Forest Grove Middle School Band Handb book 2012-2013 Bradley J. Esau Directorr of Bands Terrance Davis Principal Table of Contents Welcome Letter to Students and Parents....... 3 1
Mission Statement and Program Expectations 4 Instrumental Loan/Rental or Purchase Program...4 Ensembles 5 Grading Policy...7 Rehearsal Expectations....9 Contract of Mutual Consent... 11 Absence Form...12 Instrument Loan Contract Form.....13 Jazz Ensemble Contract.14 Drumline Contract.15 August 13, 2012 2
Dear Students and Parents, Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year for the Forest Grove Middle School Band! I am very excited about working with all of you this upcoming year. This handbook will serve as a guide for the various events that we have going on during the year. The handbook will include everything from our mission statement, calendar of events to rehearsal etiquette. If you should ever have a question about anything during the year, this handbook will more than likely have the answers. If not, then feel free to contact me. As many of you know, there are many benefits to being a part of band in school. Research shows that being a part of the band program can improve academic skills, reasoning, social interaction, spatial relationships and discipline. Add in the fact that students get to create music and represent their school in a positive light, and the result is an enjoyable experience that will have a lasting positive impact on your child s life! This past year was full of individual and group success in all aspects of the program. The growth of the program over the last year has opened up some new opportunities for the band, including a jazz ensemble performance at the Sunrise Theatre in November, and the MPA band participating in a music festival in Orlando at the end of this year! If we continue to work as a team to achieve our goals, I have no doubt that the band will continue to grow and prosper. I would like to welcome all incoming 6 th grade students, and say that I am excited to open your eyes to the wonderful world of music through band! If there are any questions that have not been answered by the information in this handbook, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time using the information listed below. I am looking forward to a great year of making music with all of you! Sincerely, Bradley J. Esau Director of Bands Forest Grove Middle School (772)468-5885 ext. 2649 Bradley.esau@stlucieschools.org 3
Mission Statement The Forest Grove Middle School Band will be one of the premier bands in the State of Florida. We will accomplish this through dedication, teamwork, professionalism and the desire to raise the bar every day. The purpose of this handbook: This handbook will serve as a guide to the many events and components that are a part of the Forest Grove Middle School Band program. You will find dates for activities, requirements for ensembles, grading information, and expectations for rehearsal procedures. This handbook will also answer many of the questions that you may have regarding equipment and the expectations of band members. Instrument Rental or Purchase Program At Forest Grove Middle School, we have a limited number of instruments that are available for loan. In the back of the handbook you will find a loan contract for these instruments. All other instruments must be provided by the student. This can mean either owning your own instrument, or renting to own a new or good used instrument through any of our local music stores: Music Man Inc. 3940 Orange Ave. Fort Pierce, FL 34947 (772)466-8764 Academy of Music 220 Orange Ave. Fort Pierce, FL 34947 (772)464-3533 Jam Music 1692 Southeast Port St. Lucie Boulevard Port St. Lucie, Fl 34952 (772) 337-1188 The Band Box Inc. 733 NW Federal Hwy. Stuart, FL 34994 (772)692-1355 Should you choose to purchase your own instrument, I highly recommend these brands: Yamaha, Selmer, Geneidhart (flutes), Conn (saxophones and all brass instruments), Holton, Leblanc, Vito, Buffet (especially clarinets and saxophones), Jupiter, P. Mauriat. 4
Purchasing a quality instrument will pay for itself in the long run. It is highly recommended that you purchase an instrument from a store that can service the instrument on site.. Ensembles 6 th grade Beginning Band- This group will receive direct instruction on the fundamentals of playing an instrument. This group will perform on both the Winter and Spring Concerts. The music that this group will perform will establish fundamentals of playing as a band as well as allowing them to grow successfully. Individuals may participate in other ensembles and band activities by showing exceptional musicianship and behavior. 7 th and 8 th grade Concert Band- The 7 th and 8 th grade Concert Band is comprised of second or third year musicians. This band will perform at the Winter and Spring Concerts, as well as the first and third quarter Honor Roll assemblies. Members of this group also make up the Jazz Ensemble, Drumline, the MPA Concert Band, and are eligible to participate in the Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA) Solo and Ensemble Festival. Jazz Ensemble- The newest addition to the FGMS Band is the Jazz Ensemble. This group is an after-school group that meets on Thursdays from 4:15-5:45. Membership is based on auditions and classroom conduct. This group performs at the Winter and Spring Concerts, the second quarter Honor Roll Assembly, Jazz MPA in February, and other performances that may arise throughout the year. Member agreement slips can be found at the back of the handbook, and must be turned in BEFORE auditions begin. Drumline- The FGMS Drumline is open to any seventh or eighth grade band student. You do not have to be a percussionist to participate in the Drumline (although this is highly encouraged). This is also an after-school group that meets on Wednesdays from 4:15-5:45. Membership is by audition and classroom conduct. The Drumline will perform at the Winter and Spring Concerts as well as the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in January. After the MLK Parade, the Drumline will not meet again until after Concert MPA is over in March. 5
