WOOSTER MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND MEMBER HANDBOOK 150 LINCOLN ST

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WOOSTER MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND MEMBER HANDBOOK 150 LINCOLN ST

Wooster Middle School

Wooster Middle School

Band Member Handbook

150 Lincoln St.

Stratford, CT 06614

203-385-4275






WOOSTER MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND MEMBER HANDBOOK 150 LINCOLN ST






Mr. Farrell

Band Director


2005-2006

School Year

TABLE OF CONTENTS


The purpose of the instrumental music program............................................................................page 3


Welcome letter for students and parents..........................................................................................page 4


Materials needed for band class........................................................................................................page 4


What’s expected in band class...........................................................................................................page 5


Concert attendance expectations and guidelines..................................................................pages 5 and 6


Concert and performance dates for the 2005-2006 school year......................................................page 6


What you need to do to be SUCCESSFUL in BAND ..................................................................page 7


WHERE TO RENT/PURCHASE AN INSTRUMENT and/or MUSIC SUPPLIES....................page 8


REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE ( OR HOW TO REHEARSE THE RIGHT WAY)...............................page 9


WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU IN BAND………........................................................page 10



GRADING POLICY………………………...………........................................................page 11



BAND CONTRACT AND CONCERT DATES………………………………………………...page 12





The purpose of this book is to assist students, and parents who are involved in the instrumental music program here at Wooster Middle School.


This handbook outlines the following:


The purpose of the instrumental music program.


The expectations of the students involved in the program.


The ensembles of the instrumental music department.











The purpose of the instrumental music program.


The purpose of the instrumental music program at Wooster Middle School is to provide students with the opportunity to enjoy the art of making music, and to enjoy all styles of music.


The ultimate goal of the program is to produce knowledgeable music consumers, who will enjoy listening to , as well as making music for their whole life.




















WOOSTER MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT

150 Lincoln St.

Stratford! CT 06614

385-4275

EMAIL: [email protected]


Dear Music Student and Parents,


Welcome to our school and thank you for choosing to be a member of the Wooster Middle School Band. It is a rewarding experience to be a member the band, and a great place to meet new people with similar interests. Band members enjoy special status in school, performing for different events such as concerts, and on field trips. I am glad that you have decided to become a member of the Wooster Middle School band program!!




Here's a list of the things that our students will need for band.


1. A band instrument. Hopefully everyone will have an instrument. If that is not the case, now is the time to get to the music stores before they are all gone! I have included a list of music stores on the next page.

Band instruments include: flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophones, trumpet, French horn, baritone horn, trombone, tuba and percussion. Please note that all percussion players must bring their own snare drum and a pair of snare sticks size 5b and a pair of xylophone mallets to school for practice.

2. A copy of the Standard of Excellence Book 1 (Beginner Band), or Book 2 (Advanced Band) for their instrument. Books are available here at school. Please make checks out to Wooster Middle School in the amount of $7.50.

3. A supply of reeds. Clarinet and saxophone players need to carry them in their cases. It's always good to buy at least 6 reeds or a case of 10 at a time.

Clarinet players - purchase size 3 or 3 ½ (Beginners size 2 ½ to start)

Saxophone players - purchase size 3 or 3 ½


4. Valve or slide oil. All trumpet, French Born, baritone and tuba players need valve oil and trombone players need slide oil (trombones) in order for the instrument to work properly. Slide grease for the tuning slides is also recommended for all brass instruments.


  1. Now, let's begin the school year! Everyone who is able to should have their instrument in school no later than the 2nd day of band class.
























"What's Expected in Band"


Students will need to:


1. Demonstrate “musiclanship” when performing:


a. Good tone


b. Correct notes


c. Accurate rhythms


d. Proper dynamics


e. Correct tempo


f. Correct fingerings or sticking (percussion)


g. A sense of phrasing


h. Appropriate “STYLISTIC” playing


i. Correct articulations (Woodwind and brass players)


j. Rudiments (Percussion players)




BE ONTIME TO CLASS EVERYDAY, THIS MEANS YOU GET TO YOUR BAND LOCKER BEFORE THE BELL RINGS AND BE LINED UP TO GO INTO THE AUDITORIUM SOON AFTER.


