Franklin Middle School Band Handbook 2017-2018 Director: Kurt Makaryk Email: Kurt.Makaryk@cusd200.org
Band Handbook Dear students and parents, Welcome to Band at Franklin! As a band member, you are choosing to open doors in your life that will lead to countless opportunities and relationships that will continue to develop throughout your entire life! You are well on your way to becoming an accomplished musician, and I am so excited to help you get there. Being part of musical ensembles is a privilege that helps individuals grow mentally, emotionally and socially. You are now part of the Franklin Band family! We are about to start a fun and enriching school year together. Throughout this time of musical and personal growth, know that my door is always open. Mr. Makaryk PLEASE CAREFULLY GO THROUGH THIS DOCUMENT TO FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE FRANKLIN BAND PROGRAM. IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT YOU COMPLETE ALL NECESSARY FORMS AND MARK DOWN ALL DATES ON YOUR HOME CALENDAR. THIS PACKET IS WORTH 15 POINTS ON YOUR 1ST QUARTER GRADE. PACKET MUST BE COMPLETED AND HANDED IN TO MR. MAKARYK BY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st FOR FULL CREDIT. Band Rehearsals During School There are four separate band groups here at Franklin. There are two 6th Grade groups and two combined 7th/8th Grade groups. Each group rehearses every day during their designated period. All 6th Graders are placed in either the Woodwind group or the Brass/Percussion group, depending on the instrument they play. This allows for more specialized instruction on their particular instrument. Both 6th Grade groups will rehearse the same pieces of music throughout the year and perform the same pieces together at each band concert. The two 7th and 8th Grade groups are divided so that there are roughly the same number of each kind of instrument within each group. These two groups will rehearse the same pieces of music throughout the year and perform the same pieces together at each band concert. Small Group Lessons Small groups of similar instruments will receive lessons regularly from Mrs. Jim on a rotating schedule. Lessons will take place during full band rehearsals and students will rarely, if ever be asked to be removed from another period for a band activity.
Overview of Band/Orchestra Daily Schedule Time Period Groups 8:00-8:45 1 7/8th Grade Band Rehearsal In Band Room Small Group Band Lessons With Mrs. Jim In Orchestra Room 8:49-9:34 2 6th Grade Woodwinds Rehearsal In Band Room Small Group Band Lessons With Mrs. Jim In Orchestra Room 9:38-10:23 3 Orchestra Rehearsal In Orchestra Room Small Group Orchestra Lessons With Mr. Makaryk In Band Room 10:27-11:12 4 7/8th Grade Band Rehearsal In Band Room Small Group Band Lessons With Mrs. Jim In Orchestra Room 11:16-11:46 Lunch 11:50-12:35 5 Orchestra Rehearsal In Orchestra Room Small Group Orchestra Lessons With Mr. Makaryk In Band Room 12:39-1:24 6 Orchestra Rehearsal In Orchestra Room Small Group Orchestra Lessons With Mr. Makaryk In Band Room 1:27-2:12 7 6th Grade Brass/Percussion Rehearsal In Band Room Small Group Band Lessons With Mrs. Jim In Orchestra Room 2:15-3:00 8 Orchestra Rehearsal In Orchestra Room Small Group Orchestra Lessons With Mr. Makaryk In Band Room Grading Policy My Grading policy is very simple and straightforward. Students will be graded according to the following breakdown throughout the year. Each quarter may have more or less graded assignments. Concert Attendance and Graded Participation: 30% of Grade Concerts are like the Final Exam for Band. Band Concerts represent the final product of hours upon hours of classwork. Unfortunately, concerts cannot be made up if missed. In the case of unavoidable conflicts, students and families need to communicate this with me well in advance so we can plan an alternate assignment. Unforeseen emergencies will be handled if necessary. Any student who misses a concert unexcused will suffer a poor grade for the quarter.
