Eagle Ridge Middle School 42901 Waxpool Road Ashburn, VA 20148 Band Handbook 2017-2018 Kelley Vaeth, Band Director Jasmeen Pantleay, Band Director
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students: We would like to welcome each and every student back to school for the 2017-2018 school year. This handbook has been written to provide you with a detailed description of the instrumental music program. Parents, please take time to review the handbook with your child. Once you have reviewed the handbook, please sign and send the band contract (last page) to school with your child. The instrumental program at Eagle Ridge Middle School will provide students a challenging and rewarding experience in the area of music performance. Students will learn valuable lifetime skills such as commitment, responsibility, discipline, and the ability to work with others towards a common goal. During daily classroom activities, students will be given new musical concepts to take home and practice. In addition, students will review and study theory concepts and music history. Students should develop a regular routine of practice time and each student is encouraged practice 30 minutes, 5 days a week. By participating in instrumental music, we are confident that your child will gain a long term appreciation for the value of music. Sincerely, Kelley Vaeth, Band Director Jasmeen Pantleay, Band Director
Each student should be able to: Instrumental Music Objectives Follow classroom rehearsal procedures. Maintain and properly care for the instrument he/she is playing. Follow concert performance procedures. Meet performance obligations as indicated on the music calendar. Demonstrate basic competencies of instrumental performance in the areas of tone production, intonation, articulation, range, and scales. Evaluate music and musically-related performances. Understand music in relation to history and culture. Read and perform appropriate grade level music. Sight-read appropriate grade level music. Grading Policy Student report card grades will be based on the following: 90% - Summative Assessments These assessments will include concerts, playing tests, recorded tests, written tests, and after school rehearsals. PBIS Quarterly Check: 100-pt quarterly grade aligning with the school-wide PBIS policy Students are awarded 100 points at the beginning of each quarter. 5 points are deducted when behaviors not aligning with the school-wide Big 3 are demonstrated (Respect, Responsibility, Readiness) 10% - Formative Assessments These assessments will include \short written quizzes, supply checks, and snapshots (playing homework checks). Re-Take Policy We believe that all students should master the concepts covered in our classes. Any student who receives below an 80% (B) on a playing or written test, may make up the test for a higher grade at a time arranged with their teacher. Make-Up Work If a student misses a class, they are responsible for finding out the work they missed and turning it within 2 class meetings of the day missed. Any work turned in after the time may be given partial credit or counted as a 50% (F).
Classroom Rehearsal Procedures The Student: Will arrive to class on time, assemble his/her instrument and be seated in assigned chair. Will come to rehearsal prepared with a working instrument, books, music, pencil, and any supplies for the instrument. Will show respect for classmates, teacher, music, and all equipment. Understands that if he/she cannot play due to illness, dental work, etc the director requires a note from the parent or guardian. Will be an active listener during rehearsal (i.e. no talking or playing while other students are performing). Understands that gum, candy, soda, and food are not permitted in any area of the music department. Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior 1. Warning 2. Parent Contact 3. Referral to Administration Concert Procedures 1. Concert Attendance Policy. Concerts are the culmination of many hours of hard work. They are a vital part of the course objectives and the grading policy. Concert dates are given well in advance and include a limited number of evening and weekend performances, therefore attendance at concerts and rehearsals are mandatory. Please review the schedule and mark your calendars. Students will also have access to a google calendar for rehearsal/concert dates pertaining to their grade. Teachers must be notified within a month of the concert with any conflicts. Excused absences will result in a make up assignment. Unexcused absences will result in a 50% (F). Absences are considered on a case by case basis. Concert rehearsals are a required part of your child s grade. 2. Appropriate concert attire is required. Dress requirements are: Young Men Young Ladies White collared dress shirt White dress shirt Black dress pants Black dress pants- no leggings, skirts, or dresses Black socks Black socks Solid black shoes Solid black shoes ***8th Grade Band Students will wear ALL black.
