6th Grade Handbook
2008-2009 JAGUAR BAND HANDBOOK
Dear Parents and Students:
Welcome to the Jaguar Band. We hope this handbook will help you understand the goals and expectations of our program. We are fortunate to be able to team teach again this year. I will be assisted by Rick Mitchell, Aaron Svoboda, and Jan Wymore.
Instrumental music should provide an opportunity for personal growth and achievement. Included in the goals and objectives of the instrumental music department in Kearney Public Schools is the discovery of instrumental musical talent, enrichment and desire of musical knowledge, and the development of pride and personal value from participation in the program.
Music is science, mathematics, a foreign language, history, physical education, but most of all it is art. It allows us to express our feelings and emotions.
Proper equipment is an important factor in your child‚s success. K A quality instrument helps a student progress. Another important factor in band is practice. We are asking that you be actively involved in monitoring your child‚s practice time by signing his/her book.
If you have questions during the school year, please feel free to contact us at Horizon Middle School ˆ 698-8138. We‚re looking forward to working with your child and having a rewarding and challenging school year.
Thank you,
Stacy Bean
**
IMPORTANT DATES
Please mark your calendars
Monday, December 15th˜Horizon Band Concert
(All Band Students) 7:30 p.m. in the Horizon Gym
Thursday, March 5th˜Horizon Band Concert
(All Band Students) 7:30 p.m. in the Horizon Gym
Friday, May 15th˜Horizon Band Concert
(All Band Students) 7:30 p.m. in the Horizon Gym
PRACTICE GUIDELINES
WARM UP
Warm up by playing long tones in an easy range. Several exercises in your book will work. During the warm up focus on tone quality, playing louds and softs, tonguing, etc.
PLAY THE ASSIGNMENT FOR THE WEEK
Play through the lesson or concert music. Pay attention to the measures that need more practice.
FOCUS ON SPECIFIC MEASURES AND SPECIFIC ELEMENTS OF MUSIC -Rhythm ˆ write in counting then count and clap the rhythms.
-Notes ˆ instead of playing, name the note out loud while you do the fingerings. Play the measure a few notes at a time.
-Articulations ˆ pay attention to how the note is to be started; accents, staccatos, etc.
-Dynamics ˆ make sure you understand all the signs. Work on playing very soft or very loud with a good tone quality and a controlled sound.
-Phrasing ˆ identify the musical sentences and then put in the breath marks.
-Tempo ˆ slow notes down to learn the piece, then play the notes at the correct speed.
PUT THE MUSIC BACK TOGETHER
After working the specific measures, try playing through the entire piece. Be sure to mark any areas that need to be worked on during the next practice.
PLAY SOMETHING YOU LIKE
Reward yourself!!!!! End your practice by playing something fun.
COOL DOWN
Cool down the same way you warmed up. Play in a medium range at a soft level.
GRADING PROCEDURES
Students in the Horizon Middle School Bands will be graded based on the amount of progress and learning that has occurred within each quarter of the year. The following is a breakdown of the areas in which students will be evaluated.
1. Daily Attendance, Attitude, and Participation
-Rehearsals will begin after the bell rings. Be on time, prepared, and
have all equipment.
-A great attitude results in listening respectfully, being a positive
leader, having great posture, and challenging yourself.
-If you are absent, please check with one of the directors to find out
what you missed out on. This is your responsibility.
2. Concert Attendance and Attire
-EVERY BAND STUDENT IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE CONCERTS! Only pre-approved absences will be counted as excused. Exceptions will be made for medical or family emergencies. In these cases, students will need to bring a signed note from his/her parents.
-CONCERT ATTIRE ˆ Students need to dress appropriately for the concerts. All school rules regarding clothing apply. Girls may wear capris, pants, skirts or dresses (that are a longer length, preferably below the knee). Boys may wear dress pants or khakis and a nice shrit. Please, no shirts with writing on them. ABSOLUTELY NO JEANS, SWEATSHIRTS, WIND PANTS OR FLIP FLOPS!!!! Please wear dress shoes, not tennis shoes.
3. Written and Playing Tests
-Written tests will cover any of the following: musical concepts and terms, knowledge of musical styles, and music theory.
-Playing tests will occur during the class time. Each student will play individually at least once every quarter.
4. Practice Records
-Students will be asked to report practice time the first class session of
each week. We expect the time to be recorded in their books and
initialed by a parent. Please note that practice time is part of the
students‚ grade. The band director will assign one week per quarter
as a „rest‰ period when no practice time is required. Practicing during
this week will result in extra credit. We do check the students‚
practice records and it is important that the time is dated and recorded
in their books. Becoming a better musician and earning a good
grade in band requires the student to practice!!!!!!
-The required minimum practice time that we require in 6th grade is
90 minutes. This is to be recorded in the student‚s method book on
the inside of the cover.
6th grade ˆ 90 minutes per week (suggested 15 min., 6 times weekly)
SUPPLIES NEEDED
WOODWIND PLAYERS NEED:
1. 3-5 good reeds in their case at all times. We recommend Van
Dorn, La Voz, Rico Royale, or Mitchell Lurie (clarinets only).
NO FLAVORED REEDS PLEASE!!!
2. A swab to clean your instrument daily.
3. Cork grease.
BRASS PLAYERS NEED: valve oil, slide oil/cream. You also need a
Mouthpiece brush. Purchasing a complete cleaning kit is advisable.
PERCUSSION NEED:
1. Bell kit
2. Stick bag
3. Snare drum sticks (Vic Firth SD1 Generals are preferred)
4. Royal blue yarn mallets.
OPTIONAL SUPPLIES: It is highly recommended that each student purchase a metronome, if possible. These can be purchased at any music store. Also, please bring a box of Kleenex sometime during the school year for the band room.
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