Frontier Trail Middle

School Bands Sara Smitko, Director of Bands

Danny Kaul, Co-Director 6th Grade Band Jacob Wilson, Co-Director 7/8th Grade Band

A Handbook for Band Members and Parents for 2019-2020

Contacting the Band Program Frontier Trail MS Bands Office: (913) 780-7210 15300 W. 143rd Street Fax: (913) 780-7216 Olathe, KS 66062 E-Mail: ssmitkoft@olatheschools.org Website: http://teachers.olatheschools.com/frontiertrailbands/

August 2019

Dear F.T. Band Parents and Students,

Hello and Welcome to the FT Band Program!

I hope you all had a GREAT summer! I sure had a fun summer with my 3 kids! It

seemed to have FLOWN by! I am truly excited to be back in the band room teaching your

kids. This year is already off to a fantastic start. The 7th and 8th Grade bands are

prepping hard to represent Frontier Trail in a HUGE way at the annual Old Settlers

Parade! 6th Grade has been trained well at their elementary schools and now Mr. Kaul,

Mr. Wilson and I get to take them even further! The energy and willingness to learn is

evident. These kids are talented and eager – the best combination.

The purpose of this handbook is to familiarize you with the band program’s philosophies,

procedures, and expectations. Band is both an academic class and an activity involving

performances out of class and out of school; by making yourself familiar with how our

program is run, you’ll enjoy your own part in our program even more. There is a great

deal of information here! For incoming 6th grade students & parents, it might seem a

little overwhelming at first, but a small amount of time invested in reading this material

will get us all “on the same page,” and help all to have a great band experience.

I invite your questions and your input! Please feel free to contact me. Let’s work together

to make this year great!

Sincerely,

Sara Smitko

Table of Contents Goals of this Program .............................................................................................................................. 2 Charms Office.com .................................................................................................................................. 2 Expectations ............................................................................................................................................ 2 Cell Phone Policy .................................................................................................................................... 3 Instruments .............................................................................................................................................. 3 Lockers and Locks ................................................................................................................................... 3 Method Books and Sheet Music .............................................................................................................. 4 Transportation Procedures ...................................................................................................................... 4 Calendar Information ............................................................................................................................... 4 Grading and Attendance Keys to Success ............................................................................................... 5 Concert and Performance Expectations ................................................................................................... 6 Jaguar Ensembles ................................................................................................................................... 6 Jaguar Band Calendar ............................................................................................................................. 7-8 FT Band Member Agreement .................................................................................................................. 9

Goals of this Program Teamwork and group success are OUR goals in the FT Band. Overall, the FT Band program strives to provide members with quality instruction in which fundamentals and advanced concepts are taught and good citizenship and teamwork are demonstrated above all else. In this environment, members and their successes truly become first and there is indeed fun for all! As a teacher and band director, my job is to help students make a successful journey into capable, responsible young adults. I look at that as my ultimate goal/job in the classroom. Music and fun will come when students are learning to be responsible, respectful and resourceful.

www.CharmsOffice.com Like other music programs in the Olathe schools, FT band has an online resource called Charms. This

web‐based resource is useful for seeing what school materials are checked out to you/your student, seeing the year‐long band event calendar, and perhaps MOST IMPORTANTLY student/parent contact information. This resource is also an easy way to download handouts. Please take a moment to update your information within Charms. The Charms information database doesn’t automatically update if you change your information with the district or with FT. Here’s how you can do that, and more: • Log on to www.charmsoffice.com • Locate the ENTER tab on the web page. • Locate the “PARENT/STUDENTS/MEMBERS” login section of the web page. • Enter the school code: ftband • Enter your child’s ID NUMBER (5 or 6 digits) in the STUDENT AREA PASSWORD. • This will bring up the main page. This page will allow you to look at your child’s Calendar, Event List, Handouts, Inventory and other files. • Clicking on the Personal Info tab will direct you to the page to update any changes in email addresses. • When you enter your child’s ID NUMBER, another more detailed screen appears with even more options to view your student’s information, such as contact information, school instruments that are checked out, and more

