FVL Middle School Music Program revised 8/30/10

With the cooperation of school’s, churches, parents, teachers, and students, the FVL Middle School Music Program has provided students the opportunity to develop their God given talents and musical abilities. It is through cooperation, hard work, and a desire to work toward excellence that has allowed our students successful experiences in music.

Psalm 150:3-6 “Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.”

It is the Fox Valley Lutheran Middle School Music Program’s mission to instill music students with the expressive, creative, and aesthetic qualities of music. We strive to nurture, support, and encourage our students in their musical training that they may develop as musicians for the glory of God.

The Fox Valley Lutheran Music Program is a member of the Wisconsin School Music Association, National Band Association, and the American String Teachers Association. The students participating in our program have all the rights and privileges offered by these organizations. Additional information can be located by looking up the names of these organizations on line. Our program also participates in the Eastern Valley Conference Honors Band, and the Christian Band Association band festival held at Fox Valley Lutheran High School. There are numerous summer camps that we support and various honor bands that our students have participated in such as the WSMA sponsored honors band/orchestra and regional and state solo ensemble, in addition the NBA Wisconsin chapter All-State Junior Band.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What does it cost to participate in the FVL middle school music program?

BUSINESS OFFICE - MUSIC PROGRAM

Questions concerning billing procedures and billing statements should be directed to Mrs. Krista Davis or LuAnn Peters. FVL Business Office #920-739-4441 Ext Krista 5116 / Ext. LuAnn 5110. jburleton@fvlhs.org or lballard@fvlhs.org All music statements are entered in the school computer and are billed on a regular basis. If the status of your child’s lessons has changed or your child is unable to continue in the program please inform Mrs. LuAnn Peters so you receive the proper credit. Any discrepancies in your bill should be directed to the FVL Business Office.

Registration

Returning students - Registration Form and Fees: The registration form for band and string students is due in the FVL Business office by the date indicated on the form. There is a $20.00 non-refundable registration fee due at the time of registration. Late registration fees will increase to $30.00.

New students - Registration Form and Fees: The registration form is due by the date indicated on the form. There is a $20.00 non-refundable fee that must accompany the registration form. It is very important to contact FVL on time to indicate if your child will be taking lessons. In order for the program to start on time all students should be enrolled within 5-6 days of the open house in September. The Open House is usually the third Thursday in September.

Transfer students: Students who transfer into the FVL Middle School Music Program from another school music program during the year will be charged a $20.00 registration fee. This fee is due at the time the student registers for band. Tuition fees will be based on lessons remaining in the semester.

Tuition and Instrument Rental Fee

FVL Instrument Fee ($55.00 / semester)FVL Instrument rental is for students in the FVL music program that do not have an instrument for band/strings. Students that use an FVL instrument will be billed $55.00 / semester on their music accounts – unless they currently own an instrument for band/strings. Each summer the school will have the instrument cleaned and maintain the instrument repairing normal wear issues. The student/parent(s) are responsible for the cost of all repairs to the instrument due to neglect, misuse or abuse. In the event the instrument is damaged beyond repair the cost of the instrument will be billed to the parents. Students that rent an FVL instrument are expected to participate in the Saturday or Monday rehearsals.

You may also rent an instrument from a music store - check on line for prices, rent to own and other options.

FVL Federation School Band/String Tuition (FVL Schools) $ 145.00 / semester

Includes band/string class and 23 lessons for FVL Federation School students.

FVL Federation Band/String Tuition (FVL Schools)– Saturday or Monday only - $85.00 / semesterFor students who are members of an FVL Federation church (FVL Schools), and study on the instrument they play in our band/string class with a private instrumental teacher. (Does not include piano.) You are required to provide the name and phone number of your child’s private instrumental teacher to pay this rate.

Non FVL Federation School Band/String Tuition (Lessons and Band/String Class) $175 / per semester.Includes band/string class and 23 lessons given at an FVL Federation School (FVL Schools). This rate is designed for those who are not members of an FVL Federation Church/School.

Non FVL Federation School Band/String Tuition - Saturday or Monday only $120.00 / per semester.Students must take private lessons on the instrument they play in band/strings OR be enrolled in their public school band/string program. You are required to provide the name and phone number of your private teacher OR provide the name and number of your band/string teacher. This rate is designed for those that are not members of an FVL Federation Church/School.

Tuition Assistance

Tuition Assistance – A program for tuition assistance has been developed by our music parent organization. The program involves raising money which is then used to off set costs incurred by the student enrolled in the program. Details about the program can be addressed to the music parent committee members listed at fvlhs.org – click on middle school band.

