Parkview Center School Jaguar Bands
6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Student/Parent Band Handbook
Contents
OBJECTIVES
- To develop the technical skills necessary to play a musical instrument, both as a soloist and as a member of an ensemble, and to develop the skills necessary to read music.
- To promote the success of the entire Jaguar Band Program as well as the individual student. Music is fun! However, there is no fun in mediocrity. Each individual must be willing to sacrifice individual desires for the good of the band.
- To increase the amount of fun and satisfaction each student receives from being in band. "What you get out of band depends on how much you put into it." Each student is expected to strive to put enthusiasm and hard work, as well as a desire to "do the job right" into all band activities.
- To build leadership and character. The Jaguar Band Program strives to be known by outstanding character and citizenship. We will work to ensure proper conduct, consideration, and courtesy as a vital part of the participation of students - both in the band hall and in all public situations.
- To promote and encourage each and every student to work together as a group toward specific goals and objectives. Students will learn both leadership and the willingness to follow.
PHILOSOPHY
The Jaguar Band Program at Parkview Center School, with the support of our principal, Garin Bogenholm, operates under the following philosophy:
The Middle and Elementary School Band programs are designed to prepare each student for High School level performance. We expect and encourage our students to continue their musical training and education through the outstanding programs offered in the Roseville Area Schools.
On behalf of the Jaguar Band Program at Parkview Center School, we would like to thank you for your support and encouragement in the development of your young musician.
GRADING POLICIES
Grades in band reflect the work and performance level of the individual. Performance assessments include a wide variety of material depending on the ability level of the student. Assignments throughout the year might include materials from the following list of activities. No single assignment will be worth more than 25% of the thirteen weeks grade.
- Performance Assessment Tests (40%)
- Written assignments (10%)
- Attendance (10%)
- Class participation/Practice (40%) -- (having instrument, music, folder, notebook, pencil and demonstrating proper rehearsal technique will be considered when calculating the participation grade)
- Concerts and scheduled extra rehearsals are co-curricular events that take place outside of the class day. Attendance at each of the scheduled events (see 'Band Calendar' attached to this handbook) is required. An unexcused absence will result in a failing grade for that event. Should an extenuating circumstance arise, the student shall provide written notification to the band director in advance.
- Practice sheets are a daily log of practice outside of class time. (See the Practice Sheet section for more information).
- Extra credit might be added to the final grade for participating in extra events appropriate to the grade level, i.e. attendance at other band or orchestral performances, regional band auditions, and participation in the state solo/ensemble competition. In addition, students may pass more than the required number of skill tests. These may be played live or recorded onto a cassette tape or CD as per director's instructions.
PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT TESTS
Performance assessment tests are brief exercises that focus on specific skills. These skills correlate with musical development as well as the required skills in the local and state music curriculum. Students are required to pass a minimum number of skill tests each thirteen weeks (the number varies each thirteen week grading period). These tests are approximately 40% of the student's grade. Mastery of these skills is necessary to enable the student to achieve the level of band literature performed at concerts, contests and festivals.
LATE WORK
Students should make every effort to be prompt in turning in assignments. In any event, all assignments and extra credit must be turned in before the end of the thirteen weeks. Points will be deducted for unexcused, late assignments. In some specific circumstances, late work will not be accepted.
MAKE-UP WORK
If a student is absent for any reason, he/she is totally responsible for finding out what material was missed. If the absence results in a missed test, the student is responsible for making up the grade within one week. If the student is still unable to make up the missed assignment, the director will arrange to do so at his/her convenience. Most playing assignments can be made up by recording them on a CD. In any event, all assignments must be made up before the end of the thirteen weeks.
RECORDING MAKE-UP WORK AND EXTRA CREDIT
Make-up work and extra credit (skill tests) may be recorded on a CD if it is turned in BEFORE the end of the thriteen week grading period. If the student does not have a recording device at home, he/she should plan ahead and schedule to use a recorder before or after school in the band office.
CONCERTS AND CONTESTS
A band is a performing musical organization. It is through performance and preparation for performance that a great deal of learning occurs. With this concept in mind, three concerts are scheduled throughout the year. Each of these is a required event that serves as a major grade. The only valid excuse for missing a performance is a death in the immediate family or severe personal illness. Unexcused absences constitute a zero as a major grade. In any event, the director should be notified immediately.
