Norsemen Band Handbook Voorhees Middle School

Mrs. Sharon Clarke Wednesdays @ VMS Room A-28 [email protected]

Norsemen Band (6 th Grade Band) Course Description

The Norsemen Band is under the direction of Mrs. Sharon Clarke. The band is comprised of 6th graders who have at least one successful school year of experience on their band instrument. Beginning classes are not available at this time.

The Norsemen Band is designed to offer students intermediate-level instruction in band performance skills in preparation for concerts and competitions with emphasis on music theory, interpretation and improved technical proficiency.

Group lessons are held once a week during a related arts period or gym/health period. Students will sign out of their class on their given day to attend lessons in the band room. Band rehearsals are from 3:00 – 4:10 on Wednesdays (full days only), but occasionally a rehearsal may have to be re-scheduled to Thursday due to the school calendar. A full year calendar of rehearsals is attached and can be found of the Norsemen Band Website.

Grades

All performances are mandatory! Students’ grades will generally be determined by the following:  Participation 80%  Playing Tests 20%

Participation: The participation grade covers weekly participation and attendance at rehearsals, performances and lessons.  Students must be prepared with instrument, mouthpieces, reeds, method book, music, pencil and other materials specified by the director. Instruments should be properly maintained. If a student forgets to bring their instrument, they may borrow a school owned instrument for the day with a slightly reduced grade.  Students may receive a zero percentage on participation if an unexcused absence occurs during a scheduled lesson, rehearsal or performance. If a conflict arises, please notify the director via email, phone message or note. A written parent note is always welcomed. Of course in cases of extreme illness or family emergency students will be excused.  Students who miss 3 rehearsals (unexcused) or lessons will be removed from the program. It is impossible to make up a missed rehearsal, lesson or performance and other members must carry an extra burden because of someone else’s absence.

Playing Tests: All tests will include material covered in class. The playing test may consist of scales, excerpts from the method book, concert materials or other supplementary materials.

Extra Credit: Students may add to their average by attending or performing in a concert or recital. Students should bring a program from the concert attended no later than two lessons after the concert. The student’s name and instrument should be on the program and turned into the band director. Examples of extra-credit concerts include:

 Other middle school band concerts

 High School band concerts

 Marching band shows at football games or competitions

 Performing during church services or solo recital

The band director will review the concert program and determine the number of extra credit points possible.

Classroom Rules

School rules apply to the band room and to all band functions. Students are to remember that at all performances they are not only representing their band, but their school, community and their families. Always make someone proud! The following rules are posted in the band room:

1. Be Respectful: to each other and to our property.

2. Be Prepared: with instrument, pencil and music to each class.

3. Follow general school rules and expectations.

4. Always have a positive attitude.

Consequences:

 1st Verbal Warning

 2nd Moved within the class

 3rd Contact parents

 4th Referral to Guidance, detention

 5th Referral to office

Supply Requirements for Band Students

Reed Instruments: tube of cork grease and 3 unbroken reeds (size 2 ½) in their case at all times. Reeds should not remain on mouthpieces when not in use and should be alternated day to day. All brass students are required to have one bottle of valve or slide grease in their case at all times. Valves should be oiled twice a week and slide should be greased at least once a week.

Percussion students are require to purchase their own pair of matching drum sticks and must have a practice pad or snare drum at home to practice on. They only need to bring their pencil and music to school with them.

All wind instruments should have Sound Innovations Book 1 and a pencil. School owned band folders are issued to each member to hold their book, pencil and music. They must be returned at the end of the school year or will be charged $7.00.

VMS Band Calendar of Events 2015- 2016

Winter Concert: Tuesday, December 15 at 7:00 PM in the VMS Theater Rehearsal/Assembly: Monday, December 14 at 2:00 PM

Spring Concert: Tuesday, April 12 at 7:00 PM in the VMS Theater Rehearsal/Assembly: Monday, April 11 at 2:00 PM

Sign Up on Remind.com for text message or email reminders for band (see attachment)

Complete and return the After-School Permission Slip/Transportation Form by our first rehearsal. (see attachment)

Evening Concert Attire: Gentlemen: White dress shirt (tucked in) Black pants (or very dark blue) Black belt Black socks Dark shoes Ladies: White blouse with black pants or skirt (skirt should be below knees when seated) or Black dress (black/white dress) Dress shoes

Band Policies and Procedures 1. In the morning, you (not your friends) are allowed to bring your instrument to the band room to place it in our closets. You must go straight to your homeroom after dropping off your instrument. 2. Lessons: Check out of your class and enter the band room quietly. Get your instrument together and bring it and your music to your chair and sit down. Gently warm up. 3. Ask for permission to get out of your seat during rehearsals. 4. Concert attention will be observed when the director/teacher stands in the conductor’s area. 5. No gum or candy allowed. 6. If your instrument needs repair, please keep your mouthpiece and accessories so that you may use a school owned instrument while without yours. NEMC instruments should be brought to the band room for repairs. 7. All instruments must have a first and last name on the outside of the case and labeled VMS. 8. Practice your assignment (homework) at least 3 times a week. You will be tested. 9. Never touch or play another person’s instrument. This includes all school percussion equipment. 10. Students are solely responsible for the care, maintenance and safety of their assigned equipment and personal items. Keep them safe and secure. 11. Please discard paper and trash in the trash bin. 12. Please be considerate of the director’s requests for assistance and or performance of small tasks around the band room. 13. Please take home all notes, newsletters and information for your parents to read and sign.

We take pride in our band program and look forward to a fun and rewarding year of learning and creating music!

Sincerely,

Sharon Clarke Band Director Parents and Students: Sign and cut out the portion below. Bring this portion back to the band director for their first grade in lessons/band.

Norsemen Band Handbook

I, ______(Print parent’s name) and my child,

______(Print child’s name), have read through this handbook and understand all of the material in it.

______(Parent signature)

______(Student signature)

______(date)