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Deer Creek
Middle School Band
Handbook of Information
Band Offices
Deer Creek Middle School
21175 N. MacArthur
Edmond, OK 73012
(405) 348-4830
Ext. 627 ~ Amanda Thomas
(Email: thomasa@deercreek.k12.ok.us)
Ext. 626 ~ Roger Gregory
(Email: gregoryr@deercreek.k12.ok.us)
Mrs. Thomas’ Website http://teacherweb.com/OK/DeerCreekMiddleSchool/mrsthomas/
Deer Creek Band Website
http://www.antlerpride.com
Roger Gregory, Director of Bands
Amanda Thomas, Associate Director of Bands
Rebecca Wilkerson, Superintendent
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this handbook is to acquaint all students and parents with the band program at Deer Creek Public Schools.
So the band may maintain high standards and outstanding performance, each interested student should read this handbook thoroughly and obtain his or her parent’s signature indicating support of your interest
After reading your handbook, keep it for reference. Should a question not addressed in this handbook arise, consult your director. Any student may participate in band and sports, student council, speech and debate, stagecraft, or any other activity. There is always a way to make room for band in even the busiest of schedules.
BAND DESCRIPTIONS
Membership in all band classes is at the discretion of the director. Any student who does not meet passing requirements of playing proficiency, rehearsal attendance, performance attendance, class preparedness, and professionalism may be removed from the ensemble.
6TH GRADE BAND is available to any sixth grade student. Beginning band instruments are Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, and Mallet Percussion. It is expected that all students, once started on any instrument, will continue their membership in band through high school graduation.
The beginning band class is scheduled during the school day and arranged to avoid conflicts with other classes. Emphasis is placed on fundamental training in tone and technique required for each instrument.
Students will need to purchase Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 for their given instrument as well as renting an instrument. On August 19th from 5-6:30pm we will provide a selection of instruments and books for the students to purchase and rent. If you are unable to make the rental night at DCMS, please make sure you go to Edmond Music Store and purchase these items before August 20th.
7th GRADE BAND is open to all students who have completed one year of band instruction or have received the approval of the band director. The Seventh Grade Band will meet during the school day for regular rehearsals. There may be occasions i.e. spring contest, where extra rehearsals will be called after school. There will be plenty of notice should this happen. Special arrangements for students transferring into the district or wishing to start after the sixth grade may be made with the approval of the band director. It is here also, that secondary instruments are started. They being but not limited to: oboe, bassoon, saxophone, euphonium, french horn, and tuba. Selection for these places is through the application process during the end of 6th grade year. Students selected agree to study privately through at least the end of 7th grade to catch up to where others are in class.
Students will need to purchase Essential Elements 2000 Book 2 for their given instrument.
8th GRADE BAND is open to all students who have completed two years of band instruction or have received the approval of the band director. The 8th Grade Band can also include advanced 7th graders who have earned the privilege of being promoted early and can serve in areas needed to compete in area contest. The band will meet during the school day for regular rehearsals. There may be occasions i.e. spring contest, where extra rehearsals will be called after school. There will be plenty of notice should this happen. Special arrangements for students transferring into the district or wishing to start after the seventh grade may be made with the approval of the band director. The eighth grade band is the performing band of the Middle School. In addition to normal performances, they may perform at pep assemblies, and other contests not attended by the other middle school bands.
Students will need to purchase Essential Elements 2000 Book 3 for their given instrument.
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
All band students are permitted and expected to participate in school concerts, parades, sports events, pep assemblies or other school functions in which the band takes part throughout the school year.
The appearance of the band in a public performance is the most important obligation of each student involved. Performance dates will be announced well in advance, when possible, so that individual plans can be made accordingly. Failure to participate in public performances will impair not only the performance capabilities of the band, but also the academic achievement of the student and his or her eligibility with the organization.
GRADING
Grades for each class will be broken up into three areas:
1. DAILY GRADE (10 points a day)
2. PERFORMANCE GRADE (1000 points per concert)
3. PLAYING & WRITTEN EVALUATIONS AND SMART MUSIC ASSIGNMENTS
(100 points per assignment)
DAILY GRADE: Students receive 10 points everyday that they are on time, bring all supplies to class including book, instrument, and pencil, and follow all class rules. When a student is late, or breaks a rule during class, they will not receive that day’s 10 points.
