Fillmore Central Middle School Band Handbook

Transcription

1 Fillmore Central Middle School Band Handbook

2 Band Students and Parents: The purpose of this handbook is to express in detail the structure of the FCMS band program. Band is one of the most rewarding (and fun) activities one begins in middle school and is one that you can enjoy for your whole life. Throughout the year you will grow musically, intellectually, and socially and will help make this the best year in our great history. Scientists have proven that a musical education leads to smarter, better prepared students, and we are no exception. At the end of the year I hope that we are all better and closer than we were at the beginning and that you can look back at the year and be glad for every moment in it. It may seem as though I hold high standards and that is because I do: each musician in the program should work to the best of their potential to improve themselves and the program as a whole. I greatly encourage all of you to partake in private lessons, which are the best way for you to grow as a musician. I will be available for private lessons and can provide a list of accomplished musicians in the area. Remember that every instrument on which you perform increases your skill on each other instrument you perform, so I encourage you to try new instruments, sing in the choir, start a garage band, or some other musical endeavor that stretches your musical horizons. This handbook is designed to answer any questions you might have concerning the program. Please read all of the information and sign the form in the back of the book. I am honored to be your band director and am looking forward to a great year!! Mr. Ben Kaye-Skinner Director, Fillmore Central Middle School Bands ben.kayeskinner@fillmorecentral.org Cell Phone :

3 If Better Is Possible, Then Good Is Not Enough! MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK I firmly believe that all musicians should improve through regular practice. When the student has lost the will to improve him/herself or make a better contribution to the band, he/she is wasting the time and efforts of his/her fellow members and the community by continuing in this program. The best student is the one who is improving through regular habits of practice and daily progress. He/she must not only know right from wrong, but must be able to stand for principles. He/she must develop a high sense of purpose toward which he/she is willing to work. Responsibility is the focus behind any level of achievement within this program. It is our goal to allow for the maximum growth of every member of the band. OBJECTIVES OF THE BAND PROGRAM To teach music by performance To develop performance skills of the various wind and percussion instruments To provide for the musical needs of the school and the community To acquaint the students with Music Theory / History and how history and musical composition relate to students current life and musical experiences To provide all students with the opportunity for worthy use of their time, a means for self expression, and a healthy social experience To develop the ability to function as a responsible member of a group, enhance interaction, and develop ownership of the band To foster leadership skills within each student Music Makes the Difference

4 ATTENDANCE POLICY Attendance is required at all performances unless arranged in advance with Mr. Kaye-Skinner. The band operates as a major publicity tool for FCMS and for the communities it serves, and as such we are expected to perform to our fullest potential. Absences affect our performance as an ensemble and are to be avoided at all costs. Unexcused absence from a concert will dealt with on a case by case basis. Information on how this will affect a student s grade can be found in the Grading Policy section. EQUIPMENT NEEDS ALL PLAYERS All 5-6 band students will use the book "Essential Elements 2000, Book 1." You may buy a book on your own or purchase one from the school. Most books are $10, but French horn and percussion books are slightly higher. All 7-8 band students will use the book "Superior Bands in Sixteen Weeks" by Quincy Hilliard. You may buy a book on your own or purchase one from the school for $9. Students will be given a pencil, a folder, and all music that will be performed. BRASS Always have valve/slide oil on hand. This will save you time and problems in the long run. It is a good idea to give your instrument a bath every few months I have instruction sheets and cleaning brushes available if you would like to learn how to do this. PERCUSSION ACCESSORIES Each percussionist should have a stick bag to manage his/her materials. The school will provide sticks for rehearsal and performance, but these sticks will allow you to practice most efficiently. A fully effective stick bag should contain the following things: A pair of general snare sticks (get these first) A pair of general timpani mallets or staccato mallets A pair of rubber xylophone mallets, Musser Blue or Musser Green (get these first) A pair of yarn mallets, DS 16 or DS 18 A triangle beater A pitch pipe, F F or C C WOODWINDS Keep at least three reeds in the case. That way, if one breaks, you still have two more. If two break, you still have one more. If they all break, you need to take better care of your reeds. I strongly recommend that you buy reeds by the box instead of individually it helps you be more prepared when you need more reeds and is usually cheaper. You should also have cork grease and a cleaning swab to help keep your instrument in top shape. DO NOT, FOR ANY REASON, GET YOUR INSTRUMENT WET! GRADING POLICY All students will have playing quizzes, written assignments and performances on which their grade will be based. These assignments are broken into two categories, "formative" and "summative."

