Evans Middle School

Band Handbook

Welcome to the Evans Band page. You are the most important part of one of the most successful instrumental music programs in our district. This handbook will outline your band program and it should become a very important resource that you can turn to when questions arise.

The rules outlined on the following pages are simple and sound. Abiding by these rules allows you to fulfill an obligation to your school, to your fellow band members, to your family, and to yourself. Only when every member of the band puts forth a 100% effort can a band attain its goals in musical achievement and service to school and community. The more you invest of yourself, the more will be your reward. Together we can make this the best year ever.

Please take special notice of the sections dealing with attendance at functions, fees, insurance, grading system, rehearsals, daily procedures, uniforms, and important dates.

Parents and students are requested to read this entire handbook, discuss it, and keep it for reference for the school year.

I appreciate all your support and look forward to another exciting school year.

Sincerely,

Bob Culbreth, Evans Middle School Band Director

 

 

Band Handbook Index

 

 

  1. Evans Band Course Descriptions
  2. Method Books
  3. Discipline
  4. Daily Rules and Procedures
  5. Grading
  6. Practice
  7. Attendance to Performances and Rehearsals
  8. Early Entry by Music Students
  9. Band Office
  10. Concert Etiquette
  11. Band Officers and Section Leaders
  12. Forms
  13. Solo and Ensemble/Honor Band
  14. District 6 Band Performance Evaluation
  15. Instruments and Equipment
  16. Private Lessons
  17. Uniforms
  18. Parental Help

 

1.

Evans Band Course Descriptions

The Evans Band consists of four performing groups. All daily classes represent either a section of a larger group or a complete performance group unto itself. At this time there are in excess of 170 members in our program and those members are divided among the groups listed below.

Symphonic/8th grade Honors Band  Prerequisite: Audition - Teacher Recommendation - This is the advanced band which is made up of 7th and 8th grade students who have attained a high degree of proficiency on their instrument. Members of this organization will perform at all competitions, contests, and concerts and should be prepared to spend time outside the school day preparing for these performances. (All Year) There is a uniform fee of $25.00 and a $30.00 maintenance fee for school owned instruments.

Student’s selection to this class will be greatly influenced by the student's past record of personal discipline, dedication, sense of commitment and their ability to function as a member of a team. Elements of music are approached through exercises of increasing difficulty which present challenging, interesting, and enriching activities. Solo and group contests are extremely important and provide competitive opportunities for students to receive constructive criticism from adjudicators out side the district. This is an all year class. Students are expected to come once a week to either a before school or after school rehearsal. Students not complying with the class requirements or not maintaining performance standards or discipline levels commensurate with an honors class will be moved down to Concert Band at the earliest opportunity. Students may be required to sign a contract with a parental endorsement acknowledging that they understand and will comply with the requirements for this class.

SYMPHONIC/7th GRADE HONORS BAND Prerequisite: Audition - Teacher Recommendation - This is the advanced band which is made up of students who have attained a high degree of proficiency on their instrument. Members of this organization will perform with the advanced 8th graders at competitions, contests, and concerts and should be prepared to spend time outside the school day preparing for these performances. (All Year) There is a uniform fee of $25.00 and a $30.00 maintenance fee for school owned instruments.

Student’s selection to this class will be greatly influenced by the student's past record of personal discipline, dedication, sense of commitment and their ability to function as a member of a team. Elements of music are approached through exercises of increasing difficulty which present challenging, interesting, and enriching activities. Solo and group contests are extremely important and provide competitive opportunities for students to receive constructive criticism from adjudicators out side the district. This is an all year class. Students are expected to come once a week to either a before school or after school rehearsal. Students not complying with the class requirements or not maintaining performance standards or discipline levels commensurate with an honors class will be moved down to Symphonic Band at the earliest opportunity. Students may be required to sign a contract with a parental endorsement acknowledging that they understand and will comply with the requirements for this class.