PRACTICE SHEETS
- Band students are required to turn in a practice sheet every week (beginning in September) as part of their band grade.
- Consistent practice is an integral part of the development of a young musician. Practice sheets are an excellent means of keeping record of each practice session.
- Practice sheets are turned in every Friday. If turned in Monday, the maximum grade will be 70%. Practice sheets will not be accepted after Monday.
- Missing practice sheets cannot be made up, but students may practice extra minutes on subsequent practice sheets (40 extra credit points possible) or pass additional skill tests to bring up the final grade.
- Exceptions:
- If Thursday or Friday is a holiday or if the student is absent, the practice sheet may be turned in Monday without penalty.
- If the student is ill or his/her instrument is in the shop, the student will not be penalized as long as the practice sheet is accompanied by a written note from the the parent concerning the matter. In any event, the signed practice sheet must be turned in to receive proper credit.
- In order to earn 100% on the practice sheet, students must practice a minimum of 3 days a week for at least 30 minutes per day. In addition, up to 30 extra credit points may be earned by practicing the other two days of the week.
- Practice sheets must be filled out completely and accurately or the student will not receive proper credit.
- Practice sheets may not be turned in on anything other than a practice sheet form. Attached to the handbook are enough practice sheets for the first Semester. Additional practice sheets are available in the band hall or on the website.
BAND HALL RULES AND REGULATIONS
- No loud or excessive talking
- No running or horseplay
- No food or drink of any kind at any time (particularly gum/candy/sodas)
- No handling of anyone's equipment except your own
- Exemplary behavior is expected at all times
Any infraction might result in a referral to the office. In addition, parents will be notified. Persistent problems might result in removal from the class.
DISCIPLINE
One of the most important elements in any worthwhile endeavor is discipline. A successful band student must possess a certain degree of personal discipline. This element is essential to a fine band program and is a must for every individual.
Examples of personal discipline include:
- Personal practice
- High behavior standards
- Positive attitude
- Dedication to the cause of the program
- Effort
- Loyalty to the group
Band members are expected to maintain high standards of behavior while representing the band and Parkview School in public, in performance, on buses, in uniform, in the band hall, and at all times anywhere on the PCS campus. Improper conduct by band students does not reflect well on the student or program and should be avoided.
C.A.R.E.
Communicate
- Call or e-mail if you are going to be absent.
- Give advanced notice about any schedule conflicts.
- Ask for extra help if needed.
- If you ever want to ask about anything related to band, please come talk to me, my door is always open.
Attend all rehearsals and Performances
- Be at all rehearsals on time which means early. There is a difference between being present and being ready.
- Being absent from a performance is not like missing a class. When even one member is gone, the total musical experience is diminished for all.
Respect Property and Each Other
- Do not touch what is not yours.
- Respect the right of others to learn and the teacher to teach by not causing an interruption on the rehearsal. Use your good judgement to always know what time it is. Is it time to visit or is it time to work?
Execute Rehearsal Procedures
- Be in your seat, ready to make music by 8:40.
- Do not play your instrument before warm up begins.
- Stop immediately when the conductor stops.
- Raise your hand if you have a comment/questions/answer.
- Stay in your assigned area unless you have permission to do otherwise.
- If you are not able to participate in rehearsal, see me before the rehearsal begins. You need your instruments every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
- Please do not ask to leave class for any reason unless you are ill and need to go home.
- If your instrument is not working properly, please see me before or after rehearsal and I will help.
- The clock does not dismiss rehearsal, the director does. I will let you know when rehearsal is over.
P.R.I.D.E.
Personal Responsibility = the daily fulfillment of behavioral expectations and rehearsal procedures
or
Personal Responsibility In Daily Effort = P.R.I.D.E.
Rehearsal Behavior Rubric
Level 4: 20 points
The student’s attention never waivers from the rehearsal. The student exhibits exceptional behavior, providing a model for other students.
Level 3: 15 points.
The student listens attentively, needs no teacher reminders to refrain from talking or interrupting, and follows all the rule for good rehearsal participation.
Level 2: 10 points
The student needs occasional teacher reminders to listen attentively and/or to refrain from talking, may get out of their assigned area, or does not follow all of the rules of good rehearsal participation.
Level 1: 5 points
The student needs frequent teacher reminders to sit still, listen attentively, refrain from talking, or actively participate. The student makes it difficult for others to learn. Themay get out of their assigned area, or does not follow all of the rules of good rehearsal participation.
