Stapleton Public Schools
Elementary
Handbook
2015-2016
1
~ Introduction ~
Welcome to the Stapleton Music Program!
You and your child, or children, are about to become members of some of
the largest organizations at the school. This handbook is designed to be a resource
for the students and their families as they become familiar with the Stapleton
Music Program. Please read through this together and save it for future reference.
This Handbook will provide general information about the classes such as class
expectations, necessary gear (i.e. pencils, music, stands, mutes, etc.), performance
dates, and concert attire.
~ Section 1 ~
2
Your Director…
Hello! My name is Daniel Gibbs. This is my first year of teaching music at
Stapleton Public Schools. I am excited to be your new music director for the 20152016 school year. I graduated from Kearney High School in 2010 and received my
Undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska Kearney in Music
Education K-12 and Performance in Composition. While in college, I played the
flute as my primary instrument. It is my friend...most days. I have been involved
with multiple music and education organizations such as Delta Omicron, Tau Beta
Sigma, the Nebraska Educators Association, Student Education Association of
Nebraska, and the National Association for Music Education, and more.
I have been involved with music my entire life! Music opens up the soul to a
higher level of emotion and sensitivity. I am looking forward to this year and
working with your student. Stapleton offers a variety of music classes including
Marching Band, 7th-12th Grade Concert Band, 9th-12th Grade Choir, 5th-6th
Grade Band, a 7th-8th Grade Mini-Course, and elementary music for Kindergarten
through 6th Grade. We are excited to announce that we will be performing at the
Nebraska State Fair on September 1st in Grand Island. There will be more details
to come! I cannot wait to meet all of you! Please feel free to contact me if you have
any questions or concerns.
Email:
daniel.gibbs@stapletonschools.org
School Phone Number:
308-636-2252
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~ Section 2 ~
Philosophy
Excellence in Music
At Stapleton, we are committed to excellence in education. We are here to
help guide students to achieve a higher level of understanding and appreciation for
the musical arts as well as applying this to everyday life.
Our Goals are aligned to classroom activities to not only enhance the overall
experience while in a music class, but to also help students work together and learn
from each other as well. We believe that music is an integral part of any education,
therefore, you will find the nine national standards for music listed below. These
serve as guidelines on how we teach music to your student(s).
Goals
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Improving musicianship
Exploring styles of music not found in other ensembles
Gain experience and confidence in playing independently
An introduction to music history, theory, and composition
Connection between the arts and other disciplines
Make new friends who share a similar interest as you
The Nine National Standards for Music:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music
Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music
Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments
Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines
Reading and notating music
Listening to, analyzing, and describing music
Evaluating music and music performances
Understanding relationships between music, other arts, and disciplines outside the
arts
9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture
4
~ Section 3 ~
Elementary Music Classes
5th-6th Grade Band - This ensemble is where the 5th grade students are
introduced to an instrument that they will continue to practice throughout their
career at Stapleton Public Schools. The 6th grade students will continue
developing their fundamentals in this ensemble. The selected repertoire will
explore different styles of music at varying difficulties. Students in the 5th-6th
Grade Band will be switching between general music and band every time they
meet. There will NOT be a band concert for the fall semester. The band concert is
on May 3rd!
K-6th Grade Elementary Music - Students in these classes will be learning the
basics of music theory, history, rhythm, melody, harmony, steady beat, etc.
● K-1st grade students will focus on steady beats, counting rhythms, and
identifying high and low sounds.
● 2nd grade students will reinforce the previous fundamentals as well as begin
to learn to play the xylophone and bells. Music history and the instrument
families will be incorporated into the 2nd grade curriculum.
● 3rd-4th grade students will learn how to play recorders. This will reinforce
all of their previous knowledge as well as start them on the track for playing
an instrument.
● 5th-6th grade students will switch between band and general music. The
students are taught more advanced theory, how to sing, and learn to play an
instrument. I will be testing the students out on different instruments in their
5th grade year.
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~ Chapter 1 ~
Performances - 2015/2016 Schedule
(The schedule may change! Please check for more details as the events get closer.)
