2016 ~ 2017 Handbook Our Director - LHMS Bandslhmsbands.weebly.com/.../4/7/4/24745168/lhms_band_handbook_2016~17.pdf2016 ~ 2017 Handbook Our Director ... instrument, method book, music

2016 ~ 2017 Handbook

Our Director Jim Miller [email protected] Director of Bands [email protected]

Address Laurel Highlands Middle School

18-20 Hookton Avenue Uniontown, PA 15401

Phone Numbers: School Office (724) 437-2865 School Fax: (724 437-8518 Band Room (724) 437-2865 ext. 222

Please be sure to return the Letter of Mutual Consent to Mr. Miller by Friday, September 9! Thanks!

A note from Mr. Miller…. Welcome'to'the'Laurel'Highlands'Middle'School'Band'Program!''I'am'so'happy'that'you'have'

decided'to'become'a'part'of'what'promises'to'be'a'GREAT'and'REWARDING'experience!'

The'LHMS'Band'has'become'a'great'source'of'pride'for'our'school'and'community'over'the'last'

few'years'and'I'hope'to'continue'the'trend'this'year.''We'will'work'hard'to'become'better'

musicians'and'have'a'lot'of'fun'along'the'way!''We'have'a'lot'of'exciting'performance'

opportunities'planned'for'this'year'and'I'can’t'wait'to'get'started!'

Parents'and'students:''Please'use'the'information'in'this'handbook'to'learn'about'how'the'band'

operates'and'what'our'expectations'are.''We'have'accomplished'so'many'great'things'over'these'

past'few'years'and'the'information'contained'in'this'handbook'will'help'us'to'continue'the'

tradition!''If'you'have'any'questions'about'anything'in'this'handbook'or'anything'that'isn’t'

covered'in'it,'please'don’t'hesitate'to'send'me'a'note'or'an'email'and'I’ll'get'back'to'you'as'soon'as'

possible!'

If'we'are'all'on'the'same'page,'it'will'be'a'fantastic'experience'for'the'students,'the'parents'and'

even'the'teacher!'

I'am'really'looking'forward'to'reconnecting'with'the'7th'and'8th'Graders'this'year'and'continuing'

our'journey'together.''Also,'I'am'very'excited'to'get'started'with'our'new'6th'Grade'Band'Members'

and'begin'our'new'band'experience!''This'is'going'to'be'a'GREAT'YEAR!'

'

Musically'Yours,'

'

'

Mr.'James'B.'Miller,'Director'of'Bands'and'Instrumental'Music'

Laurel'Highlands'Middle'School'and'Elementary'Schools'

'

LAUREL HIGHLANDS MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND

HANDBOOK

Table of Contents

Welcome Letter from Mr. Miller …………………………………………………………… i

Band Class Syllabus ……………………………………………………………………. 1

Rehearsal Expectations …………….……………………………………………………… 3

Practice Expectations and Practice Logs ………………………………………………….. 5

Attendance Policy …………………………………………………………………………….. 6

Performance Schedule ……………………………………………………………………. 7

Grading Policy …………………………………………………………………………….. 8

Playing Proficiencies …………………………………………………………………………….. 9

Private Lessons …………………………………………………………………………….. 10

Instrument and Equipment Guidelines ………………………………………………….. 11

Recommended Instruments, Mouthpieces, etc. …………………………………………. 13

Musical Instrument Rentals and Sales ………………………………………………….. 15

Recommended Online Instrument Sales ………………………………………………….. 15

Uniform Care Guidelines …………………………………………………………………… 16

Traveling With the Band …………………………………………………………………… 17

PMEA Festivals ……………………………………………………………………………. 18

Parental Support ……………………………………………………………………………. 19

Online Resources ……………………………………………………………………………. 20

Letter of Mutual Consent …………………………………………………………………… 21(to be returned to Mr. Miller no later than September 9, 2016)

LAUREL HIGHLANDS MIDDLE SCHOOL 2016-17

Mr. Miller, Band Director lhmsbands.weebly.com

Course Title: Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble (Grades 6-8)

Course Description: The Middle School Band Classes will provide students with knowledge of their instrument, other instruments, elements of music, proper fundamentals of breathing and posture, study of age appropriate band literature, and rehearsal techniques. Special emphasis will be placed on developing musicianship and ensemble responsibility through performance in a variety of settings. Each band level (Concert Band-Symphonic Band-Wind Ensemble) progresses in demand of musical responsibilities.

Goals: Each student will be taught and be able to demonstrate the fundamentals of performing on their instrument, self-motivation, self-discipline, and self/group awareness.

Instructional Objectives:

I. Approach to and care of the instrument A. Students will name and identify the main parts of their instrument. B. Students will demonstrate proper assembly and disassembly of instrument. C. Students will explain proper care and maintenance of their instrument. D. Students will demonstrate correct posture and playing position.

II. Elements of Music A. Students will name and identify the elements of music.

III. Rhythm A. Students will demonstrate knowledge of meter/time signatures. B. Students will demonstrate an understanding of counting rhythm patterns. C. Students will perform various rhythmic patterns on their instrument.

IV. Tone Production A. Wind students will demonstrate correct embouchure and correct hand position B. Percussionists will demonstrate correct playing technique. C. Both groups will demonstrate a characteristic tone quality on instrument progressing in difficulty based on grade level.

V. Technique A. Students will demonstrate the correct basic fingerings for their instrument. B. Students will demonstrate knowledge of a minimum of 1-3 major scales and one form of the related minor scales. (Dependent on grade level) C. Students will also demonstrate a chromatic scale with appropriate alternate fingerings.

VI. Flexibility A. Brass students will demonstrate correct method of lip slurs.

VII. Articulation A. Students will demonstrate proper basic articulations: slur, accents, staccato, legato and tenuto.

VIII. Percussion A. Percussionists will demonstrate knowledge of melodic instruments. B. Percussionists will demonstrate basic snare drum rudiments. C. Percussionists will perform same scales as wind instruments on appropriate keyboard instrument. D. Percussionists will also name, identify and demonstrate proper technique of various percussion instruments (i.e. tympani, triangle, cymbals, congas, etc.)

LAUREL HIGHLANDS MIDDLE SCHOOL 2016-17

Mr. Miller, Band Director lhmsbands.weebly.com

Course Title: Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble (Grades 6-8)- page 2 -

IX. Musicality A. Students will demonstrate a musical performance of appropriate literature.

X. Balance and Blend A. Students will demonstrate ability to control the quality and volume of their tone, in combination with other students.

