Belleville Middle School Band

Mrs. Taglairino, Band and Choral Director

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL! The following handbook provides important information about the Band program at Belleville Middle School.

Areas of Focus - Musical Literacy – Reading pitch and rhythm - Knowledge of Musical Styles related to music history - Music Theory - Performance skills

Performances Winter Concert: Wednesday, December 9, 6:30pm Middle School Auditorium

Jazz Band Open to all students in grade 6-8. This club will meet weekly afterschool from 3-3:50pm. A late bus will be provided for bus students. Jazz Band focuses on classic literature from the Blues, Funk, Rock and Pop styles.

Marching Band Open for students entering into 8th grade. Students may join the High School Marching Band and participate in this varsity level activity. From the end of August until the middle of November, students will rehearse 2-3 days a week, and participate in the Varsity Football games, competitions and parades. More information will follow in January.

Ensemble Behavior Our instrumental ensembles are essentially music teams. The actions of any individual can either help or hinder the entire ensemble in both rehearsal and performance. Self – discipline is not optional: it is required. Repeat offenders will be removed from the class at the director’s discretion

Rehearsal expectations 1. Be prepared for class with your instrument, music, extra reeds, valve oil and cork grease, mutes, and a pencil 2. Be on time for class, in your chair, tuned and ready to play three minutes after the bell 3. Quiet during rehearsal while not playing 4. No food or drink, especially no gum! 5. Participates appropriately during rehearsal 6. Shows respect for self and others Discipline To be followed in this order, unless in an extreme case where someone or something is in danger: 1. Verbal Warning 2. Loss of participation for the day 3. Before or After school detention 4. Sent to the Principal’s office

Grading Grades are earned by assessing each student’s knowledge (classroom assignments, quizzes, and exams), skills (sight-reading and theory assignments), and participation in daily rehearsals and required performances. Grades will be assessed on a few different categories: 1. Rehearsal Participation 45% a. On time for rehearsals every day. Each late arrival to rehearsal, which means not in the chair ready to go three minutes after the bell will result in a lowered grade for the day. b. Missing instruments, pencils, or music will result in a lowered grade c. Failure to participate for any reason not excused by the teacher will lower the grade 2. Homework, Quizzes, assignments- 15% a. Oral and written tests, in class and take home assignments 3. Tests- 30% a. May include projects, playing tests, and written exams b. Concert attendance will be included in this category 4. Lessons 10% a. Students will be assigned a lesson group and will have lessons on a rotating basis

Performances As this is a performance - based class, attendance at all performances is mandatory. Why is attendance mandatory at a performance? - Performing for an audience is a major goal of the class. Concerts provide an experience that cannot be reproduced in the classroom. - Performances are the means by which the skills learned in the class are evaluated. - Instrumental playing is a group effort. The performance is weakened by every missing part. We rehearse together and we perform together. - Equipment - Instruments may be borrowed through the school. - Folders are to be kept in the appropriate slots. - Every student will be assigned a locker to place their instrument in, and it is up to the student to keep it locked and put away in the same place Percussion - Students will be assigned a pair of sticks. - There are appropriate cabinets for the equipment to be put away in. Each member of the section will be assigned instruments to take out and put away based on the instrumentation for each concert.

Concert Attire Girls- White shirt, black skirt or pants, and black shoes Boys-White Shirt, black dress pants, black socks, and black shoes

The school dress code should govern the appropriate attire. This attire is to be worn for every performance.

Homework Practicing is the essential to becoming a better musician. “A band is only as good as its weakest link.” A minimum of 15 minutes a day three times a week is required for the course. We will learn different practice techniques throughout the year to enable optimum success during your practice time. Written assignments may also be assigned in addition to practicing. These assignments will be based off of theory and history that we will be working on during regular class room time.

Important! Please read and discuss the handbook with your student before detaching and returning the signed portion below. I have read the following handbook and understand the expectations. If I have any questions of concerns I will contact Mrs. Taglairino at [email protected]

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______Student Name and Signature

______Parent Name and Signature

______Parent Phone Number and Email Address Course Syllabus

Every successful musician underwent training in many areas other than performance. This year in band we will cover:

 Practicing techniques  Instrument care and cleaning  Conducting patterns  Advanced rhythm and note reading skills  World Music  Blending within the band  Music History - Information about the composers we perform  Music Theory - Why music is written the way it is - Scales and notation  Pitch, Timbre and Range  Music as it relates to other arts and disciplines

Throughout the course all of the areas of music will be explored. Students will not only play their instruments, but sing, read, write and compose music. Every member of the band will learn how to be a well rounded musician.

Welcome to Band! We are going to have a great year together!

“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent” Victor Hugo