Coastal Middle School
Band Handbook
Home of the Seahawks!
Billy Hoffman, Band Director
Mrs. Allison Schuster-Jones, Principal
Mrs. LaTashia Thomas, Assistant Principal
Welcome to the Coastal Middle School Band program. As a student and parent, you have the opportunity to be part of something special that has carried a tradition of excellence for twenty years. Our curriculum and standards are set to empower each student with the ability to comprehend and perform music at the highest level. Knowing and understanding the expectations presented in this hand book will help guide students and ensure another successful year of band at Coastal Middle
Table of Contents
Grading Procedures 1
Performance Rubric 2
General Rules 3
Rehearsal Procedures 4
Practice Procedures 5
Extracurricular Events 6
Method Book & Supplies 7
Tone Production…. 8
Grading Procedures
Instrumental Performance: (60%) There will be approximately five to seven playing tests each nine weeks. Examples of playing tests include: scales, lines from method book and concert music. Concerts will also count as a test grade. Students will receive a copy of concert music, scales and warm-ups for his/her instrument. It is the responsibility of the student to take care of and keep up with all materials throughout the year.
Personal Engagement: (40%) Each student will be assessed in his/her ability to perform in an ensemble setting. This will include following band room rules and procedures as well as having supplies for class each day. Each student begins the nine weeks with a Personal Engagement grade of 100%. Points will be deducted for the following:
2 points for not having supplies (method book, music, reeds, oils pencil)
2 points for not following band room rules and procedures.
5 points for not having instrument
10 points for chewing gum
Extra Credit: Five points will be added to a student’s Personal Engagement grade for attending jazz or classical performances that take place off campus. Information regarding performances will be posted on the board in the band room. Students should turn in a program or note signed by a parent or guarding within three days of the performance to receive credit
*NOTE: The Winter and Spring Concerts will each be counted as one test grade. If a student cannot attend the concert, written notification to the Band Director is required no later than two-weeks prior to the performance.
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Performance Rubric
Objective / Basic / Developing / Proficient / ExemplaryPosture / Holds instrument improperly. Rarely sits up straight; head down. Legs/ankles crossed. / Holds instrument properly. Sits up some of the time; head down. Legs/ankles crossed
/ Holds instrument properly. Sits up most of the time; head up. Feet flat on the floor most of time. / Holds instrument properly. Sits up straight with head up. Both feet flat on the floor
Tempo / Rarely maintains a steady beat. Plays at own tempo / Maintains a steady beat some of the time. Plays at own tempo. / Maintains a steady beat through most of the excerpt at teacher’s given tempo. / Maintains a steady beat through entire excerpt at teacher’s given tempo.
Rhythm Accuracy / Gives few notes and rests proper value. (more than 4 errors) / Gives some notes and rests proper value. (3-4 errors) / Gives most notes and rests proper value. (1-2 errors) / Gives all notes and rests proper value.
Pitch Accuracy / Plays few pitches correctly. (More than 4 errors) / Plays some pitches correctly. (3-4 errors) / Plays most pitches correctly. (1-2 errors) / Plays all pitches correctly.
Intonation / Breath support unsteady. Few pitches in tune and even. (more than 4 errors) / Breath support steady sometimes. Some pitches in tune and even. (3-4 errors) / Breath support mostly steady. Most pitches in tune and even. (1-2 errors) / Excellent breath support. Keeps pitches in tune and even.
Articulation / Rarely plays with correct articulations (more than 4 errors) / Sometimes plays with correct articulations (3-4 errors) / Mostly plays with correct articulations (1-2 errors) / Always plays with correct articulations.
Phrasing / Rarely creates a flowing line of music. Breathes often, breaking the musical idea. / Creates a flowing line of music some of the time. Sometimes breathes in between phrases / Creates a flowing line of music most of the time. Usually breathes in between phrases. / Creates a flowing line of music. Breathes in between phrases so as not to break the musical idea.
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General Rules
1. Each member of the band should conduct his/herself in a professional and serious manner in his/her performance each day during rehearsal.
2. Each member of the band should have a knowledge and understanding of the rehearsal procedures. These procedures are to be followed during rehearsal times without comment or argument from each member of the ensemble. It is to be understood that these rules are in place for the benefit of the entire group.
3. Each member of the band should show respect for his/herself and others. This applies not only to the person, but also to his/her instrument and equipment.
4. Each member of the band should come to class prepared with his/her instrument in good playing condition, supplies (reeds, cork grease, vale oil, slide oil, sticks, mallets, etc.), and prepared assignments.
5. Gum, candy, food, and drinks are not allowed in the band room.
6. Each member of the band is expected to actively listen when the director or anyone else is talking or playing. Do not talk or play while the director is on the podium.
