Midlothian School District #143 Beginning Band Handbook

2019-2020

Stavros Makropoulos, Director

E-mail: smakropoulos@msd143.biz Website: msd143band.weebly.com

Kolmar School 4500 West 143rd Street

Crestwood, IL 60418 (708) 385-6747

(708) 385-8243 FAX

Central Park School 3621 West 151st Street Midlothian, IL 60445

(708) 385-0045 (708) 385-7063 FAX

Springfield School 14620 Springfield Avenue

Midlothian, IL 60445 (708) 388-4121

(708) 388-3307 FAX

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Dear Band Students and Parents,

WELCOME to the Midlothian School District band program! I am excited to work with you and

together continue a tradition of excellence in performance and attitude that is the Midlothian

School District hallmark!

I grew up in the Chicagoland area and earned my Bachelor of Music Education at Western Illinois University. I have taught band and general music at the elementary/middle school level for over 9 years as well as high school marching band. I have played in numerous ensembles such as The Moraine Valley Community Concert Band, The WIU Wind Ensemble, The WIU Marching Leathernecks and many more. One of my favorite things about being a band director is working with the same students for four consecutive years and having the privilege of seeing and helping their progress during that time. No matter their level, students can look forward to being challenged to try new things. Please be sure to check your student’s band folder on a regular basis for any information regarding Band. If you ever need to get in contact with me, send me an email at smakropoulos@msd143.biz. If you do not have internet access, contact your student’s school and I will get back to you as soon as I can. I am confident that we will have a great year!

Sincerely, Mr. Stavros Makropoulos Band Director Midlothian School District #143 msd143band.weebly.com

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Table of Contents

Welcome letter…………………………………………………………………...……….page 2 Table of contents………………………………………………………………………....page 3 Mission Statement………………………………………………………………………..page 4 Expectations.………………………………………………………………………...……page 4 Performing Groups……………………………………………………………………….page 5 Attendance Policy……………….………..……………………………..……………...page 6 Parent / Teacher Conferences…………………...……………………………………..page 7 Practicing………………………………………………………………………………….page 7 Classroom Procedures…………………………………………………………………..page 8 Instrument care…………………………………………………………………………...page 9 Uniforms…………………………………………………………………………………...page 9 Band Supply List ………………………………………………………………………..page 10 2019-2020 Band Calendar………………………………………………………..…..page 11 Band Handbook Contract………………………………………………………………page 12

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Mission Statement Holding high expectations, with confidence that all will succeed the dedicated team of staff, students, parents, and community of Midlothian School District Bands are committed to the mission of developing life-long musicians, by providing an encouraging environment conducive to musical advancement, empowering students to be independent, self-motivated, and respectful participants.

Expectations:

To support the mission of the Midlothian School District Bands, we hold to the following expectations: The Director Will:

1. Be organized, prepared, and punctual. 2. Design and deliver effective instruction that is student centered. 3. Create and maintain a safe classroom environment. 4. Be consistent and fair with a positive disposition. 5. Keep open lines of communication and respond to requests in a timely manner. 6. Model the behavior of a life-long musician.

The Students Will:

1. Be respectful toward the directors, peers, materials and equipment. 2. Be punctual to class and performances, equipped with music, instrument, and supplies. 3. Demonstrate their best effort in rehearsal and performance by remaining on task. 4. Practice routinely to advance their skills and make a positive contribution. 5. Attend all required rehearsals and performances.

The Parents Will:

1. Read the handbook and note all required performance dates and times. 2. Assist students in maintaining instruments and acquiring supplies. 3. Encourage students to practice and read and sign practice reports. 4. Support the students by attending concerts and participating in band activities. 5. Communicate concerns to the director as soon as they are apparent.

