Welcome

My name is Casey Plyler and I am the band director at Lakeview Middle School. I’d like to welcome both new and returning Lakeview Band students. I am new to Lakeview this year. Prior to moving to Greenville, I taught for 7 years in Metro Atlanta. I am a graduate of North Greenville University (Bachelor in Education) and the University of Georgia (Master of Music) The Lakeview Lion Band has been growing considerably in the last few years I look forward to working with you to build on that growth toward a tradition of excellence.

This handbook has been designed to provide comprehensive information about the band program. Parents and students are asked to read the handbook as the first step in becoming familiar with the band policies, procedures and events. Both the student and the parent will be asked to sign and submit a “Statement of Responsibility” (located in the back of the handbook) acknowledging that they have read and understand the policies and the expectation of the program.

Please check the band website for regular updates throughout the year. Keep this handbook in a safe place to refer to if you have questions or forget any of the procedures.

I am honored to be your band director and am looking forward to a fantastic year! As always, I am available to respond to any questions or concerns you may have via phone, email, or in person.

Musically Yours,

Casey Plyler

Philosophy

We believe the study of instrumental music is a vital part of our middle school curriculum and is beneficial for students in many areas of their lives. Learning to play an instrument and being a part of a successful school band fosters discipline, cooperation, self-esteem, creativity, critical thinking, leadership, and personal responsibility. For many students, experience in a middle school band leads to a lifetime of participation in music and the arts.

Goals

· To provide a comprehensive music education experience for all students who demonstrate the aptitude and interest in learning instrumental music

· To benefit the school and community through the public performance of quality music

· To model and encourage the development of strong character traits like personal responsibility, integrity, hard work, and respect for others

· To provide students with a positive group experience where they may grow socially as they learn and help one another succeed in music

Course Descriptions

6th Grade Beginning Band

Sixth Grade Beginning Band focuses on basic musicianship skills including reading music notation; writing music; and music theory. This course also introduces students to the fundamentals of playing either a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument. These skills will culminate in the performance of two concerts: a winter and spring concert.

7^th Grade Intermediate Band

7th Grade Intermediate Band focuses on developing the student’s ability to play in an ensemble setting while continue to introduce new theory concepts. This course also introduces students to music composition. These skills will culminate in the performance of multiple concerts and additional extracurricular performance opportunities including the South Carolina Band Directors Association’s Concert Performance Assessment.

8^th Grade Advanced Band

8th Grade Advanced Band focuses on continuing the development of skills learned in Beginning and Intermediate Band in preparation for high school level band. This course places a larger emphasis on individual performance skill than the previous two band courses. These skills will culminate in the performance of multiple concerts and additional extracurricular performance opportunities including the South Carolina Band Directors Association’s Concert Performance Assessment.

Standards

All band classes follow the prescribed South Carolina Academic Standards for the Visual and Performing Arts. These standards can be found online at:

https://ed.sc.gov/scdoe/assets/file/agency/ccr/Standards-Learning/documents/AcademicStandardsforVisualArts.pdf

Important Dates

The calendar for the year is on the bright orange paper accompanying this handbook. Please make note of these important dates so that conflicts may be avoided. These dates are To Be Determined and will be communicated in January.

How Parents Can Help

The success of each student and the band program as a whole is dependent upon a working relationship between the director, the parents, and the student. The parents truly are the working hands of the director. PARENTS MUST ENCOURAGE THEIR CHILD SO THEIR CHILD WILL WANT TO BE SUCCESSFUL!

· Read the handbook and sign and return the Statement of Responsibility Form.

· Return all required forms by Friday, August 31st and make your Fair Share deposit and Rental Payment by Friday, September 7th.

· Keep up with the band Fair Share payment schedule or actively fundraise, if you choose to do so.

· Make sure your child is practicing regularly.

· Stay “in the loop” by receiving reminders and updates via Remind 101 and email. More information is located on page 9.

Band in the Classroom

“where rehearsal and training take place”

Instrument Drop-Off and Pick-Up

Because we all want our students' instruments to be kept safe, we do not allow students to carry their instruments around the school with them. The following is the procedure for instrument drop-off and pick-up:

Before School: Students should drop their instruments off in the band room between 7:45-8:30AM

After School: Students should come by the band room to pick up their instrument and take it home as they are expected to practice. Some larger instruments are not allowed on the bus (saxophones, French horns, trombones, baritone, and tubas). These students will be able to practice in the band room from 7:45-8:30AM. Students will be notified when this begins.

