El Cerrito Middle School- Band Handbook: 2014-2015
EL CERRITO MIDDLE SCHOOL- BAND HANDBOOK: 2014-2015
STUDENT MATERIALS
Technique Books
In addition to regular band music, students will use a supplementary technique book, which can be purchased at many local music stores. It will serve as a personal guide for individual student practice. Students will need this book by: Wednesday, August 20th, 2014.
Beginning Band: Essential Elements 2000, Book 1
Intermediate & Advanced Band: Essential Elements 2000, Book 2
Instruments
It’s recommend that each student, with his/her parents or guardians provide an instrument for their student. Music stores in the area offer several rental and/or purchase options. It is the responsibility of the band student and family to repair and maintain the instrument in proper playing condition.
Brass and Woodwind players will need:
-a cleaning kit
Woodwind players will need:
- reeds
- cork grease
- neck strap (saxophones only)
NOTE: Beginning players should never play on a reed softer than a 2 and should switch to 2 ½ reeds after a few months. Students who have been playing for six months or more should be playing on a 2 ½ or a 3 reed. Students will need to have at least THREE working reeds in their case at all times. Students may want to purchase their reeds by the box since this will usually be cheaper. Students can then purchase their next box when they get down to three reeds. DON’T WAIT UNTIL YOU ARE ON YOUR LAST REED.
Brass players will need:
-valve oil
-tuning slide grease
-any mutes that may be necessary
Percussionists will need:
-Stick bag to store personal equipment
-Snare sticks (size 5A recommended)
-One pair of medium to hard yarn mallets
-Hard rubber headed xylophone mallets
-Practice pad or drum for home practice
NOTE: Any percussionist who does not have their equipment by the fourth week of
school, will be required to play a different instrument.
Percussionists will learn to play the orchestra bells and xylophone, and will be expected to read pitches and to demonstrate scales in every class. Therefore, percussion students may wish to rent or purchase a two octave student bell set for practice at home. Please call a local music vendor for more information.
Recommended Supplemental Items
Parents may find it helpful to purchase a music book or two of songs that your student would like to play, which will help keep their interest, making their practice sessions longer and more frequent, resulting in greater improvement. In addition, it may be helpful to have a metronome, music stand, and the Smart Music program.
Smart Music is a computer program that students can subscribe to, which provides exercises, fun songs, evaluation tools, and lessons to help them improve. Students can purchase yearlong subscriptions for $40 through the website www.smartmusic.com.
School Issued Instruments
Students who do not own an instrument and are not able to rent one at this time may checkout an instrument from the band department. Note: Selection is limited
-Qualifying students and parents are financially responsible for any damage due to misuse of the
instrument and will be asked to compensate the school in the event that repairs are necessary.
Classroom Supplies
-Black 3 Ringed Binder (Must be labelled with student’s last name)
-Pencil
-Highlighter
Performance Dress
All members of an ECMS musical performance group will need an ECMS Performing Arts polo shirt for performances, which will be worn with:
-Long black dress pants
-Black socks, and
-Black dress shoes
BAND BEHAVIOR AND EXPECTATIONS
To achieve high levels of success we must work together as a group. The most important part of working together is respecting the experience and ability of each member of the band program. Everyone should feel safe to take risks and try new things. Remember – we’re all here to learn about music and have a great time! Having a positive attitude will only enhance your experience, both in band and your other classes. Students who interfere with this experience may be removed.
In addition, as a member of the El Cerrito Band, remember that you are a reflection of the group, director, school, district, community, and most importantly YOURSELF. Therefore, I know I can count on you to be on your very best behavior every day!
Students are expected to:
1. Come to rehearsal prepared with a positive, supportive, and helpful attitude
2. Be an active member of maintaining a safe and productive classroom
3. Follow directions
4. Respect the instruments and belongings of others
5. Keep your surroundings clean and be organized
6. Maintain a high citizenship score of S’s and O’s on their report card, realizing they
may not be permitted to perform with the group if they do not
When students choose to not follow the classroom expectations they may:
-receive a warning, and be reminded of classroom expectations
-be removed from rehearsal and assigned a writing assignment to reflect on their behavior
-be assigned a lunch detention
-have their parents contacted
-be sent to ACP, followed by a parent/teacher conference
-be referred to an administrator for discipline
-be removed group during rehearsals and/or performances
GRADES
Grading Categories
Participation and Behavior (50%): Daily participation points will be earned by bringing the following materials: instrument, black music folder, Essential Elements 2000 Book, pencil, and highlighter. Students may lose participation points if they are not prepared for class.
Tests (15%): Students will be tested on scales and musical examples covered in class. Tests will be both written and performance based. Students should practice every day to ensure that they are fully prepared for all scheduled and unscheduled tests. In order to be prepared for all tests, students should expect to devote 20-30 minutes per day practicing their instrument.
The students will be tested on the following elements:
-Tone Quality (maintaining a full, rich tone with no wavers)
-Pitch Control (maintaining proper intonation)
-Note Accuracy (playing the correct notes)
-Rhythmic Accuracy (playing the correct rhythms with a steady tempo)
-Articulation (using the proper attacks, tonguing and slurring)
-Dynamic Control (playing at the correct level of volume)
-Phrasing and Musical Effect (breathing in the correct places and using expression)
Concerts (20%): Students will receive full credit for the concert performance for being on time, being dressed appropriately, demonstrating proper concert etiquette, and supporting their peers.
Sectionals (15%): Students will receive full credit by being on time, fully prepared, following classroom rules, and demonstrating appropriate behavior.