XI. Response to Conductor A. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the role of the teacher/conductor in guiding and directing the ensemble. B. Students will demonstrate knowledge of various basic meters and the conductor’s role in the ensemble.

XII. Affective Domain A. Students will demonstrate their appreciation of the value of their participation in band.

Units, Topics, Themes: Continuation of fundamentals of performance, age appropriate band literature, composers, and music history as it related to literature, music theory, and elements of music.

Texts and Materials: • Essential Elements 2000, Book 1, 6th Grade Concert Band • Essential Elements 2000, Book 2, 7th and 8th Grade Bands (Symphonic Band and WindEnsemble) • Additional supplemental methods • Selected sheet music for band, chorales, chamber groups, and solos • Smart Music (optional) – a great home practice computer program. See it at: http://www.smartmusic.com • Digital Metronome or Metronome App for home practice (We use the Tempo app in class) • Digital Tuner or Tuner App for home practice (We use the Tonal Energy app in class) • SightReadingFactory.com (optional) - website with sight reading exercises • Wire Music Stand for home practice

Assessment: • Performances – Dates are provided on website (lhmsbands.weebly.com), white board and handouts – All performances are

required. • Active participation in class – have all required materials • Playing Proficiencies • Practice Logs/Journals/Entries

Assessment Breakdown: • Performances – 125pts per performance (Unexcused Absence results in 0 points earned for performance) • Class Participation (active participation /instrument/music/pencil/rehearsal etiquette) – up to 10pts daily • Playing Proficiencies – up to 100pts per proficiency • Written or Online Assignments/Assessments - Point values vary • Practice Logs/Journals - up to 50pts per assignment

Extra Credit:

• Private lessons • Attendance at pre-approved professional, semi-professional, and high school/college concerts/recitals • Participation in various workshops/clinics • Participation in performing groups outside of Laurel Highlands Middle School (i.e. PMEA Jr. High District Band)

REHEARSAL EXPECTATIONS

Entering a Classroom • Enter the rehearsal room in a quiet, courteous, and orderly manner. Students are to treat fellow students

and staff members with respect. • Attitude is everything. Attitudes are contagious……let’s start an epidemic! • Students are to be on time to class and are to be ready to play 2 minutes after the bell rings. • Accessories (reeds, valve oil, etc) must be purchased from a local music store. Sorry, budget constraints

will not allow these items to be offered from the school at this time. • No school backpacks/materials allowed in rehearsal room. Smaller instrument cases and equipment

should be placed directly under your chair. . The floor must be clear at all times. • Quickly get your instrument and music and take your seat. • Each student is issued a music folder that is required for each class. You are to take it home for home

practice each day. It easily fits inside a backpack. • Have a sharpened pencil at all rehearsals. Failure to have a pencil (not a pen) will result in loss of daily

points. Keep it in your music folder. • Each day begins with announcement of rehearsal plan from Mr. Miller. Other announcements will be

made at the end of rehearsal. Talking is not permitted during announcements. • ONLY students enrolled in band are permitted in the band room.

Rehearsal Etiquette

• Students will check the marker board for the agenda for the day. • No book bags or instrument cases can be left on the floor at any time. (small cases under seats) • On a daily basis, all students must have a pencil, instrument, method book, music and band folder –

instrument cases must have an ID tag. Many instrument cases look similar. An identification tag is a requirement!

• The rehearsal begins when the conductor steps to the podium. Up until this time, students should warm-up individually on long tones, scales or technically difficult passages from the music.

• Students must be musically prepared for each rehearsal! This means that you have practiced parts that have been assigned and can either perform them accurately or have questions that will help you practice the parts so you can perform them accurately!

• Students will not play other student’s instruments. This includes percussion and district owned instruments.

• No horseplay in the rehearsal rooms AT ANY TIME! • Good posture is of great importance at all times. • Always raise your hand to ask a question. • NO GUM, CANDY, FOOD or DRINKS IN THE REHEARSAL ROOMS! Take pride in our rehearsal

area. • If your instrument is in the shop, have your parents and instrument repair person complete the appropriate

areas of the INSTRUMENT REPAIR FORM and return it to Mr. Miller. Bring your mouthpiece and music, for there is always the possibility that we might provide a temporary instrument.

• Students are expected to play every day in band. Students with injuries, illness or other medical conditions that prohibit them from playing MUST submit a doctor’s excuse stating how long they are to be excused from playing/participating in class.

• Students who forget to bring their instrument and/or other materials to class will have points deducted from their Daily Formative Assessment Grade.

o 1st Offense: Warning o 2nd Offense: 10 point deduction o 3rd Offense: 20 point deduction in addition to 1st Offense 10 point deduction o 4th + Offense: 30 point deduction in addition to previous deductions

Exiting the Classroom • Students will begin putting equipment and materials away only after dismissed by Mr. Miller. • Music folders are to be kept in student storage cubby, folio cabinet or locker. • Instruments (other than concert percussion) are to be placed in their cases. Cases are to be completely

latched (not just one!) and should be placed in the students assigned storage cubby. • Any loose paper, reed cases, pencils should be picked up and placed in the proper receptacle. • Students should return to their seats after everything is put away. If the bell rings before you get back to

your seat, you may leave. !!Band Room Rules

• NO TALKING while the teacher is working • All music making STOPS when the signal is given • Follow classroom procedures and expectations every minute of every class • Raise your hand to speak or leave your seat • Keep your hands and feet to yourself and to your instrument only • Show respect to the teacher, other students and to band instruments, equipment and furniture at all times

Consequences

• The first time a rule is broken: Warning • The second time a rule is broken: Student sits in “penalty box” and completes a behavior plan form • The third time a rule is broken: a letter will be sent home explaining what rule(s) have been broken and that after-

school detention and/or office referrals will be assigned if any further rules are broken. A signed return slip with your parent’s signature will be required*

• The fourth + time a rule is broken: Student will be assigned after-school detention or office referral *If a signed return slip is not turned in, a call to your parent will be made to verify receipt of the letter. If the letter was not received due to student neglect or misdirection, after-school detention will be assigned. **If a student continuously and consistently chooses to break rules and/or be a disruption to the class, the teacher reserves the right to remove the student from the class permanently with administrator approval.

