Centennial Middle School Bands Band Handbook

Greetings from the Director: Hello Centennial band students and families, and welcome to one of the most vibrant, and exciting activities available on the Centennial Middle School Campus, the CMS band program! My name is Mr. Ian Grzyb (pronounced Jib), and I am glad to be starting my second year as band director at Centennial Middle School. I am excited to start your child on their musical journey, and to continue to share my passion for music with your child if you are returning to us. My teaching philosophy is based around the idea that all people have the ability to be musical in some way. As a music teacher, my job is to guide the development of the student musician. It is not my goal to create a generation of students who pursue music as a career, but rather to help students to love and appreciate music throughout their lifetimes. In addition to teaching music, I focus on developing secondary skills through music performance: perseverance, dedication, critical thinking, problem solving, grit and creativity. The band classroom is one of the best places to develop these skills, and the challenge of learning and mastering a musical instrument is something that will benefit students through their entire lives. I hope to make the band classroom one that is hardworking, driven, focused and enjoyable. Please contact me right away if you have any concerns regarding the band class. In order for me to achieve my goal of giving your student the best musical experience possible, I hope to foster a positive network of parent communication. After all, in order for students to be fully successful in band, they must know that both the teacher and parent are invested in their education. I look forward to meeting you soon, Mr. Ian Grzyb Email: IGrzyb@kyrene.org Phone: (480)-541-6559 Staff Website: http://www.kyrene.org/Page/39028

Please read this handbook and sign the attached forms by August 11, 2017. This document is a binding document that outlines how the band program runs. I will refer to this handbook with all issues regarding your child’s progress in class. Some items, such as the locker and instrument rental agreements are needed as soon as possible so that I can assign lockers in the classroom. I WILL NOT ALLOW INSTRUMENTS TO GO HOME,

AND I WILL NOT ASSIGN LOCKERS WITHOUT THESE FORMS IN HAND.

Objectives of the CMS Band Program: By the time your student leaves the 8th grade band program, they should achieve the following:

• Identify parts of their instrument • Maintain their instrument and perform minor repairs • Have an understanding of standard musical notation:

o Reading, performing and writing pitches o Reading, performing and writing rhythms o Defining and executing musical symbols (articulations, expressive markings, etc) o Defining vocabulary terms as found in the music.

• Understand proper posture and technique. • Understand how to produce proper tone and characteristic sound on their instrument. • Sightread at a grade level of 1.5-2.5. • Perform all 12 Major and Natural Minor scales. • Listen to and meaningfully evaluate musical recordings. • Develop skills in musicality and develop performance skills. • Use acquired skills to compose short pieces of music. • Perform written music using the above-mentioned skills in a variety of mediums (solo,

chamber music, large ensemble music). This is a brief overview of learning outcomes in the CMS band program. For a more complete list (sorted by year), please visit my website.

Remind 101 Sign-Up: In an effort to allow for more communication between teachers and parents/students, we will be using remind 101 this year. This service allows me to send reminders over text or email to students. The band’s remind 101 service is separate from the main Centennial Middle School remind 101, and is required for all band students. To sign up for text reminders, please text your class code below to 81010 or enter the class code at remind.com/join. For additional sign up options, please visit my webpage or visit https://help.remind.com/hc/en-us/articles/203179887-How-do-I-join-a-class-. This will be checked for a grade on August 14, 2017. 7th grade band (1st hour) – @cms7band 8th grade band (2nd hour) – @cms8ba 6th grade woodwinds (3rd hour) – @cms6ww 7th grade percussion (5th hour) – @cms7perc 8th grade percussion (6th hour) – @cen8perc 6th grade brass/percussion (7th hour) – @cms6bp

Classroom Rules: Given the nature of the band classroom (having classes of 30-50 students playing instruments at one time), it is crucial that we all follow a set of rules. I have limited these rules to five that I feel are important for the success and development of our classroom. We will go over these in great detail the first five days of school. These rules are in addition to the school rules, which will not be discussed here.

1. Absolutely no talking or playing when the teacher is working. 2. During a rehearsal cut-off, all playing stops immediately. 3. All students will follow classroom procedures (routines) 4. Students will always respect everyone and everything in the room (teachers, students,

equipment, music, etc). This includes not touching any instrument that is not yours. 5. All students will put forth their best effort.

