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Band Handbook 2009-1
Please feel free to contact Mr. Volenik or Mr. Pupino at 330-533-5544 X5. This handbook has been approved by Mr. Infante, grade 5-6 Principal and Mrs. Taylor, grade 7-8 Principal
This band manual has been written for the Canfield Middle School Band members and their families with the intent of providing information about the various phases and activities of the instrumental music program. This manual also contains a curriculum guide outlining the band program for grades 5-8.
We realize you have a lot of reading material from school at the beginning of the year, but please take the time to READ ALL OF THE HANDBOOK! After you have read the handbook, sign and return the band agreement on the next to last page. From that point on, band students will be held accountable for the information contained in this handbook. Therefore, please keep this handbook for future reference.
INTRODUCTION
The award winning Canfield Middle School Bands is a well-rounded program which has been carefully developed and structured to benefit students in a positive manner. Participation in the band results in more than simply learning to perform a musical instrument. Through the study of music, students experience high levels of self-expression, creativity, discipline, cooperation and achievement. The CMS Band promotes the development of skills that are necessary for success in all future endeavors. Music participation enhances and promotes respect for self and others, problem solving, teamwork, goal setting, self-expression, coordination, memory skills, self-confidence, self-esteem, concentration, commitment, and a host of other skills and attitudes that help students prepare for the world around them. The band program actually spans eight years as students begin in fifth grade and may continue their involvement through their senior year at Canfield High School. Mr. Kelly, director of the CHS Band program spends part of most days working with band students at CMS. This level of commitment from the director adds strength to the music program as well as making the transition from middle school to high school more comfortable for students. Band also offers opportunities for shared family experiences, including attendance at musical events, playing music together as a family, performing with family and friends, and sharing a sense of accomplishment and pride.
PHILOSOPHY
It is our commitment that all students in the CMS band program develop a lifelong appreciation for the value of music in their lives. We realize that after they leave school, most of our students will enjoy music as listeners much more often than as performers. Through our rehearsals, we will instill a strong sense of self-discipline, self-motivation, and an inner drive for excellence. From our performance opportunities, students will gain the self-confidence to know that anything is possible if they are willing to utilize all of their talents and work together. Through our social relationships within music, they will develop life-long memories and friendships that are bonded by the variety of activities they will share. Most of all, we hope the students will view music as an experience that has a positive effect on their lives. The CMS band program is intended to serve as a positive musical experience for our youth. Besides the obvious intrinsic values of music, our primary objectives are character building, cooperation, loyalty, respect, dependability, responsibility, punctuality, and self-control. These are but a few examples of the many rewards of being associated with the Canfield Middle School Band.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Aristotle
OBJECTIVES
1. To help our students develop the technical skills necessary to play a musical instrument both as a solo instrumentalist as well as a member of an ensemble.
2. To help our students develop the skills necessary to read music notation.
3. To help our students understand and develop the discipline that is required to successfully play an instrument.
4. To teach our students about the care and maintenance of their instrument.
5. To encourage a sense of responsibility towards the community by emphasizing that in an ensemble, success is measured by the combined effort of many. Teamwork works!
6. To encourage outstanding character and citizenship.
7. To help our students find satisfaction and joy in making music.
ENSEMBLE DESCRIPTIONS
Band is a specialized class. It is important that the student and the parent(s)/guardian(s) understand the expectations. Band is a co-curricular class. As a class, students receive an academic grade for their performance, participation, and conduct in the class. As a co-curricular class, band will involve various after school events such as rehearsals and most importantly – concerts. Students’ participation in all band activities are therefore a portion of every student’s band grade. Band also requires time spent practicing, as well as the purchasing or rental/leasing of an instrument and some equipment.
5th Grade Band
Band instruction begins in the fifth grade for students with no playing experience. Fifth grade band meets twice a week in full band. Students are also grouped in one weekly like-instrument group lesson.
In the fifth grade band, instruction is focused on the following:
1. Proper playing and practice habits
2. Fundamentals of music
3. Instrument care and maintenance
The fifth grade band will perform at the holiday concert, the CBP Pasta Dinner, and the spring concert.
6th Grade Band
Sixth grade band meets twice a week in full band. Students continue to receive a once weekly like- instrument group lesson. Instruction and evaluation are at the second-year playing level.
In sixth grade band, instruction is focused on the following:
1. Proper playing and practice habits
2. Fundamentals of music
3. Skill development
4. Detailed rehearsal of music for performance
The sixth grade band will perform at the fall concert, holiday concert, the CBP Pasta Dinner, and the spring concert.
