BMS Band Packet 2014-2015 - Nicholas J. Begich Middle School

 Begich Middle School Band 2014-­‐2015 Mr. Walters, 6th, 7th, 8th Grade Bands Email: [email protected] Phone: 907-­‐742-­‐0567 th
Ms. Meredith, 6 Grade Band Email: [email protected] Scan this QR code with your smartphone to easily save important Phone: 907-­‐742-­‐0569 contact and calendar information! Welcome (or welcome b ack) to the Begich M.S. Band! We’re so excited to have you in the band program here at Begich, and we’re sure you’re going to have a great year! Here is some information that you need to know. Please make sure you and your parent/guardian read this packet thoroughly so that you don’t miss any important information! Grading A 90-­‐100% B 80-­‐89% C 70-­‐79% D 60-­‐69% F below 60% Daily Points 4 points per day On time, with instrument & accessories, music, and pencil! Great behavior (following class rules)! SmartMusic Assignments 5-­‐10 points each SmartMusic assignments may be completed in class or on your own! Tests/Quizzes (Playing o r Written) 10-­‐20 points each Be prepared to play any music we are working on in class, and make sure you are paying close attention to the skills we are learning in class! Practice Logs 20-­‐40 points per month Keep track of your practicing, and make sure you practice the required amount for your class. Beginning Band: 30 m inutes per week Intermediate Band: 45 minutes per week Advanced Band: 60 minutes per week Concerts 60 points each Be on time, with your instrument/music and the correct uniform, and be an awesome performer and concert attendee! Extra Credit There will b e opportunities for students to earn extra credit throughout the year. These opportunities will include auditioning and participating in 6th Grade Honor Band, Junior Youth Symphony Band, local community bands, Solo & Ensemble Festival, or various other opportunities as they come up throughout the year. Take advantage of extra credit! You may earn up to 10% of your final grade through extra credit. Excused/Unexcused Absences: Band is a “team sport”, so every student’s absence (for any reason) greatly affects the entire band. Since a point value is assigned to each rehearsal and concert, students will receive 0 points for any rehearsal or concert they miss, regardless of the excuse. However, in the case of excused absences, students will be allowed to m ake up their work through a variety of ways. In order for an absence to count as excused, Mr. Walters must b e contacted in writing, or via email or phone 742-­‐0567 ASAP (the sooner the better!), and the excuse must be determined as a legitimate reason for the student to be absent. Please be specific—vague excuses will generally N OT be accepted as an excused absence. Begich M.S. Band Contract (Return the bottom portion signed for your second homework grade!) Membership in a musical group offers many valuable experiences and opportunities—music enriches and empowers those involved in it, and it is truly life-­‐changing! However, with those experiences and opportunities comes responsibility. I agree to uphold my responsibility as a member of the Begich Middle School Band by following the rules and guidelines established in both the band classroom, and in Begich Middle School as representative of the band program. 1. I will arrive on time to class with my music, instrument, supplies, pencil, and a good attitude. 2. I will give my best effort and participate in all activities each and every day, even on days when I don’t feel like it. 3. I will attend all scheduled performances. I understand that I have been given a list of performance dates so that I can plan in advance and that any changes in the scheduled dates will be announced as far in advance as possible. 4. I understand that I must dress appropriately for concerts. “Concert dress” will be explained early in the year and will be a uniform for every band student. If I have any trouble providing this outfit, I will talk to my band teacher well in advance of the performance day. 5. I understand that my grade in band will be determined based on the grading policy I received on the first day of school. I understand that I am still responsible for making up for missed performances and assignments, regardless of if the absence or missed assignment is excused or not. 6. I will follow the necessary steps for obtaining an instrument and supplies in a timely manner. 