Saraland Middle School Bands

SARALAND MIDDLE SCHOOL BANDS BAND CLASSES SYLLABUS

For detailed Band Family Handbook information, handouts/printable items, media, forms, and important news that encompasses the band program, please visit our school website at www.smspartans.com Once there, you can go to: SMS Staff>Mr. Daniel Holmes These areas are continually being updated and I plan to have all information online by August 31, 2017.

Required Materials for ALL band students Nametags: Every instrument must have a nametag. 1. Instrument with cleaning/maintenance kit and With many identical cases, this is a necessity. supplies for that specific instrument Instruments will be checked frequently to make sure! a. Detailed info below 2. Essential Elements Book 1 (6th grade/Beginner) Recommended Materials 3. TBA (7th/8th grade) 1. All State Band Audition Scale, Etudes, and 4. Band Binder (must be black) Requirements (www.alabamamea.org) a. Music (will be given by director) 2. SmartMusic Subscription (www.smartmusic.com) b. 2 Pencils 3. Private Lessons c. High Lighter 4. Rubank Book (as individually recommended) d. Sheet Protectors (at least 25) 5. Chromatic Tuner/Metronome (can use phone apps) e. Notebook Paper 6. Folding Music Stand for home practice and f. Pencil Pouch honor/district/all state band participation

Band Instruments/Supplies Detailed Information Students are required to have a Band Instrument in order to participate in Band. PLEASE DO NOT OBTAIN AN INSTRUMENT UNTIL THE DIRECTOR HAS SENT HOME THE INSTRUMENT ASSIGMENT/ RECOMMENDED INSTRUMENT information. Most students rent to own their instrument from Art’s Music, Andy’s, or Playground Music. These companies have several payment plans such as rent, rent to own, and purchase options for both new and used instruments. These companies will also sell the instrumental method books. Do remember to purchase the one for your instrument and level! These companies will also supply the accessories necessary for instruments:

Brass (Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Woodwinds – Flutes needs to have a cleaning kit and Baritone, and Tuba) needs to have a cleaning rod. Clarinet and Saxophones needs to have a cleaning kit, valve oil (rotor oil for horn), and grease for kit, and a box of reeds at home. Give your child THREE your tuning slides. *Trombone players should REEDS to keep in their case. also have water in a small spray bottle. Reeds Specifics Percussion – Stick/Mallet bag, Practice Reeds are a VITAL aspect of playing a Pad/Bell Set with Standard Concert Drum woodwind instrument (except flute) and will be Sticks, and Bell Mallets. No Snare Drum discussed in detail. needed. (a yearly progressive purchase plan handout for mallets/sticks will be distributed to all percussionist)

Arts Music Andy’s Music Playground Music (334) 271-2787 (251)-633-8944 (850)-243-2514 3030 Eastern Blvd. 1412 Hillcrest Rd Fort Walton Beach, Montgomery, AL Mobile, AL FL 36116 36695 32548 Instructional Philosophy Students are expected to meet all course goals and demonstrate concepts through successful performances, concerts, and projects related to the course. Playing and written exams will be based on concepts that are aligned with the Alabama Course of Study for Band. Additional resources and rubrics correlated with the National Standards for Music Education (NAfMe). Music Technology will be utilized.

Band Program Purpose & Prerequisites

Beginning Band is open to all students interested in playing a band instrument. Experience is not necessary for participation (students should enroll in 6th grade). The group meets daily and will perform at various concerts throughout the school year. There will be combined rehearsals after school leading up to performances. Major focus points are posture, breathing, reading rhythms, reading musical notation, and developing aural skills.

The Advanced Band and the Intermediate Band students have completed at least one year of band and met satisfactory performance, participation and behavior expectations. They continue learning standards daily in class as outlined in the course of study as well as qualify for additional district and regional opportunities. Performances will include concerts, various possible school events and possible field trips throughout the year. There will be combined rehearsals after school leading up to performances.

Uniform (detailed information is on the teacher/class website and in handbook) Informal (events, trips) - Band T-Shirt (and adherence to remaining Saraland dress code) Concert/Performance – This formal concert dress is being decided and will be published soon.