8th GRADE CONCERT BAND Prerequisites for this band include beginning band, seventh grade band and teacher recommendation-This course is designed for students who have completed two or more years of study on their band instrument but who have not yet achieved a level of excellence commensurate with being placed in an advanced band. Members of this organization may perform at UIL competitions and concerts and may spend time outside of the school day preparing for these performances. (All Year) There is a $25.00 uniform maintenance fee and a $30.00 maintenance fee for school owned instruments.

Students are expected to be performing at grade level on their instruments. They should be striving to maintain excellent team oriented discipline. Elements of music are approached through increasing difficulty which presents challenging, interesting, and enriching activities. Solo and group contests provide competitive opportunities for students to receive constructive criticism from adjudicators outside the district. This is an all year class. Opportunities will exist often, for students to be moved to 8th Honor Band if their performance and discipline are on a level justifying advancement.

7th GRADE CONCERT BAND Prerequisites for this band include beginning band, and teacher recommendation.-This course is designed for students who have completed one year of study on their band instrument but who have not yet achieved a level of excellence commensurate with being placed in an advanced band. Members of this organization may perform at UIL competitions and concerts and may spend time outside of the school day preparing for these performances. (All Year) There is a There is a $25.00 uniform maintenance fee and a $30.00 maintenance fee for school owned instruments.

Students are expected to be performing at grade level on their instruments. They should be striving to maintain excellent team oriented discipline. Elements of music are approached through increasing difficulty which presents challenging, interesting, and enriching activities. Solo and group contests provide competitive opportunities for students to receive constructive criticism from adjudicators outside the district. This is an all year class. Opportunities will exist often, for students to be moved to 7th Honor Band if their performance and discipline are on a level justifying advancement.

FOOTBALL BAND  The football band will perform at all home games and some pep rallies.  This group is open to all 7th and 8th grade band members.  We will meet after school on Tuesday’s until 4:30.

 BEGINNING BAND (6th GRADE) Instruments will be assigned primarily according to the abilities of the student and then the needs of the band program. (See instrument choice letter). This course will cover basic fundamentals of tone production and note reading. Elements of music are approached through exercises of increasing difficulty which present challenging and interesting problems for students to master through individual practice and class rehearsal. Students and parents will be assisted in all matters pertaining to instrument procurement and materials for class. This is an all year class. These classes are combined at various times through the year to prepare for concerts. These mandatory rehearsals are held after school until 5 p.m. before each concert. Students who have transportation problems with rehearsals or concerts should discuss the problem with their parents and band directors early so that a solution can be found. There are two concerts during the year, one during the holiday season and a spring concert in May. All concerts start at 6:00 P.M.

 

2.

METHOD BOOKS

Following are a list of method books used at Evans. They all should be available at your neighborhood music store. You will be given ample notice, on the order of three or four weeks, to purchase a new book.

All students should have a three ring binder and clear sleeves to place your music in.

BEGINNER BAND.

Band Expressions Book one.


 SEVENTH GRADE BANDS
Essential Elements Book Two. Symphonic band members will also need Foundations For A Superior Performance.

EIGHTH GRADE BANDS
Foundations for A Superior Performance.

3.

DISCIPLINE
(GENERAL)

Band by its very name suggests oneness, teamwork, ensemble, and great cooperation, with everyone striving for a common goal. This all comes at a time in a middle school student’s life when students are striving for individual identity. A very small number of students find that they can't make this kind of sacrifice and become disruptive discipline problems in band class. These students will not be allowed to affect the quality of learning taking place in that class. Continued problems will result in that student being moved down to another connections class. Band students are expected to accept responsibility for their actions.

All discipline problems will be handled on an individual basis. 

 

4.

DAILY RULES AND PROCEDURES

The following is the guideline to a successful rehearsal. These guidelines should be considered rules. Rule violations incur a penalty and a resultant action that is negative to the band. The student who violates the rules is responsible for reducing the amount of time for rehearsal and consequently is hurting the entire band.

