Newbern Middle School Band
Welcome to the Newbern Middle School Band. You are an integral part of a distinguished, award winning program with very high standards as it pertains to performance and behavior. It is the mission of the Newbern Middle School Band is to provide an atmosphere in which students learn to succeed at playing musical instruments as individuals and as a group. The band program is dedicated to presenting students with music for the sole purpose of enriching the students’ total education. The band program seeks to prepare students for success in the All-District and All-State Bands, solo & ensemble, and large group performance evaluation, and in the Valdosta High School Band. The band has a set goal of achieving superior ratings at all festivals and competitions.
The band also serves as a representative to the school, the school system thorough performances both locally and regionally. The band will perform a winter concert, spring concert, and at other selected venues throughout the year. We strive to achieve a highly disciplined atmosphere in which all students can learn without being distracted.
We believe that a successful band program begins with an attitude of success. As parents, administrators, band members and band director, all of our efforts need to be directed toward creating a positive experience for the young ladies and gentlemen in our band program. A positive experience must start with an understanding of the expectations for those who participate in the band. It is our hope that this handbook will detail what is expected of every participant in our program to insure optimum success.
The Newbern Middle School band program has three objectives. First, it strives to develop each student’s pride, self-discipline, and responsibility. The STUDENT is the first priority! Second, it teaches the fundamental skills necessary to play an instrument and to possess basic musicianship. Third, as members of a performing group, the NMS Band proudly represents our school and community.
We truly believe that the above stated values are strongly articulated through the medium of band and that instrumental music education is an essential part of the school curriculum.
NMS Bands
To join the Newbern Middle School Band you must fill out an information sheet and get it signed by your parents. Once you turn it in, please know that you are in band for the entire school year. Band is a year long commitment. You are scheduled for a band class and that schedule cannot and will not be changed unless ordered by a detailed letter from a physician as to why you can no longer participated. Parents and students with concerns or problems should first address Mr. Kimbrough in a face to face conference, followed by the grade level administrator, the the school principal. A student may have their schedule changed only at the discretion of the school principal ONLY after the above meetings have taken place.
Newbern Middle School provides several levels of concert bands and other musical opportunities
Beginning Band-This group is for students with little or no knowledge of music who wish to begin playing a musical instrument. Each student will be tested on the various instruments at the beginning of the school year. Once an instrument is selected, information about the rental or purchase of instruments from local music dealers will be sent home with the students. Students will have help in choosing the instrument they should play based on their physical characteristics and their ability to produce pleasing sounds on certain instruments.
Concert Band-This group is for students above the Beginning Band level in ability. This group will perform concerts throughout the year as well as attend festival in March and selected students will have the opportunity to perform at Solo and Ensemble festival.
Jazz Ensemble-This group is for students in 7th or 8th grade interested in playing and performing jazz music. Students should check with the director for membership openings and qualifications.
Pep Band – This group is open to 7th and 8th grade students who are interested in playing at middle school football games outside of the school day.
Other Musical Opportunities
District Honor Band - The Georgia Music Educators Association's District Honor Band selects its members from the best players in District 8. The auditions are usually held in December. This audition also serves as the preliminary All-State audition. Please see the director for registration and audition information.
All-State Band - All students who pass the preliminary audition for the GMEA All State Band will be members of the District Honor Band and can be eligible to compete in the final All-State audition. This final audition will consist of Scales, 2 Etudes and sight-reading.
Solo and Ensemble Festival - The Solo and Ensemble Festival gives the students an opportunity to prepare a solo, duet, trio, etc. for a judge and each solo or ensemble is given a rating. Medals are awarded for participation in this event.
Performances-Performances will be given by ALL groups throughout the year. Students who are a part of a performing ensemble at Newbern Middle School must be willing to put forth extra effort and time. Students are usually required to attend no more than two after-school rehearsals a week (depending on the performance), must pass-off required music in a satisfactory manner, and exhibit a positive and cooperative attitude at all times in order to participate. Students who miss a performance will be required to make up the event by completing other assignments. (see grading)
Homework/Practice-The saying ”practice makes perfect” is true especially when learning to play a musical instrument. Homework for band is to practice a minimum 120 minutes per week. Individual playing grades will usually reflect the time spent practicing. Parents can help with this by scheduling a time daily where their children will practice routinely.
