INSTRUMENTAL
MUSIC
HandBook
2014-2015
Pleasant Grove Middle School
Rescue, CA
Written & Achieved By:
Shaun Manley,
PGMS Director of Instrumental Music
Handbook Contents
Subject:
Welcome Letter
Description of Program
Materials Donation
Band Instruments
Instrument Checkout
Texts and Materials
A Prepared Student Brings
What Will Happen In Class: Rehearsal
Classroom Procedures
Expectations
Of Students
Of the Parents/Guardians
Of the Music Director
Care of Property and Facilities
Homework
Assessment
Concerts, Field Trips, and Festivals
Grading Policy
Calendar
Acknowledgment Form
Page #
3
4
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5-6
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9
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Pleasant Grove Middle School
Shaun C. Manley
Director of Instrumental Music
August 12th, 2014.
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) and Student,
Welcome! I hope that you had an enjoyable summer and are looking forward to the upcoming
school year as much as I am. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and
invite you to join our Band Booster organization, which will have its' first meeting on Tuesday,
August 19th at 6:30 in the band room. There, we will discuss many fun and exciting ideas on
the future of the Pleasant Grove Instrumental Music Program, as well as upcoming trips,
concerts, and fundraisers.
In our handbook you will find policies, procedures, and other important information regarding
the Pleasant Grove Instrumental Music Program. Please take the time to read this material, as
the success of our program depends upon each individual working toward the same goals.
Please sign the acknowledgment form and have your child return it to me by August 15th, 2014.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by email, smanley@rescueusd.org or at
school, (530) 672-4400.
Sincerely,
Shaun Manley
Director of Instrumental Music
Pleasant Grove Middle School
3
Description of Program:
Instrumental Music at Pleasant Grove Middle School is a three-year course. We hold
high standards for the further understanding of musical knowledge and life in general. For
students to be successful and experience the most out of their involvement, they must dedicate
themselves to practice daily outside regular school ours. Private lessons are highly encouraged.
Materials Donation:
This year, we are asking for a $50 donation (cash or check payable to PGMS Music
Program) from each student. Regardless of donation, all students will receive: an Instrumental
Music T-Shirt, honor band audition fees, sheet music, shared school equipment, music money
incentives and room maintenance. Donation does not include: Method book, instrument
rental/purchase, misc. instrumental supplies or field trips. This donation is how we fund the
music program at Pleasant Grove and, while we know you make many other investments in
education, this contribution is crucial to its' success.
Musical Instruments:
Unless you already own one, you will need to rent a musical instrument and purchase a
book. I have a limited number of instruments available for rent through the school, but these
should only be rented by those truly in need of financial assistance. Please see "Instrument
Checkout" (below) for further details.
Instrument Checkout:
 All school-owned instruments must be checked out by way of a contract. It must
be signed by both student and parent(s). If there is a problem with the instrument
prior to checkout, it must be made known before the contract is signed.
 If the instrument is lost or stolen, it is the liability of the student/parent to replenish
the cost to replace it.
 It is also both the student’s and the parent’s responsibility to maintain and repair
the instrument during the time of possession.
 A one-time $40 Rental Donation (Cash or Check payable to PGMS Music
Program) is requested to service the instruments in between students so that each
student has a clean, working instrument from the start.
 School instruments are first come, first served, so please contact me no later than
August 15th if you wish to borrow one.
Texts and Materials:
Beginning Band: Standard of Excellence Enhanced Book 1(Red Book)
Concert Band: Standard of Excellence Enhanced Book 1 (Red Book)
7th Grade Symphonic Band: Standard of Excellence Enhanced Book 2 (Blue Book)
8th Grade Symphonic Band: Standard of Excellence Enhanced Book 3 (Green Book)
Advanced Strings: All For Strings - Volume 2, Lesson Book AND Workbook
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A Prepared Student Brings:
Instrument (and all necessary supplies)
 Students may drop off their instrument in the Band Room each morning before
school starts
A Folder or 3-Ring Binder used only for Band/Strings
Music and Method Book
Pencil...NO PENS!
