A+ Academy Secondary Knight Band Handbook2017-2018

Concert Band – 7th grade Symphonic Band – 8th grade Marching Band – high school Wind Ensemble – high school

Sheri L. GomezBand Director

Jimmy TrotterSecondary Principal

Tara MooreAssistant Principal

Brenton WhiteSuperintendent

Table of Contents

Purpose of this handbook ………………………………. page 2

Objectives of the band program………………………. page 3

Rules and Consequences………………………………… page 4 - 5

Attendance …………………………………………………. page 6

Grades ……………………………………….………………. page 7 – 8

Instruments, Music Binders ……………….………………. page 9 – 10

Band Uniforms …………………………….………………… page 11 – 12

Football Game Guidelines ………….……………………. page 13

Travel Guidelines …………………………….…………...... page 14

Music Room Guidelines …………………….……………. page 15

Daily Classroom Procedures …………….………………. page 16

Student Officers ………………………….…………………. page 17

Awards ……………………………….………………………. page 18

Practice Guidelines ………………….………………......... page 19

Challenges …………………………….……………………. page 20

Parents ………………………………….…………………...... page 21

Band Handbook Contract ………………………………… page 22

PURPOSE OF THIS HANDBOOKIn order to maintain a high standard of excellence in the band program, it is necessary that band members and band parents be familiar with the policies, procedures, expectations and traditions of the organization.

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It is your responsibility as a member of the band program to maintain its reputation of high conduct and musicianship standards. This handbook has been prepared as a guide through which you will become better equipped in the basic fundamentals of being superior band members. Read it carefully and keep it for reference throughout your career in the band program.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at sheri.gomez@aplus-cs.org.

Sincerely, Ms. Sheri L. GomezBand Director

I am beginning my 23rd year as a band director. I previously taught band in Miami, Florida for 13 years at Henry H. Filer Middle School, and am in my 10th year here at A+ Academy. I teach students in grades 7th-12th

grouped into ensembles: Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, and the Wind Ensemble.

I graduated from Miami Dade Community College with an Associate in Arts degree and then completed my undergraduate studies with Cum Laude honors at the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Music degree in music education. While there, I became the first woman to play in the Concert Jazz Band, the ensemble with the highest distinction of honor. My major instrument is the tenor saxophone on which I love to play jazz music!

Objectives of the A+ Academy Knight Band

1.Personal Development Develop self-discipline Develop good work habits

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LET’S MAKE IT A GREAT YEAR!

Assume responsibility Learn and apply cooperation Learn and apply courtesy and respect for others

2.Musical Development Work for continuous individual musical growth Develop an appreciation of different varieties and styles of music Perform high quality musical performances Achieve superior ratings at UIL events

3.To contribute to the spirit and morale of the school

4.To work to achieve respect and recognition for the entire band program in our school and in our community

REMEMBER THE THREE FACTORS OF SUCCESS:

ATTITUDE

SELF DISCIPLINE

RESPONSIBILITY

Band Hall ConductGeneral Conduct: It is expected and requested that each band member act like a lady or gentleman at all times. Polite and courteous behavior is a credit to the organization and the school. Loud and boisterous behavior does not convey to the public an image that we would like to represent, and thus is discouraged. Band members are encouraged to cultivate an attitude of exceptional discipline and attention during rehearsal. Each rehearsal should be a musical learning experience for each member. Each performance can only be as good as its best rehearsal. Constant disturbances by any bandmember show a lack of interest and respect for the band, and therefore it may be

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necessary for them to find another place or activity that might hold their attention and respect.

BAND CLASS RULES1) Be on time: (early is on time, on time is late)

Arrive before the tardy bell rings Including afterschool rehearsals and performances

2) Do not disrupt rehearsals by talking out or turn, being disrespectful to others, or by using a cell phone or any other electronic device. Cell phones stay in your back pack. They will be taken up.3) NO GUM, food, candy, or drink, except water, during

class.4) Handle, touch, and play your instrument only:

Drum sticks are to be considered an instrument Do not touch anything that is not yours

5) Pick up and drop off your instrument every day. Drop off: 7:40 am – 7:45 am Pick up: 3:10 pm – 3:30 pm

CONSEQUENCES“Discipline Plan”

1) VERBAL WARNING (written form, to be signed by parent)

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Exceptions: automatic detention1.Not having your instrument or music binder 2.Uniform violations 3.Fighting4.Serious disrespectful behavior

2) LUNCH DETENTION with teacher Failure to comply with any class or school rule. If you “forget” you will be assigned an

afterschool detention!

3) COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS Continued non-compliance of any class rule.

4) AFTERSCHOOL DETENTION Continued non-compliance of class rules.

5) REFERRAL TO PRINCIPAL Parent/student/administrator conference Discipline consequences administered

ATTENDANCEA. Class RehearsalsIn order to achieve and maintain a superior rated band your attendance is important.A great band depends on the members being there with a good attitude and with their instrument and music. Your absence adversely affects the success of the band program. Our performances are only as good as are our rehearsals.

B. Extra RehearsalsIn order to be a superior rated group, band members are required to attend extra rehearsals. Remember that this is a performance oriented class, regular attendance is vital to the success of the entire organization. ADVANCE NOTICE WILL ALWAYS BE

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GIVEN FOR EXTRA REHEARSALS HELD AFTER REGULAR SCHOOL HOURS. Attendance is taken at every rehearsal. Attendance at extra rehearsals is required and will count as a daily classroom grade worth 100 points.

C. PerformancesAll band members are required to perform at all scheduled events. OUR PERFORMANCES ARE OUR TESTS! Only the most extreme of emergencies will be accepted as an excused absence from a performance. ADVANCE NOTICE WILL ALWAYS BE GIVEN FOR PERFORMANCE DATES. Attendance is taken at every performance. Attendance at performances is required and will count as a major project grade worth 100 points.

EXCUSESAbsences and/or tardies will be excused in the following cases:

Illness – Documented by a note from doctor or parent Medical emergency or personal injury Death in the family Another school activity is scheduled – documented one week in advance

Examples of UNEXCUSED absences and tardies include, but not limited to: Forgetfulness Oversleeping No arrangements for transportation Anything deemed unexcused by directors.

Work is not an excuse for missing anything, all rehearsals and performances will be scheduled in advance. Schedule work around the rehearsals and performances.

Excuses, no matter how good, do not produce a fine band program. They should only be requested for the gravest of reasons.

Band Grading PolicyThe following criteria are used in compiling band members’ six-week grade:

Earn 50% of six-week grade through: “CLASSWORK”

I. Bell Work Complete a written bell work assignment or test worth 100 points.

II. Classroom Performance Informal or formal assessment of Musical Performance Skills of classroom repertoire. Have all materials. Not bringing your instrument, music binder, reeds, or drum

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sticks will be a “0” for the daily participation grade.

III. Afterschool Rehearsals/Sectionals Attendance at Sectionals and afterschool rehearsals Marching Band members are required to attend practices afterschool on Tuesday

and Thursday from 3:45 – 5:15 during the marching season.

IV. Home Work Home practice - Band members must practice at home for 30 minutes 5 nights a

week and will be required to submit a recording of assignments in Smart Music. Therefore, the instrument and music binder must be brought home daily for

practice.

Earn 30% of six-week grade through: “MAJOR TESTS”

I. Attendance at Performances All band members will perform a Winter and a Spring concert. These performances

will be in the 3rd and 6th six-week report card grade. All band members will perform at a musical festival for a rating during the annual

spring trip. This performance will be in the 5th or 6th week report card grade. (no pass/ no play policy)

Wind Ensemble and Symphonic band members are also required to perform for the Christmas Parade, Veterans Day parade, and the Cinco de Mayo parade. (no pass/ no play policy)

Marching Band members are required to perform for football games, pep rallies. These performances will be in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd six-week report card grades. (no pass/ no play policy)

Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band members are required to perform for the Senior Graduation ceremony.

All band members except beginners must participate in the UIL events of region band auditions, solo and ensemble, and Concert/Sight reading Contest

Perform for any other event that may arise.

