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Langley Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook ... and will include Jazz and ... Students will develop their individual technique on their instruments

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Page 1: Langley Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook ... and will include Jazz and ... Students will develop their individual technique on their instruments

Langley Middle School

2014-2015

Band Handbook

Jess Monett, Director

Page 2: Langley Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook ... and will include Jazz and ... Students will develop their individual technique on their instruments

September 2, 2014

Dear Band Students and Parents,

I would like to welcome you to the 2014-2015 school year. I am excited to begin the

year and am looking forward to an even better year than last. If you are new to

Langley Middle School (LMS) this year, welcome! And for those of you returning, welcome

back!

This handbook is a resource for both parents and students to help with

understanding the procedures and policies of the Langley Middle School Band Program.

Some of these policies may be different from past years, so please read this handbook

carefully.

Included as the last page of this handbook is the Parent Information Form. This is

each student’s first assignment in band as well as a simple materials check off each

student will have in class. The Parent Information Form should be returned (either via

email or as a hard copy) to Mrs. Monett no later than Friday, September 12. This first

assignment is one way of letting me know that each family has received and reviewed the

information at hand.

I am looking forward to this exciting year knowing it will be both a fun and

educational experience for all students. Please do not hesitate to contact me via email or

phone. Also, check out the LMS Band Website located on my teacher webpage on the LMS

Website or:

http://www.sw.wednet.edu/Page/1181

Sincerely,

Mrs. Monett

(360) 221-6808

[email protected]

Page 3: Langley Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook ... and will include Jazz and ... Students will develop their individual technique on their instruments

Mission The Langley Middle School Band Program is designed to develop each student as a comprehensive musician. Students will participate as performers, listeners, and composers. The material is based on classical/symphonic style concepts, and will include Jazz and Contemporary styles as well. Each student will learn to demonstrate the fundamentals of performing on their instrument, self-motivation, self-discipline, and self/group awareness. Students are here to learn, grow, and enjoy the art of music!

Performance Ensembles Concert Band - (Period 1)

This group is primarily made up of 6th Graders who have completed a year’s worth of band instruction in the 5th grade. Students will develop their individual technique on their instruments while learning to work together within a group. Emphasis is placed on tone quality, music reading skills and teamwork.

Symphonic Band - (Period 4)

This group is primarily made up of 7th graders who successfully completed Concert Band. Students will continue to refine tone quality, music reading and teamwork while focusing on challenging music and honing their performance skills.

Wind Ensemble - (Period 6)

This group is primarily 8th graders and is designed to be a greater challenge for the musicians in the ensemble. While the basic concepts studied will be the same as Symphonic Band, the music performed will be more demanding of each individual. This group may also be asked to participate in a few more performances than the other two bands. There will be a stronger emphasis on sight-reading skills and individual performance techniques.

Jazz Band (Period 0, 6:50-7:45 AM)

This auditioned group will deal with the performance of Jazz music in the Big Band ensemble setting. It is open for participation to students who play the instruments included in a swing band; trumpet, trombone (or French horn), saxophones (alto, tenor and baritone), piano, vibes, guitar, bass and drums. Auditions will be held at the beginning of the school year and will be based on attitude, musicianship and attendance. Jazz Band meets every weekday morning.

Since these groups are all PERFORMANCE ensembles, attending concerts is an absolutely fundamental part of participating in any of these ensembles. Please refer to the Concert Calendar located on each ensemble’s tab on the LMS Band Website to make sure there are no conflicts with the concert dates.

Page 4: Langley Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook ... and will include Jazz and ... Students will develop their individual technique on their instruments

Grading Policies/Guidelines

There are three categories in the grading system:

•Assignments/Tests

•Classroom Participation/Citizenship

•Performances

Each of these categories will count as 1/3 of a student’s grade. Grades are based on the percentage of points earned throughout the quarter. Student grades can be found by accessing your Family Access account with your pin number through the LMS website (to receive your pin number contact Mary Eaton in the LMS Office).

