Honey Creek Middle School 6 th Grade Band Handbook 2018-2019 Honey Creek Middle School 6601 S Carlisle St, Terre Haute, IN 47802 Band Director: Nathan Simpson Email: nps@vigoschools.org Phone: 812-462-4372 www.honeycreekmusic.com PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY. KEEP THIS HANDBOOK FOR THE ENTIRE SCHOOL YEAR. Please refer to it prior to contacting the director. Your answer may be found inside. Please sign and return the enclosed handbook Acknowledgement of Receipt by Friday, August 17, 2018.
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Please note that any changes to this handbook for this school year will be sent home in the form of a handout/letter, email, and/or put on the Band website. Any updates or changes will void the information in this handbook. Welcome/Classroom Procedures....... 3 Grades/SmartMusic/Practice Sheets/How to Practice...4. How Parents Can Help.......5 Participation/Assessment/Performances/Concert Attire.....6 Instrument Storage/Instrument Rental/Repair......7 What to Bring to Class/ISSMA Solo & Ensemble Contest......8 Private Lessons/ HCMS Music Department Website/Concert Calendar....9 Sponsor Form..11 Band Handbook Acknowledgement of Receipt (Signatures Required) 13
3 Dear HCMS Band Members and Parents, Welcome back to an exciting year in the Honey Creek Middle School Band Program! I am excited that you have chosen to be a part of the band program and look forward to a year filled with educational, musical, and fun experiences! I have put together this handbook to let you know what I will be expecting from students in band this year. Please read through the handbook carefully, sign the form at the back, and return it to school. I would like to encourage your input. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me at nps@vigoschools.org Sincerely, Nathaniel Simpson HCMS Band Director CLASSROOM PROCEDURES Making music is a lot of fun! However, as you know it also involves a lot of hard work. With your help, we can establish and maintain the right kind of attitude and the best possible musical habits. It is important that we as musicians understand and practice proper classroom procedures in order for each of us to receive the maximum benefit from the rehearsal. Classroom Rules and Expectations: Students are to enter the classroom in a mature manner that does not disrupt other classes or impose potential damage to others, classroom equipment, and instruments. Students are expected to be in their assigned seats with ALL required materials at the start of each class period. Missing materials may effect participation scores. Instrument cases are to be left in the locker area or to the side of the room not by your seat. This is for the safety of you and those around you. We have very limited floor space! No gum, food, or drink is permitted in the band classroom. Never touch instruments or classroom equipment that does not belong to you or you have not been given permission to use. This is again, for your safety! Chairs and stands are to be treated respectfully. Please do not write on them. LASTLY. Have fun! Consequences: 1. Warning 2. Teacher-Student Conference 3. Phone call to parent 4. Conference with parent, student, & teacher 5. Office referral Violation of classroom procedures will be handled according to the school-wide discipline program.
4 GRADES Grades will consist of the following parts: Participation- 30% Practice Records Assignments- 15% Concert and Rehearsal Attendance- 30% Academic Achievement- includes written assignments, tests, and performance evaluations 25% SmartMusic As a portion of academic achievement and to create a more successful practicing experience, the VCSC has elected to adopt an interactive music platform called SmartMusic for all beginning band students. SmartMusic allows students to play along with recordings of material from their method books and assigned sheet music while also receiving immediate feedback from the program! Students will be assigned music to practice using SmartMusic on a regular basis. It can be accessed from just about any web enabled device by going to: www.smartmusic.com Each student will be provided with a code to redeem so it is not necessary to purchase a subscription. Each code is unique to one student and as such should not be shared with others. We will set-up student accounts during the first few days of school. If your child has limited or no access to the internet, time will be provided during the school day for students to finish their assignment. More details to come! PRACTICE Progress on a musical instrument depends a great deal on what is achieved during daily home practice sessions. Instrumental music students will have an instrument locker at school for storage during the school day, but instruments should go home each evening. Practice records are used for students to keep track of his/her practice time at home. Practice Records will be collected each week. With our alternating schedule, practice sheets will be due either on Thursday or Friday of each week. Students will be notified of the due date on their practice sheets. The following tips are given to help students practice at home: HOW TO PRACTICE: 1. Study it. 2. Count it out loud. (If you say it, you can play it) 3. Say/Name the notes. (If you say it, you can play it) 4. Finger the notes. (This helps with connecting note on the page to the finger to be used to play the note on the fingerboard). 5. Play it! Start each line slowly with a feeling of good rhythm. Tap your foot. Repeat the part of the line that is difficult. Write in the counting on difficult
5 parts. Increase your speed only after you can play it perfectly. 6. AFTER YOUR PRACTICE, WRITE YOUR MINUTES ON YOUR PRACTICE SHEET. 7. Before turning your practice sheet in, MAKE SURE THAT A PARENT OR GUARDIAN HAS SIGNED YOUR PRACTICE SHEET. Practice Record Points Scale: Minutes Practiced Points Awarded 45 (min) 10 50 11 55 12 60 13 65 14 70+ 15 (max) *Private lessons may be counted as practice time and are encouraged! BAND PARENTS: YOU CAN HELP! Playing a band instrument involves an investment of both time and money. In order for your child to be successful it is important that you offer encouragement and support. Your child will catch on to some things very easily. There will be times when your child finds a technique or concept to be difficult to learn. There were times in my education when I felt like tossing my trumpet out the window! Thankfully I had supportive parents who encouraged me to see it through. Besides giving your child moral support, you can help your child develop good practice habits. Here are some suggestions on how to help your child achieve good practice habits: 1. HAVE A SET TIME TO PRACTICE EACH DAY. a. Help your child make a wise choice about when this time will be. 2. PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE PLACE TO PRACTICE. a. Your child should have a straight chair to sit on and ample lighting. 3. HELP MAKE PRACTICE TIME FREE OF INTERRUPTIONS. 4. ASK YOUR CHILD TO PLAY THE BAND MUSIC FOR YOU. a. If you are not able to monitor your child s practice, ask him/her to make a recording for you to listen to on your way to work! 5. HAVE PATIENCE IN REMINDING YOUR CHILD TO PRACTICE DAILY. 6. MAKE MUSIC A FAMILY ACTIVITY. a. Take your child to hear a concert. Listen to good musical performances. 7. ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD. a. Hey, that sounds great!
