The following guidelines are set forth to lend order to the daily operations of
the band. Procedures such as these are necessary to insure that everyone’s
band experience is a positive one. Your attention to these guidelines will be
greatly appreciated and will contribute to your pride in our organization.
Mr. Jones and Mr. Akers feel very strongly that any successful band must
operate from a foundation of mutual respect between students and
instructors. We recognize the significance and worth of each student as an
individual as well as a member of the group. We will expect the same in
return. We must remember that we are all here for the same reason; to
achieve the kind of excellence each day that will establish our bands as a
model for other middle school bands in the State of Indiana.
REHEARSAL PROCEDURES:
BE ON TIME!!! Quickly be seated after the bell rings (if not before). Warm-up will
begin one minutes after the bell has sounded. Students who are not prepared may be
counted tardy. Be sure to have your instrument, music, pencil and any other items you
may need each day. Don’t waste valuable rehearsal time by being late or unprepared.
Fourth tardy will result in a two hour after school detention.
Talking is counter- productive. If you find it necessary to ask a question, please raise
your hand and wait to be called on. If it is a question your neighbor can answer, please
whisper. This will keep the rehearsal moving and make things more interesting for
everyone.
Supplies (reeds, valve oil, etc.) may be purchased before school or at the beginning of
class.
GRADING
Grades will be determined by teacher evaluation in the following areas:
PLAYING TEST (25 POINTS)
This will be determined by periodic progress checks during rehearsal or by audiotape that
students will do at home and turn in. Possible test items could be scales, sections from
the music that we a working on, or excerpts from the book. The test information will be
given in advance in class.
WRITTEN TEST (25 POINTS)
Written exams will be given periodically to reinforce terms, concepts, and fundamentals
that is directly related to the music studied.
PRACTICE CHARTS (15 POINTS)
Like any other class this is homework. Students will receive their practice charts at the
beginning of each six weeks-grading period. Band members are to record their practice
time on the chart and return it signed by a parent at the end of each grading period.
QUIZZES (15 POINTS)
Written quizzes will be given periodically to review and reinforce terms, concepts, and
fundamentals.
PERFORMANCES (10 POINTS)
Performances are mandatory, you will receive notice of special performances not listed in
this handbook in ample time to arrange your schedule. Absence from a performance
without advance permission from the director will result in a grade of 0 for that
performance and will lower the students final 6 weeks grade two letter grades. Sudden
personal illness or death in the family will be the only acceptable excuses without
permission of the director prior to the performance. Written verification from a parent or
guardian will be expected.
REHEARSAL PARTICIPATION (10 POINTS)
This is the director’s subjective evaluation of the student based upon attitude, desire,
contribution, punctuality, etc.
PERFORMANCE ATTIRE
The dress for all concerts and contest will be slacks or skirts and maroon band polo shirt,
black dress shoes for ladies; Maroon band polo shirt, black slacks and black dress shoes
for the gentlemen. We trust that each student will do his or her best to conform to this
dress code. Discuss any specific problems with the directors.
ISSMA EVENTS
The Indiana State School Music Association sponsors a number of excellent activities for
instrumental music students in all grade levels. Heritage Hills Middle School will
participate in the following:
SOLO/ENSEMBLE CONTEST
Solo/ensemble contest provides the students the opportunity to perform as soloist and/or
in small ensembles (duets, quartets, etc.). The performances are evaluated by qualified
professionals. This is an optional activity. Detailed information will be distributed in
November.
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEST
This spring the band will participate in the ISSMA concert band contest. The band will
perform three selections and will be critique and evaluated by a panel of three judges.
This provides the opportunity to receive input from independent professionals. This is a
required event.
2009-2010 CALENDER OF EVENTS
Tuesday, November 18
Tuesday, December 8
Saturday, February 6
Tuesday, February 16
Saturday, March 6
Tuesday, May 11
Deadline for Solo/Ensemble entries.
