Charleston County

2008 - 2009

Middle School Band

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Band Website

http://www.soabands.com/

“Music is not developed solely by inspiration and fits of genius. Success comes in music like success comes in every other human endeavor by hard work, by discipline, over a long period of time.”

JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY

Statement of Purpose

The Purpose of the handbook is to acquaint students and parents with the many opportunities that await band members this year. It also provides valuable contact information, as well as clear expectations of band students. We welcome you to the 2008-2009 year of band at School of the Arts Middle School. With your commitment and hard work, this will be the BEST year the School of the Arts bands has ever had. The success of the band is dependent upon the success and commitment of each individual student. To have a successful year each student must make the best of every opportunity to grow mentally, emotionally, socially, and musically. The Middle School Band and the Band’s Booster club will provide support to help each student achieve success.

BANDS

Beginning Band ―6th Graders ― This group will perform at the Christmas Concert and may perform as a group at Concert Festival. Membership of this group is welcome to audition for the Charleston All-County and Regional Bands. While few 6th graders qualify for these bands, it is a very good opportunity to “experience” the audition process.

Concert Band ―All Band Students― This group will perform in at least two performances and might perform at one concert that may require an overnight trip and any events that are not currently scheduled but where a large group is requested.

Wind Ensemble ―This is our showcase ensemble. Students are selected by audition. Behavior of the membership of this group Must Be Exemplary. This group will perform for the Middle School Band Festival, one band festival or exchange concert that requires an overnight stay and any events that are not currently scheduled but where a large group is requested . All Wind Ensemble students will audition for All-County Band and Region Band and will participate in Solo and Ensemble in at least one event.

How can I help?

Parent Involvement - Throughout the school year, your child will participate in a number of performances and activities. Depending upon the event, there will be various needs for parental involvement and an opportunity for you to demonstrate your direct support of your child and the band. Activities such as:

• Making phone calls
• field-trip chaperone,
• assisting with food and beverage provisions and much more!

Specific information will be provided in preparation for each event.

Parents are expected to:

• To become active in the band booster organization
• To see that the policies in the handbook are followed.
• To see that your child is in attendance at all band function
• To MAKE SURE your child practices!

Other ways parents can help:

• Show an interest in the music study of your child.
• Arrange a regular time (appointment) for him/her to practice.
• Find a quiet place where he/she can practice without interruptions. (Provide a straight-backed chair, a music stand, and a metronome if possible.)
• Keep the instrument in good repair with needed supplies in the case. (Woodwinds - at least three reeds!)
• Be very careful with school-owned instruments. Repair costs are high!
• Teach the importance of being prepared and on time for rehearsals, performances, classes, and lessons.
• Make faithful attendance at all band activities a priority. (Children tend to value what adults value by example.)
• Encourage him/her to play for others when opportunities arise in the home, church, school and community.
• Provide private instruction with the best possible specialist in our area. (See appendix A,)
• See that he/she takes the instrument and materials to school every day and brings them home every day (where possible (some larger instruments must remain at school).
• Discuss with the band director anything that might help him to understand your child.
• Keep the Handbook
• Notify Mrs. Reed if your student is to be absent from rehearsals
• See that he/she keeps up with academic studies.
• Visit rehearsals occasionally.
• Attend booster meetings, concerts, recitals and any other activities.

The Middle School Band Booster (MSBB)

Who are the MSBBs? YOU ARE! Every parent and every child in the middle school band are a part of the MSBBs! The following is a partial list of the contact information for MSBB board for the 2008-2009 school year. Please feel to contact anyone on the list if you have questions! Suzanne K. Reed, Band Director 529-4990 suzanne_reed@charleston.k12.sc.us Deborah Hillman, Co-President 207-1190 hillmand@htfcy.org Cynthia Mappus, Co-President 556-8183 soabsec@bellsouth.net Carole Smith, Secretary 821-8601 carole.smith@navy.mil Lindy Green, Treasurer 766-7638 soamsbt@gmail.com Tim Tanner, Web Master 766-6740 timothy_tanner@charleston.k12.sc.us

Fees and Fund Raising

Fees

For each MSBB there is a one-time fee of $175/school year. This fee covers many of the necessary expenses in running a band of excellence. The fee is expected to be paid in full at the beginning of the year or may be paid in three installments of $75, 50, 50 each. The first payment being due on August 23rd, the second by September 23rd and the balance paid by October 23rd.

