ELEMENTARY BAND HANDBOOK Somerset School & West End School Bands 2015-16 Mr. Dorian Parreott II, Instructor Visit our band website at: http://www.nplainfield.org/domain/533 office phone: 908-769-6080 ext. 1126
Fall 2015 Dear Band Parents and Students, I am extremely excited to work with your son/daughter this school year and make some great music! Through Band your son/daughter is going to have many fun opportunities to expand their knowledge of music while learning to play an instrument. Music has been proven to help students achieve success in academics and band is a great way to gain other skills like teamwork, selfesteem, and develop self-analysis. This handbook is designed to give you information about the band program at your school, including all concert dates. Please keep this handbook handy in case you have any questions. Feel free to contact me at any time if you have any questions or special needs concerning your son/daughter (see contact information below). I travel between two buildings, so leave a message on my office phone s mailbox. The most efficient way to contact me is by the school e-mail. After you have a chance to read the handbook, please fill-out and sign the signature sheet at the end of the handbook and return it to Mr. Parreott as soon as possible. This will be a fun year and I cannot wait to work with all of you! Musically yours, Mr. Dorian L. Parreott II Somerset School 303 Somerset Street 908-769-6080 ext. 1126 voicemail/band office dorian_parreott@nplainfield.org Table of Contents Welcome Letter Information and Instrument Loaner & Rental Policies Choosing an Instrument Classroom Rules/Discipline Plan Music Grades & Goals Concert Dates Supplies Needed for Band Parent Information about Practicing Student Practicing Information Signature Page
Dear Parents / Guardians: North Plainfield Public Schools Performing Arts Department Elementary / Intermediate Band Sign-Up We cordially invite your child to participate in our outstanding Elementary Band program. The North Plainfield Public Schools proudly offer instrumental music lessons as part of the standard curriculum for students in grades 4 12. At the elementary school level (grades 4, 5, & 6), students who participate in band lessons receive small group lessons during the school day. Your child will be assigned to a specific day of the week for band lessons, one time per week, and the actual time of the lesson is rotated throughout a cycle so that your child will not miss the same subject more than once every 6 or 7 weeks. For all elementary beginning and advanced band lessons, students must provide their own instrument and lesson book. We are offering these band instruments this year: FLUTE CLARINET ALTO SAXOPHONE TENOR SAX TRUMPET TROMBONE EUPHONIUM PERCUSSION (Snare drum/pad/sticks) (All 4 th grade drummers will rent the bell kit 5 th & 6 th grade drummers will rent the snare kit limited to 6 drummers in Somerset) Lesson Booklet: Essential Elements for Band, Book 1 (with the DVD) It is our hope that by starting an instrument in elementary school, your child will continue to participate in our robust middle school and award winning high school band programs, paving the way for a lifetime of music participation and enjoyment. The Canucks Marching Band has distinguished itself as one of the best bands in North Jersey while supporting our Varsity football team and winning outstanding trophies at several marching band competitions each year. The high school band also performs regularly in everything from the local Halloween parade to concerts and parades in Walt Disney World. The Beginning Band students this year will be featured in four community performances: the Winter Concert, District Arts Festival, Spring Music Concert, and possibly at the High Note Music Festival. (West End) - A BEGINNING BAND registration will be held at 6:30PM during the West End Back-to- School Night in the All-Purpose Room. (Somerset) - ADDITIONAL BAND questions will be answered at 7PM during the Somerset School Back-to-School Night in the Music Room. This registration meeting is INFORMATIONAL for the parents of all NEW beginning band students. At this meeting, we will discuss in detail the rental agreements and weekly lesson schedules for the elementary band, as well as answer any other questions that you may have. Additionally, if you already own a band instrument for your child to use, please bring it to this meeting so that we can inspect its playing condition and suitability for elementary band. Band lessons will start during the week of September 28 th. All participating students must have an instrument by or close to October 12 th. Each school has a limited supply of instruments (required small fee for the year) for students who may have financial difficulty in renting. Students who can translate for your parents may need to attend both Backto-School Nights. Information and handouts are also posted on-line at the website listed below. Please contact Mr. Dorian Parreott II at your child s school or via email if you have any questions about the elementary and intermediate band program (http://www.nplainfield.org/domain/533). Mr. Dorian Parreott II
Information/Policies for 4 th, 5 th & 6 th Grade Band at Somerset & West End Schools Students and Parents are Responsible for Maintaining and Properly Caring for School-Owned Instruments Students and parents are required to sign a rental contract when renting school owned instruments and pay a $35.00 rental fee. If instruments are damaged beyond normal use (to be determined by teacher), the parent will be required to pay for the repair. If you notice your son/daughter s instrument is damaged, do not attempt to fix it yourself. This includes not adjusting screws, and not attempting to remove stuck mouthpieces. Often parents try to help and fix their child s instrument, but end up causing hundreds of dollars worth of damage that they are responsible for paying. The Music Shop rental agreement is between the purchaser and the company exclusively. The teacher is not held accountable for any bills or damages that pertain to rental instruments. Students are Responsible for Information and/or Assignments Missed While They Miss Class While there are a lot of great opportunities when you are in band, students need to remember that they are held accountable for any work they miss in the small amount of time they are not in class. Each teacher s system for notifying students of missed information and/or assignments is different. It is ultimately the responsibility of the student to find out what work they have missed. You will miss a class once a marking period and no more than once. Band is a One Year Program Once a student has elected to enroll in band, that student is expected to remain enrolled in band for the entire school year since grades are issued each marking period. Instrumental skills and practice habits take time to develop. Students who demonstrate persistence will find success. As professionals, teachers are eager to provide students with the skills and techniques they need to work through initial road block to success. This commitment to take band for a full year is one taken on by the parents and students when signing up for band. Learning to play an instrument will include many fun and exciting moments, but challenging ones as well. Instrumental skills and practice habits take time to develop. It is suggested that parents help students develop a practice schedule when they are practicing at least four days a week for 20 minutes at home. If for Some Reason You Child Feels They Cannot Continue With Band If for some reason you and your child would like to discontinue participation in the band program, the first opportunity will be after the December concert. Marking period grades are issued for all 4-6 th graders. If a parent feels it is necessary to withdraw his or her student from instrumental music: The parent(s) must submit a written letter explaining extraordinary circumstances and concerns for not finishing the year. A conference with the parent(s), instrumental music teacher, counselor, and student will be held. The letter must be signed by all parties if withdrawal is a mutual decision as per result of the conference. Be aware that the director may also dismiss a student for poor attendance or behavior. *please understand that I may not be available to discuss the matter if you show up unannounced while I am teaching. I will be happy to schedule an appointment to talk with you at a time that is convenient for both you and me so that I will have adequate time to address any concerns.
Purchasing & Renting Instruments Looking towards participating in band class requires one major item, an instrument. If you play flute, clarinet, trumpet, alto saxophone, and percussion will need to have their own instruments in middle school and high school. These are a few ways of acquiring these instruments: 1. Students who receive free/reduced lunch can receive an instrument to use from the school for a small fee of $35 for the year. The cost will cover normal wear and tear, however students will be held accountable for excessive damage. These students are to supply their own reeds, books, and supplies. To get one of these instruments, a parent needs to fill out the application form. These forms will be made available in the fall. 2. Keep an eye on the newspapers and rummage sales, especially around graduation time. Before purchasing, ask if it is possible to have someone play the instrument to demonstrate its working condition. Beware of purchasing instruments on E-Bay or other auction sites. You may want to fully be aware of the brand names and warranty when purchasing. If you do find one on-line, I would be happy to give you my honest assessment. Most likely, instruments like these will have to go to a repair shop before school starts. 3. Check out various music store websites in the area for new or used instruments. Stay away from Wal-Mart or stores of this nature as well as no-named instruments from far off lands. Many times these instruments are poorly named and are virtually impossible to fix when they break (which they will). Listed below are a few local music store websites that have rental programs: The Music Shop www.themusicshop.com (best price for rental) Elefante Music www.elefantemusic.com Scotch-Plains Music Center www.scotchplainsmusic.com City Music www.citymusiccenter.com K&S Music www.kandsmusic.com Remember Cheaper does not mean better. Do not wait too long to start your search. All instruments must be purchased or rented by October 12, 2015 in order to participate in band. Please see your instrumental director for and further questions about instrument purchase or rentals. Also, call the companies listed above. Before Choosing an Instrument: (view videos on youtube also) Flute: Blow into a bottle to produce a consistent sound left hand should be able to touch right shoulder. Clarinet: Use your thumb like babies do and make the F sound the tips of your finger (pads) must be meaty and not too thin in order to cover the holes on clarinet keys. Saxophone: strap hangs from neck (a bit uncomfortable at first) can your left arm touch your right hip? Trumpet: Take a square of toilet tissue and stand six inches away blow at the center of the square and keep it pressed to the wall without using your hands blow! Trombone: Having longer arms help but not required strong lungs be able to say POOH. Percussion: can keep good time can do two things at the same time coordination.
Classroom Rules/Discipline Plan Classroom Rules: 1. Respect EVERYTHING & EVERYONE - Others and Yourself - All Instruments - Materials in Rehearsals/Lessons 2. Be ON TIME and ready to play! 3. Be prepared for each time we meet by having the following: - Instrument/accessories for your instrument - Music and Lesson Book (all participants must have a lesson book before attending any group lessons no exceptions) - Activity Book (small notebook) - Pencil (NO PENS) - Practice Chart (to be turned in once a week, no matter how much practice has taken place) There are rewards for students who attend all lessons & are prepared each week. 4. Please only play your instrument when you are asked to do so. 5. Do not play instruments that are not yours. You will be charged for damaging another person s instrument. 6. NO GUM, FOOD, or DRINK IN CLASS! NO CELL PHONES!! Discipline & Poor Attendance: Mr. Parreott may see fit to follow these steps in any order Step 1: Handled by the teacher Verbal Warning Change seating Step 2: Contact Parents/Stay in for Recess Step 3: Send student to office to see the principal and additional contact at home. *Bullying will not be tolerated and all incidences will be reported.*
MUSIC GRADES & GOALS All students must complete this list to receive full credit. All students earn the points necessary to receive a marking period grade. There will be prizes as well as a Student of the Month Certificate for each section of the band. The objectives that will be met through lessons include: 1. Demonstrate proper posture and horn position as well as perform at a satisfactory level in annual concerts 2. Set up and tear down the band room's common use equipment before and after each rehearsal 3. Identify the five main parts of each rehearsal or practice session and their importance 4. Identify and follow the rules of personal conduct during a large group rehearsal Sample: 1. Scales - All students must complete the Concert Bb / F / Eb scales before the 2 nd marking period ends. (percussion on bells) 2. Exercises - All students must complete the 2 exercises selected by the director. All exercises are to be played with the proper articulation and accuracy. 3. Sight Reading - All students will participate daily in class rhythmic studies. The students will later perform one unrehearsed selection of music. 4. Solo - All students will perform and demonstrate their musical ability through preparing and performing a selected piece of music. 5. Report - Each student must write a 5 page report on two musicians that play their respective instruments. Bio and Discography should be listed with a photo. Other assignments. 6. Music - All students must play a section of the entire concert band music. 7. Theory - All students will pass a few quizzes on Music Theory. 8. Define - All students will pass a few quizzes on spelling and definitions of musical terms such as Crescendo and Tempo. 9. Rhythm - All students will pass a quiz or two on rhythm training. 10. Notation - All students will pass a quiz or two on music dictation.
NORTH PLAINFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS DEPARTMENT OF FINE, PERFORMING, AND PRACTICAL ARTS 2015-16 Fine and Performing Arts Program Dates October 28 th November 20 th December 3 rd December 4 th December 10 th December 15 th December 17 th January 19 th January 20 th January 21 st January 26 th February 18 th March 16 th March 17 th -19 th April 8 th May 17 th May 18 th May 19 th May 24 th May 26 th June 2 nd June 7 th June 9 th Men s Night of Singing Elementary through High School Boys (7pm) Cabaret Dinner & Concert High School Chorus (NPHS Café at 7pm) NPHS Drama Club Fall Play (7pm) NPHS Drama Club Fall Play (7pm) NPHS Concert Band (7pm) NPMS Band & Chorus Concert (7pm) NPHS Choral Concert (7pm) West End Winter Concert (7pm) East End Winter Concert (7pm) Stony Brook Winter Concert (7pm) Somerset School Winter Concert (7pm) Music Faculty Concert (7pm) NPHS Drama Club NPHS Drama Club Spring Production District Arts Festival (6-9pm) West End Spring Concert (7:30pm) East End Spring Concert (7:30pm) Stony Brook Spring Concert (7:30pm) Somerset School Spring Concert (7:30pm) NPHS Choral Spring Concert (7:30pm) NPHS Band Concert (7:30pm) NPMS Music Concert (7:30pm) NPHS Theatre Showcase
SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR BAND Students are required to have the necessary supplies for band to help properly clean and maintain their instrument. Supplies can be purchased at the local music stores listed below. Everyone Needs. Essential Elements Band Method Book 1. Get the book for the instrument your child will play. Percussionists (drummers) should get Alfred Drum Method Book 1 and the Essential Elements Band Method Book 1. Folding Music Stand. This is for home practice only and is essential in the development of proper playing posture and habits, but not totally necessary. Folder to be exclusively used for music. Any regularly sized folder will do. Pencil & a small pocket note pad. NO PENS!! Supplies listed for your specific instrument (see below). Students and Parents are responsible for: Flute cotton handkerchief or swab Alto Saxophone swab 3 - #2 ½ reeds reed guards cork grease Clarinet French Horn cotton handkerchief or swab handkerchief 3 - # 2 ½ reeds - required tuning slide grease reed guards cleaning snake cork grease mouthpiece brush mouthpiece brush rotary oil Trumpet valve oil cleaning snake mouthpiece brush handkerchief tuning slide grease Baritone / Tuba valve oil mouthpiece brush tuning slide grease Trombone slide oil cleaning snake mouthpiece brush handkerchief tuning slide grease Percussion 2 pairs of snare drum sticks (5b) - required practice pad - required bell set optional (students with piano skills only) please visit Scotch-Plains Music Store, 413 Park Ave, Scotch Plains Fanwood, NJ, 908-322-7542 or other listed music stores.
Finding Band Supplies Best Locations Local Music Stores The Music Shop www.themusicshop.com (best price for rental) special rental code: 2012 ** Elefante Music www.elefantemusic.com (rentals& supplies) Scotch-Plains Music Center www.scotchplainsmusic.com (books& supplies) K& S Music www.kandsmusic.com (rental& supplies) City Music www.citymisiccenter.com (rental, supplies, books) Plainfield Music Store 120 North Ave, Plainfield, NJ ** (If you do not have a credit card no security deposit) Information for Parents Home Practicing Students receive practice charts each week and are to fill them out, have them signed, and turned in the next week no matter how much they practiced. Exercises that the students need to be working on will be circled and dated in the lesson book as well as loose sheet music to practice. There will always be something to practice. I will send musical checklists and attendance notifications home for parent perusal so that you are aware of the student s progress. The purpose of the practice charts and checklists is so that your child will be on task, you can monitor what your child is doing, and with your help, I can see the relationship between how much you re child practices and their personal progress at each lesson.
Student Practicing Information The following information is given to your child in their activity book to help them set up good practice habits. An Important Note About Practicing Practice is the MOST important part of learning any instrument. If you do not practice, you will feel that learning your instrument is difficult. We will discuss and review how to properly practice in your lessons. I am encouraging all students and parents to set up a consistent practicing schedule. Helpful Tips for Practicing: Find a time that is free for you every day. Even if it is only 15 minutes, you will be strengthening your musical skills. Just like athletes, musicians must practice their skills to make them strong! Examples: Right after school, before/after supper, after your favorite television show. Make sure there is enough light where you are practicing. Find a location that has no distractions. It will be easier to concentrate on your playing. Make sure to use a music stand so you can stand/sit with the correct posture and easily see your music. From time to time, play for an audience. Find someone to play for! Who knows, maybe you could teach them a thing or two! As you begin to practice, ask yourself: What pieces/exercises do I need to work on or review? What parts are easiest? The hardest? Then Set priorities. What should I work on First? Second? Third? I suggest working on the harder parts first and then put it together with easier parts. Work on hard parts slowly at first and then increase speed. After you have conquered one trouble spot, move on to another. Always set aside time to review your favorite songs and play for others!! Things to avoid doing when practicing: Just playing straight through music without stopping to fix mistakes. Repeating the same mistakes over and over again! Do your best to fix problems as soon as you notice them. ** STUDENTS WILL BE ASKED NOT TO ATTEND LESSONS IF CONTINUALLY NOT PREPARED.
Return This Sheet to Mr. Parreott at your next lesson! Student Name: (print name clearly) I have read and understand the information presented in this handbook. I will follow these rules and procedures for the 2015-16 school year. Parent Signature: Preferred phone number to be reached at: Preferred time of day to call: Daytime Evening Either Parent E-Mail address for band newsletter, participation and teacher/parent communication: (Please write clearly) @ Student Signature: Date: If you should have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. My contact information is listed on the first page of this handbook.