CLINTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
PANTHER PRIDE BANDS
2011-2012
HANDBOOK AND SYLLABUS
Penny Davis, Director
CLINTON MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND
HANDBOOK AND SYLLABUS
ENSEMBLES
BEGINNING BAND
Prerequisite: This class is open to any sixth grade beginning band students, but students must have access to an instrument, or be willing to play one of the available school owned instruments.
Description: Beginning Band is a course designed for any student interested in exploring instrumental music. It is created for beginners with no musical background, and serves to introduce solid fundamentals of musicianship. Students will use Essential Elements 2000 Book 1. The class meets daily, and students are also expected to practice outside of class to reinforce skills (SEE PAGE 6). While the emphasis of beginning band is placed on fundamentals, students are also given opportunities to perform in concert and contest.
SUPPLIES: Students will be responsible for purchasing the various reeds, oils, etc. for their instrument.
SYLLABUS
At the end of the first quarter – the overall goal being the ability to demonstrate acceptable performance level of exercises 1-50 in the Essential Elements 2000, Book 1. Students will also be asked to practice at least 90 minutes per week outside of class (see attached grading guidelines).
At the end of the second quarter – the overall goal being to add to the skills presented in the first section, and completing lessons 51-79 of the method book, students will also perform appropriate selections at an acceptable level of musicianship at the annual winter concert.
At the end of the third quarter – with the overall goal of building on previously learned skills, students will add the skills presented lessons 80-102 of the method book, and prepare music to perform at an acceptable level of musicianship for concert band contest, both within the ensemble, and individually in solo and ensemble competition.
At the end of the fourth quarter – in addition to building on previous skills, students will add the skills of lessons 103-131 of the method book, will perform at an acceptable level of musicianship on the spring concert, and will demonstrate a mastery of those skills needed for successful participation in seventh grade band.
ASSESSMENT: Students will be graded based on playing tests, performance grades, practice cards, self assessment, teacher observation, and daily grades. An element of research and/or scientific design/ method will also be required.
(See attached Classroom Grading Guidelines)
SEVENTH GRADE BAND
Prerequisite: Students should have successfully completed one year of band, or passed a placement test administered by the instructor.
Description: Seventh Grade Band is a course designed for any student interested in furthering their knowledge of instrumental music. Seventh Grade Band will meet every day as one class. Students will use the Essential Elements 2000 Book 2, and while emphasis will be placed on building music fundamentals, the main focus of the ensemble will be on performance. Students will be expected to perform at school activities, concerts, and contests. In addition, students from this band will be encouraged to participate in solo and ensemble competition..
SUPPLIES: Students will be responsible for purchasing various reeds, oils, etc. for their instrument, and for any solo and ensemble entry fees.
SYLLABUS
At the end of the first quarter – the overall goal being the ability to demonstrate acceptable performance level of exercises 1-35 in the Essential Elements 2000, Book 2. Students will also be asked to practice at least 90 minutes per week outside of class (see attached grading guidelines).
At the end of the second quarter – the overall goal being to add to the skills presented in the first section, and completing lessons 36-79 of the method book, students will also perform appropriate selections at an acceptable level of musicianship at the annual winter concert.
At the end of the third quarter – with the overall goal of building on previously learned skills, students will add the skills presented lessons 80-102 of the method book, and prepare music to perform at an acceptable level of musicianship for concert band contest, both within the ensemble, and individually in solo and ensemble competition.
At the end of the fourth quarter – in addition to building on previous skills, students will add the skills of lessons 103-126 of the method book, will perform at an acceptable level of musicianship on the spring concert, and will demonstrate a mastery of those skills needed for successful participation in eighth grade band.
ASSESSMENT: Students will be graded based on playing tests, performance grades, practice cards, self assessment, teacher observation, and daily grades. An element of research and/or scientific design/ method will also be required.
(See attached Classroom Grading Guidelines)
EIGHTH GRADE BAND
Prerequisite: Students should have successfully completed two years of band or passed a placement test administered by the instructor.
Description: Eighth Grade Band will meet every day as one class. Students will use the Essential Elements 2000 Book 2, and while emphasis will be placed on building music fundamentals, the main focus of the ensemble will be on performance. Students will be expected to perform at school activities, concerts, contests, some football games and pep rallies. In addition, students from this band will be encouraged to audition for all-city band, and to participate in solo and ensemble competition.
