Indian Trail Middle School Bands 2018-2019 Band Handbook Mr. J.J. Fleming, Director of Bands jfleming@psd202.org (815) 436-6128 x615830 2017-2018 Indian Trail MS Band Handbook updated 8/20/2018 Page 1
Table of Contents Introduction Letter 2 Mission Statement 3 Instrument 3 Band Supply List 3 Grades 4 Band Rules and Procedures 4 Care of School Equipment 4 Rehearsal Procedures 5 Uniform 6 Band Lockers 6 Field Trips 6 Attendance 7 Communication 7 Handbook Form 9 Dear Band Students and Parents, I am excited to be at Indian Trail this year, and to be leading the band program! This is my sixteenth year teaching. My first twelve years were at Indian Trail teaching band, general music, and computers. The last five years of my previous time at Indian Trail were shared at Drauden Point MS. After one year spent full-time at Drauden Point, I am back for my third year full-time at Indian Trail to teach the band and many of the general music classes. I have a Bachelor s in Music Education from Murray State University with an emphasis in instrumental music. I am primarily a percussionist, but I started learning brass instruments in high school and woodwinds in college. Parents, please read through this handbook with your child and keep it as a reference throughout the school year. This document will be conveniently located on our school s website and easy to access throughout the school year. Please pay special attention to the Band Calendar. For each student s first assignment they are responsible for reviewing this handbook with their family and returning the Handbook Form with their signature, as well as the signature of a parent by the designated due date. Also, each student needs to bring their music/book and a pencil every day. Parents, I look forward to meeting and working with you this school year. Please stop by and introduce yourself, and feel free to contact me with questions as they arise. Please include your email on the commitment form as I do send letters and reminder emails periodically throughout the year. You are an important part of your child s success, and I hope to build a strong partnership. Students, as we begin this year, I am excited about the many opportunities we have in store. I look forward to a musical year! Mr. Fleming Indian Trail Middle School Director of Bands 2017-2018 Indian Trail MS Band Handbook updated 8/20/2018 Page 2
Mission Statement Holding high expectations, with confidence that all will succeed, the dedicated team of staff, students, parents, and community of Indian Trail Middle School Bands are committed to the mission of developing lifelong musicians, by providing an encouraging environment conducive to musical advancement, empowering students to be independent, self-motivated, and respectful participants. Instrument All parts must be in working order (slides, valves, etc) The outside of the instrument must be shined. The inside of the instrument must be clean. Students must have clean mouthpieces, good reeds and usable sticks and mallets. Percussion instruments must be adjusted to the musician and in good working order. Band Supply List All band members need to have a pencil and their current Essential Elements 2000 book with them for all rehearsals. One music store delivers to Indian Trail. Mr. Fleming will pass out information about these stores. 6 th Grade Band uses Essential Elements for Band, Book 1. 7 th Grade Band uses Essential Elements for Band, Book 1 and 2. 8 th Grade Band uses Essential Elements for Band, Book 2 and Essential Technique for Band, Book 3. Any lost/misplaced books must be purchased by the student. Woodwinds: 3 good reeds at all times Clarinets and Saxophones (6 th graders should purchase strength 2 1/2 or 3; 7'" and 8'" graders should purchase strength 3 or 3 1/2. Mitchell Lurie and VanDoren brands are best.) Oboes and Bassoons Consult your private lesson teacher or band director for proper reed strengths and the best brands. Reed Holder Cleaning swab Cork grease (oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon) Brass: 1 bottle of valve oil (trumpet/comet, baritone, tuba) 1 bottle of rotary valve oil (French horn) 1 bottle of slide oil or slide cream and spray bottle (trombone) 1 tuning slide grease Percussion: 1 pair of snare drum sticks Innovative Percussion Lalo Davila Model 1 pair of hard rubber xylophone mallets 1 pair of hard plastic bell mallets 1 pair of yarn marimba mallets (7 th and 8 th grade) 1 pair of general staccato timpani mallets (7 th and 8 th grade) Stick bag for storing and carrying sticks and mallets 2017-2018 Indian Trail MS Band Handbook updated 8/20/2018 Page 3
Grades Since the band is not only a class, but also an organization with attendance and conduct affecting the efficiency and standing of the organization, the quality of work determining the grade must be interpreted to include both the quality of the playing and the adherence to the standards and regulations that are set forth, as well as the participation record at all rehearsals and activities. The Grade is determined as follows: Daily Participation Grade Scales 5 Points per day 15 Points Each In-class Performance Playing Tests, 3-4 per quarter 15 Points Each Written Assignments 10 Points Each Full Band Performances In-school assemblies Evening Concerts Saturday Contests 50 Points Each Band Rules and Procedures 1. Absolutely no eating or drinking (except water) at any time while in uniform. 2. Each band member will always conduct himself/herself in such a manner as to bring credit to the school, to his/her parents, and to himself/herself. 3. There will be by no means any chewing of gum while the band is in operation as a unit in any manner. 4. The uniform must be worn positively proper and kept in top condition, cleaned, and pressed. 5. Attendance and performance at ALL performances is mandatory. The band must operate as a complete unit. 6. All rehearsal excuses will be addressed to the band director from the parent. Doctor's excuses are needed for a student to be excused from participating in a rehearsal due to medical reasons. 7. Please inform your parents at all times of your rehearsals, so they may make arrangements for you in case of emergencies. Band members are expected to attend all rehearsals of the year to which they are assigned. Care of School Equipment The school shall hold students financially responsible for any equipment issued them. This includes uniforms, instruments, accessories, music, mallets, sticks, and any other type of school property. Careless handling of school property will not be tolerated. Students will be charged for any damages or loss of school items. Instruments that go home will be checked out using an Instrument Check-out Form. 2017-2018 Indian Trail MS Band Handbook updated 8/20/2018 Page 4
Rehearsal Procedures 1. You will be expected to sit up straight at all times while playing in the band. It is impossible to play an instrument properly without adequate breath support from the diaphragm and the other areas of respiratory muscles. This support cannot be maintained while slouching. Do not cross your legs, as this makes even more problems. A band that sits poorly plays poorly. 2. Promptness at rehearsals and performances is absolutely necessary. Persistent tardiness will result in disciplinary action. 3. No talking is to be maintained by the individual when the director is on the podium or speaking to the group. 4. Do not talk when the director stops the band in rehearsal to make explanations or comments of instruction. Section leaders when called upon will take care of matters quietly. 5. Upon taking your seat, a glance at the board will reveal the rehearsal schedule for the period. Arrange your music in the proper order IMMEDIATELY. 6. You need a concept of good tone quality for your instrument so that you may imitate it. Listen to the tone quality and style of expert performers of your instrument (radio, television, records, etc.) and take private lessons. 7. An occasional mistake made in rehearsals is to be expected. However, there is no excuse for making the same mistake over and over. If your part is too difficult for you, inform your director of this fact. He will either give you another part or adapt the old part to your playing ability. 8. Check the board, front wall, and band room door for important announcements and information of interest to you as a music student. 9. Solo and ensemble practice is a great deal of fun and yields many benefits. If your director does not have time to organize ensembles of which you would like to be a member, take the initiative in this yourself. 10. Although your director would like to give you as much individual attention as you need, this is impossible. Of course if you wish to become more proficient musically, it is strongly recommended that you engage private instruction. 11. You may not always agree with the manner in which your director does things, but before you form any opinions, remember that he has a very good reason of which you probably have no knowledge. Remember also that the small amount of time available often requires that the director may work in as expeditious a manner as possible to be employed. Nevertheless, your director will welcome any sincere suggestions that you may have to offer. If you know of something that you think will be helpful, do not keep it a secret. 12. Both student and parents should read this Band Handbook carefully so that you will be familiar with all the rules, regulations, and procedures of the INDIAN TRAIL MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND. You are fully responsible for all of the information contained in this handbook. Indian Trail Middle School Band Handbook Page 5
