Oxford Middle School Band Handbook
Grades 7 & 8
Patrick M. Parrish, Band Director – (248)969-1823
INTRODUCTION: Welcome to the Oxford Middle School Band! The 2008-2009
school year promises to be a challenging and exciting year for all of us involved in the
band program. These groups bring with them a tradition of excellence and musical
accomplishments that many find rewarding and musically satisfying. It is your
responsibility to conduct yourself in such a manner as to be of benefit to the program and
to yourself. This program belongs to you. What you do will determine the quality of the
organization you will have this year.
Varsity Band
This course is designed for students who have completed at least one year of study on a
band instrument but who have not yet achieved a level of excellence commensurate with
being placed in an advanced band. Beginners will be considered through consultation
with students’ parent/guardian to determine an appropriate course of instruction.
Students are expected to be performing at grade level on their instruments. They should
be striving to maintain excellent team-oriented discipline. Elements of music are
approached through increasing difficulty which present challenging, interesting, and
enriching activities. Solo and group contests provide competitive opportunities for
students to receive constructive criticism from adjudicators outside the district. This is an
all year class. Opportunities will may exist for students to be moved to Concert Band if
their performance and discipline are on a level justifying advancement. There are four
concerts per year, plus festival performances.
Concert Band
Prerequisites for this band include beginning band and teacher recommendation. This
course is designed for students who have completed at least one year of study on a band
instrument and have achieved a level of excellence commensurate with being placed in
an intermediate-level band. Students are expected to be performing at grade level on their
instruments. They should be striving to maintain excellent team-oriented discipline.
Elements of music are approached through increasing difficulty which present
challenging, interesting, and enriching activities. Solo and group contests provide
competitive opportunities for students to receive constructive criticism from adjudicators
outside the district. This is a year-long class. Opportunities may exist for students to be
moved to Symphonic Band if their performance and discipline are on a level justifying
advancement. There are four concerts per year, plus festival performances.
Symphonic Band
Prerequisite: Audition - Teacher Recommendation - This is the advanced band which is
made up of students who have attained a high degree of proficiency on a band instrument.
Student selection to this class will be greatly influenced by the student's past record of
personal discipline, dedication, sense of commitment and their ability to function as a
member of a team. Elements of music are approached through exercises of increasing
difficulty which present challenging, interesting, and enriching activities. Solo and group
festivals are extremely important and provide competitive opportunities for students to
receive constructive criticism from adjudicators out side the district. This is a year-long
class. There are four concerts per year, plus festival performances.
GOALS: Our goal for all bands is simple: to strive to be the best that we can be! To
reach this goal we must have dedication and teamwork. Each and every band member
must work hard and make every effort to improve his or her musical skills. Music is a
wonderful, exciting part of life and there is so much to learn.
GRADING: We will be using a point system for grading. You must learn this system,
as your grade will be based upon it. The point total for each marking period will vary
depending on the number of assignments and activities that are earned. There will be
many ways to earn points. Each student should strive to earn points by being an
outstanding citizen of the band program. Areas in which points will be assigned:
Practice records:
Playing tests:
Performance participation:
Written assignments/tests
Daily rehearsal participation
20%
20%
20%
10%
30%
Grade scale
A+
100
A
93-99
A90-92
B+
87-89
B
83-86
B80-82
C+
77-79
C
73-76
C70-72
D+
67-69
D
63-66
D60-62
E
59 and below
25 points are awarded each day for: pencil (5), music folio (5), instrument (5),
appropriate classroom behavior (10).
In addition, students may earn extra credit in the following ways:
1. Attend a concert of another approved musical organization
(Please bring in a program or ticket signed by a parent or guardian)
2. Perform in District Solo & Ensemble Festival
3. Taking private lessons on your band instrument
4. Got another idea? See Mr. Parrish for approval.
+10
+50
+30
CHEATING: Students who are found to be cheating on an assignment will receive a
grade of “0” for that assignment. Students will be referred to administration as necessary.
UNIFORMS: All 7th and 8th grade band members will perform in uniform. You will
need a tuxedo shirt (available for purchase at school), black dress pants, black shoes and
socks. Being out of uniform will reduce your performance grade. Please take care of
this as soon as possible.
AFTER SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITIES: We all realize that it is a busy world we all
live in, and it is recognized that there will occasionally be an unavoidable conflict. There
is a performance calendar included with this packet so that you may plan ahead. If a
conflict still exists:
1) Submit a written note to Mr. Parrish before the day of the performance.
(It must be 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 absent from school for one of the above reasons.
Unacceptable Excuses
Any that are not listed above.
2) Please communicate with the band director personally (do not rely on a friend
to relay your message)
CLASSROOM CONDUCT: In addition to all normal Oxford Middle School rules and
policies, the band has its own set of rules. Students may be assigned after school
detention for the following:
Chewing gum or consuming food or beverage in rehearsal.
Three or more tardies in a marking period.
Playing any percussion instrument unless assigned.
Playing any instrument other than one’s own.
Playing out-of-turn while the teacher is delivering instruction.
Oxford Middle School
Band Members Contract
1) I must keep practicing my instrument (at least 2 hours per week) so I can
effectively participate in each daily rehearsal.
2) I must attend all performances in the required uniform.
3) I understand that my actions, playing abilities, and attitude should reflect
well upon our band and school.
4) My conduct must be outstanding. Failure to follow the rules may result in
the loss of privileges for field trips and/or removal from the band class.
(Please return only this lower portion)
I understand the handbook, and the responsibilities I am taking on to be a
contributing member of the Oxford Middle School Bands.
______________________________
(Student Signature)
__________________
(Date)
I understand my student’s responsibilities regarding the Oxford Bands and I will
try to help him/her live up to those requirements.
___________________________________
(Parent Signature)