Page 1 AJHS BAND HANDBOOK 2018-2019 THIS HANDBOOK SERVES AS A RESOURCE MATERIAL, PARTIAL SCHEDULE, AND OVERALL GUIDE FOR INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC AT ABINGTON JR. HIGH. PLEASE CONTACT MR. WETHERILL IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CONTENT OF THIS HANDBOOK AFTER YOU HAVE REVIEWED IT. ABINGTON JUNIOR HIGH BAND WEBSITE HTTP://WWW.ABINGTONJRHIGHBAND.COM Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn. They teach you there's a boundary line to music. But, man, there's no boundary line to art. Charlie Parker
Page 2 CONTACT INFORMATION: MR. DAVID WETHERILL BAND DIRECTOR E-mail: DavidWetherill@abington.k12.pa.us Other staff in the Abington Junior High Music Department that will be working alongside me, with your children: Mrs. Mindy Walker Chorus Director Mrs. Nancy Voigt Orchestra Director REMIND (OPTIONAL COMMUNICATION TOOL) In order to help students be more successful in my class, I am using a communication tool called Remind. This tool is optional. It is a free text messaging app/email service that allows me to send out reminders, schedules, and attachment forms via text message, push notifications, or email message (Examples Don t forgot to bring your instrument home for the concert tonight! or Today, our class will meet in the library ). Remind is completely anonymous. I will not have access to any students cell phone numbers nor will they have access to mine. If you or your child would like to sign up for Remind, please follow the instructions below. For 7 th Grade Band on MTR, text @7MTR to 81010 or download the app and enter class code (@7MTR). For 7 th Grade Band on MWF, text @7MWF to 81010 or download the app and enter class code (@7MWF). For 8 th Grade Band on MTR, text @8MTR to 81010 or download the app and enter class code (@8MTR). For 8 th Grade Band on TWF, text @8TWF to 81010 or download the app and enter class code (@8TWF). For 9 th Grade Band on MWF, text @9thmwf to 81010 or download the app and enter class code (@9thmwf). For 9 th Grade Band on TRF, text @9TRF to 81010 or download the app and enter class code (@9TRF). GOALS: The mission of the band program at Abington Junior High is to provide students with the skills necessary to succeed in performing on a music instrument, no matter the level of the student. We feel that quality music education is vital to enrich a student s total education in the Abington School District; therefore, participation, preparation, attitude, and classroom behavior is of the highest importance in the course. By definition, band is unity and collaboration. Unlike many subjects that students study in school, band requires teamwork, cooperation, and collaboration among large numbers of students. The importance of this collaboration between students is what guides our classroom rules.
Page 3 BAND RULES: Be on time Students are expected to be sitting in their seats with their instruments/materials out, no later than 2 minutes after the start of the period. Have your stuff Students are expected to have their instrument, band folder, Essential Elements book, and a pencil at EVERY rehearsal. If needed, students should get their instrument repaired in a timely manner. When Mr. Wetherill is giving instructions Treat others with respect! No food, drinks, or gum, in the band room No Cell Phones in Class
Page 4 HOW STUDENTS ARE GRADED: Citizenship Points (Participation/Preparation) Playing Tests Music Theory Online Assessments Attendance at Concerts/Performances Students will receive 1 point per day if they arrive to class on time, bring all of their necessary materials, and follow all of the band rules/guidelines. If a student is late without a pass, unprepared for class, or behaving inappropriately, they will lose 1 point per day. In order to keep students musically accountable, Mr. Wetherill will administer several individual playing tests per marking period. Over the course of each marking period, Mr. Wetherill will assign several music theory online assessments for students to complete. Students will perform at all scheduled concerts and performances. Approx. 30 points per marking period 25 points each 10-20 points each 100 points per concert/performance Total Points per Marking Period Approximately 200 points CONCERTS/PERFORMANCES: *Abington vs. CB West Football Game Performance Friday, October 26, 7:00 P.M. Winter Band Concert Thursday, December 13, 7:30 P.M. Spring Band Concert Thursday, May 9, 7:30 P.M. *Hershey Park Adjudication Friday, May 10 (9 th Grade Band Only) Class of 2019 Graduation Commencement Ceremony Wednesday, June 12, 7:00 P.M. (9 th Grade Only) *Optional Performance More specific details to follow regarding each performance