Attend all band rehearsals and performances – CONCERT ATTENDANCE IS MANDITORY, NOT OPTIONAL


  1. Performances are mandatory, and YOU ARE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE AS PART OF YOUR GRADE, FAILING TO ATTEND WILL LOWER YOUR GRADE AND YOU COULD POSSIBLE FAIL FOR THE QUARTER.

  2. IF YOU KNOW YOU CANNOT ATTEND A PERFORMANCE, THEN IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE MR. FARRELL A NOTE FROM YOUR PARENTS AHEAD OF TIME, BEFORE THE CONCERT, IF POSSIBLE.

  3. ACCEPTABLE EXCUSES FOR MISSING A PERFORMANCE ARE AS FOLLOWS:

    1. DEATH IN THE FAMILY

    2. ILLNESS

    3. UNFORSEEN EVENTS SUCH AS TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

    4. RELIGIOUS EVENTS THAT ARE UNAVOIDABLE SUCH AS NIGHT SCHOOL THAT CAN’T BE MISSED, ETC.

    5. AN EVENT THAT YOUR PARENTS AND YOU MUST TRAVEL TO THAT IS FAR AWAY, AND CANNOT BE AVOIDED.


  1. The following are not acceptable excuses for missing a performance:

    1. Its your birhday

    2. You didnt have a ride (ARRANGE ONE WITH ANOTHER BAND MEMBER AHEAD OF TIME!)

    3. Its one of your Parents birthdays.

    4. I have an EXTRACURRICULAR SPORTS EVENT SUCH AS A PRACTICE OR A GAME ( YOU NEED TO TALK TO THE COACH AND YOUR PARENTS TO LET THEM KNOW OF YOUR CONCERT RESPONSIBILITY)

    5. You didn’t feel like attending the concert.

    6. You have a concert with some other EXTRA CURRICULAR MUSIC GROUP.

    7. You didn’t have appropriate CONCERT ATTIRE ( IF POSSIBLE, GO OUT NOW AND BUY SOME BLACK DRESS SHOES, A WHITE DRESS SHIRT, AND SOME BLACK DRESS PANTS )


  1. ALTERNATE ASSIGNMENTS FOR MISSING A PERFORMANCE.

Under certain circumstances, Students that had an acceptable excuse for missing a performance will be allowed to complete an ALTERNATE Assignment in lieu of the concert performance. The alternate assignment could be, but not limited to:

    1. A typewritten research paper, at least 1500 words in length ( the body of the paper, not including the title page, table of contents, or the bibliography), double spaced and formatted according to the WMS language and English dept. standards on one of the following topics:

  1. Charlie Parker, Jazz Musician

  2. John Birks Gillespie, Jazz Musician

  3. W. A. Mozart

  4. L. Van Beethoven

  5. Jazz Music’s Origins

  6. Hip Hop Music and Its Roots in Pop and Jazz

  7. Maynard Ferguson, Jazz Trumpeter

















"Success in Band"


Parents will need to:


1. Provide an instrument that is in good working condition.



2. Provide an instructional book (Standard of Excellence) in order to master the "basics”


3. Encourage their study of a musical instrument.



4. Insist that they set up a schedule for regular practice. At least 20 minutes a day.



5. Help them to remember which days they need to bring the instrument to school.



6. Help them to remember to bring the instrument home to practice.



7. Listen to them often, as they improve.



6. Encourage them to play frequently for family members and others.



9. Remind them to ask for extra help after school when needed.



10. Provide private lessons with a competent instructor outside of school. (If possible)



  1. Attend their concerts. Bring lots of family and friends!!!!


THE CONCERTS FOR THE 2005-06 SCHOOL YEAR ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Winter Concert 05’:
Gr 7- Thursday, December 1st., 7PM FOR BEGINNER BAND AND JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Gr 8- Thursday, December 8th, 7PM FOR ADVANCED BAND AND JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Spring 06’:
Gr 7- Thursday, May 25, 7pm FOR BEGINNER BAND AND JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Gr 8- Thursday, June 8th, 7pm FOR ADVANCED BAND AND JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Other Required Performances:

