Lakeland Highlands Middle School

2009-2010

Cougar Band Handbook

Introduction

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to the Lakeland Highlands Middle School Band Program!  I am looking forward to working with all of you, and I am certain that we are going to have a great year!  Below, you will see the classroom goals and mission statement of our program.  We can achieve these goals with a positive attitude and hard work.

During the school day, the following classes will be offered: Beginning Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Band. All students have the opportunity for solos and small groups to perform at Solo and Ensemble Festival in February.   All-State and All-County Bands are also available to students who have been playing their instrument for at least one year.

Throughout the year, I will be holding before school rehearsals, which will be announced well ahead of time.  These rehearsals are essential for mastery of our concert music.

Music is a challenging subject, but it is also very rewarding.  It is a universal language that has the ability to enrich the lives of performers and listeners alike.

For all of us to have the best year possible, dedication and cooperation is essential.  Please take some time to familiarize yourself with our policies and procedures.  This handbook is also available online at www.lhmsband.com.

Sincerely,

Amber Thompson

amber.thompson@polk-fl.net

648-3500 (school office)

646-0620 (direct line to band room office)

Classroom Goals and Mission Statement

• The purpose of the Cougar Band Program is to teach students life skills through the use of music.  We will use music to learn teamwork, discipline, and self-expression.
• By the end of the school year, each student will be able to display a high level of proficiency in music history, music theory, critical analysis and performance on his or her instrument.
• This band program includes a beginning band, concert bands and jazz band.  It also provides an opportunity for solos and ensembles.

Grading Procedures

Total semester grade is based on points given for performances, weekly rehearsal grades, written and playing exams, practice charts, and homework.

1.     Performances = 50 points per performance

Performances are pass or fail.  Attendance is required.  Exceptions will be made in the case of emergency or extreme situations, and a research paper will be used in place of those points.  (Topics and length of the research paper will be discussed at the time of the performance and MUST be turned in one week after the performance.)  Missing a performance for any reason except for emergency MUST be cleared through the director at least one full week in advance.  Emergencies must be cleared as soon as possible after the performance.  All clearances must be written in a note, signed by a parent and presented to Ms. Thompson within the given time frame. 

2.     Rehearsal Grades = 5 points per day

Daily rehearsals will be graded on the student’s overall performance academically and behaviorally.  The student will be graded on their preparedness for class, commitment policy recognition and attentiveness.  Before school rehearsals will also be graded. Missing a before school rehearsal for any reason except for emergency MUST be cleared through the director in advance.  Emergencies must be cleared as soon as possible after the rehearsal.  Emergency clearances must be written in a note, signed by a parent and presented to Ms. Thompson within the given time frame. 

3.     Written Exams = 30 points per exam

A written exam will be administered at the end of each 9 week period.  Study guides will be available ahead of time.

4.     Playing Exams = 30 points per 9 weeks exam/10 points per bi-weekly test

A playing exam will be administered at the end of each 9 week period. Additional playing tests may be administered at any point throughout the year at Ms. Thompson’s discretion.  Some of these exams will be for grade only and some will determine chair placement.  Students will be tested on scales, book numbers and/or selected passages from music handed out in class.

5.     Practice Charts = 10 points weekly

Practice charts will be collected every Friday. Each chart must be completely filled out with student AND parent/guardian signatures.  Charts without a parent signature will not be excepted. 

6.     Homework = points vary according to assignment

Homework consists of out of school assignments and any bell work that the student did not complete at the start of class.  Bell work will include writing, reading, notating, and analyzing rhythms, musical examples, and performances.   Homework also includes random pencil/equipment checks.

Late homework/practice charts will be accepted with a 10 % deduction for every class day it is late!!

Grading Scale

A = 100 – 90 %

B = 89 – 80 %

C = 79 – 70 %

D = 69 – 60 %

F = 59 % and below

Attendance Policy

• Students will be on time to class. 
• Tardiness will result in a grade deduction for the day.
• When the instructor is ready to go, YOU are ready to go.  You will have approximately 1-2 minutes after the bells rings to take out materials and get to your seat.  If you are not already in your seat with your instrument, music, pencil and bell work started, by the time those 1-2 minutes are up, you are tardy.
• Excessive tardiness will result in a written detention.
• Before school rehearsals:  ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED.  All rehearsals will be announced well ahead of time.  Any excuses will need to be pre-approved by Ms. Thompson.  Before school rehearsals are included in the Rehearsal Grade.
• Performances:  ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED.  See Performance Grade for more information regarding attendance excuses.

