1. Welcome Riverview Band Parents and Students
ZACHARY GELLER
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TEACHER
WEBSITE:

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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:

12. 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

13. 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 (
On the RMS website (
In announcements sent out to our list

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. Shameless Advertising
pbworks.com