PERFORMANCE GRADE: Each performance that is required is worth 1000 points per performance. Point deductions will be made according to tardiness at 100 points for each 5 minute interval. Students who fail to attend and perform at a required performance will not receive 1000 points. THERE ARE NO EXCUSED OR UNEXCUSED ABSENCES. Required performances are:
MIDDLE SCHOOL BANDS
*8th GRADE BAND ~ Football game performance with HS Band ~ October 24th
*WINTER CONCERT ~ DECEMBER 11th at 7pm
(6th grade meets at 6:30pm, 7th/8th grade meets at 6:45pm)
*SPRING CONCERT ~ APRIL 30th at 7pm
(6th grade meets at 6:30pm, 7th/8th grade meets at 6:45pm)
Other performance opportunities such as contest, solo-ensemble, honor bands, etc… will count as extra credit.
PLAYING/WRITTEN EVALUATIONS:
6th GRADE AND 7TH GRADE BAND:
Every Friday, students will receive 3 playing assignments that will need to be played off by the next Thursday in order to receive credit. Students, who have not played off their playing grades by that Thursday, will receive a zero for each assignment not turned in or played off. Students will be able to use the smart music program to play off their assignments during class, after school, or at home if you decide to partake in the Smart Music program. Each assignment is worth 100 points.
Make-up Work:
When absent from class, all students are responsible for checking Mrs. Thomas’ Website for assignments given. The deadline for work and playing grades will be due at the same time as everyone else.
PRACTICE
Practice is essential for improvement and success. Some students will progress faster than others, mainly because they practice. The practice routine should be in a quiet place, where the student will not be interrupted. If approached with the right attitude, practice should be fun and consist of scales or rudiments, current music being played in class, sight-reading, and method book review. To make practicing more fun and effective, use your CD or DVD in the back of your Essential Elements Book. It will provide you with a metronome, fun background music to practice with, and much more!!! The practice time should consist of at least 20 minutes daily. Remember, your practice habits will directly affect your grade and performance standards.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons, while not a requirement, are highly recommended for all students. The musical enrichment derived from private lessons will greatly benefit the student and the group as a whole. There are many qualified private teachers available. Contact the director for recommendations. The only students required to take lessons are those who switch to secondary instruments. These are required to help the student catch up to the level they were at with their primary instrument.
UNIFORM CODE
A prescribed uniform symbolic of the Deer Creek Band will be worn at all public appearances that are so designated. Each student is expected to become acquainted with the proper and only way to wear and care for the required dress. The required concert uniform is:
MEN: Dress shirt (any color – No polo and No golf shirt)
Dress slacks (no denim)
Dress socks
Dress shoes
Tie (preferred)
WOMEN: Skirt/blouse, dress (Any color), or dress slacks/pants (No Demin) with dress
shirt/blouse
Dress Shoes (No Flip Flops of any kind)
EQUIPMENT AND INSTRUMENT AGREEMENT
Deer Creek Band has a limited number of instruments, which are available to students. It is a privilege for a student to play a school-owned instrument and, therefore, it is understood that the student will take proper care of the instrument, perform with acceptable musicianship, display exemplary discipline, maintain prompt and regular rehearsal attendance, and participate in all required performances. Failure in one or more of these areas may result in loss of playing privileges. The Band Director will contact those students who normally play school-owned instruments. In consideration of the school loaning an instrument to a student, the parent and student must sign an Instrument Agreement Form agreeing to see that the instrument is properly cared for and returned to the school when requested by the director. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENT TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OF ANY DAMAGE THAT MAY COME TO THE INSTRUMENT DUE TO NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE STUDENT.
It is customary for each student to provide his own instrument, parts and accessories. This includes but is not limited to reeds, ligatures, neck straps, mouthpieces, mutes, and cleaning supplies. The Band Director has a list of acceptable parts and accessories. Please check with him or her before purchasing any equipment.
MUSIC: Throughout the course of the year, several pieces of music will be passed out to the students. Students are responsible for keeping up with their music. Students will need to pay a fee of $.25 per sheet of music lost.