Instrument Drop Off/Pick Up

Morning Procedure:  Students will be able to drop off their instrument in their assigned locker when the bell rings at 8:53.

Afternoon Procedure:  Students will be able to pick up their instrument after school before they leave for the day. 

Morning Passes:  Students who have a required rehearsal, have asked for extra help, who wish to pass off book number, or wish to take a playing test early will be allowed into the band room early with a pass in their agenda from Ms. Thompson.  Students without a pass will not be allowed into the building.

The 5 Ps

Prepared

Agenda

Supplies

Homework

Dress Code

Positive

“I Can” Attitude

Present

Attendance

Prompt

Tardies

Polite

Respect

Golden Rule

Band Room Expectations: 

·         Remember that YOU represent the band, yourself, and the community whenever you perform or appear publicly.

·         Always put instruments away in a tidy fashion in lockers.

·         Do not touch or lean on percussion equipment.  Equipment is expensive and, therefore, it is not a toy or table for your things.  Percussionists are the only students trained to play these instruments properly.

·         Food, drinks and gum are not permitted during class, before school rehearsals, and performances.

Remember:  YOU are responsible for achieving YOUR goals.

Discipline Policy

If a student does not comply with the above commitment policy, the following actions will take place:

1. Verbal warning from instructor
2. Phone call to parents
3. Written Detention – 50 Sentences
4. Additional Written Detention – add 50 Sentences (100 sentences total)
5. Student referral to office

The instructor reserves the right to skip any one of these steps according to the severity of the situation and the teacher’s discretion. 

It is the student’s responsibility to remain compliant with the classroom expectations.  This is for not only the benefit of the classroom, but also the benefit of every student’s learning.  With effort from each student, we can maintain a peaceful classroom and achieve our goals of musicianship.

Concert Procedures

• Early = on time.  On time = late. 
• Bring your instrument, music, and extra reeds, etc. Arrive in uniform.
• Plan to stay for the entire concert.  Encourage everyone to support every band!
• Behavior:
  • On or off stage:  Be quiet!  Do not talk or make any noise with your instrument while another band is performing.
  • Sit in your assigned seat and return to your assigned seat after you perform.
  • Follow all of the directions of parent chaperones.
  • Uphold the Cougar Commitment Policy.
  • Do not go backstage.

Uniform Policy

All students will be required to purchase a band T-shirt.  These will be available for $10.00 at school orientation and through an order form at the beginning of school.

Beginning Band:  You will need to wear your band T-shirt with khaki dress pants (no jeans and no holes), and closed toe, closed heel dress shoes.

7^th and 8^th grade bands:  You are responsible for attending your concert in the right uniform.  The informal uniform consists of your band T-shirt, khaki dress pants (no jeans and no holes), and closed toe, closed heel dress shoes.  The formal uniform consists of black tuxedo pants, black tux shirts, solid black socks or black pantyhose, and black closed toe, closed heel dress shoes.

If you do not wear the required uniform to the performance you will be given two options:

1. Wear provided extras from the box.
2. If you refuse option 1, you will not be allowed to perform and those points will be made up with a research paper, due one week after the performance.

Band Equipment

Instrument Rental:  The school board owns many instruments including oboes, bassoons, bass clarinets, baritones, French horns, basses, tubas, and a variety of percussion equipment.  The director will issue these instruments.  Both the band member and guardian will be required to sign an instrument rental contract.  Students and guardians will be held responsible for care and maintenance of the assigned instrument.  If you are interested please let Ms. Thompson know ASAP.

Uniforms:   7^th and 8^th Grade students have two options for uniforms: renting or purchasing.  If you choose to rent a uniform from the school, the cost is $50 for the year.  If students would like to purchase their own band uniform, we will have a fitting night at LHMS with Sacino’s.  You must attend the fitting night to participate. They will have available a package deal for pant, shirt, and alteration of $49 for non-adjustable pant and $54 for adjustable pant.  If you bought tux pants and shirt last year, there is no reason to buy another, you may wear last year’s uniform.  If you have difficulty meeting these financial obligations, please see Ms. Thompson as soon as possible.

Music and Folders:  Show respect for all music issued to you.  The music should be taken home to practice, but it must be brought back everyday for rehearsal.  If you lose your music, extra copies can be purchased for $1.00 per page.