Solo and Ensemble- The FBA Solo and Ensemble Festival is for any student that would like to experience playing music beyond the band setting. Students can perform as soloists with piano accompaniment or in small groups. Music for FBA S&E will be selected in October. Individual practice and preparation will be vital in students success at the festival. Participation is HIGHLY encouraged and can lead to nominations for honor bands in the future. After-school extra help will be available from December- February. There may be an accompanist fee in addition to the $5 Solo and Ensemble registration fee. Concert MPA (Music Performance Assessment) - Concert MPA Band is a select group of students who will be selected to represent Forest Grove at the FBA District MPA Festival in March 2013. Participation is by audition and classroom conduct, as well as by instrumentation. Auditions will take place in December before Winter Break, with after-school rehearsals beginning in January. There will also be an MPA Mini-Camp in February on a Saturday. Expectations for this group are very high, as the success of the band is dependent on 100% efforts by its members. Honor Bands- All State- The All-State Concert Band is an audition-only ensemble that is open to 7 th and 8 th grade students that have prepared an audition per the FBA All-State requirements. Students are chosen from all over the state to participate in this ensemble, making it one of the most competitive but rewarding experiences in band. Any student that prepares for the audition but is not selected will be nominated for the All-State Middle School Honor Band. IRSC Honor Band- The IRSC Honor Band festival takes place in January. Nominations will be given to the top four 8 th grade students based on classroom participation, grades, and student conduct. Interested students should ask Mr. Esau for more information. MIOS All-County Honor Band- This takes place during April. Nominations will be granted to the top seven 8 th grade students and the top eight 7 th grade students. Nominations will be based on conduct, grades and participation. Interested students should ask Mr. Esau for more information. 6
Grading System The FGMS band classes are broken down into simple grading sections. Participation=50%- This is absolutely the most vital part of your child s grade. The only way that your child will be able to succeed in class is by having their instrument, necessary equipment for that instrument (mouthpiece, drum sticks, neckstrap, reeds, valve oil, etc.), music folder, and a pencil EVERY SINGLE DAY! If a child is sick or has problems playing because of braces, they are still required to finger along with the rest of the class as if they were playing, or they may do a written assignment. A child may only be excused from this by a doctor s note. If a child forgets their instrument, they will be assigned written work that day. Grades will be penalized for each occurrence: Each student can earn one hundred points each week. Each day is worth twenty points. Five days is equal to one hundred points. Four days is equal to eighty points. Three days is equal to sixty points. Two days is equal to forty points. One day is equal to twenty points. No days means no points. Tests (written or playing) =20%- Each nine weeks there will be playing tests on certain sections of our music in class. There will also be tests on scales. The mid-term and final exam will have both a written and playing portion. Performance= 20%- This will change for each nine-week period. First Nine Weeks- Students are required to complete TEN exercises from the Standard of Excellence book to achieve an A (exercises to be chosen by teacher; varies depending on grade level). Students that audition for All-State will only have to complete five exercises. Second Nine Weeks- Students must complete FIVE exercises with no mistakes AND come to all after school rehearsals before the Winter Concert, as well as the concert itself. *PLEASE NOTE- If a student cannot attend an after-school rehearsal for any reason, I must be notified within 24 hours in order for the student not to be penalized. It must be written and signed by a parent or via e-mail. NO VERBAL COMMUNICATION FROM A STUDENT WILL BE ACCEPTED! Also, missing the Winter Concert without proper notification will result in a ZERO for the performance portion for that nine week period. NO EXCEPTIONS! 7
Third nine weeks- Students will need to complete ten exercises. Solo and Ensemble Participants will have their pass-off exercises waived if they perform at Solo and Ensemble. Concert/Jazz MPA participants must complete five exercises. Fourth nine weeks- Same as second nine weeks. PLEASE NOTE- Participation in Jazz Ensemble will count as TWO pass-off exercises each nine weeks. Participation in Drumline will count as ONE pass-off exercise each nine weeks; Students must display consistent attendance in order for this to be counted. Quizzes and substitute teacher work- 10%. 8
