bachelor of Music Education. While at the University Mrs. McCardel was a member of the Zodiac Honorary Society, winner of the UGA Solo Concerto Competition and recipient of the Presser Fellow Scholarship. She was a guest soloist with the UGA Symphonic Band Spring Tour in 1984 and with the UGA High School Music Workshop in 1985.

Mrs. McCardel began her teaching career as the Director of Bands at TowersHigh School in Dekalb County, Georgia in 1985. Mrs. McCardel was the Director of Bands at J.J.DaniellMiddle School in Cobb County, Georgia from 1986-2000. Under her direction, the band program consistently maintained an annual enrollment of 550 band members. She was selected as Teacher of the Year at J.J. Daniell for 1990-1991. Her bands won many honors and awards. The Daniell Band program consistently received Superior ratings at GMEA District 12 Band Festival during her tenure. Her Eighth Grade Band was twice selected to perform at the University of Georgia Middle School Band Festival in 1994 and 1997. The Eighth Grade Band was awarded Superior ratings at the Orlando Music Fest in 1999 and the Dixie Classic Music Festival in Virginia Beach in 2000, where the Band was invited to perform at the National Adjudicators Invitational. Her Seventh Grade Bands were awarded the Gold Medal rating at the Southern Star Music Festival in both 1998 and 1999. Mrs. McCardel was the Director of Bands at the AmericanHeritageAcademy in Canton, Georgia from 2001-2008 where her Bands were awarded Superior ratings at the High Note Music Festival in 2003, 2005 and 2008.

Mrs. McCardel has conducted GMEA Honor Bands in numerous districts throughout the state of Georgia. She has taught private clarinet lessons and master classes for numerous middle and high schools in the Metro Atlanta area for the past ten years. She serves as a guest concert band clinician and adjudicator throughout the state. She is currently listed in both Who’s Who of American Women and Who’s Who in American Education.

Ms. Ashleigh Rider

Associate Director of Bands

Ashleigh Rider currently serves as an Associate Director of Bands at McClure Middle School in Kennesaw, Georgia. Her responsibilities include assisting with six concert bands, grades 6-8, jazz band, and drumline. In addition to her middle school responsibilities, she serves as part of the instructional staff to the Carlton J. Kell High School Marching Band in Marietta, Georgia. She also performs in the Cobb Wind Symphony, under the direction Mr. Alfred Watkins.

Ashleigh graduated cum laude from GeorgiaStateUniversity in May of 2010 with her Bachelor of Music degree. While at GeorgiaState, Ashleigh served as principal French Horn in both the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra, and performed in the Prime Time Brass Quintet. She also served as the undergraduate representative to GeorgiaState’s College of Arts and Sciences Executive Committee.

Ashleigh’s professional affiliations include the Music Educators National Conference and the Georgia Music Educators Association.

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McClure Band Program

McClure 8th Grade Band Class

Course Description

There will be two eighth grade band classes at McClureMiddle School. These classes are performance-orientated classes open to students who play a wind or percussion instrument. Daily, each student will work on acquiring fundamental skills such as technique, scales, lip-slurs, sight-reading, developing individual tone quality, ensemble balance and the rehearsal and performance of band literature. The grading system will be based on a 100-point system, which is outlined below. This is the year we will work to prepare students to be members of the High School Band. Your child will have the opportunity to attend 8th grade night at their zoned High School. This will give them a chance to experience the fun, camaraderie, and high level of musicianship of the high school band. In addition, all 8th grade band members are eligible to attend the annual McClure Music Department Disney Trip. We hope to provide your child with challenging music and very satisfying musical experiences!

McClure 7th Grade Band Class

Course Description

There will be two seventh grade band classes at McClureMiddle School. These classes are performance-orientated classes open to students who play a wind or percussion instrument. Daily, each student will work on acquiring fundamental skills such as technique, scales, lip slurs, sight-reading, developing individual tone quality, ensemble balance and the rehearsal and performance of band literature. The grading system will be based on a 100-point system, which is outlined below. The seventh grade year in band is very exciting because of the quality of the students’ music making. You will be astounded at each concert by the musicality of the performances!

7th & 8th Grade Band Grading System

Grading Scale / Grade
90-100 Points / A
80-89 Points / B
74-79 Points / C
70-73 Points / D
0-69 Points / F

DAILY PARTICIPATION GRADE: This category will be 50% of your total grade. Your participation grade will be based on the rubric provided below. For instance, students earning artist level each day will receive a 100 for the week. Grades will be posted weekly. If your child’s instrument is in the shop for repair please send a note and no points will be deducted.

ARTIST LEVEL (20 points)= The student is consistently focused during class, demonstrates responsibility for being on task (instrument in proper playing position and embouchure prepared when conductor raises hands), and actively contributes to class in a variety of ways. The student is consistently prepared with materials and ready to begin when the bell rings (instrument fully assembled, reeds on, music binder on stand with book and pencil).

PROFICIENT LEVEL (15 points) = The student is usually focused during class, demonstrates responsibility for being on task, and usually contributes to class in a variety of ways. The student is usually prepared with materials and ready to begin when the bell rings.

COMPETENT LEVEL (10 points) = The student is sometimes focused during class, sometimes demonstrates responsibility for being on task, and sometimes contributes to class in some way. The student is sometimes or partially prepared with materials and ready to begin when the bell rings.

NOVICE LEVEL (5 points) = The student is rarely focused during class or demonstrates responsibility for being on task, and rarely contributes to class. The student is rarely prepared with materials and ready to begin when the bell rings.

CONCERTS AND PLAYING TESTS will be 50% of your total grade. All concerts are mandatory as each student is an essential element to the success of the overall performance. Any student missing a concert will play each piece of music for a grade.