General Expectations

Member Expectations

To be a member of the FT band, you must…

Show Respect – for yourself, classmates, our guests, and our band room

Be Prepared – have all materials necessary to be a musician everyday

observe all Frontier Trail school rules, whether you are at school or off campus representing our band and our school in public

Keep the padlock on your band locker locked at all times whether it is empty or not

Fully participate in all performances, regular at-home practice, and in daily rehearsals as described later

Work effectively with the director and the other band members at all times

Keep the director informed of any change in personal information (including home phone number, address, parent work phone, e-mail, etc.). Be sure to keep your Charms Account updated

Meet privately with the director anytime you have a concern about anything that pertains to our band program or your involvement. (I can almost always help if I know there is a problem, but I can’t help when I don’t know there is a problem)

Always do your best work!

Cell Phones on Band Trips Cell phones have become a necessity for most people. I, along with the school administration, understand. The policy of Frontier Trail is that cell phones are not allowed to be out of lockers from 7:50am until 3:10pm. For the band program, I have adopted a similar policy with the following additions.

Cell Phone Rules: 1. If the trip takes place during the school day, meaning we leave and return during school hours, cell

phones are NOT allowed. Phones will not be needed as you don’t need them during school and they become a nuisance. If a cell phone appears during one of these trips, it will be confiscated and given to the principal upon our return to school. A parent must pick up the phone to get it returned.

2. If the trip takes place outside the school day or starts when school is in session and will end after, cell phones will be permitted on the trip for emergency use and for contacting parents at the end of the trip. We don’t take many of these trips. The main trips are Old Settler’s, Worlds of Fun, and Jazz Festivals.

I ask for parent and student cooperation in following these expectations.

Instruments

Generally, students are responsible for providing their own instruments if they play flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, trombone, or percussion. These should be kept in the best working order possible in order to allow greatest musical success. All instruments should be clearly tagged or labeled with the student’s name and contact information.

Frontier Trail provides oboes, bassoons, bass clarinets, tenor saxes, bari saxes, French horns, baritones, tubas, and large percussion equipment. Any student using a school instrument must complete a checkout form obtained from Mrs. Smitko and return it with a parent signature. All school instruments also include an Olathe School District case tag which is to remain on the instruments’ case at all times. The student checking out the instrument is responsible for damage beyond normal wear & tear. The student and parent will need to sign and return a district instrument contract. These instruments may be checked out with a $50.00 OPTIONAL fee for cleaning. (We would really appreciate your help with these expensive costs!!) Please keep in mind that the lowest rental cost from a music store is around $20 per month or $240 per year. These checks should be made payable to USD #233.

Percussionists will have the opportunity to use Frontier Trail’s snare drums and bells in addition to learning a greater variety of percussive instruments. Therefore, they are not required to bring their instruments back & forth to school. However, it is crucial that percussionists have access to a snare drum and bell set at home, because these two instruments will continue to be the foundation for learning percussion playing. Percussionists are given free use of over $20,000 in percussion equipment at FT. In return, they are expected to treat this expensive equipment with care and will be held financially responsible for damage. To help maintain these instruments requires a large sum of money, and an OPTIONAL $20 fee for maintenance costs (such as new heads, cleanings, repairs, even new drums and harnesses) may be paid for the year. We would really appreciate your help. These checks should be made payable to USD #233.

Percussionists also need to have a stick bag for their mallets and sticks. Many music stores carry bags that come equipped with timpani mallets, yarn mallets (for marimba), rubber mallets (for bells and xylophone) and a set of snare sticks. Sticks, mallets, and stick bags should be well labeled with your student’s name.

Brass and woodwind players are expected to have necessary materials (reeds, valve oil, etc.) to enable best use of their instruments. Reed players should have at least 3 playable reeds – having 4 is even better.

A word about OPTIONAL fees. If you feel you cannot afford the fee that will not prevent your student participating. Also, if you want, you can pay these fees at a later date. Again, these are OPTIONAL.

