“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." Ben Franklin

            Welcome to the Stars and Stripes Band!  This group is open to all musicians who have been playing a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument for at least one year.  Now that you have a year of playing under your belt, this group will help to develop your musicianship, expand your knowledge about the capabilities of your instrument, and prepare you to make music at the high school level.  Welcome back to our community!  

Communication

            Students and parents or guardians should check their e-mail accounts for Stars and Stripes Band related information.  E-mail is Mr. Harris's preferred form communication.  Families who do not have access to e-mail should contact Mr. Harris as soon as possible.

            The Stars and Stripes Band google site offers a broad overview of our band program while the Stars and Stripes Band google classroom page offers a weekly snapshot of our band program.  Parents or guardians should monitor progress through their student's google classroom hub.  Only @idahoartscharter.org e-mail accounts can join the page with the code. 

E-Mail – michael.harris@idahoartscharter.org

Phone Number - (208) 463-4324  ext. 429

Stars and Stripes Band Google Classroom Code: 5wl6q3t

Band Rules

            All students are expected to follow school rules in the band room.  Here are a few extra rules just for us:

1. Be safe, be respectful, and be responsible

2. Always actively listen 

            The Four Rules of Active Listening

1.  Seek to understand before you seek to be understood.

2.  Be non judgmental

3.  Give your undivided attention to the speaker/performer

4.  Use silence effectively 

https://www.state.gov/m/a/os/65759.htm

Band Procedures 

Before Class 

           Students and the director will work together to reset the band room between classes.  A timer will be started between class periods.  All students should be in their seats and ready to play BEFORE the timer reaches zero.  Cell phones brought into the band room can be stored on Mr. Harris's desk.  Students who use a cell phone during class will be punished in accordance to the Cell Phone Policy (Page 11) of the Student Handbook.  Instruments and other materials may be stored in the band room. 

During Class

          If the director is on the podium, students may only talk after being given permission.  If the director is off of the podium, students may talk without permission.  However, when anyone is playing or communicating, all students should use active listening skills.  When a student is not playing, they should study their parts, write counting tips into their music, study fingering charts in the back of the book, or actively listen to other groups.  Students should use every moment of rehearsal to improve their musicianship and employing active listening skills.     

After Class

            After class, students and the director will work together to reset the band room.  All personal materials should be stored away and/or removed from the band room after rehearsal.  Teamwork makes the dream work!

Instrument and Supplies

Choosing an Instrument 

            All students who joined this group have already been playing an instrument for at least one year.  Each student is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to continue performing on this instrument, but in this advanced group, new instruments are available.  We add bassoons, bass clarinets, tenor saxophones, baritone saxophones, french horns and tubas to the band.  Students interested in switching to one of these instruments should only consider the switch if the instrument is in the same family. For instance, switching to bass clarinet from clarinet would be simple while switching to bass clarinet from trumpet would be difficult.  A band is like a football team.  Just like a football team can't win with eleven quarterbacks and one receiver, a band can't perform well with eleven alto saxophones and one flute.  Here's an example of a balanced Stars and Stripes Band of 60 students:

7 - Flutes

1 – Oboe

1 - Bassoon

7 – Clarinets

2 – Bass Clarinets

6 – Alto Saxophones 

4 – Tenor Saxophones 

8 – Trumpets

3 - French Horns

6 – Trombones 

3 – Baritones

1 – Tuba

1 - Bass Guitar 

10 – Percussion  

                Instrument changes should be completed before the end of the first full school week.  Parent contact is required to switch instruments.  

Finding an Instrument

            1. The best way to get an instrument is to visit a local music store and start a rent-to-own program.  Dunkley Music, Dorsey Music, and Blue Rider Music are great places to pick up instruments, method books, and supplies.  Renting to own your instrument is a great idea because you'll own your instrument after you finish the term of the rental agreement and be able to have your instrument repaired when it breaks.  You will also have access to music equipment experts who can help you select the best product for the best price.  

