Congratulations on being selected as a member of the Howard County Middle School Gifted and Talented Band! In order for you/your child to properly continue participation in this county-wide ensemble, please review all contents of this handbook as a family. Failure to comply with the rules outlined in this handbook may result in the band member s dismissal from the band. After reviewing this handbook in its entirety, any questions should be directed to Mrs. Reichl and Mr. Spang. Co-Directors Mrs. Reichl Thomas Viaduct Middle School 7000 Banbury Drive Hanover, Maryland 21076 Phone: 410-313-8711 Fax: 410-313-4580 Email: Lori_Reichl@hcpss.org Website: http://reichl.webs.com Mr. Spang Folly Quarter Middle School 13500 Tridelphia Road Ellicott City, Maryland 21042 Phone: 410-313-1506 Fax: 410-313-1509 Email: Andrew_Spang@hcpss.org Website: http://www.follyquarterband.org/ Schedule of Events Monday, January 4 Rehearsal 4:30 PM 7:00 PM Folly Quarter MS Wednesday, January 6 Rehearsal 4:30 PM 7:00 PM Folly Quarter MS Monday, January 11 Rehearsal 4:30 PM 7:00 PM Folly Quarter MS Tuesday, January 12 Make-up Rehearsal (Snow Date for Jan 6 or 11) 4:30 PM 7:00 PM Folly Quarter MS Wednesday, January 13 Rehearsal 4:30 PM 7:00 PM Folly Quarter MS Wednesday, January 20 Rehearsal 4:30 PM 7:00 PM Folly Quarter MS Thursday, January 21 Make-up Rehearsal (Snow Date for Jan 13 or 20) 4:30 PM 7:00 PM Folly Quarter MS Friday, January 22 Rehearsal 1:00 PM 4:00 PM River Hill HS Saturday, January 23 Rehearsal 9:00 AM 1:00 PM River Hill HS Sunday, January 24 DRESS REHEARSAL 1:45 PM CONCERT 4:00 PM River Hill HS Monday, January 25 Tuesday, January 26 Concert (Snow Date #1) Dress Rehearsal Concert Concert (Snow Date #2) Dress Rehearsal Concert 4:45 PM 7:00 PM 4:45 PM 7:00 PM River Hill HS River Hill HS 2
Possible Inclement Weather Scenarios for the Performance Weekend If HCPSS closes schools due to inclement weather on Friday, January 22, then we rehearse both Saturday, January 23 and Sunday, January 24 and perform on Monday, January 25. If HCPSS closes schools due to inclement weather on Saturday, January 23, then we rehearse on Sunday, January 24 and perform on Monday, January 25. If HCPSS closes schools due to inclement weather on Sunday, January 24, then we perform on Monday, January 25. If HCPSS closes schools due to inclement weather on any two days from Friday, January 22 through Sunday, January 24, then we rehearse Monday, January 25 and perform on Tuesday, January 26. If HCPSS closes schools due to inclement weather on Sunday, January 24 and HCPSS is closed Monday, January 25, then we perform on Tuesday, January 26. Locations of Events Folly Quarter Middle School River Hill High School 13500 Triadelphia Road 12101 Clarksville Pike (Route 108) Ellicott City, Maryland 21042 Clarksville, MD 21029 Attendance Attendance at all band events (sectionals, rehearsals, performances) is mandatory. HCPSS Policy 8090: Non-School Hour Participation Requirements for Elementary and Secondary Curricular Programs states that events scheduled during non-school-hour activities mandated by a curricular program are required of the student participant. HCPSS Policy 9010: Attendance states that a lawful absence may include any of the following conditions: Death in the immediate family Illness of the student Court summons Hazardous weather conditions Work approved or sponsored by the school Observance of a religious holiday State emergency Suspension Lack of authorized transportation Other emergency or set of circumstances which, in the judgment of the Superintendent or designee, constitutes a good and sufficient cause for absence from school Practice Preparations Gifted & Talented Band Members are expected to practice and learn the selected musical selections before the first rehearsal. If needed, ask your private instructor or school band director for assistance with learning the music. Chair placement may be changed according to the student s musical preparation. Frequently listen to the study recordings located on Mrs. Reichl s Website to help guide your practice session: http://reichl.webs.com/studyrecordings.htm 3
Percussionists have been provided every percussion part for each musical selection. Percussionists are expected to study all parts and choose their preferred parts for each musical selection. They should consider a different type of instrument(s) for each piece, in order to allow all members of the section an opportunity to perform on several different instruments. At the first rehearsal, a percussion assignment chart will be created with input given by all members of the section to reflect their preferred parts. Percussion assignments may be changed according to the student s musical preparation and/or at the discretion of the Gifted and Talented Band Directors or Guest Conductor. Rehearsal Expectations Gifted & Talented Band Members must attend the entirety of every rehearsal and the performance. Students will not be permitted to arrive late to rehearsals nor leave early. Rehearsals will begin promptly at the times stated in the schedule. In order for a band member to properly assemble his/her instrument, set-up his/her