CLASS REQUIREMENTS
All band students must have the following supplies every day for the entire school year (beginning on the second day of school):
- Instrument and all its necessary equipment (i.e., name tag, reeds, valve oil, mouthpiece, etc.)
- Complete music folder (we will provide the folder and the music. It is the responsibility of each student to have it with them each day in class)
- Class Book
- Sixth Grade: Essential Elements 2000 Book 2,
- 7th and 8th grade: Yamaha Advantage Book 2)
- Pencil
DRESS CODE
- Students should wear white on top and black on bottom for all concerts.
- Dresses that are all black are acceptable for girls.
- Boys should wear a black tie as well.
- Students should also wear black socks and black shoes if possible.
BEFORE / AFTER SCHOOL
Band students are welcome in the band hall before school to store instruments and music in their assigned slots for each school day. The band hall will be open at 7:00 a.m. for this purpose. Students should place their instruments and music in the assigned location, then immediately go back to the appropriate grade-level location.
Band students are allowed in the band hall after school to pick up their instruments for home practice, private lessons, or to practice in the practice rooms.
Only present band members are admitted into the band hall area at any time.
PERFORMING ENSEMBLES
The 7/8 Band and Jazz Band are performing groups that are open normally to 7th and 8th grade students that have successfully completed at least two years of band. Performance participation is required in order to be a member of these groups. Most of these performances are NOT during the school day. In addition, Jazz Band meets before school.
INSTRUMENT INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT REPAIR
Students must bring a note from home if an instrument is in the repair shop or points will be deducted from the daily grade. There are several repair shops in the area. If you need help locating one, contact one of the directors. Listed below are several local repair shops:
Haas 651-631-8820
Schmitt Music 651-636-0801
SCHOOL-OWNED INSTRUMENTS
A limited number of school-owned instruments are available for use by students at PCS. Students and parents should understand that they are physically and financially responsible for the instrument. If the instrument is lost, stolen, or damaged, the student must reimburse the district for the replacement cost of the instrument, or necessary repairs at the discretion of the directors.
The district requires each student using a school-owned instrument to pay a $50.00 per year usage fee to help cover the cost of basic cleaning and maintenance of the instrument. All 7th & 8th grade percussionists will be required to pay the usage fee. Most of the instruments that these students use are owned by the school and must be kept in good repair. A statement for this fee will be sent to each student playing a 'school-owned' instrument. The instrument usage fee is non refundable.
NAME TAGS
Students are required to have name tags on their instrument cases. All materials and accessories should have the student's name or initials written clearly on them. Percussion students must have their names or initials on their stick bags as well as on each stick and mallet.
SERIAL NUMBER
For your protection, please record your instrument brand, model number and serial number. This information should be kept for reference with your home insurance paperwork.
FACILITIES
MUSIC STORAGE FOLIO CABINETS
There are music storage folio cabinets in the band room. Only music folders are to be stored in these cabinets. Each student will be assigned a number that corresponds to a number on the cabinets. Generally, folders are to be kept in that slot at any time they are not in use during the school day. Music folders should not be stored in instrument storage rooms or instrument cases for any reason.
OFFICE
Students should always knock and ask for permission from a director before they enter the Band Office.
PRACTICE ROOMS
Practice rooms are for use by band students before (with written permission from a band director), during, and after school. The number of students using a practice room is limited to two. Larger groups may use the rooms with the permission of the directors.
SECURITY
Students are not allowed to touch or play an instrument that does not belong to them. Students are encouraged to tell a director immediately if they think that their instrument or case has been tampered with. Vandalism and horseplay in the band area will not be tolerated
UNIFORMS
In the event that the purchasing of "uniform" clothing creates a severe financial hardship, please contact one of the directors before September 1st. Alternative payment plans or other ideas might be considered. |
7/8 Band & Jazz Band
Formal Wear (concert attire)
* black slacks (no denim)
* white, long sleeve, button-down shirt with a collar
* solid black shoes
* solid black socks
Please talk to a director if there is any question as to the specifics of what to wear.
Students will need to have their 'formal wear' by November (for pictures).
