Landmark Middle School

 

Mr. Kevin Brown, Director of Bands

Dr. Michael Henry, Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Students will not receive a warning for the following:

1. Disrespect.

2. Damaging property.

3. Stealing.

 

 

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% (50%)

Playing test consist of playing scales and playing various exercises. Students will be tested on playing correct notes and rhythms, and playing with a steady tempo. This will count 50% of the grade during the 1^st and 3^rd quarters.

 

Concerts – 25%

This will apply during the 2^nd and 4^th quarter. 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.

 

(Grades are rounded to the nearest whole number)

90-100 = A

80-89 = B

70-79 = C

60-69 = D

59 and below = F

 

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.

 

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. LMMS band members are leaders and set good examples for others!

 

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 one of the following conditions may cause a student to be ineligible for field trips:

 

Concert 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.

Beginning Band –

Girls – Band polo shirt with black skirt (below the knees) or 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.

 

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 $35 rental fee is requested for school instrument use. The rental fee is $35.00 each semester and $20.00 for the summer. It is strongly encouraged that brass players purchase their own mouthpiece. Double check with me about mouthpiece choices.

 

 All students will be given a lock and cabinet to store their instrument. Students are expected to follow these instrument-storage guidelines:

 

Failure to follow these guidelines will result in loss of locker/cabinet and/or disciplinary action. 

 

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.

 

 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 Concert 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.