7th & 8th Grade Concert Band
Concert band meets daily as a class during the school day. Students continue to receive a weekly like-instrument group lesson. Instruction and evaluation are at the third and fourth year playing level.
In concert band, instruction is focused on the following:
1. Proper playing and practice habits
2. Fundamentals of music
3. Skill development
4. Detailed rehearsal of music for performance
5. Sight-reading various types of literature
The concert band will perform at the fall concert, holiday concert, the CBP Pasta Dinner, spring concert, and OMEA large group adjudicated event. Members of the concert band are encouraged to participate in OMEA solo and ensemble adjudicated event.
7th & 8th Grade Symphonic Band
Symphonic band meets daily as a class during the school day. Students continue to receive a weekly like-instrument group lesson. Instruction and evaluation are at the third and fourth year playing level.
In symphonic band instruction is focused on the following:
1. Proper playing and practice habits
2. Fundamentals of music
3. Skill development
4. Detailed rehearsal of music for performance
5. Sight-reading various types of literature
6. Music history and theory
The symphonic band will perform at the fall concert, holiday concert, the CBP Pasta Dinner, spring concert, and OMEA large group adjudicated event. Members of the symphonic band are encouraged to participate in OMEA solo and ensemble adjudicated event.
“TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR BAND - BE LOYAL AND DEDICATED TO YOUR BAND ACTIVITIES - HELP TO CONTINUE THE TRADITION - MAKE THE CANFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND - THE BEST!"
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
Having the right equipment can make a big difference in the success or failure of a music student! Without good reeds, oil, grease, sticks, etc., a student cannot play up to his/her potential. In some cases, having the necessary supplies can affect the life or death of a musical instrument!!! Protect your investment. Each student should have a wire music stand for proper at home practice. Students are required to bring these items to band class each day. Note: Because many items look exactly alike, ALL items must have student’s name clearly written on the outside where visible.
WOODWIND PLAYERS
1. Luggage tag on case
2. Instrument in good playing condition
3. Mechanical pencil with eraser (keep it in your case)
4. Clarinet and Saxophone: 4 good reeds in Reed guard. Brand and strength to be determined by the director
5. Oboe and Bassoon: 2 good reeds, ask private teacher for specifics.
6. Sheet music and method book(s)
7. 1½-inch 3-ring binder with sheet protector windows
8. Flute - Tuning rod and a clean cloth
9. Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe and Bassoon - swab, cork grease and mouthpiece brush
BRASS PLAYERS
1. Luggage tag on case
2. Instrument in good playing condition
3. Mechanical pencil with eraser (keep it in your case) Baritone & Tuba bring to class each day
4. Valve oil (Trumpets, Baritones, Tubas) Rotary oil (French Horns) Slide oil (Trombones) Tuning slide grease for all brass instruments
5. Sheet music and method book(s)
6. 1½-inch 3-ring binder with sheet protector windows
7. Mouthpiece brush, cleaning snake and polishing cloth
PERCUSSION
1. Luggage tag on case
2. Bell kit with drum pad
3. Mechanical pencil with eraser (keep it in your case)
4. Mallets, Stick and Stick Bag
5. Sheet music and method book(s)
6. 1½-inch 3-ring binder with sheet protector windows
CONCERT ATTIRE
It is extremely important that we look as good as we sound. Concerts call for uniformity in dress and a formal appearance. The concert attire for Canfield band students is:
5th and 6th Grade Boys and Girls: Black dress pants, black dress shoes, black dress socks and the red band polo shirt. Information will be sent home about purchasing the polo shirt or check the web page.
7th and 8th Grade Boys: Black dress pants, black dress shoes, black dress socks, and the red band polo shirt. Information will be sent home about purchasing the pants and shirt or check the web page. *** New for Sept. 2009
7th and 8th Grade Girls: Black dress pants, black dress shoes (no open toe), black dress socks (no tan nylons), and the red band polo shirt. Information will be sent home about purchasing the pants and shirt or check the web page. *** New for Sept.2009
GRADING
The main focus of the Band Program is to provide the student with the opportunity to succeed. Band is primarily a performance-based class. Therefore, grades are primarily based on performance.
1. Playing Tests - Several playing tests will be administered throughout the year. All tests will include material covered in band class. The playing test may consist of scales, excerpts from the method books, concert materials or other supplementary materials. Since the ultimate goal is to develop good instrumental playing skills, improvement in one’s playing is noted and factored into the grade.