Tuition Due Dates and Explanation of Billing

First Semester tuition is due October 31st. Lessons may be stopped if payment has not been received or arrangements for payment have not been made. The business office will contact you through a letter prior to the termination of a student from the program. Students that carry a balance over the summer will not be enrolled in the fall until all payments have been made.

Second Semester tuition is due the last day in February 28th/29th. Lessons may be stopped if payment has not been received or arrangements for payment have not been made. The business office will contact you through a letter prior to the termination of a student from the program. Students that carry a balance over the summer will not be enrolled in the fall until all payments have been made.

Payment: Payments for lessons, rental fees, books, and supplies may be included on one check.Please write “1st or 2nd semester band/orchestra fee on your check. Make your check out to FVL High School. You may mail your check to:

Fox Valley Lutheran High SchoolMusic Payment - FVL Business Office5300 N. Meade StreetAppleton, WI 54913-8383

You may pay in person at the FVL Business Office. The FVL Business Office is located in the FVL high school office.

Students taking lessons through FVL are strongly encouraged to regularly attend Saturday band rehearsals or Monday string rehearsals. No portion of the Saturday band tuition/Monday string tuition or lesson fees/tuition will be refunded for a lack of student participation.

Hidden Charges: Your registration fee and tuition fee does not cover lesson books, supplies, contest music or instrument rent.

Adjustment of lesson fees: Lowered fees will be made under the following circumstances:1. Transferring the child to a school outside of the FVL Federation.2. Extended disabilities. Extended disabilities includes missing three or more consecutive lessons due to illness or injury.3. Financial Aid awarded to the student by music parents.

It is the parent’s responsibility to notify the FVL Business Office at #920-739-4441 within 30 days of the third missed consecutive lesson to receive partial credit toward the lesson fee.

How is the program funded? The Federation subsidizes the cost of the middle school music program by 40%. Parents provide 60% which includes the Saturday or Monday rehearsal tuition. The band/string tuition does not include the cost of renting an instrument. FVL High School supports this program for the purpose of having a unified curriculum that is taught in all the FVL Schools. 90 % of the students who participate in this music program continue their musical study at FVL High School. The high school provides a full time person to teach and coordinate the program in the FVL Schools/Federation. The high school also provides money for instrument repairs, music, supplies, conference fees, awards, and continuing education. The Middle School Music Parents assist with uniforms, instruments, equipment, scholarships and student assistance.

Who may sign up for our music program?Any student in grades 5, 6, 7, or 8. Beginning 7th and 8th grade students are accepted in the band/string program. These students start in Cadet Band or the Beginning String

Ensemble. Students in 4th or 3rd grade that transfer in to our program from another school district and currently play an instrument are welcome to join our music program. Parents have the option of starting their child in fifth or sixth grade. It may be easier for some band/string students to start in sixth grade. Things like maturity, homework/school performance, and other commitments may help you decide what is right for your child. Then why should we start in fifth grade? Some students are ready in fifth grade and will benefit from this experience. Some students have had years of piano experience. We have had students become very accomplished players by their eight grade year after starting in fifth grade.

- Lessons are given in our FVL Schools. You can find out where our FVL schools are located by going to fvlhs.org and click on FVL Schools. Students who are not WELS members and wish to receive a lesson should contact Mr. Charles Jahnke in the fall of the year and set up a time to receive a lesson at one of our FVL schools. 920-739-4441 or cjahnke@fvlhs.org

- All students that receive lessons in our FVL Schools are also considered members of the band or sting ensemble. Students that do not attend Saturday band or Monday strings pay the same amount as students that do attend rehearsals.

- Students who are home schooled and take private lessons outside of our program or at one of our FVL Elementary Schools are eligible for our Saturday band program or the Monday string program.

- Students in grades 5, 6, 7, & 8 that are enrolled in their public school band program, or take private lessons outside of our program are welcome to participate in our Saturday band program or Monday string program.

- Students that are FVL Federation members and are home schooled and entering 9th grade may continue in our band or string program.

2. How do lessons work & what about student expectations?

Each student will receive a 15-minute lesson at one of our FVL Schools. Arrangements are made with the classroom teacher/principal to release the student from class. Mr. Jahnke arranges lessons with home schooled students. The student will receive a minimum of 23 lessons during the school year. (Snow days may affect the total lessons received) If you have a concern about the time your child is scheduled for their lesson please talk to the classroom teacher/principal and your child’s music teacher. The lesson schedule is set up by the elementary school your child attends. If you have concerns about progress or lessons contact your child’s instructor first. You are welcome to contact Mr. Jahnke concerning any problems your child may be having in our music program.

