2015-2016
"Life is something like a trumpet. If you don't put anything in, you won't get anything out."
W. C. Handy

Dear Band Parents/Guardians and Students,
Welcome to the 2015-2016 Charles Ellis band program. I am excited to be here with you this year and I look forward to beginning a great school year full of learning and music making. It is the expectation of the band director and administration that the band continues to develop its reputation as one of the finest band programs in
Chatham County, and in our District. We strive to acquire the highest standards of performance and stage presence. With your cooperation, commitment, and hard work, the Ellis Band program will go to new heights as we strive for excellence this year.
We are dedicated to your musical achievement and we hope you are too. The band is dependant upon such dedication to maintain the tradition of being a strong performing organization. Maintaining a good attitude and committing yourself to acquiring good musical knowledge and skills is the way to be successful. Continue to do these things and you will have pride in being a part of the Ellis Band Program.
This handbook is designed to help you understand what is expected of all band members. You will also find important information regarding calendars, performance schedules and other basic information. Please read the handbook carefully and be sure you understand the value of all the policies set forth. After you are finished reading, be sure you AND your parents/guardians sign the back page and return it to the band director no later than Friday, September 11, 2015.
If you have any questions or need to reach me, the quickest way is through the email. My email address is: Tyler.Moore@sccpss.com. I check my school email multiple times a day during the work week. You can also call the school and leave a message at 395-5470. I will return your call as soon as possible.
Students,
Remember! Only YOU can take this band to the next level! As with all things in life, you will only get out of band what you put into band. Band is not a spectator sport and there are no “bench warmers” in band… so put forth your best effort, everyday, and see how proud you will be of yourself and your band! Let’s make this year truly memorable! I am looking forward to a great year together!
Musically yours,
Tyler Moore
Band Director

This is a basic list of our events this year. Other performances and events will be scheduled as opportunities arise.
Date Event
September 1
September 11
First Band Parent Meeting of the 2015-2016 school year
Band Handbook Forms due
October 6 Fall Band Concert – Ellis MPR
November 19-21
December 5
December 15
February 4-6
February 25
March 11-12
March - ?
Winterfest Honor Band – Armstrong State University (ASU)
District Honor Band Auditions – Effingham Middle School
Winter Band Concert – St. Paul’s Lutheran
District 1 Honor Band – ASU
LGPE preview concert – Location, TBD
Large Group Performance Evaluation – ASU
Possible 5 th /6 th grade band concert – Ellis MPR
March 14-18
April 16
May 5
May 6
Be A Better Musician Camp – aka “Spring Break”
Solo & Ensemble – Oglethorpe Charter School
Spring Band Concert – St. Paul’s Lutheran
District 1 Clinic Band – ASU
June-July Summer Band Camps – consider this for your child!
Note:
Specifics for each event will be sent to parents/guardians via letter, email, or call out, prior to the event date. Please help me keep your students accountable for delivering all pertinent information in a timely and responsible manner.

Our band program offers a positive approach to learning music. We promote a basic understanding and appreciation for music, and provide the necessary skills to allow students to participate in a variety of instrumental ensembles. Moreover, your child’s experiences in our band program will prepare them and motivate them to successfully continue participating in music programs after leaving Charles Ellis.
The band program is open to all students with consideration to instrumentation, playing ability, and attitude. Band is a course that requires self-discipline, responsibility, cooperation, and hard work from each band member. With these values, each student can truly experience success in their development as a musician.
- 5 th Grade Beginning Band meets twice a week for 30 minutes.
- 6 th Grade Band meets twice a week for 70 minutes.
- 7 th and 8 th Grade Band meets twice a week for 70 minutes.
All band classes will work to strengthen individual, ensemble, and full band musical skills. Band students will be learning music theory, which is the foundation or
“building blocks” of ALL music. The band curriculum is designed for students to develop an appreciation of music, performance, and a lifelong participation of musical activities.
Instructional Goals
The student should:
 Develop a characteristic tone on his/her instrument. “Characteristic” means the instrument sounds like it is supposed to sound. Professional musicians on a specific instrument are our models for sound.
 Develop knowledge and understanding of time signatures, key signatures, rhythms, and other musical notation needed to perform music.
 Develop individual and ensemble performance skills.
 Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the parts, mechanics, care, and cleaning of the instrument.
 Demonstrate a sense of personal discipline, pride, and group cooperation

The Districts policy for grading middle school is broken into two categories:
40% = Class work, homework, class participation, bringing equipment
60% = Tests: Concerts, written tests, and playing tests (in-class and/or via Smart Music)
Expectations to meet the 40% class grade are discussed on a regular basis. You can help keep your child accountable by asking them about any assignments they may have and by encouraging them to practice.
The students also need your help remembering their instrument on band days.
INSTRUMENTS should go home everyday from school (to be practiced), and should come with necessary supplies on band days.
Expectations for tests will be communicated ahead of time to students.
Concerts are not an option in the band, they are a requirement.
However, if a student must miss a concert, they may either A.) Submit a recording of their concert music to Mr. Tyler, or B.) Perform their music for Mr. Tyler after school. In the event that this is not possible, a written music history assignment must be completed.