Given the pacing of the daily band class, these rules should be easy to follow. Students should note, however, that the consequence for breaking any of these five rules, or a school rule is an after-school detention. I will never give a consequence to a student unless I personally observe them break a rule.

Classroom Procedures: These procedures outline how we go about class each day.

1. Students will enter the room after greeting the teacher at the door. Use the restroom/get a drink before class. If a student is late, they should not enter the closed door without a pass from their previous teacher (3+ unexcused tardies = After-school detention)

2. Students will grab their instrument from their locker (locking it afterward) and will grab a chair/stand if needed (1st hour, 7th hour).

3. Students will sit down in chair, put together instrument and begin soaking reeds/oiling valves if needed. Cases go under chair or back in lockers (not in the aisles, not on the sides of the room).

4. Once instrument is put together, begin warming up on instrument. 5. Once Mr. Grzyb steps up on the podium 3 minutes after the bell rings, students will get

quiet, and then sing a concert F (with or without a recorded pitch). 6. Class proceeds as usual. Students will raise hands with any questions/comments. 7. At the end of class, students will clean instrument thoroughly, and place instrument back

in locker (locking the locker afterward). 8. Students will clean up their area (straighten chair/stand, pick up trash, etc). 9. 3rd period and 7th period will rack and stack chairs and stands. 10. Students will remain in the classroom until the teacher dismisses them.

Required Materials: This is a list of required materials for ALL students. A specialized list will be sent home with your child the first week of school with instrument specific purchases (this can also be found on my website).

� Instrument in good working condition � Traditions of Excellence for your instrument

o Book 1 (red) for 6th grade o Book 2 (blue) for 7th grade (we will get to this around December, we will use the

same book from last year to get started). o 8th Grade will use Mr. Grzyb’s materials.

� A pencil at all times (on your stand) � A 3 ring binder (a 1 inch binder is more than enough). You may share this with another

class if you need. Make sure you can find all your materials. � About 25-50 pages of lined paper � A Tuner/metronome (korg TM40, or similar)

o You can download apps on a smartphone to take care of this. I recommend “Tonal Energy” for a tuner/metronome app (this is what I use in class).

� A Highlighter � A Pen (for grading assignments) � Everything needed to ensure your instrument functions properly (reeds, cleaning

products, cork grease, valve oil, etc).

Band Performance Uniform: � Band Polo (purchased through the school) – Approximately $12 (6th/7th grade)

o You may use the same one as last year. If you need a new one, you will need to purchase one.

� Black Button-up shirt (8th grade) � Black pants (dress pants, khakis, or an ankle length black skirt, no jeans, no

leggings) (all grades) � Black shoes and socks (all grades) � All clothing must be School Appropriate.

This will be the exact uniform, please do not wear hats, cat ears, etc. Our goal is to create a unified group look that does not distract from our music. The items in the first section (classroom materials) will be checked on August 11. The uniform requirements will be checked on September 8th.

IF YOU CANNOT SUPPLY ANY ITEM ON THE ABOVE LIST, PLEASE CONTACT ME IMMEDIATELY. I WILL ALWAYS WORK WITH A STUDENT TO PROVIDE

EQUIPMENT/ASSISTANCE IN ACQUIRING MATERIALS. I CANNOT HELP IF I DO NOT KNOW THERE IS AN ISSUE THOUGH. LIKEWISE, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO

DONATE ITEMS TO HELP STUDENTS IN NEED, PLEASE CONTACT ME.

