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GUIDELINES AND INFORMATION 6TH, 7TH AND 8TH GRADE BANDS 2004-05
I. Philosophy and Expectations A. Band is unique because it is a performance-based, yet academic course of study. B. Performances are viewed as major tests because they are learning experiences that cannot be duplicated in a rehearsal or in a practice room. Performance is also an evaluative tool used to compare a student’s performance with the classroom objectives presented. C. Evaluation of students’ progress is based mostly on playing tests, performances, and the completion of practice journals and workbook / worksheet assignments; however, participation, effort, improvement, cooperation, and attitude count for the remaining part of their grade. D. Since we are all dependent upon each other, we expect band students to uphold their commitment and continue with the program for the entire school year. II. Performance Requirements A. These performances are mandatory for all band students (unless it is noted as being optional) and the dates should be marked on the family calendar to avoid conflicts. Starred items are NOT for 6th grade. 1. Winter Concerts a. 6th, 7th, and 8th grade – Monday Dec. 6, 7:00PM (Concert Location: The Campbell Center at Brentwood High School) b. School concert for all grades – Tuesday, Dec. 7 2. All-Middle Tennessee Clinic Band Auditions (optional) –December 11 at McGavock High School (deadline for entry is Nov. 8). If student is selected, he/she will attend the clinic weekend (Jan. 13-15) at MTSU. 3. Solo and Ensemble Festival (optional) – April 30th at Overton High School (deadline for entry is March 30). 4. Concert and Sight-reading Festival – March 10 - 11 at Blair School of Music - Vanderbilt 5. Spring Concerts a. 6th, 7th , 8th grade-Monday, April 11 – 7:00 PM b. School concert for all grades –Tuesday, April 12.
6. Fifth grade orientation concerts- TB
B. Appropriate dress will be required at all performances. 1. Concert dress this year will be a simple black and white theme for EACH band. a. All 7th and 8th grade students will purchase a Band shirt for approximately $20. We will have these at school to purchase. b. 6th grade boys will wear a white dress shirt and tie. 6th grade girls will wear a loose – fitting, white blouse with long or ¾ length sleeves. All shirts will be tucked in tightly. c. All boys will wear black dress pants and all girls will wear black dress pants or a long black skirt (no slits higher than the knee). d. All students will wear black or dark dress shoes (no athletic shoes) and men must wear black socks. 2. Pep Band dress for football games, basketball games & pep rallies: a. Pep Band T-shirts will be worn for the entire school day on which a game (pep rally) is scheduled. b. No clothing will be worn over the Band T-shirt. It should be treated and worn like a uniform. c. Blue Jeans will also be worn with the pep band tee’s
III. Performance and Rehearsal Attendance Policies A. Absence from a scheduled rehearsal outside the school day or ANY performance: 1. Written notification of impending absence is required at least 3 days PRIOR to the rehearsal or performance. A decision as to whether it will be excused or not will be made at that time BY THE DIRECTOR 2. An absence from a performance or scheduled rehearsal will result in a full solo audio recording of the student’s concert music for test evaluation. This test evaluation will be recorded no later than one week after the scheduled performance or rehearsal. If it is not recorded on time, this will cause the nine weeks grade to be lowered accordingly. B. The Winter and Spring concerts as well as the other performances count as 25% of the semester grade. IV. Band Fees A. The Band Fee of $35.00 is to be paid by ALL Band students.
V. Band Students’ Responsibilities and Requirements A. Students’ Responsibilities 1. Be courteous and respect other people and their property as well as yourself and your property. Respect our facility. 2. Bring all needed materials to your seat including: instrument in good playing condition, pencil, sheet music, books, and binder. 3. Be on time and in seat for class. 4. Cooperation is expected at all times. 5. Obey all school rules and band room procedures. 6. Gum, food and drinks are not allowed in the band area. B. Requirements 1. Practice Journa1 (50% of Grade) a. Students will keep a daily record of time spent practicing and will complete other items on the journal. This journal will be signed by a parent AFTER it is filled out. b. These journals should be kept in students’ band binders. c. Practice journals must be turned in every Monday during class for credit. Students missing class due to field trips, STARS groups, going home sick, etc. should turn in their practice journal before leaving school that day in order to receive credit. d. Unsigned practice journals (filled out correctly) will receive 50%. 2. Playing Tests (25% of Grade) a. One major scale, corresponding chromatic scale, its arpeggios or scale in thirds, and 2-3 percussion rudiments will be learned each half of each 9 week grading period for a major playing test. b. Exercises from the method book or excerpts from the sheet music will be used as material for other playing tests each 9 weeks. 3. Performances (25% of Grade) a. All concerts and rehearsals during and after school are required by all band students. b. Performances by Pep Band at football games, basketball games & pep rallies is required by Pep Band Members.
6th graders need to purchase: 1. Band Expressions Book 1
7th graders need to purchase: 1. Standard of Excellence Method Book 2 (blue) 2. Foundations for Superior Performance by Richard Williams and Jeff King
8th graders need to purchase: 1. Standard of Excellence Method Book 3 (green) 2. Foundations for Superior Performance by Richard Williams and Jeff King
All books need to be in hand no later than the end of the first full week of school in August
Thank you in advance for following these guidelines and we hope the information is helpful to you as we prepare for a great year. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me at kevinp@wcs.edu
Sincerely,
Mr. Kevin F. Poe Band Director
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