Chapel Hill 7 th & 8 th Grade Center BAND HANDBOOK AND INFORMATION 2016 2017 NilaFillmann Eric Park v.m. 988-8815 v.m. 988-8805 nila.fillmann@wayne.k12.in.us eric.park@wayne.k12.in.us TABLE OF CONTENTS Concerts & Uniforms pages 3-6 Concert Clothing.....p. 3 Concert Etiquette..p. 4 7 th Grade Concerts...p. 5 8 th Grade Concerts.p. 6 Jazz Band Concerts...p. 6 Grades pages 7-10 Weighted Grades..p. 7 Playing with Others....p. 8 Playing Alone... p. 9 Practice Chart. p. 10 Tips for Band pages 11-12 Instrument Tips.. p.11 Practice Tips. p. 12 Page1 Performance Contract pages 13-14 *Must be signed and turned in by 8/5/16.
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CONCERTS & CONCERT DRESS MUSICAL PERFORMANCE IS THE FOCUS OF OUR CLASS. EVERYONE IS IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE GROUP. HAVING BAND CLASS MEANS STUDENTS MUST PERFORM IN THE REQUIRED CONCERTS. WE CANNOT GAURANTEE THAT WE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO SUPERVISE YOUR STUDENT AFTER SCHOOL, SO PLEASE BE PREPARED TO ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION. ALSO, WE CANNOT BE EXPECTED TO FEED YOUR STUDENT. (Please see the Performance Agreement on the last page of this packet.). The band performance uniform is real simple, ALL BLACK. No special shirt to buy, just all black. Not black with purple writing, or black with silver sparkles, just all black. The shirt, pants or skirt, dress, socks, shoes are all black, and NO DENIM. Sounds simple, but the uniform must satisfy the school dress code, so skirt or dress length must be past your extended arm length, and the pants cannot sag below the hip. We would like our performers to show pride in their hard work by dressing for success. Please have their concert clothing ready for your student s first concert. STUDENTS CANNOT PERFORM WITHOUT BEING DRESSED IN ALL BLACK, so if there is any problem getting any part of their concert clothing, please contact Mrs. Fillmann as soon as possible. Page3
PLEASE COME BE OUR AUDIENCE FOR EACH OF YOUR STUDENT S CONCERTS! Your student has been working for months to prepare 15 minutes of music so they can be proud of their performance. The number of skills needed to play music together is staggering. We think you will be proud too. When you attend a concert, we know you don t want to distract from the performance. Here are just five things to think about: 1. Talking is distracting. Auditoriums are designed to intensify sound, so even soft talking will be heard in the auditorium and on stage. They may not 3 4 know exactly what you said, but they will hear you talking. 2 1 5 2. Waving or calling out to a performer on stage is distracting. We know your student is important, but we think all band students are important. The only way one student should stand out from the group is by soloing. 3. Cell phones and flash photography are distracting. Please silence your phone and stop texting, internet, or photography until the performers are done playing. 4. Video recording from the middle isle is distracting. The performance can be recorded from the back of the auditorium. Page4 5. Being out of your seat is distracting. Wait until the music stops to move to and from your seat. Unless it is an emergency!
Concert Dates for 7 t h GRADE BAND Enter CHC Door 14 for. REQUIRED CONCERT #1: Thursday, September 29, 2016; In the CHC Auditorium: Purple Band: 6:30 Warm-up on stage with a 7:00 Performance Giant Band: 7:30 Warm-up on stage with an 8:00 Performance In the CHC Cafeteria: Percussion: 7:15 setup with a 7:30 Performance Enter CHC Door 14 for. REQUIRED CONCERT #2: Thursday, February 16, 2017 In the CHC Auditorium Purple Band: 6:30 Warm-up on stage with a 7:00 Performance Giant Band: 7:30 Warm-up on stage with an 8:00 Performance Enter CHC Door 12 for. REQUIRED CONCERT #3: Tuesday, May 23, 2017; in the CHC Competition Gym Full 7 th Grade Band: 7:00 Warm-up in gym with a 7:30 Performance REMEMBER: STUDENTS CANNOT PERFORM WITHOUT WEARING ALL BLACK, and please, NO DENIM. Page5 If there is any problem getting any part of their concert clothing, please contact Mrs. Fillmann as soon as possible!
