FOREWORD
This handbook was designed to aid students and their parents to better understand the policies, organizational structure and general functioning of the School District 146 Band Program.
It is our sincere wish that we will have a successful and rewarding year. Please read this handbook in its entirety and keep it in a handy place for future reference. Discuss it with your parents. Detach the form found on Page 10 and return it completed by your parents, to the music office.
PHILOSOPHY
It is the desire of the District 146 Department of Instrumental Music to always represent itself well through excellence in performance. This excellence can only be attained through discipline, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and pride. Our success as a group and as individuals is based upon our willingness and determination to be the best. It is the hope of your directors that, among other values, a sense of responsibility will be realized. This responsibility should not only be concerned with every note or symbol on a page of music, but should also be concerned with a feeling of loyalty and obligation to every member. This loyalty can best be evidenced, in an external way, by presence, punctuality and wholehearted participation in whatever capacity is deemed important by either the student government or the directors. Let us remember that each of us is dependent upon the other.
AN OVERVIEW OF THE DISTRICT 146
DEPARTMENT OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
BEGINNING BAND is the organization that lays the foundation for the entire Instrumental Music Program. The Beginning Band rehearses two mornings a week for approximately one hour each morning and participates in a Winter Demonstration concert and the Spring Concert. Recruitment is held annually in September to enlist for membership students with no previous instrumental musical experience. General requirements merely include a desire to excel musically and a willingness to conform to Music Department guidelines.
CONCERT BAND is a more musically advanced group consisting of members who have had some previous instrumental musical experience (usually Beginning Band) and who have successfully displayed a degree of proficiency required by the directors. This group meets three mornings a week for a period of one hour each morning, and participates in the Winter and Spring concerts. Members also participate in State Solo and Ensemble Contests.
SYMPHONIC BAND is the most musically advanced instrumental organization. Its members have successfully displayed an exceptionally high degree of proficiency as mandated by the directors. This group rehearses three to five mornings a week depending on the time of year at Central Middle School. In addition to its Winter and Spring Concert appearances, the membership participates in State Solo and Ensemble Contests as well as special concerts and contests.
REQUIREMENTS: Students who desire to be in Symphonic Band must meet three conditions:
1. Meet the musical minimum as listed on try-out sheet.
2. Meet the instrumentation requirement that will be determined by the Band
Director.
3. Demonstrate a good attitude and are willing to work toward successfully
conforming to the Music Department philosophy.
MARCHING BAND is composed of all band students from Beginning, Concert and Symphonic Bands. This group rehearses five mornings a week for six weeks subsequent to the start of school. The rehearsals are held at Central Middle School. The membership participates in parades, contests and special performances.
*Many students show a keen desire to musically excel above the course of daily activities. To this end, we offer extracurricular opportunities for extended growth in musicianship:
The student determines what chair and band they will perform in through try-outs and challenges. The challenge involves two students and the director. The director determines what will be performed and grades each player. The student with the higher score wins the challenge.
GENERAL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT REGULATIONS
1. Each action by any band student is a reflection of the entire Band Department. Conduct yourself in a manner worthy of membership.
2. Do not waste time or talk during rehearsals, study your part when another section is being rehearsed.
3. Have a pencil with you at all times.
4. When performing or involved in band activities, your grooming and attire will be consistent with the wishes of the directors.
5. ALWAYS wear your uniform in its entirety unless exceptions are made by the directors. (See pg. 7).
6. No food or gum is allowed at any time during rehearsals or performances.
7. Maintain good posture as prescribed by your directors.
8. All students shall be responsible for maintaining and bringing all music to every rehearsal.
9. Instruments must be taken home each day and not left in school. They must have a nametag or label with student's name, address and phone.
