Concert and Symphonic Band
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?
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.
The Florida Bandmasters Association, in conjunction with the Florida School Music Association, sponsors non-competitive performance opportunities called Music Performance Assessments (MPA).
PURPOSE FOR BAND MUSIC PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENTS
Uniforms
All band students will need a band uniform shirt. The band shirt is included in the band fee payment. We will use the shirts for concerts and other events as needed. All students will also need a pair of black pants/slacks, belt and black dress shoes.
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 required. 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].
Copyright © 1999 [T.L. Sims M.S. Band]. All rights reserved.
Revised:
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?
- Students will use the. “Tradition of Excellence” book 1 and 2. (Symphonic will only use book 2).
- Your child will need a pencil, a 1 inch binder, and the accessories listed below.
- 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.
- Flute – Fingerprint cloth, handkerchief (swab) and tuning rod.
- Clarinet – Fingerprint cloth, swab, three 2 ½ to #3 reeds, and cork grease.
- Saxophone – Fingerprint cloth, swab, three #3 reeds, and cork grease.
- Cornet/Trumpet – Fingerprint cloth, valve oil, and tuning slide grease.
- Trombone – Fingerprint cloth, tuning slide grease, water spray bottle and slide cream.
- Percussion – Hard bell mallets, yarn mallets and general timpani mallets.
- A tuner and metronome
- Students should be in the band room when the bell rings.
- Show proper respect to everyone.
- Students should be 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.
- Time out – 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 and 2, scales and music for concerts.
- All County auditions, Solo & Ensemble and District contest can be used as a nine weeks grade.
- All students will have written tests on music theory and musical terms.
- All students will have reading, listening and writing assignments.
- 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.
- Symphonic Band students are required to participate in All County auditions, Solo and Ensemble festival and Concert MPA.
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.
The Florida Bandmasters Association, in conjunction with the Florida School Music Association, sponsors non-competitive performance opportunities called Music Performance Assessments (MPA).
PURPOSE FOR BAND MUSIC PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENTS
- To provide opportunities for students and directors to perform in an environment which provides critical evaluation of its performance by noted experts in the field of band performance,
- To provide the opportunity for students and directors to perform for their peers in a formal concert setting,
- To provide a performance opportunity which will serve as a motivational goal for students and directors,
- To provide an opportunity for students and directors to hear performances of their peers and learn from hearing those performances, and to provide a goal which is so compelling that the preparation for attaining that goal becomes the vehicle for continued growth and to demonstrate students' abilities to apply musical fundamentals and concepts in an ensemble performance setting.
Uniforms
All band students will need a band uniform shirt. The band shirt is included in the band fee payment. We will use the shirts for concerts and other events as needed. All students will also need a pair of black pants/slacks, belt and black dress shoes.
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 required. 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].
Copyright © 1999 [T.L. Sims M.S. Band]. All rights reserved.
Revised: