Discovery Canyon Campus Middle Level Band & Orchestra Handbook 2015-2016 Dear Parent/Guardian and Student Musicians, Welcome! It is my pleasure to be your band and orchestra director for the 2015-2016 school year. I am looking forward to an eventful and rewarding year. Please read through the following pages. In them, you will find information about supplies needed, performance dates, class procedures, the grading policy, student expectations, and more! Please pay extra careful attention to the calendar of events. A lot of time and effort goes into making each one of our performances successful. It is important that every student is present at each performance that their ensemble is scheduled for. Once you have read through the handbook, please sign and have your child return the handbook contract to me by Monday, August 31 st (for Orchestra) or Tuesday, September 1st (for Band). This lets me know that you have read, understand, and that your child agrees to adhere to the guidelines of our class. This will make for a more enjoyable year for everyone. I look forward to working with you this year. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. Musically Yours, Mrs. Elisabeth Canuel DCC Middle School Band & Orchestra Director (719) 234-8549 liz.canuel@asd20.org
Band/Orchestra Activity Fee Grade Level Activity Fee What It Pays For Amount 6 th Grade $30 Method Book, Tux Shirt, Field Trip 7 th Grade $30 Method Book, Bow Tie, Cummerbund, Field Trips 8 th Grade $15 Method Book, Field Trip Please submit this fee by Friday, September 4th, 2015. If you need financial assistance, please contact your grade level administrator. This fee may be paid using cash, check, or via the PayForIt system. The PayForIt system is an online system that allows payment via credit card and electronic check (www.payforit.net). Please note that there is a 2.5% convenience fee for using the PayForIt system. If paying by cash or check, please have your student bring the payment to class in a sealed envelope with both the teacher and student names written on the front. If paying by check, please make it payable to DCC and write your student s name and Band Fee or Orchestra Fee on the check memo line. If your student has fees for multiple classes, you may opt to write one check for the total of all of the fees and have your student turn the check in to one of his/her teachers. Being Prepared for Class For EACH rehearsal, students will be expected to have their instrument, book/sheet music, pencil, and individual supplies for their instrument. Students may forget their instrument or music once per semester without a penalty. The second time will result in loss of daily participation points. The third time (and beyond) will result in a lunch detention. Supplies for Individual Instruments FLUTE: cleaning rod (preferably wooden), cleaning cloth. OBOE & BASSOON: 3 good working reeds at all times (medium soft to medium strength), a reed case, cork grease, cleaning swab, small water container (such as an empty pill bottle) CLARINET & BASS CLARINET: 3 good working Vandoren or Rico Reserve reeds at all times (beginners buy three size 2 reeds, after those three are gone switch to size 2 1/2 reeds. 7 th & 8 th graders - size 2 1/2 to 3), a reed guard, cork grease, cleaning swab.
SAXOPHONES: 3 good working Vandoren or Rico Reserve reeds at all times (beginners buy three size 2 reeds, after those three are gone switch to size 2 1/2 reeds. 7 th & 8 th graders - size 2 1/2 to 3), a reed guard, cork grease, cleaning swab, mouthpiece brush, and neck strap. TRUMPET: size 7C mouthpiece, valve oil, tuning slide grease, mouthpiece brush, cleaning cloth, and snake. (All 7th & 8th grade trumpets need a straight mute). FRENCH HORN: Holton MDC or MC mouthpiece, tuning slide grease, rotary oil, polishing cloth, and snake. TROMBONE: size 6 ½ AL mouthpiece, slide cream, slide oil, cleaning cloth, mouthpiece brush, and snake. EUPHONIUM (BARITONE): size 6 ½ AL mouthpiece, valve oil, tuning slide grease, mouthpiece brush, cleaning cloth, and snake. TUBA: Conn Helleberg or 24 AW mouthpiece, valve oil, tuning slide grease, mouthpiece brush, and cleaning cloth. PERCUSSION: All Percussionists practice marimba (for home), Vic Firth SD1 or SD2 drumsticks, and a practice pad 7 th & 8 th Grade Percussionists practice marimba or bell set (for home practice), practice pad, stick bag with hard rubber xylophone mallets, yarn mallets, and drum sticks (Vic Firth SD1 or SD2 recommended). VIOLIN & VIOLA: rosin, shoulder rest or sponge, polishing cloth, and an extra set of strings CELLO & BASS: rosin, rock stop (cello players look for a rock stop that attaches to the leg of your chair), and a polishing cloth Additional Supplies for ALL Band & Orchestra Students: A music stand for home practice and school tours Electronic metronome/tuner (or metronome/tuner app) Concert Attire 6 th Grade: Boys: White tux shirt (school provides this via activity fee), black bow tie, black slacks, black socks, black dress shoes Girls: White tux shirt (school provides this via activity fee), black bow tie, Black slacks or ankle length skirt, black socks or nylons, black dress shoes 7 th Grade: same attire as 6 th grade, but you will also wear a black cummerbund. The bow tie and cummerbund are included in your activity fee. If you need a new tux shirt, the cost is ($15).