1.      Enter the rehearsal hall in a quiet, courteous, and orderly manner.

2.      Quickly get your instrument and music and take your seat.

3.      A student will be considered tardy if they are not in their seat, ready to rehearse at the end of the five minute passing period from the class change.

4.      Students will check the whiteboard or Smart board for the agenda and put their method books and music in the order of the agenda.

5.      Concert attention will be observed when the director steps on the podium and no further talking will be permitted.

6.      Students will not play instruments without permission.

7.      Students will not play other student's instruments. This includes percussion and district owned instruments.

8.      Band members should have the following for every rehearsal:

o        INSTRUMENT with the necessary accessories.

o        ALL MUSIC

o        PENCIL

9.      All school books, horn cases, and equipment not needed for the rehearsal should be left in the instrument storage shelf or book shelves.

10.  Good posture is essential at all times.

11.  Music stands are for music.

12.  If it becomes necessary to take your instrument to a repair shop, please remember to bring a note from home, your mouthpiece and music. There is always a strong possibility that we might provide a temporary instrument.

13.  When class is over, quietly remain in your seat until you are dismissed.

14.  Individual practice is a must! You should practice most days either during homeroom or at home.

15.  Students who do not bring their instruments to school will have points deducted from their participation grade, lose chair ranking, and will endanger their band ranking. They will call home and do a written assignment during class. 

16.  Students violating these simple rules on a regular basis risk demotion to the next lower band.

 

5.

GRADING

Evans band students are tested many times in any nine-week period. The vast majority of tests will be performance tests. Major tests will be assigned several days in advance and will usually consist of an exercise, scales, a music passage from folder music, or an etude from a required method book. Other tests may occur randomly and may or may not be graded. These tests will be given from any source in the student's folder. During any nine week period there will be several chair tests and challenges. All grades should be considered equal for the purpose of the nine-week average.

Areas that are graded:

  • Performance tests (discussed above)
  • Attendance at rehearsals
  • Concerts, Contests, Solo and Ensemble Contest
  • District Honor Band
  • Written Tests
  • Participation
  • Practice Reports

 

6.

PRACTICE

Band students at Evans should be prepared to devote a minimum of twenty minutes daily to individual practice. The rewards of playing a musical instrument increase in direct proportion to the number of hours invested in individual practice. These rewards include chair placement, grade, and self satisfaction. There will be many times during any seven day period when more time than twenty minutes can be devoted to practice. The key is to set aside a certain time every day for practice. Set up a daily schedule to insure that practice is an important part of your daily studies. If practice reports are utilized in your class they will be due each Monday at the beginning of class. 

 

7.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance is required for all rehearsals and public performances of the various performing groups that make up the Evans Band Program. One primary purpose of any band program is the preparation for and participation in public performances and contests.

PUBLIC PERFORMANCES:  

Most dates for public appearances are announced at the beginning of the school year or at the very least many weeks or even months in advance. The majority of our functions are listed in the back of this handbook. A band is a close knit team that is injured greatly by an individual absence at a contest or concert. The competitions are a very important and a vital part of being in band and missing a performance will be dealt with the same as if the quarterback for a football team missed the State Championship Game. Excused absences from public appearances will be granted in cases of genuine emergency only, such as serious illness of the student or death in the family. Please call if such an emergency arises. Jobs, family trips, etc., do not justify an excused absence. Students, who feel they have an excused absence, should discuss it with the director before the performance not after! An unexcused absence from any public appearance is very serious and will be dealt with as an individual case. No person may remain in the performing band that is not faithful in attendance. The student will receive a grade of 0 for an unexcused absence. If the student is excused, they will be expected to make up this grade as the director sees fit.

 

BAND REHEARSALS  The bulk of our work will be done during regular band period. Do not ask to be excused from this period except in emergencies. School policy will prevail in dealing with unexcused absences and tardiness during regular band period.

If a student has a tutoring/private lesson conflict with a rehearsal, the student needs a note from the teacher or parent.