Lockers and Locks You will receive a locker assignment in the band room. A padlock will already be on the locker. You may NOT use your own lock for any reason. Your band locker must remain LOCKED at all times whether empty or not (this prevents lost locks and switched locks). If you lose or damage a lock then you will be charged $8.00 for its replacement. The locker remains the property of FT Band and therefore the director or any other person authorized by the director may access the locker at any time with or without notice for any purpose deemed necessary by the director.

Method Books and Sheet Music Our current method books in the Olathe School District are Essential Elements 2000 and Sound Innovations. The 6th Grade Band will use Sound Innovations Book 1 and the 7th & 8th Grade Bands will use Essential Elements 2000 Book 2. All books are available at our local music stores. It is also wise for all musicians to own a folding music stand to practice with at home. Students will occasionally be asked to bring them to school for large concerts. You will receive sheet music throughout the year. Music must be returned in the same condition in which it was received. It is expected that you will write on your music in pencil (never pen) and erase it before checking it back in. If you lose or damage music then you will be charged for its replacement. Music ranges in price from $5.00 per page to $30.00 per book.

Transportation Procedure Two issues arise when transportation is discussed—teamwork and safety. Our band strives for one thing above all else--teamwork. To enhance this teamwork and to address a concern for the safety of all participants, band members and families are expected to follow this procedure throughout the year.

Busses will be provided to most band events deemed necessary by the director.

If busses are used for a band event, you must ride on the bus to and from the event with the band.

No student may be driven by siblings, parents, friends, or drive themselves when busses are used for the band without prior written consent of the parent and the band director. This process requires at least 2 weeks notice and is only approved for families with special extenuating circumstances.

I UNDERSTAND AND AM SYMPATHETIC to the fact that this causes some inconvenience occasionally. But for teamwork, safety, and liability reasons, we must use this procedure for all band activities. If we use busses, you ride them! Thanks for your cooperation. Everyone should have filled out a transportation form at enrollment that will stand for band trips also.

Calendar Information

All FT Band events will be listed on the band calendar. As with most events in our lives, I will make every attempt to keep the calendar from changing. But, changes are sometimes necessary. Listen in rehearsal and keep an eye out for letters home with your child and email. BAND MEMBERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR INFORMING PARENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS. Failing to notify your parents in advance and missing an event will constitute an unexcused absence. All FT Band concerts at FTMS will usually follow this schedule…

6:40p.m. Members report 7:00p.m. Concert begins 8:15p.m. (ish) Concert ends (please be flexible as musical lengths vary)

For FT Band performances at other locations, please consult the band calendar for information. Detailed information comes home in paper letters about one week before the concert/field trip, email or you can also look at our calendar with details in on the Frontier Trail Band Website. http://teachers.olatheschools.com/frontiertrailbands/

Grading and Attendance Keys to Success Band and music classes should not be based entirely on 1 or 2 performances. I believe the journey to the performance is just as, if not more, important than the final performance. Preparation and diligent work in Daily Rehearsals

Have instrument (or mallets/sticks), pencil, music, mutes and any other needed supplies at your chair

Be set-up ready to play in your seat promptly after the bell

Work effectively with the director and others during rehearsal Practice at Home 60 minutes each week for 6th Grade- 70 Minutes each week for 7th Grade- 80 Minutes each week for 8th Grade

Recorded on practice records and verified by parent signature for 6th , 7th and 8th Grades.

Private lesson time and real at-home practice time counts. Performances and rehearsals do NOT count. Playing Tests

Live assessments during rehearsal covering scale studies and current music (at least 3 per quarter). Some will be completed using smart music technology

Perform

Band is a performance-based class. Performances are our final exams—the main focus of our intense study and work. As explained in the enrollment paperwork, performance will affect grading. If you choose to miss a performance for a non-school related activity, you will NOT be allowed to make up the points. Band is a team effort and you need to be at the performances.