8 th Grade: same attire as 6 th grade, but you will also wear a black cummerbund. If you are new to DCC or just need a new tux shirt, the cost is ($15). If you need the bow tie/cummerbund set, the cost is ($10). Performance Calendar October 23rd 8 th grade band to perform w/ high school band at homecoming. Report to D20 Stadium at 5:15 p.m. End of October/Beginning of November (date TBA) 7 th grade band & orchestra performance at The DaVinci Academy November 9 th 6-8 th grade band concert, 7:00 p.m. High School Theater November 10 th 6-8 th grade orchestra concert, 7:00 p.m. High School Theater December TBA 8 th grade orchestra (strolling strings) to perform for DCC elementary February TBA 8 th grade band to perform w/ high school pep band at basketball game. Call time is 6:30 p.m. Game starts at 7:00 @ DCC HS Gym February 6 th Honor Band (by audition) Performance at Wasson HS. 7:00 p.m. February 23 rd 8 th grade band & orchestra concert w/ high school band & orchestra, 7:00 p.m. High School Theater March TBA Solo & Ensemble Festival, participation optional April TBA 6 th grade band & orchestra performance at Antelope Trails Elementary April TBA 7 th grade band & orchestra performance at large group festival. April TBA 8 th grade band & orchestra performance at large group festival. May 9 th 6-8 th grade band concert, 7:00 p.m. High School Theater May 10 th 6-8 th grade orchestra concert, 7:00 p.m. High School Theater May TBA 7 th grade band & orchestra Field Trip to Elitch Gardens 7 th & 8 th grade band and orchestra students will also perform at one middle school pep assembly sometime during the school year. Grading Policy Please read the DCC middle level grading information that is found online at http://tinyurl.com/nmjcpmm You can access information about the grading policy with IB grades at: http://tinyurl.com/osmj9hq Your child s band or orchestra grade will be determined according to the following areas: playing & written assessments, classroom participation, performances, and practice records. Assessments & Practice Records (30%): Various written assessments and playing tests will be given throughout the year. Playing tests will be announced at least one week in advance. Students may retake playing tests prior to the end of the quarter in order to demonstrate mastery. Written assessments will include music theory, music history, and composition as covered in class. Practicing at home is critical to student success in band and orchestra. Practice records must be signed by a parent/guardian and turned in by the due date for full points.
