2018-2019 Band Handbook Mr. Ryan Salcido Director of Bands Ryan.Salcido@dvusd.org www.dsmsmusic.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/dsmsmusic
Table of Contents Objectives 1 Philosophies 1 Course Summary 2 Materials Needed 2 Classroom Policies & Rehearsal Expectations 3 Attendance 3-4 Lockers 4 Uniforms 5 Grading 5 Practice 6 Instruments 6 Buying a New Instrument 6 Communication 7 Donations & Help 7 DESERT SKY BAND OBJECTIVES To perform music with consistent superior performance qualities To create a community culture of exceptional character through creating strong leaders in the classroom DESERT SKY BAND PHILOSOPHIES 1. Do the right thing because it is the right thing to do 2. Live Above the Line 3. If you can t get out of it, get into it 4. Leave your drama at the door 5. Communicate effectively to avoid conflict 6. Honor the Absent
COURSE SUMMARY Concert Band (Intermediate Level) This class focuses on the mastery of Band I Standards set forth by DVUSD. This group will perform at 3 concerts per year, a fall band festival, a spring band festival, Honor Band (selected students), All-State Band (selected students), and Solo & Ensemble Festival (selected students). Symphonic Band (Advanced Level) This class focuses on the mastery of Band II Standards set forth by DVUSD. This group will perform at 3 concerts per year, selected recruiting events, a fall band festival, a spring band festival, Honor Band (selected students), All-State Band (selected students), and Solo & Ensemble Festival (selected students). Percussion This class focuses on the mastery of Band I & II standards set forth by DVUSD for percussion students. Participation in Concert Band & Symphonic Band in the traditional band setting will be based on a series of auditions. This group will perform at 3 concerts per year, DVUSD Pre and Post Assessments, Honor Band (selected students), All-State Band (selected students), and Solo & Ensemble Festival (selected students). MATERIALS NEEDED The following are materials that every student needs for class on a DAILY BASIS. Missing any of these materials in class will result in the loss of a student s daily participation points. All Students Pencil 1-Inch Binder with Cover Sleeve 5 Dividers $20 Band Donation - Cash or Check made to DSMS Bands (Covers Fundamentals Book & After School Sectionals) Brass Musicians Woodwinds Musicians Percussion Musicians Instrument Valve Oil Al Cass Fast Tuning Slide Grease Slide O Mix (Trombones) Instrument Reeds Vandoren Brand Instrument Swab Mouthpiece Cap (Saxes & Clarinets) 12 Vic Firth Rubber Practice Pad Snare Sticks Vic Firth SD1 General
CLASSROOM POLICIES & REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE 1. Upon arrival, students are expected to get required materials (instrument, pencil, and music) and report to their assigned seat 2. Students will be READY 3 minutes after the bell a. READY i. Instrument is assembled and ready to play ii. Music is up and on a working music stand iii. Student is in their assigned seat and ready to play b. Students not READY 3 minutes after the bell will lose one daily point c. Students missing a pencil will lose one daily point d. Students missing music will lose one daily point e. Students missing their instrument will lose all daily points 3. Students are to remain quiet, attentive, and actively participating in rehearsal 4. Rehearsal will end at the director s discretion a. The director will ensure that students have adequate time to reach their next class 5. Sometimes the director may allow students to use class time for individual or group practice; students are expected to do as instructed a. Students who do not use class time as directed will follow discipline procedures 6. No running or horseplay is permitted. 7. No food, drinks, or gum in the band room (water is allowed) 8. Class Discipline is as follows a. 1 st violation will result in a verbal warning and subtraction of 1 participation points b. 2 nd violation will result in second verbal warning, subtraction of 2 additional points, student/teacher conference after class, and parent notification c. 3 rd violation will result in loss of all participation points for that day, lunch detention, and a parent notification ATTENDANCE 1. Calendar a. All rehearsals, sectionals, and concerts will be posted in the band room and on the band calendar dsmsmusic.wordpress.com/calendar 2. Concerts and Festivals a. All students are required to attend concerts and festivals for their respective band b. All events are posted on the band website calendar and in the band room c. Students are expected to arrive at the designated call time in the proper attire. d. Students are required to attend the concert in its entirety. This includes watching the performance from the designated arrival time to the conclusion of the final piece. Students who fail to comply with this will be marked absent. e. Students may not be permitted to participate in a performance if the director feels that he/she is not prepared, based on poor attendance or does not qualify (Please see Grading )