Point breakdown is as follows: Punctuality

Be in seat ready to warm up at 6:40 pm Uniform

Tux Shirt (8th) (sleeves rolled down, tucked in and cummerbund on)

Band Polo Shirt (6th & 7th) tucked in

Black Dress Pants- no jeans

Black Socks (covering ankles)

Black Dress Shoes- no athletic shoes or flip flops

Hair out of face- should be able to make eye contact with conductor

NO GUM Pre-Concert Warm-up

Playing instrument with full band

Not playing while other groups warm up

Following directions and not running around Performance

Instrument in ready position when not playing

Proper playing position when playing (posture)

Having all required musical accessories (mutes, percussion equipment, reeds, valve oil)

Instrument up a measure before entrances Audience Etiquette

No walking around while any group performs

No cell phones

Not pointing or laughing at performers, playing your instrument, or distracting performers.

Absence from a performance is permitted only when the member is too ill to attend school that day, when a member experiences a death in the family, or when other extreme circumstances warrant. In ALL cases, the band member must make a request of the director and receive written permission from the director, when appropriate, PRIOR to the performance. Make-up work will be required.

In Class Assignments Can be any assignment completed in class or as homework overnight. Extra Credit—Methods to Earn Credit (not available for lack of practice) Attend or perform yourself in any school or non-school musical production of any type then write in a paper format what you have learned from that experience that you will apply to band.

Concert/Performance Expectations

Below is a list of expectations I have for all students at all performances in addition to what they are graded on from above. We will review these before each concert, but please read them now and start to remember. 1. You may play your instrument ONLY with permission. 2. Talking during the entire concert is unacceptable. 3. Be an appropriate audience - APPLAUSE ONLY! Booing, cheering or large waves are all unacceptable behaviors. 4. Attempt to solve individual problems on your own. 5. Stay for the entire concert. 6. Upon arrival, go to your assigned area. Do not roam the building. 7. Be professional at all times. 8. Do not make extra work for the custodians (this includes black shoe scrapes and leaving trash). 10. Be an “almost adult” at all times.

Jaguar Ensembles

Here are the Bands that Frontier Trail currently offers: 6th Grade Band – This band meets in three classes and performs at the Fall Concert, Winter Concert, Spring Concert, and tours local elementary schools in the spring. 7th Grade Band – This band is comprised of 7th grade students. They perform in the Old Settler’s Parade, Winter Concert, Spring Concert, and the Olathe Intermediate Band Festival. 8th Grade Band – This band is comprised of 8th grade students. It performs in the Old Settler’s Parade (combined with Intermediate Band), Winter Concert, Spring Concert, the Max Green Band Festival, and the Worlds of Fun Music Festival. Jazz Band – This group is open to students who are in the 7h & 8th grade who play saxophone, trumpet, trombone,

drumset, piano, bass, and guitar. The 2019‐2020 Jaguar Jazz Band auditions were held in the spring and the ensemble will meet as a Club 1st Semester during Jag Time and as a Class 2nd Semester. Auditions for the 2020-2021 Jaguar Jazz Band will be held in the spring of 2020. It will perform at several FT concerts throughout the year, at the Southside Jazz & BBQ and attends an annual Jazz Festival. More information on the jazz band will follow. Jazz Club – This group is open to students who are in 6th,7th, & 8th grade who is enrolled in band. This club offers the students an introduction into playing the style of jazz and will meet as a Club 2nd Semester, on the 3rd club rotation, during Jag Time. Students who are interested in auditioning for Jazz Band should play in Jazz Club. This group performs at the Spring Concert.

2019-2020 Band Calendar **This list contains all required events as of 8/15/19. Updates on Band Website**

AUGUST

Aug. 22 FT Band Fundraiser Kick-Off All Bands

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 6 Old Settler’s Parade Rehearsal 7th & 8th GRADE BANDS, 6:45a.m. @ FT

Sept. 7 Old Settler’s Parade 7th & 8th GRADE, report time 8:30am & pick up

from FT @ 11:00am

Sept. 20 Pep Assembly 7th & 8th GRADE BANDS (Marching Band

Performs) during school

Sept. 30.

