Aurora Hills Middle School
♫ ♪ Band and Orchestra Handbook 2.0 ♫ ♪
Welcome! The purpose of this handbook is to tell you specific things about our fabulous instrumental music program
and to set clear and open communication between you, your parents, and me, Ms. Hobein. I am here to give you the best
music education possible. I LOVE music, which is why I made teaching band and orchestra my career! Take the time to
read, sign and return page seven to me within seven days. You must return page 7 to be in band or orchestra.
Four ways to contact Ms. Hobein:
Good communication is important for us to work together, and I will make every effort to return your messages promptly.
Email is the best way to contact me, but my phone number is also listed below. Please contact me quickly if a need or
question arises! Email me to be added to my address book for updates!
Email:
Phone:
Write a note:
In person:
Website:
Twitter:
rmhobein@aps.k12.co.us
303-326-4629 or 303-341-7450
Parents, you may send a note with your student with your contact information.
Please make an appointment to guarantee availability.
I am not available for meetings during my classes.
www.mshobein.com
@mshobein
Band and Orchestra classes are yearlong courses, and lifelong endeavors. You are making a commitment to stay in
this class for this entire school year. It takes dedication and consistent practice to become a “pro!” The great news is that
it will be rewarding, exciting, satisfying and fun! See me right away for help and/or advice if you have a problem.
What do you need to bring to class every day?
I/DW/P
Instrument (and necessary supplies) ** See p. 5 for details on instruments.
Developmental Workbook Binder (3-ring binder, one inch thick) will hold your:
Method book, sheet music in sheet protectors, composition notebook, folder, pencil and loose-leaf paper.
Planner (First one is free; replacements are $4.00)
ROOM RULES
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5.
Demonstrate respect for our learning environment.
Be prepared. (I.DW.P.)
Be responsible for your own learning.
Be prompt to class.
Do not chew gum, eat or drink in this classroom.
MUSTANG P.R.I.D.E. EXPECTATIONS
Principled.
Reflective.
Inquirers.
Determined.
Excellence.
Do the right thing. Be fair. Stay focused on your goals and priorities.
Be introspective and thoughtful. Think back on what you’ve learned.
Ask good questions. Pay attention. Nurture your curiosity and imagination.
Be disciplined, dedicated and persistent. Believe in yourself. Never give up!
Do your best - always. Intend to succeed. Strive for greatness!
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INSTRUMENTS
It is highly recommended that you obtain an instrument of your own. (Orchestra instruments = violin, viola, cello, bass.
Band = flute, oboe, clarinet and bass clarinet, bassoon, alto, tenor and baritone sax, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone
and tuba.) After a successful audition, percussionists must obtain their own percussion bell kit for home practice and buy their
own sticks and mallets. The music stores that I recommend (see list on p. 6) rent and sell instruments from reputable
manufacturers and are inspected to ensure playability, condition and value. Quality used instruments need to have been
serviced prior to purchase.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like advice or help on finding an instrument. Avoid e-bay, flea markets, box stores,
and new “instruments” that cost less than $150. Those instruments are not playable, sound terrible, impossible to fix and/or have
no re-sale value. Spend your hard earned money on a good quality instrument.
School-owned instruments are checked out according to class need, student need, teacher recommendation, and availability. If
you are approved, your parent needs to come in with you to check out the school instrument. At that time, we will notate its
condition together on the instrument use form. *All students using school owned instruments must pay the $30.00 fee.
The following five criteria must be met to check out a school owned instrument:
1.
$30.00 fee is paid, payable to Aurora Hills Middle School
2.
Contract page of this handbook is returned (last page, page 7)
3.
Instrument Use Form is returned
4.
Required supplies have been obtained (see supply list on page 5)
5.
Parent and student meet with Ms. Hobein to check out the instrument together.
INSTRUMENT STORAGE
Cages and cubbies in the band room for school-day storage of instruments will be assigned the first week of class. Write your
name on a sticker and put it in your locker, and label your case. Cages may be locked with a combination padlock if you
provide Ms. Hobein the combination. Keep only your instrument in this locker. DO NOT keep school instruments in your
regular school locker in the hallway! You are responsible for the transportation of large instruments (basses, cellos, tubas, etc.)
to and from school for check-ups and tuning every quarter.
BAND AND ORCHESTRA “VIP” STICKER
You will get a “VIP” sticker for your school I.D. so you can come down directly at the end of the day to
pick up your instrument to take home to practice.  It is Very Important to Practice at home every day!
