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2019-20

Pine Lake Middle School

8th Grade Symphonic Band

Handbook

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PLMS Bands 2019-20 Course Descriptions

Beginning Band – Brass (Period 5)

This class is offered to students who are interested in learning a brass instrument.

We will introduce all of the brass instruments and learn the beginning basics of each.

Percussion (drums) is also introduced much later during the year. *Depending on the size

of the class percussion may not be offered until the following year of 7th Grade Concert

Band.

Beginning Band – Woodwind (Period 6) This class is offered to students who are interested in learning a woodwind

instrument. We will introduce all of the woodwind instruments and learn the beginning

basics of each. Percussion (drums) is also introduced much later during the year.

*Depending on the size of the class percussion may not be offered until the following

year of 7th Grade Concert Band.

7th Grade Concert Band – (Periods 1 & 2) This group is for students who have completed 6th Grade Beginning Band (or

have prior experience on an instrument before entering PLMS), and want to expand their

skills. In this band we will perform more advanced concert literature with more

frequency.

8th Grade Symphonic Band – (Periods 3 & 4) This group is for students who exhibit the highest levels of instrument skills and

musicianship. The music performed in this class is the most advanced for the student. In

addition to the THREE school concert performances, this group also performs at school

assemblies and local/national festivals.

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All Course Goals

Students will learn basic musical reading skills and technical performance skills on their

selected instrument. Students will study a variety of song forms and styles in wind band

literature. Students will perform at both concerts and festivals. Participation is a graded

expectation for all these classes. Practicing on a regular basis is an expectation for

students in this class.

Course Content

Attain basic musical reading skills.

Scales, interval exercises, arpeggios, rhythmic examples, chromatic studies,

and sight reading development.

Vocabulary appropriate for literature, theory for transposition, song style and

a variety of song form.

Cooperative learning activities and ensemble rehearsal development.

Learning Activities and Assessments

Individual performance of literature and method book exercises.

Ensemble assessment for blend, balance and intonation.

Parent verification of home practice.

Written quizzes for vocabulary and theory.

School, community, contest and festival performances.

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What do I need for Band class?

Lesson Books:

6th Grade Beginning Band Essential Elements – Book 1 is needed at the beginning of the year. Book 2 may be

needed later in the year. Wait to get Book 2 in case you change instruments.

7th Grade Concert Band Essential Elements - We may be finishing up Book 1 during the first few months. I will

notify students when the purchase of Book 2 is needed.

8th Grade Symphonic Band Essential Elements Book 3 – Book 2 is needed at the beginning of the year. Book 3 will

be needed later in the year.

* Books are available at most music stores. If you are going to a store it is a good

idea to call first to see if your instrument book is in stock.

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Additional Materials

All Woodwind & Brass Instruments:

A care kit (specific to your instrument). It comes with everything you need

to keep your instrument working well to help you avoid unnecessary

repairs.

All Students:

Black, three ring binder with clear plastic protector pages (for sheet music)

Pencil

Wire music stand for HOME practice

All 7th & 8th Grade Students:

Metronome – for home practice.

Chromatic tuner for ALL instruments (except percussion)

Korg TM-50C which includes contact microphone

Clarinets/Saxophone:

6th Grade – Box of reeds. “2.5 “ strength (Rico Royal)

7th Grade – Box of reeds. “3” strength (Rico Royal/Vandoren)

8th Grade – Box of reeds “3.5 ” strength (Vandoren)

Trumpets: 6th & 7th - Size 5B mouthpiece & Humes & Berg straight mute - 101 D model

8th – Size 3B mouthpiece & Humes & Berg straight mute - 101 D model

Trombones:

ALL – Size 6 – ½ AL mouthpiece/small spray bottle

Percussionists:

*The following is required for ALL percussionists:

A pair of drum sticks (Vic Firth 2B or comparable thickness).

A pair of Musser or comparable bell/xylophone mallets 1” or

larger ball.

A pair of Vic Firth general timpani mallets.

A mallet bag to carry these materials.

Mark your mallets and sticks so we know they are yours!

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Concert Calendar 2019-20 All concerts begin at 7:00 PM

November 7th – 8th Grade Band Trimester 1 Fall Concert –

COMMONS

November 8th – Veteran’s Day Assembly - GYMNASIUM

December 5th – 8th Grade Band Holiday Concert - COMMONS

December 12th – 8th Grade Band @ Seattle Center – Winterfest

(Optional field trip during the school day)

December 20th – Holiday Music Assembly - GYMNASIUM

February 27th – 8th Grade Band Trimester 2 Winter Concert –

COMMONS

March 7th – Solo & Ensemble Festival at (Optional)

April 25th - 28th – Disneyland Trip (Optional)

May 28th - 7th Grade Band Trimester 3 Spring Concert –

COMMONS

Please mark these dates on your calendar NOW to avoid conflicts.

Attendance is required & no make-up is possible!

Early Morning Rehersal Schedule All rehearsals begin at 8:45 and end at 9:45

Wednesday, November 6th - COMMONS

Wednesday, February 26th - COMMONS

Wednesday, April 23rd - COMMONS

Wednesday, May 27th - COMMONS

Concert Clothing Girls – PLMS Music Polo, dress pants/skirt/leggings and black dress shoes

Boys – PLMS Music Polo, dress pants and dress shoes

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Classroom Expectations

HAVE FUN!

Always do your best! 100% effort! Students are expected to provide their

best effort and attitude each day towards the improvement of their musical

skills on their instruments. Be respectful & nice to ALL equipment.

BE ON TIME! A student not on time for class will receive an “Invitation

to Private Dining” from the teacher. When you arrive to class get out your

instrument and begin warming up.

Use the bathroom BEFORE CLASS. NOT DURING!

Use the water fountain BEFORE CLASS. NOT DURING!

Every day on the ActiveBoard you will find our rehearsal schedule. It is

your responsibility to organize your music for THAT DAY at the beginning of

class.

You may approach Mr. Casper at the beginning of class for

EMERGENCIES & SPARE INSTRUMENTS ONLY! The beginning of

class time is the most important time for the teacher. With the large amount

of students in the classroom (as well as the noise level) it is a big challenge

to both hear and help students for anything other than EMERGENCIES.

Be in your seat ready to play 4 MINUTES after the bell. Any student NOT in

their seat will have FIVE points deducted from their daily participation grade.

Students will arrive to class each day with the correct materials and their

instrument in good playing condition for rehearsals.

Have all materials present such as instrument, lesson book, band binder,

TUNERS (Concert Band & Symphonic Band) and pencils.

*Beginning Band: A daily FOUR point participation grade will be given

during class. ONE point for instrument. ONE point for band book and ONE

point for music folder and ONE point for pencil.

Concert Band and Symphonic Band. A daily FIVE point materials check

will be given during class. ONE point for instrument. ONE point for band

book and ONE point for music binder, ONE point for tuner and ONE point

for pencil.

If you have forgotten your instrument please call home to first see if your

parents are able to bring to school. If not you must see me BEFORE CLASS.

There are always extra school instruments available.

If you have forgotten your music you may borrow from the “Extra Parts”

folder at the front of the class. You do not need to ask for permission. Simply

obtain it at the beginning of class. Please return all music back to the folder

after rehearsal.

If you have LOST your music you must tell Mr. Casper BY EMAIL. I will

try my best to get your new copy to you by the next class.

Be a volunteer! Always ask, "How can I help?"

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Behavior Expectations

The student will behave cooperatively with appropriate respectful attitudes for the

teacher, fellow students, facility and instruction being presented.

Always be on task. Always be fingering through your music. Always be

counting your rhythms. You can even be memorizing your part Always

be improving!

Disruption in class sequence of action: o First time in class– A warning

o Next time in class - Student will put instrument away

o Next time in class – Student will put instrument away and a minor is given

o Next time in class – Student will put instrument away and a 2nd minor is given

o Next time in class – Student will put instrument away and a 3rd minor is given

o Next time in class – Student will put instrument away and a MAJOR is given

Meeting with Vice Principal, Teacher, Student & Parents to discuss

student’s future in the class

o Next time in class – Student will put instrument away and a MAJOR is given

Student is withdrawn from class

A student who does not follow these expectations will get points deducted

from their daily participation grade.

Teacher Grading Guidelines

Students will be expected to perform on their instruments both individually

and in small groups to demonstrate their preparation and technical

development of their selected instrument.

Grading Policy includes:

o 60% - Daily participation, being on time, cooperation and effort

o 20% - Performances scheduled during each trimester

o 20% - Playing or written quizzes/test, handouts and practice records

(6th ONLY)

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Practice Recommendations

Beginning Band – 15 minutes a day/5 days a week

Concert Band – 25 minutes a day/5days a week

Wind Ensemble – 30 minutes a day/5days a week

Playing Tests

6th Grade Beginning Band – Tests for this class will be weekly. They

will be in the form of small groups (4-8 students). Tests will either be examples

from their band book, supplemental materials and/or band music that is being

prepared for concerts.

7th Grade Concert Band - Tests for this class will be weekly/bi-weekly.

They will be in the form of small groups (2-6 students). With the exception of a

few solo. Tests will either be examples from their band book, supplemental

materials and/or band music that is being prepared for concerts.

8th Grade Symphonic Band - Tests for this class will be bimonthly.

They will be in the form of small groups (2-4) students. With the exception of a

few solo. Tests will either be examples from their band book, supplemental

materials and/or band music that is being prepared for concerts.

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PERIOD 5 – BEGINNING BAND

MONTHLY PRACTICE RECORD (Due during the 1st Week of the Following Month)

Student Name ______________________Month - SEPTEMBER “Students should practice 15 minutes, 5 nights a week!”

Please complete the following form by filling in how many minutes you practiced each

night of the week and then total each weeks minutes and have your parent confirm your

minutes at the end of each week. You should not wait until the end of the month for

parents to verify your practicing for the week.

