2009-2010 Bridgewater Middle School Band

Handbook

Michael Antmann, Director Hannah Jennings, Director

Debra Lucas, Principal

5600 Tiny Road Winter Garden, Florida 34787

(407) 905-3710 x2228 www.bridgewaterband.com

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Bridgewater Middle School Band Michael Antmann, Director

5600 Tiny Road Winter Garden, Florida 34787

(407) 905-3710 x2228 www.bridgewaterband.com

August 20, 2009 Dear Bridgewater Band Parents and Students, Welcome back! I hope that you had a fun and relaxing summer. I am very excited about the upcoming school year. Last year, the students in our band program represented the school very well, and I am sure this year will be the same. Our program has grown to over 450 students! I am very excited to introduce our new Associate Band Director, Mrs. Hannah Jennings. Before coming to Bridgewater, Mrs. Jennings was the band director at Legacy Middle School in Orlando. If you are a member of our beginning band, welcome! Please read the handbook carefully, and feel free to let me know if you have any questions. We will be having our Beginning Band Orientation on Thursday, September 3rd, at 6:30pm. Students do not need any instruments at this time. We will spend the first couple of weeks learning about and trying the different instruments. You will learn what to do as far as getting an instrument at the orientation. All band families should check our website regularly, as that is our primary source of communication. Please check the calendar as soon as possible – all of our dates for the school year are listed there. The calendar is provided far in advance to prevent any potential conflicts. Please note the date of our first concert – November 7th, which is also our third annual Pancake Breakfast and Fall Concert. I am looking forward to another great year! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Mr. Antmann

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABOUT THE BRIDGEWATER BAND 1

COURSE OFFERINGS/ENSEMBLES 2

MATERIALS 3

CLASS/REHEARSAL RULES AND GUIDELINES 4

GRADING POLICY 5

CONCERTS/PERFORMANCES/EVENTS 6

TRIPS 7

WEBSITE/COMMUNICATION 7

UNIFORMS 8

INSTRUMENT STORAGE/LOCKERS 9

USE OF SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS 9

FRIENDS OF MUSIC/FUNDRAISING 10

BRIDGEWATER BAND PARENTS ORGANIZATION 10

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES 11

PRIVATE LESSONS 11

SIGNATURE FORM 12

FRIENDS OF MUSIC FORM 13

MOUTHPIECE RECOMMENDATIONS 14

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About the Bridgewater Band The Bridgewater Middle School Band is a comprehensive music program consisting of over four hundred and fifty students in grade six through eight. Performing ensembles include the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and four Beginning Bands. Since the opening of Bridgewater, the Wind Ensemble Symphonic Band, and Concert Band have earned “Superior” ratings at the Florida Bandmasters Association Concert Band Music Performance Assessment. Bridgewater Middle School is home to one of the most comprehensive middle school music programs in the state of Florida, serving an enrollment of over eight hundred students by offering thirteen different music courses. The Florida Music Educators Award awarded the “Secondary School Music Enrollment Award” Bridgewater in January 2008 for having a very high percentage (50%) of students enrolled in music courses. Bridgewater Band Statement of Purpose The purpose of the Bridgewater Middle School Band is to provide students with musical opportunities and experiences that will enhance their life and education. Students will leave the band program as competent musicians who will be able to use their skills outside of the BWMS band room. Hard work, respect, and discipline provide a solid foundation for musical growth and achievement.

