Band Handbook

Spring Creek Band Handbook

Welcome to our band program! We are happy your child has chosen to be a band member! This handbook comes to you to serveas an information reference point and contract for Band for the 2016-2017 schoolyear. Please read through all the information thoroughly.

After reading this information, please return the completed back page at your next band class.

PHILOSOPHY

It is our goal that every student in the Spring Creek Band program develops a lifelong appreciationfor the value of music in his/her life. We want each and every student to become themost proficient musician and performer that he/she can be. We hope students gain a strongsense of self-discipline, self-motivation, and an inner drive for excellence in everything they do.We hope students gain self-confidence. Most of all, the directors want every student to be ableto view band as an experience that had a positive effect on his/her life for years to come.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

Perception

  1. The student is expected to individually demonstrate characteristic vocal or instrumentaltimbre.
  2. The student is expected to use standard terminology in explaining intervals, music notation, musical instruments or voices, and musical performances.
  3. The student is expected to identify music forms presented aurally and through musicnotation.

Performance

  1. The student is expected to perform independently, with accurate intonation and rhythm, demonstrating fundamental skills and basic performance techniques.
  2. The student is expected to perform expressively, from memory and notation, a variedrepertoire of music representing styles from diverse cultures.
  3. The student is expected to demonstrate appropriate small- and large-ensemble performance techniques during formal and informal concerts.

Creative expression/performance

  1. The student is expected to sight-read simple music in treble and/or other clefs in various keys and meters.
  2. The student is expected to use standard symbols to notate meter, rhythm, pitch, anddynamics (manuscript or computer-generated).
  3. The student is expected to identify music symbols and terms referring to dynamics, tempo, and articulation and interpret them appropriately when performing.
  4. The student is expected to create rhythmic and melodic phrases.
  5. The student is expected to arrange rhythmic and melodic phrases.

Historical/cultural heritage

  1. The student is expected to describe aurally-presented music representing diverse styles,periods, and cultures.
  2. The student is expected to describe music-related vocations and avocations.
  3. The student is expected to perform music representative of diverse cultures, includingAmerican and Florida heritage.
  4. The student is expected to relate the other fine arts to music concepts.

Response/evaluation

  1. The student is expected to identify criteria for evaluating performances.
  2. The student is expected to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of music and musicalperformances.
  3. The student is expected to exhibit concert etiquette as an informed, actively involvedlistener during varied live performances.

PARENTAL SUPPORT

There are several ways that you can help, even if you have a “tin ear”. Please take an activist role by encouraging your child rather than being a passive spectator. Few young children aremature enough to stick to any activity, particularly when the original interest wanes or the goinggets tough. Just as children must be reminded to brush their teeth and do their homework,they must be encouraged to practice. The first few months are extremely important to ensure asuccessful start. (Hang in there! Those strange sounds will soon be music!)Parents can also help by attending concerts, by encouraging home performances, and by helpingthe student understand that the more he or she practices, the more success and enjoyment will beexperienced.

PERFORMANCES

Concerts: All band students are expected to participate in two (2) night concerts

during the school year. These concerts will be scheduled in December and May with exact dates being decided soon.

Please mark these on your calendar. Each concert is equal in importance to a

major project grade, as all of our efforts culminate during concerts. Most importantly, a band depends on each of its members to produce an excellent performance. Because much is learnedby listening to others perform, each student is expected to remain for the entire performance.Attendance at concerts is required unless a written excuse from the student’s parent or guardianis given to the director two weeks in advance of the performance. An absence from a concertwill be excused only in the following circumstances:

  1. The student is ill. Please notify the school in advance and send a written note when thestudent returns to school.
  2. A family emergency.
  3. Special circumstances, submitted in writing to the band director at least two weeks inadvance.

Transportation problems to a concert can usually be worked out, if the band director is informedof the problem ahead of time.

EXPECTATIONS

Band is a team effort and all must do their best, or it affects everyone. Self and group discipline is a crucial part of the band program. We focus strongly ondeveloping discipline, but we also hope to have your support, especially at this very importantstage in your young musician’s life.

