Bridgewater Middle School Band Handbook Dear Band Parent/Guardian and Student, Welcome to the Bridgewater Middle School Band Program! This is one of the most all- inclusive music programs in the State of Florida. With an enrollment of over 300 talented and musically- driven students, our performing ensembles include the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, four jazz bands, and two Beginning Bands along with numerous brass, woodwind, and percussion student- led ensembles. The purpose of the Bridgewater Middle School Band Program is to provide students with musical opportunities and experiences that will enhance their life and education. Students will leave the band program as competent musicians who will be able to use their skills outside of the Bridgewater Middle School band room. Hard work, respect, and discipline provide a solid foundation for musical growth and achievement. Band Website www.bridgewaterband.com If you every have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time. Included in this handbook is important information about upcoming events and various aspects of our class that can and will need to be referenced throughout the entire school year. Please review this entire packet together with your child to ensure understanding of our expectations for the band program here at Bridgewater Middle School. Remind Text: @77ddbk to the number 81010 COMMUNICATION IS KEY! GET + STAY CONNECTED! 1 GO TO OUR SITE Click on that tab FORMS, then select Student Information Form. 2 FILL IT OUT Provide us with some important information including an accurate email address. 3 CHECK YOUR EMAIL Email is our primary form of communication. Jonathan Cooper Director of Bands jonathan.cooper@ocps.net 407-905- 3710 x2228 adsfasdfadsfasssssss Katie Rudzik Associate Band Director katie.rudzik@ocps.net 407-905- 3710 x 2258 1
BAND FAIRSHARE All students are asked to contribute a donation to the band program called the Band Fairshare. This amount is $40 per student. This donation helps us pay for: Shirts - all students will receive a band t- shirt to wear on spirit days, trips, and concerts Local travel - bus fees for local field trips Music - did you know one piece of music for a band can average about $50 or more? Between all of the band classes this year, we anticipate playing over 70 different pieces! Instrument Repair Supplies and materials needed in the band room for student success No student will ever be denied participation or materials due to inability to pay. Financial aid is always available. Please contact one of the band directors. 2
REQUIRED MATERIALS The items listed below are directly related to the Preparation and Participation points that are received each and every day. Instrument (Private or school owned): Brass: correct mouthpiece, valves and slides properly lubricated in working condition; cleaning cloth Woodwinds: a minimum of 4 working reeds (AT ALL TIMES), cork grease, all keys in working condition, cleaning cloth Percussion: stick/mallet bag that contains soft yarn mallets, hard rubber mallets, snare drum sticks, and timpani mallets. 1 Hard, Black, 3- ring Binder: Needed inside are plastic sheet protectors and subject dividers. Music: Various sheets of music will be distributed throughout the school year. It is the responsibility of the student to properly place all music in his/her Band Binder as soon as it is received. Pencils: Each student needs to have multiple sharpened pencils. No other writing utensil is allowed. Perhaps a pencil pouch could be useful. Beginning Band: Need to purchase Accent on Achievement Book 1 (instrument specific). Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band: Need to purchase 101 Rhythmic Rest Patterns (instrument specific). 3
REHEARSAL PROCEDURES Music requires 100% attention at all times. The enjoyment and extraordinary benefits of music can only be achieved through goal- oriented effort and dedicated teamwork. The concept of teamwork in band is very similar to that of great athletes: individual focus joins commitment to accomplish goals. We cannot afford to be distracted from making music and reaching our fullest potential because of inappropriate behavior. Every player matters and can effect the entire group in a positive or negative way. Classroom Rules Remain quiet unless given permission by the director. Remain seated unless given permission to get up by the director. Absolutely no food or drink (except water) is allowed in the band room. Rehearsal Etiquette Basics There are some additional expectations that we will require all of our band students to follow. To call these expectations additional rules for our classroom would not be exactly accurate. Instead, there are a few core rehearsal etiquette basics that are appreciated by band directors at all levels: middle school, high school, college, and professional. 1. Get ready for rehearsal quickly. Follow proper set- up procedures. Watch for the quiet signal. 2. When the director speaks, you don t. 3. When the director is talking to another section, pay attention - you will probably be able to use that information yourself sometime. 4. When the director gives a cut- off, stop playing immediately and listen with your eyes and ears. 5. When the director signals (visually or verbally) that playing is to resume, get ready immediately. Consequences Failure to follow the above classroom rules, rehearsal etiquette basics, and all rules outlined in the OCPS Code of Conduct will result in increasing disciplinary action: 1. Verbal warning. 2. Student/Teacher Conference & Parent contact. 4 3. Behavior Management Directive 4. Administrative Discipline Referral