Chairs and Stands:  Any vandalism of a chair or stand will be handled as school property vandalism and dealt with according to school policy.

Instrument Care:  It is the responsibility of every band student to clean his or her instrument as needed.  Brass instruments need to be rinsed with lukewarm water frequently so that the chemicals in the breath do not eat away the brass.  Slides and valves should be oiled frequently to prevent corrosion.  Woodwind instruments should be swabbed out after every playing session.  Wash mouthpieces with lukewarm water monthly (without getting any cork wet).  All instruments should be stored properly in their cases and put into lockers if they are not going home.  Use only your assigned locker. 

Repairs:  Students and parents should NOT attempt repairs on their own.  Every instrument is tuned and created in such a way that what seems to be a small knick or bend could throw off the entire sound and playability of the instrument.  Bring the problem to Ms. Thompson who may or may not be able to repair it.  If the repair is beyond Ms. Thompson’s capabilities, it must be sent to a professional repairman.  All school owned instrument repairs must be approved by Ms. Thompson.

Parent Involvement

• Show an interest in your child’s musical endeavors. 
• Arrange private lessons.
• Schedule practice time for your child, and be attentive to the practice chart.
• Do not allow your child to practice with poor posture.
• Find a quiet place with few distractions for your child to practice.
• Keep instruments in good repair and keep up extra supplies such as reeds, valve oil, cork grease, etc. 
• Be careful with school owned instruments.  Repairs are expensive!
• Volunteer your time and talents!  Can you do something helpful for the band?  Let us know!  Help is greatly appreciated!
• Be a Band Booster Member!
  • Bronze Booster   $15
  • Silver Booster      $30
  • Gold Booster       $50
  • Cougar Booster   $75

Band Boosters

The Band Booster Organization is essential in any successful band program.  The Band Booster’s support is essential in raising money needed for equipment and instruments.  Volunteers will be needed to chaperone at performances and other activities.  If you are interested in volunteering please complete the attached parent information form.  If you are not on the Polk County Schools Approved Volunteer List you will also need to fill out the VIPS (Volunteers in Polk Schools) application.

2009-2010 LHMS Band Booster Officers:

President: Carmen Gil

Vice President: Kathleen Wright

Treasurer: Brandi Legg

Secretary: Susan Moffitt

Volunteer/Chaperone Coordinator: Dania Alvarez

Uniform Chair: Brenda Rivera

Ways and Means Chair: Angie Vandervort

Hospitality Chair: Alexis Leiser

Fundraising

We have two fundraisers planned for this year.  This fall we have planned to hold a Sit-A-Thon.  This winter we have decided to sell cheesecakes.   If we do not generate enough income with those two fundraisers, we will add another on in the spring.

There are numerous expenses involved in running a successful band program.  The Band Booster Organization picks up any additional expenses not covered by the school budget, such as:  Purchase of new school instruments, purchase of new music, rental of auditorium for performances, copier and computer expenses, and phone bills.

A SUCCESSFUL BAND PROGRAM DEPENDS ON 100% PARTICIPATION IN OUR FUNDRAISING PROGRAMS!

Expenses for the LHMS Band

• Beginning Band: Essential Elements Book 1 for your instrument
• Concert Band: Foundations for Superior Performance
• Symphonic Band: Foundations for Superior Performance:
• Band Shirt:  $10 to LHMS Band
• Band Uniform (symphonic and concert bands only):  $49 or $54 to Sacino’s or $50 to LHMS Band.

Expenses must be paid by individual checks or cash.  Do not add up expenses and put them on one check!  The fees go to separate accounts.  If you have difficulty meeting these financial obligations by the due date, please contact Ms. Thompson and work out a payment plan.

Eligibility for Special Events

To be eligible for any band parties or band field trips the student must fulfill the following requirements:

• Field Trip Permission Form and money returned by the due date.
• Notarized out of county field trip on file with the band director by due date.
• No unexcused absences from after school rehearsals or performances for this school year.
• All class work completed.
• GPA must be 2.0 or higher.
• No major discipline infractions.
• No outstanding financial obligations to the band.

OPT-OUT FORM

Fill out the Directory Information Opt-Out Form on page 18 ONLY if you would like your child’s directory information removed from any records.  This means your child’s picture or name or information will not appear in the yearbook, concert and award programs, the website, etc.  This form is optional.  If you would like your child listed in these items, do not fill it out.