2008
------ 2009
Membership
Handbook
Note from the Band Directors
The purpose of this handbook is to inform and educate the
A quality
Band Program offers students many ways to grow academically, emotionally, and
socially. As we keep an eye on pride and
high quality in our music and responsibilities, students can expect to see
positive results in the development of their spirit and true enjoyment of
life. A great motivator, Vince Lombardi
once said, “A person’s happiness is in direct relation to their desire for excellence”.
Our goal is
very similar to Mr. Lombardi’s statement.
Our students must learn to strive for high quality and posses a desire
for excellence. Throughout the school
year we will seek high standards of accomplishments ion order to obtain the best
educational success for my students. We
look forward to working with all students and parents to make this
**********************
2008-2009
Band Directors
Band Membership Requirements
To be a
member of the Page Middle Panther Band, the student:
·
Must agree to and comply with the terms of this
handbook.
·
Must complete and turn in the “Band Membership
Commitment Agreement” located in the back of this handbook.
·
Must attend all
performances.
·
Must commit to the entire year of Band Class.
Important
Dates
The Winter Holiday Concert for the 6th/7th
Grade Band is scheduled for December 4th. The 8th Grade and Jazz Band
The
Spring Concert for the 6th/7th Grade Band is scheduled
for March 26th. The 8th
Grade and Jazz Band Spring Concert is scheduled for April 30th.
Students should be in their seat in proper attire
promptly at 6:15. Please note that dates
are subject to change due to weather or availability of facilities.
Classroom Procedures
All students are to be inside the band room on time. At 5 minutes after class time begins, each
student is expected to be in his or her seat with stand, music, and necessary
materials, including your pencil. There
should be silence in the rehearsal when the directors get on the podium.
Brass players should have all
necessary equipment, mouthpiece, valve oil, band book, and pencil. Reed players should have at least 1 spare
reed at their seat during rehearsal.
Ideally, you should have four to five reeds that you rotate from day to
day.
Percussionist
should have a pair of drum sticks, mallets, and timpani sticks everyday at
rehearsal.
Cases
should be left in the instrument locker.
At the end of rehearsal, make sure to put all equipment away. Instruments should be put in instrument
lockers until time to take home for practice.
Students should take their instruments home to practice a minimum of two
nights a week. Percussion equipment is
to be put away at the conclusion of each rehearsal. Timpani and keyboard instruments should be
covered. Small equipment should be
returned to the appropriate storage area.
Talking during rehearsals must be
kept to a minimum. Talking should always
be about music we are studying and should never be a distraction to the
conductor or other students.
Grading Procedures
Band is a unique course at
A student’s
grade is divided into 3 parts: participation, tests, and homework. Students receive full credit for
participation each day that they have all necessary materials and participate
in class. Tests will include playing
tests, written tests, and concerts.
Homework could include practice sheets, equipment checks, or various
short assignments.
Individual Opportunities & Private
Lessons
Individual and small ensembles are one of the greatest
educational opportunities available from being in any good band program. Many of these provide for a challenge as well
as an evaluation of your playing.
In order
for our full band to reach high achievement, every member must seek to improve
individually. That is why individual
practice is so important. Parental
encouragement is of great importance.
Students will be expected to seek growth and improvement on their
instrument, which can only be obtained through practice. The more…the better!
The band
members at Page Middle are very fortunate to be able to seek individual private
lessons. Shuff’s Music and
All-Midstate Band, All-Midstate
Orchestra, Williamson County Honor Band, Solo and Ensemble Festival, and other
band activities provide students with the opportunity to excel individually on
their instruments and to receive recognition for their musical
achievement. Information will come about
each of these events as they draw closer.
Rental Information
Incoming 6th
grade students will have an opportunity to try some different instruments in
order to determine what they will play.
Once the instrument is chosen, it is your responsibility to rent an
instrument. The school has the large
instruments, including baritone, tuba, and French horn, for rent. The cost is $50 for the year. These students need to purchase a
mouthpiece. All other students should
rent their instrument from Shuff’s Music in downtown
Band Membership
Agreement
In becoming a member of the Page
Middle Panther Band, I agree to contribute to the Band by giving my personal
best effort and being responsible for all requirements. I realize that conscientious attendance and
preparation for rehearsals and performances are essential for the Panther Band
to operate successfully. I agree that I
have committed to the band class for the entire school year. I fully understand the conditions set forth
in this handbook, and agree to abide by them.
_________________________________
Student’s
Name (Please Print)
___________________________________________________________
Student’s Signature Date
___________________________________________________________
Parent’s Name (please print) Parent’s
Email Address
___________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date