FORWARD
Welcome students and parents to an exciting year with the
Day Middle School Bands
This handbook is written to help the students and parents better understand what the Day Middle School Band program is about.
The bands are made up of students who enjoy making music and who are dedicated to improving themselves as a human being. Being part of the DMS Band is a privilege, and as a privilege, it is not to be abused.
The following pages are the rules and activities by which the Band is guided.
Goals
To foster a love for and knowledge of music
To become a better person through participation in music
To become a responsible person and student
To better perform on their instrument
To learn how to perform as a group or team
To enhance their middle school experience
INSTRUMENTS
Students are encouraged to rent/buy their band instrument. This way, a “higher quality” instrument is available. You may then upgrade to an even better instrument through rental programs when you want to purchase an instrument.
We, the DMS Band, have a limited number of instruments to loan. Most of these are the larger instruments: horn, tuba, bass clarinet. There are a few smaller instruments available to lend to students whose instruments are in the shop being repaired, but typically are not for long term student use: flute, clarinet, trumpet.
If you are using a school instrument, you must first sign an “Instrument Check-out” form so we may track our instrument inventory. You will be expected to maintain the instrument in the same condition as it was given to you. Any major repair must be brought to Mrs. Callon’s attention immediately; failure to do so may result in repair fees, and or loss of the instrument.
There may be a $75.00 maintenance fee per DMS instrument, so that repairs can be made as needed.
Instrument Care
Your instrument must always be in good working order. It is like a car; it needs to be “tuned up” (adjusted) occasionally. Always keep it moisture-free after each use. Swab it out. Store reeds properly; not on the mouthpiece. Clean the mouthpiece after every use.
ALL INSTRUMENT CASES MUST HAVE A NAME TAG ON THEM!!!
GROUPS
Beginning Band ( “Dolphin Band” )
This class is open to anyone in grades 6 - 8 who is interested in learning how to play a band instrument. The students do not need to come this group with any prior knowledge. The skills needed to succeed will be taught and practiced. The students are limited only to wind and percussion instruments. Percussion students must try out, and if not selected, may choose a wind instrument. The try out will consist of being able to carry a steady beat independently, and also to a recorded song. The students will participate in 3 - 4 concerts and at least one “away” field trip.
Concert Band ( Rip Tide Band )
This class is open to any 2nd year band student who had beginning band at DMS, or another middle school program the previous year, or by teacher recommendation. The students will participate in 3 - 4 concerts, and at least one “away” field trip.
Symphonic Band ( Music Storm Band)
This class is open to any 2nd or 3rd year band student by teacher recommendation. The students will participate in 4 - 5 concerts, and at least one “away” field trip.
Jazz Band
To be announced….
All band groups will be participating in at least three fund-raisers this year. Because of the high cost of transportation, festivals, and workshops, fund-raisers are very important if we are to provide a high quality Instrumental music program. Parents do have the option of making direct donations instead of fund-raising. The dollar amount needed for each student to raise this year will be about 100.00 per field trip
The fundraisers will be overseen by our ASB Office.
CONCERTS
Field trips are not mandatory. All scheduled performances are mandatory. That means you MUST attend. Please mark on your home calendar the band events for the year. If, for some reason, you are not able to attend a performance, you must inform the director at least 48 hours in advance by a written note from your parents. Illness and family emergencies will be accepted as an excused absence only with a written note. Sport paractices, games, dance lessons, or anything non school related will not be accepted as an excused absence. Band is a school activity, and if you are missing, there is no one to take your part. Anything else is up to the discretion of the director.
I will let you know of any changes or additions to the calendar as soon as I know about them.
The students work very hard to present a quality concert, and it is discouraging to perform for an empty auditorium. Please come, bring friends and family. Your encouragement both at home and at performances can have a tremendous positive affect on your child!
CONCERT DRESS
Dolphin Band
Girls: White blouse and black skirt or pants for evening concerts. No jeans. Black closed toe and heeled shoes and appropriate socks. The band shirt** and blue jeans for assemblies and field trips.
Boys: White long-sleeved button down shirts and black pants, black shoes and socks for evening concerts. No jeans. The band shirt and blue jeans for assemblies and field trips.
