SHADOWLAWN MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND
HANDBOOK 2007-08
Welcome!
90% of students participating in a
performing musical ensemble throughout high school graduate from college!
Nationwide, band students also have a higher GPA. Band also offers intrinsic rewards, teaches group cooperation,
instills a positive sense of self-worth and is an invaluable preparation for
life. Instrumental Music education
provides opportunities for all of that while students are learning to play an
instrument!
Band probably requires more time outside the school day from more
students than any other school activity.
Band members are also the students who are most often the high
achievers, learn how to manage time, found on the school Academic and
Citizenship Honor Rolls, and who grow into well-adjusted young adults. It is also true that few, if any, other
activities are more richly rewarding in terms of good fellowship, healthful
recreation, and the satisfaction which can come only from a job well done.
This handbook is for Shadowlawn Band members and their parents with the
hope of giving information regarding the various phases, activities, policies,
and regulations of the instrumental music program. All band members and parents are urged to read the entire
handbook carefully at the beginning of each school year. The ultimate goal of the following policies,
guidelines, and rules are to help create a successful young musician, and thus,
a great band program. This 2007-08
Handbook precedes information in all previous editions.
______________________________
Dr. Carol King-Chipman
Director of Bands
The Shadowlawn Band Student
Fees are necessary to
financially support our band program.
For the past few years, including this one, Shelby County Schools has
not provided band programs with any funding!
The Shadowlawn Middle School (SMS) Band Booster annual budget is funded
in great part by band fees. (Band fees
do not completely cover items outside of the annual budget. i.e.: band trips,
All-West fees, etc.) Our Band Booster Organization also holds fundraisers and
sponsors a school dance. Fees are as
follows and are due by the first SMS Band Booster Meeting in September (make
checks payable to the Shadowlawn Band Boosters). ALL BAND FEES MUST BE PAID IN FULL BEFORE A STUDENT IS ELLIGIBLE
TO CHECK OUT AN INSTRUMENT, A UNIFORM AND TAKE BAND TRIPS. All SMS Band students are expected to
participate in the Fall Fund Raiser or donate the requested funds in lieu of
fund raiser participation.
Sixth Grade: $130.00 This includes your method book,
performance shirt and West TN Solo & Ensemble fee and CD Accompaniment;
All-West TN Band audition fee, All-West TN Band Clinic Fee + Hotel costs,
Percussion fees are $138.00 and includes the above plus two method books. Remaining fee $$ goes to help fund the SMS
Band Program. An itemized budget is
available at the Band Booster Meetings.
Seventh & Eighth Grade: $130.00 This includes your performance
shirt, all contest fees, All-West TN Band audition fee, All-West TN Band Clinic
Fee + Hotel costs, West TN Solo & Ensemble fee and CD Accompaniment. If students want to participate in more than
one event at the Solo & Ensemble Festival, they may pay the additional fee
at a later date. Remaining fee $$ goes to help fund the SMS Band Program. An itemized budget is available at the Band
Booster Meetings. *Please
see the
director if you need assistance with the fees.
Communication
between the director and parents is vital to the success of our program. Most
information is sent through e-mail.
Please e-mail Dr. Chipman at: ekingchipman@scsk12.org or
drcarol08@bellsouth.net if you are not receiving Band information. Performance / rehearsal / practice record
calendars are regularly sent a minimum of one month in advance. Performance Dates are also sent home in
September. Dr. Chipman’s intranet page
(SCS website) is current.
BOOKS
Sixth
Grade: Time for Band
This book is included in the Band fee
Seventh
Grade:
Technic Today, Bk. 1, by Ployhar
Time for Rhythm by David Ryan
Eighth
Grade: Technic Today, Bk. 2, by Ployhar
Time for Rhythm by David
Ryan
*7th& 8th Grade Percussionists need
to purchase both the bells/mallets and drum versions of the Technic Today
books. Purchase only the bells/mallets
book of Time for Rhythm .
