LOWELL MIDDLE SCHOOLBANDS

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Kate Bredwell, Director kbredwell@lowellschools.com, 987-2831

www.lowellmiddleschoolbands.weebly.comhttps://www.facebook.com/lowellmsbands/

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This handbook details the expectations and procedures for all middle school band students. Parents and students are responsible for knowing and understanding the contents. If you have any questions, please e-mail or call: kbredwell@lowellschools.com; 987-2831.

GradingBand meets daily as a regular class and is graded as

such. Parents: please use Infinite Campus to keep up with how your student is doing in band. I do not send out additional notices when a student has a poor grade. Typically, a student can talk to me about any grade and we can solve the issue. If you have a concern, of course, please contact me and I’m happy to discuss it.

Practicing: Home practice equals 25% of each marking period grade. Regular practice is expected of all band students. The weekly requirements for each grade level is as follows:

6th grade: 60+ minutes = A7th grade: 75+ minutes = A; 60-74 = C8th grade: 90+ minutes = A; 75-89 = B; 60-74 = C

Late sheet: Grade reduced two letters. Under 60 minutes = E (59%)

A practice sheet is due every week on Monday for the previous week. If it is completely and properly filled out, with the required parent initials and signature, students will receive the appropriate grade for that week’s practice. If nothing is turned in, the student will receive a zero. Unsigned sheets will not be accepted. PARENTS: DO

NOT sign your student’s sheet if they haven’t practiced! (And no, playing time at school does not count towards their minutes! Questions? Call or e-mail.) Forging a signature is cheating and will be dealt with accordingly.

Students must practice for 10-20 minutes each day, Monday through Thursday, and at least once over the weekend (Friday-Sunday) to achieve their total minutes. Practicing in several shorter sessions is much better for music learning than only one or two longer sessions. Missing days will result in a reduced grade. But, if there is a good reason that a student was unable to practice, they can turn in their practice sheet with a short note and signature from a parent, briefly explaining the situation, and they can be excused. Students need a folding music stand and a quiet place at home with minimal distractions for successful practicing.

Performance: Performance equals 65% of each marking period grade. This includes all tests (playing tests, written tests, and other assessments) as well as all concert and marching performances. Students will be given about one week’s notice for all tests. All performances are scheduled and are on the calendar in this booklet. Please plan ahead for these dates. Concerts and parades are collaborative group projects, and every student’s presence at all performances is vital to their grade and the group’s success.

If a student must miss a performance for a very good reason (family wedding, funeral, severe illness with doctors note, vacation which cannot be rescheduled, etc.) they must bring in a note with the reason, at least two weeks in

advance whenever possible. If a student is excused, they may make up the points by doing an alternate assignment that the director will discuss with the student. Unexcused absences or failure to do the make-up assignment will result in a zero for that performance. The final decision on whether or not a student will be excused is up to the director.

Ensemble Collaboration Grade: For the final 10% of each marking period grade, students are graded on their daily contribution to the band rehearsal. This includes being prepared for class and participating appropriately. Students will earn daily points for bringing their materials and following class expectations. Failing to do so will result in a lowered ensemble collaboration grade and/or disciplinary action.

Expectations1. Absolutely no talking while the teacher is working.2. Be prepared by having all equipment and knowing

your part.3. Respect instruments and classroom equipment. 4. No gum, food and beverages (water is OK with

permission).5. Students are not allowed in Mrs. Bredwell’s office if

she is not also in her office.6. Devices off and away unless permission is given.

Disciplinary Plan1. Student earns a warning/loss of house point(s).2. Student earns a lunch detention.

3. Parent will be contacted if a pattern of poor behavior continues.

Band HousesTo add some fun to the band program, the students will be sorted into band “houses”. This is patterned after the Houses in the Harry Potter books. Our houses will be named after composers: John Phillip Sousa (red), Quincy Hilliard (yellow), Clare Grundman (blue), and Carol Brittin Chambers (green). These may not be familiar names yet, but we will learn about each composer during the school year. House points will be awarded for positive behaviors such as correct answers given in class, most practice sheets turned in, leadership shown, and other things Mrs. Bredwell will creatively come up with. House points can be lost for behavior infractions or other negative actions observed. The house with the most points will receive rewards at various times throughout the year, and at the end

of the year, we will

award a “House Cup” trophy to the house with the most points.

UniformsAll Students: Everyone will purchase a red LMS Band T-shirt which will be used as a uniform for informal occassions (in-school assemblies, marching in parades or at homecoming, and other similar performances).6th Grade: For formal concerts, students need a white top and black bottoms, with black socks and shoes. All items must follow school dress code. 7th and 8th Grade:*Concert uniform: Students need a white button-down long-sleeved shirt with a collar, and black pants, black shoes and black socks. They will be issued a black bow-tie and a red cummerbund to wear with these items. *Marching uniform: Students need black pants, comfortable gym shoes, and their red band T-shirt. They will also be issued a red LMS band jacket to wear while marching during cooler weather.

