WMS Band Handbook

2019-2020 Bandbook

Program Description

The WMS Bands aims to develop every student’s musicianship, self-esteem, and character through participation and performance. Quality literature forms the cornerstone of our musical development, and the success of the band depends on the effort and dedication of each individual member. Ms. Pagano and Ms Keenan are here to support all of our students in their growth at WMS. Together, we will all continue the tradition of our strong music program at WMS and continue, with pride, to strive for higher!

Communication

Communication will be conducted via email to both parents and students. Students are also expected to check their school email and/or band website regularly for concert information and important announcements.

Ms. Pagano may also be reached by phone at (508) 358-3801 x2444 and rebecca_pagano@wayland.k12.ma.us.

Ms. Keenan may be reached at tristie_keenan@wayland.k12.ma.us

Class Schedule

Concert Band (6th grade) meets during block 5 FLEX on A and B Days. Concert Band is taught by Ms. Pagano.

Students with available study blocks in their schedule will also be scheduled for a 30-minute sectional lesson one day per cycle. Students may attend sectionals during part of Org Skills class if approved by a parent and the student’s Org Skills teacher.

Symphonic Band (7th and 8th) meets during block 5 FLEX on C and E Days. Symphonic Band is taught by Ms. Pagano and Ms. Keenan. Students will be required to attend a sectional once a cycle during a study block. Students may attend sectionals during part of Org Skills class if approved by a parent and the student’s Org Skills teacher.

Since our band rehearsals are very large classes, sectional time in smaller groups will allow Ms. Pagano to address students’ more individual needs and guide student progress.

Further Class Info for Symphonic (7/8) Band:

The bell rings to being class at 1:17 pm. Set-Up Crew and helpers begin set up chairs and stands immediately, even before 1:17 whenever possible. By 1:25, students will be expected to be seated quietly and prepared to begin warm-ups. On Wednesdays, the bell rings at 12:59 and students will be expected to be seated and prepared to play at 1:07 pm. Students entering after the start time without a pass will be marked tardy and will serve lunch detention the following day.

Band is a scheduled class. Any student arriving late to rehearsal must have a pass from their prior teacher. Absence from a FLEX band rehearsal without prior permission is cutting class and will not be tolerated. Disciplinary action will be taken if a student skips class.

Supplies

Each band student should have with them at all rehearsals and sectionals: his or her instrument in good working condition, music, valve oil, slide oil/cream, or cork grease and reeds, and a pencil.

Please make sure the student’s name and “Wayland Middle School” (updated from former elementary school) is clearly marked on his or her instrument case.

Percussionists will use school instruments at school, but should have at least one set of sticks, preferably wood, 3A or 5A size, and a set of plastic bell mallets.

I recommend keeping these in a stick bag with names on both bag and sticks. Stick Bag example.

Music folders will be given to each student and kept at school in the band music folio cabinet in individual numbered slots.

Home copies of music will be provided for home practice. Also for home practice, students must have a music stand and a metronome/tuner.

Practice Expectations

6th grade students are expected to practice 20 minutes at least 5 days a week. This equates to 100 or more minutes a week. Consistency is more important than length of time practiced at a given session. It is better to do just 20 minutes for 5 nights a week than an hour-and-a-half all at once in one day of the week.

7th and 8th grade students are expected to practice 30 minutes 5 days a week. This equates to 150 minutes a week.

Practice rooms at school may be used after school or during study halls with any music teacher’s permission.

Your practice effort not only helps YOU improve, but helps our band sound better! Everyone knows the better we sound, the more fun band becomes!

Play your part in building our band. It may not be easy, but it will be worth it!

Performances

It is expected that when a student chooses to join band, they accept the responsibilities that go along with being in band. As a performing ensemble, we depend on every player. Performing with the group is an irreplaceable experience that is a central part of being in a performing ensemble. Attendance is required at all performances. Unexcused absence from a performance will result in term grade reduction by one letter grade.

In the unfortunate event of an illness or emergency that would prevent a student from performing, please notify Ms. Pagano before the concert if at all possible, or by the next day.

A special note regarding Memorial Day – I understand that many families go on vacation this weekend. I sincerely hope that all of our band students perform with us at this important community service, however any student unable to make the parade due to family obligations or illness will be given a make-up assignment.