7th and 8th Grade
Percussion Students will need the following:
One Pair of Vic Firth SD 1 Snare Drum Sticks
One Pair of Vic Firth Timpani Mallets (general, not staccato)
One Pair of Vic Firth or Musser Xylophone Mallets (hard)
One Pair of Vic Firth or Musser Xylophone Yarn Mallets (soft)
One stick case for storage
These items will be needed
for each Band Class. Label each stick
or mallet with your initials. Please have these by the second week of
school. 7th & 8th
Grade Percussion students will be required to bring a bell kit to class if
he/she hasn’t learned the assignments (snare, mallets, etc.). Percussion students must have either a
keyboard or bell kit for at home practice.
BASIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
1. Shelby County School &
SMS procedures must be followed by band members at all band-related
functions. All students are given a
copy of SMS Band Procedures. A copy is
also available in the body of this document.
The director will review these with students on the first day of
school. The procedure page must be
parent / student signed & returned.
2. Rehearsals-Each
band member should be ready to play (and appropriately dressed) at the time
designated by the director. Members
should bring instruments, all music (including books), a pencil, and any other
items, i.e.: flags, etc. Band members are required to attend all
rehearsals, including those after school when they are involved in that
ensemble i.e.: Marching Band and or
Honor Band. Remember: POSITIVE AND PRODUCTIVE REHEARSALS RESULT IN GREAT
PERFORMANCES!
1. Performances- All band members are IMPORTANT to the
success of our program. Thus,
attendance is vital to all performances.
The Fall and Spring Concerts are required performances for all band
members. All Marching Band and Honor
Band performances (including the above mentioned concerts, and all
competitions, festivals, and exhibitions) are required for those students
participating in these ensembles.
Excuses, no matter how good they are, will not produce a fine band. They are to be given only for the gravest of
reasons. The concert / performance
experience is unique and is impossible to duplicate. Members are to be dressed
appropriately, attentive, punctual, and orderly at all activities.
The 07-08 black polo-type shirt with khaki pants (or skirt)
is concert attire when the band uniform is not worn. The shirt must be tucked in the pants or skirt. A belt is required if belt loops are
attached. Jeans, shorts, skorts, athletic clothing or shoes, t-shirts, or Capri
length pants will not be worn in concert.
2. Performance
attendance: Requests for absence
from a performance should be presented by the band parent (in writing or in
person) and in advance. The director
shall approve the absence only in the gravest of circumstances, i.e.: personal illness (doctor’s note required),
death or illness in the immediate family, or an event that had produced a
severe hardship on the student or immediate family (approval at the director’s
discretion). An unexcused absence will
result in a grade reduction of 30%.
3. Instruments
are to be properly cleaned, oiled, and in good playing condition at the
BEGINNING of each rehearsal and performance.
Please take care of routine maintenance BEFORE class/rehearsal
begins. Any repairs should be taken
care of immediately. Please bring a
broken instrument to the director before taking it to the shop. I may be able to save you $$.
4. *NOTE:
If a student’s instrument needs repair, the student needs to bring a signed
note form her/his parents stating the situation for each class the instrument
is being repaired. If a woodwind or
brass player needs to be excused from performing in class (dental, sore throat,
etc.,) the same procedure applies.
These situations should occur rarely if at all. The student is still expected to bring all
materials (including instrument) to class.
5. Parent signed / student
completed Practice Record
Assignments are due on Wednesday each week from each band student and count
as 10% of the nine-week grade. Daily
practice at home is a band student’s homework and should be a minimum of two
and one half-hours per week. Choose a time period that does not interfere with
any other work activity, so that you may focus on your instrument and
music. Always practice for results and
accuracy. Remember: it’s not the length
of time you practice, it is what you get accomplished in that time period that
produces results.
6. SCS Band Instruments - Our
band program has a limited number of band instruments, mostly larger
instruments, for student use. One completed and parent signed "Instrument
Check Out Form" per instrument is required prior to the instrument being
taken home. Once the student checks out the instrument, the student is COMPLETELY
RESPONSIBLE for repairs and if the instrument is lost, stolen or damaged.
7. NOTE TO PARENTS certain band
instruments are not allowed on school buses, i.e.: tubas and baritones. Students
who play the tuba and baritone will be issued one instrument to keep at home
for daily practice during the school year.
These students will need to use the "at home instrument” for the WTSBOA Solo & Ensemble
Festival and concerts.