SECTION REHEARSALS (early rehearsals)  Attendance at section rehearsals is of utmost importance. This time is spent working on specific problems of the individual instruments and players. Sectionals will be scheduled both before and after school. All efforts will be made to work around scheduled conflicts such as athletics and other school functions. Excused absences will be granted only by the band director after a note from the parent is received prior to the absence. In the case of unforeseen absences, a note must be presented to the band director upon return to class. The directors are aware that there will be some conflicts with athletic events or practices that cannot be avoided. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the director of any problem well in advance. Unexcused absences from section rehearsals will result in loss of all chair rank and must be made up to avoid a grade of zero. Section make-up will be one and one half times the rehearsal. In other words the student will spend 45 minutes for a 30 minute section missed. Being more than ten minutes tardy will count as one-half absence. Every effort should be made to avoid doctor’s appointments, etc. on section days. During the first two weeks of school, students will be asked to write down their before and after school conflicts, and a sectional schedule will be prepared around those. If a student fails to report a conflict, that student will be held responsible for attending sectionals. The band director may need to change the schedule as the needs of the band changes. Advance notice of 24 to 72 hours will be given. Morning sectionals start at 7:30 a.m. punctual arrival is very important. After school sectionals start promptly at 3:45 p.m. and will be over at 4:45 p.m. Make arrangements to be picked up ahead of time.

8.

EARLY ENTRY BY MUSIC STUDENTS

On mornings when there is no early rehearsal, the instrumental music students will be admitted to the building at 8 a.m. whereupon they should proceed directly to the band room to deposit their instrument. They will then leave the building and report to home room. Students who wish to practice during home room (8-8:30) should obtain a band stamp on their agendas. You first report to home room to be counted present. The normal entrance for the above action will be the door next to the band room. Students should not "roam" the halls and those that are caught doing so, will lose morning band privileges and be subject to a school discipline referral.

9.

BAND OFFICE

Students will not be allowed entrance to the band office without permission from one of the band directors. Blanket permission will be given to librarians. School policy applies concerning use of the phone. Students must ask the director's permission before using the phone. Students who have business in the office should first knock and ask permission to enter. Never enter the office without permission when a director is not present. No student will enter the office area if a director is conducting business with a parent, administrator or another teacher.

 

10.

CONCERT ETIQUETTE

Since performance is a major objective of any band, concert etiquette must be learned and practiced.

  1. Everyone should remain seated during the performance of each selection. If one must leave during a concert, they should quietly exit between musical selections.
  2. There should be no talking during another groups’ performance. Every effort must be made to avoid distractions.
  3. At the end of each selection, the audience should applaud. Shouting or whistling is not acceptable. Hopefully all students will appreciate the opportunity to hear other groups perform. Should there be a problem with any student during a concert, that person may be asked to leave and may not be allowed to perform on the next concert. Remember that you must set an example of personal discipline. Be polite. Politely applaud regardless of your impression of the performing group. Do not be negative.

 

11.

BAND OFFICERS AND SECTION LEADERS

The band teacher will normally hold the band officers or section leaders responsible for taking care of music and assisting with minor problems associated with band rehearsals. Seeing that each person has the correct part shall be the responsibility of the first chair player in the section. Only librarians are allowed pull music. One person will be selected to represent the following combined sections: Low reeds, low brass, and percussion. Each position will be held by virtue of leadership and playing skill. The position is determined by performance tests, personal discipline, and attitude.

The section leader’s duties will include:

  1. Helping others in their section.
  2. Reminding section members of section rehearsals.
  3. Assisting the director during rehearsals.

 

12.

PERMISSION FORMS

The students will be making trips to concert and contest sites during the school year. A permission form, with pertinent information will be sent home several days before the event. A parent or guardian signature on this form is required for the student to leave the school grounds. The form is very important; it keeps the parent informed and gives permission to travel to and from important band engagements.

 

13. 