Grading System: The band program at CMS makes use of the following grading scale: 90-100 A 80-89 B 70-79 C 60-69 D 0-59 F Grade Weights: 80% - Assessment

• Written Tests • Playing Tests • Performances • Weekly classroom performance assessments

20% - Practice • Practice Records • Quizzes • Daily Effort/practice/participation

Students will have a practice record due each week on Monday. This will be graded based on completion of 90 minutes of practice. You will receive a grade if turned in as follows: Monday, Tuesday – 100% 10% off per day past Tuesday (ex. Thursday = 80%) 50% if turned in the following Monday, no points Tuesday or beyond of the following week. Please submit practice records on my staff website to the Google Form (we will discuss how to do this). Students will have a playing test each week. Students will have a written test approximately once per month. Students will have one performance per quarter. This is the heaviest grade in the class, and should not be taken lightly. If your student shows up on time in proper attire, performs with their best effort and demonstrates proper concert etiquette, they will get a perfect score. Grades will be updated weekly on ParentVUE. Please check regularly and let me know if there are any issues. I WILL ALWAYS OFFER RETAKES ON ANY PLAYING OR WRITTEN

TESTS. CONCERTS AND FINAL QUARTERLY TESTS CANNOT BE RETAKEN FOR A BETTER GRADE.

Attendance: Performances, due to their nature, cannot be made up. Attendance is expected as performances are co-curricular. The band schedule is set well in advance due to difficulties in securing performance spaces. I MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO AVOID CONFLICTS WITH SCHOLASTIC EVENTS. I CANNOT MAKE PROMISES ABOUT CLUB SPORTS, OR OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES. Excused Absences – illness, emergencies, family travel made before the calendar, religious observance, funerals, special permission acquired at least 3 weeks prior to the performance. Unexcused Absences – Doctor’s appointment (unless it had to be scheduled specifically at that time), sports practice/games (we will work out a solution with coaches if it is an issue), lack of transportation (we can try to find a carpool), other extracurricular activities, sleeping in, etc. If a student misses a performance, they must submit a make-up assignment to gain the points. This assignment will be a 2-page report about the bands performance (written after watching the concert on video). Excused absences may make up the assignment for full points while unexcused absences may receive half credit. This assignment is due 2 weeks after the video is posted on my staff website. If you anticipate an absence, please fill out the absence request form found on my website, or in the front of the band room.

Use of School Owned Instruments: Centennial has a limited number of school instruments available for student use. These instruments are assigned to those students who may not be able to afford monthly rentals, or to students who play large instruments that cannot be rented (Bass Clarinet, Euphonium, Horn, Bassoon, Tuba). If at all possible, try to rent an instrument. This is good because:

1. You build equity toward a new instrument, meaning that in a few years, you own an instrument.

2. The instrument is higher quality, meaning it will be easier to learn and play on. Many parents express the desire to use a school instrument to see if their child stays with band. I personally recommend renting one in this instance anyway because the better the experience is on an instrument, the more likely a student is to stay with band. If you need a school instrument, you must pay a $40 per year cleaning fee. THIS DOES NOT COVER REPAIRS DUE TO NEGLIGENCE OF THE INSTRUMENT. If an instrument is returned with damage, the student will be charged the repair fee and could lose eligibility to rent an instrument from the school in the future. If the instrument is deemed irreparable due to negligence, the family is responsible for the replacement cost of the same brand, and model of instrument, not just a similar instrument.

Notes about instruments: It is imperative that we take care of our instruments. Each instrument costs anywhere from 500 – 8000 dollars. Daily maintenance and care will take care of most issues (hence why we go over these concepts in great detail the first week of school). To help take care of our instruments students should:

1. Never let anyone else use their instrument (including family members or friends) 2. Keep their instrument in its case when not in use, and keep the case in a safe location

(perhaps on a table or desk) where pets cannot reach it. 3. Buy the maintenance supplies and use them. Spend 10 dollars now to avoid spending

$200 later to repair the instrument. 4. Never play their instrument without rinsing their mouth. This helps protect the

instrument. 5. When placing instrument down, do so correctly. Never rest any instrument (except for a

tuba or euphonium) on its bell. One chair shift could equal a costly repair! 6. Practice regularly. This keeps the instrument in good shape. Instruments were made to be

played, not to sit in lockers over the weekend! 7. Talk to Mr. Grzyb the instant an instrument has an issue.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO PURCHASE AN INSTRUMENT FOR YOUR CHILD, PLEASE EMAIL ME FIRST. The musical instrument market is filled with low quality instruments that break after only 2-3 weeks. These instruments

often do not manufacture replacement parts, so shops will not fix them. Please let me help you find a quality instrument that fits your budget.

