Northside Middle School

Text-only version of the 2017-2018 handbook:

2017-2018 Handbook

 

Name: ____________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Items Are Due Friday, August 11:

 

Essential Elements Book 2 or Order Payment

 

[] $8.99 Winds                  [] $16.99 Percussion

 

Make Checks for Exact Amount & Payable to Northside Middle School

 

[] Binder & Sleeves     [] Signed Parent Slip

 

 

 

August, 2017

 

Dear Band Parent,

 

I would like to welcome you to the Northside Middle School band program.  The enclosed information will provide you with an overview of the band program at Northside.  This handbook has been discussed with all band members and should be kept as a reference for parents and students during the school year.

 

I thank you in advance for discussing this handbook with your son or daughter; it will help to reinforce the responsibilities each band member has to the ensemble as a whole.  The following policies have been established to allow all students (regardless of initial ability level) to progress individually, and to contribute to a musically-successful ensemble.

 

After discussing the handbook with your son or daughter, it is important for the student and one parent/guardian to sign the enclosed pink slip indicating that the handbook has been received and read.  The parent return slip should be returned to band class on or before Friday, August 11.  Returning the signed slip on time is a graded assignment for all band students.

 

CONTENTS:

 

(1)          Band Calendar (Please copy to your own calendar for reference.)

(2)          Concert & Rehearsal Attendance Policy

(3)          Northside Instrument Rentals

(4)          Band Supplies & Accessories List

(5)          Course Content

(6)          Instrument Repairs

(7)          Grading & Evaluation

(8)          Private Lessons (Optional)

(9)          Practice Journals

(10)        Concert Dress

(11)        Smartmusic

(12)        Sectionals

(13)        Chair Assignments in Band

(14)        Rehearsal Etiquette

(15)        Braces and Band (a brief survival guide)

(16)        Parent & Director Communication

(17)        Notes for Percussionists

(18)        ISSMA Organizational Festival

(19)        Solo & Ensemble, All-Region Band, and Junior All-State Band

                Bookstore Pricelist

(1) 2017-2018 NORTHSIDE BAND CALENDAR

 

All events are required & apply to all band students unless otherwise noted.

Please copy these dates onto your family calendar.

 

Sept. 8 (F)                           Application Deadline for the Nov. 11 & 12 All-Region Band (Optional)

Sept. 11 (M)                       Audition Music Posted for the Jan. 11-13 Junior All-State Band (Optional)

                                                               * Download the audition music at www.indianabandmasters.org

Sept. 13 (W)                       Combined 7/8 NMS/CMS Pep Band, 6:15-8:30 PM @ North H.S.

                                                               *Call Time: 6:15 PM at Northside.  Athletes (football/cheerleading) are excused.

Nov. 10 (F)                          Audition Deadline for the Jan. 11-13 Junior All-State Band (Optional)

Nov. 11 & 12       All-Region Band Weekend (for those who are accepted)

Nov. 30 (R)                          Application Deadline for the Jan. 27 Solo & Ensemble Festival (Optional)

Nov. 30 (R)                          7th and 8th Rehearsal for Festival of Lights Parade, 6-7:30, Location TBA

Dec. 2 (S)                             Combined 7/8 NMS/CMS Festival of Lights Parade, Evening Time TBA

Dec. 14 (R)                          Winter Concert @ North H.S., 7:00 PM

Jan. 11-13                           Junior All-State Festival in Fort Wayne (for those who are accepted)

                                                                * Overnight trip; Students will miss school on Friday.

Jan. 27 (S)                           ISSMA Solo & Ensemble Festival at East (for those who entered)

Apr. 3 (T)                             8th-grade Band Rehearsal for ISSMA @ NMS, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Apr. 5 (R)                             7th-grade Band Rehearsal for ISSMA @ NMS, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Apr. 6 (F)                             ISSMA Contest @ East, (Evening) Time TBA

Apr. 7 (S)                             ISSMA Contest @ East, (Morning) Time TBA

                                                                *ISSMA will be on either Friday or Saturday; date & time are assigned in March.