Chairs At a certain point each year, students in each grade

will play a “chair test”. This test is graded like all other playing tests, and it is also used to rank the players in each section in order of achievement. The goal is to correctly assign parts in our music to students who can handle them and achieve success. Chair rank also gives students a realistic view of their achievement so far and can inspire them to continue to improve. Chair placement should be approached with an attitude of friendly competition.

Challenge opportunities for students to improve their chair may be offered from time to time at the discretion of the director. Challenges will be closed a few weeks before

each performance.Band Officers

In each band class, officers will be elected by the students. Elections will take place at the start of the year and January. The officers are as follows:

President: dismisses the students at the end of class; assists the director in recording practice grades; makes sure the band room is neat at the end of each class

Vice President/ Equipment Manager: assists the president in all duties; checks out loaner instruments and mouthpieces to students who need one for the day; helps the director pass out and collect uniform parts

Secretary/Librarian: assists the director in keeping records and recording house points; helps organize sheet music in the music library; assists students who have lost sheet music; in charge of handing out and collecting music as needed; answers classroom phone; makes copies when needed

Treasurer: in charge of selling reeds, valve oil, and other supplies each day; assists the director any time money is collected throughout the year

Officers assist each other and the director as needed.

Band CommunicationFor communication home to band families, we are

almost 100% electronic. I send emails through the Infinite Campus system for all important information about performances, etc. However, at times emails may not reach every family due to technical issues with the system. As a

back-up, parents and students should sign up for Remind Text Messages. This is a free*, safe system used by teachers all over the country for easy communication. Whenever an email is sent through IC, the information will also be posted on the band website, and a link to it will be sent through Remind. To sign up for Remind messages:

6th Grade Band: text @mrsbredw to 81010 7th Grade Band: text @kbredwell to 81010 8th Grade Band: text @bredwell to 81010 Jazz Band: text @latva to 81010

You can also get the Remind app for your smartphone or sign up for emails through Remind – look for instructions on our band website. Speaking of which, another great source of information is the LMS Bands website: www.lowellmiddleschoolbands.weebly.com .Here you will find our band calendar, practice sheets to download, instructions for Remind, news and info about upcoming performances, concert videos, and much, much more. We are also on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – see the front cover of this handbook!

If you can’t receive electronic communications, please have your student ask and I will print paper copies of band information for them as needed.

*Regular text message fees on your plan still apply.

Instrument Repair and ServiceFrom time to time, minor repair issues develop with

every instrument. If a student is having a problem with a

broken instrument, they should bring it to Mrs. Bredwell first thing in the morning. Frequently, she can fix minor problems before the student comes to class. The goal is to save you time and money over a repair at the music store. This also means your student will not miss playing time in class or practice time at home.

In the case of a more serious repair problem, the instrument may need to be sent in to the music store for repair in their shop. Each week, service reps from Meyer Music stop and call on us at school. If you rent your instrument from them, repairs are covered as part of your rental contract. If you own your student’s instrument, you can send it in for an estimate and the store will call and let you know what the repair will cost. Meyer has reasonable prices and does quality work. If your student plays a school-owned instrument, most repairs will be covered by the yearly use fee. Repair is available at other local stores as well – talk to Mrs. Bredwell for details.

SuppliesBasic supplies such as reeds, valve oil, and cork

grease are available for purchase at school. The school receives a discount on these items and we pass the savings along to you! If you need additional supplies that we do not have on hand at school, you can call Meyer Music (975-1122) or other local music stores to place an order and they can deliver it the next time their service person stops by the school. You can pay over the phone with a credit card or send money in to school with your student.

If you choose to shop elsewhere that is fine, but please stick to the following brands for reeds:

~ Clarinet: Mitchell Lurie, Vandoren~ Saxophone: Hemke, Rico RESERVE, Vandoren ~ Oboe: Lesher ~ Bassoon: Designer or Jones

Meyer Music visits LMS on

______________________________ each week.

Music BoostersAs the parent of a Lowell band student, you are an

automatic member of the Music Boosters. The boosters are a parent group whose purpose is to raise money to support all middle school and high school band, orchestra, and choir students in Lowell. The boosters pay for things like medals earned by students at festivals, scholarships to music camps, and extra items that the directors are unable to purchase through their regular school budgets.

The boosters meet monthly. Meetings are announced through e-blast messages and through the “Lowell Music Booster” Facebook group page. You are welcome to attend all meetings.

If you are unable to attend meetings, there are many other ways you can help out. This can be on a one-time basis or on a more regular schedule. Please fill out the form at the back of this booklet and check off anything you would like to help with. This information will be

forwarded to the boosters and you will be contacted when volunteers are needed. We ask that each band family try to help out at least one time per year. Thanks!

CommitmentWe ask that all students commit to staying in band for

the full year. If your student becomes frustrated and tells you they want to quit, encourage them to honor the year-long commitment. PLEASE LET ME KNOW if this situation arises. Very often, students simply need some extra help to get over a hurdle in learning to play their instrument. Quitting when things become a little bit challenging is not the answer and it is not a good life lesson. Dropping out of band closes the door on what could be a lifetime of musical learning and enjoyment. Most adults say they wish their parents had made them continue in music instead of allowing them to quit when they were young. Once a student quits, it is very difficult to join back in later if they change their mind, due to missed instruction. PLEASE do not ask us to allow your student to quit mid-year! Working together, we can ensure that all students get extra help when needed and feel successful seeing their commitment through. Bottom line: we want to keep kids in band and enjoying it!