2. Practice Records - Practice records will show how much the student practices each week. Improvement can and will only happen when skills learned in class are reinforced at home. Students will receive a Home Practice Record at the beginning of each grading period. Please use the practice record that we designed. Homemade practice records and notes will not be accepted. A copy of the practice record is included in this handbook in case the student loses his/her copy from school. Practice Records will be checked in the group lesson sectional each week throughout the grading period, for a grade, and then collected at the end of the grading period. The student must have his/her record signed by a parent or guardian at the end of each week so that when records are checked in class, he/she will receive full credit for the practice record. If the record is not signed at that time, the student will not receive credit for practicing. Please remember this is checked like any other homework assignment from other classes. Daily in-school band rehearsals do NOT count towards weekly home practice times! Private lessons will count as 30 minutes of practice time on the day of the student’s lesson.
3. Written Homework - Homework will take place once a week in fifth and sixth grade, less often in seventh and eighth grade. Homework will cover material that we are currently learning in class. This will help extend learning opportunities beyond the confines of the school day.
4. Written tests/quizzes - These will occasionally be given. They to will cover material that we have learned in class. This is another way of assessing the student’s progress other than performance.
5. Performance Participation - Performance is the ultimate goal of any band. Therefore, attendance IS MANDATORY at every performance. A performance is the equivalent of a major unit exam in other subject areas, but because it is a team activity, it cannot be made up. A performance is an opportunity for students to show their family and friends how hard they have worked. It is important that families mark their calendars as soon as possible.
A student’s absence from a performance without a prior note from his/her parent will be considered unexcused, and cause the grade to be lowered by 10%. The Excuse Request Form in the back of this handbook is the only form that will be accepted. No hand written notes from parents/guardians. The Excuse Request Form (ERF) must be received by Mr. Pupino or Mr. Volenik three (3) weeks before the concert date. In the case of an excused absence, a Concert Review would be assigned to make up for the performance absence, and the grade received for the review would take the place of the performance grade for that activity.
CONCERT REVIEW
If a student is excused from a scheduled performance, another public performance must be attended and a two page review must be written. The review would be due by the end of the present grading period. “Pop” and “Rock” concerts do not fulfill this requirement, and reviews of recordings will not be accepted. The Concert Review grade will replace the Performance Participation grade for excused absences.
When working on the Concert Review, follow these guidelines:
1. Include the following information: who, when, where, what (music they played) and if you did or did not enjoy the concert and why you did or did not enjoy the concert. Did the performers sit correctly and play with dynamics? How musical was the performance?
2. Research a composer of at least one of the concert pieces. Write three to four paragraphs about their life, their music education, and what kind of music they wrote. *Use more than one source (two different websites are fine), write using your own words, and list your sources on a separate page at the end of the paper.
3. TYPE the review
4. Attach the concert program to the review
“AWESOME THINGS HAPPEN - WHEN AWEOME PEOPLE WORK TOGETHER -TOWARD AN AWESOME COMMON GOAL”
PRIVATE LESSONS
We strongly encourage families to seek individualized instruction ("private lessons") for their students from a qualified specialist on their instrument. The advantages of one-on-one instruction are almost limitless. All students receive excellent basic instruction in their regular band class; however, small individual problems are sometimes not caught in a timely manner. In private study, a student’s particular problem area can be addressed quickly. Students in private lessons tend to advance at a faster rate and enjoy achieving a higher level of performance. Please contact the band directors to obtain a list of qualified instructors they endorse.
INSTRUMENTS AND INSTRUMENTAL RENTAL
Most band students at Canfield Middle own their instruments or rent them from a music dealer. These include; Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, and Percussion. Your instrument is extremely valuable and proper care should be taken to maintain its value. Should your instrument be in need of repair, you must always check with the director before taking it to the shop. Never try to repair an instrument yourself, as you do not have the proper tools or skills required.
Students using school-owned instruments must have a parent signed music instrument contract before the instrument will be issued to the student. A $60.00 per school year fee must be paid by October 1 for all school instruments. These include; Oboe, Bassoon, French Horn, Baritone (Euphonium), and Tuba. Students using a CMS instrument either at school or at home should clean, oil, and/or grease it regularly. Students must provide their own supplies such as valve oil, slide grease, cork grease, reeds, etc.
School owned instruments can cost as much as $5,000.00 and must be treated by the student as if they were their own. Students using a school instrument who do not treat the instrument with proper care will lose the PRIVILEGE OF USING THE INSTRUMENT. Proper care means:
1. Keeping the instrument in good working order - cleaned, oiled and greased
2. Storing the instrument correctly - putting the instrument away properly with the case latched
In order to maintain the integrity of the band program at Canfield Middle School we would like to offer parents some assistance in renting and/or purchasing an instrument for their young musician. There are hundreds of brands of musical instruments available, and just like other merchandise, some are of dubious quality. Please be aware that there are instruments now being imported from various parts of the world that do not meet American standards for pitch and longevity. Low quality instruments will not hold up to the day to day student demands, will not provide your child with a satisfying experience and most do not even play well in tune.
