YOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND Dear Students and Parents, Welcome to the Youth Middle School Band! My primary goal here at Youth MS is to help all students reach their potential as musicians. This is my motivation for everything I do as a band director, the basis for all information contained in this handbook, and the reason I became a music teacher. Some of my fondest memories growing up involve my participation in the Band. I became a band director so I could share these experiences so I could help others experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from playing a musical instrument. Music can be a very important part of a child s development intellectually, emotionally, and socially and I feel very fortunate to be a part of this process. Please take the time to read the information contained in the following pages and discuss it with your family; the policies and procedures outlined here will directly affect all students in the YMS Band program. I have outlined the main points of my policies so that everyone understands these rules ahead of time. I m sure you will find these guidelines fair and reasonable. Most of all, I hope you will see that this system is designed to help me maintain an open learning environment for all students in the Band program. If you have any questions about anything in this handbook, please don t hesitate to ask. You may contact me by phone (678.680.3312) or through email: jesse.castleberry at walton.k12.ga.us The Band calendar and other information are posted on the Band web site: http://www.ymsband.org Thank you for your help and support of the Youth Middle School Band. Let s make this a great year together! Sincerely, Raymond Castleberry Band Director Phone: 678.680.3312 Mr. Castleberry s email: jesse.castleberry at walton.k12.ga.us YMS Band Web Site: http://www.ymsband.org The YMS Band Web Site contains information about upcoming events, Walton County Band Curriculum, a printable copy of the YMS Band practice records, links to useful web sites, and a copy of this Band Handbook. Visit the web site for up-to-date information about the YMS Band!
Purpose The purpose of the Youth Middle School Band program is to provide an environment in which all students can reach their fullest potentials as musicians. Class Materials List Every band students is required to bring the following materials to band class every day: 1. Method Book 6th Grade o Essential Elements for Band, book 1 o Foundations for Superior Performance 7th Grade o Essential Elements for Band, book 2 o Foundations for Superior Performance 8th Grade: Foundations for Superior Performance 2. three-ring music binder with all necessary music 3. Pencil 4. Instrument (in working condition, or a note from parent) 5. (7 th /8 th Grade only): flip folder (and possibly lyre) for Pep Band. Trumpets, euphoniums, tubas, and percussion may not need a lyre. Instrument-specific Materials The following is a list of extra materials needed for use with each of the instruments of the Band. Refer only to the instrument that your child will be learning. Flute: Tuning rod and cleaning swab. Clarinet and Bass Clarinet: Five (5) reeds, reed guard, cork grease, and cleaning swab. Saxophones: Five (5) reeds, reed guard, cork grease, cleaning swab, and a neck strap. Trumpet: Valve oil and snake. Trombones: Slide oil and snake. F Horn, Euphonium, and Tuba: Valve oil and mouthpiece. Percussion: Bell set with stand, snare practice pad with stand, carrying case, and 2b concert snare sticks. Instrument Rental Students are encouraged to rent instruments for the first couple of years of Band, not to buy their instrument. Here s an article that may help: Atlanta Journal-Constitution August 30, 2001 Buy or rent? Many music directors and music stores say it's a good idea for your child to try an instrument before you buy one. New instruments can be expensive. For example, a Gemeinhardt student flute can cost as much as $700. Renting the flute for the nine-month school year costs $150-$170. Rental rates range from $17 to $90 per month, depending on the instrument and whether it is new or used. Expensive instruments such as saxophones and French horns rent for more than flutes, clarinets, trumpets, trombones or violins. Still, some parents prefer buying a new instrument. Costs vary with brands and instruments. For example, a new educator-approved violin is $600-$1,000. A new trumpet costs about $825, but an alto sax is about $1,500. To help decide, ask the store the following questions: Does the store apply 100 percent of rental payments toward a purchase? What is the return policy? Is there a trial rate in case kids want to switch instruments or quit? Many stores offer a low monthly rental rate l (such as $4 per month for violin or clarinet, $7 for a sax) for the first three months. Does the store have a guaranteed buy-back policy? Are there fees beyond the rent? Often there is a one-time, nonrefundable maintenance fee ranging from $25 to $50. Does the store offer loaners while instruments are being repaired? Mr. Castleberry s advice: RENT! Most of the time it s in your child s best interest to rent an instrument instead of buy, at least when he/she is first starting out. Students who want to play tenor saxophone, for instance, will start on alto sax and then switch to tenor sax later. Because of this, it makes more sense to rent an instrument for a short time instead of buy one. Typically rental instruments are in better condition than used instruments. Music stores usually guarantee that their rental instruments will be in working condition, whereas a lot of used instruments require some repairs before they are playable. It s vital that an instrument be in good working order when a child is learning the instrument for the first time. If the instrument doesn t work, the student can have a really hard time getting a sound out, and the child may get discouraged.
Non-school-owned instruments stored in the Band Room are the responsibility of the student, not Walton County Public Schools. To help prevent instrument theft: write down the serial number of the instrument and keep it in the safe place attach a nametag to the instrument take home the instrument every day (so you can practice!!!) lock your locker! Never leave your instrument unattended unless it s LOCKED inside your locker. Locks available for rent for $5/year. Music Students are required to keep their music in a 3-ring binder (3/4 inch or smaller). All students are responsible for all music in their folders. Music may be marked in pencil only and must never be folded or crinkled. For Pep Band, a flip folder is advised since the music is half-sheets. If Instrument is in the Repair Shop... then the student needs to bring Mr. Castleberry a note signed by a parent, preferably with an estimate of how long it will take to fix the instrument (most shops will tell you if you ask them). Email notification is also acceptable. Air Playing When a student does not have an instrument, that student will air play during class finger through the music as if using a real instrument. This way, the student can still gain some benefit from being in Band class by learning more about how the music should sound. Air playing is just as serious as real playing and the same posture rules apply. Concert Attendance The YMS Band is a performing organization that meets during the school day as a regular class. Most performances and extra rehearsals are held outside of the school day. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory. A performing group cannot develop the necessary teamwork even if a small number of people are missing. Public performances are a vital part of being in Band and missing a performance will be dealt with in the same manner as if the quarterback of a football team missed the State Championship Game. Excused absences from public performances will be granted in cases of genuine emergency only. Please call if an emergency arises (678.680.3312). Conflicts with Band Rehearsals Band students are often involved in other extra-curricular activities. Conflicts should be avoided as much as possible; check the YMS Band calendar for scheduling information. If conflicts occur, the following guidelines will be used: Inform Mr. Castleberry of the conflict. Concerts and games are more important than rehearsals and practices. All school conflicts will be handled by the band director and the sponsor of the other conflicting school-sponsored event. Excused Absences from Concerts Personal Sickness Death in the family Prior written excuse presented and excused by the director and/or administrator
Band Grade The Band Grade refers to the A, B, C, or F grade that represents the achievement of the Band curriculum objectives. A student s Band Grade is a sum of the grade percentages the student has attained in the main areas of the Band class. This sum determines the Letter Grade that is recorded on the student s report card at the end of each term. Percentages that determine Academic grade Final Academic grade on report card 90%-100% = A 80%-89% = B 70%-79% = C 0%-69% = F A F in Band may result in dismissal from Band Playing Tests ( Pass-offs ) A pass-off is a performance by a band student of a predetermined section of music for the band director to earn points a performance test rather than a written test. Material for pass-offs is usually a musical scale, an exercise from the method book, or a section of the concert music. If a student spends the appropriate amount of individual practice time preparing for pass-offs, then that student will not only have a better chance at receiving a good grade in Band, but he/she will also have no problem meeting the curriculum objectives for middle school Band. Participation Grade If a student is missing important items when Band class starts (an instrument, for instance), the time that student spends in class is wasted. The Band is unable to benefit from the student s contribution, and the student does not benefit from being in Band that day. Just as important, the student cannot meet the curriculum standards for Band that day. The student s Participation Grade consists of bring the following items EVERY day (with points awarded accordingly): Instrument Method Book Music Folder (with all sheet music) Pencil total daily grade +10 points +5 points +5 points +5 points 25 points
Daily Procedures Studies show that middle-school-age students are most comfortable when a regular procedure is established for classroom management. The YMS Band will use the following guidelines to make the most of our rehearsal time. 1. Students will be considered tardy if they are not in their seat, playing their instrument on the last note of the first warm-up exercise. Three tardies will result in an after-school detention. 2. Students will check the board for the daily agenda and put their method books and music in the order listed on the board. 