GRADING POLICY A student s final grade will consist of the following categories: Preparation / Participation (20%) Students will earn 2 points each day for their participation in and preparation for band class. If a student arrives in class without materials required to participate on his/her instrument, they will receive zero points. Students may lose point for broken guidelines listed within Rehearsal Etiquette Basics. Written Assignments (10%) Written assignments include returning required parent signatures for permission slips and worksheets or assignments handed out for classwork/homework. Concerts (20%) All concerts and performances for your class are required. Notice is required two weeks prior to the event if a student is going to be absent. The calendar is provided for the entire year on the first day of school so that students may be aware of their band commitments. NOT ALL ABSENCES WILL BE EXCUSED - It is up to the discretion of the band director and no matter what, an alternative assignment will be required to fulfill a concert grade if a student is absent. Not having a ride is not an excuse - if a student needs help finding a way to an event, please contact one of the band directors for assistance in setting up a carpool with fellow students in the same class. We can find a way to make sure students are present for every event required by their class if we work together. Sporting events and participation in outside- band activities will not be excused - we do understand our students love to play sports and have other outside commitments. We have scheduled band events and planned in advance for the least amount of potential conflict possible. Musicianship (50%) All students will be given musicianship performance requirements to complete each quarter. These requirements may be in the form of scales, book exercises or etudes, rhythms, or other playing tests as assigned by the band directors. The musicianship grade will also include Solo & Ensemble assessments (for selected students). 5
UNIFORM & CONCERT INFORMATION Uniforms are specific to each band class. We want all bands to look professional and wearing matching uniforms helps us achieve that! Beginning Band - Band T- shirt, jeans (with no holes or rips of any kind), and close- toed shoes. Concert Band Boys Girls A pair of black dress pants (no denim of any kind is acceptable, dress can be described as made of a material that will hold a crease). A white, long sleeved, collared, button down shirt. Black dress shoes (no athletic shoes of any kind), solid black socks that are long enough so no skin is exposed when sitting, and black belt. Black dress pants (not made of a material that clings to the body, but a formal material, denim is not acceptable), or a floor length, black, full skirt (there must not be a slit that comes up above the knees when seated.) The top needs to be a long sleeve (past the elbow) white blouse. Button down is acceptable, but not required. Black shoes (not sandals, and they must be solid black). Modesty is key and classy. Symphonic Band Boys Girls A pair of black dress pants (no denim of any kind is acceptable, dress can be described as made of a material that will hold a crease). A black, long sleeved, collared, button down shirt. Black dress shoes (no athletic shoes of any kind), solid black socks that are long enough so no skin is exposed when sitting, and black belt. Black dress pants (not made of a material that clings to the body, but a formal material, denim is not acceptable), or a floor length, black, full skirt (there must not be a slit that comes up above the knees when seated.) The top needs to be a long sleeve (past the elbow) black blouse. Button down is acceptable, but not required. Black shoes (not sandals, and they must be solid black). Modesty is key and classy. 6
UNIFORM AND CONCERT INFORMATION CONT D Wind Ensemble* Boys Girls Boys must purchase a tuxedo from the band to perform with the Wind Ensemble. The tuxedo ensemble will include jacket, pants, shirt, cummerbund and bow tie. Prices will be available when ready. The pants will arrive unhemmed. It is the responsibility of the student to make sure their uniform gets hemmed and fitted properly before a performance. Solid black socks (long enough so no skin shows when sitting) Black dress shoes Girls must purchase a black dress from the band to perform with the Wind Ensemble. Prices will be made available when ready. Black dress shoes (no sandals) Any accessory (bow, headband, etc.) must be black or white, and must be discreet. Students may be asked to remove accessories that are inappropriate. *The uniforms for the Wind Ensemble are not included in the Fairshare and will be ordered in October. Students will be sized and fitted during class. Financial aid is always available - please contact Mr. Cooper. No student will be denied access to materials or participation due to inability to pay. Students that arrive to a concert without the correct uniform will not be permitted to perform until they are wearing the correct uniform for their class. Professional and respectful concert etiquette will be expected of all band students. Students will be asked to stay at certain concerts IN THEIR ENTIRETY so that they can support their fellow students and also hear what other classes have prepared. Any student who causes a disruption at a concert will receive immediate disciplinary action in the form of a detention and loss of points in concert grade. The date of the first concert performance for all bands is October 6, 2016. All students will wear their band t- shirt. For the December concerts, all students will need to be in their band specific uniforms. 7
LOCKERS AND INSTRUMENT STORAGE THE ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM DOES NOT HAVE INSURANCE OR ANY PLAN THAT WILL COVER DAMAGE, THEFT, OR LOSS OF PRIVATELY OWNED EQUIPMENT. IF THAT EQUIPMENT IS TO BE COVERED, IT MUST BE THROUGH THE PARENTS PERSONAL INSURANCE, SUCH AS HOMEOWNER S POLICY, ETC. Lockers are provided to band students for instrument and music storage ONLY. Due to the limited number of lockers, students will share lockers with students of the same instrument. Students may not store food, drink, or non- band materials in their lockers. All prohibited items will be removed upon sight. Only band students may enter the locker room. Lockers must be kept clean at all times and students may not write in or on their lockers. Lockers must be kept locked (even during class). All lockers will be locked with a combination lock (provided by a student) and all combinations will be recorded by the band directors and kept on file. Any lock placed on a locker without having the combination recorded by the band director will be cut off. All instruments must be labeled with student name, class period, and Bridgewater Middle School. PLEASE NOTE: Any handling, manipulation, or mistreatment of instruments or materials that do not belong to that student will result in an immediate disciplinary referral without reservation. 8
SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS There are a very limited number of school instruments available for students to use during the school year. Students who use these instruments must provide their own mouthpiece, reeds, valve oil, and any other necessary materials for that instrument. Before a student is allowed to use an instrument, a contract must be filled out, signed by a parent, and returned. This contract will be provided to the appropriate students. Bridgewater Middle School requests an Instrument Maintenance and Repair Fee of $100 per school year for all Bridgewater- owned instruments. This may be paid $50 per semester or all at one time. Please pay online at www.bridgewaterband.com (click on Pay Online) by Friday, August 26, 2016. No student will be denied materials or participation due to inability to pay. Financial assistance is available. If you would like to set up a payment plan or inquire regarding financial assistance, please contact Mr. Cooper (jonathan.cooper@ocps.net). 9
INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES Students will be given the opportunity to audition for and perform in special ensembles outside of school. ALL- STATE BAND Students audition for this in September. This audition will take weeks, if not months, of preparation and is only open to students by recommendation of the band directors. Students are chosen to perform in this band that represents the top middle school performers in the State of Florida. These students will travel to Tampa in January to rehearse and perform a concert. ALL- COUNTY BAND / JAZZ BAND This is open to all Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and selected Concert Band students. The audition materials become available from the band directors in August. The audition takes place in November. Students are chosen to perform in this band that represents the top middle school performers in Orange County. These students will meet in January to rehearse and perform a concert. SOLO & ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL This is open to all band students. Students will be given the opportunity to prepare and perform music as a soloist or in small groups for Florida Bandmasters Association judges for a rating. This is the single best thing a student can do to develop their musicianship and ability to perform. Students who do not meet the performance requirements will not be allowed to attend. All students wanting to participate in Solo & Ensemble should plan to meet with the band directors at least three times before the event. Students performing solos will be required to pay for a piano player accompanist that will perform with them at the event - pianists will be hired by the school and the piano fee will be $25 per student performing a solo. These accompanists will come to the school and practice with students during their band class. 10
PRIVATE LESSONS AND PRACTICING Private lessons on your instrument are strongly encouraged but not required. The value of one- on- one instruction with a professional on a student s instrument cannot be overstated. Private instruction is key to the advancement of individual skills and integral in achieving a student s highest musical potential. Please see one of the band directors for recommendations on private instructors. Even if you opt out of private lessons for the time being, setting aside time to practice one s instrument on a daily basis is crucial to a student s growth and enjoyment of playing music. WHICH STUDENT DO YOU EXPECT WILL PLAY BETTER? WOULD YOU EXPECT TO KNOW MORE? ENJOY PLAYING THEIR INSTRUMENT MORE? EXPECT TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL IN MUSIC? 11
PARENT VOLUNTEERING / FIELD TRIP CHAPERONES The success of any band program relies heavily upon the support of parent volunteers. We will have many opportunities throughout the school year for parents to get involved in several capacities. Concert Set- up & Tear- down / Fundraising Organization / Community Relations / Etc. Orange County Public Schools requires a minimum of 1 chaperone for every 10 students attending a field trip. If you would be interested/willing to participate in this way, there are two specific applications that need to be filled out at the beginning of each year. Even if you are unsure of specific dates, we strongly encourage that you complete these forms now. It takes a period of 8 weeks for these forms to be approved. You may find the forms below on the OCPS website or our website at www.bridgewaterband.com. Thank you for your consideration. ADDitions School Volunteers & Chaperone Application 12
BRIDGEWATER BAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM Please complete the checklist below: Student and parent/guardian have completed/submitted the online Student Information Form located on the band website. Student and parent/guardian have received the 2016-2017 Bridgewater Middle School Band Calendar. Student and parent/guardian have reviewed the Bridgewater Band Handbook in its entirety together. Student and parent/guardian have signed the OCPS Extracurricular Activities Agreement Form located on the band website. I, (student name), have read and agree to follow all classroom rules and rehearsal etiquette basics. I understand the consequences of my actions if I choose to not abide by them. Student Initials Parent Initials I, (student name), have read and understand the required materials I will need each day in band include: my well- maintained and operational instrument, 1 black band binder containing all of my issued music, and multiple pencils. Student Initials Parent Initials I, (student name), understand that all concerts that my band performs in are required. There is no make- up for a missed performance. Student Initials Parent Initials I, (student name), understand that being a part of the Bridgewater Middle School Band Program is a choice, but also a privilege. I do not take this choice lightly, as my involvement in the program has a tremendous affect in the overall success of my peers, not just my own. Student Initials Student Signature Date Parent Signature Date 13