Kilbourne Middle School Bands Band Handbook August 2016 Dear Students and Parents, Welcome to a new school year! This handbook will provide you with useful information regarding participation in the band program. Please read it with your child. Understanding the procedures and expectations will help ensure a successful experience. Band members at Kilbourne Middle School are required to participate in band concerts. If you have further questions, please contact a director via e-mail or at the number below. Then, please sign and return the slip at the end of the handbook. Parent Signature Page is Due Friday August 26 th, 2016. 7 th and 8 th Grade Band Sept.23 rd -8 th grade perform with TWHS Marching Band at Home Football Game! Details out soon September 24th- Fall Band Party October 6 th - 6pm-8pm- 8 th grade band performs at Battle of Worthington Football game- TWHS November 10 th - OSU Marching Band at Vets Memorial-10am November 14th, 7:00pm-Symphonic Winds/Jazz Band Concert December 9 th - Band Caroling Night December 12 th - Merry Tuba Christmas ( Tuba and Euphonium Only) December 14th, 7:00pm: Middle School Winter Band Concert Jan.11 th - 8 th Grade Festival ( During School Day at TWHS) March 6th, 7:00pm: Music in Our Schools Month Band Concert March 18th: OMEA Solo and Ensemble (Highly encouraged- Extra Credit) April 3rd, 7:00pm- Symphonic Winds/Jazz Band Concert May 1st : Spring Band Concert (6 th,7 th,8 th ) May 6 th : Cedar Point Band Competition May 17/18/19 th : OMEA Large Group Adjudicated Event ( at Capital University) Time TBA- KEEP ALL DATES OPEN-REQUIRED EVENT May 22 nd - Ice Cream Social for students in grades 6-8 May 29th- 8 th Grade Band marches in Memorial Day Parade with TWHS Pride of Cardinal Country Marching Band! Dates in BOLD are required events. Recital Nights KMS Recital Nights are held on the second Thursday of each month in the KMS Band room at 7pm. These informal performances allow students to learn about performing in front of an audience in a relaxed setting. Students can perform solos, duets, ensembles from their book, or music they have been working on with a private teacher. These events usually last 20-30 minutes. Recital Nights 2016-2017 Sept.8 Oct.13 Nov.10 Jan.12 March 16 1
Communication is one of the keys to student success. Please don't hesitate to contact a director throughout the year with any questions you may have. Also, please provide any contact information you may have so that I can help your student achieve success. Again, I am looking forward to a great year of musical growth as a band, and growth as individuals. Sincerely, Ryan Alexis Director of Bands ralexis@wscloud.org www.kmsbands.com (614)450-4200 7 th Grade Band In 7 th Grade Band students continue to develop individual skills acquired previously as well as develop ensemble skills. The focus is on group instruction in the full band experience. Individual progress remains an important goal as well. Students at this level are encouraged to participate in the Ohio Music Educator's Solo and Ensemble Contest and to take advantage of opportunities to study their instrument privately with a qualified instructor (see page 6). Concert attendance is a course requirement. 8 th Grade Band 8 th grade Band is a continuation of the playing skills developed during the first years in addition to the development of more advanced ensemble skills needed for participation in a large musical group. Students are encouraged to study privately (see page 6) and to participate in musical contests as they prepare to face the demands of continued instrumental music study in high school. Concert attendance is a course requirement. Symphonic Winds The Symphonic Winds is a minor band course students may enroll in to further challenge their musical abilities. This course is geared for those students who want an extra challenge, or want to become better on their instruments. Meeting on Red Days, the Symphonic Winds will study music of a higher grade level, and popular music from film scores and TV. The KMS Symphonic Winds is comparable to EPP or AP Band, and is encouraged among all students in the band program. SW students will be taking field trips to universities, as well as have extended performances opportunities during the school year. This class is designed around the high school model, which will include chair placement, and challenges. Jazz Band The KMS Jazz Band is open to all 7 th and 8 th graders who are interested. This ensemble is a 7 th /8 th combined ensemble which rehearses from early November until the middle of April. Rehearsals take place from 3:15-4:30pm on Fridays in the KMS Band room. Any student is welcome to join this fun ensemble, as there are no auditions. All students can participate in this ensemble, due to the flexibility of the schedule. Students with assignments during assist ( 3:15-3:45) come to the after school portion, while others with after school commitments come during assist. ***Please note: Participation in all scheduled events is a course requirement.*** 2
