Alan Atkinson Band Director aatkinson@wcpss.net 4600 West Lake Rd
Apex, NC 27539
919-662-2936
West Lake Middle School Bands
7/7/15
WLMS Band Students and Parents,
We have three Bands at West Lake: 1. The Sixth grade Beginning Band, 2. The Seventh grade Intermediate Band and 3.
The Eighth grade Advanced Band. Each band consists of all 4 tracks.
A student’s Band grade will be determined from the following 4 areas:
1. Playing and Written tests – Several playing and written tests will occur during the year. Playing tests measure the
student’s performance ability. Written tests will measure the student’s knowledge of scales, rhythms, musical terms, and
basic music theory. These assessments will always be announced at least a day in advance. This category will count 40%
of the grade.
2. Quizzes – Several quizzes will occur during the year. Quizzes are basically “baby tests” that may or may not be
announced prior to the day of the quiz. It will be on information that was learned/practiced before that day. It will also
usually be “shorter” than a “test.” This category will count 30% of the grade.
* Only tests and quizzes may be retaken. I will put test and quiz grades in the student’s agendas and initial it that day.
3. Daily Class work – Being prepared for and actively participating in class are important. Do you have an instrument in
proper working condition? Do you have the proper instrument accessories? Did you bring your music and pencil? This
category will count 20% of the grade.
4. Homework - Some written work will be assigned for home but the bulk of Band homework will be PRACTICING YOUR
INSTRUMENT! All students are expected to practice (other than Band class) 70 minutes per week (70 minutes total over
track out). 0-39 minutes = 55 (F). 40-49 minutes = 65 (D). 50-59 minutes = 75 (C). 60-69 minutes = 85 (B). 70+ minutes
= 100 (A). If a student is sick for an extended time and is unable to practice, full credit will be awarded as long as the
parent acknowledges this. A practice record (in back of the books) will be kept and signed weekly by parents. POP
(proof of practice) slips will need to be turned into Mr. Atkinson to receive credit. These POP slips are located in the Band
Room. This category will count 10% of the grade.
Performances will take place during the school day! Parents please mark your calendars now! We want you, your
family and your friends to hear what we’ve been learning and practicing. The performances will be Thursday November
19, 2015 and Wednesday June 1, 2016 in the auditorium at 1 PM. I realize that track two will be off track during these
performances. Unless I have something in writing (2 weeks or more prior to event) from an “off track parent” explaining
why they cannot attend they are expected to be at the performances. We have not received the WLMS standardized
testing dates for this year as of now so there is a slight possibility that 1 or 2 dates will change. I will let you know ASAP if
there is a date change! Recording devices are allowed. Attire for performances? 6th graders should dress nicely. This
means no jeans, shorts, tennis shoes, or t-shirts. 7th and 8th graders are to wear white shirts/blouses and black dress
pants/skirts and black dress shoes. Guys wear ties. Please remember, when choosing your outfit, the WCPSS /WLMS
dress code applies!
Tracks two, three and four 8th gd/Advanced Band students will participate in the Holiday Concerts “around” December
16thish. I’ll be more specific ASAP. 8/1 students (off track) are welcome to participate!! These 2 back to back
performances will occur during the school day (morning). We will be performing for the WLES and WLMS students.
Parents are invited.
Where to shop (locally) for your band needs: 2112 Percussion (Ral) 833-0046, Guitar Center (Ral) 872-0331, Marsh
Woodwinds (Ral) 839-1154, Music and Arts (Cary) 854-0024, Quarter Note Music (Apex) 387-3939 and Sam Ash (Ral)
855-9581. I’m sure I’ve left someone off (not intentionally) so call/ask around. Please call the vendor before you go
because some only sell percussion, woodwinds, etc…Some may not carry the books.
Need to contact me (Mr. Atkinson)? Email – aatkinson@wcpss.net
Phone 919-662-2936.
Please detach and return info below. Keep the above info.
I have read and understand the 2015-2016 Band information letter. I also understand that the policies and procedures
from the WLMS Agenda, PBIS information and the Wake County Public Schools Student/Parent Handbook will be
enforced in the Band class.
Parent
Date
Student
Date