Day of the

Week

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

WEEKLY

TOTAL

Parent

Initials

TEACHERS COMMENT BOX -

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What should I practice?

Examples from our Essential Elements book

Lip slurs

Scales

Rudiments (Percussion)

Chromatics and rhythm exercises you have been practicing in class each

week

Band pieces

Extra fun pieces on your own

How should I practice? Make sure your practice area at home is set up for success.

o Have a music stand

o Proper chair

o Pencil – markings in your music increase your chance of SUCCESS!

o Proper lighting

o Free from distractions

Tune before you play

Have and use a metronome (7th & 8th)

Slowly at first, then gradually speed it up

Repetition is the key!

Break down larger examples and band pieces by the measure

Spend more time on the things you need improvement, more than on

things that are fun and easy to play! Expand your horizons!

ALWAYS end your practice with your favorite thing to play!

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Introduction to Private Lessons

Private lessons are encouraged for students to ensure success with proper tone

production, technical facility and a higher level of enjoyment for playing. Students in

private lessons provide the proper modeling of instrumental performance while

participating in the school program and usually perform at a higher level of performance

than students without lessons.

Students will benefit from their lessons as they set goals with their instructor that will

include participation in solo festivals and auditions for chair placements in class and for

honor groups in the community. They also benefit when remedial instruction is necessary

to maintain playing skills for classroom goals while providing additional motivation and

encouragement.

Private instructors provide continuity with the school program as well as helping with

personal goals for each student. Every student should expect to prepare weekly

assignments for their instructor. Assignments will include instruction in tone production,

technical facility, reading skills, solo literature, review of classroom assignments from

school and preparation for any chair placement or honor group auditions.

Information Provided by Private Instructors

* List of solo pieces or collections for beginning, intermediate or advanced playing.

* List of recording artist with discography information for purchase.

* Recommended custom mouthpiece and instruments for advancing playing.

* List of recommended accompanist for recitals at solo festivals.

* Written explanation of proper tone production and formation of a proper

embouchure. (Percussion includes hand positions for all mallets and sticks.)

* Teacher Biography including formal education, playing and performance

experience, years of private instruction and list of student achievements resulting

from private lessons. (Max. 5 items.) (Limit completed Biography to half page.)

Materials requested for students to purchase when beginning lessons.

* Lesson plan book that includes music staff paper for weekly planning.

* Method Book and (or) Supplemental Materials including Classroom Book

* Metronome and a Korg Ca-30 or comparable tuner for 2nd year players.

* List of recommended accompanist for recitals of solo festivals.

* Locker size mirror to check embouchure.

* Recommended sticks, mallets and stick bag for percussionists.

Lesson Format for Weekly Assignments

* Tone production exercises and vibrato for advanced players. (Stick control.)

* Technique exercises that may include scale studies, interval studies, arpeggios,

chromatics and any applicable articulations. (Rudiments for drummers.)

* Reading development and rhythm studies.

* Review of classroom assignments or literature.

* Solo literature for recitals and festivals.

* Audition materials for chair placement and (or) honor bands and orchestras.

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PLMS Band Parent Volunteer Request Form (Please return to Mr. Casper A.S.A.P.)

Dear Parents,

There are many aspects that contribute to a successful band program but your help is the most

important key. The items below are very important and any assistance you can provide the program

would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,

Mr. Casper

Please check any items you would be willing to help with and we will contact you for details?

____ Band Parent Coordinator for each grade – Help contact parent volunteers and arrange help for Mr.

Casper. MUCH needed this year due to the growth of the program!

____ Concert Filming\Photographer – Take digital footage of concerts

____ Music Copying – Copy new music for students in Band or Jazz Band 2-3 times per month

____ Program Layouts for Concerts – Develop program with songs and group personnel listed

____ Concert Supervision/Chaperoning -

PLEASE SPECIFY WHICH EVENT(S) AS INDICATED BY PAGE 5

1. _______________

2. _______________

3. _______________

____ Concert Clean-up – Help supervise set up or take down and of equipment back to band room

____ December and June classroom parties – Help set up and supervise parties

____ Band Historian – Take digital pictures of concerts and send to school on a disc

Parent Name (print) _______________________________________________

E-mail Address ___________________________________________

Student’s Name ___________________________________________

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Parent Signature Form/Checklist

Here is a checklist to help you make sure you have read through the information.

This is also the first assignment of your child.

Please check each of the following stating you have reviewed this with your

child:

__ Introductory letter from Mr. Casper

__ Course Descriptions

__ Student Behavior Expectations & Teacher Grading Guidelines

__ Calendar of Events/Concert Dress

__ What do I need for Band Class?

__ Additional Materials

__ Parent Volunteer Request Form

If you have any questions concerning this information please feel free to call me and I

would be glad to assist. Please have you son/daughter return this form to me by

Wednesday, September 18th (100 points). __ I have received the handbook and have no questions.

__ I have received the handbook and would appreciate a

call to answer a question or concern.

Phone# _______________

Parent Signature ___________________________ Date __________

Student’s Name _____________________________ (Please Print)