What will happen in class: Rehearsal
A general rehearsal schedule includes:
 Set-up and cleanup - Students will use the passing period and the first five minutes
of class to make sure they have all the appropriate materials in order for the day
(instrument assembled, chair, stand, and music folder ready, pencil sharpened, etc).
Students are also expected to keep a clean classroom.
 Warm-ups - Students will be given selected warm-ups and scales that will be
played as an ensemble at the beginning of each class period.
 These are also great tools for personal practice!
 Literature and Sight-reading - Our main focus during rehearsal is to prepare for
performances and festivals by "connecting" the different parts that each student has
perfected at home during their personal practice time. Students will also have the
chance to play music not intended for performance in order to develop their sightreading (play at first sight) skills. The student is responsible for all music that is
handed out in class.
 Daily Practice - Make time to practice daily. Practicing "when you have time" is
dangerous...students will quickly fall behind. Encourage each other - Band and
Strings are collaborative art forms. Plan on making it a regular part of your
homework routine.
Classroom Procedures:
 Help others.
 Be fully equipped.
 Be diligent in study and practice.
 Exercise Self Control
 Listen. Follow through... The first time.
Expectations of the Student:
 Be present and on time to ALL class rehearsals and performances.
 Come with their own instrument (rented, owned, or borrowed) with them at
EVERY rehearsal.
 Bring all materials needed to function in the music classroom (ie. Music, pencil,
cork grease, oils, creams, rags, reeds, sticks, rosin, bow, calendar, etc) with them to
EVERY rehearsal.
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Expectations of the Student (continued):
 Come to class with the willingness to learn and put trust in the direction of the
instructor.
 Practice a minimum of 15-30 minutes every day.
 If practicing is a fun thing...you're doing it right!!
 Follow Classroom Procedures and School Rules.
Expectations of the Parents/Guardians:
 Support the student's desire to learn music.
 Help set-up a regular practice schedule. Stay Positive.
 Again, if practicing is a fun thing...you're doing it right!!
 Help with a quiet practice atmosphere so there are no distractions
 Ensure student's prompt arrival to/departure from concerts and festivals.
Expectations of the Music Director:
 Teach students the value and function of music.
 Be prepared to instruct students every day before class begins. He will be on time
to class sessions, performances, and other band functions.
 Encourage students in their personal growth as musicians and prepare them to be
their own teachers.
Care of Property and Facilities:
 Students are responsible for the care of their own (or assigned) instruments and are
not advised to allow others to handle their instrument.
 Instruments must be stored in the locker during the day, but taken home after
school.
 Percussion equipment must be properly put away and locked in the storage closet
after every use.
 No food or drinks (with the exception of water) in the band room. NO GUM! It is
also advised that students do not eat greasy or salty foods before band.
(Remember: anything you eat immediately preceding band will end up IN your
horn)
Homework:
 DAILY Practice of Literature, Method Book Pieces, Scales, Written Quiz and Test
Material.
 Written Music Theory Assignments
Assessment:
 On Most Thursdays, students will be tested by playing selected literature or scales
(Scale-abration Day!)
Periodically, students will be given short written quizzes on Music Theory
(Celebrations of Knowledge)
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Concerts, Field Trips, and Festivals:
 There will be performances throughout the year (See Calendar) that are
comparable to major exams in other courses.
 Attendance is REQUIRED!
 Concert Attire:
 White shirt or blouse (guys wear tie of choice)
o PG Music T-Shirt will be used for POPS and Music in the Parks
Concerts only.
 Black slacks/dress pants or "below the knee" black skirts
 Dark shoes with black socks or stockings
 Please no T-shirts, jeans, or short skirts (School Dress Code applies).
Grading Policy: A (90-100%) B (80-89%) C (70-79%) D (60-69%) F (0-59%)
Concerts/Festivals - 33%
Mandatory Attendance
(Please make arrangements ASAP)
Appropriate Attire
Concert Etiquette
Individual Performance - 33%
Playing Scale-abrations
Celebrations of Knowledge
Scales and Literature Progress
Method Book Progress
Class Participation - 33%
Attendance
Proper Equipment
Conduct/Attitude/Citizenship
In-class Performance
(Musicality, Technique, Rhythm & Note Accuracy, etc.)