Mon.-Fri., Aug. 10-14
Band Camp
Band Room
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sat., Aug. 22nd
Stapleton Parade
Band Room
TBA
Tues., Sept. 1st
State Fair Band Expo
Grand Island
All Day
Fri., Sept. 11th
Homecoming
Band Room
TBA
Sat., Oct. 3rd
Harvest of Harmony
Grand Island
All Day
Mon., Oct. 12th
4th Grade Hoedown
SPS Gym
7 PM
Mon., Oct. 26th
MNAC Vocal Clinic
Hyannis
TBA
Wed., Nov. 11th
Vet’s Day Parade
TBA
TBA
Thurs.-Sat., Nov. 19-21
*All-State Conference
Lincoln
Tues., Dec. 8th
High School Concert
SPS Gym
7 PM
K-6th Concert
SPS Gym
7 PM
Mon., Jan. 11th
*OTHB
Gering
All Day
Mon., Jan. 11th
*Doane Vocal Festival
Doane
All Day
Sat., Jan. 23rd
JH Honor Band
North Platte
All Day
Mon., Jan. 25th
*UNK Honor Ensembles
UNK
All Day
Mon., Mar. 21st
MNAC Band Clinic
TBA
All Day
Tues., Mar. 29th
MNAC Music Contest
Arnold
Fri., Apr. 22nd
District Music Contest
TBA
Tues., May 3rd
Elementary Program
SPS Gym
7 PM
Mon., May 9th
Fine Arts Night
SPS Gym
5 PM - 8:30 PM
Thurs., Dec. 17th
All Day
TBA
All Day
* These are audition only events for high school students
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Pep Band Schedule
(The schedule may change! Please check for more details as the events get closer.)
Fri. Sept. 11th
Football
SPS Football Field
7:30 PM
Thurs. Sept. 17th
Football
SPS Football Field
7 PM
Tues. Sept. 29th
Volleyball
SPS Gym
Fri. Oct. 2nd
Football
SPS Football Field
7:30 PM
Fri. Oct. 9th
Football
SPS Football Field
7 PM
Sat. Oct. 24th
Volleyball
SPS Gym
3 PM
Fri. Dec. 4th
GBB/BBB
SPS Gym
4 PM
Thurs. Dec. 10th
GBB/BBB
SPS Gym
3:30 PM
Sat. Jan. 16th
GBB/BBB
SPS Gym
1 PM
Thurs. Jan. 21st
GBB/BBB
SPS Gym
4 PM
Thurs. Feb. 11th
GBB/BBB
SPS Gym
4 PM
BBB
SPS Gym
6 PM
Fri. Feb. 19th
5:30 PM or 6:30 PM
~ Section 1 ~
Attendance
A schedule of performances and other events has been provided in this
handbook for the 2015-2016 school year. Every student is important to these
events and performances. Attendance at each of these is mandatory. Parents, if
there are any conflicts with the schedule, please mark those dates on the calendar
provided with the acknowledgement sheet that must be signed and brought back to
the director by the end of the first week of classes. Should an emergency or
something else come up, please contact the director immediately. I frequently
check my email, so that is the preferred method of communication, but you may
also call the school. All required performances and events are part of the final
grade in the class.
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Here is my contact information again:
Email:
daniel.gibbs@stapletonschools.org
School Phone Number:
308-636-2252
Ultimately, the director will make the final decision. Here is a list of some
excusable and inexcusable absences:
Excused:
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Sick from school
Death in the family
Important family event (e.g. wedding)
School activities (Must have a written notice about the activity two weeks in
advance and a conversation with the director or coach about make up work)
Unexcused:
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Homework
Birthday
Work
Did not have a ride
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Should a student
have to miss a performance or event for one of the excusable reasons listed above,
students will be given a chance to make up some of the missing points to receive
credit. The make-up work will be either a concert critique of a concert (not at the
school), or a one-page paper on a musical topic chosen by the director.
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~ Section 2 ~
Concert Attire
The Stapleton performing ensembles pride themselves in looking
professional at all performances and events. In order to achieve this appearance,
students are asked to wear the following:
Elementary Band:
Ladies: A modest black top that covers the shoulders and is not revealing, black
slacks/skirt (skirt must be below the knees when sitting), black socks or stockings,
black, closed-toed shoes, and no large/distracting jewelry.
Gentlemen: Black dress shirt, black slacks, black socks, black, closed-toed shoes,
and no big distracting watches or jewelry.
Please avoid any black and white patterned clothing or sequins. If you have
any visible tattoos, please cover them up with make-up or a flesh colored band-aid.
Depending on the venue we perform at, our attire may change. We may wear
colored items such as ties or sunglasses for special occasions.
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~ Chapter 2 ~
Instruments and Rental
Instruments are expensive, but they are an investment into your student’s life
and education. Stapleton has limited numbers of rental instruments (flute,
saxophone, trumpet, etc.) that students may use for the year. If a student needs to
rent an instrument from Stapleton Public Schools for the year, they will be asked to
pay a $10 per month rental fee to help us maintain the instruments in working
condition and to purchase more instruments in the future. Percussionists will be
asked to pay a $10 per year rental fee to play the school instruments and to
purchase new ones as well. If your student is in more than one ensemble, they only
have to pay the fee once. This fee is only applicable to students in the performing
ensembles. This excludes the mini-courses, music appreciation, and elementary
classes (unless the student is in band for 5th and 6th grade). If the instrument is
damaged beyond normal wear and tear, a higher fee will be charged according to
the repairperson.
Any student that needs to rent an instrument, or is a percussionist, must fill
out the rental agreement form attached at the back of each handbook for each
ensemble and return the form and the rental fee 30 days after the beginning of each
semester. If there is a problem with payment of the rental fee, please contact me
and we can arrange a payment plan. All students should have the same opportunity
as the next to participate in these wonderful ensembles.
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~ Section 1 ~
Maintenance and Repairs
Like anything else, instruments need regular maintenance and repair.
Students are responsible for their instruments whether it is their own or a rented
one from the school. Please review the instrument check out policy for all
guidelines. If there is an instrument that needs repaired or a regular maintenance
check, they must first bring it to the director so he can check it out. The student
must then take it to a professional instrument repairperson if the director deems the
instruments is in need of repair. Parents, please no help with the upkeep of
instruments. We will help to make sure they are kept in working condition and get
to the best repair people in the district. Here is a list of some of the instrumental
repair shops nearby:
* Ron Kittle
Kittles - 106 E. 5th St. North Platte, NE
308-532-2911
* Lou Kraus
Lou Kraus Music - 119 No Spruce St. Ogallala, NE
308-284-8384
* Jeff Stelling
Stelling Brass and Winds - 3119 Antelope Ave. Kearney, NE
308-237-0276
* Steve Main
Yandas Music & Pro Audio - 2301 Central Ave. Kearney, NE
800-338-6939
Students are responsible for buying cork grease, valve oil, slide grease, etc.
to help with regular maintenance of their individual instruments. If you have any
question or concerns, please contact me.
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~ Chapter 3 ~
Classroom Expectations
The classroom is where learning takes place. Stapleton takes pride in itself
for providing safe learning environments for the students. Every student can help
continue this behavior in the classroom by following the expectations. Each class
period is only a short amount of time. In that time, we are learning new things as
well as reviewing previous material. It is important to the learning environment to
have a quiet room so every student can hear what is said in class. It will be
expected that students will respect this and the other rules of the classroom to
maintain a positive and effective learning atmosphere.
We encourage our students to reach for the next level in learning. No one is
left behind in band. We are here to build each other up and reach our highest
potential as a group in rehearsals, performances, and as individuals. Every member
of the Stapleton music ensembles are expected to be positive and encouraging
members of the band program as well as in the school.
Some General Rules:
● NO food (especially gum) or drinks (except water) are allowed in the band
room during any rehearsal or performance
● Be SAFE, RESPECTFUL, and RESPONSIBLE
● Be in your seat, warmed-up, and ready to go BEFORE the class period
begins (this includes bathroom breaks)
● The band room is home to many students. RESPECT other people’s
property and the school’s
○ This includes all instruments owned by SPS
○ If you break it, you pay for it
● Students are expected to PRACTICE at least 10-15 minutes a day
○ They will be receiving a grade for practicing, and will have to have to
turn in a signed practice sheet, worth 20 points, every Friday
■ If no practice sheet is handed in, they will receive a zero
● You will show RESPECT to all directors, administrators, teachers, staff,
your peers, and parents at ALL TIMES
● Always conduct yourselves as classy ladies and gentlemen. You are
representing Stapleton and the music program
● You are required to be at all performances
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K-4 Rules:
 Each student is required to participate in all activities in the music classroom
 The goal is to have fun and learn music in a creative way
 Students are required to be at performances they are participating in
o Not showing up for a performance will result in a lowered grade
unless there is an emergency
 Students are expected to do what they are asked in the music classroom
 Students will be graded through informal and formal assessments
~ Section 1 ~
Schedule, Expectations, and Logistics
Mr. Gibbs’ Class Schedule
8:00 AM - 8:55 AM
1st Period
Planning
8:57 AM - 9:47 AM
2nd Period
Music Appreciation
9:49 AM - 10:39 AM
3rd Period
K-2nd Music
10:41 AM - 11:31 AM
4th Period
5th/6th Music & Band
11:59 AM - 12:49 PM
5th Period
3rd/4th Music
1:12 PM - 2:05 PM
6th Period
7th/8th Mini Courses
2:07 PM - 3:00 PM
7th Period
Choir
3:05 PM - 3:55 PM
8th Period
Band
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Schedule - Band:
● All students should be ready to go in their seats with their folder, music, and
a sharpened pencil by 10:41-11:31 AM.
● Following set-up, we will begin a warm-up activity to get the mind engaged
to make music. We may do one or more of the following:
○ Play through different scales
○ Play an etude or two
○ Practice balance and blend in the ensemble
○ After the warm-up activity, we will take a couple tuning notes, for
band, and start rehearsal.
● We will hold regular rehearsals in the music room unless it is a dress
rehearsal for a concert. We will be in the gym for dress rehearsals.