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Performing Groups Beginning Band – Band members primarily consist of 5th grade students with little to no band experience. Students will meet for small group lessons once a week during the school day and Tuesdays after school for a full band rehearsal. The Beginning Band Performs at the Beginning Band Demo Concert and the Spring Concert. Students are highly recommended to take private lessons from an independent instructor to get the individual attention needed to be successful at mastering the basic fundamentals of their instrument. Concert Band – Band members primarily consist of 6th students with one full year of prior band experience. Students will meet for small group lessons once a week during the school day and twice after school on Mondays and Thursdays a full band rehearsal. The Concert Band performs at our District’s Winter and Spring Concert, Midlothian’s Christmas parade, Band-O-Rama festival and Solo/Ensemble Festival. Students are highly recommended to take private lessons from an independent instructor to get the individual attention needed to be successful at advancing beyond the basic fundamentals of their instrument. Symphonic Band – Band members primarily consist of 7th and 8th grade students with at least at least two full of prior band experience. Students will meet for small group lessons once a week during the school day and twice before school on Tuesdays and Thursdays a full band rehearsal. The Symphonic Band performs at our District’s Winter and Spring Concert, Junior High Night at Bremen High School, Midlothian’s Christmas parade, SSJHSC Band Contest, Shepard High School Co-op Festival and Solo/Ensemble Festival. Students are highly recommended to take private lessons from an independent instructor to get the individual attention needed to be successful at advancing beyond the basic fundamentals of their instrument.

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Attendance Policy

The effort of the entire group is dependent on individual attendance. Band is much more than individuals learning to play an instrument. It is a team to which each individual must commit. Band is a co-curricular activity where mandatory performances are scheduled outside of the school day. Any Student accumulating 4 unexcused absences from band in a school year will be removed from the band program.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

no transportation

birthdays

vacations

babysitting

detentions

unfinished homework

minor illness o If a student is feeling well enough to attend school all day, then they are required to attend

afterschool rehearsal.

EXCUSED ABSENCES

significant personal illness

major family emergencies

absent from school that day

**Be advised that the band calendar is available well in advance so that efforts can be made to work around band commitments. ** Any student who misses a mandatory performance will automatically be dropped from band, except in extreme emergencies. **If possible, try and schedule doctor appointments at a time that will not effect after school rehearsal. Please contact Mr. Makropoulos with questions or concerns, as everything possible will be done to assist you in conflicts.4

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Parent / Teacher Conferences Students and Parents are highly encouraged to attend our parent / teacher conferences and meet with Mr. Makropoulos to discuss your student’s progress in our band program.

Practicing

In addition to the regularly scheduled school rehearsals, it is necessary for each student to practice at home. Band is a class, and practicing is the homework. Our playing quizzes come from scales, excerpts from the book, and sheet music, so everyone has great study guides! (Hint: Everything from the band book can be found online, as well as recordings of the pieces you are working on in band.) Please support your child in practicing by showing an interest in his or her musical progress, making it a part of the daily routine at home, and encouraging him or her in playing. Practicing 4 days a week at home is realistic and should be respected.

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Classroom Procedures REHEARSAL: Enter the band room quickly and quietly when it is time. Prepare instrument, music, pencil, chair, and stand for rehearsal and be ready to play so accurate attendance will be taken. There will be no playing until the band warms up together! There must be no talking when the director is on the podium; that is the signal to be in the ready position to play. Every member of the band is important and every part, every note, and every rest is important. Therefore, when the director is working with one section, ALL other sections will be silently practicing their parts and listening to instructions. No student should play or talk without direction to do so. Disruptions will not be tolerated. PASSES: When coming to lessons during the day, show your teacher your Band Schedule. This will be your pass to come to band. EQUIPMENT: Midlothian School District’s equipment should receive proper and careful treatment. Sit in chairs properly, treat chairs and music stands with respect, and only percussionists may touch percussion equipment. MONEY: All money should be turned in directly to Mr. Makropoulos. It should always be marked clearly in a labeled envelope with the student’s name and purpose. BAND ROOM RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Respect each other, all staff, and equipment. 2. All students must come prepared with their instrument, supplies, music, and a pencil. 3. Food, drinks, and gum are not allowed in the band room. The only exception is bottled water. 4. Follow directions the first time given. 5. Participate at all times, and complete assignments in a timely manner.

We encourage students to exercise self-discipline through reflection and self-evaluation. Students learn to control their own behavior. We want our classroom to be encouraging and conducive to learning at all times. In this way, young people develop positive attitudes and behavioral skills that are so necessary for successful lives.

