DEPOALI MIDDLE SCHOOL - SIXTH GRADE BAND 2018-2019 HANDBOOK Dear Band Parent(s)/Guardian(s) and Band Students, I am looking forward to introducing your child to band music. During this class we will learn 1) proper playing position, 2) breath support, 3) embouchure, 4) note names/fingerings/pitches, 5) basic rhythms, 6) instrument care and cleaning, and most importantly, how to put all of the six elements together to make music. In addition, we will be doing some basic music theory to help understand how to communicate in the language of music. Encourage your child to play for you often. They will appreciate your interest and you will notice their progress! On a separate note, please make sure your contact information is up to date in Infinite Campus and that you set your message settings to allow teacher messages as this is the way I send out group emails with updates/info (instructions for this can be found at the bottom of the band website homepage in red writing). Also, please complete and return the forms in this packet. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Daniel J. Barthel (Mr. B) 852-6700 (Depoali MS Office) dbarthel@washoeschools.net (best way of contacting me) Band Website: www.washoeschools.net/dbarthel Band Grading Procedures *Band grades will be determined using the grading categories below. ASSESSMENTS (33% of overall grade) Playing tests: these will be done in class once per quarter so I may give each student feedback and grade their progress. Playing tests may be re-taken for a higher grade until the end of the quarter. Pass-off tests: there will be several of these assigned each quarter. The goal of these tests is to pass with 100% accuracy as they will cover the basic building blocks of musicianship. Students may take them as many times as they would like until the end of the quarter and if they are unable to pass with 100%, I will enter the grade they earn on their third attempt. Written assessments: these will be given to show knowledge of music reading, symbols and terms. To note for all assessments: You will always be given ample notification and will only be tested on concepts that have been covered in class. If you are practicing regularly, you will not have a problem with any of the tests. PRACTICE (22% of overall grade) Home practice is a critical element of playing an instrument! Students will complete weekly practice goals and then submit electronically (via the band website under the Practice Logs page). 30 completed goals are considered a 100% and students may complete up to 42 goals for extra credit. Students should set aside about 120 minutes/week for practice and are encouraged to divide this time up evenly throughout the week. (See sample practice log on the band webpage under Useful Band Documents link) PARTICIPATION (30% of overall grade) Your participation is graded according to your preparedness and active participation in class. You may receive up to 20 points per class session. To be considered prepared for band; you need to bring the following items to every band class: Instrument: 10 points Book- Sound Innovations, Book 1: 3 points Planner, pencil, practice log, additional music sheets, instrument accessories (reeds, oil, etc.): 1 point each Participation points will also be subtracted if you are off task or disrupting the class. CONCERT ATTENDANCE (15% of overall grade) We will have several concerts during the year. Your attendance at these events is mandatory and a major part of your grade. If you must miss a concert, please submit a signed parent note with a valid excuse to your band teacher either: two weeks before the concert for prearranged absences or within one week after the concert for unexpected absences (sickness, family emergencies, etc). An alternate assignment will be given for excused absences. If you can avoid scheduling elective surgeries/procedures before concerts (especially dental), please do! See the band calendar on the band webpage so you can ensure your attendance at all concerts this year. CITIZENSHIP (Behavior/Work Ethic) My rules for citizenship are really basic manners that I hope you have acquired before this class: Be respectful to teacher and fellow classmates Do not talk or play out of turn Enter and leave classroom quietly and orderly Employ all the elements of STRIKE!! (our school positive behavior system) DISCIPLINE PLAN I will follow the discipline plan that is described in your student planner.
