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2014 - 2015Music Program Handbook

Music!

TABLE OF CONTENTSWELCOME TO

MUSICWe are pleased that your child has chosen to be a part of our wonderful Instrumental Music Program at JESD.

We hope that your child finds music to be a valuable, educational, and fun experience!

Please feel free to contact me at rservantez@jsd.k12.ca.us or !415"902#1776 with questions about our program.

Thank you for your tremendous support of our program!

RICHARD SERVANTEZ$Director, Instrumental Music

Richard Servantez

WELCOME LETTER ........................................ 2-3

! Band Calendar

EXPECTATIONS ................................................. 4

! Student Discipline

! Attendance

! Concerts

! Annual Fundraisers

MATERIALS ........................................................ 5-6

! Instruments

! Uniform Dress Code

! Method Books

! Miscellaneous (Metronome, Tuner, Inst. Stand)

BAND AWARDS ............................................. 6-7

! John Philip Sousa Award

! The Director’s Award for Band

! Louis Armstrong Award

! Spirit Points Award

BAND FIELD TRIPS ......................................... 8

! Forum Music Festival

! Jazz Band Tour

SUMMER BAND CAMP ................................. 8

OUR MUSIC PROGRAM .............................. 9

! Elementary, Enrichment, Falcon Band

! Jazz Band

PARENT SUPPORT! .......................................... 10

! Band Booster Program

INSTRUMENT CONTRACT ....................... 11

BAND CONTRACT ...................................... 12

Jefferson Elementary School DistrictMartin Luther King Jr. Education Center

101 Lincoln Ave. • Daly City, CA 94015

Web Address: www.jsd.k12.ca.us

August 22, 2014

SUBJECT: Falcon Band Handbook (2014 - 2015)

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to our Falcon Band program! It’s a pleasure welcoming you and your child into the music family

at Ben Franklin Intermediate School.

Please find many aspects of our music program outlined within the contents of this handbook. Specifically,

our Falcon Band calendar which will help in planning your musician’s academic year. Information contained

in this handbook will provide you a basic synopsis of the music curriculum to be taught throughout the year.

It also outlines the requirements and expectations of our musicians. Please read it thoroughly.

I want to thank you in advance for supporting your musician. A supportive band parent impacts our program.

Success of the band is highly dependent upon 100% student enthusiasm in attendance, preparation and

participation in rehearsals and performances. I fully understand that these commitments may impact your

daily planning, but hope that this handbook and its contents are helpful. Please help me to ensure your

musician participates in all band activities.

Thank you for your time, effort and support in making music a great learning experience for our students at

Ben Franklin Intermediate School. I have already seen tremendous enthusiasm from our band students. I am

really looking forward to another rewarding year!

Wishing all of you the best for a successful year of music! If you have any questions or concerns, please feel

free to contact me directly at rservantez@jsd.k12.ca.us , call (or text) me at (415) 902-1776.

Sincerely,

RICHARD SERVANTEZ

Director, Instrumental Music

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2014 - 2015 Calendar of Events

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STUDENT DISCIPLINEMusic students must promise to make an honest effort to learn to play the instrument assigned by practicing

regularly. Students must attend daily music class and weekly after school rehearsals with all necessary

music supplies.

Music instruments are critical to the effectiveness of learning music. Students who attend class without their

instrument will receive an infraction. Instrument infractions will be documented on the student’s Band

Contract. Students that fail to bring their instrument five (5) times to class during the academic year will be

automatically dropped from band. Students that are dropped from band will not be allowed to re-join band

until the following academic year.

Students are not to be disruptive in music class. Disruption interrupts our limited time for music instruction.

Disruptive infractions will be documented on the student’s Band Contract. Students that are disruptive five

(5) times in class during the academic year will be automatically dropped from band. Students that are

dropped from band will not be allowed to re-join band until the following academic year.

ATTENDANCEAll band students are required to attend class every day as part of their grade. As a developing competitive

ensemble, band students are also required to attend weekly after school rehearsals. (This includes sectionals

that may be called for additional rehearsal time.) After school rehearsals will not be considered as part of a

student’s grade. However, students who have 3 unexcused absences from after school rehearsals will

automatically forfeit their opportunity to be considered for a Band Award and lose the opportunity to attend

Festival. Please provide absence letters for approved excusal. Please encourage and support your musician’s

active participation in the program.

