2009 – 2010

Malone Middle School

Band

Handbook/Notebook

J

Welcome to the 2009 – 2010 Malone Middle School Bands. The Malone Band program has enjoyed a “tradition of excellence” dating back to the 1960’s. This handbook has been compiled in order to assist you in maintaining the high standards set over the past five decades and to help you gain the best possible experience from your participation in band. Please read through it carefully and sign in the appropriate place. Also, have your parents read and sign the last page and return it to me by September 9^th. I am looking forward to working with you, and with your help, hope to make this an excellent and rewarding year.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page

I. Band 3

II. Concert Clothing 5

III. Sectional Rehearsal 4

IV. Disciplinary Action 6

V. Instrumental Lessons 6

VI. The Challenge System 8

VII. Deficient Progress 9

VIII. The Grading System 9

IX. Instrumental Faculty 10

X. MS Concert Schedule 11

XI. Mr. Soper’s Website 11

XII. Listening/Perf Opportunities 12

XIII. Parent/Student Signature Sheet 14

XIV. Notebook Paper 16

XV. Glossary 30

XVI. Staff Paper

I. BAND

1. Membership in the band is open to all who have satisfactorily completed (passed) the previous year of instruction in instrumental music. Transfer students must audition.

2. Punctual and regular attendance at all regularly scheduled rehearsals is mandatory.

3. Satisfactory participation will fulfill the middle school music requirement annually.

4. Seating in the band is based on the following key items, as outlined below:
1. The student’s audition piece at the end of the school year, for 6^th and 8^th grade students only, is to determine what band the student will be in during 7^th grade and 9^th grade and is assessed as per criteria outlined in the evaluation form.
2. The student’s performance solo to be assessed as per criteria outlined in the evaluation form.
3. The effort and improvement the student makes during the school year (lesson preparation, band preparation, assuming leadership in the band and extra musical activities, such as NYSSMA, All-County, etc.).
4. The Challenge system is used for any student who would like to move forward. See further information under “Challenges”.
5. Periodic auditions and reseating of sections may occur.

5. Each member of the band is expected to:
1. Take home their instrument each night and each weekend for daily practice.
2. Label the instrument case clearly to avoid confusion of ownership.
3. Spend at least 30 minutes PER DAY practicing lesson material.
4. Spend 90 minutes PER WEEK practicing band music.
5. Bring their notebook and pencil to each rehearsal.

6. Each person is expected to maintain proper care of his or her own instrument at all times. Failure to do so may result in the loss of privilege of using the school instrument.

7. Under no circumstances are others allowed to play your instrument. This includes percussion equipment if you are not a percussionist.

8. Please tell a music instructor as soon as possible if the instrument is not working properly.

9. When an absence from a performance is anticipated, a written parent request must be given to the director at least two weeks prior to the date in question. Only in extreme causes will a request for an absence from a performance be granted. An unexcused absence will result in the student being recommended to the administration and the music coordinators for expulsion from the band. No grade or credit will be given for that quarter until circumstances have been resolved.

10. A commitment to perform with the band is a serious decision that not only effects the individual, but the entire group. Therefore, if at any point a student wishes to quit, please keep these points in mind:
1. Students were specifically selected to be part of this program and the decision to quit means they will lose this performance opportunity while they are at Malone Central.
2. A written note signed by a parent or guardian must accompany this drop request with an explanation attached.
3. The first New York State standard for music is performing and creating. To have an effective performance, all members of the band and specific instrumentation need to be depended on for performances.
4. The student must drop band before the 4^th quarter begins in order to take a General Music class to fulfill his or her music requirements for the Malone Middle School. No student will receive music credit without completing a full-year in an ensemble or completing a full quarter of a general music class.

11. If a student is honored by being invited to participate in an All-County or NYSSMA event, it is expected that they will fulfill all obligations made to the organization once the commitment has been made. Failure to satisfy all obligations will be subject to disciplinary action.

II. CONCERT CLOTHING/PROCEDURES

Appropriate concert attire is as outlined. This attire will be required of all students, unless indicated otherwise by the director.

GENTLEMEN: White dress shirt, black dress pants, dark socks and shoes, black bow tie.

LADIES: White dress blouse, black dress skirt or black dress pants,

stockings, dark shoes.

Intermediate Band students should arrive on the girls’ side of the gym by 6:25.

Concert Band students should arrive on the boys’ side of the gym by 6:30.

III. SECTIONAL REHEARSAL (Concert Band Only)

Sectional rehearsals are a part of the Concert Band performance experience. Rehearsals, when assigned by the conductor, will go as follows:

BRASS: B Days 7:25 AM

WOODWINDS: D Days 7:25 AM

PERCUSSION: F Days 7:25 AM

As stated in section I-2, attendance is mandatory for all rehearsal. If there are academic or transportation problems, please see Mr. Soper ASAP.

IV. DISCIPLINARY ACTION

In the event that disciplinary action needs to be taken during a band rehearsal, the following steps will be followed (this includes forgetting an instrument and or supplies):

1. FIRST Offense- Student will be warned.

2. SECOND Offense- Student will be asked to sit quietly on the side of the stage for the remainder of the rehearsal and will receive a “0” for his or her band grade that day. A note will be sent home to the parents or guardians of the student explaining the FIRST Offense and the SECOND Offense no later than 24 hours after the incident.

