Band Handbook 2008-2009

Preface

Dear Parents and Students,

Revere Middle School’s music faculty and administrators have collaborated to develop a set of guidelines to provide as much information as possible about our band program. This manual was given much thought and reflection, considering the culture, history, and future direction that the program is headed. We endeavor to ensure that the goals and objectives of the band program are aligned with district policy and that we ultimately use this program to prepare the students to learn and lead with a spirit of excellence, confidence, and respect.

Students who begin in the band program in the sixth grade can look forward to a comprehensive, sequential music education that will take them through the twelfth grade. Our sixth grade band emphasizes rudimentary music theory, history, and pedagogical performance abilities, giving them a solid grounding for the next level of musicianship in the seventh and eight grade ensembles. In these ensembles, students will continue to develop their skills through higher level performance opportunities and the next level of music theory and history. These students will also have opportunities to perform in varying styles of music performance such as pep band, jazz band, and solos and ensemble competitions. The band serves as the instrumental musical ambassadors of the school, performing in local, state and national venues.

Every year has new challenges, combinations of personalities and talent, audiences, music, members and new leadership, on the teacher, parent and student levels. Students in the band will be expected to perform at the best of their abilities and work together with parents, faculty and staff to make this organization a group that can be a model for future organizations and students.

With your love, support and prayers, we look forward to building a tradition of excellence that serves the students, the school, and the community.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the band director

Revere Middle School Director of Bands,

David White

Revere Middle School Interim Principal,

Anastasia Anderson

Revere Middle School Fine Arts Department Chair,

Andrea Einstein

Revere Middle School Dean of Fine Arts and Magnet Program

Alice Reuter

HISD West Region Fine Arts Coordinator,

Bobby Guess

ENSEMBLES

Placement in all ensembles is based on student ability level. Some ensembles require audition, but there is a place for all students willing to put forth an effort to achieve excellence. Outside of the large ensembles, district, region, and state auditions as well as solo/ensemble opportunities are also available for our students.

Beginner Bands These ensembles are designed for beginner students. The course will cover the very basics of instrumental pedagogy with an emphasis on proper tone production and basic music literacy.

Concert Band Students must audition for this ensemble for chair placement only. This ensemble is designed for intermediate level students with at lest one year of playing experience. The course will cover the very basics of instrumental performance, developing range, dexterity and performance ability.

Symphonic Band Students must audition for this ensemble for membership and chair placement. This course will cover the intermediate to early advanced level instrumental performance with an emphasis on endurance, intermediate level music literacy, basic music history, and concert literature.

Patriot Pep Band (PPB) This ensemble is open to all seventh and eight grade students. Sixth grades with experience may join upon audition. This group will perform at selected athletic events. The PPB primary function is to perform as a school event supporter ensemble.

Young American Jazz Ensemble Students must audition for this ensemble. Students in this ensemble will perform at school and community functions as well as participate in various festivals and competitions. The instrumentation is: Alto Saxes, Tenor Saxes,   Baritone Sax, Trumpets, Trombones, Piano, Drum, Aux percussion, Bass Guitar,  Lead Guitar

REHEARALS

These are the definitions of terms that you may hear when it concerns your student performing.

Practice Practice is individual time a student spends alone (or one-on-one with an instructor). Students are required to practice a minimum of 30 minutes a day. Students may practice more for extra credit on the homework portion of their grade

Sectional A section is when all the members of a particular instrument (i.e., all clarinets) get together to practice a particular technique of portion of music that needs special attention. These sessions occur outside of the normal class time.

Rehearsal Rehearsals are sessions with all the members of an ensemble. Some rehearsals have a regular schedule (jazz band) while other rehearsals are called in preparation for special events (competitions). Rehearsals are part of the student’s participation grade.