CONCERTSAll music students are highly encouraged to participate in every band concert as part of their grade. Concerts

provide our young musicians with the life-learning experience of public performance and contribute

substantially to a musician’s development, confidence and team building skills.

All band concerts are held at Benjamin Franklin Intermediate School, 700 Stewart Avenue, Daly City, CA

94015. All concerts are typically preceded by FREE Family Potluck dinners. Every musician is kindly

asked to contribute to our Family Potluck by bringing a dish that feeds 3 to 4 people. Potluck sign-ups will

generally occur one week prior to each concert.

ANNUAL FUNDRAISERSAll profits from fundraising will be used to benefit our music program projects at both intermediate and

elementary school sites such as new equipment, uniforms and music field trips. I highly encourage every

music student’s participation. Students are asked to sell a minimum or “fair share” of our product. Students

that meet benchmark sales will receive awards and recognition.

BAND EXPECTATIONS

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INSTRUMENTSEvery musician needs a musical instrument. Assessments are conducted at the beginning of the school year

to determine the instrument that is best suited for your child. DO NOT rent or purchase an instrument until

you receive my letter with a recommended instrument.

Several instruments are available from our district-owned inventory. Instruments loaned from the district

may used for the academic year only, and must be returned prior to end of the year. Although borrowing a

district-owned instrument is FREE, we ask for a suggested donation that benefits the daily operation costs of

the program. Students will be provided a Instrument Rental Form for parent approval prior to receiving a

district instrument.

If you choose to purchase an instrument, feel free to see the Music Director for

standard questions or recommendations.

UNIFORM DRESS CODEBen Franklin students are provided a school-owned uniform free of charge. Uniforms

will be assigned to each student and distributed prior to an event or concert.

Parents are asked to provide their musician with the “universal” music ensemble

performance uniform. The “uniform” will be utilized at all band functions.

PERCUSSIONISTS ALL OTHER STUDENTS

Black Pants (no jeans) Black Pants (no jeans)

White Long (collared) Black crew t-shirt

Black Shoes (no tennis shoes) Black Shoes (no tennis shoes)

Black socks Black socks

UNIFORM HAIR REQUIREMENTS

Both females and males will ensure their hair is neatly groomed, and that the hair does not present a ragged,

unkempt, or extreme appearance. Hair that is unkempt may detract audience attention during a concert or

interfere with student performance. Students are asked to please neatly fasten or pin back any free-hanging

hair that falls naturally in the child’s face, over the eyebrows, or below the uniform collar.

UNIFORM CLEANING REQUIREMENT

Students are asked to take care of the uniform assigned. There may be occasions that students will have meals

while in uniform. If a student soils a uniform, parents will be responsible for any associated professional dry

cleaning costs.

UNIFORM REPLACEMENT COST

There may be occasions when students will be given the band uniform for an extended period of time. If a

student loses a uniform, parents will be responsible for any associated replacement costs. Standard

replacement cost estimate is currently $200.00 per uniform jacket.

BAND MATERIALS

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METHOD BOOKSJESD utilizes standard music method books for our curriculum. Method books are loaned (free of charge) to

all music students at Ben Franklin for the academic year.

However, parents are able to purchase their musician’s book for only $12 (provided at a very discounted rate).

Young musicians are able to own and fully utilize their personal books from 4th thru 8th grade music classes

(5 years!). Music classes at the middle school level are provided music method books by the school site.

Parents not desiring to purchase a book should contact the director.

MISCELLANEOUSAlthough not required, students are encouraged to purchase the following items to enhance the music learning

experience at school and at home:

* Metronome

* Tuner

* Instrument Stand

* Music Stand

BAND AWARDSAll 6-8th grade music students are candidates for the following annual music awards. Please see below

for an explanation of the award criteria:

! John Philip Sousa Band Award

! ! The John Philip Sousa Band Award was introduced in 1955 to honor the top student

! ! in a school music program. It recognizes superior musicianship and outstanding

! ! dedication in a school’s music program.