Weekly Participation

Students receive a grade every two weeks for class participation. Each students begins with a 100 and points are deducted as follows for forgotten materials:

Missing Music/Notebook: 10 points per day

Missing Pencil at Stand: 10 points per day

Forgotten Instrument: 10 points per day

Classroom Procedures

1. Use the restroom before class. When you’re in, you’re in

2. Enter quietly

3. Leave bookbags in designated area, get materials, go directly to your seat and begin Warm-Up

4. When the director steps on the podium all talking stops

5. Pack up when instructed

Classroom Expectations

1. No food or drink in the band room

2. Don’t interrupt others right to learn or Mr. Plyler’s right to teach

3. Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak

4. Avoid Off-Limits areas

5. Only touch your instrument

Classroom Consequences

If a student chooses to not adhere to classroom procedures and expectations they will receive a consequence. This is a school-wide discipline system.

1^st Offense – Verbal Warning

2^nd Offense – Meet with Mr. Plyler, Teacher Detention & Call Home

3^rd Offense – Meet with Mr. Plyler, Teacher Detention & Call Home

4^th Offense – Referral & Call Home

Severe Disruptions – Fighting, profanity, extreme outbursts or behavior detrimental to the learning environment or safety of others warrants an immediate Referral.

Students will not be given warnings each day for separate actions. Warnings will be carried over from day to day.

Classroom Materials

Class materials will be purchased by the Lakeview Band and provided to each student. This includes method books, binders, page protectors, and music. However, students are encouraged to purchase their own books if possible to practice at home.

Method Book (6^th and 7^th Grades): Essential Elements Book 1 - $9.95

Fundamentals Book (7^th and 8^th Grades): Habits of a Successful Middle School Musician - $9.95

All students should have the following materials with them every day:

1. Instrument

2. School binder with all music/handouts from Mr. Plyler

3. Chromebook

4. Pencil

Practice Records

All 6^th grade students will be expected to practice their instrument regularly. Each week, students will complete a practice record showing that they have practiced three times a week for a total of 45 minutes. Parents must sign the practice record stating that they heard their child practice. Students riding buses that play saxophone, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, or percussion will have the option to practice in the band room. Mr. Plyler sign the practice record in these instances.

This will count as part of the student’s grade in the class. Practice records will be available in class for students to pick up and are due every other Friday.

Practicing is necessary to make an “A” in band. It is also the only way band will be FUN. Students that can play their instrument well ALWAYS have more fun in class.

Band on the Stage

“where the class and individual work all come together”

Band is a performance based class. Students work all semester on music to perform for friends and family at concerts. Students are expected to:

· Arrive 30 minutes before the performance time

· Be dressed appropriately

· Stay for the entire concert

· Have at least one parent/guardian in attendance

Attendance Policy

Because performing plays such an integral role all students are expected to attend all performances and after school rehearsals. These also count as a major part of their semester grade. At least one parent or guardian will also be expected to be in attendance at both the winter and spring concerts and beginning of the year Parent Night. Prior to the start of the concert all parents/guardians will receive an attendance form in which they are to turn in, signed, at the conclusion of the concert demonstrating their child’s attendance. We want to ensure that every single student has a loved one in the audience encouraging them. Students perform better when a parent/guardian is there.

Absences

The only acceptable excuse for missing a performance is a wedding, death in the family, or unforeseeable occurrence. Absences will only be excused if written notice is given to Mr. Plyler 1 week prior to the concert. Mr. Plyler reserves the right to determine if an absence is excused.

Make-Up Policy

Students with an excused absence from a concert will be required to complete a written assignment graded on accurate completion of the writing prompt, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and cleanliness. Students without an excused absence will receive a 50 as a major grade for failure to attend the concert.