Concert Dates for 8th GRADE BAND Enter CHC Door 12 for. REQUIRED CONCERT #1: FALL CONCERT with the BDHS MARCHING GIANTS Tuesday, November 1, 2016, in the CHC Competition Gym 7:00 Warm-up in Gym with 7:30 Performance Required After School Rehearsals: After School Practice: Monday, November 21 from 4:30 to 8:00 After School Practice: Wednesday, February 15 from 4:30 to 6:00 REQUIRED CONCERT #2: Ben Davis Concert and Clinic BDHS Directors clinic for CHC on Friday, February 26, 2017 CHC Auditorium from 4:30 to 8:30 REQUIRED CONCERTS #3: ISSMA Contest *Friday or Saturday, March 10 or 11, 2017 (Time & Place TBA) *requested date is 3/10/17, but it is not gauranteed Enter BDHS Door 2 for. REQUIRED CONCERT #4: BAND-O-RAMA Monday, May 15, 2017, in the BDHS Main Gym; Time TBA Concert Dates for JAZZ BAND Enter CHC Door 14 for. REQUIRED CONCERT #1: Tuesday, December 20, 2016, in the CHC Auditorium: Winter Concert: 7:00 warm-up with 7:30 performance Enter CHC Door 12 for. REQUIRED CONCERT #2 & #3: Pep Band performances in December & January Time & Date TBA: one Boys Basketball Game & one Girls Basketball Game Enter BDHS Door 2 for. REQUIRED CONCERT #4: Saturday, April 22, 2017, at BDHS: Wayne Township Junior Jazz Band Concert: time TBA Page6 REMINDER: STUDENTS CANNOT PERFORM WITHOUT WEARING ALL BLACK, and please, NO DENIM. If there is any problem getting any part of their concert clothing, please contact Mrs. Fillmann as soon as possible!
ASSESSMENTS OF SKILLS you know GRADES! How is band class going? Objective: Music performance on an instrument Indiana State Music Standard 2 70-80% is based on playing skills: 1. Playing with Others: a. Concert Participation is REQUIRED with an unexcused absence lowering the grade a full letter grade or more (alternate assignments available for excused absences) b. Rehearsal Checks c. Technique Checks d. Line/song checks e. Concert Music Checks (retakes encouraged before or after school) 2. Playing Alone: retakes encouraged until a week before progress or grade reports are due a. Standard Line Quizzes b. Scale Tests c. Sight-reading Tests d. Extra-credit Lines (after school or recorded) 3. Effort through practice: Practice Charts for work outside of class a. 100 minutes = A+ = 100% b. Due first class of the week c. Chart can be recorded on any full size piece of paper with student name, dates, minutes practiced & parent signature d. Charts more than 2 weeks late are not accepted Objective: Read, notate, interpret, improvise, arrange, analyze, describe, and critique music Indiana State Music Standard 3, 4, 5 & 9 20-30% grade is based on reading, notating, interpreting, improvising, composing, analyzing, describing, and critiquing music: 1. Written & Chromebook Tests a. Multiple Choice (80% for proficient) b. Fill-in-the blank c. Constructed& Extended Response 2. Written and Chromebook Assignments & Practice a. Reading and Writing in the Curriculum b. Rhythmic & Melodic Dictation c. Theory activities& practice d. Information & communication shared with parent/guardian Music standards practiced and discussed, but not assessed: 1, 7 & 8 singing, improvisation, and understanding the relationship of music between other arts, disciplines, history and culture. Page7
FOR PLAYING WITH OTHERS: Band Rehearsal Checklist: Standard 2, Playing an Instrument with Others Organization Skills BEFORE SCHOOL: Have your instrument, music, pencil, Chromebook, binder, & agenda at school for rehearsal BY THE 2 nd BELL: In the band hallway (carpeted storage area); REHEARSAL BEGINS IN 5 MINUTES BEFORE THE REHEARSAL BEGINS: Instrument carefully assembled, case closed & stored out of the way of traffic BEFORE THE REHEARSAL BEGINS: Questios asked, reed bought, valve oil used etc. BEFORE THE REHEARSAL BEGINS: In assigned seat with first activity ready to go AFTER THE AGENDA IS READ: Put your music in order AFTER REHEARSAL: Assignments turned in; instrument cleaned & stored in case; music in folder; case & music folder in secured locker Rehearsal Skills: Pencil for class and parts marked Attentive to the rehearsal, not to other homework or reading Attentive with no distracting behavior when your section is rehearsing Attentive with no distracting behavior when other sections are rehearsing Attentivewith no distracting behavior when director is giving instructions and/or directions Questions asked with hand up, waiting to be called Start and stop playing with director s baton Hands and negative comments kept to yourself Written assignments and/or music theory practice completed to the best of your ability Playing Skills: Good posture when playing Hold instrument correctly Always participating in rehearsal to the best of your ability despite any difficulties Playing with best tone possible Parts practiced at home and improved before rehearsal Page8
