Handbook 2012-2013

Welcome!Dear Grace Band Parents and Students,

" I would like to welcome you all to the Grace School Band Program! My name is Austin Hilla and I am extremely excited about teaching your students here at Grace. I started in band in 6th grade myself here in Houston, Texas at Memorial Middle School. I furthered my love for music and band, and graduated from Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music and Peabody College of Education and Human Development, from which I hold a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Secondary Education. I have taught in a variety of settings and ages though Encore/Coda Music Camp in Sweden, Maine and as a Marching Tech in the Houston and Nashville areas before coming to this position at Grace School. Grace is my first permanent teaching position and I could not be more excited to be here!

" Grace School is thrilled to offer Band as a musical opportunity this year – particularly to our new 5th graders in 5th Grade Band! Students involved in music are at the top in academic performance, and score significantly higher on national tests than those

students not in music. These students become better leaders in their schools and as developing adults. I hope that you will encourage your child’s involvement in this exciting and formative experience. Instrumental music will further enrich your child’s basic educational and cultural understandings and provide a very positive social group for your student through the Band’s common goals and aims.

" This year finds the Grace Band in transition as I am taking over for Mr. Andrew Redmon, changes will inevitably happen. But as they say, the more things change, the more things stay the same. What I can promise the Band, both students and parents is that Band will continue to be a fun and meaningful activity for Grace students to participate in. I have spoken many times with Andrew about the direction the program can take, and we both agree that Grace School has the incredible potential to grow musically and take part in events they have not done before. Great performance opportunities like the Madrigal Feaste and Solo and Ensemble will continue to be pursued and put on by the Band, but we will start to look forward and endeavor to bring the Grace Band to its first Concert and Sight Reading Contest. Details regarding this will come in the weeks following the

start of the year, after the “dust” has settled from starting the new school year.

" The following handbook is a guide on how the Grace Band program works. Parents, please go over this handbook carefully with your child. I have attempted to include as much information as possible about band policies.

Please return the required forms or complete the appropriate online forms by Friday, August 31st.

" Thank you so much for being a part of a fine band program here at Grace School. The musical skills and knowledge that students learn here will last a lifetime!

Sincerely,

Austin HillaBand and Choir Directorahilla@graceschool.orggraceschoolband.weebly.com

Policies and Requirements

I. Commitment" Band activities are group events that require the "participation of all ! students. All band performances require mandatory attendance from " each child involved. Please mark your calendars with these events so that " you can avoid these dates when planning family activities and other " non-school related events. Trying to rehearse or perform without all " band members is similar to playing a piano with missing keys. All " students are expected to attend performances and any (occasional) " after-"school rehearsals that are deemed necessary. If a band event or " practice conflicts with a Grace School event, the directors/sponsors of " both groups will work with the parents and student so that both the " student’s and the band’s best interests are met.

II. Home Practice" Students are expected to practice their instruments at home. When " transporting instruments to and from school, members can drop their " instruments off in the Instrument Storage Room from 7:15 - 7:40am and " pick them up again before band class. INSTRUMENTS MAY NOT ! BE STORED IN ANY TEACHER’S ROOM. An effective home " practice program consists of regular practice during the week. This can " be accomplished intervals on Monday through Friday, or spread out " every day of the week. Long sessions of 1 or more hours are very " counter-productive (especially for Beginning Band) and should not be " attempted. The physical requirements of producing a quality sound, " playing with clean technical accuracy, and the reading of music will all " strengthen over time only if regular practice is part of a student’s " routine. Practice Reports must be completed and submitted through the " band website each week as specified.

III. Private Lessons" Private lessons are highly encouraged for all band members!

" Students having any difficulty with fundamentals can receive the extra " attention and tutoring needed to be successful. Students already " performing well will gain great strength from the advanced pace and " more challenging material the private lesson teacher can provide. The " benefits of private lessons are invaluable to all students’ musical progress. " They can receive weekly one-on-one time that is not practical in a full " band class. Students learn more about their instrument and generally " gain immense self-confidence from the private lesson experience. The " director will give private lesson instructor information to any interested " students. Scheduling for lessons will be made between the parents and " the lesson instructor and generally cost between $15 - $30 per half-hour " lesson (half-hour lessons are generally preferable to hour-long lessons for " this age group).

IV. Uniforma. INFORMAL – Advanced Band and Beginning Band: The Grace School

Band t-shirt will be designed by Advanced Band at the beginning of the school year. These shirts are a requirement and must be purchased by each band member. Hoodies and extra shirts may also be purchased for family members of band students. T-shirts should always be tucked in at school unless instructed otherwise.

b. FORMAL: The students also receive a school purchased uniform for contests and concert performances. Band students will be graded on uniformity of dress – any student not in the proper attire cannot be allowed to perform with the group. Advanced Band uniforms and Beginning Band polo shirts must be dry cleaned before return (with a receipt!) at the end of the year. Information about that will go home in May.