The Wooster MS Advanced BAND will also perform at the following events


"Where to Rent or Purchase an Instrument."


September is a very busy time for music stores.


It is in your best interest to shop early.



The following stores have instruments for rent or to purchase:




P.F D'Addario (Stratford) 377-1315

Zera Musicland (Fairfield) 255-2881

Rayburn Music - they also deliver -

1- (800) 653-6800


Sam Ash (New Haven)-1(203) 389-0400

Banko's (Ansonia)-1(203)734-0461


REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE

(HOW TO REHEARSE THE RIGHT WAY)


(The Only Acceptable Standard of Behavior in the Music Room.)


Rehearsal is the time we use to make the group sound better!

We should have only one rule - show RESPECT for one another!

Rehearsing is a team effort and there are no "I's" in the word T E A M


1. Always arrive on time and be in your seat before the rehearsal starts. you arrive late, find your seat as quickly as possible without making a disturbance.


2. Follow all music room rules. These rules are essential.


come prepared to class each day. (Instrument, music and a pencil.)

Go to the bathroom before class, not during class.

No gum chewing in the music room. (No candy or food either!)

Never play someone else instrument!(Don't touch the drums!)

Attend all rehearsals and performances.

Practice your music outside of class!



Pay attention and stay on task. Listen to what the other students are being asked to do. You could be asked to do the same thing next!


  1. Pay attention to printed page of music notation.

(Notes, key signatures, time signatures, tempo markings, articulations, dynamics,etc.)


  1. Pay attention to the other players in your section, you may be able to help someone. If you notice someone's mistakes, don't keep it to yourself -speak up and politely "offer to assist". Pay attention to the other players, they may be able to help you. "Seek help when needed."

  2. Do not talk about "other things" during the rehearsal. Save your conversations for a "break" in rehearsal, or better yet, after the rehearsal ends -


d. Remain in your seat. If you have a pass to leave class during rehearsal,go quietly without disturbing the class. If you feel sick, go quickly to the nurse.


4. Follow all directions the first time given. Rehearsal time is important, lost time results in a concert performance that "could have been better!"


5. Show evidence of practice outside of class. If you are practicing your assignments, your playing will improve and you will sound better.


Your teacher will notice your improvement.


The students in band will notice your improvement.


Most importantly, YOU WILL NOTICE YOUR IMPROVEMENT!


If you are not practicing outside of class, we will all notice that as well.



RESPECT one another at all times and you will never be wrong!!


Mr. Farrell

Wooster Middle School Band

What is expected of you in band.

  1. Please be prepared EVERYDAY with your instrument, your music folder, and your book and music.

  2. Please HAVE A PENCIL EVERYDAY to mark your music with.

  3. Please BE ONTIME for class, HAVE A SIGNED PASS if you are NOT ONTIME.

  4. Please practice at home daily for SUCCESS in CLASS

  5. Please BE RESPECTFUL to OTHERS

  6. Write all your assignments in your book ON YOUR PRACTICE JOURNAL.

THIS WILL HELP US SOAR TO A SUCCESSFUL YEAR

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

During the class you will be expected to perform to the best of your ability. There will be “in class” playing tests on the material you have been assigned.