FOR PLAYING ALONE: Level of Performance Exceptional 5 A+ Exemplary 4 A A- Proficient 3 B B- Progressing 2 C C- NOT MEETING EXPECTATIONS 1 X Credit given for effort Performance Criteria The music was performed with leadership and attention to detail beyond what is expected at this time in our preparation The music was performed with note and rhythmic accuracy and expected musical details. The music was performed with note and rhythmic accuracy but without some of the musical details necessary for an Exemplary performance There are still some minor rhythm and/or note mistakes that detract from your performance. Musical details are missing due to the struggle with basic rhythms and notes. There are still major rhythm and note mistakes To achieve a passing grade, please make a recording or play for me before or after school Music is an art form and discipline that is never perfect. HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR PERFORMANCE: Note Accuracy: PRACTICE to develop technique, mechanical skill and smoothness (time and focus will help) Rhythmic Accuracy: Learn note and rest values and duration Hear or feel a steady pulse (tap foot or metronome) Subdivide the beat evenly Consider the tempo Dynamics: Watch for markings ( p, mf, f, cresc. etc.) Make the interpretation obvious to the listener Use the right range of contrasts Balance your part with the band Tone Quality and Intonation: Consider air speed, air volume, support, embouchure (lips, teeth, throat, jaw etc.), posture, instrument position, instrument/reed condition Page9 MUSICAL DETAILS Articulation and Tonguing: Watch for markings (slur, staccato, legato etc.) Consider attacks and releases Articulation style is important Consider the way your tongue is moving, where it is hitting, and how your throat and jaw are held Sound needs air, resonance (depth), warmth, control, clarity, focus, and consistency Expression and Phrasing: Consider breathing points, expression, and emotional involvement
FOR PRACTICE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL: (KNOWN AS HOMEWORK ) PRACTICE CHART FOR: Full Name Please! THE DATES I PRACTICED ARE: I PRACTICED THIS MANY MINUTES: I WORKED ON: TOTAL MINUTES PRACTICED: PARENT SIGNATURE REQUIRED: Page10 After School Open Band Practice Mondays & Wednesdays from 4:15 to 5:00 o EARN DOUBLE MINUTES WITH NO PRACTICE CHART OR PARENT SIGNAURE REQUIRED!!! YOU ONLY NEED A RIDE HOME!!!
Having problems? See if any of these suggestions might help. Don t be afraid to try something new! Flute 1. Flute parallel with lips 2. Flute to head, not head to flute 3. Relaxed embouchure, slight frown 4. Watch your finger position! 5. Open mouth and throat. Create a full tone. 6. Flat? Push air forward, adjust jaw forward or roll flute out, and don t collapse your right wrist backward. 7. Sharp? Slow air, drop jaw, or roll in flute, and don t collapse your right wrist forward. 8. Still out of tune? Check your head cork. Clarinet 1. Head up 2. Chin down flat, corners back and firm (smile!) 3. Do not overwrap bottom lip 4. Teeth on mouthpiece 5. Make sure you have enough mouthpiece in your mouth with lower lip lower that top teeth 6. Watch finger position! 7. Tongue light and quick 8. Squeaks? Try less mouthpiece, check reed, don t close your throat Saxophones 1. Lower jaw somewhat relaxed 2. Tongue lightly 3. Fill horn with air 4. Correct horn position: sax to mouth with head up and straight, not mouth to sax (adjust strap and mouthpiece angle) 5. Always listen! Adjust air and mouth to pitch. Oboe and Bassoon 1. Lips firm but don t pinch! 2. Bassoon: overbite position (lower jaw back and upper teeth forward) 3. Oboe: lips slightly rolled over teeth and adjust pitch rolling lip in and out 4. Use plenty of air to fill up the horn 5. Tongue should lightly touch read while tonguing Trumpet 1. Head and bell up 2. Hold the horn with your left hand 3. Finger tips on valves 4. Position mouthpiece 1/2 upper lip and 1/2 lower 5. Chin flat and throat open 6. Use plenty of air to blow through the horn without over-blowing 7. Tongue lightly French Horn 1. 2/3 upper lip and 1/3 lower lip 2. Pressure more on lower lip (don t roll it in) 3. Back of right hand against bell 4. Use right hand to keep pitch 5. Head up and BLOW plenty of air Trombone/Tuba/Baritone 1. Open lips with space between 2. Lots of air! 3. Open throat 4. Don t puff cheeks 5. Trombone: relaxed wrist for quickness Percussion 1. Watch hand position and instrument height 2. Generally don t lift sticks over 12 inches 3. Use a metronome often 4. Be careful to subdivide evenly Page11