INSTRUMENT MAINTENANCE & REPAIR
1.
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5.
6.
7.
8.
Write your name and phone number on everything, especially on your instrument case with masking tape or a luggage tag.
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR INSTRUMENT IN A CAR UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
MAINTAIN YOUR INSTRUMENT!!! Swab your woodwind after EVERY use, clean brass instruments quarterly, wash
mouthpieces regularly, and rosin your bow often! Wipe off string instrument with a soft cloth after each use.
Reeds, valve/slide oil, cork grease and tuning slide grease will all need to be replaced if you lose or break them. Please write
your name on everything so we can get it back to you if you accidentally misplace it!
Do not allow your instrument to get too hot, too cold (or wet, if padded.) Temperature changes have drastic negative effects,
including cracking and warping the wood, allowing pegs to slip and glues to melt!
Do not attempt to repair a broken instrument on your own! Allow only qualified professionals to repair your instrument. You
must notify Ms. Hobein immediately if something breaks on your school-owned instrument.
Do not attempt to tune your string instrument until you have learned how to do so in class.
If you break a string for whatever reason, you are responsible for replacing it with Super Sensitive Red Label quality or
better. Music stores carry strings individually or in sets, or you may buy them online.
IF YOUR SCHOOL INSTRUMENT IS STOLEN OR BROKEN, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING WITH
LIKE BRAND AND QUALITY OR BETTER
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PRACTICE
Practice thoughtfully every day, keeping your goals in mind. You will be keeping track of practice time,
effort, goals, playing test results and scores, and overall progress in your developmental workbook journal,
so be sure to bring it to class each day. “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” --Wayne Gretzky
CONCERTS
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Concerts are one of the most fun and important aspects in band and orchestra. We get to perform! Because each
person matters on our team, it is required that you play at all concerts, dress properly and arrive on time. Plan
ahead for concerts and pay attention to newsletters from school and updates from Ms. Hobein. Our schedule is on
page four as well as in our AHills Band and Orchestra Google calendar (you can subscribe to this calendar
through Google). An unexcused absence from a performance will seriously affect your grade, as well as takeaway from our entire performance. We need YOU!
If you need to miss a concert for any foreseeable reason, you must let Ms. Hobein know in writing at least two
weeks before the performance. If you miss a concert due to illness or family emergency, make sure your parent
contacts me about why before your return to school. If you are excused from a concert, you will play the music
for me (live or recorded) to make up your performance grade.
We wear semi-formal clothes for concerts, usually white shirts/tops and black pants or skirts and black shoes.
Inappropriate clothing will not be allowed. This includes bare shoulders, back and/or chest, sweats, jeans, skirts
above the knee when seated and shorts. “Dress up” in the nicest clothes you can afford. "Remember, you
represent our school, so dress in a way that says, "I am a professional."
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COMMUNITY SERVICE
Community service (volunteering) is required as part of your Middle Years IB programme education.
There will be many opportunities to volunteer, especially in band and orchestra! There are so many
ways YOU can help make our program, our school and our community the BEST in town. I
recommend that you participate in a sustained activity through the year, such as the Tri-M, Chamber
Music Club or Pep Band. Memorize these magic words: “How can I help you?”
MUSIC CLUBS & ACTIVITIES
Stay tuned for upcoming announcements regarding participation in Honor Band, Honor Orchestra, Full Orchestra,
Solo and Ensemble Club, Chamber Music Club, String-A-Thon, Band-A-Thon, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Jazz
Band, Pep Band and other special performing opportunities and events. Remember that checking our AHills Band
and Orchestra Google calendar and/or the website www.mshobein.com is a great way to “stay tuned!”
TRI-M MUSIC HONORARY
This honor society consists of outstanding students who are model citizens and dedicated musicians. Our first
orientation and informational meeting will be held on Friday, August 12th from 3:00-4:00 pm in the band room.
RSVP now so we have enough refreshments.
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GRADES
Each quarter grade will be based two things: (1) Academic (meeting the standards) and (2) Work habits (effort,
engagement, homework and responsibility). The academic part of your grade is your learning of standards and content
in the class and demonstrated in playing tests, concerts, written tests and your Developmental Workbook. Your work
habits grade is your homework (demonstration of home practice, assignments) and your effort, engagement and
responsibility. Both you and your parents can access grades and up-to-date information through the “Infinite Campus
Parent Portal” at the school website: www.aps.k12.co.us/ahills.