II. Individual Playing Tests Band members are required to individually play major scales. Band members will also individually play selections of music. Will be performed during class time

Earn 20% of six-week grade through: “PARTICIPATION”

I. Class Attitude Have a good attitude, behavior, and fully participate.

o Poor behavior or not participating will result in points lost. Amount of points lost will be determined at the teacher’s discretion.

Preparedness – having all necessary items for class rehearsal.

A+ Academy Grading Scale

90 - 100 = A80 - 89 = B

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70 – 79 = C0 – 69 = F

POSSIBLE GRADE SENARIO INTERPRETATION

GRADE OF “A” Shows positive leadership and interest in all Band activities. Outstanding progress through self-improvement in practice and/or private lessons. Completes all bell work. Scores high on all written and playing tests. Participates in ALL Band performances.

GRADE OF “B” Attentive and alert at all rehearsals and performances. Consistent home practice. Positive contribution to band activities, good self-discipline and cooperative spirit. Good scores on written and playing tests. Regularly completes bell work. Participates in ALL Band performances.

GRADE OF “C’ Minimum contribution to activities and reluctance to assume responsibilities. No apparent effort to improve through home practice. Rehearsal conduct lacks self-control and self-discipline. Poor scores on written and playing tests. Sometimes completes bell work. Absent from some Band performances.

GRADE OF “F” Minimum contribution to activities and reluctance to assume responsibilities. No apparent effort to improve through home practice. Rehearsal conduct lacks self-control and self-discipline. Poor scores on bell work and playing tests. Absent from all Band performances.

Parents are encouraged to consult with the Director at any time in regards to the band grade and their child’s progress. A close contact of parents and teachers will indicate a strong interest in the child and his participation in Band, and can thus aid both parties in solving any problems which may arise.

INSTRUMENTS

Introduction All band members must have an instrument to play . The school does own some instruments. However, there may

not be enough school owned instruments to provide for every band member.

If necessary, band members may have to share instruments. Parents are ENCOURAGED to purchase or rent instruments from outside sources. Band members that play school owned instruments must pay the $10 yearly fee at

the time of issuance and sign an instrument rental contract.

Instrument Rental Fee: An instrument rental fee is assessed each year and is due at the time of

instrument issuance. 8

THE RENTAL FEE IS $10.00 FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR. The parent and band member will be held responsible for the care of the assigned

school instrument.

Instrument Repairs: All school-owned instruments will be inspected periodically by the Band Director. Band members should inform the director when the instrument is in need of repair.

If necessary, the instrument will be sent to the repair shop. Repair fees for normal wear and tear issues are paid from the rental fees. Excessive damage caused by neglect will be your financial responsibility.

Lost, damaged, or broken mouthpieces are to be replaced at the parent’s expense. Any band member who excessively damages or refuses to maintain the instrument

may lose the privilege to rent the school instrument or may be removed from band.

Instrument Maintenance: It is the responsibility of every band member to clean his own or school-owned

instrument as needed. An instrument is a fragile, complicated and expensive piece of equipment. Careful handling and cleanliness is very important. Band members will be instructed in class as to how to best care for their

instrument.

Instrument Responsibilities: Band members must bring their instrument home to practice every day and then

bring their instrument back to school to play during class. Anyone without their instrument will receive a “0” for the daily participation grade. Remember that NO one is permitted to use another band member’s instrument or

to open another member’s case or to pick it up afterschool for any reason! Drop off your instrument before school at 7:40 – 7:45 am Pick up your instrument after school at 3:10 – 3:30 pm

MUSIC BINDERS

Music Binder Requirements: (all band members must provide their own binder)

1” Three ring binder of any color Sheet protectors for music copies 8 dividers with labels Pencil Zippered pouch for pencil

Music Binder Responsibilities: Bring to class, to home, then to class everyday Bring to performances

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Keep contents organized Replace if lost or damaged Show director contents for inspection every 6 weeks

Music Binder Purpose: Storage of teacher/parent letters Storage of band handbook Storage of music copies for practice and performance Storage of bell works and test rubrics Storage of method book

Method Books: Band members will be given a music book to keep in the binder to

study. Book checks will occur each 6th weeks. The following charges will apply for lost books and must be collected

before replacements are provided: Method Books = $8.00 for each book

All markings on music must be in pencil only. NEVER USE PEN!!

