Dear Students and Parents/Guardians,
Welcome to the Swift Creek Middle School Band program! I hope you had a relaxing and fun summer
vacation. I am very excited about the upcoming school year and being part of a band program rich in
tradition. I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and tell you a few things about me. My
name is Kelly Behnke and I have been teaching music for thirteen years. I have had the unique
opportunity to teach music at various levels throughout my career. I started as a middle and high school
band director in Michigan and then came to Florida to attain my Master’s degree in Music Education and
Music Therapy at the Florida State University, Go Noles! After finishing my graduate degrees, I traveled
back to the Midwest and became an assistant band director at the University of Notre Dame, Go Irish!
Upon getting married, my husband and I decided to settle in Tallahassee, where I taught general music
at Springwood Elementary for the three years. I am beginning my sixth year at Swift Creek and I look
forward to an exciting and musically productive school year, Go Wolves!
The handbook has been written to familiarize you with many aspects of the program, and to ensure an
enjoyable and educationally rewarding musical experience. Please take the time to read the handbook as
it explains many aspects of course offerings, grading and attendance policies and other important
information for everyone. It can be found at our website, www.scmswolfband.com Once you have read
the handbook in its entirety, please fill out the information sheet and return it to me as soon as possible.
All students will be held accountable for the information contained in this handbook so please refer to
the handbook for future reference. Information pertaining to the instrumental music program will also
be e-mailed and on the band website.
I hope that this handbook will be a guide that will lead you and your student to a successful
experience as part of the instrumental music program. Please feel free to contact me by phone or email
with any questions or concerns. We have many exciting activities and performances planned for the
upcoming school year and I sincerely hope your student’s instrumental music experience will be a
rewarding one!
Sincerely,
Kelly Behnke
Band Director
Swift Creek Middle School
2100 Pedrick Road
Tallahassee, FL 32317
(850) 414-2663
behnkek@leonschools.net
www.scmswolfband.com
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of the Swift Creek Middle School Band is to provide students with
musical opportunities and experiences, which will enhance their life and education.
Students will leave the band program as competent musicians who will be able to
use their skills outside of the SCMS band room. Hard work, respect, and discipline
proved a solid foundation for musical growth and achievement.
Learning Environment
The Swift Creek Middle School instrumental music program is a community of
students who learn in a positive and supportive environment. Members of the
SCMS instrumental music program take pride in themselves, their school, and the
music program. Students use every opportunity to be role models for their peers.
Course Offerings
Beginning Band
This class is intended for students with little or no musical ensemble playing experience.
Students in this class will learn proper maintenance and assembly of instruments, tone production,
music reading and notation, ear training, and basic technique and ensemble playing skills. This ensemble
performs beginning literature at various concerts throughout the year. Each student will have exposure
to the national and state music standards.
Concert Band
This band is comprised of students with previous musical ensemble playing experience.
Students in this class will continue to work on fundamental ensemble playing skills and techniques. This
ensemble performs challenging literature at various concerts throughout the year and has an active
performance schedule. Students are required to participate in the Florida Bandmasters Association
Music Performance Assessment and encouraged to audition and participate in the Florida Bandmasters
Association Solo and Ensemble Music Performance Assessment, All-District Band, and All-State Band.
Membership is determined by audition and director recommendation. Each student will have exposure
to the national and state music standards.
Symphonic Band
This band is comprised of students with previous musical ensemble playing experience that
have demonstrated the highest level of proficiency on their instrument. Students in this class will
continue to work on advanced ensemble playing skills and techniques. This ensemble performs the most
advanced level of literature and has the most active performance schedule. Students are required to
participate in the Florida Bandmasters Association Music Performance Assessment and encouraged to
audition and participate in the Florida Bandmasters Association Solo and Ensemble Music Performance
Assessment, All-District Band, and All-State Band. Membership is determined by audition and director
recommendation. Each student will have exposure to the national and state music standards.
Pep Band
This band is comprised of students from the Symphonic Band and Concert Band. This ensemble
performs at the middle school football games, pep rallies, and various other community events.
Jazz Band
This band is comprised of students from the Symphonic Band and Concert Band. The jazz band
will rehearse after school. This ensemble performs at the concerts and various other community events.