3. Students will practice proper posture when the director steps on the podium. When the director steps off them podium, students may sit back if they wish. 4. Book bags/instrument cases should be placed under a student s chair. Band Room Rules Only one person talks at a time Nothing in the mouth Treat all people and property with respect Band Room Consequences Procedure 1. Verbal Warning 2. Stack chairs/stands at end of period 3. Phone call home 4. Strike (YMS schoolwide discipline) Private Lessons The director will always strive to give individual attention to each student. This is not to say; however, that time your student spends in Band class is enough to completely develop the student s full musical potential. The success of every outstanding band program depends on the determination of the band students to give that extra effort. Top school band programs across the state typically have large numbers of students studying privately. Excellent private teachers take the student to the next level, many times teaching finer points that might not be covered in a class setting. Contact Mr. Castleberry for help in locating a private teacher. Concert Etiquette Since performance is a major objective of any band, students must learn and understand concert etiquette, and then put that knowledge into practice when attending concerts. Everyone should remain seated during the performance of each selection. If you must leave during a concert, you should quietly exit between musical selections. There should be no talking or other distractions during another group s performance. If you are entering the auditorium after the concert has already started, always wait until the end of the current musical piece before finding your seat. The people already in the audience do not want you crossing in front of them while they are watching the concert. At the end of each selection, the audience should applaud. Shouting or whistling is not acceptable. This is not a pep rally. When a piece is over, always wait until the conductor lowers his/her arms before applauding. Sometimes a piece may have several movements with silence in between. In such cases, it is proper to applaud at the end of the piece, NOT at the end of each movement. The conductor will not usually lower his/her arms until the end of the entire piece, so this is usually a good indicator of when to applaud. Uniforms The concert uniform will be the official YMS Band shirt, black pants/skirt, black socks, and black shoes. NO JEANS. Shirts will remain tucked-in the entire time the uniform is worn. The Pep Band and Jazz Band uniform will be the official YMS Band shirt, blue jeans, and sport shoes (sneakers). NO SANDALS in Pep Band. Shirts will remain tucked-in the entire time the uniform is worn. Proper attire is required for all performances. Anyone unable to obtain the proper concert outfit should contact Mr. Castleberry as soon as possible. Each matter will be handled individually and confidentially.
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Name Date Weekly Practice Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Detailed Practice Session Session Date Session Start Time Session End Time Fundamentals Concept Specific Application Time Breathing Exercises Long Tones Lip Slurs Range Exercises Rudiments Pianissimo Attacks Scales Articulation Exercises Book Exercise Measures Goal / Focus Strategies Time Title Measures Goal / Focus Strategies Time Etudes Literature Solo Chamber Music Band Music (check one) Goal Setting / Reflection Evaluate today s practice session. Did you complete all your goals? Do you need to revise your goals to make them achievable? How do you feel about the balance between your three areas of practice? Do you need to make adjustments? Which strategies were most effective during this practice session? Based on today s practice session, set some goals for your next practice session.
Directions for filling out the Youth MS Band Weekly Practice Chart Weekly Practice: Place a check in the appropriate box for each day that you had a focuses practice session of at least 20 minutes. Practice charts are due each Friday, so the practice week begins on Friday and runs through the following Thursday evening. Detailed Practice Session: Complete the bottom section of the practice chart during one practice session each week. Select a practice session where you completed goals in all three practice areas fundamentals, etudes, and literature. Record the date and your start/stop times. Fundamentals: Place a check mark in the box next to each of the exercises you complete. You do not need to do all of them during every practice session. Fill in the specifics about the exercise (e.g Long Tones- up F chromatic scale, one octave, 10 sec. cresc. and 10 sec. decresc. for each pitch ). Record approximately how much time it take to complete each exercise. Etudes: All players should be working on building technical skills specific to their instruments. Use any method or etude book appropriate for your skill (Arban s, Rubank, Klose, Rose, etc.). See Mr. Castleberry for recommendations. Record the specific information for that day s practice including a clearly stated and measurable goal (e.g. perform measures 3-7 at = 108 three times with perfect rhythm and articulation ). Literature (concert pieces): Check the appropriate box for the kind of literature you are practicing. Complete the specific information. Goal Setting / Reflection: Spend a few thoughtful moments analyzing your goals and approach to today s session. Be specific. Use your evaluation to create a set of measurable goals for your next practice session. Practice Strategies Here are some strategies you might want to try. Other band members or private teachers might have additional ideas. Clap and count Finger and say Simplify the rhythm Long-Short-Long Play rhythm on one pitch Slow it down Use a metronome Three times perfect Say articulation syllables Pattern recognition Chunking Work back from the end Isolate one aspect Record your playing Build from the middle Practice Chart Scoring (10 points possible) There are 5 points possible for each section (Daily Practice and Detailed Practice Session). You must complete both sections to receive a score. 