10. All band music should be numbered before the rehearsal following its distribution.
11. Instruments are to be maintained in good playing condition at all times.
12. Participation in private lessons is strongly advised. (See pg. 10).
PROGRESS REPORTS
All band members will be given a progress report to be reviewed by a parent or guardian. Reports will be issued in the following sequence:
Beginners
November, April
Concert
November, April
Symphonic
November, April
These reports are designed to help the students and parents by providing recommendations by the director. The Instrumental Music Department feels parent-teacher communication is vital. Parents may call the band director whenever they feel it is necessary.
PERFORMANCES AND EXTRA REHEARSALS
From time to time there will be extra rehearsals in the Central Middle School band room. Some of these rehearsals will be with the full ensemble and others will include sections from a particular ensemble according to the discretion of the directors. Generally, the full ensemble rehearsals will be held in the evening.
Performances are scheduled throughout the school year and are usually publicized well in advance so that all members of the department may know their involvement.
Public performances and extra rehearsals are considered examinations and students will receive extra points for them (See pg. 6). Therefore, unexcused absences will result in a student receiving double demerits based on the same scale as award points.
AWARDS
1st Year Award Completion of Beginning Band - Certificate
2nd Year Award Band Letter
3rd Year Award Band Pin
4th Year Award Plaque
Awards may be earned by accumulating points through your efforts in different aspects of the Instrumental Music Program. See the chart below. Students whose point totals for the year are above the 80% mark (based on maximum points actually earned by the student in band) will be eligible for an award.
POINT SYSTEM
Morning rehearsals 4 points
Sectional rehearsals 4
Extra rehearsal__________________________________________20
Marching Band rehearsals (school year)______________________15
Performance 50
Individual help 1
Solo/Ensemble - one event________________________________20
Solo/Ensemble - more than one event________________________40
Approved concert/clinic* 4
Approved outside music camp 50
Summer Marching Band Program 100
* Program and report required.
Demerits (loss of points) may be applied in various amounts at the discretion of the directors for infractions or undesirable conduct.
Points for awards will be earned beginning the day after the Spring Award
Presentation and continuing through to the next spring.
UNIFORMS
Each of the performing groups in the Instrumental Department has its own specific code of dress during performances. Some items are supplied by the school others are the concern of the individual students and parents.
BEGINNING BAND - these items are supplied by the parents:
Parent meetings are held throughout the year beginning in August. Exact dates and times will be included in our ''Calendar of Events''. Their purpose is to give the Instrumental Music Department financial and physical assistance, as well as to help implement policies as determined by the administration and band directors. Every parent is encouraged to participate in the association. It is hoped that any fundraising project will be viewed as benefiting the whole department rather than any particular individual. The opportunities for our students cannot be limited by a lack of talent, but only by a lack of financial and/or moral support.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Officers for each of the performing groups aid and assist the directors and act as a link of communication between the organization and the director. All candidates must have the approval of the directors. Offices that are available include the following:
PRESIDENT - The president acts as student director and helps in organizing a set up crew for all concerts. The president also helps with organizing special projects when needed.
VICE-PRESIDENT -The vice-president assists the president and acts in place of the president in his/her absence. The vice-president is also in charge of organizing a set-up crew for all rehearsals.
SECRETARY - The secretary handles all official communications, takes care of publicity and records attendance and points for awards.
STAFF MEMBERS - Vital to each organization, staff members perform a variety of services. The following positions are open to any member, subject to the approval of the director:
The Librarian sorts and files music throughout the school year.
The Historian compiles a scrapbook with pictures, article, etc., of all performances and activities of the Marching and Symphonic Band.
SPRING CONCERT TOUR
From time to time, the band goes on tour. These tours give the students a chance to have contact with people in other areas of this country and to widen their musical and cultural horizons. Opportunities will be provided during the school year for everyone to defray any costs that might arise from activities such as these that obviously cannot be financially underwritten by the school. All students will be responsible for the cost of the tour. However, the fund-raising drives will give each student the opportunity to defraying as much or as little of the expense as is desired.