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Instrument Care

It is the responsibility of each student to keep his/her instrument in proper playing condition. Maintenance and repair of musical instruments is necessary over time. Please refer to the information below for reputable repair facilities. You may have a maintenance agreement with the dealer through whom you purchased your instrument. Service representatives from Quinlan and Fabish visit our school district once a week for your convenience. Quinlan and Fabish Music Company 6827 High Grove Blvd. Burr Ridge, IL 60527 630-654-4111

Uniforms

Band uniforms are required for performances. The student will not perform if he/she does not have all the components of the uniform at the time of the performance. We have a standard uniform for each band in order to make things as convenient and economical as possible. Beginning Band: Provided by the band Provided by the student Order form for Band Polo (go big – shirt should Black dress pants/skirt* last for 2 years!) Solid black dress shoes (no gym shoes) Black socks *Skirts must be KNEE LENGTH.

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Band Supply List

ALL band members need to have the following at every lesson and rehearsal:

Pencil

Instrument

Essential Elements book

Band music

Extra reeds (clarinets and saxophones only)

Alfred’s Drum Method Book (percussion only)

EACH STUDENT MUST HAVE SUPPLIES BY

Friday, September 6th !

The Essential Elements book #1 may be purchased through our vendor or online. Each book is around $10, and the Combined Percussion Book is around $15. The Alfred’s Drum Method book is around $16. Returning students should have these materials, and beginning band students will get them when they buy/rent instruments on Registration Night. The Midlothian Band department sells most of the band supplies at a discount price at each school. See Mr. Makropoulos for more details.

Supplies per Instrument:

Brass * 1 bottle of valve oil (trumpet, cornet, baritone, and tuba) * 1 bottle of slide oil or Slide cream (trombone)

* 1 tuning slide grease (all instruments) Woodwinds

* 4 good reeds at all times (clarinet and saxophone) -Beginning Band should purchase strength 2 ½ (Juno, Vandoren and D’Addario brands are best) * Reed holder (clarinet and saxophone) * Cleaning swab (all woodwinds) * Cork grease (clarinet and saxophone)

Percussion

* 1 pair of Vic Firth SD1 General snare drum sticks * 1 pair of hard plastic bell mallets * Stick bag for storing and carrying mallets

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Midlothian Band Calendar 2019/2020

Beginning Band

Event Date Times

After School Band Starts Tuesday, October 1st (every Tuesday until mid May)

3:00pm-4:00pm

Beginning Band Parent Meeting

Wednesday, September 11th

(at Springfield Elementary) 6:00pm-6:30pm

Fundraiser Meeting (students only)

Thursday, September 19th

(at Springfield Elementary) 3:00-3:30pm

Demo Concert Mid-January 6:30pm-7:30pm

Spring Concert Early May 6:30pm-7:30pm

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BAND HANDBOOK CONTRACT 2018-2019

All Midlothian School District band members and parents – please read the following page carefully. Then complete and return this contract to Mr. Makropoulos or the main office by Wednesday, May 29th 2019.

The Midlothian School District Band Program is dedicated to excellence in performance. Its members share a unique musical and social experience. Membership involves making a commitment to band. This is not a decision to be taken lightly. If you commit, do it completely. Please understand the expectations of the organization by reading this handbook. If you have further questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Makropoulos, at smakropoulos@msd143.biz .

1. I/We have read and understand all of the guidelines and procedures stated in this handbook and agree to abide by everything stated within for the 2019-2020 school year.

2. I/We have received a calendar of events for the 2019-2020 school year and agree that I/my child will attend every scheduled rehearsal and performance unless the absence is excused.

3. I/We understand the consequences if the guidelines and procedures outlined in this handbook are not followed.

STUDENT NAME (Print): __________________________________________________________ STUDENT SIGNATURE: _____________________________________ DATE: _______________ PARENT NAME (Print): ___________________________________________________________ PARENT SIGNATURE: _______________________________________ DATE: ______________

HOME PHONE: ( ) ______________________

CELL PHONE: ( ) _______________________

EMAIL: ________________________________________________@____________________

Parent Volunteer Information

Please check any events for which you are interested in assisting our program. You will be contacted about details for each event. This gives me an idea of who is available to help. I appreciate ALL of the parents who donate their

extra time and hard work to the bands! Thank you!

____ Fundraiser wrap up (October)

After school, need 2-3 parents for 2 hours

____Beginning Band Pizza Party (May)

After scool, need 2 parent for 1 hour

____ Band Registration Night (May)

2 nights, need 1 parent per night