Students are expected to practice 2 hours per week on their band/orchestra instrument in order to receive 100%. Sixth grade beginners have a minimum practice requirement of 60 minutes per week for the 1 st quarter, 90 minutes per week for 2 nd quarter, and 2 hours per week for 3 rd & 4 th quarter. Classroom Participation (50%): It is essential for the success and well-being of the band/orchestra that students attend class and participate in their ensemble rehearsal every day. Daily participation grades will be lowered for gum chewing, not being prepared (no instrument, music, pencil), tardiness, disrespect, excessive talking, and lack of participation. Performances (20%): There will be several performances throughout the school year that the students will be required to attend. Most performances will take place at school. The students are expected to arrive 30 minutes prior to the performance, be dressed in appropriate concert attire, and stay for the entire concert. Performance dates are set up almost a year in advance to allow ample time to resolve conflicts. Excused absences from performances will be granted in cases of genuine emergency only, such as serious illness of the student or death in the family. Please send an email if such an emergency arises. Family trips, homework, babysitting, etc., do not justify an absence from a performance. If the student is excused from a performance, a make-up assignment will be given. NOTE: Students with an unexcused absence from a performance will not have the option to make up the points. Grading for Performances % Student arrives at call time, is dressed in appropriate concert attire, stays for 100% the entire performance and assists with tear down. Student arrives late, OR is not dressed in appropriate concert attire, OR 85% doesn t stay for the entire performance, OR does not assist with tear down. Student demonstrates 2 or more of the above behaviors. 70% Unexcused Absence 0% Instrument Rentals/Purchase If students do not own their own instrument they may rent one from any number of music stores in the area. It is highly recommended that students do not purchase instruments from discount retailers. The cost to repair to these instruments is usually greater than the value of the instrument. The local music stores WILL NOT repair these instruments for that reason. If you are considering purchasing an instrument please contact me or a local music store. We will be happy to guide you in selecting an instrument that is a good quality for the level of playing your child is at.
School Instruments Any student using a school owned instrument will need to fill out an instrument rental contract and have it signed by a parent or guardian. School instruments are limited to some of the larger more expensive instruments (tuba, baritone, cello, bass, etc.) and are assigned to students based on financial need and/or a first come, first serve basis. The rental fee for school instruments are: One Instrument (for use at school & home) Two Instruments (one to keep at school and one to keep at home) One Instrument (for school use only) $50 per semester $75 per semester $25 per semester Students who use school owned instruments are responsible for repairs due to accidental damage or abuse, and for replacing the instrument if it is lost or stolen. The instrument should be returned in the same condition that it was given out. Private Lessons Private instrumental instruction is the best way for students to truly excel in band and orchestra. Each student is urged to begin or continue with private lessons on their instrument. Names of private instructors are available by contacting Mrs. Canuel or your local music store. Classroom Expectations Show Respect for. Self by being prepared for class and giving your best effort. Others - by contributing to a friendly classroom environment where everyone feels safe to learn and try new things..by not distracting others during class so that everyone may do their very best. Property by only touching your own instrument, returning sheet music undamaged, and using school property gently. Podium in order to have an efficient rehearsal and maximize student learning, there is absolutely no talking when the director is on the podium. Classroom Procedures 1. Instrument storage. Most band students will be assigned a locker in which to keep their instrument. Locks will be provided. Students may not share their locker (except violins & violas) or locker combination with any other student(s). There will be a $6 fee assessed for any lost or damaged locks. 2. Tardies. Students will be counted tardy if they are not in the room by the beginning of the class period, or if they are not in their seats with instrument out within two minutes after the beginning of the class period. The consequences for tardies are as follows:
Tardy Consequence Tardy Consequence 1 No warning 5 After school detention. 2 Verbal warning from administrator. 6 Lunch detention & after school detention. 3 Phone call home. 7 In School Suspension (ISS). 4 Lunch detention. 8 ISS and parent meeting. 3. Practicing at school. Practice rooms are available for you to use at lunch, before school, and after school. You must notify Mrs. Canuel ahead of time if you would like to use a practice room. 4. Keeping your music folder. Students will be given a folder to keep their music in. They should use the folder for the purpose of preventing the music from becoming torn or damaged. Folders will need to go home for practice. However, it is the student s responsibility to have their music and folder in class each day. Any music which has been damaged, lost, or which you have written on in ink/marker, will have to be paid for by you ($3 per piece of sheet music). Take the utmost care of all school music and music books which are issued to you. Consequences The Discovery Canyon Campus rules are naturally expected of you in band as they are in your other classes. Failure to adhere to the classroom expectations may result in any of the following: Verbal warning Loss of daily classroom participation points Teacher/Student conference Phone call home Assignment to lunch or after school detention Referral to school administration Practice Practicing is a very important responsibility that accompanies learning to play a musical instrument. If done properly, practicing can be fun and rewarding. A practice session can be highly productive if a few simple steps are followed: 1. Find a convenient time of the day that can become a regular practice time. 2. Find a quiet room with a comfortable chair and a music stand. 3. Warm up slowly, with breathing (wind players), long tones and scales. 4. Work on assignments and difficult material first. Utilize your metronome for a portion of every practice session. 5. Repetition is one way to correct musical errors, but only if the repetition itself is correct. LEARN IT SLOWLY FIRST. 6. Don t just play practice!
