Lakewood City Schools Middle School Band Handbook 2015 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS... 2 MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND HANDBOOK... 2 2015 2016 CONCERTS, CONTESTS, & PERFORMANCES... 3 PHILOSOPHY... 4 CONCERT PARTICIPATION... 4 CONTEST PARTICIPATION... 4 CONCERT REHEARSALS AND BEHAVIORS... 4 CONCERT PERFORMANCE ATTIRE... 5 CLASSROOM MATERIALS... 5 METHOD BOOKS... 6 MUSIC AND MUSIC FOLDERS... 6 CLASSROOM WORK AND HOMEWORK POLICY... 6 NINE- WEEK GRADING POLICY... 7 PARTICIPATION & PREPAREDNESS... 7 UNEXCUSED CLASS PARTICIPATION... 7 JAZZ BAND... 7 CHARMS... 8 SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS (RENTAL AND USAGE)... 9 PRACTICE ROOMS... 9 TRIPS... 9 AWARDS... 9 PRIVATE LESSONS... 10 MUSIC BOOSTERS... 10 SUMMER MUSIC CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS... 10 VOLUNTEERING AND DONATIONS... 11 LAKEWOOD S MIDDLE SCHOOL BANDS COMMITMENT CONTRACT... 12 APPENDIX A: PARTICIPATION & PREPAREDNESS FORM... 13 MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND HANDBOOK The purpose of this handbook is to increase understanding of the policies and procedures of the Band Departments at Garfield and Harding Middle Schools. This guide will cover 6 th, 7 th, & 8 th Grade Bands, Jazz Bands and any extra- curricular band organizations. It is our hope that this handbook will minimize any misunderstanding and increase a positive working relationship with students and parents. The contact information for your director is below: Mr. John Blasko, Harding Middle School 216.227.5701 ext. 8409# john.blasko@lakewoodcityschools.org Mrs. Julie Tabaj, Garfield Middle School 216.227.5701 ext. 8311# julie.tabaj@lakewoodcityschools.org 2
2015 2016 CONCERTS, CONTESTS, & PERFORMANCES September 25, 2015... Lakewood Spirit Parade (details TBA) October 16, 2015... 8 th Grade Marching Night (Lakewood High School, time TBA) December 5, 2015... Light Up Lakewood (TBA) ** December 9, 2015... 6 th Grade Winter Concert (Civic Auditorium) December 15, 2015... 7 th Grade Winter Concert (Civic Auditorium) December 16, 2015... 8 th Grade Winter Concert (Civic Auditorium) March 5, 2016... OMEA District 4 Honors Festival (Avon Lake High School Auditorium) March 10, 2016... Lakewood Jazz Festival (Civic Auditorium) * March 19, 2016... Greater Cleveland Instrumental Solo & Ensemble (Greenbrier Middle School, Parma, TBA) March 21, 2016... Rocky River Jazz Festival (7PM, Rocky River Middle School) * March 22, 2016... 8 th Grade Band Concert (Civic Auditorium) May 9, 2016... 8 th Grade Spring Concert (Civic Auditorium) May 16, 2016... 7 th Grade Spring Concert (Civic Auditorium) May 23, 2016... 6 th Grade Spring Concert (Civic Auditorium) May 7, 2016... HARDING Music Before the Parks, Cedar Point Field Trip May 14, 2016... GARFIELD Music Before the Parks, Cedar Point Field Trip * Jazz Band only ** Harding Jazz Band Only Please note: All Lakewood City School Concerts for Garfield and Harding begin at 7:30pm unless otherwise noted. While many performances are free, admissions to Middle School Concerts are: $2.00 adults, $1.00 students/seniors and children 5 and under free. Profits from concerts are used to provide transportation, purchase music and equipment not funded by other sources. Please contact the individual school director if the cost of concert admission would not allow a parent to attend and arrangements for a pass (or more) will be made. If there is no time listed for a concert, information will be sent home at a later date.
