2015-2016
Lake Zurich
Middle School
SOUTH
Band Handbook
Name____________________________
LAKE ZURICH MIDDLE SCHOOL-SOUTH
Band Department
2015-2016
Dear Parents:
This is a copy of the Lake Zurich Middle School-South Band Handbook. The booklet contains
an explanation of the policies of the program and answers questions you may have concerning
activities. I hope you find the handbook helpful and informative. Parent support is vital to the
success of your child. Please confirm your receipt of this booklet by signing and returning the
form below. After you have read the handbook with your child and entered all important dates
on your home calendars, feel free to call me at school if you have any questions.
Thank you! I look forward to another successful year!
Ed Koehler
Band Director
LZMS South
540-2769
540-7070 -Main Office
Remove section below, sign and return by Wednesday, September 9, 2015
-----------------------------------------Your signature below denotes the receipt of the handbook, with the intent to abide by the policies
contained therein, including your child’s attendance at all required performances. Please return
this completed form by. Wednesday, September 9, 2015
_________________________
Student’s Name
Please feel free to contact me for assistance.
__________________________________
Parent Signature
MIDDLE SCHOOL-SOUTH BAND PROGRAM
Band is an elective course in District 95, offering an opportunity for personal growth and
enrichment through the study of wind and percussion instruments. The program is structured to
instill in young people motivation, a positive attitude, and a commitment to excellence in an
atmosphere of discovery and learning through music. The curriculum emphasizes musical style
and listening skills, which are introduced in both full rehearsal and sectional classes. The band
program seeks to foster dedication, hard work, self-sacrifice, and team effort as a result of
concentrated study of musical concepts and individual achievement. This individual and musical
growth is the basis for a concerted group effort, and expectations will be established to promote
maximum potential in both full band rehearsals and in sectional classes.
REHEARSALS
Rehearsals are needed to put together unlike instruments and introduce literature acceptable to
the instrumentation. The rehearsal schedule is as follows:
Symphonic Band (7th & 8th grade)
Mon-Fri - 10th Period - Daily - 1:50 - 2:20
Cadet Band (6th grade)
Mon-Fri -3rd Period -Daily – 8:57-9:32
Jazz Band
Wednesday- after school (2:30-3:15) Starting September 9th.
Students will be able to take the late bus.
Rehearsal attendance is very important as each person missing means there is a gap in the music.
.
GRADING POLICY
Grades for band will be determined by averaging the grades received in the following areas, as
explained below:
1) Tests and Quizzes
20%
2) Sectional Class Attendance
25%
3) Attitude and Effort
10%
4) Practice Sheets
30%
5) Homework (written work)
15%
Extra credit can be obtained by attending out-of-school concerts and turning in the program
from the concert signed by the parents of the student with a three paragraph paper
explaining/describing the concert. Please speak to Mr. Koehler beforehand to discuss this further.
1) Tests and Quizzes - Tests will be given periodically as a means of assessing large scale
growth. These tests will be both written and played – (but mostly played). They will cover basic
vocabulary, rhythmic exercises, and symbols in music. There will be 2 to 3 written tests per year.
Quizzes will be administered at most of the weekly sectional classes. These quizzes will be
based on the assigned practice and theory material, and are evidence of consistent hard work,
study and practice at home.
2) Sectional Class Attendance – Sectional classes (group lessons) are needed to develop
specific skills on a particular instrument. Each student will receive a scheduled time as to when
their section will have a class. The sectional class will occur on the same day each week, but at
different times during that day. A student is required to check in with their regular classroom
teacher before coming to their sectional class, and is required to complete any curricular work
missed. Quizzes will be periodically administered during the band sectional class on the
assigned practice materials. An unexcused missed sectional class will result in a grade of F for
that class’s quiz and attendance grade. To be excused from a sectional class, students must turn
in a signed excuse pass (found in the band room) within 1 week of the missed sectional class.
Missed sectional classes will be at the discretion of the classroom teacher, not the student.
Parents will be contacted if a student is chronically missing sectional classes. Students who are
absent from school on the day of a sectional class will, of course, be excused.
3) Attitude and Effort - Attitude and effort are an individual’s way to make band an enjoyable
experience for everyone. Because the band is an interactive group, and appropriate behavior is
vital to its success, expectations in this area will be high. Good attitude is shown through
encouraging comments to other band members, not complaining, and willingness to help. Good
effort is shown through consistent practicing, and focused concentration in rehearsals.
4) Practice Charts - Practice habits are at the heart of a successful program. Each individual is
responsible to carry their own part in the program. Practicing is something that must be learned
and can only be learned through repeated, guided efforts. This is one of the most important
aspects of the program and should be seen as such. Good practice habits are evidenced by proper
posture when playing in rehearsals or lessons, by ongoing evidence of work being done at home
(being prepared for the weekly sectional class), by continual progress on an individual’s
instrument, and by improvement of hand position and technique in percussion and improvement
of embouchure in the winds.
