Villago Middle School Music Handbook2017-2018

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome back to school! I hope this will be a year that will enable you to learn, have fun, meet new people, and build confidence in yourself by making music. You can do all this and more by playing an instrument in band.

Playing an instrument can be a very positive experience for anyone. I like to make my classroom a fun and comfortable place to make music, but still maintain the appropriate behavior, which is required for a good rehearsal and learning environment. Students come to find out that learning and playing go together. You feel good about yourself when you can hear yourself improving on your instrument. This takes self-discipline, concentration and practice. Once you develop these skills, you can take them with you into any other area of your schooling or life.

I look forward to meeting all of you and seeing you at our concerts. Please call me at the school or e-mail me at sarah.baker@cgelem.k12.az.us if I can answer any of your questions or be of any assistance. E-mail is highly preferred! If you need any of my contact information, you can visit our band website at villagoband.com

WHAT YOU NEED!!!

If this is your first experience with band you probably have a thousand questions about instruments, where to get them, and what to do once you have them. I’ll try to help out by giving you information regarding those areas.

The district does not provide every student with an instrument. There is a small selection of instruments to be checked out from the school district, but for the most part, students are responsible for providing their own instrument. Each student that is using a district-owned instrument must fill out a district instrument use form with the requested information before the instrument is taken home. It is the responsibility of each student to keep his or her instrument clean and playable whether it is a school instrument or not. Each instrument case must be labeled with the student’s name that is using it. If a school instrument needs repair, please notify Ms. Baker so she can get it repaired. If damage to a school instrument is due to negligence or vandalism, the student who has the instrument checked out is

responsible. If your student is in need of a band instrument, and the school does not provide one you can borrow, there are two rental nights at the beginning of the year. Milano’s Music Company holds the event. Students can rent the appropriate instrument, as well as buy their Accent on Achievement Book required for class. These two rental nights will take place at two of our three middle schools in the district. The dates and locations will be given out after school begins.

Here are some additional things that will make your practice and playing easier and help you get a better start in band. All of the musical items can be purchased at DeNo’s or Milano’s and the 3 ring binders, page protectors, and whiteboard markers & eraser can be bought at any pharmacy, office supply or grocery store.

1. All students can benefit from having a music stand to practice on at home. These help to insure better posture by having the music at the correct height when practicing. Inexpensive folding stands can be purchased at most music stores or online.

2. All students need a 3 ring binder for band only. Inside this binder should be page protectors, a pencil, whiteboard marker/eraser, and all music or handouts given in class. I hand out A LOT of papers and unless we are organized, it is very easy to lose important sheets. Having all materials organized and ready for class is a large part of your grade and will be checked regularly by section leaders & Ms. Baker.

3. Woodwind players should have at least 2 extra reeds with them in case the one they are playing on breaks during rehearsal. It is best to play on several reeds to break in more than one at a time. For beginning students I suggest buying a number 2 or 2.5 strength reed to start with. (Clarinets should not purchase anything lower than medium soft.) It is also important to have cork grease and a cleaning swab to clean your instrument after you have played. Mouthpiece brushes are also available for clarinet and sax players. These items may be included when you rent an instrument.

4. Brass players will need valve oil, tuning slide grease, and an instrument cleaning “snake” for their horns. Trombone players will need slide oil or slide grease, and a small water spray bottle for their slides. A mouthpiece brush is also recommended.

5. Sixth grade percussionists need to have a Bell Kit. Recommendations are Ludwig or Vic Firth brands. This kit should include: A pair of drums sticks (size

5A, 5B or 2B), practice pad with stand, and a set of bells with mallets & stand. Bell kits give the student a better opportunity to learn to read treble clef and the practice pads let the student practice quietly at home. 7th and 8th grade percussionists will also need to supply at least their own pair of drumsticks. Other materials may be requested by the Ms. Baker.

IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN QUALITY INSTRUMENTS AND AVOID MISHAPS, EACH STUDENT PLAYS ONLY THEIR INSTRUMENT UNLESS THE DIRECTOR HAS APPROVED A SWITCH. PERCUSSIONISTS ARE THE ONLY ONES ALLOWED TO PLAY PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS.