● If a student needs to leave earlier, they must have contacted the director
under the conditions listed in the attendance policy.
● The last minute of class will be used to put away music, instruments, and
announcements. Students will make sure their music is placed back in the
folder and return it to the folder slot assigned to them. Students are
encouraged to take their music home to practice, but they are responsible for
bringing it back to school for rehearsal.
Logistics:
● Should students have a question, they need to raise their hand and wait to be
called on.
● If the student needs to sharpen their pencil, they can quietly go to the pencil
sharpener. They may not sharpen their pencil until we stop rehearsing a
section as to not disturb the rest of the class.
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● Students are encouraged to use the restrooms before they come to class in
order to decrease time out of rehearsal. If a student needs to use the restroom
during class, they must first ask for permission before they are allowed to
go. Students must comply with the school policy of carrying a hall pass with
them if they are out of the classroom during class time. Students are only
allowed two bathroom passes a week.
● If a student is feeling sick, they may take the garbage can by the door on
their way to the restroom/office. The student must inform the nurse or
administrator to contact the music room so I know the student has indeed
made it to the office.
● Students are not allowed to use tablets, iPods/iPads, or any cellular device
while in rehearsal. The first time a student is caught with his/her electronic
device out, they will be warned. The second time it is seen, the director will
confiscate it until the end of class. If the student is expecting an important
call, they must talk to the director before class starts and inform him/her. No
other exceptions will be made.
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~ Chapter 4 ~
Grading
Band is not an “extracurricular” activity at Stapleton. We strive to make
music an integral part in the normal curriculum that all students are required to
take. Stapleton Public School is committed to excellence in education, and music is
no exception. We are here to help guide students achieve a higher level of
understanding and appreciation for the musical arts as well as applying this to
everyday life. We follow the Nine National Standards when we work with the
curriculum. By following these standards, we are able to have a more accurate way
of grading students. From that, we are able to better mold the classes to achieve
higher learning. Specific grading policies will be included in the syllabi for each
course.
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~ Section 1 ~
Grading
Students will be evaluated on the following for their final grade:
* Equipment - 5%
* Participation - 5%
* Daily Attendance - 10%
* Scale Test / Assessments - 30%
* Dress Rehearsal / Concert - 50%
Equipment - Students are responsible for the upkeep of their instruments. If they
borrowed a school instrument, they must check the instrument back in at the end of
the school year. If it is in worse condition than when they got it, they will be
docked. At the end of this handbook, is an instrument checkout contract. Parents
and students must read this over and bring the form filled out except for the :What
parts come with it” and “Describe the general condition” sections. Those will be
filled out while the students are checking-out their instruments during class.
Students are also responsible for their own cork grease, valve oil, slide grease, and
pencil.
Participation - This part of the grade is dependent upon how involved with the
class the student is. If they just sit in class and passively play, they will not receive
a participation grade for the day. This grade also involves how on task the student
was in class. If they are messing around or talking to their neighbor for a large
portion of the class, they will receive a failing participation grade for the day. If the
student is constantly getting out of their seat without permission, they will receive
partial credit for their participation grade.
Daily Attendance - Students must follow the attendance policy already given in
this handbook in regards to daily rehearsals. If the student is absent from class but
is excused, they will not lose attendance points for that day. If they are unexcused,
they will lose their attendance points for the day. Daily attendance also includes
being in your seat ready to go at the specified time for each class.
Scale Tests / Assessments - Students will be given a list of scales that they should
incorporate into their daily practice. At the midterm and the end of the semester,
each student will have to play three scales, selected by the director, from the list.
Assessments will be in the form of compositions or a written paper and pencil test
17
covering the material that was discussed in each unit. The total points from
practice sheets will also be included in this grade.
Dress Rehearsal / Concert - Students must follow the attendance policy in
regards to dress rehearsals and concerts. If a student has an unexcused absence
from a dress rehearsal and a concert, they will fail the class. If they are excused,
they must talk to the director to receive make-up work in order to get some of the
points back. Make-up work will include one of the following:
○ Come in after school for extra practice
○ Help clean up the music room after school
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~ Chapter 5 ~
Traveling
The Stapleton band travels to many different locations throughout the school
year for competitions and other events. Stapleton has a strong reputation for how
we conduct ourselves. We would like to see that continue. While we travel,
students and parents are expected to conduct themselves with the utmost respect
for themselves and others. Remember, you are representing Stapleton Public
Schools as well as our music program.
Each ensemble follows this basic principle of respect while traveling. More
details will be given in the next two sections. In depth details will be given in the
syllabi for each course. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or
concerns about traveling with the Stapleton band or choir.
As a reminder to veteran members of the band and an announcement to the
newcomers, we are planning to perform in the State Fair Band Expo on September
1st. We will be gone for the majority of the day, so please plan accordingly. More
details will come soon!
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