FORMAL CONCERT BAND UNIFORMAll band members will wear the following for the Winter concert in December and Spring concert in May:

Boys: White, long sleeve, button up, collared shirt

Neck tie (any DARK color)

Black dress pants (NOT JEANS!)

Black socks that cover the ankle

Black dress shoes (NOT TENNIS SHOES)

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U S E A P E N C I L O N L Y !

Girls:

Black, long sleeve blouseBlack skirt (TO THE KNEE LENGTH OR LONGER) Or

Black Dress (KNEE LENGTH OR LONGER)Or

Black, long sleeve blouseBlack dress pants

Black socks or pantyhoseBlack dress shoes (NOT TENNIS SHOES)

LOOK YOUR VERY BEST!

MARCHING BAND UNIFORMS

IN GENERAL: The uniform consists of bibbers (pants), a jacket, hat, plume, shoes and gloves. The uniform will remain at school at all times when not worn by the band member.

PURPOSE: To be worn for football games and parades. Promotes school spirit and pride Provides a sense of unity, pride, recognition, uniformity

RESPONSIBILITIES: Marching Band members serve as ambassadors and community liaisons for our

school. Therefore, when in uniform, band members must maintain the highest respect for the school and band program which they represent.

Behavior must be respectful and exemplary when in uniform. While cheering for our team is desired and appropriate, negative conduct for our team or the opposing team will not be permitted.

PROCEDURES: Arrive early for the football game or parade to put on the uniform

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Remove and check in the uniform before leaving the event. Clean and polish the band shoes before the event. Treat the uniform with care and respect at all times. Uniforms are to be stored and hung with care in the manner expected.

WEARING THE UNIFORM:

The uniform will be worn properly at all times. Purchase the band T-shirt that must be worn under the uniform. If a member is not

wearing the band T-shirt, they will not be able to remove their jacket the entire game. No other shirt may be worn in substitution.

Suspenders are to be worn at all times when the jacket is off. Purchase and wear white athletic socks that cover the ankle (crew socks) and

shorts of any color under the uniform. Shoes and gloves are to be kept clean. Polish your instrument to keep gloves

cleans. No visible jewelry is to be worn when in uniform. Hats are to be worn down on the head so that the bill rests on two fingers placed

on the bridge of the nose Students with long hair must place their hair up in the hats when performing, and

keep it pulled back in a ponytail, or up in a bun, when not wearing hats.

FOOTBALL GAME GUIDELINES

For home games, band members will change into their uniform at the band hall. For away games, band members will put their uniform on the bus and change on the bus when we arrive at the away location.

There are to be no non-band members in the band hall or in the band section in the stadium at any time.

Band members are not allowed to leave the band at any time without permission of the directors while in the band hall before the game or while in the stadium at the game.

Do not miss the first note of a tune. Be attentive and ready to play!

No food or drink (except water) will be allowed in the band section except during the 3rd quarter. Only food and drink provided for the entire band by parents will be allowed. No one can go and buy anything from the concession stand.

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Take care of your instrument while in the stands; do not place it where it will get knocked over.

Band members are to remain in their assigned position with their section at all times while in the stands. No changing of seating positions is allowed.

There will be no “Noodling” during the game. (Definition of a “noodler” is someone plays on their instrument without being instructed to do so by the director)

One person at a time is allowed to go to the bathroom. Ask the band captain for permission. He or she will keep track of who is next.

Cheer, scream, and support our team. Keep it positive! Watch the game.

No cell phones or other electronic devices are allowed in the stands. They should all be left on the bus or in the band hall.

TRAVEL GUIDELINES

Band members are expected to maintain proper behavior while traveling to and from performances.

Band members must have turned in to the director a signed parent field trip form in order to ride the bus.

Every band member is required to ride the bus to all performances, and return on the bus. If a parent needs their child to return home with them they must see the director and sign out their child before the child is released. Prior arrangements must be made!

