Barber Middle School Band Handbook
2018-2019
www.barberband.org
Robert Grogan, Director of Bands
Bradley Rikard, Associate Director of Bands Tia Amlett, Principal
Jeannie Collins, Assistant Principal Dr. Teia Weldon, Assistant Principal
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit. ~ Artistotle
The Barber Middle School Band
The purpose of this handbook is to provide each family with an understanding of the policies and procedures that govern the Barber Middle School Band program. These guidelines exist to ensure consistent rules are applied to each and every student in all aspects of the program.
Mission Statement __ To inspire students to learn, develop, and discover through performance in band and to instill a lifelong
understanding and appreciation for quality music and character. Daily Procedures ___
• Enter the room quietly and refer to the board for additional instructions • Be in your seat with all supplies needed for class and warming-up before the three minute timer
expires o Failure to be in seat with supplies will result in a tardy
• When a director is on the podium all movement and noise stops and rehearsal begins. • Remain quiet during rehearsal • At the end of rehearsal only pack-up when instructed to do so • Pack-up quietly and straighten up the room until a director dismisses you. (Directors dismiss
the class not the bell)
Locker Room Rules & Procedures ___
• Your locker is meant to store only your instruments and band supplies • The locker room is available during the beginning and end of class. Students are not allowed
in the locker room during rehearsal • Enter calmly unlock your locker and get out only the materials needed for class • Place all other items and cases back in the locker and lock your locker (do not leave valuables
unattended on the floor) • Make sure your locker number matches the number on your lock • Unless specified otherwise by the directors, nobody should be sharing a locker • Misbehavior, or failure to follow locker room procedures will result in the loss of locker
privileges
Behavior Policies __________ In the band program at Barber, we adapt the same behavior policy that the school has. We strongly support the school’s philosophy in providing positive behavior incentives in order to create a learning environment appropriate for the music classroom. Being a part of the Barber Middle School band is a privilege, as our groups travel locally and out of the state for various performances. Respect, preparation, being on time, and taking appropriate care of our instruments and our space is vital to the success of a student in our program.
Grading System
30% - Band Dojo 30% - Performance Assessments 25% - Concert Assessment 15% - Daily Grade
The Band Dojo – 30% The Band Dojo is an ongoing positive reward system, rewarding students with recognition based off of their work and mastery of their instrument. Students are given a packet of the required pass-offs for each belt. As a checkpoint, students are responsible for passing off a specific number of pass-offs by the end of each grading period (usually five pass-offs every three weeks). Students gain belts indicating their mastery level as they work through a progression of pass offs. Students are encouraged to work through the dojo packets at their own pace, but are required to meet the grading period checkpoints. They are highly encouraged to word ahead in the pass-offs, performing more than the minimal amount required for the class. A student may pass off an exercise by playing it for either of the directors before school from 8:00 to 8:45 or after school from 4:30 to 5:30pm. Students are also welcome to submit recordings of themselves performing the exercise to [email protected] or through Google Classroom.
Performance Assessments – 30% Each student will take a minimum of one performance assessment (playing test) per grading period (about every 6 weeks). Extra performance exams may be assigned at the discretion of Mr. Grogan and Mr. Rikard. If a student wishes to not perform the test in class, he or she may opt to take the test earlier before or after school. He or she also has the option of submitting a video of the assessment as long as it is received before the in-class test date. Students who have not taken their tests in person for the directors or submitted a video by the day of the test will be expected to play the assessment in class.
Concert Assessment – 25% Students must attend all concerts involving their class. They are expected to be on time, wearing the correct concert attire (see the Concert Attire), and stay for the entire concert. If a student is absent, he or she will have to complete the makeup work within one week of the missed performance. The concert make-up assignment can be found on the band website. Failure to perform at the concert and/ or failure to complete make up exam will result in a 0% for the concert assessment grade.
Daily Grade – 15% The student’s daily grade is comprised of having all class materials (see classroom materials) and his or her contribution to a positive rehearsal environment (see rehearsal expectations). Daily Grades will be entered in synergy by the end of every week. It is the student’s responsibility to print off and complete the make up assignment from barberband.org before the one week deadline. * Band Dojo and Performance Assessment grades can be made up at any time for full credit as long as it is completed before the end of the current nine-week quarter. Daily grades cannot be made up for full credit. Students have only one week to make up the concert assessment grade for credit.