rehearsal space, warm-up, and tune, band members should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the designated start time. Failure to arrive on time to more than one rehearsal may result in the band member s dismissal from the band. If a band member must miss a rehearsal due to illness or medical emergency, please contact both Mrs. Reichl and Mr. Spang prior to the start of the rehearsal to ensure the student s safety. Failure to attend a rehearsal for reasons other than illness may result in the band member s dismissal from the band. Chronic absences due to illness may also result in the band member s dismissal from the band. If a band member fails to attend any of the rehearsals scheduled with the guest conductor, including any combination of the inclement weather scenarios, then he/she may not be permitted to participate in the concert. Band members are expected to comply with school system dress code when attending all rehearsals. Drink and/or snacks may be brought to rehearsals to be consumed during break time. Consider making a donation of individually wrapped items for all band members (80). Due to student allergies, please do not donate snacks containing peanuts or peanut products. Concert Expectations The concert will include performances by the following ensembles: HCPSS Middle School Honors Band (30 minutes) HCPSS Gift & Talented Middle School Band (45 minutes) HCPSS Gift & Talented High School Band (45 minutes) In order to demonstrate proper audience/performance etiquette and to fulfill their performance expectations, band members are expected to remain for the full duration of the concert. The concert length will be approximately two hours. Inclement Weather Policy The following inclement weather policy will be utilized countywide no school due to inclement weather = NO rehearsal countywide early dismissal due to inclement weather = NO rehearsal Materials for Instruction Upon arrival to all rehearsals, it is the responsibility of each band member to have the following items in his/her possession: a sharpened or mechanical pencil 4
tuner music folder, including all sheet music & assignments instrument with necessary accessories Instrument Security & Identification It is the responsibility of each band member to take his/her instrument to/from each rehearsal. An identification tag must be clearly placed on the student s instrument case or percussion bag. Each identification tag should include the following contact information: student s full name student s school type of instrument phone # email address Instrument Accessories It is the responsibility of each band member to obtain the necessary accessories for his/her particular instrument. Clarinet: mouthpiece cap, at least size 3 strength reeds, cork grease Saxophone: mouthpiece cap, at least size 3 strength reeds, cork grease Trumpet: valve oil, mute (if required by the music) Trombone: slide oil, mute (if required by the music) Euphonium: valve oil Tuba: valve oil Percussion: percussion kit (for home use), stick/mallet bag, drum sticks, mallets Uniform T It is the responsibility of each band member to provide the specified items to be worn for the performance: long-sleeve, button-down, white shirt completely black, full-length pants completely black socks completely black shoes Ties are NOT permitted. Shirts must be tucked into pants. Skirts are NOT permitted. Nude Panty Hose are NOT permitted. Socks must be worn. Open-Toed Shoes are NOT permitted. If the specific uniform is not properly worn, then the band member may not be permitted to participate in the concert. Code of Conduct Band members are expected to follow general school rules at all times. In addition, the following behaviors will not be tolerated: disrespect to peers, adults, chaperones, staff, or performers use of electronic devices without approval for instruction defacing equipment playing instruments or touching equipment other than your own use of profanity public displays of affection spitting gum chewing Lori Schwartz Reichl Thomas Viaduct Middle School alto saxophone 410-313-8711 Lori_Reichl@hcpss.org 5
Discipline In order to have a successful band, discipline, consistency, and unity are necessities. Therefore, all band members are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct at all times. Failure to obey these expectations will result in the following disciplinary action: 1. a warning will be given to the band member from the band director(s) 2. a conference between the parent/guardian and band director(s) will occur 3. removal from the band will occur Extreme circumstances may result in immediate movement to step 3 at the discretion of the Gifted & Talented Band Directors, Guest Conductor, and/or the HCPSS Facilitator of Music. Instrument Repairs Recommended instrument repair shops include: Ann & Steve s Music woodwind repairs www.annandsteves.com Baltimore Brass Company all repairs www.baltimorebrass.net Music & Arts Store all repairs www.musicarts.com County or State Musical Opportunities Through the Howard County Public School System, students have the opportunity to audition for the following musical ensembles or festivals. It is each