Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Whiteaker Middle School Band Handbook
2012 - 2013
Brant Stai, Band Director [email protected]
Check us out at www.whiteakerbands.org
Dear Band Members & Parents, Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year and to our Whiteaker Band Program! I am excited to get the music making started in what will be a fun year full of exciting music, concerts, festivals, football games, parades, music tours, solo & ensemble, and much more. Our Band Calendar Dates are still being finalized. We have several calendar dates already established which are posted online at whiteakerbands.org. Dates will be added and I’ll send home a handout once everything is set. We have a new tool with the launch of whiteakerbands.org. Check us out for announcements, concerts info, student musical opportunities, recordings, and pictures of our student musicians making music. Get pumped, get involved, here we go! Brant Stai
2
Whiteaker Bands
Cadet Band The Cadet Band is a beginning band where students have the opportunity to learn the flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone/euphonium or tuba. Students may begin on percussion after they have had one year of beginning band experience on a wind instrument or if they have had two or more years of private piano or percussion lessons. The students will learn how to play their instruments with good tone, good posture, and will learn how to read music. This band will perform at Whiteaker concerts.
Concert Band The Concert Band is open to students who have completed a full year of beginning band. This ensemble is a continuation of learning the foundations that were established in the Beginning and Cadet Bands. Students are required to have their own instrument or rent one from the school. We will learn band literature from a variety of styles. They will perform in Whiteaker concerts. Additionally, the students will have opportunities to participate in small ensembles. Private studies are encouraged for any and all of the musicians.
Symphonic Band The Symphonic Band is the top ensemble at Whiteaker. It is an auditioned, ability-based ensemble where students are expected to give the highest level of commitment to the ensemble and to their own music education. They will perform at Whiteaker concerts as well as various festivals and competitions throughout the year. Private studies are strongly recommended for students playing in this group. They will be performing literature from a variety of styles. Students in the group have the opportunity to participate in small ensembles, perform in solo contests and honor bands, and audition for the Jazz Band.
Jazz Band The Jazz Band is an auditioned group that meets before school Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday at 7:00AM. The band will have the opportunity to perform many times throughout the year at community events, school concerts, and festivals. We will study many different styles of jazz. Along with ensemble playing, they will have the opportunity to learn about improvisation. Positions are available for piano, drum set, guitar, bass guitar, saxophone, trumpet and trombone.
3
General Information
Private Lessons Private lessons are an incredibly valuable tool to excel on your instrument. Private instructors are able to provide personalized advice and training to help individual students improve. All band students are encouraged to take private lessons. Students who take private lessons are more likely to improve at a much faster pace. Contact the director for recommendations on private instructors.
All City Honor Band This is a great opportunity for young musicians that Salem/Keizer middle schools have developed in the last few years. Students from all eleven different middle schools audition for a place in one honor band. This is a great opportunity where students are guaranteed to learn and grow as musicians. Symphonic Band Students are required to audition for the honor band (Although the audition is required, participation in the ensemble is optional if accepted). The audition information will be made available to students in early November.
Solo and Ensemble Playing a solo or in a small ensemble is a different style of playing than playing with a full band. The experience that a student gets when playing with a small ensemble is also completely different. This experience is very valuable to a student’s music education and through playing solos or in small ensembles, students will improve in their personal playing immensely. I highly encourage students who are excited about music and want to improve to get involved in playing in small ensembles or solos. In March there will be a solo and ensemble festival where students can perform their music and have professional musicians give great feedback and encourage them in their education.
Sectional Rehearsals Symphonic Band members will be required to attend bi-weekly sectional rehearsals. Sectionals are incredibly important because this gives the opportunity to develop great sounds as individual sections. Excused absences from these sectionals will be granted if prearranged with the director. This time missed from sectionals will have to be made up some other time (lunch, after school, etc.). A set schedule will be given in class.
4
Instruments & Equipment
Instrument Rental at Whiteaker
Whiteaker owns a limited selection of instruments that may be rented out to members of any band for $40 for a year or $20 for a semester. These instruments are to be treated and cared for as if they belong to the students. Each student that borrows an instrument signs a Loan/Rental Contract that will be provided by the director and the students will be billed for any damage to the instrument that happens while it is in his or her possession. If a student wishes to rent an instrument from the school, please contact Mr. Stai.
Instrument Rental through Local Dealers:
I’ve seen several student’s musical careers cut short simply because they rented or purchased an instrument that was poorly made and/or maintained. Not all brands are created equal and what you pay for is typically what you get. Cheap & inexpensive instruments may look shiny at first and then break down the next day. Here are some recommended brands for Woodwind & Brass Instrument Brands that have stood the test of time:
Woodwind: Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Buffet, Leblanc, Selmer, Fox Brass: Yamaha, Conn, Bach, Holton.
