Welcome to Band at Boissevain!

I am so excited that you have made the decision to be a part of, or continue being a part

of, the Boissevain Band Family. This is a very special program to be a part of, and I look

forward to getting to know you and watching you grow into fine young musicians throughout

the year. You’ll notice very quickly that Boissevain isn’t a very big place, but it can still be

challenging to be a find a safe space to belong and be yourself completely. I hope that the band

room will become your safe space, and that all of the band students will become your friends

and eventually start to feel like your second family.

There is a website http://www.mspokrantsband.ca (under construction) that will serve

as a resource for you and your families to get to know everything there is to know about being

involved in Band. If you feel like there is some information missing, please let me know and I

will add it! Details about how to act, what you need, reasons to take band, a schedule of

events, and many other details are outlined on the band website. I hope you will find this a

useful resource as you navigate your way through the band program.

The reason I wish to lay out these policies for you is so that we can focus on having the

best musical experience possible. Without structure and guidelines, learning can suffer. The

Boissevain Band program is in a cycle of regrowth and rebuilding, and I want to make it our goal

to continue to produce inspiring and outstanding art in the band program at Boissevain. When

every person knows exactly what is expected of them, we will be one step closer to reaching

our musical goals.

Thank you for taking the time to look over the Boissevain Band website! Please let me

know if you have any questions/comments/concerns – my door is always open! See you in the

Band room!

Musically yours,

Ms. Pokrant

Program Objectives

To teach and learn music by actively engaging students in rehearsals and performances To develop performance skills on various wind and percussion instruments To provide for the musical needs of the community To develop discrimination with regard to the selection of music To acquaint students with music theory/history and how history and musical

composition relate to students’ lives and musical experiences To provide all students with the opportunity for worthy use of their time, a means for

self-expression, and a healthy social experience To develop the ability to function as a responsible member of a group, enhance

interaction, and develop individual and group morale To foster leader skills within each student

Core Values

InclusivityThe band program is a safe space for EVERYONE. Regardless of your musical knowledge or skill, there is a place for you.

Personal GrowthThrough the study of music, students will gain life skills necessary for success in any future career. RESPONSIBILITY, DEDICATION, PERSERVERENCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, COMMITMENT and TEAMWORK are examples of these skills.

ExcellenceWe strive to make beautiful and meaningful music together in a place where students support, care about and help each other daily.

Responsibilities

Be on time to all classes, extra rehearsals and performances. Early is on time – on time is late.

When the conductor stands on the podium at the beginning of class, stop talking immediately. This indicates that class is starting, and it’s time to get to work.

Come to each rehearsal with a good attitude. Some days will be easier than others. There should be no excess playing (ex. horsing around on the instrument, making

obnoxious noises), only good, solid music making. Make an effort to improve on a daily basis Become responsible for and assume responsibility for your own actions. Admit when

you are wrong. Have proper respect for yourself, all equipment in the band room, and those in

authority. Read and play music with insight – have high musical expectations of yourself and

others

Attendance

Students must take the responsibility to attend all classes, rehearsals and performances. Missing a class can be detrimental in the ensemble's development and sound. We build our musical skills together as individuals and as a team and it is important to take this commitment seriously. Much like other team sports, we are only as strong as our weakest link. The first step in growing as a team is to show up.

I believe in what we are trying to accomplish, and I want to make your time with me worthwhile. Let's work together so that I don't have to waste your time.

Concert Attendance

Missing performances is simply not permitted. It is mandatory to attend all concerts and dress rehearsals. Performances are equivalent to a final exam in an academic course, and championship games in sport leagues.

The dates are posted on our calendar both online and in the classroom. Students are expected to take the responsibility to be at all performances.*If there is a major family emergency that will prevent a student from performing, a parent or guardian must let the band director know ASAP and alternative arrangements will be made on an individual basis.

Grading

Your grade will be based upon your progress in the four wings of the curriculum butterfly:Making, Creating, Connecting, and Responding.

Progress Reports

Every term there will be reports sent out regarding your child's progress and development in school. Feel free to contact me via email at any time to discuss your child and/or my class(es).

Playing Tests

Two weeks before every concert, students will be expected to perform a playing test based on our concert repertoire. This is a chance for me to assess how students are dealing with our repertoire and for more one-on-one time that we sometimes miss during full rehearsal.

