Band Handbook

Holman Middle School Band Handbook

Directors: Mr. Steve White (stevenwhite@psdr3.org) and

Mr. Adam Hall (ahall@psdr3.org)

Welcome back to school, welcome back to band, and for sixth graders, welcome to band and all the exciting things our band program offers! You have chosen to be part of one of the most exciting and rewarding educational venues our school has to offer. As you will see from our Holman band calendar, we have many exciting and rewarding performances for our students!

EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS HANDBOOK! It is our hope that the information on the following pages will guide you through a successful year in band. This packet contains important information on concert dates, supplies needed, grading, and uniform needs. Please fill out, sign, and return the Student Information Sheet. The return of this page will be included in your first grading period grade. Please keep this handbook handy during the school year for reference. It is our hope that it will be informational and inspirational!

Course Descriptions

Sixth grade band is a beginning course so no experience is necessary to sign up---all students are welcome to join! Students who participated in music at their elementary school are especially encouraged to enroll in beginning band. Band at this level meets in like-instrument groups to help students master skills specific to their instruments. The class will begin with fundamental sound production skills, note reading, rhythm reading, scales, musical terms, and performance skills. Students must rent or purchase an instrument for use in class and practice at home. Public performances are required and will be a contributing factor in the grade for this class.

-Required Method Book- Tradition of Excellence Book 1

Seventh grade band-. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of 6th-Grade band or director approval.) Sixth grade band students are highly encouraged to continue their music education in the 7th-Grade band. The course of study includes review and continued learning of fundamental sound production skills, note reading, rhythm reading, scales, terms, and performance skills. Like 6th-Grade band, classes at this level meet in like-instrument groups to help a student master skills specific to their instrument. Public performances are required and will be a contributing factor in the grade for this class.

-Required Method Book- Tradition of Excellence Book 2

Eighth grade band- (Prerequisite: Successful completion of 7th-Grade band or director approval). Eighth Grade Band includes brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Students will concentrate on developing performance skills and learning music theory. Music of moderate difficulty in many different styles will be studied and performed. Public performances are required and will be a contributing factor in the grade for this course. Sheet music will be chosen to represent a higher level or rhythmic and tonal challenges, and will give the student the musical experiences necessary to perform successfully as a member of the high school band next year.

-Method Book will be provided

Jazz band will meet after school once a week. This group is made up of 7^th and 8^th graders who have exhibited a high level of musical achievement. Students who play the alto, tenor and baritone sax, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, bass guitar, and drum set will be eligible to audition for the group. Public performances are required.

Rules and Expectations

1. ABSOLUTELY NO food, gum, soda, or candy is allowed in the band room.

2. Treat each other and the teacher with respect.

3. Always arrive on time to band and be ready with all necessary materials. (Pencil, instrument, and music)

4. You have three minutes from the time the bell rings to get your instrument out and be ready to warm up.

5. Raise your hand and be recognized before speaking.

6. Play your instrument only at appropriate times.

7. Handle your instrument and equipment with proper care.

8. Keep away from other students instruments and all percussion equipment.

Consequences

1st Offense: Verbal Warning

2nd Offense: Student will lose daily credit, put instrument away, and sit attentively and quietly.

3rd Offense: Conference with student in band office with parent contact.

4th Offense: Referral to the principal’s office

Attitude and Teamwork

Each individual band student is ultra-important. However, band is a team activity and you will be actively participating as a valuable team player. Teamwork is extremely important in this class and your positive attitude will play a major role in the success of yourself and the band as a group.

Grading Procedures

Daily Credit/Homework

A Student Earns:

5 points- Present with instrument, music, and pencil and prepared to play assigned music.

4 points- Present with instrument, without music.

2 points- Unexcused tardy. Unprepared to play assigned music.

1 point- Present without instrument

0 points- Unexcused absence

Daily Effort/Attitude/Achievement: 5 Points per day

You must have your instrument, music, and pencil each day and must participate daily. If your instrument needs repair, let the director know immediately. Points may be lost due to such infractions as (but not limited to): classroom disturbances, gum chewing, or not having equipment ready when class begins.

Performances/Concerts: 100 Points

Attendance at all performances is required since they cannot be made up. These dates are listed far in advance of the actual event so no absences will be excused.

Playing Tests/Quizzes: 10-25 Points

There will be weekly playing tests and there will be periodic chair placement tests (tryouts) over prepared musical exercises. Tone production, posture, hand position, counting skills, and other basic fundamentals will be graded each time. Your score on the test will reflect what you have practiced and prepared at home.

Written Tests/Quizzes: 10-25 Points

There will be periodic written tests over major and minor key signatures, music terminology, counting, and other musical areas.

Grades are based on the total points of all assignments.

Extra Credit- 50 points

Attend a live musical performance and write a 1 page summary. Extra credit will also be give to students who audition for the SLSMEA Honor bands (7^th and 8^th grade only) and for students who perform at the solo and ensemble festival.

Practice Time

Students are required to practice 20 minutes each day. Students are encouraged to practice at home, in the practice rooms during lunch, or after school in the band rooms- many opportunities exist!

As with any activity, you get out of it what you put into it. Band will not be “FUN” unless you practice!! The amount of time you put into practicing will directly affect your musical growth. There are no shortcuts to learning to play an instrument! Daily practice, dedication, and commitment are the key foundational blocks to learning to play a musical instrument successfully. Practice doesn’t always make perfect, but it DOES make “better”!

