Yorktown Middle School Band Handbook

Practicing
Instruments, Music, Pencil and Accessories
Classroom Procedures
Communication
Discipline
Grading

 

Fundraising

 

Beginning 6th & 7th Grade Band Award

Intermediate & Concert Band Award 
First, Second & Third Year

Practicing

Your child's progress is dependent upon regular practice.  I ask that each student practice a minimum of 5 days per week.  Beginning students should practice 20-30 minutes per session and Intermediate/Concert students should practice 30-45 minutes per session.  Practice at home is for working on individual problem areas.  Class time is for putting all of the parts together.  PLEASE MONITOR YOUR CHILD'S PRACTICE.  If you would like a practice record form, please let me know.
 

Instruments, Music, Pencil and Accessories


1.  It is expected that students bring their instrument (with necessary accessories) and their own music to every class.  Every instrument is to have their name taped to both ends of the case.  Inside the case the student is to have their name, school and home phone number.  Percussion students are to have their name engraved on their drum sticks.

2.  Students using school-owned brass instruments (horn, baritone and tuba) are required to wear white gloves any time they are handling the instrument.  The gloves are available for purchase from me.

3.  The first time a student forgets either music or instrument, it will be excused.  Each time after that, the student will receive a "0" for the class period and will loose points toward their Band Award.  This system begins anew each grading period.

4.  If a student is not able to play for medical or dental reasons, a note must be presented.

5.  If the instrument is in need of repair, it must be brought to me first to see if I can fit it.

6.  There will be inspections to see that the following accessories are available each day:

7.  Music is not to be kept in instrument cases, unless the case is specifically made to do this.  The instrument can be damaged trying to keep music in the case.

8.  Instrument maintenance

 

Classroom Procedures

1.  No gum at any time.
2.  Instrument cases placed along the wall.
3.  All school books placed on the shelves in the front of the room.
4.  Raise hand to ask a question and do not interrupt class by playing or talking out of turn.
5.  All music is to be kept in the folder that is issued to each student - replacement folders can be purchased
 

Discipline


For any band to be successful there must be DISCIPLINE.  This should be student self-discipline and not director imposed discipline.  Therefore the following procedure will be followed:

1.  If a student misbehaves, does not pay attention in class or disrupts class they will be given a Behavior Report notice (25 points will be taken off their Band Award for each one) to be taken home and have  signed.  A Behavior Report (100 points taken off their Band Award) will be issued if a substitute reports a student.
2.  Students that receive more than two Behavior Reports may be assigned in-class or lunch detention.
3.  If a student receives more than four Behavior Reports, the parents will be called.  If problems continue, a conference will be scheduled with the student and parents.
4.  The student will be reported to one of the Principals if problems continue after the parent conference.
 

Grading

Grading will be done through playing and written tests as well as class participation.  Although daily grades are not given, failure to pay attention and lack of self-discipline will result in the student not being prepared for tests and performances.  Grades given will be letter grades.  Advanced and Intermediate student grades are determined by 20% participation and 80% tests (playing).  Beginning student grades are determined by 15% participation and 85% tests (playing).  A student receiving a "D" or "F" for a quarter grade may be placed on probation and not permitted to perform during the next grading period.
 

Communication


Communication is an essential element between teacher and parent.  All information I send home will have a place for student and parent signature.  Anything that is to be signed and returned must be returned to me within two weeks (unless otherwise noted).  If it is turned in late, 25 points will be taken off the Band Award.  If it is not turned in by the end of the grading period, another 25 points will be taken off their Band Award.
 
 

Fundraising


Each family will have the opportunity to participate in the fundraising project.  An alternative is a donation.  It is hoped that all students will equally share in the financial support of awards and incentives.  Those not choosing to fundraise or donate will be required to pay for all awards and incentives.  More information will be available soon.
 
 

Yorktown MS Beginning 6th & 7th Grade Band Award

effective 2008-2009 school year

Each student is allowed to work towards earning their band award during their first full year in band.  If a student transfers to Yorktown MS during the school year, they must earn the same percent of the available points by the end of the year to earn their award.  Students who earn their band award in Beginning 6th Grade Band are able to work towards earning a second year award in the Intermediate Band.  Mr. Powell will keep a record throughout the school year of how many points each student has earned.  The magic number for this year is 230 points!  Good luck - let's have all of you eligible to receive an award at our Spring Concert!

POINTS AWARDED

"A" for the grading period  = +25  

Winter Concert attendance = +100

Attend a concert  = +10 (must show a program - max. 50)              

 (deadline to submit is Friday before Solo & Ens Festival)

Work at Solo & Ensemble Festival (10 points per hour - max. 30)

SOLO & ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL

Solo Points:

Grade 1 = +50

Grade 2 = +75

Grade 3 = +100

Superior rating (A) = +100

Excellent rating (B) = +50

You, as members of the Yorktown MS Band, have certain responsibilities regarding rehearsals and performances.  We all work hard throughout the school year to make our band the very best it can be and we all need to make every effort to be at rehearsals and performances.

POINTS CAN ONLY BE EARNED BY BEING PRESENT!

If you are in school on the day of a performance, you are expected to be at that performance.

DEMERITS:

name reported by a substitute -100

music or instrument not brought to class -10

Behavior Report -25

parent signature return slips:  -25 if late, another -25 if not turned in

Good luck to each of you - I hope I will give you an award at the Spring Concert.

 
 

Yorktown MS Intermediate & Concert Band Award

First, Second & Third Year

effective 2008-2009 school year

Each student is allowed to work towards earning their band award during their first full year in band.  If a student transfers to Yorktown MS during the school year, they must earn the same percent of the available points by the end of the year to earn their award.  Students who earn their first or second year band award in the are able to work towards earning their second or third year award in the Intermediate or Concert Band.  Mr. Powell will keep a record throughout the school year of how many points each student has earned.  The magic number for Intermediate Band this year is 250 points and 380 for the Concert Band!  Good luck - let's have all of you eligible to receive an award at our Spring Concert!

 

POINTS AWARDED                                 

"A" for the grading period  = +25

Winter Concert attendance = +100

District Band Audition = +50                           

District Band member  = +100                                           

District Band 1st chair  = +50

Concert Band Festival Performance = + 100

Superior Rating = +100

Excellent Rating = +50

Work at Solo & Ensemble Festival (10 points per hour - max. 30)

Attend a concert = +10 (must show a program - maximum of 50)

(deadline to submit is Friday before Solo & Ens)

 

 SOLO & ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL

Solo Points:

Grade 1 = +50
Grade 2 = +75
Grade 3 = +100
Grade 4 = +125
Grade 5  = +150

Ensemble Points:

Grade 1 = +25
Grade 2 = +50
Grade 3 = +75
Grade 4 = +100

Superior rating (A) = +100
Excellent rating (B) = +50

       

You, as members of the Yorktown MS Band, have certain responsibilities regarding rehearsals and performances.  We all work hard throughout the school year to make our band the very best it can be and we all need to make every effort to be at rehearsals and performances.

POINTS CAN ONLY BE EARNED BY BEING PRESENT!

If you are in school on the day of a rehearsal or performance, you are expected to be at that rehearsal or performance.

DEMERITS:

name reported by a substitute -100

music or instrument not brought to class -10

Behavior Report -25

parent signature return slips:  -25 if late, another -25 if not turned in

Good luck to each of you - I hope I will give you an award at the Spring Concert.

 

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