SUPPLIES: STUDENTS WILL NEED TO PURCHASE A BAND T-SHIRT if theirs is faded, torn or stained. Cost of the shirt is $8.00. Clarinet, trumpet, trombone and saxophone students will also need to purchase a music lyre (around $10.00). They will need both of these things before our first performance on Sept. 13. Students will also be responsible for purchasing various reeds, oils, etc. for their instrument.
ASSESSMENT: Students will be graded based on playing tests, performance grades, self assessment, teacher observation, and daily grades. An element of research and/or scientific design/ method will also be required.
(See attached Classroom Grading Guidelines)
SYLLABUS
First Quarter – focus on performances by the band at school activities such as the block party, football games, and the Homecoming Parade. Students will also be engaged in preparing the audition material for the All-City Honor Band. In addition, students will be responsible for mastering the skills presented on pages 1-4 of the Standard of Excellence Book 3 method book.
Second Quarter – continuing to build on those skills gained in the first quarter, students will focus more on the method book, pages 5 –14, and also on performing appropriate selections at an acceptable level of musicianship at the annual Winter Concert.
Third Quarter – with the overall goal of building on previously learned skills, students will continue with the skills presented on pages 15-20 of the method book, and prepare music to perform at an acceptable level of musicianship for concert band contest, booth within the ensemble, and individually by participation in solo and ensemble events.
Fourth Quarter – in addition to building on previously learned skills, students will complete the required skills presented in the method book, and perform at the annual spring concert and any other scheduled concerts or contests.
FACILITIES
Band Room: The appearance of our band room reflects on the Clinton Band Program. Please help keep it neat and clean. No gum, candy, food, or drink is allowed in the band room. Instruments and music should be put away neatly after each rehearsal. Please do your part to keep it a place we can be proud of.
Music Library: The Music Library holds the sheet music for the Clinton band. This library is a great resource that is irreplaceable. The library is off limits except to students designated as librarians. All music is the property of Clinton Middle School, and is to be returned in good condition. Lost or damaged music or flip folders will be replaced by the student.
Band Office: Students are welcome in the CMS Band Office to meet with the director, but are not to be in the office without permission.
EQUIPMENT
Instruments: Probably the most important piece of equipment to the band student is an instrument. You will not be able to participate in band without an instrument. Those students who do not have an instrument by the designated date will be assigned a school owned instrument of the director’s choice or be dropped from the band program. For your safety, you should never let anyone handle, carry, or play the instrument assigned to you (except a teacher), and never leave it where it can be stepped on or damaged. All instruments must have a nametag. You are responsible for your instrument.
Purchasing an Instrument: Those students playing flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and drums are encouraged to rent or purchase an instrument. Local music stores have a rental purchase plan that allows parents to obtain an instrument at a reasonable monthly, and also offer insurance and repair options. THERE ARE A LOT OF POORLY CONSTRUCTED CHEAP INSTRUMENTS ON THE INTERNET RIGHT NOW – PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE AN INSTRUMENT UNLESS IT IS ONE OF THE FOLLOWING BRANDS:
Flute- Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Artley, Armstrong
Clarinet – Yamaha, Selmer, Vito, Bundy, Noblet, Buffet, Leblanc
Alto Sax – Yamaha, Selmer, Bundy, Conn, Armstrong, Yanagisawa
Trumpet – Yamaha, Bach, Benge, Besson, Blessing, Schilke, Getzen, Bundy, King, Conn,
Trombone – Yamaha, Bach, Holton, Blessing, Besson, Bach, King, Conn
Drums – Yamaha, Pearl, Ludwig, other snare drum kits that come with a snare drum,
stand, case, and practice pad
If you are unable to rent an instrument, there are a small number of school-owned instruments that are available on a first come first served basis.
School Owned Instruments: CMS will furnish students with the larger band instruments such as the baritones, tubas, French horns, and tenor and baritone saxophones. Also, a limited number of smaller instruments are available on a first come first served basis for students. It is a special privilege to be able to play a school owned instrument. Any damage that is done to these instruments must be repaired at the student’s expense.