5 Formative assignments are practice in-class papers, playing quizzes, etc. and will be worth 20% of a student's final grade. Summative assignments are large assignments that demonstrate students' learning performances and playing tests and will be worth 80%. Further details are below. 5 th Grade 5 th grade band will be graded "pass/fail" based on students' performance on weekly playing assignments and occasional written assignments. Each week students will be given an assignment that will be played for the director at the end of the next week's sectional. Students that fail to acceptably play the exercise will have as many attempts to redo it as needed. There will be, from time to time, written assignments that are completed both in class and as homework outside of class. The culminating (summative) assignment will be to perform in the spring concert. Students that are unable to attend the concert will be given a makeup assignment. The final pass/fail grade will be based on the director's evaluation of students' performance on formative and summative assignments throughout the school year. Students that receive a passing grade will be recommended for 6 th grade band. 6 th Grade 6 th grade band will be graded "pass/fail" based on students' performance on playing assignments, occasional written assignments and performances. Approximately every three weeks, students will be given a playing quiz that will be played and graded using SmartMusic software in class. Each playing quiz will be listed as a formative assignment worth 10 points. Students will have as many attempts to redo each assignment as needed before they submit their final grade. There will be, from time to time, written assignments that are completed both in class and as homework outside of class. Knowing the 12 major scales is a pivotal step in development as a musician. They are the basis for almost all music written in the last 400 years and are essential in understanding written music. 6 th grade students are required to memorize 6 of the 12 major scales by the end of the fourth quarter. Each scale will be listed as a formative assignment worth 10 points. These scales will be played for the director. Students that fail to acceptably play a scale will have as many attempts to redo it as needed. The culminating (summative) assignments each semester will be to perform in concert for the community and to perform an assigned piece in class for their peers. The concert will be worth 100 points and the in-class performance 50 points. Students that are unable to attend the concert will perform their music with Mr. Kaye-Skinner in a makeup setting. 7 th and 8 th Grade 7/8 band will be graded on the standard district grading scale, based on students' performance on playing quizzes and written assignments. Each week, students will be given a playing quiz that will be played and graded using SmartMusic software in class. Each playing quiz will be worth 10 points. Students will have as many attempts to redo each assignment as needed. Knowing the 12 major scales is a pivotal step in development as a musician. They are the basis for almost all music written in the last 400 years and are essential in understanding written music. 7 th and

6 8 th grade students are required to memorize 6 of the 12 major scales by the end of the second quarter and the other 6 major scales by the end of the fourth quarter. Each scale is worth 10 points. These scales will be played for the director. Students that fail to acceptably play a scale will have as many attempts to redo it as needed. Percussionists may choose to perform snare drum rudiments instead of scales. 7 th graders will choose 8 of the 40 rudiments each semester; 8 th graders will choose 10 of the 40 rudiments each semester. There will be, from time to time, written assignments that are completed both in class and as homework outside of class. This will include daily theory assignments and occasional tests through One Minute Theory. All One Minute Theory assignments will be completed in class. At the end of each theory unit there will be a summative quiz and each semester will have a written summative final exam. The culminating (summative) performance assignments each semester will be to perform in concert for the community and to perform an assigned piece in class for their peers. Students will select their own piece from options provided by the director. The concert will be worth 100 points and the in-class performance 50 points. Students that are unable to attend the concert will perform their music with Mr. Kaye-Skinner in a makeup setting. MARCHING BAND Percussionists and some students with piano or percussion experience in 7 th and 8 th grades will have the opportunity to join the marching band in performance. They will be required to attend all morning rehearsals. Participation in the marching band will also require purchase of a band shirt and Drillmaster marching shoes. MATERIALS Each student should have the following items in class everyday: a sharpened pencil your instrument and accessories you need for it your music and folder PARENTS It is the responsibility of every parent and guardian to see that the policies outlined in the handbook are followed and that the form in the back is signed and returned. This states that you UNDERSTAND the policies as set within, and that any questions are to be directed to the band director by making an appointment. Each parent IS responsible for the attendance of his/her child at all band functions. The hands of the director are tied without the help of parents. How parents can help: Show an interest in the music study of your child. Arrange a regular time for your child to practice and encourage them to improve. Find a quiet place where he/she can practice without interruption. Listen to performances of practice material, when asked to do so. Come up with a reward system for DAILY practice.