Required Books and Printed Music6th Grade Students: Accent on Achievement Book 1

Concert Band: Accent on Achievement Book 2 Wind Ensemble: Accent on Achievement Book 2

PLEASE TAKE CARE OF ANY MUSIC RECEIVED. MS. BAKER WILL NOT MAKE UNNECESSARY COPIES.

BAND CLASS GRADINGFor this year your grade each quarter will be based on the following areas:

Area Percentage Point Value

1. Playing Tests/Band Karate 20 Percent 25 per test/belt

(See the Playing Test Grading Scale for scoring on playing tests. 1-2 tests each quarter worth 25 points each and 13 band belts- 6th grade & sectional classes)

2. Being Prepared 20 Percent 4 per day

(4 points each day for having: materials (binder, music, instrument, pencil, page protectors, and white board maker), respect, responsibility, and having fun with a positive attitude!)

3. Practice Records 30 Percent 10 per week

(Approx. 15 practice records per semester- due at the beginning of each following week (Monday/Tuesday). You will receive 10 points every week in which the

required two hours of practicing was achieved, specific practice information was filled out by the student, and signed by a guardian. If it is handed in later during the week (Wed-Fri) or handed in on time with practice time more than an hour, but less than two hours recorded – 5 points will be given. If the student hands it in after the week it is due or does not practice at least an hour, they will not receive credit. There will be opportunities to gain extra credit for completing practice logs over various breaks for those who choose).

4. Concert Participation 30 Percent 60 per concert

(This is for your performance at concerts & required band events during each grading period.)

Playing Tests & Band Karate (20 percent)

The primary goal of any performing group is the development of individual performance skills, to enhance group performance. Students will be given performance tests once or twice a quarter over some musical skill or knowledge that we are working on in class. On a playing test your grade is not determined by comparing your playing with other band members; it is based on your own effort and progress as it relates to your potential and ability. Playing tests are done in class and we all applaud after each test. The routine will be similar for the band karate.

Each playing test and completed band belt is worth 25 points each.

Playing Tests will cover the following areas:

Major/Minor Scales -- Chromatic Scale – technique book studies—Sections from band music – Sight Reading

If a student’s score is below 80 percent, the tests may be retaken within a week for a better grade. It will be the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with Ms. Baker to come in before or after school in order to make up or retake a test. All incomplete tests will be given zero points at the end of the grading period.

Band Karate is also a way of checking student’s progress throughout the semester. Each colored belt has various scales and book exercises to complete. This is a way to pace students through their lesson book and scales. These belts will be the primary grade for 6th grade band and my sectional band classes for Concert Band &

Wind Ensemble. Every week or so we will cover a new karate belt in class, individually or as a group, depending on the situation.

There are several concepts in playing various instruments that are both essential to proper technique and within the capabilities of all students. Students will not receive a high grade if they do not sit and play their instrument properly. For wind players, proper posture, breath support, hand position and embouchure are necessary to produce the best sound and achieve the best technique. Great technique, including posture and hand position, is also necessary in the playing of percussion instruments.

There are four main categories students will be tested on during their playing test: Scales, Book Exercises, Rhythms, & Sight Reading. Each of the 4 categories has 5 skills worth up to 5 points each (Posture, Tone, Notes, Rhythm, & Musicality). Therefore, each skill is worth 5 points, each category is worth 25 points, and a perfect score on your playing test would be 100 out of 100. Below is an example of what a category on their playing test sheet will look like, and an explanation of how each skill is graded on their playing test. I will provide comments under each category for students to reflect on. Their assignment after I hand back their test will be to look over their results, answer the question at the bottom of the back page (What do they need to work on most), and have a parent or guardian sign it and turn back in within a week of receiving it. This will be worth 10 points, which the student will lose from their current score if not returned & turned back in.

