Victory Middle School Band Handbook

Victory Middle School Band Handbook 2016-2017 Brendan Grzanic, Director Band Overview: In 6 th grade Beginning Band, all students, including those with no prior musical experience, will learn how to perform their chosen instruments at a beginning level and will gain the skills necessary to successfully advance into the 7 th grade Concert Band. Beginning band students are grouped into either the woodwind classes or the brass and percussion classes and receive instruction two or three days a week. Students in Concert Band continue building their fundamental playing skills but with a greater emphasis on music ensemble performance. Like the 6 th grade students, Concert Band students are also divided into two instrument-specific groups but receive daily instruction. As a result, the 7 th graders experience a more exciting and faster-paced course of study. Having achieved a high level of individual skill, students performing in the 8 th grade Symphonic Band receive daily instruction as a combined ensemble with all of the instrument families represented. The 8 th grade students benefit from leadership opportunities, a greater depth of study, and additional performance opportunities. Parents, please remember that band is a major learning process, and although you may or may not be musically inclined, offer plenty of encouragement to your student! Take time to listen and learn with them. I guarantee you will be amazed by the growth you hear. Also, in order to get the true band experience, it is important for each student to stick with it throughout the year. There will be days when your student will be frustrated and will want to give up. But there will be many more days when your student will come home to you with great stories and will feel empowered by the experience. Learning an instrument can be an overwhelming and frustrating experience at times, but with patience and a little effort, the experience can be incredibly rewarding. Classroom Expectations The Kodiak Way: Be Safe o Neatly store your instrument case away from the walkways. o Move carefully to and from your seat, especially when seated near the middle of the ensemble. o Help protect everyone s hearing by warming up on your instrument appropriately. Be Respectful o If you hear music or if the teacher is talking, you are quiet, still, and paying attention. o Be courteous and raise your hand before speaking or asking questions. 1

Be Responsible o Come to class prepared and ready to learn. This means having your instrument, your music, your pencil, and a positive attitude at each lesson. o Take care of your musical instrument by properly swabbing and packing up your instrument at the end of class. o Always strive to do your best. Be Kind o Remember, we are all learning and we will all make mistakes, often loud, squeaky, embarrassing ones! o Laugh with your classmates, not at them (though laughing at Mr. Grzanic is usually OK). Necessary Materials: All students are responsible for having an instrument, a band method book, and a pencil at each lesson. There are also instrument-specific supplies that are necessary for the function of each instrument. A folding music stand for home practice is strongly recommended, but optional. WOODWINDS Flute o Cleaning Rod o Cloth Flute Swab (a bandana or a soft, absorbent cloth of similar size will work) Clarinet or Bass Clarinet o Clarinet Drop Swab o Reed Guard o Five Clarinet Reeds, size 2 ½ or greater (I recommend the brands Mitchell Lurie or Vandoren) o Mouthpiece Brush o Cork Grease o Optional: Rovner Ligature (provides a major improvement over the stock metal ligatures) Alto, Tenor, or Baritone Saxophone o Cotton Drop Swab o Reed Guard o Five Saxophone Reeds, size 2 or greater (I recommend the brands Hemke or Vandoren) o Mouthpiece Brush o Neck Cleaning Brush o Cork Grease o Optional: Rovner Ligature (provides a major improvement over the stock metal ligatures) BRASS Trumpet, Baritone, or Tuba o Valve Oil o Tuning Slide Grease o Mouthpiece Brush o Bore Snake o Valve Casing Brush o Optional: an old rag or cloth to be kept in the case for wiping off excess grease and oil 2

