UNION. Public Schools EIGHTH GRADE BAND HANDBOOK.

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1 UNION Public Schools EIGHTH GRADE BAND HANDBOOK

2 UNION EIGHTH GRADE BAND HANDBOOK Introduction Welcome back to the Union Band program! Continuing to develop musical proficiency on an instrument can be a rewarding and enriching experience. The purpose of this handbook is to provide a written policy on the organization and operation of the band program. It contains information of great importance for both students and parents. Please take time to read each page carefully together and keep for reference throughout the school year. The Signature Page insert must be signed and returned by Friday, August 27, Philosophy The study and performance of music is an opportunity our young people of today truly need! It is not our goal to make professional musicians of our students, but rather to enable them to fully enjoy the lifelong benefits of music. Recent studies prove that students participating in music are among the academically strongest in their schools. The skills learned in our school band program self-discipline, increased selfesteem, group cooperation, commitment, responsibility, and teamwork will be reflected in a successful adult life. Knowing that great performances are the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from error; the opportunity to enjoy a new level of communication and self-expression is the goal for every young musician. Creativity is within all of us and the language of music serves as a perfect vehicle to allow for this personal growth and development.

3 Classroom Guidelines 1. Students will display proper rehearsal etiquette at all times. a. Class begins when the Band Director steps on the podium. b. Students must be in the room when the tardy bell sounds. c. Remain seated during class. d. Absolutely no talking or playing of instruments without permission. Students will not play before class begins. e. Raise your hand when appropriate for questions and/or comments. Student will look at the instructor while he/she is talking. Students will give due respect to anyone speaking from the podium. f. Running and horseplay are NEVER permitted. g. Please treat others as you would like to be treated. h. Students are to enter and exit the hallway and band room in an orderly manner. i. Students are to ask permission before entering directors offices. 2. Each student is responsible to bring the following items to band class each day: a. Instrument b. All supplies including reeds, neck strap, mouthpiece, etc. c. All music d. Pencil d. Students are not to use stereo, metronomes, tuners, percussion, and/or other equipment without the consent of the Director. e. Percussion students are the only people allowed to touch or play the percussion instruments. f. Students are not to touch any other students or directors property (locks, instrument, music) without their express consent. g. Students will put all equipment away after class. Percussionists will cover and properly stow all equipment before leaving the band room. h. Shelves are for instrument storage only. The band room is not to be used as your locker. Books and other personal belongings found on shelves will be deposited in the school s Lost and Found. i. Non-band students will not be allowed in the band room. j. Students are admitted to the practice rooms only with the Director s permission. 4. Each member will prepare his/her music through daily home practice. Instruments will go home every night. 5. Conduct at off-campus activities should display the same standard of qualities as established on the campus. Students will act as ambassadors of Union 8th Grade Center and their parents at all off-campus events. 3. Students are to respect their property and the property of others. a. NO gum, food, and/or drinks will be allowed in the band room. b. Students are not to lean on and/or deface music stands. c. Students using school-owned equipment will be responsible for any loss or damage.

4 Parent Responsibility Parents have also made a commitment to the band program by allowing their children to be a part of it, and by purchasing an instrument and/or equipment for them to use. Band can be very rewarding for parents too, so we encourage you to get involved. By following a few simple guidelines, you can make sure your child is a successful member of the band in addition to knowing that the money you invested will be well worth it to your family. 1. Set a regular time and place for him/her to practice. 2. Help him/her keep a daily record of practice. 3. Check weekly to see that accessories (reeds valve oil, slide oil, cleaning cloth, music book and folder, etc.) are in order. 4. Make sure they are PRESENT AND ON TIME for all rehearsals, lessons, and other band events scheduled outside the school day. 5. Keep informed of your child s progress and involvement. 6. Attend ALL concerts and band events. 7. Show an interest they will need your encouragement! 8. Help them to understand the more they practice now, the more fun and enjoyment they will have later. Attendance Policy All group performances held outside of the school day require mandatory attendance from each student. We ask that you mark your calendars with these events so that you avoid these dates when planning family activities and other non-school related events. Like the spokes on a wheel, each student is very important to the group. Trying to rehearse and/or perform without all band members is similar to playing the piano with missing keys. Students risk their participation in performances when absent. We need and expect students to attend performances. Occasionally, band events may conflict with another Union School event, in which case, the directors/sponsors of both groups will work with the student and parent so that the student and group s best interests are met. A calendar of events is provided to all students. The director will notify students as soon as possible if there are any necessary changes. Please schedule other activities and appointments around the designated dates. At times an absence at a scheduled event is inevitable. Absences from scheduled events are excused if: I. Student is absent from school that day, or II. The director of that performing group has been given written notification by the parent that the student will be absent well in advance of the date and is based on an acceptable reason (director decision), or III. In family emergencies (death in the family or personal illness) the parent contacts the director as soon as possible after the absence occurs. IV. Students must be academically eligible in order to participate in competitive band activities, auditions, and performances. These include All-District Band auditions and clinics, Solo and Ensemble Contest, District and invitational band contests, including the Frontier City Band Festival.