Every member is responsible for placing his or her instrument, music, and uniform in the correct loading places. Once we return it is the member’s responsibility to return it to their proper places upon returning to the band hall.

Band members must respect the bus driver and his rules. That’s me!

All policies in the band handbook also apply on band trips!

Bus seating is as follows: all girls on one side, all boys on the other side. No mixed seating is allowed.

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BUS RULES:

Pick up after yourself. Put all trash in the trash bag at the front of the bus.

Stay seated when the bus is in motion

Nothing out of the window (hands, arms, feet, heads, instruments, or trash)

No climbing over the seats

No loitering or standing in the aisle

Earphones must be used on all stereos or personal CD players – NO music is to be played out loud without the permission of the director.

Keep the aisle clear of equipment for safety and emergencies.

Do not communicate with other moving vehicles in any way.

MUSIC ROOM GUIDELINES

A. Band Room Band members are to keep the band room neat and clean at all times. All chairs and stands are to be kept in their proper place. Put items to be thrown away into the wastepaper basket, not on the floor. Enter and exit the Band Room through the front door only. NO GUM AT ANYTIME IN THE BAND ROOM!

B. Instrument Storage Room Pick up or drop off your instrument quickly so that the next person can enter. Instruments are to be placed in their proper location. Your non-band member friends are never allowed into the storage room.

C. Marching Band Storage Room No member shall enter this room without the presence of the Director or prior

permission. Marching band members who are picking up or dropping off their uniform may

enter when directed to do so. The storage room is not to be used as a dressing/changing room.

D. Music Library No student shall enter this room without the presence of the Director or prior

permission.

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E. Music Stands DO NOT LEAN ON, SPIN, ROCK, OR WRITE on the music stands . You or designated students are responsible for helping with the daily set up and

pack up of the music stands. Music stands should be carefully and properly placed back onto the rack.

F. Restroom Policy Rehearsal time is not restroom time. When the band is rehearsing, no one will be

allowed to use the restroom. Ask to use the restroom only during set up or pack up times. “I was in the restroom” is not an excuse for being late! You will be marked TARDY

and receive a detention. Instead, come to class on time and then ask to go to the restroom.

DAILY CLASSROOM AND REHEARSAL PROCEDURESBefore School:

You may come to the band room to leave your instrument in the instrument storage room until your class time between 7:40 and 7:45 am.

Or you may also choose to carry it with you to your classes throughout the day.

When Class Begins: Quietly enter the room before the tardy bell. Take out your music binder from your back pack. Place all other belongings in the storage shelf, (including your cell phone) Then, go directly to your seat. If you are tardy, give the director a pass and go to your seat without interrupting class. If you do not have a pass, you will receive a detention.

Bell work: Immediately begin bell work as soon as it is passed out to you! Stop talking. You will have only about 5 minutes to complete the bell work. The assignment will be announced by the student officer. When you are finished, place it in your binder to turn it in when requested. Do not talk or disturb others who may still be working.

Set up: Instrument officers will hand out instruments and music stands as needed. Immediately begin to oil, polish and assemble your instrument. Then place your

empty case beside your chair, not in the isle. Begin warming up! Long, slow, and soft tones, then scales, then something new. Students who do not have their instrument or music binder will receive a “0” for the day

and will you will receive a detention.

Rehearsal: REHEARSAL BEGINS when the Director signals you to stop warming up.

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ALL PLAYING STOPS! If you are not ready to play when the director begins, you will lose participation points for the day . During rehearsal, there shall be no talking! Raise your hand to ask questions. Disruptive, uncooperative behavior will result in the loss of any number of points as determined by

the director and you will receive a detention. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated!

Pack Up: CLEAN and pack your instrument into the case. Then, pass your instrument to the student officer to pack it into the storage room or choose to carry

it out with you to bring to your subsequent classes. When dismissed, take your music binder with you and collect your belongings from the shelf.

After School: Pick up your instrument to take home between 3:10 and 3:30 pm. If you do not pick up your instrument after school, you will receive a detention.

