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1
HANDBOOK
for the
KEARNEY HIGH
SCHOOL BAND
2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR
Nathan LeFeber – Director of Bands
Rick Mitchell – Band Director
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Band Handbook Table of Contents:
Introduction Page/Philosophy ………………………………………………Page 3
List of Ensembles and Requirements to Participate…………………………Page 3-4
Behavior Expectations………………………………………………………Page 4-5
Practicing …………………………………………………………………….Page 5-6
-How to Practice
Concerts……………………………………………………………………. Page 7
-Concert Attendance
-Concert Behavior
-Concert Dress
Assessment/Grading…………………………………………………………Page 8
School Instrument Usage/ Music Fees………………………………………Page 8-9
Lettering……...…………….………………………………………………..Page 9
Purchasing/Renting Supplies………………………………………………..Page 10
Recommended Instrument Accessories and Supplies………………………Page 10
Care and Maintenance of Instruments………………………………………Page 11
Concert Schedule and Music Events………………………………………..Page 12
Parent/Student Contract……………………………………………………. Page 13
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Welcome to the Kearney Band Program!
This handbook is designed to serve as a resource for students and their familes as they become
acquainted with the band program at Kearney High School. Please take a few moments to read
this together, and more importantly, save it for future reference. This handbook will contain
general information about the program. Specific information regarding the classes you take will
be in the class syllabi. Make sure you also read the schedule of events at the end because it
contains some important dates and times.
Our Vision is as simple as a few words
Commitment – we value the time and energy it takes to endure through hard times in order for
us to hold fast to the great traditions of the past while pursuing a great vision for the future.
Perfection – we strive for musical and professional standards that require the best from
everyone. We need to stay true to our craft and work together to get there.
Heart – we pursue our vision with passion, soul, and class as we train studetns to be the best
person they can be and produce music that moves people.
…simply put
Commitment Perfection Heart
endurance fidelity passion/strive
vision cooperation soul
tradition musical class/reputation
National Standards
There is an inherent value to music education and it is therefore important in a student’s
education. To this end you will find listed below the nine national standards for music education
that were created by the National Music Educators Association to ensure all students receive a
well-balanced music education. These standards will be used as a guideline in teaching our
students.
The Nine National Standards Include:
1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music
3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines
5. Reading and notating music
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music
7. Evaluating music and music performances
8. Understanding relationships between music, other arts, and disciplines outside the arts
9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture
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Charms
The Kearney High Band is a management system called Charms. Charms will allow you, the
parent and student, to access much of the information related to your participation in our
orgainzation including: student account information, band uniform numbers, form submission,
attendance, communication, online store, and much more. You can access Charms by going to
www.charmsoffice.com, clicking on the Enter/Login button in the upper right corner (our school
code is kearneyHSband). Then you will be prompted to enter in your students school ID number
to enter the secure portion of the site. Please use and access Charms as often as you like.
List of Ensembles
Wind Ensemble - This group is the top performing ensemble in the Kearney band program. The
music is difficult and musical independence is a must. We perform throughout the school year.
The Wind Ensemble is open to students in grades 10-12. Participation in marching band and pep
band is a requirement for this class.
Symphonic Band – This group is open to all KHS instrumentalists and explores a slightly easier
repertoire than Wind Ensemble. However, musical excellence and hard work are musts as we
strive for great performance every time we play together. Members are also required to
participate in the marching band and the pep band. Symphonic Band is open to students in 9th-
12th grade.
Concert Band - This ensemble is a chance for younger students to continue to develop and refine
his/her skills as an instrumentalist. While the performance standards of this group remain high
the literature will be slightly easier than the other groups. There will also be opportunity for
students in Concert Band to gain jazz experience through out the year. Concert Band is open to
students in grades 9-11. Participation in marching band and pep band is a requirement for this
class.
Jazz Lab Band - This group is the entry level group for students wishing to gain experience in a
jazz group. The class provides students the opportunity to become familiar with jazz basics in
playing demands, styles, and techniques. Although the group will perform at concerts and some
community events, the course objective is to teach students a basic fundamental knowledge of
how to read, understand, and play jazz music and a rudimental understanding of the history of
jazz. Students must be enrolled in either Concert Band or Symphonic Band or have special
permission from the instructor.
