“If Better Is Possible, Then Good Is Not Enough!”
STUDENT
HANDBOOK
(2018-2019)
A STATEMENT OF
POLICY
In order to assist band members and parents in understanding areas of
responsibility, a statement of band policy is herein set forth. Becoming familiar with this policy will
enable each individual to make the most of this great opportunity to be a
member of the Clover Middle School band program, becoming a better person and a
better musician.
We firmly believe that the student should improve through regular
practice. In the Clover band program we
feel that when the student has lost the will to improve him / herself or make a
better contribution to the band, he is wasting the time and efforts of his /
her fellow members and the community by continuing in this program. The HAPPIEST student is the one who is
improving through regular habits of practice and daily progress. He / she must not only know right from wrong,
but must be able to stand for principles.
He / she must develop a high sense of purpose toward which he / she is willing
to work. RESPONSIBILITY is the focus behind any level of achievement within
this program. We intend to conduct
ourselves in a manner that will facilitate all students in learning and
bettering themselves.
OBJECTIVES OF
THE BAND PROGRAM
·
To teach music by its actual performance
·
To develop performance skills of the various wind and
percussion instruments
·
To provide for the musical needs of the school and the
community
·
To acquaint the students with Music Theory / History and
how history and musical composition relate to students’ current life and
musical experiences
·
To provide all students with the opportunity for worthy
use of their time, a means for self-expression, and a healthy social experience
·
To develop the ability to function as a responsible
member of a group, enhance
interaction, and develop Esprit de Corps
·
To foster leadership skills within each student
Did You Know…
There is
no substitute or replacement for music making as it relates to the positive
growth and development of the human mind, body and spirit. Participation in
music avails the musician to the infinite journey of creative expression
connecting to a language (music) that is understood, communicated and
appreciated by all of mankind around the globe. More importantly, music is a
place for everyone. Breakthrough research continues to point to "the study
of music" as a key factor in the positive growth and development of every
young person.
Research
confirms that music education at an early age greatly increases the likelihood
that a child will grow up to seek higher education and ultimately earn a higher
salary.
Tim Lautzenheiser’s,
An
earlier Harris study shows significantly higher graduation and attendance rates
in schools with music programs (90.2 percent compared to 72.9 percent and 93.3
percent compared to 84.9 percent, respectively). Other studies show the value of music programs to our future
generations:
- Students in top quality
music programs scored 22 percent higher in English and 20 percent higher
in math on standardized tests mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act
(University of Kansas)
- In 2006, SAT takers with coursework in music performance scored 57 points higher on the verbal portion of the test and 43 points higher on the math portion (The College Board, Profile of College-Bound Seniors National Report for 2006)
July / Aug: Band Camp (select
8th graders) January: All
State Auditions
Region Auditions
School
starts Winter Ensemble Comp.
September: Small Ensemble Practices
February: All
County Band
Marching
Competitions Honor Band Clinics
Auditions
for Honor Band Winter
Ensemble Comp.
October: Football games March: All-State
Band
Honor Band
Rehearsals BOA
Nat. CB Festival
Chair
Auditions Winter
Ensemble Comp.
November: MS Honor Band Clinics
April: Auditions
Honor Band
Clinic Chamber
Concerts
December: Winter Concert Spring
Break
All-County
Auditions May: Spring Concert Clinics
BAND
CURRICULUM IN BRIEF
6th Grade Beginning Band
Beginning
Band is open to all students during the 1st 9 weeks of each year with parent
permission. The beginning band will be comprised of students with
the performing ability necessary to play level I literature. Previous musical
training and music reading is of course helpful, but not necessary. Students will have after school rehearsals
when necessary for concert preparation.
7th
Grade Concert Band
Concert
Band is open to students at an intermediate level of development. Students
should be proficient in music reading, scales, tone production, and
articulation. All of the basic techniques that were introduced in Beginning
Band are further developed in Concert Band. The Concert Band will be comprised of
students with the performing ability necessary to play level I-II literature. Greater emphasis
is placed upon performing band music of an intermediate level. Private lessons
are a great help at this level since class size and performance commitments
limit the amount of individual instruction a student receives. Students will have after school rehearsals
when necessary for concert preparation.
8th
Grade Symphonic Band
Symphonic
Band is open to only the most proficient students who have demonstrated ability
to perform more difficult music. The concert band will be comprised of
students with the performing ability necessary to play level II-III literature.
7th and 8th Grade Honor
Band
The honor band is the primary performing organization in the instrumental
music department during the winter and spring.
Membership is by audition only.
(Auditions are held in late August early September.) Instrumentation
is a consideration when selecting students for Honor Band. In addition, a
student must have a proven record of reliability and good conduct in order to
be considered for the Honor Band. The skills learned in Beginning and Concert
Band are further refined, and additional scales and more difficult exercises
are learned. Private lessons are highly recommended. Private teachers can help
with preparation for All-County Band, Region Band and All- State Band
auditions, preparation of difficult band music, selection and preparation of
Solo and Ensemble music for performance at Solo and Ensemble, and Concert
Performance Assessment. Students will
rehearse after school weekly to prepare for upcoming performances throughout
the year. The Honor Band will be comprised of students with the
performing ability necessary to play level II-IV literature.
Marching Band (Select 8th Grade Students with Directors
Approval)
Membership in the marching band requires strenuous physical exercise and
the ability to play the difficult literature encountered in the activity Membership is by audition only. Auditions
will take place in Late April early May. The pre-requisite for this
ensemble is to attend the summer band camp and to be selected by the CMS band
director. At band camp all students will be assessed for a spot in the marching
drill. (A spot is not given it is earned.) The marching band performs in the
fall.
Jazz Band
Students may elect to audition for jazz band. The jazz band plays for community events and
performs throughout the fall and spring. Jazz
band will rehearse before school and after school throughout the year. A variety of
musical styles, including Swing, Jazz-Rock, Latin, and Ballads, will be
performed using a traditional “Big Band” instrumentation. Membership is by audition only. (See Mr. Gibson if
interested.)
Jazz Combos
Students may elect to be a part of the jazz combos. The jazz combo plays for community events and
performs throughout the fall and spring. Jazz combos is held throughout the
school year. Some experience necessary.
Chamber Ensembles
During the fall and spring, chamber ensembles will be formed. ALL band members will be encouraged to
perform in a chamber ensemble. Possible
groups would be woodwind quintet, brass quintet, saxophone quartet, horn
ensemble, trombone quartet, low brass ensemble, flute choir, clarinet choir,
percussion ensemble, as well as, additional small groups. There will be a chamber concert in the spring
and opportunity for performance at the SC Solo and Ensemble festival.
Color Guard (Select 8th Grade Students with Directors
Approval)
Students who are interested in dance, choreography, and movement may
choose to audition for our marching auxiliary unit. Auditions are usually held
in April.
Percussion Ensemble
All band members may audition for percussion ensemble. Students learn basic fundamentals on all the
percussion instruments and will explore many styles and genres. Rehearsals are held after school dates and
times TBA.
Winter Guard
Students who are interested in dance, choreography, and movement may
choose to audition for our winter guard auxiliary unit. Auditions are usually held in early November.
This group will compete at several local competitions during the winter
months. Anyone can join. Rehearsals are
held over the weekend after marching season dates and times TBA.
Indoor Drum-Line
All band members may audition for Indoor Drum-Line. Students learn basic fundamentals on all the
percussion instruments and will explore many styles and genres. Anyone can join. Rehearsals are held over the
weekends. Dates and times TBA.
8th Grade Leadership
Workshop
The leadership workshop prepares students to become effective leaders
within the band program and beyond.
Students may elect to attend a leadership workshop by participating in
the Clover Middle School leadership workshop in the spring. This workshop is required of all students who
wish to be considered for leadership.
Summer Instruction
There are several regional summer music camps at different local
universities. Please contact Mr. Gibson if interested.
Private Lessons
As one might expect, private lessons on a musical instrument are the best
way to improve performance skills. The
one-on-one approach allows the student to benefit from the individual attention
as opposed to a teacher monitoring a class of over fifty. A recent survey of students in the All-State
Band revealed that approximately 80 % of the students in the band studied
privately. Students are generally more
inclined to practice diligently for a weekly music assignment and this
discipline increases the student’s enjoyment with their instrument. The Clover Middle School Band Director will
be more than happy to assist in the selection of a private teacher.
All-State,
Region, and All-County Band
Members of the band program are eligible to audition for the SC All-State
and Region Band. Auditions are held in
January. The region band clinic is held at
Nations Ford High School (locations and Times TBD) and the All-State Clinic is held
at Furman University. More information
will be provided closer to auditions.
Instrument Selection
Beginning
Band students will have an opportunity to try out several instruments.
Selection of instrument is based upon student interest, physical
characteristics (formation of lips and teeth), rhythmic coordination
(percussion instruments), and instrumentation requirements (the number of
students playing each instrument must be kept within reasonable limits in order
to be able to perform the music written for the modern band).
Instrument Assembly, Care, and
Maintenance
Proper
assembly and care are necessary to minimize repairs and frustration caused by a
malfunctioning instrument.
Tone Production
This
includes all of the elements necessary to produce a musical sound on a wind or
percussion instrument. Embouchure (the way the lips and facial muscles are used
and applied to the mouthpiece), use of air, and concept of correct sound for a
given instrument are learned.
Articulation
Articulation
involves the correct use of the tongue in playing an instrument. It is very
similar to pronunciation in speech.
Music Reading
After
students can demonstrate basic tone production and articulation concepts, music
reading is introduced. Students are introduced to notes and rhythms gradually.
Students only learn notes and rhythms they are able to play and apply. New
notes and rhythms are added as control improves. Music reading involves
learning the name of the note, the sound of the note (pitch), the duration of
the note (rhythm), and the fingering of the note on the instrument. It is
essential that students practice daily, to avoid getting behind. Each skill
builds on the last skill, so progress depends upon keeping up.
Ear Training
The
ability to discriminate pitch, to play in tune with others, and to hear a
musical line is a skill that can and must be developed by music students.
Students can learn to play in tune, understand and appreciate good tone
quality, and learn to blend and balance their sound with their fellow
musicians. Most students have quite good natural pitch perception; musicians
develop an above average awareness of the sounds around them by learning to
listen critically.
Scales
Students
will learn 7 major scales in Beginning Band, up to 9 in 7th grade
band and all 12 major scales by 8th grade band. Students will also
be able to write and label each of their scales. Almost all music is based upon
some kind of scale. Knowledge of scales is essential in learning to play an instrument.
Percussion students learn scales on the mallet instruments, and in addition
learn rudiments- exercises that build coordination and control necessary to
play percussion parts.
MERIT SYSTEM
After/Before School
Practice (personal or scheduled) 2
points
Private Lessons 2
points per lesson
Region Band Audition 3
points
All-State Audition 4
points
Region Band Member 5
points
All-State Member 6
points
Solo and Ensemble 2
points per event
Leadership Workshop 2
points
Jazz Band 2
points per rehearsal
Outside Clinics 2
points
Concert Band (evening
rehearsals) 2
points per rehearsal
Marching Band 2
points per rehearsal
DEMERITS
Excessive Talking 10
points
Unexcused Missed Rehearsal 20
points
Tardiness 2
points per ten minutes
Missing Materials / No Instrument 10
points
Missed Performance 40
points
*The top 10 individuals will attend the merit dinner at the end of each
semester.
MAKE – UP FOR UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
Students will make-up unexcused absences by doing one hour of supervised
practice per absence or a written paper. Mr. Gibson will determine on a case by
case basis.
TARDIES TO HONOR BAND
Students will serve the amount of time of their tardiness at the conclusion
of rehearsal.
ATTENDANCE
POLICY
THE ONLY
EXCUSABLE ABSENCES ARE PRE-ARRANGED* SCHOOL CONFLICTS AND THOSE THAT WOULD BE
EXCUSED BY THE SCHOOL FOR REGULAR ATTENDANCE RECORDS, I.E. ILLNESS, DEATH IN
THE FAMILY, RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY.
*Individual needs will be addressed as they occur. This system is subject to modification
by the director.
NO SHOWS! The student will have 40 demerits
and will receive a 0 for participation for the day or a 0 for all performances
missed.
For ALL absences, the following procedure must be followed by the student
and parent:
·
Director must be notified in advance.(2 days)
·
An absentee request form must be filled out and on file.
(located in band office ask director for more information)
·
For illness, a parent note or doctor’s excuse must be
submitted.
·
Although cleared by the school office, absences from a
band activity that same
day must be
cleared with the director as well – please call the band room or email the
director.
·
In extreme cases, a phone message may be left on the
band answering machine, with a follow-up personal call.
·
Follow-up is the sole responsibility of the student!
The mere filing of an absentee request form does not constitute whether
an absence is excused. The above policy
is cut and dry in regards to what is excused.
CONFLICTS WITH
BAND
Conflicts between band and other activities or events are the
responsibility of the student. Rehearsal
and performance schedules are given out in advance (via website/news-letters
etc…) so that arrangements can be made.
Students should not become involved with activities that may directly
conflict with band activities. When
outside activities create hardships concerning band, unless it is a rare and
unusual situation that may only happen once, the student will need to consult
with the director about alternatives that may be possible. Students should have a calendar and be aware of all band dates well ahead of
schedule. It is the policy of the band
to assist students when conflicts occur within the scope of the band
policy. Students are reminded that band
is a very demanding activity and that involvement in outside activities should
be limited to those that are compatible with the band schedule. All conflicts in regards to performances must be worked out in
favor of the student’s responsibility to band.
GRADING POLICY
Grades are assigned for the band class and performances, which are
co-curricular.
Class participation/HW: 40% This includes after school rehearsals which
are on
the
schedule. Students must have their
instruments
every
day, a pencil at every rehearsal, and show
maximum
effort to earn the best grade.
Auditions, 60% It is the student’s responsibility to turn
in all
Performances, assignments,
prepare for auditions, and make
Sectionals, all scheduled events. Playing assignments for the
Festival Attendance, school year
will be SHORT and must
Rubrics, Self Assessments be
submitted via email or in person.
Quizzes Quizzes
will most likely be unannounced. Quizzes are designed to check work
periodically during each semester to measure progress in class.
DUTIES OF THE
BAND MEMBER
·
Be on time to
all rehearsals and performances. EARLY IS ON TIME – ON TIME IS LATE.
·
Upon entering
the rehearsal setting, acquire your instrument and go directly to your seat.
·
When the
director or staff member steps on the podium or asks for your attention, all
talking
should cease.
should cease.
·
Come to
rehearsal with a GOOD ATTITUDE.
·
There is no
excess playing (i.e. horsing around on the instrument); only good solid
material.
·
Make a real
effort to improve on a daily basis and establish a good practice routine.
·
At the end of
rehearsal, put all materials in their proper place.
·
Maintain a
strong academic standing in all course work.
·
Become
responsible for and assume responsibility for your own actions. Admit when you are wrong.
·
Have a proper
respect for yourself and those in authority.
·
Read and play
music with insight – have musical expectations.
THE IMPORTANCE
OF ATTITUDE
The greatest single factor that will determine the success of any
individual or organization is attitude. The kind of person that you are is an
individual choice and how we feel about something, which involves attitude, is one of the few actual independent
choices that we have in life. It takes
intense dedication to reach goals.
Students should learn to discipline themselves to daily practice on
fundamentals. The “right attitude” must
be present along with sincerity, concentration, and dedication as the basic
foundation. Such an attitude makes an
artistic performance inevitable and is the difference between a winning
organization and a mediocre group. The
band can do much for you. Make the most
of it in every rehearsal and performance.
THE IMPORTANCE
OF DISCIPLINE
Because of the nature of the organization, band discipline must be
strict! Band students and parents must
believe in the ideals, principles, and philosophy of the organization. Each member must always be aware of good
behavior and think for himself. Any
misconduct casts a bad light on the school, community, and band program. Any member who casts discredit to the
organization by his/her conduct or actions in band, in another class, or on a
trip, shall be subject to dismissal from the band program or may lose a
privilege within the program. This may
include the chance to go on a spring trip.
This decision will be at the director’s discretion.
PARENTS’
RESPONSIBILITY TO THE BAND
It is the responsibility of every parent and guardian to see that the
policies outlined in the HANDBOOK
are followed and that the form in the back is signed and returned. This states that you UNDERSTAND the policies as set within, and that any questions are
to be directed to the band director by making an appointment. Each parent IS responsible for the attendance of his/her child at all band
functions. It is the responsibility of
each parent to see that their child practices
his / her instrument daily. The
hands of the directors are tied without the help of parents.
HOW PARENTS
CAN HELP
When a “band question” arises, it is important that you
get factual information before discussing it with others. We do more harm to ourselves, the band
family, when we talk about things that contain one or more “falsehoods” but
consider them facts. If questions arise,
it is important to remember this axiom: If it is a performance issue or
anything dealing with the band proper, contact Mr. Gibson.
Show an
interest in the music study of your child.
·
Arrange a
regular time for your child to practice.
·
Find a quiet
place where he/she can practice without interruption.
·
Listen to
performances of practice material, when asked to do so.
·
Help the
student keep a DAILY RECORD of practicing.
·
Come up with a
reward system for DAILY practice.
·
Keep the
instrument in good repair and keep at least three reeds in the case; get a
metronome!
·
Be
extra-careful with school-owned instruments.
Repair costs are high!
·
Teach your
child to be prepared and on time to each rehearsal or lesson.
·
Provide
private instruction.
·
Make faithful
attendance at all band activities important.
·
Buy your child
a personal planner for marking important dates.
·
Keep the handbook
in a safe place and refer to it often.
·
Notify the
teacher if the student is to be absent for rehearsals or lessons.
·
Double-check
behind the student to make sure that they have their instrument.
·
If student is
absent, make sure that their folder gets to school, if they share it with
someone.
·
Visit
rehearsals occasionally.
·
Attend parent
meetings, concerts and contests.
·
Turn in
fundraising money on time.
STUDENTS’
RESPONSIBILITY TO THE BAND
As members of
this organization, you have a great deal of responsibility. It is essential to any program that if
certain expectations are to be met that they coordinate with the privileges,
rewards, and duties of the band program.
TO OURSELVES
YOU have the
primary responsibility of developing your own abilities. The benefits of a good instrument and private
instruction can never be underestimated.
What you put into it is what you will get out of it. The director is ALWAYS available for your
guidance and encouragement – just ask!
TO THE SCHOOL
Clover School
District provides us with the resources for rehearsals, performances, and
equipment. WE have the responsibility to provide the best possible services to
our community.
TO MUSIC
Music has
always been a part of our culture. We
must take what we have and use it for the betterment of that culture. No one expects virtuoso musicians, only your
very best! The great composer Gustav
Mahler once said that only 10% of a piece of music is on the page. If that is the case, then we as musicians
have the duty of creating and producing the other 90%. The joy of music is not in everything that is
apparent. It must be discovered and
created.
TO EACH OTHER
We must always do what is best for the WELFARE
of the group. There can be no selfish
acts solely for the benefit of the individual, but for all. Respect each other. If there are conflicts, find a way to resolve
them. Never insult another band member’s
integrity. The word “band” means that we
are banded together and that there is no separation.
RULES AND
PROCEDURES
Miscellaneous
·
Chewing gum is not permitted during a rehearsal or in
the band room.
·
Food and drink are not permitted in the band room.
·
No hats or sunglasses inside the building.
·
Be in your seat, warmed up, and ready to begin on time.
·
Respect authority and others, including their personal property.
·
Drinking and drugs are STRICTLY PROHIBITED. All
school district policies regarding such are in force during any band activity.
·
All school rules, including no smoking, will be
enforced.
·
Students are required to remain with the band after
performances and will dismiss as a group.
·
Young adults shall not damage property or equipment.
·
Bus lists will be posted before each trip.
·
Fundraising materials will be collected by the band
director and given to the financial secretary at Clover Middle School. Be
sure to include your name, the dollar amount, and the activity on the outside
of the fundraising envelope.
·
If you share a folder and are absent, make sure it gets
to school.
·
Students may practice in the band room before school,
after school, and during lunch.
BAND TRAVELING
·
If a
conversation can be heard in the front of the bus, it is TOO LOUD!
·
There will be
no hanging out of or talking out of bus windows.
·
Please lower
the volume level considerably when entering towns or stadiums.
This is for your safety, is
courteous to the bus driver, and an act of class!
·
Please keep
the bus clean; pick up after yourselves and always thank the chaperones and
driver!
HOTEL SITUATIONS
·
Parents and
students will be responsible for paying for any incurred charges, including
lost
room keys.
room keys.
·
Rooms are to
be locked at all times.
·
There will be
no one of the opposite sex in your room, unless accompanied by a chaperone –
this is school district policy!
·
Please refrain
from playing instruments in the room.
·
All school rules
will be enforced on trips.
·
All students
should realize that any personal desires or uniqueness may have to be put aside
for the duration of the trip in order to facilitate large group control and
management.
·
No one is to
leave the hotel alone. Any student found
leaving the premises without permission will be dealt with severely.
·
Profanity is
not a part of our organization! Make
sure your language is not offensive.
·
Band members
are expected to be at the right place, at the right time, ready to go.
COMPETITIONS/FESTIVALS
Competitions
are special events where we get to perform for a sophisticated audience and
very competent judges. WE ARE THERE TO DO OUR BEST – NOT TO WIN! If we do our best, then everything will take
care of itself. Specific information is
given prior to competitions as to directions, departure and anticipated return
time. All parents are encouraged to
attend competitions and support the band.
Students may use the band phone to call following a trip. Parents, PLEASE
COME IMMEDIATELY when called.
HONOR BAND
AUDITIONS
Both in September
and May, there will be auditions to determine chair or band placement. Auditions will be announced well in advance
and will consist of scales, technique, a required solo, sight-reading, tone and
range. The auditions in September and
May will be judged by the director. In
some cases, a student on a brass instrument with a higher score may be put on a
lower part to achieve balance or to allow a younger student to develop his /
her range. If this is the case, the
student will be informed of the reason for his / her placement.
EVENING PRACTICES
There will be
honor band practices on select evenings as scheduled in the Master
Schedule. The Honor Band will rehearse from after school
(on an as needed basis for Honor Band throughout the year.)
MUSIC PASS – OFFS
To pass-off
assigned material, the player must successfully demonstrate to the director or
designated student assistant his / her ability to perform it. Every note and rhythm must be perfect, though
standards will be adjusted to fit the level of musician. For example, a 6th grader AFTER
WORKING HARD may be able to play an assignment note perfect and up to tempo,
but with weak intonation, poor tone, and style.
The flaws would be pointed out to the individual, but would be passed off. On the other hand, an 8th grader
might have done VERY LITTLE WORK, but still could play the assignment note
perfect, up to tempo, with better tone, intonation, and style, and still be
asked to go back and perfect the assignment.
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
REHEARSAL PROCEDURE
·
You must be in
your seat when the bell rings; a downbeat will be given two minutes after the
bell. During the two minutes you should
move to your seat, obtain music, a music stand, and a pencil, and begin warming
up for the day’s rehearsal. Make sure
you have extra reeds. Percussionists should set up all equipment and music
during the warm-up. Announcements will
be made at the beginning or end of class and will also be written on the board.
·
Talking will
not be tolerated during a rehearsal.
·
The purpose of
rehearsal is for you to learn the parts
of others and how they relate to yours, not to learn your individual music!
·
If you must
leave your seat for any reason, please ask.
Restroom breaks should be taken between
classes.
·
In your
individual warm-up, it is important to do each of the following on a daily
basis:
LONG TONES
LIP SLURS
SCALES
THE DAILY ASSIGNMENT
MATERIALS GRADE
Each student
should have the following items in class everyday:
·
a sharpened
pencil
·
your instrument
(sticks, mallets)
·
your music and
folder
·
at least three
reeds (clarinets and saxophones)
·
at least two
reeds (oboes and bassoons) and water canisters for soaking.
From time to
time during the school year you will receive a materials grade. If you have all the items listed above, you
will receive a daily grade of “A.” Your
grade will be lowered one letter for each item you are missing. The easiest way to avoid this is to have
everything that you need, at all times!
SCHOOL-OWNED INSTRUMENT POLICY
Each student
who uses a school-owned instrument is completely responsible for the care of
the instrument. If an instrument is
damaged due to negligence, the student is responsible for the entire cost. An instrument check-out form must be filled
out and on file with the director.
LOST MUSIC
Each student
will be assessed a $2 fee for each missing piece or torn music. See librarians or the director for any
problems concerning music.
USE OF THE BAND FACILITY
BANDROOM
The use of
band facilities before, after, and during school is a privilege. Students who abuse the facility will be
disciplined accordingly. Any abuse or
damage will be considered vandalism. NO OUTSIDE STUDENTS ARE PERMITTED IN THE
BANDROOM except for business with the director. There will be no horseplay, i.e. throwing of
things, running in or around the band room.
All percussion equipment is off limits to anyone not specifically
designated to use them. No storing of
personal items – THE BANDROOM IS NOT A
LOCKER!
PRACTICE ROOMS
Practice rooms
are to be used for practice or private
instruction. Keep the room neat with
the appropriate music stands in place.
LIBRARY, BAND OFFICE, PHONE
The library is private and is to be used
only by the library staff. Materials may
be checked out through the librarian; this includes Solos, Ensembles, and Etude
Books. The band office is private and is not to be entered by any student
without permission from the director or a staff member. All students should keep in mind that this is
a place of business. If the door is
shut, knock first. Telephone use should be kept to a minimum and is not for personal
use. Ask permission before using.
PRACTICE
As with any activity,
you get out of it what you put into it.
Band will not be “FUN” unless you practice! There are many values in the study of music
as a discipline that transfer to other areas of life. Although this will not immediately happen,
persistent practice will lead to enthusiastic, driven practice. Remember: “Perfect Practice makes Perfect!”
Here is a suggested plan of study:
Pick a set
time each day Use
a tuner for a portion of your practice session
Have an
acoustically dry place of practice Increase
dynamic range (work on pianissimo)
Use our daily
warm-up & think “tone” Increase
endurance (15 minutes of full tone playing)
Play some form
of scales at every practice session Increase
range (highest note with good tone)
Take a break
every 20 minutes Use
a metronome for part of the time
Work on
technique (articulations, accents, etc.) “I
will start with ___ minutes and increase to …......
Practice
sight-reading Use
the practice record on the NEXT PAGE!!!
LETTERS, CHEVRONS, AND STARS
Students who
qualify will receive a “letter or chevron” by meeting the following
requirements:
·
Have a 93 or
above average in band.
·
Pass off all
required material.
·
Must be in
band for one years; letter received at end of 6th , 7th ,
or 8th grade year.
·
Audition for
County and / or Region auditions.
·
Must attend
all performances unless extenuating circumstances prevail.
·
Must have no
major disciplinary actions taken against you.
·
Two hours of
volunteer work in band room.
Stars are
reserved for student leadership members.
EQUIPMENT
NEEDS
PERCUSSION ACCESSORIES
Each
percussionist should have the following materials as specified by the band
director/ percussion instructor:
A pair of
marching sticks
A pair of
general snare sticks
A pair of
general timpani mallets or staccato mallets
A pair of
rubber xylophone mallets, Musser Blue or Musser Green
A pair of yarn
mallets, DS 16 or DS 18
A triangle
beater
A pitch pipe,
F – F or C – C
A stick bag
*Percussionists
who neglect school owned instruments will pay the full amount for any damage.