We work very hard to supply you with information about companies who will rent you a good high-quality instrument that your child will have success playing.
Our main rental agent is Central Instrument Co. in Cuyahoga Falls. They will not only rent you a good quality instrument but all necessary accessories for CMS. Their road representative visits CMS each Wednesday for pick-up and deliveries.
If you own an instrument, please bring it by the school to be checked over. It may likely need repair work and most certainly a new mouthpiece . Please call a band director if you have any questions about instruments.
We recommend that you do not purchase instruments from internet sites, at garage sales or at non-music retail outlets such as warehouse clubs, without speaking to a band director first. What may look like a good instrument and a good deal can really be an instrument with many flaws. We can help you make an informed decision. It is extremely important when you make a decision to purchase an instrument that you speak to either your child's band director or his/her private instructor. Again, we want you to invest in a high quality instrument that will perform well for your child and stand the test of time.
IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT ALL PARENTS MAKE A NOTE OF THE INSTRUMENT'S SERIAL NUMBER AND BRAND and keep this information in a safe place at home.
PRACTICE
Just as English, Math, etc. teachers assign extra, at-home practice, so do band directors. Practice records were discussed in detail under GRADING. As with any activity, “you get out of it what you put into it.” Band will not be “FUN” unless you practice! There are many values in the study of music that transfer to many areas of life. Although this will not immediately happen, persistent practice will lead to enthusiastic, driven practice. No doubt you have heard the saying "Practice Makes Perfect". Although this saying holds a very important truth, it also contains a major loophole! Practice will only make perfect if the practice itself is perfect. In other words, HOW you practice is just as important as WHAT you practice. To help you make the most of your practice sessions; we have included the following guide.
Here is a suggested plan of practice:
1. Students must take their instrument home every day in order to practice. Practicing is the equivalent of homework in an academic class.
2. Practice should become a consistent part of their daily schedule. Pick a set time and place to practice each day. Sit in a straight back chair with good posture, music stand, lighting and free from distractions.
3. Warm up with l-o-n-g t-o-n-e-s and lip slurs. Listen and play in tune with good tone quality, practice all dynamic levels.
4. Work on technique. Limber the fingers by playing scales and exercises.
Practice slowly at first, increasing the speed only after the patterns can be played evenly and correctly. (finger speed, tonguing, articulations, dynamics, etc.)
5. Work on band method book assignment. When unable to play a particular phrase or group of notes, STOP. Make an exercise out of the difficult part. Practice slowly at first, then gradually build up to the proper speed.
6. Work on private lesson material. When unable to play a particular phrase or group of notes, STOP. Make an exercise out of the difficult part. Practice slowly at first, then gradually build up to the proper speed
7. Work on band music. When unable to play a particular phrase or group of notes, STOP. Make an exercise out of the difficult part. Practice slowly at first, then gradually build up to the proper speed
8 Practice for results- not just a length of time!
Focused time spent on your instrument is very similar to focused attention on physical exercise. You can save yourself a million mindless repetitions if you work intelligently.
9. Practice sight-reading music. The ability to read music for the first time with good musicianship is an important skill for every band member to develop. Part of the joy of music making comes from reading music with others. To help you develop your sight-reading; we have included a checklist of the categories that should be reviewed silently before you begin to play.
SMART MUSIC***
In the spring of 2008, Canfield Schools purchased laptops, projectors, screens, carts, and SMART MUSIC for the middle and high school band rooms. SMART MUSIC is a computer based program that we started using in September 2008. Students will be able to purchase their own one-year subscription for home practice for $30.00 plus the cost of a microphone for the computer. This is a great practice assistant and incentive to practice. Students in grades 6 - 8 will be required to purchase this for home. The directors will make assignments using SMART MUSIC that the students will practice and then submit their grade via e-mail to the directors. We will be having a SMART MUSIC information night in early September. When you receive the date and time, please make every effort to be in attendance.
CLASSROOM RULES
“Be WHERE you are supposed to be, WHEN you are supposed to be, doing WHAT you are supposed to be.”