SMART MUSIC
Smart Music is a program we use to grade students on weekly given assignments. 6th and 7th grade band members will be using the program. We will be using smart music in the classroom & is available to students after school to practice with in the band room and two practice rooms. However, we are advising that all students purchase smart music. Please go to the following website: http://www.smartmusic.com/students/default.aspx and you can find out more what smart music is and the positive aspects it will have on your child. In order to get at home smart music service, you will need to go to the Smart Music website and click on order smart music. Then you will need to put in the following code: DCMSBAND2007. You will need to purchase a year subscription of $30 and an instrumental microphone that will last a lifetime for $20. Please make sure you have internet access and a USB microphone adaptor.
MONTETARY PROCEDURES
Money Box: Any money to be turned in for fundraisers, t-shirts, etc… must be put in an envelope with the child’s name on it and then placed in the money box.
Fundraising: In order to help you and your child raise money for our six flags trip, we ask that each family do their part when it comes to fundraising. We will participate in 3 fundraising activities during the year. Each year, some families would prefer to pay a certain amount in place of their child’s participation in the fundraiser. We accept this graciously. Please notice all dates for money due. After that due date, we cannot refund your money for our six flags trip.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Bring these items to class everyday!!!
1. Instrument
2. Essential Elements 2000 Book
3. Spare reeds, valve oil, slide oil/cream, cleaning supplies
4. Pencil (required) & Highlighter (recommended)
Rules of the classroom are as follows:
1. Be in designated area at designated time by the teacher
2. Follow the teacher’s instructions
3. No gum, food, or drink of any kind allowed in band room
4. No rude gestures, cruel teasing
5. Keep hands feet and objects to yourself
6. Do not touch anyone else’s instrument
Consequences for each rule breakage during a class period:
1. Warning and loss of 10 point daily grade
2. Mark
3. Band writing assignment
4. Contact parents
5. Sent to office
Students who fail to come to band with their instrument/book will do the band writing assignment during class to be turned in after class and will lose their 10 points for the day. If there is a playing assignment during class, the student will receive a zero and will not be able to make-up the assignment. Also if it is the students’ turn to play off their smart music assignments, they will need to come in after school to play them off. The only exception will be those who had to put their instrument in the repair shop. Those students must have first checked with the director as he or she might be able to fix it, and then produce a ticket of repair that the instrument has been put in the shop.
BAND PASS
At the beginning of each semester, each student will receive a band pass that will allow them to go to their locker, a drink of water, or use the bathroom up to a maximum of 3 times each, giving the student a total of 9 passes during the semester. The student will need to ask permission of the director and hole-punch one of their passes. Students are not allowed to share passes among other students. If a pass is lost at any time during the semester, it will not be replaced. Without a pass, the student is not allowed to leave the room.
BAND AWARDS
6TH GRADE ACHEIVEMENT AWARDS
Each Friday is Achievement Day in class. Here students compete for Achievement Awards. In the book there are lines titled Essential Element Quiz. Students who perform the assigned task given for each line, count and finger, and then perform the line with no more than 2 mistakes will receive that award. Students will be recognized at the Band Banquet for the number of awards they achieve during the year. The student(s) with the most awards will be crowned Achievement Champion and get special recognition.
7TH GRADE SCALE AWARDS
Each Friday is Scale Day in class. Here students compete for Scale Awards. Each student during the week will be taught at least one of the 12 major scales. On Friday, each student who performs their scale(s) perfect with arpeggio gets the award. Once all 12 scales and chromatic scale have been played off, the metronome will be set on 60. Here students will compete with the metronome being raised 10 beats for each student who can perform all scales, no mistakes. The student who can do this the fastest will be crowned Scale Champion and receive special recognition at the band banquet.
8th GRADE MODAL MAGIC AWARDS
Each Friday is Minor Scale Day in class. Here students compete for Minor Scale Awards. Throughout the semester, students will be taught all minor scales in class. On Friday, each student who performs their scale(s) perfect gets the award. Once all 12 minor scales have been played off, the metronome will be set on 60. Here students will compete with the metronome being raised 10 beats for each student who can perform all 12 major and 12 minor scales, no mistakes. The student who can do this the fastest will be crowned the Ultimate Scale Champion and receive special recognition at the band banquet.