Basic Band Classroom Procedures

Leave school bags, binders and jackets in your locker Only enter the band room once the teacher has dismissed the previous rehearsal Large instrument cases are to be left on the shelf for the duration of the class Small instrument cases (flutes, clarinets, oboes, bass clarinets, and trumpets only) may

come to your chairs. Sit in your assigned spot in the classroom Have a pencil everyday Students may do an individual warm-up until the teacher is ready to begin class. Oil all valves, get new reeds, clean mouthpieces and sharpen pencils BEFORE class

begins Do not lose your music. If you do lose your music, you owe Ms. Pokrant $10 as that is

what is costs to replace a part. When teacher stands on the podium this indicates the beginning of class. STOP playing

your instrument immediately and pay attention to announcements or instruction. If you have to use the bathroom during class, raise your hand and ask respectfully. Only

ask when your section has a break from rehearsing, never during. No cell phone use is permitted. Be engaged in the class. There is always something to

learn whether you are playing your instrument or not.

The teacher will dismiss the class when she is ready. Do not pack up until you have permission.

Instrument Care

General Woodwind Care Tips(Flute, Clarinets, Oboes, Saxophones)

No gum or soft drinks before playing. Sugar mixed with saliva builds up on the pads and causes them to stick, making it difficult to play the instrument.

Use cork grease as little as possible, but make sure you use it when needed. To apply it properly, you must rub the grease into the cork. Do not use ChapStick®.

So moisture does not absorb into the pads, use an absorbent drop swab to clean out the moisture from each section before you place it in the case.

Wipe down the exterior of the instrument with a non-treated cloth to remove fingerprints and residue.

Do not store the reed on the mouthpiece; store in a reed holder. Reeds can cement themselves to your mouthpiece and collect many germs. As soon as the reed cracks, chips, or softens, it is time to replace it.

Clean your clarinet or saxophone mouthpiece in warm, soapy water, making sure the reed and ligature have been removed.

Do not leave a woodwind instrument in a hot or cold car, or in your trunk. Extreme temperatures can damage your instrument.

Do not set anything on top of your woodwind instrument, whether inside or outside of its case; this includes sheet music! Damage occurs easily when items are set on the instrument and the case is closed. The keys are often bent this way.

Make sure the case is closed securely. Check all hinges, latches, and handles to ensure they are securely fastened.

Never use pliers or hammers on your instrument. Improper use of household tools is a common cause of unnecessary damage to instruments.

General Brass Care Tips(Trumpets, Trombones, French Horns, Euphoniums, Tubas)

You can wash the mouthpiece with warm, soapy water, making sure you dry the inside thoroughly. The mouthpiece should not have any dents in the end of the shank. If the mouthpiece gets stuck, do not attempt to remove it. We have a special tool for removing it.

Wipe down the exterior of all brass instruments with a non-treated cloth to remove fingerprints and residue.

Pitch is affected by temperature. Be sure to warm up your instrument before playing by blowing air through it.

It is recommended that all brass instruments be taken to a professional repair technician at least once a year for general maintenance and professional cleaning. Doing so may prevent costly repairs in the future. Regular maintenance and professional chemical cleaning will also help prevent "red rot", a form of corrosion that eats through brass.

Broken solder joints should not be ignored. Have a qualified repair technician check out your instrument as soon as possible.

Never set anything on top of your brass instrument, whether inside or outside of its case; this includes sheet music! Damage occurs easily when items are placed on the instrument and the case is closed. Make sure your case is secure and all hinges, latches, and handles are securely fastened to the case.

Never leave a brass instrument in a hot car or in your trunk. Extreme temperatures can damage your horn.

Practice

Practicing a musical instrument is the most important thing you can do to improve as a player. The amount of time you have to put in will vary from player to player depending on age, and ability. Everything worth doing takes time and effort and finding the motivation can be hard. Expect ups and downs in the process of learning and just keep going!

So you're ready to practice... now what? Learning how to spend your time effectively in practice can be a challenge, but with these tips you will be well on your way to successfully practicing your instrument.

Step 1: What will you do?Decide what you want to accomplish. Don't just play when you practice; work on something specific in order to improve. Do you want to focus on tone? Intonation? Rhythm? A particularly tricky section in a piece? Assignment material? Learn a new tune by ear? What you decide to work on will affect what you need in Step 2.