Please consult me if you are unsure about the brand you are renting. I want to help you make a good investment! Also, please consult the “Purchasing an Instrument” page further in the handbook.
Required Method Book
I will provide several materials for the students throughout the school year. However, I do require students to purchase one method book that we will use for the entire year.
Cadet/Beginning Band: Standard of Excellence Book 1(Red Cover), Bruce Pearson Concert Band: Standard of Excellence Book 2(Blue Cover), Bruce Pearson
Symphonic Band: 14 Weeks to a Better Band Book 1, Roger Maxwell
Uptown Music
3827 River Road, Keizer
(503) 393-4437
Willamette Valley Music Company
484 State Street, Salem
(503) 385-8790
5
Other Equipment Needed/Recommended for Musicians All Musicians:
1. Metronome (Highly Recommended) 2. Mechanical Pencils 3. Binder with Plastic Sheets (for music) & 5 Dividers 4. Small Notebook for Journal Entries that can fit into Binder
Flute:
1. Cleaning/Tuning Rod 2. Swab
Oboe/Bassoon:
1. Own Several Reeds – Never run out, ever! Always have extras. a. Medium or Medium-Hard Reeds (No Soft Reeds!) b. Beginners – May use a synthetic reed for the first few months only. c. Oboes: Order from cascadeoboereeds.com d. Bassoons: Order from arundoreeds.com
2. Protective Reed Case 3. Silk Swab 4. Cork Grease
Clarinet:
1. Own Several Reeds – Never run out, ever! Always have extras. a. First few months - Use inexpensive size 2 reeds. b. After first months – Gradually increase size, Vandoren Brand Only!
2. Plastic Reed Guard (with 4 slots) 3. Silk Swab 4. Cork Grease
Saxophone:
1. Own Several Reeds – Never run out, ever! Always have extras. a. First few months - Use inexpensive size 2 reeds. b. After first months – Gradually increase size, Vandoren Brand Only!
2. Plastic Reed Guard (with 4 slots) 3. Comfortable Neck Strap
Brass:
1. Snake Brush (to clean out lead pipes) 2. Mouthpiece Brush 3. Lint Free Cloth for polishing and wiping down valves 4. Slide Grease 5. Valve-oil (Rotary oil for French Horn players)
Percussion:
1. 1 Bell Kit – Rent/Lease from music shop 2. 1 Practice Pad or Snare Drum 3. Mallet Bag 4. 1 Pair Vic Firth SD2 Bolero Snare Drum Sticks 5. 1 Pair Med. Xylophone Mallets 6. 1 Pair Hard Xylophone/Bell Mallets 7. 1 Pair Med. Yarn Mallets
6
Band Grading System
Rehearsal Participation & Participation Rubrics will be graded approximately every 4 weeks. Students will be evaluated on each content area. Points will be assigned based on a 50 point scale. A total of 60 points is possible. The rubrics assess the following:
Logistics
a. On Time b. Equipment c. Return performing area back to normal.
Ensemble Fundamentals d. Posture e. Instrument & Hand Position f. Response to Visual Director Cues.
Music Preparation g. Music Preparation
Ensemble Discussion & Interaction h. Individual Performance in Class i. Ensemble Discussion
7
A Playing Test Rubric will be used with all playing tests. Playing tests will be assigned every two weeks and will consist of a short musical excerpt that will be played during an assigned class date. Students will be graded in class with the playing test rubric on a 25 point scale. Students who miss a playing test date or want to re-take a playing test are responsible for scheduling an appointment outside the regular school day with Mr. Stai. Mr. Stai will only listen to make up tests within one week of the original test date.
8
A Concert Participation Rubric will be graded for each concert. Students will be evaluated on each content area. Points will be assigned based on a 100 point scale. The rubrics assess the following:
Participation a. On Time b. Equipment c. Participation in Performance d. Returns Equipment at concert conclusion
Attire e-l. Concert Attire
Audience Skills m. Concert Etiquette n. Listens to other performing ensembles.
Extra Credit Opportunities
Private Lessons (students must fill out a monthly lesson she, get it signed by lesson teacher and turn it in to Mr. Stai).
