RULES AND EXPECTATIONS Band is a fantastic interactive experience where students get the opportunity to make music! Students learn to work together and perform as a musical ensemble. To ensure our success, students should conduct themselves according to the following expectations.
-Always be respectful of the feelings and property of others -Touch only your belongings - especially instruments. -No food, drinks, candy, gum, etc. in the Band Room. -Allow others to learn by minimizing disruptions.
DAILY PROCEDURES Students must be inside the Band Room before the designated time to be considered “on-time.” Students should pick up their instruments if necessary and proceed to unpack instruments once seated. Students should not warm up individually. Once class has begun, there is no talking or playing out of turn. Students with questions should raise their hands to be recognized. Packing up instruments and supplies before dismissal is not acceptable.
Students are encouraged to store their instruments in the Band Room during the day, however due to limited space students must take their instruments with them at the end of their class. All students must have their names clearly marked on their instrument cases (nametag, label, etc.). The Band Room remains locked whenever I leave. Again, all students should take instruments home nightly, as it is impossible to practice without an instrument!
MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR ALL BAND STUDENTS -Instrument -Band Book -Black Band Binder (dedicated to band only) -Pencil (everyday) -Sheet protectors for music sheets (optional) -Necessary accessories (reeds, oil, slide cream) -Sticks and Mallets (all percussion students must supply their own)
Band Books Students are responsible for having the following books for band class.
6th Grade and New Students All beginning students regardless of grade should purchase – Tradition of Excellence / Book1
7th Grade All students in 7th grade should purchase – Tradition of Excellence / Book 2
8th Grade All students in 8th grade should purchase – Successful Habits of a Middle School Musician
These books can be purchased at Edwards Music, Music and Arts, and Amazon.
GRADING Students’ grades will be averaged as follows:
Each student begins the day with an “A” and will maintain that grade so long as he/ she participates fully and is prepared with all materials. Students do not have to be naturally gifted musicians to do well in Band, they simply must put forth the effort.
CONCERT DRESS
Athletic events and games, Kings Dominion, and Elementary visits Band Shirt, Blue Jeans (no rips or tears), Athletic Shoes
Formal Concerts, Festival Contest, and ALL-County Band Solid Black Long Sleeve Button up Dress Shirt Solid black necktie Black Dress pants or slacks (no skirts or dresses) Black dress shoes Solid black socks
CONCERTS and IMPORTANT DATES This year’s band concerts will begin at 6:30 p.m. for 6th grade, 7:00 p.m. for 7th grade, and 7:30 for 8th grade. All groups will be involved in at least three performances this year.
*****All performances are MANDATORY. Failure to participate may only be excused if a valid written excuse is presented before the end of the nine-week period. Valid excuses include illness, family emergencies, and unforeseeable circumstances preventing attendance.
Failure to attend or present a valid excuse may result in the student receiving a “0” for their concert grade for that quarter.
Also, parents, attend these performances with your children. It is disappointing when I see students waiting for their parents to pick them up at the end of a concert. It means a great deal to the students to have your support. Let’s send a message to all the students that what they are doing is important and valuable.