PHILOSOPHY It is the intent of the bands to offer quality individual and group experiences in the area of instrumental music education. Through active participation students will learn to become better musicians and performers; educated consumers of music; as well as responsible, contributing citizens of their community. Students in each band will study a variety of music and will have access to diverse educational and performance activities, which will help students in their development as young musicians. CONCERT PARTICIPATION Student participation in all concerts and large group contest is required. Each student will earn a grade for his or her concert, contest, and performance participation. The concert is the end- result of months of hard work. In a concert, students create music by translating a composer s ideas through their instruments. In addition to navigating these technical and musical challenges, students must also manage their excitement and nervousness, the stage, the auditorium, the audience, and the pressure of putting forth their best effort. For all these reasons, it is impossible to recreate the performance experience. Therefore, we ask students and parents to PLAN NOW, respecting our concert dates. If a conflict is unavoidable, it is the responsibility of the student and the parent to contact the teacher as soon as possible (PREFERABLY AT LEAST TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE) to resolve the issue. In cases of emergencies a phone call is appreciated and an explanatory note sent to the director immediately following the absence is required. If a student must be absent from a concert, contest, or performance, the teacher will assign the student a music- related research project, due at the discretion of the teacher. CONTEST PARTICIPATION Student participation in Greater Cleveland Solo & Ensemble Contest is highly encouraged, but not required. Students who study privately are expected and encouraged to participate. Music teachers will distribute specific information regarding soloist scale requirements, repertoire, instrumentation limitations, contest rules, etc. in early January. Our schools may choose to participate in Large Group Band Contest, also known as the OMEA Jr. High/Middle School Adjudicated Festival as representatives of Lakewood City Schools. This event is held either on a Friday after- school/evening or Saturday morning, usually in May, at an area school. If your school chooses to participate, the specific date and time will be announced as they are assigned. Transportation is provided for this trip. If needed, teachers will make every effort to accommodate students with multiple obligations by allowing parents to drive, pick- up, or drop- off students. CONCERT REHEARSALS AND BEHAVIORS For Civic concerts, all performing groups will rehearse on the day of or day before the concert during school hours (12:30 2:38 pm). We will use the school blanket permission slip form to transport the students. Students will be bussed to and from the LHS Civic Auditorium for all dress rehearsals. Students are responsible for transporting their own instrument and music folder to and from all concerts. This includes percussion, tuba and bass students! Parent help is always appreciated at the end of a concert to get instruments back to school or home. Proper behavior is required in class and at all concerts. Poor behavior will be addressed in accordance with school policy. 4
CONCERT PERFORMANCE ATTIRE All skirts, dresses, and tops must meet district guidelines for length and fit. CONCERT BAND Young Men Black collared dress shirt or black polo shirt Black dress pants Black socks Dark shoes Young Women Black dress blouse or black polo shirt Black skirt or slacks Natural/neutral colored hose Dark shoes JAZZ BAND Black collared dress shirt and jazz band tie Black dress pants Dark shoes CLASSROOM MATERIALS 1. Most students will be assigned a music storage locker. Locks are strongly encouraged. The orchestras and bands share the same rehearsal room at both Garfield and Harding. Instruments will be secured in the instrument storage room, but be aware that music rooms are used after school for Recreation Department classes. 2. All students should have a musical instrument and all auxiliary supplies for class at all times. See below: Woodwinds: Flute players should have one small handkerchief and a cleaning rod. Reed players should have 3 reeds in their case at all times (at least 2 ½ strength, see material list provided in class for suggestions); cork grease; and a cleaning swab. Brass: Brass players should have a cleaning kit that includes valve or slide oil, cleaning snake, a mouthpiece cleaner and a polishing cloth. Percussion: Bring your personal mallets, drumsticks and method books to class each day. After each band rehearsal or performance, all instruments and materials are to be put away. School owned mallets/sticks and all auxiliary percussion are to be returned to the percussion cabinet. Always put the covers back on the timpani before you leave class. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in disciplinary action by the teacher or assistant principal. We must maintain this expensive, school owned percussion equipment. All musicians must have a sharpened pencil for class! 5