3. After School Sectionals a. Students are required to attend one after school sectional per week b. Sectional schedules are posted on the music website as well as in the band room c. Sectionals will be scheduled at least 3 weeks in advance 4. Extra Rehearsals a. Out-of-school rehearsals may be required by the director on occasion, attendance is mandatory for performance. b. Out-of-school rehearsals will be scheduled at least 3 weeks in advance 5. Absences a. Students are only allowed to miss events or required rehearsals because of a family emergency or illness. Any other reason will result in an unexcused absence. b. Any student who misses a required event due to family emergency or illness must contact the director immediately following the student s return to school. c. Unexcused Absences i. Unexcused Absences will result in a zero for the event ii. Too many unexcused absences from sectionals and/or rehearsals could result in student s removal from future performances iii. Too many unexcused absences from performances could result in student s removal from the band program LOCKERS 1. Lockers may be rented from the band program without charge during school year 2. Lockers may only be used to store instruments, music, accessories, and other items necessary for band class a. The storage of anything else will result in loss of locker privileges 3. Materials or instruments left in a locker or the band area following the end of the school year will become property of the band program 4. Misbehavior in the locker room or misuse of lockers will result in locker privileges. UNIFORMS 1. All students will purchase a DSMS Band Polo & Band T-Shirt a. Order forms will be sent out in the middle of September b. If you are an 8 th grader and already have a DSMS Band Polo AND Band T-Shirt that fits, there is no need to purchase a new one. 2. Gentlemen a. DSMS Band Polo, black dress pants, black belt, black dress shoes, and black socks 3. Ladies a. DSMS Band Polo, black dress pants, and black dress shoes (wedge, sandal, flat) 4. Not Allowed
a. Leggings, jeans, running shoes, skate shoes, dresses, skirts, high heels 5. Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in the lowering of grade and removal from performance. GRADING 1. Grades will be comprised of the following categories: a. Performance Assessment i. Testing will either be submitted via Canvas or in class at the director s discretion. ii. Students must have a minimum of 70% on all performance tests to perform at events (students will still be required to attend events) iii. Students are allowed to make up any performance test up to 3 weeks before any concert or festival. At that time, if the student does not meet performance requirements, an email will be sent home to notify the parent/guardian. The student will then have up until 1 week prior to the performance to make up their tests. b. Participation i. Daily Participation 3 points per day 1. Missing pencil - loss of 1 point 2. Missing music - loss of 1 point 3. Missing instrument - loss of 3 points 4. Misbehavior or disruption of class - loss of points 5. Not in assigned seat and READY 3 minutes after bell - loss of 1 point c. Performances i. Concerts, Festivals, Assessments ii. There are no make-up assignments for missed performances iii. After an event, the students will provide a self-assessed grade in the following categories 1. Audience Etiquette - Behavior as an audience member 2. Stage Etiquette - Behavior as a performer 3. Timeliness - At venue at the designated call time 4. Dress Code - In proper dress code (see Uniforms ) iv. Unexcused absence from a performance will result in a lowering of two letter grades. PRACTICE 1. Students are expected to take instruments home on a daily basis 2. Students should be prepared for class and playing assessments 3. If a student is unprepared for a performance due to lack of practice or poor attendance, they may be moved down in part and/or pulled from the performance at the director s discretion 4. Students are encouraged to practice at least 6 days a week
INSTRUMENTS 1. It is expected that all students provide their own instrument, accessories, and materials for participation in band at Desert Sky Middle School 2. If a family has an issue renting an instrument it is recommended you contact Mr. Salcido for a private conference regarding the matter 3. Limited bigger and more expensive instruments (Tuba, Baritone, Baritone Sax, etc.) for ensembles may be rented from the Mr. Salcido for a one-time $30 donation to cover repairs and maintenance (see Mr. Salcido for more information) a. Rentals are subject to the completion of a rental contract b. Instruments must be returned at the end of the school year cleaned and in working condition c. Rental contracts may be revoked at the discretion of the band director, based on treatment of the instrument, its case, and/or other band property BUYING A NEW INSTRUMENT If a student is looking into buying a new instrument it is highly recommended that parents talk with Mr. Salcido or private instructor before making the purchase. There are more knock-off brands on the market than good quality brands. Avoid EBay and Craigslist unless you know exactly what you are looking for. A good place to check first is your local instrument repair shop; they will be truthful with you and may have instruments for sale. A good motto to always abide by, If a deal is too good to be true, then it probably is. Please stick to traditional colors: black clarinets, brass saxophones, silver flutes, silver/brass trumpets, etc. Make sure that the instrument you are buying is music educator approved! COMMUNICATION At Desert Sky Middle School, it is very important to stay informed and up to date with all the various activities going on in the band program. Email is the most efficient way to get in touch with me regarding our students, events, or classroom activities. Band Website: www.dsmsmusic.wordpress.com Email: Ryan.Salcido@dvusd.org Remind Text Messages : 7th Grade Band - Text @dsmsband7 to 81010 8th Grade Band - Text @dsmsband8 to 81010 Calendar : www.dsmsmusic.wordpress.com/calendar Facebook: facebook.com/dsmsmusic
DONATIONS & HELP 1. Donations a. Classroom Materials i. Tissues, Hand Sanitizer, Expo Markers, Pencils, Lysol Wipes b. New or Used Instruments c. Tax Credit - Up to $400 per family i. Funds after school lessons program, festival fees, clinician fees, transportation, and music 2. Help a. Chaperone Trips - Must be DVUSD Certified b. Assist in clerical duties in the band office