Mann Middle School 2016-2017 BAND HANDBOOK It’s Time For Band   Welcome Middle School just got even better. You are now a member of an amazing inclusive group of friends that all share the love of making music together. My primary responsibility is to provide students with fundamental instruction in the aspects of instrumental music including proper playing technique, as well as music reading and writing skills. Through their participation in band, students will not only receive the training necessary to be successful in music, but will also develop 21st century skills needed to be successful in all aspects of life. At the same time, it is my hope that students acquire a lifelong love and appreciation for music. This handbook contains information regarding expectations, procedures, and performances . It is extremely important that all details are understood by both students and parents. Please keep this handbook as a reference should you ever have questions. Your time, energy, and cooperation in continuing a tradition of excellence are appreciated. I am honored that you have trusted the musical care of your children to me and I look forward to an amazing year. Dedicated to your child’s success, Kim Kincaid, Director of Bands Mann Middle School COMMUNICATION: Email Contact: kincakc@d11.org Email is my preferred method of contact. I check email often and respond as soon as time allows. Your questions are important to me and I am eager to get back with you in a timely manner. Please refer often to my webpage http://teachers.d11.org/teachers/kincakc/Pages/home.aspx to make sure you stay involved in class information and assignments. Table of Contents pg Welcome 1 It’s Time For Band Course Descriptions 2 Required Daily Materials 3 iPads and Applications Smart Music and Lockers 4 Grading Policy 5 Performance Attendance Concert Attire 6 School-Owned Instruments Instrument Upkeep Rehearsal Hall 7 Expectations Practice Expectations Final Words 8 Handbook Contract 9 It’s Time For Band

2 COURSE DESCRIPTION All Mann Middle School band courses are year long courses and therefore once a student has enrolled, they are expected to finish the year in band. Students enjoy performing both a Winter and a Spring Concert in addition to school and community performance opportunities throughout the school year. 6th Grade Beginning Band The Beginning Band is comprised of first year students. Prior experience in not necessary and each student goes through an interview process to help determine which instrument will encourage the student to be most successful. Students receive instruction on proper posture, fundamental tone production, rhythmic concepts, and basic music reading skills. Students will perform two concerts and have the opportunity to perform at the Solo and Ensemble Festival in the Spring.   6th Grade Intermediate Band The Intermediate Band is comprised of 6th grade students who have successfully completed one or more years of band. (A student assessment may be required to qualify for this class.) Students who chose to change instruments may need to take the beginning course. Students will receive continuing instruction in fundamental tone production, rhythmic concepts, and intermediate music theory skills. Students will perform at least two concerts and are expected to perform at the annual Solo and Ensemble Festival. 7th Grade Concert Band This band class is for students who already have an understanding of basic music reading, instrument assembly and maintenance, correct playing position and sound production. Similarly, select students may have the opportunity to transition to instruments that may not have been offered in previous school experiences. This class is designed to offer intermediate-level instruction in band performance skills with emphasis on music theory, interpretation, and improved technical proficiency. Students will perform at least twice a year and will be encouraged to participate in the Solo and Ensemble Festival. 8th Grade Symphonic Band This band class emphasizes advanced technical and expressive skills in an ensemble-focused setting. The elements of more complex music theory and interpretation are addressed. This group will perform at least twice a year and may participate in adjudicated concert and Solo and Ensemble festivals and other school related functions. Students also have the opportunity for additional instruction in preparation for D11 and Pikes Peak Middle School Honor Bands. Jazz Band The Jazz Band is made up of 8th grade students. This activity is offered for students who wish to learn to play basic jazz styles. Emphasis is placed on the swing and rock styles, and improvisation using the blues scales. Jazz Band performs at school concerts, for the student body, community and festivals.

Required Daily Materials Students should bring the following materials to class EVERY time class meets. A more detailed list is available on my teacher website. Students who do not remember to bring their materials will loose part or all of that day’s participation points. Band Instrument/mouthpiece in good condition iPad (once issued) Reeds (Clarinet and Sax) Sticks - 5A or 2B, Mallets - 1 pr General Timpani Mallets and 1 pr Medium Xylophone Mallets; all sticks/mallets in a Stick Bag labeled with student’s name (Percussion Only) Method Book/Theory Book/Music/Music Folder Pencil Cleaning equipment Flute: Cleaning Cloth and Rod Clarinet and Sax: Cleaning Swab, cork grease Brass: Cleaning Kit, Valve Oil/Slide Grease, mouthpiece brush, cleaning cloth iPads, Music Applications, and Smart Music Once student iPads are issued, they will be used every day in class and during at home practice. Students music applications that we will be using, but are not limited to, include the Bandmate Chromatic Tuner, Pro Metronome, Remind 101, and Smart Music. Bandmate Chromatic Tuner: With Bandmate on their music stand, students are able to see exactly what written note is playing on their instrument. No more guessing, no more wondering if they are playing the right note. They can see the real written notation for their instrument and whether they are sharp or flat. Pro Metronome Allows students to hear, see, and feel the beat while practicing. YouTube Video on features: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMkZyGEyoHs Is a communication app designed for education and is a free, safe, and easy to use. Parents and students will receive updates and reminders throughout the year.