METHOD BOOKS All students are required to purchase the method books used in class. Percussionists will need to buy additional books because of the many auxiliary instruments they will be exposed to throughout the year. Please check with your child to see what new books are on the list for their band this year. Area music stores carry all items below. 6 th Grade (wind instruments) Standard of Excellence, Book 1 (red) Standard of Excellence, Book 2 (blue) purchase by January 2016 6 th Grade (percussion) Standard of Excellence, Book 1 (red): Drums & Mallet Percussion Standard of Excellence, Book 1 (red): Timpani & Auxiliary Percussion Standard of Excellence, Book 2 (blue): Drums & Mallet Percussion purchase by January 2016 Standard of Excellence, Book 2 (blue): Timpani & Auxiliary Percussion purchase by January 2016 7 th Grade (wind instruments) Standard of Excellence, Books 1 & 2 Harmonized Rhythms by C. Forque purchase by September 21, 2015 7 th Grade (percussion) Standard of Excellence, Books 1 & 2 Harmonized Rhythms by C. Forque purchase by September 21, 2015 8 th Grade (wind and percussion instruments) Standard of Excellence, Books 1 & 2 Bach and Before for Band by David Newell purchase by September 21, 2015 Harmonized Rhythms by C. Forque purchase by September 21, 2015 MUSIC AND MUSIC FOLDERS All students will receive a music folder on the first day or rehearsal. These folders will be used to hold concert music and method books. All music teachers require that a pencil be kept in the music folder and used in daily rehearsals. CLASSROOM WORK AND HOMEWORK POLICY 1. Each student will demonstrate a willingness to learn, improve, cooperate, and excel. 2. Each student is expected to practice his or her skill- building and concert music at home for approximately 90 minutes per week. Since we are only able to meet 3 times per week, you will have to take the initiative to make up this time at home. During each rehearsal, we will assign sections of music to be prepared for the next rehearsal. Practice these sections at home, so we can grow together as a band! 3. Each student will perform in a large ensemble, small ensemble and solo setting at some point during the year. 4. Playing exams will occur every quarter. These exams may be administered as a sectional or individual test. Students will also be expected to complete various playing and skill assessments as well as written assessments, as assigned. 5. Instruments should be brought each day to class. If a student has a sore throat or other malady, he or she can still finger- along enrichment still occurs. 6
Grades will be weighted in the following manner: NINE- WEEK GRADING POLICY Participation & Preparedness (see below)... 40% Concert Attendance (or alternative assessments)... 10% Playing and Written Assignments (see item 4 above)... 50% All grades will be entered in Progress Book so parents can monitor student achievement. PARTICIPATION & PREPAREDNESS Each student begins the week with 10 points in participation and preparedness. Points are earned daily according to the following scale: Binder with music and book(s)... 2 points Class participation... 2 points Instrument... 2 points Instrument accessories (e.g., mouthpiece, reeds, valve oil)... 2 points Pencil... 2 points If a student fails to meet any of the expectations listed above, he or she is responsible for giving his or her Participation & Preparedness Form to the classroom teacher (see Appendix A). Points will be deducted from the student s participation grade in Progress Book. UNEXCUSED CLASS PARTICIPATION If a student cannot bring his or her instrument to school, has health problems, has trouble buying reeds, is having his or her instrument repaired, has a family emergency, or is facing any other extenuating circumstances that prohibit their participation in class, parents are encouraged to write a note to the band director explaining the situation. A phone call or email is also appreciated. Without a written excuse, the student will not earn participation points for the lesson. It is the student s responsibility to notify his or her parent of any instrumental needs (method book purchases, reeds, oil, etc.). The director will NOT immediately deduct Participation & Preparedness points if an instrumental need arises. The student will be given a grace period of three days to resolve the issue. If more time is needed, parents must communicate with the band director with a note, phone call, or email. JAZZ BAND Each year interested music students will have the opportunity to audition for our jazz bands. Audition music and tryout information will be distributed in late September, and auditions will be held in early October. The director will determine the final ensemble instrumentation. Rhythm section players (piano, bass, electric guitar, drum set, aux percussion) must audition and be able to read music. Rhythm section instrumentation can be doubled as necessary. The final instrumentation will be based upon balance and quality and is the sole decision of the director. Rehearsals will be held before and/or after school depending on teacher and student schedules. Jazz band students are expected to prepare their music outside of rehearsal to the best of their ability so that the teacher can develop jazz styles in rehearsal. 7