YOU ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE CONCERT AND PERFORMANCES. THE CONCERTS THIS YEAR ARE AS FOLLOWS:

THE CONCERTS FOR THE 2005-06 SCHOOL YEAR ARE AS FOLLOWS:


Winter Concerts 05’:
Gr 7- Thursday, December 1st., 7PM FOR BEGINNER BAND AND JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Gr 8- Thursday, December 8th, 7PM FOR ADVANCED BAND AND JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Spring Concerts 06’:
Gr 7- Thursday, May 25, 7pm FOR BEGINNER BAND AND JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Gr 8- Thursday, June 8th, 7pm FOR ADVANCED BAND AND JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Other Required Performances:

The Wooster MS Advanced BAND will also perform at the following events




WOOSTER MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND

GRADING POLICY

PLAYING TESTS 20%


BEHAVIOR AND EFFORT 30%


QUIZES 15 %


PREPAREDNESS 20%


HOMEWORK 15%


TARDINESS TO CLASS WILL RESULT IN A LOWER GRADE. FOR EVERY 3 TARDIES TO CLASS...YOUR OVERALL GRADE WILL BE LOWERED BY 8 POINTS OUT OF ONE HUNDRED. FOR EXAMPLE...IF YOU HAD A GRADE OF 100 (A+), AND YOU WERE LATE 3 TIMES, THIS WILL RESULT IN YOUR GRADE NOW BEING 92 (A-)


BEING UNPREPARED IN CLASS WILL RESULT IN A LOWER GRADE. FOR EVERY 3 TIMES UNPREPARED IN CLASS...YOUR OVERALL GRADE WILL BE LOWERED BY 8 POINTS OUT OF ONE HUNDRED. FOR EXAMPLE...IF YOU HAD A GRADE OF 100 (A+), AND YOU WERE LATE 3 TIMES, THIS WILL RESULT IN YOUR GRADE NOW BEING 92 (A-)


BEING PREPARED MEANS THAT YOU HAVE YOUR INSTRUMENT, A PENCIL, (OR TWO!) AND YOUR FOLDER, BOOK AND MUSIC FOR CLASS.


ALSO, FOR EVERY 3 TARDIES OR BEING UNPREPAPRED YOU WILL SERVE A DETENTION AFTER SCHOOL.


HOMEWORK NOT TURNED IN ON THE DUE DATE WILL BE GRADED LOWER BY 10 POINTS ( OUT OF A POSSIBLE 100), OR 10% FOR EACH DAY LATE UP TO THREE DAYS. HOMEWORK LATE AFTER THREE DAYS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. IF YOU ARE ABSENT YOUR HOMEWORK WILL NOT BE PENALIZED AS LONG AS YOU TURN IT IN THE DAY YOU ARRIVE BACK TO SCHOOL.
















WOOSTER MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND

BAND MEMBER CONTRACT


STUDENTS NAME_______________________________CLASS PERIOD__________


I have read and reviewed the guidelines and expectations for band in the handbook. My parents have read and understand the guidelines and expectations for the Wooster Middle School band. I will do my best to work hard and become an active participant in class, and in the REQUIRED performances such as the WINTER and SPRING concerts.


My parents and I both understand what is expected of me and how important my role in the band is. I will make a commitment to attending all required rehearsals and performances and concerts my ensemble is performing in, and I realize that it is part of my RESPONSIBILITY to do so.


Students Signature______________________________________Date_______________



Parents Signature______________________________________Date________________

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE CONCERTS FOR THE 2005-06 SCHOOL YEAR ARE AS FOLLOWS:


Winter Concert 05’:
Gr 7- Thursday, December 1st., 7PM FOR BEGINNER BAND AND JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Gr 8- Thursday, December 8th, 7PM FOR ADVANCED BAND AND JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Spring 06’:
Gr 7- Thursday, May 25, 7pm FOR BEGINNER BAND AND JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Gr 8- Thursday, June 8th, 7pm FOR ADVANCED BAND AND JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Other Required Performances:

The Wooster MS Advanced BAND will also perform at the following events



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