Dress Rehearsals These rehearsals occur a night or two before a performance. All members of the ensemble are required to attend. These rehearsals are part of a student’s test grade

Concert This is the exhibition of the preparations that a student has put forth.  Concerts are a test grade. Students not attending a concert will receive a 0 and may be subject to losing any special parts, demotion in chair ranking, and removal from the ensemble.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

Section Leader Section leaders report to the student conductor. Responsibilities include:

• Holding weekly sectionals to review music for concerts and competitions
• Maintaining attendance records for sectionals

President This individual has authority over all officers. Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring that all officers are performing their jobs by assisting and praying with them as needed
• Assist band director with planning of  band functions such as band trips and fundraisers
• Student leader of the business aspects of the band program and leads all student business meetings
• Liaison between parent and student organizations

Vice President Second to President:

• Assumes role of President when he/she is not available
• Chairs Student Recruitment committee

Historian Reports to the President. Responsibilities include:

• Creates a band memory book that will be presented at annual band banquet
• Chairs Band Recreation and Events committee
• Maintains band website updates

Operations Officer Reports to the President. Responsibilities include:

• Managing the equipment of the band during all functions
• Managing inventory
• Chairs Trip Planning committee

Secretary Reports to the President. Responsibilities include:

• Provides written communications between the band members and families
• Provides timely information to Historian for website updates
• Keeps daily attendance records for rehearsals
• Chairs Communications committee

Treasurer Reports to the President. Responsibilities include:

• Designs and implements fundraisers
• Accounts for funds collected from band events and fundraisers
• Chairs Fundraisers

Librarian Reports to the President. Responsibilities include:

• Maintains the band library, making copies for students, keeping track of music bins on trips
• Handles band competition paperwork including music and competition forms
• Manages instrument assignments for all instrumental ensembles
• Creating needs list for books and parts

GRADING POLICY

Participation (50% of grade) at sectionals, rehearsals and performances is required and will be integrated into the student’s grade. Regularly scheduled sectionals, rehearsals and concerts are curricular and have no eligibility requirements. A master schedule of activities in the instrumental music department will be provided. Supplemental schedules will be provided as needed to adjust for changes in the schedule at least one (1) week in advance of the change. Any prior commitments conflicting with the master schedule of activities should be brought to the attention of the director of bands via letter or email within two (2) weeks of receiving it. Rehearsals and sectionals will be part of the student’s participation grade. During rehearsals, students will be expected to:

• Come prepared with supplies (music, two pencils, instrument, necessary accessories)
• Work to achieve greater musical excellence either in fundamentals or the performance pieces
• Remain focused and on task
• Attend the entire meeting time

Performances (25% of grade) are mandatory for all band students and serve as their test grades for the grading period. There are no make-ups for concerts not attended.

Students will be graded on the following criteria:

• Punctuality
• Attire
• Preparedness
• Performance

Practice time (25% of grade) should be a solid, uninterrupted time when students can focus on the mastery of their instrument. Students are expected to practice a minimum of 30 minutes a day. Jazz Band and Symphonic Band members are to practice 45 minutes a day. Students will keep a journal of their practice time in which parents or supervising teachers will sign at the conclusion of each session. Students taking private lessons may count their lesson time as a practice session for grading purposes.  Journals are due at the end of the grading cycle or upon request. A good practice session consists of these components:

• A warm-up 25%

• Winds-long tone exercises
• Percussion-scales and rudiments

• Fundamental exercises 25%

• Winds-Scales and arpeggios
• Percussion-continues scales and rudiments

• Reading exercises 25%

• All-sight reading from books and other music literature

• Performance Literature 25%

• Concert literature
• All-District, Region,
•  Solo/Ensemble

UNIFORMS AND DRESS

All band gear should only be worn at approved functions.

Symphonic Band

• Male students will wear the following:
• Black dress shoes, black socks, black slacks, black belt or suspenders, white long-sleeved dress shirt, black jacket, black or green tie (no novelty ties)
• Female students will wear the following:
• Black dress shoes, appropriate legging
• Black dress; or,
• Long skirt (skirt must cover knees when sitting) or pants with black blouse with sleeves that cover the shoulder

Concert Band

• Male students will wear the following:
• Black dress shoes, black socks, black slacks, black belt or suspenders, white long-sleeved dress shirt, black or green tie (no novelty ties)
• No black jacket
• No suspenders
• Female students will wear the following:
• Black dress shoes, appropriate legging
• Long skirt (skirt must cover knees when sitting) or pants
• White blouse with sleeves that cover the shoulder

Cadet Band

• Male students will wear the following:
• dress shoes, belt or suspenders
• dress shirt and tie (only plain, music or Christian ties)
• Jacket and slacks or suit
• Female students will wear the following:
• Semi-formal dress shoes, black socks, black slacks, black belt
• Short long-sleeved white dress shirt, black or green tie (no novelty ties)
• No black jacket
• No suspenders
• No long-sleeved shirts

YAJE (Young American Jazz Ensemble)

• Male students will wear the following:
• dress shoes, belt or suspenders
• dress shirt and tie (only plain, music or Christian ties)
• Jacket and slacks or suit
• Female students will wear the following:
• Semi-formal dress shoes, black socks, black slacks, black belt
• Short long-sleeved white dress shirt, black or green tie (no novelty ties)
• No black jacket
• No suspenders

Patriot Pep Band-All should wear band shirts with khaki pants

INSTRUMENTS

School owned instruments are available for an annual fee (listed in the fees sections). Instruments are limited. Damage and wear-and-tear beyond the norm will be the responsibility of the student.