Advanced Band:

! GIRLS:

" School Provided:

" " -Blue Band Dress

" Student Provided:

" -Black dress shoes & “nude” pantyhose (No open toe or open heel, " shoes must have no more than 1 – 1 ½ inch heel)

" BOYS:

" School Provided:

" " -Blue Band Vest

" " -Blue Band Bowtie

" Student Provided:

" " -White tux shirt (always pressed and clean for performances)

" " -Black dress shoes & black socks (NO tennis shoes!)

" " -Black dress pants & black belt (NO jeans/denim)

Beginning Band:

! BOYS AND GIRLS:

" School Provided:

" " -Grace Band Polo Shirt

" Student Provided:

" " -Khaki pants & black belt (NO jeans/denim/corduroy, Girls " " - No tight fitting or stretch pants of any kind)

" " -Black dress shoes & black socks (NO tennis shoes!)

Both Groups:

" HAIR: Hair for boys and girls should be neat and well-groomed at " all times. Hair should not get in the way of playing your " instrument properly!

" JEWELRY: No rings, necklaces or pins of any kind. If you wish to " wear earrings, please wear stud earrings ONLY.

V. SuppliesAll students are required to have the appropriate supplies for their instrument. All supplies may be purchased from the music store of your choice.

- Instrument and proper equipment" Flute: Cleaning/tuning rod, soft cloth." Reed Instruments: Minimum of four good reeds, reed guard, cork grease, " and a cleaning swab." Brass Instruments: Soft polishing cloth, cloth for grease & oil, valve oil, " slide grease, cleaning snake brush, mouthpiece brush, spray bottle for " trombones. Percussion: Sticks and Mallets as needed

- Pencil – Must. have. in. class. every. day!- Method Book – The Yamaha Advantage Book 1, purchased through the band (see Form Checklist at the back of this handbook)

The Way Things Work

I. Rehearsal Room RulesWe are privileged to be able to use Grace Presbyterian Church’s rehearsal room for our rehearsals every day! This means that WE are responsible for the rehearsal space during our time there. Students will be respectful of the church’s equipment and property and never touch anything that does not belong to them. Please also be aware that there are other non-school rehearsals occurring around band class time and we must be silent in the hallways. Students are generally NOT to enter the band room from the front (where the church music offices are) – students will enter through the side door of the instrument storage room.Much of our equipment has been recently bought and very expensive. High quality equipment from renowned brands have been purchased for the band over the years that should last for a long time if treated properly. a. Rules for the Rehearsal Room

i. Be prepared for every rehearsal with all necessary materials.ii. Come directly to the band room, get out/set up your

instrument, and warm up on your own.iii. No gum, candy, food, or drinks in the rehearsal room.iv. No running or horseplay in the rehearsal room.v. Do not handle anyone’s band instrument or equipment

except your own.

b. Consequencesi. Verbal reminderii. Student/Director conference

iii. Conference with parentsiv. Conference with Head of Middle Schoolv. Removal from class

Note: Some infractions result in immediate referral to the office. These include (but are not limited to) fighting, assault, possession of a weapon, and drug or alcohol use.

c. Rewardsi. Being a member of a winning teamii. Developing outstanding musicianshipiii. Participation in exciting performancesiv. Awesome events, parties, concerts, and FUN!

II. SmartMusic SoftwareWe are very excited to utilize a technology-based curriculum resource in our bands called SmartMusic! This software allows students to record, play back, and assess their own playing with on-the-spot feedback. Practice tracking and assignments can be emailed to the director instantly, and the program will provide accompaniment to solos and ensembles (even varying the speed to match the student’s playing!) Separate information will be given about this program – this is a fun and exciting way to practice!

III. Grading Policy – Advanced Banda. Weekly Practice Report Grade (30%)

" - Completed and turned in by the specified due date" - Taking your instrument home every night

b. Weekly Participation/Materials Grade (20%)" - Active participation in class" - Having all necessary equipment (instrument, book, music, " reeds, mouthpiece, valve oil, neck straps, pencils, etc.)" - Extra rehearsals" - SmartMusic Practice Assignments

c. Tests and Performances (50%)" - Playing tests over pre-assigned material" - Written tests over pre-assigned material" - Performances

An unexcused absence from a performance will result in a test grade of zero and the student being unable to participate in the Band & Choir Spring Trip. For a performance class, concerts and performances are vital and part of the unique experience of an ensemble, therefore are mandatory. In the event of any extenuating circumstances (such as a death in the family or illness), a signed note from a parent will be required within 5 school days after the performance to avoid the zero grade.

Practice Time Requirements:6th Grade - 1 ½ hrs per week7th & 8th Grade – 2 hrs per week

Grading Scale:A = 90 – 100B = 80 – 89C = 75 – 79D = 70 – 74F = Below 70

IV. Grading Policy – Beginning BandBeginning Band students will receive a conduct grade for behavior and also a class grade. Both grades will use the following scale: Grading Scale:A = 90 – 100B = 80 – 89C = 75 – 79D = 70 – 74F = Below 70

Beginning Band Practice Requirement – 1 hour per week

How are 6th grade practice reports graded??

1 ½ hours = 100 30 min = 851 hour = 95 Below 30 = 60

How are 7th & 8th grade practice reports graded??