Now is the time to take responsibility for your own learning. YOU are responsible for practicing daily to improve, giving
your best effort every day in class and for making up any assignments you miss. Keep track of your goals and assignments in
your DW and/or planner and/or calendar. Make the time to stay organized. When you are absent, check your class folder on
the bulletin board for handouts or new music. Ask your section leader what you missed and/or email Ms. Hobein.
Do your best each day. If you are unable to play your instrument for some reason, be sure to have your parent contact me to
excuse you so you do not lose work effort points for the day. You may re-do playing tests outside of class by appointment
for a higher grade. Tests missed because you forgot your equipment may not be made up.
Ms. Hobein’s Schedule
Per.
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3
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MUSIC CALENDAR
August
Class
Advanced Band
Beg inning Band
Planning/Lunch
Beg. Orchestra
Adv. Orchestra
Beg. Band
Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri
8:30 – 9:47
9:51 – 10:53
Late Start Wednesdays
10:00 – 10:50
10:54 – 11:44
12:43 – 1:45
1:49 – 2:51
2:55 – 3:57
1:19 – 2:09
2:13 – 3:03
3:07 – 3:57
***Check the Google AHills Band and Orchestra calendar for the most current information.***
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30
Jump Start Lessons Before School
Orchestra instrument check out night
Band instrument check out night
TBA
6:00 pm
6:00 pm
A-Hills Music Room
A-Hills Music Room
September
_____
Track and Field Finals (Girls-20th, Boys-21st)
3:30 – 6:00 pm
HHS Stadium
October
5/6
16
Fabulous Friday or Super Saturday Concerts
Board of Education Performance
TBA
6:00 pm
A-Hills Music/Stage
____________________
November
____
Colorado Symphony Orchestra Field Trip
-or- February or April date TBA
By invitation only
December
_____
_____
_____
Winter Band Concert
Winter Orchestra Concert
Elementary School Tour
and Special Holiday performances
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
Gateway HS Auditorium
Gateway HS Auditorium
TBA
February
28
Solo & Ensemble Recital
6:00 pm
A-Hills Stage
March
____
9
String-A-Thon (Orchestras only)
Solo & Ensemble Festival/Contest
6:00 pm
Morning
TBA
Quest K-8 School
April
____
20
25 or 26
Colorado Symphony Orchestra Concert
By invitation only, more info forthcoming
Festival of the Arts at the Mall
_______
Aurora Town-Center
CHSAA/APS Large Group Festival (select group) TBA
Vista Peak
May
4
2 or 9
_____
_____
Festival of the Arts at the PLCC
APS Honor Band Day & Honor Orchestra Day
Spring Band Concert
Spring Orchestra Concert
TBA
AM + PM
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
PLCC
Rangeview HS
A-Hills
A-Hills
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Aurora Hills Band & Orchestra Supply List 2012-2013
You do not have to order through Ms. Hobein. Allow 2-4 weeks for your order if you do.
___________________________________ __________________ ___ _____________
Name
Instrument
Grade
Class
_________
Date
MUSIC BINDERS & BOOKS
All students will be required to have a one-inch 3-ring binder in class every day to hold
the method book, composition notebook, paper, sheet music, pocket folder and pencil.
Beginning Band book:
(French horn book $10.00)
Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 for your instrument
(Percussion book $18.00)
Beginning Orchestra book:
Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 for your instrument
Intermediate Band (combined 7-8 grades)
(French horn book $10.00)
Essential Elements 2000 Book 2 for your instrument
(Percussion book $18.00)
Advanced Orchestra (combined 7-8 grades)
Essential Elements 2000 Book 2 for your instrument
AND Essential Technique 2000 for Strings for your instrument (3rd year players)
Advanced Band (combined 7-8 grades)
Essential Elements 2000 book 2 for your instrument (Percussion book $16.00)
3rd year + Foundations for Superior Performance for your instrument (“)
Amount sent
$9.00
$9.00
$8.00
$8.00
$8.00
$8.00
$8.00
SUPPLIES
Violin or Viola kit
Rosin $4.00, metal padded shoulder rest $14.00, washcloth $1.00
Cello kit
Rosin $4.00, washcloth $1.00
Bass kit
Bass rosin $6.00, washcloth $1.00
Flute kit
Cleaning swab
Oboe kit
2 reeds (med-soft beginner, medium intermediate/Chartier or better), cleaning swab
Bassoon kit
2 reeds (med-soft beginner, medium intermediate/Chartier or better), cleaning swab
Clarinet kit
5 Mitchel Lurie, Vandoren or Rico Royal reeds, Cleaning swab, cork grease
(6th grade #2, 7th grade #2 ½, 8th grade #3),
Sax kit
5 Rico Royal or Vandoren reeds, cork grease
(6th grade #2, 7th grade #2 ½, 8th grade #3)
Trumpet, Trombone or French Horn kit
Al Cass valve/rotary oil, tuning slide grease, cleaning snake & mouthpiece brush
Baritone or Tuba kit
Al Cass valve/rotary oil, tuning slide grease, large cleaning snake & mouthpiece brush
Percussion kit, 1st year
*** Obtain on your own Percussion Bell Kit for home ***
Snare drumsticks (2A or 2B), plastic bell mallets, stick bag
Percussion 2nd year
SAME AS ABOVE + ADD yarn mallets
Percussion 3rd year
SAME AS ABOVE + ADD Timpani mallets
Amount sent
$4.00-$19.00
$4.00-$5.00
$6.00-$7.00
$7.00
$25.00
$35.00
$26.00
$23.00
$15.00
$17.00
ORDER
THROUGH
RETAILER
ORDER
THROUGH
RETAILER
25.00
40.00
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Please make checks & money orders payable to Aurora Hills Middle School.
