Mission Statement
The Mission of the
Ishpeming District Schools Band Program is to empower students to perform,
enjoy, and understand music through a comprehensive curriculum, in keeping with
each child’s interests, needs, and abilities, contributing to the culture of
the community.
Definition of Program
The Ishpeming
School District Band Program shall be defined as the instrumental music program
of the Ishpeming Public School District. The program includes: Fifth Grade
Band, Sixth Grade Band, Seventh Grade Band, Eighth Grade Band, and High School
Band, components of which include, but are not limited to: Concert Band,
Marching Band, and Pep Band.
Director of Bands
The chief
executor of the Ishpeming School District Band Program, responsible for all
aspects of the administration of programs, shall be the Director of Bands. The
Director of Bands is under the authority of the school principals and
superintendent of schools.
Expectations
General Rules of
Classroom Conduct
1. Be seated with music on stand, instrument in hand, prepared
to play instrument at the start of class.
2. Remain quiet when the teacher/conductor gives instructions.
3. Raise hand and be recognized by teacher before speaking out
in the class.
4. Respect the property of others and of the school district.
5. No beverages, gum, candy, or food are to be consumed in the
classroom during school.
Attendance &
Performance Expectations
Students are
expected to attend and participate in all rehearsals and in scheduled
performances (concerts & games). Varsity athletic students may be excused
from performing at games where there may be conflicts in schedules. The
attendance expectations apply to all rehearsals and performances during the
year that may not be normally scheduled (i.e., band festivals, play-off games,
parades, etc.).
Concert &
Performance Dress Expectations
1. Students are to wear formal black and white at Concerts
unless otherwise instructed by the director.
2. Students must wear uniforms and/or shirts (supplied by the
school district) when called upon by the Director. Students will be issued
uniform pieces at the start of the year.
3. Students will be charged a fee for uniform replacement for
items not returned in good condition.
Sheet Music and
Textbooks
The School
District provides students with sheet music and method books for use. Students
are expected to keep all music in good condition and return them at the request
of the Director. Students may be charged a fee for music not returned. Students
are assigned specific areas for music storage and are expected to utilize these
designated areas. Students are encouraged but not required to purchase method
books to keep.
School-Owned
Instruments
In some cases,
students may be issued school-owned instruments. Students must complete an
Instrument Loan Agreement Form before acquiring a school-owned instrument. For
the school year 2008, students using school owned instruments will be charged a
$40 user fee for the school year.
Instrument
Maintenance Expectations
All students are
expected to keep their instruments in good working order. Students are also
expected to supply their own auxiliary equipment (reeds, mouthpiece, lubricant,
drum sticks, mallets, lyre, flip-folder, etc.). This expectation applies to
students who rent/own their instruments as well students who use school-owned
instruments.
Competency &
Performance Expectations
Students are
expected to attain certain standards of competence as defined by the Director
of Bands. The Director may use quizzes and tests to measure student competency
and may prescribe special methods to aid in a student’s pursuit of musical
excellence. Students are expected to practice outside of the classroom.
Failure
to abide by these expectations may result in grade reduction, disciplinary
action, or removal from the program. It should be noted that the intention of
all rules and expectations is to, 1) insure the best possible learning
environment, 2) promote responsibility, and, 3) inspire each student to work as
a team member.
Student
Assessment
Grading Procedures
Band grades are
determined by the summation of points students earn. Students earn points through
personal and group achievements and participation in activities, rehearsals,
and performances.
1.
Students will earn a Participation
Grade based on classroom participation.
2.
Students will earn an Attendance Grade
based on attendance at scheduled performances.
3.
Students will earn a Music Theory Grade
based on achievement on written assignments.
4.
Students will earn a Performance Grade
based on achievement on playing quizzes.
5.
Students will earn a Practice Grade
based on out of class practice (Required in 5th grade, extra credit for all
other grades).
6.
Students
will earn an Organization Grade based on accountability for equipment and
music.
7.
Students may earn extra credit.
a.
1 pt. For every 15 min. of donated
service to the band. Word will be assigned by director.
b.1 pt. For every 15 min. of out-of-school practice.
Grades will be with held if a student fails to return school
equipment, uniform pieces, music, or designated fees.
Fees: Gloves-$2.50, Bag-$4, Jacket -
$40, Windbreaker-$30, Polo-$15, Tshirt-$9. Book-$7, Sheet Music-$.50/copy. Other equipment may be included, i.e.,
epuipment.
Chair and Band
Seating Arrangement
During
the course of the school year, the Director may ask students to audition for
chair placement.
Switching
Instruments
Students are encouraged
to stay with one instrument through the duration of their time in the program.
Early in their commitment, however, students may switch to a different
instrument if progress becomes too difficult on the initially-chosen
instrument. The decision to switch instruments should be done under the
advisement of the Director and should not be made in haste by the parent and
student alone.
Learning New
Instruments
Students who
demonstrate exceptional musical proficiency may, under the advisement of the Director,
have the opportunity to learn additional instruments. Students may be asked by
the Director to play other instruments in order to achieve instrument balance
in the band.
Student Officers
The Director may
appoint certain students to positions of service and leadership. Those
positions include, but are not necessarily limited to: Drum Major, Intern,
Student Director, Section Leader, and Librarian. Job descriptions and
responsibilities may vary according to the discretion of the Director and by
consultation with students.
Band Trips
The band may have
opportunities to travel as a group. Students traveling with the band are at all
times expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the policies
of the School District and the Band Program. The Director reserves the right to
make certain contingencies of students for participation on a trip (i.e.,
fundraising requirements, etc.). The Director also reserves the right to
exclude certain students from participating on a trip for behavioral reasons.
Classroom
Discipline Procedures
1) One warning; 2) 15
min. After school (following day); 3)
After school detention (scheduled by office) & Phone Home: 4) Removal from
the room.
Students may be given special
assignments as a form of discipline in some cases when expectations are not
met. For example, if a student fails to attend a scheduled performance, he may
be given a writing or performance assignment, or an after school classroom
assignment.
I, the
undersigned, acknowledge the following statement as true:
I have read the Band Handbook and Class
Expectations and understand what is expected of my child. I will do my best to
ensure that my child understands and follows the guidelines and procedures of
the Band Program.
___________________________________________ _________________
Parent/Legal
Guardian Date
I,
the undersigned, acknowledge the following statement as true:
I have read the
Band Handbook and Class Expectations know what is expected of me as a student
enrolled in the Ishpeming Public School Band Program. I will do my best to
learn and grow as a good bandsman in keeping with the expectations of the
Director.
_____________________________________________ __________________
Student Date
Please sign and return this
Acknowledgment of Terms to the Director.
Appendix One - Ishpeming Bands Handbook
Band Class Participation Expectations
Be Respectful (be polite & courteous)
1. Of other people
2. Of school, classmates, and
personal property
3. Bottom line - your behavior
should not interrupt teacher’s teaching or classmate’s learning.
Be Ready
1. Be in the class room before
the 2nd (tardy) bell. Class will start two minutes after the bell. Students
will be in their seats. Director will be in the process of taking attendance.
2. Bring only instrument, music
materials, and pencil to your seat. Exceptions are small instrument cases.
Be Responsible
1. Give proper care to
instruments and equipment.
2. Be sure you have all the
music.
3. Store instruments in cases
when not in use.
4. Store equipment in
appropriate storage areas.
5. Keep school owned music in
folders and storage slots.
Rehearsal Conduct (participation expectations)
1. Students will be in the
classroom before the tardy bell rings.
2. Place back packs and
non-band materials at the side of the classroom, not by your chair.
3. The rehearsal/class will
begin when the conductor steps onto the riser after attendance. Students will
be in their assigned seats with instrument, music, and appropriate materials.
Special Expectations for
Percussionists
a. Team Assignments will be on
the board. Each percussion student is assigned to a team.
During warm-ups (scales or in method books), all drummers
should play practice pad, snare or any auxiliary. Students need not be on the
instruments assigned for the Teams.
b. Students are to stand near
the team’s music folder during performance.
4. When rehearsal begins, there
will be no unnecessary talking or playing. The rehearsal agenda will be on the
board. Percussion students are prepared to perform in teams on assigned
instruments.
5. If you do not have a piece
of music that is scheduled to be performed, let the director know at the end of
the rehearsal (fill-out a note card with your name and piece of music you need
- place it on the conductor’s stand). Read from a neighbor’s during the class
if possible. If you are the only one in your section, ask the music librarian
to get it for you. Do this before the rehearsal begins.
6. Maintain proper posture and
embouchure as you play.
7. No gum, food, or drinks are
to be consumed in the room during class. Water bottles are allowed; however,
please do not abuse the privilege.