Lessons are not made up if a student is unavailable for a lesson for any reason. These reasons include: illness, not having music/ instrument, field trips, snow days, coming late

to a lesson or forgetting to come to a lesson. It is the student’s responsibility to come to the lesson on time with their proper materials.

Lessons may be missed during the year do to vacations, conferences, or other reasons. The 23 lessons each student receives, takes into account that some school days will be missed during the school year. Lesson days may be rearranged during the school year to insure that each student receives 23 lessons. The >Accent News Letter will list schedule changes during the school year. Mr. Jahnke will also contact the principal or classroom teacher about changes to the days lessons are offered. In some cases FVL Schools remind parents of changes to the lesson day/schedule in their school news letter.

Student Expectations1. After one year of lessons students are expected to participate in solo ensemble. Part of the students’ instrumental education includes the experience gained from performing and learning to properly prepare for solo ensemble. (In November students receive music for solo ensemble. Students are expected to have a piano accompanist for their solo. Percussionists do not need an accompanist.) Students will receive a medal for achieving a first or second rating at solo ensemble. Students who go to state solo ensemble will receive a medal for a 1st, 2nd or 3rd rating. Based on results and time considerations class “A” students may be asked to perform their solo at the spring concert. Students have three options for solo ensemble:

A. Play at the Middle School solo ensemble competition held at FVL. Students will be able to sign up for their time. (Students at Zion Morrison attend their own solo ensemble.)

B. Sign up to play for the WSMA solo ensemble competition. Students that are in band may also play a piano or string solo at this event – you will receive a medal if you receive a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd rating at these performances. String instruments should consider playing their solo at this event. Students can choose between a morning, mid morning or afternoon time. Times are assigned by the WSMA office in Madison. WSMA starts at the 7th grade level and continues through 12th grade. (Students in 6th grade can only be critiqued – they do not receive a medal.)

C. Perform for the solo ensemble at FVL (Middle School) and also through WSMA.

2. Students who perform in Cadet Band, Senior Winds, Wind Ensemble and the Beginning and Intermediate/Advanced Strings are expected to attend the band/string contest the second Saturday in May. Performance times will be announced in the >Accent News Letter. In the past Cadets have been in the morning and the Wind Ensemble and Senior Winds have been in the afternoon. Strings have performed in the Afternoon.

3. Students are expected to participate at all concerts. Concerts include a fall performance in November for the Intermediate and advanced Strings, WE & SW

(Veterans Day); December concert for C, WE, SW, Beginner Strings and Intermediate and Advanced Strings; Winterfest (Senior Winds/ strings); Spring FVL Schools performance – SW and Intermediate and Advanced Strings, and the spring concert the end of April or early May – C, WE, SW, Beginnings strings and Intermediate/ Advanced Strings. Check your schedule for dates and times. If you need a schedule go to fvlhs.org and click on Middle School Band.

C = Cadets, WE = Wind Ensemble, SW = Senior Winds

4. Students are expected to practice 175 minutes a week. 200 minutes a week for Senior Wind, and Intermediate/Advanced String members. (Exceptions to practicing 175/200 minutes per week may be made through consultation with the teacher. Scales, arpeggios, and thirds in lesson books are expected to be memorized. It is best to try to practice a little everyday. There are days that this may not be possible. Help your child get organized and they will have success. The dedication to practice is what makes a child progress. Practicing 175 minutes the night before a lesson is not as good as spreading it out during the week. Repetition and regular review helps the student progress on the instrument. Keep track of your progress/lesson assignments in your method book. Write down your times on the chart provided in your method book.

5. Students should be able to complete one book a year. Students will receive a medal for completing each year of study through the third year. Students who complete Rubank Book 1 will receive a pin, and fifth year students who finish Rubank book 2 will receive a plaque. Standard of Excellence Book 1 – first year, Standard of Excellence Book 2 – second year, Standard of Excellence Book 3 – third year, Rubank Advanced Book 1 – 4th & 5th year. Some of our students complete Rubank Advanced Book 2 in the middle school band program. Percussionists should be able to complete up to page 50 in Alfred Book 1 for their first year, and Page 50 of Alfred Book 2 for their second year. The Percussion mallet book includes a section on major scales and minor scales. (Percussionists can achieve the same awards as the other students by completing both Alfred books and their mallet book.) String students will use the Essential Elements series Book 1, 2 and 3 for their lessons. Keep track of all the student’s progress through the >Accent News Letter.