ALL SCHOOL RULES AND CONSEQUENCES ARE IN EFFECT AND WILL BE ENFORCED IN THE BAND ROOM

PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS AND PRACTICE LOGS

In#order#for#the#LHMS#band#to#be#the#best#it#can#be,#each#member#of#the#ensemble#must#practice#individually.##The#most#common#way#for#this#to#be#accomplished#is#for#the#student#to#take#his/her#instrument#home#and#practice#on#their#own.#

The#best#way#to#practice#is#to#take#your#instrument#home#with#you#after#school#and#practice#4#or#more#times#per#week#for#about#15C20#minutes#a#day.##Research#shows#that#students#learn#better#when#practicing#in#small#chunks#rather#than#trying#to#squeeze#it#all#into#one#or#two#days.#

When#practicing,#you#should#start#off#by#playing#a#few#long#tones#(winds)#or#simple#wristCloosening#exercises#(percussion).##After#this,#you#should#play#some#scale#exercises#(winds/mallet#percussion)#or#rudiments#(drums).##Next,#select#new#or#challenging#passages#in#your#band#music#to#work#on.##It’s#OK#if#you#don’t#perfect#it#in#a#day!##Work#on#it#to#see#where#you#are.##If#you#can’t#get#it,#ask#Mr.#Miller#in#band#class#the#next#day#to#review#it.##That#should#do#it!##Fifteen#minutes#will#go#by#very#quickly#but#the#experience#will#add#up#and#you’ll#be#improving#in#no#time!#

It#is#certainly#understandable#that#you#may#have#to#miss#a#day#of#practice#every#now#and#then.##If#this#happens,#try#to#practice#at#least#30#minutes#the#next#day#after#a#missed#practice#session.##Try#not#to#miss#two#days#in#a#row!#

In#some#instances,#students#like#to#practice#in#the#band#room#outside#of#band#class.##If#your#schedule#allows,#you#can#come#to#the#band#room#during#study#hall#or#lunch#at#certain#times#during#the#week.##Check#with#Mr.#Miller#first,#to#make#sure#it’s#OK.#

Practice#Logs#

Practice#is#monitored#through#the#use#of#practice#logs.##A#practice#log#is#a#record#of#what#you#practiced,#when#you#practiced#and#how#long#you#practiced.##It#also#gives#you#the#opportunity#to#reflect#on#how#well#you#think#you’ve#done#on#the#assignment.##In#order#to#receive#points#for#a#practice#log,#it#must#be#completed,#in#detail,#and#have#the#student’s#and#parent’s#signature.#

Special(note(to(parents:((This(is(an(excellent(opportunity(to(monitor(your(child’s(progress(on(his/her(instrument!((Even(if(you(don’t(have(music(experience,(ask(your(child(questions(about(what(he/she(is(working(on(and(what(the(goal(is.((You(can(reflect(on(the(practice(log(as(well.(

#

ATTENDANCE POLICY

The$success$of$any$band$is$determined$by$the$quality$of$performance$by$its$members.$$Every$performance$plan$is$designed$in$a$way$that$all$performers$are$expected$to$attend$and$participate.$$For$this$reason,$all$performances$are$MANDATORY!$$

In$addition$to$performances,$attendance$at$all$inGclass$rehearsals$is$also$mandatory.$$Students$will$rarely$be$excused$from$band$rehearsal$to$go$to$another$class$to$make$up$missed$work.$$Students$WILL$NOT$be$excused$from$class$at$anytime$during$the$two$weeks$prior$to$a$performance!$

It$is$understandable$that$sometimes$absences$cannot$be$avoided.$$Generally,$students$will$be$excused$from$a$rehearsal$or$performance$if$they$are$too$ill$to$be$in$school$or$if$there$has$been$a$death$in$the$family.$$$

Other$absences$will$be$dealt$with$on$a$caseGbyGcase$basis$between$the$band$director,$school$administration$and$parent/guardian.$

Every$attempt$is$made$to$avoid$conflicts$with$other$school$events$and$athletics$when$the$performance$schedule$is$made.$$For$this$reason,$students$will$not$be$excused$from$performances$to$participate$in$other$school$events$or$athletic$events$that$have$been$reGscheduled$for$the$same$day$as$our$performance!$

Please$consult$the$LHMS$Band$Performance$Schedule$at$this$time$to$check$for$any$conflicts$with$your$personal/family$schedule.$$If$you$have$any$conflicts$that$cannot$be$avoided,$please$complete$the$“Request$for$Excused$Absence$Form”$and$return$to$Mr.$Miller$by$Friday,$Sept.$11,$2015.$$This$will$help$in$planning$for$future$performances.$

If$a$conflict$arises$after$September$11,$2015,$please$fill$out$the$“Request$for$Excused$Absence$Form”$and$turn$it$in$as$soon$as$possible$for$consideration.$

Requests$for$Excused$Absences$will$generally$not$be$approved$when$submitted$within$two$weeks$of$a$scheduled$performance$except$in$the$case$of$extenuating$circumstances.$

Absences$with$no$prior$notification$will$be$automatically$UNEXCUSED$and$all$performance$points$will$be$forfeited$with$no$chance$for$makeGup.$

Please$see$GRADING POLICY$to$see$how$absences$will$affect$your$grade$in$band.$

Note:&&Because&band&is&a&PERFORMANCE8BASED&class,&students&missing&more&than&one&performance&in&a&semester&or&two&performances&in&a&year&may&be&subject&to&removal&from&the&ensemble.&

LHMS Band 2016~2017 Performance Schedule

Wednesday,October26,2016 UniontownHalloweenParade-7/8(Notconfirmed*)

Thursday,November10,2016 Veteran’sDayCeremony(DuringSchool)7/8

Thursday,November17,2016 Santa’sParadeatUniontownMallORHomefortheHolidaysParadeinDowntownUniontown-7/8(tentative–notconfirmed*)

Tuesday,December6,2016 6thGradeWinterConcert

Tuesday,December13,2016 7th&8thGradeWinterConcert

Thursday,March30,2016 MusicInOurSchoolsConcert-LHHSBandExperienceDay(tentative)

Monday,May1,2017 AmericanismDayParade-7/8

Wednesday,May17,2017 6th/7th/8thGradeSpringConcert Saturday,May21,2017 NationalPikeParade-7/8(Notconfirmed*)

*Dateshaveyettobeconfirmedbyeventorganizer.Thesedatesareassumptionsbasedonpastpractice.Thesedatesaresubjecttochange.

Other Performances In The Works…

In-SchoolHolidayConcertfor6thGradestudentsandteachers–6thGradeBand

In-SchoolHolidayConcertfor7th/8thGradestudentsandteachers–7th/8thGradeBand

In-SchoolSpringConcertfor6thGradestudentsandteachers–6thGradeBand

In-SchoolSpringConcertfor7th/8thGradestudentsandteachers–7th/8thGradeBand

VariousIn-SchoolAssemblies

Note:Everyeffortwillbemadetoscheduleanyadditionalperformanceswithatleastonemonth’snotice.Ifaconflictariseswithanyadditionalperformance,pleasenotifyMr.Millerassoonaspossible.

GRADING POLICY

Band%is%a%performance/based%class.%%There%are%4%main%components%to%the%class:%

• Daily%In/Class%Rehearsal%• Individual%Home%Practice%• Playing%Proficiency%• Performances%

Each%student%is%expected%to%contribute%his/her%best%effort%to%each%of%these%four%components.%%By%doing%so,%we%can%insure%that%each%student%is%achieving%his/her%potential%as%well%as%pulling%their%own%weight%with%the%ensemble.%

Daily%In/Class%Rehearsal%

Students%will%be%awarded%10%points%for%being%prepared%and%participating%for%each%day%of%in/class%rehearsal%for%a%total%of%450%points%for%each%grading%period.%

Individual%Home%Practice%

Students%will%be%assigned%practice%assignments%to%be%completed%at%home.%%Point%values%will%be%determined%by%the%difficulty/length/etc.%of%the%assignment.%

Playing%Proficiency%

While%rehearsing%every%day%and%practicing%at%home%a%great%ways%to%learn%to%play%a%musical%instrument,%it%is%necessary%to%assess%each%student’s%progress%from%time%to%time%to%help%keep%them%on%track.%%For%this%reason,%students%will%be%required%to%perform%Playing%Proficiency%Assessments%at%different%times%throughout%the%year.%%It%is%my%hope%that%the%students%will%take%this%seriously%and%prepare%for%each%assessment%as%though%they%had%to%perform%a%solo%for%an%audience%(Don’t%worry!%%I%will%not%require%any%student%to%perform%their%assessment%in%front%of%an%audience!)%%Each%Playing%Proficiency%will%be%worth%100%points.%%If%a%student%is%not%pleased%with%their%score%they%will%be%given%one%opportunity%to%improve%it.%

Performances%

All%of%the%work%that%goes%into%the%three%components%above%is%geared%towards%preparing%the%students%to%give%many%public%performances%throughout%the%year.%%Each%member%of%the%band%plays%a%vital%role%to%the%overall%success%of%the%band.%%For%this%reason,%every%student%is%expected%to%participate%in%every%performance.%%If%a%student%misses%a%performance,%it%hurts%the%quality%of%that%performance.%%Each%student%will%be%awarded%100%points%for%each%performance%they%attend%and%participate%in.%%Missed%performances%cannot%be%made%up,%however,%students%with%excused%absences%can%be%given%make/up%assignments%to%earn%recovery%points%towards%their%9%weeks%grade.%%%

Note:&&Student&illness&and&death&of&a&family&member&are&generally&the&only&accepted&excuses&for&missing&a&performance.&&Other&absences&will&be&handled&on&a&case<by<case&basis&between&the&band&director,&school&administration&and&parent/guardian.&&Every&effort&is&made&to&avoid&conflicts&with&other&school&activities.&&In&the&event&there&is&a&conflict,&students&are&expected&to&attend&the&band&performance.&

Special&note&to&cheerleaders:&&The&LHMS&cheerleaders&often&participate&in&the&same&parades&as&the&band.&&Band&members&who&are&also&cheerleaders&are&expected&to&perform&with&the&band&at&all&parades&to&receive&performance&points.&&If&the&student&chooses&to&march&with&the&cheerleaders,&performance&points&will&be&forfeited.&&

PLAYING PROFICIENCIES

Onceeachgradingperiod,allstudentswillberequiredtoperformaPlayingProficiencyAssessment.ThiswillhelpMr.Millerknowwhatyourplayingstrengthsandweaknessesarewhich,inturn,willaidintheplanningofrehearsalsandlessons.

Assesseditemsinclude(butarenotlimitedto):

• ProperTone• AccurateIntonation• CorrectPitches• CorrectRhythms• ProperArticulations• ProperDynamics• ProperTempo• ProperPhrasing

Eachstudentwillbeaskedtorecordanindividualperformanceofmusicalexcerptsfromexercises,warm-ups,scales,and/orperformancerepertoire.Oncethestudentissatisfiedwithhis/herrecording,theysimplysubmittherecordingtoMr.MillerthroughGoogleClassroomforevaluation.Whentheevaluationprocessiscomplete,Mr.Millerwillinformthestudentofhis/herscore.Ifthestudentscoresbelowa75%onthePlayingProficiency,theymaysubmitanewrecordingtoMr.Millerforasecondevaluation.Thehigherofthetwoscoreswillcounttowardthestudent’sgradeforthegradingperiod.ThePlayingProficiencycomponentofthebandgradeisaddedtothetotalalongwithdailyrehearsalpoints,practicelogpointsandperformancepoints.

Studentswhodonothaveaccesstoacomputer/internetforrecordingorGoogleClassroom,mayperformthePlayingProficiencyforMr.Millerlive.ThestudentwillhavetosetanappointmentwithMr.Millertocompletetheproficiency.

StudentswhoareinneedofhelpshouldseeMr.Millertosetupatimeforalesson.

PRIVATE LESSONS

All#band#students#are#encouraged#to#take#private#lessons#on#their#instrument#out#side#of#school.##This#will#help#to#improve#at#a#much#faster#rate#than#just#being#in#band#class#every#day.##Private#instructors#can#help#you#learn#specific#techniques#for#playing#your#instrument#with#better#tone,#technical#facility#and#more#confidence!#

There#are#private#music#teachers#at#most#of#the#music#retailers#in#the#area.##Other#options#include#advanced#high#school#students#or#college#music#majors#or#instructors#from#West#Virginia#University,#Seton#Hill#University#or#Indiana#University#of#Pennsylvania.#

Here#is#a#list#of#a#few#instructors#in#our#area#that#give#private#instrumental#lessons.##If#this#interests#you,#see#Mr.#Miller#for#more#contact#information.#