8. Quality Instruments-ALL
STUDENTS MUST HAVE THEIR NAME ON THEIR INSTRUMENT CASES! It is recommended that the best possible
instrument be purchased or rented. This
will help prevent learner frustration, prevent technical problems, and allow a
young student to produce a superior sound.
PLEASE consult the band director before buying a new or used instrument.
11. Quality mouthpieces and
ligatures- Mouthpieces and ligatures can make a
great difference in proper tone production.
PLEASE consult the band director before buying a new mouthpiece or
ligature. Please see mouthpiece /
ligature requirements below:
Clarinet:
Bonade Inverted Ligature and a Hite or Vandoreen B45 mouthpiece.
Saxophone: Rovner Ligature and a Hite or Vandoreen A45
mouthpiece AND a “Nerf” type soft sponge
ball for a mute in the bell of the Saxophone.
Trumpets:
Size 5C mouthpiece.
French Horn: Size / quality
comparable to a Farakas Mouthpiece
Baritone
/ Trombone need: Size 6 1/2 AL
mouthpiece
Tuba: Size 18 or 24
mouthpiece
**The director reserves the right to
ask a student to change mouthpieces or ligatures.
12. Quality Equipment-
All woodwind reed students should have four good playing reeds with them at all
rehearsals and performances. Beginning Clarinet & saxophone students should
use a Vandoreen brand reed size # 2 1/2.
These students should graduate to a size #3 Vandoreen reed by the end of
their beginning year. Double reed
students should start on a medium-soft reed & graduate to a medium reed by
the end of their beginning year. Percussionists should always throw away broken
or warped sticks. Proper technique is
impossible when using damaged equipment.
13. Private Lessons-
One thirty minute lesson per week is recommended for all students in our
program. Especially in our scheduling
situation, this will greatly enhance learning.
See the band director for private instructor information.
14. Music
is the responsibility of the student.
All students are issued an individual copy of each piece currently being
rehearsed. The cost is $1.00 per page to
replace lost music. When music is not
in use, it is to be kept with the student.
Only keep music in your case if there is a place for it.
15. Uniforms-
Uniforms will only be issued upon full payment of Band fees. Each Marching Band
member (includes hat) and or Honor Band member will be issued a complete
uniform (with hanger and bag). The
uniform will be taken home and needs to be dry cleaned after each use. The complete uniform will be worn for all
Marching Band and Honor Band performances excluding school concerts. All students will stay in complete
uniform following each performance until the director indicates other
wise. Each member is expected to return
the uniform in the condition it was issued (with allowance for normal wear) and
is financially responsible for any
repairs or replacement. Parents will be
sent home care instruction for the uniform at the time it is issued. Please return the uniform by the deadline
issued on the band calendar. Grades
will be held if uniforms are turned in late.
16. THE BAND ROOM is for BAND
MEMBERS ONLY!
Students not enrolled in the band program are not allowed in the band
room at any time (unless the director grants SPECIAL permission in
advance). EATING, DRINKING, & GUM ARE NOT ALLOWED AND WILL BE STRICTLY
ENFORCED. Consistent violation of
this will result in grade reduction, and possibly effect award
eligibility. Personal items, including
books, book bags, shoes, etc., are not to be left in the band room during the
school day or over night. The band room
is not a locker. Items left in the band
room will be taken at the end of the day.
Members may pay a fine to claim the items (at the discretion of the
director).
17. Riding in buses:
All Shelby County School rules and consequences apply on field trips, as in the
classroom. We are representing our
school, parents, and our band program on performance trips. Trips
are a privilege ... not a right, and are part of the culminating reward of hard
work. YOUR BEST BEHAVIOR AND
ATTITUDE IS EXPECTED AT ALL TIMES!
Students will ride the bus designated by the director. When taking a
trip, students will load in the order designated by the director. All band members will ride the bus to the
performance. Students may ride home
with someone else, providing that they present the director a signed not from
their parents, explaining whom they will be riding home with. Parents:
ALWAYS check out students with the director immediately prior to leaving
once the performance is complete. Roll
will be called just before departure with everyone seated and quiet. Just before the destination is reached,
everyone will remain quiet as the director and bus driver discuss final
directions. No one will leave his/her
seat until permission is given.
Students shall remain seated at all times.