3. What courses do you offer?

Our program centers on the individual student. What is best for the student? How can we keep our students moving forward in their musical development? Challenging our students yet not overwhelming them is a strategy we incorporate in band/orchestra and lessons. In some situations a student may be allowed to move up a band or orchestra based on audition scores/ or other factors. The coordinator of the program will make these decisions upon conferring with the parents. New students who transfer into the program will be placed in a band based on their experience and study. These students will be listed as last chair until they audition.

Instruments taught in lessons and band/orchestra rehearsal:

Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Flute (Piccolo), Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto - Tenor - Baritone Saxophone, Bassoon, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone/Euphonium, Tuba, Bass Guitar/String Bass, and Percussion (bell set and snare drum is preferred). At Saturday band rehearsals percussion students receive exposure to Timpani, Xylophone, Vibes, Marimba, Bass Drum, Chimes, Cymbals, Gong, Chimes, and Drum Set in addition to auxiliary percussion instruments. (violin, cello, and double bass are welcome into the band, however due to the key signatures that the band uses on a regular basis it is advised that the string player be an advanced student.)

Cadet BandThe Cadet Band is intended to serve the needs of all instrumental beginners in grades 5, 6, 7, & 8. Students have the opportunity to learn basic music theory, ensemble and performance skills. An attitude of cooperation, motivation and encouragement are present at band rehearsals to assist the student with home practice. Students in this band are not ranked or placed by ability. The students perform as a band two to three times a year. Students participating in the Cadet Band come from all over Northeastern Wisconsin. The emphasis for their first year is to develop a good musical foundation on their instrument. Awards for completing each level of course work are given out during band and the student’s name appears in the news letter which is then e-mailed to the FVL Federation schools. At the end of the Cadets first year they will receive an audition to determine if they will proceed to Wind Ensemble or Senior Winds.

Wind EnsembleSecond, third, and fourth year band students participate in the Wind Ensemble. Students audition for this band at the end of their first year in band. Seating is determined by the audition – an award is given to each first chair student. The band originated at FVL circa 1977. Students learn and review music theory, in addition to ensemble balance, intonation, tone, rhythmic and scale development. Saturday rehearsals incorporate different styles of music for concerts and contests. In the Wind Ensemble students are encouraged to apply and incorporate the skills they have learned on their instrument in their lessons and at home practice. The students in Wind Ensemble participate in solo ensemble, band contests, trips, and concerts. Members of Wind Ensemble are invited to participate in all ensembles and the Chicago Band.

Senior WindsSecond, third, or fourth year band students participate in the Senior Winds. Students audition for this band at the end of their first year in band. Seating is determined by the students audition in the spring of their first, second, or third year of study. This band began in 1991/92. The Senior Winds stresses musical stylistic performance practices. The students are expected to learn between 15-20 pieces of music. Individual students and sections are often featured in the Senior Winds. The students are encouraged to use the musical skills they have learned in lessons and apply these skills at Saturday Band in preparation for their performance. The Senior Winds members participate in field trips,

concerts, contests, and solo ensemble. Students selected for the Senior Winds should consider it an honor to play in this band, therefore more is expected of them in their individual practice, and they should serve as model students in their organization and in their dedication.

Chicago Band 2008-09 – Tuba and Euphonium Section – VanderCook College - Chicago

Chicago BandFor the last twelve years members of the Wind Ensemble and Senior Winds have participated in a band competition entitled “Music In The Parks”. This competition is held in the Chicago area. This is a two day trip (Friday/Saturday). The trip is designed to be educational, fun, another opportunity to further develop our musical skills, and a great way for our students from different schools to interact and become friends. This has been a positive experience for our program and students. The trip involves taking motor coaches to Chicago and staying in a hotel. The band participates in a clinic at VanderCook College and over the years has seen every major museum and attraction in the Chicago area. After our competition on Saturday morning the band finishes its day at Great America where the results are given and trophies are handed out. This band rehearses only nine/ten times during the spring semester and rehearses after regular band (10:00 AM to 11:30 AM). Students are expected to attend these rehearsals if they desire to participate. The band prepares two to three pieces of music and competes directly against bands from all over the Midwest. Many of these bands we compete against rehearse every day. College Music Professors judge the bands on their performance. Due to the travel, food, lodging and attractions there is an extra cost for this band. Payments are made during the school year. Information about this trip is handed out in the fall semester. “Students at the middle school age can be apprehensive about new experiences, new friends and fear of the unknown. To my knowledge we have never had

a student regret that they went on this trip. They usually ask when we can go again.” – Mr. Jahnke