Participation in music group outside of school Performance at Solo & Ensemble Festival Performance for Church or other Community Event. Classical or Jazz CD Review
All Forms of Extra Credit must be approved by Mr. Stai ahead of time
9
Concert Information
Concert Attire Students may be asked to sit out of a performance for any of the following reasons:
Failure to adorn appropriate concert attire Behavior infractions Does not have proper instrument/equipment Missing significant rehearsal time prior to a performance
Students are expected to attend and participate in the concerts that their ensemble performs in. There are no make-ups for performances. If your student is sick, please contact Mr. Stai in advance via phone. Being on time and in proper concert attire is a must!
The Four A’s of Concert Attendance Attend – Thank you for coming, please wear appropriate attire & be seated on time! Allow – Common Sense. Getting up and moving around or talking during performances is interference with “Art in Progress.” Please save comments for in-between pieces or intermissions.
Boys – Cadet, Concert, Jazz Bands
White Dress Shirt (Long Sleeve & Collar)
Black Dress Pants
Black Belt
Black Dress Shoes
Black Dress Socks
Vest* *Concert Band Only. Will be checked out in class from Whiteaker.
Girls – Cadet, Concert, Jazz Bands
Black Skirt (must be mid-calf length) or Black Dress Pants.
White Blouse
Black Dress Shoes
Black Socks or Nylons.
Boys – Symphonic Band
White Tux Shirt
Black Dress Pants
Black Belt
Black Dress Shoes
Black Dress Socks
Bow Tie*
Tux Jacket* *These items to be checked out in class from Whiteaker.
Girls – Symphonic Band
Black Gown*
Black Dress Shoes
Black Nylons.
10
Appreciate – You are witnessing and experiencing the fruits of our labors. We hope you enjoy our effort & progress! Applaud – It is our custom to applaud in appreciation.
Parent Involvement
Parental involvement in their students’ music education is crucial. The parents are responsible for the attendance of his/her child at all band functions. Parents are responsible for seeing that their child practices the required amount during the week. This band program would not improve and the students will not improve without practicing on a regular basis. How parents can help:
Find a quiet place free of distractions where your student can practice. Help your student develop a weekly routine or regular time for practicing. Keep the student accountable for their practice. Assist your student in remembering which playing tests are coming up. Encourage your children! Listen to them practice or perform for you and support their
music education. Reward them for their accomplishments. Come to their performances. One of the most exciting and encouraging things for a young
musician is to see a familiar face in the crowd.
Keep the instrument in good repair. Band Boosters We have some great parent support for our band program and we are always looking for additional help. Our Band Booster President is Stephanie Bojorquez. To get involved with our band booster program, please contact Stephanie at [email protected]. Please get involved!
11
Practice Expectations
Students need to develop a routine practice regimen in order to successfully develop musicality, technique, and the overall characteristic tone of their instrument. Students are expected to practice on average 30 minutes five times per week.
Rehearsal Expectations
Whiteaker Band Students… These expectations are set up because they are essential to our success…”We are what we rehearse” Be On Time… We perform as a team. Everyone counts on everyone else to be ready. Be Prepared… Have your pencil, music, & instrument ready for all rehearsals. Be Attentive… Repeating instructions is a waste of time. We will accomplish much more if you pay attention and take notes. Work Hard/Play Hard… We like to work hard and get better as musicians. We also like to have fun. Be sure you can tell the difference between work and play in rehearsal.
“Mr. Stai ends the rehearsal. No packing or putting things away until excused” A note on preparation... In band we are a team. We are always depending on those around us to do their musical jobs. That means a lot of people are counting on you! Come to class prepared. Practice your music and work to become better so that your team can depend on you.
“You can always get music help from Mr. Stai, come talk to him anytime!”
Six Character Traits of our Band
Give Your Best Effort Always
Be Honest
Be a Good Steward
Listen
Help Others
Be Thankful
12
Band Room Care & Maintenance
IF IT'S NOT YOURS, LEAVE IT ALONE
No student may play any school-owned instrument, including all percussion instruments, unless assigned to the instrument.
IF YOU USE IT, TAKE CARE OF IT
All instruments, chairs, stands, accessories, etc. should be treated with care. Do not lean on stands, lean on backs of chairs, mistreat any equipment, or use equipment in a manner for which it is not intended.
IF YOU TAKE IT OUT, PUT IT AWAY
All instruments, sticks, percussion accessories, etc. must be put away at the end of rehearsals or lessons. All percussionists must help put away ALL percussion equipment after rehearsals and lessons.
IF YOU MOVE IT, PUT IT BACK
This is self explanatory.
A FEW EXTRAS…
All Percussion items are off limits to non-percussionists. Violent & Disrespectful acts will not be tolerated and will result in severe penalty. No Food, Beverage, Candy, or Gum… No Kidding! (Bottled water is the only exception!)
