R.B.Chamberlin Middle School Bands Handbook 2017-2018 7 th Grade Band (7 th Period 12:24-1:08) 8 th Grade Band (8 th Period 1:11-1:55) Jazz Ensemble (after school, by audition) Mr. Thomas M. Resnick Jr., Director Course Description: The purpose of this course is to develop in each student high standards of musicianship on an instrument. This leads to the development of a successful musical organization where students learn and perform at or near their potential. Various drills and exercises for developing rhythmic and technical skill plus a wide variety of band literature are covered. Philosophical Beliefs: Because music is an integral part of society, we believe that all students have the right to formal musical training as part of their education. Through music education, students gain an awareness of historical and cultural heritage and create and value good music. Requirements: Members of the RBC bands are required to have at least one year of instrumental study prior to Middle School band. Students need to have an instrument in proper working order. Woodwinds need to have at least 3 working reeds and cork grease. Brasses need to have a proper mouthpiece and the requisite valve oil or slide oil. Trumpets will need a straight mute (Mutec Mutes will be available for purchase). Percussion students will use the Vic Firth SD1- General Drum Stick. Band students will need the Blue Standard of Excellence Band Book for class (more information below). Goals and Competencies: 1. Properly assemble, care for and handle your instrument 2. Develop a better understanding of proper breathing, posture and practice habits 3. Perform within a large and small ensemble settings 4. Develop facility with scale passages, articulation, flexibility and dynamics 5. Perform major scales Bb, Eb, Ab, F & C concert 6. Demonstrate different band styles (Chorale, March, Pop) 7. Explain Concert Pitch and its relationship to your instrument 8. To develop and maintain a beautiful sound (no unmusical sounds permitted) 9. Define musical terms and foreign language terms related to band
Instrument Storage: Storage will be provided in the Band Room at R.B. Chamberlin Middle School during the day. Students are expected to take their instruments home after school. After school instrumental practice is required in order to complete the weekly Instrumental Self- Evaluation (attached). Instruments are NOT to be left in the building over the weekend or during holiday breaks. Weekends and extended breaks are a great time to get in some individual practice time. Instruments MUST be kept on shelves. NO students are permitted in the band room office. In addition, each student will have an individual storage cubby for instruments and music. Locks will be provided. All lockers will be instrument-specific and assigned with a number. Cages/lockers are to be locked after rehearsal. Cubby storage is for instruments, music and music equipment only. No food, books, personal items or clothes are to be kept in instrument cubbies. Phones/devices: Cell phones and tablets or other data devices are not permitted during rehearsal. Data devices can be used after we pack up instruments at the end of rehearsal, in accordance with the rules and policies of R.B. Chamberlin Middle School & TCSD. Rehearsal Room: No food or drinks are permitted in the rehearsal room. However, water bottles are permitted for rehearsals. No class-work is allowed during rehearsal. Music is of the highest degree of difficulty and requires all of our focus. 7 th Grade percussionists will set up the section at the start of rehearsal and 8 th Grade percussionists will pack up equipment at the end. In addition, 8 th Grade Band students will put all stands on rack at the end of rehearsal. No waiting by the door is permitted at the end of class. No fidget spinners/cubes are permitted during rehearsal. Performances: Band students are required to be at all performances. All performances are graded. Report Time will be given in advance (2-3 weeks) of the performance via handout and will be listed on my teacher page. If you are coming from a game/etc please arrive in concert dress in a timely manner. We will warm-up briefly and tune before every performance.
RBC Bands Dates 2016-2017 August August September September October November November December December January February February March March April April May May May 16- First Day of School (7 th Grade Band 8 th pd., 8 th Grade Band 9 th pd.) 23- RBC Bands Night at Tiger Stadium (Saturday, 5:45 RT) 10- RBC Concert Band Veteran s Day Performance 11- RBC Holiday Bands Concert- THS Auditorium- 7:00 p.m. 27- THS/RBC Bands Winter Concert THS Auditorium- 7:00 p.m. 13-THS/RBC Jazz Night THS Auditorium- 7:00 p.m. TBD-Band Booster Meeting- THS Band Room- 7:00 p.m. 7- O.M.E.A. Jr. High Solo & Ensemble Contest (away-kent/stanton M.S.) 7- RBC Band/Orchestra Concert- THS Auditorium- 6:30 p.m./8:00 pm 11 & 12 - O.M.E.A. Jr. High Band Contest (away-nordonia H.S.)
Grades: 30%- Individual Assessment 30%- Concert Grades 10%- Written Work 30%- Daily Grade and Rehearsal Skills 1. Individual Assessment: -Individual Assessment is based on the Twinsburg Bands rubric (attached) -Self evaluation form (attached) to be turned in by the student weekly -Tests will be played by recording -Testing will be assigned from band book and concert music (Standard of Excellence Book 2, Blue. 2. Concert Grades: -Musical organizations by their nature are performance based. All performances are required unless otherwise specified by the director, and every effort must be made by the students and their families to arrange their schedules to accommodate performances. Unexcused absences cannot and will not be tolerated. Excused absences are those which are recognized by the Ohio Statute and include: personal illness, an emergency at home, religious observance, medical appointments (that can not be rescheduled), power failure and death of a relative. All excused absences will require make up assignments as necessary. Unexcused absences will not be given an opportunity to make up work. 3. Written Work: -Written samples will be used from the method book -Worksheets may be done during the tuning process 4. Daily Grade and Rehearsal Skills: -Having all equipment (in proper working order), music and pencil -Rehearsing with proper posture and position -Attendance by all members is mandatory at all rehearsals and performances -Focus on rehearsal and performance -Attitude- a positive & united effort to create a band that strives for the best! School Performance Responsibilities: As a performing group, it is our responsibility to offer support to our school and community by performing during the school day when needed. Band students will perform at Band Night at Tiger Stadium and for Veteran s Day (will require concert dress). All band students will perform at 2 pep rallies and will be recommended to have a Twinsburg Bands T-shirt, which will be available for sale in the fall (est. $10-15).
Concert Dress: Ladies: Gentleman: Long Black Skirt (below knees) Black dress pants or Black Pants/Gauchos/etc... White Dress shirt White Blouse Black neck tie Black nylons or socks Black Socks Black Dress Shoes Black Dress Shoes NO TENNIS SHOES WILL BE PERMITTED Rules: 1. No food, gum or beverages in the band room 2. No unmusical sounds permitted on instruments 3. Instrument MUST be in working order (no stuck slides/broken reeds) 4. Be prepared- have instrument, music, book and pencil 5. Stay in assigned section and seat 6. Be in your seat and be ready to play by 12:27 (7 th ) and 1:14 (8 th ) 7. No talking when the director is at the podium 8. Hall passes will be issued only in emergency situations Consequences: 1. Verbal warning 2. Verbal warning, meet with director after class 3. Loss of Daily Grade/Rehearsal skills points 4. Phone Call to parents 5. Office referral 6. Parent-teacher-administrator conference 7. Removal from class Practice: Private Lessons: Students at the middle school level are expected to practice 100 minutes per week (spaced practice time) and fill out an individual performance Self- Evaluation to be turned in weekly. As technique and music becomes increasingly difficult, the student will not be able to attain our musical goals without individual work. Private lessons are highly encouraged. Individual study is the best and quickest way to improve on your instrument. Such lessons vastly improve the quality of the musical experience for both the student and the parents. Lessons are available through local offerings such at the Aurora School of Music.
Instruments/Books/Accessories Students are required to have an instrument, book and music stand for band. The books required are Standard of Excellence Book 2 and can be purchased at RBC ($6-blue in cash or a check made out to TWINSBURG BAND BOOSTERS), or a music store/dealer. A music stand is needed for home practice and can also be purchased from a music store/dealer. Instruments can also be rented or purchased from a music store/dealer. Mr. Resnick, Mr. Bonitz, R.B. Chamberlin Middle School and Twinsburg City Schools ARE NOT affiliated with any music store or dealer. Please contact the store or dealer with any questions regarding rentals or purchases. Do not return instruments at the end of the year. Students are expected to practice over the summer and are encouraged to participate in summer music activities (i.e. private lessons, summer bands, camps). Please do not return rental instruments to the school or the instructor. Listed below are reputable music stores. Pellegrino Music Center Woodsy s Music 5440 Everhard Road NW 135 South Water St. Canton, Ohio 44718 Kent, Ohio 44240 330-498-8400 330-673-1525 (rentals, repairs, purchase) (rentals, repairs, purchase & lessons) Aurora School of Music Academy Music Center 211 South Chillicothe Rd. 33505 Station St. Aurora, OH 44202 Solon, Ohio 330-995-0809 440-248-1745 (for lessons) (rentals, repairs, purchase) As students progress and mature, periodically their equipment needs to be updated. At the middle school level, we encourage students to purchase equipment better suited to their growing needs. Beginner equipment may be switched out for intermediate or professional models of not only instruments, but also reeds, mouthpieces, cases, mutes, accessories etc. Although some beginner equipment is sufficient, we encourage our students to move to products that will better help them succeed in becoming better band students. Attached is a list of recommended brands and equipment. Internet purchases are not encouraged...call a reputable music store!
Examples of Intermediate Band Equipment Flute: Clarinet: Gemeinhardt 3SHB ($1400) Buffet E-12 ($1900) Yamaha YFL 381H ($1600) Yamaha CL 450 ($1100) Portnoy B02 Mouthpiece Rovner 1R Clarinet Ligature Vandoren #3 Reed (blue) Oboe: Alto Saxophone: Fox Renard Model 330 ($3,300) Yamaha YAS-475 ($1900) K.GE Double Reeds Selmer S80 C * Mouthpiece Rovner Ligature Vandoren #3 Reed (blue) Trumpet: French Horn: Bach: TR200S ($1300) Yamaha YHR567 ($3900) Yamaha: YTR 4335GS ($1250) Conn 8D ($3500) Bach 3C Mouthpiece Farkas MDC Mouthpiece Dennis Wick or Mutec Straight Mute Trombone: Baritone/Euphonium: Yamaha: YSL 448G ($1500) Yamaha: YEP 321S ($3000) Blessing 88 O: ($1300) Jupiter: 470S ($2200) Tuba: St. Petersburg Model 202 Tuba Conn Helleberg Model 120 Mouthpiece Percussion: Vic Firth SD1 General Stick Vic Firth Timpani Mallet 1 Pr. Malletech ORR 45 Bell Mallets Students are welcomed to play school-owned Tubas, Baritones and French Horns. Equipment listed above is if you are interested in upgrading. Instruments above are the industry standard in intermediate equipment. Before purchasing equipment, be sure to check with Mr. Resnick or Mr. Bonitz to be sure you are purchasing a quality item.
TCSD Instrumental Music Self-Evaluation Name: Date/Week: o.k. good awesome 1. My tone was.. 2. My rhythm and accuracy were 3. My concentration and focus were declined was the same improved 4. My ability to play notes and fingerings 5. My ability to count and play rhythms 6. My attention to dynamics 7. My posture 8. My overall ability to play the music 9. This week, I improved upon. 10. Next week, I will improve upon. over
Weekly Journal Date: Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. Minutes Played Total Minutes Parents/Guardians: Please sign & review your student s self-evaluation & playing journal. Ask about the music they are working on. Acknowledge his or her progress with a comment and your signature below. 100 minutes of practice will equal an A for the evaluation grade. Thank you for supporting the program! -Mr. Resnick Signature: Comments:
TCSD Music Performance Rubric Key: 5 = Advanced proficient; 4 = Above proficient; 3 = Proficient; 2 = Partially proficient; 1 = Minimally proficient CIRCLE 1 through 5 Student name (or group): Selection to be assessed: I. TONE 5- Full, rich, and characteristic of the tone quality in all ranges 4- Characteristic in most ranges, but occasionally inconsistencies in some passages 3- Developing characteristic tone quality 2- Inconsistent in basic tone production 1-Significant improvement needed in basic tone production II. MELODIC ACCURACY 5- Accurate throughout, in all ranges/positions 4- Accurate, but isolated notes in need of adjustment in some ranges/positions 3- Developing melodic accuracy; some inaccuracies in some ranges/positions 2- Many incorrect notes substantially detract from the overall performance 1-Significant number of incorrect notes, entire passages performed incorrectly III. RHYTHMIC ACCURACY 5- Accurate rhythms throughout, tempo consistent 4- A few incorrect rhythmic figures, tempo inconsistent 3- Developing rhythmic accuracy; some incorrect rhythmic figures, tempo mostly consistent 2- Many incorrect rhythmic figures detracting from overall performance, tempo somewhat inconsistent 1-Significant rhythmic errors, whole sections incorrectly performed, inconsistent tempo (e.g., rushing, dragging) IV. ARTICULATION 5- Accurate throughout all ranges/positions 4- Accurate, with occasional issues on isolated pitches which student tries to adjust 3- Developing articulation; mostly accurate, but some out of inaccuracies 2- Exhibits basic techniques of articulation, but has significant problems 1- Significant articulation issues, makes no apparent attempt to adjust V. MUSICIANSHIP 5- Consistently performs all expressive markings, articulations, dynamics, and bowings (where applicable) 4- Performs almost all expressive markings, articulations, dynamics, and bowings (where applicable) 3- Performs most expressive markings, articulations, dynamics, and bowings (where applicable) 2- Performs few of the expressive markings, articulations, dynamics, and bowings (where applicable) 1-Ignores expressive markings, articulations, dynamics, and bowings (where applicable) Added Total: Comments:
R.B. Chamberlin Middle School Bands Handbook Consent & Contact Form I have read all rules, expectations and consequences involved in the R.B. Chamberlin Middle School Band program. I have made note of upcoming performance dates and will plan accordingly. I understand my child s responsibility to the class and to the band program. This information can help keep better contact with the instructor, families and Band Boosters. Student s Name Grade (7 th or 8 th ) Parent s Signature Parent phone number Parent email address Date Please return to Mr. Resnick by 8/25/17