After School Practice-At certain times of the year students may be required to attend usually no more than one to two after-school rehearsal a week. Students may practice up to twice per week prior to upcoming concerts and events. Rehearsals will usually last from 3:30 –5:00 p.m. Students will receive a schedule at least two weeks in advance of any scheduled rehearsal. PLEASE SEE THE DIRECTOR IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH A SCHEDULED REHEARSAL –ALL ABSENCES REQUIRE A NOTE FROM A PARENT PRIOR TO THE ABSENCE THAT WILL BE PLACED ON FILE!!!! Students/Parents should also contact the director via the band voicemail when an absence takes place. Bringing a note does not necessarily excuse one from a rehearsal. That is left to the directors discretion. It is best to use the voicemail system when not attending.. All students should be picked-up PROMPTLY on the band room end of the school. Failure to pick your child up on time could result in the student being dismissed from the performing ensemble.
Voicemail— There is a number that you can call to get a message to Mr. Kimbrough if or when you need to communicate with Mr. Kimbrough. This message goes straight to Mr. Kimbrough’s email and will ne returned within a day. This system should be used for absences that have not been communicated to Mr. Kimbrough. The phone number is 229-375-5820. Calling the voicemail does not necessarily excuse one from an absence, but it does show an effort to communicate.
Instrument Storage-Each student will store their instrument on the assigned shelf in our storage room to throughout the day. The storage room is monitored and kept locked while not in use. Instruments are NOT to be left in ANY other part of the school during the day including outside the storage room in the band room. This is for the security of your instrument.
School-owned Instruments-Only the large and expensive instruments are furnished by the school. Students who play flute, clarinet, alto-saxophone, trumpet and trombone are expected to provide their own instruments. (Exceptions only apply under extreme hardships.) No student will be denied access to play in the band due to financial hardship. Students who use school-owned instruments will pay a $50 yearly maintenance fee. This will allow the band to have the instruments cleaned and sanitized before use for the next year. There is NO monthly rental fee for the school instruments for the year. Students who play school-owned instruments will be required to take proper care of the instruments. Any damage to the loaned instrument must be repaired at the student’s expense. Each student using a school-owned instrument will sign a contract understanding the terms of use of the instrument.
Fundraising-If students and parents desire, students will have an opportunity to participate in various fundraisers for band activities. Students may use their fundraiser money to purchase items for use in band (i.e. fees, band trips etc..) Students are also encouraged to participate in any activities the band sponsors throughout the year. Fundraisers will be carried out by parent volunteers and must be approved by the administration
Band Fee – As agreed upon by the parents, all students will be assessed a fee of $100.00 to participate in band outside the school day. This fee is required of any student that desires to participate at any level/activity that may occur outside the school day, including home practice. This fee must be paid in full by October 31.
Grading Policy—Students earn their grade by earning points in the following areas:
1. Daily Class Participation
2. Playing and Written Tests
Practice on your instrument is the homework you will have to do for band on a regular basis. Write the minutes you practice on your practice card each time you practice. At the end of each week, total your minutes, have your parent or guardian initial your card and bring your card to band. 150 minutes per week is expected for optimum preparation and performance. Below is the scale for grading practice time:
120 – 150 logged minutes with parent initial = A 90-100
90 – 119 logged minutes with parent initial = B 80-89
60 – 89 logged minutes with parent initial = C 70-79
Below 60 logged minutes with parent initial = F Below 70
Be sure to follow the instructions on your practice card to insure that you receive credit.
Participation is a measure of how well you are prepared for class and how hard you work each rehearsal. You must have your instrument every day you have band. You also must have your music, a pencil and all the required supplies for your instrument. Participation is graded on a 20 point per day basis. You will earn 10 points for having your instrument (including reeds clarinet and saxophone players), unless it is being repaired and 5 points for your notebook and 5 points for your pencil. A short note from your parent is required every day if it is in the repair shop. All students are expected to assist with setup or teardown for at least one concert during the school year. All students are expected to have everything needed or band by the beginning of the second full week of school. That date will be published when school starts.