Supplies Needed 6 th Grade Band Every student is responsible for providing the following supplies for sixth grade band class by August 20 th, 2018: 1) Instrument Flute, Clarinet, Alto Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, or Baritone 2) Band book: Sound Innovations Book 1 (this is provided as part of your band fee) 3) Portable Music Stand (optional- for practice at home) 4) Pencil (keep a pencil in your instrument case, we will use them daily!) 5) Accessories for individual instrument: Flute -Cleaning rod (normally included with instrument) -Swab for rod (any rectangular piece of cotton is fine) -Polishing cloth Clarinet/Saxophone -Reeds (1 box, Rico brand- strength 2.5) -Cleaning Swab -Cork Grease -Neck Strap (sax only) -Polishing cloth (sax only) Trumpet/Baritone -Valve Oil -Slide Grease -Polishing Cloth Trombone -Students playing p-bone only need the oil from the list below -Slide Cream/Oil -Mini Water Spray Bottle -Polishing Cloth *For students needing to rent an instrument from the school, please submit the School Rental Application in this packet ASAP. Please refer to the Band Instrument Rental/Purchase Procedures section below for more info about obtaining instruments. Band Uniform We will wear our uniform at all concerts. The 6 th grade uniform includes: -Your band t-shirt (included in band fee, will be given out prior to our first concert) -Nice blue jeans (nice = not ripped up or dirty) Band Instrument Rental/Purchase Procedures 2018-2019 For Beginning Band Students Rental/Purchase Options: Rent-to-own from a local music store (or online). Approximate Prices: $30-45/month for flute, clarinet, trumpet and trombone. Saxes and larger instrument are around $50-80/month. (Some pricing can be found on the band website) Purchase from a local music store or online (do not recommend this option for beginners). If you are going to purchase, Mr. Barthel is happy to give input about instrument quality and price. Remember- you get what you pay for! Rent instrument from the school for $50 for the school year (Limited inventory- reserved first for those on the Free & Reduced Lunch list per district policy.). There will not be any school alto saxes available to 6 th graders. Rental Procedures: From Music Stores: Families review prices from different stores (some store rental rates and info can be found on the Depoali Band webpage, info below) and then go in to rent/buy. For School instruments: Parents who are in need of a school instrument submit a School Rental Application (next page). The list of those in need is then given to our Principal to check Free & Reduced Lunch eligibility. If the student qualifies and an instrument is available, Mr. Barthel will then send home a rental contract. Students will not receive school instruments unless Mr. Barthel has received contract and payment. Qualifying students still pay the $50 rental fee. o If you don t need a school instrument, but would like to use one if Mr. Barthel has any left over after those in need have checked theirs out, please complete the form below as well. Depoali 6 th Grade Band - Required Events Calendar Thursday 9/20/18 5:30PM (call time 5:15PM) Fall Concert & BBQ Fundraiser Depoali Gym Thursday 12/13/18 5:30PM Winter Concert Depoali Gym Friday 2/15/19 11:45-2:00pm 6 th Grade Music Reward Day! Depoali Wednesday 2/27/19 7:00PM (All-6:30 student arrival) Zone Concert Damonte Ranch HS Gym Thursday 5/23/19 Time TBA (will be afternoon or evening) Spring Concert Depoali Gym
6 th Grade Band Fees & Supply Order The main office collects all fees. You pay your band fee on the full school-wide fee form (most families pay this during Depoali Days the week before school). This fee pays for your band t-shirt, band book, and band coaches. To order supplies, print and complete the form below and then bring to Mr. Barthel before turning it in to the main office with payment. Keep your receipt as proof of purchase. You must pay the full amount in order to receive any supplies. You do not need to purchase your supplies through the band, but if you buy them online or in a store, please make sure to buy according to the details listed in this handbook. Band fees & supply orders are due by Friday, August 17 th. 2018-19 Depoali MS Band - Supply Order Form First & Last Name: Band Class Period: Instrument: Band Shirts* *Only order if you need a replacement shirt, most shirts are included in your band fee. $15 Polo Shirt: 7-8 th Grade Concert Uniform (Included in Intermediate Band Fee, Advanced Band students should order if shirt is needed) $5 T-Shirt: 7-8 th Grade Trip Uniform, 6 th Grade Concert Uniform (Included in 6 th Grade fee, 7 th /8 th graders should order if this shirt is needed) 7 th /8 th Grade Band Supplies* *Your band book is included in your band fee & does not need to be ordered here $2 Cork grease $12 Folding Music Stand $10 Jazz Book $4 Polishing Cloth $15 Reed: 7 th /8 th Bassoon - 1 reed $10 Reed: 7 th /8 th Oboe - 1 reed $30 Reeds: 7 th /8 th Alto Sax - 10 reeds $30 Reeds: 7 th /8 th Bari Sax - 5 reeds $30 Reeds: 7 th /8 th Bass Clarinet - 10 reeds $22 Reeds: 7 th /8 th Clarinet - 10 reeds $30 Reeds: 7 th /8 th Tenor Sax - 10 reeds $2 Slide Grease (for trumpet/horn/baritone) $5 Swab: Alto Sax $6 Swab: Bass Clarinet/Tenor Sax $3 Swab: Flute/Clarinet $3 Swab: Flute $10 Swab: Oboe/Bassoon $7 Trombone - slide cream, oil & spray bottle $3 Valve Oil 6 th Grade Band Supply Packs* *Your band book is included in your band fee & does not need to be ordered here $7 Flute - polishing cloth, swab $24 Clarinet - swab, cork grease, 1 box reeds $36 Alto Sax - swab, cork grease, 1 box of reeds, polishing cloth $9 Trumpet - valve oil, polishing cloth, slide grease $3 P-Bone slide oil $11 Trombone - slide cream, oil & spray bottle, polishing cloth $9 Baritone - valve oil, polishing cloth, slide grease Total Amount Paid: $ Date: Make checks payable to Depoali Cash Check #