HERE ARE SOME PRACTICE TIPS FOR EVERYONE: 1. Find a quiet place to practice where you can sit properly with a stand to hold your music. 2. Warm-up before practicing. This will build your embouchure, breath control, tone quality, and intonation. 3. Don t forget scales and rudiments! 4. While you are fresh, work on difficult passages. Take the time to isolate your problems, even if it is between only two notes. 5. Practice all tempos, even slow! 6. Practice all dynamics also. 7. Practice many different styles of music. 8. RELAX and enjoy your progress. Don t focus on your difficulties, focus more on your successes. 9. End with something you enjoy playing, even if it is too easy and very old. Don t Have an Instrument at Home? Try 7 up TIPS ON PRACTICING WITHOUT AN INSTRUMENT Before you begin, review all musical terms and symbols in your book or music. 1. Say the letter names of notes you may write the letter names on a separate paper. 2. Write the letter name of a new note in your music one time then continue with #1. 3. Simulate the fingering/position/sticking as you say the letter names of your notes. 4. Count your rhythms you may write counting on a separate piece of paper. 5. Write the counting for a new rhythm in your music one time then continue with #4. 6. Clap, tap, and count rhythms. Page12 7. Say the letter names of notes, simulate the fingering/position/sticking, tap your foot all in time. PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
BAND PARTICIPATION DEAR PARENTS, PLEASE SIGN THE BACK OF THIS PAGE AND HAVE YOUR STUDENT TURN THIS PAGE IN BY 8/5/16. By signing the back of this page, you have informed us that: 1. You have read through the handbook (or admit that you should have) and understand what is going on in band class. 2. You also understand that band class participation includes mandatory participation in performances outside of class. 3. Your student has done their job by bringing this information home to you. This has completed the first step of their homework assignment. The final step to completing their homework is turning the signed paper in to us. *SORRY CAN YOU PLEASE HELP US CHECK OUR RECORDS? STUDENT S FULL NAME: PARENTS FULL NAME: STREET ADDRESS: ZIP: PHONE NUMBERS: E-MAIL: DO YOU LIKE TO VOLUNTEER? We could use your help please heck off anything that looks interesting: Band Photographer Band Videographer Concert Set-up Percussion Set-up Organization Data Entry Chaperone Social Activities for Bands Page13 Other:
Chapel Hill Music Department PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT When a student chooses to be in CHC s band, choir, or orchestra class, it is expected that the student will perform in the concerts held outside of school hours. Concert performance is a large part of the student s grade for the class. Band, choir and orchestra are performance based classes, and concerts are our goal. The focus of these three music classes is developing the concepts and skills needed for public performance. Students have a choice of music classes, and once they choose band, choir, or orchestra, students have chosen to perform in concerts. Concerts are open to the public and take place after school hours. Excused absences from concerts can only be considered with an excused absence from school, a note, an e-mail, or a voice message from a parent. Excused absences also include participation in CHC athletic games, but not for participation with outside club sport teams. Students with excused absences will be given an alternate assignment. Unexcused absence will not have an alternate assignment so the student s grade will be lowered. PRINT (neatly please) STUDENT S NAME: I understand that being in this class means I must perform in concerts held outside of school hours: Student s Signature I understand that my student must participate in concerts outside of school hours as a part of their grade for music class. I understand it is my responsibility to arrange for transportation. Page14 Parent s Signature