Most of the cost of running a quality band program is unfortunately not covered by the county or school budget. As with all aspects of school budgets, the basic needs and desires exceed the provided resources. Band Booster activities are designed to provide operational capital and promote the band in the community. Only if parents and others support the school program and Band Booster activities will the bands have the optimal conditions to become the consistently superior groups they can be.

This fee covers costs for items such as sheet music, field trips, binders and folders, county, state and regional competitions, venue rental for concerts, SmartMusic, and much more. Most importantly, the fee is structured to provide the support necessary to allow your child to train and perform in the tradition of excellence for which School of the Arts is known. The $175 fee is less than what is needed to fully fund all activities and projects of the year.

For students using school owned instruments, an additional fee of $50/year is required for instrument rental.  It is expected that routine maintenance of the instrument be maintained by the user of the instrument.  As instruments that are used for many years in the program your instrument will be inspected by Mrs. Reed and should be returned in the same condition in which it was loaned to the student.

Percussion students must pay an annual fee of $50 for the use of school-owned Percussion instruments and equipment. This fee is due at the beginning of the year and covers wear and tear on the band percussion instruments, band-owned sticks and accessories, as well as the replacement costs of the heads of the various percussion instruments.

If the student takes the instrument home for practice during the summer, fee is due at the time the instrument is obtained. This fee, if paid at the beginning of summer, will cover the following school year.

Fees should be paid by check with your child’s name clearly written on the check. Checks may be given to Mrs. Reed, however we suggest you mail them directly to our Treasurer Lindy Green to the following address:

SOA MSBB , C/O Lindy Green, 2321 Wofford Rd , Charleston , SC 29414

Checks made out to SOA MSBB are tax deductible! Partial refunds may be returned to individuals withdrawing from SOA prior to day 60.

Fund Raising

Why do we fund raise? There are two reasons to fund raise:

• To raise funds to buy new instruments and equipment for the MSB. This fund raising has its lasting effects since students years from now will benefit from the new equipment raised by your students today.
• To raise money to pay for the BIG TRIP! The money raised by each student goes directly into an account that will help off set the cost of the trip for that student. Students in years past have raised enough money to pay for their entire trip. The cost of the trip is expected to be between $350-$400. Payments may be paid along the way. Clearly mark your check to distinguish between other amounts being paid.

Fundraiser information will be sent home with your child and communicated to parents through e-mails as well. Please contact a board member with any questions you may have regarding fund raisers.

Student Activity Accounts

The purpose and intent of Student Activity Accounts shall be to assist the individual band student with a portion of expenses related to their participation in the School of the Arts Band. Students may accrue money in their account by participating in identified fundraising activities. Accounts accrue as follows:

• The net amount* earned will be earmarked for the personal student activity account for use during the year as designated below
• The primary expense to be covered through the fundraising activities is the annual band trip. Additional expenses may be covered (as described below) with funds in excess of those required for the annual trip
• Money raised through fundraising will not be refunded to the student under any circumstances.  Should the student withdraw or opt out of band activities, the funds in his/her student account will become part of the band's general operating account.
• Actual cash deposits paid by the student’s family into Student Activity Accounts may be refunded upon request at the discretion of the director and the SOA MSBB if notification that the student will not participate in the big field trip is received 30 days prior to the trip.
• Student Account Earnings are not transferable and will not be carried over to subsequent school years.

*Net amount is described as the amount remaining after all expenses (cost of goods), including sales awards, have been deducted from the gross amount earned.

All band students are eligible to earn credit toward specific expenses through this student account. This credit is not payable in cash, but may be applied to one or more band-related fees: Annual out-of-town band trip (primary expense); New “major” instruments or significant instrument repair; Any expense approved by the School of the Arts Principal, Band Director, and Band Booster Board. These expenses should be requested as reimbursements.

Band Program Objectives

The sixth grade students will be learning basic music theory, tone production on their instrument, basic intonation and seven Major scales.

The seventh and eighth grade students will continue to learn more theory, improved tone production, more scales, refined intonation skills and improved ensemble playing through performance of quality band, ensemble and solo literature.