#

Mr.#Fred#Kridle#(retired#LHMS#Band#Director)#All#band#instruments:#Beginning#to#Intermediate#Level#Instruction##Ms.#Amber#Trump#(Hatfield/Hutchinson#Music#Teacher)#Atkins#Music,#Connellsville#All#band#instruments:#Beginning#to#Intermediate#Level#Instruction##Mr.#Gibby#Rockwell#(retired#AG#South#JH#Band#Director)#Out#of#his#home#All#band#instruments:#Beginning#to#Intermediate#Level#Instruction##Mrs.#Erin#Drury#(Carmichaels#Area#Music#Teacher)#Fawley’s#Music,#Saberton,#Morgantown,#WV#Flute:##Beginning#to#Advanced#Level#Instruction##Mr.#Rich#Miller#(retired#Uniontown#Area#Music#Teacher)#Saxophone:##Beginning#to#Intermediate#Level#Instruction##Mr.#Richard#McCoy#(retired#Laurel#Highlands#HS#Band#Director)#Woodwinds:#Beginning#to#Intermediate#Level#Instruction##Fawley’s#also#has#other#instructors#for#trumpet,#low#brass#and#percussion.##Micarelli#Music#All#band#instruments:#Beginning#to#Intermediate#Level#Instruction#######Note:&If&you&are&aware&of&any&other&private&music&instructors&in&our&area,&please&submit&their&name&to&Mr.&Miller&for&inclusion&on&this&list.&

INSTRUMENT AND EQUIPMENT GUIDLEINES

1. All%band%students%are%to%have%an%instrument%in%good%working%order%for%each%day%of%class.%2. Working%order%means:%

%• Woodwinds:%all%keys%open/close%correctly%and%seal%correctly%• Clarinets/saxophones:%good%mouthpiece%and%ligature%• Woodwinds:%all%joints%fit%together%properly%and%cork%is%in%good%condition%• Brass:%all%slides/valves%move%freely%and%are%correctly%lubricated%• Brass:%instruments%are%free%from%dents%that%prohibit%air%from%moving%freely%through%the%

instrument%• Brass:%mouthpieces%are%clean%and%in%good%condition.%%Not%dented%or%flattened%on%the%end.%• Percussion:%must%have%a%stick%bag%containing%1pair%SDG1%General%Snare%Drum%Sticks,%1%pair%%

SDG2%Bolero%Snare%Drum%Sticks,%1%pair%M3%Keyboard%Mallets,%1%pair%M6%Keyboard%Mallets%and%1%pair%T3%Timpani%Mallets%%

3. All%Woodwind%and%Brass%students%should%have%a%care%kit%to%maintain%the%condition%of%their%instruments:%%

• FluteG%Swab,%Polishing%Cloth%%

• ClarinetGSwab,%Cork%Grease,%Polishing%Cloth,%Reed%Guard%with%Name%on%it,%Reeds%(Students(must(have(3,goodreeds(in(their(reed(guard(with(them(at(their(seat)(Reeds(may%be%purchased%at%local%music%stores.%Recommended%Vandoren%VG12%strength%2%½%G%3.(%

• SaxophoneGSwab,%Cork%Grease,%Polish%Cloth,%Neck%Cleaner,%Reed%Guard%with%Name%on%it,%Reeds%(Students(must(have(3,good(reeds(in(a(reed(guard(with(them(at(their(seat)%%Recommended%Vandoren%strength%2%½%G%3.((

• TrumpetGValve%Oil,%Snake,%Polishing%Cloth,%Tuning%Slide%Grease,%Mouthpiece%Brush,%Valve%Casing%Brush%%

• French,HornGCleaning%Cloth,%Snake,%Rotor%Oil,%Tuning%Slide%Grease,%Mouthpiece%Brush%%

• TromboneGSnake,%Super%slick%Crème,%Super%slick%Plus%Slide%Treatment,%Spray%Water%Bottle,%Tuning%Slide%Grease,%Mouthpiece%Brush,%Polishing%Cloth%%

• Low,BrassGSnake,%Valve%Oil,%Tuning%Slide%Grease,%Mouthpiece%Brush,%Valve%Casing%Brush,%Cleaning%Cloth%

%4. All%students%should%work%towards%owning%the%following%items%for%home%practice%sessions:%

%• Wire%music%stand%• Digital%metronome%• Digital%tuner%• Smart%Music%software%for%computerized%accompaniments%and%recording%

%5. All%instruments%must%be%treated%with%care%and%respect.%%These%are%the%tools%that%we%use%to%make%

music!%%They%are%too%delicate%and%too%expensive%to%treat%other%wise!%%

%

6. All%instrument%cases%must%have%and%ID%tag%with%the%following%information:%%

• Student%Name%• Phone%Number%• “LHMS%Band”%

%7. At%the%conclusion%of%rehearsal,%all%instruments (other than concert percussion) are to be placed in

their cases. Cases are to be completely latched (not just one!) and should be placed in the students assigned storage cubby.

8. Do not let your friends play your instrument! This includes percussion and school-owned

instruments!

9. If your instrument is in the shop for a repair, make sure your parent submits a note to Mr. Miller stating this. Also, bring your mouthpiece to class. If there is a school-owned instrument available, you can still play!

%10. Check%your%instrument%often%for%loose%screws,%stuck%slides%and%other%abnormalities.%%If%

these%types%of%things%are%caught%quickly,%they%can%often%be%repaired%in%the%band%room%at%no%cost%to%you!%

INSTRUMENT, MOUTHPIECE, REED & ACCESSORIES RECOMMENDATIONS

FLUTE• Recommended brands: Any Yamaha or Yamaha FYL381H, Gemeinhardt 3SHB • Required accessories: cleaning rod and soft cloth • Recommended accessories: pad savers, polishing cloth

OBOE• Recommended brands: Any Yamaha or Buffet BC4012-2-0, Yamaha YOB411, and various

models by Fox or Renard• Required reeds: Marlin Lesher Medium, handmade reeds (no plastic/fiber reeds!) • Required accessories: cork grease, silk swab (or feather), and reed case • Recommended accessories: thumb cushion, polishing cloth

BASSOON• Recommended brands: various models by Fox or Renard • Required reeds: Marlin Lesher Medium, Jones Medium, handmade reeds (no plastic/fiber

reeds!)• Required accessories: seat strap, crutch, swab, cork grease (or paraffin)

CLARINET• Recommended brands: Any Yamaha or Buffet E11 or E12, Selmer CL211 or B15P2, Yamaha

YCL450N• Required reeds: Mitchell Lurie 3 or 31/2, Vandoren 3, Vandoren V12 31/2 or 4 if using a

Vandoren M15 mouthpiece. (Students must keep at least two good reeds in their cases at all times. Please only purchase the brand and strength of reeds recommended by the director or private teacher.)

