Band Handbook
Download a copy of
2008-2009 Band Handbook
Updated 08-21-07
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Dear
Band Student and Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
Welcome to the Kelvin Grove band program.
It is great to be starting another great year at KG.
We have many exciting opportunities to perform and share our
musical talents this year. I
cannot wait to make great music with every group this year.
Attached is the Kelvin Grove Band Handbook.
This handbook outlines all of the expectations and procedures of
the KG band program. Please
pay particular attention to the attendance policy, as attendance in band
is a crucial part of success. Please
keep the handbook as a reference for the up-coming school year.
Please read through the handbook, sign the forms and return them
to me by Tuesday, September 2. If
you have any questions about anything that is in the handbook, please
feel free to call me at school (838-0737 x139) or e-mail me (nhenn@d91.net
). Musically, Ms.
Henn KG
Band Opportunities Beginning
Band: This
is the first year band and consists of members in their first year of
playing a band instrument. The
large group rehearsal with wind players is held from Intermediate
Band:
Second year players make up this ensemble which meets Monday and
Thursday from Concert Band: This
band is made up of the 6th-8th graders in the
program. Rehearsals take
place Monday through Friday from Jazz Band: This
group is open to any concert band members who wish to play music of the
jazz and popular styles. Jazz
Band rehearses on Wednesday from Small
Ensembles:
There will be many opportunities for students to participate in small
ensembles. Possible small
ensembles include Flute Choir, Clarinet Choir, Brass Choir and
Percussion Ensemble. If a
student has a particular interest , please let Ms. Henn know.
These ensembles will meet before or after school depending on
student availability and interest. ALL OF THESE
ENSEMBLES REQUIRE TOTAL COMMITMENT.
BAND IS A TEAM
EFFORT AND IT TAKES EVERYONE ON THE TEAM TO
MAKE IT WORK!!!! KG
Band Expectations In
order for any group to be successful, a certain amount of structure and
self-disciple is required. These
basic rules must be followed to ensure success. e
Follow
directions immediately and directly. e
Act
and speak in a calm and respectful manner at the appropriate times. e
Arrive
on time and prepared for all lessons, rehearsals and performances. e
Demonstrate
a positive, cooperative attitude. e
Consume
all food, candy, gum and drinks outside of the band room. e
Be
responsible and respectful of the music, supplies, uniforms and
instruments in your care. If
everyone follows these simple rules, but important guidelines, we will
be able to focus on creating the best music experiences possible.
Our band will be better and rehearsal will be both productive and
enjoyable. If someone has
difficulty meeting these expectations, the following steps will be taken
to help the student improve his or her behavior.
While
it is always the goal to help a student learn to do what is expected in
the most constructive way possible, those who are working in a positive
direction should not have to continually be affected by a student not on
the same path. In band,
everyone must work together in order to produce a successful product.
In this type of setting, the work of each individual affects the
group as a whole. This means
everyone must contribute positively. KG
Band Attendance Policies Students
are expected to be on time and prepared to all lessons, rehearsals and
performances. For the
Concert Band, this means that students must be in their seats, ready to
begin rehearsal at the
Please understand that each individual is an important part of
the band. By joining the
ensemble, you have made a commitment to a number of people including the
other band members, your parents and your school.
This is not to be taken lightly.
In order to reach maximum potential, everyone
must be present for all band functions.
Students must be present at all lessons during the day,
rehearsals before or after school and performances.
If a student is going to miss a rehearsal, not due to an absence,
a parent must contact Ms. Henn by phone (815)838-0737 x139, by e-mail nhenn@d91.net
or a written note at least 48 hours before the event.
The calendar you will find attached to this handbook includes all
the important dates for the year. Please
mark them on your calendar at home and plan your schedule accordingly.
You will be notified of any additions or changes made to the
calendar during the year as soon as possible.
Those who miss a performance will have their grade lowered a
letter grade. Excused
absences only include true family emergencies or significant illness.
