555 Viking Drive
Morehead, KY 40351
606-784-8911 ext. 3763
Nick Diedrichsen Kevin Christie
Directors
Dear Parent(s) or Guardian(s),
Welcome to the Rowan County Viking Band Program. We hope you are as excited about being
a part of this outstanding organization as we are for you to be here. As a member, your child will
have many memorable experiences.
In order to maintain the rich tradition and pride in the Viking Band, your child must abide by
strict rules and regulations. Those rules are presented in the following handbook and are
constructed to uphold fairness, consistency, and quality in all aspects of the band program. Each
member must adhere to these rules. These rules and regulations are devised for the protection of
the entire organization. Therefore, each member and parent is asked to read and discuss it fully.
This will be the document upon which decisions are made, so please be familiar with the
expectations of being a member of this organization and be willing to abide by the rules.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US AS QUESTIONS ARISE.
Mr. Diedrichsen’s Email:
nickolaus.diedrichsen@rowan.kyschools.us
7:30 AM - 12:00 PM - Rowan County Middle School 784-8911 ext. 3763
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM - Rowan County High School Band Office 784-8956 ext. 2613
Planning Period and lunch 12:00-12:45
These are the times we are at school. If we are in class, you may leave a message
on our voice mail and we will return your call ASAP.
Sincerely,
Nickolaus H. Diedrichsen
Middle School Director
Kevin Christie
High School Director
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Jay Padula
Principal
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
PHILOSOPHY
GOALS
BAND SUPPLIES
UNIFORMS
BAND ROOM RULES
CONSEQUENCES
RENTAL INSTRUMENTS
SCHOOL-OWNED INSTRUMENTS
INSTRUMENT REPAIR AND CARE, BAND CUBBIES, REEDS, BAND
TEXTS & MUSIC
X.
FUND-RAISERS, BAND TRIPS & VOLUNTEERS
XI.
AUDIO & VIDEO EQUIPMENT
XII. GRADING POLICY
XIII. PRIVATE LESSONS
XIV. ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
XV. BAND ROOM USE BEFORE HOMEROOM & AFTER SCHOOL
I.
PHILOSOPHY
Through the support of directors Nickolaus Diedrichsen and Kevin Christie, and our principal,
Jay Padula, the Rowan County Middle School Band program is designed to provide information
to our students, which will enable them to develop a life-long understanding and appreciation for
music while providing opportunities for them to develop their performance, leadership,
teamwork, and personal creativity skills.
II.
GOALS
A. 6th Grade
1. Students will understand and demonstrate their ability to care for a musical instrument.
2. Students will understand basic musical terms and theory (i.e. music staff, note names, key
signatures, rhythmic values, articulations, and dynamics).
3. Students will apply their knowledge of these fundamental concepts to their instruments.
In addition, they will demonstrate their understanding of these fundamentals through
written assignments and verbal exercises.
B. 7th and 8th Grade
1. Students will continue to demonstrate their increased working knowledge of the creation
and reproduction of music through performance opportunities.
2. Students will prepare for success at the high school level by increasing note, rhythm, and
theory recognition through written assignments/tests, sight-reading, preparing, critiquing
and performing at a higher level of musicianship.
III.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
All band students must have the following every day for the entire school year:
1. Instrument and all its necessary equipment (i.e. reeds, mouthpiece, drumsticks, swabs, etc.)
2. All sheet music and books.
3. PENCIL (absolutely no pens!)
Successful Band Students Always Have Proper Materials
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IV.
UNIFORMS FOR PERFORMANCES
1. 7th and 8th Grade Band - Formal uniform includes the following and must be within
school dress code:
Girls
SOLID black dress top, no spaghetti straps, strapless tops, or midriff showing
Black dress pants, no skirts allowed
Black dress shoes
Boys
Long sleeve white button up dress shirt with a collar
Black dress pants, Black socks and Black dress shoes
A. Beginning Band (6th Grade)
1. Dress clothes
2. Girls – no skirts allowed.
3. Boys – you do not have to wear a tie.
No jeans, tennis shoes, hats, flip flops, or shirts with writing or print allowed.
V.
BAND ROOM RULES
1. Show respect and consideration for yourself and others.
2. Everyone will display care and respect for ALL equipment and EVERY facility that they
enter.
3. Students may talk or ask questions AFTER they have raised their hand AND been CALLED
UPON BY THE TEACHER.
4. Students will bring their instruments, music, pencils and other necessary equipment to
EVERY class meeting.
5. Candy, gum and food or drink of any kind must be discarded before entering the band room.
ONLY Bottled water (without flavor additives) is allowed.
VI.
CONSEQUENCES
Students will receive one warning. Failure to follow the rules will be considered a failure to
positively contribute to the rehearsal. Students who do not positively contribute to the rehearsal
will not receive full participation credit for that day. In addition, these consequences will be
applied as appropriate:
Inappropriate behavior will result in these consequences:
1. The student’s name will be written on the board and the student will receive a five
point deduction from their rehearsal contribution grade for that day.
2. The student will be given a check mark and receive an additional five point
deduction from rehearsal contribution grade.
3. If the student receives a second check mark, the student will be asked to pack up
their instrument and will not be allowed to participate in the rehearsal, thus losing
all credit that otherwise would have been earned that day.
4. If the behavior continues, a disciplinary referral will be issued and parents will be
contacted.
5. Any student who shows ongoing disinterest in following the rules will be removed
from the band program.
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VII.
RENT-TO-OWN INSTRUMENTS
Our band sets up a rent to own program through Don Wilson Music in Lexington, KY. A
representative visits our school at least once a week to help maintain this program. An
introductory meeting about the rental program and about band will take place at RCMS on the
evening of August 30th at 6:30 for all parents. Your child will bring home a letter with more
information about the rental program. The many benefits of renting an instrument include: having
a new quality instrument, instrument insurance with maintenance/repair included in the price, and
the ability to return the instrument should your child decide not to participate in band. Payments
made can be transferred to another instrument should your child switch instruments or up-grade
to a better quality instrument.
PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE AN INSTRUMENT WITHOUT SPEAKING TO A DIRECTOR.
VIII.
SCHOOL-OWNED INSTRUMENTS
A. AVAILABILITY
RCMS provides a very limited number of public-use instruments each year. We are
happy to offer these instruments based on availability and need, however, due to our
limited inventory, please understand that there is no guarantee that an instrument will be
available for issue.
B. COST
A fee will be assessed for the use of school owned instruments to off set the cost for
instrument repair. This fee is $40 per school-year and is due upon issue of the
instrument.
C. CHECK-OUT PROCEDURE
1. Parent and student must fill-out and sign instrument checkout form.
2. Instrument will be checked out to the student.
IX.
INSTRUMENT CARE/REPAIR, BAND LOCKERS, REEDS, BAND TEXTS AND MUSIC
A. SCHOOL-OWNED INSTRUMENT AND REPAIR
Problems or damage to an instrument must be reported to a director immediately.
NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE INSTRUMENT ON YOUR OWN. TAKE
CARE OF AND MAINTAIN YOUR SCHOOL-OWNED INSTRUMENT. Repairs will
be made through Don Wilson Music in Lexington, KY or another licensed repair shop. If
an instrument is stolen, you must provide a police report. If an instrument is lost or
destroyed, it is also the financial responsibility of the parents of the child that is using the
instrument.
Estimated cost of a Flute: $900
Baritone: $2000.00
Tuba: $3600.00
Please take care of your school-owned instrument!