Assignments/Tests will include all written work, playing tests and any other assignments (such as the Parent Information Form to be signed and returned after reading this handbook). Due dates for written work and assignments will be strictly adhered to – with students who fail to turn in work by the required date receiving partial or no credit. However, Playing Tests may be retaken as many times as a student wishes up until the end of the quarter or semester. Students will be encouraged to visit Mrs. Monett during Lunch or possibly during Flex Period in order to improve their Playing Test grades.

Classroom Participation/Citizenship will include student behavior and attendance. Students will be graded on whether they are meeting classroom expectations and Band Rules every day (see Classroom Expectations page in this Handbook). Basically, every student who shows up to class on time with a good attitude, their instrument, their music binder and a pencil will receive 100% in this category. Creating beautiful music requires hard work, dedication, discipline, a positive attitude, and good work ethic. Without a strong effort from each student in every rehearsal, the band suffers musically and progresses at a slower rate.

Performances will include attendance at all concerts and performances done by the ensemble that each individual student plays in. Showing up on time, behaving appropriately and having the proper uniform are all components of this grade. While concerts are absolutely mandatory, occasionally things occur that force a student to miss a concert. If these fall into the category of Illness or Family Emergency, a student would receive an excused absence from a concert granted they brought in a note explaining the situation the next day.

In addition to these grading categories, there will periodically be opportunities for students to receive Extra Credit. More information will be provided about this later.

Page 5: Langley Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook ... and will include Jazz and ... Students will develop their individual technique on their instruments

Classroom Expectations Students are expected to:

• Model Cougar Code Respect

• Give your very best every day

• Practice regularly and effectively (see Practice Expectations below)

•Work to improve yourself, your section and the band

Band Rules: 1. Follow directions the first time 2. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself 3. Participate and be prepared/on time for all class activities 4. Demonstrate respect for all people and equipment

Consequences of Appropriate Behavior/Choices: As an Individual

*Last 3 minutes of class the band plays music of their choice As a Band

*Mrs. Monett adds a tally mark to your class record at the beginning of class. *This is a competition with the other grade level band classes and the class who earns 20 tally marks first earns a MUSICAL FUN DAY! Then all classes go back to zero.

Consequences of Inappropriate Behavior/Choices: As an Individual

1st offense - Verbal warning (Marked in Skyward as 1) 2nd offense - Loss of daily participation points (Marked in Skyward as 2) 3rd offense - Cool off for 5 minutes and parent contact (Marked in Skyward as 3)

4th offense - Cool off remainder of period and referral to administrator (in Skyward as 4)

Unprepared: o No instrument or materials necessary to play (i.e. reed or mouthpiece) = No

daily participation points. This would be marked as MI in Skyward. o No band materials or late for class (i.e. no book, pencil, music binder or

handouts, unexcused tardy or absence) = Receive half the daily participation points. This would be marked as MM in Skyward.

As a Band

· Mrs. Monett takes away the class tally mark for the day.

Page 6: Langley Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook ... and will include Jazz and ... Students will develop their individual technique on their instruments

Some Common Sense Things

These should be known to everyone, but as a reminder:

•Put trash in the garbage and keep the room clean.

•Report vandalism or theft to the director immediately.

•Take care of your instrument and music, they are expensive to replace (and remember, school instruments need to be used for years to come!). Keep instruments away from extreme heat or cold, record your serial number some place safe and keep an instrument identification tag on your instrument at all times.

•Leave all food, drinks, gum & candy in the cafeteria.

•If it is not yours, leave it alone! (This includes LMS instruments and other people’s instruments and music.)

Practice Expectations

There is no substitute for consistent, careful practice. If you hope to improve, you must practice. Band students should think of practicing as doing their homework for Band class. If you schedule a regular practice time, you will be more likely to get into the habit of practicing every day. The amount of practice needed for each student to succeed varies for each individual, but you should assume that you need to practice until you get it right several times! Try not to practice mistakes; only effective practice makes progress. Use a good chair and music stand, and try to practice in a quiet place where you can think without distractions. You should also try to use a metronome as a tool in your practicing (many of our playing tests will be done with the metronome as well!). Students’ individual practice determines the band’s overall success.

