Heritage Middle School Bronco Band Handbook

Transcription

1 Heritage Middle School Bronco Band Handbook Scott Saettel, Principal David Zahrndt, GCISD Fine Arts Director Kimberly McCutcheon & Brenda Hinton, Directors The mission of the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District is to be THE BEST. 1

2 Table of Contents Letter from the Directors.. 3 Course Descriptions... 4 Rehearsal and Performance Guidelines. 5 Grading Sectionals and Attendance... 6 Instrument / Facilities Care. 7 Instrument Supplies. 8 Concert Dress.. 9 Auditions 9 Grade Checks and Eligibility.. 10 Fees / Private Lessons.. 11 Booster Club Keys to your Success Signature Pages. 13 Heritage Middle School Band Kimberly McCutcheon & Brenda Hinton, Directors 5300 Heritage Ave, Colleyville, TX kimberly.mccutcheon@gcisd.net or brenda.hinton@gcisd.net 2

3 HERITAGE MIDDLE SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK The goal of the Heritage Middle School band staff is to provide every student with the best music education possible. We believe in developing every student s character through hard work, goal-setting, risktaking, cooperation, and responsibility. We hope that you will come into the Bronco Band with a sense of pride and very high standards for the entire group. We firmly believe that you will help create one of the best Bronco Bands ever by setting an example of success accomplished the right way. This handbook contains a list of band activities, procedures, rules, information, and goals for the Heritage Middle School Bands. It is extremely important that all details are understood by both students and parents. Please keep this handbook as a reference should you ever have any questions. Your time, energy, and cooperation in making our band program excel this year is greatly appreciated. HERITAGE MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY Band is a musical organization serving as a laboratory for students of instrumental music. Foremost among the objectives of band is to provide students with the opportunity to become intimately acquainted with band literature and to develop a love for and understanding of music. Participation in band should provide a self-satisfying level of proficiency and achievement as well as a strong basis for further musical enrichment, either with continued study or as an avocation. Band places emphasis on the refinement of the basic fundamentals of performance, both individually and as a group, and development of discriminating listening skills. Since the majority of its members will not be professional musicians, the program strives to produce intelligent consumers of music with an appreciation of the arts as a form of communication and self-expression. In addition to these basic objectives, participation in band develops leadership, responsibility, cooperation, self-discipline, self-motivation and cultural awareness. Participation in band should lead the student to recognize the unique contribution of music as an art form. Being the directors of the Heritage Middle School Bronco Band is one of the greatest experiences and honors we know. We are looking forward to an awesome year! Dedicated to your success! Kimberly McCutcheon & Brenda Hinton *The Heritage Band doing is doing it s part to Go Green. Please visit to view the entire handbook or you can request a hardcopy by ing a band director. 3

4 Course Descriptions Beginning Band This course concentrates on the student s first year in band. Focus is placed on learning the fundamentals of music and how to play their instrument. This class meets daily and gives students an introduction to the musical language, music history, and basic music theory. Students must go through an interview with one of the directors to help place him/her on their instrument. Members are highly encouraged to take private lessons from our adjunct music faculty. Concert Band This band is made up of seventh and eighth grade students who have demonstrated an improved proficiency on their instrument. Students are selected for the Concert Band based upon audition and their past performance in the band program. There will be a continued emphasis on fundamentals and basics of instrumental performance and theory. All members of this ensemble are to participate in the GICSD Solo & Ensemble Contest and participate with the band at all co-curricular and extra-curricular performances. Members are highly encouraged to take private lessons from our adjunct music faculty. The director will assign required sectionals and clinics. Symphonic Band This band is made up of seventh and eighth grade students who have demonstrated an advanced proficiency on their instrument. Students are selected for the Symphonic Band based upon audition, their past performance in the band program, attitude and behavior. There will be a continued emphasis on fundamentals and basics of instrumental performance and theory. All members of this ensemble are to participate in the GCISD Solo Contest, GISD Ensemble Contest and participate with the band at all co-curricular and extra-curricular performances. Students are strongly encouraged to audition for the All-District Band. Members are also highly encouraged to take private lessons from our HMS private lesson staff. The director will assign required sectionals and clinics. Honors Band This band is made up of seventh and eighth grade students who have demonstrated an extremely advanced proficiency on their instrument. Students are selected for the Honors Band based upon audition, class participation and effort, behavior, and past performances in the band program on their instrument. A student may be transferred out of Honors Band if he or she is ineligible for more than one nine weeks period, has an unexcused absence from a performance or is not meeting performance expectations. Members of this ensemble are to audition for the All-District & All-Region Bands, participate in GCISD Solo & Ensemble Contests and participate with the band at all co-curricular and extra-curricular performances. Students are expected to attend once a week sectional as coordinated with Mrs. McCutcheon. Members are highly encouraged to take private lessons from our HMS private lesson staff. The director will assign required sectionals and rehearsals. The musical goals for every HMS Band member are the same: To attain skills in playing their instrument, reading and writing music, and performing at the highest level possible. Daily improvement and effort towards these goals is the focus of every class. 4

