White County Middle School WCMS Band

WCMS

Band

White County Middle School Band
Dr. Amaral, Director
Contact Information: 931-738-9238 or wcmsband@yahoo.com
www.whitecountymiddleschool.org

Course Description for Band:
Instrumental music provides students with the exciting opportunity to study and perform many styles of music. Through the medium of band, this course is designed to develop proficiency on a musical instrument, literacy of music and the art of expressive playing.

Classroom Rules:
1.      Be respectful to students, teachers, equipment, instruments, etc. at all times. Students should not disrupt other student’s learning or the teacher’s instruction. Ask questions from your seat with a raised hand. Students are responsible for taking good care of instruments signed out to them.

Consequences for being disrespectful:
                                    1st Violation – Warning.
                                    2nd Violation – Writing assignment due the following day.
                                    3rd Violation – Writing assignment lengthened, Student is dismissed from class
                                                                participation that day. Parents are called.

2.     Be prepared by being ready to perform your music as assigned each day. In addition, students need to bring the following to class each day:
·       Instruments, sticks/ mallets
·       Pencils
·       Sheet music
·       3 ring notebook binder (new)
·       Note book paper
·       10 clear “sheet protectors” (new)
·       “Essential Elements” method book (new and can be purchased through the school)
·       “Fundamentals of Music Theory” workbook (new and can be purchased through the school)

Consequences for being unprepared: Lowering of participation grade (see below)

Grading Framework: Participation = 30%, Tests = 40%, Practice Schedules = 30%
1.     Participation = 30%:
Students actively participating (with above materials) in class each day and at after school rehearsals will receive a 100 for their participation grade (30% of their six-weeks grade). It is critically important for each member of the band to attend every rehearsal. This will insure the success of the ensemble. Each band member is expected to attend each after school rehearsal and performance. Participation will be calculated as follows:
·       On time and prepared                                                  = 100 (for 30% of your grade)
·       1 unexcused absence from after school rehearsal                     = 89    (for 30% of your grade)
·       2 unexcused absences from after school rehearsal        = 80    (for 30% of your grade)
·       3 or more unexcused absences from after school reh. = 0    (for 30% of your grade) and student will not be able to participate in concert.
·       1 unexcused absence from performance                                  = 0    (for 30% of your grade) and student is removed from band.
·       No instrument at class (forgot instrument)                = 1 unexcused absence
·       Unprepared (missing materials –see above list)           = 1 unexcused tardy
·       Severe behavior problem resulting in dismissal from class = 1 unexcused absence
·       3 unexcused tardies to class or rehearsal                                     = 1 unexcused absence

2.     Tests = 40%
Tests are the largest portion of your six-weeks grade. Written and playing exams will be given periodically to measure understanding and preparation. Each test will be worth 100 points and the average of these will equal 40% of your six-weeks grade.

3. Practice Schedules = 30%
Parents, please help your child establish a practice routine. A location free of outside distractions to practice the same time each day is ideal. Students should practice a minimum of 20-30 minutes a night. Practice schedules with Parent signature (verifying accuracy) are due every Friday. Three hours of practice are expected per week. Each practice schedule must be signed by a student’s Parent or Guardian.

·       7th and 8th grade Band Members will begin recording practice times on the evening of Friday August 20th. These times will be turned in on Friday on August 27th and will be called Practice Schedule Number 1. Each practice schedule will be worth 100 points and the average of these will equal 30% of their six-weeks grade.
·       Beginning Band students will begin recording practice times on the evening of Friday September 24th. These times will be turned in on Friday on October 1st and will be called Practice Schedule Number 1. Each practice schedule will be worth 100 points and the average of these will equal 30% of their six-weeks grade.

3 hours of practice                               = 97 (more than 3 hours receives extra credit)
2.5 hours of practice                            = 89
2 hours of practice                               = 80
1.5 hours of practice                            = 74
1 hour of practice                                = 70

Unsigned practice schedules can not be accepted and will be returned for a signature. These can be turned in the following Monday for full credit. Tuesday and each consecutive day, the grade is lowered.

4.   Extra Credit can be earned through taking private lessons and/or attending instrumental concerts (such as concert band and jazz band performances at TTU or WCHS). A list of private lesson instructors and concerts are posted on the band room bulletin board near the door. Each private lesson adds 3 points to a student’s six-week average. Practice schedules have a place for your private lesson instructor to sign to indicate that your child had a lesson that week. Each concert adds 2 points to a student’s six-week average. To receive extra credit for attending a concert, bring back a concert program, sign it, and staple it to your practice schedule for that week.

Performance Attire:
Football Games (8th Grade Band members and selected 7th graders only):
Tennis Shoes, pair of blue jeans (no holes) and band shirt. Band shirt cost is TBA.

