Guidelines for the SWMS Bands: Band Handbook
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Forward
The Southwest Middle School Band has established a tradition of musical achievement and excellent student conduct over the years. This tradition is a source of pride throughout the school and community. It has been made possible because members of the band have taken great pride in their work and have aspired to improve every aspect of the band program at all times.
I. How to become a Great Band Member
a. The Importance of Attitude
The greatest factor that will help you to be successful is your attitude. You should always use the words “I Will”. You must be dedicated to reaching your goals.
Approach band class with a positive attitude. Come to class expecting to play better than the previous day. Leave problems or concerns not related to band outside of the room. Make coming to band with a positive attitude your top priority.
Remember that those in the band are a select group. The band can do much for you. Make the most of your band experience through superior practice, superior rehearsals, and superior performance. You will only get out of band what you put into it.
b. The Importance of Discipline
Because of the nature of this organization band discipline must, out of necessity, be strict. Band students and parents must be willing to support the ideals, principles, and rules of the band. Because you are constantly on display you must always be aware of the importance of good behavior. You should remember that you represent the band, school, and community whenever you perform publicly.
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II. Statement of Band Policy for Parents and Students
The successful child is the one who is improving through regular practice and daily progress. We firmly believe that your child will improve through daily practice.
a. Your Child’s Responsibility to the Band Program
1. Be regular in attendance and account for all absences in advance.
2. Strive for daily improvement through consistent practice.
3. P.R.I.D.E. - Personal Responsibility In Daily Effort. Become responsible for and assume the consequences of your actions.
4. Be personally clean, neat, and observe all dress codes.
5. Respect those in authority-teachers and substitutes.
6. Follow all classroom, school, and trip rules.
7. Be honest and fair with others in all aspects of school life.
8. Cooperate with fellow band members.
b. The Responsibility of the School and Band Department
1. Provide band members with the proper rehearsal environment.
2. Plan each day’s instructional time so it ensures daily progress of the entire band.
3. Provide students with a music education that relates to appreciation, theory, and performance.
4. Supervise the students in class and on school-sponsored band trips.
5. Grade the progress of each member on a regular basis and inform parents of below average work in order to develop a plan of improvement.
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III. Band Grades
Band grades are based on written and playing tests, practice reports, homework assignments, class participation and attendance at all rehearsals and performances. Students are also required to complete one selection on the nine weeks grading policy form.
Parents are encouraged to consult the director at any time regarding grading policy or student grades. A close contact or parents and teachers indicates a strong interest in the child’s success in the band program and can thus aid both parties in understanding and solving problems. The director can be reached at 499-2848.
Practice Reports
Practice reports are a fairly accurate recording tool to monitor the amount of time each student spends at home practicing his or her instrument. Practice reports are due on Monday or Tuesday of each week and should have a minimum of 120 minutes of practice time recorded. It is up to the parent to assure that the child is actually spending this time practicing their instrument. No practice reports will be accepted without a parent signature.
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IV. Band Calendar
The band calendar is set at the beginning of the school year. A copy of the calendar listing all scheduled performances will be posted in the director’s office. The year long calendar will be updated in January. A monthly copy of appearances and activities will be posted in the rehearsal room.
It is nearly impossible to list every event for the year when the calendar is published. Dates will be added as arranged for outside functions that will promote the school and community. Notice will be given as far in advance as possible.
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V. Band Classes
a. Beginning Band - No previous musical training. Open to all students in grades six, seven and eight. Students are taught fundamentals of music theory, appreciation and instrumental technique.
b. Advanced Beginning Band -Students with elementary, beginning, or summer band experience. A high paced class for continuing students with a focus on technical development and tone.
c. Concert Band - Seventh and Eighth grade students with 1 or more years of experience from beginning or Advanced Beginning Band. Focus on performance of music literature utilizing and developing techniques learned. By director recommendation.
d. Symphonic Band - Seventh and Eighth grade students with 1 or more years of experience from Beginning, Advanced Beginning, or Concert Band. Focus on performing advanced level music, utilizing advanced technical and musical skills. By audition only. All students must complete the third class musicianship requirements to be eligible for the Symphonic Band.
e. Jazz Ensembles - Seventh and eighth grade students with advanced musical experience. Includes study of jazz articulation, jazz styles, performance, and improvisation. The One O’Clock Jazz Band is by audition only.
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VI. Band Equipment
a. Instruments
The school owns some band instruments which are available on a limited basis. These instruments are issued by the band director for a $50.00 yearly rental fee. Students are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of these instruments. Parents are responsible for any damage other than normal wear (dents, broken parts).
b. Uniforms
The school owns band uniforms which are issued to Symphonic and Concert Band members. Uniforms are issued by the uniform committee of the executive board. At the time of issue a rental agreement must be completed and rental fee paid. The agreement outlines your responsibility for cleaning and care of the uniform. Rental cost is $20.00. The tuxedo shirt is purchased for $17.00. The replacement cost of each uniform is approximately $150.00.
Band members will be issued trousers or skirt, cummerbund and bow tie. All members must furnish a white tuxedo shirt. Ladies are responsible for black panty hose and black dress shoes. Gentlemen must provide black socks and black oxfords (the director will inform you of area stores and distributors). In addition each Concert and Symphonic Band member must have a band T-shirt for casual performances. Cost for Band T-shirts will be $10.00.
c. Music and Folders
Each student will be given a music folder at the beginning of the school year. It is to be used for band music only. All music that is issued is the property of the Southwest Middle School Band and must be returned in good shape when requested. Music may be taken home for practice but must be at every rehearsal. A pencil should also be kept in the folder at all times. It is best to spend money to have a pencil just for band. Please be aware of the following guidelines:
1. All music will be issued by librarians. If you are in need of music please ask a librarian.
2. When folders are turned in they must contain all issued music. Each student is responsible for his/her music. There will be a $1.00 charge per page for music that is lost. No music will result in loss of daily class participation points.
3. Do not bend, fold, or mutilate the music. It does not belong to you. Mark your music with pencil only. Erasable pen is not acceptable.
4. Music is to be kept in the folder with folder placed in the assigned folder slot. Folders are not to be stored in your instrument case.
d. Care of Equipment
It is every band members responsibility to show the utmost care for all band equipment. Percussion players are expected to take care of all traps and keep the percussion cabinet and all areas neat.
e. Instrument Lockers
Each student will be issued an instrument locker. It is the responsibility of the student to provide a lock for his/her locker. The student may leave a spare key or combination, this will avoid loss of daily participation points in the event of forgetting the key or combination. This locker is to be used for instruments only. Personal items are not to be kept in this locker. The Southwest Middle School Band reserves the right to remove the lock if the Director suspects misuse of the locker. The Band, School and Directors are not responsible for replacing cut locks. Each student will sign a contract before a locker is issued.
f. Inspections
Section leaders will conduct random inspections of music folders, lockers and instruments in their sections. The section leader should be familiar with the playing aspects of their instrument. Lieutenants will also inspect the uniform and instrument rooms randomly. Lieutenants will report to the Director any problems which they are unable to resolve. It is the responsibility of each Band member to clean his/her instrument as often as necessary to maintain proper playing condition. A band instrument is fragile, complicated, and built very precisely. Proper care and handling will ensure proper playing condition.
g. Repairs
All school owned instrument repairs must be made through the Band Director. Students and parents should seek out a professional repairman for individually owned instruments. Do not attempt to perform repairs at home.
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VII. Music Rooms
a. Band Room
All band members are to assist in keeping the band room clean and in good order. Keep chairs and music stands in place and use the wastebasket for the disposal of trash.
b. Practice Rooms
Practice rooms are to be used for individual or small group practice only. They are not to be used as social areas. No more than two students are to be in a practice room without Director approval. Two chairs and one stand will be in each room at all times. Uniform and ensemble areas may be used for larger ensembles with the Directors permission. If you move chairs or stands to accommodate a larger group, please return them when you are through.
c. Instrument Storage Room
This room is for instruments only. Other materials left in the room will be thrown out or turned in to the office. Instruments are to be in cases, cases are to be latched and placed in the assigned locker. Folders DO NOT belong in your instrument case. No instruments are to be kept in the instrument room over the weekend---Practice! Practice! Practice!!
d. Director’s Offices and Music Library
The Director’s offices are off limits to all Band students. They may be used only as instructed by the Director. Council members are to use the library for meetings and as a work area. Anyone in the Director’s offices or the music library without permission will be referred to the office.
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VIII. Practice
See Grades about practice reports.
Parents should closely monitor their child’s practice habits and encourage daily practice. Students should use the following practice regimen as it will be the most effective use of your time:
1. Check your instrument prior to beginning to make sure that it is in proper working order.
2. Begin with long tones. The best way to develop proper tone and pitch center is to play about 5-10 minutes of long tones each day. Long tone scales are very effective.
3. Loosen the finger by playing All-State scales - slowly first - then increase the tempo.
4. Practice your lesson or band parts. Be sure to work on sections that give you trouble. Work out problem spots slowly. If you have trouble with a section talk to your Director.
5. After practice, clean your instrument and wipe fingerprints off of the lacquered areas. Doing this daily is the best way to ensure your instrument is always in proper working order.
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IX. Attendance
The attendance guidelines must apply with equal force to all band members. Membership in the band automatically includes attendance at all rehearsals, sectionals, lessons and performances. All scheduled band activities carry points toward your nine week grades. Unexcused absences from scheduled events will result in reduction of grade, loss of chair placement, and possible removal from performance ensembles.