Remember also to keep short-term (what you will do today) and long-term (what you will be

able to do in a month) in mind. This will also encourage you to practice often!

Step 2: Are you prepared?Do you have your instrument, music, a pencil, a metronome, a tuner, an environment where you can focus, and (most importantly) a ready ear? You must be ready to listen to yourself critically when you practice as it is just you and your instrument. You are your own teacher at this time!

Step 3: Warm-up"But I'm about to play! Why do I have to warm up first?!" Believe it or not, the warm-up is more essential to your practice session that the actual practice! After correctly and carefully putting together your instrument, make sure you play a wide range of notes so you know your instrument is in working order (not too many high notes; as you said yourself, you're about to play!), play long tones and faster patterns, an etude or two, and exercises in two or more keys to mentally and physically prepare yourself.

Step 4: Macro Micro Macro (big picture, small section, big picture)Start playing what you have decided to work on. When you hear something that does not sound the way you want, stop and focus on that section. Is it a rhythm? A pitch? Two pitches that never seem to sound right?

Remember that this is a learning process, so try not to get frustrated, and just go back to the beginning.

Go a little farther back and play it in context. Is it still a problem, or has it been fixed? If it is still a problem, find the new trouble spot. If it is fixed, move on until your critical ear hears something else it is not happy with.

Step 5: Reward!Congratulations! You got through your practice session. Your reward is to play something that you excel at playing, and then to cool down you and your instrument. Play mid-range long tones, focusing on the tone and intonation. Correctly and carefully clean and put away your instrument and accessories.

General Practice Tips

- Practice slowly and relax- Have a good attitude; don't get on your own case if something doesn't go the way you want it to. That's what tomorrow is for!- Practice with full sound and good tone at ALL TIMES- Don't practice mistakes but CORRECT repititions- If you are tired or can't focus, stop practicing and come back to it later- Have a sound model; listen to recordings of great musicians for your instrument- Constantly check your posture, breathing, embouchure, hand position and instrument position

Rehearsal Etiquette

Be on timeo This means that you are sitting in your chair with your music and pencil on your

stand and instrument ready to go for rehearsal BEFORE class starts. Show respect

o When the teacher is talking, listeno When a classmate is talking, listeno No cell phones in class, be engaged in the moment

Work hardo We don’t expect perfection, but we do expect 100% effort to be put forth 100%

of the time. Be kind to each other

o Add supportive comments, cheer each other on, offer words of encouragement No Food/Gum/Sugary Drinks

o This will keep our instruments in good working conditiono If you DO eat food or drink sugar, rinse your mouth out with water before

playing your instrument. Rehearse the way you intend to perform

o Use lots of airo Sit with good postureo Watch the Conductoro Listen to each other for balance, blend and tuning

Performance Etiquette

Please show up at least 30 minutes before all dress rehearsals and concert warm-ups in order to set up your instrument and prepare yourself.

Arrive wearing your band appropriate band clothes. This means:

Boys: Black dress shirt, black dress pants, black dress shoes, BLACK SOCKS

Girls: Black dress shirt, black dress pants, black dress shoes, BLACK SOCKS

OR Black dress/skirt that is longer than knee-length, with arms covered at least 3/4 length as well as black tights, stockings

Musical PreparednessMake sure you are ready to perform before the performance date. Spend time practicing the challenging parts for you! Everyone in the band will require different amounts of practicing based on their musical skills, and that’s okay. If you are a person who learns your sheet music quickly, help out a friend. If you are a person who takes longer to learn music, ask for help from friends and Ms. Pokrant. We are part of a team, and a team is only as strong as its weakest link – don’t let that person be you.

Stage Deportment The performance starts as soon as we start walking onto the stage. Act and be

professional and calm. Percussionists lead the way and immediately start to set up for the first piece on the

program. Wind players will walk on stage in the proper row order, starting with the front row first. Do not sit down until everyone in your row has a chair behind and a stand in front of

them. Once seated, adjust your chair and stand so that you have a clear and easy view of the

conductor. Wait for the conductors cue to play a tuning note. No other sounds on stage until the

performance.