The U.S. Department of Education recommends the arts to college-bound middle and junior high school students asserting, “Many colleges view participation in the arts and music as valuable experience that broadens students’ understanding and appreciation of the world around them.” In addition, it plays a part in developing “children’s intellectual development.” The U.S. DOE also suggests one year of Visual and Performing Arts for college-bound high school students. (Source: Getting Ready for College Early: A Handbook for Parents of Students in the Middle and Junior High School Years, U.S. Department of Education, 1997) Students taking courses in music performance and music appreciation scored higher in the SAT than students with no arts participation. Music performance students scored 53 points higher on the verbal and 39 points higher on the math. Music appreciation students scored 61 points higher on the verbal and 42 points higher on the math. (Source: 1999 College-Bound Seniors National Report: Profile of SAT Program Test Takers, The College Entrance Examination Board, Princeton, New Jersey)

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Course Offerings/Ensembles Wind Ensemble The Wind Ensemble is the most advanced band class offered at Bridgewater. The band is comprised of 7th and 8th grader students. Students participate in the Solo and Ensemble Music Performance Assessment (MPA) as well as the Concert Band MPA. This class focuses on advanced ensemble skills as well as advanced individual performance skills. The Wind Symphony performs actively throughout the year, and some after-school rehearsals are required. Membership is by determined by musicianship status and audition. Symphonic Winds The Symphonic Winds is comprised of 7th and 8th grader students. Students participate in the Solo and Ensemble Music Performance Assessment (MPA) as well as the Concert Band MPA. This class focuses on advanced ensemble skills as well as advanced individual performance skills. The Wind Symphony performs actively throughout the year, and some after-school rehearsals are required. Membership is by determined by musicianship status and audition. Symphonic Band The Symphonic Band is comprised of 7th and 8th grade students. Students participate in the Concert Band MPA and have the opportunity to participate in Solo and Ensemble MPA. Students in this class will work to refine individual technical skills, and to develop individual and ensemble musical concepts. Some after-school rehearsals are required. Membership is by determined by musicianship status and audition. Concert Band The Concert Band is comprised of mostly 7th grade students, and is intended to continue to build on the fundamentals learned in Beginning Band. Students will work on increasing their individual technique and musicianship. Students participate in the Concert Band MPA and have the opportunity to participate in the Solo and Ensemble MPA. Some after-school rehearsals are required. Membership is by determined by musicianship status and audition. Beginning Band This class is intended for students with little or no musical experience. Students in this class focus on mastering the fundamentals of playing an instrument, as well as basic technique and ensemble skills. The Beginning Band will perform at least three concerts during the year. Jazz Band The Bridgewater Jazz Band meets as a class during the school day. Students learn the fundamentals of performance and improvisation in the jazz idiom. Membership is determined by audition.

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Materials All students need the following materials for band class each day: - Hard, black, three-ring binder (don’t write on the covers) - Sheet protectors for music - Pencil - Instrument and Supplies - Accent on Achievement - Book 1, for beginning band students - 101 Rhythmic Rest Patterns for all non-beginning band students - All music and handouts used in class Woodwind Students All woodwind players (except flute) should have at least three or four extra reeds in their cases at all times. This will prevent a student from running out of reeds during class. A student without working reeds cannot play their instrument, and will not be able to fully participate in class. Brass Students All brass players should have valve oil in their cases at all times (rotor oil for French horns). Keeping valves oiled and clean will prevent many common problems. This will also save money on repairs and maintenance. Percussion Students All beginning band percussionists need to rent a bell kit from a local music store – this is the instrument used to start students on the percussion instruments. All non-beginning students (Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Concert Band) should have a stick bag with sticks (SD1), hard-rubber xylophone mallets, and yarn mallets. The stick bag should be labeled with the student’s name. Wind Symphony students will also need Timpani mallets. Non-beginning students do not need to rent a bell kit after they complete beginning band; they are responsible for having these sticks and mallets in class every day. 7/8th graders: There are mouthpieces that I recommend for 7th and 8th grade band students at Bridgewater. The mouthpieces that come with the instruments are usually low quality, and are intended to make it easier for a beginning student to make a sound on their instrument. These mouthpieces make it difficult for a more advanced student to get a quality sound. A list of recommended mouthpiece upgrades is available online or from Mr. Antmann.

It is important to have all materials in class every day. Take care of your instrument and always make sure it is in good, working condition. This will help you learn as much as possible during

band class.