1. Scale(s): _________________________________Posture: (hands, feet, head…) 1 2 3 4 5

Tone: (clear & characteristic sound) 1 2 3 4 5

Notes: (correct fingerings) 1 2 3 4 5

Rhythm: (Steady Beat & counting) 1 2 3 4 5

Musicality: (Articulation & Dynamics) 1 2 3 4 5

Comments: __________________________________________________________________________

Skills Scoring (1 – lowest to 5 – highest)

Posture (correct position of the body – arms, legs, feet, hands…) 5 Student sits or stands correctly, on edge of chair, using proper hand position4 Student sits or stands correctly, but with improper hand position3 Student leans back in chair, proper hand position2 Student crosses legs/leans in chair/puts feet on case, has proper hand position1 Student crosses legs/leans in chair/puts feet on case, has improper hand position

Tone (Clear & Characteristic Tone on student’s designated instrument) 5 Student produces solid characteristic tone on the instrument with center or “core” to sound4 Student has some fuzziness or airiness to tone3 Student has fuzziness to sound, lacks solid core (little support)2 Student is able to produce a sound but sound splits (double buzz), has no core, is airy, and is “blatty” or “squawky” 1 Student cannot produce a consistent characteristic tone

Notes (Correct fingerings & sounds)5 Student misses no notes in exercise4 Student misses no more than 2 notes in exercise3 Student misses no more than 5 notes in exercise2 Student misses 5 or more notes1 Student misses more than half of the notes

Rhythm (Steady Beat)5 Student maintains steady tempo and plays all rhythms correctly4 Student fluctuates in tempo3 Student misses rhythm patterns and fluctuates in tempo2 Student misses patterns and starts and stops 1 Student does not keep a steady beat throughout the majority of the exercise

Musicality (Articulation & Dynamics) 5 Student produces clear attacks, plays all articulations correctly with dynamics4 Student produces fuzzy (unclear) attacks but plays dynamics well3 Student produces fuzzy and slurs instead of tongues, misses staccato and legato markings, with little dynamics 2 Student misses most articulations and produces little to no dynamics 1 Student produces little to no articulation or dynamics

Class Participation (20 Percent)

There are approximately 20 class days in each quarter grading period. Students will be given four points each day for bringing their instrument, music & handouts ORGANIZED in a binder with page protectors for music, whiteboard marker, & pencil; respect, responsibility and maintaining appropriate behavior in class with a positive attitude. If the student arrives in class without the proper materials, is disruptive to the group during rehearsal, or damages school or other student equipment they will not be awarded full points for the day. Since I only see each student every other day, it is imperative students have their instruments and materials for every class period!

Because a performing musical organization must go beyond the achievements of the individual, there must be careful consideration given to the development of group interaction skills. Negative or disruptive behavior is detrimental to learning and the accomplishment of performance goals in band. If a student is disruptive to the learning of the class and must be separated from the band, they will not be awarded their class participation points for that day. Also, if a student does not bring their instrument three class periods in a quarter, without reasonable excuse, they will receive a referral. Damage to school or other player’s equipment is not tolerated and will result in serious consequences and possible removal from band.

Practice Records (30 percent)

Time allotted in school is insufficient for the development of the necessary skills for high quality performance. It is strongly encouraged that individual effort outside the classroom becomes a part of a weekly study routine.

Students are expected to maintain a regular schedule of home practice that will allow them to:

1) Prepare for their regular class assignments

2) Prepare for special individual assignments

3) Maintain at a proper level of musicianship

Regular daily practice is essential to accomplish these goals. It is recommended that you establish a schedule of a minimum of 30 minutes a day for

at least four days each week. You will see more progress in your playing if you practice more often throughout the week in smaller chunks than to practice everything once or twice a week. The playing tests given at regular intervals throughout the quarter will measure your progress and check on your practice.

Concert Participation (30 percent)

As a member of a performing group you may be playing at a variety of different events over the grading period. All groups will be involved in formal concerts & our annual Electric Light Parade at certain times throughout the year and some groups will play at social functions or sporting events, such as Music at the Mall & the annual Union Football Game. Know that some of these events and special opportunities (Honor Bands, ASU Middle School Day, Large Group, Drumline Competitions…) may take place on Saturday’s and you are expected to be there if you are part of the performing group.

It is extremely important that all members of a performing group attend every performing event for that group. The band is a team and each member relies on the other members of the group to play their part. Our concerts are the “big game” where we show the audience the result of our hard work and effort. If an unavoidable conflict arises you must let me know with a note from your parents at least two weeks in advance, but more is preferred. This will allow us time to redistribute parts before the concert.

