Band & Orchestra Handbook
2007-2008
Josh Prout
Music Director
Welcome to the Lewis Middle School Instrumental Music Program!
Learning to play a musical instrument in a precision ensemble is an exciting and challenging event and one which is not always an easy thing to do; time and patience are important factors for the parent, students, and teacher. In order to provide the student with the best possible experience, and one which will foster an appreciation of music throughout their lives, I have placed as much pertinent information in this handbook as I can to help you with every aspect of our program. I hope you find the handbook helpful and informative.
During the course of the year if you need help, please do not hesitate to contact me by the following:
Email - jprout.sandi@net
School Phone - 619/583-3233
Band Room Extension - x4505
Please note that email is my preferred method of contact. It is not possible to answer the phone during class, but I make a point to answer emails promptly - usually within 24 hours, unless it is received over a weekend or holiday in which case I will reply on the next school day. Many situations are better discussed over the phone and in person, and in those instances, I'll be happy to use email to set up a convenient time to hold the conference.
GOALS
- To provide a background in the appreciation of music and an understanding of music fundamentals as it relates to each student by learning the skill of a musical instrument.
- To promote responsibility and good citizenship habits through the musical medium.
- To broaden the student's sense of self-discipline and group responsibility as the student works toward a common goal of technical proficiency, artistic appreciation, and performance excellence.
- To prepare the student for the successful completion of the public school instrumental music program at the high school level.
- To have FUN through a quality musical experience.
COURSE OFFERINGS
Beginning Band - is available to any student who desires to play a musical instrument. No prior experience is required. Emphasis is placed on acquiring proficiency at the elementary level in music reading, tone production, and ensemble technique.
Apprentice Band - is available to those students who have completed at least one year of instrumental music instruction at the elementary or private level, or whose performance experience may be otherwise limited. Emphasis will be placed on acquiring confidence in sight-reading, and new skills with instruments, leading to the production of a well-balanced wind and percussion ensemble.
Cadet Band - is based on audition during the spring of the previous year. Emphasis is placed on expanding the skills learned in Beginning/Apprentice Bands, raising the quality of the music performance, and preparing the student for participation in the Concert Band or a high school ensemble.
Concert Band - is based on audition during the spring of the previous year. Emphasis will be placed on the preparation for frequent performances and competitions through the acquisition of confidence in the most challenging literature at the middle school level.
Orchestra - is available to seventh and eighth graders only with at least one year of experience with a string instrument. Emphasis will be placed on acquiring new skills, sight-reading, and performances. Since this is the first time an orchestra is being offered, students will become the foundation for a growing ensemble.
Jazz Band - is available as a supplemental (after school) course to selected students concurrently enrolled in the Concert Band or Orchestra. This elite ensemble is chosen based on audition and the student's record of behavior, self-discipline, and good citizenship. This group will study and perform literature of swing, rock, fusion, and Latin styles. Frequent performances at various venues are a hallmark of this group.
CONDUCT
The only conduct acceptable is that which reflects good taste, maturity, and pride in our program and school. Horseplay, profanity, and vulgarity will not be tolerated at any time, in or out of the rehearsal room. Respect for oneself and for others will be demonstrated at all times.
FOOD
There will be absolutely no food, drinks, or gum allowed in room 505, or any of its extended facilities including, but not limited to the quad outside, Instrument Storage room, any of the four back rooms, or the auditorium.
INSTRUMENTS
Although there are a small number of school-owned instruments available for student loan, it is strongly recommended that the student provide his/her own. Smaller school-owned instruments such as flutes, clarinets, trumpets, and saxophones come from a variety of sources (donations, etc.) and are of varying degrees of quality, playability, and decay. All larger instruments such as tuba, baritone horn, and bass clarinet are provided by the school but again, quantities are limited. I base my selection of those students who will receive them on the following criteria:
1. Need
2. Suitability to the student
3. Ensemble balance
Each student will receive a questionnaire which will help to determine this.
