Holmes Middle School

Band & Strings Holmes Middle School Ms. Szekely [email protected]

Welcome to Holmes Middle School’s Beginning Band and Strings course. In this class, students will develop the skills necessary to play a musical instrument with proper technique at the beginning level. They will learn how to read music and use the fundamentals of music theory as well as develop good tone quality and control, proper intonation, articulation, creative expression, musicianship, and ensemble & solo playing in a variety of musical styles.

Beginning Band emphasizes proper breathing, music reading skills, development of range, and development of the embouchure. Students will strengthen these skills through regular home practice. Consistent home practice is a necessary part of learning to play an instrument, and therefore a requirement of this class.

Upon completing the Band and Strings classes students will have an accomplishment level that allows them to play their instrument and an ability to utilize all the elements of music as they perform. This course and its activities will provide the student with the necessary skills and broad overview needed for the beginning foundations of performance and mastery of their instrument.

Practice: Students are expected to practice using the CD of song arrangements provided to them and assignments in their Music Theory Packet. Students should practice at home at least twice a week and for a minimum of 15 minutes to start with and increase practice time as you progress with your instrument and music. Regular, consistent shorter sessions will have better results than practicing once a week for an hour. Then slowly work up to increasing the time you practice to minimally 25 minutes and increasing in length to 30-45 minutes as the student progresses. Each student must be able to demonstrate mastery of the scales for their instrument in class.

Performances: Band and Strings members will perform in the concerts held at Holmes Middle School. Attendance at these performances are a course requirement for the Participation/Work Habits grade. As part of our educational program, the concerts also provide an opportunity for students to interact positively with others and is the highlight of learning a musical instrument.

Materials: Instrument, paper, pencil, music sheet/song, blank CD-R, folder for music sheet, see attached sheet

Grades: Assignments consist of Notes, Class Work, Quizzes and Performances of Music 20% Memorization of Music Scores, Learning of Fingering Charts & Learning of Instrument Scales 20% Learning your section or part i.e. music notes for song arrangements for your instrument i.e. sax… 20% Daily in-class participation: a. listening b. not talking during instruction c. displaying a positive attitude and willingness to learn i.e. giving instrument instruction a good try! d. playing with your section of instruments 40% Concert Showmanship: a. exuding performance energy b. expressive interpretation of songs i.e. dynamics- louder or softer/crescendo and decrescendo c. playing loud enough to be heard- enthusiasm d. playing the correct part; notes & rhythms on your instrument for the arrangement & genre of music e. portraying a positive attitude and spirit f. observing correct instrumental/ musical markings g. wearing the appropriate concert dress code Concert Attendance: (Work Habits Grade) a. showing up on time at the indicated “call time” b. staying the entire concert/supporting your section **Display an Understanding of your Exposure to Music Theory: understanding rhythms/notes on the musical staff recognizing musical symbols/markings on music

100% - 90% = A 89% - 80% = B 79% - 70% = C 69% - 60% = D 59% or below = F

Classroom Procedures:  I recommended that they place a note card in their case with their full name and a contact phone number  Students are to setup their music stand and put it away at the end of the class period in the appropriate location.  Arrange your music according to your playlist  When the director stops conducting during rehearsal, students should immediately stop playing and wait for comments and directions.  30% of Missing Assignments will earn the student a “U” in Work Habits

Classroom Expectations:  Tardy Policy: Students are expected to in the class room when the tardy bell rings, have your music on your music stand, your pencil out ready to mark your music and ready to play your instrument  Raise your hand and wait to be called on if you have a question  Play only your instrument, do not allow other to play your instrument  Always put your instrument back in its case if you need to get up to do something  Take care of your instrument and take precautions to avoid loss, damage or theft  Do not bring food, drinks or gum in the classroom  Ask permission if you need to leave the room  Wait for the Teacher, not the bell, to dismiss you & the class – all equipment and materials should be returned to its proper location  Students are to respect the teacher, other students and their property.  Non-percussionists are NEVER allowed in the percussion section and should NEVER touch percussion instruments or equipment. Percussionists should treat all instruments with care. No items of any kind should ever be place on timpani, timbales, mallet instruments or drums.  Come to class prepared with all equipment and materials everyday

A warning is given and then a check mark for any violation above. 3 check marks in classroom expectations results in a U in Cooperation 3 check marks in classroom procedures results in a U in Work Habits

Students should make every effort to do well!!

------Please sign below to indicate that you have read and understand the above.

______Period: ______Print Student Name Student Signature Date ______Print Parent/Guardian Name Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Parent/Guardian #1 Cell: ______Email: ______

Parent/Guardian #2 Cell: ______Email: ______~Band and Strings Course Materials and Equipment Information ~

String Instruments (violins, cellos, basses or guitars)  Strings will be replaced in class but the student must provide their own strings  Violin & Cello players should have a tuner (pitch pipe or digital), at least 2 packs of strings, and rosin  Guitar & Electric Bass players should have a tuner, capo (optional), at least 2 packs of strings and a pick Wind Instruments:  Trumpet players should have valve oil, mouthpiece sanitizer and lip balm (optional). A plastic trumpet mute is helpful when playing at home (optional).  Alto & Tenor Saxophone players need #2 reeds  Clarinet players also need reeds & cork grease  Drummers should have sticks

Practice Book (OPTIONAL): I recommend the Essential Elements 2016 Book #1 to beginners for their instrument. It is available for all instruments (Violin, guitar, electric bass, trumpet, saxophone, clarinet, drums)

Care and Cleaning: Each student is responsible for the care and cleaning of their instrument and mouthpiece at home. We will do an overall cleaning of the instrument in the classroom at the end of the year but maintenance and upkeep of the instrument should be the student’s responsibility & concern throughout the year in order for the instrument to function & play properly.

Music Stores: Our Holmes Student Store carries some limited music supplies - strings, cork grease, rosin for violins, and reeds *Sam Ash Music store on Roscoe & Desoto for all your instrument needs. They cater to students and schools & are very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Sam Ash also sells used & refurbished instruments which are wonderful for beginners at very reasonable prices and they rent instruments too. Phone # (818-709-5650)  *Cassell’s Music on MacClay Ave. in San Fernando *Guitar Center across from the Northridge Mall and Baxter Northup on Ventura Blvd.

Music Students- Don’t ever let your instrument out of your sight here at school and never assume someone else is watching it for you; this also applies to school buses and city buses too. If you are concerned about the safety of your instrument you can also ask one of your classroom teachers if you may leave it in a safe place in their classroom to help you keep an eye on it. We will also fill out contact cards to be kept in your instrument case for communication and identification purposes. Instrument serial numbers are placed on every instrument and recorded on a master list. I highly recommend an instrument never be left in a car in plain view even if the car is locked. Instruments have been stolen this way.

Parents, please allow your child to practice their instrument at home and support them. This is homework just like any other subject. If they are not allowed to have a time set aside to practice at home on the weekend or in the evening, they will not be able to learn the songs to play and they will not be able to successfully pass their Scales Quizzes in class.

If the instrument is loud or disruptive to your evening or daily schedule, please map out a plan or practice time that works for everyone (right after school, before dinner, before everyone is home or a convenient weekend time when some family members are occupied with other activities). Your support is needed for your child’s continued success.

You should hear them practicing their instrument along with a CD that we will be making for them with all of the tracks of songs we will be learning & performing. The songs from the CD can also be transferred to their iPod for easier listening as they go about their daily tasks.

We look forward to making Music!!

Ms. Szekely