B. PERSONALLY-OWNED INSTRUMENTS
Sometimes, parents elect to buy their child a new or used instrument; musical instruments
can be obtained through music dealers, online music stores, hand-me-downs, yard sale,
Ebay auctions, and craigslist classifieds. Most repair shops can service quality
instruments of reputable brands. If you are considering buying an instrument for your
child, please keep in mind that repair shops will not service cheaply made instruments
(because of the unavailability of parts for these instruments). Below is a table of reliable
instrument brands that most repair shops will service:
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Armstrong,
Artley, Emerson,
Ghemienhardt,
Yamaha
Artley, Buffett,
LeBlanc, Selmer,
Yamaha,Vito,
Trombone:
Bach, Getzen
Holton, King,
Yamaha,
Percussion Kits:
Ludwig, Pearl
Mapex,
Yamaha
Saxophone:
Conn, Selmer,
Yamaha,
Oboe/bassoon:
Fox, Renard,
Selmer,
Yamaha
Trumpet:
Bach, Benge, Conn,
Getzen, King,
Jupiter, Yamaha,
Holton, Conn,
Nirschil, Yamaha
Flute:
Clarinet:
French
Horn:
It is highly recommended that you insure your instrument. Check with your
homeowner’s insurance to see if it is possible to cover the instrument on your
homeowner’s policy. If not, contact one of the band directors and we will provide you
with the necessary information. NEVER LEAVE AN INSTRUMENT AT SCHOOL
OVERNIGHT! ROWAN COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL WILL NOT BE
RESPONSIBLE FOR INSTRUMENTS WHICH ARE STOLEN OR DAMAGED
WHILE ON SCHOOL PROPERTY.
C. BAND CUBBIES AND INSTRUMENT STORAGE
Band cubbies will be issued to all students in the band. Students should store their band
equipment, band books and music in the cubbies. Students may store their Books and
materials for other classes in their cubby only during band class. Students who play Tuba,
Euphonium, French Horn, Baritone Saxophone or Percussion will be issued a cubby to
store their equipment and music, but will store their instruments in cases in designated
areas of the storage room. When not in use, instruments must be stored correctly in cases.
All personal items left in the band room will be put in lost and found. Lost and Found
items not claimed will be donated to the youth service center. The Lost and Found bin is
emptied at the end of each nine week grading period.
D. REEDS
Students who play reed instruments will be responsible for buying their own reeds. Our
music representative from Don Wilson Music visits weekly and will be happy to take
reed orders. In addition, every student who plays a wind instrument will need to have a
reed case. One reed can last a long time when it is properly cared for. Students need to
have at least 4 reeds in their cases in case one breaks during class or performance.
Students may charge up to 2 reeds, but they must pay for their reeds to be eligible to
charge additional reeds or travel with the band.
E. BAND TEXTS AND MUSIC
The RCMS Band uses two text books. Students are responsible for purchasing the
Standard of Excellence Comprehensive Band Method (book 1 for 6th & 7th grades, Book 2
for 8th grade). Students MUST write their names on the outside, inside and back cover of
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their Standards of Excellence book. This text costs $10 and will be ordered by 7th and 8th
graders during the first week of school. 6th graders will buy their text at the rental
program on August 30th.
7th and 8th grade band students are also required to purchase, Warm ups and Beyond by
Timothy Loest. This text costs $7.00 and will be available for purchase in the band room.
Assigned music, Standard of Excellence and Warm ups and Beyond books and must be
kept in a folder. The Band will furnish the music folders at no cost.
X.
FUND-RAISERS, BAND TRIPS, & VOLUNTEERS
A. FUNDRAISING
Every year, the Rowan County Middle School Band undertakes at least one fund-raiser
per semester. The money raised by our students is used to buy new instruments, music,
transportation, staff specialists and various other items and services. Our fund-raiser lasts
one or two weeks from the starting date. All students are encouraged to participate for
the benefit of the entire band program. Due to federal tax code, individual student
accounts will no longer be part of our fund raising practices, however, we will still use
fund-raising money to accommodate band-related financial needs on an individual basis.
B. BAND TRIPS
During the school year, band students might participate in a trip designed to reward
students that have good participation, behavior, and have earned passing grades. Any
student that is suspended or ineligible to participate in school activities for any reason
will not be allowed to travel with the band. Students may also be restricted from
participating in a band trip if he/she is in poor behavioral standing in or outside of band.
Students must also be in good financial standing with the band to attend a trip (no
outstanding fundraiser money, red money etc). No band student with an unexcused
absence from a public performance will be allowed to go on a band trip. This is left to the
discretion of the band directors.
When the band rides a bus to an event, all students must ride the bus to and from the
event. Parents who wish to pick up their children from an event must make prior
arrangements in writing with RCMS, or sign their child out upon picking them up.
