Welcome To The Welcome To The Eastchester Middle Eastchester Middle School BandSchool Band

Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Band… But Were Afraid To Ask.

• Course Prospectus

• Grading Rationale

• Classroom Expectations

• Band Supply List

• Band Benchmarks

• Band Do’s and Don’t’s

• Practice Tips

Course Prospectus

School Phone: (914) 793-6130

Voice Mail: 4595

Concert Band is comprised of 3 separate bands of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Both the student’s individual playing skills and the ensemble playing skills are developed during the course of the school year. Individual playing skills are covered in small group lessons. Ensemble playing skills are covered in band class.

Small group lessons are part of the course offering and required of all band students. These lessons are scheduled on a rotating basis so the student does not miss the same class continually.

The band will perform a varied selection of band literature during the course of the year. There will be two scheduled performances during the school year, one in late December and one in late May. The band will also perform at various school assemblies. Attendance at both performances is required. Proper concert attire (white top, black bottoms, and dress shoes) is expected.

If, for any reason, a student misses a concert performance, an alternate assignment will be required to make up the grade. This assignment will involve a 3 to 5 page paper on a famous composer, a musical instrument or historical period in music. If this is needed, a packet containing all the information will be given to the student.

Grading Rationale

Grading Breakdown:

• Performance grade - 20%

• Lesson & Classroom Attendance- 35%

• Weekly Lesson Assignments- 25%

• Classroom Behavior- 20%

• Extra Credit opportunities available

Skill development assignments will be given on a weekly basis. Skills will include, but not be limited to, scales, rhythms, fingerings, pitches, and specific exercises in the method book, ED SUETA, BOOKS 1-3. Supplemental material for rhythms and scales will be provided to each student.

Classroom Expectations

• Behavior will be governed by the Eastchester Middle School code of Conduct.

• In addition, no student shall handle or play on any other student’s instrument

• Students will be expected to have their instrument, whether privately owned or rented, labeled with a luggage tag, masking tape or other appropriate material. It must clearly indicate the student’s name, address and telephone number.

•Parents must keep a record of the make, model and serial number of the instrument.

• All students are expected to have their instrument, music folder, lesson book, and a pencil for all classes.

Classroom Expectations Continued

• All students are expected to be on time for all classes and lessons.

• Each student will be required to keep a lesson schedule in his or her band folder. This schedule will include the dates and times of their upcoming lessons. Students are required to have their classroom teacher initial this form before attending a lesson.

Middle School Band Supply List

• 3 HOLE SPIRAL BINDER

• PLASTIC INSERTS (for music sheets)

• #2 PENCILS

• FOUR RICO #2 AND #21/2 REEDS (for saxophone and clarinets only)

• VALVE OIL (trumpets only)

• SLIDE OIL (trombones only)

• DRUMSTICKS AND PRACTICE PAD (drummers only)

• AN INSTRUMENT IN GOOD WORKING ORDER

• ED SUETA BOOK ONE (6th grade)

• ED SUETA BOOK TWO (7th grade)

• ED SUETA BOOK THREE (8th grade)

INSTRUMENT POLICY

• You may drop off your instrument in the Bandroom by 7:15 am

• DO NOT leave your instrument in the hallway outside the Bandroom!

• You should take your instrument home each day to practice. DO NOT leave it in school overnight.

E.M.S Band Benchmarks

At the end of each school year the following skills should be mastered by band students:

6th Grade:

• Memorization of 4 scales

• Basic level of technical proficiency on instrument (including tone, technique, and range)

• Ability to sight read simple musical excerpt (including whole note, half note, quarter notes, eight notes, and corresponding rests)

• Passing grade on written exam covering basic music theory including time signatures, key signatures, dynamics, etc…

E.M.S. Band Benchmarks

7th Grade:

• Memorization of 6 scales

• Reasonable level of technical proficiency on instrument (including tone, technique, and range)

• Ability to sight read music including 16th note rhythms

• Passing grade on written exam

8th Grade:

• Memorization of 7 scales including one octave chromatic

• Intermediate level of technical proficiency on instrument including tone, technique, and range

E.M.S. Band Benchmarks

8th Grade (Continued):

• Ability to sight read music including dotted rhythms and syncopation

• Passing grade on written exam

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• Opportunities for student participation in the All County and New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) festivals will be provided to all interested students

Band Do’s and Don’ts

• DO enter and exit the Bandroom in an orderly fashion

• DO practice at least 4 days per week

• DO remember to bring your instrument and music folder to all rehearsals and lessons.

• DO keep the Bandroom neat and clean.

• DO remain in your assigned seat during the rehearsal

• DON’T talk during band rehearsals unless called upon.

• DON’T fool around on your instrument during rehearsals.

• Choose a time to practice. Make this time a regular part of your evening and weekend routine.

• Find a quiet place to practice.

•Practice at least 4 days a week. As you become comfortable on your instrument you may practice more than 4 days a week.

• Remember: Occasionally it is helpful to practice with another person who is in the band. This could b someone who plays the same instrument or someone who plays a different instrument. Call up a friend, invite them over and have a weekend or evening jam session!

How Do You Get To Carnegie Hall???

PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!!!

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And finally…. All Band Members Are Invited To: OUR END OF THE YEAR TRIP TO RYE PLAYLAND!!!!

THE END