Olathe Marching Festival 8th GRADE BAND, held @ CBAC, 7pm, extra

credit for 7th grade band members who choose

to attend

OCTOBER

Oct. 25 Fundraiser Inflatable Party All band & orchestra students who sold 10 units

in the fundraiser, 3:15-5pm, FT Gym

Oct. 29 6th Grade Concert 6th GRADE BAND, Combined with 6th Grade

Choir and Orchestra, 7pm FT GYM

NOVEMBER

Nov. 15 Pep Assembly 8th GRADE BAND, during school

DECEMBER

Dec. 6 Tuba Christmas ALL BARITONE & TUBA PLAYERS, during

school field trip

Dec. 12 Winter Band Concert in FT Gym ALL FT BANDS, 7pm

Dec. 13 Band Yearbook Picture Day ALL BANDS, FULL uniforms @ school

JANUARY

Jan. 16 6th Grade Tour 6th GRADE BAND, during school field trip

Jan. 23 FT Area Band Festival JAZZ BAND/6th GRADE BAND, FT Gym, 7pm

Jan. 24-25 Sousa Band Performance only those who auditioned and were accepted,

not required for any band

FEBRUARY

Feb. 6 OSHS Concert Rehearsal 7th/8th GRADE BANDS, Travel to OSHS for 2

hours during school

Feb. 6 Olathe South Area Band Festival 7th/8th GRADE BAND, OSHS Auditorium

Feb. 21 Pep Assembly JAZZ BAND, during school

Feb. 27 KMEA Performance 8th GRADE BAND in Wichita, KS

MARCH

Mar. 3

South Area Solo & Ensemble Festival

Those who have prepared a solo and/or an

ensemble, not required, @ OSHS

Mar. 6 Jazz Festival JAZZ BAND, full competition, all day field trip

APRIL

Apr. 14

South Side Jazz & BBQ Festival JAZZ BAND PERFORMS, Any band member

may attend, held at OSHS

Apr. 22 Max Green Festival 8th GRADE, during school field trip, OWHS

Apr. 23 KCKCC Jazz Festival JAZZ BAND, full competition, all day field trip

Apr. 28 Intermediate Band Festival 7th GRADE, during school field trip, @ ONWHS

MAY

May 2 Worlds of Fun Band Festival 8th GRADE, ALL DAY, 7:30AM-7:30PM

May 4 Spring Concert ALL BANDS, FT Gym, 7pm

May 12 Performing Arts Pep Assembly ALL BANDS, 6th Grade performs for 6th grade

student body and 7th & 8th combine to perform for

their peers, during school

Practice Record Due Dates for 2019-2020

Practice Records will be due every other Wednesday for the duration of the school year for 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade.

1-September 4 2-September 18 3-October 2 4-October 16 5-October 30 6-November 13

7-November 26 8-December 11 9-January 8 10-January 22 11-February 5 12-February 19

13-March 4 14-March 25 15-April 8 16-April 22 17-May 6

2019-2020 FT Band Agreement

I have read and understand that:

1. My attendance in school is very important, since the daily band rehearsal has a direct bearing on

the successful performance of the band.

2. I will make an honest effort to improve my general musical knowledge, playing ability, and

sight reading ability. I will prepare (practice!!) music carefully, so that band performances will

be the best possible.

3. I understand that I am a member of a team. The decisions I make and actions I take will affect

the entire group and the individuals that comprise it.

4. Attendance at all performances is mandatory. My illness or a serious emergency in the family

is the only legitimate excuse for missing.

5. I have reviewed the calendar and agree to be present at all of the performances, both within the

school day and after school. These dates should be marked on the calendar to avoid conflict.

6. Excuses from performances must be arranged and approved in advance, unless there is an

emergency.

7. I must wear the proper clothes to a performance or points will be deducted from my grade.

8. I understand that my grade will be based on the above, in addition to such tests and assignments,

conduct, behavior, and attitude in class, and desire on my part to make a genuine contribution

toward the success of the band.

9. I can come to Mrs. Smitko at any time with questions or concerns about class requirements,

musical issues, calendar dates, or other general questions that might come up!

This copy is yours to keep at home.

Please fill out the duplicate copy

and return to Mrs. SMITKO

by Friday, August 30th

, 2019.

2019-2020 FT Band Agreement I have read and understand that:

1. My attendance in school is very important, since the daily band rehearsal has a direct bearing on

the successful performance of the band.

2. I will make an honest effort to improve my general musical knowledge, playing ability, and

sight reading ability. I will prepare (practice!!) music carefully, so that band performances will

be the best possible.

3. I understand that I am a member of a team. The decisions I make and actions I take will affect

the entire group and the individuals that comprise it.

4. Attendance at all performances is mandatory. My illness or a serious emergency in the family

is the only legitimate excuse for missing.

5. I have reviewed the calendar and agree to be present at all of the performances, both within the

school day and after school. These dates should be marked on the calendar to avoid conflict.

6. Excuses from performances must be arranged and approved in advance, unless there is an

emergency.

7. I must wear the proper clothes to a performance or points will be deducted from my grade.

8. I understand that my grade will be based on the above, in addition to such tests and assignments,

conduct, behavior, and attitude in class, and desire on my part to make a genuine contribution

toward the success of the band.

9. I can come to Mrs. Smitko at any time with questions or concerns about class requirements,

musical issues, calendar dates, or other general questions that might come up!

Return this copy by August 30th

I agree to support the policies in the band handbook and band agreement. _________________________________ ______________________________ PRINT STUDENT NAME STUDENT SIGNATURE _________________________________ ______________________________ PRINT PARENT NAME PARENT SIGNATURE

PARENT VOLUNTEER PAGE Throughout the year, band parents will be contacted for possible volunteer opportunities. Please

watch your email as the dates draw near and if you are interested in volunteering let us know.

September 7th 8:30am-12:30pm Old Settlers Day Parade- Olathe, KS (7th & 8th Grade Only)

October 25th 3:15pm-4:45pm Frontier Trail Fundraiser Inflatable Party (FT GYM)

December 13th 8:00am-3:00pm Frontier Trail Yearbook Picture Day (FT)

January 16th 7:30am-3:00pm 6th Grade Band Tour (All FT Area Elementary Schools)

April 22nd 7:30am-2:30pm Max Green Band Festival, 8th Grade (Travel to OWHS&Lunch)

April 28th 7:30am-2:30pm 7th Grade, Intermediate Band Festival (To ONWHS & Lunch)

May 2nd Worlds of Fun Chaperone, 8th Grade Band (a group of 6 kids all day @ WOF)

All Concerts Video Recording Concerts & Sending them to me electronically for next day

viewing (a volunteer from each grade would be GREAT for concerts that don’t

include all bands)

On a NEED Basis Running errands (to a music store, picking up cookies/pizza…..)

On a NEED Basis Office Work (filing music, copying…..)

YOUR NAME___________________________________________

BEST PHONE NUMBER_______________________________

EMAIL_________________________________________

FT BAND ORDER FORM NAME:___________________________ CHECK #:________________________

HOUR:___________________________ GRADE:__________________________

QUANTITY COST TOTAL

FT BAND T-SHIRT

(ALL FT BAND Members) $7

RED BAND POLO SHIRT

(6th Grade or new FT Band

Members ONLY)

$25

TUXEDO SHIRT

(8th Grade Band ONLY) $22

OPTIONAL CLEANING FEE

FOR THOSE USING

SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS

$50

OPTIONAL PERCUSSION

REPAIR FEE FOR

PERCUSSION STUDENTS

$20

*PERCUSSION ONLY*

STICK BAG

You may go to a vendor on

your own or you can order

through us

$80

TOTAL =

**SIZES WILL BE DETERMINED BY DIRECTOR**

THREE WAYS TO PAY

1. CASH

2. CHECK: PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO USD #233

3. CREDIT CARD: Use this URL OR Scan this QR Code

https://ks-olathe.intouchreceipting.com