Students are asked to practice 30 minutes every day . The only way to improve musical skills is through practice!

Ten Commandments of Band

• THOU SHALT BE ON TIME.
• THOU SHALT BE PREPARED.
• THOU SHALT NOT LIE.
• THOU SHALT RESPECT ALL OTHERS.
• THOU SHALT BE RESPECTFUL OF OTHERS PROPERTY.
• THOU SHALT NOT LITTER.
• THOU SHALT NOT EAT OR DRINK IN THE BANDROOM.
• THOU SHALT NOT CHEW GUM.
• THOU SHALT TAKE CARE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY.
• THOU SHALT NOT TOUCH ANYTHING BELONGING TO OTHERS.

BEHAVIORAL CONSEQUENCES

• THOU SHALT RECEIVE A VERBAL WARNING.
• THOU SHALT APOLOGIZE TO CLASS, TEACHER OR OTHERS UPON DISOBEYING THE COMMANDMENTS.
• YOUR PARENTS WILL BE CONTACTED.
• THOU WILL BE REFERRED TO ASST. PRINCIPAL.
• THOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TRAVEL WITH THE BAND.
• THOU SHALT NOT BREAK THE BAND COMMANDMENTS!

Conduct Expectations

Because of the nature of the organization, band discipline must be strict! Band students and parents must believe in the ideals, principles, and rules of the organization. Each member must always be aware of good behavior and think for himself, for any misconduct casts a bad light on the school, community, and band program. Any member who casts discredit on the organization by his/her conduct or actions in band, in another class, or on a trip may face discipline within the program, including the possibility of dismissal from band field trips and the BIG TRIP. This decision will be at the director’s discretion. Severely improper conduct shall be grounds for immediate disciplinary action, which may include dismissal from the School of the Arts Middle School Band program. Examples of such bad behavior would be committing a theft or taking any type of drug (including alcohol and tobacco) while on a band trip. BAND TRIPS ARE NOT DATING EVENTS. Public displays of affection (including holding hands) are not appropriate.

Theft and vandalism are cause for immediate disciplinary action, which may include dismissal from band. Damages or loss will be the sole responsibility of the thief or vandal. This includes, but is not limited to, school-owned property. Students should never leave their instrument unattended at school, on the bus, at the bus stop or any other place that it could be vandalized.

Performance Preparations and Expectations

BAND UNIFORMS

All band members are expected to wear the band uniform approved by the Band Booster Board. Students out of uniform WILL NOT PERFORM at concerts at school or other venues. All students will need the white, long-sleeved, band uniform tuxedo shirt.

• All students will need the band uniform red bowtie and red cummerbund
• All male students will need the band uniform tuxedo all-black slacks
• All female students will either need the band uniform tuxedo slacks or the band uniform long black skirt.
• All students will need all-black socks or hose, and black shoes (not tennis shoes).
• Select performances will only require the band T-shirt (provided annually by boosters).

Personal Appearance

Band members will be well groomed at all times when they appear in any uniformed band function (shirts tucked in, hair combed, shoes shined, etc.) Uniforms are to remain in concert appearance until the director instructs the band otherwise . Parents, please help supervise this at concerts.

BAND REHERSALS AND PERFORMANCES

• Concert Band and Wind Ensemble Band Rehearsals will be held on campus at School of the Arts. Adequate notification will be given so transportation can be arranged.  Band members are expected to attend ALL rehearsals and to participate in a functional way at all performances.
• Band members are expected to be prompt to all rehearsals and performances. On time is late. Early is on time. There are no excuses acceptable, short of a major catastrophe, for missing a major performance.  .All concerts and any other performance events are considered major performance events. Missing a major performance event without a valid, acceptable reason will have a significant impact on the grade for that quarter in band. When an absence is anticipated, the director must be notified in writing in advance of the date . Every effort should be made to make medical appointments at times not in conflict with the band rehearsal schedule as the absence of one band member affects the entire group.  Unexcused tardiness will result in disciplinary action .
• Band members are expected to be present for rehearsal if they are present for school. Please arrange other important appointments around the rehearsal schedule.