PLEASE NOTE: An instrument on loan to the student becomes the sole responsibility of the student/parent/guardian while on campus and outside the school. Although temporary instrument storage is provided daily for the convenience of the student in room 505, it shall remain the responsibility of the individual in regard to theft or damage, regardless of ownership.
If it is your intention to rent an instrument (recommended), do it as soon as possible. Music stores are swamped with requests during the first few weeks of school.
If you would like to buy an instrument, please consult with me first. I can probably guide you away from some brands that are of lesser quality which can impede the music development of the student. Many music stores in town carry low quality instruments and don't think twice about selling one to you.
RECOMMEND MUSIC STORES
There other good music stores besides the ones I have listed. However, I have had good personal experience with the following:
- The Windsmith
- Nick Rail Music (formerly Musicraft)
- Alan's Music
- Hammond Ashley Violin Shop
WIND INSTRUMENT SHARING
Since Lewis has a limited number of instrument available for student loan, it sometimes becomes necessary for students to share a school instrument. Therefore, I strongly encourage that students supply their own mouthpiece. Reeds MUST be supplied by each student. However, if a mouthpiece must be shared, it can be kept relatively clean if each student cleans out the mouthpiece with the proper swab after each use and it is sprayed with a commercial disinfectant such as "Sani-Spray" or similar product.
MAINTENANCE OF INSTRUMENTS
All music students are required to maintain their instrument in proper working order, regardless of ownership.
- Reed players must provide their own cork grease, key oil and cleaning cloths or swabs and should use them regularly. Reeds in good condition must be used at all times.
- Brass players must provide their own valve or slide oil and should use them regularly.
- String players must have and maintain strings in good condition for the class daily.
Since most problems with instrument occur through accident, misuse, or neglect, I can't stress the importance of respecting and maintaining one's instrument enough. If the student will take the minimum time and care required of the instrument on a daily basis, most problems can be avoided almost indefinitely. Instruments are not toys - they are delicate and sensitive devices.
REPAIRS
Even with the best of intention, accidents do occur at times. In the case of a school district-owned instrument, the school district will repair it at no cost to the student at the discretion of the music director. If the director observes or believes that the damage occurred through abuse, neglect, or misconduct on the part of the student, the student will be charged for repair or replacement of the instrument. Students who rent or own their own instruments must make every effort to have the damaged instrument repaired as soon as a problem is identified. If the student will not have the use of an instrument for any period of time, written notification or email from the parent will be required to excuse the student. If the student is not excused from participation in rehearsals due to lack of an instrument or the non-playability of the instrument, the student's grade will be lowered 1 letter for each day.
PRACTICE/HOMEWORK
All students are expected to practice a minimum of 25 minutes daily.
If you practice, you get better.
If you get better, you play with better players.
If you play with better players, you play better music.
If you play better music, you have more fun.
If you have more fun, you want to practice more.
If you practice more, you get better . . .
- Douglas Yeo, Parenting Musical Children
The only sure way to realize a positive improvement in one's playing is through thorough, consistent, comprehensive practice routines; daily class rehearsal is not enough. Just as science and math teachers give daily assignments that must be completed, so the music student is required to complete daily homework assignments as well. No one ever learned to play an instrument in a class or a private lesson. Learning to play is learning how to practice.
In order to reinforce the concept of daily practice, students must take their instruments home every night. If the instrument is home, the likelihood of practice is increased. However, if the instrument is left at school, it is proof that the student isn't practicing. If the instrument is left at school, the student will be required to complete practice logs and turn them in at the end of each week to the director to ensure time is being spent practicing.
As you can see, this system is based primarily on honor. Parental reinforcement of practice time, as in any class, will help to ensure the student's musical progress and successful performance.
PRIVATE LESSONS
I strongly recommend that every student take advantage of private lessons if possible. Any student who wishes to gain the most out of their musical experience owes it to themselves to invest the time and money in a professional private instructor. It's the best investment you can make. Most music stores in town have instructors that teach in their store. If you would like additional names of high quality instructors please contact me and I can provide you with names and contact information.