CHARMS This year, we will be introducing a new, online management system that will allow band directors to communicate more effectively with parents and students. You can access this system via the Charms website or a free app available for your smartphone or tablet. Although the website has more features, the app is a convenient place to find the most important information about the band. To receive all updates, complete the following actions with your student to register for Charms: Visit http://www.charmsoffice.com (link also available on your Band Director s teacher web page) Click Enter/Login o Enter the school code LakewoodCSBand under the Parents/Students/Members area o Enter your student s SCHOOL ID NUMBER as their password Click Change Password o Change the password for your student s account to something you will both remember You will be asked to enter your Old Password, which is your student s ID number o You will use this new password to login to Charms in the future Click Update Info to complete your student s profile o Make corrections to the address, if necessary o Enter a home phone number under Phone o Enter your student s cell phone number (if applicable) and carrier This will allow your student to receive text reminders students will never be called unless there is an emergency situation o Enter an email address for your student to receive updates This should be an email address they check regularly or a school email address o You may enter your personal instrument information, which will allow us to identify lost instruments o Double check any remaining information After completing your student s profile, click on Add New Adult at the top of the page o Fill in as much information as you feel comfortable o Enter a cell phone number and carrier to receive important text alerts o You can add as many adults as you would like (i.e., guardian, grandparent) Explore the remaining features of the site o Calendar: a personalized calendar of your student s events o Forms Collected: view (and print) all forms your student has turned in or still needs to return o Recording Studio: includes play- along tracks of the music we are performing o Absences: keep track of your student s attendance o Inventory: keep track of any instruments assigned o Finances & Online Store: keep track of finances related to fundraising, trips, etc. 8
SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS (RENTAL AND USAGE) Students (with the exception of those playing color instruments, such as oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, French horn, baritone, and tuba) are expected to purchase their own by the end of their 8 th grade year. We understand family economic situations and will work with each family to ensure student participation. Students who plan to use school owned instruments (woodwind or brass) must apply, using a School Owned Rental Application Sliding Fee form. If you qualify, the Board of Education will notify your music teacher and a Rental Contract will be given to you to fill out. The Rental Contract will have to be signed by a parent or guardian and the required fee of $25, payable to Lakewood Board of Education, must be returned by the end of the second grading period. If the fee is not paid during the school year, the student will not be eligible to rent an instrument from the school the following year, until fees for both years are paid. If students fail to pay this fee, they will not be permitted to enroll in band (unless they purchase their own instrument). This fee is to help maintain all school owned instruments. Parents will be held financially responsible for the repair of instruments misused or mistreated by their child. The rental period shall run from September to September, unless the student moves out of the Lakewood City School District or transfers schools. It is the responsibility of the user and parent to promptly return the instrument to the school before moving or transferring. Specific conditions and guidelines are outlined on the Rental Contract. PRACTICE ROOMS Students may use practice rooms before school, during homebase, or after school as long as there is a music teacher present in the room and the student has that teacher's permission to be there. Practice rooms are for practicing music. They are to be kept clean and neat. Any misuse of the practice rooms will result in the student being sent back to homebase, or elsewhere, and future practice room privileges denied. TRIPS Any trip (whether a performance or field trip) is a privilege and an honor. On a trip, the ensemble serves as a representative of the Lakewood City School District as a whole. Students are expected to behave and cooperate in the most mature manner. All Lakewood Middle School rules continue to apply during the duration of any field trip or special excursion. Any misbehavior will be grounds for disciplinary action. We will use buses to transport students to and from events. AWARDS At the Spring Concert, an award will be given to the Most Outstanding Band Member(s) in eighth grade at each school. The winners of this award will have their names engraved on a plaque, which is displayed in the students schools. Requirements for this award will be discussed in class with the students. Additional awards may be presented at the discretion of the director. 9
