August 27th, 2012
Dear Band Students and Parents,
Welcome back! I hope that you summer was fun-filled and relaxing. I am excited about the year to come.
Here are a few things to get us started:
Attached to this letter are the following documents:

Band Events Calendar (back of this letter)
* Please mark these dates on your calendar*

Hawfields Middle School Band Handbook

HMS Student Information Form
Parents: Please include your e-mail address if you would like to receive weekly updates on band
activities.

Personal Property Waiver
Students are not allowed to use the instrument storage room unless this form is on file by
Friday, September 2nd

Band Members Contract

“One Stop Shopping”
Please read through this packet and the Band Handbook with your son or daughter so that everyone is aware of
the class requirements. Please sign and return all of the forms in this packet by Friday, August 30th.
Returning pages 5 and 6 completed is your first assignment worth 100 points
toward your first written assignment.
Thank you,
Mrs. Beddingfield
P.S.- You may turn in page 5 and 6 (student information, personal property waiver and band
member contract) signed before you turn in the order form on page 7.
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* As the year progresses, any changes and additions will be given with as much notice as possible. *
Please pick-up students on the Garrett side of the building anytime students stay after school for band practice.
♥ Friday, August 31st
EAHS 8th Grade night
♥ Monday, September 10th
Music Support and Information Parent Meeting (5:30-6:30pm)
♫ Thursday September 27th
First Football Game v. Woodlawn Middle (All 7th and 8th graders)
** See detailed info below.
♫ Thursday, October 4th
Football Game v. Western Middle (All 7th and 8th graders)
♥ Friday, October 12th
SAHS 8th Grade night
♥ Saturday, October 20th
W. Alamance HS Marching Band Competition Meet at 9:30am and done by noon.
(Extra credit for any 7th or 8th grade student who performs or 6th grader who watches)
♫ Thursday, October 11st
Last Football Game v. Graham Middle (All 7th and 8th graders) * 8th grade recognition
♥ Friday, November 9th
Begin Fruit Fundraiser in class
♥ Saturday, November 10th
Christmas Parade Participant Practice (with all MSs in the county)
*Attend if you are planning to participate in the Burlington Christmas Parade 10-11:30am
♫ Thursday, November 15th
6th Grade Band Informance
♥ Saturday, November 17th
♥ Monday, November 26th-Nov. 29th
Burlington Christmas Parade
Collecting Fruit money during this time. After Nov. 29th, no money will be collected.
♫Wednesday, December 12th
7th and 8th Grade Band Concert, 7pm
♥ Monday, January 28th (snow date: 2/6)
All-County Band Auditions 6-8pm at Graham Middle School
♥ Monday, Feb. 11th and Tuesday, Feb. 12th
Middle School All-County Clinic with Concert on 2nd day- Williams HS
♥Friday, March 15th
Discount Card fundraiser kick off
♫ Thursday, April 18th
Rehearsal for all going to Carowinds (3:30-5:00)- BYE for sports
♥ May 1st or 2nd
Solo and Ensemble Festival, NC School of Science and Math
♫ Wednesday, May 8th
♥ Wednesday, May 8th
Final Carowinds Rehearsal (3:30-5:00)
Required Meeting for Carowinds chaperones (5:10-5:45pm)
♥ Saturday, May 11th
Spring Trip to Carowinds (7th and 8th only)- ALL DAY
♫ Thursday, May 16th
Final Band Concert- 7pm
♥ Thursday, May 23rd
Chorus Concert- 7pm (EXTRA CREDIT)
♫ = Required and will be graded
♥ = Select students only/Optional/Extra Credit
** Football Performances
All 7th and 8th grade students are required to perform with the band at all home football games and will go to the band room right after school to
warm-up. Football players, cheerleaders and sometimes softball players will be excused from this activity. We will perform during the 1st half.
After the 1st half, students will return to the band room to pack-up. They may be picked up at 5:30pm or return to the game. Any student left at
6:00pm will be asked to return to the football game to be supervised and will not be allowed back in the band room. Admission is free for
performers. Football games are usually over by 6:30pm.
On football game days, the performance will replace the daily 30 minutes of practice. This may be noted on your child’s practice record. Football
players, cheerleaders and sometimes softball players will be excused from this activity, but will not receive practice credit. Attire: Band t-shirt, your
choice of “bottoms” and comfortable shoes.
Students will need to obtain a lyre and flip folder from Music and Arts to avoid carrying a stand to the field (about $10). Baritone and Tuba players
should purchase a flute set. Percussionists will only need a flip folder. We will spend class time practicing on the field, so I recommend football
players, softball players and cheerleaders obtain a lyre and flip folder for ease of keeping up with music for class and outdoor practicing.
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(336) 563-5303
Jennifer Beddingfield, Director of Bands
Amy Walker, Principal
Introduction:
Welcome to Hawfields Middle School Band! This is a band with a tradition of excellence. I hope that you will
find learning and performing with us to be a rewarding experience. However, it is your responsibility to