Jazz Ensemble – The next level of the jazz experience in the KHS band program. Students will
be expected to perform difficult music at a high level and have an opportunity to play throughout
the community. Subjects covered will be a variety of musical styles, jazz harmony and theory,
improvisation, and jazz history. Jazz band is open to 11th and 12th graders and is limited to
traditional jazz band instrumentation. Members of the jazz band will be required to be enrolled
in marching band and one of the concert bands. Exceptions may be granted at the discretion of
the director.
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Marching Band – The marching band serves as an educational tool to teach students the
challenge of marching and playing as while improving basic instrumental technique. It also
represents the KHS band program at band competitions, parades, and home football games. This
ensemble meets from 7-8 every morning during the 1st quarter. Each year we will put on a show
for all home football games and compete in several statewide competitions. Attendance at band
camp in early August is mandatory. Marching band is open to students in grades 9-12 and it is
required that a student be enrolled in marching band AND a performing ensemble at Kearney
High.
Perc. Tech – Percussion Technique is a class desinged to engage and grow the developing
percussionist. Subjects coverd will range from marching percussion to 4 mallet technique and
everything in between. Perc. Tech. will meet during the 1st semester only and will take the place
of the students concert band class during that semester. Students will then join their assigned
concert band second semester.
Pep Band – A great chance to have fun playing music and encouraging our sports teams at KHS.
Rehearsals will be worked into the regular band day and participation is a must for all KHS band
members. There will be two equal but separate bands, the Blue Band and the Gold Band, and the
two groups will equally split the time commitments. If a student needs to miss a given pep band
performance then he or she will need to find a substitute from the other band.
AP Music Theory – An upper level course for students interested in pursuing music at the
college level or who have a strong desire to get more into the theory behind music. Topics will
include music theory, harmonic and melodic dictation, analysis, and much more. Music Theory
is offered as a block course in the second semester. Students will have the opportunity to take
the AP Music Theory Exam and have a chance to earn college credit through the process.
Color Guard – This group is a part of the Bearcat Marching Band and rehearses with the band
during the morning marching band rehearsals. There is also a required practice(s) outside the
school day that will be determined by the group before school starts. Color Guard is open to
anyone in the school. Attendance at all marching band performances is required.
***PLEASE NOTE: On the schedule of events, the times listed are the start times for concerts
and games. For football and basketball games, the students will be expected to arrive 45 minutes
prior to the start of the event. For concerts, the students will be expected to arrive 30 minutes
prior to the performance. Failure to arrive on time will result in a lowering of participation
points. ***
Behavior Expectations
Classroom time is precious. It is a combination of learning new things and reviewing the old. It
is important to have a quiet and attentive room. It is expected that all students will respect
everyone’s right to learn in a positive and effective atmosphere.
We seek to encourage students to always reach for that next level. A band is as good as its
weakest member and so we want to see every person adding their very best effort to each
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rehearsal and performance. Students are expected to be positive, encouraging, participating
members of the musical group.
General Band Rules
• Chewing gum in NOT PERMITTED during any rehearsal or performance
• NO food or drink is allowed in the band room
• A band member must RESPECT his/her uniform at all time (this includes hanging it up)
• Be in your seat, warmed up, and ready to begin BEFORE class starts
• Respect other peoples’ property
• “PDA” is not allowed on band time – no one wants to see it
• A band member will not wear jewelry, fingernail polish, or excessive meke-up while in
uniform.
• NEVER disrespect another band or its members!
• Show RESPECT to all directors, administrators, teachers, staff, and parents – at ALL
TIMES.
• Keep your language CLEAN! You never know who is listening
• Remember that you are a CLASS ACT. Do not do anything that would jepordize that.
• Always conduct yourselves as ladies and gentlemen!
Practicing
As with everything else in life, success takes work. No matter how easily music comes to you,
the success of the Kearney band program will depend on each student to do his/her part by
practicing and improving his/her craft. However, it should not be done all at once, but rather
broken up into many shorter sessions. These sessions should be spaced throughout the day and
the week. Don’t think that if you practice five hours on Monday you are done for the whole
week. We would rather see you practice one hour each day five days a week. That is where
improvement is made.
