Anderson Crossing

7/23/2019 Anderson Crossing

1/16

Principal Eric C. Whipple

Music Department

Symphonic Band and Jazz Band Handbook

2015-2016

Ms. Katie Orrell

Director of Bands

[email protected]

(607) 652-7843, ext. 143

https://sites.google.com/a/hartwick.edu/jefferson-central-middle-school-band/
mailto:[email protected]


2/16

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to the Jefferson Central School 6th 8th Grade Band program. I am very

excited to have you as a part of our schools wonderful music community!

For those of you who do not know me yet, I am Ms. Orrell, Director of both Jeffersons

Middle School Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble. I would like to thank you for recognizing

the importance of music education in your childs life and for encouraging them to take the next

step in their musical lives. I firmly believe that music education is an essential component of

every childs life, as it develops the mind, touches the soul, and allows for self-discovery and

expression. In my classroom, your son or daughter will be encouraged to reach their full

potential through the exploration of their own creativity, gaining appreciation for cultures aroundthe world and fostering life skills such as hard work and perseverance. It is my goal to help each

child find success through music.

Please take some time to read through the Band Handbook with your child. This will

prepare you both for the school year ahead and answer any questions you may have about the

program. Should you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email or

telephone! Parental involvement is highly encouraged and valued!

It is my expectation that students show up to class ready to learn and grow, and that they

demonstrate the utmost respect for their director, their fellow musicians, their instruments, and

their own education. Please help make my classroom a positive learning environment for

everyone.

I look forward to working and growing with you! Heres to a fantastic school year!

Sincerely,

Katie Orrell

Band Director, Jefferson Central School


3/16

Purpose of the Course:

The purpose of the Jefferson Central School 6th-8th grade band program is to provide

students with a strong foundation of musical knowledge, focusing on the skills necessary

for performing in an instrumental ensemble. Students will learn the basic fundamentalsof playing a musical instrument, and develop the skills necessary to be a contributing

member of a community. This course will prepare students for the progression into the

high school band program.

Classroom Rules:

! Be on time! That is, be in the band room setting up your instrumentsbefore

the bell rings.

! Bring a good attitude to class with you; be ready to work.

! You must have your instrument, sheet music, and a pencil in order to be

considered present for class. (If you need a pencil, grab one from the jar on

my desk beforeyou sit down. Please return it at the end of the period.)

! Musicians are supportive of one another; if a student plays a solo in class,

everyone will clap after they are done.

! Assignments are due when you walk into class; late work will not be

accepted.

! Practice logs are due in the bin on my desk every Friday afternoon before

you get on the bus. I expect that you log at least 20 minutes, 6 out of 7 days

a week and have your parent/guardian sign upon completion.

! All school rules apply in my classroom.

! It is essential that all musicians know how to listen; when I am speaking or

any of your classmates have the floor, there will be no talking to your

neighbor or playing your instrument. Raise your hand if you have

something to say.

! No eating or drinking in the band room; you may have a water bottle

though, as it is important to stay hydrated! (NO gum, spit it out beforeclass). Referrals will be given to students who do not comply.

! Always treat instruments with respect! Take them home and clean/lubricate

them often, and always store them in your cubby appropriately. DO NOT

leave cases out on the floor during rehearsal or after.


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! Concert attendance is MANDATORY. Your fellow ensemble members and

I are counting on you only you can play your part. (See the Attendance

policy for exceptions to this rule and repercussions for unexcused absences).

! Last but not least: HAVE FUN! Band is going to be one of the best

experiences of your school career. In room 234, we are a family, andeveryone is welcome!

Grading policy

A (90-100) B(80-89) C(70-79) D(60-69) F(0-59)

i. Individual Performances 40%

i. Individual Playing Tests 20%Students will be given 3 playing tests throughout each semester; one at

the beginning of the semester, one in the middle to assess progress, and

one at the end to assess mastery of music. These tests will measure the

students ability, their effort and practice time, and their internalization

of musical concepts taught in class.

ii. Concert Etiquette 20%

Students are expected to be prepared for all rehearsals and

performances. They must exhibit appropriate behavior on stage and off,

demonstrating respect at all times.

ii. Performances 35%

i. All Public Performances

Students are required to be at every performance with the band,

including all concerts, clinics, and contests. There is a calendar of

events in this hand book which details these important engagements.

Students should come prepared with their music and instrument in

playing condition, dressed in concert attire, and with a positive attitude.

iii.Daily Points 10%i. Students will earn points for being on time to rehearsal, bringing

everything necessary for rehearsal (instrument, music, pencil, etc.), andbehaving appropriately in the classroom.

iv. Written Assignments 5%

i. Students will be expected to keep a listening journal, which will be

explained in great detail at the beginning of the semester. They will

write 5 paragraphs, 1 for each day of the school week, using musical


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terms to give a review of music they listen to in their free time. These

will be collected every 2 weeks for assessment.

v. Exams 10%

i. End of Semester Exams

Students will be given a written exam covering musical conceptsintroduced during the entire semester. Review will be extensive, and a

study guide will be handed out, so that students are well prepared.