Practicing: All students are required to practice at home (or before/after school) for 90 minutes per week. To benefit your development as a musician, this should be split evenly into a 12-13 minute block per day (you can always go longer, you will only grow faster as a musician!) In developing a new skill, short blocks of time each day help you grow faster than large amounts of time only a few times per week. Here are some tips for practicing:

1. Make a list of what needs to be done. 2. Practice long tones and tuning every day. This is how tone and intonation get better. 3. Practice slow to fast. Only increase tempo once you can play something well at a slow

tempo. 4. Practice things multiple times. It isn’t enough to play something right one time. Play it 5,

10, 20 times in a row! 5. Write down what you work on (this is required on your practice record). 6. End your practice session with something fun (a run of the whole piece, figuring out a

song you like by ear, etc). 7. Clean and care for your instrument.

Parents: Listen to your child practice on occasion. Hold them accountable,

and encourage them. They WILL grow quickly this way!

BandPoloOrderFormThebandpoloispartofthebanduniformforthe6thgradeand7thgradebandclasses.Eachstudentmustpurchaseabandpolo.Thepriceofthispolois$12.Pleasecompletetheorderformbelowandsenditbackwithyourchild.ThedeadlinefororderswillbeSeptember1(orderwillnotbeplaceduntilthistime).Feelfreetoordershirtsforothermembersofyourfamilyatthistimeaswell.Iwouldliketobuyapolointhefollowingsize(allsizesareadultsizesunlessstatedotherwise):

� YouthLarge Quantity:_____� Small Quantity:_____� Medium Quantity:_____� Large Quantity:_____ � ExtraLarge Quantity:_____� XX-Large Quantity:_____

� Iwouldliketopurchaseoneormoreextrashirtsforstudentswhomaynotbeabletopurchasetheirshirt.Pleasefindpaymentof$12perextrashirtattachedtothisform(donotfillinsizesabove,Mr.Grzybwillpurchasenecessarysizes).Numberofshirts:_____

Totalnumberofshirts:________Totalcost:_________attachtothisform(pleasepapercliporattachcheckinanenvelope,donotstapletothispage).SPECIALNOTEFOR8THGRADEPARENTS:Thereisanewuniformfor8thgradeparentsthisyear.Studentswillstillweartheirblackpantsandshoesastheyhavedoneinthepast,buttheyshouldsupplyablacklongsleeveshirt(buttondown).Theseshirtscanbeacquiredfromavarietyofplacessuchasathriftstore(foracoupledollars)orWalmart/Target/Kohls(forapproximately$10-$15).PleaseContactMr.Grzybimmediatelyifyouwillhavetroubleacquiring

anypartofthebanduniform.

LockerRequestFormName:__________________________________________ Grade:________________Instrument:_____________________________________YoumustagreetothetermsbelowtobeassignedalockerI,______________________,amrequestingalockerintheCentennialMiddleSchoolbandroomforuseduringthe2017-2018schoolyear.IunderstandthatImustkeepmylockerclean,ImustlockmylockeratalltimeswhenIamnotactivelyusingit,andIunderstandthatifthereareanyissueswithmaintenanceofthelocker(loosescrews,bentlockingmechanism,etc)ImustreportthisimmediatelytoMr.Grzyb.IwillnotgivemylockercombinationtoanyonebesidesMr.Grzyb(ifusingmyownlock).IfurthermoreacknowledgethatMr.Grzyb,CentennialMiddleSchool,theKyreneSchoolDistrictnoranyassociatedpartiesareresponsibleforanytheftordamagethattakesplaceasaresultofusingtheselockers.Signed:________________________________Signed:________________________________ (parent/guardian) (student)Printed:________________________________Printed:_______________________________ (parent/guardian) (student)Date:__________________________________

� IwillusemyownlockandwillprovideeitheracombinationorakeytoMr.Grzyb

� Iwillneedaschoolissuedcombinationlock($10replacementcostforlost/damagedlocks)

BandOfficeUseOnly:LockerAssigned:_____________________________________________________Combination:_______________________________________________________

2017-2018BandCalendar

Pleasemakeplansnowtohaveyourchildpresentfortheentiretyoftheirrequiredperformances.Refertothehandbookforinformationonexcusedandunexcusedabsences.Pleasecontactmeifanyconflictsarise,sothatwecanworkthroughthem.Pleasepostthiscalendaronyourfridge,wall,orenteritinyourcomputer/phone.Thiswill

alsobepostedontheCMSbandwebpage.