Break your practicing times into three or four shorter sessions.
Session 1 - long tones, scales, lip slurs, or other exercises that relate to the fundamental skills of
playing your instrument.
Session 2 - etudes out of books purchased at the music store, old etudes from your band book, or
any other exercise that get you playing music that is designed to work on other specific musical
skills. For example, if you need to work on playing smoothly in one of the pieces from band,
find an etude that focuses on legato playing.
Session 3 - you should get your band or solo music out and find spots that you are having
difficulty with or spots that the director told you to look over and play them several times,
several different ways. Change the articulations, the rhythm or something else to get you
practicing different parts of the music while still keeping it interesting. This is called “varied
repetition.” Another method would be to identify a difficult part and then slow it down to a
speed where you can perfectly play that passage. Once this is accomplished, gradually speed the
tempo back up. This process is called “woodshedding.” You are preparing to hone in your
performance skills by being ready to give your best perforance. Follow the steps above in
preparing your solo or ensemble music and when you are all done you will feel satisfied and you
will have begun to improve as a musician!
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Find a spot in your house where you can practice without disturbing others. Some ideal places to
practice might be a bedroom, rec room, study, or family room. If you don’t have a place to
practice at home, the band room will always be open before, during, and after school. Just ask a
teacher about setting up a time.
What to have in your practice area:
• A good chair for proper posture (don’t practice on the couch or edge of your bed)
• A music stand
• A sharp pencil (no pens!)
• Good lighting
• A metronome to help you keep the beat (not a requirement, but a good idea)
• Plenty of music to play
Musicianship Levels Please see the handout in your respective class.
Concerts
Concert attendance
Concerts are the culmination of all of your work in music class. It is an important part of the
learning process to perform a concert to show the public what you have been working on and to
give you a chance to step on stage. Concert attendance is mandatory.
Conflicts with the concert schedule should be brought to the attention of the director as soon as
possible along with a note from the parents. It is important that we are all there to have the best
performance possible. Below are a list of some excusable and unexcusable absences…
Excusable absences:
• Sick from school
• Death in the family
• Important family engagement (i.e. wedding)
• Some school activities (given two weeks notice – in writing and a converstaion
with the director and coach about a possible resoultion)
Un Excusable absences:
• Homework (you must learn to manage your time well)
• Attending a rock concert or sporting event
• Birthday
• Work
• Didn’t have a ride (your section leader will be happy to help arrange a ride)
• School activities that are not given two weeks notice (compare your band
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schedule with your activity schedule and look ahead. Coming to me the day
before a concert will not be excusable!)
• Any other reason you are not there
Students may be excused from a concert for excusable absences listed above, however, those
missed points must be made up in order to receive credit. The make up work, while not
sufficient to substitute for a performance, will be a choice of a graded performance of the concert
for the director or to write a three page paper on a topic of the directors’ choice. Points will not
be awarded for unexcusable absences and will result in a lowered grade.
Concert Behavior
For the Audience
It is up to each individual to be polite and respectful to the performers on stage. Below are some
guidelines to keep in mind while in attendance at a concert:
• No talking during the performance of music
• Please clap after the performance of a piece, however it is impolite to clap in between
movements of a multimovement work. Please wait until the entire piece has been
performed.
• Refrain from moving about in the concert hall. If you must leave, wait until the
appropriate time in between pieces of music.
• If you happen to be late to a concert, wait until the current piece is over to take your seat.
• Please don’t take pictures during the performance. It is distracting to the performers.
For Musicians
• Be on time and in the right outfit
• Treat the concert as an important event
• Behave and perform with dignity and grace
• Be gracious in receiving applause from the audience (smile)
• EVERYONE help in setting things up and tearing things down
Thank you in advance for making each concert a special moment for the students.
Concert Dress
Students performing in concerts should look neat and clean. Special consideration should be
made in the length and appearance of dresses and skirts. Remember that you will be up on stage.
The bottom line is we want you to look your best for your friends and families as you perform.
You will receive more instruction from your individual music teacher.