BAND STUDENT OFFICERS

Captain – (Marching Band only) Student Representative of the Band Reports to the Band Director any problems or suggestions of the band members Works closely with the Director in all Band functions and carries out

Responsibilities as designated by the Director Promotes the spirit of the Band Directs and assists other student officers in their daily duties STUDENT CONDUCTOR

Co-Captain – (Marching Band only) Assumes the responsibilities of the Band Captain in his or her absence Substitute for Band Captain Assists Band Captain whenever requested Works with and assists all other student officers Promotes the spirit of the Band

Secretary Hands out and collects all paper work, music copies and books Assists with any other tasks as requested by the director

Instrument Officers (two per class) Pass out and put away the band instruments during class Assist the Director in issuance of instruments and record keeping Are the only students, allowed in the storage room during class

Music Stands personnel (two per class) Pass out music stands at the beginning of class Collect music stands and put them on the rack at the end of class

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IMPORTANT REMINDER : All officers are under the Director’s instructions and may be removed from the office for

not fulfilling the responsibilities of the position, for actions unbecoming a student leader of our organization, or for breaking school rules and policies.

AWARDSIN GENERAL:

Presentations of awards are at the annual end of the year Spring Concert. The Band Director is solely responsible for all award decisions. Awards are given for outstanding loyalty, dependability, musicianship, and contributions to

the A+ Academy Bands.

REQUIREMENTS: students must have: been a member of the band for one complete school year. attended ALL performances of his or her group achieved at least a 3.0 grade average in band class for the year a sincere interest in the band program through word, act, and deed.

Awards Presented

Certificates Awarded to all band students present at the Spring Concert

Service Medals Awarded to all student officers present at the Spring Concert

Trophies Outstanding Woodwind Player, Brass Player, and Percussion Player (in each band class) Most Improved Musician (in each band class) Most Valuable Player (in each band class) Above and Beyond in Marching Band (7th or 8th grader) Director’s Award - the highest award one can earn, presented to the outstanding 12th

grade student for four years of superior musicianship, leadership, and service (only one per year)

Letterman Jackets The following requirements are into effect for lettering in band:

Complete three (3) full years as a marching member of the High School Band and maintained an academic eligibility during the entire marching season each of those 3 years.

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*Middle School students who participate in marching band may count their 8th grade year to satisfy the 3 marching season requirement.

Tries out and is selected to the All-Region band (must perform on the concert) * Middle School Band members who qualify for a letter jacket while in middle school must also complete their Freshman year as a participating member of the High School Band. These students will be fitted for a letter jacket at the End of their Freshman year and receive the jacket at the start of their sophomore year in band.

A student in good standing with the band program, but has been unable to letter in the ways listed above, will receive a letter jacket their senior year, provided that they are enrolled in the band program their entire senior year.

PRACTICEIn General:

All instruments must be taken home DAILY for practice. A fair amount of practice time is 30 minutes for at least five days of the week . Parents need to allow and encourage student to play for them whenever possible.

Practice Tips: Practice daily for progress and results (not time). Assemble the instrument carefully and lubricate it as needed. Warm-up properly (soft and slow is the way to go). Condition the embouchure by playing long tones. USE A TUNER. Start each

tone pianissimo, then crescendo to fortissimo, then decrescendo to pianissimo all in one breath. Listen to yourself and play in tune at all dynamic levels. Do NOT overblow on the fortissimo level or allow the tone to go flat on the pianissimo level.

Limber the fingers by playing scales and exercises slowly at first, increasing speed only if the patterns can be played evenly. This will help to improve your technique. USE A METRONOME.

Practice the assigned lesson or music parts that you DO NOT KNOW first. When unable to play a particular phrase or group of notes, STOP. Make an exercise out of the difficult part. Practice it slowly at first, then gradually build up to a proper speed.

Then review music that you learned before and try to play it even better than you did the last time you played it.

Then play a song for fun. After a practice, clean your instrument. Swab out woodwind instruments and

drain moisture from brass instruments. Wipe off the outside of the instrument. Carefully return the instrument to its case. Do not keep stands, mutes, music or other personal items in the case as it can seriously damage the instrument.

Practice for results, not just for a certain length of time!!! Band will be more fun if you can play well and practice will make it so.

Fill out the practice log and have your parent sign it.