INSTRUMENT AND MOUTHPIECE UPGRADES
MOUTHPIECES
CLARINET Vandoren
B40 or B45 M15 M30 mouthpieces
DEG
Barrels
Rovner
Ligatures
SAXOPHONE Selmer
C*
TRUMPET Bach
3C or 1 ½ C
HORN Schilke
29 or 30
TROMBONE Bach
6 ½ AL
Schilke
51 or 51 D
TUBA Helleberg
120 S
Bach
18
INSTRUMENTS (Intermediate and Professional Models)
Piccolo Yamaha YPC 62
Flute Yamaha 581 H
Clarinet Buffet R-13
Oboe Loree or Fox 400
Bassoon Fox Renard 220 or 222
Saxophone Old Selmer Mark VI or Yamaha Custom
Trumpet Bach Stradivarius
Horn Paxman M20 or Holton 179
Trombone Bach 42 B, BO or Edwards
Euphonium Yamaha 321 – S or Willson
Tuba St. Petersburg or
Perantucci
METHOD BOOKS FOR CLASS
6th grade – Essential
Elements Book1
7th grade- Essential
Elements Book 2
8th grade – Foundations for
Superior Performance
ADDITIONAL METHOD BOOKS (NOT REQUIRED BUT SUGGESTED)
ADDITIONAL METHOD BOOKS (NOT REQUIRED BUT SUGGESTED)
FLUTE Rubank
Intermediate Method
Rubank
Advanced Method
Altes
Method
Art
and Practice of Modern Flute Technique – Kincaid
Eck
Method / Practical Studies / Tone Development
CLARINET Rubank
Intermediate Method
Rubank
Advanced Method
Klose
Celebrated Method for Clarinet
Rose:
40 Studies for Clarinet, Book I
Melodious
and Progressive Studies – Hite
OBOE 50
Classical Studies for the Oboe - Joppig
Rubank
Advanced Method
Andraud
Practical and Progressive Method
Barrett
Oboe Method
BASSOON Rubank
Intermediate Method
Rubank
Advanced Method
Weissenborn
Practical Method for Bassoon
SAXOPHONE Rubank
Intermediate Method
Rubank
Advanced Method
Universal
Method for Sax – DeVille
Gatti: 35 Melodious and Technical Exercises
TRUMPET Rubank
Intermediate Method
Rubank
Advanced Method
Arban
Complete Conservatory Method
Herbert
L. Clark Technical Studies
Schlossberg
Daily Drills and Technical Studies
HORN Rubank
Intermediate Method
Rubank
Advanced Method
Kopprasch
– Sixty Selected Studies for Horn (Vol. 1 & 2)
Concone
– Lyrical Studies for Horn or Trumpet
Practical
Studies – Getchell
TROMBONE /
EUPHONIUM Rubank
Intermediate Method
Rubank
Advanced Method
Rochut
Melodious Etudes Book I and II
Arban
Method for Trombone / Euphonium
Schlossberg
Daily Drills
Clark
Method for Trombone / Euphonium
TUBA Rubank
Intermediate Method
Rubank
Advanced Method
SUGGESTED RECORDINGS
Just as the
blind child cannot paint a picture of the sunset, an instrumentalist cannot
duplicate a characteristic sound on their instrument without an appropriate
model to emulate. Below are suggestions
of artists for each instrument. Every
student in the Forestview band program should own at least one recording
of the following artists:
FLUTE Jean-Pierre
Rampal, Jim Walker
CLARINET Harold Wright, Larry Combs
OBOE Joseph Robinson,
John Mack
BASSOON Bubonic Bassoon Quartet,
Christopher Millard
SAXOPHONE Jean Rousseau, Joseph Lulloff,
Steven Mauk
TRUMPET Phil Smith, Adolph
Herseth
HORN Dale Clevenger,
Dennis Brain
TROMBONE Joseph Alessi, Christian
Linberg
EUPHONIUM Brian Bowman, Roger Behrend
TUBA Arnold Jacobs,
Sam Pilafian
Letter of Mutual Consent
I, the undersigned student, accept membership in the Clover Middle School
band and understand that I am responsible for all the policies as 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 Clover
Middle School band. In addition, my
child has full permission to attend all band functions. Furthermore, I understand that I must meet
all financial obligations for any trips the band may go on.
__________________________________________ __________________
(Parent Signature) (Date)
(Fill out the information below to the best of your knowledge. This information is to be kept in the band
office if an instrument gets misplaced.)
Type of Instrument (s) _____________________________________________
Brand/Model _____________________________________________
Serial Number _____________________________________________
Parent e-mail address _____________________________________________
Parent Phone number _____________________________________________
Parent Address _____________________________________________
*A STUDENT DIRECTORY AND MASTER SCHEDULE FOR THE YEAR ARE ALSO INCLUDED*