ONLINE STUDENT INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - CHARMS The Depoali Music Department uses a web-based program called Charms to track financial records, events and several other items. You will be able to view any financial transactions with the music department (fees paid or owed). The system will not be updated with students and info for this year until school starts. Please note that accounts will be updated about once per month as we receive financial statements from the Depoali office. Once school starts, please log in to Charms (instructions below) and make sure to check that the email address we have on file is correct. *************************************************************** How to access parent/student information in Log on to www.charmsoffice.com, hover over the ENTER link at upper right and then click the PARENT/STUDENT/MEMBERS drop down link. Enter our School Code: DepoaliMusic This will bring up a page that prompts you to enter the Student Area Password. The password for the student area is your child s STUDENT ID NUMBER. You should now be in your student account. You may now create your own, unique password by clicking on the keyhole (Change Password) button. Feel free to browse the other apps in your account as we may be using several of these throughout the school year. Get the Charms App for your smartphone! Go to your App Store, search Charms and select the Charms App for Parent/Student (free download). Depoali Middle School Music Department School Instrument Rental Application (Optional) Only complete this form if school instrument is needed. This does not guarantee that you will receive an instrument. This lets Mr. Barthel know that you would like an instrument from the school. Please understand that the school has limited instruments available. Large or less common instruments are available to rent from the school. These include: oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, tenor/bari sax, French horn, trombone, baritone/euphonium, tuba and percussion kits. Those needing a school instrument should detach &return forms by Friday, August 10 th Student Name: Instrument: Band Class Period: Parent/Guardian Name: Parent email: Please check one: I need to rent an instrument from the school for $50*. I understand that high-demand instruments will go to those on the Free & Reduced Lunch list first and there may not be enough instruments to cover all requests. Please return this page by Friday, August 10 th to be considered. *DO NOT SEND IN MONEY WITH THIS FORM. PLEASE WAIT UNTIL RENTAL IS APPROVED. Please contact me if school instruments are available after those on the Free & Reduced Lunch list have been taken care of.
Student Name: Class Period: Dear Depoali Music Families, Depoali Middle School Music Department Web-Based Applications - Release Form The Depoali Music Department uses several web-based programs to help us organize student information (as listed below). These programs have become an integral part of music class communication as they allow parents to have access to information about their child that does not appear in Infinite Campus. The School District has directed us to gain consent for the use of these as they are not under the direct control of WCSD. After research, we are confident in the privacy policies and security practices for these companies. Please feel free to research them yourself using the web addresses below. Please complete the bottom portion and return this form your music teacher. Sincerely, Mr. Barthel, Band Director ****************************************************************************************** Please initial one: Yes, I give consent No, I do not give consent (Please do not sign below, just return with student s name) for the Depoali Music Department to use the following web-based programs to help manage & communicate my student s (insert student name) information as follows: Charms Office (www.charmsoffice.com) For tracking student payment information and receipts Contains: student first & last name, WCSD student ID#, and parent email address Parents/students can logon to view account activity Remind (www.remind.com) For text/email messaging of course information Contains: student/parent cell phone # and/or email, first & last name Parents/students must choose to sign up to participate in this program & can end participation at any time Allows parents/students to message teacher without either party viewing the other s cell phone number. By signing below, I understand and agree that the foregoing web-based programs are third-party entities unaffiliated with the Washoe County School District and that, by agreeing to my student s use of those programs, that the web-based programs will have access to some personally identifiable information/records about my student including, but not limited to the information as listed above. Printed name of parent Signature Date
Depoali MS 6 th Grade Band Class Contract Due by Friday, August 17 th We have read the welcome letter, grading procedures; discipline policy and supply list and agree to abide by the policies set forth in the band handbook. We understand the commitment necessary to participate in band and will provide the instrument and other supplies by Monday, August 20 th. Also, the parent/guardian listed below herby gives consent and approval for the student named below to participate in all trips and functions of the Depoali middle School Band Program for the 2018-2019 school year. Student Name (Printed) Student Signature Circle Class: 5A(Trombone/Baritone) 5B(Flute) 6A(Trumpet) 6B(Clarinet/Sax) Date Parent/Guardian Name (Printed) Parent/Guardian Signature Date Sign up for the band text message reminder service It doesn t come through as a group text and will be used sparingly for important reminders! To join start a text message to this number: 81010 and enter the code @kdms6th in the message body to join. There is also a link posted on the band website homepage towards the bottom. Adjust your Infinite Campus Message Settings You can adjust your Infinite Campus Message settings to allow teacher messages to go directly to your email. This is very handy for grade warmings and other important class information for band and all classes. For instructions about how to adjust your settings, visit the band website (www.washoeschools.net/dbarthel) and go to the bottom. There is a link here that will take you to the instructions.