Seating

The director of the ensemble determines the seating for each section, placing the more responsible and able musicians where this is required. Several chair challenges will occur throughout the year and each student will be asked to perform a passage of music and will be placed accordingly based on their performance and preparation.

Concert Dress and Behavior

The concert dress is required for all sixth, seventh, eighth, and jazz band students.

Holman Band Shirt (must be tucked in)

Black Pants

Black Belt

Black Socks

Black dress shoes with a back (no flip-flops, clogs, or tennis shoes)

Students must order their band shirts through the Holman band program. They will be sized and given a shirt order form prior to our Holman Open House. All other uniform dress must be obtained by the students themselves. Please let Mr. White or Mr. Hall know if providing the appropriate concert dress is a large financial burden. We will work with you to find a solution.

Unacceptable Concert Dress

Jeans

Athletic Wear

Sweatshirt or sweatpants

Hoodies

T-shirts

Capris

Tennis Shoes

Flip-Flops

Short Skirts

Concerts are the most visible aspect of the band program, and one of the most visible aspects of the school. Band students should always be on absolute best behavior (concurrent with classroom expectations) at all times during performance in or attendance at concerts.

Concert Attendance

You are required to be present at all performances of each group of which you are a member. You are expected to be on time and to stay until the director dismisses you. Performances are viewed as major tests: a performance is a learning experience that cannot be duplicated in a rehearsal hall or practice room. Absences from performances are only excused in the event of an extreme emergency. Serious illness or hospitalization of the student, death in the family, religious holiday observed by the student’s family, or other reasons deemed excusable by the director.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are excellent, although not required. Lessons offered by a private tutor along with school instruction will always help a child progress at a significant level. A list of area private teachers will be available through the band director. Students are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to take private music lessons!

Instrument Supply List

Flute

- Cleaning rod

- Cleaning cloth – This can be purchased or you can use a lint-free

cloth such as a men’s handkerchief

- Essential Elements 2000 method book – Flute

Oboe and Bassoon

- Cleaning swab

- Reeds – medium strength for bassoon and medium soft for oboe

- Always have spare reeds on hand!

- Essential Elements 2000 method book – Oboe or Bassoon

Clarinet

- Cleaning swab

- Mouthpiece brush

- Cork grease

- Reeds -3 strength. A box of ten reeds is recommended or have at least have three good reeds. Students will move to 3 strength reeds.

- Essential Elements 2000 method book – Bb Clarinet

Saxophone

- Cleaning swab

- Mouthpiece brush

- Cork grease

- Reeds –2 1/2 strength. A box of ten reeds is recommended or have

at least five good reeds. Students will move to 3 strength reeds.

- Essential Elements 2000 method book – Eb Alto Saxophone

Trumpet, French Horn, Baritone, and Tuba

- Valve oil (for French Horns it is called rotary valve oil)

- Tuning slide grease

- Mouthpiece brush and snake brush for cleaning at home

- Polishing cloth

- Essential Elements 2000 method book–Trumpet, F Horn, Baritone,

and Tuba

Trombone

- Slide oil

- Tuning slide grease

- Mouthpiece brush and snake brush for cleaning at home

- Polishing cloth

- Essential Elements method book - Trombone

Percussion

***6^th grade equipment

- Rental of Bell Kit from music store (with practice pad and bells)

- Vic Firth (T1) general timpani mallets

- Innovative percussion (IP240) medium marimba mallets

-Vic Firth SD1 Concert Snare Drum Sticks

-Innovative Percussion IP 902 bell/xylophone mallet

-Stick bag (to organize and protect sticks/mallets)

***7^th grade equipment

- Rented Bell Kit from music store (bell set and practice pad)

***7^th grade mallets purchased through Holman

-Innovative Percussion (IPAA25) vibe mallets

***8^th grade equipment

-same equipment used in previous years

***8^th grade equipment purchased through Holman

- Tuner/Metronome APP

If you have questions throughout the year please contact us using the information below. Again, we look forward to working with you and having a successful and exciting year in band and please fill out, sign, and return the Student Information Sheet within the first 5 days of school.

Thank You!

Holman Band Directors:

Mr. Steve White

stevenwhite@psdr3.org

314-213-8032 ext. 5264

Mr. Adam Hall

ahall@psdr3.org

314-213-8032 ext 5266

Where to get Band Supplies

Here is a list of local music stores where you can find instruments, method books and other music supplies needed. These stores are the most frequently used by Pattonville band students. Please contact us if you have questions about a store or the materials you are about to purchase.

Band Instrument Service Company

1232 Harvestowne Industrial Drive

St. Charles, MO

636-441-7707

Music and Arts

12292 St. Charles Rock Road

Bridgeton, MO 63044

314-739-4265

Mozingo Music

100 Clarkson

Ellisville, MO

636-227-5722

M-R Music (books and sheet music only)

2616 Metro Blvd (just off Dorsett and east of 270)

Maryland Hts, MO

314-291 4686

School Music USA

11048 Olive Boulevard

St. Louis, MO 63141

314-218-6565

St. Louis Woodwind and Brass Repair (specialty repairs only)

1773 N. New Florissant Road

Florissant, MO

314-921-0012