Page 5 ABINGTON VS. CB WEST FOOTBALL GAME PERFORMANCE: This year, all band students will have the opportunity to perform at the Abington vs. CB West Football Game on Friday, October 26 th. The performance will take place in Schwarzman Stadium next to Abington Sr. High School. The students will be performing exciting, pep band music alongside the Abington Marching Ghosts for the duration of the game. This will be a very laid back and fun event. *This performance is optional. Students are strongly encouraged to participate; however, they will not be penalized if they are unable to attend. Rehearsal: Monday, October 22 nd, 3:15 5:00 P.M. Location: ASHS Band Room Performance Attire: Maroon Top (t-shirt/long sleeve/hoodie depending on the weather) and Jeans WINTER AND SPRING CONCERT ATTIRE: Performance Attire: Men - White dress shirt, black dress pants, black dress shoes, black socks, and ties are optional. Shirts must be tucked in. Ladies - White dress shirt, black dress pants or skirt, black dress shoes, or all black dress. NO SHORT SKIRTS! *Students who are inappropriately dressed will not be allowed to perform at the concert, thus affecting his/her grade. ATTENDANCE AT CONCERTS: In order for the band to perform successfully, we need all of our musicians present. If your child is absent from a concert or performance, it affects the entire ensemble sound. Please try to avoid our concert and performance dates with your family plans. EXCUSED Family emergency (note provided after) Severe illness (note provided by doctor after) Once-in-a-lifetime academic trip scholastic/youth group/church group (note provided by due date below) Family wedding or special event planned previously (note provided by due date below). Religious Observances UNEXCUSED Vacation Transportation Issues Instrument Broken Sports/Activity practices, performances, or games.
Page 6 EXCUSED ABSENCE DEADLINES: If you have a previously planned special event and are unable to make one of the performances, please give Mr. Wetherill a parental note by the due date listed below. WINTER CONCERT EXCUSED ABSENCES PARENTAL NOTE DUE NO LATER THAN NOV. 1 SPRING CONCERT EXCUSED ABSENCES PARENTAL NOTE DUE NO LATER THAN MAR. 1 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY EXCUSED ABSENCES PARENTAL NOTE DUE NO LATER THAN MAY 1 If an absence is excused, the students will make-up the concert grade at the discretion of the director, by the following means: Recital performance of concert music for the class Written/Oral report or presentation on a given musical topic. BOOKS: Students are required to purchase the following method book for class - Habits of a Successful Middle School Musician (Rush, Scott, Wilkinson, Moon, Boyle). We will use this book for ensemble warm up exercises, scale studies, technique drills, etc. These books can be found at any local music store or online and are relatively inexpensive. When purchasing the book, please make sure that the book that corresponds to the instrument that the student plays. If a student has any financial concerns about purchasing a new book, please see Mr. Wetherill. Students are required to have this book by Monday, September 24 th. SCHOOL-LOANED INSTRUMENTS: Abington School District fully understands the cost of owning a musical instrument, especially instruments that are extremely expensive. Therefore, a wide array of instruments can be loaned to students who are in need of an instrument to play. These instruments are intended for students switching to an instrument not offered in elementary school, such as: Oboe, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Euphonium, and Tuba. While Abington Junior High does have a limited supply of Flutes, Clarinets, and Trumpets, these instruments will only be loaned to families with serious financial limitations. Students who borrow a school district-owned instrument will be given an instrument-rental bond. Please sign the bond along with your child it will include any instrument accessories needed. Once the child returns the instrument, any damage (outside of normal wear-and-tear) will be charged as a student obligation at the end of the school year.
