To: 6th Grade Band Students and Parents
From: Mrs. Schultz
RE: It's time for band!
Welcome to UMS! I am looking forward to being your band director this year!
Being in sixth grade band will provide you with opportunities to learn about and appreciate music, to make new friends and to have fun. Participating in a school band program also helps to develop responsibility, accountability and commitment.
Sixth grade band students rehearse two or three days per week during the school day. Due to the large number of students in band, there will be two bands that practice separately but perform together. You will be notified of your band group assignment by mail. Rehearsals will begin the first day of school, Monday, August 18th.
“Blue Band” on Mondays and Thursdays and blue Wednesdays (first rehearsal Mon., Aug. 18th)
“White Band” on Tuesdays and Fridays and white Wednesdays (first rehearsal Tues., Aug. 19th)
We will schedule combined rehearsals (blue and white bands together) prior to concerts. These rehearsals will be held in our band room during the school day.
If your child is assigned to the blue band and chooses to participate in chorus, he/she will be assigned to the white chorus. If your child is assigned to the white band and chooses to participate in chorus, he/she will be assigned to the blue chorus.
Bring your instrument, lesson book (Essential Elements 2000), and a pencil to the first rehearsal. You do not need to bring your wire stand.
Note to percussionists: There is plenty of percussion equipment at school for lessons and rehearsals, so just bring your snare sticks, lesson books and a pencil.
Lessons are held during the school day, once per week for 15-20 minutes, with Mrs. Schultz.
Mr. Rueckert, our high school director, will also be teaching some 6th grade lessons. Lessons will begin the week of August 25th. If you have just completed a lesson book, please contact Mrs. Schultz before purchasing the next book.
Individualized instruction with area private teachers is also an option available to you at UMS. Please see the information included in this mailing. Students who study privately outside of school time may choose to be excused from lessons at school.
I will send reminder notes home with students prior to events. You can also check for information on my web-site at
Need more information?
I can be reached at 457-6641 (or ) when school is in session.
I sincerely hope that your experience in band at UMS will be rewarding and exciting.
Expectations and Grading
UMS band students receive partial (.25) GPA credit. Students and parents can monitor grades on PowerSchool at the school’s website. Grades are assigned based on a quarterly point system.
- Students are responsible to attend a scheduled band lesson each week. A missed lesson may be rescheduled within a week of the absence in order to receive credit. Students will have a lesson book assignment, scales and concert band music to practice (20 minutes daily suggested).
- In band, performances are the authentic assessment of student learning. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is expected. It takes everyone doing their part! Please speak with Mrs. Schultz at least two weeks in advance of an anticipated performance absence. With advanced notification, a make-up option will be offered to receive credit. Absences due to illness are excused.
Urbandale Middle School Band and Choir Departments Policy on Adding/Dropping
It is important for all students in a performing ensemble to commit to the ensemble for a specified period of time. Therefore, students wishing to drop band or chorus will be expected to wait until the end of a semester. In instances when a student and the parent agree that the student cannot continue through the end of the semester, they may drop the class with the understanding that they will receive an "F". The first three weeks of the school year will be considered a trial period, where a student may drop the class without penalty. A student will not be allowed to drop at any time without parental permission in the form of a signed note or a phone call. All students are encouraged to participate in the performing ensembles and may join at any time, with the understanding that joining the ensemble means adhering to this policy.
Philosophy of Music Education In the Urbandale Community School District
All students in the Urbandale Community School District experience music as a significant and sequential curricular subject. General, vocal, and instrumental music provide experiences that are meaningful, enjoyable, integrated, and enhance all learning. This music program provides a basis for lifelong involvement and appreciation of the arts. Participation in music develops habits of the mind including creative thinking, critical thinking, and self-regulation.
Standards of the Music Department of the Urbandale Community School District
(UCSD K-12 Music Content Standards)
In order that all students may achieve the maximum benefit from their talents and abilities, the music education students should be able to…
- Sing or perform on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
- Read and notate music.
- Listen to, analyze, and describe music.
- Understand music in relation to culture and careers.
5-12 Instrumental Music Governing Principles:
Provide opportunities for students:
- To develop their lifelong appreciation as performers and/or consumers of music
- To take ownership over their own accomplishments
- To contribute to something larger than themselves
6th Grade Band Calendar
2014-2015
Friday, October 10th Band Night at UHS Football Game
October 15th-28thMagazine Sale and Cookie Dough Fundraiser
Thurs., November 20th6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Band Concert, 7 p.m., PAC
Thurs., January 29th6th and 7th Grade Bands and UMS Jazz Band Concert, 7 p.m., PAC
Sat., February 14thS.C.I.B.A. District Large Group Contest at Norwalk (grades 6-8)
Sat., March 7thSolo Contest at UMS (grades 6,7,8) – optional
Tues., May 5th5th and 6th Grade Band Concert, 7 p.m., PAC
Be sure to note event dates for the entire year on your family calendars. The success of your band is dependent on student involvement! All group performances are required for students participating in band.