WELCOME TO THE WILL JAMES MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM!

I am looking forward to working with you during the 2011-2012 school year. We have a lot of information to learn, and music to make this year! That being said, it is important for you to understand the expectations I have for you this year. This band handbook has all of the basic information you need to succeed in band class. It will be to your benefit to learn this material as quickly as possible. 

 

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

  1. BAND INSTRUMENT (in playing condition).
  2. EXTRA EQUIPMENT needed to make the instrument work appropriately (please see your student’s planner for this information, or visit our website at willjamesband.org).
  3. NAME TAG (luggage style) on instrument case. I have Will James tags for purchase ($5 per tag), or you may purchase elsewhere.
  4. 7th GRADE BOOKS: Please have Essential Elements1 (book from last year) and please purchase 3D Band Book.
  5. 8th GRADE BOOKS: Please have 3D Band Book (book from last year) and please purchase Essential Techniques.
  6. BAND FOLDER- will be assigned to each student, from the director.
  7. CONCERT BAND MUSIC- will be CHECKED OUT to your student and will be CHECKED IN (for a grade) when the concert is complete.
  8. SHARPENED PENCIL. NO PENS ALLOWED FOR CLASS WORK!

 

CLASSROOM RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Make the best possible music at all times!
  2. Be quiet when the director is on the podium- NO EXCEPTIONS!
  3. Listen to, and follow the directions the first time they are given!
  4. Be respectful to EVERYONE, and their belongings while in the band room!

 

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:

  1. NO FOOD OR GUM while in the band room – NO EXCEPTIONS!
  2. Use the bathroom before coming to class.
  3.  Leave all outside class materials (books, binders, pencil bags, etc.) in your assigned instrument cubby. Do not bring them into the band formation.
  4. Students will have 3 minutes to find their assigned seat and begin their set up/ warm up time after the tardy bell rings. The director will expect you to be quiet and ready for instruction at this time. Likewise, students will have 3 minutes at the end of class to put their equipment away and return to their assigned seat.
  5. ALL PERCUSSIONISTS are required to help set up/put away personal and team percussion equipment away during these times. Basically, if you used it, you need to put it away!
  6. Classroom instructions will be written on the white board each day. It is your responsibility to read the board carefully and be prepared.
  7. Please leave your band folders in your assigned folder slot when not in use.
  8. Students are responsible for the upkeep of their personal instrument.
  9. Students are not allowed to touch percussion equipment without the permission from the director.
  10. Students are not allowed in the band office, and may not use the phone or copy machine without permission from the director.

 

CLASSROOM CONSEQUENCES:

  1. VERBAL WARNING. NO POINTS TAKEN
  2. ALL 5 DAILY POINTS TAKEN.
  3. ALL 5 DAILY POINTS TAKEN, PHONE CALL HOME, AFTER SCHOOL DETENTION.

***SEVERE BEHAVIORS OR DISRUPTIONS WILL RESULT IMMEDIATELY       

      IN LINE  #3, AND STUDENT’S IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL FROM CLASS.

 

GRADING POLICY:                      

  1. DAILY EARNED POINTS = 5
  2. PLAYING TESTS = points dependent on exercise chosen
  3. WRITTEN TESTS = points dependent on lesson chosen
  4. POP QUIZ = 5 points
  5. NOVEMBER CONCERT = 100 points (based on concert attire/attendance/behavior)
  6. FEBRUARY CONCERT = 100 points (based on concert attire/attendance/behavior)
  7. 8th GRADE GALA CONCERT= 100 points (based on concert attire/attendance/behavior)
  8. MAY CONCERT = 100 points (based on concert attire/attendance/behavior)

 

OVERVIEW OF EACH QUARTER:      

Quarter 1: Review playing basics such as posture and breathing techniques, Playing tests and written tests on major/minor scales and rhythm charts, pop quiz, chair test, begin chromatic scales, in-depth study of music theory concepts, prepare music for November Concert.

Quarter 2: Playing tests and written tests on major/minor scales and rhythm charts, pop quiz, chair test, continue chromatic scales, in-depth study of music theory concepts, prepare music for December Concert.

Quarter 3: Playing tests and written tests on major/minor scales and rhythm charts, pop quiz, chair test, continue chromatic scales, in-depth study of music theory concepts, prepare for Music Festival, prepare music for February Concert.

Quarter 4: Playing tests and written tests on major/minor scales and rhythm charts, pop quiz, chair test, continue chromatic scales, in-depth study of music theory concepts, prepare music for Middle School Gala Concert (8th grade only), and May Concert (both 7th and 8th).

 

EXTRA PLAYING OPPORTUNITIES:

Please consider participating in the WOODWIND CHOIR, JAZZ BAND, and MIDDLE SCHOOL SOLO & ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL. Information has been sent home. However, feel free to access this information via our website at willjamesband.org

 

CONCERT SCHEDULE:

*NOVEMBER 17, 2011

DECEMBER 22, 2011 (special performance for the school- during morning classes)

*FEBRUARY 9, 2012

*MARCH 29, 2012  (8th Grade only at Castle Rock Middle School)

*MAY 10, 2012 (Our special “Pops Concert”- students wear only Black and White!)

*All students must report to their warm up room at 6:30 pm. Warm ups and tuning will begin shortly thereafter. The concert will begin promptly at 7:00 pm in the Will James Gym, unless noted differently.

 

CONCERT ATTIRE:

GENTLEMEN:  Dress pants (for example: Dockers); long- sleeve, button down dress shirt, tie, dress shoes (no flip- flops or sneakers).

LADIES: Dress, dress shirt with skirt, or dress shirt with dress pants; dress shoes. (No spaghetti straps, flip-flops, or sneakers). Please be respectful of school dress policy.

*Please note that the May Concert is Black and White attire only.

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSIC FESTIVAL:

Date and Time: Saturday, February 11, 2012 at Riverside Middle School

*Extra credit is available for all band students who successfully participate.                       

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND GALA (8TH ONLY):

All 8th grade students will be bussed to Castle Rock Middle School for morning rehearsal.

The Gala Concert Performance will be that same evening at Castle Rock, transportation provided by parent/guardian. Information will follow at later date.

 

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR MRS. GRUMMETT:

Will James Band Office Hours: 7:45 am -1:30 pm and 3:15-3:45 pm

Elementary School Hours: 2:00 pm -3:00 pm (Central Heights M/W; Boulder T/TH)

Office Phone: 281-6142                     Email address: grummette@billingsschools.org

 

WILLJAMESBAND.ORG     

If you have questions about the band handbook, you can easily find it, AND MORE! ...  at our website… willjamesband.org

 

ALL STUDENTS… after you read this with your parents/ guardians, sign this form. You need to return this signed form to MRS. GRUMMETT no later than Friday, August 26, 2011 in order to receive credit towards your first quarter band grade!  

 

 STUDENT SIGNATURE_________________________________

 

PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE_________________________________________