Extra Credit
Students can attend concerts and recitals for extra credit. To receive credit, you must bring a program signed by one of your parents/guardians the next school day. Off campus performances need to be pre-approved by the band director. You may complete up to two extra credit assignments a trimester. Each assignment is worth 5 percentage points added to your overall grade. (EX: 73% + 5% = 78%)
SCHEDULED CONCERTS AND ACTIVITIES
The El Cerrito Band has many opportunities to highlight our talents throughout the year. In order to maintain a positive and successful performance experience for ALL band members, a parent note is required 2 weeks prior to the concert/activity if a student is unable to attend. This will allow for the director to make the necessary modifications ensuring the success of the group.
The following are our important Dates. Note: all dates & times are subject to change
-Santiago High School Junior High Night –September 19th, 2014 @ 5:30pm
-Centennial High School Junior High Night – October 10th, 2014 @ 5:30pm
-El Cerrito Middle School Winter Concert – December 11th, 2014 @ 6:30pm
-El Cerrito Middle School Open House (Jazz Band) – March 2015 @ 6pm
-Centennial Spring Band Showcase (Int/Adv Band) – April 29th, 2015 @ 6pm
-Night of Champions (Jazz Band) – May 13th, 2015 @ 4pm
-El Cerrito Middle School Spring Concert – May 19th, 2015 @ 6:30pm
Concert and Activity Expectations
-Attendance of dress rehearsals, concerts, and activities is mandatory
-Students are also expected to stay until the conclusion of the concert in support of peers
Sectionals
Each instrument of the band is very different in technique and the problems that it presents. For example, teaching flute and trumpet are as different as teaching science and language arts. Therefore, each section of the band will meet after school biweekly for sectionals. Sectionals give the students a chance to practice with other students who play the same instrument.
-Will be held in the Band Room, 2:15-3:00.
-Students should arrange transportation
-Specific schedules will be determined by the director and are subject to change.
-Attendance is mandatory. A signed parent note is required if a student is unable to attend.
If a student is absent, an alternate assignment will be given.
REWARDS AND CELEBRATIONS
After School Activities
Music is a social activity that improves the quality of our lives. To celebrate the dedication and hard work of the band members, we will periodically provide after school band activities, which may include pizza parties, concerts and possibly field trips (depending on available funds).
NOTE: Students must have a grade of C or higher at the time of a field trip or they will not be
permitted to participate.
Student Leadership
Students who demonstrate strong character, dedication and mastery of their instrument, may be appointed to the role of “Section Leader.” This leadership experience is a privilege and comes with high expectation and increased responsibility.
Awards
Awards will be presented to deserving students at the end of the year. Some of the awards that will be presented are: Outstanding Musicians Award, Outstanding Jazz Band Member Award, and the Director’s Award.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Periodic Maintenance of Instruments
It is highly recommended that those students who own or rent their own instrument take it to a professional technician periodically for maintenance, just as you would maintain your car. The student may not suspect that anything is wrong with the instrument, but may simply be accustomed to compensating for its problems.
NOTE: Whenever a student is unable to participate due to the repair of his/her instrument, a note from
the parent/guardian is required.
Extra Help
I strongly encourage everyone to ask for help if they are having difficulty with any of the music or assignments; PLEASE see me for EXTRA HELP. Be sure you make an appointment with me so that a schedule can be arranged. Asking for extra help is a sign of maturity and shows the director that you are being responsible and want to take care of business, SO DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT!
Private Lessons
Every student is highly encouraged to take PRIVATE LESSONS. Nothing can match the benefits of this type of individualized attention and expertise. You will be surprised at how much faster your skills will improve after just a few short weeks! Mr. Blex can assist you in locating a private teacher if you need some guidance in finding one.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Hello Parents and Students,
Welcome to the El Cerrito Middle School Band Program! My name is Benjamin Blex and I am the El Cerrito Middle School Music Director. It is my goal to teach our students all I can about music, and help them to become the finest and most knowledgeable musicians possible. I believe that with hard work, commitment, and dedication, the El Cerrito Middle School Music Program will continue to achieve high levels of success, and together, make our school community proud!
As many of you know, the study of music is both challenging and rewarding. To help your child be more successful, I have put together a handbook, which will help you guide them on the path towards a successful year in band. Please review this handbook together, and have your child keep the following handbook in their binder for easy reference throughout the year. The outlined policies and procedures will help ensure a more positive musical experience for all of those involved, helping our students discover the joy of music.
One of the highlights of being a band member is the pride and satisfaction your child will experience while performing for others. Therefore, we are always seeking new performance opportunities in the community. If you are part of any group/organization that may be interested in offering a performance opportunity for our band, please contact me via email me at
Finally, I truly value the role a solid parent/teacher partnership plays in the academic success for our students. Therefore, I encourage you to contact me with any questions or concerns. I look forward to working with you and your student on what is sure to be an exciting and rewarding year.
Respectfully,
Mr. Blex
Music Director
El Cerrito Middle School
El Cerrito Middle School Band Program
Student Code of Conduct
2014-2015
I, ______(student name) understand that I am responsible for abiding by the following rules and expectations for Student Conduct.
1. Come to rehearsal prepared with a positive, supportive, and helpful attitude
2. Be an active member of maintaining a safe and productive classroom
3. Follow directions
4. Respect the instruments and belongings of others
5. Keep your surroundings clean and be organized
6. I will maintain a high citizenship score of S’s and O’s on my report card or I
realize I may not be permitted to perform with the group
We agree to follow the policies and procedures set forth by the ECMS Band Program with the intent of contributing toward a successful musical experience for all members involved.
______
Student’s Signature Date
______
Parent or Guardian’s Signature Date
The reviewed and signed contract is to be returned by Wednesday, August 20, 2014.