            2. Sometimes a family may already have an instrument.  This instrument could have been played by another family member or friend when they played in band.  If you want to use an instrument that was previously used to play in a school band please contact Mr. Harris.  He will inspect the instrument and then advise you about what repairs may or may not be needed.  Check out the list of “Brand Names” before contacting Mr. Harris.    

            3. The school has a limited supply of school-owned instruments for rent.  If you are interested in renting from the school, please contact Mr. Harris about the availability and cost of the instruments.  

            4. Buying an instrument online may seem convenient and cheap, but it can create long-term headaches.  The world is full of companies that create cheap instruments in order to sell to parents or guardians who feel pressured to provide for their children.  The main problem with this business model is that they create instruments which break and can not be fixed by most repair technicians.  DO NOT buy an instrument online without consulting Mr. Harris.  There can be gems on the Internet and there is also fool's gold.  Check out the list of “Brand Names” to help narrow your Internet searches. 

Brand Names

            For band instruments, the brand name matters.  Repair technicians can not work on all models of instruments and not all band equipment fits all models of instruments.  If you get an instrument from a company listed below, it will be able to be repaired and will work with most equipment.  Flutes, oboes, clarinets and saxophones are woodwinds.  Trumpets, trombones, and baritones are brass.  

·      Armstrong (flutes and woodwinds)

·      Bach (trumpets and brass)

·      Besson (baritones and brass)

·      Bundy (all band instruments)

·      Buffet (clarinets)

·      Cannonball (saxophones)

·      Conn or Conn-Selmer (all band instruments)

·      Fox (oboe)

·      Getzen (trombones and brass) 

·      Gemeinhardt (flutes)

·      Holton (brass)

·      Jupiter (brass)

·      King (brass)

·      Pearl (percussion)

·      Selmer (saxophones and woodwinds)

·      Yamaha (all band instruments)

Method Book and Supplies    

Each student will need the following equipment to perform in Stars and Stripes.  This equipment will also be needed at each rehearsal.  Students should buy a music stand, tuner, and metronome for home practice.   

1.     Instrument with case and supplies* 

2.     Standard of Excellence Method Book 2 for specific instrument

3.     A pencil and a band folder

*a list of instrument specific supplies will be handed out after instrument selection

Practice Tips

Setting Up a Practice Space

            To produce the best results, you'll want to establish a practice routine.  Find a quiet place and establish a practice space that you can go to consistently.  Establishing the habit of practicing at the same time every day is best.  Keep a music stand and a chair in your practice space.  It's best to use a metronome and tuner so that you get used to playing in tune with a steady beat.

Practice Resources

            Please check out practice resources website to help you practice at home.  You are expected to learn the music taught during class, but it might be more rewarding to explore these resources and practice music for fun.  Band lessons should extend past the classroom.  These resources are a great way to start digging for more things to make you a better musician and help you enjoy the music making process!

Practice Steps 

1.       Play the pitches slowly in order.

            The first step to practicing is to learn the correct pitches.  Make sure that you are reading the correct notes (check the staff), using the correct fingering or slide position (check the back of your book), and blowing the right air (is it too cold or hot?).  Singing the pitches can be really useful!  

2.      Count the beats and clap the rhythm.   

            The second step to practicing is to learn the correct rhythm.  Drummers start here!  Check your time signature to find out how many beats are in a measure then check your tempo to find out how fast or slow you should play.  Make sure that you tap your toe while you count and clap!  Use the counting system to group numbers as you clap. 

3.     Count the beats, sing the pitches, and move your fingers or slide

            Channel your inner Guitar Hero during this step!  While counting the correct number of beats in a steady pattern, try to sing the music and move your fingers or slide in time.  This is a great chance to double check that you're getting to the correct slide position or that your fingers are really covering the holes!  Singing will allow for you hear how you might need to change your air during the measure. 