General Maintenance Please take time before and after rehearsal (or anytime you play for that matter) to keep up general maintenance of your instrument. Mr. Stai will always try to provide a little bit of maintenance time at the end of rehearsals. Do your best to take care of your instrument by keeping it greased, oiled, swabbed, etc. so that it will assist you in performing to your best ability. All school instruments will be serviced at the end of the school year. If you own your own instrument, you should have it serviced once a year as well.
13
Buying an Instrument
Buying an instrument is a big step and can be confusing. However, sometimes leasing an instrument for more than a year will end up costing much more in the run. I will give you some seasoned advice in regards to instrument purchasing, and let the parent and student decide what works best for their situation.
Student Line Instrument/Beginner instrument: The student line model is recommended for those beginning on an instrument for the first time. Most music stores lease these less expensive student models. These instruments are made to be relatively inexpensive and relatively durable. They are not necessarily made to play with the best tone quality or to stand up to many years of intense playing. Simply put, they sometimes “wear out” or musicians “grow out” of them as they gain more experience. Intermediate/Professional model instrument: These instruments are made with better quality materials and better quality control. In some cases these instruments have more keys or have a bigger bore (to help get a bigger sound), or are made of more expensive metals. Some of these options are cosmetic, and some are truly beneficial. Generally, if your child is serious about band, and really enjoys playing their instrument, this can be an excellent option. Recommendations for purchasing instruments:
Shop around. Do not purchase instrument on e-bay or internet without consulting a band director or private instructor
first. Used instruments are plentiful and can have excellent value. However, as buying a used car, the rule is
“buyer beware.”
In buying a used instrument, consider the following:
Quality of instrument when it was new. Age of instrument- old is not necessarily bad if it’s a quality model. History of instrument- How long was in played? How long has it sat unused? An instrument that was played
for 2 years and sat for 10 is most likely better than a 5 year old instrument played all 5 years. Repair history- How often was it serviced and checked? Appearance of instrument- Several dings and dents can harm sound of a brass instrument. Most used instruments will need some kind of repair to put it in the best possible playing condition.
Before you buy… Always have your child play the instrument before you buy! They need to play with their regular mouthpiece, reeds, etc. Have student play long tones, scales, and songs they know. Test as much of the range as possible. Think of it as a test drive.
Recommended Mouthpieces Buying a new mouthpiece is one of the best investments that you can make. This investment is highly recommended as your students gain a couple of years experience on their instruments. Upgrading to the correct mouthpieces will help give the opportunity for your student to improve their sound and keep growing in their musicianship. Clarinet Vandorn 5RV Lyre mouthpiece with Rovner Ligature Saxophone Rousseau New Classic NC4 or a Selmer “Paris” C Star Mouthpiece Trumpet Bach 5C or 3C Horn Schilke 31 Trombone Bach 6 ½ AL or Schilke 47 Euphonium Bach 6 ½ AL or Schilke 51D Tuba Bach 18, Conn Helleberg or Miraphone Rose Mouthpiece
14
Practice Tips & Ideas
Here is a model of one good way to structure one’s practice time. 1. Warm-up (5-10 Minutes)
Every one- Start Slow, work on breathing and a good sound. Brass- Long tones, lip slurs, scales Woodwinds- Long tones, finger exercises, scales Percussion- stretch hands, arms, wrists. Bounces, single strokes, rudiments, scales on
mallets.
2. Technical Practice (10 Minutes)
Practice with a metronome at all times. Start slow and gradually work up speed. Range Studies. Speed Scales. Technical parts of band music and solos. Practice specific trouble spots, go slow enough not to allow any mistakes.
3. Performance (10 Minutes)
Play as if you are performing in public. No stopping, count all rests, no going back, no excuses. Remember problem spots to practice later.
4. Sight-read/Browse fun-pop music (5-10 Minutes)
Get a new method book Get a book of tunes you know and have fun reading and playing. Feel free to borrow books from friends.
Good Ideas
Play with friends (duets are great!) Perform for friends, family, the dog, or whoever will listen. Take it one measure at a time. Take it as slow as you need to. Always think about what you are doing. Listen to your sound.
Remember why you practice… To become a better performer…
and to have more fun as a musician!
15
Local Private Instructor List
Remember, you can earn extra credit for your lessons if you take two minutes to fill out the lesson log and have your teacher sign it!
