Band
PERFORMING GROUPS
Concert Band
7:50-8:30 am, Wednesday 8:40-9:10 am
The ADL Concert Band is the core group of the band program. This is where they will receive the bulk of their instruction on how to play in an ensemble. It also allows them to be scheduled a small group lesson once per week (more on that below) where they will have more focused instruction on their instrument.
Even though this class meets before school on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, attendance will be taken daily. All students are expected to be in their seats with their instruments ready to play at 7:50*. Students should account for the few extra minutes it takes to put their instruments together and arrive prior to that time. I will be in the band room by 7:40 everyday.
*For students who ride the bus, they will not be marked late due to a late arriving bus.
***The following select groups require participation in the Concert Band, Chorus, or Orchestra.***
All select groups generally begin rehearsing after the first two weeks of school.
*ADL Rock Band Wednesdays, 7:50- 8:30
This ensemble will be made up of students who desire to play/sing in a group that performs all kinds of pop music, just like you hear on the radio or Spotify. No prior experience necessary. All students are welcome! We need it all: guitars, keyboards, drums, horn players, and vocalists.
*ADL Jazz Band TBD
Because of the schedule changes for this year, we have lost the before school time we used for these select groups in years past. My plan is to incorporate jazz music into the Concert Band as much as possible this year. So in essence, all band students will be in the “Jazz Band” this year. There may be a possibility to find some time outside of the school day to allow interested students a chance for some more focused jazz playing. I will keep you posted.
LESSONS
All band students will be scheduled for a small group lesson one day a week. Lessons take place during one of their Physical Education classes, which meets 5 days a week. It is the student's responsibility to refer to the schedule, check in with their Phys. Ed teacher, and show up to their lesson on time. Private lessons outside of school are always encouraged in addition to the regular group lessons during the school day.
COMMUNICATION
The majority of communication between myself and parents will come via email. This includes all general information, notices, permission slips, etc. Families will also have the option of still receiving paper copies to be brought home by their child. There is a form at the end of this handbook where you will have a chance to indicate if that is what you would prefer.
ADL Ensemble Website:
It is our goal this year to have a music website where all of these communications will be stored for quick and easy access to families. The aim of this is to help ease the burden of keeping track of the large amount of emails I’m sure you are all receiving.
CONCERT DRESS
Students are expected to dress appropriately for all performances. The guideline we use is “dress nicely”, and it’s up to each family to decide what that means. One teacher in our district uses the phrase: “What would you wear to a function such as a wedding or religious service?” This is not meant to be a hardship for families; we don’t want you to feel the need to purchase new clothes just for our concerts. I DO ask that students avoid graphic T-Shirts and athletic attire, such as sweats, hoodies, and mesh shorts.
Please contact me if you are having difficulty finding, or deciding on, appropriate attire.
PRACTICE
Success on a musical instrument can only be achieved with regular practice at home in addition to band rehearsals and lessons. Students are expected to practice their instrument regularly every week. A little bit can go a long way at this age. Even as little as 10-15 minutes as often as possible can pay huge dividends in terms of ability and overall enjoyment. All students are expected to take their instruments home on the weekends. Also, students are encouraged to use a practice sheet to keep track of their practice time. These practice sheets will be provided by Mr. Sawyer.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Sawyer in the ADL Music Department at 857-7855 or email asawyer@ewsd.org.