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REMEMBER TO: Practice with a good tone Practice with expression Practice at a regular time each day Use good posture, and even stand sometimes Use only 1/4 of the chair Parents should supervise whenever possible Practice difficult measures slowly, build up speed only when you can play it accurately

at the slow speed DON’T PRACTICE WHAT YOU KNOW, PRACTICE WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW

CHALLENGES

At the beginning of each school year, students will be placed in chairs respective to their performance playing ability. All students are encouraged to challenge the student in front of them, so that they may move up in their section. Students, please keep in mind that this is a friendly competition and is implemented to motivate students to spend more time at home practicing. The more students practice at home, the better sounding the band will be.

Procedures

1. The challenger must obtain a challenge form and have it approved by the Director. He must then give this form to the student being challenged to review it and sign. The form must then be returned to the director. If the student being challenged refuses to sign the form, he immediately loses the challenge.

2. Students may only challenge the person directly in front of him. For example, fourth chair may challenge third chair, third chair may challenge second chair and so on.

3. The challenger must give notice of one class period before the scheduled date of the challenge to allow for practice time.

4. Only music from the folder may be used.

5. Challenges will be played after school at the convenience of the director.

6. Absentees, for any reason, will forfeit their chair.

7. In case of a tie, students will be asked to sight read.

8. The decision of the director is final. Some students may be asked to remain in a chair for the good of the band.

9. Students winning a challenge may be challenged again after a one-week period.

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PARENTS

How Parents Can Help

At Home

o Show an interest in the music study of your child.o Arrange a regular time for your child to practice.o Find a quiet place for practice without interruptiono Help your child keep a daily record of practice (practice logs)o Provide a safe place to keep the instrument.o Keep the instrument in good repair and provide reeds, oil, etc. when

needed.o Be just as careful with school-owned instruments as if they were your own. Repair

costs are very high.o Teach your child to be ON TIME to school, rehearsals, and performances. THIS IS A

MOST WORTHWHILE LIFE SKILL! o Make faithful attendance to all rehearsals, performances and activities important.

o Encourage your child to play for others whenever possible.

At School

o Keep a record of the Band performances and activities. Keep the Band Calendar in a prominent place in your home and refer to it often.

o Notify the Band Director IN ADVANCE of any conflicts with rehearsals or performances. This is a MUST.

o See that the instrument and music come home daily and are brought back to school.

o Teach your child to be ON TIME to rehearsals and performances. Remember that others are depending on you. A good motto is “early is on time, on time is late”.

o See that your child keeps up with his class work and makes up any missed work. o Discuss with the Band Director anything that will help to better understand your

child.o Attend concerts!

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o VOLUNTEER! Be a chaperone or help with providing refreshments.

BAND CONTRACT_____ (initial) We have read the A+ Academy Band Handbook. We agree to abide by the rules and regulations as stated in the Handbook and understand that this is the best way to produce a fine musical organization.

_____ (initial) We understand that all band members are required to perform in theWinter Concert, the annual Spring Festival Trip, and the Spring Concert.

_____ (initial) We understand that Symphonic Band members are also required to perform for the Homecoming Football game, Christmas Parade, Region Band auditions, the Cinco De Mayo Parade, Senior Graduation, and any other event that may arise.

_____ (initial) We understand that Marching Band/Wind Ensemble members are also required to perform for the football games, pep rallies, Veterans Day Program and parade, Region Band auditions, Christmas Parade, UIL Solo and Ensemble, UIL Concert, Cinco de Mayo parade, Senior Graduation, and for any additional performances that may arise.

_____ (initial) We further understand that no student will be excused from these performances without prior permission of the Band Director. Unexcused absences will severely affect the report card grade.

_____ (initial) We also understand that the no pass/no play policy requires that band members maintain grades on their report cards of at least 70% in all classes in order to perform and will be excluded if the grade requirement is not met.

Please sign below and return this entire form immediately to the Director.

_______________________________ __________________________ Student name (print) Parent name (print)

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___________________________________ _______________________________ Student signature Parent signature

___________________________________ _______________________________ Email address Email address

__________________________________ _______________________________ Date Date

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