Landmark Middle School
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Hand Book
Landmark’s Mighty Seahawk Pride Band Handbook
Mr. Kevin Brown, Director of Bands
Mr. David Gillmore, Principal
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The purpose of the Landmark Middle School Band is to provide students with musical opportunities and experiences which will enhance their life and education. Students will leave the band program as knowledgeable musicians who will be able to use their skills outside of the LMS band room. Dedication, respect, and discipline provide a solid foundation for musical growth and achievement. The sky is the limit!
Courses
Symphonic Band (Advanced Band I)
This band is comprised of 7th and 8th grade students, and is the most advanced band class offered at Landmark. Students will expand technical skills and develop advanced ensemble skills. Students will participate in Concert Band Music Performance Assessment (MPA) and is strongly encouraged to participate in Solo & Ensemble MPA. Membership is determined on students’ musical maturity, and they will audition for chair placements at the beginning of the school year.
Concert Band (Advanced Band II)
The band is comprised of 7th and 8th grade students, and is one of the advanced bands offered at Landmark. This course is intended to improve fundamentals learned in Beginning Band. Students will work on increasing their individual technique and musicianship. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the Solo and Ensemble MPA. There will be a chair placement audition at the beginning of the school year.
Beginning Band
This band is intended for students with little or no musical experience. This band is also open to 7th or 8th graders who would like to play an instrument. Students will learn about music and instrument choices in the first week of school. Then, with Mr. Brown’s guidance, they will choose an instrument to play. Students in this class focus on mastering the fundamentals of playing an instrument, as well as basic technique and ensemble skills. The Beginning Band will perform a Winter and a Spring concert.
Music Appreciation
This course is intended for non band students. Music Appreciation is a semester course and students will be required to purchase a recorder ($5.00). This course will give students an opportunity to expand their musical knowledge. Students will also have a chance to listen and discuss different music genres and composers. Students will also learn how to read musical notes and rhythms, which will demonstrated on recorders.
Materials
All students need the following materials for band class each day:
- Hard cover, black, three-ring binder (1in)
- Sheet protectors for music
- Pencil
- Instrument and Supplies
- Individual Method Book for particular band class. (Accent on Achievement or Essential Elements 2000
- Fingering chart and scale sheet for all other band students
- All music and hand outs used in class
Class/Rehearsal Rules and Guidelines
When students enter the band room for class, they will have two minutes to take out their instruments and have a seat. Two minutes after the bell rings, class will start. Any student not prepared to play at this point will be marked tardy. In order to accomplish as much as possible each day, class time will be very structured. To keep it this way, students must follow a simple, but strict discipline policy:
In addition to all school rules, there are four guidelines to behavior in band class:
- Enter and Exit the band room in a civilized manner.
- Have all of your band supplies.
- Take care of your instrument and respect your peers’ property.
- Do not play your instrument or talk when Mr. Brown is speaking.
Students will be given two warnings during class. After the warnings, the student will have consequences for each time this happens:
- Student will be sent to an isolated part of the band room without an instrument.
- Parent phone call.
- Strategies to readjust the disruptive behavior.
- Referral/notify parent
Students will not receive a warning for the following:
1. Disrespect.
2. Damaging property.
3. Stealing.
Grading Policy
A student’s final grade will consist of the following categories:
Participation – 25%
Students will get a 0 for the day if instruments are not brought to class. The only students excused from this are students who instruments are getting repaired, and I don’t have a loaner instrument. Having materials are also apart of your participation grade.
Written Assignments – 25%
This will consist of daily work and written quizzes and/or tests.
Playing Test 25%
Playing test consist of playing scales and playing various exercises. Students will be tested on playing with correct notes and rhythms, and playing with a steady tempo.
Concerts – 25%
All concerts and performances are required. Please check the calendar for all concert dates, times, and locations. Two weeks notice (in writing from a parent) is required if a student must miss a performance. When this occurs, a make-up assignment will be assigned.
