Bloomfield
Community Schools
Music
Handbook
Welcome to the Bloomfield District Music Program and welcome back to those returning
members. We have an exciting year ahead of us and I can’t wait to get started! But first, we
need to introduce you to all that it takes to be a part of this music program. Please read through
this handbook and if you have any questions let me know. After you have gone through the
handbook please sign and have your parents sign the form at the back of the handbook. This will
be handed back to me by the second week of school. By signing this form you are agreeing to all
the policies laid out in this handbook. Again if you have any questions at all please let me know.
I am looking forward to a great and challenging year ahead!
1.0
Philosophy
1.1 The Bloomfield School Music Department’s philosophy is for every student to find their
inner confidence through the performance of instrument music. Music is much more than
playing notes and performing in concerts. Being a musician teaches hard work and discipline.
Being a part of a music department gives a chance for all students to shine and take
responsibility. There is no bench in a band; everyone is accountable for knowing their stuff.
Most importantly, being in an ensemble teaches the students to work together to create a bigger
picture and have fun while doing it.
2.0
Calendar of Events
September 9
Football Game
6:15 p.m.
September 13
Volleyball Game
TBA
September 22
Volleyball Game
7:00 p.m.
September 29
Volleyball Game
TBA
September 30
Football Game
6:15 p.m.
October 4
Volleyball Game
7:00 p.m.
October 6
Vocal Concert
7:30 p.m.
October 13
Volleyball Game (Homecoming)
5:30 p.m.
October 14
Football Game (Homecoming)
6:15 p.m.
October 15
All-State Auditions
TBA
October 20
Football game
6:15 p.m.
November 7
Conference Vocal Music Clinic
TBA
November 16-18
Nebraska All-State
TBA
November 28
Wayne State Honor Band
Audition Tapes Due
TBA
December 6
Basketball Games
6:00 p.m.
December 13
Basketball Games
5:45 p.m.
December 15
Christmas Concert
7:30 p.m.
December 17
Basketball Games
5:45 p.m.
December 21 –
January 2
CHRISTMAS BREAK!!!!
January 3
Basketball Games
5:30 p.m.
January 5
Basketball Games
5:45 p.m.
January 12
Boys Basketball Game
7:30 p.m.
January 20
Basketball Games
6:00 p.m.
January 21
Conference Honor Band
TBA
January 24
Girls Basketball Game
7:30 p.m.
January 28
Wayne State Honor Band
TBA
February 7
Pops Concert
7:30 p.m.
February 9
Basketball Games
5:45 p.m.
February 17
Boys Basketball Game
7:30 p.m.
April 20
District Music Contest
TBA
April 24
Spring Concert
7:30 p.m.
May 5
Graduation
TBA
3.0
Grading Policies
3.1
Grading will be measured on a point scale. All students have the opportunity and ability
to get a high grade; however, it is up to each student to fulfill the requirements. Each student
will start at 0% and will earn points to add up to his or her grade. Be advised, simply showing
up to a performance, rehearsal, etc. will not grant you FULL points.
3.2
Criteria
3.2.1 Point System
pts. each
Performance (concert or marching band)
Pep band
Quarterly Performance Checks
Homework
Lessons
Practice sheets (1 hour a week)
Attitude (daily grade
3.2.2
Grading Scale
92.5-100%
A
90.5-92.4% B+
83.5-85.4% C+
75.5-77.4% D+
Below 69.5% NC
85.5-90.4%
77.5-83.4%
69.5-75.4%
Passing
50
5
25
TBA
10
15
5
B
C
DP
(further points could be added or deducted upon the directors discretion)
3.3 Extra Credit
3.3.1 Recovery Credit
Participation in Solo Contest
Participation in Small Group Contest
Participation is outside music experiences
Taking a lesson that is not required
Additional practice per hour
pts. earned
20
15
10
10
5
(additional practice points will be given only if productive practice is prevalent)
3.4
Attendance
3.4.1 If a student does not attend a performance or rehearsal they will simply not earn
the points for that given activity. If a student arrives late or leave early, they will not be given
full points. Negotiations can always be made to excused absences. An assignment will be given
to make up for the absence.