School-Owned Equipment, Instruments and Music

The school has a limited number of instruments to rent. To rent a school-owned instrument, an LMS Instrument Rental Contract needs to be filled out and returned to Mrs. Monett with a cash or check maintenance fee payment to LMS. Please see Mrs. Monett for more information or ask her about rental and rent-to-own instrument programs. If you are fortunate enough to have been entrusted with a school-owned instrument, you are responsible for its day-to-day care. Please understand that instruments are very expensive to buy and repair. School-owned instruments also need to last for many years in order to be used by many students. Students who fail to properly care for their school-owned instrument will have the privilege of its use revoked and if damage has occurred the student may be issued a fine. Please treat all instruments and music with respect and with the idea that we need to preserve what we have.

Page 7: Langley Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook ... and will include Jazz and ... Students will develop their individual technique on their instruments

Private Music Instruction Many LMS band students take private lessons on their instrument with a specialist. While this is not a requirement, lessons are a great opportunity for one-on-one attention from a professional musician. Lessons (along with consistent practice) can greatly improve a student’s rate of progress and provide a nice way to supplement/reinforce what is learned in band class. Please check the band website for a complete list of private instructors and their contact information.

Band Uniforms/Concert Attire Please dress in clothes appropriate for a formal concert. All LMS Performing Ensembles require women to wear a white blouse with black pants or a black skirt (no higher than the knee), black dress shoes and black dress socks. Men are required to wear a white dress shirt (tucked in please) with black pants, black dress shoes and black dress socks. If you have any questions about concert attire, please talk to Mrs. Monett prior to the day of the concert. Please plan ahead and make sure you have the proper attire for concerts before the day of the performance! Concerts are formal occasions and the performers should be dressed up! Concert Etiquette for Audience Members:

· Concert attendees are recipients of an artistic gift so their demeanor should reflect appreciation.

· Refrain from talking, singing, tapping fingers or feet · Have nothing in your mouth except your teeth and tongue – gum & candy wrappers

can be distracting · Turn all electronic devices off before you enter the theater such as phones,

watches, etc. 2014-2015 Band Calendar Please see the LMS Band Website for the Calendar specific to the ensemble the student is in: http://www.sw.wednet.edu/Page/1181

Page 8: Langley Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook ... and will include Jazz and ... Students will develop their individual technique on their instruments

Supplies EVERYONE: Instrument in good working condition, pencils, 1” binder with round ring (black in color), loose leaf filler paper (with 3 punched holes for binder), folding music stand and metronome

General Supplies For Any Instrumentalist: (these make great birthday and Christmas presents) Metronomes/Tuners: Yamaha QT-1 Quartz Metronome, Yamaha YT-250 Tuner, Sabine MT9000 Tuner/Metronome or Center Pitch Universal Tuner Music Stands (folding): Manhasset or Hamilton Mouthpiece Pouch by KIWI Recording devices for individual assessment purposes Smart Music: a great home practice computer program. See it at: smartmusic.com Morgan Bumpers- for those with braces issues (Mrs. Monett may have some- just ask!) Contact Mrs. Monett for any questions about step-up mouthpieces or instruments!

Instrument Specific Materials: FLUTE: Swab, Cleaning Rod, Polishing Cloth

CLARINET & BASS CLARINET: Cloth Swab/pad saver, Cork Grease, Polishing Cloth, 3 Working Reeds: Mitchell Lurie, Vandoren, or Rico, Reed Guard w/ your name on it, Neck Strap (bass clarinet only)

OBOE & BASSOON: Reeds (2 at your seat), Reed Case (your name on it), Silk Swab & Cork Grease, Water Cup (Photo Film Containers or Used, Clean Prescription Bottles Work Great), Seat Strap

ALL SAXOPHONES: Neck Strap (Neotech with swivel hook, black), Reed Guards (La Voz (holds 4 reeds w/ name on it), Swab/pad saver, Cork Grease, Polishing Cloth, Neck Cleaner, 3 Working Reeds (Vandoren, Rico, Hemke)