Performance Etiquette

• Always arrive on time for warm-up with your instrument, music, and all necessary equipment. Percussionists should always be early to make sure all equipment is set-up properly
• The final preparations set the tone for the performance itself. Strive to focus your attention on the final instructions being given.
• Approach the stage/performance area quietly. You are performing when the audience sees and/or hears you. No audience deserves impolite performers approaching the stage. You only get one change to make a first impression
• Once on stage, be aware that you are being watched. Look proud, sit tall, and be glad you are there. Focus your attention on the podium so you don’t miss an instruction or cue.
• While performing, be sure to do nothing that would distract the audience such as waving or talking to someone in the ensemble or audience. If something unusual happens, keep your attention focused on the director and the performance. REMEBER, the audience will follow your eyes.
• Upon completion of your performance, follow previously given instructions, such as standing in unison with the ensemble to show courteous appreciation for the audience’s applause and leaving the stage in an orderly manner.
• After your portion of the performance is over, or any time your are in the audience, remember to respond, as you would like an audience to show respect for your efforts and accomplishment while performing. APPROPRIATE applause is expected.
• Hats and other forms of dress that are distracting should not be brought into a performance.
• Never move around while others are performing. Only in EMERGENCIES should you leave or enter the performance area and only BETWEEN SELECTIONS while the audience is applauding. Remember, when you move around, you take attention away from the performers on stage.
• Always be courteous to others. The memory of a fine performance can be ruined by just one inappropriate, unthinking action.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT

Grading Policy

The following are the components and values of the band grade:

* The grading policy will be modified each nine weeks according to the needs of each grade level.

When an instrument or necessary materials are not brought to class, a resulting grade of "Zero" will be recorded for all of that student's work for that day. The student is excused for not having a working instrument in class if it can be verified that the instrument is at the repair shop to be fixed.

I nstrument Rental & Repair

The following stores are recommended for instrument rental:

School-Owned Instruments

There is a $50 annual fee for students using school owned instruments. Students using school-owned instruments are held responsible for the maintenance and repair of that equipment. Students are also held liable for instruments damaged through abuse, neglect or horseplay.

Lost or Stolen Instruments

Neither the band program, the school district, Mrs. Reed nor the band boosters are responsible for student-owned or rented instruments and materials that are lost or stolen. Each parent and student is responsible for recording the instrument’s serial number at home, and each student is responsible for making sure his or her instrument is always taken home at the end of the school day. Parents who rent their child’s instrument from a music store or from the school instrument inventory are strongly encourage to purchase insurance on that instrument. Parents who purchase an instrument are recommended to check with their homeowner’s insurance policy regarding potential loss or theft of that instrument during the school day. If an instrument is lost or stolen: 1. Provide the serial number of the instrument to Mrs. Reed. 2. Determine where your child last saw the instrument. 3. Contact Mrs. Reed immediately. 4. Upon teacher request, file a police report.

Percussion Usage Fee

Percussion students must pay an annual fee of $50 for the use of school-owned percussion instruments and equipment. This fee is due at the beginning of the year, and covers wear and tear on the band percussion instruments, band-owned sticks and accessories, as well as the replacements costs of the heads of the various percussion instruments. Checks for the percussion usage fee should be made payable to “SOA Band Boosters.”

How to Practice

Suggested times – Students should practice longer if needed.

1. 5 minutes - Long tones, Lip Slurs, Scales, Rudiments (Warm Up)

2. 15 minutes - Test Items/Method Book Assignments

3. 10 minutes - SmartMusic

4. 5 minutes - Cool Down

P rivate Lessons & Teachers

As one might expect, private lessons on a musical instrument are the best way to improve performance skills. The one-on-one approach allows the student to benefit from the individual attention as opposed to a teacher monitoring a class of over 50 students. A recent survey of students in the South Carolina All-State Band revealed that 80% of the students in the band studied privately. Simply put, private lessons work! At School of the Arts, we encourage parents to consider private lessons for their child. A list of approved instructors is provided on our website, or many be obtained from the band room. Please use instructors we recommend. These instructors consistently achieve outstanding results.