No food or drink is allowed on the buses unless otherwise
indicated. All members are responsible
for the disposal of trash in the event eating occurs on longer trips. Keep the buses clean and cause no
damage. Students may bring CD players
or other electronic gadgets (when approved) on longer trips.
Students are expected to load and unload all of their equipment and are
responsible for it during the trip. All
percussionists will help load and unload percussion equipment.
While on the bus, students will speak in a normal speaking voice at all
times. Noise will be kept at a
minimum. Singing, shouting, shouting
from the windows is forbidden. Place no
portion of the body outside the window at any time.
PDA (Public displays of affection) will not be tolerated at any time
during a band event.
Do not play any instrument on the bus.
Do not drum on seats, hats, or any non-percussion item. Sticks and mallets will be stored in stick
cases during transport.
ALWAYS BE POLITE AND COURTEOUS TO OTHER BANDS!
Negative comments about other bands are
forbidden. If you can’t say anything
nice, don’t say anything at all.
Misconduct in any of the above mentioned forms (including pushing,
shoving, fighting) can result in the student(s) being banned from further
trips. It is the duty of the chaperones
to report any misconduct on the bus.
18.
CHAPERONES: The
band makes no trips unless accompanied by chaperones. Because the band director
cannot be in a position to supervise at all times and locations, the success of
the program relies heavily on the presence of good chaperones.
Chaperones should be active and assume responsibility. They should not hesitate to stop any
practices, which seem questionable, out of place, or definitely wrong. The following are examples of activities
that will not be tolerated:
-Rowdiness
-Anything that might reflect negatively on the
positive reputation of
our band program
-Exchanging buses
-Vandalism - PDA
- keep your hands to yourself
-Untidy
appearance
-Wearing
uniform improperly
-Leaving
bus or assembly area without permission
19. CLASS MEETINGS: All Band Classes meet three days per week during the school day. ALL after school
rehearsals are 2:15-4:00 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Marching Band is in
the Fall Semester after school. Marching Band rehearsals are required for
Marching Band members. Honor Band
rehearsals usually begin the 3rd week of Jan. and are Mon., Tues. and Thurs.
after school. These rehearsals are
required for Honor Band members.
All-West practice begins in September and is Mon. and Wed. after
school. This is only for students
auditioning for the All-West TN Band.
Solo & Ensemble practice is on an as needed basis after school
beginning 2nd semester.
If a student is well enough to
be attend school, the student is expected to stay for after school rehearsal.
The director recognizes that
transportation can be a challenge, (calendars are issued well in advance to
assist transportation needs) however, that is no excuse for missing rehearsals. Please check with neighbors and band friends
for transportation needs. THANK YOU
PARENTS!
20.
THE
BAND BOOSTER ORGANIZATION: The
Band Booster Organization is organized to financially support the band program
and to promote the activities of the band.
SMS Band does not receive an operating budget from Shelby County
Schools. The SMS Band program could not exist or function properly without
parental support. Parents and
interested friends are urged to attend meetings, events, performances, and to
lend their support. Meetings are
quarterly and will be announced via the band calendar and e-mails. The Band Booster organization sponsors two
band fund raisers during the school year.
Fall Semester: Band students sell fundraiser items. Spring Semester: Shadowlawn school-wide dance.
21.
PERFORMANCE
REQUIREMENTS The Band program is designed to be
inclusive to the middle school student. FOR ALL BAND STUDENTS the minimum
(outside of class) performance requirements are Fall (December) and Spring
(April/May) Concerts and participation in the West TN Solo & Ensemble
Festival. All-West TN Band auditions
are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED! Participation
in Marching Band and the Honor Band is expected & STRONGLY ENCOURAGED!
22.
West
TN Solo & Ensemble Festival is a regional
event, held locally, where students perform solos and or ensembles for a
judge. The students are not competing
but are rated according to a standard.
Earning a score of III or above at this Festival is one of the criteria
for earning all Band Awards. THIS EVENT DOES NOT TAKE ALL DAY…USUALLY ABOUT AN
HOUR. SMS Band will be assigned a block
time for our performances. Once the
performance is complete, the student may leave. All 6th graders will perform a
solo. 7th & 8th graders will
perform have a choice of a solo, ensemble or both. The cost is $7.00 per event,
(judges’ fees) and is included in your SMS Band fees. 7th & 8th Grade students performing in more than one event
may pay the additional fee at a later time.