Grading Policy Continued Daily Rehearsal Participation/Behavior: 30% of Grade This includes coming to class prepared every day, evidence of at-home practicing and regular contribution while the group is playing. Quizzes and Playing Tests: 20% of Grade Using a computer program called SmartMusic, students will individually play excerpts of music into a microphone to be recorded. The computer program will grade the accuracy of the performance. These quizzes/playing tests may also include short etudes to be graded by Ms. Jim Other Assignments: 20% of Grade These may include online activities, short homework assignments or submitting audio/video files. Extracurricular Band Groups at Franklin Jazz Band (Rehearsals Monday and Wednesday 7:10-7:50 AM) This group is open to all instruments. The Franklin Jazz Band performs at all band concerts as well as several events in the community. Auditions will only take place if there is a surplus of one type of instrument. Otherwise, there is a simple signup list at the beginning of the year. Full Orchestra (Rehearsals Tuesdays 7:10-7:50 AM) The Full Orchestra is a group for advanced musicians. Members of Band and Orchestra are combined to create a large symphonic sound. The music played is challenging and requires independent motivation and practice. Last year, the Full Orchestra performed at a nationally recognized convention for teachers from all over the world, and to be asked to perform was a very prestigious opportunity. All Full Orchestra members need to make sure they are prepared for the advanced material. Other Performance Opportunities Private Lessons on band instrument and/or piano PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR A LIST OF LOCAL PRIVATE INSTRUCTORS Audition for I.L.M.E.A. Band Festival Participation in I.L.M.E.A. Band Festival Participation in Solo/Ensemble Contest Attendance at workshops, master class of clinics Franklin Art Walk Franklin Family Night
Concerts There will be several concerts throughout the school year. Four of the concerts are summative and apply to student quarter grades. These concerts are: The Fall Band Concert, Winter Band Concert, Spring Band Concert, and The Grand Finale Concert. All other concerts are required, but may or may not involve all band students at Franklin. Some of these concerts may take place at Church of the Resurrection. As we are sometimes restricted by COTR s schedule, you will be notified well in advance when a concert will be at the COTR vs. the Franklin gym. Below is a map showing the location of Church of the Resurrection. Church of the Ressurrection: 935 W Union Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187
Required Materials Instruments Personal Instruments : Students are expected to have their own instrument and keep it in good playing condition. Most students begin 6th grade already in possession of an instrument. Instruments have either been purchased or are being rented. Please be sure to have all necessary accessories and supplies for your instrument at all times. Many instrument supplies and accessories are available for purchase from Mr. Makaryk. Contact Mr. Makaryk if you have any questions about purchasing or renting new or used instruments or supplies. Is your instrument in need of repair? If an instrument is not in playing condition, every effort should be made to correct this situation as soon as possible. If the instrument needs to be repaired, Mr. Makaryk can send it to Quinlan and Fabish or parents can deliver it to a repair shop of their choice. "Loaner" instruments can be obtained through Mr. Makaryk while the instruments are being repaired. School Instruments: Franklin has a few school-owned instruments available. These instruments are used for specific circumstances throughout the year as determined by Mr. Makaryk. If you have concerns about your ability to afford necessary supplies, please contact Mr. Makaryk. New Percussionists: All new percussionists must purchase a stick bag with a set of mallets. The complete set costs $70.00 and can be ordered through Mr. Makaryk with the attached order form. All percussionists must also purchase the supplemental method book, Percussion With Class. (See attached order form.) Be sure to keep your instrument labeled and properly stored at all times. Other Daily Supplies Every band student must have a 3-ring binder which holds their music. All music given out in band will be hole-punched to be stored in the binder. A pencil must be brought to class every day. Failure to bring all required materials to class will result in a lower participation grade. Band method books will be used daily as warmups in class. Each student only needs to purchase one book to be kept in their band binder. (See attached order form.) Uniforms The band uniform is required for every concert throughout the school year. The uniform consists of: Band polo shirt $30 (See attached order form. All new band members should order the Franklin Band polo. Returning band members can choose to order a new shirt if they would like, or continue to use their current shirt) Black dress pants or skirt Black socks Black dress shoes Please secure all uniform items before the first concert!
Lockers Each student will be assigned a band locker where instruments may be kept every day. Some students may share lockers. Lockers are left unlocked at all times within the band room. The band room can be accessed every day before and after school. The band room will be locked at all other times and therefore, instruments will be secure. Instruments should be taken home on a regular basis to fulfill the at-home practice requirement. Communication The primary ways I communicate with families are through email and the Remind app. To join the Franklin Band Remind group, please text @4g3a64 to 81010. Please check your email often as I will give updates and send materials regularly. I will also give students hand-outs and permission slips throughout the year. These will also be emailed. It is important to make sure that I have your correct email address. My school email address is: kurt.makaryk@cusd200.org
2017-2018 Franklin Band Calendar Please be sure to add all dates to your family calendar. DATE DAY STUDENTS EVENT TIME PLACE August 23 Wednesday All Bands First Day of Classes August 31 Thursday Parents Curriculum Night 7-9 PM September 4 Monday All Bands Labor Day- No School September 22 Friday All Bands Institute Day-No School September 30 Saturday Select Students ILMEA Auditions October 9 Monday All Bands Columbus Day-No School Assigned 5-min. time slots 9 AM-2 PM Yorkville M.S. - Yorkville, IL October 12 Thursday Full Orchestra Students Only Full Orchestra Concert 7:30 PM Start T.B.A. October 16 Monday All Bands Fall Band Concert October 28 Saturday Select Students ILMEA Jazz Festival 7:30 P.M. Start Church of the Resurrection (Tentative) Gregory Middle School November 1 Wednesday Parents Parent/Teacher Conferences November 3 Friday All Bands Institute Day - No School November 9 Thursday Parents Parent/Teacher Conferences November 11 Saturday Select Students ILMEA Concert Band Festival November 20 All Bands Thanksgiving - 24 Break - No School 3:30-8 PM 3:30-8 PM Huntley High School
December 5 Tuesday All Bands Winter Band Concert January 8th Grade Band Students February 2 Friday Jazz Band Only May 5 Friday Jazz Band Only 8th Grade Band Day Franklin Family Night Franklin Art Walk February 24 Saturday All Bands IGSMA Solo/Ensemble Contest March 5 Monday All Bands Spring Band March 10 or 17 Saturday Combined 7th/8th Grade Bands March 13 Tuesday Full Orchestra Students Only March 17 Saturday Jazz Band Only April 24 Tuesday Combined 7th/8th Grade Bands April 28 Saturday Combined 7th/8th Grade Bands Concert IGSMA Organizational Contest Full Orchestra Concert WNHS Swing Dance with Monroe M.S. Grade School Music Tour IGSMA State Contest May 3 Thursday All Bands North Side Band Festival May 4 Friday Jazz Band Franklin Art Only Walk May 17 Thursday Full Orchestra Full Orchestra Students Only Concert May 22 Tuesday All Bands Grand Finale Concert May 28 Monday All Bands Memorial Day Parade 7:30 P.M. Start Church of the Resurrection (Tentative) 5:00-8:00 PM 5:00-8:00 P.M. Assigned 5-min. time slots 9 AM-2 PM Downtown Wheaton Hubbble Middle School 7:30 P.M. Start Franklin Gym (Tentative) TBA TBA 7:30 PM Start Franklin Gym 7:00 PM WNHS Commons Franklin Feeder Elementary Schools TBA 7:00 PM WNHS 5-8 PM Downtown Wheaton 7:30 PM Start Franklin Gym 7:30 PM Franklin Gym Meet at Franklin- 9 AM Franklin / Downtown Wheaton
Please return the following forms and payment to Mr. Makaryk by Friday, September 1st Completion of these forms counts towards your first quarter grade. Band Policy Agreement Print Student s Name (First and Last) Student Grade Band Period Please confirm best parent email address. Please print very neatly: I have carefully read and fully comprehend the procedures, policies and requirements for participation in the Franklin Band Program. Student Signature Parent Signature I have put all these dates on the family and student calendars. Student Signature Parent Signature Please also fill out the materials order form on the next page. Please turn in the Materials Order Form and payment along with this Policy Agreement to Mr. Makaryk by Friday, September 1st.
Band Materials Order Form (Only order the items you need) 6th Grade Required Materials 6th Grade Method Book: Sound Innovations: Ensemble Development Band Polo Uniform Shirt 7/8th Grade Required Materials 7/8th Grade Method Book: Foundations for Superior Performance Band Polo Uniform Shirt (only order a new shirt if last year s no longer fits or if you are new to the program.) All Percussionists Percussion stick bag with all required sticks and mallets can be ordered below. If you are a 7/8th Grade returning percussionist, you should not need to order new sticks. Should you choose to purchase these separately, the stick bag needs to contain the following items: 7a snare drum sticks Medium rubber mallets Medium woven mallets Hard plastic mallets Timpani mallets Stick bag All Percussionists need a copy of the supplemental method book: Percussion With Class. Name (First and Last) Instrument Check Box to order item Item Cost of Item 6th Grade Method Book (All 6th Graders Need)...$10 7th/8th Grade Method Book (All 7/8th Graders Need)...$10 MEN S Band Polo Shirt...Size:...$30 WOMEN S Band Polo Shirt.Size:...$30 Percussion bag and sticks...$75 Percussion With Class Method Book....$10 Total Amount Due $ Cash or Check Accepted. Checks must be made out to Franklin Middle School.