Grading Scale
(Grades are rounded to the nearest whole number)
90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
60-69 = D
59 and below = F
Practicing
While there is no minimum required amount of practice, students are expected to practice and to come to class prepared. The amount of time necessary will vary from person to person. I suggest practicing in two small segments of 30min each with a 10 minute break between segments. Never spend your entire time practicing on exercises you perform well or may like the most.Make sure to dedicate time on exercises that are your weakest. Start practicing difficult passages slowly, making sure you play the correct notes and rhythms.
Concerts and Performances
It is extremely important that students be on their absolute best behavior in public. All school rules apply at band concerts. In addition to those:
1. There is no talking on stage at a concert.
2. While in the audience, be silent and listen to the group that is performing. You would want them to do that for you.
Remember, as a band member, you are representing you, your family, and your school. LMS band members are leaders and set good examples for others!
Trips
While on trips, all school rules (including dress code) apply. Whenever the band travels, all students will be in some form of uniform: either the band polo shirt or concert uniform.
In order to be eligible for a field trip, students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing. Any school referral in the current grading period will cause a student to be ineligible for field trips.
Students will get a full refund for trips paid for prior to receiving disciplinary actions.
Uniforms
Symphonic Band-
Girls - Tuxedo shirt, black skirt (below the knees), black bow tie and cummerbund.
Boys – Tuxedo or black suit, tuxedo shirt, black bow tie and cummerbund.
Concert Band-
Girls – Tuxedo shirt, black pants or skirt, royal blue bow tie, and royal blue cummerbund.
Boys- Tuxedo shirt, black pants, royal blue bow tie, and royal blue cummerbund.
Beginning Band –
Girls – Band polo shirt with black skirt (below the knees) or black dress pants.
Boys- Band polo shirt with black dress pants.
Everyone also need black shoes and black socks. Students may not wear sneakers, boots, or plat-form shoes. If you are unsure about a particular shoe, please ask! It is important that everyone have matching uniforms. LMS has some tuxedos, skirts, cummerbunds, and bow ties.
Use of School Instruments
There are a limited number of school instruments for students to use during the school year. Before a student is allowed to take an instrument home, a contract must be filled out and returned. A $25 rental fee is requested for school instrument use. The rental fee is $25.00 each semester and $15.00 for the summer. If a student shares a school instrument, that student will only be responsible to pay $25 for the year. It is strongly encouraged that brass players purchase their own mouthpiece. Double check with me about mouthpiece choices.
Instrument Storage
All students will be given a lock and cabinet to store their instrument. Students are expected to follow these instrument-storage guidelines:
- Students are expected to put their instrument away at the end of each class.
- Students are not allowed in a room or closet where their instrument is not stored.
- Lockers and cabinets are for instruments only: no food or liquids.
- Do not share your combination with any other students.
Failure to follow these guidelines will result in loss of locker/cabinet and/or disciplinary action.
Fundraising
Band members are expected to participate in fund raisers during the year. Fund raisers pay for most of the equipment and supplies that are used. There will be two fundraisers during the school year. When our fundraisers are successful, the band as a whole benefits greatly. If everyone pitches in, our fund raisers will be a success!
Private Lessons
Private lessons are not required, but strongly encouraged. Private instruction provides students valuable one-on-one time with a teacher. Some private lesson spaces are available after school and during the school hours at Landmark. Please contact Mr. Brown if you would like a list of local private instructors. A list will be available on the band website and posted in the band room.
Individual Performance Opportunities
All-State Band = Students may audition for this in September. This takes weeks, if not months of preparation. Students who are selected travel to Tampa in January to participate with students from the state of Florida.
All-District Band = this is open to all Advanced Band members. All-District band is based on audition; if you make the band you are able to perform a concert with other band members in Duval County Public Schools. Auditions are in January, ask Mr. Brown about audition requirements.
Solo and Ensemble Festival = This is open to all band students. Students get to perform music as soloists or in small groups. Student performs music for a judge and receives a music rating. This is an excellent opportunity for students to develop their musicianship and musical independence. Ask Mr. Brown how and where to select music for festival. Students have to perform selected solo for Mr. Brown prior to going to festival.
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