Handbook

Principal Eric C. Whipple

Music Department

Symphonic Band and Jazz Band Handbook

2015­2016

Ms. Katie Orrell

Director of Bands

[email protected]

(607) 652­7843, ext. 143

https://sites.google.com/a/hartwick.edu/jefferson­central­middle­school­band/

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 school’s wonderful music community!

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

Jefferson’s Middle School Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble. I would like to thank

you for recognizing the importance of music education in your child’s 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 child’s life, as it develops the mind, touches

the soul, and allows for self­discovery 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 around the 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! Here’s to a fantastic school

year!

Sincerely,

Katie Orrell

Band Director, Jefferson Central School

Purpose of the Course:

The purpose of the Jefferson Central School 6th­8th 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 fundamentals of 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 instruments before 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 before you 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 before class). 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.

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, and everyone is welcome!

Grading policy

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

1. Individual Performances 40% a) 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 student’s ability, their effort and practice time, and their internalization of musical concepts taught in class.

b) 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.

2. Performances 35% a) 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.

3. Daily Points 10% a) Students will earn points for being on time to rehearsal, bringing

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

4. Written Assignments 5%

a) 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 terms to give a review of music they listen to in their free time. These will be collected every 2 weeks for assessment.

5. Exams 10% a) End of Semester Exams

Students will be given a written exam covering musical concepts introduced 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 student’s learning and the ensemble as a whole. An ensemble is like a sports team; if one player doesn’t show up or give it their all, the whole team will suffer the repercussions.

Excused Absences

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. If a student has an unexcused absence they will not have the opportunity to make it up for credit, and their grade will be adjusted accordingly (lowered by a letter grade per unexcused absence).

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 your son 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 mid­September. 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 pull­through swab (not felt) ­ Mouthpiece brush ­ Polishing cloth ­ Cork grease ­ A 4 reed capacity “Reed Guard”

Alto/Tenor Saxophone

­ A cotton or silk pull­through swab (not felt) ­ Mouthpiece brush ­ Polishing cloth ­ Cork grease ­ A 4 reed capacity “Reed Guard”

Trumpet

­ Mouthpiece brush ­ Snake brush ­ Slide grease ­ Brass polishing cloth ­ Valve oil

French horn

­ Mouthpiece brush ­ Snake brush ­ Slide grease ­ Brass polishing cloth ­ Holton Rotary oil

Trombone

­ Slide cream or oil ­ Water spray bottle ­ Mouthpiece brush ­ Snake brush ­ Slide grease ­ Brass polishing cloth

Euphonium/Baritone

­ Valve oil ­ Mouthpiece brush ­ Snake brush ­ Slide grease ­ Brass polishing cloth

Percussion

­ Snare drum sticks ­ Practice pad

Where to Purchase Instruments/Supplies

The Eighth Note

10 South Main Street

Oneonta, NY 13820

Phone: 607­432­0344

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 open­holed flute with plug fillers is recommended.)

Clarinet

Recommended Models: Buffett E­11, Yamaha YCL 34 (An all wood clarinet is recommended.)

Mouthpiece: Vandoren B45 13 series Reeds: Vandoren/Rico, Strength 2.5­3 Reed Holder: Vito Bay Mouthpiece Patches, Clear 4­Pack

Bass Clarinet

Recommended Models:

Mouthpiece: Selmer C* Reeds: Vandoren/Rico, Strength 2.5­3 Reed Holder: Vito Bay large Mouthpiece Patches

Alto Saxophone

Recommended Models: Yamaha YAS 23, Selmer AS 300 Mouthpiece: Meyer M5, Selmer C*

Reeds: Vandoren/Rico, Strength 2.5­3 Reed Holder: Vito Bay Mouthpiece Patches, Clear 4­Pack

Tenor Saxophone

Recommended Models: Yamaha YTS 62, Vito Mouthpiece: Selmer C* Reeds: Vandoren/Rico, Strength 2.5­3

Reed Holder: Vito Bay Mouthpiece Patches, Clear 4­Pack

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: Holton­Farkas medium cup, Bach 7C

Holton Rotary Oil and Spindle Oil

Trombone

Recommended Models: Holton TR602, Yamaha YSL354, Conn USA Jupiter (A Non­F attachment model is recommended).

Mouthpiece: Bach 6 ½ AL, Schilke 51D small shank

SuperSlick Trombone Slide Cream/oil

Euphonium/Baritone*

Recommended Models: Yamaha, Conn, King

Mouthpiece: Bach 6 ½ 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 8th grade, students will use school rented tuba).

Percussion

Snare Drum Sticks: Vic Firth SD1, General (Sticks must be labeled with the student’s 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 everyone’s 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!

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, please contact 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 student’s 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.

Extra­Curricular Opportunities

Jazz Ensemble

The Jefferson Central Jazz Ensemble will meet every day after school, 3­4pm in the band room. This ensemble is open to all 7th and 8th grade 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.

Jefferson Central 6th­8th Grade 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

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!

Student/Parent or Guardian Information Sheet Student’s Name:___________________________M/F:_____Birth Date:___________

Student’s Email:_____________________Student’s Phone

#:____________________

List Any Additional Extracurricular Activities:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name of Parent/Guardian:____________________________________

Relationship:______________

Parent’s Email:__________________________Home #:________________________

Phone # (Best Way to ReachYou):_______________________________

Work or Cell (circle one)

Second Phone#:_____________________________________

Work or Cell (circle one)

Please list the best times to call you:

__________________________________________________

Second Contact:_______________________________________

Relationship:_________________ Email:________________________________

Phone #:__________________________

Third Contact:_________________________________________

Relationship:__________________ Email:______________________________

Phone#:_________________________

Handbook Agreement I have received a copy of the Jefferson Central School 6th­8th Grade Band Handbook. I have read and reviewed all of the band policies with my child. I understand the expectations that are to be upheld byJefferson band students and will encourage my child to abide by the rules set in place, and to fulfill their obligations to the band.

Signature of Parent/Guardian ____________________________ Date: ____________

I have received a copy of the Jefferson Central School 6th­8th GradeHandbook. I have read and reviewed all of the band policies and I understand that it is a privilege to be a part of this program. I know that by signing this form I have agreed to uphold these policies and have accepted the responsibility to attend all performances and activities in which the band participates. I recognize that each member of the band contributes greatly to the success of the program. Signature of Student ________________________________ Date: ______________