AMS BAND Handbook

Auburn Middle School Band Handbook 

Welcome to the AMS Band Program. Our goal is individual student growth and achievement that will contribute to the musical quality of the large ensembles and instill a lifelong appreciation and love of music. In order to facilitate this growth, each member of our bands must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the handbook. Please read this entire handbook carefully with your child.

I. Concerts

Band members are expected to make ALL required dates on the concert schedule. All performances are considered major events and therefore attendance at performances is expected. Every player has a vital role and a musician's absence will affect the entire group. Illnesses or other emergencies may require a student's absence from a performance, and that is understandable. If a child is absent from a performance, the parent or guardian should call Mr. Ogden and/or send a written excuse explaining the reason for the absence within two days of the missed performance.

Concert dates and events are set/planned by the administration, Mr. Ogden and Mrs. Ramey. Every attempt is made to be as accurate as possible on all performance dates. Occasionally, however, schedule changes do occur, and band members are notified as soon as possible.

Please see Concert Dates on Website.

II. Concert Dress Code

*All concert clothes must adhere to the school dress code.

If you have trouble obtaining concert clothes, please contact Mr. Ogden several weeks before the performance so he can make arrangements for your child.

III. Grading

Rehearsal Skills

Rehearsal skills are an important aspect of being a musician. These skills help teach student musicians how to make the most out of rehearsal time, and develop habits that will assist them in learning music more efficiently. Rehearsal skills include: having instrument, music, and pencil at your seat at the beginning of rehearsal, listening and maintaining appropriate eye contact with the director during rehearsal, studying your part when not playing, using appropriate posture and playing position, and writing in rehearsal notes in music using pencil.

Additionally, students are also graded based on their ability to perform developmentally appropriate level music and apply accumulated knowledge of skills, musical notation, and terminology.

Commitment to Practice

Regular practice (outside of rehearsal) is vital to developing as a musician. Students will have Bi-Weekly playing assignments to help them develop regular practice habits and musical problem solving skills. The goal is for students to practice their assignments over a series of days to improve their playing and skill level. Playing an instrument is very physical and students will need to develop their endurance and muscle memory. For this reason, shorter regular practice sessions over a series of days will be more successful than one or two large chunks of practicing. 

Assessments & Performances

Throughout the year, students will have playing assessments, concert assessments, and self-assessments. While students need to master certain skills, each student’s improvement and effort is considered in the grading process. Additionally, band members will have three concerts a year. Attendance at performances is mandatory and correct concert etiquette is expected.  In addition we have the possibility of performing at the Funtown/Splashtown Music Festival on Saturday June 3rd(THIS IS TBD, but every effort will be made to confirm ASAP), we ask that this date be held if possible for students' availability.

IV. Class Attendance

Band is on Maroon Days during the 1st Flex Block (10:38-11:20).  Excellent attendance and a committed effort are the most important criteria for a successful band. Every band member is important to the organization, and when even one member is missing, the whole band suffers. The band functions much like any other "team"- except for one important difference- NO BAND MEMBER SITS ON THE BENCH. Each band member participates 100% of the time! Students should not be missing full band to complete make up work or tests for other classes, they have opportunities to do that on white days. The sectional schedule is TDB and students will be expected to make as many as possible, this will be discussed further with students as the schedule is developed.

There may not always be a substitute if Mr. Ogden is out, If there is a substitute teacher, students should be at rehearsal as if Mr. Ogden was present.

VI. Dropping Band

Although we encourage and advocate that all students who sign up for band stay in the program for the entire year, some students may decide that they no longer want to participate.

**students can only drop band from their schedule at the following times:

1. Between September 1 - September 16, 2022

2. After the end of Semester 1- Please notify Mr. Ogden, students and parents will need to schedule a meeting.

VII. Extra Music Opportunities

Jazz Band - Wednesdays afterschool(TBD)

Students have the opportunity to participate in our after school jazz band.  They will learn about the style and history of jazz as well as improvisation.  The rehearsal schedule will have to work around 

District II Honors Festival

Students have the opportunity to audition for the District II Honors Festival in late October. Students who are selected will be asked to attend rehearsals in January in order to prepare for the festival. The festival is a one-time event that involves rehearsals during a Friday school day and a rehearsal and concert on a Saturday in February.​

District II Honors Jazz Festival 

Jazz band members have the opportunity to audition for this festival. Students who are selected will be required to attend morning rehearsals in March and April  in order to prepare for the festival. The festival is a one-time event that involves one rehearsal during a Friday afternoon/evening and a Saturday rehearsal and concert in April.

VIII. Questions??

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Ogden at sogden@auburnschl.edu