Private LessonsPrivate lessons are a great way to support your

student’s efforts in band and are strongly encouraged! Private lessons help foster individual acheivement, boost self-esteem, and give students an additional creative outlet. Lessons are great for students who feel like they need extra

help. Lessons can also help students who are doing well to truly soar, and succeed in things like Solo & Ensemble and auditions for outside groups and honors bands. It is recommended that if at all possible, students take advantage of the opportunity for private lessons.

Below are some recommended private lesson teachers you can contact. Most teach out of their homes, but some can arrange to teach lessons at LMS. Local school music dealers such as Meyer Music (975-1122) also have musicians who teach privately at the store. Other local resources are the Franciscan Center (897-7842) north of Lowell, and Three Crowns Music Academy (www.threecrownsacademy.com) in Saranac. And, sometimes a talented Lowell High School band student can provide lessons to our middle schoolers. More info? Call Mrs. Bredwell!

Flute: Jean Hudson 616-754-9950Rebecca Kilgore 616-437-0208Christy Kliewer 616-514-9365

Oboe: Peyton Berce 616-826-2482Bassoon: Ruth Wilson 616-724-4673Clarinet: Mary Palmer 616-302-1732Clarinet/Sax: Keith Hudson 616-754-9950Saxophone: Bryan Bredwell 616-889-9533Trumpet: Bob Rice 616-897-8959

Jennifer Wells (3 Crowns) 616-389-0389French Horn: Susan Wygmans 616-443-6881Low Brass: Matt Palmieri 616-635-0858Percussion: Dave Longtin 616-891-8749

Marc Palma 616-554-3983

Middle School Band Calendar - Please note these dates on family calendars and in your phone calendars now! Let us know of any conflicts at least two weeks in advance – more if possible. Thanks!

Friday, Oct. 4 Homecoming Parade/Game 8th Grade only students will attend a practice at the high school Monday, Sept. 30 from 7:00-9:00 pm

Oct. 11-Oct. 21 Band-a-Thon fund raiser 6th/7th/8th Grades

Wednesday, Oct. 16 Fall Concert (w/HS Band) 7th/8th Grade

Thursday, Nov. 7 Premiere Concert* 6th Grade only

Saturday, Nov. 16 Solo & Ensemble Festival 7th/8th Grade***

Thursday, Dec. 5 Winter Concert* 7th/8th Grades

Saturday, Dec. 7 Santa Claus Parade 8th Grade only

Monday, Feb. 10 Pre-Festival Concert* 7th/8th Grades

Wednesday, Feb. 12 Sixth Grade Solo Night 6th Grade only

Feb 26-28; Mar 3-5 District Festival dates** 7th/8th Grades

Thurs, Mar. 12 District Jazz Festival Jazz Band

Tuesday, March 24 Collage Concert* 8th/Jazz Band

Saturday, April 18 Solo & Ensemble Festival 7th/8th Grades***

April 29-May 2 State Festival dates** 7th/8th Grade

(Tentative – depends on qualifying and committing)

Friday, May 8 or 15 Trip to Chicago (date TBA as soon as known!) 8th Grade Only

Thursday, May 14 Spring Concert* 6th/7th Grades

Tuesday, May 19 Spring Concert* 8th/Jazz Band

Monday, May 25 Memorial Day Parade 7th & 8th Grades

*Concerts take place at 7:00 PM at the Lowell Performing Arts Center at LHS.**Exact date/time will be announced as soon as it is available. Festival performance is usually during the school day.***Solo & Ensemble is optional but strongly encouraged! We, the undersigned student and parent, HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND | THE BAND HANDBOOK. We have put all band dates on our family calendar | and/or in our phones. We will contact Mrs. Bredwell if there are any questions.||| __________________________________________________________________| Student Signature||| __________________________________________________________________| Parent Signature||| PARENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES| I would be available to help the Music Boosters with the following:| _____ Flowers & Gummies – Selling at a concert| _____ Concessions at a Middle School sports event| _____ Selling items at a home football game

| _____ Fallasburg Fall Festival – Sept. 14-15| _____ Band-a-Thon Fundraiser – October 11-21, or help earlier with planning| _____ Poinsettia Sale – Friday, December 6| _____ Planning or working at the Collage Concert, March 24| _____ Other volunteer opportunities as needed – you will be called|| _____ Piano Accompaniment at Solo & Ensemble – Saturday, November 16| and/or Saturday, April 18|| 8th Grade Only:| _____ Chicago Trip Chaperone – Friday, May 8 or 15, TBA (Cost approx. $180)||| CONTACT INFORMATION - Please Print CLEARLY!| (for use by director and boosters for communication)|| Student Name (1st & last) _____________________________________________|| Parent Name (1st & last) ______________________________________________|| Home Phone: ______________________________________________________|| Parent Cell Phone: __________________________________________________|| Parent Work Phone: _________________________________________________|| Parent e-mail: ______________________________________________________|