GHMS Band Handbook 2019/2020

Gravelly Hill Middle School Band Handbook 2019/2020

(Click here for a pdf of the Handbook)

Welcome to all of you! I hope you have had a nice fall and are ready to get into the busy holiday season that is upon us.

Please take a moment to carefully review this entire handbook at home. It contains important information about the band program that you will need to know for the remainder of the calendar year. I will be briefly going over the material in class over the next couple of weeks. When needed, updates and corrections to this handbook will be posted on the band web page at https://sites.google.com/site/gravellyhillbands/Home. The web page will be the first source of communication and information for the band program this year, so be sure to visit the page and sign-up for Remind text messages.

I am pleased to be working with the students at Gravelly Hill Middle School. The GHMS Band Program is well-known for its Tradition of Excellence, and I look forward to continuing to expand on that legacy with all of you! If you have any questions regarding the information in this handbook or questions about the band program, please contact me using the information below.

General Information

The goal of the GHMS Band Program is to provide an enriching and rewarding musical and social experience for all band students and to successfully prepare them for continued participation in band at the high school level. More importantly, the musical experiences in band are designed to instill a life-long love of music.

Band is a year-long course, which means students should be prepared to commit to participation for the entire school year. I encourage communication about any concerns that may arise that might jeopardize a student’s ability to fulfill this commitment. Schedule changes may be considered after discussion has taken place between a parent, the student, the band director, & an administrator.

In order to faithfully carry our motto “The Tradition of Excellence Continues,” each student must be an ACTIVE member of our band program. This requires students to be engaged and fully-prepared for class, rehearsals, and performances, in addition to taking responsibility for their musicianship and behavior. I will expect students to behave in a manner that allows everyone to focus on the class lesson. As long as students are willing to work hard in the classroom and respect the hard work of others, we will be able to meet the goals of the band program.

Classroom Rules & PBIS

Gravelly Hill Middle School uses the Positive Behavior Interventions & Support (PBIS) model for student behavior and discipline. The rules and expectations included within this model apply to all classes at GHMS. The ROAR acronym (Respectful, On-task, Always safe, & Responsible) sums up these expectations and applies to each location of the school (classroom, hallways, restrooms, cafeteria, buses, media center). The consequences for breaking one of the expectations are recorded as infractions in the student planner and follow this sequence: 1) warning, 2) reflection sheet 3) lunch detention, 4) after school detention, 5) office referral.

The following are class rules specific to the band room:

• Students must leave bookbags outside of the classroom before class begins. Remember to get your binder and a pencil before walking into the classroom.
• Students will have an extra minute at the beginning of class to use the bathroom and get their class materials together (instruments, music binder, occasionally Chromebooks). It is highly recommended that students use the bathroom before entering the classroom as permission for use during class will be extremely limited.
• After assembling instruments, students must go directly to their assigned seats.
• Do not play your instrument before class begins.
• In addition, there shoudl be no talking or playing your instrument when the teacher is working with the group.
• Raise your hand to request the attention of the teacher. Be aware that sometimes I will not allow the flow of the lesson and/or rehearsal to be interrupted and you may need to wait to ask your question.
• Stay in your assigned seat except in emergencies.
• Absolutely no gum, candy, drinks or food of any kind allowed in the band room. Water in water bottles is fine.
• Use only the equipment assigned for you to use. Do not touch or play other members' instruments or music, especially the percussion equipment. This includes Mr. Negrete's computer and all technology in the classroom and office.
• Treat the band room with respect. Clean up your mess and leave the room in as organized a manner as you find it. (The same goes for your instrument lockers!)
• Students will be asked to put up their instrument and sit quietly in their seats if behavior becomes a problem during class. Students who continue to disrupt the learning environment will be asked to move to another part of the classroom. These consequences will be recorded as infractions in the student planner. Students who are asked to do either repeatedly will not be allowed to participate in band performances or trips during the year.

Other Classroom Procedures and Expectations:

• Before school, students must store their instruments and binder (7th & 8th graders only) in their designated locker; 6th graders must keep their binders in their book bags. Students will be expected to keep their lockers clean and not use them for anything other than instruments and music.
• Bring your instrument and required materials (method book, music, binder, pencil, accessories, etc.) to class EVERY day.
• Turn in practice records and homework assignments on time.
• Be prepared for all announced assessments (playing tests).
• Do your best every single day.

Instruments and Accessories:

Each student will need to obtain an instrument for practice in class and at home. You can rent an instrument from Music and Arts (contact information is at the end of this handbook) OR consider purchasing a new or used instrument. If you purchase or are borrowing an instrument from someone, please be sure to take it to a competent repair person for a thorough inspection, cleaning and repairs. Do NOT purchase an instrument from Sam’s, Wal-Mart, Kmart or Target. Local repair shops (nor I) will not service these instruments if they needs repairs.

I have a limited number of loaner instruments available on an individual need basis only. Students issued a school-owned instrument, either due to individual need or those who invited to play the “color” instruments (bassoon, bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion) will need to fill-out and sign a loaner agreement each school year and in the summer. I will be distributing these loaner agreements once I am confident that your child has received an instrument in adequate condition for the class room. Students using school-owned instruments will need to purchase their own accessories (sticks/mallets, valve oil, reeds, etc.)

The expectation on all school owned and loaned instruments is that they will be kept in GOOD condition, without damages. Student/parents will be expected to have the instrument inspected, cleaned and repaired at the end of the year before returning the instrument. I reserve the right to cancel a loaner agreement with any student/parent at any time if the instrument is not cared for properly, or if damages are not paid for by the parent. I also reserve the right to not loan an instrument the following year as a result of unpaid damage to the instrument.

In the case of equipment failure, parents should send a signed note or email indicating how long the repairs expect to take. Students will still be expected to bring a pencil, their binder and their mouthpiece (unless it is part of the repair problem) and I will do my best to provide them with a loaner instrument.

A word about repairs: I am not a good repair technician of band instruments and I do not as a rule repair instruments during instructional time. Students with instrument problems need to seek me out before or after school. I can handle minor issues such as stuck mouthpieces and valves, loose keys and other adjustments, but I draw the line at anything that could potentially damage an instrument. If I cannot fix the problem, you will need to take your instrument to a repair shop immediately. Most Music & Arts rentals come with a maintenance agreement. Otherwise, you will need to seek out a repair person in the area. A list of repair shops is on the band web page under Resources.

EVERYONE will also need:

• •A 1" Black binder with at least 10 plastic sheet protectors, a pencil pouch and PENCILS.
• •Instrument case labels -- all cases must have a name tag. Be sure to see me if you need one.
• •Pencils
• •Chromebook
• •6th grade students will need a copy of Tradition of Excellence, book 1 for their instrument (I can provide a limited number of copies)
• •7th & 8th grade books will be provided by the school, but students must return these at the end of the year or at announced collection times
• •Sheet music (warm-up, scale and technique exercises as well as concert music, etc.)

Additional supplies include:

FLUTE: cleaning rod, soft cloth/swab, & separate polishing cloth (soft fabric); also recommend is a finger rest such as Bo Pep.

OBOE/BASSOON: cork grease, at least 2 GOOD REEDS, empty medicine bottle, & swab

CLARINET/BASS CLARINET: cleaning swab, cork grease, soft cloth, reed case, Vandoren, Rico or Mitchell Lurie reeds (thickness: 6th Grade-#2½ , 7th & 8th Grade-#3 to #3½). I strongly recommend a Bonade Inverted silver plated ligature.

SAXOPHONE: cleaning swab (I do not recommend one of those giant Q-Tips for sax; all they do is put spit right back into the instrument), cork grease, soft cloth, neck strap, reed case for reeds, Vandoren or Hempke reeds (thickness: 7th & 8th Grade-#2½ to #3½). I strongly recommend a Rovner ligature.

A NOTE ON REEDS: all reed players will be required to have at least four playable reeds at all times. It is generally less expensive (per reed) to buy them by the box rather than individually. I will initially provide reeds for loaner instruments but afterwards, students will need to provide their own. I reserve the right to discard reeds that are damaged or moldy or unplayable due to being water logged, etc.

TRUMPET: valve oil, tuning slide grease, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush, mutes as needed.

HORN: rotor valve oil, tuning slide grease, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush.

TROMBONE: slide cream, spray bottle, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush.

BARITONE/TUBA: valve oil, tuning slide grease, mouthpiece brush.

PERCUSSION: stick bag

Step-up Mouthpieces (OPTIONAL):

All students are encouraged (not required) to purchase a step-up mouthpiece. These mouthpieces are designed to withstand the air supply provided by a growing student. They also cause a noticeable improvement in the quality of sound produced by the player and are an appealing option when compared to the purchase of a new instrument. A beginning instrument with a step-up mouthpiece will give young players the opportunity to produce a more mature tone. The brass mouthpieces listed are step-up sized mouthpieces. If you are studying with a private teacher, follow his/her instructions regarding mouthpieces.

Step-Up Mouthpiece Examples:

Clarinet (Bb and Bass): Vandoren B-45 with a Bonade Inverted silver plated ligature.

Saxophones (All): Selmer C Star S-8O with a Rovner ligature.

Trumpet: Bach 3C.

Horn: Bach 11.

Trombone and Euphonium: Bach 6.5 AL or Schilke 51 (pronounced ‘shill kee).

Tuba: Bach 18

Grades

Your report card grade for band will be based on the following areas:

Classroom activities and skills grade:

This grade is determined by student’s readiness for class including having all of the materials listed above with them for each class and their active participation and demonstration of skills required in rehearsal.

Class assignment grade:

This grade is determined by assignments that include in-class playing assessments, recorded assignments, and the occasional music theory assignment. All band students will eventually have access to a web-based music theory program called Breezin’ Thru. The assignments can be accessed through any device including smart phones and Chromebooks. You can check it out in the meantime at their webpage: www.breezinthrutheory.com

Practice Record grade:

As a member of a performing ensemble, you have a responsibility to yourself and to the ensemble to practicie at home on a regular basis. You must practice enough to be able to accurately and successfully play your assigned classroom lesson and concert music. As such, you will be required complete a Practice Record, where you keep track of how long you practiced and what you practiced during that time. Time recorded can reflect current work assigned as well as material assigned for other ensembles and future assessments. Students auditioning for All County, All District or any other prior approved ensembles including private lessons will be allowed to use a portion of that practice time. Students may NOT use class time as practice time. GHMS Practice Records will be completed via Google form and must be completed by the due date. Hand written records will only receive partial credit (50% or less).

Last but most important: a band director can tell when you are not being truthful on your Practice Record. Substantial Practice Record time will equal solid assessment grades. When they do not equate, steps will be taken to discover why, including conversations/emails with administration and parent/guardian. Conversely, when Practice Record time is low but assessment grades are high, that becomes the choice of the student and the only penalty is the low grade on the Practice Record.

Performance grade:

We will present multiple concerts during the school year. A calendar of band events and performances through December will be sent home soon. All performances will be held at Gravelly Hill Middle School in the gym or auditorium, unless noted otherwise.

Students receive a grade for the various performances during the school year. This grade is based on their demonstrated mastery of concepts involved with public performance including decorum on and off of the stage, late arrival, missing music and/or instrument, improper concert attire and their musical performance at the concert. Students are required to participate in all performances of their band and will be expected to stay for the entire concert in order to receive the full credit for their attendance and performance.

Students who have an excused performance absence will not receive any grade for the performance and their quarter average will be tallied without a concert grade. Students with an unexcused performance absence will not receive any credit for the performance and will not be allowed to make-up the grade.

Parents: please check your family calendar at least 6 weeks in advance of a performance and let me know of any conflicts. By communicating directly with you, I can better work towards ensuring more successful concerts.

I will also expect to be informed of any unanticipated conflicts via email or phone call. Last minute conflicts, illness and family emergencies are understandable but are not accepted without the courtesy of some contact prior to the event. Contact is not necessary when your child is absent from school but would be appreciated. Please do not send me a note through your child the day of the absence; it will not be accepted nor the performance absence excused.

Bucy’s Law, (related to Murphy’s Law: "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong"), states that “nothing is ever accomplished by a reasonable person”. You will find my “reasonableness” to have a direct corollary to the manner and situation in which I am informed. It’s a respect thing folks, not only to the band director, but to the other members of the ensemble who spend a lot of time preparing for a performance.

As of today, families should expect a concert December 16; a concert (pre-MPA) and an off-campus MPA performance in March; and a concert in May. Additional performances by the Pep Band will be scheduled as well, including the PRISM Concert in December and various “service” performances. The All County Band auditions and clinic will be held in November, and the All District audition and clinics will be in January and February (these are optional events for 7th and 8th Grade only).

A note about all performances: band students who wish to participate must maintain a C+ average or higher. Anything below will disqualify them from participation. Students whose proficiency level is unsatisfactory may also have limited participation in performances, at the discretion of the band director.

Performance Attire:

• •Required attire for CASUAL performances, usually those that occur during the school day except MPA, is any GHMS t-shirt, full-length blue jeans without holes, tears, or writing, sneakers or tennis shoes.
• •Required attire for FORMAL concerts (evening concerts, MPA events):
  • 6th Grade Band Guys: “Sunday best” - a light colored dress shirt (button-down preferred), dark dress pants, belt, dress socks and dress shoes.
  • 6th Grade Band Girls: “Sunday best” - an appropriate blouse (3⁄4 length sleeve or longer, collared shirt or button-down), full-length dress pants OR a skirt (knee-length or longer) with closed-toe dress shoes (with socks if needed). A dress (one piece, no exposed shoulders, knee-length or longer) & closed-toe dress shoes is also acceptable. Color should be muted and light colored
  • 7th/8th Grade Band Guys: A black dress shirt (long-sleeve, button-down preferred), black dress pants, black belt, black dress socks, & black dress shoes.
  • 7th/8th Grade Girls: A black top/blouse (3⁄4 length sleeve or longer, collared shirt or button- down), black full-length pants OR a black skirt (knee-length or longer) with black closed-toe dress shoes (with black socks, if needed). A solid black dress (one piece, no exposed shoulders, knee-length or longer) & black closed-toe dress shoes is also acceptable.

Clothing items that are not allowed for any ensemble include turtle-neck shirts, V-cut shirts/tops, formal clothing items that are not black, items that do not adhere to the GHMS Dress Code, items that do not fit properly. Students who are NOT dressed properly may excluded from the performance.

Extra Credit:

Students can earn extra credit, with my pre-approval, by attending performances in which they are not participants. Credit will be earned when a student completes one of the following:

• a program from the performance with their name on it, the date which they attended, and a parent signature
• a short typed essay describing the performance, again with their name on it
• a typed interview with an individual or small combo, again with their name on it

You will find that I am very receptive to a great variety of performances including theater productions (musical and non-musical), ballet and dance recitals, popular concerts of just about any type of music, and even restaurant pianists and combos provided that they are adequately documented (interviews work great and there will be sample questions on the band web page). Some restrictions on concerts include a single piece performance by an ensemble or choir at your home church or a football half time show, but visiting artists performing a full program at your church or a marching band contest with at least three bands is acceptable. When in doubt, see me first! Ask permission, not forgiveness!

Students can also obtain extra credit for participation in extracurricular musical activities such as auditions and participation in All County and All District Band. Note that students who wish to audition for these events must be able to perform the audition requirements for me at a scheduled time at least one week in advance of the audition in order to participate. I retain the right to refuse to allow a student to audition if not thoroughly prepared. Students will also need to be prepared to provide their own transportation for all optional events. I am also open to other extra credit options when discussed before the event.

GHMS Band Boosters

The GHMS Band Boosters is a parent support organization that:

• helps organize and run band events (concerts, field trips, miscellaneous activities)
• serves as a voice between parents, students, and the band director
• raises funds to support the needs of the band program

The Band Boosters hold general membership meetings at various times during the year. We have a HUGE need for parents to join our Band Boosters so please consider joining. There is no cost to join and the time commitment is minimal. Even if you are unable to attend the meetings, we would love to have your help and ideas!

I look forward to working with your child this year and I am anticipating an exciting year for the bands. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Mr. Pendergrass

Music Arts Center www.musicarts.com

Feel free to contact our Educational Representative Brad Landess directly at blandess@musicarts.com or 336-260-7723

You can also visit either one of the Music Arts Centers at the addresses below:

3603 Witherspoon Boulevard Suite 112

Durham, NC 27707-6849

919-402-9270

1258 South Church Street

Burlington, NC 27215-5065

336-584-3338

Additional repair shops and retailers are listed on the band webpage under the Resources tab.