Attendance Policy

Good attendance is essential as it affects the students learning and the ensemble as a

whole. An ensemble is like a sports team; if one player doesnt show up or give it their

all, the whole team will suffer the repercussions.

Excused Absences

i. Students will need my approval in order for an absence to be considered excused.

Acceptable reasons include: illness, family emergency, conflict with another

activity (pending approval). It is essential that the student or parent contact me

immediately via email or telephone to inform me of a foreseen absence so that I

can adjust the concert accordingly.

ii. A makeup assignment may be required in order to make up for an excused absence.

Students will have to perform the concert music for me privately for a grade at a

time to be determined at my discretion. Failure to do so will result in their grade

being lowered by a letter grade.

iii. If a student has an unexcused absence they will nothave the opportunity to make it

up for credit, and their grade will be adjusted accordingly (lowered by a letter

grade per unexcused absence).


6/16

Concert Attire

It is very important for an ensemble to look professional when

they are performing, and this year Jefferson Central has designed new

band shirts for the program. An order form will be sent home with yourson or daughter to fill out sizing information; the cost of shirts will be

$6.41 per shirt. Checks can be written out to Jefferson Central Music

Program. I will be ordering the shirts in bulk in mid-September. A

picture of the shirt is to the right. Students will be required to wear

black dress pants, and black socks for performances. (Boys, that means

black socks, too!)

Required Equipment/Supplies

Flute

! A tuning/cleaning rod

! A bandanna and a cloth baby diaper for cleaning

Clarinet

! A cotton or silk pull-through swab (not felt)

! Mouthpiece brush

! Polishing cloth

! Cork grease

! A 4 reed capacity Reed Guard

Alto/Tenor Saxophone

! A cotton or silk pull-through swab (not felt)

! Mouthpiece brush

!

Polishing cloth

! Cork grease

! A 4 reed capacity Reed Guard

Trumpet

! Mouthpiece brush


7/16

! Snake brush

! Slide grease

! Brass polishing cloth

! Valve oil

French horn

! Mouthpiece brush

! Snake brush

! Slide grease


! Holton Rotary oil

Trombone

! Slide cream or oil

! Water spray bottle

! Mouthpiece brush

! Snake brush

! Slide grease


Euphonium/Baritone

! Valve oil

! Mouthpiece brush

! Snake brush

! Slide grease


Percussion

! Snare drum sticks

! Practice pad


8/16

Where to Purchase Instruments/Supplies

The Eighth Note

10 South Main Street

Oneonta, NY 13820

Phone: 607-432-0344

The Eighth Note music store, located in Oneonta, NY, has a wide variety of band and

orchestra instruments and supplies. They have an instrument rental program with fair

prices and are able to order instruments/supplies that are not currently in stock.

It is important that your child try the instrument out before purchasing or renting

it to make sure that it is a good fit for them. A list of recommended models below will

give you an idea of what to look for, and the employees of this store can help you in

choosing as well, they have been in business since 1971.

Recommended Instrument and Supply List

Woodwinds

Flute

Recommended Models: Pearl, Yamaha, Gemeinhardt (An open-holed flute with plug

fillers is recommended.)

Clarinet

Recommended Models:Buffett E-11, Yamaha YCL 34 (An all wood clarinet is

recommended.)

Mouthpiece:Vandoren B45 13 series


9/16

Reeds:Vandoren/Rico, Strength 2.5-3

Reed Holder:Vito

Bay Mouthpiece Patches, Clear 4-Pack

Bass Clarinet

Recommended Models:

Mouthpiece:Selmer C*


Reed Holder:Vito

Bay large Mouthpiece Patches

Alto Saxophone

Recommended Models: Yamaha YAS 23, Selmer AS 300

Mouthpiece:Meyer M5, Selmer C*


Reed Holder:Vito


Tenor Saxophone

Recommended Models: Yamaha YTS 62, Vito

Mouthpiece: Selmer C*


Reed Holder:Vito



10/16

Brass

Trumpet

Recommended Models: Getzen 490, King 601, Bach TR200, Yamaha TR2335

Mouthpiece:Bach 7C or 5C

Al Cass Valve Oil

French Horn

Recommended Models: Conn 14D single F horn, Yamaha

Mouthpiece:Holton-Farkas medium cup, Bach 7C

Holton Rotary Oil and Spindle Oil

Trombone

Recommended Models: Holton TR602, Yamaha YSL354, Conn USA Jupiter (A Non-F

attachment model is recommended).

Mouthpiece:Bach 6 !AL, Schilke 51D small shank

SuperSlick Trombone Slide Cream/oil

Euphonium/Baritone*

Recommended Models: Yamaha, Conn, King

Mouthpiece:Bach 6 !AL, Schilke 51D small shank

Al Cass valve oil

*Students who wish to transfer to tuba will start on Euphonium. The transition will occur

in 8thgrade, students will use school rented tuba).


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Percussion

Snare Drum Sticks:Vic Firth SD1, General (Sticks must be labeled with the students

initials).