Materials
All students need the following materials for class each day:
- Swift Creek Middle School Agenda Book/Planner
- Listening Warm-Up Log/Bell Work Sheet
(Provided)
- Blue Three Ring Binder
(Provided)
- Plastic Sheet Protectors
(10 will be provided)
- Pencil (no erasable pens or markers)
(Provided)
- Instrument and Supplies
- Essential Elements 2000 - Book 1 with CD/DVD for beginning band students
- All music and hand-outs used in class
- Spit rags for all brass players!
7th and 8th Grade Students
There are mouthpieces for 7th and 8th grade band students at Swift Creek Middle
School that will help with musical growth and development at advanced stages.
The mouthpieces that come with beginning instruments are intended to make it easier for a
beginning student to make a sound on their instrument. As a student advances their
equipment also needs to advance to create a quality sound. Included is a list of
recommended mouthpieces for advanced playing on each instrument.
Clarinet – Vandoren 5RV or Dulce
Alto Saxophone – Caravan or Dulce
Tenor Saxophone – Rascher or Dulce
Bass Clarinet - Selmer C*, Vandoren B30 or Dulce
Trumpet – 5C or 3C
Horn – Holton-Farkas
Euphonium/Trombone – 6 ½ A.L.
Tuba – Conn Helleburg
Percussionists – Stick bag with sticks and mallets
Class/Rehearsal Rules and Procedures
In addition to the Leon County Schools Code of Conduct and all school rules, there are additional expectations for
participation in all instrumental music classes.
All students need to adhere to the following rules:
1. Be respectful of others. Students need to make good choices in their everyday behavior in class.
Students are expected to be supportive of each other and work together as a team. Every student will receive 5
citizenship points each day. Students can lose these points by not following classroom rules.
Citizenship points will be reflected in the citizenship portion of their grade.
2. Raise your hand before speaking and remain seated. Student questions and comments are a
vital part of the class, but cannot be heard if everyone speaks at once. Raise your hand and wait
until your name is called before speaking. Student socializing needs to take place outside of
rehearsal. Students need to remain seated and ask for permission to get out of their chair for any
reason.
3. Be respectful of equipment. Students need to make sure that their instrument is placed in their
locker/cabinet at the end of each class and that they have picked up all belongings before leaving.
Students must NEVER touch band equipment without permission from the director. Do not
touch any equipment that does not belong to you. ONLY percussionists may use percussion
equipment.
4. No sugar is allowed in the band room. Students may have a bottle of water in class, but may
not bring any type of food, gum, candy, or drinks into the band room.
5. Be on time and prepared for class. Students will enter the band room and be ready with
their instrument, music and/or method book, agenda book, and pencil. Students will begin to complete the
assigned listening warm up for that day. Every student will receive 5 daily points each day. Students can lose
those points by not bringing the required materials to class every day.
6. Cell Phones are not allowed unless deemed appropriate by Mrs. Behnke, which would be in time of special
circumstances. The “Phone Jail” will be used when necessary and student will log the incident in the discipline log.
Students will enter the band room quietly and will have two minutes to take out required materials for
class, have a seat, and start their listening warm up/bell work. Two minutes after the bell rings, any student that is
not seated will be marked tardy. Students will be able to ask questions after announcements and should follow
directions and remain on task during class. Students will be dismissed by Mrs. Behnke and will have
time to pack up their belongings and return to their seats before the bell rings.
Students will be given one verbal warning during class. After the first offense, the student will be asked to log their
behavior in the discipline log for discussion with their parent/guardian upon parent contact.
The following consequences are in effect if a student does not follow directions:
1st Offense:
2nd Offense:
3rd Offense:
4th Offense:
Verbal Warning
Sign Behavior Log, and Parent Contact
Morning Detention and Parent Contact
Discipline Referral
Students will not receive a warning for the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Disrespect
Eating, Drinking, or Chewing gum in the band room without special permission
Leaving instruments and materials out in the band room
Not bringing all materials to class
Cell phone out during class
*IMMEDIATE ACTION WILLTAKE PLACE FOR SERIOUS OFFENSES SUCH AS FIGHTING*
Grading and Assessment
Concerts – 30%
Daily Performance – 30%
Performance Assessments – 20%
Written Assessments/Bell Work – 15%
Community Involvement – 5%
Daily Performance – 30%
Daily grade – 5 points
Students will get a total of 5 daily performance points for being in class with their needed supplies
(instrument/supplies, agenda book, method book/music, pencil and papers/theory book for bell work)
AND playing their instrument in class. Full points are awarded to students who participate and come prepared to
class.
Concerts – 30%
Concert and FBA MPA Performances – 100 points
Attendance and participation at concerts is MANDATORY and will only be excused in the case of an
emergency with written notification to the director. Parent communication and written notification is
required if a student must miss a performance.
Performance Assessments – 20%
Playing Tests – 25 points
Students will have playing tests on scales and music covered in class. If the student is not happy with the
first score, the playing test can be retaken before or after school within 3 days of the original assessment.
The highest score (of the two opportunities to take the test) will be recorded as the final score for that
playing test.
Written Assessments – 15%
Daily Listening Warm up Log/Bell Work – 25 points
Written Quiz - points based on number of questions
Composer/Composition Assignments – 25 points
Community Involvement – 5%
Community Involvement activities – 5 points each
(Refer to next page of handbook for examples of Community Involvement Activities)
Absences
Excused Absence from a performance = four additional community involvement activities that must be
approved by the director.
Unexcused Absences from a performance may not be made up.
Extra Credit
Students may complete additional community involvement activities for 5 points of extra credit that will
count towards the daily performance portion of the grade.
Grading Scale
(Grades are rounded to the nearest whole number)
A= 100-90
B= 89-80
C= 79-70
D= 69-60
F= 59 and below
Community Involvement Activities
Choose one activity to complete during each grading period
Fill out the form and give it to Mrs. Behnke
Attend band concert or recital (College, High School, Community Group, Festival)
*** MUST PROVIDE PROGRAM/TICKET STUB AS PROOF OF ATTENDANCE
Take one hour of private lessons (or two half hour lessons)
***Please provide lesson teacher’s name
Audition for the All-State or All-District Band
Perform at FBA Solo and Ensemble Music Performance Assessment (3rd grading period only)
Listen to one hour of a CD/DVD that includes a concert or jazz band performance
***MUST INCLUDE NAME OF THE CD/DVD AND THE PERFORMANCE GROUP
Create a power point presentation on a composer or style of music and present it to the class
Summarize an article about music from a magazine, newspaper, or web-site
***MUST PROVIDE NAME OF SOURCE OR WEBSITE ADDRESS
Read a book that relates to music and keep a log for a total of one hour
Write a letter to a state or local representative about music advocacy
***MUST PROVIDE COPY OF THE LETTER
Write a letter to a living composer, conductor, or musician that we have learned about in class
***MUST PROVIDE COPY OF THE LETTER
Have another idea? Check with Mrs. Behnke for approval
ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPROVEMENT POLICY
Students are expected to receive a “C” or better on tests, assessments, and projects.
• Students are given an opportunity to redo/revise assessments where their score is below 70%. This may
include tests, major assessments, and classroom projects. No redo/revision on quizzes, History Fair, Science
Fair, and final or end of course exams will be allowed.
• Teachers have discretion on all opportunities.
• Students will receive an “Academic Opportunity for Improvement Form,” choose two methods/actions on the
form to complete, and return the signed form to teacher.
• Students are allowed one “redo” per test, assessment, or project.
• Students will receive the higher of the two scores, but the final grade cannot exceed a 70%.
Practicing
There is no minimum required amount of practice, but students are expected to practice at home
and come to class prepared. The amount of time necessary will vary from person to person.
Suggested and recommended times are as follows:
Symphonic Band Students – 120 minutes per week
Concert Band Students – 90 minutes per week
Beginning Band Students – 30-60 minutes per week
Concerts and Performances
All Swift Creek Middle School bands perform actively! It is extremely important that students
be on their absolute best behavior in public. All school rules apply at performances.
The following must also take place at performances:
1. There is no talking or cell phones on stage at a concert.
2. While in the audience, be quiet and listen to the group that is performing. Be respectful.
3. The full uniform must be worn for the entire concert. If we travel to a concert, uniforms must
be on from the time we get off the bus until we get back on the bus.