5 Rehearsals and Performances Daily rehearsal time is extremely valuable. Our high expectations and performance levels require that every rehearsal minute is utilized to its fullest extent. Only through quality rehearsal is a quality performance achieved. No one has the right to interfere with the learning, safety, or well-being of others. To this end, all students must follow the policies for effective, efficient, and productive rehearsals. Rehearsal guidelines 1. Be present and on time to each rehearsal. 2. Have all of your own materials and equipment (i.e. instrument, binder, music, pencil, etc.). 3. No talking during the rehearsal. 4. No drinks, food, gum, or candy in the band hall without permission from a director. 5. No rough or rowdy play in the band hall. 6. No damaging or defacing of school or other s property. 7. Store all instruments and materials properly. 8. Follow directions of instructors as well as all school policy. Consequences for not following these guidelines may result in loss of chair placement, short-term removal from the group, parent contact and conferences, as well as other school discipline procedures. Performances are the tangible outcome of all of the hard work and effort of the students and directors. The only outcome sought is that of superior musicianship. When performing, students should always remember that they represent their directors, band family, school, and community. Any actions that could even remotely detract from the positive image we strive to display will not be tolerated. Performance Guidelines 1. Please go to our band website to view our calendar. We have provided you with EVERY performance we have this year well in advance. Please mark these on your calendar now to avoid any possible conflict. 2. Be early. 3. Be courteous and polite to everyone, including the other school groups. 4. Maintain a performance atmosphere while in uniform. ***Deviation from these guidelines will result in the consequences stated above or in immediate removal from the group. 5

6 Grading, Sectionals, & Attendance Grading Each class will receive an outline of the Six Weeks goals and major assignments. Grading is in accordance with GCISD policies and accomplished each Six Weeks through a simple formula consisting of: 1. Remember/Understand/Apply (40%) a. This includes Participation, attendance, attitude, and class preparation. Sectional attendance is also a part of this category (Honors Band and Symphonic Band). 2. Analyze/Evaluate (40%) a. This includes both Individual / Group performances and test/quiz grades in and out of class time. 3. Homework/Create (20%) a. This includes practice records, homework and projects. The Remember/Understand/Apply is calculated weekly and is affected by attendance, having all materials, and being actively engaged in each day s lesson. Sectionals In order to achieve and maintain a high standard of musicianship, it is necessary to have some rehearsals outside of the school day. All Honors and Symphonic Band students must attend their weekly sectional. Sectionals are 50 minutes in length. A specific schedule will be posted at a later date. During the first two weeks of school, students will be asked to give their before and after school conflicts: a sectional schedule will be designed around these. The frequency of these sectionals depends on the band: Concert Band: Symphonic Band: Honor Winds: Students are encouraged to attend Symphonic Band Sectionals Before or after school weekly sectionals starting at 7:00am or 3:35pm. Before or after school weekly sectionals starting at 7:00am or 3:35pm. Attendance ALL absences (excused or unexcused) from a sectional or performance must be communicated to the directors via phone call, , or written note. If a student misses a sectional or performance for an excused reason, he or she may make up the grade for full credit. If a student misses a sectional or performance for an unexcused reason, he or she may make up the grade for partial credit. Excessive absences may result in removal from the ensemble or organization. Excused absences include: 1. Illness (sick from school) 2. Approved school conflict 3. Out of town (prior approval) 4. Family emergency ***Outside of school activities (i.e. baseball practice, hair appointment, not having a ride, etc.) are NOT considered excused absences. 6

7 Instruments All students are required to have an instrument by the end of the first week of school. Students not having one by the deadline will be losing valuable instruction time and their schedule may be changed from band to another elective. Personally-owned instruments should adhere to the recommended instrument list. It is extremely important that each student have a quality instrument that is in good working condition. School-owned instruments are available to members who play those instruments or have been asked to switch by the directors due to instrumentation problems. The following school-owned instruments are available: Oboe Baritone Saxophone Bassoon French Horn Bass Clarinet Euphonium Tenor Saxophone Tuba Care of Equipment and Facilities Band Hall Expectations A great deal of trust and responsibility is needed to keep our band hall safe and orderly. Always be respectful and mindful of others and the equipment. Music stands are to hold and support your music binder, not your body. Do not lean, wiggle, spin or otherwise abuse the music stands. School-Owned Instruments A GCISD contract will be sent home with each student playing a school-owned instrument. This must be signed by the student and parents. Students will supply their own mouthpiece, reeds, and other supplies. Students/parents will pay a nominal $50.00 per semester usage fee in order to pay for use of the instrument. This helps to cover the cost of maintenance repairs. Students/parents are held financially responsible for any repair work needed above and beyond normal wear and tear.. Instrument and Music Storage All instruments (school or personal) need to be kept in the appropriate instrument storage shelves while at school. Music binders should be neatly stored in your locker. Please keep your locker neat and orderly. You may choose to store your binder in your school locker. Practice and Ensemble Rooms These rooms are for practicing only. A director s permission is required at all times. Chairs, stands, and other equipment should be left in place. Any inappropriate behavior or actions regarding the use of these rooms will result in immediate disciplinary action. 7