BAND AWARDS

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! The Director’s Award for Band

! ! The Director’s Award for Band honors the most outstanding members of a music

! ! ensemble. It recognizes excellent display of musicianship and dedication to an ensemble.

! Louis Armstrong Jazz Award

! ! The Louis Armstrong Jazz Award honors the most outstanding member of a jazz

! ! ensemble. It recognizes exceptional display of jazz musicianship.

BAND AWARDS

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JAZZ BAND TOURStudents that are involved in the Jazz Band may have one performance outside of campus, but within the local

area. If a music tour takes place, it is important for every member of the Falcon Jazz Band to participate.

Thanks for your support in advance.

JOINT BAND CONCERTThe district holds a Joint Band Concert involving all middle school bands within the JESD and all high school

bands within the JUSD. The event takes place at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. Rehearsal is typically and

all-day (8:00am to 3:00pm) event occurring the day prior to the concert. The concert is typically at 7:00pm

and is free to the public. You’re invited and welcome to attend.

FORUM MUSIC FESTIVALAttendance to the Forum Music Festival is not guaranteed. Rather, attendance at Forum Music Festival is

earned by 100% participation in the following:

* Attend all published after school rehearsals

* Performance in all annual concerts

* Fall & spring fundraisers

Our goal is have all expenses paid by our band fundraisers. Depending on our profits....

Students may be asked to pay a minimum amount to attend the Forum Music Festival in the spring. However,

this cost may be lessened by your child’s active participation in both our fall and spring Falcon Band

fundraisers. Fundraising profits will be used to pay for the band’s bus transportation to festival. Portions of the

remaining fundraising profits may be used to pay for a portion of each student’s admission ticket. The more

fundraising profits we raise, the less your child will have to contribute toward festival attendance.

Unfortunately, there are no grants or scholarships available.

SUMMER BAND CAMP 2013With the success of our 2012 camp, I feel it is important to the program that all new 7th & 8th grade band

members be required to attend Falcon Band Camp in 2013. It will be held for 5 consecutive days one week

prior to the beginning of the academic year (Aug 12-16, 2013). It is essential for the preparation and success

of our program at the outset of the year.

I will do everything possible to keep camp costs to a minimum. Camp information brochures will be distributed

in May 2013. Your tremendous support is appreciated!

BAND CONTRACTOur band contract is attached. Please review, sign, and return by the published deadline.

FIELD TRIPS & CAMP

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The JESD Elementary Music Program provides students an

introduction to instrumental music. Students are provided

FREE music instruction once a week in woodwind, brass

or percussion instrumental methods. Students learn the

basic rudiments of instrument instruction and highlight

their success with an annual spring performance. All

interested students are encouraged to participate.

Music Enrichment provides students with a basic

introduction to music performance and educational

concepts in music. Students are exposed to the major

components of music including performance, music eras

and arts appreciation. Music Enrichment is a course

designed to provide rudimentary concepts of performance

and historical aspects of music to Ben Franklin students.

Although a one-semester course, students are encouraged

to continue music in the Falcon Band program.

Both Beginning and Advanced Bands expose students to

many aspects of instrumental music, including classic and

popular music for concert, jazz, and rock bands.

The Falcon Band (Advanced) represents Ben Franklin at

concerts and festivals throughout the Bay Area and is

made up of solely 8th grade students (7th grade students

may apply or be selected to participate). Beginning Band is

generally comprised of 6th and 7th grade students.

ELEMENTARY MUSIC

MUSIC ENRICHMENT

FALCON BAND

BAND BOOSTER

FALCON JAZZ BAND

Our Band Boosters are volunteer parents and family members of our musicians. The purpose of a Band Booster is to assist the director in facilitating many bandfunctions that aid in our music program’s success including:

* Annual Fundraisers* Music Festival Chaperone* Uniform Program* Instrument Program* Concert Potlucks* Team Building Skills* End#of#Year Family Picnic

Interested in helping our music program succeed?

Sign#up

TODAY!

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Our Jazz Band exposes students to many aspects of

early, contemporary, and popular jazz music.