In the event that the purchasing of "uniform" clothing creates a severe financial hardship, please contact one of the directors before September 1st. Alternative payment plans or other ideas might be considered. |
PRIVATE LESSONS
Students are encouraged to take private lessons outside of school. Lessons are available through the recommended list of individuals:
FLUTE
Carol Gilkey (teaches at St. Chris. Church) 651-454-7810
Polly Meyerding (Roseville) 651-776-1780
Dorothy Sauser-Monnig (Cadenza Music, St. Paul) 651-644-3611
Susie Kuniyoshi 651-645-0867
Emily Sapa (St. Joseph’s School of Music) 651-690-4364
OBOE
Elizabeth Barry (St. Joseph’s School of Music) 651-690-4364
Andrea Fedele (Mpls) 612-331-5744
CLARINET
Jenny Gerth (St. Paul) 612-623-8168
Katrina Mundinger (H) 612-788-6124 / (Cell) 612-310-6983
Dave Magnuson (Arden Hills) 651-484-9439
Ye Yu (Roseville) 651-483-1943
Kristi Tharp (Schmitt Music) 51-636-0801
BASSOON
Ye Yu (Roseville) 651-483-1943
Ivy Tulchinsky (Cadenza Music) 651-644-3611
Carol Mason Smith (St. Paul) 651-644-5646
Amy Jauch (teaches at RAHs) 651-249-5760
SAXOPHONE
Chris Thomson (teaches at RAHS) 612-281-5508
Jeff King (Cadenza Music) 651-644-3611
Gary Crowe (Bethel College) 612-863-1657 (Cell) 612 235-1088
TRUMPET
Takako Seimiya (teaches at RAHS) 612-331-8406
David Thomas (St. Paul) 651-270-8776
Dean Heller (St. Joseph's School of Music) 651-690-4364
Kelly Rossum (McPhail Center, Mpls) 612-321-0100
FRENCH HORN
Bob Olsen (Roseville) 651-646-2983
Matt Wilson (NorthWwestern College) 612-770-4531
TROMBONE/EUPHONIUM
Michael Dugan (St. Joseph’s School of Music) 651-690-4364
Bruce Gleason 651-646-5022
TUBA
Stefan Kac (home studio) 612-310-0074
Michael Dugan (St. Joseph’s School of Music) 651-690-4364
PERCUSSION
Randy Martens (Schmitt Music) 651-636-0801
Paul Hill (St. Joseph’s School of Music) 651-690-4364
Dave Michael (teaches at Ellis Drum Shop) 651-210-4273
7th and 8th GRADE FEE INFORMATION
Students using the following instruments will need to pay the first semester 'school-owned instrument usage fee' for each instrument they have checked out:
- Tuba,
- Baritone,
- Horn,
- Oboe,
- Bass Clarinet,
- Tenor Sax,
- Baritone Sax,
- Bassoon, and
- Percussion.
This fee covers the general maintenance procedure that is performed on each instrument at the end of the year. Students will be responsible for any damages over normal 'wear and tear' on the instrument. This fee is $50.00 per year. Students using 'school-owned' instruments will receive a statement each year containing payment instructions. An invoice will be sent home. Checks should be made payable to Roseville Area Schools.
7th & 8th Grade students will need to purchase a method book. This book is full of useful information that the students can refer to throughout their musical career. Each book is $7.00 (tax included). We will be using the Essential Elements 2000 Book 2 and Yamaha Advantage Book 2. Percussion students should purchase the combined percussion book for Yamaha Advantage.
All 7th & 8th grade percussionists will be required to pay the usage fee. Most of the instruments that these students use are owned by the school and must be kept in good repair. Percussionists are also required to have a stick bag with the following equipment.
- 1 pair of snare drums sticks
- 1 pair of timpani mallets (Grover SV-T303 Med/General)
- 1 pair of medium yarn mallets (Grover SV-M242 Med/Blue)
- 1 pair of medium xylo/bell mallets (Grover SV-M214 Hard/Red)
The band director requests a dozen chocolate chip cookies by the end of the first semester. (Just kidding! Anytime is o.k.)
STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING
The following handouts are due by the end of the first week of school in September:
SUMMER MUSIC CAMPS
Music camps are offered for students entering grades 4-8 in the mornings during the months of June and July. Students receive a lesson every day, four days a week, for five weeks. In addition, students participate in music theory class, band/orchestra rehearsal, and a recreational period. Attendance is required the first week of camp. Flyers are sent home with students in grades 3-7 the week before spring break.
LINKS
If you have questions or need more information, please
E-mail Joe Churchich.
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Parkview Center School
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