PLAINFIELD COMM. MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND Welcome to the BAND program at PCMS!!
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES Our classroom procedures are governed by the following classroom rules: 1. Respect others right to learn. 2. Respect other people and their property. 3. Come to class prepared to participate and participate. 4. Follow directions the first time they are given. GRADES Grades will consist of the following parts: 1. Participation - 35% 2. Performances - 20% 3. Tests/Quizzes - 45% PARTICIPATION - Each student will receive one point per day for participation in class. In order to receive the point, he/she should come to class on time with all materials (instrument in good playing condition, method book, pencil and music) and actively participate throughout the rehearsal. (Materials also include one pair of sticks and one pair of Vic Firth M5 mallets for percussionists, a minimum of two reeds for woodwinds, and valve/slide oil for brasses.) STUDENT BEHAVIOR The expected student behavior in band classes is at a minimum the same as a regular classroom. We participate in a large group activity (some classes will have as many as 80 students this year) with many facets coming together to create a musically pleasing result. The progress of an entire ensemble can easily be deterred by as few as one or two individuals who talk excessively, create undue distraction, and/or present uncooperative attitudes. It is our hope that each student learns, along with musical skills, the importance of teamwork within our ensembles, experiences the value of commitment to a group, and feels the rewards gained when a large group succeeds in reaching its goals. We also hope that parental contact will not be necessary to assist in the correction of poor student behavior. However, should parent contact be made necessary, we do appreciate your support. PERFORMANCES - There will be at least 3 required performances during the school year. If other performances should become necessary during the year, notice will be sent home with your child well in advance.
Performance dates for the school year are as follows: September 9 - Performance with HS Band = 8 th Grade only November 29 - Holiday Concert (at PHS) = 7 th and 8 th Grade only March 11 - ISSMA Concert Band Contest May 9 - Spring Concert (at PCMS) Another activity we STRONGLY encourage for 7 th and 8 th graders is participation in the ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Contest on Sat., Jan. 28. More details will follow in November. TESTS/QUIZZES Playing and/or written tests and quizzes will be given during each grading period. The tests are designed to check each student's progress on particular concepts that are being taught. Playing tests are also a great chance for the director to hear each child play individually. EXTRA CREDIT (Practice) Extra credit will be given in the Tests/Quizzes area for any practice students do outside of school hours. Students may also count jazz band and private lessons on their band instrument as practice time. Practice sheets to record practice time are available in the band room. Students will turn in the form, signed by the parent, twice during each nineweek grading period. No late practice forms will be accepted! MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION INSTRUMENTS IN NEED OF REPAIR Occasionally, an instrument will require repairs beyond simple adjustments. You may elect to send your instrument in to Paige s Music for those repairs. (If you are renting from Paige s, those repairs are free.) A representative from Paige s Music store comes by once a week to pick up and deliver instruments. All you need to do is fill out a form (available in the band room), attach it to the instrument case and put the instrument in the band office. If you call Paige s ahead of time, you can request a loaner instrument so that your child will miss less class time and stay caught up with the class. The toll-free number for Paige s is: 1-800-382-1099.
PRIVATE LESSONS - Private lessons are highly recommended. We keep a listing of area instrumental private teachers. We strongly encourage you and your child to investigate this enrichment activity. BAND PERFORMANCE ATTIRE - Each band student will be required to purchase a band shirt to be worn at all performances. Sixth grade members will be purchasing new shirts this year; seventh and eighth graders should wear their shirt from last year. (Any seventh or eighth grade student who has lost or outgrown his/her shirt may place an order when the sixth grade orders are taken.) It is a polo shirt with an embroidered logo. Information as to the exact cost of the shirt and when it is to be paid will be sent home with your student when all specifics have been finalized. Your child will also need the following to complete his/her band attire: Black pants/skirt (no jeans) Black socks Black dress shoes (If choosing to wear a skirt, please wear full length black hose.) Band shirts will be ordered through the band department, however the rest of the performance attire should be obtained before the first performance. SUPPLIES We have available a small amount of instrumental supplies in the band room. Students may purchase necessary items before or after school. Generally, we carry the following items: clarinet/bass clarinet reeds, alto/tenor/bari sax reeds, oboe reeds, valve oil, slide oil, cork/slide grease, and trombone slide cream. Other items may be ordered through the Paige s Music web site (www.paigesmusic.com). INCENTIVES POWER POINTS - Each band has the chance to earn power points. The points are achieved by the group for excellent performance or behavior. Once the entire band reaches 75 points they qualify for a free day.
Please return this page to school by Friday, Aug. 12th. I have received and have carefully read the PCMS instrumental music information packet. Student s Name (Print) Student s Signature Parent s Signature