BAND TRIPS
MIDDLE SCHOOL BANDS: Saturday, April 25th Six Flags over Texas, Arlington, Texas
Payments:
October 2nd – 1st payment of $50 per person in student’s account
November 20th – 2nd payment of $80 per person in student’s account
February 19th – Final Payment – Balance Due of $130 (student) / $105 (parent)
Details will be forthcoming. All school policies and rules are in effect during the entire trip. Any behavior that would require the use of a law enforcement agency will be handled at the parent’s expense that may include transportation home.
In order to be a part of the Middle School Band Trip, students must meet the following requirements:
1. Student must have $130 in their assessment by March 12, 2009 & this is the last day to request a refund. After this date, money cannot be refunded.
2. Student must NOT be on the ineligible list the week of the trip.
3. A grade of C or higher in band/choir the 3rd 9 weeks.
4. Student is in good standing with the band program.
5. Purchase a shirt to be worn as the uniform that day. ($10 and they keep the shirt)
6. Return completed medical release form on the given due date.
RULES ACCEPTANCE
The Rules Acceptance page must by signed & turned in for a grade by Friday, August 22, 2008
I, _______________________________, have read and understand the information contained in this handbook. I agree to abide by these rules as stated. Should any question arise, I know to contact the Band Director for the correct answer.
(Signature of student)
As the parent of _________________________________, I have read and understood the information contained in this handbook. I agree to make all necessary arrangements to support my child’s participation in band and to abide by these rules as stated. Should any question arise, I know to contact the Band Director for the correct answer.
(Signature of parent)
INFORMATION PAGE (PLEASE PRINT)
STUDENT NAME
ADDRESS
CITY ZIP
HOME PHONE
WORK PHONE
STUDENT’S BIRTHDAY________________________________________
STUDENT EMAIL
PARENT EMAIL
EMAIL CHOICE FOR SMART MUSIC USE: CIRCLE ONE PARENT OR STUDENT
PARENT(S) FIRST & LAST NAME
2008-2009 Antler Middle School Band Schedule
AUGUST
19 (Tuesday) 6th grade horn rental night ~ 5-6:30pm at DCMS Band room
Band Booster Meeting ~ 7pm
28 (Thursday) Fundraiser #1 (Magazine Sale) Begins
SEPTEMBER
9 (Tuesday) Fundraiser #1 (Magazine Sale) Money Due
18 (Thursday) CODA $$$ Due ($10 per entry) – 7TH & 8TH GRADE ONLY
OCTOBER
2 (Thursday) 1st payment of a total of $50 per person in account for Six Flags
24 (Friday) 8th grade band plays with HS Band at home football game
29 (Monday) Fundraiser #2 (Blue & Gold Sausage Sale) Begins
NOVEMBER
8 (Saturday) CODA Auditions
10 (Monday) OBU Auditions
20 (Thursday) 2nd payment of a total of $80 per person in account for Six Flags
DECEMBER
11 (Thursday) Band Christmas Concert ~ 7pm
JANUARY
5-6 or 12-13 (Mon-Tues) OBU
9-10 (Fri-Sat) CODA
16 (Wednesday) Solo/Ensemble $$$ Due – 7TH & 8TH GRADE ONLY
20 (Tuesday) Fundraiser #3 (Cookie Dough Sale) Begins
27 (Tuesday) Cookie Dough Sale Ends - $$$ Due
FEBRUARY
19 (Thursday) Final Payment of a total of $130 student & $105 chaperone for Six Flags
28 (Saturday) District Solo/Ensemble
MARCH
4 (Wednesday) MS District Contest … TBA
12 (Thursday) All final Six Flags payment due / Last day for refund
APRIL
25 (Saturday) MS Band Six Flags Trip
30 (Thursday) Band Spring Concert ~ 7pm
MAY
2 (Saturday) Deer Creek Band Contest
14 (Thursday) Band Banquet
15 or 16th 8th Grade Band Plays with HS at Graduation
JUNE
1 (Monday) Summer Lessons Begin