The Falcon Jazz Band represents Ben Franklin at

concerts and exhibits throughout our school district

including Multi-Cultural Night and the District Art

Festival. This ensemble is generally made up of only

7th and 8th grade students. All students are welcome,

but aree required to audition.

PARENT SUPPORTA musician’s success is highly dependent on parent support and encouragement. It is also important to provide your musician with the necessary resources to succeed. Please provide your musician with the right supplies for music class.

Parents encourage success in music by seeing that their musician practices on a daily basis in preparation for daily music class. Provide your musician with a space to comfortably rehearse daily for 45 to 60 minutes. This encourages good practice skills while holding our musicians responsible for daily music homework.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLINSTRUMENT AGREEMENT FORM

By signing below, I agree to follow all of the terms and conditions of the Benjamin Franklin Intermediate School Instrument Program. Fully complete the information below prior to signing this agreement.

Although not required and strictly voluntary, the following donation amounts are recommended and appreciated. Donations will be utilized for band related equipment, supplies, and annual instrument repairs.

SUGGESTED RENTAL DONATIONS:

! $20.00 ~ ! Flute! ! $25.00 ~ ! Alto Saxophone! ! $30.00 ~ Trombone! ! ! Oboe! ! ! ! Tenor Saxophone! ! ! Euphonium! ! ! English Horn! ! ! Baritone Saxophone! ! ! Tuba! ! ! Clarinet! ! ! Trumpet! ! ! ! String Bass! ! ! Bass Clarinet! ! ! French Horn! ! ! ! Electric Guitar! ! ! ! ! ! ! Electronic Keyboard! ! ! Acoustic Guitar! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Bass Guitar

! _______________________ ! ___________________! ________! ________! INSTRUMENT! ! ! ! DONATION! ! ! CASH! ! CHECK#

! ! ! ! ___________________________________________MODEL

! ! ! ! ___________________________________________SERIAL #

! ! ! ! ___________________________________________LOCKER #

! ! ! ! ___________________________________________ACCESSORIES

* Percussionists must purchase his or her own snare sticks.

* All other percussive mallets will be provided.

* All woodwind instrumentalists must purchase their own reeds.

* All instrumentalists will be provided associated greases and oils for care and maintenance of district instruments.

By signing below, I agree to maintain and care for the instrument assigned to me. I will be liable for all damages and repairs caused by negligence. The school site"s band program will be liable for annual instrument maintenance and normal wear repairs (at no charge to the student). The instrument shall be returned at the end of the academic year for annual maintenance and repairs.

____________________________________! _______________________________! ____________ STUDENT PRINTED NAME! ! ! ! STUDENT SIGNATURE! ! ! ! DATE

____________________________________! _______________________________! ____________ PARENT PRINTED NAME! ! ! ! PARENT SIGNATURE! ! ! ! DATE

_________________! ! ! ! _____________________ ISSUED! ! ! CONDITION: E G F P! RETURNED! ! ! CONDITION: E G F P

I promise to make an honest effort to learn to play the instrument assigned by practicing regularly.

I understand that if I fail to bring my instrument five (5) times to class during the academic year, I will be

automatically dropped from Band.

1st Offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense 4th Offense 5th Offense

DATE

I promise to attend music class daily and attend all after school mandatory rehearsals. I understand that if I have

an unexcused absence from any rehearsal three (3) times during the academic year, I will automatically forfeit

my opportunity to be considered for a Band Award and lose the opportunity to attend the Forum Music Festival.

1st Offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense

DATE

PARENT / GUARDIAN CONSENT:

PARENT NAME: ____________________________________ ______________________ LAST FIRST

PARENT SIGNATURE: _______________________________________________

PHONE NUMBER: _____________________________________

EMAIL: _______________________________________________ DATE: _________________

Benjamin Franklin Intermediate SchoolFalcon Band Program

700 Stewart Avenue • Daly City, CA 94015

BAND CONTRACT

STUDENT NAME: ____________________________________ ______________________ LAST FIRST

METHOD BOOK #

OUT RETURNED

DATE

FUNDRAISER: # BOXES DATE INITIAL

JESD INSTRUMENT: Y / N