The following dates are required performance dates for the Centennial Band classes. Not every concert will be required by every student. The classes that are required to be at each concert are listed to the side of the concert date. A limited number of students from percussion classes will perform on the listed concerts with the rest of the band class. Grades Date Event Name Location Time 8th Sept 26 8th Grade Side-by-side concert

(with MPHS band, orch, choir and CMS orch)

Mountain Pointe HS Auditorium

7:00pm

6, 7th Oct 3 6th/7th Grade Fall Concert CMS Cafetorium 7:00pm 6th Nov 9 6th Grade Trip to the Musical

Instrument Museum Musical Instrument

Museum 8:45am-2:00pm

6/7th Dec 12 6th/7th Grade Winter Concert (with CMS choir, orch)

MPHS Auditorium 7:00pm

8th Dec 14 8th Grade Winter Concert (with CMS choir, orch)

MPHS Auditorium 7:00pm

6, 7, 8th Jan 16-17 Kyrene Honor Festival (selected students)

TBD TBD

7th Mar 6 Performance for 5th graders CMS amphitheater During the school day

6, 7, 8th Mar 1 Pre-festival Concert MPHS Auditorium 7:00pm 8th Mar 8 ABODA Festival Trip TBD During

school day, TBD

8th Mar TBD 8th Grade California Tour Disneyland/Los Angeles/Anaheim

TBD

7, 8th TBD (in March)

All-State Honor Festival (selected students)

TBD TBD

Perc TBD (in March)

Possible optional field trip to Arizona Percussive Arts Society festival (on a Saturday)

TBD (likely ASU) 8:00am-6:00pm

6, 7, 8th May 7 Finale Concert MPHS Auditorium 7:00pm Perc May TBD Percussion Ensemble Concert CMS Cafetorium 7:00pm

Parent/GuardianVolunteerFormWelovetoseeparents,guardians,grandparentsandsiblingshelptheCentennialMiddleSchoolBandtoachieveourgoalsandbethebestbandwecanbe!Pleasesignupbelowifyouareinterestedinhelpingwithoneormoreoftheeventslisted.

� BandConcerts� Whichdateswouldyouliketohelpwith?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

� 6thgradetriptotheMIM(Nov9)� PercussionConcert(inMay)� MountainPointeMiddleSchoolBandNight(TBA)� 7thGrade/8thGradeBandFestivalTrip(March8)� 8thGradeBandCaliforniaTour(studentsenrolledinBandallthreeyears)(Youmustpay

asachaperone)� SortingandDistributingFundraisingItems

WearestartingaCentennialMiddleSchoolBandBoosterOrganizationforthe2017-2018schoolyear!WearelookingforenthusiasticfamilymemberstohelpmaketheCentennialbandafantasticplacetobe!Ifyouareinterestedinjoining,pleasejoinusatourinformational

meeting:

August10,2017at6:30pmCentennialMiddleSchoolBandRoom

Ifyoucannotattendandwouldlikemoreinformation,pleaseEmailMr.

GrzybatIGrzyb@Kyrene.org

StatementofMutualConsent

Parent Signature:_______________________________ Date:______________________ Student Signature:______________________________ Date:______________________

Please read and initial each item listed below. Return this form to Mr. Grzyb by August 11, 2017 Statement Page

# Guardian

Initial Student Initial

1

I have read and understand the five classroom rules. I furthermore understand that the sole consequence for breaking any of these five rules is an After-School Detention.

3

2

I have read the classroom procedures and I understand that these are to be carried out each day in the classroom by each member of the band.

3

3

I have read the required materials list. I understand I must purchase these items, as well as those on my instrument list given to me by Mr. Grzyb by August 11. I will contact Mr. Grzyb before this date if I foresee any issue with acquiring materials so that he can help me.

4

4

I understand that we are expected to purchase and wear a uniform for band performances. I understand that not following this guideline could result in the lowering of a performance grade.