7. I will care for my instrument and all school equipment with EXTREME care as instructed by my band teacher. I will never leave my instrument unattended unless locked securely. I realize that band instruments are very expensive and that I am responsible for the care of the instrument, including any repairs or replacement fees. 8. I will represent my school, my band and myself positively in all rehearsals, concerts, and music events. (Please cut, sign and return the bottom portion of this sheet. The top portion is for your information.) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ I have read and understand the expectations and responsibilities required for band. I agree to attend all required concerts and uphold the regulations stated in this contract. Student Name:______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________ Parent Signature Date _______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________ Student Signature Date 1
Important Band Dates! 2014-­‐2015 Please mark these on your calendar! Please make sure that you know these dates and plan accordingly. These dates are subject to change beyond our control. During the 2013-­‐2014 school year, we had three different concert dates changed by the “powers-­‐that-­‐be”. We will do everything we can to update you about any changes to this schedule. AUGUST 8/22 Fri 7th & 8th Grade Instrument Contracts Issued Forms should be coming home soon with students—please make sure they are returned with $40 check o r cash! 8/25-­‐27 Mon-­‐Wed 7th & 8th Grade Instrument Checkout Students will not receive an instrument without a completed instrument contract and $40 rental fee. 8/29 Fri Band Contract Due—All Students 6th Grade Instrument Contracts Issued Forms should be coming home soon with students—please make sure they are returned with $40 check or cash! SEPTEMBER 9/2-­‐3 Tues-­‐Wed 6th Grade Instrument Checkout Students will not receive an instrument without a completed instrument contract and $40 rental fee. 9/9 & 9/11 Tues & Thurs Back to School Nights, 5:30pm 6th Grade-­‐ Tuesday 7th & 8th Grade-­‐ Thursday 9/15-­‐18 Mon-­‐Thurs Junior Y outh Symphony Band Auditions, 7th & 8th Grade only *20 Points Extra Credit!* Romig M.S. 4:30-­‐6:00 Mon-­‐Wed Gruening M.S. 4:30-­‐6:00pm Thurs OCTOBER 10/30 Thurs Advanced Band & Jazz Band Fall Concert Report at 6:15 in full concert dress Concert at 7:00pm in MPR DECEMBER 12/10-­‐11 Wed-­‐Thurs 6th Grade Honor Band Auditions *20 points Extra Credit!* Begich M.S. 4:30-­‐6:00pm 12/11 Thurs Intermediate & Advanced Band Winter Concert Report at 6:15 in full concert dress Concert at 7:00pm in MPR 12/15 Mon Beginning B and, Jazz Band & Percussion Ensemble Winter Concert Report at 6:15pm in full concert dress Concert at 7:00pm in GYM FEBRUARY 2/6 Fri Solo & Ensemble Festival, selected 7th & 8th graders only *20 Points Extra Credit!* Central Lutheran Church, during the school day 2/11 Wed Dessert “Pops” Fundraising Concert! (Advanced Band, Jazz Band) Report at 5:15pm Event begins at 6:00pm 2
2/24-­‐25 2/26-­‐27 MARCH 3/30 APRIL 4/30 MAY 5/7 5/12 Tues-­‐Wed TBD-­‐ Middle School B and Festival (Advanced B and) Thurs-­‐Fri Elementary School Tour (Jazz Band, Advanced B and TBD) Mon Bartlett A rea B and Festival (Beginning B and, Advanced Band & Perc Ensemble) All 6th Graders arrive at BARTLETT H.S. GYM at 5:30pm Advanced Band & Percussion Ensemble arrive at BARTLETT H.S. BAND ROOM at 6:30pm Concert Begins at 7:30pm in Bartlett Gym Thurs Sonic Boom!, 6th graders only Sullivan Arena Report at 6:00pm in black & white concert dress Performance begins at 7:30pm Thurs Beginning B and, Jazz Band & Percussion Ensemble Spring Concert Report at 6:15 in full concert dress Concert at 7:00pm in GYM Tues Intermediate & Advanced Band Spring Concert Report at 6:15 in full concert dress Concert at 7:00pm in MPR How to Be Prepared for Band Class In order to receive credit (points) for being in class every day, you need to do the following things: 1. Show up, on time! 2. Have your instrument! -­‐ Your instrument, mouthpiece, ligature, reeds, etc. -­‐ Valve oil, slide oil, slide grease, cork grease, swab, mouthpiece brush, mouthpiece cap, and all other items your instrument needs -­‐ We will talk more about specific instrument needs in class 3. Have your book! -­‐ We will be using the Standard of Excellence book in all band classes. Beginning Band-­‐ Book 1 (Red Book) Intermediate Band-­‐ Book 2 (Blue Book) Advanced Band-­‐ TBD Percussion Ensemble-­‐ TBD 4. Have your music folder and music! -­‐ Every student will have their own copy of each piece of music, which should be kept in the band folder 5. Have your PENCIL! -­‐ We will be using our pencils to mark up the music EVERY DAY, so this will be required and checked often! 6. Be ready to work! -­‐ Band is a lot of fun, but it is also a very challenging class, and you will be expected to work every day, even on days when you don’t necessarily feel like it! (Instrument-­‐specific supply list on the back of this page, in addition to music store information!) Instrument-­‐Specific Supply List You will be required to have each of the following items to care for your instrument. Some music stores may have these items packed together as a “starter pack”. Supplies vary in price from $10-­‐50. Most of these supplies (except for reeds & valve oil) will last for several years (if they aren’t lost!) You must have your supplies before you are issued a Begich MS instrument! You must also have your Standard of Excellence book before you are issued an instrument. Flute Swab rod Swab cloth Clarinet Reeds-­‐ at least 3 reeds at all times (Rico Royal, Mitchell Lurie, or Vandoren reeds are recommended) Reed case Swab cloth Cork grease Mouthpiece brush Oboe Reeds-­‐ at least 2 reeds at all times (Jones reeds are recommended) Reed case Medicine bottle or film canister for water Swab cloth or swab feather Cork grease Bassoon Reeds-­‐ at least 2 reeds at all times (Jones reeds are recommended) Reed case Medicine bottle or film canister for water Reed case Swab cloth Saxophone Reeds-­‐ at least 3 reeds at all times (Rico Royal, Mitchell Lurie, or Vandoren reeds are recommended) Reed case Neckstrap Swab cloth (not for baritone saxophone) Cork grease Mouthpiece brush Trumpet Valve oil Slide oil Tuning slide grease Mouthpiece brush French Horn Rotor valve oil Tuning slide grease Mouthpiece brush Trombone Spray bottle Slide lubricant (Slide-­‐o-­‐Mix is recommended, but trombone slide grease will work) Cleaning rag Tuning slide grease Mouthpiece brush Euphonium/Baritone/Tuba Valve oil Tuning slide grease Mouthpiece Brush Percussion Snare Drum sticks (Vic Firth SD-­‐1 sticks are HIGHLY recommended—and no more expensive than other sticks!) Music Stores in Anchorage The Horn Doctor-­‐ 1000 Ingra Street 907-­‐272-­‐4676 Hours: Mon-­‐Fri 10:30am-­‐6:30pm, Sat 11am-­‐4pm The Music Man-­‐ 4637 Old Seward Highway 907-­‐561-­‐7001 Hours: Mon-­‐Fri 11am-­‐6:30pm, Sat 11am-­‐5pm Mammoth Music (mostly percussion)-­‐ 500 E. 5th Ave 907-­‐272-­‐9944 Hours: Mon-­‐Sat 10am-­‐7pm Begich Band Concert Attire It is a universal understanding that concert musicians wear similar attire in order to show unity, as well as to allow the focus of the audience members to be on the music being performed, not the individuals in the group. The Begich M.S. band program uses these same principles in choosing concert attire. While we encourage individuality in many aspects of school life, concerts are a place for the entire band to showcase what they have done together, not bring attention to individuals. 6th Grade Band Students White dress shirt or blouse—no t-­‐shirts or tank tops Dark tie (optional) Black pants—no skirts/dresses Black shoes preferred Black socks preferred th
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7 & 8 Grade Band Students (and ALL Percussion Ensemble/Drumline members) Black BMS Music polo shirt (purchased or borrowed) Black pants—no skirts/dresses Black shoes preferred Black socks preferred Black Begich Music polo shirts will be available for PURCHASE or LOAN soon—stay tuned for details! Failure to wear the correct attire for a concert may result in a loss of points, or even loss of participation in the concert. Please let Mr. Walters know IMMEDIATELY if you are unable to obtain the necessary uniform items.