Band Boosters Parents are invited to become members of the Thomas Worthington Band Boosters. The Band Boosters support the middle and high school bands. By raising funds for the advancement of the music programs, they are able to help provide equipment and opportunities for all band students in our schools. This is an excellent opportunity to become involved in your child's education and to help maintain a high quality band program for all students. The group meets in the high school band room on the last Monday of the month at 7:30pm. Go to www.twhsbands.org for band booster, and high school information. Username:esi Password:esi Materials Needed Every day, students must bring: Instrument Music Pencil 1" Binder and Page Protectors To help organize music, 7 th and 8 th Band students will need a 1" three-ring binder with about 50 page protectors. Students may supply this themselves or purchase one from the teacher. Students will occasionally also need various items to help maintain their instruments. Students can purchase these items through a director. Other Materials At the beginning of 7th grade, students will need the Measures of Success Book 1 ( same book as 6 th grade) and Measures of Success Book 2 by Robert Sheldon which they can purchase at Music and Arts ( 880-1000) Student name must be clearly printed on the front cover. 8 th Grade band students will need to own Standard of Excellence Book 2 by Bruce Pearson. This can be found at Music and Arts. 880-1000 All students also need supplies for cleaning and maintenance of their instruments, which represent a significant investment. These supplies can be purchased at a local music store or at cost through a director. Purchasing these items once will last more than a year and greatly reduce the loss of value of the instruments over time. 7 th Grade Measures of Success Band Book 2 by Robert Sheldon 1 inch binder WITH name clearly marked 50 plastic sheet protectors 7th Clarinets- 4 working Mitchell Lurie (strength 3) reeds 7th saxophones- 4 working Rico Royal (Strength 3) reeds Brass players- bottle of valve/slide oil Percussion- Stick Bag including 1) Vic Firth SD-1 Snare Drum sticks 3
2) Hard rubber mallets 3) Vic Firth Staccato timpani mallets 8 th Grade Standard of Excellence Book 2 by Bruce Pearson 1 inch binder WITH name clearly marked 50 plastic sheet protectors 8th Clarinets - 4 working Mitchell Lurie (strength 3 or 3.5) reeds 8th saxophones- 4 working Rico Royal (strength 3 or 3.5) reeds Brass players- bottle of valve/slide oil Percussion- Stick Bag including 1) Vic Firth SD-1 Snare Drum sticks 2) Hard rubber mallets 3) Vic Firth Staccato timpani mallets Optional but highly recommended materials include: Music stand for home practice Metronome (this helps students keep a steady beat) Tuner (this helps students play in tune with themselves and others) Grades Students' grades are based on four categories: Daily Participation including good behavior and evidence of practice Written and Playing Quizzes Concert Participation in appropriate clothing ***Please note: Participation in all scheduled events is a course requirement.*** Extra credit opportunities are available, including: Extra practice minutes each week (every minute over 30 in a week is extra credit) Private Lessons Participation in OMEA's Solo and Ensemble Event Outside Concert Attendance (see me for a list of recommended concerts) All band members are required to attend all band performances. Throughout the entire school year, we have a very limited number of band concerts. If a student is excused from a band performance, he or she must complete a make-up assignment as assigned by a director. Each unexcused absence of a band performance will result in a two letter grade deduction. Excused absences are only: Family wedding or graduation (ONLY with TWO WEEK'S advance written notice) Death or hospitalization of a family member Personal illness- with doctor's note Appropriate concert attire MUST adhere to the school dress code. Gentlemen will wear dress shoes, dress pants (no jeans or shorts), and KMS Band Polo. Ladies will wear closed-toed dress shoes, KMS Band Polo, and dress pants or a skirt which extends below the knee. Failure to 4
