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| Welcome to the Middle School Band Program |
| This booklet is designed to let you know what to expect
from the program as well as what is expected of you. It should answer
most of the questions you have and your band director will be able
to clarify any further questions you might have. |
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| The Band Period |
| Band at the middle school meets two times per week
for 45 - 60 minutes. Every effort must be made to make the most effective
use of this limited time. Therefore, the following rules apply. |
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Four minutes after the late bell, you are
to be seated and warming up properly with slow scales and long tones. |
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Trips to the bathroom or drinking fountain
will be permitted after rehearsal has begun ONLY on an emergency
basis. Make sure you take care of those things in between classes
and before you sit down to play. |
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YOUR music must be brought to all
of the rehearsals in a well-maintained music folder. If you share
music with a stand partner both sets of music must be at each rehearsal.
Grade points will be deducted if your music is not at each rehearsal.
Grade points will be deducted if your music is not at each rehearsal. If for some reason you do not receive a new piece of music, it
is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to inform your conductor in writing so
that your music will be available before the next rehearsal. |
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You must bring your instrument in working
condition (reeds, mouthpiece, etc.) to every rehearsal. Brass players
must have functioning tuning slides. If your instrument is missing
more than once per quarter your grade will be lowered half a step
per missed day. |
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When the Conductor stops the band it is
to provide instruction for all students. When this instruction is
directed at a certain section or group the remaining band members
should silently practice fingerings of upcoming passages in the band
music or by practicing the fingering chart on the final page of the
band method. Percussion players will practice silent sticking of the
band music or rudiments on their thigh or as "air hits." |
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The conductor will dismiss you a few minutes
early to give you time to put away music stands, chairs, tables, and
your instrument before you go to your next class. If class is disrupted
or delayed and rehearsal goals are not met, the early dismissal time
will be delayed. |
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| Grading |
| Band is a graded class. It requires work on your part
that will be recognized with an appropriate grade. Your grade is based
on your willingness to work to your POTENTIAL. Students who have not
been playing very long can easily earn an A if they work to the best
of their ability, while students who are further along in mastering
their instruments may receive a lower grade if they don’t work
to their potential. |
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Knowledge of your music
Do you practice regularly outside of class or does your individual
performance at each band period sound as if it is your only contact
with your assigned music? Home practice will consist of perfecting
all of the correct notes and rhythms of your band music. Continued
study of tone development, rhythm, articulation, and scales and arpeggios
is essential for your progress. All students should have an inexpensive,
portable metronome and tuner to be used during home practice. |
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Behavior during rehearsal
The Band rehearsal is a "non-talking" classroom. While not
actively engaged in playing you will listen to the conductor's instruction.
If instruction is not directed to you, you will silently practice
fingerings/stickings of the band music. |
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Preparation
Do you have your instrument with reeds or valve oil at EVERY REHEARSAL? |
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Extra Help
The band is a combined effort of all students involved. If you are
having difficulty preparing the band repertoire you should seek assistance
from your private teacher or band director. If you fail to seek
extra help or maintain sufficient home practice you may be asked to
withdraw from band until such time as you are sufficiently caught
up to the level or effort of the other members of the band. |
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