(See the website for more info.)
23.
Marching
Band is an, auditioned fall performing ensemble for all SMS Band
students. The Marching Band will perform at The Bartlett Christmas Parade and
another holiday parade TBA. Participation in Marching Band is expected of Band students. Auditions:
Marching Percussion, Flag Corp and Field Commander auditions are in
September. Brass and woodwind marching
auditions start when marching band rehearsals begin after school. To be selected for the Marching Band all
students should be prepared to exhibit, over the course of several rehearsals,
the discipline and ability to march in correct formation using
proper marching fundamentals. Each
student will perform her/his music from memory. All Marching Band brass, woodwind, & percussion students will
perform all parade music from memory in mid-October. Flag members and the Field Commander will correctly perform the
marching music on their respective instruments.
24.
Each Marching
Band (except flags) and Honor Band member must own a pair of SOLID WHITE
LACE-UP shoes. These may be vinyl or
leather. NO CLOTH SHOES. Check local department stores or area music
stores. Students are responsible for
polishing their shoes (at home) before each performance. All Marching Band members (except percussion
and flags) music own a pair of solid white gloves (clarinets cut the tips of
glove fingers off). The Band Boosters
will sell these after an after school rehearsal prior to the first parade. Flags need to purchase special shoes and
gloves. The Flag Mom or Flag Instructor
and director will make these arrangements.
25.
Honor
Band is the ensemble that performs in the West TN School Band
& Orchestra Concert Festival, “Six Flags Music Festival” Six Flags, St.
Louis, MO, and on the Spring Concert. The Honor Band three days per week after
school beginning in late January.
Honor Band music is competition level music and requires an extra level
of commitment from students. This ensemble is open, by audition, to all 2nd
year + students, and sixth grade students who have a minimum of year band experience
or who are advanced students taking private lessons. Students will have from
the beginning of the school year until the end of the first week in January to
complete the following scale requirements.
Audition requirements are as follows:
Honor
Band auditions:
1.
Students need to be consistently well prepared for each class,
assignments, tests and regularly follow procedures well…. including
consistently completing Practice Record Assignments. They need to exhibit significant progress in all areas of
performing (i.e.: technical, intonation, posture, articulation, timbre). No Ns or Us in any class’ conduct, ISS or
OSS. Auditioning for the All-West TN Band is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED for potential
Honor Band students.
2.
Sixth (minimum one-year experience) and Seventh grade band students will
perform eight major scales and a chromatic scale (one octave Concert Bb
ascending and descending) from memory using the following rhythm:
Ascending: half note, followed by
quarter notes until the octave half note
Descending: half note, followed by
quarter notes until the concluding original half note
**ALL Band students are given scale
sheets with appropriate rhythms the first week of school.
3.
Eighth grade band students will perform all twelve major scales and a
chromatic (one octave Concert Bb ascending and descending) from memory using
the following rhythm:
Ascending: quarter note, followed by
eighth notes until the octave quarter note
Descending: quarter note, followed by
eighth notes until the concluding original quarter note.
**ALL Band students are given scale
sheets with appropriate rhythms the first week of school.
The scales may be performed one at a
time and the student will be asked to identify (from memory) the key signature of
each scale performed. The students will be given in class time (one scale day
per month during the Fall Semester 7 & 8 grades and class days following
the Dec. Concert) to perform scale requirements. ALL eligible students are encouraged to audition!
26.
GRADING PROCEDURES
2007-08 BAND PROCEDURES
Welcome! I am pleased you are in the Shadowlawn Band program! The following is a guideline of grading
procedures for this school year. Please
read, sign and return the form on the following page. By following the classroom procedures listed below, students and
parents can be assured of a positive learning environment. Please read carefully the SMS Band Handbook
concerning fees ($130.00), Fund Raisers, Honor Band & Marching Band
requirements, and additional procedures.
Procedures:
1.
Be seated in assigned place (2 minutes after entering the class room)
and
Be prepared for class: daily at home practice, instrument, music,
pencils
2.
Raise you hand and be recognized before speaking.
3.
Respect others: Keep hands to
yourself; no teasing or inappropriate language
4.