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Class/Rehearsal Rules and Guidelines When students enter the band room for class, they will have one minute to take out their instruments and have a seat. One minute after the bell rings, class will start. Any student not prepared to play at this point will be marked tardy. Beginning band students will get two minutes in the first half of the year. In order to accomplish as much as possible each day, class time will be very structured. To keep it this way, students must follow a simple, but strict discipline policy: In addition to all school rules, there are three guidelines to behavior in band class: 1. If you would like to talk, raise your hand and get permission first. 2. Stay in your seat, unless you have permission to get up. 3. Only play your instrument when we play together. Consequences for not following rules or guidelines: 1. Verbal or Visual Warning 1. Student Apology Letter and Parent Contact 3. Action Plan 4. Lunch Detention 5. Referral Students will not receive a warning for the following: 1. Eating, drinking, or chewing gum in the band room. 2. Disrespect 3. Throwing/Leaving garbage on the floor. 4. Leaving instruments out in the band room. 5. Not bringing materials to class (instrument, pencil, folder, etc…) Students are expected to take care of the band room, and the equipment in it. If you drop something, pick it up. If you use something, put it away. All practice rooms, ensemble rooms, and the locker room should remain clean. Abuse of these rooms will result in students not being allowed to use them. At the end of class each day, students will receive time to put their instruments away, clean up, and return to their seats. Once this is done and the bell has rung, students will be released. Just remember: Mr. Antmann, not the bell, dismisses the class!!

Researchers in Leipzig discovered through the use of brain scans that musicians had larger planum temporale, the region of the brain associated with reading skills. Also, musicians had a thicker corpus callosum, the nerve fibers that connect the two halves of the brain. (Source: G. Schlaug, L. Jancke, Y. Huang, and H. Steinmetz (1994). “In vivo morphometry of interhemispheric asymmetry and connectivity in musicians.” In I. Deliege (Ed.), Proceedings of the 3rd international conference for music perception and cognition (pp. 417-418), Liege, Belgium. )

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Grading Policy A student’s final grade will consist of the following categories: Preparation/Participation – 9% Students will earn 3 points per day for their participation in and preparation for band class. If a student comes to class without materials, they will receive 0 points. Students will lose one point for each broken rule or guideline Written Assignments – 10% Written assignments include returning parent signatures, worksheets, notebook checks, and any other assignment not included in the other categories. Project/Extra Evidence – 11% Each semester students will have one project assigned. Each project is related to the Sunshine State Standards for music. Students will receive information for this portion of their grade at the beginning of each quarter. Concerts – 20% All concerts and performances are required. Please check the calendar for all concert dates, times, and locations. One month’s notice is required if a student must miss a performance. When this occurs, a make-up assignment will be assigned. See “Performances/Concerts/Events” for the procedure to excuse an event absence. Musicianship – 50% Each student will be given musicianship requirements to complete each quarter. Students are encouraged to work ahead if they finish these requirements. If a student completes all levels of musicianship before the end of 8th grade, a short playing test will be given for this portion of the grade. See “Musicianship” for more details. Students can pass these requirements by either playing them in person for Mr. Antmann, or recording them to CD or cassette tape (no mini-cassettes!). Grading Scale (Grades are rounded to the nearest whole number) 90-100 = A 80-89 = B 70-79 = C 60-69 = D 59 and below = F

All of the music classes at Bridgewater Middle School incorporate all of the Sunshine State Standards for music. A student’s demonstration of the standards will be documented by portfolio assessment. If you

would like to see your portfolio at any time, please set up an appointment with Mr. Antmann.