7. The band room is to be left neat and orderly after each period. This includes straightening chairs and stands, picking up trash in your area, and taking all items you are responsible for with you.
8. No student’s instrument should be left at school after school hours. We do provide a storage area during the school day for security and convenience.
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Practice Procedure
It is very important that each band student establishes a daily practice routine. I recommend practicing at least 20 minutes a day using a metronome and tuner. These aids are relatively inexpensive and will improve your playing dramatically.
SMASH:
Scales and slurs: Play scales and arpeggios with various articulations.
Method book: Play assigned exercises. Refer to syllabus.
Arrangements: Play sheet music arrangements being worked on in band class.
Sight-reading: Read music that you are not familiar with.
Hits: Play songs you like. Play along with CD’s or make up your own music.
Private Lessons
I will try to give as much individual attention as possible to each student in the band. However, due to the size of the band program and little time for rehearsals, I will not be able to work with every student as much as I would like. Therefore, I encourage students to study with a private instructor to help them excel on their instrument. Students who take private lessons usually do very well at Honor Band and All-State auditions. Taking private lessons can also help students earn scholarships for college. Students interested in private lessons should see me about local instructors. There are many fine private teachers in the area. I can provide information that will help you choose the best instructor for your instrument.
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Rehearsal Procedures
1. Band members should place books, backpacks, etc. next to their assigned seat upon entering the bandroom. After securing instrument, music, and music stand, the student should be seated in the proper chair before warming up.
2. The student should warm-up his/her instrument in the low to mid range, playing scales or other exercises at a mezzo-piano level. Percussionist should warm-up on practice pads or mallet instruments.
3. When the director signals, all playing and talking must immediately stop, and full attention should be given to the director.
4. All students are required to have a pencil at all times during the rehearsal. When the director calls attention to something concerning the music, it should be marked in pencil on the appropriate student’s copy.
5. When rehearsals are over, students should carefully disassemble, clean, and pack their instruments in the proper method. After putting instrument and music away and picking up books, etc., the student is to be seated until the class is dismissed.
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Extracurricular Events
All-State & District Honor Band
Auditions for All-State and District Honor Band are open to all students interested in auditioning. Students will need to practice and prepare material specified by GMEA (Georgia Music Educators Association) and perform the material before a judge. Auditions for each band will take place on the same day in early December. Students will audition for both bands at the same time. However, students will have to pay an additional fee to audition for All-State Band and obtain a minimum score to go on to the second round audition, which is held in January. Please visit coastalband.com for more information regarding fees, audition times, and audition material. Students who make District Honor and/or All-State Band will receive a medal for their participation.
Solo/Ensemble
Solo/Ensemble is open to all students interested in performing. Students practice and prepare material that will be performed before a judge. Students may perform a solo with accompaniment or perform with another student(s) as a duet or trio.
The director must approve all music. Students who receive ‘Excellent’ or ‘Superior’ ratings will receive a medal for their performance.
Jazz Band
Auditions for Jazz Band will take place in late September. Auditions are open to students in all grades. Rehearsals will take place once a week after school. Please see the director for audition material.
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Method Books & Supplies
Method Books:
Method Book for 6th Grade Band Members:
· Tradition of Excellence Book 1
Method Book for 7th and 8th Grade Bands:
· Standard of Excellence Book 2
Supplies Needed:
Woodwinds: reeds (Rico Royal or Vandoren size 2 ½ or 3), cork grease, cleaning cloth, and portable music stand.
Brass: mouthpiece, valve or slide oil, cleaning cloth, and portable music stand.
Percussion: snare sticks (Vick Firth Generals or 5A wood Tips), soft poly-ball xylophone mallets, medium yarn marimba mallets, general timpani mallets, stick bag, and portable music stand.
Recommended Instrument Brands:
Allora, Amati, Armstrong, Bach, Benjamin, Besson, Blessing, Bundy, Buffet, Conn, Degg, Emerson, Gemeinhart, Getzen, Holton, Jupiter, King, Leblanc, Selmer, Vito, Willson, or Yamaha
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THE
ESSENTIALS of
TONE PRODUCTION
The terms listed below are meant to be used as a checklist for all wind players to follow to produce the proper tone quality and help play in tune. Learn them and relate them to your instrument.
1. POSTURE ~ how you sit and hold your instrument
2. EAR ~ hearing in your mind the pitch you wish to
produce
3. BREATHING and BREATH CONTROL ~ the proper
and normal method of breathing
4. EMBOUCHURE ~ the formation of the lips
5. ATTACK ~ the proper method of starting a note
6. SUSTINATION ~sustaining the note properly with
consistent support and control
7. RELEASE ~ how to end the note