SUMMER BAND
The Summer Band program affords an opportunity for all members of the Band Department to advance their musical growth. Over the years our Summer Band has been a source of pride for the entire community. This program runs for four consecutive weeks during the months of July and August. Parents receive a letter in the spring with the specific details as to time schedule, nominal costs, and performance schedule.
PRIVATE LESSON POLICY
Private lessons are necessary for any musician to insure growth in the proper direction. Anyone interested in taking lessons should call the band director to be scheduled with a recommended teacher. The lesson will take place after school at times to be mutually decided by the student and the instructor. Private lessons will be located at Central Middle School and the parents are asked to escort their child to and from the private lesson. Parents are also encouraged to sit in on each private lesson. The following will pertain to all students:
1. Barring extreme circumstances, all missed lessons will be paid for.
2. With 24 hours or more notice, lessons will be rescheduled at the
instructor's convenience.
3. In order to avoid missing a lesson, students are encouraged to contact their
private teacher early for names and telephone numbers so students may
temporarily trade times.
Detach this form and return it, completed by your parents, to the Band Director. This form must be on file in the music office.
(cut along dotted line)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have read this handbook in its entirety and understand the philosophy and policies of the District 146 Instrumental Music Department.
Parent's signature_____________________________________
Date of signature______________
Child's name________________________________ School____________________
My child is in the Beginning, Concert or Symphonic Band.
(circle one)
This handbook was designed to aid students and their parents to better understand the policies, organizational structure and general functioning of the School District 146 Band Program.
It is our sincere wish that we will have a successful and rewarding year. Please read this handbook in its entirety and keep it in a handy place for future reference. Discuss it with your parents. Detach the form found on Page 10 and return it completed by your parents, to the music office.
PHILOSOPHY
It is the desire of the District 146 Department of Instrumental Music to always represent itself well through excellence in performance. This excellence can only be attained through discipline, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and pride. Our success as a group and as individuals is based upon our willingness and determination to be the best. It is the hope of your directors that, among other values, a sense of responsibility will be realized. This responsibility should not only be concerned with every note or symbol on a page of music, but should also be concerned with a feeling of loyalty and obligation to every member. This loyalty can best be evidenced, in an external way, by presence, punctuality and wholehearted participation in whatever capacity is deemed important by either the student government or the directors. Let us remember that each of us is dependent upon the other.
AN OVERVIEW OF THE DISTRICT 146
DEPARTMENT OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
BEGINNING BAND is the organization that lays the foundation for the entire Instrumental Music Program. The Beginning Band rehearses two mornings a week for approximately one hour each morning and participates in a Winter Demonstration concert and the Spring Concert. Recruitment is held annually in September to enlist for membership students with no previous instrumental musical experience. General requirements merely include a desire to excel musically and a willingness to conform to Music Department guidelines.
CONCERT BAND is a more musically advanced group consisting of members who have had some previous instrumental musical experience (usually Beginning Band) and who have successfully displayed a degree of proficiency required by the directors. This group meets three mornings a week for a period of one hour each morning, and participates in the Winter and Spring concerts. Members also participate in State Solo and Ensemble Contests.
SYMPHONIC BAND is the most musically advanced instrumental organization. Its members have successfully displayed an exceptionally high degree of proficiency as mandated by the directors. This group rehearses three to five mornings a week depending on the time of year at Central Middle School. In addition to its Winter and Spring Concert appearances, the membership participates in State Solo and Ensemble Contests as well as special concerts and contests.
REQUIREMENTS: Students who desire to be in Symphonic Band must meet three conditions:
1. Meet the musical minimum as listed on try-out sheet.
2. Meet the instrumentation requirement that will be determined by the Band
Director.
3. Demonstrate a good attitude and are willing to work toward successfully
conforming to the Music Department philosophy.
MARCHING BAND is composed of all band students from Beginning, Concert and Symphonic Bands. This group rehearses five mornings a week for six weeks subsequent to the start of school. The rehearsals are held at Central Middle School. The membership participates in parades, contests and special performances.