Musical Instrument Stores & Sales
TOTAL:
2012-2013
A real music store is a great resource for finding a quality musical instrument, as well as a place to
find music and supplies! Contact them directly for more information and details on location, rental
programs and store hours. Remember that a QUALITY instrument is more valuable than “new.”
AVOID flea markets, e-bay and box stores!
Flesher-Hinton Music
flesherhinton.com
3936 Tennyson St.
Denver CO 80212
303-433-8891 // 800-225-8742
Kolacny Music
kolacnymusic.com
1900 S. Broadway (S. Broadway and Jewell)
Denver, CO 80210
303-722-6081
The Music Box
2553 S. Colorado Blvd
Suite 109, University Hills West
Denver, CO 80222
303-756-9461
www.musicboxdenver.com
CIOMIT: Colorado Institute of Musical Instrument Technology
Quality refurbished instruments and supplies
651 Topeka Way, Suite 300
Castle Rock, CO 80109
www.ciomit.com
303-663-4084
Golden Music Center, String instruments
2430 East St.
www.goldenmusiccenter.net
Golden, CO 80401
303-279-1111 / 1-800-870-3167
*Please contact teacher before purchasing used instruments online. BUYER BEWARE!
Craig’s List*
denver.craigslist.org
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Make sure that the instrument is IN playing condition and/or has been checked out by an authorized
music store or professional musician. Make sure you have a guarantee to return it.
Band and Orchestra Contract Agreement
Return this page to Ms. Hobein by August 27, 2013
STUDENT NAME ________________________________________________________________________________________
FIRST NAME
LAST NAME
GRADE
Orchestra or Band?
Student:
I have read the entire handbook for Ms. Hobein’s class. I understand it, will abide by it, and I know what is expected of me.
I have had all questions concerning the content of this handbook answered and will do my best to live up to the intent of this
contract.
_____________________________________
STUDENT SIGNATURE
_________________
DATE
Parent/Guardian:
I have reviewed the Band and Orchestra Handbook. I understand it and will support it.
_____________________________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE #1
__________________________________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE #2
_____________________________________
PRINT PARENT NAME #1
__________________________________________
PRINT PARENT NAME #2
_____________________________________
Parent #1 Daytime Phone Number
__________________________________________
Parent #2 Daytime Phone Number
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Complete Home Address
City
Zip
_____________________________________
EMAIL ADDRESS for newsletter and updates
__________________________________________
EMAIL#2
Media Release:
Because band and orchestra classes begin recording and performing so quickly in the year, our program needs to have this on
file immediately. This release is not meant to replace the one you sign in the beginning of the year.
I hereby give permission for my child to be photographed and I release the use of his/her name, photograph and/or
school work in the yearbook, mass media, school district publications, the Aurora Public School Internet Website
and/or Aurora Public School Video and television programs about activities in APS.
I do not give permission.
This Media Release shall remain in effect during the entire time my child attends Aurora Public Schools, unless it is revoked
by me or another parent or legal guardian in writing.
Signature of Parent/Guardian: _____________________________________________ Date: ___________________
Teacher:
I will be fair and consistent in practicing and applying the policies in this handbook.
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Ms. Robbie Hobein
August 3rd, 2012.
Aurora Hills Middle School Admin Team
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