Private Lessons: Become the best musician you can be!
o We encourage every student to take private instruction from an accomplished musician. Private lessons make the most of your investment, allowing for specialized instruction and advice. Students will get the added benefit of having private instructors able to pass off student dojo requirements. For more information visit the barberband.org or pick up a Private Lessons Letter from the band office.
Submitting Performance Assessments and Dojo Pass-offs Performance Assessments and the Dojo are an integral part of the band curriculum at Barber. Every Monday, most classes can usually expect to spend some time on the band dojo. Playing tests are usually on Fridays. Playing tests are outlined on the band calendar (accessible from the Barber Band Website) no less than a week prior to the date of the assessment.
1. All tests can be made up for full credit as long as they are completed before the end of the quarter. 2. Partial credit will be given even if the test is attempted. If the student has a failing grade, he or she
will be expected to make up failing grades. All playing tests will be done on Fridays in class. If the student does not want to perform the test in front of the class on test day (or needs to make up a test), then he or she has two options:
1. Perform the test for the band directors outside of school hours A. Either before school (8:00 AM – 8:30 AM) or after School (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM) B. Submit a video recording
i. Record a video with your electronic device and submit it to [email protected] ii. Upload a video to Google Classroom
The band directors have to either hear the student perform the upcoming assessment or receive a video submission of the test before test day on Friday in order for that student to be exempt from playing in front of the class. Note: just because the student submits a video, does not mean that the test grade assigned is automatically a 100. The same is true for pass-offs. If a student wants to know if they received credit for the pass-offs, then they can visit the dojo page on barberband.org and click on the link that provides the up-to-date list of the student pass-offs.
Technology & Social Media
Website: www.barberband.org Email: [email protected] Facebook: Follow Barber Middle School Band Twitter: @BarberMSBand Remind 101: Text @bmsbands to 81010 to receive updates and reminders 6th Grade: @brbrband6 7th Grade: @brbrband7 8th Grade: @brbrband8
Classroom Materials ü Instrument The instrument needs to be in good working mechanical order. As for obtaining an instrument, most parents rent musical instruments from one of our local music stores. If you choose not to rent an instrument, purchasing a used instrument is also an excellent option. If you are going to purchase an instrument, please consult Mr. Grogan or Mr. Rikard for consultation on this. We do not want you to waste your money or potentially get ripped off. A poor quality instrument will only frustrate and demotivate your child, therefor wasting your investment. For more information, please visit our website at www.barberband.org
When shopping for an instrument, here are two general rules of thumb: 1. If the instrument is a color other than silver or gold, STAY AWAY! 2. If it is a brand other than the ones listed below, please consult with us:
o Artley o Bach o Buffet o Conn
o CB Percussion
o Fox o Gemeinhart
o Getzen o Holton o Jupiter o LeBlanc
o Loree’ o King o Pearl o Selmer
o Vito o Yamaha
The in-town music stores include:
o Music and Arts o Ken Stanton Music
o Jennings Music o The Harmony House
o Ponier Music o Mandarian Strings
ü Required Texts These can all be purchased at most music retailers o 6th Grade Beginning Brass & Woodwinds
a. Essential Elements 2000 for Band – Book 1 (please get the book for your instrument) b. Habits of a Successful Middle School Musician (please get the book for your instrument) c. Winning Rhythms by Edward Ayola
o 7th Grade & 8th Grade a. Habits of a Successful Middle School Musician (please get the book for your instrument) b. Winning Rhythms by Edward Ayola c. Chromatic Tuner with ¼ inch input similar to the Korg CA-40 d. Clip-on Tuner pick-up mic with ¼ plug like the Peterson TP-3 Clip-on Pickup Mic
ü Pencil – keep in your case or locker (mechanical is best). Keep on stand for rehearsal use.