Occasionally emergencies arise on the day of a performance, which may cause a student to be late or to miss a performance. If this happens, you must give me, as soon as possible, a written excuse signed by your parents explaining your absence. Since a large part of your grade is dependent upon your performance participation it is very important that you do not miss performances. “I forgot” or “I didn’t tell my parents we had a concert” is unacceptable. When appropriate, students will be given alternative assignments to make up lost points from missing a concert or band event. Usually I will only let a student make up points for a major event once a year by writing a paper or other appropriate assignment.

Extra Credit (varying points)

Students may receive extra credit points for attending special events or completing special assignments not required. A listing of these will be posted in the band room or available on the band website. There are many fine concerts, which are free at the various schools in town. Central Arizona College (sometimes has a fee), Casa Grande Union High School, Vista Grande High School, Cactus Middle School and Casa Grande Middle School all have concerts during the year and I encourage all students to attend. Students attending concerts will need to bring in a program from the concert signed by their parents or check in with me if I’m there in order to receive extra credit. Limit is twice per quarter unless special circumstances arise.

TARDINESS

A student will be considered on time if:

They are in the band room by the late bell with all materials and playing the first warm-up when directed at the beginning of class

They check in personally with the Director or designated attendance person BEFORE the designated time of a rehearsal or performance

They have conferred with the Director prior to the scheduled event and/or have an explanation written and signed by a parent

They have a teacher or administrator signed pass for admittance after class time begins

TO BE EARLY IS TO BE ON TIME. TO BE ON TIME IS TO BE LATE.

A great way to impress Ms. Baker is to be early to our band events. There are always things that need to be done before concerts, parades or band functions. If everybody asked something like “What can I do to help?” could you imagine how great our band would be?

REHEARSALS

Since time goes fast and is limited for us to prepare for performances, it is crucial that each rehearsal time be conducive to productivity. Whenever a group is in rehearsal, be it in the Band Room or outside, each member of the group must refrain from unnecessary talk, have a pencil, remain attentive, put away any distractions, and play their part to the best of their ability. Failure to abide by

these rules will result in partial credit for the day, along with an after school detention if need be. Book bags and cases need to be kept out of the Band set-up, preferably in lockers or against the wall, and will not obstruct a walkway around and through the band. Instrument cases are to be kept in your locker during the day. The downbeat for the first warm-up will be PROMPTLY after the bell rings for class. Please remember that rehearsal time is the time to put PRACTICED parts together. Also, NO cellphones out during rehearsal & NO water breaks (bring a water bottle) or food unless instructed. There will also be very limited bathroom breaks and nurse runs. A more detailed list of classroom rules and expectations will be distributed separately as part of your student’s band resource packet.

BAND BEHAVIOR- Remain quiet and be attentive during rehearsals- Play your instrument only when asked- Play only on your own instrument- Treat others, your instrument and the equipment with respect- Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself- Stay seated during rehearsal (unless instructed) - NO FOOD in the band room

Individual Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior 1. Verbal Warning2. In or Out of class time out/Refocus3. Parent contact – Referral 4. Severe referral to office and possible removal from band

Group Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior:

1. Tally system on the board – More tallies than Ms. Baker at the end of rehearsal (everyone drops 1 point for the day)

2. 3x with this consequence – silent rehearsal or alternate assignment3. More serious consequences will follow if necessary

RESPECT

It is expected that you always exhibit proper respect for yourself, your peers, school, staff members, band parents, subs, equipment, and the Director. If you have a conflict with someone, go to that person and resolve it. The Director is approachable for any matter and conversations are kept confidential. Any band member who steals or damages another person’s belonging or school equipment will be referred to an administrator and possibly the police and the Director will suggest that the student be removed from Band. Profanity or lewd behavior of any type will not be tolerated. Repeat offenders will be subject to loss of assignment points, parental referral, and administrative action. Any discrepancies must be resolved with the Ms. Baker. Respect also goes for substitute teachers. Times will arise when Ms. Baker will be sick or at conferences or band event and students are expected to treat the substitute as well if not BETTER than they treat the director. Students should try to make our substitutes LOVE BEING IN OUR ROOM and want to come back. Ms. Baker LOVES getting good sub reports.