Performances are an inseparable part of being in band. Attendance at all performances is required. Reserve these dates on your calendar and your parent's calendars NOW!!!! An unexcused absence from a required performance will lower your grade significantly based on the percentage published at the beginning of the nine weeks. There will be a major performance requirement during the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th nine weeks grading periods. Any foreseeable absence must be brought to the attention of the director in writing from a parent, at least two weeks in advance to be excused. A makeup project (three page hand written paper) will be assigned for all absences from performances, excused or unexcused. With excused absences (illness, etc.), the paper will make up for the entire absence. Remember that your fellow band members have worked hard to prepare for each performance and will be counting on you to be present to produce the best performance possible.
Band Parents-The Newbern Band Parents is an unofficial organization formed to support the needs and activities of the Newbern Middle School Band. The organization will be funded primarily by the assessed Band Fee from each student as well as other fund raising efforts. The band parents will meet as a group during the months of September, November, February, and April. The officers for this year’s group are as follows:
President – Sharletta Godfrey
Vice President – 6th Grade Parent
Treasurer – Yolanda Robinson
Secretary – Aletia Miller
Sharing Instruments-At no time are students to share instruments. Too many times exchanging instruments leads to damage to the instrument and is also a very unsanitary practice. At no time should a student practice on someone else’s instrument.
Band Trips-The band students may travel overnight for participation in band festivals and competitions. Since these are performances for the group it is hopeful that all students would attend. There is a financial obligation (in addition to the band fee) for participating in these trips. Every effort will be made to make these trips affordable for all students. There may also be travel opportunities for individuals for clinics and/or honor bands. Student expectations and school rules apply on all band trips. No student will be left behind due to financial hardship if they desire to travel.
Roadies-Each year (if needed/requested) the band director chooses eighth grade band students to be “roadies” for the high school band. These students will travel with the Valdosta High School Marching Wildcats to all competitions and attend all football games. They may also be required to attend rehearsals of the Marching Wildcats. These students will help with the set up of the field, disperse water and help with equipment when needed. Only students who are willing to give of their extra time and energy will be considered for these positions.
Annual Awards-At the conclusion of each school year, the Newbern Middle School Band honors the band students with awards. All students who have successfully completed band at any level will be eligible for awards. Awards will be given during the schools’ annual honors night event.
Uniforms-
The concert dress for the Concert Band will be:
Gentlemen:Tuxedo Shirt/winged collar
Black Tuxedo Pants and Jacket
Black Cummerbund/Black Bow tie
Black DRESS Shoes and Black Socks (student supplied)
Ladies:Black Dress
Black Shoes (Student supplied)
Black Hose (Student supplied)
It is very important that our students look as professional as possible when performing. The band t-shirt may be worn for some performances. Shirts are to be tucked when worn in public.
In the Newbern Middle School Band we work on the premise “Band Builds Better Kids.” Therefore, we expect all students to respect their directors and teachers as well as fellow students. If there is a problem with attitude or disrespect, parents will be notified immediately and if necessary, a parent conference with the student will be requested to alleviate any concerns.
The band room is your place and only yours. Please do not bring in friends past the entry way into the band hall itself. Help keep the band room clean by throwing away paper and picking up after yourself and others. Have pride in yourself as well as being a member of the Newbern Middle School Band.
For Beginner Parents: Now that you are aware of the early challenges of your beginning band student, keep your eyes open, your ears attuned and your patience strong. The musical adventure ahead will remain with your child and you for the rest of your lives.
If there is ever a need to contact the director please do so at your convenience.
Concert Etiquette (Proper Concert Behavior) The following is a list of standard concert etiquette procedures for all concert functions. The Newbern Middle School Band would like to thank our audiences for their continued cooperation and support in our endeavor to teach everyone, young and old, proper concert etiquette and to create a concert environment that acknowledges respect for the student's hard work.
Parents should attend all performances. You are the student's most important audience and they truly want you to be there.
If you happen to arrive late, enter the performance room only between musical selections. It is distracting to the audience and the performers when someone enters during a performance.
Please stay for the entire program. If you must leave, do so between musical selections. Remember: all performers must stay the duration of the concert. Part of the educational process is for the younger players to hear the more advanced players.