PERFORMANCE AND COMPETITION OPPORTUNITIES

Band Competitions :

Concert Festival (Late March) – Wind Ensemble and possibly Beginner Band perform at this event. This is an event where bands are evaluated based on their live performance of prepared music and sight-reading. The South Carolina Band Director’s Association ( http://www.bandlink.org/ ) sponsors Concert Festival and attendance is required for all students who are members of a participating band. Transportation and fees are provided by the Band Boosters.

Out-of-Town Band Competition In the spring of each year, it is customary for the band to participate in an out-of-town competition. Your Booster Fee does not cover the cost of this trip, but many of the fund-raisers are designed to help students earn funding for this trip through individual accounts. Please refer to Booster fund-raising and student account sections in this handbook.

Regional Individual Opportunities

Various individual opportunities and privileges will be available throughout the year. These opportunities include All-County Band, Region Band, All-State Band, and Solo and Ensemble. These are generally for the 7th and 8th grade players, although 6th grade students are also welcome to participate. Please take advantage of these opportunities. See Mrs. Reed if you have a question.

There are several honor band opportunities available to students through audition. These include All-County Band, Region-Band, and All State Band. The audition process is similar for all three and is discussed fully in appendix B in the back of this handbook. The information is also available online at http://www.bandlink.org/events/allstate/as2005/index.html

Students are expected to participate in these events if they achieve membership. If a student auditions and becomes a member of the County, Region or State Band, he/she must fulfill the obligations of membership in the honor band. Failure to do so will eliminate the student’s ability to participate in the following year’s event, even if he/she changes schools.

All-County Band – Mandatory for 7 th and 8 th grade students, other 6th graders are welcome. (Auditions: early December; Clinic and Performance: early January ) The Charleston All-County Band is a group of students selected from all band students in Charleston County. The selection is done through audition. Band booster club is responsible for entry fees, but students are responsible for their own meal expenses and transportation to the audition and to the event. The clinic involves an all-day Friday and Saturday rehearsal at a local school. The event culminates in a concert given on Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon. The rehearsal and concert will be at a local school. Participation is an honor and a responsibility.

Region Band – Mandatory for Wind Ensemble Students, other 6th graders are welcome. The Region Band is a group of students selected by auditions held at Summerville High from southern South Carolina. Band booster club is responsible for entry fees, but students are responsible for their own meal expenses and transportation to the audition and to the event. The event involves an all-day Friday and Saturday morning rehearsal. Students are responsible for their own meal expenses and transportation to the event. The event culminates in a concert on Saturday afternoon. Participation is an honor and a responsibility

All-State Band – (Auditions: January: Concert March) Audition by invitation depending on standing in Region Auditions The All-State Band is a group of students selected by audition at Lexington High School from all over South Carolina. The event requires the student to miss one Friday of classes and stay three nights at the event location. If selected to All-State, students are responsible for their own meal expenses with travel and lodging being subsidized by the Band Booster budget. The event culminates in a concert on Sunday afternoon at Furman University that is open to the public. Participation is an honor and a responsibility. This is the highest honor band a student can reach in the State of South Carolina.

Solo & Ensemble - (May) All students are eligible. The Solo & Ensemble event is a regional opportunity where students may play solos and/or ensembles for ratings and to earn medals. Solos published with a written accompaniment MUST be accompanied. Band booster club is responsible for entry fees. Students are responsible for their own transportation and accompanist. More information will be distributed in the second semester.

Appendix A – Private Lessons by Instrument

Flute Tacy Edwards* 849-1553

Joyce Moon 875-5594

Julie Diamond 881-0166

Swati Dadheech 475-6725

Oboe Liz Tomorsky* 556-3154

Clarinet John Slate 795-6737

Charlie Messersmith* 552-2850

Ginny Streets 709-7673

Saxophone Steve Codiero 763-8846

John Slate 795-6737

Mark Sterbank 724-6632 or 406-2729

Bassoon Thomas Tatum 556-2430

Cathy Shuh* 552-0474

Trumpet Cameron Harder 478-5792

French Horn Anne Holmi* 971-6188

Debra Sherrill* 766-7022

Trombone/ Tom Joyce* 406-2747

Euphonium Bill Zehfuss* 762-1121

Gretchen Bowles 216-3897

Percussion Andy Harnsberger 697-9563

*These people play with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and would like to teach.