CLASS RULES
- Students will bring instrument, music, and a pencil to rehearsal daily.
- Once the director begins class, NO TALKING. With the large scale of each ensemble, unnecessary talking and noise slows down the rehearsal and distracts others who wish to learn.
- Twenty Five minutes of minimum daily home practice is required. Effective use of practice time in school and at home will help the student's progress and grade.
- Concert performance is mandatory. Because music is a performing art, attendance is required for every performance. A performance is like a test or exam for other academic classes. An unexcused absence will result in a lowered grade (2 letters). Lack of transportation, babysitting, other homework, sports, Boy/Girl Scouts, etc., are not acceptable excuses. Students will be excused due to illness or religious observance only; written notification from the parent or guardian will be required.
- Concert Dress for all ensembles except Concert and Jazz Bands:
- Girls: Black skirt or dress that covers the knees when sitting down, or black pants; white blouse or sweater; white socks or neutral hose; black dress shoes. No jeans, t-shirts, or athletic shoes allowed.
- Boys: Black dress pants; white dress shirt, black socks; black dress shoes; dark colored tie (long or bow). No jeans, t-shirts, or athletic shoes allowed.
- Concert Dress for Concert Band and Jazz Band will be determined at a later date.
- Students will respect all school and private property at all times.
- All school-loaned and private instrument cases are to be labeled with the student's name. No name = no admittance to the instrument storage room.
- No eating, drinking or gum-chewing allowed. Discipline according to school policies will be enforced.
- Students will conduct themselves in a mature, respectable manner at all times in compliance with the policy and code of conduct of Lewis Middle School.
- All students are responsible for keeping the rehearsal room neat. Before dismissal, all students will be required to return chairs, stands, and other equipment to their original positions and instruments to the instrument storage room. All percussion students are required to assist in preparing and returning percussion equipment to its proper storage area. At no time are instruments or music to be left on the rehearsal floor, stands, or equipment.
GRADES
Citizenship will be determined in class and performance by observing if the student is prepared by:
- Instrument and music ready in a timely manner.
- In seat and ready to warm up, rehearse, or perform on time.
- Preparation to dismiss when asked by director.
- High level of cooperation in rehearsal and performance.
- Grade of "F"
- Failure to reach minimum proficiencies due to excessive absence, lack of practice, non-participation or disruptive behavior during rehearsals.
Grade of "D"
- Not recognized as a passing grade; used only to indicate a definite need which must be corrected.
- Below minimum required attendance at rehearsals.
- Basic unwillingness to improve through practice or cooperate in rehearsals.
- Lacking in self-control; distracts others; unfocused.
- Poor performance on test scores.
Grade of "C"
- Minimum required attendance at rehearsals.
- Minimal individual effort to improve through practice.
- Minimum contribution to ensemble activities; reluctant to assume responsibility in rehearsal or performance.
- Rehearsal conduct inconsistent; lacking in self-discipline.
- Average to below average performance on test scores.
Grade of "B"
- Prompt, alert, and attentive at all rehearsals and performances.
- Assumes musical responsibility in ensemble; consistent practice to ensure satisfactory performance.
- Positive contribution to ensemble activities; definite self-improvement through practice and/or private lessons.
- Exercises good self-control, self-discipline, and cooperative spirit in ensemble group activities.
- Good scores on performance tests.
Grade of "A"
- Exhibits positive leadership and interest in section; independence and resourcefulness in assisting rehearsal and performance procedures.
- Outstanding progress in self-improvement through consistent individual practice and solo and ensemble participation.
- Strong, positive contributions to ensemble and music department as a whole through participation in honor groups, youth orchestras, and any other outside performance opportunities.
- Strong evidence of personal integrity and character which best exemplifies the principles of the Lewis Middle School Music Program and Lewis Middle School.
- Very good to excellent scores on performance tests.
|