7 Keep the instrument in good repair. Woodwinds keep at least three reeds in the case. Brass always have valve/slide oil on hand. Percussion always have enough sticks and mallets. Everybody - get a metronome and a tuner! Be extra careful with school-owned instruments. Repair costs are high! Teach your child to be prepared and on time to each rehearsal and performance. Provide private instruction! Make faithful attendance at all band activities important. Double-check behind the student on the way to school to make sure that they have their instrument. PRACTICE Band will not be fun unless you practice! There are lots of talented people in the world, but without work, that talent will go nowhere. There are many values in the study of music as a discipline that transfer to other areas of life. Although this will not immediately happen, persistent practice will lead to enthusiastic, driven practice. Remember: Perfect Practice makes Perfect! Here is a suggested plan of study: Pick a set time each day Increase dynamic range (work on pianissimo) Increase range (highest note with good tone) Work on technique (articulations, accents, etc.) Increase endurance (15 minutes of full playing) Use a tuner for a portion of your practice session Use a metronome for part of the time Practice sight-reading I will start with minutes and increase to..." RECORDINGS Below are suggestions of artists for each instrument. Though not required, every student should own at least one recording of these famous artists on their instrument: FLUTE CLARINET OBOE BASSOON SAXOPHONE TRUMPET FRENCH HORN TROMBONE EUPHONIUM TUBA PERCUSSION Jean-Pierre Rampal, Jim Walker, James Galway Harold Wright, Larry Combs, Glenn Miller Joseph Robinson, John Mack Bubonic Bassoon Quartet, Christopher Millard Jean Rousseau, Joseph Lulloff, Steven Mauk, Branford Marsalis Phil Smith, Adolph Herseth, Wynton Marsalis Dale Clevenger, Dennis Brain Joseph Alessi, Christian Linberg, Trombone Shorty Brian Bowman, Roger Behrend Arnold Jacobs, Sam Pilafian Dame Evelyn Glennie, Buddy Rich These are my personal suggestions for quality composers, bands, and performers. If you would like to hear any of them, please ask: P.D.Q. Bach/Peter Schickele Eric Clapton Aaron Copland Chick Corea Miles Davis Incubus Earth Wind & Fire Emerson, Lake & Palmer Foo Fighters Ben Folds Percy Grainger

8 Charles Ives Morten Lauridsen Led Zeppelin The Mars Volta Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Oscar Peterson Buddy Rich Stephen Sondheim Igor Stravinsky Straylight Run Tool Eric Whitacre Ralph Vaughan Williams Dream Theater Charlie Parker Arturo Sandoval Dizzie Gillespie The Beatles Leonard Bernstein Stephen Schwartz Youngblood Brass Band Nickel Creek Punch Brothers John Mayer Nat King Cole Carlos Santana Jason Mraz SCHEDULE CHANGES Students wishing to add or drop band must meet with Mr. Kaye-Skinner, then Mr. Adkisson to complete the Fillmore Central Middle School Schedule Change Request Form. Signatures are necessary from parents, Mr. Kaye-Skinner and Mr. Adkisson before changes will be finalized. SCHOOL-OWNED INSTRUMENT POLICY All students playing a "large instrument" (bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, baritone, or tuba) or "specialty instrument" (French horn, oboe, or bassoon) will be allowed to rent instruments from the school as in the past. Students playing all other instruments (except percussion) must qualify for free or reduced lunch OR demonstrate other financial need to rent an instrument from the band. Students using school instruments will be charged $60 rent per year, which helps offset the high cost of repair and maintenance. The charge for all percussionists will be $20. If asked by the director to change instruments from a student-owned instrument to a school-owned instrument, no fee will be incurred for the first year. If there are two or more students in one family renting instruments from the school, the fee will be $100. If other arrangements are necessary they will be handled between the director and the family. Each student who uses a school-owned instrument is completely responsible for the care of the instrument. Minor repairs due to the prior state of the instrument will be handled by the band program. If an instrument is damaged due to negligence, the student is responsible for the cost of its repair. An instrument check-out form must be filled out and on file with the director.

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10 Fillmore Central School Instrument Rental Agreement I agree to the following: I am responsible for day-to-day maintenance of my instrument. If minor repairs are needed, Mr. Kaye-Skinner should be noti<ied immediately so they may be taken care of. Major repairs, depending on their nature, may come at my expense. The instrument is school property and may be reclaimed at any time. All school policies regarding property use apply. The fee for renting a school instrument is $60 annually. The total rental cost for a family shall not exceed $100. If a student is switched from their personal instrument to a school instrument, the <irst year of rental is free. Percussionists will be charged a $20 fee for use of percussion equipment. Student name Parent name Student signature Parent signature Instrument Please attach the following and return by : $60 instrument rental fee $20 percussion fee Fee waiver

11 MS Band Schedule Tuesday, December 5 7pm Band/Choir Concert 5 th Grade Choir 6 th Grade Choir 7 th /8 th Grade Choir 6 th Grade Band 7 th /8 th Grade Band Sound Sensations Tuesday, March 20 7pm Band/Choir Concert 5 th Grade Choir 6 th Grade Choir 7 th /8 th Grade Choir 5 th Grade Band 6 th Grade Band 7 th /8 th Grade Band Sound Sensations Triple E Projects

12 Handbook Agreement Letter I, the undersigned student, accept membership in the Fillmore Central Middle School Band and understand that I am responsible for all the policies as set forth in the Band Handbook. I fully agree to carry out my responsibilities to the very best of my ability. (Student Signature) (Date) (Student Name) I, the undersigned parent or guardian, have read and understand the policies as set forth in the Band Handbook. I also grant full permission for my child to be an active member of the Fillmore Central Middle School Band. In addition, my child has full permission to attend all band functions. Furthermore, I understand that I must meet all financial obligations. (Parent Signature) (Date) This signed paper is to be turned in by.