6 PARTICIPATION Each student should come to class with all materials and actively participate throughout the rehearsal. Materials include: all band music, folder, instrument (in good playing condition), a pencil, and any other accessories needed to play the instrument (valve oil, cork grease, etc.). Points will be deducted from the participation grade for missing materials and non-participation. ASSESSMENT Written and playing tests will be given periodically to assess each student s progress. These tests may or may not be announced in advance. PERFORMANCES Performing is a very important part of Band class. If someone is missing from the group it hurts the entire group's performance. Every person is important and their contribution is valued. Attendance at all performances is required. Excused absences include illness (bring a doctor s note when returning to school), a death in the family, or a once in a lifetime event. If a student has a conflict between two school-sponsored extra curricular activities the student may choose to participate in either event without penalty or alternate assignment. Contest/performances will have priority over practice. Please mark these dates on your calendar! Dates and times are subject to change. You will be notified of any changes well in advance. An unexcused absence will result in a TWO LETTER grade reduction for the grading period. CONCERT ATTIRE Attire for all band Concerts, unless otherwise noted, is BLACK AND WHITE. Students should wear a nice white dress shirt or blouse, black dress pants or skirt, and black dress shoes. Bright tennis shoes and jeans are not acceptable attire. If possible, avoid dresses as they generally do not match what the rest of the students are wearing. Also, I realize that dress shoes are not cheap, especially when students can grow 3-4 shoe sizes from 6 th -8 th grade. It is permitted to wear the blackest shoe that you own so long as it is closed toed and does not call attention to it (so no highlighter yellow shoes). Please keep in mind all school dress code rules apply. Students not dressed in performance attire may be dismissed from the concert, thus receiving a zero for the event. In the event of financial hardship that may prevent the purchase of concert attire, please contact Mr. Simpson for options prior to a concert.
7 INSTRUMENT STORAGE Students will be expected to keep their instruments in their assigned locker during the school day. Please keep a record of your instrument s serial number at home. We have had instruments misplaced in the past and you must know the brand and model number as well as the serial number in order for us to locate it. Please make sure your name, address and telephone number are on your instrument tag. Large Brass Instrumental Students MUST purchase a mouthpiece case. It is HIGHLY recommended that you purchase a mouthpiece to keep at school as well. Below is the pricing from Paige s music for mouthpiece brands and the case for them: French Horn Mouthpiece Accent 11: $37.99 French Horn Mouthpiece Pouch/Case: $6.99 Euphonium/Baritone/Trombone Mouthpiece Accent 6.5 AL: $49.99 Euphonium/Baritone/Trombone Pouch/Case: $7.49 Tuba Mouthpiece Accent 18: $69.99 Tuba Mouthpiece Pouch/Case: $10.79 CHEAP OPTION: Amazon Mouthpiece Case (one size fits all) $7.99: https://www.amazon.com/protec-mouthpiece-pouch-velcro- CLOSURE/dp/B0002E57MK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1468699837&sr=8-3&keywords=mouthpiece+case SCHOOL-OWNED INSTRUMENTS Students are highly encouraged to rent instruments from Paige s Music or Repeat Music. In the event of financial difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Simpson to arrange an alternate plan. The school supplies percussion and large brass instruments for in-class use so students playing these instruments (percussion, tuba, baritone, & French horn) do not have to haul their instruments back and forth on the bus. However, these students are required to rent or purchase home instruments for practice outside of school and use at the concerts. For any student who uses school instruments: any damages (outside of normal wear and tear) incurred while the instrument is in the possession of the student will be billed directly to the parents of the student. It is critical these instruments are well cared for. RENTALS, REPAIRS, AND ACCESSORIES Paige's Music sends a representative weekly to deliver items ordered and to pick up and return instruments for repair. If you are still renting your instrument from Paige's, it is under warranty and most repairs will be made free of charge; if not a bill will be sent to you. If you need a repair, we will help you fill out the repair tag. Parents, please notify Paige s if you need a loaner instrument while your child s instrument is being repaired. If you need an accessory, call Paige's at 1-800-382-1099 and they will deliver the accessory the following delivery day.