Remember, as a band member, you are representing yourself, your school, and your community.
SCMS band members are leaders and set good examples for others!
.
Use of Website and Online Forms
The Swift Creek Middle School Band web-site and e-mail will be used as the primary source of
communication. Parents will receive a weekly email titled “News from the Band Room.” Newsletters
and calendars will be available online for parents. Homework, class announcements, reminders, and
forms will be available online for students. Hard copies of information will be available for students who
do not have internet access at home. Please notify Mrs. Behnke if you do not have internet at home so
that hard copies will be provided to the student.
At the beginning of the school year, students and parents will need to fill out the Information Form
To help with communication, please write clearly and fill in a parent e-mail address. Newsletters and
updates are e-mailed to parents regularly. Hard copies of this information may also be sent home with
students. Check agenda books regularly for other important information and to see what is covered in
class.
Fundraising
Swift Creek Middle School Band members are expected to participate in fundraisers during the year.
Fundraisers pay for most of the equipment and supplies that are used by students. When our fundraisers
are successful, the band as a whole benefits greatly. If everyone pitches in, our fundraisers will be very
successful! Mrs Behnke will notify the band members well in advance of fundraising activities.
Private Lessons
Private instruction provides students valuable one-on-one time with a teacher to help with rapid growth
and development. Private lessons are strongly encouraged! Private lesson spaces will be available
after school at Swift Creek Middle School. Please contact Mrs. Behnke if you would like to reserve a
space after school, or if you would like a list of local private instructors.
Uniforms
Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band students:
Uniforms will need to be purchased through Swift Creek Middle School. Students will be fitted in the
First few weeks of school, and order forms will be available online, and distributed on the first day of school.
The following will need to be ordered through SCMS:
Boys – Tuxedo shirt, black bow tie and cummerbund, and black slacks.
Girls – Black blouse, and choice of black skirt or palazzo pants.
(If you already have these items from last year, you do not need to order them again.)
Everyone must provide his or her own shoes and socks, both of which must be completely black.
Sneakers, boots, and platform shoes are not acceptable for concert performances. If you are unsure about
a particular shoe, please ask Mrs. Behnke. It is important to have matching uniforms for everyone.
*In addition to the uniform, all students need the SCMS Music black polo shirt (The one used in previous years as the
Beginning Band uniform), and the SCMS Music t-shirt. If you do not already have a polo shirt, they can be purchased
throughout the school year. The SCMS Music t-shirt is included in the activity fee. The SCMS black polo shirt, khaki
pants, and black shoes will be used for other possible performances and trips.
Beginning Band students:
The beginning band uniform is SCMS Music black polo, khaki pants, black shoes, and black socks. The
shoes must be completely black. Students can order the polo shirts through SCMS. An order form will
be sent home in August.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Mrs Behnke.
Instrumental Music Activity Fee
The Instrumental Music activity fee is $25 for all students in the Swift Creek Middle School Band
program. This fee covers many of the activities and supplies that are used during the school year,
including:
-
The SCMS Music t-shirt (every student will need this for band events)
FBA Concert MPA entry fees
Sheet music, equipment, transportation to and from most daytime concerts
End of the year awards
Binder and plastic pages
Beginning Band’s Theory Book
*All activity fees should be paid no later than September 4th, 2015. This fee must be paid before a
student can participate in any extra or after-school activities or concerts. Special payment arrangements
can be made for those with financial concern. Please contact Mrs. Behnke with any questions or
concerns.
Trips
Many Swift Creek Middle School Band students will participate in field trips this year. While on
trips, all school rules (including dress code) apply. Whenever the band travels, all students will
be in some form of uniform (either the band t-shirt, polo shirt, or concert uniform). On overnight
trips, all students are required to bring their band t-shirt and polo shirt.
In addition to the Swift Creek discipline policy, the following rules apply to all trips:
1. Caffeine-based energy drinks are not allowed.
2. Students may not open their hotel room door after curfew.
3. Students will show respect towards all adults/chaperones.
*Any student who breaks #2 or #3, or commits a class 2 or 3 offense (SCMS discipline code),
will need to be picked up by a parent from the trip and taken home. A referral will be written
on the next school day.