Donations We are currently (and always) accepting any donations to help support the band. Any contributions would be wonderful! Ask the director for the donation procedure.

Fundraisers We have to fundraise throughout the year in order to have money to support your child for band. We use money to help offset the fees and cost of music, repairs, instruments, equipment, transportation, and events. We will be scheduling several fundraisers over the course of the year and that information is TBA.

Parent Support & Chaperones We will need parent support throughout the year with transporting equipment, chaperoning students at concerts and on trips, as well as other events. Please email me and I will send a form home that will need to be sealed in an envelope and returned if you are interested in chaperoning.

Tentative Academic Schedule Beginning Band Intermediate and Advanced Bands First Nine Weeks – Music Theory Review, Instrument First Nine Weeks – Review out of essential elements Assignments, Begin Essential Elements Book 1 and/or new literature, all state requirements, Christmas Second Nine Weeks – Continue Essential Elements Music, other event music Book 1, Christmas music and concert Second Nine Weeks – Further technique through new Third Nine Weeks – Continue Book 1, supplemental literature, continue working on Christmas and event technique materials, and Begin working on Spring Music, honor bands, and add MPA Music Concert Program Third Nine Weeks – Continue Method books, MPA Fourth Nine Weeks – Finish Book 1, Spring Concert Music, event music/programs, honor bands, and Begin music and concert, possible spring event working on Spring Concert Program Fourth Nine Weeks – Continue Method books, Spring Program, spring events, and next year preparation Grading Band is a school and curriculum based class and students will be graded on many aspects of their musical education. Do not assume that band is an "easy A" class. In fact, it is quite the opposite. A good grade in band must be earned through dedication, practice, performances (REQUIRED) and perseverance. The grades are divided and weighted by percentage into two categories (a detailed breakdown of the grading items are available on the teacher/class website):

65% Major Grades: Participation and Concert Attendance*  Weekly Participation/Binder checks (major) – Weekly check for materials, daily participation  Performances (major) – Concerts (*Attendance at a concert is a single grade once every 18 weeks (3 grades for 8th grade). This type of grade carries a HEAVY weight in your overall band grade!! 35% Minor Grades: Practice Reports, Performance Assessments (playing test)  Weekly Practice Log (minor) – Due every Monday, signed by parents  Performance Assessment playing test (minor)

Rules/Procedures 1. Do what you are supposed to do, when you are supposed to do it and everything will be ok for you. 2. Enter room and get your instrument & materials without playing the instrument, have a seat in your assigned area and remain quiet. The faster you get ready the more time we play. The more time we play, the better we become. The better we become, the more we get to do. Be ready for instruction. 3. Do not play your instrument out of turn. It is a distraction for you and others. 4. Participate in class. Asking and answering questions will give you the opportunity to understand better. 5. Do not touch or play instruments that do not belong to you. Instruments are very expensive and personal. Be respectful of others’ property. 6. No food, drinks, gum, or candy. These things will work to erode your instrument, attract insects, and may cause you to become sick over time. 7. Bring your instruments to school every day. Not playing in class will cause you to get further behind and lowers your grade. 8. Practice as often as possible. It’s the ONLY way to improve and enjoy what you are doing. Weekly practice reports are part of your grade. 9. Always strive for excellence. It is important to maintain high grades and to learn as much as possible.

Consequences (depends upon severity of offence) 1. Warning 2. Student Conference 3. Phone call to parents/Assign Detention 4. Behavior Intervention Strategy 5. Office Referral

Goals 1. To provide a safe and positive learning environment 2. To provide the best set of educational opportunities and performance opportunities 3. To have the BEST band program Saraland Middle School - Band Syllabus Signature Page

Saraland Middle School Mr. Daniel Holmes Room: Band Room [email protected]

Receipt of Syllabus/Signature Page

By signing below I indicate that I have received and read the Saraland Middle School band syllabus, and will adhere to the rules, procedures, and classroom expectations outlined in the syllabus, as well as the SMS Code of Student Behavior.

Student Name (Printed) ______

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Parent Email(s) ______Email will be the official form of communication

Emergency Contact Name ______

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