Quincy Junior High School Band Handbook 2010-2011
INTRODUCTION ***TO THE STUDENT : Your success in the Quincy Junior High School Music Program will depend on how well you know, understand, and fulfill the responsibilities each student must assume. The difference between a FAIR musical group and a GREAT musical group is directly related to the acceptance of responsibility by both the teacher and the student. This handbook has been prepared in order to make your responsibilities to the group clearly seen and easily understood. The rules and procedures that are explained in the following pages are ones I feel will best aid each student in attaining the goals of musical knowledge and performance excellence. I hope you are as eager as I am to continue building a music program in which every member will achieve a sense of pride and accomplishment. ***TO THE PARENT : Although the following handbook has been designed primarily for the music student, I believe it is important that parents be aware of what is expected of their child so that good communication and understanding between parents and teachers can be achieved. With this in mind, please take some time to read through this handbook with your child. Keep the handbook on hand throughout the year and if, at any time, I can answer questions you may have, please feel free to contact me at Quincy Junior High School. I will be more than happy to talk with you. I can be reached at 787-4435, x3601 (msilk@qsd.wednet.edu). ***Student is to RETURN the Band Rules and Procedures Agreement (last page) to me for a grade. Sincerely, Michael Silk Music Director 2
I. GENERAL MUSIC ROOM RULES AND PROCEDURES. 1. Only music students will be allowed into the music room. 2. No food, drink, or gum will be allowed in the music room. 3. No hats or other head-covers are allowed to be worn inside the music room. 4. Instruments must be properly stored when not being used. 5. All students must have their name on their instrument case. 6. All sheet music is the responsibility of the student and should be treated with respect. 7. No one will be allowed to touch another student's instrument or instrument case. 8. Care and maintenance of your instrument is your responsibility. 9. No disruptive behavior will be tolerated at any time!!! 10. All music students will be directly responsible for keeping the music room clean at all times. Students who fail to obey the rules and regulations listed above will be subject to one or more of the following consequences. Consequences : 1. Student Conference. 2. Detention and Parent Phone Call. 3. Grade Lowered and Parent Phone Call. 4. Parent Conference. 5. Office Referral and Parent Phone Call. II. THE MUSIC REHEARSAL. The music rehearsal is the single most important element that will directly affect the success or failure of any musical group. The rehearsal should be a team effort to accomplish the goals set by Mr. Silk. Since each member of the group is a constant participant in production of each musical piece, he/she must assume the responsibility of preparing his/her specific part. If any one member neglects his/her responsibilities it affects the sound of the entire group. The following is a list of rules and procedures each student must follow to insure a productive rehearsal and to aid the musical growth of the entire group. 3
REHEARSAL PREPARATION (What to do before rehearsal begins.) 1. You should be in your seat and ready to play when Mr. Silk gives the down beat (approx. 2 minutes after the Tardy bell). 2. Have all the music you need before being seated. 3. Have a pencil ready to use. 4. Woodwind players should have a good reed and a good spare reed. (2 reeds at all times.) 5. Brass players should have their valves oiled and/or slides greased before rehearsal begins. (Necessary items should always be in your case.) REHEARSAL (What to do during the rehearsal.) 1. Listen to all instructions given by Mr. Silk. 2. Ask questions by raising your hand. 3. Be ready to play when asked. 4. Be silent when Mr. Silk is helping someone else. 5. Be courteous to your fellow students. 6. Work to improve your musical talents and abilities. 7. HAVE FUN!!! REHEARSAL DISMISSAL (What you need to do after the rehearsal.) 1. Listen for any instructions. 2. Stay seated until you are dismissed. (the bell does not dismiss you, Mr. Silk does!) 3. DO NOT PLAY YOUR INSTRUMENT AFTER LEAVING YOUR SEAT. 4. Return instruments and cases to their proper places. 5. Return all sheet music to its proper place. 6. Leave the music room in an orderly manner after you have been dismissed by Mr. Silk. 4
REMOVAL FROM REHEARSAL (What will happen if a student refuses to observe the rehearsal rules and procedures listed on the previous pages.) 1. Students who refuse to obey the rules and procedures will be removed from the rehearsal and be asked to serve detention. All removals will be recorded and will affect the students grade. 2. Students who have been removed from rehearsals twice in the same week can expect to have their parents notified by Mr. Silk. 3. Students who receive 5 rehearsal removals (or detentions) in one semester will automatically have their semester grade lowered 1 letter grade. 4. Any student who has received all three of the consequences listed above and still refuses to obey the rehearsal rules and procedures will either be asked to transfer out of the class or will stand a good chance of failing the class. III. CONCERTS. In any musical performing class, a large percentage of instructional time is spent on preparation of concert music. The concert, therefore, is considered part of the class and becomes the final test of the musical group's ability to perform the prepared material. For these reasons, students are REQUIRED to participate in all concerts. Students who have concert conflicts must bring a written excuse from home a minimum of 2 weeks before the concert in order to be excused from the performance. Failure to participate in a scheduled, concert without a written excuse, will severely affect the students overall semester grade. Students not participating in a concert (having been excused ) will still be required to pass a competency playing test on all concert material. Concert dates will be announced no less than a month in advance and are up to date on the school s website. IV. GRADING. (What affects your grade.) Grading Scale : A 96% + A- 90% + B+ 87% + B 83% + B- 80% + C+ 77% + C 73% + C- 70% + D+ 67% + D 60% + 5
1. Practice Time GRADE - 45% of the report card grade is based on the amount of time a student spends practicing each week. Consistent home practice is necessary if any student is to be successful on a music instrument. Weekly practice record grades will be given to students based on 120 minutes being the 100% mark and following the grading scale listed previously. (For example, 60% or 72 minutes being the lowest mark D) 2. Performance GRADE - 20% of the report card grade will be based on Scale tests, Rhythmic exercise tests and Concert music tests. 3. Attendance and Classroom Conduct GRADE - 10% of the report card grade will be based on an evaluation of the student's attendance habits and classroom conduct. 10 Participation Points are earned each day. The following are a few of the things that will take points away from this grade: - Not following previous stated rules and procedures. - Not following Quincy Junior High School rules while in the Music room. - Not coming to class prepared. - Choosing to go to the bathroom during class (this should be done during passing time). - Chewing gum during class (this is not allowed at Quincy Junior High School ). - Wearing hats into the classroom (this is not allowed at Quincy Junior High School ). - Not having a pencil ready to use. - Leaving your instrument and/or music folder at home. - Receiving an office referral from Mr. Silk.(very rare, but it can happen ) 4. Concert GRADE - 25% of the report card grade will be based on participation in the scheduled concerts and following the Concert Dress Code. V. CONCERT DRESS CODE. All Band members are required to follow the Concert Dress Code as follows : Boys : Girls : Dark Slacks (preferably Black), White Shirt (collared), Black Dress Shoes, Black (dark) socks. Dark Pants/Long Skirt(preferably Black), White Blouse, Black Dress Shoes. 6
Quincy Junior High School 417 C Street SE Quincy, WA 98848 (509) 787-4435, x3601 Band Rules and Procedures Agreement Dear Student/Parent: Please sign on the space provided below and return this page to me. assistance and support is greatly appreciated. Your **** I the undersigned, have read the Quincy Junior High School Band Handbook and understand the rules and procedures contained therein. Student signature Date Parent signature Date 7