Solo and Ensemble/Honor Band

SOLO AND ENSEMBLE CONTEST  This year, I and Mr. Boyd will host a County Solo and Ensemble Festival. This event is open to all band students. It is my hope that all Evans band students will participate in this Festival. Students entering the solo and ensemble contest must pay an entry fee for participation (usually $5.00 per person per event). Those playing solos must supply music and piano accompanist. The directors will help students select music for this contest. The band library contains many excellent examples of solos and ensembles and the students are encouraged to begin looking early through our collection and also online on the Smart Music program. This event will be held in early spring.

 

DISTRICT 6 HONOR BAND  District Six sponsors a program to honor the outstanding middle school band seventh and eighth grade students from throughout our region. Members of the honor bands are selected based on an audition of scales, prepared music and sight-reading. (This audition also serves as the first of two auditions for the Georgia Allstate Middle School Band).Those students selected for the band will participate in a clinic and concert under the leadership of a well known conductor. It is an extreme honor to be selected to this elite group. Evans has always been well represented. All 7th and 8th grade band members are encouraged to participate. Extra credit will be given for this event. Students will be screened to find their level of performance on the required material. Participation will be denied those who fall short of the district standards.

 

Coweta County Honor Bands  Each year, the outstanding members of the five middles schools in Coweta County will be selected by their directors to represent their school. We have a sixth grade band and a combined 7th and 8th grade band. All selected students will then audition for chair placement within the honor band. This event takes place over a weekend culminating in a Saturday afternoon concert. We hire clinicians who are recognized as leaders in our field. Most are nationally recognized.

 

14. 

District Six Band Performance Evaluations

The District Band Evaluations is a very important event. This event is our version of the CRCT evaluations. We will prepare and perform works from a list that has been established by the Georgia Music Educators Conference. The purpose of the Evaluations is to compare where our program is in relation to other programs of the same experience and ability levels. We use the feedback given, to create new goals and focus. Evans bands have consistently earned the top ratings of Superior for performance and Sight reading for many years. We hope to continue this tradition for many more!

There will be several after school rehearsals and a pre-festival concert in preparation for this event.

We hope for great support from band students and parents during the contest period.

 

15.

INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT

Each band member will be expected to keep his or her instrument in excellent condition. Grades will be given on periodic inspections. All cases will have the students name clearly marked on both sides and ends.

WOODWINDS

  1. Keep instrument free of dust.
  2. Check pads weekly for worn or torn skins.
  3. Keys should be oiled and wooden instruments should be bore oiled at least twice a year. Never perform either operation without instructions from one of the directors.
  4. Mouthpieces should be cleaned daily. (things you can't see start growing)
  5. Double reed players should have 2 playable reeds at all times. Clarinets and Saxes should have 6 playable reeds. Playable means no chips or cracks and looks new. Try #3 Vandoren (blue box), listen to your private teacher.
  6. Cases should be clean and clearly display name and class, on masking tape, on the end of the case facing into the band hall from your slot.

BRASS

  1. Instrument should be washed weekly, inside and out. Do not perform this task without instructions from your director.
  2. Mouth pieces should be cleaned daily. (see previous #4)
  3. Tuning slides should be greased after the weekly wash.
  4. Trombone slides should be lubricated with the slide cream as necessary.
  5. Valves should be oiled as necessary.
  6. Cases should be kept clean and clearly display name and class, on masking tape, on the end of the case facing into the band hall from your slot.

PERCUSSION

  1. All players should have two pair of snare sticks.
  2. All players are responsible for keeping all equipment clean and in good working order.

 

SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS   There is a new maintenance fee of $30.00 per year for using school instruments. (This does not apply to MHOF instruments; however you are responsible for any repairs needed due to negligence). The fee may be paid in $15.00 installments at the beginning of each semester. See elsewhere in the handbook for the forms related to the previous fees and insurance. Instruments will be supplied to students to give the band a well-balanced instrumentation. It is the duty of each student playing a school instrument to take the best possible care of it. Those persons using school equipment must fill out an agreement of use form, have it signed by the parent, and return it to the director.