Flute
Sandy Norman 503-363-9870
Donna Ross 503-390-5303
Pippa Randolph 503-589-9920
Oboe
Andie Andeen 503-930-6703
Mitch Iimori [email protected]
Bassoon
Jordan Schultz 503-363-5876
503-877-4519
Mitch Iimori [email protected]
Ann Kosanavic-Brown 541-737-4061
Mark Eubanks [email protected]
Clarinet
Cindy Bartels 541-741-0501
Sarah Brown 503-432-1065
Brant Stai [email protected]
Danielle Miller [email protected]
Saxophone
Rich Such 503-551-9291
Jennifer Loman-Bell 503-851-7674
Nathanael Ankeny 971-404-7726
Trumpet
Jaimie Hall 971-218-7891
Brett Randolph 503-589-9920
Horn
Benjamin Garrett 503-409-4183
Sarah Vandehey 503-869-5513
Larry Johnson 503-657-0590
Trombone
Matt Polacek 503-743-3016
Ted Cory 503-581-3020
Jack Quinby 503-516-6618
Euphonium
Sean Turner 541-231-3755
Ted Cory 503-581-3020
Tuba
Sean Turner 541-231-3755
Ted Cory 503-581-3020
Ja’Ttik Clark 503-827-8212
Percussion
Brian Benegas 541-324-6772
Brad Hirsch 503-463-9528
Guitar
Bill Hughes 503-363-8737
Walt Lawry 503-588-2093
Bass
Mike Dyer [email protected]
Piano
16
Whiteaker Band Handbook Receipt
Please read, complete, and return this sheet as soon as possible. This is your student’s first assignment and is due Tuesday, September 11th.
Name of student______________________________________ Band__________________________________
I certify that I have read all of the contents of the Whiteaker Middle School Band Handbook. I understand and recognize that I am accountable at all times for my own actions. I will adhere to and abide by the rules and expectations stated within.
______________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ (Student Signature / Date) (Parent Signature / Date)
Band Parent Information
Parent/Guardian Name: ____________________________________________________________________________
Phone: (H) ________________________________________ (W) ____________________________________________
Email Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________ *I use email as a way to communicate with parents on a regular basis. Please give me the address that you check most often.
Parent support is CRUCIAL to a successful band program. Please check all that apply: _________ I am interested in serving the band by being a part of the Whiteaker Band Booster Group. _________ I am willing to chaperone our band students on field trips.
For the protection of your personal instruments, please fill out the following:
Student Instrument:__________________ __________Serial Number:__________________________________
17
Permission for School Field Trips
In order for my child, a minor, named below, to take part in and receive the advantages of a program planned and sponsored by Salem-Keizer Public Schools No. 24J, Marion County, Oregon, I hereby give permission for him/her to participate in any or all of the trips included in the band music program of Whiteaker Middle School for the 2012-2013 school year.
I further acknowledge that transportation may be provided at the discretion of the School District is approved by the Superintendent. I grant permission for my child to be photographed or video/audio taped in conjunction with these activities/performances. I authorize School District No. 24J and its employees to secure the service of emergency transportation, a physician or hospital, and to incur the expenses for necessary services in the event of accident or illness, and I will be responsible for the payment of these costs.
Signed _________________________________________________ ________________________________________ (Date)
_________________________________________________ ________________________________________ (Address) (Emergency Phone)
18
Parent Approval, Medical Release, & Rules Acceptance Form
Parental Approval/Medical Release Statement: I encourage and authorize my child to participate in the events scheduled for the Whiteaker Band Program. I hereby authorize the school district and its employees to treat my child for medical problems that may arise while attending orchestra events, which may include professional assistance in emergency situations. I assume financial responsibility for all health care costs. Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________________________________________ (Please print your name next to your signature)
Please Print Name of son/daughter attending: ________________________________________________________ Home address: _______________________________ Home phone: _______________________ _______________________________ Cell Phone: _________________________ _______________________________ Work phone: ________________________ Insurance Co: ________________________________ Policy # : ___________________________ Name of Policy Holder: ________________________________________________________________ Special Medical Problems: ______________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
Rules Acceptance Statement: I, (participant) _______________________________________________, understand that I am expected to act in an appropriate manner at all times as outlined in the Salem-Keizer Public Schools student handbook while attending band events. I understand that violation of these rules can result in disciplinary action, which could include exclusion from the event and/or being sent home by way of my parents. Participant’s Signature: ___________________________________________ Date:_________________ (Please print your name next to your signature)
Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________________ Date: ________________ (Please print your name next to your signature)
* These forms will only be kept on file as long as they are needed for band events. They will be kept private and shredded at the end of the year.