Jazz EnsembleJazz Ensemble is available to second, third and fourth year brass, percussion, saxophone, bass guitar, and clarinet students. Band/orchestra students who are also piano students may participate in Jazz Ensemble. No audition is required for Jazz Ensemble, however an exception may be made for piano/percussion students if more than three students desire to participate. Jazz Ensemble is usually offered in the fall semester after regular band rehearsal 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. There are three requirements for Jazz Ensemble:1. The student should demonstrate a desire to participate.2. Students are expected to learn their jazz music in addition to their lesson assignments and band music. 3. Students should attend rehearsals.

Contemporary and classic styles of rock and jazz are performed. Jazz Ensemble is offered every year depending on enrollment. The Jazz Ensemble rehearses the first semester and performs at the concert in December.

Other EnsemblesFlute ensembles, clarinet ensembles, woodwind quintets, French horn ensembles, brass and percussion ensembles are offered depending on student participation and available rehearsal time. These ensembles rehearse on a quarter or semester basis. The ensembles perform once or twice a year and may participate in solo ensemble.

Beginning StringsThe Beginning String ensemble started in the 2008/09 school year and is intended to serve the needs of all string beginners in grades 5, 6, 7, & 8. Students have the opportunity to learn basic music theory, ensemble and performance skills. An attitude of cooperation, motivation and encouragement are present at string rehearsals to assist the student with home practice. Students in this string ensemble are not ranked or placed by ability. The students perform as an ensemble two to three times a year. Students participating in the Beginning Strings come from all over Northeastern Wisconsin. The emphasis for their first year is to develop a good musical foundation on their instrument. Awards for completing each level of course work are given out during rehearsal and the student’s name appears in the news letter which is then e-mailed to the FVL Federation schools. At the end of the Beginning Strings first year they will receive an audition to determine their placement in Intermediate/Advanced Strings.

Intermediate/Advanced StringsThe intermediate/Advanced string ensemble started in the 2009/10 school year. Second, third, or fourth year string students participate in the Intermediate/Advanced String Ensemble. Students audition for this ensemble at the end of their first year. Seating is determined by the students audition in the spring of their first, second, or third year of study. The Intermediate/Advanced String Ensemble stresses musical stylistic performance practices. The students are expected to learn between 10-15 pieces of

music. The students are encouraged to use the musical skills they have learned in lessons and apply these skills at Monday rehearsals in preparation for their performances. The String Ensemble members participate in field trips, concerts, contests, and solo ensemble. This is a new ensemble that may lead to the development of an advanced string ensemble in the future. High school students at FVL HS participate in the ensemble. Students are expected to practice their individual parts, in addition to lesson material, and they should serve as model students in this organization and in their dedication. Students in Intermediate/Advanced Strings participate in the “Music in the Parks” string ensemble competition. There are no extra rehearsals planned for this competition. Students will learn the competition music and perform it at regular concerts planned during the school year. There is an extra fee for participation in “Music in the Parks” it will be the same as band students, however there is no extra fee if you participate in band and strings. Students in orchestra will travel with the band members and participate in the same experiences as the band members.

Full OrchestraString students and selected band students participate in a full orchestra experience. Members perform for concerts and learn the full orchestra music in addition to their regular lesson and concert material. In 2010 our FVL Orchestra performed for the very first time at the Spring concert.

The FVL Middle School Music Program has had success on many fronts over the years. Since the early days of the program we have upgraded our instruction, lesson material, music, acquired new instruments and a large music library for the program. We operate out of a great facility and have had great support from the administration and parents. We have also had many successes with our students participating in honor bands, band festivals, solo ensemble, receiving scholarships to camps and lessons, and many other areas. This has become the norm and not the exception. We have been truly blessed! We thank God for his grace, mercy, and blessings!

4. I have more specific questions not answered here - what should I do?

The FVL Music Program has put together a handbook which provides some of the information contained here and information on many topics such as: Music in the Curriculum, FVL Schools, Rehearsal Expectations & Guidelines, Summer Camps, Instrument Maintenance, Honor Bands, Music Parents, Performance Expectations, Field Trips, Awards, and Music Stores in the Area. Please contact Charles Jahnke at 920-739-4441 or cjahnke@fvlhs.org if you would like a copy of the current handbook. Each family in our program will receive the handbook.

Thank you for your interest in our program!