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Concerts, Performances, and Events All Bridgewater band students will participate in concerts and performances throughout the year. It is extremely important that students be on their absolute best behavior in public. All school rules apply at band concerts. In addition to those: 1. There is no talking on stage at a concert. 2. While in the audience, be silent and listen to the group that is performing. You would want them to do that for you. 3. The full uniform must be worn for the entire concert. If we travel to a concert, the uniforms must be on from the time we get off the bus until we get back on the bus. Remember, as a band member, you are representing you, your school, and your community. Bridgewater band members are leaders and set good examples for others! Concert/Performance/Event Attendance and Absence Policy All concerts, performances, and events on the calendar are required unless otherwise noted. For an event absence to be excused, the parent must submit an “Excused Absence Request” form at least one month prior to the event (the earlier the better). Each student is an important part of their band class, and plays an important part during performances. Not all excused absence requests will be approved. Students must include a valid reason for missing a performance on the form. Examples of Valid Excuses:

- My sister is getting married on that day. - Our family reunion is that day, and we have bought tickets to fly to Chicago to be

there. Examples that would be considered Unexcused:

- I have a sports practice/game that day. - I can’t get a ride. - I have a piano lesson.

The Bridgewater Band calendar is provided far in advance to help you avoid any potential conflicts. Please provide his calendar to coaches, private teachers, etc… as soon as possible to help prevent conflicts. Many students participate in sports or other outside activities. While you may have many practices and games, the band has a limited number of concerts. Rehearsal Attendance Some of the band classes will have a limited number of after-school rehearsal during the year. These are required. A request for an excused absence must be made two weeks in advance, using the “Excused Absence Request” form.

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Trips Many Bridgewater Band students will participate in field trips this year. While on trips, all school rules (including dress code) apply. Whenever the band travels, all students will be in some form of uniform: either the band t-shirt, polo shirt, or concert uniform. On overnight trips, all students are required to bring their band t-shirt and polo shirt. In addition to the Bridgewater discipline policy, the following rules apply to all trips: 1. Caffeine-based energy drinks are not allowed. If you are unsure of a particular drink, please contact Mr. Antmann. 2. Students may not open their hotel room door after curfew. 3. Students will show respect towards all adults/chaperones. Any students who breaks #2 or #3 may need to be picked up by a parent from the trip and taken home. A referral will be written on the next school day. Website/Communication The Bridgewater Band website (www.bridgewaterband.com) is the primary source of communication for the band program. Homework, class announcements, reminders, and forms will be available online for students. Hard copies of information will be available for students who do not have Internet access at home. At the beginning of the school year, students and parents will need to fill out an information form. Be sure to fill in a parent email address! Newsletters and updates are emailed to parents regularly. Hard copies of this information will also be made available to parents. The website is always the most up-to-date and accurate source of band information.

OCPS Eligibility Policy: In order for a student to participate in any off-campus activity or event, including field trips, he/she must have at least a 2.0 semester grade point average.

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Uniforms Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Symphonic Winds, and Wind Ensemble Uniforms will need to be purchased through Bridgewater Middle School. Students will be fitted during the first month of school. Order forms and more information will be sent home at the beginning of the school year. The following will need to be ordered from Bridgewater Middle School: Boys – Black mock turtle-neck shirt, and black tuxedo pants. (Wind Ensemble boys will wear white tux shirt, black bow-tie and cummerbund instead of mock turtle-neck shirt.) Girls – Black Blouse, and choice of: black skirt or palazzo pants. (If you already have these items from last year, you do not need to order them again.) Everyone must provide his or her own shoes and socks, both of which must be completely black (Girls do not need socks). You may not wear sneakers, boots, platform shoes, etc… If you are unsure about a particular shoe, please ask! It is important that everyone have matching uniforms! In addition to the uniform, all students need the Bridgewater Band black polo shirt (The one used in 6th grade band), and the 2008-2009 band t-shirt. If you do not already have a polo shirt, they can be purchased throughout the school year. For tee-shirt information, see “Friends of Music.”6th grade/Beginning Band Beginning Band The beginning band uniform is a BWMS band polo shirt, black pants, black shoes, and black socks. The pants may not be jeans, bell-bottoms, form-fitting pants, etc… The shoes must be completely black. Students can order the polo shirts from Bridgewater Middle School. An order form will be sent home in August. Jazz Band The Jazz Band uniform is the band polo shirt, black slacks, black shoes, and black socks.

