Fulton Hornet Band Handbook Fulton Middle School

Transcription

1 Fulton Hornet Band Handbook Fulton Middle School Band Directors : Kelly Neudecker kneudecker@fulton58.org Sara Blandford sblandford@fulton58.org Website: tinyurl.com/fultonband

2 Table of Contents Fulton Middle School Mission Statement 2 Goals of the Fulton Hornet Band 2 Middle School Performance Dates 2 Fulton Hornet Middle School Band Expectations 2 Consequences 2 Books and Music 2 Sixth Grade Students 2 Seventh Grade Students 2 Eighth Grade Students 2 Grades 2 Participation 2 Performances 2 Playing Tests 2 Music Theory 2 Re-Dos 2 Private Lessons 2 Acknowledgement 2 2

3 Fulton Middle School Mission Statement Educating, Engaging, and Empowering All Learners at Escalating Levels Goals of the Fulton Hornet Band To enrich life by treating music as an art and heightening aesthetic sensitivity, awareness, and perception. To be aware of and recognize the value of the world s musical heritage, to feel comfortable with music in varied settings, and to respect each individual s unique aspirations and values. To develop listening, performance, and creative skills. To pursue music in one s life as a consumer, performer, or composer by evaluating and using music in relation to its setting and purpose. To develop musicianship, a sensitivity to all of those elements which make musical performance an art as well as a skill. To provide students the opportunity to explore music regardless of race, sex, or cultural background. To develop psychomotor skills (skills that involve both mental and muscular activity) as needed for the performance of music. To encourage teamwork among students. To contribute to positive character development. To provide opportunities for social and group adjustment. To instill a sense of self-confidence in one s ability to perform. To promote the development of responsibility. To acknowledge the self-worth of each individual. To assist in the development of mental and self-discipline. 3

4 Middle School Performance Dates All performances in bold are mandatory. Tuesday, August 21 Beginning Band Parent Meeting/Instrument Rental Night Middle School Gym 6:00 8:00 p.m Friday, September 14 Friday, September 28 Tuesday, October 23 Friday, November 30 Thursday, December 20 Friday, March 1 FMS Quarterly Band Bonding Middle School Band Room 8th Grade Band Perform at Homecoming parade and Home Football Game The 8th grade band will perform with the Fulton Hornet Band (FHS) during pre-game FMS 6th Grade Band Showcase 6th Grade Band FMS Gym FMS Quarterly Band Bonding Middle School Band Room Winter Music Concert 6 8 Bands and 7 th /8 th Grade Guitar Classes FMS Gym CMU Music Festival 8th grade band performs and may take solos 7th graders are eligible to take solos, but this is not a required event for them Fayette 6:00-8:00 p.m. 2:00-4:00 p.m. 5:00-9:30 p.m. 6:00-7:00 pm 5:30-8:00 p.m. 6:00 pm-7:30 pm Time TBD Tuesday, March 12 Parade of Bands Fundraiser Meal and Concert at Fulton High School 6 12 Bands FHS Gym Tuesday, May 7 Spring Band Concert 6 8 Bands and 7 th /8 th Grade Guitar Classes FMS Gym Meal: 5:00 pm Concert: 7:00 pm-8:00 pm 6:00-7:30 p.m. 4

5 Fulton Hornet Middle School Band Expectations These are the expectations all Fulton Hornet Middle School Band members must meet. All students are expected to have their instrument, pencil, and method book/music for each rehearsal. Students should always be respectful toward other students and teachers. Be prepared to begin rehearsal on time. Students may bring water to rehearsals; gum, food, or other drinks are not allowed. Students must have their parts prepared so we can rehearse the whole band during class. Restroom needs must be taken care of before rehearsal begins. Consequences Students committing minor infractions will be given a warning. If a student continues to commit the same minor infraction after three warnings and parent contact in a week, an office referral will be made. Books and Music Sixth Grade Students Sixth graders will purchase Essential Elements Book 1 for his or her particular instrument. This book will be available at Instrument Rental Night and lost books must be replaced during the year. 6th grade percussionists will need to purchase A Fresh Approach to the Snare Drum and A Fresh Approach to Mallet Percussion. There will be a classroom set of Essentials Elements Book 1 for percussionists. Seventh Grade Students Seventh graders will continue to use Essential Elements Book 1 for his or her particular instrument. Later in the semester, 7 th grade band students will begin to work out of the Foundations for Superior Performance. Books may be purchased from the school, online or from a music store, but will also be available through a classroom set. If a student is purchasing a book from the school, checks should be made out to the Fulton Middle School. Eighth Grade Students Eighth Graders will use classroom sets of books and sheet music. Grades Grades are earned by actively participating in rehearsals and performances, playing tests, and music theory assignments. Participation Active participation in class is expected. Participation means having music, instrument, and other equipment (including a pencil) in class, and being able to perform the assigned parts. Periodically it is necessary for instruments to be repaired. If this is the case, please bring a note from home that includes the date the instrument was sent for repair and the date return is expected. If possible, the student may be able to borrow a school instrument in order to maintain the pace of the class while their instrument is being repaired. 5

6 Performances Attendance at performances is required. A list of performance dates is included in the handbook so that family schedules can be arranged to allow students to attend performances. If a student has an excused absence from a concert, an alternative assignment will be provided. All students are vital to performances. Each individual has his or her own part in the music, and place in the band. It is important for students to understand that absences negatively affect performances in that the part usually heard is missing. Students are expected to dress nicely for all concerts (concert black and white). Please no jeans or tennis shoes. Remember, that the Fulton Middle School dress code still applies for concerts and trips away from school. 8 th grade band students who do not already have one, will be required to purchase an FMS band polo. We have a limited amount of polos that are available to be borrowed. More information about the band polo will be sent home within the first week of school. Polos will cost less than $15 and will be worn to every concert and performance. Playing Tests It is imperative for the directors to hear students play individually so specific problems can be isolated and student frustration and bad habits can be avoided. Therefore, students will be given playing tests on a regular basis over material we are working on in class. Students who are absent from class are responsible for making up any missed tests or work. Missed assignments or tests will be given a grade of zero until made up by the student. Students have the entire quarter to make up the assignment. Music Theory Students will also learn music theory such as writing scales, rhythms, and defining musical terms. Theory assignments and tests will be figured into student s grades. Re-Dos Students who struggle with a standard in band, will have the opportunity to re-learn that standard and re-do until they achieve proficiency. Students who score 79% or lower on an assignment or test, will work with the directors to demonstrate learning has taken place, and then re-do the assignment or test. Students earning 80% or above can choose whether or not to re-do the assignment or test. The latest score earned will entered into the gradebook. Private Lessons Private lessons are strongly encouraged. If students are interested in working with a private teacher, Ms. Neudecker and Mrs. Blandford can assist in finding one. Music advancement is dependent upon individual practice and closely monitored instruction. Instrumental music at this age requires repetition of correct practice habits. A private teacher can help reinforce the many fundamental skills a developing musician needs. 6

7 Acknowledgement This handbook explains the policies and practices of the Fulton Middle School Band program to you and your son or daughter. After reading the handbook, please sign below showing that both you and your son or daughter read and understood this handbook and the grading requirements within. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Neudecker or Mrs. Blandford. Parent/Guardian Name (Print) Parent/Guardian Signature Student Name (Print) Student Signature 7