conduct yourselves in such a manner to uphold the traditions of our band, and create an environment that
everyone can learn and be successful.
You will determine the type of organization that you would like this band to be for yourselves.
Goals:
Our goal is to become the best musicians that we can be. The goal will require teamwork, dedication and
individual hard work. Every student must make an effort so we can be the best we can be. Band is combination
of the hard work of many individuals, which means everyone counts toward our success and achieving our
goals.
Grading:
Assessments (written and playing)
Written Assignments (practice records, practice journals, warm-ups, theory)
Performances and Afterschool rehearsals
50%
35%
15%
Pass-offs:
All students will have graded pass-offs (for the most part, instead of tests). They will have a set number of
scales to learn and will receive a grade based on the percentage of scales they learn. I will be available Tuesday
and Thursday mornings to help struggling students and allow others to pass-off. Chairs will be determined by
scale pass-offs.
Practice Journals:
Practice Journals will be completed in class to reflect on weekly practice. Students will be held accountable for
the music they practice, as discussed on the practice journal.
Tests:
Written tests will be given to assess the student’s knowledge of music theory. Playing tests will be in the form
of pass-offs or SMART music assignments. Playing tests may be retaken until the desired grade is achieved.
Extra Credit: (This will be added to your class participation grade)
1. Attend a concert of another musical organization. (Bring a program/note signed by your parent)
2. Perform with another musical organization. (Ex-All-County, All-District and All-State Band)
3. Participation in All-County, All-District or All-State Auditions.
4. Taking private lessons from an area instructor.
Uniforms:
All 7th and 8th grade students are required to purchase a Hawfields Middle School Band t-shirt to be worn for
casual performances. 6th graders may opt to purchase a band shirt.
For our CONCERTS at school, the attire will be: Ladies- white blouse and black dress pants/skirt OR a
solid black dress and dress shoes, Gentlemen- white button up dress shirt with a tie, black dress pants
with black dress shoes.
If you have any problems acquiring any of the items, please see Mrs. Beddingfield and we will help you
acquire these materials. Do this at least a week before a concert.
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Percussionists only:
The following list of supplies is a daily requirement for band class. Your practice pad, mallets and sticks are
your instrument, therefore will result in a written assignment each time these mallets are not with you for band
class.
-Drum Sticks, Practice Pad and Stand, Bell Mallets
-Soft Mallets (7th/ 8th Grade band members only, 6th grade recommended for 2nd semester)
-Mallet Bag (HIGHLY recommended- can be any bag the student puts their mallets in)
-6th and 7th grade percussionists should also bring their bell set everyday.
After-School Responsibilities:
Part of being in a performing ensemble is performing. Performances are essential to the development of the
students as musicians.
With that said, students are required to attend all performances in their ensemble. Students are expected to stay
for the entire concert to support all members of our organization. Concert dates will be given in as much notice
as possible, so you can plan ahead. I understand that occasionally there will be unavoidable conflicts. Please
let me know in advance if there is a conflict or your student must leave a concert early.
If there is a conflict:
1. Submit a written or emailed note to Mrs. Beddingfield before the day of the performance.
(Signed by a parent or guardian)
Acceptable Excuses: -Sickness or death in the family
-Emergencies that cannot be helped (please bring a note from parent the next day)
-If a student is sick from school
Unacceptable Excuses: Anything not listed above.
Please speak with the director directly and do not rely on a friend to give us your message.
Students who are absent from the performance for any reason will be given the opportunity to complete a
written assignment to help decrease the effects of the missed performance grade.
Classroom Conduct:
In addition to all Hawfields Middle School Rules and policies, the following rules apply in the band room.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Go directly to your seat and complete your warm-up.
Raise your hand when you need to ask a question or add a comment.
Play only when instructed to do so
Keep the band room and instrument closet neat and clean.
Have a positive attitude, do your best and have fun!
1st offense = Warning- name on board
2nd offense = Signature- check by name
3rd offense = Choices or ASD and/or Parent Contact + 2nd signature
* Repeated offenses will result in loss of field trip privileges and/or the removal from band class.
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2012-2013 HMS Band Student Information Form
FULL NAME________________________________________________
LAST
FIRST
MI
GRADE_____
PARENT/GUARDIAN EMAIL (s)___________________________________________________________
Please put e-mail address if you are interested in receiving weekly updates on band activities. This will ensure
you receive everything sent home because it will also be emailed.
If you have already received a group email from me, please omit your email or note this next to the email.
TEXTING REMINDERS SIGN-UP:
(please do this before turning this form in, if you wish to receive reminders)
1)
2)
3)
4)
Text @HMSband to 23559
You will be asked to enter a password. Reply with the word “music.”
You will receive a text to ask for a username. Create a user name with your name and reply with this name.
After these, you should be signed up for the text reminders for HMS band.
*This is open to both students and parents.*
Personal Property Waiver
Students who bring musical instruments and other personal items onto Alamance Burlington School System
(ABSS) campuses are responsible for the security of such items. Students will also be responsible for the
security of personal items when involved in performing arts activities off campus (performances, contests,
festivals, auditions, etc.). ABSS is not responsible for the property of others that is placed on campus at any
time or at other locations during school sponsored events. On campus storage facilities such as band rooms and
various student lockers are provided as a convenience to students.
By my (our) signature below I (we) understand that the school system does not guarantee the safety or security
of stored personal property and I (we) agree to hold the school system harmless in the event or property loss or
damage.
___________________________
Student Signature
______________________________
Parent Signature
___________________________
Date
______________________________
Date
___________________________
Instrument Make/Model
______________________________
Serial Number
This form must be kept on file for students to leave instruments in the instrument storage room at
Hawfields Middle School.
This form does not need to be kept on file if you do not plan to use the instrument storage room.
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2012-2013 7th and 8th Grade HMS Band Members Contract
The following contract is being presented to allow the maximum efforts by all the members of this performing
group to be expressed without any interference from unwilling students.
1. I understand that I must attend all after school rehearsals that pertain to this group, unless I have given a
written excuse to the director prior to the activity (full group, sectional rehearsals, etc.).
2. I must continue to practice on my instrument so I can participate in our daily class. Since band is a
group activity, everyone hold equal importance.
3. I must attend all performances (concerts, football games, parades) for my particular ensemble
in the required uniform. In order to respect all performers, students are expected to stay for the
entire concert.
4. I understand that my actions, playing abilities and attitude reflect that of the top performing groups at
Hawfields Middle School, therefore my conduct must be outstanding. Failure to follow the rules may
result in the loss of privileges for field trips and/or removal from band class.
This contract need only be signed by members of the 7th and 8th grade bands and their parents. If you
have any questions, feel free to contact me at (919) 563-5303.
I understand the handbook, and the responsibilities I am taking on to be a contributing member of this group.
______________________________________
Student Signature
_____________
Date
I understand my student’s responsibilities regarding participation in the Hawfields Band Program and I will try
to help him/her live up to those requirements.
______________________________________
Parent Signature
_____________
Date
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Student Name: ______________________________
Band Block: _________
DUE on September 7th
Circle requested items and please make checks out to HMS Band Boosters.
Write you child’s name on the check, or put cash in an envelope (with student’s name).
Shirts will be delivered to the school.
Band T (required 7th and 8th grade)
Required for 7th and 8th graders
Optional for 6th graders
$7
Band Hoodie
$23
Circle size (adult sizes) S M L XL XXL
Circle size (adult sizes) S
M
L XL XXL
(The Hoodie is required if you plan on participating in the Burlington Christmas Parade, but you may
purchase even if not performing at this event. This includes 6th graders. 7th and 8th graders may choose
to order for the football games in October. )
Total: ____________
Materials List/Daily Supplies for Band Class:
Instrument and accessories (ex- reeds, valve oil, neck strap, mallets)
Pencil
Notebook Paper
Binder with sheet protectors and pencil pouch to keep small accessories and flashcards
Method Book
6th Grade: Traditions of Excellence Book 1
7th Grade: Measures of Success Book 2
8th Grade: Tradition of Excellence Book 2
Lyre and flip folder (7th and 8th grade only)
Concert sheet music will be provided.
Request for copies of lost music must be submitted in writing.
After the music is lost, copies will cost 10 stamps or the student may handwrite the music/ arrange to
copy a friend’s music.
* If you have difficulties obtaining any of the supplies, please contact Mrs. Beddingfield. *