3.4.2 Acceptable reasons for an excused absence include but are not limited to:
Sickness, Death in the family, School Activity
Unacceptable reasons for an absence include but are not limited to: Work,
Sleeping In, Personal Day.
*As a schedule has been provided to you, work obligations are not excusable. This allows the
students to be able to request these days off in advance.
3.4.3 A phone call is requested from the parent to excuse a student from a particular
activity. If these phone call could be made in advance that would be much appreciated.
4.0
Behavior Polices
4.1 Expectations: The following will lay out the general expectations for all participating in the
music department. Failure to adhere to the following guidelines will result in the loss of points
toward your final grade for the semester. Refer to the point system in section 3.0.
4.1.1 Rehearsal:
Good rehearsal etiquette includes being on time, bringing a pencil, all required
music and specific accessories for each instrument and not interrupting the director with
issues that should have been resolved before rehearsal started.
All students must be on time for rehearsal; being on time means being in your seat
with your instrument and your music out when the bell rings. By failing to be in your
chair when the bell rings you will be considered tardy. If you are in your chair and still
putting your instrument together when we begin to warm up you will be also considered
tardy.
Bringing a pencil is essential to every rehearsal, this eliminates the number of
times we need to go over things again in later rehearsals. Always bring all the required
music to every rehearsal. Even if a schedule has been posted for the day, these schedules
are always subject to change depending how the rehearsal goes. Be sure to bring all
equipment accessories necessary to rehearsal. This includes reeds for woodwind players,
mutes, valve oil and water for brass players and all necessary mallets for percussion
players.
If you forgot your instrument, are having technical issues with your instrument,
or are unable to sing today due to illness, inform the director before the rehearsal begins.
4.1.2 Travel
All students will travel together on a bus unless special arrangements have been
made. Special arrangements will only be approved with a signed note from the student’s
parents/guardian. If a student rides the bus to our destination and then rides home with a
parent or family member/friend that person must come sign them out with the director
before departing and must still provide a signed note.
Always remember when on trips that you are representing your school and your
music department. It is important that you are on your best behavior and are obedient to
all those in charge.
4.1.3 Performances
Always dress appropriately in concert attire for every performance. Refer to
section 6.0. No talking, cell phones or gum on stage. Remember as soon as the audience
can see or hear you, you are performing. Always conduct yourself in a professional
manner.
4.1.4 Computers
The music room is a computer free zone. Students are not to have their computers
out unless otherwise stated by the teacher. There will be times the computer is necessary
for assignments in class, but outside these times they should be put away and to the back
of the room. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in loss of daily points.
5.0
Chair Placement
5.1
Chair placements are likely to change throughout the year in order to facilitate the best
sound and cooperation for our band. If necessary, formal chair placements will be done.
5.1.1
Marching Band

Drum Major: One student leader is needed to be our Drum Major or
Drum Majorette to lead the band down the street for the homecoming
parade. This person will be selected in the form of an audition by the end
of the third week of school. Auditions will consist of learning to march
with the rest of the band, learning to conduct the school songs, and say the
marching commands.
5.1.2
Concert Band
Chair placements will be decided following marching band. Chair placements
will be based off of performance and leadership shown during marching band/pep
band season. If a student is unhappy with a chair placement, please consult the
teacher directly to discuss the decision made and what can be done to change the
situation.
5.1.3
Jazz Band
There has been much interest in Jazz Band. Jazz band will take place during
regular band time. All who want to join will be found a spot in the band. Chair
placements will be the same for this ensemble as it was for Concert Band. Jazz
band will begin in the second semester.
5.1.4
Concert Choir
Students will be selected to their section by voice capabilities. Singing exercises
will be done as a group to help determine which section would be most
appropriate for each student. If a student is unhappy with a chair placement,
please consult the teacher directly to discuss the decision made and what can be
done to change the situation.
5.1.5
Swing Choir
There has been some interest in Show Choir. A show choir may be formed this
year if the students show they are willing to work through Concert Choir. Show
choir practice will take place during regular choir time twice a week. If this group
is formed this year, all who want to participate will be welcome to join. Also,
students who enjoy coming up with choreography will be encouraged to help and
will receive extra credit and points towards a letter for doing so.