If you own an instrument or are concerned about the safety of a rental, this is a good idea. Most instrument rental programs already have a built in insurance policy built into the rental, so read your policy to find out. Coverage can also be attained through you home owners or renters’ policies.

To get information on instrument and supplies dealers and instrument insurance companies, go to the Performers Resources link. Even though some may not be local, they have proven to have good records when it comes to customer service, instrument repair, quality of product and competitive prices. Please do your homework since you will have to sign contracts and be responsible for terms of contracts. This is in no way a comment to the quality of companies not listed. If you find another reputable company, feel free to use them. This list is not an endorsement of these companies.

INSTRUMENT ASSIGNMENTS

Choosing an instrument goes well beyond a student’s preference or a family tradition. Many factors are taken into consideration, some of which are:

• Dental structure
• Hand size
• Body type
• A student’s history of ability to persevere
• Area of academic excellence

For these reasons, when it is time to pick an instrument, the director will do an examination of the student to determine what options would be best. This saves the student a lot of heart ache and frustration and increases the likelihood that the student will continue.

*Special note-Percussion is not easier than the other instruments

**Special note-Oboe, Bassoon and French horn is for students that are up to a challenge

*** Special note-There is not any girl/boy instruments

Instrument changes are made with the approval of the director only.

Recommended Instruments and Supply list

All Students

• Tuner-Korg CA 30 tuner/metronome combo

Flute-Yamaha Model YFL 281, open hole

• Cleaning rod
• Cleaning Kit (Blue Polish Cloth)
• Bore Oil

Clarinet-Buffet Model E11 or Selmer CL 300

• Reeds-1 box Vandoren: Size 2 ½ for Concert Band; size 2 for Cadet Band
• Vandoren 5RVL Lyre mouthpiece
• Swab
• Cork Grease
• Bore Oil

Saxophone-Yamaha Model YAS 23, Selmer C star mouthpiece

• Reeds-1 box Vandoren: Size 2 ½ for Concert Band; size 2 for Cadet Band
• Cleaning Kit
• Swab
• Bore Oil

Oboe

• 2 medium/soft reeds
• Cleaning Kit
• Cork Grease
• Bore Oil

Bassoon

• 2 medium/soft reeds
• Cleaning Kit
• Seat strap (if not included)
• Cork Grease
• Bore Oil

Trumpet-King Model 601 with 1st valve saddle,

• Mouthpiece-Bach 5b or Shilke 50
• Cleaning Kit

Trombone-Conn Model 50H or Yamaha Model YSL 356 or 354

• Slide-o-mix
• Cleaning rod
• Cheese clothe
• Tuning slide grease
• Mouthpiece-Bach 6 ½ AL or Shilke 50
• Cleaning Kit

Euphonium

• Mouthpiece-Bach 6 ½ AL or Shilke 50
• Cleaning Kit

Tuba

• Cleaning Kit
• Mouthpiece-Bach 18 or Shilke 67

French horn

• Cleaning Kit
• Mouthpiece-Holton Farkas MDC

Percussion

• Vic Firth American General SD1 drum sticks
• medium hard keyboard mallets
• Practice pad Remo-6 inch

Fees

Supplies may be ordered in May so the student will have them ready for class in August. Supplies will be sold throughout the course of the year while they last; however, it should not be expected that these supplies will be stocked by the band department.  Parents and students should make every effort to ensure that all supplies are acquired.

Non-beginner students should check with the band director to ensure that correct items are purchased as they do change as the student’s abilities become stronger.

I have read and received the Revere Middle School Band manual and understand the contents. I also understand that dates, times, locations, and other content may be changed as needed throughout the course of the year.

I will notify the band director of any conflicting dates within 2 weeks of returning this form. I understand that my child will be participating in a team ensemble and will make every effort for her/him to fully participate.