Band Handbook
Table of Contents:
I. The Band Curriculum
II. Band Program Goals
III. Class Description
A. Sixth Grade Band
B. Intermediate and Concert Band (7-8)
C. Jazz Band
IV. Grading Policy
V. Classroom Materials
VI. Classroom Rules / Behavioral Expectations
VII. Other Important Information
A. Practice Logs
B. Private Lessons
VIII. Identification Card & Parental Acknowledgment Form (return)
Skyridge Band Program Curriculum:
In our music program, emphasis is placed on musicianship, technique, history, theory, and the development of each student’s musical knowledge. Achieved through hard work, it is the pride in a job well done that makes our efforts worthwhile. The success of the individual leads to the success of the band. Our ability to progress and achieve both as individuals and a band is dependent on our ability to function in an orderly, systematic manner as we strive to attain our goals. The bottom line is that students in band become the best that they can be through music and have fun doing so.
Band Program Goals:
· To inspire a lifelong love of music
· To build fundamental knowledge of music
· To emphasize work ethic, self discipline, and social skills
· To gain skills for both playing and listening to music
· To build understanding of the relationship between music, the other arts, and disciplines
outside of the arts
· To build understanding of music in relation to history and culture
Note - for more information on state and national standards for music feel free to visit:
www.menc.org
www.wmea.org
www.k12.wa.us
Class Descriptions:
Sixth Grade Band
This is an introductory class in instrumental playing for those students with little or no musical background. Students will develop musicianship, technique, music appreciation skills, and working music theory skills. By the end of the first year, band students will be prepared to continue in music with many skills. Here is a list of some of the skills to be taught:
- Holding the Instrument - Instrument Care
- Practice Habits - Rehearsal Attitude
- Rhythm - Sound Production
- Note Naming - Fingerings
- Time Signatures - Key Signatures
- Tempo - Dynamics
- Articulation - Form
- Genre - Concert Etiquette
- Other Terms / Concepts
Intermediate and Concert Band (7-8)
The Intermediate Band is for the students continuing on from sixth grade or those with some musical background. The sixth grade standards and concepts will be re-emphasized and elaborated upon. In addition to music fundamentals students in the Intermediate Band will develop their individual sound, tone, balance, intonation, technique, and listening skills. Students in Intermediate Band will leave Skyridge with the skills and knowledge to take their music to the next level, and most importantly, with a lifelong love of music.
Here are some of the skills to be taught in Intermediate and Concert Band:
- 6th Grade Skills and Concepts (expanded)
- Individual Sound
- Tone
- Balance
- Intonation
- Technique
- Listening Skills
Jazz Band
The Jazz Band is for students who have some musical knowledge and want to explore their musical identity though jazz study. This class is mainly a performance ensemble that focuses on performance in a variety of jazz styles. Jazz band students will
learn about special techniques, rhythms, and traditions as they apply to playing jazz and popular music. Students will also learn about the history and culture associated with the major jazz traditions and styles. There will be a strong emphasis on improvisation and all students will have an opportunity to take solos.
The standard instrumentation for the jazz band includes trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, guitar, bass, drums, and auxiliary. Exceptions to this must be approved by Mr. Esser. If you want to participate in jazz band regularly, you will need to play one of the traditional instruments used in jazz. Private lessons are strongly recommended, but not required.
Grading:
Students are required to attend all performances. In the event of an excused absence from a concert a student may earn credit with a make-up assignment/project related to music.
Attendance / Participation 60%
Practice Logs 20%
Concerts 10%
Playing Tests / Assignments 10%
Extra Credit 5%
Classroom Materials:
The following should be brought to rehearsal every day:
· Instrument with proper equipment (see below)
Brass - mouthpiece and valve oil
Woodwinds - mouthpiece, ligature, 2 good reeds, and cleaning material
Percussion - 5A wooden tip drum sticks, and a practice pad
· Music
Sheet Music (provided by school)
Method Book - “Traditions of Excellence” by Bruce Pearson
(provided by students: 6th vol.1, 7/8 vol.2,)
· Pencil (no pens, not even the erasable kind)
*Jazz Band "Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble"
* Most instruments are to be provided by the students, along with all of the required
accessories for playing and maintaining the instruments. Some instruments, such as the
larger brass and woodwind instruments, may be supplied to the students for a nominal
fee.
*Percussionists are required to pay an equipment fee of $50 for the use and maintenance of the school percussion instruments. This fee is due along with the signed back page of this handbook by the end of the first week of school.
*It is also highly recommended that students have a metronome/tuner
and a music stand for home practice.
Classroom Rules / Behavioral Expectations:
Classroom rules adhere to Skyridge Middle School Policy as well as the Camas School District policy. In addition to this we have other guidelines to ensure the success of the band.