During the Performance Watch the conductor. Listen well for balance, blend and tuning. Every space is different. Watch the conductor

for advice on how to adjust volume and tuning. Have fun! Smile during your rests!

If something goes wrong in performance, we will keep going! Watch the conductor diligently to solve the problem – this is part of the excitement of performing!

After the Performance Stand up when the conductor asks the band to stand. We stand to say “THANK YOU!” to

our audience for clapping. Exit the stage in your rows. Immediately put your instruments back away in their cases in order to prevent broken

instruments. Every student MUST stay until all of the equipment is brought back to and set up neatly

in the band room.

Audience Etiquette

Show Respect Sit quietly and attentively during the performance. When a performing group presents a

concert, they are putting forth their best effort, and they should expect the same from those in the audience.

Before the concert starts, read through the program so that you know what to expect! You may talk softly while you are waiting.

Follow along in your program during the concert, but keep the paper still during soft musical moments.

DO NOT TALK during songs. Wait until the song is over to talk. You may not leave the concert venue to go to the bathroom during a song. WAIT until

the song is over to go to the bathroom. When you are done in the bathroom, wait to sit back in your seat until the song is

finished and people are clapping. Look at the performers on stage and give them your undivided attention. Absolutely no cell phones or devices of any kind during a concert

Clapping Wait until the end of the piece to start clapping. You will know the piece is over when

the conductor puts her hands down by their side. If a piece of music is more than one movement, DO NOT clap in between movements,

wait until the entire piece is over.

It is standard concert etiquette to stay for the duration of the performance. Please do not get up to leave part way through the concert.

Following this etiquette will provide a respectful, professional atmosphere for your children and will be greatly appreciated!

How Parents Can Help/Be Involved

Show an interest in your child’s musical studies. Attend band concerts and performances. Students work hard to prepare music for

performances and the reward is far greater when your children have someone special to them in the audience cheering them on.

Allow and encourage at home practice on a regular basis. Set up a space in the home where your child can practice without fear of judgement.

Check the website often for Band Program Updates. Communicate any questions/concerns/needs to the band director! I am so happy to

hear from parents. Notify band director ASAP if your child will be absent or tardy for a performance or

rehearsal/class.

Recordings – Who to Listen to

Just as the blind child cannot paint a picture of the sunset, an instrumentalist cannot duplicate a characteristic sound on his or her instrument without an appropriate model to emulate. Below are suggestions of artists for each instrument. Look them up YouTube, or download albums on apple music!

Classical Musicians:Flute Jean - Pierre Rampal, Jim Walker, Paula RobinsonClarinet - Harold Wright, Larry CombsOboe - Joseph Robinson, John MackBassoon - Bubonic Bassoon Quartet, Christopher MillardSaxophone - Joseph Lulloff, Steven MaukTrumpet - Phil Smith, Adolph HersethHorn - Dale Clevenger, Dennis BrainTrombone - Joseph Alessi, Christian LinbergEuphonium - Brian Bowman, Roger BehrendTuba - Arnold Jacobs, Sam PilafianPercussion - Martin Grubinger, Nancy Zeltzman

Top Ten Reasons to Take Band from Grade 9 through 12Adapted from: https://www.nammfoundation.org

1. Music instruction develops skills needed by the 21st century workforce: critical thinking, creative problem solving, effective communication, teamwork, and more.2. Music education lays the foundation for individual excellence in group settings, creative problem solving, and flexibility in work situations.3. Being involved in music keeps students engaged in school and less likely to drop out.4. Practicing an instrument helps students achieve in other academic subjects like math, science and reading. A study published in 2010 found that regular music making strengthens nonmusical brain functions.5. According to research published in a 2014 article in Parents magazine, learning how to play an instrument helps children develop coordination and motor skills, because they require movement of the hands, arms, and feet.6. The band classroom offers a space where students learn how to accept and give constructive criticism.7. Participating in an ensemble helps communities share ideas and values among cultures and generations.8. Learning an instrument teaches young adults about delayed gratification.9. Making music is a disciplined human endeavour with intrinsic value to society.10. Being involved in music provides students with opportunities to: express themselves in verbal and non-verbal ways; appreciate diverse perspectives, openness and flexibility in thinking; develop a high level of self-awareness and self-confidence; develop a rich and healthy sense of beauty and imagination.