Maintenance: Students who need repair on their instrument should first consult their band director. With director approval, you may then take the instrument to the music store to be repaired. You will be responsible for all charges. If it is necessary to leave an instrument in the shop for repairs, parents should send a note to let the director know. The student should bring the mouthpiece to class even without the instrument. NEVER TRY TO REPAIR THE INSTRUMENT YOURSELF.
UNIFORMS
All 7th and 8th grade band students need to purchase a CMS band uniform. The uniform is a Clinton band t-shirt, school uniform pants (sometimes we wear blue jeans or shorts), and athletic shoes. It is the responsibility of the students to keep their uniform neat and clean throughout the year. Any lost or damaged band shirts will need to be replaced at the students’ expense. Information on band shirt purchases will come home at a later date
CLASSROOM GRADING GUIDELINES
2011-2012
The following is the grading policy for the CMS bands. In addition to the daily grade, performances, and playing tests, the beginning and 7th grade bands will be using weekly practice reports as part of their grades. Practice cards are worth 25% of the students’ grade. Students will be expected to practice at least 1 hour and 30 minutes (90 minutes) total per week at home in order to receive an A for their weekly practice grade. Students will be expected to practice at least 1 hour and 20 minutes (80 minutes) total per week to receive a B for their weekly practice grade. Students will be expected to practice 1 hour and 10 minutes (70 minutes) total per week to receive a C for their weekly practice grade. Students will be expected to practice at least 1 hour per week total to receive a D for their weekly practice grade. 100 minutes or more per week will result in a grade of %100.
PRACTICE CARDS WILL BE DUE EACH TUESDAY AND NEED TO BE SIGNED BY A PARENT.
Late practice cards will be accepted the week they are due, but there will be a 10 point grade reduction.
If a student cannot practice at home, the band room will be open until 5:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays for individual practice.
Any practice time accumulated in the band room should be recorded in the student's book and initialed by Ms. Davis at the time of the practice.
6TH AND 7TH GRADE BAND GRADING POLICY
Students will receive a daily grade of 3, 2, 1, or zero points based on musicianship and participation. Points will be deducted for talking, tardiness, and non-participation. If a student comes to class unprepared (without instrument or music), or does not participate in class, he or she will receive a zero for their daily grade along with a written assignment
Points will be given for:
WEEKLY PRACTICE CARD 100 pts. possible
PERFORMANCES 100 pts. possible
EXTRA REHEARSALS 50 pts. possible
PLAYING TESTS 100 pts. possible
WRITTEN TESTS various
DAILY GRADE 0-3 pts. daily
NINE WEEK GRADES WILL BE DETERMINED BY AVERAGING THE PERCENTAGE OF POINTS EARNED BY THE STUDENT OUT OF THE POINTS POSSIBLE.
THE SEMESTER GRADE WILL BE DETERMINED BY AVERAGING THE TWO NINE WEEK GRADES .
8TH GRADE BAND GRADING POLICY
Same as above with following exceptions: there will be no practice cards.
*ALL students will be allowed to retest on playing tests through the remainder of the nine weeks period to improve their grade and show mastery of the required skills. If a student chooses not to attempt the test on the day that it is assigned, that student will receive a zero, and will not be allowed to make up the test.
An unexcused absence from a scheduled rehearsal or performance will result in a significant grade drop. TO BE EXCUSED, A PARENT MUST NOTIFY THE INSTRUCTOR IN ADVANCE. This can be done by calling the band room at 746-8640, or by calling Ms. Davis’ cell phone at 284-1490. Please call anytime you have a question.
PROCEDURES
Before School: Come to the band room and drop your instrument and music off in the assigned spot after the first morning bell rings.
Entering the Room: Enter the room and take your instrument and music from the shelf. Set up your own chair and stand if necessary. Put your instrument together without playing. Wait for Warm-up to start. Students not seated with instruments and music when the tardy bell rings will be considered tardy.
Playing Your Instrument: Students will play only the instrument they own or have been assigned to play. Students will play only when they are asked to play. Not following this procedure will result in the student being asked to put his or her instrument away, and receiving a zero for their daily grade.
*******Lack of Instrument or Music: Students will receive a zero for their daily grade (see attached Grading Guidelines) and will complete a written assignment to make up for the missed class time. If a student is unable to play because of a medical condition or because their instrument is in the shop, a note from the parents/guardians is required in order to excuse the student from participating.