French Horn o Rotor Oil o Tuning Slide Grease o Mouthpiece Brush o Bore Snake o Optional: an old rag or cloth to be kept in the case for wiping off excess grease and oil Trombone o Slide Oil or Slide Cream o Tuning Slide Grease o Mouthpiece Brush o Trombone Bore Snake o Optional: an old rag or cloth to be kept in the case for wiping off excess grease and oil PERCUSSION Percussion 6 th through 8 th Grade o Percussion Kit or Bell Kit (contains a portable orchestral bell set and a drum practice pad) o Stick Bag containing the following o Snare Drum Sticks: Vic Firth SD1 General o Keyboard Mallets: Mike Balter Medium-Hard 5B o Timpani Mallets: Innovative T4 METHOD BOOKS ALL INSTRUMENTS Band Method Book 6 th Grade o Sound Innovations for Concert Band, Book 1 (Blue Cover) Please be aware that each book is written for a specific instrument, so check the label on the top of the cover to be sure to grab the correct one. Band Method Book 7 th Grade o Sound Innovations for Concert Band, Book 2 (Red Cover) Band Method Book 8 th Grade o Sound Innovations Ensemble Development (Green Cover) Having a personal copy of the method book for practicing at home and for writing in notes from our daily lessons is highly recommended. If your student is unable to provide a method book, a copy for classroom use will be provided. Please contact Mr. Grzanic if your student is having difficulty participating in band due to the cost of providing an instrument or any of the supplies. Grading: Grades are merely one indicator of your student s growth in band. When one works hard, progress will be significant, and so will the grade. Grades in band are earned based on the following categories: 3

Assessments (45%) Students will have playing assessments and written assessments on a regular basis in order to assess learning and progress. Students will generally be given at least one week s notice before each test. Some playing tests will be assessed live during class and some will be recorded in one of our practice rooms. Performing in front of peers can be difficult and uncomfortable, but these activities build and strengthen performance skills necessary for band and other areas of life. With a few exceptions, most assessments may be retaken. However, it will be the responsibility of the student to contact the director and schedule the assessment. Although the students will be given some instruction and preparation time in class, the students will be responsible for practicing and preparing for their playing tests outside of class. Concert Participation (30%) Our musical performances are a public demonstration of months of learning, planning, and preparation by the students. Because each instrument and section of the band plays a vital role in the success of the entire ensemble, any student absent from the performance negatively impacts the quality of the experience for all of the students and audience members. Concert dates are posted on the band calendar (page 6) and are communicated at the beginning of the school year. The concert grade will reflect a student s appropriate conduct during the concert, their etiquette while waiting to perform, and the quality of their written post-concert reflections. As per district policy, all band students are expected to participate in concerts. With the exception of student illnesses or family emergencies, only irreparable conflicts communicated to the director weeks in advance may be considered for an excused absence. Any absence will result in a failing grade for that concert and only students with excused absences will have the option of completing make-up work to earn back credit. Please refer to the district policy on concerts and then contact Mr. Grzanic with any questions. Assignments (15%) Students will have periodic written assignments addressing musical concepts, vocabulary, history, theory, composition, aural skills, and instrument specific playing techniques. Some assignments will be completed in class while others will take place outside of class time. Daily Points (10%) Students earn points each lesson for meeting the classroom expectations. Having an instrument in a playable state, having their school-provided sheet music, participating actively, and positively contributing to our classroom are just some of the ways that students earn these points. Students that come to band without an instrument will spend class time taking notes about that day s lesson on an oops sheet (viewable here). This document will help students know exactly what they need to practice after school so they can be ready for their next class. Students that complete and return the sheet will be able to earn back a portion of their lost daily points. Practice Expectations: Students in band will only be successful if they find regular time outside of class to practice their instrument. Playing a musical instrument is a demanding physical and cognitive activity. No amount of coaching, camps, trainers, or instruction can make an athlete successful at their sport if that athlete never actually takes the time to apply and practice what they have been shown. Similarly, the fundamental skills I teach in class and all of the guest conductors or artists that I bring into class will have little impact on your student if they do not also do their part. 4