Apr. 11 (W)                         BCSC Band Spectacular Showcase Concert at CNHS, Evening Time TBA

May 22 (T)                          Spring Concert @ North H.S., 7:00 PM

 

(2) CONCERT & REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE

 

A band concert is the pay-off for the long hours of practice and rehearsal given by each band student.  Concerts occur very infrequently and are, therefore, extremely important and fulfilling band functions.  I encourage you to attend each of your son’s or daughter’s concerts; this helps to reinforce the importance of such events.

 

All band members are to be present at all rehearsals and concerts.  Absence from school on the day of the rehearsal or concert excuses a student from that event.  In case of an emergency which would prevent the student from attending, parents should email (marksr@bcsc.k12.in.us) or call the band office at 376-4275.  Concert and rehearsal attendance is graded; an unexcused absence from a co-curricular rehearsal or concert may lower a student’s final 9-week grade by as much as two letter grades.  All school rules are in effect when the ensemble is assembled or is traveling to a concert or performance venue.  It is very helpful to have the entire ensemble present for class on the day before, and the day of each concert for the concert dress rehearsals.  Your help in scheduling appointments outside band class on these days is greatly appreciated by the director and all members of the band.

 

 

 

(3) NORTHSIDE INSTRUMENT RENTALS

 

The Northside Band Department maintains a limited inventory of large brass instruments, specialty woodwind instruments, and large percussion instruments which students may rent with the permission of the director ($20.00 per semester, charged to book rental bill).  All percussionists utilize the school’s large percussion equipment and are, therefore, assessed an instrument rental fee of $20.00 per semester.

 

(4) BAND SUPPLIES LIST

 

All students are required to have an appropriate band instrument and the correct music book for that instrument.  Our band will use Essential Elements Interactive, Book II.  Book orders will be taken in class during the first week of school –see cover of handbook for due dates. Brass players are required to have their own valve oil and slide grease/slide cream.  Woodwind players are required to maintain 4 excellent reeds (#2.5 or higher) in reed guards at all times using the reed-rotation practice learned in class.  Oils, grease, and reeds are available at the Northside Bookstore.  Instruments may be obtained from Paige’s Music of Indianapolis (800-382-1099).  All students will need a ½” hard 3-ring binder with 20 plastic sleeves to hold sheet music.  A $0.70 sheet music fee will appear on each semester’s book rental bill for sheet music used in class.

 

Learning to play in tune and on time is a major focus of middle school band; students are graded on their improvement in tuning/timing accuracy.  It is strongly recommended that each woodwind/brass player purchases a tuner in order to improve pitch accuracy, and a metronome to improve timing.  (If you have SmartMusic, you have both of these.)  An excellent tuner/metronome combination is the Korg TM-50, which is about $30 at Paige's Music (1-800-382-1099).  If a student already owns a tuner, the Matrix MR500 is a metronome available for about $25 at Paige's.  Tuners and metronomes are available for check out at Northside, but there is a limited supply of these items.

 

(5) COURSE CONTENT

 

Each band course will focus on teaching students to perform on a selected band instrument.  In addition, students should expect to learn about music terminology, music history, music theory, and about different musical styles through performing, reading, and writing.  The goal of each band course is to produce musicians who not only are able to play their instruments, but also are able to speak and write intelligently about music, and relate music to other areas of study.

 

 

 

 

(6) INSTRUMENT REPAIRS

 

All band students are taught how to care for their instruments and how to avoid costly repairs.  However, should a repair become necessary, the student should inform the director before taking any action.  Parents and students should never attempt to repair an instrument problem.  If the instrument must be taken to a qualified repair person, the student is responsible for obtaining an instrument for class while his/her instrument is being repaired.  A reputable repair facility will provide a “loaner instrument” for free or a nominal charge during the repair period (usually 1-2 weeks).  If you experience a problem with a school-owned instrument, tell the director immediately; do not attempt to repair the instrument yourself and do not take it somewhere to be repaired.

 

All instruments can be repaired through Paige’s Music as follows: After consulting the director, the parent calls Paige’s at 800-382-1099 to inform them that the student is at Northside Middle School in Columbus, and to request a loaner instrument.  The student then fills out a repair tag at school.  Paige’s delivers and picks up instruments at our school on Tuesday of each week.  Paige’s does not charge for repair estimates.