MUSIC LOCKERS: COMBINATION LOCKS ONLY-NO KEY LOCKS! SmartMusic is a new and exciting way to practice and perform!  This excerpt from the SmartMusic website explains more: "This interactive, computer-based practice system helps students get better faster, and makes practicing more fun!  With amazing accompaniments for more than 30,000 titles, challenging exercises, and the ability to record personal CD's, SmartMusic is the future of music learning." The Mann Middle School Bands will be using SmartMusic this year to help students practice and continue to improve their skills.  The basic program will be purchased by the band program for all students. We will begin utilizing the software immediately in school practice studios and class rehearsals so that students become familiar with the use of the program. A parent information demonstration night will be announced as soon as iPads are distributed to students. How does it work? MUSIC LOCKERS: COMBINATION LOCKS ONLY-NO KEY LOCKS! Music lockers are for band materials only and should not be used for other class materials. Students will not be allowed to access their band lockers during or between class periods when they are not in band unless the student is being checked out of school early. Neither the school not the music teacher is responsible for damage or loss of an instrument due to a student failing to secure their instrument in their locker or giving the combination to the lock out to other students. Instruments are to be taken home every day for practice. The music area will be open ten minutes prior to the beginning of first hour and ten minutes after the end of the last hour in order for students to access their music lockers.

PERFORMANCE ATTENDANCE 3 GRADING POLICY 60% Daily Participation: The expectation is that students are engaged in class and create a positive influence on the overall improvement of the program. You must be in your seat ready to play at the class start time. Late students will lose 10% of that day’s participation grade. Every day you must have your instrument with nametag, music folder/method book/sheet music, pencil, and required materials for your specific instrument. If a student forgets their instrument, supplies or music, it is possible to regain 80% of your class daily participation grade by returning a completed “Instrument Detective Class Writing Assignment” signed by a parent THE NEXT CLASS DAY. Students cannot learn to play an instrument if they cannot be responsible for bringing their materials to class. 40% (Playing Assessments, Notebook Check, and Concert Participation ) Students are expected to practice 15-20 minutes per day at least 5 times per week. Playing/Written tests will be administered through the “Smart Music” Online Platform or teacher administered. Playing skills will be assessed weekly and any student who has not submitted a “Smart Music” Test by the deadline will receive a grade of “0%”. If students are absent on a playing test day, they will be expected to make up that playing test in a reasonable amount of time. Concert Performance: Attendance is required and will count as two playing assessments. Extra Credit: Students may receive 1-5 extra credit points added to their final average by attending or performing in a concert or recital. Students should bring a program from the concert no later than two days after the concert. The student’s name and class period should be on the program and turned in to the band director. Examples of extra-credit concerts include: Other middle and high school band concerts, Honor Band Performance/Participation, Marching band shows/competition, Professional Wind/Orchestra Performance. The band director will review the concert program and determine the number of extra credit points awarded. PERFORMANCE ATTENDANCE Students are required to attend all scheduled concerts and must be dressed properly, display exemplary concert etiquette, and play their best, working for an outstanding performance. Absences of any kind negatively impact the other students in the band. Missing a performance will be excused for the following reasons and must be made up by completing an alternate writing assignment. Illness (absent from school the same day) Family Emergency (approved by the Principal) Non-school activities such as club sports, medical appointments, family activities, etc. are NOT considered excused absences. Please communicate any possible conflicts early. Performance make-up assignments must be completed within one week of the missed event OR within one week of the student’s return to school. UNEXCUSED absences CANNOT BE MADE UP and will result in a performance grade of “0”.