Scores on Playing Tests Must Be 100!!!

Various skills must be mastered in order to play a musical instrument successfully and enjoyably! Your child will receive a grade for each playing test. Students need to retake each test until the score a 100. Band is a sequential learning process and a cumulative activity. Band is not a different class from quarter to quarter and it is essential for students to master all testing materials. Students who do not achieve 100% on all testing materials will find it difficult to continue in band and have a successful experience. The music that we prepare for each concert performance is based upon the skills and techniques of the current exercises that we have studied; therefore, students who do not keep up with and master the various exercises will find it difficult to play the concert music.

Students are encouraged to come in and replay for a higher grade throughout the year. Students can come in before school or stay after school to replay tests. Your child’s grade is important to us and we strongly support giving every child the opportunity to replay for a higher grade, we will never lower a grade. Replaying a test grade allows us to work individually with your child to help booster their skill and confidence!!

At the beginning of each semester your child will be given a list of all testing exercises. Students may work ahead if they choose and complete tests at their own pace. Our ultimate goal is for every child to master the tools necessary to become a successful musician and to enjoy playing their instrument.

PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO PRACTICE AND REPLAY ANY TEST NEEDED TO RECEIVE A 100 IN BAND!!!!!

Band Course Syllabus

General Course Objectives

  1. Students continue to improve their individual skill on the instrument. The goal is not only to prepare to be a member of the high school band, but for music to become a lifelong hobby.
  2. The class performs as an ensemble more frequently than in the previous school year. Each performance continues to be more expressive and musical as students strengthen their knowledge of the elements of musical composition.
  3. Students will perform more advanced literature from a variety of historical periods.

Topics to be Covered:

  1. Tone – Characteristic tone quality and blending the tone into the ensemble.
  2. Intonation – play in tune with the ensemble.
  3. Technique – use different articulation styles precisely; expand the comfortable playing range on the instrument; expand rhythmical concepts.
  4. Balance – within the ensemble and sections.
  5. Interpretation – use expression, phrasing, style and tempo correctly.
  6. Musical Effect – artistry and fluency of the composition.

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Specific Course Objectives:

The student will:

  • Perform the following 2 octave major scales in eighth notes with a metronome marking of 100: Concert C, F, G, Bb, Eb, D Ab, Db, Gb
  • Perform a chromatic scale over the practical range of his/her instrument at a metronome marking of eighth note = 100
  • Demonstrate the correct fingerings, including alternate fingerings, for all notes within the practical range of his/her instrument.
  • Demonstrate and respond to standard preparatory conducting beats, release motions, entrance cues and expressive gestures.
  • Demonstrate vibrato, as it relates to the tonal enrichment, for instruments where vibrato is characteristic.
  • Adjust pitch of his/her instrument to a given standard during actual performance and with the use of a tuning device.
  • Demonstrate the attack and release of a tone, in accordance with the need of the given music selections.
  • Demonstrate the use of appropriate interpretive markings for all music being studied
  • Demonstrate the appropriate playing position of his/her instrument.
  • Demonstrate a tone quality characteristic of his/her instrument in all registers and at all dynamic levels.
  • Perform music with rhythms that contain whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth, and dotted notes and rests.
  • Perform music selections containing the following time signatures: 4/4, 2/2, 3/4, 3/2. 2/4, 3/8, 6/8, 5/4.
  • Perform music from three of the following compositional periods with characteristic interpretive elements: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic and 20th Century.
  • Perform with other instrumentalists to achieve a refined ensemble sound, including volume, timbre, balance and blend.
  • Demonstrate the proper care and maintenance of his/her instrument and equipment.
  • Interpret given tempo markings and alterations as notated in musical selections.
  • Interpret music containing first and second endings, measure rests and repeats, D.C. and D. S. indications, codas and rhythmic abbreviations.
  • Interpret and perform music at sight at the grade 2, 3 and 4 levels.

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Daily Classroom Rules and Procedures

The following is a guideline for a successful rehearsal. Band by its very name suggests oneness, teamwork, ensemble and great cooperation with everyone striving towards a common goal. This all comes at a time in a middle school student’s life when students are striving for individual identity. Disruptive students will not be allowed to affect the quality of learning taking place in the classroom. Students who disrupt the class reduce the amount of time for rehearsal and consequently they hurt the entire band. The directors will deal with a student that makes a poor behavior choice on an individual basis.

Enter the rehearsal hall in a quiet, courteous, and orderly manner.

Quickly get your instrument, instrument accessories (extra reeds, valve oil, etc.) music binder, and proceed to your seat.

Check the board for the rehearsal agenda. Write down in your agenda your practice assignment for that evening and read all the announcements on the board.

Put all your method books and music in order for the rehearsal.

Concert attention will be observed when the director steps on the podium. No further talking will be permitted.

Once a rehearsal has begun, all questions or concerns will be addressed once the student has raised their hand for clarification of any issues.

Students will not play their instruments during class without permission.

Students will not play, or touch another student’s instrument.

If a piece of music does not have every measure numbered, number every measure of your music in pencil.

At the conclusion of the rehearsal students will pack up their instruments, music and store them in their proper place.

Food, candy, gum, or drinks are not allowed in the band room at any time.

Materials Needed for Band Class

Each student is expected to have the following materials everyday for class: music, method book(s), instrument, a sharpened pencil, and their agenda. Woodwinds will need to have at least four playable reeds at all times, brass players need to have valve oil at all times, percussionists need to have their mallet bag with the required sticks, and mallets. Failure to have one of these items will severely affect a student’s daily participation grade. Please check the list below for the required materials for your student. All method books may be purchased at any local music store.