Practice Cards: Practice cards are due each Tuesday for beginning and 7th grade band members detailing their practice time for the previous week. The forms are located on the inside cover of the method book and should be signed each week by a parent. Any time spent practicing outside of class (including in the band room, extra rehearsals, over at a friend’s house, etc.) should be recorded. To turn in practice cards - books will be collected at the beginning of the period each Tuesday, and will be returned to the student as they are graded. LATE PRACTICE CARDS WILL BE ACCEPTED THE WEEK THEY ARE DUE WITH A 10 point GRADE REDUCTION (see Classroom Grading Guidelines).
Playing tests: Each band will have frequent playing tests for assessing their level of mastery of the skills they are working on at that time. Students will play individually as they are called on. For grading purposes, all students will start with a grade of 100, and each mistake will be a 5 point reduction. For instance, if a child makes 3 mistakes on his or her playing test, the grade will be an 85. If a student is not happy with the grade they earn, they can retake the test at any time during that nine weeks for a better grade. If a student chooses not to attempt the playing test on the day that it is assigned, they will receive a zero, and will not be allowed to make that test up.
Performances: In order to participate in performances, students will meet a minimum requirement for playing and participation. Evaluation will be based on participation and playing grades and on observation by the director. Extra rehearsals are sometimes required and students must attend or follow the procedure to be excused in order to participate in performances.
While representing CMS on trips and at contests, students will conduct themselves in an appropriate manner, and will follow the guidelines for behavior as established by the Board of Education.
Restroom procedures: Students will not be allowed to leave the room for any reason unless it is an emergency. The director will determine what an emergency is. School wide procedures will be followed.
Exiting the Room: Class will be dismissed by the director, at which time you are to put instruments and music away. Put away chair and stand (last hour only), and exit the room.
After School: Come to the band room and pick up your instrument and music before 3:25.
CLASS RULES
Students will treat others with respect. Disruptive or inappropriate behavior or language is not acceptable. The CMS Discipline procedures will be followed.
Students will be seated with instruments and music ready when the bell rings.
No instruments are to be left in the band room overnight without permission. (Exceptions are tubas, baritones, percussion, French horns, snare drums, and baritone sax). Breaking this rule will result in a detention assignment.
No gum, food candy or drinks. Breaking this rule will result in a detention assignment.
Students will remain seated during class. Students will raise their hands for permission to leave their chairs. The CMS Discipline procedures will be followed.
PARENTS
Parental support plays a very important role in the development of a student’s musical ability. Parents can take an active part in their child’s learning process by attending concerts, encouraging home practice, listening to them play at home, providing lessons when possible, and providing the proper equipment for success. If you are the parent of a 6th or 7th grade band student, please be sure to sign his or her practice card every week to be turned in each Tuesday.
Please fill out and return the talent release form and the Clinton Middle School Band Agreement, which are attached.
Please contact us any time you have a question or concern. Ms. Davis can be contacted at the Middle School at 746-8640 ext. 24228, by cell phone at 284-1490, or e-mail at davispe@tulsaschools.org.
Penny Davis
Clinton Middle School Bands
CLINTON MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND AGREEMENT
The goal of the Clinton Middle School Band program is to help students achieve their potential through music education. High standards and expectations have been set for the CMS band students and by working together, we will build a program that each individual musician, as well as our school and community can be proud of.
I received a copy of the CMS Band Handbook, and will adhere to all of the policies stated or implied in it.
______________________
STUDENT SIGNATURE
_______________________________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE
Tulsa Public Schools'
Picture and Video Release
Tulsa Public Schools and any agency working with my child,
on their behalf, have my permission to photograph
and/or videotape any activity supervised by these entities. I also grant permission for such
picture to be released to the media and/or to be used in brochures, pamphlets, commercials,
television
productions, etc.
Date Signature of Parent or Legal Guardian
****** For CMS Band students********
We often videotape and take still photos of our performances and on trips. We would like your permission for your child to be photographed while representing CMS for use in the newspaper, the yearbook, on our own Clinton Daily Show, and any other media opportunities that arise. Please call Ms. Davis at 284-1490 if you have any questions.