**Taking part in a fund-raiser does not guarantee trip participation.
C. VOLUNTEERS
Parents or Legal Guardians of RCMS band students who wish to
volunteer are very much needed and appreciated. We are always in
need of chaperones, help with fundraising activities, and volunteers
to fill various other roles. Parents who are interested in helping will need
to complete the appropriate paperwork and background check through
the Central Office.
XI.
ELECTRONICS
The band directors sometimes place audio or video equipment in the band room and other related
areas to record student activity for educational and security purposes. Students may not use any
computer without permission at any time. Students may not use electronic devices such as cell
phones, i-pods, or cameras without permission.
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XII.
GRADING POLICY
A. EQUIPMENT CHECK -50 POINTS PER WEEK
The ability to play a musical instrument is a skill, which is acquired through practice and
rehearsal. Participation in band class requires that each student bring the required equipment to all
class meetings. Students will receive credit for bringing the following items to class:
Instrument/mouthpiece/sticks, music/book and pencil – 10 points per day
Instrument/mouthpiece/sticks, missing music or pencil, - 5 points per day
Instrument/mouthpiece/sticks, missing music and pencil – 3 points per day
No instrument – no credit
PLEASE NOTE – If a student’s instrument is broken, it is his or her responsibility to have it
repaired. If a musical instrument has to be sent off for repair, the student will receive their
participation grade for the days the instrument is in the shop only if the repair tag is brought to a
director. All playing test grades taken during this time must be made up within one week of
return of the instrument. The student is not permitted to skip band class during this time and all
written work given during this time must be completed with the rest of the class. Any
arrangements will be made by the directors, if possible, for the student to have another instrument
during a period of repair.
B. REHEARSAL CONTRIBUTION – 50 POINTS PER WEEK
Students will earn 10 points per day by making a positive contribution to each rehearsal. Making
a positive contribution means that students take part in all classroom activities (individual
playing, ensemble playing, rhythm counting, breathing exercises). Full credit will be given to
students who participate in all activities and follow all classroom rules.
C. PLAYING TESTS/WRITTEN TESTS – 100 POINTS EACH
Students will complete periodic individual performance assessments. These assessments will
consist of short musical performances. Students will be given credit for proper instrument
carriage, characteristic tone, correct notes, pulse, rhythm, sticking/fingering, articulation and
dynamics.
Student understanding of the elements of music will be evaluated through various written
assessments.
D. REQUIRED PUBLIC PERFORMANCES - 600 POINTS EACH
It is expected that every band student participate in all required public performances. The most
meaningful part of making music is sharing it with others. Absences from public performances
will be excused only for legitimate reasons at the discretion of the director. Parents must contact
the director at least three days in advance if it is necessary for a student to be excused from a
public performance for an emergency or important event (wedding, etc.).
Public performances during the course of the year:
The 6th grade band will have two public performances and the 7th and 8th grade band will have 5-7
public performances. The 6th grade band performs a Winter Concert and a Spring Concert only.
The following are a tentative list of 7th & 8th grade band performances: November-Veterans Day
program at RCMS (8th grade only), Winter Concert, KMEA Concert Festival at MSU, and Spring
Concert. These are all subject to change and others may be added if needed.
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E. COMBINED/EXTRA REHEARSALS -100 POINTS EACH
Occasionally, the band classes must be combined in order to fully prepare for an upcoming
performance. These rehearsals are often held during school hours, but it is sometimes necessary
to have two or three rehearsals after school. Students will receive notice about the scheduling of
these rehearsals at least one month in advance. If students have any scheduling conflicts or
transportation issues, they are expected to work them out in advance with the band director.
XIII.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons are not required but are strongly encouraged as a means for each student to
advance properly on his/her instrument. If you are interested in receiving private lessons, please
contact Mr. Diedrichsen for a private lesson teacher recommendation/referral. Please note that all
agreements concerning private lessons are made by the private lesson teacher and student.
XIV.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
A. Solo and Ensemble Festival
Solo and Ensemble Festival is an opportunity for individuals to excel either by
themselves or in small ensembles. The students prepare selections of their choice and
perform them for a judge who in turn gives them a rating. Medals of achievement are
given according to the rating received. This gives students the chance to perform music
other than that required of the entire band, creating some individuality for the students.
