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 Wednesday, September 9. 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,

Mrs. Plagman

Band Director

Kelvin Grove School

band instrument. The large group rehearsal with wind players is held from 3:15-4:00 pm on Tuesday

afternoon. Percussionists will have their after school rehearsal on Fridays from 3:15-4:00 pm. There

will be times that the percussionists will be required to come to the Tuesday and Friday rehearsal.

Plenty of notice will be given when this will be required. Students also receive one 30-minute lesson

per week during the school day.

Thursday from 3:15-4:00 pm. Students also receive one 30-minute lesson per week during the

school day.

two years. Rehearsals take place Monday through Friday from 7:45-8:30 am. Each student

participates in a small group lesson for one class period per week during the school day. These

lessons rotate throughout the school day so students do not miss the same class each week.

Students entering Concert Band are expected to play at a certain level. Those who are not ready for

this experience may be asked to remain in Intermediate Band while skills are being developed.

popular styles. Jazz Band rehearses on Wednesday from 3:15-4:00 pm.

Possible small ensembles include Flute Choir, Clarinet Choir, Brass Choir and Percussion Ensemble.

If a student has a particular interest, please let Mrs. Plagman know. These ensembles will meet

before or after school depending on student availability and interest.

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.

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.

1. A warning will be given. The director will review the expectations with the student.

2. If this is ineffective, parents will be called in an effort to involve them in encouraging the

student to contribute positively to the band. At this point, the principal will be informed of the

situation and asked for further suggestions.

3. If even more attention is necessary, the principal will be asked to intervene in an effort to

create a long-term solution to the problem. Parents will again be notified and asked for input.

4. If everything has been done to help the student be a positive member of the band and he or

she is still unwilling to follow the expectations outlined, the student will be removed from the

band temporarily or permanently depending on the situation.

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.

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 7:45 am bell. Therefore, band members should plan on arriving by the 7:40 am

warning bell in order to assemble their instruments, take their seats and prepare to play. Those not

ready by the 7:45 am bell will be considered tardy. If your child is tardy to band they will be

considered tardy to school. If your child is not in attendance for band, but comes to school for first

period, your child will be given an unexcused tardy. Details about excused/unexcused absences and

tardies can be found in the KG Parent/Student Handbook. Intermediate Band members and

Beginning Band members must be in their seats by 3:15 pm.

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,

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 Mrs. Plagman by phone (815)838-0737 x139, by e-mail

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.

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.

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:

etc.), music folder with music and pencil at every lesson, rehearsal and

performance.

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.

practice five days a week for 30 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.

Wednesday and Friday. If this is a problem, please contact Mrs. Plagman and

another arrangement will be made. However, Concert Band students are

strongly encouraged to take their instrument home more frequently.

assignments will be given to further the student’s knowledge and understanding of

music.

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.

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. Some students will be

issued a band locker and lock. Students are responsible for the care of the locker and lock that they

receive at the beginning of the year. 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.

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.

*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 un-tuck the shirt

or take off the jacket when not on stage.

Kelvin Grove has a Band& Chorus 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.

October. The festival is held on a Saturday and consists of rehearsals, sectionals and an afternoon

concert. Students will be asked to prepare band selections and scales. Students from all over the

area audition for this 150-member band. Those interested should see the director to pick up audition

material.

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.

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.

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.

youth orchestras to audition for in the area. The Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) is

based at Lewis University in Romeoville and the Youth Symphony of DuPage (YSDP) is based in

Wheaton. If you have further questions, please feel free to ask the director or view the orchestras’

websites.

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____________________________________ ___________________________________

Parent/Guardian’s name Phone number

*concert set-up *copying, assistance during school day

*chaperoning *fundraising

*uniforms *sewing/mending

*other ______________________________

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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. 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

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I give permission to publish our phone number on a band phone tree.

____________________________ _________________________ __________________

Parent signature Student’s name Phone # for tree

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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

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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

_____________________________________________ __________________