Practice Pad:Remo practice 6 Pad with a rubber playing surface

All other equipment is provided by Jefferson Central School for use in rehearsals and

concerts.

Practice Expectations

Jefferson band students are expected to practice AT LEAST 20 minutes, 6 days per

week and record their time in their weekly practice log. These logs are to be put in the

bin on my desk for a grade every Friday before getting on the bus. Practice logs that are

not signed by a parent or guardian will NOT be accepted. I appreciate all parental

support in making this process possible. Regular practice is essential to the success of the

band, so please do your part by playing your part often!

Private Lesson Guidelines

Private lessons at Jefferson Central School are required of all students and are

100% free of charge. Students will attend lessons with the rest of their instrumental

section during the school day. A schedule will be sent home with your child informing

them of their scheduled meeting time, which will alternate from week to week depending

upon everyones schedule. I work very hard to coordinate with Jefferson teachers so that

students do not miss important class time or events. Students are expected to attend

group lessons every week as part of the band grade and show up prepared. Private

lessons are a wonderful way for me to get to know your child and further assist in their

musical growth!


12/16

Fees

Jefferson Central Band program requests a fee of $25 for participation. This fee

will cover the costs of music, equipment, clinicians, and supplies that are needed in order

to ensure the success of the instrumental music program. If the fee is not feasible, pleasecontact me as soon as possible and we can work something out! Jefferson Central band

students do a lot of fundraising, and your student will be given the opportunity to raise

the amount of the fee. If the fee is not paid before the end of the semester, your child will

not be allowed to participate in band activities outside of the classroom.

Instrumental Repair/Supplies

Students will have the opportunity to purchase supplies from the school in the

event that they run out of reeds or valve oil. Replacement reeds will be $2.40 apiece. It

is the students responsibility to alert me of instrument damage as soon as possible; if I

cannot fix it, the instrument will be sent over to The Eight Note for repair. Repair costs

are those of the business.

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

Jazz Ensemble

The Jefferson Central Jazz Ensemble will meet every day after school, 3-4pm in

the band room. This ensemble is open to all 7thand 8thgrade students who are interested

in playing and learning more about Jazz music. Jazz Ensemble is an extracurricular

opportunity; however members are expected to uphold the standards of the Jefferson

Band program at all times. Membership requires a commitment to attend all rehearsals

and performances. More information will be sent home with students about this

ensemble.


13/16

Jefferson Central 6th-8thGrade Band Activities

September

5th Back to School Band picnic 1:00 pm on Jefferson Upper Field

October

2nd Fundraiser is distributed

November

3rd Clinician workshop

30th Fundraiser forms are due

December

10th School Holiday Concert (during school assembly)

11th Instrumental Winter Concert at 7:00pm

March

9th Clinician workshop

April

15th Field trip to Glimmerglass Opera

May

24th School Spring Concert (during school assembly)

25th Instrumental Spring Concert at 7:00pm

June

10th End of the School Year Band picnic at 1:00pm on Jefferson Upper Field


14/16

Parent/Guardian Volunteer Form:

I, _____________, would like to volunteer to help the Jefferson Central Band

Program with (put an X before all that apply):

____ Fundraising

____ Chaperoning

____ Carpooling

____ Organizing events

Name: _______________ Phone #: ____________________

Email address: _____________________________________

Thank you for your support! The success of the Jefferson Central Band Program is

dependent upon the support of the community and parents, and I appreciate you!


15/16

Student/ParentorGuardian Information Sheet

StudentsName:___________________________M/F:_____Birth Date:___________

StudentsEmail:_____________________StudentsPhone#:____________________

ListAnyAdditionalExtracurricular Activities:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

NameofParent/Guardian:____________________________________

Relationship:______________ParentsEmail:__________________________

Home #:________________________

Phone # (best way to reach you):_______________________________

Work orCell (circle one)

SecondPhone#:_____________________________________

Workor Cell(circle one)

Please

list

the

best times

to

call

you:

__________________________________________________

SecondContact:_______________________________________

Relationship:_________________ Email:________________________________

Phone#:__________________________

Third

Contact:_________________________________________

Relationship:__________________ Email:______________________________

Phone#:_________________________


16/16

Handbook Agreement

Ihave receiveda copyof the Jefferson Central School 6th-8thGrade Band Handbook. I

have read and reviewed allofthe band policies with my child. Iunderstandthe

expectations

that are to be upheld by Jefferson band students and will encourage my

child

to abidebythe rules setin place, andto fulfill their obligations to the band.

Signature of Parent/Guardian ____________________________ Date: ____________

I have receivedacopyof the Jefferson Central School 6th-8thGradeHandbook. Ihave

readandreviewed all of the band policies and I understand that itis a privilegeto be a

partofthis program.I know that by signing thisform I have agreed to uphold these

policies and have

accepted the

responsibility to attend all performances and activities in

which the bandparticipates. I recognize that each memberof the band contributes

greatly to the success of the program.

Signature of Student ________________________________ Date: ______________

Anderson Crossing

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