*Many students show a keen desire to musically excel above the course of daily activities. To this end, we offer extracurricular opportunities for extended growth in musicianship:
- SOLOS AND ENSEMBLES provide a tremendous opportunity to develop and display individual ability and a knowledge of repertoire. Students are strongly encouraged to participate at the state level.
- FESTIVALS are an exciting opportunity for auditioned students to be a part of a massed ensemble under the direction of some of the finest guest clinicians in the state.
The student determines what chair and band they will perform in through try-outs and challenges. The challenge involves two students and the director. The director determines what will be performed and grades each player. The student with the higher score wins the challenge.
GENERAL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT REGULATIONS
1. Each action by any band student is a reflection of the entire Band Department. Conduct yourself in a manner worthy of membership.
2. Do not waste time or talk during rehearsals, study your part when another section is being rehearsed.
3. Have a pencil with you at all times.
4. When performing or involved in band activities, your grooming and attire will be consistent with the wishes of the directors.
5. ALWAYS wear your uniform in its entirety unless exceptions are made by the directors. (See pg. 7).
6. No food or gum is allowed at any time during rehearsals or performances.
7. Maintain good posture as prescribed by your directors.
8. All students shall be responsible for maintaining and bringing all music to every rehearsal.
9. Instruments must be taken home each day and not left in school. They must have a nametag or label with student's name, address and phone.
10. All band music should be numbered before the rehearsal following its distribution.
11. Instruments are to be maintained in good playing condition at all times.
12. Participation in private lessons is strongly advised. (See pg. 10).
PROGRESS REPORTS
All band members will be given a progress report to be reviewed by a parent or guardian. Reports will be issued in the following sequence:
Beginners
November, April
Concert
November, April
Symphonic
November, April
These reports are designed to help the students and parents by providing recommendations by the director. The Instrumental Music Department feels parent-teacher communication is vital. Parents may call the band director whenever they feel it is necessary.
PERFORMANCES AND EXTRA REHEARSALS
From time to time there will be extra rehearsals in the Central Middle School band room. Some of these rehearsals will be with the full ensemble and others will include sections from a particular ensemble according to the discretion of the directors. Generally, the full ensemble rehearsals will be held in the evening.
Performances are scheduled throughout the school year and are usually publicized well in advance so that all members of the department may know their involvement.
Public performances and extra rehearsals are considered examinations and students will receive extra points for them (See pg. 6). Therefore, unexcused absences will result in a student receiving double demerits based on the same scale as award points.
AWARDS
1st Year Award Completion of Beginning Band - Certificate
2nd Year Award Band Letter
3rd Year Award Band Pin
4th Year Award Plaque
Awards may be earned by accumulating points through your efforts in different aspects of the Instrumental Music Program. See the chart below. Students whose point totals for the year are above the 80% mark (based on maximum points actually earned by the student in band) will be eligible for an award.
POINT SYSTEM
Morning rehearsals 4 points
Sectional rehearsals 4
Extra rehearsal__________________________________________20
Marching Band rehearsals (school year)______________________15
Performance 50
Individual help 1
Solo/Ensemble - one event________________________________20
Solo/Ensemble - more than one event________________________40
Approved concert/clinic* 4
Approved outside music camp 50
Summer Marching Band Program 100
* Program and report required.
Demerits (loss of points) may be applied in various amounts at the discretion of the directors for infractions or undesirable conduct.
Points for awards will be earned beginning the day after the Spring Award
Presentation and continuing through to the next spring.
UNIFORMS
Each of the performing groups in the Instrumental Department has its own specific code of dress during performances. Some items are supplied by the school others are the concern of the individual students and parents.