SCHOOL-OWNED INSTRUMENT RENTAL 4 CONCERT ATTIRE Taking pride in a uniform is important to projecting a professional appearance and making a good first impression. Students are required to wear traditional Mann Band Polo shirt (available for purchase – the order form is attached to parent contract), Black dress slacks (no jeans or leggings), black socks, and black dress shoes, and students will only wear small jewelry or small black colored hair accessories. Many band programs wear similar uniforms, so please plan early to make sure that sizes are available for your child. SCHOOL-OWNED INSTRUMENT RENTAL Students playing instruments not rented from local music stores will play on school-owned instruments. Students with these instruments will pay a one time usage fee in the amount of $20.00 per year payable to “Mann Middle School” as soon as possible. This fee is used to pay for annual cleaning and repairs. A completed and signed rental agreement will be due along with the fee. Students are responsible for any damage above normal “wear and tear” and will be charged for any repair or replacement due to negligence. Instrument Upkeep and Repair: It is important that all students’ instruments are kept in good working condition by regularly cleaning/oiling the instruments and following proper procedures provided by the instructor. If a student’s instrument develops any kind of mechanical problem, he/she should notify the director as soon as possible. I am often able to complete minor repairs at the school at no cost to your family. School owned instruments needing repair due to natural wear and tear will be repaired and paid for by the school. Repairs due to negligence are the sole responsibility of the family as stated in the Instrument Rental Contract. Personal Instruments should be brought to me before sending it to the shop for repair. If I am not able to repair the instrument, repair should be completed at an area repair shop as soon as possible. Parents should send in a signed letter communicating when an instrument is at the shop for repair. Students will not lose participation points only when the letter is received and alternate materials will be provided for the student whenever possible.

REHEARSAL HALL EXPECTATIONS 5 REHEARSAL HALL EXPECTATIONS 1. Always enter the rehearsal hall with a positive attitude. 2. When you walk into the rehearsal hall, move quickly to get your instrument and materials so we can begin rehearsals on time. Please remain quiet during this time – talking should be done outside. 3. Listen aggressively! Focus on fully understanding the concept or instruction being presented. If something is not understood, ask APPROPRIATE questions at the APPROPRIATE time. 4. Always follow directions the first time they are given. 5. Please remain quiet during class. Raise your hand and wait to be acknowledged before speaking so we can have productive and efficient rehearsals. 6. All students are expected to be respectful of others. Speak in a courteous tone, keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself and allow for a quiet classroom atmosphere. 7. It is everyone’s responsibility to keep the rehearsal hall clean and neat. Stack chairs and stands when you are finished using them, and throw away all trash. 8. Do not hold, play, operate, or otherwise handle any instrument besides your own. This is a liability issue. 9. There will be no gum, candy, food, or drinks (other than water) allowed in the Hall. 10. Only band and orchestra students are allowed in the Rehearsal Hall. This is for security as well as traffic flow concerns. Your friends may wait for you outside. 11. Students will take their instruments and music folders home EVERY NIGHT. Students are expected to practice an average of 15-20 minutes per day, 5 days a week outside of rehearsals. Instruments are not allowed to remain at school overnight. Doing so will cause a lowered grade unless you have an off campus school activity that prevents you from coming to get your instrument after school. 15. While every effort is made to keep the rehearsal hall secure, we are not liable for any damage to or loss of instruments that are stored at school. TAKE YOUR INSTRUMENT HOME! CONSEQUENCES -- Please remember that all School rules apply in the Rehearsal Hall! Please refer to the Mann Middle School Parent Handbook for classroom discipline guidelines and the consequences for inappropriate behavior in the Rehearsal Hall. PRACTICE: It’s the best way to improve! As with any activity that requires a special skill, students must practice their instrument in order to achieve the best results. 20 minutes, 5 days per week should ensure that your child is able to perform all of the music to the best of their ability. Students can practice in one sitting or may find that two 10 minute sessions work better for their learning style and schedule. Please don’t wait until the last minute to practice your music. Please encourage your child to practice often and never forget that children love to play for you. Free Metronome and Tuner applications will be preloaded onto your student’s iPad but are available online and through your smart phone app store. These tools, along with regular practice, and encouragement from family and friends play an invaluable role in your child’s success.

B.A.S.H. Band After School Help 6 B.A.S.H. Band After School Help Band after school help or B.A.S.H is available on the following days from 3:45-4:45pm. Help and enrichment is also available to all students by appointment. Tuesday: 6th grade Wednesday: 7th grade Thursday: 8th grade Students will work in both small and large group settings. This is an excellent opportunity to work on Honor Band Audition materials, Solo and Ensemble music, and class and concert music. FINAL WORDS Tips for Parents and Students “HELP” Help to set up the best possible practice facility. The area should be well lit and free from other distractions, and should accommodate a straight chair and music stand (siblings should never be allowed to touch the musical instrument). Establish a regular time and routine for practice.  Students should begin with some warm-up exercises (long tones and scales), move into the assignment and isolate difficult passages that need additional work. These passages can be played slower with different articulations to help resolve technical problems. Students should end practice time with a piece they know and enjoy playing for fun. Listen enthusiastically to your child’s practicing. Recognize his/her effort and make positive comments. Remember, you are the audience your child will most appreciate. Participate in our three-way partnership: Parent, student, and teacher working together to make band an enjoyable and lifelong experience.