Salk Elementary School
5th/6th Grade Band Handbook
2015 – 2016
Welcome to the 2015 – 2016 Band!
The success of our band program depends on good
communication between teacher, parents, and
students. This handbook contains very important
information and will explain the responsibilities
required for being in band. Please read the following
information very carefully and thoroughly, paying close
attention to those sections in Bold print. I have
included a checklist on the next page to help you go
through the beginning-of-the-year information.
I hope that you will enjoy your musical experiences at
Salk. Please do not hesitate to ask ANY questions! You
may contact Mrs. Barraclough in any of the ways
listed:
E-mail (preferred) – slbarraclough@mpsaz.org
Salk phone – (480) 472-8474
Band Check-list for Parents:
Read the enclosed information regarding the band program.
5th grade: Discuss the results of your child’s “try-out” of the various band
instruments. Help your child choose the instrument that is right for him or her.
Return the enrollment form page of this handbook to Mrs. Barraclough.
At this point, your child will be enrolled in the band program.
Look at the “Instruments and Materials” section as your student needs a few
things to get started. Clarinet and saxophone players will need at least 2 reeds to
get them started. Reeds can be purchased at stores that rent or sell musical
instruments.
There are several ways to get an instrument for your student:
1. Ask friends and family if they have an instrument to borrow. Many people
have instruments sitting in a closet somewhere and don’t know that
someone would love the chance to learn to play it!
2. Rent or buy an instrument from a music specialty store. Instruments can
be rented monthly for less than is costs to take your family out to dinner
just one time!
It is always best to rent an instrument from a reputable music specialty store as
an influx of poorly made “off-brand” instruments have made their way into the
market recently.
3. Borrow an instrument from the school. Mesa schools do have instruments
to loan, just not enough for all students who would like to participate!
If you have any questions about the quality of an instrument, please
do not hesitate to ask! If you can, bring it to me and I will inspect it
and play-test it for you!
ATTENDANCE
Attending band class every assigned day is one of the best things a student can do
to be successful. You receive points for every day you are in band, having
everything that you need, and are participating with the rest of the class in a
positive manner.
“Only practice on days that you eat.” – Dr. Shinichi Suzuki ☺
INSTRUMENTS AND MATERIALS
Flute, clarinet, saxophone, French horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, and
percussion are taught in 5th grade. Students can choose to switch to tuba,
oboe and bassoon in 6th grade, but must be able to come in for extra help
before school. The easiest way to make sure you have an instrument is to rent
one yourself, but other options are provided on the previous page’s checklist.
Students who borrow a school instrument for the year are responsible for the
upkeep and maintenance of that instrument while it is checked out to them. More
details are included on the instrument rental contract that must be signed before
the instrument goes home.
All clarinet and saxophone players should have 2 to 4 playable reeds at all times.
Rotating reeds throughout the week will help prolong reed life and ensure you will
always have a playable reed. There are many music stores in our area and online
stores that carry reeds.
It is important that you are prepared for class every day. Items you should have
with you every time you come to band class are:
Your instrument (and sticks and mallets for percussionists)
At least 2 playable reeds for clarinets/saxophones
A pencil
Your MPS Starter Packet (and any sheet music you receive)
PRACTICE
Regular home practice is absolutely essential for the development of every band
student. We only have class twice a week for 30 minutes. At some schools, I am If
you just play on the days that you have band, you will fall behind the rest of the
class and it will be difficult to catch up.
PERFORMANCES
One of the reasons students take band is to perform their learned skills for their
family and friends. You are encouraged to play for your family as much as
possible. In addition to this, students must also participate in formal performances
at the end of each semester.
All members of the band have the same performance attire. For concerts, we wear
solid black shirts. These may be short- or long-sleeved, buttoned down, collared
or blouses. The shirt will be tucked in. Solid black pants or long, solid black skirts
(they should pass the knee). No shorts or Capri pants, please. Black socks and
black shoes complete the ensemble. Most areas of this dress code are
“Only practice on days that you eat.” – Dr. Shinichi Suzuki ☺
negotiable; please talk to me if there is an issue. I want to get you this
information as early as possible so that we can avoid any last-minute
crises.
Students typically wear a school shirt and jeans to perform at daytime assemblies,
so concert attire is not required for those days.
PERFORMANCE DATES
Red Mountain High School Young Lions – November 12th, 2015
Rehearsal 6:00-6:15, Performance 6:30-7:00 (6th grade only!)
Salk 5th/6th Grade Band Winter Concert – December 3rd, 2015
Warm-up at 5:30pm, Performance 6:00-6:30.
th
th
5 /6 Grade Spring Band Concert – May 10th, 2016
Warm-up at 5:30, Performance 6:00 – 6:45.
School-wide assemblies will be on Dec. 3 and May 10th, times TBD.
BAND CLASSROOM RULES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Be prepared to learn. Have all the materials listed above every day.
Raise your hand to speak or ask a question once class has begun. Do not
shout out of turn.
Show respect for other students and school property at all times. You
may touch and play only your own instrument. Only percussionists may
touch and/or play the percussion equipment.
No food, drinks, or gum is allowed in the classroom at any time. Water
bottles are the only thing allowed during class.
Do not write on or deface music stands, chairs, or other school
equipment. You will be held responsible for any and all damage.
These rules help everyone learn as much as possible in our limited time together.
Failure to follow any rules will result in appropriate consequences, as discussed on
the school’s Discipline Plan.
“Only practice on days that you eat.” – Dr. Shinichi Suzuki ☺
LETTER OF INTENT
By signing this page, both the student and the parent
understands that joining the band is a FULL YEAR commitment.
Commitment is one of the first steps to success.
Please detach, sign, and return this page to Mrs. Barraclough
after going through the whole packet. Please keep the handbook
as a resource for any questions you may have. If you have any
additional questions, please feel free to contact me.
I have read through and understand these sections of the handbook:
Checklist_____
Attendance_____
Instruments/Materials_____
Practice_____
Performances/Dates_____ Classroom Rules_____
Student Name
_____________________________
Instrument
_____________________________
Parent Name(s)
_____________________________
Parent Signature
_____________________________
At least one form of contact is REQUIRED!
Phone Number
_____________________________
E-mail
_____________________________
“Only practice on days that you eat.” – Dr. Shinichi Suzuki ☺