Supply Lists *visit these stores for rentals: Music & Arts, Melodee Music, Reston Music, Minton s Music, or Washington Music Center 6 th Grade Band- Woodwinds and Brass 1. Instrument (do NOT purchase off amazon or ebay!) a. Brands to avoid: mendini, cecilio, windsor, jean paul, glory 2. Essential Elements Interactive Book 1 (for your instrument) 3. Metronome/tuner (can be an app on electronic device) 4. 1 inch binder with sheet protectors 5. Loose Leaf Paper 6. Pencil 7. 3 size 2 reeds (clarinets ONLY, Vandoren brand) 8. Valve oil/slide oil (brass) 6th Grade Band- Percussion 1. Snare/Bell Combo Kit (should be in rolling case) 2. A Fresh Approach to the Snare Drum- Mark Wessels 3. A Fresh Approach to Mallet Percussion- Mark Wessels 4. Metronome App on electronic device 5. 1 inch binder with sheet protectors 6. Loose Leaf Paper 7. Pencil 8. Vic Firth M3 Yellow Yarn Mallets 7th Grade Band- Woodwinds and Brass 1. Instrument (in working condition) a. Brands to avoid: mendini, cecilio, windsor, jean paul, glory 2. Essential Elements Interactive Book 1 * if not purchased in 6th grade 3. Metronome/Tuner (can be an app) 4. 1 inch binder with sheet protectors 5. Loose leaf paper 6. Pencil 7. 3 working reeds (size 2.5 or 3, Vandoren) 8. Valve oil/slide oil (brass ONLY) 7th Grade Band- Percussion 1. Snare/Bell Combo Kit (should be in rolling case)
2. A Fresh Approach to the Snare Drum- Mark Wessels *if not purchased in 6th grade 3. A Fresh Approach to Mallet Percussion- Mark Wessels *if not purchased in 6th grade 4. Metronome App on electronic device 5. 1 inch binder with sheet protectors 6. Loose Leaf Paper 7. Pencil 8. Vic Firth Intermediate Education Pack (stick bag which includes snare sticks, hard mallets, yarn mallets, and timpani mallets) 8th Grade Band- ALL 1. Instrument (in working condition) a. Brands to avoid: mendini, cecilio, windsor, jean paul, glory 2. Foundations for Superior Performance Book (for your instrument) 3. Metronome/Tuner (can be an app) 4. Pencil 5. 3 working reeds (size 2.5 or 3, Vandoren) 6. Valve oil/slide oil (brass ONLY) 7. Percussion: Vic Firth Intermediate Education Pack 2017-2018 ERMS Band Schedule **Activity bus will run on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdays at 4:30pm. Please plan for other transportation on Tuesday and Friday. **attendance at all performances is mandatory. 8th Grade Band Date Event Location Time 9/28/2017 Future Falcon Night BWHS 5:00 p.m. 12/4/2017 After School Rehearsal ERMS 3:30-4:20 12/11/2017 After School Rehearsal ERMS 3:30-4:20 12/13/2017 7th and 8th Grade Winter Concert BWHS 7:00 p.m. 1/6/2018 District Band Auditions Stone Bridge HS TBA 2/1-2/3 All District Band Rehearsals/Concert John Champe HS TBA 2/20/2018 After School Rehearsal ERMS 3:30-4:20 2/27/2018 8th Grade Pre-Assessment Concert ERMS 7:00 p.m. 3/1/2018 After School Rehearsal ERMS 3:30-4:20 3/5/2018 After School Rehearsal ERMS 3:30-4:20 3/7-3/9 District Assessment (Mandatory, date TBA) Rock Ridge HS TBA 3/14/2018 District Jazz Band Auditions Smarts Mill MS TBA 4/20/2018 Solo and Ensemble Set-Up Day ERMS After-School
4/21/2018 Solo and Ensemble Festival ERMS All Day 4/26-4/28 District Jazz Band and Assessment BWHS TBA 5/18/2018 After School Rehearsal ERMS 3:30-4:20 5/22/2018 After School Rehearsal ERMS 3:30-4:20 TBD 7th and 8th Grade Spring Concert BWHS 7:00 p.m. 6/1/2018 Hershey Park Trip Hershey, PA TBA 7th Grade Band Date Event Location Time 11/29/2017 After School Rehearsal ERMS 3:30-4:20 12/6/2017 After School Rehearsal ERMS 3:30-4:20 12/13/2017 7th and 8th Grade Winter Concert BWHS 7:00 p.m. 1/6/2018 District Band Auditions Stone Bridge HS TBA 2/1-2/3 All District Band Rehearsals/Concert John Champe HS TBA 3/14/2018 District Jazz Band Auditions Smarts Mill MS TBA 4/20/2018 Solo and Ensemble Set-Up Day ERMS After-School 4/21/2018 Solo and Ensemble Festival ERMS All Day 4/26-4/28 District Jazz Band and Assessment BWHS TBA 5/17/2018 After School Rehearsal ERMS 3:30-4:20 5/24/2018 After School Rehearsal ERMS 3:30-4:20 TBD 7th and 8th Grade Spring Concert BWHS 7:00 p.m. 6/1/2018 Hershey Park Trip (8th grade and Jazz Band Only) Hershey, PA TBA 6th Grade Band Date Event Location Time 1/6/2018 District Band Auditions Stone Bridge HS TBA 1/22/2018 After School Rehearsal ERMS 3:30-4:20 1/23/2018 6th Grade and Jazz Band Concert ERMS 6:00 p.m. 2/1-2/3 All District Band Rehearsals/Concert John Champe HS TBA 3/14/2018 District Jazz Band Auditions Smarts Mill MS TBA 4/20/2018 Solo and Ensemble Set-Up Day ERMS After-School 4/21/2018 Solo and Ensemble Festival ERMS All Day 4/26-4/28 District Jazz Band and Assessment BWHS TBA 4/30/2018 After School Rehearsal ERMS 3:30-4:20 5/8/2018 After School Rehearsal ERMS 3:30-4:20 5/10/2018 6th Grade and Jazz Band Concert ERMS 6:00 p.m. 6/1/2018 Hershey Park Trip (8th Grade and Jazz Band Only) Hershey, PA TBA
ERMS Band Contract Form (please sign and return by the 2nd day of band class) Student: I,, have read the above handbook in it s entirety and understand my responsibilites of a band student. I will show up with a positive attitude each day and have a great year of music making. Student Signature: Parent: I,, have read the above handbook in it s entirety and understand my child s responsibility as a band student. I have marked the band dates for my child on our family calendar and will make sure they attend all rehearsals and performances. Parent Signature: Parent Volunteer Opportunities: Please mark if you are interested in helping with any of these items! Copying music/concert programs Supervising students during concerts Chaperoning field trips Anything else you d be willing to assist with: