Dear Band Parents and Students,
Welcome to the 2024 -2025 school year! This will be a great year as we prepare for our live performances. I look forward to working with each band student to enrich their love of instrumental music, and help them achieve the fullest extent of their talents!
This handbook is designed to answer any questions you might have concerning the band program. Please look over all the information, sign and return the acknowledgment form on the back. I am dedicated to your child’s success, and am looking forward to an incredible year filled with music!
Lu Ann Peskanov
L.Peskanov@wi.k12.ny.us
(631) 893 – 3290 ext. 2429
BAND MISSION STATEMENT
The Udall Band mission is to ensure great musical success while still providing the tools students need to succeed as life-long learners. The Udall Road Middle School Band Program will provide an atmosphere that gives students the opportunity to obtain a strong fundamental background in music theory and instrumental performance, so that they may be successful musicians both individually and in an ensemble setting. Through dedication and hard work, students will also learn important life skills such as discipline, organization, time management and leadership. Above all, students will have the opportunity to experience the joy of playing an instrument in an encouraging yet challenging environment.
The 6th Grade Band expands upon the skills learned in elementary school and focuses on creating a more centered, cohesive ensemble sound.
7th/8th Grade Band: 2nd Period
The 7th/8th Grade Band builds on the concepts learned in the 6th grade and performs more challenging music in preparation for high school.
Udall Jazz Ensemble: (Starting date TBD)
The Udall Jazz Ensemble is a select group that meets once a week. The Jazz Ensemble offers our more advanced musicians the opportunity to experience this amazing American art form. Look for this group at West Islip’s very own “District Jazz Night” as well as our Winter and Spring Concerts.
Instrumental Classes:
Instrumental classes will begin during the week of September 15th.
Classes will meet on a rotational basis. Students are excused from regular classes when they are scheduled for an instrumental class. Band classes are scheduled on a rotating basis. Therefore; students attend these during a different period each rotation. This minimizes missing repeated class sessions.
Students should notify their classroom teachers before coming to their instrumental class and are expected to arrive within the first 5 minutes of the class period.
Students are excused from instrumental classes for science labs and all tests.
Make-Up Classes - Students may be able to attend a different instrumental class for that week or attend a make-up class. Just check in with Mrs. Peskanov!
Students are responsible for remembering to come to their instrumental class.
GRADING POLICY: Assessments/Performances 80% / Participation 20%
Students will be asked to play individually several times throughout the marking period during instrumental classes. Playing tests will be announced in advance to give students plenty of time to practice and prepare. Individualized written and verbal feedback will be given to let students know how to improve their overall playing, and playing test grade. Students will also be evaluated throughout the school year in the areas of behavior and participation.
Band students will receive Progress Reports in Quarters 1 and 3.
Numerical Grades will be given in Quarters 2 and 4.
CONCERT DATES:
December 22, 2025 - Winter Concert / 7:00 PM / WIHS
April 20, 2026 - NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival / WIHS
TBA - District Jazz Night / 7:00 PM / WIHS
May 18, 2026 - Spring Concert / 7:00 PM / WIHS
CONCERT PERFORMANCE INFORMATION:
As a musical ensemble depends upon the strength of its members, we need 100% attendance at every concert and performance. If a major conflict such as a family event or emergency arises that would keep a student from performing at a required concert or event, a parent/guardian must notify Mrs. Peskanov as soon as possible in writing. A Prior Commitment Form may be submitted to Mrs. Peskanov, if applicable.
Please note that attendance at evening performances/concerts is mandatory.
**CONCERT ATTIRE IS REQUIRED FOR EVERY PERFORMANCE**
Ladies: Black skirt or pants (must fall below the knee), White blouse or shirt, Black dress shoes, socks and/or stockings
Gentlemen: Black dress pants, White button down shirt, long tie, Black dress shoes/socks
GRADING POLICY FOR CONCERT ATTENDANCE:
Concerts are considered part of the class requirement for band. Good communication between teachers, students, and parents can prevent misunderstandings, so please communicate immediately with Mrs. Peskanov when there are problems and schedule conflicts.
Students will receive a concert/event letter prior to the concert/performance including arrival times and other expectations. Students should expect to arrive at least 40 minutes before the concert start time to unpack, warm up, and tune. Students who are absent, tardy, or leave early for any unexcused reason may receive a lowered grade.
Absences for a performance are only excused when they meet the following criteria, and parents immediately send a written note informing Mrs. Peskanov. Verbal or written statements from students are not excused.
1. The student is too ill to attend school.
2. There is a death in the family or comparable family emergency.
3. The student has a prior commitment.
Making up the grade for excused absences - Students with excused prior commitments, illnesses without a doctor’s excuse, and family emergencies that are not comparable to a death in the family, need to make up the grade of the event missed. To make up a grade, students may schedule time with Mrs. Peskanov to perform the concert repertoire missed.
Home practice is an essential part of learning an instrument. Practicing is the only way that musicians excel!
HERE ARE SOME GUIDELINES:
Practice a minimum of 60 minutes per week.
Home practice is where you learn to play your specific part. You look up fingerings that you are unsure of, review scales and technical exercises and learn your band music by reviewing counting and note names.
Try keeping a practice log of how many minutes are practiced each week.
PRACTICE FORMAT:
Parents – please help your child to make a practice schedule that they can stick to and that you assist them in fulfilling this requirement. Students should practice on a regular basis in order to improve on their instrument.
Designate a place in your home where your child can practice undisturbed.
Encourage your child and ask to hear them play something for you and the family.
Purchasing a folding music stand and metronome will greatly enhance your child’s musical development!
HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF BAND:
Come to class with a good attitude and be open to learning new concepts.
Have your instrument in good working condition. Bring your binder and all necessary supplies with you to each lesson and rehearsal.
Attend all lessons, rehearsals and concerts. BE ON TIME!
Always be positive! If you think you can, you’re right!
Be respectful of others. Look for opportunities to compliment and help one another. BAND IS A TEAM EFFORT!
Work hard and challenge yourself.
Practice at home and record your minutes.
DO NOT bring GUM, FOOD or CELL PHONES to the band room!
SCMEA / NYSSMA:
Students will be nominated for additional performance opportunities based on performance in class, and in combination with previous NYSSMA scores. These festivals provide excellent extra-curricular experience for those Udall Band students who strive to achieve even more!
PRIVATE LESSONS:
Private lessons are encouraged for all students. While not mandatory, instruction from a private teacher greatly enhances the overall level of proficiency, and provides another outlet for students to excel as musicians. Please contact Mrs. Peskanov for a list of highly qualified private teachers!