** We will have a t-shirt order in August/September.
Rip Tide Band / (Concert Band)
Girls: Black dresses, floor or knee length. Watch the neckline, as the girls may need to bend over. You may also wear a white blouse
and black skirt, or pants. Black shoes may be pumps, or dressy, with closed toes and heels. NO sandals or athletic shoes.
Boys: White long sleeved, button down, collared shirt, black dress pants, black shoes and socks. NO athletic shoes, NO white
socks.
Band shirts and blue jeans for most field trips. T shirt order in August/September
THERE ARE SOME SHIRTS AND PANTS AVAILABLE FOR CHECK OUT. SEE MRS. CALLON BEFORE OCTOBER 1ST
Jazz Band
To be announced.
Music Storm Band (Symphonic Band)
Girls: Black dresses. They may be floor length, or knee length. Please watch the neckline as the girls might need to bend over.
NO sandals, or athletic shoes. Shoes may be pumps, or dressy, with closed toes and heels.
Boys: You provide blacklong sleeved button down collared shirt black slacks, black shoes, black shoes. NO athletic shoes.
Purple band shirt and blue jeans for most field trips. You may use last year’s shirt, or order another one for $16.00.
ATHLETIC SHOES ARE NEVER APPROPRIATE FOR CONCERT DRESS!!
TRIP POLICY
Because some of our performances occur during the school day, all band students must maintain a “C” average, and no “N’s” or “U’s in citizenship or work habits on report cards in band class. The students cannot earn more than 12 demerits. A note from the language arts or math teacher are required if a student has an “F”in that subject in order to participate in an away field trip.
All students are expected to be on their best behavior when traveling with the band to any event. Normal bus rules are always in effect. When on city streets, you are expected to be silent. This is strictly for safety reasons.
When you are off campus with the band, you are representing Day Middle School, the Band, and yourself. You must act appropriately. If there is any inappropriate behavior, you will be banned from future trips.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
The following is the discipline plan for band classes:
1. Be prepared. Always have all equipment needed (instrument, pencil, music, reeds, etc)
2. Be ready for Mrs. Callon. You will have 3 minutes after the late bell rings to be ready. If you are not ready, you will be marked tardy.
3. No talking when Mrs. Callon is in front of the group.
4. Be on your best behavior when there is a substitute.
5. Never touch another person’s instrument.
6. No food, gum, drinks, or sunflower seeds in the band room.
7. Remember the golden rule.
In other words; DON’T WASTE ANY TIME
Consequences:
2. Rehearsal time out. 2-5 minutes
3. Student/teacher conference
4. Detention
5. Parent/teacher conference
6. Office referral
GRADING POLICY
Band is a group participation activity. You must have your equipment on a daily basis.
Daily Participation
You must be ON TIME, PREPARED FOR CLASS (have all equipment, pencil and music), ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE AND BE ATTENTIVE. When the director is speaking, you are not.
Testing
Beginning Band: You will be tested by playing sections of your sheet music, or methods book
All other Bands: You must “pass off” exercises and sheet music selections determined by the director.
Grades
A Pass off on all testing due that grading period. Participate on a daily basis. Participate in all performances.
B Pass off at least 70% of the testing due that grading period. Participate on a daily basis. Participate in all performances.
C Pass off at least 50% of the testing due that grading period. Participate in all performances.
C- Participate on a daily basis. Participate in all performances.
D Miss at least one day of class participation. Do not pass off on tests. Participate in all performances.
Do nothing (or close to it) You will be removed from Band.
PARENTS AND STUDENTS
Please read the appropriate section below and sign. Return this form to
Mrs. Callon by August 31, 2010. .
STUDENT:
I have read the James L. Day Middle School Band Handbook, and I understand its’ contents. I am aware of the necessity to participate in all scheduled rehearsals and performances. I am aware of the grading policy, the trip policy, and the discipline policy. I agree to abide by the school rules as well as the classroom rules as outlined in this handbook.
Student signature_________________________________________Grade______
Print name______________________________________________Date_______
Band Class________________________
PARENT:
I have read the James L. Day Middle School Band Handbook and understand the responsibilities for which my child will be held accountable. I am aware of the costs, dress requirement, grading policy, the discipline policy, the trip policy, and the necessity for my child to participate in all scheduled performances.
Parent signature_________________________________________________
Print name_____________________________________________________
Daytime phone______________________Evening phone________________
Email____________________________
Date_______________
2009-2010 Calendar