• Required accessories: reed guard (holds and protects 2 or 4 reeds, depending upon model), swab, cork grease, and mouthpiece cap

• Recommended accessories: Rovner Dark ligature, mouthpiece cushion, thumb cushion, mouthpiece brush, pad savers

• Recommended mouthpieces: Hite Premier (intermediate) or Vandoren M15 (advanced)

SAXOPHONES• Recommended alto brands: Yamaha YAS52, Selmer AS210 • Recommended tenor brands: Yamaha YTS52, Selmer TS200 • Recommended baritone brands: Yamaha YBS52, Selmer 1256 • Required reeds: Vandorean Blue Box Strength 3 minimum (Students must keep at least two

good reeds in their cases at all times. Please only purchase the brand and strength of reeds recommended by the director or private teacher.)

• Required accessories: neck strap, reed guard (holds and protects 2 or 4 reeds, depending upon model), swab, cork grease, and mouthpiece cap

• Recommended accessories: Rovner Dark ligature, mouthpiece cushion, mouthpiece brush, pad/neck savers

• Recommended mouthpieces: Vandorean Optimum AL3, Selmer C*, Yamaha 4C (alto & tenor), Yamaha 5C (baritone), Vandoream Optimum TL3

B A N D P R O G R A M

TRUMPET• Recommended brands: Ayn Yamaha or Yamaha YTR4335GS, Bach TR2000, various Bach

Stradivarius models• Required mouthpiece: Bach 5C, or 3C or equivalent (Please consult director or private teacher

for recommendation)• Required accessories: valve oil (Al Cass is recommended), mouthpiece brush, cleaning snake,

and slide grease• Recommended accessories: polishing cloth, valve cleaning rod, straight mute

HORN• Recommended brands: Any Yamaha or Conn, Holton H378, H379, or H177 double horns • Required mouthpiece: Bach 11 or 7 or equivalent (Please consult director or private teacher for

recommendation)• Required accessories: rotor oil, mouthpiece brush, cleaning snake, and slide grease • Recommended accessories: polishing cloth

TROMBONE• Recommended brands: Any Yamaha or Yamaha YSL446G or YSL448G, Bach Stradivarius 36

or 42• Required mouthpiece: Bach 61/2AL or equivalent (Please consult director or private teacher for

recommendation)• Required accessories: Trombotine slide crème and small water spray bottle (for main slide),

mouthpiece brush, cleaning snake, slide grease, rotary valve oil (for those with F attachment trombones)

• Recommended accessories: polishing cloth, straight mute

EUPHONIUM• Recommended brands: Yamaha YEP321 or Bach 1110 • Required mouthpiece: Bach 61/2AL or equivalent (Please consult director or private teacher for

recommendation)• Required accessories: valve oil (Al Cass is recommended), mouthpiece brush, cleaning snake,

and slide grease• Recommended accessories: polishing cloth, valve cleaning rod

TUBA• Recommended brands: Yamaha YBB321 • Required mouthpiece: Bach 22 or 18 or equivalent (Please consult director or private teacher

for recommendation)• Required accessories: valve oil (Al Cass is recommended), mouthpiece brush, cleaning snake,

and slide grease• Recommended accessories: polishing cloth, valve cleaning rod

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT RENTALS & SALES

Located(in(and(around(Uniontown!!

Micarelli(Music((( ( ( ( ( ( Atkins(Music(Center((

354(Morgantown(Street( ( ( ( ( 166(West(Crawford(Avenue(

Uniontown,(PA(15401( ( ( ( ( ( Connellsville,(PA(15425(

(724)(438F9311(( ( ( ( ( ( (724)(628F2450(

micmusic.net( ( ( ( ( ( ( atkinsmusic.com(

(

(

O(B(Fawley(Music(Co( ( ( ( ( Volkwein’s(Music(

1804(Earl(L(Core(Road(( ( ( ( ( 138(Industry(Drive(

Morgantown,(WV(26505( ( ( ( ( Pittsburgh,(PA(15275(

(304)(292F3351(�or((800)(734F4932( ( ( ( (800)(553F8742(

fawleymusic.com( ( ( ( ( ( volkweinsmusic.com(

(

(

( ( ( ( ( (

!�!!

RECOMMENDED ONLINE INSTRUMENT SALES* !

Woodwind(and(Brasswind( ( ( ( Musician’s(Friend(

wwbw.com( ( ( ( ( ( ( musiciansfriend.com(

(

(

Sam(Ash(Direct( ( ( ( ( ( Chuck(Levin’s(Washington(Music(

samash.com( ( ( ( ( ( ( buyfromchucks.com(

!!!!!!!*Be!careful!of!online!auction!or!general!retail!sites!when!looking!to!buy!musical!instruments.!!There!are!currently!many!inferior!instrument!brands!available!to!unsuspecting!parents!and!students.!These!sellers!are!willing!to!sell!you!a!very!inexpensive!instrument!that!does!not!live!up!to!an!acceptable!standard!for!playability!or!durability.!!Please!refer!to!the!recommended!instrument!list!when!preparing!to!purchase!a!new!instrument.!

UNIFORM CARE GUIDELINES

1. Do not wash the uniform garment. Professional dry clean only. 2. Do not hand clean in any manner. Professional dry clean only. 3. Do not tumble dry or heat in any manner, such as hand ironing, blow drying, or

over a hot stove, a wet uniform garment piece. Hang properly and allow to air dry at ambient conditions. Follow-up promptly after air drying with requisite dry cleaning and/or pressing.

4. Do not contact uniform garment (for the purpose of modifying conditions surrounding use of the garment) with:

o antistats, o water/oil proofers, o spot cleaning chemicals, o other topical chemicals such as: bleaches, spray deodorants, perfumes,

brighteners, facial makeup, etc. 5. Examine the uniform garment after each use for soiling, stains, etc. 6. Abnormally stained uniform garments should be cleaned as soon as possible after

the staining occurs by the approved professional dry cleaner. Do not attempt to hand clean.

7. Do not store uniform garment wet. Follow up as in B4. above. 8. Do not store stained uniform garment for long periods of time such as at the end

of the current band use season until the next band use season. Time tends to set stains.

9. Examine the uniform garment before dry cleaning and identify location and type of stain (if possible) to the dry cleaner on delivery of the garment for cleaning.

10. Examine uniform garments at the dry cleaners after cleaning to determine whether or not the identified stains have been removed or if staining has occurred on dry cleaning and/or pressing. Follow up undesirable variances immediately.