4

5 I understand how the grading system works in this class. I furthermore understand the retake policy.

5

6

I understand that I am expected to practice 90 minutes per week. The time spent practicing in class does not count toward this amount.

5

7

I understand that I am expected to attend every concert/required out-of-school performance listed on the calendar.

6

8

I understand what constitutes an excused absence. I will contact Mr. Grzyb if any potential issues arise so that we may solve any conflicts. This must be done 3 weeks before a performance.

6

9

I understand the school owned instrument policy. I will: � Rent/buy my own instrument (Highly Recommended) � Rent through the school.

I will fill out the rental agreement sent home if applicable.

6-7

10

I understand that I must submit a locker request form and a rental instrument request form before either will be issued.

9

11

I have received the performance calendar and have posted/entered it somewhere that we can easily access it. I acknowledge that all dates listed are set. Not listed dates will be sent home as soon as they are set.

8

Yes! My choice is to enhance education! I am enclosing a check money order payable to the Kyrene School of my choice for $____________ as a contribution to the public school system for extracurricular activity fees.

NOTE: A separate check must be received for each school.

Name ____________________________________________________________ Daytime Phone ______________________________________

Mailing Address _________________________________________ City ________________________ State _____________ Zip Code __________

*Total amount cannot exceed $400 for joint tax return. Individual returns are $200 maximum credit. Corporate and/or business checks are not eligible. ARS 43-1089.01(G)(2)(d) defines extracurricular activities as school-sponsored activities that supplement the school’s educational program and require enrolled students to pay a fee in order to participate. Please check with the school if you have questions about specific program eligibility.

Please Note: The above complete information is required in order for this contribution to be used as a TAX CREDIT on your 2017 Arizona State Income report. If the information is incomplete, your contribution and form will be returned to you. Tax credits must be POSTMARKED by April 15, 2018. Please mail completed form to: Tax Credits, Kyrene School District No. 28, 8700 South Kyrene Road, Tempe, AZ 85284. This is NOT a receipt. You will be mailed a receipt by the receiving school. If you have any questions, please call the school directly. Online donation receipts can be obtained from PayPal.

TEMPE • CHANDLER • AHWATUKEE

Kyrene School District No. 28 2017 Arizona State Tax Credit Contribution Form

Make a tax credit donation to a Kyrene school, you’ll get it back in more ways than one. Donate up to $400 to a Kyrene school of your choice and deduct that amount from state income taxes through a tax credit*.

You can donate in person at the schools or district office, mail this contribution form, or online at: www.kyrene.org/taxcredit

District Office • 8700 S. Kyrene Road, Tempe, AZ 85284 (NW Corner Kyrene & Warner) • 480-541-1000

Elementary Schools$__________ Kyrene de las Brisas

$__________ Kyrene de los Cerritos

$__________ Kyrene del Cielo

$__________ Kyrene de la Colina

$__________ Kyrene de la Esperanza

$__________ Kyrene de la Estrella

$__________ Kyrene de los Lagos

$__________ Kyrene de las Lomas

$__________ Kyrene de las Manitas

$__________ Kyrene de la Mariposa

$__________ Kyrene del Milenio

$__________ Kyrene de la Mirada

$__________ Kyrene Monte Vista

$__________ Kyrene de los Niños

$__________ Kyrene del Norte

$__________ Kyrene de la Paloma

$__________ Kyrene de la Sierra

$__________ Kyrene Traditional Academy - Sureño Campus

$__________ C.I. Waggoner

Middle Schools

$__________ Kyrene Akimel A-al

$__________ Kyrene Altadeña

$__________ Kyrene Aprende

$__________ Kyrene Centennial

$__________ Kyrene Middle School

$__________ Kyrene del Pueblo

If your donation is listed by the school name only, it will go into the general fund. Please specify below if you want tax credit for programs such as community education, character education, fine arts and athletics. A separate check must be received for each school or if choosing Athletics.

Apply my contribution to the following EXTRACURRICULAR activity at the designated school(s):

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Other Programs

$__________ KASP (located at Kyrene del Pueblo)

$__________ Athletics (Middle School)*

16-001 (JAN15)