8. Rehearsals will end about 3
minutes before the final bell.
a. Keep chairs and stands in an
orderly row before leaving your seat.
b. Do not leave any waste
(reeds, etc.) On the floor or on the music stand.
c. Put away your instrument and
music. Percussion students must work together to put all equipment in the
proper storage places.
d. Wait for the final bell
before leaving the room.
9. The black boards and white
boards are for the teacher’s use.
10. Practice rooms are available
for student use by teacher permission only.
11. Percussion equipment is for
percussion student’s use or by those with teacher permission.
12. To be excused from the room
during the class period, the teacher must sign a hall pass.
Appendix Two - Ishpeming Bands Handbook
School - Owned Equipment Checklist
(Organization Grade)
Name of Student: _____________________________________
At the
beginning of the school year, you will be issued some or all of the following
items. You will be responsible to keep and maintain all school-owned items.
Check and write down each item you receive. At the end of the school year, you
will need to account for each item.
o Uniform (Bag # _____)
|
o Jacket
o Pants
o T-
Shirt
|
o
o
o
|
o Polo
Shirt #
o Music
Folder. Write song titles. Do not include Pep Songs. Have in Folder When Turned
In. Extra song titles or exercises write on back of sheet.
|
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
|
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
|
o Pep
Folder with all 68 song (HS).
o Additional
Equipment
|
o Mute
o Flip
Folder
o Lyre
|
o
o
o
|
o School-owned instrument. What is it?
Brand? (serial number #)
o
Organization
Grade First Marking Period: _____________________
Appendix Three
Instrument Maintenance Checklist
1. Check
out your instrument each time you play for changes in its appearance or play
ability. It may indicate a repair that needs to be done.
2. Avoid
extremes in temperature and humidity. Allow the instrument to warm up to room
temp. before you play it.
3. Have
small repairs done often. Neglected repairs become large, expensive repairs.
4. Wash
mouthpieces once a week at minimum and always wipe fingerprints from the
surface to avoid tarnishing the finish. Take reeds off mouthpieces every time
you are done playing.
5. Lubricate
with cork grease, oil, cream where appropriate.
6. Have
appropriate accessories for your instrument care.
a. Extra
reeds available at all times (clarinets and saxophones).
b. Cleaning
rods or swabs (flutes, clarinets, saxophones).
c. Valve
and slide oil and grease for slides (brass instruments).
d. Percussion
players should always have own sticks,
mallets, and carrying case.
i.
Sticks for snare drum.
ii. Mallets
for bells and timpani.
iii. Triangle
beater
iv. Own
accessories as you develop (tambourine, wood block, triangle, cabassa, etc.)
Appendix Four:
Ishpeming Bands Handbook
Student Assignment for Missed Performance
Student:
________________________________________________________________________
Missed
Performance: _____________________________________________________________
Scheduled Make-up
Date(s): _______________________________________________________
Each
missed performance will result in a loss of points towards the Attendance
Grade. 90% of the points may be made-up by serving one hour after school in the
band room for each missed performance. The day(s) must be scheduled (in
agreement with the director) within one week of the missed performance. The
hour may be divided into two ½ hour days. Each
student is responsible for scheduling with the director the Make-up time. Unexcused
absences will not be permitted to be made up.
The
following are examples of activities that will be done in the band room.
1.
Sorting Music.
2.
Organizing Files, Uniforms, and
Equipment (inventory).
3.
Help with Equipment Maintenance.
4.
Practice on instrument (possible free
lesson).
5.
Writing Assignment (to be given on
make-up day).
Students
will not be permitted to do homework or other personal activities.
The
following three paragraphs are taken from the Ishpeming Bands Handbook and
explain why it is necessary to ask students who do not attend performances to
complete added assignments.
Attendance &
Performance Expectations
Students are
expected to attend and participate in all rehearsals and in scheduled
performances (concerts & games). Varsity athletic students may be excused
from performing at games where there may be conflicts in schedules. The
attendance expectations apply to all rehearsals and performances during the
year that may not be normally scheduled (i.e., band festivals, play-off games,
parades, etc.).
Grading Procedures
Band grades are
determined by the summation of points students earn. Students earn points
through personal and group achievements and participation in activities,
rehearsals, and performances.
1. Participation
in rehearsals/class.
2. Attendance
and active participation in concerts and performances.
Students may be given special assignments as a form of
discipline and assessment in some cases when expectations are not met. If a
student fails to attend a scheduled performance, he will be given a writing or
performance assignment, or an after school classroom assignment.