Beginning Band Handbook
Welcome to Sims Middle School Band. My goal is to teach your child to appreciate and interact with music by playing an instrument. Playing in band builds pride and self-esteem. Taking care of a musical instrument will help your child develop responsibility.
Band is what makes school special. Students take away valuable memories from concerts and special trips. These events build in them confidence and respect for themselves and their school. Studies have shown that students that are involved in the arts in school have a better chance of graduating from high school. Other studies have shown that students who are in music classes for many years score higher on standardized tests. Music students have the joy and privilege of representing their school in expressing what is in their heart. This gives them ownership of something bigger than themselves. These experiences are what create the desire to do great things in their lives.
It is my hope that when your child leaves middle school that they will continue their musical journey in high school and perhaps music will lead them into college.
What Do We Need to Start?
Uniforms
All band students will need a band t- shirt. We will use the shirts for concerts and other events as needed. All students will also need nice jeans or casual pants. Parents are welcome to purchase shirts as well. The shirts are automatically included with the Band Fee payment.
Students that have difficulty behaving in any class may become ineligible to participate in any band activities.
Performances are part of a team effort that has included many hours of rehearsal. We are counting on each other to make this performance successful. If any student is out or has not prepared their music it will affect the whole group.
If your child cannot participate in this performance activity because of a family emergency, please state the reason with your signature and your phone number. Unexcused absence from a performance will result in a discipline assignment.
Concert attendance
Parents, Students will not be graded on the actual performance. I will grade them on the music prior to the performance, however participation in all concerts is strongly recommended. The band spends a great deal of time rehearsing for these concerts and the other students are depending on your child’s participation with theirs to make the concert a success. If your child misses a concert because of an unforeseen emergency, such as vehicle break down or family member is sick, please send a note explaining the absence on the next school day.
Refunds Money that is collected from fundraising is not refundable. Money that parents pay directly can be refunded provided that it has not been spent. Once the money has been spent on deposits or final payment it cannot be refunded unless we can get a refund from the vendors. Parents that request a refund must do so in writing. Students that are leaving the band program must request a refund before their last day. Students with money left over at the end of the year will get to use it the following year.
William Shaner, Director
If you have questions or comments call 955-3676 ext. 203 or, e-mail at [email protected].
Welcome to Sims Middle School Band. My goal is to teach your child to appreciate and interact with music by playing an instrument. Playing in band builds pride and self-esteem. Taking care of a musical instrument will help your child develop responsibility.
Band is what makes school special. Students take away valuable memories from concerts and special trips. These events build in them confidence and respect for themselves and their school. Studies have shown that students that are involved in the arts in school have a better chance of graduating from high school. Other studies have shown that students who are in music classes for many years score higher on standardized tests. Music students have the joy and privilege of representing their school in expressing what is in their heart. This gives them ownership of something bigger than themselves. These experiences are what create the desire to do great things in their lives.
It is my hope that when your child leaves middle school that they will continue their musical journey in high school and perhaps music will lead them into college.
What Do We Need to Start?
- Band instrument.
- Your child will need the Tradition of Excellence Book 1. We will move into book 2 during the last nine weeks of school.
- Percussion Students need Tradition of Excellence Book 1. And Performing Percussionist books.
- We have instrument lockers for each student. Locks are optional. Any items such as clothes, lunchboxes etc. that are left in lockers for a week or longer will be taken to lost and found.
- Your child will need a pencil, a 1 inch binder, and the accessories listed below.
- Flute – Fingerprint cloth, handkerchief (swab) and tuning rod.
- Clarinet – Fingerprint cloth, swab, three # 2 ½ reeds, and cork grease.
- Saxophone – Fingerprint cloth, swab, three # 2 reeds, and cork grease.
- Cornet/Trumpet – Fingerprint cloth, valve oil, and tuning slide grease.
- Trombone – Fingerprint cloth; slide oil, tuning slide grease and slide cream.
- Percussion – Set of all wood 2B drumsticks, bell mallets, snare drum, and practice pad. Some music stores offer a starter bag with all the sticks and mallets that we will need for the first year.
- A tuner and metronome. All books and accessories may be purchased at the music store of your choice.
- Students should be in the band room when the bell rings.
- Show proper respect to everyone.
- Students are responsible for their own instrument, books, and accessories.
- There is to be no talking once class has begun.
- Students only play their instruments when they are directed to do so by Mr. Shaner.
- Food or drink of any kind is not allowed in the band room.
- Students may ask to use the rest room at the beginning or ending of class only.
- Warning.
- Writing Assignment – Student will be told to put their instrument away and complete a writing assignment. Parent signature will be part of this assignment.
- Parents will be called.
- Referral to the Dean’s office.
- All students will take tests from the” Tradition of Excellence” Book 1, scales and concert music.
- All students will have written tests on music theory, musical terms and listening skills.
- All students will receive a daily grade based upon their participation. Participation includes having an instrument, books, and any other music or material that we use in class.
- Students are graded on effort and accuracy. Mistakes will reduce a student’s grade. Mistakes include: bad tone quality, incorrect hand position and/or posture, wrong notes, wrong rhythms, key signature errors, unsteady tempos, hesitations or stopping.
- I feel strongly that your child will enjoy music if they appreciate and respect the process by which they are taught. I hope that you will help us maintain these standards by encouraging your child in music.
- Any student that does not bring their instrument or parts of their instrument to class will be assigned an article to read and a written summary of this article will be due at the end of that class period
Uniforms
All band students will need a band t- shirt. We will use the shirts for concerts and other events as needed. All students will also need nice jeans or casual pants. Parents are welcome to purchase shirts as well. The shirts are automatically included with the Band Fee payment.
Students that have difficulty behaving in any class may become ineligible to participate in any band activities.
Performances are part of a team effort that has included many hours of rehearsal. We are counting on each other to make this performance successful. If any student is out or has not prepared their music it will affect the whole group.
If your child cannot participate in this performance activity because of a family emergency, please state the reason with your signature and your phone number. Unexcused absence from a performance will result in a discipline assignment.
Concert attendance
Parents, Students will not be graded on the actual performance. I will grade them on the music prior to the performance, however participation in all concerts is strongly recommended. The band spends a great deal of time rehearsing for these concerts and the other students are depending on your child’s participation with theirs to make the concert a success. If your child misses a concert because of an unforeseen emergency, such as vehicle break down or family member is sick, please send a note explaining the absence on the next school day.
Refunds Money that is collected from fundraising is not refundable. Money that parents pay directly can be refunded provided that it has not been spent. Once the money has been spent on deposits or final payment it cannot be refunded unless we can get a refund from the vendors. Parents that request a refund must do so in writing. Students that are leaving the band program must request a refund before their last day. Students with money left over at the end of the year will get to use it the following year.
William Shaner, Director
If you have questions or comments call 955-3676 ext. 203 or, e-mail at [email protected].