Page 7 INSTRUMENT SWITCHES: In order to produce an exciting and engaging musical experience for your children, the Abington Junior High Band Program needs motivated students to switch to instruments that were not previously offered in elementary instruction. Our band program needs saxophones, and low brass/low woodwinds to create a balanced band sound. A new instrument can be great for a student wishing to get out of a large section or a student ready for a new challenge. Students who previously played flute or clarinet may switch to oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone. If a student elects to switch to oboe or bassoon, I highly recommend private lessons due to the difficulty of the instrument. Students who previously played trumpet, trombone, or baritone horn may switch to French horn or tuba. In order for a student to switch to a new instrument, they must: Demonstrate knowledge of their previous instrument Follow the course rules consistently Be open to several possibilities of new instruments (you may not be able to switch to your 1 st choice) Treat their instrument with respect, and handle it carefully Be willing to play the new instrument for an entire school year Understand that they will need to practice more frequently to catch up to the other musicians in the band EXTRACURRICULAR MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES: A-Town Jazz Band (Competitive Jazz Band) The A-Town Jazz Band is Abington Jr. High s competitive Jazz Band. Musicians are chosen based on auditions, and rehearse as an ensemble on Tuesday evenings from 7-9 PM. The band participates in several competitive jazz festivals, school performances, and assemblies. The ensemble is best suited to the serious musician who is looking for a challenge and to have fun. Montco Honors Band (7 th and 8 th Grade Only) Pit Orchestra Montco Honors Band is an honors concert band comprised of the top 7th and 8th graders from Abington Junior High School, Colonial Middle School, Keith Valley Middle School, Sandy Run Middle School, Springfield Township Middle School, and Upper Moreland Middle School. During the month of November, Mr. Wetherill will hand select the top 2-3 students in each instrument section to be a part of this respected ensemble. Students will attend 4 rehearsals in the month of January (2 during school and 2 outside of school) and perform a concert to showcase their work. The Pit Orchestra is an ensemble hand selected by Mr. Wetherill that performs during our Spring Musical. The Pit Orchestras accompanies the actors/actresses while they perform different numbers of singing and dancing. Abington Marching Ghosts (9 th Grade Only) Marching Band is open to all students in grades 9-12. The marching band season typically falls in line with the time frame of a fall sport. Students attend band camp during the last few weeks of August and the season runs until the first week in November. The marching band performs at all football games as well as several Cavalcade of Bands competitions.
Page 8 SPIRIT WEAR: The AJHS music department will be holding a spirit wear fundraiser sale. Proceeds of the sale with benefit music activities. Additionally, we will have several music spirit days along with the rest of the music department at AJHS. If you would like to order and purchase a t-shirt please visit: https://ajhsmusic.itemorder.com/sale. The deadline to order a t-shirt is September 30 th. Shirts will be delivered 2 weeks after that. GOOGLE CLASSROOM In addition to using the www.abingtonjrhighband.com website as a resource, I will also be using Google Classroom to post music theory notes, videos, assignments, schedules, etc. Please join the follow Google Classroom that corresponds with what band section you are enrolled in. For 7 th Grade Band on MTR, sign up using the class code: sggt5p For 7 th Grade Band on MWF, sign up using the class code: q4n7uw5 For 8 th Grade Band on MTR, sign up using the class code: kbfcysc For 8 th Grade Band on TWF, sign up using the class code: h245db For 9 th Grade Band on MWF, sign up using the class code: 8b7iw2 For 9 th Grade Band on TRF, sign up using the class code: sczsj4 HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT #1 DUE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH 10 POINTS 1. TAKE THIS HANDBOOK HOME. 2. REVIEW THIS HANDBOOK WITH YOUR PARENTS/GUARDIANS. 3. WRITE DOWN CONCERT AND PERFORMANCE DATES ON YOUR PERSONAL CALENDAR. 4. ASK YOUR PARENTS/GUARDIANS TO VISIT https://goo.gl/forms/xiopbhr10keeu3xs2 5. ASK YOUR PARENTS/GUARDIANS TO COMPLETE AJHS BAND HANDBOOK PARENTAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT