a note from your band director
TRANSCRIPT
A Note From Your band Director
Welcome to the Eagleview Middle School Band Program! We are truly looking forward to guiding you through your musical endeavors, and are so thrilled you’re considering being a part of the band. Our classes are filled with some of the top students on campus who are equally passionate about their academics and music-making. Instrumental music is not just another class, it is a place where students can discover who they are, and who they can become!
Here at Eagleview Middle School we believe in the education of the whole student. In additional to a healthy musical development, we hold our students to the highest academic standards. Music can be a wonderful avenue for improving academic success. Research shows that music education and training at a young age facilitates learning in other academic areas as well. Students that participate in music lessons typically have higher IQ’s as musicians, and must use and exercise a larger part of their brain. In fact, new studies suggest that music education could even change parts of our brain for the better! Students who become involved in a musical group or ensemble learn important social skills such as how to relate to others, how to develop strong leadership skills, and how to work as a team and appreciate the rewards that come from working together. In the Eagleview band program, students will be exposed to various life lessons including responsibility, discipline, a strong work ethic, punctuality, organizational skills and many other constructive traits that help develop respectable and dependable young adults. We instill a high degree of character and respect into our instrumental music students. Everything we do is geared to help our students mature towards becoming young adults who are prepared for college and life outside of school.
The following pages of this pamphlet are designed to provide you with information about our program along with some questions that many families generally have. Once again, we are so glad you’re interesting in being a part of the Band Program at Eagleview Middle School! If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact us at any time! We are always here to help.
Here’s to a wonderful year ahead in the Eagleview Middle School Band Program!
Sincerely,
Ms. Shannon Weber Office Phone Number: (719) - 234 - 3487
Email: [email protected]
About our Program 8th Grade Symphonic Band
1st Period Semester 1 - 2nd Period Semester 2 - Level 2 The Symphonic Band is a premier concert band experience, made up of wind players and percussionists. The band performs exciting concert band literature throughout the year, with a high level of focus on music fundamentals such as theory, ear training, and musicianship. To begin the year, we will start with reviewing some basics of music since band was not offered in 2020-21’, so beginners are welcome in 8th grade band this year! The Symphonic Band will explore and develop concepts of technique and musicianship, and have several performance opportunities throughout the year. In the fall semester the Symphonic Band will perform several concerts and have the opportunity to perform with the Air Academy High School band. In the second semester, the band will focus on festival season, chamber ensembles, honor band auditions, and their spring concert.
7th Grade Concert Band 3rd Period - Level 2
This class is for any 7th graders who are interested in playing, or currently play, a wind instrument: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, french horn, trumpet, trombone, or euphonium. Students who choose clarinet or saxophone may have the option second semester to transfer to bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, or baritone saxophone after one semester of training. Students who choose a brass instrument may have the option second semester to transfer to tuba after one semester of training. For the 2021-22’ school year, we will start with the basics since beginning band was not offered in 2020-21’. Then, we will focus on continuing to improve technique and musicianship. In the second semester the band will focus on festival season, chamber ensembles, honor band auditions, and their spring concert.
7th Grade Percussion 5th Period - Level 2
This class is for any 7th graders who are interested in playing, or currently play, percussion. Percussion entails drums, auxiliary percussion, and mallet instruments (marimba, xylophone, vibraphone, bells). Students will learn the rudiments and technique of drumming, the musicality and technique of mallet percussion, and the many techniques of auxiliary percussion! Percussionists will learn to perform concert band literature with the 7th Grade Concert Band in several concerts, as well as prepare several percussion ensemble pieces.
6th Grade Beginning Woodwinds 6th Period - Level 1
This class is for any 6th graders who are interested in playing, or currently play: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, or saxophone. Students who choose clarinet or saxophone may have the option second semester to transfer to bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, or baritone saxophone after one semester of training. We will start with the basics - learning to read music and rhythm, learning to play and take care of our instruments, and how to perform music. This is a foundational course for students who want to be in band!
6th Grade Beginning Brass & Percussion 7th Period - Level 1
This class is for any 6th graders who are interested in playing, or currently play: trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, or percussion (drums, mallets, and auxiliary instruments). Students may have the option second semester to transfer to the tuba after one semester of training. We will start with the basics - learning to read music and rhythm, learning to play and take care of our instruments, and how to perform music. This is a foundational course for students who want to be in band!
Jazz Band Club! Held 0 Period - 7:30am - 8:15am - Level 2
Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday - NO Friday’s! The Jazz Band Club is for any students interested in jazz! Students will learn to perform different musical styles like swing, blues, funk, latin, and rock. Students will also learn how to improvise and solo on their instruments. Jazz Band traditionally has students who play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, guitar, or percussion. If you play a different instrument, please speak with the band director if you are interested in joining! This is a non-auditioned group, and no prior jazz experience is required. However, it is suggested that students have at least a year of experience before joining the band (if you have less than one year and want to join, please speak with the band director as exceptions will be made for the 2021-22’ school year). This club meets before school - 7:30 am to 8:15 am. The ensemble will play in concerts and festivals throughout the year both locally and out of town, playing in all different styles of jazz literature. - Students who wish to be in jazz MUST also be enrolled in 6th, 7th or 8th grade band. Exceptions will be made for guitar, bass, and piano students only. - *Jazz will be held as a club for the 2021-22’ school year due to scheduling, and will not be an option on student registration sheets. Information on how to sign up for the Jazz Club will be sent out via 20 Alerts, morning announcements, and advertisement to students in band classes. Students who sign up for Jazz Club will be expected to attend every day as if it were a normal class. Lack of attendance may result in removal from the club.
Time Commitment to Ensembles
Level 1 – Minimal outside of school commitment. Typically limited to concert or festival performances that are mainly local. Individual practice and sectionals are expected of students outside of class rehearsals to help groups achieve a high level of musical excellence. Participation in sports or other activities is generally not an issue for students participating in Level 1 ensembles. Some after school or lunch sectionals maybe required throughout the school year.
Level 2 – Several outside of school commitments include some rehearsals, several performances, festivals, and possible trips during the year. Individual practice and sectionals are expected and required of students in level 2. Sports and participation in other activities can create confl icts from time to time, but forward planning can resolve any confl icts or issues.
INSTRUMENT RENTALS
If a student does not own their own instrument, there are several rental options for renting an instrument for the school year!
Option 1 - School Rental: We have a limited inventory, but are happy to provide instruments to any students that request a school owned instrument. This will be on a “first come, first serve” basis. Students who play Oboe, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Bari Sax, or Tuba must rent from the school, as Music & Arts does not offer those instruments for rent. - $50/Semester ($100/year) - EMS Instrument Loan Form contract required - Percussionists will be asked for a $25 Fee to assist with care and maintenance of percussion equipment.
Option 2 - Music & Arts Rental: Music & Arts is a national company located here in Colorado Springs that offers high quality rental instruments for students. They also have a “rent to own” program. Renting from Music & Arts may give students the opportunity to purchase “starter packs” that include all the essential materials/method books for their instrument (which we use in band classes). Costs vary for each instrument: - Flute: $15/month - Clarinet: $15/month - Alto Sax: $35/month - Tenor Sax: $45/month - French Horn: $45/month - Trumpet: $15/month - Trombone: $15/month - Euphonium: $45/month
For more information about renting through Music & Arts, please visit their website or contact the Band Director. Click Here to access the rental portal!
Option 3: Meeker Music or Graner Music: Meeker Music and Graner Music are local companies here in Colorado Springs, both owned and operated for over 30 years. - Prices range based on instrument/availability, and begin at $20/month. Both companies offer a ‘Rent to Own’ program on new instruments!
Click Here to access Meeker Music’s rental portal! Click Here to access Graner Music’s rental portal!
*If you are interested in purchasing an instrument, please consider consulting the band director for advice on brand/models!
*Please speak with the band director if there is any concern regarding cost of rentals - students will never be turned away from band due to financial circumstances.
FAQ! General Questions
Do I need to enroll in band both semesters? Yes. We request that if you choose to participate in band, it be a full year commitment.
Can a student be in more than one instrumental music ensemble? Yes! Students may participate in for example, concert band and jazz band! We encourage this type of involvement, and it happens every year for many of our students! If you have questions about scheduling, please let us know how we can help.