Organize your practice session to make it efficient: 1. Begin with a warm-up. Work on relaxing your upper body. Wind players should do exercises to improve lung capacity and play long tones to aid in embouchure development. Take a scale and play it very slowly in long tones to help build up your breath support and endurance. Scales help to develop good technique and mastery of the instrument. Try spending five (5) minutes every practice session on scales. 2. Work on assignments, etudes, and concert music. Find those spots that you are having problems with and/or the spots you may be tested on and practice them SLOWLY. Spend at least ten to fifteen minutes per practice period for this part. Practice time can and should include breathing (wind players), counting, clapping, tapping, and singing. 3. Finally, play through solos or any other supplemental materials that you enjoy playing. Remember: The most challenging part of home practice is taking the instrument out of the case. It is much better to practice twenty minutes every day than to practice two hours once a week. Create a routine that will assist you with getting started each day. If you stick to a practice plan, you will see more steady progress. Don t look at practice as a chore; it is fun to make music, and even more fun to get better at it! Colorado State Music Content Standards Standard 1: Expression of Music The expression of music is the demonstration of human thought and emotion through the medium of performance, which is a product of knowledge and skills gained in the study of music. Standard 2: Creation of Music The creation of music is the demonstration of learned skills in the composition, improvisation, and arranging of music. Creating music involves writing music, fashioning new music from an existing piece of music, or forming an entirely new piece of music.
Colorado State Music Content Standards, Continued Standard 3: Theory of Music The theory of music is the understanding of the distinctive language, conventions, mechanics, and structure of organized sound. Investigation of music theory allows for a more complete understanding of all aspects of the musical process, including musical performance and composition. Standard 4: Aesthetic Valuation of Music The value of music focuses on the knowledge needed to make an informed evaluation and to provide a well-thought-out critique about a musical piece. It also addresses the beauty, heart, and soul: the aesthetics of music. Valuing music will permit individuals to distinguish between a scholarly and an individual judgment of music.
2015-2016 DCC Band & Orchestra Handbook Contract Both parents and students should read the DCC Middle Level Band & Orchestra Handbook thoroughly. The handbook can be downloaded from the class webpage at: www.asd20.org/schools/dcc/middle/teachers/elisabeth_canuel Printed copies of the handbook are available upon request. Sign the contract and return to Mrs. Canuel by Monday, August 31 st (for orchestra students) or Tuesday, September 1st (for band students). I understand the expectations for participation in the instrumental music program at Discovery Canyon Campus and agree to abide by the rules set forth in the handbook. Further, I understand that my responsibility to the ensemble does not end at the end of the school day, and that I will be expected to attend every required performance both inside and outside of school hours. Printed Student Name Student Signature Parent Signature Date Check all that apply I do not wish to have my child present in a photo/video on the class web page, bulletin board, or slide shows (used only at DCC concerts). Put my name on the volunteer list. Area of interest: My 7 th or 8 th grade student needs a tux shirt ($15 fee will be assigned in IC) My 8 th grade student needs a cummerbund & bow tie ($10 fee will be assigned in IC)