Classroom Rights:
Because you are present and participating in class, you have a right to:
- Learn
- Belong
- Hear and be heard
- Compassionate treatment
- Be safe
- Be yourself
- Be happy
Classroom Ground Rules:
- Respect each other and the room
- Keep the band room a safe space
- Tell the truth
- No food, drinks, or gum (water only)
*As a band director I feel that it is important to reward positive behavior as well as stop
negative behavior.
Other Important Information:
Practice Logs
Success of the individual contributes to the success of the band. Therefore, Practice Logs account for 20% of the grade. Each student is required to turn in monthly practice calendars. Each week is graded individually in order to encourage regular practice. Minutes do not carry over. 100 minutes a week is an A. Note the number of minutes you practice each day as well as the total for each week. Incorporate your planner into your practice schedule. Write down goals or assignments during class, or anytime, so that you will remember to practice them later. Parents, please sign full name in ink. Parent signature must be on the practice Calendar. Participating in a sport or other activity does not excuse you from practice time. Late calendars lose 10 percent for each day late, for up to 5 school days. After that, they remain at 50% credit until the end of the trimester. Artwork on the calendar is okay as long as all information is still easily read. If a month starts and Mr. Esser has not handed out a new calendar yet, keep track in your planner and then transfer it over when you get the official calendar. Jazz Band members do not need to turn in a separate calendar for Jazz Band.
Private Lessons
Private Lessons are highly encouraged, as they are extremely important to the band students for many reasons. Students who take private lessons feel more confident in their playing abilities. Private lessons reinforce the things learned in class and encourage regular practice. Private lessons help students succeed in class and enrich the musical experience on a much more individual level.
Other
- Identify instrument cases: Each case should have some type of identification that tells the student's name and contact info.
- Instrument Storage: Students will be provided a storage area for their instruments in the
band room. The band room will be open at 7:45 am and will remain open until 3:15 pm so that you can take your instrument home.
- Instrument Swapping: Sounds disgusting, doesn’t it, but I have to mention it. Aside from
the obvious health hazards (colds and viruses for example), students who are unfamiliar
with an instrument can do serious damage to the instrument, and will be held responsible
for the damage. Do not play around with another person’s instrument - even if they gave
you permission.
- Combined Rehearsals: Students may be asked to attend rehearsals after school to
combine classes that would otherwise not be able to be together (prior to concerts). Early notification will be given, and your flexibility is appreciated.
Table of Contents:
I. The Band Curriculum
II. Band Program Goals
III. Class Description
A. Sixth Grade Band
B. Intermediate and Concert Band (7-8)
C. Jazz Band
IV. Grading Policy
V. Classroom Materials
VI. Classroom Rules / Behavioral Expectations
VII. Other Important Information
A. Practice Logs
B. Private Lessons
VIII. Identification Card & Parental Acknowledgment Form (return)
Skyridge Band Program Curriculum:
In our music program, emphasis is placed on musicianship, technique, history, theory, and the development of each student’s musical knowledge. Achieved through hard work, it is the pride in a job well done that makes our efforts worthwhile. The success of the individual leads to the success of the band. Our ability to progress and achieve both as individuals and a band is dependent on our ability to function in an orderly, systematic manner as we strive to attain our goals. The bottom line is that students in band become the best that they can be through music and have fun doing so.
Band Program Goals:
· To inspire a lifelong love of music
· To build fundamental knowledge of music
· To emphasize work ethic, self discipline, and social skills
· To gain skills for both playing and listening to music
· To build understanding of the relationship between music, the other arts, and disciplines
outside of the arts
· To build understanding of music in relation to history and culture
Note - for more information on state and national standards for music feel free to visit:
www.menc.org
www.wmea.org
www.k12.wa.us
Class Descriptions:
Sixth Grade Band
This is an introductory class in instrumental playing for those students with little or no musical background. Students will develop musicianship, technique, music appreciation skills, and working music theory skills. By the end of the first year, band students will be prepared to continue in music with many skills. Here is a list of some of the skills to be taught:
- Holding the Instrument - Instrument Care
- Practice Habits - Rehearsal Attitude
- Rhythm - Sound Production
- Note Naming - Fingerings
- Time Signatures - Key Signatures
- Tempo - Dynamics
- Articulation - Form
- Genre - Concert Etiquette
- Other Terms / Concepts
Intermediate and Concert Band (7-8)
The Intermediate Band is for the students continuing on from sixth grade or those with some musical background. The sixth grade standards and concepts will be re-emphasized and elaborated upon. In addition to music fundamentals students in the Intermediate Band will develop their individual sound, tone, balance, intonation, technique, and listening skills. Students in Intermediate Band will leave Skyridge with the skills and knowledge to take their music to the next level, and most importantly, with a lifelong love of music.