Students using school instruments are responsible for any damage brought about through carelessness. It will be the student's responsibility to have the instrument repaired at an approved music store.

 

INSTRUMENT INSURANCE   You are strongly urged to insure your personal instrument. Insurance must be purchased if you use a school instrument. Insurance may be purchased through the school district's insurance company. You might check with your insurance representative about whether your home owner’s policy covers.

Whether or not your instrument is personally owned or school owned, always make sure that you have a written record at home of the make, model and serial number. This information will be required if something should happen to the instrument.

The value that you should insure the instrument should be the replacement cost. Check with your director for the value of a district owned instrument.

MUSIC   Music and folders will be provided free to students in band. The folder should last a semester. If a replacement is required before the end of the semester, a replacement may be purchased for a fifty cent fee. All students are responsible for all music in their folders. Folders should be kept in the assigned slot during the day. It will be each student’s responsibility to make arrangements to have their music at school if they are going to be absent. This is especially true for stage band members where each part is so important. Sixth grade students should keep their method books and sheet music in organizers/three ring binders, much the same way as in other classes.

It is very important that all music is taken care of and preserved for use in future years. Music lost or destroyed must be paid for at the rate of fifty cents per part. Students will be charged replacement costs for school owned method books that are lost. Music which is not turned in one day after it is taken up is considered lost and will be paid for.

Folders or music left out after rehearsal will be picked up and the student will move down one chair and lose 10 points on class participation grade.

Music may be marked in pencil only and music must never be folded. Try to get in the habit of numbering all measures of music in your folder.

All music, method books, and folders must be clearly marked, in pen, with your name, instrument, and class.

 

16. 

PRIVATE LESSONS

I will always strive to give as much individual attention to each student, but time constraints, and with the size of a band program, I do not reach each individual as often as needed. The success of every outstanding band program depends on the quality of the players as well as the determination of the band students to give that extra effort. Top school band programs across the state typically have large numbers of the students studying privately. Excellent private teachers take the student to the next level, many times teaching finer points that will never be covered in a class setting. Contact me for help locating a private teacher.

 

17.

UNIFORM

The seventh and eighth grade symphonic band members will use a formal uniform. The boy’s uniform includes tuxedo-style black slacks, white tuxedo shirt, tuxedo jacket, cummerbund and bow tie. Girls will wear a black formal dress tea length and black dress shoes. The band department will purchase the uniforms, and students will pay a one-time fee to help defray the cost of repair and replacement.

Each full year, the student will pay a one-time uniform fee of $25.00. Students will be measured at the beginning of the school year and the fee should be paid at that time.

Each student must return the uniform to the music department at the end of his or her year(s) of participation in the music program.

All band members 6th 7th and 8th grade will wear the Evans band golf style shirt, Khaki pants, and dark dress shoes (no tennis shoes). Please see the forms page to order a shirt.

18.

PARENTAL HELP

There are many times during the year when the band will need the support and help of parent volunteers. We will have a range of needs in many different areas. Parental help will be needed as chaperones, office help, piano accompanists, transportation, etc.

 

 

 

BAND PARENT VOLUNTEER FORM

There are many times during the year when the band will need the support and help of parent volunteers. We will have a range of needs in many different areas. Parental help will be needed as chaperones, office help, piano accompanists, transportation, etc.

I am interested in helping the band program in the following ways:

___________chaperone

___________typing and office work

___________publicity

___________piano accompanist at solo contest

___________programs - printing and designing

___________phone

___________hospitality-planning receptions, parties, etc.

___________concert equipment and set-up

___________band newsletter (bi-monthly)

___________baked goods (receptions, etc.)

___________computer (help enter data on computer in band office)

___________VCR (help put together recruiting video of school year)

___________fund raising help

___________transportation

___________uniforms (help with repair, issuing, replacement, etc.)

___________other_________________________________________

 

STUDENT NAME__________________________________________

PARENT NAME___________________________________________

HOME PHONE____________________________________________

WORK PHONE____________________________________________