8 Instrument Supplies All students are required to maintain all supplies/mouthpieces/reeds/accessories at all times. Be sure to visit a local music store on a regular basis. Check our website for one nearest you! Regular instrument inspection grades will be given. Keep your horn looking good and working even better! Flutes: Clarinet: Oboe: Bassoon: Saxophone: Trumpet: French horn: Trombone: Baritone: Tuba: Percussion: Tuner/metronome, cleaning swab, polishing cloth Tuner/metronome, cleaning swab, cork grease, cloth, at least 4 playable reeds Tuner/metronome, swab, cork grease, reed case, water container, at least 3 playable reeds Tuner/metronome, swab, seat strap, cork grease, reed case, water container, at least 3 playable reeds Tuner/metronome, cleaning swab, neck strap, cork grease, polishing cloth, key oil, reeds. Tuner/metronome, valve oil, slide grease, polishing cloth, mouthpiece brush. Tuner/metronome, rotary valve oil, slide grease, polishing cloth, mouthpiece brush. Tuner/metronome, slide cream, spray bottle, tuning slide grease, polishing cloth, mouthpiece brush. Tuner/metronome, valve oil, slide grease, polishing cloth, mouthpiece brush, cleaning snake. Tuner/metronome, valve oil, slide grease, polishing cloth, mouthpiece brush, cleaning snake. Mr. Beaudet will supply this information. In addition to these supplies, all beginning band woodwind and brass players will need the Essential Elements band method book that will be available to purchase at registration. Advanced band students will need a tuner microphone clip for their tuner to use in class. Tuner microphone clips will be available for purchase at registration. It is highly recommended that each band student have a wire music stand to use at home. This will help reinforce proper posture, breathing, and hand position. 8

9 The HMS Bronco Band takes great pride in projecting a professional, uniformed appearance at all of our events. If any student has a problem acquiring the proper uniform or band shirt, please contact the directors so special arrangements can be made. Beginning Band Uniform All students will wear their band shirt with jeans for performances. Attire may differ slightly for our Sandy Lake Band Contest in the spring. There is no requirement for shoes but we discourage sandals, flip flops, etc. Sneakers are ok. The band shirt may also be worn at school to show your pride! Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Honors Band Concert Dress Casual Attire All students: This year s band t-shirt and appropriate jeans will be worn at pep rallies, ball games, parades, and field trips. There is no requirement for shoes but we discourage sandals, flip flops, etc. Sneakers are ok. Formal Attire Boys: Black, long-sleeved button-down dress shirt, with a collar suitable for a tie. Black dress slacks. NO BLACK JEANS. Black socks and shoes. NO SNEAKERS. Formal Attire Girls: Black blouse with black dress slacks/black skirt OR a black dress. Dresses and skirts must be past knee length or longer. (Remember we will be performing on an elevated stage) Hose, leggings or tights must be worn with skirts/dresses that are not floor length. Black dress shoes. NO SNEAKERS or OPEN-TOED SHOES. Tasteful jewelry is optional. Auditions Auditions are held each spring in order to seat the different bands for the following year. Auditions are competitive in nature and stress individual playing proficiency. Priority is given to characteristic sound, technique, and musicality. Students must demonstrate the ability to prepare required material including scales. Although competition for chair placement is encouraged, the emphasis is on positive, constructive criticism and individual growth. A student s musical growth and personal development is the primary concern for the directors, regardless of the band or chair in which they sit. 9