Here are some of the skills to be taught in Intermediate and Concert Band:
- 6th Grade Skills and Concepts (expanded)
- Individual Sound
- Tone
- Balance
- Intonation
- Technique
- Listening Skills
Jazz Band
The Jazz Band is for students who have some musical knowledge and want to explore their musical identity though jazz study. This class is mainly a performance ensemble that focuses on performance in a variety of jazz styles. Jazz band students will
learn about special techniques, rhythms, and traditions as they apply to playing jazz and popular music. Students will also learn about the history and culture associated with the major jazz traditions and styles. There will be a strong emphasis on improvisation and all students will have an opportunity to take solos.
The standard instrumentation for the jazz band includes trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, guitar, bass, drums, and auxiliary. Exceptions to this must be approved by Mr. Esser. If you want to participate in jazz band regularly, you will need to play one of the traditional instruments used in jazz. Private lessons are strongly recommended, but not required.
Grading:
Students are required to attend all performances. In the event of an excused absence from a concert a student may earn credit with a make-up assignment/project related to music.
Attendance / Participation 60%
Practice Logs 20%
Concerts 10%
Playing Tests / Assignments 10%
Extra Credit 5%
Classroom Materials:
The following should be brought to rehearsal every day:
· Instrument with proper equipment (see below)
Brass - mouthpiece and valve oil
Woodwinds - mouthpiece, ligature, 2 good reeds, and cleaning material
Percussion - 5A wooden tip drum sticks, and a practice pad
· Music
Sheet Music (provided by school)
Method Book - “Traditions of Excellence” by Bruce Pearson
(provided by students: 6th vol.1, 7/8 vol.2,)
· Pencil (no pens, not even the erasable kind)
*Jazz Band "Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble"
* Most instruments are to be provided by the students, along with all of the required
accessories for playing and maintaining the instruments. Some instruments, such as the
larger brass and woodwind instruments, may be supplied to the students for a nominal
fee.
*Percussionists are required to pay an equipment fee of $50 for the use and maintenance of the school percussion instruments. This fee is due along with the signed back page of this handbook by the end of the first week of school.
*It is also highly recommended that students have a metronome/tuner
and a music stand for home practice.
Classroom Rules / Behavioral Expectations:
Classroom rules adhere to Skyridge Middle School Policy as well as the Camas School District policy. In addition to this we have other guidelines to ensure the success of the band.
Classroom Rights:
Because you are present and participating in class, you have a right to:
- Learn
- Belong
- Hear and be heard
- Compassionate treatment
- Be safe
- Be yourself
- Be happy
Classroom Ground Rules:
- Respect each other and the room
- Keep the band room a safe space
- Tell the truth
- No food, drinks, or gum (water only)
*As a band director I feel that it is important to reward positive behavior as well as stop
negative behavior.
Other Important Information:
Practice Logs
Success of the individual contributes to the success of the band. Therefore, Practice Logs account for 20% of the grade. Each student is required to turn in monthly practice calendars. Each week is graded individually in order to encourage regular practice. Minutes do not carry over. 100 minutes a week is an A. Note the number of minutes you practice each day as well as the total for each week. Incorporate your planner into your practice schedule. Write down goals or assignments during class, or anytime, so that you will remember to practice them later. Parents, please sign full name in ink. Parent signature must be on the practice Calendar. Participating in a sport or other activity does not excuse you from practice time. Late calendars lose 10 percent for each day late, for up to 5 school days. After that, they remain at 50% credit until the end of the trimester. Artwork on the calendar is okay as long as all information is still easily read. If a month starts and Mr. Esser has not handed out a new calendar yet, keep track in your planner and then transfer it over when you get the official calendar. Jazz Band members do not need to turn in a separate calendar for Jazz Band.
Private Lessons
Private Lessons are highly encouraged, as they are extremely important to the band students for many reasons. Students who take private lessons feel more confident in their playing abilities. Private lessons reinforce the things learned in class and encourage regular practice. Private lessons help students succeed in class and enrich the musical experience on a much more individual level.
Other
- Identify instrument cases: Each case should have some type of identification that tells the student's name and contact info.
- Instrument Storage: Students will be provided a storage area for their instruments in the
band room. The band room will be open at 7:45 am and will remain open until 3:15 pm so that you can take your instrument home.
- Instrument Swapping: Sounds disgusting, doesn’t it, but I have to mention it. Aside from
the obvious health hazards (colds and viruses for example), students who are unfamiliar
with an instrument can do serious damage to the instrument, and will be held responsible
for the damage. Do not play around with another person’s instrument - even if they gave
you permission.
- Combined Rehearsals: Students may be asked to attend rehearsals after school to
combine classes that would otherwise not be able to be together (prior to concerts). Early notification will be given, and your flexibility is appreciated.