Winter Concert.
Solo/Ensemble Contest @ Southridge.
Jr. High Solo and Ensemble.
IMEA Band Festival.
Spring Concert.
DATES OF SPECIAL INTEREST
Saturday, September 12
Saturday, October 3
Heritage Hills Marching Band Contest.
District Marching Band Contest at Jasper.
BAND ROOM AND EQUIPMENT
Food, drinks, candy and gum ARE NOT permitted in the band room.
The condition of the band room, instruments, and equipment is a direct reflection of your
pride in the band. Please treat facilities and equipment as though they must last forever;
this will enable the students who come after you to receive the same enjoyment from
their membership in the organization.
Respect the personal property of others and the property of the band. IF IT’S NOT
YOURS, DON’T TOUCH IT!!!! This applies to instruments that belong to other students
and school-owned instruments that are not assigned to you (especially percussion).
When music is issued to you please keep it in the condition in which you received it.
Feel free to mark on it in pencil to help you remember details that are discussed in
rehearsal. You will be charged for lost or damaged music.
School owned instruments that are issued to you will become your responsibility to care
for. Every effort will be made to have these instruments in good working order when
they are assigned. Repairs due to improper handling or negligence will be the
responsibility of the student.
It is your responsibility to keep your instrument in good condition. An instrument in
need of repair will make it impossible for you to participate in class and make band a
frustrating experience for you.
INSTRUMENT LOCKERS
Each student will be assigned an instrument locker. The locker is to be used for storage
of instruments only. Music must be kept in folder. Books may only be stored in the
locker during class.
CLASS RULES
All school rules apply to band class. In Addition:
1. No food or drinks will be permitted (this includes candy and gum).
a) First Time = stay after class 1 minute.
b) Second Time = lunch detention.
2. Be in your seat ready to warm-up (with everything you need) 2 min. after the
has sounded.
a) 2 tardies = stay after the bell 1 minute.
b) 3 tardies = 1 hour after school detention.
c) 4 tardies = 2 hours after school detention.
3. Do not talk unless called upon.
a) First Time warning
b) Talking / disruptive behavior = lunch detention.
4. Have all supplies you need for rehearsal (music, instrument, pencil, mute, etc.)
a) First Time = 2 points off rehearsal grade.
b) Second Time = 5 points off rehearsal grade.
c) Third Time = Will receive a 0 for rehearsal grade.
5. Respect your fellow classmates, teacher or any visitor.
a) Inappropriate language / Lack of respect = after school detention.
6. DO NOT touch any instrument that is not yours (this includes percussion toys)
a) First Time = stay after class 1 minute.
b) Second Time = lunch detention.
MUSIC IS A SCIENCE
It is exact, specific, and it demands exact acoustics. A conductor’s full score is a chart, a
graph which indicates intensities, volume changes, melody, and harmony all at once with
the most exact control of time,
MUSIC IS MATHEMATIC
It is rhythmically based on the subdivisions of time into fractions which must be done
instantaneously, not worked out on paper.
MUSIC IS AS FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Most of the terms are in Italian, German or French; and the notation is certainly not
English – but a highly developed kind of shorthand that uses symbols to represent ideas.
Music is the most complex and universal language.
MUSIC IS HISTORY
Music usually reflects the environment and times of its creation, often even the country
and/or racial feelings.
MUSIC IS PHYSICAL EDUCATION
It requires fantastic coordination of fingers, hands, arms, lip, cheek, and facial muscles, in
addition to extraordinary control of diaphramatic, back, stomach, and chest muscles,
which respond instantly to the sound the ear hears and the mind interprets.
MUSIC IS ALL THESE THINGS,
BUT MOST OF ALL
MUSIC IS ART
Return to Mr. Jones
Due By Friday, August 21
My student and I have read the handbook and understand what is expected of him/her.
_______________________________
(parent / guardian signature)
_______________________________
(student’s signature)
________
(date)
________
(date)