11. Do not hand press for touch up. Professional press only. !REVIEW OF GENERAL CARE AND TIPS FOR YOUR LHMS BAND UNIFORM

1. Always hang up uniforms after a performance. 2. Repair your uniforms and have any stains removed from them as soon as possible. 3. Protect your uniforms from Mother Nature by the use of garment bags, rainwear,

and proper storage. 4. Always hang up your uniforms in a dry place to allow moisture to escape

properly. 5. Dry-clean frequently to remove moisture, perspiration, and dirt. 6. Use a reputable, professional dry-cleaner.

!

TRAVELING WITH THE BAND

From%time%to%time,%the%LHMS%Band%may%travel%as%a%group%to%perform%outside%of%school.%%We%have%

traveled%to%Perryopolis%for%the%Pioneer%Days%Parade%as%well%as%the%Golden%Living%Center%to%perform%

for%the%residents%in%that%facility%in%the%past.%

When%traveling%with%the%band,%it%is%important%to%remember%that%all%school%rules%and%policies%are%in%

effect%and%that%we%all%should%be%on%our%very%best%behavior.%%We%are%representing%our%school,%our%

community%and%our%families%when%we%perform%for%the%public.%%In%reality,%our%performance%begins%

the%moment%we%arrive%at%the%performance%venue.%%People%are%always%watching%and%judging%us%

based%on%what%they%see!%

When%we%travel,%each%band%member%will%be%assigned%a%bus%according%to%the%section%they%are%in.%%

The%membership%will%be%divided%among%the%buses%as%equally%as%possible.%%Seats%will%not%be%

assigned%initially%unless%there%is%a%reason%to%do%so.%%An%adult%chaperone%will%be%on%the%bus%in%

addition%to%the%driver.%%This%person%is%in%charge!%

All%students%are%expected%to%sit%in%their%seat%properly%and%to%not%move%around%the%bus%once%we%are%

in%motion.%%Students%are%not%to%switch%seats%at%traffic%signals%or%stop%signs.%%Once%you%have%chosen%a%

seat,%stay%there%until%we%arrive%at%our%destination.%%If%the%chaperone%feels%the%need%to%reassign%your%

seat,%they%may%do%so%at%his/her%own%discretion.%

Once%we%arrive%at%our%destination,%all%members%remain%on%the%bus%until%called%off%by%Mr.%Miller%or%

one%of%the%chaperones.%%Once%you%are%off%the%bus,%get%your%instrument%and%music%ready%and%find%

your%spot%in%the%parade%block%or%your%seat%in%the%performance%area.%%If%you%are%a%member%of%the%

color%guard%or%majorette%squad,%get%your%equipment%ready%and%find%your%spot.%

Always%be%ready%to%listen%for%directions!%%We%will%always%try%to%be%as%prepared%as%possible%but%

sometimes%it%is%necessary%to%make%adjustments%at%the%last%minute.%%%

Just%like%any%performance,%warmOup%in%a%professional%manner.%%Do%not%play%songs%or%tunes%that%do%

not%fit%the%venue!%%For%example,%don’t%play%pep%tunes%when%we%are%getting%ready%to%play%a%concert!%%

WarmOup%using%long%tones%and%scale%exercises%we%have%learned%in%class.%%It%is%also%okay%to%play%

short%excerpts%of%the%pieces%we%will%be%performing%in%the%concert%as%a%last%minute%check.%%Try%not%to%

play%full%volume%when%warming%up.%%We%want%to%save%our%energy%for%the%actual%performance!%

When%it%is%time%to%return%to%LHMS,%return%to%your%seat%on%the%bus%and%follow%the%same%rules%and%

procedures%as%when%we%were%traveling%to%the%event.%%Once%we%return%to%the%school,%stay%on%the%bus%

until%dismissed%by%Mr.%Miller%or%a%chaperone.%%Once%dismissed,%make%sure%you%leave%the%bus%clean!%%Take%all%of%your%personal%belongings%with%you.%%If%we%can%get%into%the%school,%make%sure%all%

instruments,%equipment%and%music%are%put%away%properly!%%Once%this%is%accomplished,%you%will%be%

dismissed%to%go%home.%

If%you%need%to%be%dismissed%from%the%event%directly,%please%bring%a%note%from%your%parent/guardian%

stating%this%no%later%than%the%day%before%the%trip!%%There%are%too%many%things%going%on%while%we%are%

getting%ready%to%leave%to%keep%track%of%last%minute%notes!%%This%applies%to%people%who%are%meeting%

us%at%our%performance%venue%as%well!%%If%you%are%not%returning%with%the%band,%make%sure%your%

instrument,%equipment%and/or%music%is%taken%care%of.%%The%safest%thing%to%do%is%to%take%your%stuff%

with%you%and%bring%it%back%to%school%the%next%day.%

PMEA FESTIVALS

The$Pennsylvania$Music$Educators$Association$(PMEA)$is$a$statewide$nonprofit$organization$of$over$5,000$members,$dedicated$to$promoting$the$musical$development$of$all$Pennsylvanians.$The$present$membership$evolved$from$a$small$group$of$band$directors$dating$from$1933.$Today,$the$organization$includes$those$engaged$in$music$instruction$at$all$levels,$from$preschool$through$college$and$university,$as$well$as$those$in$the$music$industry,$merchandising$and$publishing.$The$organization$promotes$and$supports$quality$music$education,$learning$and$performance$as$well$as$promoting$and$supporting$music$education$in$schools$and$communities.$PMEA$is$affiliated$with$MENC:$The$National$Association$for$Music$Education.!

PMEA$hosts$a$number$of$festivals$for$students$to$participate$in$throughout$the$year.$$Generally,$students$are$accepted$into$these$festivals$either$through$an$audition$or$application$process.$$Festivals$are$hosted$for$each$PMEA$district$in$the$state.!

Laurel$Highlands$School$District$resides$in$PMEA$District$1$East$along$with$all$schools$in$Fayette$and$Westmoreland$Counties$and$the$eastern$half$of$Allegheny$County.$$PMEA$District$1$West$encompasses$Greene$and$Washington$Counties$and$the$western$half$of$Allegheny$County.$$!

Students$in$the$LHMS$Band$are$eligible$to$apply$for$one$of$two$middle$school$level$band$PMEA$Festivals$held$throughout$the$year.$$7th$and$8th$Grade$students$can$apply$for$the$PMEA$District$1$East$Jr.$High$Band$Festival.$$The$deadline$for$applications$is$usually$October$25$so$they$can$be$forwarded$to$the$festival$host$by$November$1.$$6th$Grade$students$are$eligible$to$apply$for$the$PMEA$Greene/Fayette$County$Elementary$Band$Fest.$$The$festival$host$sets$the$deadline$for$this$application$each$year.$$!