8 Repeat Music follows a similar process. They will pick up from the school or you may take it directly to their office location on 3 rd street. You will need to still call ahead to schedule your rental. Repeat Music 1805 South 3rd Street Terre Haute, IN 47802 (812) 917-3557 www.repeatmusicinc.com Paige's Music 5282 E 65th St Indianapolis, IN 46220 (317) 842-2102 www.paigesmusic.com ITEMS BAND STUDENTS NEED EVERY DAY (participation grade) Your Band instrument in good working condition Your music (not that of your stand partner) Music Folder (provided by school) Method Book (These are now a part of your school book fees; If you lose your method book you will be expected to purchase a new one. Keep your name on it.) A pencil for marking music (do not use pen) Any other accessories needed to make instruments function properly (valve oil, slide grease, cork grease, reeds, mouthpieces, etc.) Large Brass Instruments: mouthpiece and mouthpiece case (see page 5 for specifications) Percussion: drum sticks, mallets, and practice pad (included in kit) SOLO AND ENSEMBLE Solo and Ensemble is typically held in late January or early February. All students are encouraged to participate in a solo or an ensemble or both. 6 th grade students are encouraged to take private lessons to participate. The student is responsible for obtaining a piano accompanist, if one is needed. We will also assist students in locating accompanists. The cost is $13.00 per solo, $13.00 for piano solo, and $7.00 per student participating in ensembles. A student will not be permitted to perform two solos on the same instrument. Piano solos are NOT on the same weekend. They occur the same weekend as the vocal contest. Parents will receive more information regarding solo and ensemble as the date approaches. Transportation to and from the site will be the parent/guardian s responsibility. Bus transportation will not be provided. Solo and Ensemble for the middle school level will be located at Terre Haute North High School.
9 PRIVATE LESSONS All Band students are encouraged to take private lessons on their instrument outside of school. This will greatly enhance our program and accelerate each student s ability on his/her instrument. Lessons may be taken through the following sources: ISU Community School of the Arts Phone: (812) 237-2575 Website: http://www.unboundedpossibilities.com/community-school-of-the-arts.aspx HCMS Music Department Website Private Instructors Private instructors are available to teach lessons at the school as well. Pricing varies depending on the instructor and instrument. HCMS MUSIC DEPARTMENT WEBSITE To stay informed on the most current events and details regarding the HCMS Band program, please visit the music department website listed below: www.honeycreekmusic.com
10 HCMS 6 th Grade/Beginning Band Calendar 2018-2019 Date Event Location Time October 10 REHEARSAL: Beginning Band Band Room 3:30-4:45pm October 17 CONCERT: Beginning Band Main Gym 6pm December 5 REHEARSAL: Beginning Band Band Room 3:30-4:45pm December 18 CONCERT: All Groups Perform Main Gym 6pm May 9 REHEARSAL: Beginning Band Band Room 3:30-4:45pm May 15 CONCERT: All groups perform Main Gym 6pm May 30 8 th Grade Graduation: Select students perform Main Gym 9am Concerts will be held in the main gym at Honey Creek Middle School beginning at 6pm unless otherwise noted. Student report time is 5:30pm.
11 Won t you help support performing arts at Honey Creek Middle School? It will take over $12,000 to operate the band program for the 2018-2019 school year! Due to the generous financial support of performing arts families in the past, we have been able to limit the amount of student fund-raisers! If your family or business would like to make a donation to the Honey Creek Middle School band program, please send it in with your student or mail to: Band Director Nathan Simpson Honey Creek Middle School 6601 S Carlisle Street Terre Haute, IN 47802 Donor names will be listed in programs unless requested otherwise. Receipts for your donation can be obtained from the school treasurer. Donation Amount: Check #: Name(s) as you wish to be listed: Your student s name(s): Address: City: Zip: Phone: $25 - $49 Booster $50 - $74 Star Performer $75 - $99 Patron $100 - $249 Benefactor $250 - $499 $500 - $999 $1000+ Any Amount is appreciated! First Chair Club Director s Circle Maestro
12
13 Band Handbook Acknowledgement of Receipt We hereby acknowledge that we have received a copy of the 2018-2019 Beginning Band Handbook for review. We have read the handbook and agree to comply with its provisions. Please complete this form fully. Student Name Printed Student Signature Parent/Guardian #1 Name Printed Parent/Guardian #1 Signature Parent/Guardian #2 Name Printed (optional) Parent/Guardian #2 Signature Primary Phone Number Primary Contact Email Address Date Grade Period Instrument Please Circle the day your class meets: 2/3 (Tues/Thurs) 3/2 (Mon/Wed/Fri) Please return this form by Friday, August 17, 2018. 10 points