Miss Lyons

We are off to another great year of SCR MUSIC!!!  There are several small changes to our program that will help us to be even more successful this year.  I look forward to working with the children and having a great time playing music together during the 2009-2010 school year.  Please read below and follow the directions given at the end of the syllabus.

Supplies

·         All students should have the following everyday in class:

§  Music

§  Instrument

§  Pencil

Grading Policy:

                Band grades will be determined by the following:

·        Participation: 20%                                                                                              Includes having what is needed for class on a daily basis.  5 points will          be deducted for forgotten music, instruments, pencils, highlighters etc.

NOTE ABOUT PRACTICE REPORTS:  There are new practice report forms this year.  THESE FORMS WILL BE THE ONLY ONES ACCEPTED.   They are available in the band room and on the band website.  IMPORTANT:  No practice reports will be accepted that are turned into homeroom teachers, the front office, Miss Abby’s mailbox, or handed to Miss Abby in the hall.  Practice reports are to be filled out on the correct form, numbered, and placed in the basket in the band room on the first day of band each week in order to receive credit. 

·         Directors reserve the right to disallow any child the opportunity to perform should he/she miss excessive rehearsals or any rehearsal the week of a performance.  These situations will be handled on an individual basis.

·         An unexcused absence for any performance will result in a failing grade for that quarter.

NOTE: Prior notice for a missed performance does not guarantee the absence is excused.  Our performances are our exams, our entire purpose for our hard work, and are a group effort.  Missing just one person can ruin the entire performance for all involved. 

Conduct Policy:

·         Respect is the most important part of band class.  To be successful as a band and to receive an "A" in conduct, students must respect themselves, their peers, their teacher, and their music.  Students are expected to do the following:

§  Come prepared and ready to work in class.

§  Be kind, considerate, and helpful to those around them.

§  Remain quiet when Miss Abby, or any other teacher, is talking.

§  Prepare their music to the best of their ability.

§  Keep their instrument in clean, working order.

§  Keep the band room clean.

Band Uniforms

·         4^th and 5^th students wear their school uniforms for all band performances.

·         Symphonic Band students will receive a handout about their band uniform.  This uniform is to be worn for all festival performances and all night time concerts.

Music Boosters

·         There is $50 fee associated with the band program.  This fee covers the cost of method books, music, transportation, minor repairs, bus and festival fees throughout the year.

·         Booster Fees are due by September 25^th.

·         Parents are encouraged to attend Booster meetings to keep up with all the exciting developments in our band program. 

·         All information pertinent to the band program is available on our band website, including the most up-to-date music calendar.   Please check periodically to make sure your calendar is marked for special events!

·         Every family in the band program is expected to sign up for the band newsflash and to use the band homework site.

Symphonic Band schedule

·         There are slight changes in our Symphonic Band schedule this year:

o   Monday: 6^th grade 1:18-2:10

o   Tuesday: Full Band 2:10-3:05

o   Wednesday: Full Band 2:10-3:30

o   Thursday:  7^th grade 1:18-2:10

·         Reminder:  When students are dismissed at 3:05 on Tuesday and 3:30 on Wednesdays, this is the time we end our rehearsals.  Students will be packing up instruments and heading to their lockers before they go to the ramp.  There are nearly 100 students in Symphonic Band, so please allow time for this!

Jazz Bands

·         Jazz I is our top jazz group.  Auditions for the remaining spots in Jazz I will take place the first two weeks of school.  Jazz I rehearses until 3:30 every Thursday, beginning August 20^th.

·         Jazz II is our beginning jazz band.  This group is comprised of any child in 5^th-7^th grade interested in playing in jazz band.  There is a form attached to this sheet for any child interested in being a part of our Jazz II group. 

NOTE:  There is a $10 fee for joining either jazz band. 

Repairs

·         The key to any successful endeavor in music is playing an instrument in good repair.  It is the student’s job to keep all instruments well-maintained and in working order.  The designated repairman for all repairs is:

Please subscribe to the newsflash and sign up for the homework site.  Once you have read and understand the band syllabus, please fill out a copy of the Parent Signature form on the band website, print, and turn into the bandroom.  The e-mail submission form was not working, but the problem has been fixed.  You can either print the form or submit through e-mail.  Thank you and I hope you have a wonderful year!!!