Please contact the director as soon as possible about the excused
absence. Those who do not
attend rehearsals and/or performances will not be allowed to continue in
the program. Therefore, we
must work together to help solve any problems that arise such as a
student needing a ride to the performance.
I will be happy to do whatever is needed to ensure 100%
participation at all events. Weekly
Lessons All
the students in the band program will have one weekly small group
lesson. This lesson will
rotate throughout the school day, so the same class will not be missed
each week. Like any other
class, students are expected to be on time and prepared.
Lesson music will consist of band music, fundamental exercises
and a method book.
Students must be eligible in the class they are missing in order
to come to the lesson. Therefore,
it is every band member’s responsibility to keep his/her grades up so
that we can maintain our lesson schedule.
If a test or group presentation is being given in the class to be
missed that week, the student will stay in class.
It is the student’s responsibility to tell the director if
there is a conflict with the lesson.
These are the only acceptable reasons for missing a lesson.
Lesson schedules will be posted each week. Grading Band
is a class and all students receive an evaluation of their performance
and progress every quarter. All
Concert Band members will receive a letter grade at the end of each
grading period. All
Beginning and Intermediate Band members will receive a progress report
indicating their progress in the many aspects of playing their
instrument. This
grade/assessment will be based on:
x
Band
Lesson and Rehearsal Attendance: (see attendance requirements) x
Preparedness:
§
Students
must have their instrument (reeds, mouthpiece, valve oil, drumsticks,
etc.), music folder with music and pencil at every lesson, rehearsal and
performance. §
Each
woodwind player needs to have at least three to four working reeds at
all times. The students may
buy the reeds from the director or through a local music store.
When buying reeds, please be aware of brand and strength.
In an emergency, students may purchase a reed from the director.
The cost of the reed needs to be paid for by the student.
If the student does not have the money that day, the student will
receive an “I Owe You” form and it will be kept on file until the
amount is paid. §
All
band members are expected to practice on a regular basis.
Beginners should practice six days a week for 20 minutes each
day. Older students should
be practicing at least this much, but can divide up the time to fit his
or her schedule. The most
important thing to do is to set up a regular routine and stick to it.
The more you practice, the better you will play and the more fun
you will have. Also, how you
play effects the entire group. Therefore,
you have an obligation to practice your parts and assignments and play
to the best of your ability. §
Concert
Band students are required to take their instruments home every
Wednesday and Friday. If
this is a problem, please contact Ms. Henn and another arrangement will
be made. However, concert
band students are strongly encouraged to take their instrument home more
frequently. x
Written
assignments: There will occasionally be a written assignment.
These assignments will be given to further the student’s
knowledge and understanding of music. x
Playing
Assessments: Students will be assigned an excerpt of music, scale or
technique exercise and then will be expected to play it for a grade.
These playing tests help assess the student’s progress on their
instrument and allow the director to see what are each player’s
strengths and weaknesses. x
Performance
Attendance (see attendance requirements) Part
Assignments The
director will place students within the section.
The part a student is assigned to play will be determined based
on the musician’s ability and the needs of the ensemble.
Unfortunately, everyone cannot play first part.
All parts are important and must be covered equally in order to
produce a quality-sounding band. Parts
will be rotated as much as possible, but do not be concerned if you are
not playing first part. Names
will be listed alphabetically in the concert program so that everyone is
given equal representation. Concert
Uniforms *Members
of the Beginning Band will wear nice clothes (no jeans, T-shirts or
sweatshirts) to all performances. *Members
of the Intermediate Band and Concert Band will wear uniforms: GIRLS:
Tuxedo shirt (bought through the school) – Concert Band OR
White shirt – professional, but not fancy or flashy –
Intermediate Band
Black pants (no capris, jeans, sweatpants)
Black socks
Black shoes (no open toed shoes)
Green tie and cummerbund (Concert Band) or green jacket
(Intermediate Band) - these
will be provided BOYS:
Tuxedo shirt (bought through the school) – Concert Band
OR
White shirt –
professional, but not fancy or flashy – Intermediate Band
Black pants (no jeans, sweatpants)
Black socks
Black shoes (NOT tennis shoes!)
Green tie and cummerbund (Concert Band) or green jacket
(Intermediate Band) - these
will be provided The
proper uniform must be worn to all band functions unless directions are
given otherwise. If should
be worn neatly and completely whenever the band is together.
All members must be in full uniform at all times during a
performance, so please do not do such things such as untuck the shirt or
take off the jacket when not on stage. Music,
Instruments and Equipment Everyone
will be given a folder at the beginning of the year.
Folders should be kept in the folder slots that are available and
not in their case or by their instruments.
Only mark music with a pencil, not a pen, so that the marking can
be erased and the music reused. All
other instruments and equipment issued are the student’s
responsibility. Any damage
to a school owned instrument will result in the student paying for the
repair. These items are
expensive and it is up to all of us to keep them in good condition.
This includes instruments owned by the students.
If your instrument is not in good playing condition, you will not
be able to play your part as well as possible.
Please take pride in the things that we have and treat them with
respect. Other
Opportunities IGSMA
Solo and Ensemble Contest: All
Concert Band students will participate in this festival held on a
Saturday in February. Intermediate
Band members are highly encouraged to participate.
Students may play a solo with piano accompaniment or perform in a
small ensemble with other band members.
Music be chosen by Thanksgiving break and be prepared during the
weekly lessons. Students are
responsible for finding an accompanist if needed and providing their
ride to the contest. Private
Lessons: Perhaps
the fastest way for a student to progress is to take private lessons
from a specialist on his or her instrument.
There are many qualified instructors in the area.
A list of recommended instructors is available in the band room. Summer
Band Camps:
During the months of June, July and August, universities throughout the
state and country hold band camps for anywhere from one to four weeks.
This is an excellent opportunity to spend a period of time
concentrating on your instrument and play with a different group of
people. Information about
these camps will be available in the spring. Parent
Involvement Kelvin
Grove has a Band/Choral Booster Organization whose purpose is to support
the band program through fundraisers, special projects and promotion of
the band to the community. The
organization will meet as determined by the membership.
All parents of the band members are encouraged to participate.
A band program cannot function without parent support and
assistance. Please
sign and return these forms to Ms. Henn by: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2. ****************************************************************************************************BAND
AIDE FORM ____________________________________
___________________________________ Parent/Guardian’s
name
Student’s name ____________________________________
___________________________________ Daytime
phone number
Evening phone number SPECIAL
TALENTS: Please
circle all that you would like to help with. *concert
set-up
*copying, assistance during school day *chaperoning
*fundraising *uniforms
*sewing/mending *other
______________________________ **************************************************************************************************** E-MAIL
LIST THIS
YEAR I WOULD LIKE TO SEND AS MUCH INFORMATION THROUGH E-MAIL AND NO
LONGER SEND HARD COPIES HOME WITH STUDENTS.
If you are interested in being put on an e-mail list and
receiving all correspondence through e-mail instead of hard copies,
please fill out your name and e-mail address below.
I will send out handouts and reminders through e-mail once a
week. Anyone not interested
in receiving band information through e-mail will receive hard copies
through their child. Please
check with your child frequently. ____________________________________
_____________________________ Name
E-mail address **************************************************************************************************** PHONE TREE FORM I
give permission to publish our phone number on a band phone tree. ____________________________
_________________________
__________________ Parent
signature
Student’s name
Phone # for tree **************************************************************************************************** (OVER) *************************************************************************************** PICTURE
PERMISSION My
child, _____________________, has permission to be part of any group
(three students or more) photos to appear in the KG newsletters, webpage
or local newspapers. I
understand that their name may be used in an accompanying article;
however, the name will never correspond with the photo. ______________________________________
_________________ Parent
signature
Date **************************************************************************************************** I
have read the Kelvin Grove band handbook and I understand and will
comply with all of the guidelines, requirements and calendar dates
contained therein. _________________________________________
__________________ Student
signature
Date _________________________________________
__________________ Parent
signature
Date
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