 

(7) GRADING & EVALUATION

 

While all students come into band with different levels of musical ability, it is important that all band members be given equal opportunity to improve individually, and that their grades should reflect this improvement.  Significant progress is dependent upon individual practice, and establishing a practice routine is a major milestone toward the development of an outstanding musician. 

               

                                A STUDENT’S GRADE IS WEIGHTED:

                               

(1)          30% Playing exams

(2)          30% Co-curricular performances and rehearsals

(3)          20% Practice journal

                                (4)   10% Homework, tests, written quizzes (including online work)

                                (5)   10% Rehearsal etiquette

                                               

                                GRADING SCALE:   90% = A-         80% = B-               70% = C-               60% = D-

 

Playing exams are typically done through Smartmusic, either at home or in school and are discussed in section 11. Co-curricular performances and rehearsals are discussed in section 2.  Practice journals are discussed in section 9.  Homework, tests, and quizzes refer to any written assignment.  Rehearsal etiquette is discussed in section 14.

 

 

(8) PRIVATE LESSONS (OPTIONAL)

 

Enrolling in a private lesson program promotes long-term success in band.  Private lessons occur once per week and reinforce and supplement the material being taught in class.  College instructors teach year-round (approx. $20/half hour).  Lessons with a qualified high school student ($5-8/half hour) usually start in September at North or Northside; sign up information is posted on the website as teachers become available.

 

(9) PRACTICE JOURNALS

 

The practice journal tracks practice time and written student reflection on progress each week.  The practice journal is signed by a parent each Sunday and then handed in on the first day of each week for full credit, or on Tuesday for half-credit.  The journal is then returned to the student the next day via the student mailbox system in the classroom.

 

Establishing a routine for practice is a key to success.  Two hours per week are required to earn an A+ in this category.  (Students are not expected to practice on school holidays or when absent from school; record 20 minutes on these days.)  In addition, students are required to calculate their weekly percentage to support math literacy across the curriculum (round up to nearest whole number).  Students are also required to reflect on their progress by responding thoughtfully to weekly journal writing prompts.

 

Practice time is not cumulative and resets to zero at the start of each week.  The practice journal is printed on card-stock and only this official practice journal with a parent signature is valid to be turned in.  Students are not authorized to sign their parent’s name on their own practice record with or without parent permission; doing so will be considered forgery and referred to the dean for disciplinary action.

 

In addition to all practice time and private lessons on the student’s primary band instrument, students may also count up to a maximum of 30 minutes per week of time from any combination of the following:

 

(a)          Secondary instrument: string, brass, woodwind, & percussion (including piano).

(b)          Rehearsal time in PYO, CICC, CEHS or CNHS marching band.

(c)           Private voice lessons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(10) CONCERT DRESS

 

All boys:  white long-sleeve button-down dress shirt, black dress pants (not jeans) with dark belt, black (or dark) dress shoes.  All girls:  plain white long-sleeve button-down blouse (no v-neck), floor-length (no exceptions) solid black skirt (or black pants), hose, white ribbon (provided) to pull up hair extending beyond shoulder length, nice black (or dark) dress shoes (closed toe preferred).  7th-grade boys need to wear a tie (your choice).  8th-grade boys and girls wear their Northside concert blazers for concert performances*.  For 8th-graders, a $2.75 uniform rental fee will appear on each semester’s book rental bill.  *Concert blazers are checked out the day before a concert and are due back the very next day after the concert.

 

(11) SMARTMUSIC

 

SmartMusic is the e-book component to our band classroom; an $8 fee for the year will appear on your book-rental bill.  Our method book, Essential Elements Interactive, and much of the music we play in class will be accessible on SmartMusic.  The software works on our BCSC Chromebooks and requires internet access.

 

The software gives students instant feedback as they practice at home and allows them to take and re-take playing tests an unlimited number of times, submitting their best score/grade for each assignment.

 

If a student does not have internet access at home, they will have the opportunity to use Northside facilities to submit playing tests.

 

An additional SmartMusic information sheet will be sent home once we have received student access codes for the 2017-2018 school year.  We expect that to happen mid to late August.