Responsibilities of the Student The difference between an average band and a great band is the behavior and pride which the student exhibits in band. The expectations of rehearsals during school and after school are as follows: - Arrive on time. Upon arrival, get your instrument, music folder and whatever items you may need for rehearsal and sit in your assigned seat. Put your instrument together. This should take no more than 2 minutes. - When the director calls the attention of the band at the beginning of rehearsal, everyone must stop what they are doing, look forward and be quiet. - When the director cuts off, stop playing immediately. - Come to each rehearsal with a positive attitude. - Show all classmates, teachers, and other guests the same respect that you would want. - Assume responsibility for your actions - ESTABLISH GOOD HOME PRACTICE HABITS! 30 MINUTES, 4 DAYS A WEEK SHOULD BE THE MINIMUM! - RAISE THE BAR EVERYDAY! Procedures are even more important in after-school rehearsals, because that is the extra time that we all put in together to improve. All students need to make sure that whenever a rehearsal is scheduled, that they arrive on time and take care of all other business (transportation, snacks, etc.) well before rehearsal starts. TO BE EARLY IS TO BE ON TIME. TO BE ON TIME IS TO BE LATE. TO BE LATE IS UNACCEPTABLE! How Parents Can Help- Any successful band program has great parental support. The easiest way to help is to let your child know that you support what they re doing. Make sure that your child practices, that they are at the after-school rehearsals, and that they have proper transportation arrangements from after-school events. You may contact me at any time with any issues or concerns you may have, and I will respond to you within 24 hours. Parental assistance is needed for several activities throughout the year, including concert take-down, chaperoning for different events and fundraising. Anything that you can do is always greatly appreciated! 9
Calendar of Events Should any conflicts arise, please let Mr. Esau know as soon as possible. September 4, 2012- All-State Audition money ($10) due to Mr. Esau. If you plan to audition, I must have the money on or before this date! NO EXCEPTIONS! Wed. September 12, 2012- All-State auditions at Vero Beach High School. 1707.16 th St. Vero Beach FL 32962. Times TBA. Wed. November 7, 2012- FGMS Jazz Ensemble opens for vibraphonist Christian Tamburr at the Sunrise Theatre. 7 PM. Details are forthcoming. Thurs. December 6, 2012- FGMS Winter Concert. 7:01 PM @ FGMS Gym. Afterschool rehearsal times will be given out in October. January 9-12, 2013- FMEA All-State Conference. Tampa, FL. Any student that makes any of the All-State Ensembles will be performing in Tampa at the Convention Center. Thurs.-Sat. January 17-19. 2013- IRSC Four-County Honor Band. Main Campus 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34981. Thurs. February 7, 2013- FGMS Jazz Ensemble FBA MPA @ SLW Centennial High School. Time TBA Fri. & Sat February 8-9, 2013- FBA Solo and Ensemble Festival @ SLW Centennial High School. 1485 SW Cashmere Blvd. Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986 An after-school rehearsal schedule will be forthcoming February 23, 2013- MPA Mini-Camp 10 AM- 3 PM at FGMS. THIS IS ON A SATURDAY! Thurs. - Sat. March 14-16, 2013- FGMS Concert MPA @ Fort Pierce Central High School. 4101 South 25 th St. Fort Pierce, FL 34981. Exact date, time, and after-school rehearsal schedule will be forthcoming. MIOS All-County Honor Band- TBA May 11, 2013-2 nd annual FGMS Band Picnic @ Jaycee Park May 23, 2013- FGMS Spring Concert. 7:01 PM @ FGMS Gym. After-school rehearsal times will be distributed in the middle of April * On one of the first three weekends of May, there may be a field trip to a competitive festival at an Orlando Theme Park. As more information develops, I can give certain dates and times for the activities. 10
CONTRACT OF MUTUAL CONSENT I, the undersigned student, accept membership in the Forest Grove Middle School Band and understand I am responsible for all policies set forth in the band handbook. I fully agree to carry out my responsibilities to the very best of my ability. Student Signature Date I, the undersigned parent or guardian, have read and understand the policies as set forth in the band handbook. I also grant full permission for my child to be an active member of the Forest Grove Middle School Band. In addition, my child has permission to attend all band functions. Parent Signature Date Please turn in no later than Friday August 24, 2012. This will count as a quiz grade! 11
ABSENCE FORM Name Date Date of anticipated absence Reason for absence Please note: All performance and rehearsal absences must be submitted a day in advance. Student Signature Parent/Guardian signature 12
Student name Type of instrument (do not fill out if you are in 6 th grade) Manufacturer Serial Number School Rental Personal (please check one) Parent e-mail address I understand that if I am loaned an instrument from Forest Grove Middle School, that it is property of St. Lucie County Schools. I am responsible for any damages that may come to the instrument, and will make sure that all repair issues are addressed by Mr. Esau. I understand that I am to return the instrument to Mr. Esau before June 7, 2013. Student Signature Date Parent Signature Date 13
Jazz Ensemble Contract Student name Grade Instrument I understand that by signing this contract, I agree to be present at all rehearsals and performances. I acknowledge that I am allowed TWO unexcused absences, and that all other absences must be verified using the absence form. Should I exceed more than two unexcused absences, I understand that I may be removed from the ensemble. I understand that rehearsals start at 4:15 and end at 5:45 on Thursdays, and will have made proper transportation arrangements. Student Signature Date Parent Signature Date 14
Drumline Contract Student name Grade Instrument I understand that by signing this contract, I agree to be present at all rehearsals and performances. I acknowledge that I am allowed TWO unexcused absences, and that all other absences must be verified using the absence form. Should I exceed more than two unexcused absences, I understand that I may be removed from the ensemble. I understand that rehearsals start at 4:15 and end at 5:45 on Wednesdays, and will have made proper transportation arrangements. Student Signature Date Parent Signature Date 15