To become proficient musicians, a student needs to practice. Therefore, I am requiring all
students to turn in practice charts at every sectional class. This sheet is on the inside cover of
their band book and will be checked and graded as follows each week:
2 hours per week=
A
107 – 96 Minutes =
B
95 – 84 Minutes =
C
83 – 72 Minutes =
D
Less than 71 minutes per week =
F
I will check each student’s practice chart at every sectional class. Completed practice charts
more than 2 weeks late will not be accepted and will be recorded as an “F” (O-zero).
Each practice chart must be signed by a parent weekly so that I have some way of monitoring the
practice. I am hoping that parents will only sign the sheet if the student actually practiced. I
realize that your child may not be thrilled with this, but I do believe that it is important for the
students to practice and that asking them to sit down 4 times a week for a half hour is not asking
much considering the cost of the instruments. Practice does make perfect!
5) Homework- Students will also have the opportunity to express themselves through several
written assignments – these will largely consist of concert reviews and self-reflection.
If a student decides to drop band, it MUST be done in the first 10 school days of the
quarter. This must be accompanied by a phone call, note, or e-mail from the parent.
Concert attendance is mandatory for all students. Much like a final project in any other class,
concerts are a culminating facet of the program and thus any missed concert could result in a
grade of F for that quarter. Concert dates are given towards the end of this handbook and should
be written on to the home calendar immediately so that none are overlooked.
DRESS CODE
Concerts are a formal affair. By dressing professionally, we show pride in our band. Please
prepare ahead of time - don’t try to purchase an entire outfit the night of a concert. Students not
adhering to the dress code will be sent home to change. Dress is as follows:
Symphonic BandALL MEMBERS WILL WEAR OUR GREY LONG SLEEVED POLOS.
7th Graders and new 8th Graders will need to purchase this shirt.
Cost is appx. $25.00 - more information will follow at the middle of September
Boys- Black dress pants (NO JEANS!!)
Black socks and black dress shoes (NO BLACK ATHLETIC SHOES)
Girls- Black slacks or skirt - skirts must be to the knee or longer
Black hose, Black dress shoes
Cadet Band Boys - White long or short sleeved shirt – a collar is preferred, but not mandatory.
Black socks and black dress shoes (NO BLACK ATHLETIC SHOES)
Girls- Black slacks or skirt - skirts must be to the knee or longer!!!!
Black hose, Black dress shoes
White long or short sleeved blouse
All Cadet Band members will be provided Band Department Vests
GYM SHOES ARE NOT ALLOWED - NO JEANS, CORDS, OR STRETCH PANTS
SUPPLIES
Most supplies for many instruments are available from the band director. Forms to order
supplies are provided in the band room. Supplies (reeds, mouthpieces, oil, swabs, etc.), will not
be ordered until payment is received. All students are required to have the appropriate supplies
to maintain their instrument. All instruments must have an identification tag on the outside of
the case. Any checks should be made out to “Lake Zurich Middle School-South Bands”.
All band members must purchase a sectional class book – we are using Essential
Elements/Techniques 2000 -$8.00– ($15.00 for Percussionists)
Supply List: (Suggested)
Woodwinds:
Flute/piccolo
Cleaning rod/pad saver
Cloth/pad saver
Small eyeglass screwdriver
Oboe
Saxophone
Pad saver/ swab
4 working reeds
Cork grease
Neck strap
Bassoon
Cleaning swab
Reed guard
3 working reeds
Cork grease
small eyeglass screwdriver
Strap
2 working reeds
Pad saver/swab
Cork grease
Clarinet
Cleaning swab
Reed guard
4 working reeds
Cork grease
small eyeglass screwdriver
Brass:
Trumpet/cornet
Lanolin
Valve oil
Snake
French horn
Lanolin
Rotary oil
Snake
Baritone/Tuba
lanolin
valve oil
snake
Trombone
Superslick
Snake
Spray bottle
Lanolin
Percussion
Vic Firth General snare sticks (SD 1)
(or other approved sticks)
SOLO AND ENSEMBLE CONTEST
Solo and Ensemble Contest occurs on Saturday, February 20 at Lake Forest Country Day School
and is a required event for all 7th and 8th grade band members. Sixth grade students may attend
at the director’s consent. Each participant may participate in up to two events, with the director’s
permission. Contest consists of individual accompanied solos and/or small group ensembles as
chosen by the director or the student’s private instructor. Accompanists (piano players) will be
furnished for solos (they generally charge $25 to $30, depending on the difficulty of the piece).