In other words:
1. ALL students must be in the band room by the second bell (tardy bell). If not, you MUST have a note from a teacher.
2. ALL students are to enter the room without talking, quietly assemble your instrument, put your mechanical pencil on the music stand, put music in the order that is on the board, and then sit with instrument at rest position. Step 2 must be completed 3 minutes after the tardy bell. Each minute of rehearsal is precious and we want to be efficient with our time.
3. As you do #1 and #2, a recording will be playing. Listen carefully and absorb what you are hearing. We will discuss these recordings in class.
BRACES
Many students during the course of middle school need to get braces or have other orthodontic work done. For many instruments, and to varying degrees, braces can impede playing ability. It can be a frustrating time for the student. If your child is going to get braces, please speak to the directors first so we can properly address the issue with him/her.
Because orthodontia affects playing ability for many students, please try to schedule appointments so they do not create conflicts with performances. For example, DO NOT get the braces put on for at least TWO WEEKS before a concert. DO NOT get the braces taken off for at least TWO WEEKS before a concert. DO NOT get braces tightened for at least TWO DAYS before a concert. Your attention to our schedule will ensure that your child is able to perform to the best of his/her ability on those important days.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE SICK…
Sometimes, students assume they can not play an instrument if they have a cold or sore throat. On the contrary, for the most part, playing an instrument while slightly ill will not add to the symptoms. Each student is expected to play to the best of their ability unless experiencing severe pain or trouble breathing due to illness.
If a student is too ill to play but not too ill to be in school, we MUST receive a signed note from the parent for that particular day. For that day ONLY, the note will excuse the student from playing, but not from participating. Students can still participate in learning through reading music, fingering their instrument, and listening.
THE MUSICAL PARTNERSHIP
Music is a three-way partnership between the teachers, parents, and student. The successful band student is almost invariably supported and encouraged by parents who take an active interest in their child’s musical activities.
What can parents offer this partnership?
1. Patience in reminding the student to do their daily practice. This should be done with a kind firmness.
2. Encouragement when your child may become frustrated. Some things in music are learned easily, while others require intensive, repeated study.
3. Commitment to your band and all its performances. Remind your child often about the commitment he/she made to the band and all its activities all year long.
4. Consistency in offering your child the most favorable playing conditions.
These include:
Regular time scheduled for playing instrument.
Praise for work well-done.
Regular maintenance and repairs done in order to keep instrument in excellent condition.
Never using playing time as punishment.
CANFIELD BAND PARENTS INC.
Canfield Band Parents Inc. mission is “To create and maintain an enthusiastic interest in the various phases of the Instrumental Music Department of the Canfield Local Schools. To extend all possible support and cooperation to the instrumental music directors.”
We would like to invite all parents to attend our monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of the month (excluding December and May) beginning at 5:30PM in the high school cafeteria.
Each year the CBP will distribute a volunteer sign-up form. Please consider signing up to help out at least one event. We have approximately 480 families in band and there is enough work to go around for all. With everyone working together for the kids, we can continue the tradition of excellence in the Canfield Bands.
DON’T GIVE UP!
Many times, when faced with a difficult situation or problem, many people take the easy way out -- they simply give up or quit. This is very unfortunate for them, for they do not realize what they have lost until it is too late. By standing up to your day to day difficulties (we all have them) and not giving in when the going gets tough, you gain character and maturity, and in the long run, you are the winner. Whether it is band, school, family, or whatever…… remember and read these words the next time you are having doubts.
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the spirit’s low and the doubts are high,
And you want to smile but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit --
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is funny with its twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a person has turned about
When they might have won had they stuck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow;
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have won the victor’s cup;
And he learned too late when the night came down
How close he was to the victor’s crown.
Success is failure turned inside out
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt.
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit-
It’s when things seem worst that you MUST not QUIT!!
"If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride, and never quit, you’ll be a winner. The price of victory is high, but so are the rewards."
~ Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant
DID YOU KNOW?
Astronaut Neil Armstrong played the baritone
Inventor Thomas Edison played the piano
Mr. Rogers was a trombonist and pianist
CBS new anchor Katie Couric plays the piano
John Quincy Adams played the flute
Harry Truman played the piano
Condeleeza Rice plays the piano
Actor/Director Clint Eastwood plays the piano
Actress Jennifer Garner plays the saxophone
Actor Richard Gere played the trumpet
Actress Alyssa Milano plays the flute and piano
Actress Julia Roberts plays clarinet and oboe
Newsman Harry Smith plays the tuba
Teddy Bruschi of the New England Patriots plays the saxophone
Trevor Pryce of the Denver Broncos plays the drums
Basketball legend Oscar Robertson played the flute
Bernie Williams of the New York Yankees plays guitar and composes music
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