In order to be eligible for a field trip, students must be in good academic AND disciplinary
standing.
Any one of the following conditions may cause a student to be ineligible for field trips:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Grade Point Average falls below 2.0
Any referral in the current grading period
Any band referral during the school year
Two band detentions in the current semester
Discretion of Principal and Administration
Use of School Instruments
There are a limited number of school instruments for students to use during the school year. Students who
use them must provide their own mouthpiece, reeds, valve oil, and any other necessary materials. A
contract must be filled out and returned with the maintenance fee of $30.00 before a student is allowed to use a
school instrument. This contract will be given to the appropriate students, and will also be available
online.
Instrument Storage
All students will be assigned a locker or cabinet to store their instrument. Students are expected to follow
these instrument-storage guidelines:
1. All instrument cases must have a sticker or tag with their name on it at all times.
2. Students must put their instrument away at the end of each class. Students are not allowed in a room
or closet where their instrument is not stored.
3. It is the students’ responsibility to secure their instrument/case at all times when it is not being used or
played in class or during a performance.
4. Lockers and cabinets are for instruments only.
Failure to follow these guidelines will result in loss of locker/cabinet and disciplinary action.
Individual Performance Opportunities
All-State Band
Students may audition for this in September. This takes weeks, if not months of preparation and students
must meet with Mrs. Behnke before their audition. Students who are selected travel to Tampa in
January to participate and perform.
All-District Band
This is open to all Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble students. The audition materials will be
available from Mrs. Behnke in September. Students are selected from 9 counties in the Big Bend area and
represent the best musicians in the district. Students perform in January in Tallahassee.
Florida Bandmasters Association Solo and Ensemble Music Performance Assessment
This is open to select Beginning Band students that are taking lessons, and all Symphonic Band and Wind
Ensemble students. Students perform solos or small ensemble music for FBA judges and receive a rating
for their performance. Students who express an interest in participating in this event will receive music
from Mrs. Behnke. Students must demonstrate that they are prepared on their music in order to perform
at FBA Solo and Ensemble MPA in February.
“The teacher retains the right to amend or adjust this syllabus as
needed to accomplish the objectives and learning goals of the
course.”
Kelly Behnke, Director of Bands
2100 Pedrick Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32317
(850) 414-2663
behnkek@leonschools.net
Swift Creek Middle School Information Sheet
Please fill out the information section below. This information will allow Mrs.
Behnke to keep in touch with you via e-mail for upcoming
Swift Creek Middle School Instrumental Music events.
____________________________
Student First Name
____________________
Home Phone Number
____________________________
Student Last Name
_____/__________
Grade/Class Period
__________________________________
Street Address
__________________
Zip Code
Student lives with:
(Please circle)
Both parents
____________________________
Dad/Guardian First Name
Guardian(s)
Mom only
____________________________
Dad/Guardian Last Name
Dad only
__________________
Work Phone Number
__________________
Cell Phone Number
____________________________
Mom/Guardian First Name
____________________________
Mom/Guardian Last Name
__________________
Work Phone Number
__________________
Cell Phone Number
_______________________________________
Dad/Guardian E-mail Address
____________________________________
Mom/Guardian E-mail Address
________________________________________________________
Student’s Full Name (Please print)
Parent/Guardian Agreement
I, the undersigned, have read and reviewed the Swift Creek Middle School Instrumental Music
handbook. I agree to do everything I can to be sure that my student follows the rules set forth in
this handbook, including the Calendar of Events. Furthermore, I acknowledge that should my student fail
to follow the rules set forth, he or she may receive grade penalties and could possibly be removed from
the Swift Creek Middle School Instrumental Music program.
__________________________________________
Parent Signature
________________________
Date
Student Agreement
I, the undersigned, have read and reviewed the Swift Creek Middle School Instrumental Music
handbook. I agree to abide by all the rules set forth in this handbook, including the Calendar of Events.
Furthermore, I acknowledge that should I fail to follow the rules as set forth, I will receive grade
penalties and could possibly be removed from the Swift Creek Middle School Instrumental Music
program.
___________________________________________
Student Signature
________________________
Date
*If there is any other important information that Mrs. Behnke should know about
(medical conditions, etc.) please fill in the space below. Thank you!