adhere to the school dress code may result in the student not participating in the performance, and losing concert participation points. Classroom Conduct Well-disciplined and efficient rehearsals are crucial to our success. Therefore, in addition to school rules, students are asked to observe these classroom rules: Respect our band by respecting all instruments and materials, each other, and the director Be on time Be prepared (Bring your instrument, music, and a pencil every day.) Only bring water (no food, gum, or soda) to class. Listen- do not talk during rehearsal. Inappropriate behavior detracts from the opportunities for all students and will not be tolerated. Breaking school or classroom rules will result in the following: First offense: Verbal warning Second offense: Loss of daily participation points Third offense: Phone Call home Fourth offense: Removal from class- Principal's Office I reserve the right to call the parent at any time. Solo and Ensemble Contest Chamber music is music that is performed individually or in small groups, rather than by a large band. Preparing and performing chamber music is an important part of a child's music education. Students in the seventh and eighth grade will work on chamber music during band class after the winter concert. Additionally, 7th and 8th grade band students have the opportunity to participate in the Ohio Music Educator's District 15 Solo and Ensemble Contest. Held on March 18 th, location TBA, this contest provides an opportunity for students to be adjudicated individually and in small groups. More information will be provided at the end of the first semester. All seventh and eighth grade students should plan to participate in an ensemble with three or more of their peers or as a soloist. Private Lessons Giving students private lessons is one very effective way to enrich a child's band experience. Students are exposed to solo literature on their instruments, build confidence through solo playing, and develop leadership in our school ensembles. Please contact me so that we may discuss the opportunity of private lessons for your child. 5
Flute: Nicole Charles (614)325-8987 Clarinet/Saxophone: Brian Thomas (614)205-9911 Trumpet: Linda Allison (614)880-1000 French Horn: David Nesmith (614)486-0661' Trombone/Baritone: Larry Klabunde (614)450-4300 Percussion: Columbus Pro Percussion (614)885-7372 To help your child complete his or her first homework assignment and earn ten points, please detach, sign and return this slip no later than Friday, August 26th, 2016. Signing it acknowledges an understanding of and agreement with the rules, grading policy, and band calendar. This gives permission for the band student to travel to and attend all band events. Furthermore, the undersigned understands that attendance at all band events is required to earn full credit in the course. 6
Kilbourne Middle School Music Department Band Uniform- Polo Shirt As a member of the KMS Band, you have the privilege of wearing the band uniform.the KMS Band Polo is to be worn at all band events, including concerts, contests, and other musical events. You can also wear your shirt to different school events, such as spirit days, Quality Night, and the Cedar Point Music Festival. This year s polo will be white and feature a COOL NEW design on the front that will read KMS BAND. The cost of each shirt will be $15 and checks should be made payable to KMS Music Department. Please complete the bottom of this form and return it to the Band room lock box NO LATER than September 2nd at 3:45pm! Thanks! --------------------------------------- Student Name Grade Circle adult size desired: S M L XL Make checks payable to KMS Music Department and return to band room lock box NO LATER THAN Thursday, Sept. 2nd at 3:45pm! 7
To help your child complete his or her first homework assignment and earn ten points, please detach, sign and return this slip no later than Friday, August 26th, 2016. Signing it acknowledges an understanding of and agreement with the rules, grading policy, and band calendar. This gives permission for the band student to travel to and attend all band events. Furthermore, the undersigned understands that attendance at all band events is required to earn full credit in the course. **Return this sheet, and keep the rest of the packet for your records.*** 7 th and 8 th Grade Band Sept.23 rd -8 th grade perform with TWHS Marching Band at Home Football Game! Details out soon September 24th- Fall Band Party October 6 th - 6pm-8pm- 8 th grade band performs at Battle of Worthington Football game- TWHS November 10 th - OSU Marching Band at Vets Memorial-10am November 14th, 7:00pm-Symphonic Winds/Jazz Band Concert December 9 th - Band Caroling Night December 12 th - Merry Tuba Christmas ( Tuba and Euphonium Only) December 14th, 7:00pm: Middle School Winter Band Concert Jan.11 th - 8 th Grade Festival ( During School Day at TWHS) March 6th, 7:00pm: Music in Our Schools Month Band Concert March 18th: OMEA Solo and Ensemble (Highly encouraged- Extra Credit) April 3rd, 7:00pm- Symphonic Winds/Jazz Band Concert May 1st : Spring Band Concert (6 th,7 th,8 th ) May 6 th : Cedar Point Band Competition May 17/18/19 th : OMEA Large Group Adjudicated Event ( at Capital University) Time TBA- KEEP ALL DATES OPEN-REQUIRED EVENT May 22 nd - Ice Cream Social for students in grades 6-8 May 29th- 8 th Grade Band marches in Memorial Day Parade with TWHS Pride of Cardinal Country Marching Band! Parent s Signature Student's Signature Parent's Name Student s Name Parent Home Phone Parent Alternative Phone 8