3. THIRD Offense- Student will be removed from the rehearsal, sent to the main office with a pink slip and will receive a “0” for his or her band grade that day. A phone call will be made to the parents or guardians of the student either by Mr. Soper or a member of the administration.

4. POST THIRD Offense- A conference will be requested between the student, parent or guardian, administration, and Mr. Soper.

V. INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS

1. Students must alert the classroom teacher involved prior to a lesson and make up all missed work for lessons.

2. Students are grouped homogeneously in small groups for lessons.

3. Books, reeds, and other supplies must be purchased by the student.

4. Each student must have a minimum number of evaluations per quarter:

a. 1^st Quarter 4 evaluations

b. 2^nd Quarter 5 evaluations

c. 3^rd Quarter 5 evaluations

d. 4^th Quarter 4 evaluations

If a student does not have the required number of evaluations, he or she should arrange a make-up lesson at the lesson teacher’s discretion.

The lowest lesson evaluation of a quarter will be dropped if the student meets the following requirements:

a. Student has attended all scheduled lessons at the appropriate time

b. Student has been prepared for all scheduled lessons

5. When a student is scheduled for a lesson, it is the student’s responsibility to report in a timely fashion, regardless of other activities. If a student forgets to come to their scheduled lesson, the following procedure will be implemented:

a. FIRST forgotten lesson- The teacher will call the student down to the lesson.

b. SECOND forgotten lesson- The student will receive a “0” for their lesson grade. They will not be called down.

c. The “0” can be replaced if the student fulfills requirements for that lesson before the next scheduled lesson date. It is the student’s responsibility for contacting the lesson teacher to schedule a make-up lesson or tape recording.

6. Students who are unable to attend a regularly scheduled lesson must have a make-up lesson or a tape recording of that lesson’s material presented to the teacher prior to the next scheduled lesson. Students must take responsibility for contacting either the lesson teacher or Mr. Soper to make up a lesson time or tape recording. When a student forgets a lesson, that student will only be allowed two make-up lessons for the 1^st quarter and one make-up each additional quarter.

7. Students can study privately outside of the school in place of school lessons for credit provided all qualifications are met as outlined by the coordinators of music and administration. The following is a list of qualifications desired in a private music teacher:

a. Music K-12 certification

b. Expertise on individual instrument being taught is preferred

c. Experience with core repertoire and literature of instrument

d. Knowledge of or ownership of the recent NYSSMA manual and the guidelines of doing a NYSSMA solo

e. Number of evaluations/lessons per quarter required is the same as outlined in section V-4

f. A numerical grade (0-100) must be supplied to the band director on a quarterly basis via e-mail jsoper@malonecsd.org or phone 483-7801

i. 1^st Quarter due November 6^th

ii. 2^nd Quarter due January 30^th

iii. 3^rd Quarter due April 22^nd

iv. 4^th Quarter due June 19^th

g. Any teacher not currently employed by Malone Central must be approved by the building principal and superintendent

8. Extra credit can be earned through many avenues in instrumental lessons:

a. Live Performance critiques (one page summary of concert and described musical attributes that were interesting to the student).

b. Satisfactory participation in extra-musical activities such as NYSSMA, NYSBDA, All-County, church services, etc.

c. Written critique of listening assignment

d. Written critique/report of music articles

The teacher will decide, by the nature of the project, whether the grade given will result in additional points or be given as an extra lesson grade.

VI. THE CHALLENGE SYSTEM

The challenge in any instrumental music program is not uncommon. It is done in most of the better band programs throughout the state and has been in existence in Malone since 1952. In a band or orchestra, musicians are seated in their sections according to their ability; the best player in the first seat and so on down the line. In the Malone Central Bands, the band directors seat the players according to their ability. The challenge becomes part of the process when the player feels that he or she should be in a seat higher that his or her present seat. Therefore, he or she challenges the person in that seat. The challenge may be compared to a test in academics or a competitive sporting event.

The purpose of the challenge is to instill a feeling of improvement without realizing it. Both the challenger and the challengee practice more, the challenger in order to move up a seat, and the challengee to retain his or her seat. This, in turn, improves the band as a whole. The aim is towards harmony, and not to cause friction between band members. Essentially, they are being prepared for the trials and tribulations of life in the real world.

Each student is responsible for all of the music in the band folder. To make a challenge, the challenger places a challenge slip in Mr. Soper’s mail slot in the mail bin. An appointment is made for the challenge that would be scheduled as soon as possible. The Band Director picks any section(s) from the music in the band folder. They do not know what sections they will be playing until the time of the challenge. Lots will be drawn to determine who is to play first. The Band Director will have his or her back turned to the players when they enter the room. They will be rated on tone quality, technique and general musicianship (see attached Challenge Form).

Challenges will end for the first semester on November 13^th.

Challenges will end for the second semester on April 9^th.