ü A folding music stand - for at home practice
ü Black 3-Ring Binder (1”) – with sheet protectors
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ü Instrument-Specific Supplies This is specific to the instrument that was selected for your child. If your child is using a school-owned instrument, he or she is responsible for obtaining all of the supplies listed below for their specific instrument.
Flute:
o Tuning rod o Cleaning cloth
Oboe:
o 3 reeds at all times o (www.goodtoneguild.com Rookie Reed or
equivalent, no wires) o reed case o 35mm film canister or cleaned out pill bottle o weighted silk swab o cork grease.
Bassoon:
o 3 reeds at all times o (Jones medium-soft, or equivalent)
o reed case o 35mm film canister or cleaned out pill bottle o weighted silk swabs
o (for boot joint and wing joint) o bocal brush, cork grease.
Clarinets:
o Légère Signature Series Reed: o strength 3.0 for 6th grade o strength 3.25 for 7th grade o strength 3.5 for 8th grade
o Vandoren B45 or 5RV mouthpiece o weighted silk swab o cork grease.
Saxophones:
o Légère Signature Series Reed: o strength 3.0 for 6th grade o strength 3.25 for 7th grade o strength 3.5 for 8th grade
o neck strap o weighted silk swab o cork grease. o Vandoren Optimum AL3 mouthpiece for
Alto Sax, Optimum TL3 for Tenor Sax
Trumpet:
o Valve oil o tuning slide grease o mouthpiece brush o cleaning cloth o Bach 7C mouthpiece or equivalent.
French Horn:
o Rotor oil o tuning slide grease o mouthpiece brush o Holton Farkas MDC mouthpiece.
Trombone:
o Slide lubricant o tuning slide grease o mouthpiece brush o cleaning cloth o Bach 6 ½ AL mouthpiece (small shank)
Euphonium (baritone):
o Valve oil o tuning slide grease o Bach 6 ½ AL mouthpiece (small shank) o mouthpiece brush.
Tuba:
o Valve Oil o Bach 18 AW or Yamaha 67C4 mouthpiece.
Percussion:
o 7th and 8th Grade a percussion stick bag with the following mallets:
o Vic Firth SD1 snare sticks o Vic Firth M1 yarn mallets o Vic Firth T1timpani mallets o Encore 92 Poly Mallets o Vic Firth Heavy Hitter Stock Pad
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Personal Instruments Personal Instruments are defined as instruments that belong to or are rented by an individual student’s family from a community music store or private business. These instruments are not owned or insured by Barber Middle School, the Cobb County School District, or the State of Georgia. The student (and family) is responsible for maintaining the instrument in working order with the proper accessories. The music teachers will recommend repairs (when needed) and specific quality accessories as the student progresses through the program.
School Instruments School Instruments are defined as instruments that belong to Barber Middle School. School-owned instruments are provided for the larger instruments like the tuba. We have a very limited supply of school-owned instruments among the other instruments that are available to families that demonstrate financial need. These are on a first come/first serve basis. If the child is using a school-owned instrument, the family is responsible for all repairs (outside of normal wear and tear) and is responsible for obtaining all of the materials on this list (minus the actual instrument that is supplied by the school). It is important that great care is given to the instrument while it is in the student’s possession. Future students must be able to use these instruments. Students performing on a school-owned instrument will receive an instrument in proper working condition. Students are expected to treat and maintain the instrument with care throughout the year. Should the instrument need to be repaired at any point during the school year, it is the responsibility of the student (and family) to take the instrument to the repair shop for proper maintenance in a timely fashion. At the end of the school year, any remaining damage will be assessed, and the student will be charged. Obvious willful damage to school instruments will be considered vandalism and will be dealt with by the band directors and the administration at Barber as well as careless negligence. We have a VERY small number of school instruments available. *We are not responsible for lost or damaged items that are kept in the band locker when the student does not leave the locker properly secured.