 

(12) SECTIONALS

 

A sectional is a rehearsal that involves the director and only one instrument section.  Sectionals occur outside the normal school day, are always announced in advance, and are recorded as practice time.  Sectionals, while infrequent, may be called when a particular section needs more direct instruction on a particular piece of music.

 

 

 

 

 

(13) CHAIR ASSIGNMENTS IN BAND

 

Band students may be ranked at various times during the year for chair order.  Chair order is an ordering of all band students in a particular section based on (1) a specific playing exam, (2) overall band grade, and (3) rehearsal etiquette.  The chair order ranking does not affect an individual student’s grade in any way but is often necessary for honor band applications.  Chair order can determine how parts are distributed.  A principal player (1st chair in a section) must demonstrate excellent playing and student skills at all times or will forfeit that position.

 

(14) REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE BASED ON P.B.I.S.

 

Students are credited for demonstrating “Positive Behavior Intervention and Support” student skills and specific rehearsal skills that lead to a positive and supportive rehearsal environment for all ensemble members.  Students receive 20 points per day as they demonstrate their ability to act responsibly, be respectful, and communicate effectively, as evidenced by the following:

 

(a) On time to class:  those who uncase at their seats need to be seated by the start of class; those who uncase elsewhere need to be seated within 1 minute after start of class.

(b) All materials brought to class (music book, sheet music in binder, pencil, instrument and its accessories).

(c) Student has prepared the music for the day and makes a positive musical contribution to the ensemble.

(d) Student shows the self-discipline required to create a respectful, productive, and enjoyable rehearsal atmosphere.

 

(15) BRACES & BAND

 

If you will be having braces added/removed, anticipate 2 to 3 months of adjustment until normal playing skills return.  In terms of band, the worst time of the year to install/remove braces is from Jan. 1 to April 7.  During these ~3 months, students are relying on consistent playing abilities for Solo & Ensemble and Concert Band Contest.  Please advise when changes are made; a modified practice schedule may be necessary.

 

(16) PARENT AND DIRECTOR COMMUNICATION

 

The most efficient way to contact me is by email (listed below); I check this each day.  A parent-teacher conference may be set up at any time by contacting me.

                                                                Email:                   marksr@bcsc.k12.in.us

                                                                Phone:                                  376-4275 (band office)

(17) NOTES FOR PERCUSSIONISTS

 

Instrument at Home:      Each percussionist will need a practice pad and student bell set at home.  All percussionists will be assigned snare and mallet/keyboard parts to be practiced at home.  Bell kits/practice pads are not brought to school.

 

Accessories and Mallets:  All percussionists will need the following items for band class.  Be aware that your son or daughter probably owns some or all of the following items, or may own items which can substitute for those listed.  The director will check for these items during the first or second week.  Missing items should be ordered during August.  All items are available from Paige’s (1-800-382-1099) with no shipping charge.

 

Required:            2 pair of snare drum sticks (size: SD1 or 2B, any brand)

                                                (1 pair is kept at home and 1 pair is kept at school)

                                1 pair of bell/xylophone mallets for home (Pro-Mark DFP640 or similar)

Optional:             1 metronome (Matrix MR500 or similar)

                                1 stick bag (Pro-Mark DSB4 or similar)

 

Using Northside’s Equipment:  All percussionists will be using Northside’s percussion equipment during the year.  There is a $20.00 per semester rental fee that will appear on your book rental bill.  (Do not send in any money with your student.)  Percussionists are instructed to check with the director before using any percussion equipment with which they are unfamiliar.  Failure to learn the proper playing technique could result in percussion equipment damage.  A student who causes damage to band equipment due to reckless or careless behavior will receive appropriate disciplinary action and be held financially responsible for any damages.

 

(18) ISSMA Organizational Festival

 

The ISSMA Organizational Festival is a judged event for the entire band.  January, February, and March are focused on preparing three challenging pieces of music for this two-day festival on April 6 and 7.  We are assigned our date and time in March –until we know our day/time, it is important to look at this as a two-day event, keeping both days (morning/afternoon on Friday; morning on Saturday) open and free from conflicts.

 

This event is the culmination of hundreds of hours of work by all band members, refining the music to an incredibly high degree.  It is critical that, as usual, we have 100% attendance so that all of the details and balance issues we have refined in class are able to be rendered precisely during our performance.  The entire festival weekend is free and we highly encourage parents to be there to support us when we perform.