1.
Students will sit in his/her assigned seat during rehearsals and will not move around the room without permission.
2.
Talking is not permitted when the director is on the podium.
3.
Students will show respect to adults, other students, band property
(instruments, drums, chairs, stands, etc.) and to him/her self.
4.
Students will play only when instructed to.
5.
Gum, candy, food, or drinks are not allowed to be consumed in the band room. Bottled water is okay.
6.
The band room is to be left neat and orderly after each class period. This includes straightening chairs and stands, picking up trash in your area, and taking all items you are responsible for with you.
7.
Student will take his/her instrument home each day. Instruments should not be left in the band room, classroom, hallway or cubby over night.
Consequences: The following procedures will be followed for inappropriate behavior.
1.
Warning (Verbal or clear eye contact)
2.
Pack-up early along with a parent phone call
3.
Teacher-Parent-Student conference
4.
Office referral (immediate office referral for a severe offense)
5.
Removal from the band program

It is very important that each band student establishes a daily practice routine. I recommend 5 th grade beginning students should practice at least 20 minutes a day and 6 th -8 th grade students practice at least 30-45 minutes a day (or more as time allows). To help maximize your practice use a metronome and a tuner. These aids are relatively inexpensive and will improve your playing dramatically.
I will try to give as much individual attention as possible to each student in the band.
However, due to the size of the band program and limited time for rehearsals, I will not be able to work with every student as much as I would like. Therefore, I encourage students to study with private instructors to help them excel on his/her instruments. Students who apply themselves and take private lessons from a qualified instructor usually do very well in Honor Band and All-State auditions.
Another benefit of taking private lessons is that the extra dedication and practice can help students earn scholarships to college. Students interested in private lessons should see me about local instructors. There are many fine private teachers in the Savannah area. I can provide information that will help you choose the best instructor for your instrument.

5 th Grade Band
Method Book
Tradition of Excellence Book 1
Supplies
Woodwinds- (Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone)
Reeds-Pack of 5 or 10 (Rico brand size 2½)
Cork grease
Cleaning cloth
Portable music stand
Brass-(Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone)
Valve or slide oil
Cleaning cloth
Portable music stand
Percussion
Percussion Kit with all included supplies
6 th Grade Band
Method Book
Tradition of Excellence Book 1
Supplies
Woodwinds- (Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone)
Reeds-Pack of 5 or 10 (Vandoren or Mitchell Lurie brand size 2)
Cork grease
Cleaning cloth
Brass-(Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone)
Valve or slide cream and sprayer.
Cleaning cloth
Percussion
Stick bag
Snare sticks (Vic Firth, SD1 General)
Xylophone/Bell mallets-medium or hard rubber mallets

7 th and 8 th Grade Band
Method Book
Foundations of Superior Performance
Supplies
Woodwinds- (Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone)
Reeds-Pack of 5 or 10 (Vandoren or Mitchell Lurie brand size 2 or 2 ½)
Cork grease
Cleaning cloth
Brass-(Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba)
Valve or slide cream and sprayer.
Cleaning cloth
Percussion
Stick bag
Snare sticks (Vic Firth, SD1 General)
Xylophone/Bell mallets-medium or hard rubber mallets
Timpani mallets
 Show an interest in the music study of your child.
 Arrange a regular time for your child to practice.
 Keep the instrument in good playing condition. Make sure your child has all supplies for his/her instrument. (reeds, valve oil, cork grease, etc.)
 Encourage your child to play for others when the opportunity arises.
(Church, school, home, and in the community)
 Make sure your child brings his/her instrument to band class everyday.
 Come hear our concerts and support your child and the other band members.

Student’s Name: _______________ __ ____________ Grade: ____ ____
Street Address: __________________________ _____________________
City: _________ _____ ___________ Zip Code: ____________ ________
Father’s/Guardian’s Name: _____ _____________________________
Mother’s/Guardian’s Name: __ ______________________________
Home Phone: ( _____ _ ____) - ____ __ _____ - ___ _ _ _ _________
Work Phone: ( _____ _ ____) - ____ __ _____ - ___ _ _ _ _________
Cell Phone: ( _____ _ ____) - ____ __ _____ - ___ _ _ _ _________
Cell Phone: ( _____ _ ____) - ____ __ _____ - ___ _ _ _ _________
Parent/Guardian Email(s):
________________________________ _________________________________
__________________________ _______________________________________
I acknowledge that I have received the 2015-2016 Charles Ellis
Montessori Academy Band Handbook. I agree to follow and abide by the procedures and guidelines listed within.
Student Signature Date
Parent Signature Date