If you don’t think the director will like it, please don’t do it!

  1. The student is expected to be on time, to have all of his/her materials daily, and to participatein class in a positive manner. This means:
  1. each student must follow the director’s instructions.
  2. each student must be in the rehearsal area ready to work at the set rehearsal time.
  3. each student must ask permission to speak by raising his/her hand and waiting to beacknowledged. All rehearsals must be extremely quiet to utilize our time wisely.
  4. each student must have his/her instrument at all rehearsals.
  5. each student must have accessories at all times—pencils, four good reeds, neck straps,valve oil, cork grease, drum sticks, etc. The student is responsible for the care andmaintenance of his/her instrument.
  6. each student must take care of any repair problem in a prompt manner.

B. The student is expected to demonstrate good citizenship, be courteous, and to respect

teachers, guests and other students and their property.

C. The student is expected to keep his/her hands to himself/herself and will only touch/play aninstrument belonging to or rented by the student.

D. The student is expected to practice at home for a minimum of 20 minutes at least 5 days a week.

E. The student is expected to be prepared on assigned music.

INSTRUMENT INFORMATION

One of the most important issues to parents is how to obtain an instrument for your child once the decision to join band has been made. Let’s go over some very critical information concerning this process.

The first thing that must happen is the student must decide what instrument they would like, and are physically able, to play. The first few weeks of school will be spent covering the issues related to choosing the proper instrument for each student. Some students may already own, or know how to play, a particular instrument. This may make the decision very simple for some. Other students will have never touched a band instrument and their decision may be more difficult. Also, we can not have 10 flutes, 1 saxophone, and 12 drummers in the band. Much like a football coach must decide who is going to play quarterback, running back, lineman, etc…, it is the obligation of the band director to try and develop an even instrumentation throughout the band. Without this even instrumentation the band will not have the proper sound. The physical make-up of each student must also be taken into account when choosing an instrument. Some physical characteristics prohibit a student from playing a particular instrument. The director is knowledgeable in helping students decide which instrument fits the student best, and who will be successful on a particular instrument.

The next step is procuring an instrument for the student. There are many avenues for doing this. Listed below are our suggested ways of obtaining an instrument.

  1. Come to the “Rent-to-Own” rental meeting which will be held at the school on Thursday, September 1stat 6:00 p.m. The rent-to-own program is provided by Music Shack out of Casselberry Fl. This is a very safe way to obtain a quality musical instrument for a low monthly cost. All monies applied to the instrument go towards ownership of that instrument.
  2. You may want to purchase an instrument outright. We strongly suggest going to a reputable music store to do this.Please don’t purchase anything without letting Mr. Locke examine the instrument first! Purchasing a used instrument can be more expensive then buying a new one if the used instrument needs repairs done to it before it can be played. Please do not spend good money on a bad instrument. Instruments sold in big-box retail stores are made from inferior materials and you will spend more in repairs than the instrument is worth.
  3. You may already own an instrument that you would like your child to play. If so, consider letting Ms. Holland take a look at the instrument to check for any repairs it may need.
  4. The school has a few instruments that students can use. 8th,7th, and 6th graders will have priority since they are a graded class. Whatever is left over of course will be offered to 5th. Students using a school-owned instrument are asked to contribute a sum of $25.00 per semester ($50/year) to the band fund. This sum will be usedto cover the cost of regular maintenance to the instrument, as well as a chemical cleaning duringthe summer for all brass instruments. All school owned equipment must be handled withoptimum care. Students failing to take care of their school-issued instrument will lose theprivilege to use such instruments. The following is a list of general procedures for school-ownedinstruments:Students and parents must sign an instrument check-out and instrument condition form before the instrument can be used by the student.

Instrument Storage: All instruments brought to school must have the

student’s name clearly labeled with a luggage tag attached to the case. Since many instrumentcases look alike, much confusion can be avoided by doing this. Students can drop their instrument off in the band room starting at 8:00 a.m.. They should then take their instruments with them after band class.