5 Basic Equipment 1. Students will furnish their own instrument, mouthpiece, reeds, valve oil, neck strap, and case. Oboes, Bassoons, Bass Clarinets, Horns, Euphoniums, and Tubas will be furnished by the school district. Students playing school owned instruments will need to supply their equipment as well. Bass Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone and Baritone Saxophone students will be furnished a mouthpiece by the district. Horn, Euphonium, and Tuba students will need to furnish their own mouthpiece. Recommended Upgraded Instruments We highly recommend students in the 8th Grade Band to investigate upgrading their instruments. The instruments that are rented in the 6th Grade program are intended to be beginning instruments. They are made to take the wear and tear of young inexperienced musicians. As 8th grade students, we expect that the students have matured and are handling their instruments with care and are ready to move on to top quality instruments. The upgraded instruments provide better craftsmanship and better tone quality. The instruments will last them the rest of the life if the instrument is handled with care. 2. Percussionists will refer to the equipment list provided on the UnionBands.com website for more information on the required instruments, books, and other accessories. In the navigation menu, select: students / percussion / 8 th grade percussion. 3. Reed players are expected to have four good, playable reeds with them. It is suggested that a reed guard be used in order to avoid damage to reeds when not being used. 4. Brass players are to keep their instrument clean and in working condition. Valves and slides must be kept well lubricated. Instruments should be flushed out with a snake/brush cleaner on a regular basis. We recommend the following instruments: Flute Gemeinhardt Emerson Clarinets Buffet Selmer Saxophone Selmer KG Millennium EF8 any YFL 700 series R13 or E11 CL 300 Series YCL 650 Super Action 80 any series YAS62II 5. If an instrument breaks, notify the band director first. Often, it is a minor repair that the director can fix at school. If the director cannot fix the instrument, take it to the shop immediately and provide the director with a note from the parent explaining the situation. Learning and skill building is interrupted each day that the student is without an instrument. Trumpet Bach Conn Trombone Bach Conn Stradivarious #37 Bell Vintage 1 YTR-6345G 42BO 88H YSL-620

6 Grading Learning objectives are based on performance skills, responsibility, and participation. Therefore, students are expected to fulfill individual as well as group responsibilities. Grades include weekly individual performance grades, assignments and rehearsals held outside of the school day, participation, and full band performances. The participation grade is based upon the student s daily participation in class and out of class rehearsals. Students cannot learn in a band rehearsal unless they are able to participate each day. Each student will start the week with a grade of 100% for participation. Points will be credited daily toward this grade by using the following calculations: 1. Instrument 2. Music 3. Reed or necessary equipment 4. Pencil 20 points 10 points 10 points 10 points Four Steps to Performance Success 1. PREPARATION Come in quietly. Set up and finger through your part. 2. EQUIPMENT Always have your music, your instrument, and a sharpened pencil. 3. REHEARSAL Sit quietly and still. Unnecessary talking and movement distracts from the rehearsal. 4. DISMISSAL The bell does not dismiss you, the teacher does. After dismissal, put away materials and depart for your next class. 1st Offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense 4th Offense 5th Offense Classroom Discipline Procedure Warning, student / teacher conference Parent/Teacher conference Detention assigned / parent notification Team / student conference; parent notification Referral to the Assistant Principal / Counselor NOTE: Band members are expected to maintain a standard of behavior that exemplifies the characteristics of good citizenship. Students that frequently display conduct unbecoming a band member may be denied participation in band activities. Performances The Eighth Grade Band will present more performances than previous years. Performances include a Union High School Football Game, Winter Concert, Spring Concert Band Festival, Spring Concert and an out of state trip with Board Approval. Please see separate 8th Grade Performance Schedule. 8th Grade Honor Band/Solo and Ensemble January 15, 2011 = Audition for honor band Seventh Grade Band students will have the opportunity to audition for the Northeast Oklahoma All-District Honor Band. These auditions will be held in January and selected students will present a clinic and concert in February. Participation is optional. An entry audition fee is required. Specific dates, times, and fees will be forthcoming. Eighth Grade Band students will also have the opportunity to participate in the District Solo and Ensemble Contest in March. Participation is optional. An entry fee is required. Some solos may have an accompanist fee as well. Specific dates, times, and fees will be forthcoming.

7 Concert Dress Concert attire is black pants (no jeans), white tuxedo, black shoes and black socks (no open toe shoes). T-shirts, jeans, tennis shoes and white socks are inappropriate concert attire. For pep assemblies, football games and casual events we will wear the band polo shirt and blue jeans. Private Lessons Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all students and are a vital ingredient for any successful musician. Students work on fundamentals of performance, building good playing habits, preparing audition or solo materials and for enrichment outside of band class. Guidelines for Travel Parents will be notified in writing as to departure and return times and locations. Trips will be chaperoned by directors and parents. Any parent willing to chaperone a trip would be greatly appreciated. The directors will make a concerted effort to return to school at the prescribed time. There are, however, extenuating circumstances which can occur. The directors will make every effort to contact parents waiting at the school for the returning buses if a delay is inevitable. On band trips, all normal school rules and dress codes apply. Students must be academically eligible in order to travel. ON BAND TRIPS IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO: 1. Provide a Medical Information Form that is to be turned in along with parent permission forms. 2. Arrive on time. 3. Double check to confirm you have all necessary music and equipment. 4. Stay with your group or buddy at all times. 5. Notify the director or chaperone immediately in cases of emergency. 6. Stay seated (face front) and remain quiet during travel. 7. Never leave anything of value unattended at any time (purses, instruments, etc.) 8. Follow all school rules and guidelines. Remember that you are representing the Union Band and Union Public Schools. 9. Make sure arrangements have been made for prompt pick up at the end of a trip. Private lessons are the best way to help your child get ahead as a musician. The band classes help students learn to play as a ensemble, but a one-on-one lesson is the best vehicle to maximize your child full potential. We would love to have everyone in the 8th grade band interested in taking private lessons!!! If you are interested in private lessons, you can look on or contact your band director. Every effort will be made to find a qualified instructor to work with you. Contact Us! The Union Band Staff is excited to have the opportunity to continue to develop your child s music and life skills this year. We are looking forward to another successful and rewarding school year! Please feel free to contact us at any time with your questions or concerns. Thank you! Ken Hansen 8th Grade Band Coordinator hansen.kenneth@unionps.org