10 Grade Checks/Eligibility The primary objective of each student in school should be to obtain the highest quality overall education possible. Academic performance and success goes hand in hand with musical success. We take pride in knowing that band students are among the highest achieving students in the school and are also among the most active in other organizations. Educational research has shown that students who are involved in extra and co-curricular activities such as band perform at a consistently higher academic level and have higher levels of self-esteem. Grades: Texas state law mandates that any student who fails one or more courses for a grading period, (the grade that appears on a report card), will be suspended (become ineligible) from participating in all extracurricular activities for the following grading period. Should that student bring up all grades to a passing level after three weeks (as reported on the 3 week progress report), that student will be reinstated and become eligible at the end of the fourth week. That student will attend Band class and sectionals during the day but may not be able to perform with the group. It is the responsibility of the student to keep track of his/her grades, not the teacher s. Because many extra-curricular activities, including Band, tend to peak during a grading period, students who are barred from participating because of a failure will lose out on valuable experiences. It is for this reason that we strongly encourage parents to take an active part in their child s education. A single failing grade in any class on a report card can deny a student of many performance privileges. This problem can hinder the hard work of the student and band. The teamwork needed for a successful performance is based on the responsibility of each student to pass his or her classes. Here are a couple of hints to stay eligible: Do all of your homework and turn it in on time!! The incredible fact is that the majority of ineligibles fail simply because they do not complete their work. A single zero on any assignment can cause your overall grade to plummet. Do not be afraid to ask for help!! Check with the teachers to find out when tutorial sessions are available. Every teacher at Coppell Middle School West is here to help any student willing to put out the effort. Just ask! Definitions: 1. Curricular activities occur within the regular school day and constitute the delivery of instruction as specified in TEC, Chapter 75. Students suspended from extracurricular activities because of a grade(s) below 70 shall not be prevented from participating in after school curricular activities. CONCERTS, RECITALS, AND AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSALS ARE CONSIDERED TO BE CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. 2. Extracurricular activities are school sponsored activities that are not directly related to instruction of the essential elements, but that may have an indirect relation to some areas of the curriculum. ANY CONTEST IS CONSIDERED TO BE AN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY. 10

11 Fees BAND FEES Band Fees will be listed in the Band Registration Packet at the beginning of the school year. Parents can pay for all fees upfront or work out a payment plan for the year. MAINTENANCE FEES Those students who play school-owned instruments will be charged an instrument maintenance fee of $50 per semester. All school-owned instruments are regularly cleaned and adjusted by a professional repairman. This fee does not cover any damage by misuse or accidents. IMPORTANT!! Students are responsible for any loss or damage through neglect or misuse of school-owned property or instruments. School instruments are issued to students with the understanding that these instruments will be returned to the school in the same condition in which they were issued. Periodic inspections of school equipment will be made throughout the year to insure proper care and operation. Students will be taught how to properly take care of and maintain their instrument. Private Lessons Private instruction can greatly enhance your musical growth and experience! A secret to the success of many band programs, including our own, is the large participation in private lessons. The HMS Bronco Band s music faculty strongly encourages all students to take advantage of the private lesson program. We have an extremely talented group of instructors who are all dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential. Private lessons can help students prepare for band class, solos, ensembles, and All-District Band. At the high school level, they help students prepare for All-State and college scholarship opportunities. Many of the students enrolled in this program become our musical leaders. Lesson prices are $20.00 per twenty five - minute lesson. These lessons can be scheduled before school, during your band period, or after school (depending on your teacher s availability). It is both and honor and a privilege to be enrolled in private lessons. Due to this, some spots are limited so take advantage now! 11

12 GCISD Band Booster Club We are fortunate to have a district-wide band booster organization. By virtue of having a child in the band program, all parents are encourage to pay the $10 basic membership fee and to volunteer whenever available. The main objective of the booster club is to provide funds for various projects in our band programs. Some of these projects include supplemental lesson scholarships, social activities, senior scholarships, etc. It takes a great deal of work and cooperation from parents of all levels to accomplish our goal. Thank you in advance for your service and dedication to the HMS Bronco Band and bands across GCISD. PARENT HELP Throughout the year, there are many occasions that the directors need the assistance of the parents. We will have volunteer sign up sheets at our beginning of the year parent meeting. This will help us to streamline our events and make them the best possible for our students and community. Please be sure to follow this link to make sure you have an updated Volunteer Background check with our district. Go to and scroll down until you see Volunteer Background Check. Without your help, we will not be able to do some of our events. Keys to your SUCCESS! ü Enter the band hall with a sense of pride, purpose, and preparedness. ü Be ready to be challenged. ü Support your fellow musicians. We are all in this together! ü Take your instrument home and practice correctly. ü Enroll in private lessons to really excel. ü Communicate. Ask questions. ü Be organized. Music takes discipline! ü Keep your instrument and supplies in good working order. ü Remember the simple truth; the better you are at something, the more FUN it is! ü Leave the band hall with the excitement of being a part of the Best of the Best! We want to keep students and parents informed! In addition to this handbook, we provide activity calendars, reminders, periodic newsletters, and the band web site. Be involved with your student s musical education. Ask them what s going on in their band class. Pertinent information sheets will be sent home with each student at least one week prior to any major event. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to or call the directors. 12