7th & 8th Grade Band Contract
7th and 8th Grade Band Contract
William Floyd Middle School
Music Department
2019-2020
Dear Parents and Students,
The following pages contain important information pertaining to the William Floyd Middle School Band Program. After you have both read the entire Band Contract together, please sign below and return this slip to Mrs. Conefry at your second band rehearsal.
I _________________________ have read the attached contract and understand what is expected of me in the 7th and 8th grade band.
___________________________________ _______________
Signature of Student Date
I _________________________ have read the attached contract and understand what is expected of my child in the 7th and 8th grade band.
___________________________________ _______________
Signature of Parent/Guardian Date
7th and 8th Grade Band Contract
William Floyd Middle School
Music Department
2019-2020
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome back to a new school year! I hope you had a safe and healthy summer, and are ready to make music. Let’s make this an exciting year! We will begin playing our instruments at the second band rehearsal. Here is an overview of the middle school band program:
Required Materials for the second band rehearsal:
*Instrument and accessories (reeds, valve oil, etc.)
*3-ring binder with section dividers for music, assignments, and loose leaf paper.
*Pencil- keep one in your binder and another in your instrument case!
*Signed Band Contract Slip
*Percussionists only: 5B drumsticks, stick bag. I would also recommend purchasing a pair of Vic Firth M2 Yarn Mallets.
Recommended Materials:
*Metronome
*Chromatic Tuner
(These items may also be downloaded to a smart phone or i-pad for a small app fee!)
Note: Band folders will be assigned during our second band rehearsal. These music folders will remain in the band room and will be used for band rehearsals and concerts only (NOT LESSONS!). Home copies of all band music will be provided. They are not to be taken home, and markings on the music should be made in pencil only. Please do NOT write on the folders!
Note: For those students using a school-owned instrument, I am recommending that each student purchase his or her own mouthpiece from one of the following music stores:
Family Melody Center, Patchogue 631-475-3210
Music and Arts, Patchogue 631-289-3805
Required Performances:
The band will participate in public performances that take place outside the school day (Winter Concert, Spring Concert, etc.). Concert dress for students will be ALL BLACK. Gentlemen will wear black dress pants, black dress shoes, and black dress or collared shirt. Ladies will wear ALL BLACK- black shirt and black pants or LONG skirt (below the knee!) and black shoes. Appropriate concert attire is required of all band members, so please plan early. Attendance and participation is required at all concerts. Students must have acceptable school attendance as described by the William Floyd attendance policy in order to participate in concerts. Students must also consistently demonstrate a pattern of responsible and honorable school behavior to participate in concerts. Students must demonstrate satisfactory musical preparation in rehearsals and lessons in order to participate in concerts. Emergency absences due to illness or accidents are dealt with on a case-by-case basis, but absences for questionable reasons shall result in a 20 point deduction of a student’s quarterly grade.
The 7th and 8th Grade Band will also perform at the Long Island Music Festival in the spring (dates and details to be announced). Students will perform for adjudicators at Suffolk Community College, which will be followed by a trip to a local amusement park. In order to participate, students must have acceptable school attendance and a pattern of responsible and honorable school behavior. In addition, all participating students must demonstrate satisfactory musical preparation in rehearsals and lessons and earn a minimum average of 80 in band for the 3rd and 4th quarters.
Lesson Attendance:
Lessons are 40% of each quarterly grade. Each student must attend a lesson each week for small group instruction. In these lessons, students will work on scales, etudes, solo repertoire, and overall technique, as well as band music and lesson book exercises. You must bring your instrument and accessories, binder, music, and pencil to every lesson.
Lesson schedules will be distributed in band rehearsal, and will be posted on the Band Notes bulletin board outside the band room. Lessons are arranged on a rotating basis. Your child’s lesson day will stay the same each week; the period in which it meets, however, will change weekly. The lesson schedule will rotate each week so that a class will not be missed more than once every 5 weeks.
Note: A student may only miss a lesson due to absence, a unit test, or a science lab. In these instances, he or she must schedule a make-up lesson within 2 weeks.
Ms. Saraceno is at the middle school every day to teach band lessons. If she is your lesson teacher, all make-up lessons MUST be scheduled with her!
Please see my Teacher Website for weekly information, upcoming performances, music recordings, and more! The website address is:
https://sites.google.com/a/wfsd.k12.ny.us/msdconefry/home
Band Rehearsals:
Band rehearsals are 40% of each quarterly grade. Here are a few general rules to ensure your success in rehearsal:
*Please be ON TIME for rehearsals.
*Gum and candy are not permitted during rehearsal.
*Bring your instrument, lesson book, and pencil to each rehearsal.
*Reeds are NOT available in the classroom. They must be purchased at a music store.
*Instruments may NOT be left in the band room unless they are locked in an assigned locker!! If you would like a band locker, please fill out the Locker Request Form. Instruments should be taken home each night for daily practice.
Grading Policy:
40% Band Rehearsals In order to receive full credit for a band rehearsal, you must have your instrument, accessories, lesson book, and a pencil. Students are expected to be courteous, respectful, and cooperative at all times, and should be active participants in the rehearsal.
40% Band Lessons Students are required to attend all scheduled band lessons. In order to receive full credit for a band lesson, you must have your instrument, binder, lesson book, and pencil. Students must come prepared with any assigned music and assignments at each lesson.
20% Assessments, Concerts, Homework, Practice Logs Playing and/or written tests will be given each quarter. Playing tests that will determine seating for a concert will be announced in advance. Written homework assignments and weekly practice logs will be assigned and checked in lessons. Please make sure that your practice log is signed by a parent each week.
We are looking forward to a wonderful year full of learning and music making. Let’s all put forth our full efforts to make this year productive and fun! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at the middle school via phone (631-874-5505) or email.
Musically yours,
Mrs. Dawn Conefry Ms. Christine Saraceno
7th/8th Grade Band Director and Lessons Band Lessons
dconefry@wfsd.k12.ny.us csaraceno@wfsd.k12.ny.us