6.0
Concert Attire
6.1
Students will be expected to dress professionally for each ensemble. Dressing
appropriately provides a positive and professional appearance for the ensemble. Any student
failing to wear the appropriate attire will not be allowed to perform with the ensemble. Failure to
take part in the performance will result in loss of performance points. Adherence to the concert
attire policies listed below will be strictly monitored.
6.2 Student Expectations
6.2.1 Marching Band
 Tennis Shoes
 Jeans or Jean Shorts
 Band shirt or homecoming attire
6.2.2 Concert Band/Jazz Band/Concert Choir
 Men
o Collared shirts
o Slacks (no jeans!)
o Dress shoes (no tennis shoes!)
 Women
o Blouse/Dress
o Slacks or skirt (no jeans!)
o Dress Shoes (no tennis shoes!)
6.2.5
Swing Choir

This will be decided by those in swing choir. If we choose to dress alike than all
will be required to follow the decided dress code. This dress code will be decided
upon by all members of the swing choir.
7.0
School Owned Equipment
7.1
The department owns a variety of instruments (percussion, tubas, f horns, euphoniums,
baritone and tenor saxophones, etc.) that can be issued for use in the marching, concert, and jazz
bands. A rental fee will be assessed to each student using a school instrument. The rental fee
will be based on the time period the instrument is used. The director will issue the school
instruments after an agreement listing the student’s responsibility and financial liability has been
signed. This form is shown on the next page. The director will send a copy of this form home
with every student that needs it.
7.1.1 Students using school instruments will be required to pay a rental fee. This rental
fee will go towards annual maintenance that will take place every summer to ensure the
instruments are always in working order. Students who use a school instrument year
round will have a fee of $20. This includes Jr. High and High School percussionists.
Students who only use a school instrument for Jazz Band or Marching band will have a
fee of $10. This includes elementary percussionists. The rental fee is due by September
2nd. If an instrument is checked out later in the year, payment will be discussed at that
time.
7.2
The student is responsible for the care and maintenance of the instrument he or she uses
and should return the instrument in the same shape as it was when it was checked out. All
instruments should be maintained and treated as if they were your own. Instruments should be
stored in their cases. Instruments should be cleaned after use to ensure a longer life span. Any
damage to a school instrument should be reported to the director immediately.
7.2.1

Consequences
If there is damage to a school instrument (due to student negligence) it will be the
responsibility of the individual using the instrument to pay for the cost of repairs.
* If you are limited by financial circumstances please consult with the director and an appropriate solution
will be given.
School Owned Instrument Form
I _____________________ take responsibility for playing a school instrument. I agree to
pay the $10/$20 that is associated with using a school instrument. I understand that this money
is to go towards typical yearly maintenance for my instrument. I understand if there is damage
considered to be more than yearly wear and tear that I will be responsible for the repair fees on
that instrument. I agree to turn this instrument at the close of the year or the given season I am
using the instrument for.
Student name: ___________________________________
Parent(s) name(s): _________________________________________
Home Phone: _____________________________ Work Phone:
_______________________________
Email Address:
____________________________________________________________________________
8.0
Required Equipment
8.1 The following is a list of items all players of each specific instrument should own. In
addition to the items below, every student will purchase their own lesson/etude books as
specified by the director. The school will have reeds, valve oil, slide grease, etc. on hand for
students to purchase on a per reed basis. Every student will also provide their own pencils.