Concert Uniform (All band members):
Males:
Black dress shoes, black dress socks, black dress slacks, black belt and a
White, long-sleeved, collared, full button-down dress shirt
Females:
Black dress shoes, black dress socks or black leggings, black dress slacks or black full-length skirt;
·       If wearing a skirt, then end of the skirt must touch the ankles while standing
·       If wearing a skirt and there is a slit on the side of the skirt, the slit can be no higher than the bottom of the calf.
White, full-length or elbow-length (3/4 size sleeves), shirt or blouse

The school dress code and rules regarding behavior do apply to all band performances whether at White County Middle School or another performance location. Casual clothing may not be worn at any performance unless designated by Dr. Amaral. Students will be dismissed from a performance if deviation from the dress code occurs. If acquiring proper performance attire is a concern, please contact Dr. Amaral immediately.
Performance Dates First Semester:
1. The 8th Grade Band (and selected 7th graders) will play (in the stands only) at the following
    HOME football games located at White County High School:
·      September 7th
·      September 14th
·      September 21st   (Homecoming)
·      FYI the CTC Championship Game is October 9th

2. There is a morning performance on Veterans Day (Nov. 11th). All 7th and 8th grade Band Members
     will perform in the WCMS Gym for the school and community.

3.     All Band members (Grade 6th, 7th, 8th & Jazz Band) will perform in a Winter concert tentatively scheduled for December 7th in the WCMS Gym.

Performance Dates Second Semester: Dates below are approximate. Updates will be given ASAP.
1.     The 8th Grade Band (and selected 7th graders) will perform recruiting concerts in mid-to-late February.
2.     The 8th Grade Band (and selected 7th graders) will perform at a Concert Festival the first week in March.
3.     All band students will perform at Solo and Ensemble April 2nd.
4.     All band students will perform in our Spring Concert in May.
5.     Jazz Band will have several opportunities to perform second semester.

Instruments:
1.     80% of our beginners will RENT their instrument first. I recommend you do too. We have a very reputable company that we have worked with for many years that comes to our school and presents their rental program. They have a representative visit us once a week to service our program. The average cost for the first rental period (3 months) is $35.00. This is equal to approximately .35 cents per day.
***Our Rental Night Program will be Monday September 13th ***

2.     Some students will acquire instruments through friends, family, pawn shops, internet, etc. If you prefer to obtain an instrument this way, PLEASE let me assist you. I will be happy to “check out” and play any instrument you have a lead on. Most instruments sold on Ebay and in pawn-shops are of extremely poor quality. I strongly advise you not to purchase the brands “Selman” and “Suzuki”. These and other off-brands (especially from China) have been very problematic, even when brand-new! Ask me before purchasing.

3. School-owned instruments:
    We provide (free of charge) all French Horns, all Euphoniums (Baritones), and all Tubas.

Families concerned with the finances of renting our buying an instrument should know that WCMS owns a few of each instrument that are available for student use. Contact me if you have this type of need.

All students need the following for class:
Instruments, sticks/ mallets
Pencils
Sheet music
3 ring notebook binder (new)
Note book paper
10 clear “sheet protectors” (new)
“Essential Elements” method book (new and can be purchased through the school)
“Fundamentals of Music Theory” workbook (new and can be purchased through the school)
Student and Parent Information and AGREEMENT FORM

In becoming a member of the White County Middle School Band I agree to do my best to carry on the tradition of excellence and success both musically and personally. I realize that attendance and preparation for rehearsals and performances are essential for the success of the WCMS Band program. I have read and fully understand the conditions explained in this course syllabus and agree to abide by them.

_________________________________________________________
Student’s name (print)             and date

________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian name(s)         and date

________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian cell phone number(s)

________________________________________________________
Best phone number to call between 8am and 5pm

_________________________________________________________
Email address(es) to send band-related information, etc.

This agreement will be kept on file in the band office.

WCMS Band Practice Schedules

Parents, please help your child establish a practice routine. A location free from distractions to practice the same time each day is ideal. Students should practice a minimum of 30 minutes a night. Practice schedules with your signature are due every Friday. Practice schedules are 1/3 of your child’s grade. Questions? Contact me at 931-738-9238 or email me at wcmsband@yahoo.com Thanks! Dr. Amaral

Friday Time: ________ Music:_____________________ Tuesday Time: ______ Music:__________________________

Saturday Time: ______ Music:_____________________ Wednesday Time:____ Music:__________________________

Sunday Time: _______ Music:_____________________ Thursday Time: ______Music:__________________________

Monday Time: ______ Music:_____________________ Total Practice Time_____________

Student’s Name printed **___________________________________**

Parent/Guardian’s signature **________________________________** Today’s Date_________ Practice Schedule # __

FYI: 3 hours = 97% 2 ½ hours = 89% 2 hours = 80% 1 ½ =74% 1hour = 70%

Less than one hour of practice per week is given one percentage point per minute.

Extra Credit: Private lessons on your instrument = 3 points each

If you are taking private lessons, have your instructor sign here each week________________________________________

Extra Credit: Attending instrumental concerts = 2 points each

If you attend a concert band, jazz band or other band performance, sign your program and staple it to this page.