Assessment/Grading
A student’s grade will be based on a combination of three main areas based on the Nebraska Fine
Arts Standards (adopted in 2014):
Create – chamber group participation, music theory/composition, attitude, effort, attendance
Perform – scales, technical exercises, band music
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Respond – Concert review, concerts, written tests
The specific point break down will be assigned and communicated in the individual class
syllabus, but you should remember that grades serve as a means of communication to you, the
student and parent, on behalf of the teacher. It is our way of evaluating how well you are
understanding what we are trying to teach you, commuincate and motivate you to do better, and
then assess the progress made toward the learning goal. Trying your best everyday is a must!
In terms of how we will evalute the performing side of what we do there are a variety of rubrics
that we will use to evalute playing tests. Those rubrics will be communicated to the students
before the start of the test.
School Instrument Usage and Music Fees
KHS has a limited number of instruments that can be used by students (i.e. tuba, baritone
saxophone, etc). In order to maintain these instruments and help pay for the purchase of more
instruments in the future, there is a small fee of $100.00 per year for all students who wish to
use a school instrument. Percussionists will be required to pay the same fee in order to play the
school’s percussion instruments The rental fee and agreement form must be turned in 30 days
after the beginning of each semester. Color Guard will need to pay a rental fee of $50 per year
for the use of equipment. If this fee presents a problem for any reason, please see Mr. LeFeber or
Mr.Mitchell and an arrangment will be worked out. We want all students to have an opportunity
to participate in band.
As with all school property, the maintenance and responsibility will be the student’s while he/she
has possession of the instrument. If anything were to happen to the instrument while in the care
of the student, that student will be required to pay for any damages that may have occurred.
There is also the expectation that a student will provide his/her own consumable accessories (i.e.
reeds, sticks, valve oil, grease, etc.).
Lettering Please see the official lettering form on www.kearneybands.org
Purchasing/Renting Supplies Band students are expected to supply their instruments as well as all the supplies needed to
maintain them. A complete recommended supply list can be found at the band website. Students
may also consider purchasing additional music above and beyond the band music. This can be
anything from fun pop songs to serious solos intended to take the student to the next level.
Recommended instrument accessories and supplies
Instrument Accessory or supply Notes and recommendations
Brass mutes straight or cup
cleaning brushes mouthpiece and bore brush
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valve oil any kind will work
slide oil or slide cream for trombones only (also consider Slide O Mix )
spray bottle of water for trombone (should be distilled water)
tuning slide grease ones with lanolin are best
mouthpieces Students must try them out to see if they fit well
and sound right with the instrument
Trumpets try Bach 5C or 3C
Trombones 61/2 AL (no 12Cs)
Woodwinds reeds must always have at least 4 good reeds on hand
in the instrument case - rotate the reeds to get the
most life out of each reed
Clarinet or reed brands to look for are La Voz, Rico Royal,
saxophone and Van Doren – beginners should use 2-2 1/2
strength reeds, intermediates should use 2 1/2-3,
and advanced players should be on a 3 or higher
Double reeds should have at least two reeds at all times – try
Jones, Selmer, Lescher (beginners may use “fiber
cane” but only for a short time)
All woodwinds reed guard for all instruments to protect the life of your reed
cork grease for all instruments
cleaning swab for clarinets and flutes
polishing cloths for keys and flute bodies
Care and Maintenance of Instruments
Instrument Schedule Maintenance Item
Woodwinds each time you play Swab completely dry, take reed off
mouthpiece and wipe dry
Once a week Check your reed supply and buy new ones –
you should have 4 good reeds at all times
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Once a year Have your instrument checked over at a
repair shop
Brass Once a week Oil valves, wipe with a clean cloth
Once a month Bath in water – Ask Mr. LeFeber for
instructions
Once a year Have the instrument serviced at a repair shop. Don’t wait until the few weeks
prior to school starting.