8.2 Woodwinds
8.2.1 Flute
 Cleaning rod
 Swab
8.2.2 Clarinet
 Reeds
 Cork grease
 Swab
 Key oil
 Neck strap (optional)
8.2.3 Saxophone
 Reeds
 Swab
 Key oil
 Cork grease
 Neck strap
 Jazz mouthpiece (optional)
8.2.4 Oboe/Bassoon
 Reeds
8.3 Brass
8.3.1 Trumpet
 Valve oil
 Cleaning brushes
 Polishing rag
 Mutes (optional)
 Slide grease
8.3.2 Horn
 Valve Oil
 Cleaning brushes
 Polishing rag


Mute (optional)
Slide grease
8.3.3 Trombone
 Slide grease
 Spray Bottle
 Mutes (optional)
 Polishing rag
8.3.4 Euphonium/Baritone/Tuba
 Valve oil
 Slide grease
8.4 Cost
8.4.1 Reeds
When the students are in need of new reeds or a new bottle of valve oil, they can
either purchase the from the music store or from the music teacher. It is preferred
the students pay for these items as they use them, however if there is an
immediate need and money is not available they can write their name down for
the parents to be notified at the end of the semester what is owed. The ability to
essentially charge the cost of the reed ensures that the students are playing on
good reeds all the time. This is necessary to keep confidence with the students
high and keep them producing good sounds. Payments are expected before the
close of the semester. Any reeds needed after the notice is sent out for the
semester will need to be paid for prior to receiving the reed.
8.4.2 Books
Elementary Band students will need to purchase a $5 book through the music
teacher as well as an Essential Elements 2000 book through the music store. The
$5 book provides multiple short songs that will facilitate fun practicing. The
Essential Elements 2000 book is a more progressive book that will allow some of
the students to move at a faster pace individually. These will be the top two
instruction books used in class. We ask that these books are purchased so the
students can keep them and therefore write in whatever is most helpful for them to
succeed. The $5 is due by September 2nd. And if you do not already have the
Essential Elements 2000 book contact Mrs. Lange and she can order it for you.
* If you are limited by financial circumstances please consult with the teacher and an appropriate solution
will be given.
9.0
Fundraising
9.1 The band was fortunate this year to be able to purchase new drumline equipment for our
marching band. However, in order for the music department to continue to make purchases that
will improve the program fundraising must be done. Suggestions are welcome; anything that
have been done in the past or new ideas to ensure the future of the music program.
10.0
Awards
10.1 High School Awards include the letter of excellence, the John Philip Sousa award, and
the National School Choral Award.
10.1.1 If a student is awarded a letter of excellence from the music department it
exemplifies his or her musicianship and dedication to the department. This award should
be looked upon as a great honor and students should work hard to earn this award. All
students are eligible for this award and it is up to each student to complete the necessary
requirements. The first time a student earns this award he or she will receive a felt letter
to be placed on a letter jacket. Subsequent earnings of this award will result in the
student receiving pins to accompany the letter. This letter is based on a point system
which can be referenced on the following page. In order to earn a letter a student must
earn 500 points.
10.1.2 “The John Philip Sousa award is the pinnacle of achievement for high school
band students. The award honors the top student in a high-school band and recognizes
superior musicianship and outstanding dedication.
*Information found at: <http://www.instrumentalistmagazine.com/products.asp?cat=10>

High school seniors will be eligible for this award. The selection for this award
will be based on the point totals from the letter point system.
10.1.3 The National School Choral Award is the highest honor you can receive in a high
school choral setting. It recognizes students with dedication and musical achievement.
*Information found at: http://www.instrumentalistmagazine.com/products.asp?cat=10

High school seniors will be eligible for this award. The selection for this award
will be based on the point totals from the letter point system.
10.2 Middle School and Elementary Awards will be handed out at the end of the year based on
the discretion of the director. Awards may include but are not limited to: “Best Musician in the
Section,” “Most Improved Musician in the Section,” “Best Musician in the Ensemble,” “Most
Improved Musician in the Ensemble,” “Hardest Worker,” etc.
High School Band Letter Point System
Name:______________________________
Grade:______________
Points
100
Merit Activity
Participating in band the full year
25
Playing a solo or participating in an ensemble in public.
(Taps, church, etc.)