NO gum, food or drink in the classroom (Lowers daily conduct
grade to an N)
5.
Listen: Follow directions the
first time.
*If a student chooses to earn an “N” or “U” daily conduct
grade three times in a Nine week period the result will be a report card
conduct grade of an “N” or a “U
Grading:
A = 100-93 D = 75-70
B = 92-86 F = 69 and below
C = 85-76
10% = Practice Record Assignments
(Weekly Practice Record Assignments are due on
Wednesday each week.)
30% = Tests / Performances
60% = In Class Participation (Instrument, Music, Pencil + great
effort)
** Dec. & May Concerts,
Solo & Ensemble, and Marching Band and Honor Band performances (if the
student is involved in those ensembles) are required. A doctor’s note is required for performance absence due to an
illness. Please see the SMS Band
Handbook.
**All Band students are expected to maintain an “S” or above in
report card conduct grade in ALL CLASSES in order to be eligible for band field
trips. An N or U report card conduct
grade will result in lost field trip privileges or require chaperoning by the
parent; Director’s discretion.
Positive Learning Environments will
help ensure:
1.
Student achievement and learning
2.
A positive learning environment
3.
Participation in Band Class field trips
4.
A GREAT Band Program
5.
Keeps Dr. C. Happy : )
26.
HONORS
AND AWARDS: The
SMS Band Boosters sponsor an annual Awards Banquet open to all band members and
their families. The following are a
list of awards of which all SMS Band members may qualify and the criterion that
should be met. An unlimited number of
students may qualify for each award. Band members are expected to have no
unexcused rehearsal or performance absences in order to be eligible for awards. The band director will have the final
decision whether or not to present any of these awards to any student. Participation
in the Awards Banquet by the Band student (or paying adult representative – the
director must be notified in writing one week in advance) is expected in order
for students to receive awards. ALL
ATTENDING SMS BAND STUDENTS ARE RECOGNIZED FOR ACHIEVEMENTS.
**Please
see the director if purchasing a ticket is a hardship on your family.
The
Band Spirit Award: The Band Spirit Award is presented to
the band members in each grade who, throughout the year, consistently exhibit
the following:
-ALWAYS prepared for class,
assignments, tests & follows classroom procedures
-Cooperative, positive, polite
attitude; accepts constructive criticism well
-Willing to go “above & beyond” for
the group to excel
-A real team member: thinks of others
first
-Participates in Marching Band and or
Honor Band (Sixth Grade beginners
Excluded)
-Participates in Solo & Ensemble
Festival (earns a “III” or above)
-Maintains a B or above average in Band
-S or above in report card conduct
The
Most Improved Musician Award: The Most
Improved Musician Award is presented to the band members in each class who,
throughout the year, consistently exhibit the following:
- ALWAYS prepared for class,
assignments, tests & follows classroom procedures
-Aggressive efforts to improve
performance level throughout the school year
-Participation in Marching Band and or
Honor Band (beginning students excluded)
-Participates in the West TN Solo &
Ensemble Festival (earns a “III” or above)
-Obvious improvement in attitude and
cooperation
-Overcomes obstacles to improve
-S or above in report card conduct
The
Most Outstanding Musician Award: The Most
Outstanding Musician Award is the highest award an SMS Band member can
earn. It is presented to the band
members in each grade who, throughout the year, consistently exhibit the
following and or meet the following criteria:
- ALWAYS prepared for class,
assignments, tests & follows classroom procedures
-Consistent, exceptional, outstanding
performance on his/her respective instrument
-Learning the music and auditioning for
the All-West TN Jr. High Band audition
(Beginning students excluded)
-Participates in the West TN Solo &
Ensemble Festival (earns a “II” or above)
-Participates in the Marching Band and
the Honor Band (beginning students
excluded)
-Performs four memorized scales
(beginning band students only)
-Maintains a B or above average
-S or above in report card conduct
Marching
Band members who have no unexcused rehearsal absences and
participate in all performances will be recognized for their service and
dedication.
Honor
Band members who have no unexcused rehearsal absences and
participate in all performances will be recognized for their service and
dedication.
Special
Recognition is awarded to student leaders and
students earning placement in the All-West TN Junior High Bands.