The students that are most successful in band practice regularly but for brief durations. A practice session immediately after school and then another brief session after dinner works well for some students and helps minimize the monotony of longer sessions. Others find it helpful (and fun!) to intersperse practicing between homework or reading for other classes. The amount of total practice per week depends on the student, their home schedule, and what their growth goals are, but here are what I recommend for minimums starting points: 6 th Grade 10 minutes a day, 5-6 days per week, approx. 50-60+ minutes per week 7 th Grade 20 minutes a day, 5-6 days per week, approx. 100-120+ minutes per week 8 th Grade 30 minutes a day, 5-6 days per week, approx. 150-180+ minutes per week (Mr. Grzanic 80 to 120+ minutes a day, 7 days a week) For some students, even these amounts may not be adequate to feel secure in new playing techniques or to feel prepared for playing assessments. Alternatively, some students may feel like they do not have enough material to occupy their growing practice habits. Students looking for additional or more challenging practice material than what has already been assigned should see Mr. Grzanic for supplemental materials and exercises. Concert Attire: There are many similarities between participating in a sports team and participating in a performing musical ensemble such as band. We are a team, our games happen on a concert stage (or gym), and our uniform is our concert attire. We strive for a balanced, blended, and uniform sound musically and we want to achieve the same effect visually. Students are asked to dress nicely and appropriately for our group performances. Students, if you are unable to obtain concert attire for any reason, please let Mr. Grzanic know immediately so he can assist you. Our concert attire is as follows: Ladies o White blouse: short or long sleeve o Black skirt or black dress pants (skirt hemline must fall below the knee when seated) o Black nylons/tights or black socks o Black dress shoes Gentlemen o White dress shirt: short or long sleeve o Neck tie (optional) o Black dress pants (please, no jeans and no pants with holes) o Black socks o Black dress shoes Instrument Storage: Band instruments and band music folders should be stored on the shelves in the instrument storage room. Students should not be storing other valuables, clothing, food, or any other items in their instrument cases or on the instrument shelves. Students should fill out their instrument case tag and/or place a strip of masking tape with their name written across it onto their case. This will make it much easier for each student to quickly identify his or her case. 5

Band Website and Google Calendar: The Victory band website is located at www.westada.org/vms/grzanic. I will be adding additional content and links to classroom documents as the year progresses. Students are encouraged to check the website regularly for updates regarding practice assignments, upcoming playing tests, playing tips, and general information. On the calendar page, students and parents may also subscribe to the Victory Band Google Calendar. I strongly encourage students and parents to subscribe to our calendar, or at least bookmark the calendar page. Band related events, public concerts, and many other school related events will be regularly added and updated on the calendar. 2016-2017 Victory Bands Performance Schedule: Tip: Use a QR code reader app on a phone or tablet to quickly access the VMS Band Webpage! Date Time Group Event Location Tuesday, October 11 7:00 PM 6 th Grade Band Band Informance and Parent Night Victory Gym Thursday, October 27 7:00 PM 7 th Grade Concert Band 8 th Grade Symphonic Band Fall Concert Victory Gym Wednesday, December 14 7:00 PM All Bands Winter Concert Friday, February 10 (tentative) Thursday, February 16 Throughout School Day During the School Day 8 th Grade Symphonic Band Elementary School Tour 8 th Grade Symphonic Band Combined LHMS, VMS, and MVHS Bands Retreat MVHS Auditorium Local Elementary Schools MVHS Auditorium Thursday, February 16 7:00 PM 8 th Grade Symphonic Band Combined LHMS, VMS, and MVHS Bands Concert MVHS Auditorium Thursday, February 23 7:00 PM 6 th Grade Band Spring Concert Victory Gym Friday, February 24 3:15 8:00 PM 7 th Grade Concert Band Thursday, March 2 3:15 8:00 PM 8 th Grade Symphonic Band Pre-Festival Sectional and Retreat Pre-Festival Sectional and Retreat Victory Band Room Victory Band Room Saturday, March 4 TBA Select Soloists and Chamber Music Ensembles District III Middle School Solo & Ensemble Festival Select Rooms at LCMS Tuesday, March 14 Week of March 13-17 (tentative) 7:00 PM TBD Afternoon During the School Day 7 th Grade Concert Band 8 th Grade Symphonic Band 7 th Grade Concert Band Pre-Festival Concert Concert Band Performance and Guest Clinic MVHS Auditorium (tentative) MVHS Auditorium or Victory Gym Wednesday, March 22 During the School Day 8 th Grade Symphonic Band West Ada Middle School Band Festival MMS Auditorium Thursday, May 18 7:00 PM All Bands End-of-Year Concert Victory Gym 6

School Instrument Rentals: Victory has a limited inventory of the larger brass and woodwind instruments available for student use. The high cost of these instruments usually prevents students from being able to acquire them on their own. These instruments include the oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, horn, baritone, and tuba. Students interested in switching to one of these instruments or learning one of them as a secondary instrument should contact Mr. Grzanic. In order to keep these quality instruments properly cleaned, maintained, and repaired, a reasonable yearly maintenance fee will be charged to the students that rent these instruments. Instrument Care and Maintenance: In band, students will learn how to properly care for and perform basic maintenance to their instruments. However, over the course of the school year, brass instrument slides may occasionally get stuck, instrument screws may come loose, or the instruments may simply quit working as well as they had been. Students or parents should not try to fix these problems on their own. Parents with pliers, hammers, and super glue only make the problem worse. Often times it is a simple fix that Mr. Grzanic can take care of at school for free. If he is unable to make the fix, it is always best to allow a professional instrument repair technician to take care of the problem. Students, if your instrument is in the shop for repairs and the store didn t provide you with a loaner instrument, please bring a note signed by a parent to class. Note that you will still be expected to fill out and turn in an oops sheet to receive points for that day s lesson. Local Music Stores: Below is a list of several of our local music stores. I recommend contacting or visiting them for your instrument supplies and rental needs. Blue Rider Music 595 W. Ustick Rd. 888-6238 Dunkley Music 3410 N. Eagle Rd. 342-5549 Welch Music 12516 W. Fairview Ave. 322-3388 Dorsey Music 5015 W. State St. 853-4141 Closing Comments: Thank you for taking the time to read through this handbook. Please hold on to this document so you can reference it as needed. The final page is a contract form and student scavenger hunt. Students should tear off the final page, complete the scavenger hunt, complete the contract page with a family member, and then return the single page to school. Thank you and I look forward to a great year! Brendan Grzanic (208) 350 4443 ext. 1604 grzanic.brendan@westada.org 7

Parent or Guardian Initials Victory Middle School Band Contract Student s First Name: Student s Last Name: Grade Level: Instrument: Part 1: Online Registration In order to receive band related reminders, announcements, and other newsletters, please visit our band webpage at www.westada.org/vms/grzanic and fill out the Google Form on the homepage. This is also a great chance to bookmark the page and familiarize yourself with our website. If your family doesn t have consistent access to email or internet at home, please let me know (leave a note on this page) and I will make sure you receive print copies of any relevant announcements or newsletters. Part 2: Parent/Guardian Agreements (what you just read online no need to read again) Band Handbook Agreement I am aware of the information contained within the band handbook and if I have questions, I know how to reach Mr. Grzanic. I will support my child s band experience by being an encouraging and understanding audience member while my child is practicing at home. I acknowledge that although I can t force my child to practice, study, or do his or her homework, I can at minimum ensure that my child has a home environment and schedule that allow for these things to happen. I am aware that band is a year-long commitment and I will patiently remind my child of this fact, even if my child says it is too difficult! or Mr. Grzanic expects too much of me! Parent or Guardian Initials Band Calendar Agreement I am aware of the band concert dates and have marked those dates on my home calendar. I understand how important these performances are to the growth and learning of not only my child, but all of the students involved in the Victory band program. I will make every reasonable effort to ensure my child has a positive concert experience, including helping him/her dress appropriately, ensuring that he/she arrives early enough to warm-up with the rest of the band before the concert, and being an attentive audience member for all of the performers involved. If my student or family has a known conflict on one of the posted concert dates that I am unable to resolve on my own, I will contact Mr. Grzanic as early as possible to see if he can offer a reasonable solution or compromise. Part 3: Parent/Guardian Statement and Signature I, parent/guardian of have visited the webpage and have completed the Google Form. I agree to the terms listed and initialed above. My questions about the band program at VMS have been answered sufficiently or I have contacted Mr. Grzanic for clarification. I am ready for an awesome year of band! Parent/Guardian Signature: Part 4: Student Statement and Signature I, son/daughter/wild-child of am aware of the information listed in this handbook. I understand what Mr. Grzanic expects of me and what my responsibilities are. I have completed the scavenger hunt on the back of this paper. I have neatly torn this form from the remainder of the handbook and I will promptly return this form to school. If my parents haven t already found a safe location for the rest of my handbook, I will be responsible for keeping track of it for them. I am ready for an awesome year of band! Student Signature:

Student Scavenger Hunt (the answers are in the handbook, time to start reading!) A completed scavenger hunt and completed band contract will count as a graded assignment! Do I need to have any previous musical experience to be in band? Nope!. In order to be successful, what are (at least) three things I must have for each classroom lesson?. How many minutes does Mr. Grzanic recommend I practice each week?. If I am running out of things to practice or would like some additional material, what should I do?. If something is wrong with my instrument, who should I see first?. And if he can t fix it?. Where does my instrument go after I get to school?. If I forget to bring my instrument to band class, how will I spend class time?. Give at least one example of how I can demonstrate the Kodiak Way in band class:. Do you have any questions or concerns for Mr. Grzanic, or anything you would like to share with him?