40
30
20
Solo at State Contest receives a I rating
Solo at State Contest receives a II rating
Solo at State Contest receives a III rating
25
15
10
Ensemble at State Contest receves a I rating
Ensemble at State Contest receives a II rating
Ensemble at State Contest receives a III rating
50
Selected as Outstanding in Center at State Contest
10
Each Pep Band Performance
50
100
Audition for All-State Band
Selected for All-State Band
50
25
Participating in Honor Band
Auditioning for Honor Band
35
Music Booster Fundraiser Participation
25
Set-up crew, tear-down crew, percussion mover
10
Misc. band room work
50
Drum Major
50
Large Group receives a I at contest
___________Total Points
* More points could be given at the discretion of the instructor for reasons not listed here.
High School Choir Letter Point System
Name:______________________________
Grade:______________
Points
100
Merit Activity
Participating in choir the full year
25
Performing a solo or participating in an ensemble in public.
(Taps, church, etc.)
40
30
20
Solo at State Contest receives a I rating
Solo at State Contest receives a II rating
Solo at State Contest receives a III rating
25
15
10
Ensemble at State Contest receives a I rating
Ensemble at State Contest receives a II rating
Ensemble at State Contest receives a III rating
50
Selected as Outstanding in Center at State Contest
50
100
Audition for All-State Choir
Selected for All-State Chior
50
25
Participating in Honor Choir
Auditioning for Honor Choir
35
Music Booster Fundraiser Participation
25
Set-up crew, tear-down crew, percussion mover
10
Misc. choir room work
50
Assistant Choreographer
50
Large Group receives a I at contest
___________Total Points
* More points could be given at the discretion of the instructor for reasons not listed here.
11.0
Rationale for Policies
11.1 The polices explained in this handbook have been created to sustain a reputable program
for the school, students and the Bloomfield Community. By implementing and following these
polices we are creating a good learning environment for the students to learn a good work ethic
with self discipline. Along with a good ethics we are expanding the life span of the instruments.
By expanding the life span of the instruments and taking proper care of the instruments we leave
more money available for things like trips and academic tools. These rules and regulations
provide a safe learning environment for students and teachers. In order to achieve the goals we
have set for the success of this program, these polices must be strictly adhered too.
12.0
Adherence to Handbook
12.1 It is expected that all students and parents read this handbook to better understand the
polices set forth in the music department. The last page of the handbook is a Parent Support
Form. By initialing and signing this form the student and parents/guardians are agreeing to the
policies presented in this handbook.
12.1.1 Parent Accountability
Parents are expected to guide their student through the rules and regulations
described in this handbook by going through the handbook with their students. After the
completion of the reading this handbook, the expectations of student performance will be
understood by all participants and parent support in the administering of these policies
would be appreciated. With the student and parents/guardians signing the parent support
form, I also hold the parents/guardians accountable for their student’s actions.
12.1.2 Student Accountability
Students will be held accountable for their own actions. By reading this
handbook and signing the form at the end you are agreeing to all the protocols expressed.
13.0
Liability
13.1 If you deviate from the rules and regulations set forth in this handbook and the correlated
school handbook you will be responsible for the consequences of your actions. The school and
department waive liability of students in the event that this handbook is not adhered to. This
includes trips, contests, and any event in which the band will be representing our school. Your
actions not only reflect upon you but also upon the school. If for any reason you are injured or
engage in illegal activities the school is not responsible. Be smart and always, always think
about the consequences of your actions.
*Deviations from the guidelines set in this handbook may be made by the director and/or Administration.
Such deviations shall be made only when circumstances warrant a change in order to best serve the needs of
an individual student or group of students.
Parent’s Support Form
Please read the entire “Bloomfield Community School’s Music Handbook.” When you have
finished, initial and sign the form as requested below:
Parent
Student
(Initial each statement below)
_____
_____
Adherence to all handbook rules and expectations
_____
_____
The policy on grading
_____
_____
The expectations of behavior
_____
_____
The process of chair placement
_____
_____
The expectations of the concert attire
_____
_____
The expectations on care of school owned equipment
_____
_____
The policy on awards
I ________________________ have read the “Bloomfield Community School’s Music
Handbook.” I understand and will help to assure that my child, _____________________ will
adhere to all of the expectations as they are outlined in the handbook. I also understand and will
support the consequences for my child if the expectations are not met.
Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature ___________________ Student’s Signature _________________
Date __________________