This is a list of instructors that some of our students take private lessons from. I highly recommend that lessons be taken. Any extra instruction will only improve our students and make them more successful and better at their instrument.

There are other private instructors in the area. If anyone is unable to fit your child into one of these instructors’ schedules, please ask them to recommend someone else to you.

Some of the people have moved, but maintain cell phones. That is why some numbers appear to be long distance.

Appendix B - Audition Process and Tips

The Band Director’s Association guidelines for regional and state competitions may be found at: http://www.bandlink.org/events/allstate/as2005/index.html

Students auditioning for all-county, all-region, and All-State bands will be evaluated by following criteria:

• Scales: Students will have 2:00 minutes to play all of the required scales. Scales are to be played from memory in any order. The order is to be listed on the audition ticket. A scale evaluation sheet will be used by all judges. If the student misses a scale, he/she has the opportunity to go back and correct it. Most band directors would suggest that if you make a mistake, do not linger on it. Move on to the next scale. When you have finished all of your scales correctly and if there is enough time left, the judge will announce those scales for which full credit has not been given. You can go back and correct any missed scales, as long as it is in the 2:00 or less.
• Terms: Terms are usually presented on a card and the student must give the correct definition of the term.
• Chromatic Scale- The key to the chromatic scale is playing it even. Take your time? Playing it very fast will not gain you extra points. A list of the terms follows in this appendix.
• Etude: The etude is a solo that everyone prepares. It is the same for each instrument (all flutes play the same solo, all clarinets play the same solo, …etc). Judges listen for the following things: tone quality, range within the audition requirements for each particular instrument and grade of student, technical proficiency, typical styling, contrasting styles, tempos, and articulations, different styles of phrasing, and the student’s overall talent.
• Sightreading: Sightreading is when the student is given a short piece of music to look at and then play to the best of their ability. The music is something that the student has never seen before.
• Tone: This is for beauty, control knowledge of characteristic sound, and the ability to use this knowledge to maximum effectiveness.

Tips To Be Successful

• Practice , practice, practice! Nothing comes easy, but practicing makes thing easier!
• Get to the audition EARLY . You want to make sure that you have enough time to get there, find your judge room or rooms, warm up, and check in at your judge’s room. Sometimes there are no-shows and you can go earlier. I recommend at least an hour before your scheduled audition time.
• Try to RELAX. This may sound hard to do at an audition, but try. When you relax, you feel more comfortable and you will play better when you are relaxed.
• Get your easy points! YOU are in charge of scales, the chromatic scale, and your terms. Playing the scales correctly and knowing your terms can give you the maximum amount of points in those categories before you even play your etude or Sightreading piece.

BAND HANDBOOK RECEIPT FORM

Return form to Mrs, Reed at the Spring Concert

or by May 31 st to Mrs. Reed, c/o SOA, 1600 Saranac Drive, North Charleston, SC

I, _________________________, parent/guardian of ________________________, have received and read the 2008-2009 Band Handbook for the School of the Arts Middle School Bands. I will support this program of instruction for my child by supporting the band's leadership and providing the instrument and published materials necessary for my child to participate. I will help the progress of the group by helping my child do his/her best to meet his/her commitments with the band.

Signed __________________________________________ (parent/guardian signature)

______________________________________________

I, ________________________________, have read the 2008-2009 Band Handbook for the School of the Arts Middle School Bands. I will do my best to be a good band member both socially and musically.

Signed ________________________________________ (student’s signature)

SCHOOL OF THE ARTS MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND

STUDENT/SCHOOL INSTRUMENT INFORMATION

STUDENT NAME: ____________________________________________________________

STREET ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________

PHONE: __________________________ INSTRUMENT: ___________________________

BRAND: _____________________________ PERSONAL / SCHOOL OWNED

(Circle one)

DATE PURCHASED/LEASED: _______________ VENDOR: ________________________

SERIAL NO.: _________________________ CCSD NO.: ___________________________

(If school owned)

Explanation: Instruments are regarded as either "school owned" or "personal." For the purposes of identification, instruments held by students/families on lease/purchase are "owned" by the students/families listed with the instrument. Instruments rented from the school are "school owned."

Signed __________________________________________ (parent/guardian signature)

Signed __________________________________________ (student signature)