BEGINNING BAND - these items are supplied by the parents:
- Girls - white blouse, black or dark navy skirt or dress pants, black dress shoes
- Boys - white shirt, black or dark navy slacks, black socks, black belt (if necessary), black dress shoes and a dark tie
CONCERT BAND - these items are supplied by the school: - Uniform coat and pants
* These items are supplied by the parents: - Shoes and black socks (color and type of shoe will be determined by the director)
Parents should mark inside of shoes with indelible ink.
SYMPHONIC BAND - these items are supplied by the school: - Tuxedo coat, pants, bow tie, and cummerbund
* These items are supplied by the parents: - Shoes, black socks, and tuxedo shirt (color/type of shoe and tuxedo shirt will be determined by the director)
MARCHING BAND - these items are supplied by the school: - Uniform coat, pants, hat and plume
* These items are supplied by the parents: - Shoes and black socks (color and type of shoe will be determined by the director)
Parents should mark inside of shoes with indelible ink.
Contest medals may be worn on any shirt or uniform coat, except at contests and in parades
Parent meetings are held throughout the year beginning in August. Exact dates and times will be included in our ''Calendar of Events''. Their purpose is to give the Instrumental Music Department financial and physical assistance, as well as to help implement policies as determined by the administration and band directors. Every parent is encouraged to participate in the association. It is hoped that any fundraising project will be viewed as benefiting the whole department rather than any particular individual. The opportunities for our students cannot be limited by a lack of talent, but only by a lack of financial and/or moral support.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Officers for each of the performing groups aid and assist the directors and act as a link of communication between the organization and the director. All candidates must have the approval of the directors. Offices that are available include the following:
PRESIDENT - The president acts as student director and helps in organizing a set up crew for all concerts. The president also helps with organizing special projects when needed.
VICE-PRESIDENT -The vice-president assists the president and acts in place of the president in his/her absence. The vice-president is also in charge of organizing a set-up crew for all rehearsals.
SECRETARY - The secretary handles all official communications, takes care of publicity and records attendance and points for awards.
STAFF MEMBERS - Vital to each organization, staff members perform a variety of services. The following positions are open to any member, subject to the approval of the director:
The Librarian sorts and files music throughout the school year.
The Historian compiles a scrapbook with pictures, article, etc., of all performances and activities of the Marching and Symphonic Band.
SPRING CONCERT TOUR
From time to time, the band goes on tour. These tours give the students a chance to have contact with people in other areas of this country and to widen their musical and cultural horizons. Opportunities will be provided during the school year for everyone to defray any costs that might arise from activities such as these that obviously cannot be financially underwritten by the school. All students will be responsible for the cost of the tour. However, the fund-raising drives will give each student the opportunity to defraying as much or as little of the expense as is desired.
SUMMER BAND
The Summer Band program affords an opportunity for all members of the Band Department to advance their musical growth. Over the years our Summer Band has been a source of pride for the entire community. This program runs for four consecutive weeks during the months of July and August. Parents receive a letter in the spring with the specific details as to time schedule, nominal costs, and performance schedule.
PRIVATE LESSON POLICY
Private lessons are necessary for any musician to insure growth in the proper direction. Anyone interested in taking lessons should call the band director to be scheduled with a recommended teacher. The lesson will take place after school at times to be mutually decided by the student and the instructor. Private lessons will be located at Central Middle School and the parents are asked to escort their child to and from the private lesson. Parents are also encouraged to sit in on each private lesson. The following will pertain to all students:
1. Barring extreme circumstances, all missed lessons will be paid for.
2. With 24 hours or more notice, lessons will be rescheduled at the
instructor's convenience.
3. In order to avoid missing a lesson, students are encouraged to contact their
private teacher early for names and telephone numbers so students may
temporarily trade times.
Detach this form and return it, completed by your parents, to the Band Director. This form must be on file in the music office.
(cut along dotted line)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have read this handbook in its entirety and understand the philosophy and policies of the District 146 Instrumental Music Department.
Parent's signature_____________________________________
Date of signature______________
Child's name________________________________ School____________________
My child is in the Beginning, Concert or Symphonic Band.
(circle one)