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2016-2017 BEARCAT BAND SCHEDULE
**These times and dates are subject to change with ample notice**
Date Event Location Time
8/1-5 Leadership Camp NEW KHS TBD
8/9-8/11 Band Camp “Week 1” NEW KHS 5-9 pm
8/12-13 Band Camp “Week 2” NEW KHS 1-9 pm
8/15-8/18 Band Camp “Week 2” NEW KHS 1-9 pm
9/2 KHS vs. Lincoln East Foster Field 7:00 pm
9/17 UNK Band Day Parade Downtown 10:00 am
9/17 Bearcat Marching Festival KHS 1:00 pm
9/23 KHS vs. Fremont Foster Field (8th) 7:00 pm
9/27 KHS Band w/ Dallas Brass MPAC TBD
9/30 KHS vs. Millard North Foster Field 7:00 pm
10/1 Harvest of Harmony Grand Island All Day
10/3-10/8 All-State Auditions (by appt.) KHS TBD
10/8 Bellevue East Contest Omaha All Day
10/15 LPS Competition Seacrest Field All Day
10/21 KHS vs. Benson Foster Field 7:00 pm
10/22 NSBA Kearney Afternoon/Evening
10/25 KPS Band Festival KHS (WE Only) All Day
11/5 Veteran’s Day Parade Downtown 4:00 pm
11/8 KHS Workshop KHS TBD
11/16-18 All-State (by audition only) UNL TBA
12/1 VG/B BB vs. tournament KHS B 5:00/6:45 pm
12/10 VG/B BB vs. Burke KHS G 5:15/7:00 pm
12/13 VG/BB vs. Fremont KHS B 7:00 pm
12/15 KHS Band Concert KHS 7:30
12/17 VBBB vs. Fremont KHS G 7:00 pm
----------------------------------------------CHRISTMAS BREAK!-------------------------------------------------
1/7 VG/B BB vs. LNE KHS B 5:15/7:00 pm
1/13 VG/B BB vs. LSE KHS G 6:00/7:45 pm
1/16 Underclassmen Honor Band KHS? Audition Only
1/21 VG/B BB vs. LE KHS - 8th Game B 5:15/7:00 pm
1/20-22 UNL Honor Band UNL Audition Only
1/23 UNK Honor Band UNK Audition Only
1/27-29 UNO Honor Band UNO Audition Only
1/31 VG/B BB vs. Hastings KHS G 6:00/7:45 pm
2/2-4 Hasting Honor Band Hasting College Audition Only
2/3 VG/B BB vs. GISH KHS B 6:00/7:45 pm
2/9-11 Wesleyan Honor Band Lincoln Audition Only
2/10 VG/B BB vs. Norfolk KHS G 6:00/7:45 pm
2/18 VG/B BB vs. Benson KHS B 5:15/7:00 pm
2/24-25 UNO Jazz Fest UNO All Day
3/4 NSBA Concert Band Festival TBD All Day
3/6 KHS Band Concert w/NWU KHS 7:30pm
4/7 KHS Big Band Dance TBD 7-10 pm
4/21 District Music Contest Recital KHS TBD
4/20-22 Greeley Jazz Fest? TBD TBD
4/22 District Music Contest GISH TBD
5/5 KHS Band Concert TBD TBD
5/6 KHS Band Banquet KHS 6:00
5/11 Musicialia KHS 7:30
B = Blue Band G = Gold Band
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Kearney Band Information
Signature Page 2016-2017 School Year
**IMPORTANT**
In an effort to save money (and trees) we are opting to not print this year’s Band Handbook,
course syllabus, and Quarter Notes. This is not to say however that this information is not
important!
PLEASE GO TO WWW.KEARNEYBANDS.ORG AND READ CAREFULL.
SIGN THIS FORM WHEN YOU HAVE READ ALL DOCUMENTS!!
Quarter Notes
Band Handbook
Marching Band Course Syllabus
Band Schedule for 2016-2017
Return this form by Friday, August 25th 2016
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• We have read, understand, and agree with the contents of these documents.
• We have recorded the concert dates on our family calendar.
• I/we have loged onto Charms and updated information (www.charmsoffice.com)
• I have used the band equipment check sheet to make sure all I needed to order has been
ordered.
• I will commit to being a full and dedicated member of the Kearney Band Program and
will be in attendance at all of the performances and events listed above.
Student___________________________________________ Date _______
Student___________________________________________ Date _______
Student___________________________________________ Date _______
Parent Signature _______________________________________ Date ________