TRUMPET: Valve Oil (Al Cass), Tuning Slide Grease, Snake/Cleaning Coil, Polishing Cloth, Mouthpiece Brush, Valve Casing Brush

FRENCH HORN: Cleaning Cloth, Cleaning Coil, Rotor Oil, Tuning Slide Grease, Mouth Piece Brush

TROMBONE: Snake, Slide Oil, Soft Cotton Cloth (clean), Mouthpiece Brush, Polishing Cloth, Tuning Slide Grease

BARITONE & TUBA: Valve Oil (Al Cass), Tuning Slide Grease, Snake, Mouthpiece Brush, Valve Casing Brush, Cleaning Cloth

PERCUSSION: At School: One pair of Concert Snare Drum Sticks

Page 9: Langley Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook ... and will include Jazz and ... Students will develop their individual technique on their instruments

Method Books

CONCERT BAND (6th Grade): Essential Elements, Volume 1 (yellow book) & Standard of Excellence, Volume 2 (blue book)

SYMPHONIC BAND (7th Grade): Standard of Excellence, Volume 2 (blue book) & I Recommend (orange book)

WIND ENSEMBLE (8th Grade): Standard of Excellence, Volume 2 (blue book), Standard of Excellence, Volume 3 (green book) & I Recommend (orange book)

JAZZ BAND: Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble & Essential Elements Jazz Play Along Jazz Standards Book (both red books)

Local music stores –

Joe’s Island Music in Langley (360) 221-2505

Kennelly Keys Music in Lynnwood (425) 771-7020

All supplies and method books should be brought to class on a daily basis!

Page 10: Langley Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook ... and will include Jazz and ... Students will develop their individual technique on their instruments

Langley Middle School

Band “Honors” Criteria

This year students can work to earn Honors credit for their band class. At the end of the year, any student who meets the requirements listed below will receive Honors credit in band. This will be noted on your year-end report card with an “H” next to your band grade, as well as in the final concert program. Students will also receive a certificate that recognizes their yearly achievement. Students who receive Band Honors from 6th through 8th Grade will have their names put on a plaque posted in the LMS Band Room. The criteria for achieving Band Honors are:

Attend all required performances throughout the year. This includes being on time and in appropriate attire.

Earn a 94% or higher in band class for both semesters of the school year.

Receive private instruction on primary band instrument for at least one whole semester. -OR- Perform in an auditioned group that meets outside of the school day (must meet director approval). -OR- Keep a practice journal that documents your practice sessions and demonstrates that you are practicing an average of 100 minutes per week for at least a whole semester (may use the practice chart form from years past, practice journal from the cover of Standard of Excellence book, or other resources).

Participate in the district Solo and Ensemble Festival as a soloist or as part of an ensemble.

Attend a music concert that features professional or semi-professional musicians performing on your primary band instrument. A list of Concerts to Attend For Fun can be found as a tab on Mrs. Monett’s teacher website. This list is appropriate to meet the criteria. If you plan to attend a concert not on the list for Honors credit please speak to Mrs. Monett first for approval.

8th Graders Only-Prepare for and make an audition tape for Jr. All-State Band (For more info go to www.wmea.org or the 8th Grade Band webpage Announcements)

Page 11: Langley Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook Middle School 2014-2015 Band Handbook ... and will include Jazz and ... Students will develop their individual technique on their instruments

Parent Information Form Dear Band Parents,

Thank you for supporting your child in their musical adventure this year! In an effort to

save paper, I would like to have students complete this first assignment via email by Friday,

September 12. Sending me an email response (or handing the form in) tells me you read and

understood the LMS Band Handbook and LMS Band website. Secondly, your email

response tells me you are acknowledging that your child has all required band supplies and

materials by the deadline. The email should have the student’s name in the subject line and

include the following information:

Student Name (in subject line) Parent Name(s) Contact Phone Number Email Address (or addresses) where you prefer to be contacted

Email your information to:

[email protected] If this is not possible to do, then students can fill the information out on this page and

turn it in to Mrs. Monett. Please mark an “X” next to this line if you do not have access to

the internet _______.

Thank you!

Mrs. Monett