Welcome Riverview Band Parents and Students ZACHARY GELLER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TEACHER WEBSITE: WWW.RIVERVIEWBANDS.PBWORKS.COM

Riverview Middle School Music Boosters Julie Van Norwick (outgoing) President TBA (this could be you!) Vice President Shelley Benedict Treasurer TBA (this could be you!) Secretary TBA (this could be you!) Spaghetti Dinner Coordinator TBA (this could be you!) Silent Auction Coordinator TBA (this could be you!) Poinsettia Sales Coordinator TBA (this could be you!) Webmaster

Riverview Band Program Overview Concert Bands Jazz Band Grading Policy Performances Instruments Equipment Private Lessons Parents—ways to help your student

Riverview Band Program Student Musical Background PRIOR KNOWLEDGE NOT REQUIRED Take students as they are Build fundamentals from square one ANYONE CAN AND SHOULD JOIN BAND Percussion: 2 years of piano experience OR mastery of percussion test during mouthpiece testing

Riverview Band Program Time Involvement Concert Bands are split by grade level All students meet every other day for about 45 minutes Performances 3 concerts per year 7th/8th grade Participate in Large Ensemble Festival 8th Grade Participates in Kalahari Band Festival in April Solo and Ensemble Festival in March (primarily 7th/8th Grade)

Riverview Band Program Time Involvement cont. Required Lessons 20 minute lessons scheduled during the day Students are not pulled out of “corps” classes Practicing Practice logs are required and must be signed Suggest 70 minutes a week (15 minutes every other day) 1000 Minute Club = Free Lesson

Riverview Band Program Jazz Band Primarily 7th and 8th Grade students Open to all students who are interested Rehearsals 7:00am – 7:30am Tuesdays and Thursdays Saxes, Trumpets, Trombones, Guitar, Piano, Bass, and Drum Set

Riverview Band Program What to Expect in 6th Grade Each Band introduces new and expands on various musical concepts and content 6th Grade: Reading music Notation Rhythm Basic Music Theory How to put instruments together Creating fundamental sounds Performance techniques

Riverview Band Program Grading Policy 40% Skill Assessment = Lessons 30% Summative Assessment = Performances/Tests Concert Performance – at least 1 per trimester Playing Tests Written Tests 20% Performance = In Call Skill Assessment 10% Formative Assessment = Assignments/Quizzes

Riverview Band Program Lessons Grades Each Student will have at least 9 lessons every trimester Lessons Grading – 4 points: Materials: 2 points = Practice Log completed and signed 1 point = Practice Log signed but not completed (or vice versa) 0 points = Practice Log not signed or completed Performance: 2 points = individual goal(s) mastered 1 point = still working on individual goal/incomplete 0 points = unable to demonstrate goal

Riverview Band Program Performances We are performing ensembles! 3 or 4 performances that occur outside the school day per year Dates, Times, and Locations of our band program seldom, if ever, change. Please record all pertinent dates and keep a copy of the calendar for your records. The most up to date calendar can be found at: www.RiverviewBands.pbworks.com

Riverview Band Program Performances cont. Please give me proper notice if unable to perform at a concert (2 Weeks) Unexcused absence from a performance will result in: Zero for the concert Students will be required to make up the points via a Written Assignment

Riverview Band Program Calendar… In the event you misplace your calendar, it is available to you: In the packet handed out tonight In the Band Handbook On our website (www.RiverviewBands.pbworks.com) On the RMS website (http://www.plymouth.k12.wi.us/Schools/COM/CalDis.html) In announcements sent out to our email list

Riverview Band Program Selection of Instrument Recommendations Mouthpiece Testing Results on website Process of recommending an instrument Not everyone can be a quarterback Balancing the ensemble

Riverview Band Program Obtaining the Right Instrument Instrument and Materials Recommendations on Website Renting through Dreams Unlimited Bring my recommendation sheet with you Everything has been selected for you School Owned Instruments French Horn, Bassoon, Euphonium, & Tuba Have limited other instruments School Rental Fee - $60

Riverview Band Program Obtaining the Right Instrument cont. Used vs. New Buyer beware – common problems with used instruments Pads need to be replaced Damages not shown in pictures Quality does impact student learning/growth Do not buy a used instrument without consulting Mr. Geller or another professional. Renting to Own Quality is guaranteed Ability to switch instruments DREAMS UNLIMITED PRESENTATION

Riverview Band Program Other Materials/Accessories Mandatory Purchase: Traditions of Excellence: Book 1 ~ $10 White 3 Ring Binder (to hold music and handouts) Woodwind Reeds Pencils Recommended (not required) Purchases Accessory package for each instrument Valve Oil, Slide Grease, Cleaning Supplies, etc. Tune/Metronome Combo ~$25 SmartMusic – Music Accompaniment Software ~$36 per year Learn more at www.smartmusic.com

Riverview Band Program Summer School and Lessons “Beginning Band Blast Off!” Encouraged but not required Must sign up by calling Riverview Main Office August dates are posted on Website Kick start to the year Learn fundamentals on every instrument Fun and exciting learning environment FREE Summer Lessons First two lessons are most important lessons for beginners Dreams Unlimited Instruments handed out

Riverview Band Program Parents Take note of where your child is now… Three way musical Partnership Parent-Student-Teacher Set the practice schedule for/with them Show a genuine interest, even when they are just starting—Ask questions Enjoy the Concerts Get involved, we have a wonderful (HUGE) Band Family

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