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Instrument Storage/Lockers Each student will be assigned a locker. Lockers are to be used for instrument and materials for band only. Students are expected to adhere to the following rules/guidelines concerning the use of lockers and the storage of instruments:

- Instruments should be put away at the end of each class, and stored correctly in the assigned locker.

- Students may only enter the instrument locker room to either take out or put away their instruments.

- Only instruments and class materials should be kept in the lockers. - Food and/or drink are not allowed in the locker room. - Lockers should be kept clean at all times. - Students may not write in or on lockers. - The locker’s label should never be removed or defaced.

Students who do not follow the above rules/guidelines will lose locker privelages for the rest of the school year. Proper use of the lockers and instrument storage system will help keep instruments safe and in good condition. “THE ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM DOES NOT HAVE INSURANCE OR ANY PLAN THAT WILL COVER DAMAGE, THEFT, OR LOSS OF PRIVATELY OWNED EQUIPMENT. IF THAT EQUIPMENT IS TO BE COVERED, IT MUST BE THROUGH THE PARENTS’ PERSONAL INSURANCE, SUCH AS HOMEOWNER’S POLICTY, ETC.” Each student is responsible for providing their own lock. Locks must be a combination lock (no keys) and the combination must be given to Mr. Antmann. All instruments must be labeled with the student’s name and “Bridgewater Middle School.” Instruments that are not labeled will not be allowed in the band room.

Use of School Instruments There are a limited number of school instruments for students to use during the school year. Students who use them must provide their own mouthpiece, reeds, valve oil, and any other necessary materials. Before a student is allowed to use an instrument, a contract must be filled out and returned. This contract will be given to the appropriate students, and will also be available online. A $50 donation is requested for school instrument use.

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Friends of Music/Fundraising The Bridgewater Band “Friends of Music” is the primary fundraising program for the Bridgewater Band. This is also the primary source of funding for the band program. Students will participate in a variety of activities during the school year, most of which the band program has to fees to participate in. Funds are also needed to purchase equipment, music, supplies, repairs, and much more. Each student will need to raise at least $35 in donations. Students who meet this goal will receive the band tee-shirt for free, and will not need to pay for other fees during the school year including: Solo and Ensemble ($6 per student) Music Performance Assessments ($6 per student) All-County audition fees ($5 per student) Bus transportation for local field trips ($10 per person per trip) T-shirt ($10) The donation does not need to come from parents; it can come from anyone. Each student needs to raise $35, but that can be one person donating $35, seven people donating $5 each, thirty-five people donating $1 each, etc… All Friends of Music donations should be turned in with a form, which can be found online or from Mr. Antmann. We are asking that students who are in jazz band raise an additional $15, to cover the cost of the additional jazz band activities. Bridgewater Band Parents Organization The Bridgewater Band has an active Band Parents Organization. This organization is responsible for organizing many of the events we have during the school year, raising money to support the band, and recruiting volunteers. Meetings have already begun and plans are underway for the school year. Please contact Mr. Antmann if you would like to get involved.

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Individual Performance Opportunities Here are some other individual opportunities students will have: All-State Band Students may audition for this in September. This takes weeks, if not months of preparation. Students who are selected travel to Tampa in January to participate. All-County Band This is open to all Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble students. The audition materials will be available from Mr. Antmann in August. Wind Symphony students are not required to audition, but are required to learn the audition material for class. Students are chosen from throughout Orange County. These students will meet in January to perform. Solo and Ensemble MPA Festival This is open to all band students. Students get to perform music as soloists or in small groups for Florida Bandmasters Association judges for a rating. This is an excellent opportunity for students to develop their musicianship. Students will receive music in October, and will perform it here at Swift Creek in December. Students who demonstrate that they are prepared will be allowed to perform at Solo and Ensemble festival in February. This is required for Wind Symphony students. Private Lessons Private lessons are strongly encouraged, but not required. The value of one-on-one instruction with a professional on a student’s instrument cannot be overstated. Private instruction is key to the advancement of individual skills and integral in achieving students’ highest potential. A list of private instructors is available from Mr. Antmann or the band website.