Private Lessons: Allowing your child to take private lessons is a great way to gain

encouragement and make greater progress on the instrument. Weekly private lessons enable astudent to get ahead and stay ahead, rather than a “catch-up” tutoring technique, as in most otherschool subjects. If you are interested in obtaining private lessons for your child please contact Ms. Holland.

GRADING

Grades are given in band class as in other academic classes and grading is done by individualevaluation in the following areas:

?Daily Class Participation

?Homework (practicing & handing in practice logs)

?Folder Checks

?Performance and written tests

?Concert Attendance

Daily Class Participation: The development of good musical skills is dependent on each

student having his instrument and all necessary materials in class every day. In addition, studentsare not only learning individual skills, but also cooperative learning skills that are necessary to bea part of a musical ensemble. Included in this daily evaluation is the demonstration of goodrehearsal techniques. The ability to listen attentively and to follow instructions is crucial forquality performance. To stress the importance of these areas of study and to give credit for theknowledge and skills learned in class every day, a part of the grade is based on the quality ofeach student’s daily class participation. A lack of an instrument in class due to its being repaired will be excused if the student bringsa note from his/her parent or guardian on the date of the occurrence(s). Forgetting to bring aninstrument or materials or failure to bring a note from home will not be excused and the dailygrade will be lowered.

Practice Logs: Practicing is the student’s homework in band and is necessary

for skills to be mastered. Every student is expected to take his/her instrument home every dayand to practice regularly. For full credit on the practice log, a student must practice five (5) daysduring the week for an average of 20 minutes each session. Also, the log must be signed by aparent and turned in on Monday. After that time, it will not be accepted forfull credit. Parents can help by confirming they are practicing the correct assignment, and bylistening to find out if practicing and not just “playing around” is occurring. It’s not the amountof time that is practiced that makes the greatest difference; it’s the quality of the practice session.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POLICY

It is the policy of the Spring Creek Band that no students should be denied the

privilege of any activity due to financial hardship. Arrangements can be made with the directorfor those students who are in need of such consideration.

Student Information Sheet & Handbook Verification

(Return to the band director at your next band class!!)

I have read the Spring Creek Band Handbook and understand the requirements for being a bandmember of this quality organization. I realize it takes full cooperation and dedication (100%from me) to help make our band meet its potential. I also realize that my failure to followpolicies and directions could result in disciplinary action. As a member of the Band, Iacknowledge the following as responsibilities I must fulfill if I wish to remain a member. I will:

?Be punctual and prepared for class

?Practice with a purpose and turn in weekly practice sheets

?Demonstrate my best on playing assignments

?Attend all concerts, contests and scheduled community events

?Treat my peers and teachers with respect and maintain appropriate conduct

?Have a high standard for improvement in class and on my own

Parent/Guardian Signature ______

Student Signature ______

Please complete the following information, PRINTING NEATLY (☺):

Student’s Name: ______

Parents Name’s:______

Home Address: ______Zip: ______

Home Phone: ______E-Mail:______

Mother’s Work Phone: ______E-Mail:______

Father’s Work Phone: ______E-Mail:______

Important Band Dates 2016/2017:

August

August 10-26: 5th Grade can try band

August 26th 5th Grade Drop deadline after this date, they are in band till May

September

September 1st Instrument Rental Night with Music Shack

November

November 16th Beginning Band Rehearsal (graded) 8:00-8:30

November 30th Advanced Band Rehearsal (graded) 8:00-8:30

December

December 3rd Advanced Band Astor Christmas Parade (graded) 9:00 a.m

December 7th Advanced Band Rehearsal (graded) 8:00-8:30

December 10th Cracker Christmas (not graded)

December 15th Winter Concert (graded) @ 7:00

April

April 12th Beginning Band Rehearsal (graded) 8:00-8:30

April 19th Advanced Band Rehearsal (graded) 8:00-8:30

April 26th Beginning Band Rehearsal (graded) 8:00-8:30

May

May 3rd Advanced Band Rehearsal (graded) 8:00-8:30

May 11th Spring Concert (graded) @ 7:00

May 17th Astor Field Trip (graded)

**** Please note that more rehearsal dates may added if needed****