student s responsibility to obtain musical audition requirements from the HCPSS website or from their home school band director for information on the following performance opportunities: Howard County Middle School Honors Band (grades 6 8) Howard County Middle School GT Band (grades 6 8) Maryland All State Junior Band (grades 7 9) Howard County Secondary Instrumental Solo and Ensemble Festival (grades 6 12) Maryland State Instrumental Solo and Ensemble Festival (grades 6 12) Payment Information A payment of $95 is required for participation in this ensemble. When making a payment for GT Band, the following guidelines are necessary for record keeping: P Only checks or money orders will be accepted. No cash! P Payments must be written to HCPSS. P The memo section of the check must include: student s full name student ID # phone number P All payments must be securely stapled to the necessary form. 6
In order to participate in the HCPSS Middle School Gifted and Talented Band, the following responsibilities must be met by the first rehearsal on Monday, January 4: ü READ the HCPSS MS Gifted & Talented Band Handbook in its entirety ü PRACTICE the music provided all selections ü LISTEN to the Study Recordings on Mrs. Reichl s Website http://reichl.webs.com/studyrecordings.htm ü PLACE an Identification Tag on Instrument Case/Percussion Bag ü PURCHASE Instrument Accessories ü OBTAIN Uniform Items On Monday, January 4, please arrive by 4:15 pm for registration. Bring the following items to the first rehearsal at FQMS: ü Commitment Form/Student Information Sheet (gold) Page 8 & 9: both sides of the form must be properly completed ü Payment ($95) Page 6: check/money order written to HCPSS and stapled to gold sheet ü Instrument with ID Tag ü Instrument Accessories ü Materials for Instruction Page 4 ü Consider bringing snack donations individually wrapped snacks, candy, and/or water bottles (quantity of 80) Please remember to arrive at least 15 minutes before the designated start time of each rehearsal. 7
HCPSS Middle School Gifted & Talented Band Commitment Form Student: I,, have read and understand the rules and regulations of the HCPSS Middle School Gifted & Talented Band. I realize that band is a commitment of time, money, and emotion, which will help me to develop a sense of responsibility, time management, perseverance, and unity. Band is a group-performance class and all members, including myself, are crucial to the overall success of the band for every event, including sectionals, rehearsals, and performances. By signing this pledge, I am making a primary commitment to fully participate in the HCPSS Middle School Gifted & Talented Band for its entirety. I will plan ahead and include the mandatory events stated in this band handbook on my family s calendar. I will serve as a devoted band member, attempt to practice my instrument at home each available day, and uphold the rules that apply for all events. If I am unable to do so, I understand that a violation of these regulations may result in my removal from the HCPSS Middle School Gifted & Talented Band. signature of student date Parent/Guardian: I,, have read and understand the rules and regulations of the HCPSS Middle School Gifted & Talented Band. I realize that band is a commitment of time, money, and emotion, which will help my child to develop a sense of responsibility, time management, perseverance, and unity. Band is a group-performance class and all members, including my child, are crucial to the overall success of the band for every event, including sectionals, rehearsals, and performances. By signing this pledge, I am supporting a primary commitment of my child to fully participate in the HCPSS Middle School Gifted & Talented Band for its entirety. I will plan ahead and include the mandatory events stated in this band handbook on my family s calendar. I will support my child in his/her role as a HCPSS Middle School Gifted & Talented Band Member, encourage his/her instrument practicing at home each available day, and help my child uphold the rules that apply for all band events. If my child is unable to do so, I understand that a violation of these regulations may result in his/her removal from the HCPSS Middle School Gifted & Talented Band. signature of parent/guardian date If the student is unable to uphold the expectations necessary for participation in the HCPSS Middle School Gifted & Talented Band, please immediately return the provided folder to your school band director, so that a replacement musician may be chosen. 8
HCPSS Middle School Gifted & Talented Band Student Information Please complete this form in its entirety. Do not leave any lines blank! Please print legibly. Student ID # Student Name Instrument Grade Middle School (full name of school no abbreviations) Mailing Address Parent Primary-Use Email Address Emergency Phone # s Medical Concerns or Allergies Please ü if the student can be photographed or videotaped for use in a performance slideshow: YES NO Please be certain you have completed all tasks on the checklist (page 7) by Monday, January 4. Arrive to each rehearsal at least 15 minutes before the designated start time. 9