Uniform The uniform is the badge of our organization, and it must be worn with pride and care. This year, the old worn out uniforms are going to be replaced with a Black Dress Shirt with an embroidered Indian Trail logo, which will be ordered through the school, and Black Dress Pants, Black Socks and Black Dress Shoes, provided by the parent. Band uniforms are required for performances. We have a standard uniform for each band in order to make things as convenient and economical as possible. 6 th Grade band Provided by the band Provided by the student Order form for Band Dress Shirt Band Dress Shirt (once ordered) (go big shirt should Black dress pants* Last for 3 years!) Black dress shoes (no gym shoes) Black socks 7 th Grade band Provided by the band Provided by the student Order form for Band Dress Shirt Band Dress Shirt (once ordered) (go big shirt should Black dress pants* Last for 2 years!) Black dress shoes (no gym shoes) Black socks 8 th Grade band Provided by the band Provided by the student Order form for Band Dress Shirt Band Dress Shirt (once ordered) Black dress pants* Black dress shoes (no gym shoes) Black socks *Girls may wear BELOW THE KNEE length skirts **If the Student neglects to have dress pants or an appropriate length skirt, we will provide a pair of pants. However, it will then be the parents responsibility to dry clean them. Band Lockers Students need to provide combination locks for their band lockers. Students need to provide the director with their combination upon purchase. Field Trips If a student makes an infringement on any band or school rule or policy, or on any law, or if a student acts in a manner unbefitting of an Indian Trail band member while on a trip, the parents of the student will be responsible for transporting the student home or paying the expense incurred by sending the student home.. Indian Trail Middle School Band Handbook Page 6
Attendance Rehearsal and performance attendance is essential to our success. Included with this handbook is a calendar for the 2018-2019 school year. Please refer to this schedule when planning work schedules, vacations, and other commitments. Performance Attendance: All performances are required. Exceptions will only be made in case of extreme emergency or illness. Parent s work, extracurricular activities, or other conflicts are NOT considered excused. Communication is the key; think ahead and make arrangements early. In case of an emergency a written note, phone call, or e-mail is required before an alternate assignment will be issued. In non-emergency cases, a written note from the parent is required ONE WEEK (seven days) before the date of the concert. Not all absences will be considered excused! (Parent s work, extracurricular activities, or other conflicts are NOT considered excused.) When an absence is granted as excused, an alternate assignment will be given. This assignment must be completed to receive credit for the missed performance. It is the student s sole responsibility to complete any make up work. Excused absence assignments will be assigned by your teacher. If an absence meets the excused criteria, students must complete the alternate assignment within three weeks of the missed performance date. Once again, it is the student s responsibility to deem an absence as excused, receive an excused assignment, and turn in the assignment within the given time frame. Unexcused absences cannot be made up, and points will be lost from the student s grade. If absent from the school day, the student must complete an alternate assignment to receive credit for the missed performance. In order to receive full credit for concerts, each student must: 1. Attend scheduled performances 2. Arrive to warm-up on time. 3. Wear the appropriate uniform. 4. Follow the code of conduct. 5. Use proper concert etiquette while watching others perform. Students are encouraged to attend other musical events. Extra credit will be given for extracurricular concerts students attend; they must bring a program or note signed by a parent or guardian. Communication I will communicate with parents through notes that I send home. Please check your student s band folder regularly, so that nothing is missed. I will also email notes home if I have a parent email. If you would like to receive notes through email as well please email Mr. Fleming at jfleming@psd202.org Indian Trail Middle School Band Handbook Page 7
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The handbook slip must be signed and returned by Friday, August 24, 2018. HANDBOOK FORM I have read and understand the rules, regulations, and procedures in the band handbook. Student Name: Signature: Parent/Guardian Name: Signature: Best Parent/Guardian Contact Numbers: - Whose Number is this? - Whose Number is this? Parent/Guardian Email(s): - Whose is this? - Whose is this? Indian Trail Middle School Band Handbook Page 9