Davis Band Handbook Contact info: Email: Barrett_susann@ dublinschools.net Lewis_Ronald@ dublinschools.net Voicemail: Mrs. Barrett 614-760-6427 Mr. Lewis 614-718-8397 **email is the best, and preferred method to Welcome to another year of band here at Davis Middle School Meet your directors Mrs. Susann Barrett (6th, 7th and 8th grade band & jazz band) Mrs. Barrett is in her 20th year at DMS. She is very active in many music education organizations, such as the Ohio Music Education Association, and the American School Band Director's Association. Mrs. Barrett is also the lead Alto Saxophonist in the Worthington Civic Band, and teaches Taiko in her spare time. She lives in Hilliard with her husband Mark. Mr. Ron Lewis (6th grade band, high school band and jazz band) mr. Lewis is in his 15th year in the Dublin City Schools. Before Dublin, he taught in the Mechanicsburg school system. Mr. Lewis is the associate director of bands at Scioto, as well as teaching jazz band, percussion ensemble and marching band drum line. He also lives in Hilliard with his wife Beth, and his two daughters.
Reliable Instrument Brands and Method Books Make sure that you acquire an instrument that will be reliable and well made. If you plan to purchase an instrument that is not on this list, Mrs. Barrett or Mr. Lewis would be happy to check it our for you Flute: Armstrong, Gemeinhardt, Yamaha Clarinet: Buffet, Selmer, Lablanc, Bundy, Vito, Yamaha Oboe: Selmer, Yamaha, Fox Saxophone: King, Selmer, Bundy, Yamaha, Vito Horn: Comm, Holton, King, Yamaha Trumpet/Cornet: Bach, Bundy, King, Conn, Yamaha, Getzen Trombone/Baritone: Conn, Bach, King, Getzen, Yamaha Percussion kit: there are several brands out there. See Mr. Lewis for his recommendation. In 6th and 7th grade band classes we will be using the Measures of Success method books. 6th grade students who signed a rental agreement during spring fittings most likely purchased a book with that agreement. Those who did not can purchase one from any central Ohio music store, or can order them through Mrs. Barrett. The 7th grade method books can also be purchased at any central Ohio music store, or through Mrs. Barrett. Those 7th grade students wishing to participate in Jazz band will purchase their books through Mrs. Barrett. An order form will be sent home the first full week.
Tips for Success in Middle School Band 1.Regular practice time is very important. Instruments should be taken home regularly. Students will have weekly practice assignments and parents can help by insisting that the instrument be brought home regularly. 2.Ask for help as soon as you see a problem arise. The best time to see the instructor for help with a problem is before or after school, or right at the beginning of class. Don't let frustration get the best of you when most problems are an easy fix Communication is key 3.There are hundreds of instruments stored in the band room shelves and cabinets, and many of the cases look exactly alike. Know your instruments serial identification number, or record the numb in a safe place. ALL INSTRUMENTS STORED AT SCHOOL MUST HAVE A NAME TAG ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE CASE AT ALL TIMES. 4.Know when your school rehearsal period is and see that the instrument is taken to school on band days.
Band Room Behavior and Rehearsal Procedure 5.Keep a pencil with an eraser in your case or folder so that you can mark your music, or do written work. Never use a pen or marker 6.Participate in all classroom activities. To do this, you must always have all necessary equipment including your instrument, music and pencil. Take responsibility to be prepared for class on a daily basis. 7.Sit in your assigned seat everyday, and be respectful of others, musical equipment and school property at all times. 8.Talking during rehearsal can be very disruptive to the educational process. Therefore, talking should be limited to only necessary talking done very softly. If the teacher is talking, you should be listening. 9.It is your responsibility to get to your next class's on time. A pass will be issued if you are requested to stay after class for any reason. 10.Avoid eating, drinking or chewing gum in the band room. Rehearsal procedures are as follows: Announcements Attendance Warm up and tuning Current assignment Evaluation Intro. of new music New assignment
Students will be evaluated each grading period to indicate degree of progress and effort. The final letter grade is determined in a variety of ways. Formal evaluations may include individual playing tests, and written tests during class. Informal evaluation is usually accomplished through teacher observation, self evaluation exercises, records of student practice and preparation, and records of students participation in class. Students earn their largest grade from participation in concerts which is an integral part of any performing arts graded course of study. Extra points can be earned by attending community musical performances and activities, and providing evidence of attendance to your teacher.
2014-2015 Concert Dates Performances are a very important part of a band students's grade. Please mark the family calendar with the appropriate concert dates. September 12th, 2014, TBA November 12th, 2014, 7:00pm November 13th, 2014, 7:00pm December 5th, 2014, TBA December 8th, 2014, 7:00pm February 10th, 2015, 7:00pm February 11th, 2015, 7:00pm March 28th, 2015 TBA April 23rd, 2015, TBA May 6th, 2015, 7:00pm May 8-9th, 2015 May 15 or 16th, 2015 May 18th, 2015, 7:00pm May 22nd, 2015, TBA 8th grade band performs at DSHS Football Game 8th grade Band and Orchestra Fall Concert 7th grade Band Fall Concert Taiko and Jazz performances at the Spaghetti Dinner 6th grade band 8th grade Band and Jazz Band Winter Concert 7th grade Band and Jazz Band Winter Concert OMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival (7th and 8th grade interested students) location TBD Davis Arts Festival performances for jazz bands 8th Grade Band and Orchestra Spring Concert 8th grade Band, Choir and Orchestra trip to Cedar Point OMEA Large group contest for 8th grade band and orchestra, location TBD 6th and 7th Grade Band Spring Concert Tentative 7th Grade Kings Island performance event ** All concerts will be held in the gymnasium at Davis Middle School unless otherwise noted.**
For each public performance, the required attire is as follows: GIRLS: black skirt or dress pants and the Davis band shirt. Please take into consideration how you hold your instrument when selecting the appropriate skirt length. BOYS: black dress pants and the Davis band shirt. GENERAL: no shorts or blue jeans are permitted. Dress shoes are desired by your teachers. FLIP FLOPS ARE NOT DRESS SHOES