CONCERT PERFORMANCE ATTIRE

There is required band attire, which will be needed for all concerts: Please make sure you go purchase any of these items as soon as possible so we don’t have to scramble for clothes the night of the concert. If you are unable to purchase or provide any of these items on the list let Ms. Baker or a band booster member know.

WIND ENSEMBLE GIRLS- Black dress & pearls (provided)

- Black flats or heels (no tennis shoes)WIND ENSEMBLE BOYS

- Tuxedo shirt (provided)- Vest and bow tie (provided)- Black slacks- Black dress shoes and black socks (no tennis shoes or work boots)

CONCERT BAND GIRLS- White, Black, Grey, and Red Color Scheme- Professional dress, skirt or dress slacks; the dress or skirt must be lower than

the knees and cannot have spaghetti strap shoulders (three finger width)- Nice blouse (three finger width straps) to be worn with a skirt or slacks- Nice flats, dress shoes, or heels (no tennis shoes)

CONCERT BAND BOYS- White long-sleeved shirt and necktie or bowtie

(Tie - preferably red/maroon/black)- Black slacks- Black dress shoes and black socks (no tennis shoes or work boots)

JAZZ BAND- Professional/Sharp outfit

o Pants or Dress appropriate lengtho Colors: Black, White, Grey, Red

6th GRADE BAND- Villago Music T-shirt (will be sold in class for $15)- Blue jeans or capris (Color – Blue – No holes or rips)- Any kind of shoes that fit the Villago Dress Code

Every student for parades and in certain school music events will wear our Villago Music Department t-shirt as well. Comfortable and closed toed shoes will be required for parades.

Drumline & Color guard

Here at Villago we are fortunate to have the opportunity to provide two groups that are not often seen at the middle school level. We have an indoor drumline and color guard that competes at competitions around Arizona and is open to all grades. Audition material will be handed out in September and auditions will be in October/November. More information will be given as the season draws closer.

BAND ROOM

Every band student at Villago will have the opportunity to have a locker assigned to him or her. Lockers are not meant to become a permanent home for your instruments as they are to be brought home every week for practice. You will be responsible for keeping your locker clean and writing down your lock combination in a secure place and memorizing it. It is not required that everybody locks their locker , but know that you are responsible for anything that happens to your equipment if you chose not to lock it. It becomes very easy for someone to take your lock or equipment if they are not locked and secured on the locker. There are school locks available or you may provide your own. If you provide your own lock, you need to give Ms. Baker your lock combination in case of an emergency. LOCKS are NOT to leave the band room and if you lose a lock you borrowed from the school , you will pay to replace it.

The Band Room and the area around it must be kept neat and orderly so that it does not become an eyesore or a health hazard. All music must be kept in a 3 ring binder with page protectors. I should never see loose sheets of music ripped up lying around. When music is not being used it must be in its binder, which will be kept in your locker or backpack. Instruments must also be placed in their proper locker area when not being used. Careless instrument storage will result in the loss of 4 points per episode. Any clothing left lying around will be turned in to the lost and found. If it is not claimed within a week, I will give it the office to dispose of. NO FOOD, DRINK (BESIDES WATER CONTAINED IN A SEALED BOTTLE), OR GUM IS ALLOWED IN THE BAND ROOM. ANY GARBAGE MUST BE PUT IN THE PROPER RECEPTACLES. Anyone messing up the Band Room will be required to clean it and will lose points. Repeat offenders may be removed from band if necessary.

In order to decrease the chance of possible theft or vandalism, the following are the only people allowed in the Band Room: Ms. Baker, band members and their family, administrators, custodians, visiting teachers, band instructors, and anyone who has permission from Ms. Baker. Please do not cause a tense moment for your friends by letting them come in the room if they are not in band. I will provide a red and green sign on the band doors to let you know if I am at school/in my room or off campus. If it is red in the morning, you need to take your instrument with you and NOT leave it in the hallway. If it is green, you are free to come in and put it in your locker before school. You may be in the band room before school, during lunch, and after, as long as Ms. Baker is there and you are being productive and not just hanging out.

Each student is responsible for his or her instrument, lock, equipment, and belongings.

Every possible effort is made to keep the room as secure as possible during the school day and after hours, HOWEVER, THE SCHOOL OR MS. BAKER ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY PERSONAL PROPERTY THAT IS BROUGHT ON CAMPUS. PERSONAL INSTRUMENTS OR EQUIPMENT LEFT IN THE BAND ROOM OVERNIGHT WILL BE AT THE DISCRETION OF EACH STUDENT AND AT THEIR OWN RISK. Keep track of your belongings and don’t automatically expect the Director to know where any misplaced items might be located. Please keep in mind that the school facilities are used by the community, which at times includes the Band Room.

COMMITMENT

As a member of the Villago Band program, you are an important part of one of the finest musical organizations in Casa Grande. Do not take your membership for granted. Being in this group sends a message to others that you want to be part of a group that is not satisfied with reaching a level of mediocrity but reaches for excellence and beyond. There are simple things you can do to make your Villago Band experience great:

Be on time for all classes, rehearsals, performances, and events. Prepare your music so that you are not practicing it during rehearsal or

performance time. Be at rehearsals and performances with a positive, cooperative, and enthusiastic

attitude. Be active in Band functions such as fundraisers, parties, and trips. Be prepared for any rehearsal or performance with the correct attire, instrument, &

materials Be Respectful, Responsible, & Organized Stay up to date with upcoming events, which are posted in the front of the Band Room. Keep up with ALL of your schoolwork. Have Fun & Stay Involved! Try new things

Local Music Stores & Vendors

De- No Music Center Milano Music801 E Florence Blvd #B 38 W Main StCasa Grande, AZ 85122 Mesa, AZ 85201(520) 836- 2601 (480) 827-1111

Instrument Music Center North Instrumental Music Center East405 E Wetmore 7063 E SpeedwayTucson, AZ 85705 Tucson, AZ 85710(520) 408-8003 (520) 733-7334

Note: The Casa Grande Elementary School District does not endorse these businesses. This list was compiled as a resource for those interested in obtaining music materials, supplies, or instruments. To add to this list please contact Ms. Baker.

INFORMATION AND CONFIRMATION

Fill out the sheets at the end of this handbook with all of the requested information. We need to create an accurate phone, email, and address list. The most important element is email! This is my main form of communication and it is very important you are a part of it. You and your parents must also sign and date the same form to acknowledge the elements of this handbook. This is going to be an exciting year for the bands at Villago Middle School and I hope you are looking forward to being a part of it. I’m pleased to have you as a contributing member and you will be an important element to the successes, which lie ahead!

VILLAGO MIDDLE SCHOOL BANDINFORMATION AND CONFIRMATION SHEET

DUE FRIDAY AUGUST 18, 2017

Please Provide Names & Email especially – I write a lot of emails & want you all to be a part of my band parent email list, so you’re aware of events & class news

NAME_______________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS__________________________________________________ZIP CODE_________

HOME PHONE________________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS_______________________________

INSTRUMENT OR SECTION___________________________________________________

Father’s Name_________________________________________________________________

Address (if different than student’s)

Zip_____________Phone________________________Email___________________________

Mother’s Name________________________________________________________________

Address (if different than student’s)

______________________________________________________________________________

Zip______________Phone_______________________Email___________________________

We, the undersigned, have read, understand, and accept the elements of the 2017-2018 Villago Middle School Band Handbook.

______________________________________ ____________________Student signature Date

______________________________________ ____________________Parent/Guardian signature Date

Instrument Registration Form

A student’s instrument is considered personal property. Villago Middle School is therefore not liable for any loss, theft, or damage that may occur while the instrument is on school grounds or being used at a school function. If families choose, they may cover their child’s instrument either on their own personal homeowner’s insurance or through a loss protection plan offered by a music dealer. This applies only to personal instruments.

In the event of theft of a personal instrument it may be helpful to have the information below on file with the school district to help locate it.

Student’s Name ________________________________________________________

Student’s Grade/Ensemble ________________________________________________________

Instrument(s): _________________________________________________________________

Brand Name: _____________________________________________________________

Serial #: _________________________________________________________________________

Liability Agreement

I understand the Casa Grande Elementary School District is not responsible or liable for the theft or damage of personal property or instruments.

Parent/Guardian Name: ________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________________________ Date: _______________________