PRIVATE LESSONS It is strongly recommended and encouraged that all band students enroll in private music lessons to advance their own personal levels of musicianship. It is through private lessons that students may gain a greater level of satisfaction and achievement. Private lesson teachers can tailor instruction to students individual needs and help students proceed at their own pace. Private lessons can raise the ability level of each student and, in turn, that of the performing ensemble pushing the ensemble further along in its pursuit of musical excellence. The Lakewood Rangers Education Foundation offers a program that provides financial assistance to middle school students seeking private music lessons. This program is made possible through a generous contribution from Lakewood High School alumnus and Music Department benefactor Mr. George Read, LHS class of 1944. This lesson program is designed to help and encourage students and families who love music and want to excel, but whose financial situation makes it difficult to provide private lessons for their child. This program is also designed to assist students who have decided to switch to color instruments in order to enhance the program. Examples of color instruments are oboe, bass clarinet, bari sax, French horn, baritone, tuba, etc. Further information about this program will be distributed in class. MUSIC BOOSTERS The Lakewood Music Boosters is a system- wide music booster organization that helps all Lakewood Public School music groups (e.g., band, choir, orchestra, and general music) at all grade levels. The group is made up of parents, teachers, administrators, alumni, community members, etc., whose purpose is to help all music groups of the Lakewood Public Schools. Meetings are open and held once a month in the evening (usually on the third Monday of each month) at Lakewood High School. Music teachers have membership forms. Call the LHS Band Office for more information (227-5980). SUMMER MUSIC CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS Every year in the spring, the Lakewood Music Boosters offer music scholarships to students in elementary, middle, and high school. These scholarships are intended to reduce tuition to a summer music camp. Scholarship application forms are available from each music teacher in the Lakewood Public Schools. Forms must be properly filled out, signed by all parties, and returned by the deadline. To qualify, the parent(s) of the student must be a Music Boosters member. Consideration is given to every student that applies and meets the criteria. Often, all that apply will receive some assistance. 10
VOLUNTEERING AND DONATIONS You are needed! Please review our list below and see if you fit into one of the placements. If so, please return this form to your child s band teacher. Thank You! I can help on the following concert dates (see the calendar above) during the school day to chaperone students on school busses to and from their middle schools. Usually this time frame is from 11:15am 2:38pm. I can help transport instruments using my vehicle on concert days. This assistance is needed before and after concerts held at LHS Civic Auditorium or any other posted away field trip. I would like to donate a gift card from any area music store to the Music Department for learning materials, such as new music or equipment. I have a band instrument at home I would like to donate. Band directors can get you a donation form so that you may write its value off of your taxes as per your tax advisor. If you have a wire music stand you are willing to donate, send it to us. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Parent Name: Phone Number: I can/would: * Please return to your child s Band Director. 11
LAKEWOOD S MIDDLE SCHOOL BANDS COMMITMENT CONTRACT I have completed the following actions (refer to p. 8 for instructions): Charms password changed to a common password for the student and parent/guardian Address updated in Charms Student/parent cell phone number and carrier updated in Charms for text alerts Student/parent email address updated Parent profile created for at least one parent/guardian (be sure to include cell phone number and carrier) We do not currently have Internet access I have read this handbook and understand how I will be graded, dates of concerts/contest, and what is expected of me in class. I agree to do my best and fulfill my obligations and responsibilities as a member of this band. Student Signature Date Print Student Name Grade Thank you for reading the Lakewood Middle School Bands handbook. Please sign and return this form to your child s teacher. Your signature below indicates that you have read and understand the commitment necessary for a student to be a successful member of the band. There is space below for comments and questions. Patent s Signature Date Print Parent Name Comments/Questions: 12
APPENDIX A: PARTICIPATION & PREPAREDNESS FORM Name: Grade: Each student begins each week with 10 points in participation and preparedness. Points are earned daily according to the following scale: Binder with music and book(s)... 2 points Class participation... 2 points Instrument... 2 points Instrument accessories (e.g., mouthpiece, reeds, valve oil)... 2 points Pencil... 2 points If a student fails to meet any of the expectations listed above, he or she is responsible for giving this form to the classroom teacher. Points will be deducted from the student s participation grade in Progress Book. On the following day, students will be given a new form. Work hard to be successful! * It is the student s responsibility to notify his or her parent of any instrumental needs (method book purchases, reeds, oil, etc.). The director will NOT immediately deduct Participation & Preparedness points if an instrumental need arises. The student will be given a grace period of three days to resolve the issue. If more time is needed, parents must communicate with the band director with a note, phone call, or email. 13