GUIDELINES
AND INFORMATION
Grassland Middle School Bands
2008-09
I.
Philosophy and Expectations
A. Band is unique because it is a performance-based, yet academic course of study.
B. Performances are viewed as major tests because they are learning experiences that cannot be duplicated in a rehearsal or in a practice room. Performance is also an evaluative tool used to compare a student’s performance with the classroom objectives presented.
C.
Evaluation of students’ progress is mostly based on playing
tests, performances, and
D. Since we are all dependent upon each other, we expect band students to uphold their commitment and continue with the program for the entire school year.
II.
Performances Requirements
A. These performances are mandatory for all band students (unless it is noted as being optional) and the dates should be marked on the family calendar to avoid conflicts. Starred items are NOT for 6th grade.
1. ** Select football games and related performances to be played:
a. September 6 – 6:00 PM - 8th grade only to play for Williamson County Band Exhibition @ Page High School
b. September 18 – game time 6:00 PM – GMS vs. Woodland @ home
c. September 26 –game time 6:00 PM – GMS vs. Freedom @ home
2. Winter Concerts
a. 6th
grade – Monday Dec. 8, 7:00PM
b. 7th
and 8th grades-Tuesday,
Dec. 9 - 7:00 PM;
c.
School concert for all grades – Tuesday, Dec. 9
3. **All-Middle Tennessee Clinic Band Auditions (optional) – Dec.13
at McGavock High School (deadline for entry is Nov.6).
If student
is selected, he/she will attend
4. Solo and Ensemble Festival (optional) – April at Oliver Middle
School (deadline for entry is March).
5. **Concert and Sight-reading Festival – March 3-5 (Each
band will only perform
on one of
6. Spring Concerts
a. 6th grade-Monday, March 30 – 7:00 PM
b. 7th
and 8th grades –
Tuesday, March 31, 7:00 PM
c. School concert for all grades
–Tuesday, March 31
7. **8th grade Spring
Trip to Cincinnati – May 1 and 2
8. **Franklin Rodeo Parade – Saturday, May 9th – report to parade site at 11:00 AM.
9. Fifth grade orientation concerts- TBA
B. Appropriate dress will be required at all performances.
1. Concert dress this year will be a simple black and white theme for EACH band.
a. All 7th and 8th grade students will purchase a tuxedo shirt for $15. We will order these as a group. (Bow ties will be provided.)
b. 6th grade men will wear a white dress shirt and tie. 6th grade ladies will wear a loose – fitting, white blouse with long or ¾ length sleeves. All shirts will be tucked in tightly.
c. All Men will wear black dress pants and all women will wear black dress pants or a long black skirt (no slits higher than the knee).
d. All students will wear black or dark dress shoes (no athletic shoes or flip flops) and men must wear black socks.
2. Dress for football games, pep rallies and the Rodeo Parade:
a. Band T-shirts will be worn for the entire school day on which a game (pep rally) is scheduled.
b. No clothing will be worn over the Band T-shirt. It should be treated and worn like a uniform.
c. Jeans, shorts, or khakis will also be worn depending on directions given and the weather.
III. Performance and Rehearsal Attendance Policies
A. Absence from a scheduled rehearsal outside the school day or ANY performance:
1. Written notification of an impending absence is required at least 3 days PRIOR to the rehearsal or performance. A decision as to whether it will be excused or not will be made at that time BY THE DIRECTOR
2. An absence from a performance or scheduled rehearsal will result in an extensive research project or another assignment. This research project will be turned in no later than one week after the scheduled performance or rehearsal. If it is not turned in on time, this will cause the nine weeks grade to be lowered severely.
B. The Winter and Spring concerts as well as other performances count as a large part of the semester grade.
IV. Band Fees
A. The
Band Fee of $35.00 is to be paid by ALL Band students.
B. The maintenance fee is an additional $50.00 per student only for students using a school-owned instrument. This is an annual fee. This money helps defray the cost of depreciation and repair. Students will be assessed extra money if the instrument is damaged and the cost exceeds $50.00 for repairs.
V. Band Students’ Responsibilities and Requirements
A. Students’ Responsibilities
1. Be courteous and respect other people and their property as well as yourself and your property. Respect our facility.
2. Students are expected to treat all instruments with the utmost care. Each student is responsible for keeping their own instrument in good playing condition and looking good.
3. Bring all needed materials to your seat at the beginning of class including: instrument, pencil, sheet music, books, and binder.
4. Be on time for class.
5. Cooperation is expected at all times.
6. Obey all school rules and band room procedures.
7. Gum, food and drinks are not allowed in the band area.
8. Only use pencil on all written work in band.
B. Requirements
1. Practice Journa1
a. Students will keep a daily record of time spent practicing and
will complete other items on the journal in pencil. This journal will be signed by a parent AFTER it is filled out.
b. These journals should be kept in students’ band binders.
c. Practice
journals must be turned in every Monday during
class for credit. If we are not in school on Monday, the official turn in day will be Tuesday. Students missing class due to field trips, STARS groups, going home sick, etc. should turn in their
practice journal before leaving school that day in order to
receive credit.
d. Unsigned practice journals (filled out correctly and having 100 minutes credit or more) will receive a grade of 50%.
2. Playing Tests
a. One major scale, corresponding chromatic scale (scale in thirds for 6th grade), its arpeggios or interval workout, and 2-3 percussion rudiments will be learned each half of each 9 weeks for a major playing test.
b. Exercises from the method book or excerpts from the sheet music will be used as material for other playing tests each 9 weeks.
3. Music Theory worksheets
a. Assignments should be done in pencil and will be graded.
4. Performances
a. All concerts, performances at football games, pep rallies, parades and rehearsals during and after school are required.
6th
graders need to purchase:
1. Band Expressions Book 1
7th graders need to purchase:
1. Band Expressions Book 2
2. Foundations for
8th
graders need to purchase:
1. Accent on Achievement Book 3
2. Foundations for
All books need to be in hand no later
than Monday, August 25.
Thank you in advance for following
Sincerely,
Ms.
Mr.
Band Directors
P.S. Check out our website at www.wcs.edu/gms (click on performing arts) for a plethora of information about our band policies, events, FAQs, etc.
The band fee of $35.00 to be paid by ALL
band students is needed as soon as possible. Thanks for
your help in this matter. 7th and
8th graders will also purchase a tux
shirt for a cost of $15.00. You may pay for the two
items together in the same check ($50). All checks payable
to GMS.
Dates should be marked NOW on
I have seen, read, and understand the Band
Guidelines and Information sheets AND HAVE MARKED ALL DATES ON
THE FAMILY CALENDAR.
_____________________________________________________Parent’s
signature
Student’s name -print first & last
______________________________________________________
Class (8th Symphonic, 6
Blue, 6 Silver, 7th Concert)
Parent Information – Please Print
Legibly – email addresses are crucialJ
Name
________________________________________________
Home Phone ______________Business Phone
_______________
Email address
_________________________________________
Would you be interested in chaperoning field
trips?____________
We also need volunteers for web master,
music library help, etc.
If you can help, please let us know.