Students taking private lessons are encouraged to have their teacher select a solo for them. This
should be shown to the director. At the contest students are rated on their performance and on
various other categories such as intonation, rhythm, dynamics, musicality, appearance etc. First
and second place ratings are given medals. This is an important part of the students’
development as musicians and year after year proves to be one of the most memorable events for
them. It is hard work that is well worth the effort the students put into it. Please encourage your
child to practice diligently for this contest!
IMEA FESTIVAL
Selected 7th or 8th grade students will have the opportunity to participate in the IMEA District 7
Festival in November. Selected students will receive their audition music in late May of the prior
school year. The audition takes place in on September 26. Students who have the most
successful audition will participate in a festival on November 14 with band students from many
other schools. It is an honor to play in the IMEA District 7 Band, as this band consists only of
the best of the selected students in our area of Illinois.
Band Rules and Expectations
1. No talking while the director is on the podium.
2. No playing your instrument while the director is on the podium, unless you are instructed to.
3. Always sit with good posture.
4. Give it your best effort, and have a good time!
5. Only percussionists are allowed on the back row.
6. No food or drinks (except water) are allowed in the band room.
7. Respect the property of the school and fellow musicians.
8. Students acting in a manner that prohibits effective rehearsing will be sent to the office.
Continued disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and the student may be dropped from
band.
PARENT SUPPORT
Parent support is a vital part of the band program - please help if you can. I will let you know
when help is needed with our various activities. Some of the areas that you can help out are:
chaperoning, uniform check in/out, refreshments, fund raising assistance, etc.
FUND RAISERS
From time to time we participate in various fund raisers. Money goes toward individual accounts
as well as toward purchase of new instruments for the band program. Though we encourage
participation of all students, these are not mandatory fund raisers.
BAND BANQUET
At the end of each year there is a banquet for the students who participated in Band, Orchestra
and Chorus. This is a culminating event for the students and is the time when awards are
presented to them. The cost has been around $10.00- 15.00 per person in the past. The students
in each band are able to vote for an “MVP” from their ensemble. Director selected awards
include: Best Attitude, Most Improved, Outstanding Performance, Leadership etc. The Highest
Award given is the Band Member of the Year award which goes to the band member exhibiting
the highest caliber of playing in conjunction with the best example to the rest of the band in the
areas of motivation, attitude, effort, practice habits and leadership. This person is usually
involved in outside groups and is interested in taking part in summer camps as well. This award
is truly a privilege to receive and the recipient’s name is inscribed on a plaque for permanent
display in the main hallway of the school.
MSS BAND DATES 2015-2016
Monday, August 31…..……….……...…….……...…………….....… Sectional Classes Begin
Monday, September 21 - 7:00 PM – Band Room (96).….…….………..Band Parent Meeting
Tuesday, September 22 @LZHS- 7:45 PM…………… 7th & 8th Grade Rehearsal w/ LZHS Band
Friday, September 25 @LZHS-7:30 game………… 7th & 8th Grade Performance w/ LZHS Band
Saturday September 26 @ Grayslake MS (select 7th & 8th graders)…...…............IMEA Auditions
Tuesday, October 20– 7:00 PM………..…...……...…..….MSS Fall Band “Preview” Concert
Saturday, November 14 @ Wauconda HS (select 7th & 8th graders)……….…..….IMEA Festival
Tuesday, December 8 – 7:00 PM………...…..........…..…………MSS Bands Holiday Concert
Saturday, February 20 @ Lake Forest Country Day School……....…...Solo & Ensemble Contest
Monday, March 7 -7:00…..……..…MSS Band, Orch., Chorus 7th & 8th Grade Showcase Concert
Fri., March 11(late aft. or eve) – Beach Park MS….….Organizational Contest (all 7th & 8th Band)
Thursday, March 17- Northwestern U. (tentative – time TBA)..….6th Grade Band at North Shore
Music Festival
Tuesday, March 22 – 7:00 PM……….….MSS Band, Orch., Chorus 6th Grade Showcase Concert
Tuesday, April 12 @LZHS-after school rehearsal-7:00 Concert ...District #95 Band Festival
Tuesday, May 17 –7:00 PM………..…...….....……..….…………MSS Bands “Pops” Concert
Wednesday, May 25 – 6:00 PM…………...……………….…MSS BOC Music Awards Night
DATES IN BOLD ARE FOR ALL BAND MEMBERS (6-8TH GRADE)
Other Dates are for 7th & 8th Grade Members (Except March 22 6th grade concert)
PLEASE MARK THESE DATES ON YOUR CALENDAR TODAY!!
Concert attendance is mandatory for all students. Missing a concert could result in a grade
of F for the quarter.