Activities scheduled on the band calendar are part of the school band curriculum. It is expected that students in the band program intend to perform with the band. Any conflicts with the band calendar must be cleared at least two (2) weeks in advance of the conflict. Absence due to serious illness, accident, or family related emergency will, or course be honored. However, the Director should be given as much advance notice as possible. Remember that the band is counting on your performance.
Students with pre-excused or emergency absences will be allowed to complete work to recover lost points. A written report will be completed one week after returning to school. Students are responsible for obtaining report topics from the Director.
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X. Rehearsals
Rehearsals are time to work as a group. If you are practicing every day, you will help your class progress at an acceptable rate. During rehearsals we must work on developing a good band sound. Time will be taken to prepare difficult passages but it is of the utmost importance that students work outside class to perfect their parts. Failure to participate in rehearsals will result in the loss of daily participation points. Students who come to rehearsal unprepared to participate will have the option of a written report to cover daily grades lost.
A. Procedures
1. Enter the building quietly. Students will, upon entering the building bring their instrument in the case into the classroom. Students will be in their seats 2 minutes after the class bell rings.
2. No talking or horseplay in the instrument or band room.
3. There will be no talking during rehearsals. Talking is disruptive to the Director and to those around you. If you have a question, raise your hand.
4. Show respect and courtesy to others and their property at all times.
5. Music should be placed in order at the beginning of each rehearsal - check the board for the order.
6. Place your pencil in front of you on the stand.
7. Have everything you may need at each rehearsal - pencil, mutes, oil, grease, extra reeds, etc.
8. No band is better than it’s rehearsal. Every rehearsal should have a performance atmosphere.
9. After rehearsal place your instrument and folder in the correct storage space and wait quietly for dismissal.
10. Food, gum, candy, or drinks are not allowed in the music building. The sugars from them can ruin the interior of your instrument. Get rid of them before you enter the building.
B. Sectionals and Extra Rehearsals
Sectionals and extra rehearsals are a required part of Symphonic and Concert Band members’ grade. Sectionals and rehearsals will begin at 3:45 and end at 5:00. Each sectional is equal to 50 points. Reductions will be made for tardiness, failure to bring proper materials, etc.
1. Symphonic and Concert Band sectionals will follow this schedule:
a. Monday - Upper Woodwinds (Flutes, Oboes, Clarinets)
b. Tuesday - Low Brass and Low Woodwinds (French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Saxophone)
c. Wednesday - Trumpets
d. Thursday - Percussion
2. Beginning and Advanced Beginning Band students will have full after school rehearsals prior to concert performances. These rehearsals will be announced at least two (2) weeks ahead of time.
C. Restrooms
Restrooms are located off the hallway in the music suite. Students will be allowed one use of bathroom privileges per semester with the Director’s approval. Choose your time wisely.
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XI. Eligibility
In order for any student to be eligible for field trips, District Festival, Disney etc. (S)he must maintain a cumilitive grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher. Students failing to maintain this GPA will be required to submit a gramatically correct written report (topic to be selected by band director) due no later than the date of the event missed. This will prevent the student from failing this portion of their band grade. Reports will be graded on content, grammer, neatness and spelling.
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XII. Band Trips
Students may attend band trips only if they meet the minimum eligibility requirements. A complete listing of rules, regulations and trip schedules will be provided to students in a timely manner before all trips and will be covered in class. All school rules and school board policies apply on all band trips. Only exemplary conduct and behavior will be tolerated by Band members.
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XIII. Awards and Honors
Awards are given to students for outstanding personal accomplishment in the band program. Participation in the All-County and All-State bands, and Solo & Ensemble festival will also be recognized.
The following is a sample of Awards given:
1. Outstanding Concert, Symphonic, and Jazz Musician
2. Most Improved Concert and Symphonic Musician
3. Leadership Award for the student who displays outstanding leadership qualities.
4. Director’s Award for the outstanding eighth grade musician.
a. Must meet the standards established by prior students.
b. Chosen by Director.
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XIV. Band Parent Group
The parents of all band members for many years have maintained a parent organization for the sole purpose of assisting the band members and Directors. The parents organization has consistently supported the band through financial aid and volunteer work at all band activities. The success of the band is due in large part to the active participation of all of our parents. Membership in the band parents organization shall consist of all parents of the band members enrolled in the Southwest Middle School Band.
Several committees exist to assist with the operation of the band. Your help in one or more of these areas is essential to our overall success.
Committees include:
a. Uniforms
b. Concerts
c. Social/Banquet
d. Chaperones
e. Advertising Book (Program)
f. Ways and Means and Transportation
g. Fundraising
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