Liberty Union Middle School Band Handbook

Mr. Evan Greene, Director

Communication:

Good communication can prevent problems throughout the school year!  Our number one way of communicating to parents/guardians is through email. You can also stay on top of your students work and progress by checking Google Classroom and Progressbook. Please email Mr. Greene at evan.greene@libertyunion.org at any time with questions or concerns.

Grading breakdown:

50% - Performances (performances)

25% - Music Knowledge (assignments, checks)

25% - Rehearsal/Classroom Responsibility & Participation

Expectations:

A LIBERTY UNION BAND MEMBER is a student who has, by choice, made a commitment to the goals and philosophy of the Liberty Union Band Program. 

One's personal objectives should always be to become a successful part of the total unit and to strive to help others achieve the same goal. To achieve these goals, all band members must embrace the following band rules: 

1. Be Respectful

2. Be On Time 

3. Be Prepared 

4. Try your BEST

5. Communicate 

6. Follow Instructions

Being a member of LU Bands is a privilege.  Students are expected to have exceptional standards for musicianship, work ethic, and personal integrity at all times.  Every effort should be maintained to create a supportive and encouraging environment in which all students may enjoy singing and performing with others.

Practice:

We know our Band kids are some of the most busy and outgoing kids. We ask that students find time each week to practice. Our philosophy is that PRACTICE MAKES PROGRESS. While daily practice is hugely beneficial, it is not required or even expected. Every little bit of individual investment and practice goes a long way to growth and success. 

Performance Absences:

Performances are students’ opportunities to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout the previous weeks and months of study and rehearsal.  Occasionally circumstances occur which cause a student to miss a performance. If a student’s absence from a performance is excused, it is the student’s responsibility to make an audio recording of himself or herself singing the correct part on all concert pieces.  The student must complete this assignment within one week of the concert. The grade given will be based on the student’s performance with consideration given to the student’s experience and ability level. Most importantly - plan ahead.  Most conflicts can be avoided.  

In order for an absence to be excused, the parent must send in an email or note of explanation for the students’ absence within one week of the concert.  Unexcused absences may result in a zero for the assignment. Without parent contact, no absence will be excused. 

Excused absence: personal illness significant enough to be absent from school, family emergency
Unexcused absence: work, no transportation, athletic practice         

When concert conflicts arise with athletic games, please let me know as soon as possible so that we have time to work out solutions. 

Fundraising:

Fundraising helps us pay for transportation, sheet music, guest conductors, instruments and supplies, and other needs essential to the groups.  

Music Boosters:

All band parents are invited to come to music booster meetings, held the first Tuesday of each month in the HS band room at 6:00 pm. 

Supplies needed every day:

Instrument and accessories, folder, music (including book if applicable), pencil

Concert Attire:

Middle School Band students will wear their Red LU Band t-shirts with BLACK pants or skirts. (Skirts must be knee length or paired with leggings or tights.)