Participation is STRONGLY encouraged.
B. 7th & 8th Grade All-District Band Auditions
All-district band auditions are a very important and exciting part of band. In the fall, 7th
& 8th grade band students will have the opportunity to audition for a band that will meet
during a weekend in January and rehearse with a well-respected secondary or college
conductor. They rehearse music selected by the conductor for approximately three days
and present a concert at the end in the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, Kentucky. It is
a great learning experience for the student and he/she will also have the opportunity to
meet and perform with other people their age from surrounding counties.
Students who participate in approved additional activities receive extra credit for each activity.
XIV.
BAND ROOM USE BEFORE HOMEROOM & AFTER SCHOOL.
Students should come to the band room to put their instruments in their cubbies every morning on
their way to the gym. ONLY BAND students may stay in the band room until the bell rings
before homeroom. Any band student that elects to stay in the band room before homeroom must
be seated in the main band room, and must practice THEIR OWN instrument. Students may only
practice while Mr. Diedrichsen is present. Students may not stay in the band room on weeks that
Mr. Diedrichsen has early duty.
Students should take their instruments home to practice each evening. Students may come to the
band room to get instruments when the locker bell rings at 3:00. Students MAY NOT stay in the
band room after school for any reason.
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Rowan County Bands 2011-12 Student Medical Form
Student Name _________________________________________ Birth Date______________________
Parents/Legal Guardians __________________________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone (Home)_______________________(Cell)_________________________ (Work)_________________________
Allergies (foods, medicines, etc.) or special medical conditions
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Current Medications Being Taken (please include dosage if known)________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
I/we being the parents or legal guardians of the above named student do hereby appoint the Band Directors for Rowan
County High School or Middle School to act on my/our behalf in the authorization of emergency medical care and/or
hospitalization for the above student while he/she is traveling with the Rowan County High School or Middle School Bands
during the period of:
August 12, 2011 through July 31, 2012
Parent/ Legal Guardian Signature _____________________________________________________
This document shall be provided to a physician, dentist, or appropriate hospital representative at such time as unexpected
emergency medical care is needed.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Insurance Company
Policy #
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Group #
Policy Holder’s Name
Emergency Contact other than Parents or Guardians
Name___________________________________________ Relationship to Student____________________
Address_________________________________________________________________________________
City________________________________ State____________________
Phone: Home_______________________ Work _____________________
Family Physician
________________________________________________________________________________________
Name
Phone Number
All Information on this document shall remain confidential!
Please return this form by August 26, 2011
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Statement of Understanding: I, _____________________________ have studied the regulations and requirements
of being a Rowan County Middle School Band Member and agree to comply with the conditions outlined in the RCMS
band handbook.
________________________________
(signature of band member)
I/we, the undersigned parent(s) or guardian(s) of the member written above have read the regulations and requirements,
accept them and intend to abide by them. I/we have discussed the matter with the member and are convinced that the
candidate understands and will abide by the regulations and requirements. We agree to provide the needed expenditures
when due.
Signature(s) of parent(s) or guardian(s)
Student/Guardian Information:
Student Name:
Guardian(s) Name(s):
________________________________
Phone Numbers:
Address:
Home:________________________________
Guardian Work________________________
_________________________________________________
Guardian Cell__________________________
Other Numbers____________________________________
_________________________________________________
Guardian E-Mail______________________________________
Emergency Contact:
Name:_________________________________________Relationship____________________________________
Phone Number(s)________________________________
Volunteer Information
Throughout the course of the year, there are many times when the Rowan County Middle School Band needs to call on
volunteers to help with a variety of activities. Please let us know if you are available to help with any of the following
activities, or if there is a special talent you have that may be useful to us. Any amount of assistance is appreciated. If you
are dealing directly with a student, you must first pass a criminal background check through Brenda Alderman at
the Rowan County Board of Education. 606-784-8928
 CHAPERONE
 COMPUTER/CLERICAL WORK
 FUND-RAISING
 BINGO (WORKING BINGO AS A FUND RAISER)
 HANDY WORK/BUILDING/PAINTING
 FOOD ITEMS
 DONATIONS
 OTHER
Please Return this form by Friday, August 26, 2011
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