2 hours = 100 30 min = 751:30 = 95 Below 30 = 601 hour = 85

How are 5th grade practice reports graded??

1 hours = 100 30 min = 8545 min = 95 Below 30 =70

NOTE * Consistent behavior problems will result in the student not being able to participate in the Spring Trip. If the ticket for the Spring Trip has already been purchased, parents will not be reimbursed for the purchase price.

* An unexcused absence (unexcused absence = anything except student illness or death in the family) from the Christmas Concert or Spring Concert will result in an automatic “N” and the student will not be able to participate in the Spring Trip. If the ticket for the Spring Trip has already been purchased, parents will not be reimbursed for the purchase price.

V. Extra RehearsalsThe director may deem it necessary to have an occasional, extra outside-of-school rehearsal. Such rehearsals will be very infrequent and notification will be sent home at least one week in advance. If there is a conflict between school activities, the directors/sponsors of both events will coordinate to resolve the situation. If a student will be out of town or another serious circumstance arises, parents should try to notify the director AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

VI. ContestsWe will be offering at least two contests to students this year:

The Village School Solo & Ensemble – TBA* REQUIRED for all Advanced Band members* BY INVITATION for Beginning Band members Cost = ~$10 per event

Houston Concert Band Solo & Ensemble – TBA " " * OPTIONAL for all students" " Cost = ~$10 per event

More contests could become available and students will be provided all information/audition material/dates by the director. These events are highly encouraged for their value as a group and/

or solo performing experience, as well as the opportunity to play with great players from other schools!

NOTE:As I mentioned in the Welcome Letter, we as the Grace Band are seeking to add performances and contest opportunities. The dates for these important events will be confirmed and edited in both the handbook and Band Calendar as soon as possible. Communication through email and through the band website will occur as soon as these logistics are completed.

VII. Spring TripThe Spring Trip is a great reward for hard work and practice during the year. Any student with consistent behavior problems or an unexcused absence from either the Christmas or Spring Concerts will not be allowed to participate in the Spring Trip. After tickets have been purchased, if a student is unable to go for ANY reason, (behavior issues as stated above or any other conflict) parents will not be reimbursed for the purchase price.

Forms

Form and Fee Return ChecklistDue to Mr. Hilla no later than August 31st

Please staple forms and check together to avoid missing paperwork. You can combine all fees into one check if you wish.

_______ Handbook Acknowledgement Form ! ! -Must be signed by student AND parent

_______ Check for student method book......…..............$______ ! ! -(made out to Grace School) ! ! *REQUIRED for Beginning Band ONLY

! ! Trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, flute, " " clarinet, oboe, saxophone – $8.95 " " Percussion (because it is a combined mallet/" " snare book) – $12.95

_______ Check for SmartMusic microphone (PC)............$20.00 ! ! -(made out to Grace School) ! ! *REQUIRED for a" students – choose for Mac or PC!! Or! !

SmartMusic microphone (MAC) …...............$30.00

________ T Shirt and Polo Shirt Order Form and check…$__________ ! ! -(made out to Grace School) ! ! *T—shirt portion is REQUIRED for a" students. ! ! Beginning Band ONLY also completes the polo shirt information.

! ! ! ! ! ! ! TOTAL $________

Handbook Acknowledgement Form

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT OF GRACE SCHOOL

BAND HANDBOOK

This form is due on Friday, August 31st 2012.

I have read and understand the policies of the Grace School Band Department. I agree to abide by the rules and policies as they are stated in the Handbook.

_________________________________ ________________________ Parent Signature Date

_________________________________ ________________________ Student Signature Date

VOLUNTEER INFORMATIONIf you would be interested in helping the band by chaperoning one of the band parties, helping with concert setup, or purchasing/providing refreshments for

events, please sign below. Your help is VERY MUCH appreciated!!

__________Yes, I would like to help! ___________ Not at this time

Band Shirt Order Form

ADVANCED BAND & BEGINNING BANDA" students (Advanced and Beginning Band) are required to buy a

t-shirt. If your student would like a hoodie (same color/design as the t-shirt) or if parents would like shirts/hoodies for themselves or relatives, those can be

ordered as well and they are optional. " " " " " "

Band Shirt - $7.00Band Hoodie - $20.00

Available SizesAdult: S M L XL 2XL 3XL

Youth: S (6/8) M (10/12) L (14/16) XL (18/20)

Student Name________________________________________

Student T-Shirt Size______ (Specify Adult Size or Youth Size)

EXTRA Band T-Shirts (Qty)______ x $7.00 = ________ Size(s)_____

Band Hoodie (Qty)_______ x $20.00 = __________ Size(s)__________

TOTAL:__________________ (Make check payable to Grace School)

BEGINNING BAND ONLY!Uniform Polo Shirt – Provided by Grace Band

Available SizesAdult: S M L XL 2XL 3XL

Youth: S (6/8) M (10/12) L (14/16) XL (18/20)

Beginning Band Polo Shirt Size______ (Specify Adult Size or Youth Size)