4.     Perform a short (2-4 measure) section!

            Once you've mastered steps one through three, try to to play a short section!  Practicing involves playing short segments of two to four measures.  Playing involves playing longer segments of eight or more measures.  Make you practice before you play!  

Practice Time

            Developing a musical skill requires hard work, perseverance, and dedication.  In math class, your math homework might require you to practice solving problems.  Band homework requires you to practice your instrument.  Each Stars and Stripes Band member is expected to practice 120 minutes every week.  This hard work will be collected in each students practice log. 

            Students should not practice 120 minutes in one day or one practice session.  Instead, this time should be spread out throughout the week in 20 – 30 minute chunks.  Students are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to practice more than 120 minutes every week!  There is no limit to how much you should practice!!!   

Private Lessons

            Private lessons are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED for all students.  Studying an instrument in a one on one setting with a master musician is the best way to learn music.  Contact Mr. Harris if you need help finding a private lessons teacher.

Grading System

15% - Practice Logs

            Students should submit their practice logs through Google Classroom.  Stars and Stripes Band students are expected to practice 120 minutes each week.  Students earn one point for every 10 minutes of practice.  For instance, a student who practices 110 minutes will earn 11/12 and a student who practices for 120 minutes will earn 12/12.  

20% - Standard of Excellence Performance Benchmarks 

            Students will be expected to perform “benchmarks” from the Standard of Excellence Method Book.  These benchmarks can be performed in a small group or on their own.  Once the student has performed the exercise, they will be given a sticker to add next to the exercise. 

            A list of benchmarks will be given out at the beginning of each quarter and progress will be checked once at the midpoint of the quarter and then again a week before the end of the quarter.  Standard of Excellence Performance Benchmark grades will be recorded twice in the grade book (mid-quarter and end of quarter), but every student and parent should monitor their progress throughout the quarter.    

15% - Standard of Excellence Quizzes

            Students will be expected to complete “quizzes” from the Standard of Excellence Method Book.  Once the student has completed the quiz, they will be given a sticker to add next to the quiz.  

A list of quizzes will be given out at the beginning of each quarter and progress will be checked once at the midpoint of the quarter and then again a week before the end of the quarter.  Standard of Excellence Quiz grades will be recorded twice in the grade book (mid-quarter and end of quarter), but every student and parent should monitor their progress throughout the quarter.   

50% - Concerts 

            Students are expected to attend and perform in all concerts.  They should arrive 30 minutes before the concert and leave after all groups have performed.  In Cadet Band, students will receive full credit for the performance as long as they are on time, perform, and stay for the entire performance.  Students should wear concert black for all performances. 

            In the event of a medical or family emergency, Mr. Harris should be notified two weeks before the performance or be given a doctor’s note within 24 hours of the performance.  This will allow for a student to receive an excused absence from the performance.  They will be given a short alternative assignment to complete for a full grade.  If a student does not follow these guidelines, they will be given an unexcused absence.  They will be given a lengthy alternative assignment to complete for a partial grade.  Students who miss performances may be asked to leave the band program.  Attendance at performances is not only expected, it is essential. 

Relevant Dates for Stars and Stripes Band

Nov. 10th during school day at IACS Progress Concert 

Jan. 20th 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm at Summitvue Middle School SWIMS Rehearsal 

Jan. 27th 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm at Summitvue Middle School SWIMS Rehearsal

Jan. 31st during school day at IACS Winter Band Concert 

Feb. 10th 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm at Summitvue Middle School SWIMS Rehearsal

Feb 11th 10:30 am - 1:00 PM at Summitvue Middle School SWIMS Rehearsal

Feb 11th 4:00 pm at Summitvue Middle School SWIMS Performance

May 1st or 2nd – Middle School Large Group Festival (tentative)

May 8th at 6:30 p.m. in Nampa Civic Center Spring Band Concert 

May 23rd in JUMP (downtown Boise) Charter Network Honor Band