 

 

 

(19) SOLO & ENSEMBLE; ALL-REGION BAND; JUNIOR ALL-STATE BAND

 

This is an overview of these three optional events; more specific details will be handed out to students at the appropriate time.

 

Each of these events requires additional practice/rehearsal time beyond the material being studied in class.  For this reason, a student may only enter an event if at the time of application his/her overall band grade is 80% or higher.

 

Solo and Ensemble Contest is open to individuals or small groups.  Students enter event categories and perform alone or in small groups in front of a judge.  Solo entry is $15; ensemble entry is $7 per member.  These fees are not refundable.

 

All-Region Band is an ensemble made up of 100 of the top musicians in Bartholomew and surrounding counties.  There is no formal audition; an application is submitted to the director and forwarded to the selection committee for consideration.  There is no fee to apply.  If selected there is a participation fee of approximately $30.

 

Junior All-State Band is an ensemble made up of the 100 top musicians in Indiana.  Students submit a CD of the audition excerpts and a $10 audition fee.  Selected students will miss one day of school for rehearsal and performance at the Indiana Music Educator’s Convention in Fort Wayne.  This is a three-day, two-night (R, F, S) overnight trip and costs approximately $195.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 “Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.”  --Plato

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAME (print first and last):  ________________________________________      BAND PERIOD: ______

 

Parent & Student Band Handbook Agreement Form

Return by Friday, August 11, 2017

 

2017-2018 NORTHSIDE BAND CALENDAR

 

All events are required & apply to all band students unless otherwise noted.

Please copy these dates onto your family calendar.

 

 

Sept. 8 (F)                           Application Deadline for the Nov. 11 & 12 All-Region Band (Optional)

Sept. 11 (M)                       Audition Music Posted for the Jan. 11-13 Junior All-State Band (Optional)

                                                               * Download the audition music at www.indianabandmasters.org

Sept. 13 (W)                       Combined 7/8 NMS/CMS Pep Band, 6:15-8:30 PM @ North H.S.

                                                               *Call Time: 6:15 PM at Northside.  Athletes (football/cheerleading) are excused.

Nov. 10 (F)                          Audition Deadline for the Jan. 11-13 Junior All-State Band (Optional)

Nov. 11 & 12       All-Region Band Weekend (for those who are accepted)

Nov. 30 (R)                          Application Deadline for the Jan. 27 Solo & Ensemble Festival (Optional)

Nov. 30 (R)                          7th and 8th Rehearsal for Festival of Lights Parade, 6-7:30, Location TBA

Dec. 2 (S)                             Combined 7/8 NMS/CMS Festival of Lights Parade, Evening Time TBA

Dec. 14 (R)                          Winter Concert @ North H.S., 7:00 PM

Jan. 11-13                           Junior All-State Festival in Fort Wayne (for those who are accepted)

                                                                * Overnight trip; Students will miss school on Friday.

Jan. 27 (S)                           ISSMA Solo & Ensemble Festival at East (for those who entered)

Apr. 3 (T)                             8th-grade Band Rehearsal for ISSMA @ NMS, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Apr. 5 (R)                             7th-grade Band Rehearsal for ISSMA @ NMS, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Apr. 6 (F)                             ISSMA Contest @ East, (Evening) Time TBA

Apr. 7 (S)                             ISSMA Contest @ East, (Morning) Time TBA

                                                                *ISSMA will be on either Friday or Saturday; date & time are assigned in March.

Apr. 11 (W)                         BCSC Band Spectacular Showcase Concert at CNHS, Evening Time TBA

May 22 (T)                          Spring Concert @ North H.S., 7:00 PM

 

I have read the Northside Band Handbook and discussed this with my son or daughter.  I understand that I should expect to sign a practice journal each week for my son or daughter to return each Monday to class.  I understand that extracurricular concerts and rehearsals are a required part of the course.

 

__________________________________________        ________________________

Parent Signature                                                                               Date

 

As a band member, I agree to follow the rehearsal rules, attend all required co-curricular events, and to give my personal best to help build a successful band.

 

__________________________________________

Student Signature