Instrument Hall Passes The students will be receiving a hall pass to drop off and pick up their instruments. This pass will be stuck to the cover of their agendas. Students using the hall passes need to use them only to drop off or pick up their instruments. Students are not to use the hall passes to socialize with their friends or to come ask the band directors questions. If the students have a question about lockers, locks, instruments, ect, they are to write down the question and leave it in the question/concern box, located by the band office door. The times for using the hall pass will be in the mornings from 8:50 am to 9:05 am and in the afternoons from 4:10 pm to 4:15 pm. Upon dropping off or picking up their instruments, the students are expected to report directly back to their first period class or their 7th period class. Failure to report back to class will result in a disciplinary infraction.
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Barber Middle School Band Program Student and Parent Statement of Understanding Form
Complete and return to the form collection box in band room I, the undersigned student, accept membership in the Barber Middle School Band Program, and understand that I am responsible for all policies as set forth in the Band Handbook. I fully agree to carry out my responsibilities to the very best of my ability. _____________________________ ______________________ (Printed Student’s name) (Band Class) _____________________________ ______________________ (Student’s signature) (Date) I, the undersigned parent or guardian, have read and understand the policies as set forth in the Barber Middle School Band Handbook. I also grant full permission for my child to be an active member of the band program at Barber. In addition, my child has full permission to attend all Barber Middle School Band local functions. Furthermore, I give my consent for my child to appear in all Barber Band media productions which includes, but is not limited to, video recordings of the class, video and audio recordings of the concerts, and pictures. These media productions will be used in the Barber Band social media, the barber band website, and professional development for its staff members and student teachers. _____________________________ Parent Contact Email #1 _____________________________ Parent Contact Email #2 _____________________________ ____________________ (Parent or guardian signature) (Date)
Please sign and return this form along with the attached “Blanket” Cobb
County Field Trip Permission Form (ICB-3) to the Band Directors
6/1/17: Student Support *IFCB-3* Page 1 of 1
Form IFCB-3
“BLANKET” PERMISSION TO PARTICIPATE IN A SERIES OF SCHOOL-SPONSORED FIELD TRIPS
Student Information
Student Name: Date of Birth:
Address: Home Phone:
In case of emergency, notify: Phone:
Insurance Information Company Providing Insurance: Policy Number:
Name of Insured: Group Number:
Medical Information Family Physician: Phone:
Immunizations:
Does the student need to take medication? Yes No If so, what medication?
Previous operations or serious illnesses:
Special medical conditions:
Allergies? Yes No If yes, please identify allergy: Medication Food Stinging Insects Other
Please identify:
Dietary Restrictions:
Release
x I hereby request that (Student’s Name-PLEASE PRINT): ________________________________________ be allowed to participate in athletic team, band, orchestra, chorus, and/or any series of field trips related to one particular area of study or activity. I understand that transportation may or may not be provided by the Cobb County School District (District). In the event transportation is not provided by the District, transportation will be the student’s responsibility.
x Detailed trip information, including destination, date, time of departure, time of return, purpose, and supervision, should be given in writing to the parents at least two (2) weeks prior to each trip in the series.
x The District does have an indemnity plan pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 20-2-1090 that may or may not apply relative to the trip. Even if the plan covers some or all of the trip, the coverage amounts may not cover all injuries. I understand that as a parent I have the option of, and am encouraged to, purchase student insurance coverage either through the student accident insurance offered by the District or through my own insurance carrier.
x If any emergency medical procedures or treatment are required during the trip, I consent to the trip supervisor(s) taking, arranging for or consenting to the procedures or treatment in his/her or their discretion.
x I agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless or reimburse the Cobb County School District (District), its Board of Education, and its members, employees, agents, representatives, successors or assignees, as well as its approved adult trip supervisors (“District Indemnitees”) from and forever promise not to sue them on any and all claims, demands, rights, causes of action, liabilities, losses, damages, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), whether known or unknown, that I, any other parent or guardian of the above-named student, the student or any other successor or assignee may have or may allege to have against the District Indemnitees or which may be brought against the District Indemnitees arising out of or in any manner relating to the student’s participation in the field trips, including but not limited any losses, damages or injuries or to the rendering of emergency medical procedures or treatment.
NOTE: This form must be signed by student if the student is 18 years of age or older.
Name of Parent/Guardian (PLEASE PRINT) Signature of Parent/Guardian Date