Once$students$are$selected$for$a$festival,$they$will$receive$a$folder$of$music$to$prepare$for$the$festival.$$Mr.$Miller$will$schedule$some$time$with$each$student$either$individually$or$in$groups$to$help$them$prepare$their$assigned$parts.$$The$students$will$participate$in$the$festival$that$is$hosted$by$a$school$in$our$PMEA$district.$$They$will$join$with$students$from$many$other$schools$to$rehearse$and$perform$a$concert$under$the$direction$of$the$host$director$and$a$guest$conductor.$$The$guest$conductor$is$usually$a$college$level$conductor$or$band$director$of$some$notoriety.!

Other$information$regarding$these$festivals$will$be$sent$home$with$the$student$application.$

PARENTAL SUPPORT

The$most$important$thing$a$parent$can$do$for$the$LHMS$band$is$to$show$their$child$that$they$

support$and$value$their$membership$in$the$band.$$This$can$be$accomplished$in$many$ways…$

• Encourage$your$child$to$practice$at$home$regularly!$$Help$your$child$find$a$quiet$place$to$

practice$on$his/her$own$and$help$them$organize$a$practice$routine.$$$Give$a$listen$every$

now$and$then$to$encourage$their$efforts$and$note$their$progress.$

$

• Make$sure$their$instrument$is$in$proper$working$order.$$Middle$school$students$are$still$

learning$about$the$instruments$they$play$and$may$not$always$know$if$their$instruments$are$

working$properly.$$Before$school$starts,$have$a$qualified$instrument$repair$shop$have$a$look$

at$it$to$make$sure$its$in$good$shape.$$Don’t$wait$until$the$week$of$our$first$concert$to$have$it$

looked$at!$

$

• Help$your$child$make$a$schedule$or$calendar$to$be$at$all$performances.$$While$certain$

conflicts$cannot$be$avoided,$help$your$child$make$adjustments$to$his/her$schedule$when$

possible$so$they$can$enjoy$the$full$band$experience!$

$

• Attend$our$performances!!$$It$means$the$world$to$these$kids$to$perform$for$a$full$house.$$All$

of$our$evening$concerts$and$parades$are$open$to$the$public$so$invite$relatives,$friends$and$

neighbors$to$come$to$a$performance$featuring$your$child!$$

$$

• When$considering$the$purchase$of$a$new$instrument,$please$consult$with$Mr.$Miller$before$

making$a$purchase.$$There$are$many$“deals”$out$there$on$the$internet.$$Most$of$these$deals$

benefit$the$dealer$and$not$the$consumer.$$While$I$would$never$tell$a$parent$how$much$to$

spend$on$an$instrument,$I$will$encourage$you$to$purchase$an$instrument$of$high$quality.$$

Generally$speaking,$it$is$better$to$go$to$one$of$the$music$retailers$listed$on$page$??$of$this$

handbook$to$buy$an$instrument.$$Buying$instruments$on$internet$auction$sites$often$ends$in$

disappointment.$$These$instruments$are$usually$constructed$of$low$quality$materials$and$

poor$craftsmanship.$$If$you$have$any$questions,$please$do$not$hesitate$to$contact$Mr.$Miller!$

$

There$are$other$things$parents$can$do$to$support$the$band$as$well.$$These$include…$

• Help$with$uniform$fittings$is$always$welcome!$$The$computer$actually$does$the$sizing$for$

each$uniform,$but$help$passing$the$uniforms$out$is$always$nice!$

$

• Help$organize$our$annual$TQshirt$sale.$$Each$an$LHMS$Band$TQshirt$is$designed$and$sold$to$

students$and$parents.$$A$little$help$with$this$activity$goes$a$long$way!$

$

• While$we$haven’t$done$one$since$Mr.$Miller$ahs$been$here,$any$fundraising$ideas$would$be$

great!$$At$this$point,$the$band$could$use$any$additional$financial$support$we$can$get.$

$

• We$always$welcome$the$help$of$parents$with$our$equipment.$$If$you$want$to$lend$a$hand$

before$or$after$a$parade$getting$things$organized,$it$would$be$greatly$appreciated!$

$

• It$would$be$nice$to$decorate$the$stage$for$our$concerts.$$If$anybody$has$any$ideas,$I$would$

love$to$hear$them!$$It$would$be$nice$to$have$some$light$refreshments$at$concerts$as$well!$

Online ResourcesThereareanumberofonlineresourcesthatareusedtodistributeinformation,announcements,assignmentsandassessmentsfortheLHMSBand.Itishighlyrecommendedthatparentsandstudentssign-upfortextremindersthroughoneoftheoptionsbelow.

SchoolInfoApp*-Downloadtheapponyoursmartphoneortabletthen selectstateandLaurelHighlandsMiddleSchool.Turnon notiBicationsfortheappropriatebandclass.

Remind*- Downloadtheappandjointheclassusingthefollowingclasscodes. 8thGradeBand@lhmsba 7thGradeBand@lhmsb 6thGradeBand@lhband6

Youcanalsosimplytexttheclasscodetothenumber81010tosignup withoutusingtheapp.

LHMSBandFacebookPage-facebook.com/lhmsbands

LHMSBandonInstagram-FollowlhmsbandsonInstagram

LHMSBandWebsite-lhmsbands.weebly.comGoogleClassroom**-Onlineclassroomenvironment.Studentsshouldgetinthehabitof checkingindailyforannouncements,assignments,written assessmentsandplayingassessments.Moredetailedinstructionswill bedistributedinclass.Studentswhodonothaveinternetaccess outsideofschoolwillbeabletocompleteassignmentsand/or assessmentsinschool.

* Studentsandparentsarehighlyencouragedtouseatleastoneoftheseplatformstoreceivetimelyannouncementsfromtheband.

**StudentswillbeassignedanaccountforGoogleClassroominschooleveniftheydon’t haveinternetaccessathome.

LETTEROFMUTUALCONSENT

STUDENT SECTION: READ, SIGN, & RETURN I, the undersigned student, accept membership in the Laurel Highlands 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 Name (please print) _____________________________________________________ __________________ Student Signature Date PARENT SECTION: READ, SIGN, & HAVE YOUR STUDENT RETURN I, the undersigned parent or guardian, have read and understand the policies as set forth in the Band Handbook. I also grant permission for my child to be an active member of the Laurel Highlands Middle School Band. _____________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Name (please print) _____________________________________________________ __________________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date

RETURNNOLATERTHANSEPTEMBER9,2016