VII. DEFICIENT PROGRESS

If a student shows a pattern of not being prepared and/or not attending lessons, a conference will be set up as follows:

If, at the end of the school year a student falls behind more than a year in the appropriate curriculum (eg. Grade level books) he or she will be notified along with the parents. A meeting will be arranged with the conductor, lesson teacher, coordinator of music, parent, guidance and administration. In the fall of the following year he/she will be re-auditioned to ascertain his/her level of performance. It will be determined from this audition as to whether he/she will remain in band.

VII. THE GRADING SYSTEM

Satisfactory participation in band will fulfill the music requirement at the middle school. A grade of 75 or below indicates unsatisfactory work; 64 or below is failing.

Quarterly grades are based on the following formula with the exception of the 2^nd and 4^th quarters-where the concert grade will be averaged with the lesson grade:

LESSON GRADES- 75% - achievement, growth, effort

a. preparation

b. improvement

c. execution and technique

d. musical performance

e. tone

BAND REHEARSALS- 10%

a. proper preparation of band music

b. Scale quizzes/ Rhythm quizzes

c. attitude toward

i) organization

ii) rules

iii) school band equipment

iv) punctuality

d. discipline at all activities

i) rehearsals

ii) trips

iii) performances

e. interest

i) Taking part in music activities outside of band for which they are qualified

ii) Leadership within a section and the entire group

iii) Receiving extra help when needed

f. sectional rehearsal (Concert Band Only)

i) attendance/punctuality

ii) preparation

QUIZZES- 10%

HOMEWORK/NOTEBOOK- 5%

IX. INSTRUMENTAL FACULTY

Woodwinds: Melinde Poupore Brass/Percussion: Jeffrey Soper

Jennifer Vanier

X. 2008 – 2009 MIDDLE SCHOOL CONCERT SCHEDULE

Winter Concert December 9^th 7:00 PM

Spring Concert May 13^th 7:00 PM

XI. MR. SOPER’S WEBSITE

In order to stay up to date with the modern student and to assist parents and guardians with questions or concerns they may have, I have created a website that is intended for use by both students and parents.

http://teacherweb.com/NY/MaloneCentralSchool/JeffreyPSoper

The website has the following information for you and your parents:

a. Announcement page to keep you up to date on what is going on

b. Online copy of Middle School Band Manual

c. Middle School calendar to keep track of important dates, sectional times, concerts, etc.

d. Individual band announcement pages.

e. Mr. Soper’s lesson schedules

f. Educational links for students and parents

g. Downloadable documents and listening examples to enhance learning

h. E-mail link to contact Mr. Soper

i. Link to the Malone Central Schools website.

You can gain access to this site by:

a) either typing in the above URL into your browser

b) Going to the Middle School’s website and click on the “Teacher Directory” top. You will then look for Music and click on Mr. Soper’s Website link.

XII. LISTENING AND PERFORMANCE VIEWING OPPORTUNITIES

"FREE" Music Listening Opportunites in the North Country
Day	Time	Station	Name of Show	Style
Monday	9:00pm - 11:00pm	90.9 (NCPR)	Performance Today	Recordings of Live Classical Music
Tuesday	9:00pm - 11:00pm	90.9 (NCPR)	Performance Today	Recordings of Live Classical Music
Wednesday	9:00pm - 11:00pm	90.9 (NCPR)	Performance Today	Recordings of Live Classical Music
Thursday	9:00pm - 11:00pm	90.9 (NCPR)	Performance Today	Recordings of Live Classical Music
Friday	9:00pm - 11:00pm	90.9 (NCPR)	Performance Today	Recordings of Live Classical Music
Saturday	8:00pm - 9:00pm	90.9 (NCPR)	Riverwalk Jazz	Traditional Jazz
Saturday	9:00pm - 10:00pm	90.9 (NCPR)	Jazz Profiles	Spotlight on specific artists
Saturday	10:00pm - 12:00pm	90.9 (NCPR)	Jazz at the Ten Spot	Wide array of jazz genres
Sunday	12:00am - 6:00am	90.9 (NCPR)	Jazz after hours	Wide array of jazz genres
Many of their websites allow streaming of previously released shows.
Area Performance Halls and Schedules of Performances
Name		Town
Flynn Center		Burlington, VT
Crane School of Music		Potsdam, NY
Place des Arts		Montreal, QC, CA
Community Performance Series		Potsdam, NY
Clayton Opera House		Clayton, NY
Barre Opera House		Barre, VT

XIII. PARENTAL/STUDENT SIGNATURE SLIP

Please fill out the requested information below and

return to Mr. Soper by September 9^th.

I have read and understood the information provided in this handbook with my son or daughter.

_________________________ ___________________________

Parent’s (Guardian’s) Signature Student’s Signature

_____________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address “A” Town Zip

______________________________ ___________________________

Home Phone “A” Work Phone Mom

_______________________________ ___________________________

e-mail address Work Phone Dad

_____________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address “B” Town Zip

______________________________

Home Phone “B”

BEST WAY OF COMMUNICATION (Please Check One)

_______ Phone

_______ e-mail

_______ snail mail (if time allows)