Research made between music and intelligence concluded that music training is far greater than computer instruction in improving children’s abstract reasoning skills.(Source: Shaw, Rauscher, Levine, Wright, Dennis and Newcomb, “Music training causes long-term enhancement of preschool children’s spatial-temporal reasoning,” Neurological Research, vol. 19, February 1997 )

The University of Montreal researched brain imaging techniques to study brain activity during musical tasks. Researches concluded that sight-reading musical scores and playing music “activate regions in all four of the cortex’s lobes” and “parts of the cerebellum are also activated during those tasks.” (Source: J. Sergent, E. Zuck, S. Tenial, and B. MacDonnall (1992). Distributed neural network under-lying musical sight reading and keybpard performance. Science,257, 106-109.)

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Bridgewater Middle School Band

Band Handbook Acknowledgement/ Student Infomation

Student’s Name________________________________________ Period________ I have read and understand the 2009-2010 Band Handbook: Student Signature______________________________________ Date_________ Parent Signature_______________________________________ Date_________ Student T-Shirt Size (Adult Sizes, Circle One): XS S M L XL XXL Home Phone _____________________________________________ Additional Contact/Phone Numbers: Name _____________________________ Relationship___________________ Phone _____________________________ Name _____________________________ Relationship___________________ Phone _____________________________ Important: Please list at least one working email address to receive important band information and weekly newsletters. (No student email addresses please!) Name_____________________________________ Email Address________________________________________ Name_____________________________________ Email Address________________________________________

THIS FORM IS DUE NO LATER THAN AUGUST 26, 2009.

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Bridgewater Middle School Band 2009-2010

Friends of Music

The Bridgewater Middle School Music Department is proud to announce the 2008-2009 Friends of Music program. This is a sponsorship program that will support the band at Bridgewater Middle School. This program is our primary source of funding. Funds generated by the Friends of Music program will be used to: - Pay for Concert/Festival/Assessment Fees - bring in guest clinicians to help our students - purchase instruments and equipment that are needed - maintain the growth of the band program’s musical needs All Friends of Music sponsors will be listed on our website and in all of our programs. Sponsorship levels will also be listed: Friend - $15 or above Musician - $35 or above (Sponsor will receive a certificate.) Conductor - $75 or above (Sponsor will receive a framed certificate.) Maestro - $150 or above (Sponsor will receive a plaque.) Virtuoso - $500 or above (Sponsor will receive a plaque, and a complimentary full-page ad in one of our programs.) Concertmaster - $1,000 or above (Sponsor will receive a plaque and a complimentary full-page ad in all of our programs.)

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Student Name_________________________________________________________ Sponsor Name_________________________________________________________ Sponsorship Amount $_______ Level_____________________ Name as you would like it to appear in our program: ________________________________________________________________________ (ex. The Smith Family, or Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, or John and Jane Smith etc….) Please make all checks payable to Bridgewater Middle School. Thank you!

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Recommended Mouthpiece Upgrades and Accessories The following are the mouthpiece recommendations for all non-beginning band students. In most cases, Wind Symphony students should not be using the mouthpiece they used in beginning band. If you are not sure about your mouthpiece, please see Mr. Antmann Bb Clarinet Dolce mouthpiece Vandoren 5RV Lyre (not the B45!) Bass Clarinet Dolce – see Mr. Antmann Alto Saxophone Caravan, medium chamber Dolce Tenor Saxphone Caravan Rascher Bilger Gold Baritone Saxophone Caravan Bilger Gold There are mouthpieces for saxophone made specifically for use in jazz band, if you would mouthpiece suggestions for jazz band, see Mr. Antmann Trumpet 3c or 5c (7c is too small!) French Horn Holton-Farkas Trombone 6 ½ A.L. (11c and 7c are too small) Euphonium 6 ½ A.L. Schilke 51D (more advanced) Tuba Conn or Schilke Helleburg