Can I still be in Choir/Drama/Orchestra? Of course! The Eagleview Exploratory program has several options for students who are looking to be in more than one performing arts class. We work closely with the rest of the Exploratory department. You could, for example, participate in Band and Drama, or Band and Choir, Band and Orchestra, or Band and another exploratory class. There are many options, and we want you to be involved!
Does involvement in band take up all of my time? No! This is perhaps the greatest misconception for incoming students and parents. Participation is a commitment, but it does not prevent you from participating in other activities. Our students often find that the discipline and time management skills gained through participation in instrumental music are some of the most important values they learn as they prepare for future success!
What is the time commitment outside of school? This varies from group to group, and changes depending on the time of the year. Please refer to the 'About Our Program' page for more information on time commitment levels in the groups/ensembles we offer.
Do I have to own my own instrument? No. While we don’t own enough instruments for every student, our school’s commitment to music has always allowed us to serve every student who needs an instrument (no matter your financial status - let us know if renting deters a student from participating, as we want every student to have an experience in band!). If you are interested in purchasing an instrument, please consider consulting the band director for advice in models/brands!
Do I have to own a uniform? No! We do not have a band program uniform, but we will ask students to have a certain outfit for performances. For concerts we will wear “concert black”, which will be explained at the start of the school year. Some shopping may be necessary, but these are clothes that can be used for any occasion (and also match the dress requirements for both orchestra and choir!).
FAQ! Registration
I’ve never played an instrument… is any experience required to be a part of the band program? NO! Due to the nature of the 2020-21 school year, the band program will be designed to welcome beginners in EVERY grade for the 2021-22 school year! We plan to begin the year reviewing and ‘starting from scratch’, so that all students feel comfortable returning to, and joining band! For any students who have prior experience, we hope you bring your friends! Band is fun with friends, so we’d love as many students involved as possible. Now is a great time to join the band!
I used to be in band, but I’m nervous about rejoining because I haven’t played in a while. What should I expect? We plan to begin the year doing a lot of review, and getting beginners started! Think of the first few weeks like a ‘refresher’! Since we weren’t able to have band in the 2020-21 school year, we’re all in the same position as far as feeling ‘rusty’ on our instruments. We’ll make sure to review the band basics, and you’ll be back up to speed in no time! Please don’t be discouraged to rejoin - we want you in band!
I used to be in band, but I’m interested in playing a different instrument. Is that possible? Yes! Talk to the band director about what you’re interested in playing, and we will work on finding a great fit that you will enjoy!
What class do I sign up for on my registration form? The class you sign up for will depend on your grade/chosen instrument! 6th Grade Woodwinds: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone 6th Grade Brass & Percussion: French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium/Baritone, Tuba, Percussion (drums and keyboard instruments!)
7th Grade Concert Band: ALL wind instrument students in 7th grade. 7th Grade Percussion: ALL percussion students in 7th grade.
8th Grade Symphonic Band: ALL 8th Grade Band students.
FAQ!
How do I sign up for Jazz Band? For the 2021-22’ school year, Jazz Band will be ran as a club and therefore will not appear on the class registration forms. Though it will be a club, we plan to meet several days a week and have a normal class experience! Information on how to join jazz band will be provided once the school year starts.
What if I’m not sure what instrument I want to play? Check out these awesome videos (linked below by clicking on the instrument names) that tell you a bit about each instrument! If you’re still unsure or would like some advice, the band director is happy to help find a great fit for you!
Woodwind Instruments: Flute Oboe Clarinet Saxophone Bassoon
Brass Instruments: French Horn Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba
Percussion (students will learn all percussion instruments!): Snare Drum Mallets
Sports & Band
Can a student do sports and music? YES! Our program is made up of students who participate in several different sports. See the page titled ‘About Our Program’ for specific information about our ensembles and their commitment level. The coaches and directors at Eagleview are committed to making sure every student gets a fulfilled experience both academically, physically, and musically, and they work together to compromise sharing these talented students. We encourage you to contact us if you have a question about the specific sport you plan to participate in and how it might conflict with instrumental music.
Do you have a question that isn’t answered here? Let us know! Send us an email or give us a call. We’d be more than happy to meet with you!
BE PART OF THE BAND!