Concert Attire

Concert attire is required for all students for festivals, contests, and concerts. Any student not dressed in concert attire will not be allowed to perform. Full concert attire is defined as follows:

Gentlemen

Ladies

· White, button down shirt

· Black pants

· Black belt

· Black socks

· Black dress shoes (no tennis shoes)

· White, button down shirt or white blouse

· Black pants/slacks

· Black belt

· Black socks

· Black dress shoes (no tennis shoes)

Or

· Full length black dress

· Black dress shoes (no tennis shoes)

Grading Rubric

Participation and Concerts

· Daily participation and materials grade.

· Rehearsals and concert performances. All Lakeview Band rehearsal and concerts are MANDATORY.

30%

Pass-Offs

· In class and digitally recorded playing tests by the given deadline for each assignment. Includes scales, method book exercises, and concert music.

50%

Written Tests

· Written vocabulary tests, performance evaluations, practice records and theory tests

20%

Financial Obligations

Greenville County Schools operate on a Fair Share financial obligation system.

Throughout the year students may choose to participate in activities that include financial obligations. If students are renting an instrument from the school that financial obligation must be met before any other events or trips can be paid for. Payment plans are available for those who specifically request it.

All Members

Students Using a Personal Instrument

Fair Share Amount: $15.00

$15.00 - Student Supplies: music binders, page protectors, page dividers, reeds (limited to 5 per school year), percussion equipment/sticks, valve oils/grease, music, mouthpieces, cleaning supplies, etc. Registration/Transportation (to various clinics, festivals, and state event).

Students Using an Instrument from Lakeview

Fair Share Amount: $65.00

$50.00 - Instrument Maintenance* (Does not cover damage that is the result of student negligence, at the discretion of the director)

$15.00 - Student Supplies: music binders, page protectors, page dividers, reeds (limited to 5 per school year), percussion equipment/sticks, valve oils/grease, music, mouthpieces, cleaning supplies, etc.

The $40.00 portion of each student’s “fair-share” (students using school owned instruments) is used to pay for small maintenance on school owned instruments that is the result of day to day use by the student. This does not cover repairs to a school owned instrument that is the result of student neglect or damage. It is the responsibility each student to pay for repairs that are the result of neglect or damage caused by the student. Failure to take care of school owned instruments WILL RESULT in holds being placed on academic records until the instrument is returned to the band program in complete working order.

Payment

All Fair Share payments are due Friday, September 7th by 8:30AM and must be exact change. Payment plans can be set up in monthly installments on a personal basis. If you would like to set up a payment plan or have a unique financial situation please contact Mr. Plyler. No student will go without an instrument due to personal circumstances.

Fundraising

Fundraising is a particularly important aspect of the band program as it provides additional funding to cover various costs associated operating a band program and can provide students with extra opportunities.

Band Events

One of the best parts about being in band is that there are a number of extra activities students can participate in outside of class including performance opportunities, trips, clinics, and festivals. Below is a brief description of each:

Parent Night – This is a meeting for all students and parents in which important information for the year will be distributed and discussed. Students who do not attend MUST have a parent contact Mr. Plyler via phone or email before their child will be allowed to use an instrument in class.

Concert Performance Assessment – Selected students from the 7^th and 8^th grade bands will travel during the school day to a local high school to perform for judges and receive a rating. As part of the South Carolina Band Directors Association’s Concert Performance Assessment.

Elementary School Tour – 7^th and 8^th grade students will take a field trip to local elementary school to perform a winter concert for current 5^th graders. Cost: $10.00 for lunch or cafeteria free bag lunch

Carowinds Music Festival – Any 7^th and 8^th grade students are eligible to attend the Carowinds Music Festival trip in the spring. Students will perform for a panel of judges and afterwards enjoy a day of riding roller coasters at Carowinds Amusement Park in Rock Hill, SC. Money is non-refundable.

Cost: Approximately $85.00 includes lunch and t-shirt

All-County Band – 7^th and 8^th grade students will be eligible to audition for the Greenville All-County Band where they compete with other middle school students on their instrument. Any student that makes the band will attend the All-County Band Clinic at Riverside High School and have 2 excused days out of school for the clinic. Cost: $10.00

Solo and Ensemble – This event is available to all 7^th and 8^th grade students and select 6^th grade students. Students will go to Dorman High School and compete for a rating on their instrument by playing for a judge. Students may play a solo, duet, and/or small ensemble piece of music of their choosing with friends. Cost: $4.00 to $6.00