Calendar of Events:
The Instrumental Music Calendar (see page 8) includes all the important dates for the
year (performances, honor bands, fundraisers, and field trips). Please clear these dates with
your family calendar, coaches, and instructors as soon as possible.
...and it looks especially nice on the fridge!
 Events for the year will also be listed on the Band Room whiteboard.
Questions???
PLEASE...email me or call me with any questions or comments. My aim is to ensure an
excellent music education for all students, and I want this to be an enjoyable learning
experience for everyone involved!
Shaun Manley
smanley@rescueusd.org
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Pleasant Grove Instrumental Music Calendar 2014-2015
Date
August
15
18
19
25
Event
Acknowledgment Form Due
First Day with Instruments
First Booster Meeting
First Day with Instruments
Time
All Day
All Day
6:30-7:30pm
All Day
Group
All Students
Periods 2, 4, and 5
All Parents
Periods 3 and 7
Location
PGMS
Band Room
Band Room
Band Room
September
5
School Dance Concessions
2:30-4:30pm
Boosters/Music Leadership
PGMS
October
6
10
25
31
WSMEA 7/8th Honor Band Auditions
Ponderosa Marching Band Invitational
Pancake Breakfast Concert/Fundraiser*
School Dance Concessions
5:00-7:00pm
3:30-9:00pm
12:00-2:00
All 7/8th grade Band students
8th Grade Symphonic Band
All Ensembles
Boosters/Music Leadership
Herbert Green MS
Ponderosa HS
PGMS
PGMS
November
7, 8
8
WSMEA 7/8th Honor Band Rehearsal
FREE - Honor Band Concert
8:00am-2:30pm
3:00pm
7/8th grade HB Students
General Public
Gold Trail School
Gold Trail School
December
11
Winter Concert*
6:30-8:00pm
All Ensembles
PGMS
January
30
School Dance Concessions
2:30-4:30pm
Boosters/Music Leadership
PGMS
February
3
Ponderosa Invitational Concert*
7:00-8:30pm
7/8th Grade Symphonic Bands
Ponderosa HS
TBA
20
Elementary School Band Festival
School Dance Concessions
TBA
2:30-4:30pm
Elementary School Bands
Boosters/Music Leadership
PGMS
PGMS
18
21
Car Wash Fundraiser
Elementary School Concert Field Trip
All Ensembles
8th Grade Symphonic Band
PGMS
Rescue/Green Valley Elem
25
Music in The Parks (Six Flags Trip)
9:00am-2:00pm
8:30am-12:00pm
5:30am10:00pm
All 7th/8th Grade Ensembles
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
6
22
28
POPS Concert (Open House)*
All PG Rentals must be returned/cleaned
Promotion Concert?
5:00-7:30pm
All Day
TBA
All Ensembles
All Ensembles
7th Grade Symphonic Band
PGMS, Amphitheater
Band Room
PGMS
March
April
May
8:00am-12:00pm
*Please plan on staying to hear the other bands perform. It is important for students to learn proper performance and audience etiquette.
The bold concerts are required events and equal to a final exam. Please talk to extracurricular coaches/instructors to clear these dates as soon as possible. 8
Acknowledgement Form
Please return this page to Mr. Manley on or before August 15th.
Material and Rental donations may be turned in at any time.*
We thank you for your support...
YOU make this program a success.
*Clearly write the student's name in the check's memo line or attach a note.
I have completely read and discussed the 2014-2015
PGMS Instrumental Music Handbook.
___________________________________
Student's Name (Print)
___________________________________
Band Period
___________________________________
Student's Signature
___________________________________
Date
___________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name(s) (Print)
___________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
___________________________________
Date
___________________________________
Primary Email (Please Print Legibly)
(_____)____________________________
Primary Phone
YES! I want to stay involved. Please inform me of ways I can help. Have ideas for the
program or Music Leadership? Please let us know.
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