WMS Bands Performance Calendar 2019-2020

9/6 - Jazz Band Audition Info Meeting, 3:30-4 pm

9/23-26 – Jazz Band Auditions, results posted ASAP

10/1 Tuesday - First Jazz Band Rehearsal

10/3 Thursday – Jazz Lab first meeting

11/25 Monday, 7:30 pm MS/HS Jazz Night @ WMS (Jazz Lab & Jazz Band)

12/5 Thursday – 7/8 & HS Band Concert @ WHS 7:30 pm

12/18 Wednesday – 6th Grade Concert (band, chorus, orchestra)

1/24 Friday – during the day – MLK Assembly Jazz Band

2/1 Saturday – Junior District Festival Auditions (open to grades 7-9 only)

3/13 Friday – 3/14 Sat– Eastern Junior District Festival (for accepted students)

3/11 Wednesday – Band Fest @ WHS Field House, 7:30 pm

3/20 Friday – during the day –Jazz Band Elementary Tour

5/6 Jazz Band MAJE Festival @ Trottier MS

5/25 Monday – Memorial Day Parade, Grades 6-8

5/28 Thursday - WMS Bands Spring Concert , Grades 6-8

6/5 Friday – 7/8 Music Trip to Festival and Canobie Lake Park

Grading

Students will earn a letter grade. This grade will be based on the following:

Class and Concert Participation (75%)

Students will receive a participation score from 5-0 for each class based on the following expectation:

5 = I am on time and prepared. I have my instrument and music.

I am attentive. I am listening, participating, and always ready.

I have a positive attitude. I am doing my best and encouraging others.

I am always participating.

Behaviors that lower a score include being unprepared (forgetting instrument), arriving late without a pass, or disruptive behavior.

Unexcused absence from a performance will result in a reduction of term grade by one letter grade.

Performance Assignments (15%) (For 7th and 8th grade only)

Students will be given practice assignments and a performance assignment each term. Assignments will be posted on Symphonic Google Classroom page. Students will complete performance assessments via video recording using the Voicethread application on their Chromebook. Ms. Pagano will provide specific feedback on all performance assessments.

Reflection (10%)

Students will complete assignments including goal-setting and concert reflections.

Concert Attire

Our bands wear uniform red polo shirts. These shirts are worn for all concerts, including the Memorial Day Parade, through 8th grade. Information regarding ordering these shirts will be coming to you shortly, with the order being placed in October.

Concert attire is red polo shirt, black pants or long skirt, and black shoes.

Sneakers may be worn for the parade.

Further Opportunities

For detailed information on Honor Band, Jazz Band, Jazz Lab, please see the corresponding tabs on the WMS Bands website.

Junior Districts (open to grades 7,8, and 9 through audition only)

Eastern Junior District Ensembles are select groups made up of students in the Eastern District of Massachusetts. Students may audition for concert band, jazz band, orchestra, and choruses. Auditions will take place on February 1st, 2020.

More information can be found on the district website: http://www.mmeaeasterndistrict.org/junior.htm

Ms. Pagano will be happy to work with you on your audition piece, but students generally must have a private lesson teacher to help prepare them adequately for this fabulous opportunity. I encourage students to audition for the experience of preparing a piece at a high level and receiving judge's feedback. Even if a student is not accepted the experience of auditioning is be very valuable, and will help prepare them for trying again the following year.

Private Lessons

Although not required, private lessons are highly encouraged. Lessons for WMS students should be with a qualified, professional musician-teacher.

One-on-one instruction from a professional who knows how to work with students is the best way to help you GAIN SELF-CONFIDENCE, GROW MUSICALLY, and EXCEL. It can help you become a strong peer leader in the band and help you reach your musical potential. Please see the WSCP Lesson Program tab on the WMS Bands website for further information and registration materials.

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Finally, to my students:

I am so pleased you have chosen to be a part of the WMS Band program. The better I know you, the better I can help you improve and find success. I’m here to help you, so please let me know if you need help with anything, or just drop by and say ‘hi’ when you have a moment. Together, let’s work hard, have fun, and make great musical experiences and happy memories!