1. Weekly Practice 1 point for each day of focused practice or 20 minutes or more (up to 5 points). 2. Detailed Practice Session a complete, detailed account of your practice session including specific, measurable goals, use of effective practice strategies, and thoughtful goal setting / reflection. You earn one point for fundamentals, one point for etudes, one point for literature, and two points for goal setting / reflection. adapted from More Than Just Minutes: Using Practice Charts as Tools for Learning by Darren Johnson (Music Educators Journal, Mar 2010; vol. 95: pp. 63-70)
Events Calendar (as of August 2017 check www.ymsband.org for updated version) (Graded concerts in bold - students must report 30 minutes before all concerts) Date Time Event Location Aug. 17, 2017 5:30-7:00pm Band Parents meeting / Instrument Rental YMS Cafetorium Sep. 1, 2017 during class fund-raiser kick-off Sep. 20, 2017 4:30pm 7th/8th Band at YMS football game YMS field Sep. 22, 2017 6:30pm 8th Grade Band night at WGHS WGHS Sep. 27, 2017 4:30pm 7th/8th Band at YMS football game WGHS stadium Dec. 2, 2017 TBA District Honor Band auditions (7 th /8 th only) Gainesville MS Dec. 3, 2017 TBA YMS Band at Gwinnett Gladiators hockey game Gwinnett Arena Dec. 6, 2017 4pm Jazz Band plays at YMS basketball game YMS gym Dec. 12, 2017 2:30-4pm After-school rehearsal- 7 th /8 th Grade YMS stage Dec. 14, 2017 6:30pm 6th/7th/8th Grade Band concert YMS Cafetorium Dec. 15, 2017 4pm Jazz Band plays at YMS basketball game YMS gym Dec. 16, 2017 9am-noon TubaChristmas Athens, GA Jan. 9, 2018 2:30-4pm After-school rehearsal- 7 th /8 th Grade YMS stage Jan. 23, 2018 2:30-4pm After-school rehearsal- 7 th /8 th Grade YMS stage Feb 9-10, 2018 District Honor Band all day Toccoa, GA (for those who earn a spot at Dec. 6 auditions) Feb. 13, 2018 2:30-4pm After-school rehearsal- 7 th /8 th Grade YMS stage Feb. 15, 2018 6:30pm 7th/8th Grade Band pre-lgpe concert YMS Cafetorium Feb. 27, 2018 2:30-4pm After-school rehearsal- 7 th /8 th Grade YMS stage Mar. 6, 2018 2:30-4pm After-school rehearsal- 7 th /8 th Grade YMS stage March 7-9, 2018 LGPE - Large Group Performance Evaluation TBA (exact day TBA) (7 th /8 th Clarke Central HS Grade) April 19, 2018 TBA Jazz Band Performance Evaluation Jackson Co. HS May 5, 2018 TBA First Year Honor Band (6 th Grade only) Jefferson HS May 15, 2018 2:30-4pm After-school rehearsal- 7 th /8 th Grade YMS stage May 17, 2018 6:30pm 6th/7th/8th Grade Band concert WGHS May 24, 2018 6:30-7:30 Band Awards Ceremony YMS Cafetorium
YOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND COMMITMENT LETTER STUDENT NAME GRADE PARENT NAME DAYTIME (cell) PHONE Parent s email address: The information on this page will be shared with your elected YMS Band Booster officers for use in organizing, informing, and communicating with parents and guardians of YMS Band students. All parent information will remain confidential and will not be share with non-booster parties. FOR THE STUDENT: As a member of the Youth Middle School Band, I have read this handbook and understand the membership requirements in regards to materials, attendance, the grading system, classroom management procedures, private lessons, and uniforms. As a member of the Youth Middle School Band, I assume the obligations and responsibilities outlined in this handbook. I will do my utmost to accomplish the objectives and follow the rules and regulations. I will be at all performances and rehearsals of the Youth Middle School Band. I understand that Band is a yearlong commitment. I understand that failure to comply with these rules will jeopardize my grade in Band and perhaps even my membership in the Youth Middle School Band. I understand that if I receive an F on my report card for Band in Conduct, Effort, or Academic grade, I may be dismissed from the Youth Middle School Band. Parents: Please read the Band Handbook at www.ymsband.org (click the Handbook button). FOR THE PARENT: As a parent of this child, I understand the rules and regulations my child is expected to follow (from the Handbook section of http://www.ymsband.org ). I understand the financial obligations concerning uniforms and equipment. I will support the Youth Middle School Band Program. I understand that Band is a year-long commitment. I will consistently encourage my child to practice at home and attend all performances/rehearsals so that he/she might excel. I understand that if my child receives an F on a Band report card for Conduct, Effort, or Academic grade, my child may be dismissed from the Youth Middle School Band. Student s Signature Parent s Signature There are many times during the year when the Band will need the support and help of parent volunteers. We will have a range of needs in many different areas. Parental help will be needed as chaperones, piano accompanists, transportation, etc. If you can help in any way, please fill out this form and return it to Mr. Castleberry. I am interested in helping the Band program in the following ways: Chaperone for field trips Fund-raising help Publicity Hospitality planning receptions, parties, etc. Other