Dorothy McElhinney Middle School

CONTENTS:Letter from Mrs. Gordon

Grading Policies/GuidelinesList of Expectations/Discipline Policy

School-Owned Instrument PoliciesBand Uniform Information

CalendarList of Supplies

2012-2013

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Band Handbook

Mrs. Linda Gordon, Director of Music

August 21, 2012

Dear Band Parents/Guardians,

On behalf of the Dorothy McElhinney Middle School Music Department, I would like to welcome you to the 2012-2013 school year. Your son or daughter is embarking on a musical adventure that will bring them satisfying, educational, and memorable experiences that will last a lifetime. We invite you to join us and to make the Dorothy McElhinney Middle School Band Experience into a ‘family experience’.

I commit to teach, inspire, and instill in your children the love and beauty of music and the value of teamwork. I will continue to set new and higher goals of accomplishment and hope to continue to expand the band program. I hope your child has a rewarding experience.

One way your help is explicitly needed is for the Dorothy McElhinney‘s Band Co-Op organization. This organization is an essential part of parental involvement in the DMMS Band program and will greatly assist in organization and fundraising for the future. There will be a Band Parent’s Meeting held in the band room at 5:00 pm on August 28th, right before the Back to School Night event and all band parents are greatly encouraged to attend. Also, please plan to attend all Dorothy McElhinney concerts to watch your child perform. There is a tremendous sense of pride and love experienced by the children when they know their “Loved Ones“ are in the audience. We look forward to seeing you there!

Included as the last page of this handbook is a parent signature form. This is each student’s first assignment in band. It should be returned to Mrs. Gordon no later than Monday, August 27th. This first assignment is one way of letting us know that each family has received this information and read it. There is also room provided for you to write down any questions or concerns that you may have and allow you to tell me of any way you can help the band program.

I am looking forward to this exciting year and we know it will be both a fun and educational experience for all students. Please do not hesitate to contact me via email or phone, although e mail will get the quickest reponse.

Sincerely,

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Mrs. Linda Gordon(951) 304-1885lgordon@murrieta.k12.ca.us

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Basic Band Supplies

The Music Notebook:½-1” black 3-ring binder with a clear window front ( to hold the practice record )A pencil pouch5 page dividers 15 – 20 sheets of non-glare page protectors (not the shiny ones/too glary for music )1 -2 highlighters#2 pencils (always have pencils sharpened and ready to go! ) Eraser, either pink rubber or pencil toppers20 pages or so of regular notebook paper

For home practice you will also need:A folding music standA pocket metronome tuner (Korg is the best) Put your name on it if you bring it to schoolPadlocks for music storage unit optional

All Cadet, Intermediate, and Symphonic Band members will also need:A lyre for your instrument for marchingA flip folder for holding your marching musicMetronone/tuner with clip on microphone for your instrumentBasic Daily Use items. Keep refreshed and available in your case at all times.

**LABEL EVERYTHING WITH YOUR STUDENT’S NAME, including instrument tag!***

Basic Daily Band Needs:

FLUTE: cleaning rod and cloth

OBOE: swab, 3 or more reeds, film canister for soaking reed before use

BASSOON: swab, 3 or more reeds, seat strap, film canister for soaking reed before use

CLARINET/ALL: swab/pad saver, cork grease, Reeds: 3 minimum at all times, reed guard

SAXOPHONE: swab/pad saver, Reeds: 3 minimum at all times, reed guard, neck strap

Woodwind Reed Rule: ALL PLAYERS MUST HAVE 3 OR MORE WORKING REEDS AT ALL TIMES!

TRUMPET: valve oil, tuning slide grease, mouthpiece brush, cleaning coil

FRENCH HORN: valve oil, tuning slide grease, mouthpiece brush

TROMBONE: tuning slide lubrication (either oil, grease), mouthpiece brush, small filled water

spray bottle

BARITONE: valve oil, tuning slide grease, mouthpiece brush

TUBA: valve oil, tuning slide grease, mouthpiece brush

PERCUSSION: PERCUSSION WILL NEED TO PROVIDE AND FILL THEIR OWN STICK BAGS AS PER THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DRUM LINE COACH

Uniforms

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Uniform: Students will have 4 uniform options.(1) Formal Concert Uniform and (1) Casual Concert and (1) Dress Casual uniform. *All musicians will be purchasing a DMMS Band polo shirt.

Symphonic Band Formal Concert Uniform: Boys: Black cotton dress pants (Dickies or Dockers) with a plain black belt Black socks/dress shoes (no other colors allowed). NO sneakers, Vans, etc. Black men’s dress long sleeved shirt Black tie Optional but preferred: a black sport coat or suit jacketGirls: Black floor-length band skirt / will be checked out ON LOAN to each girl Black “top” of choice to go with the black skirt/must be dress code Black stockings and low black shoes. Plain flats to 1” small heel only (safety) No jewelry except small plain earrings, no necklaces, no elastic wrist bands. Hair accessories need to match the uniform, preferably black or neutral.

Begging Band and Intermediate Band Formal Concert Uniform:All: Gray Instrumental Music Department Polo Shirt with..Boys: Black cotton dress pants (Dickies or Dockers) with a plain black belt Black men’s dress shoes Black tieGirls: Black cotton dress pants (Dickies or Dockers) with a plain black belt Black stockings and low black shoes. Plain flats to 1” small heel only (safety) No jewelry except small plain earrings, no necklaces, no elastic wrist bands. Hair accessories need to match the uniform, preferably black or neutral.

Beginning Band:

All Bands: Casual Concert Uniform: Department polo shirt with nice looking, PLAIN BLUE jeans, sneakers ok.

SB/IB/CB Parade Uniform: All students will need to purchase a long sleeve white turtleneck shirt to wear under the loaner red sweatshirt.

Grading Policies/Guidelines

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There are five categories in the grading system: Assignments 15%Playing Tests/Quizzes 25%Classroom Participation/Citizenship 30%Performances 30%Practice Logs 10%

Playing Tests may be retaken as many times as a student wishes up until the end of the quarter or semester. Students will be encouraged to visit Mrs. Gordon before or after school or during lunch (by appointment) in order to improve upon their Playing Test grades.

Classroom Participation/Citizenship will include student behavior and attendance. Students will be graded on the participation rubric, which will be discussed.

Performances: Showing up on time, behaving appropriately and having the proper uniform are all components of this grade. While concerts are absolutely mandatory, I do recognize that occasionally things occur that force a student to miss a concert. If these fall into the category of Illness or Family Emergency, then a student would be receive an excused absence from a concert, but will be required to complete a make-up assignment. Best: don’t miss any performances, your team depends on you!

Extra Credit assignments will be announced in class. *Students receiving a D or an F at any grading period will be considered on probation for

the following 9 week grading period. Left uncorrected, this may result in the student being removed from Band. Students will not be permitted to re-enter middle school Band once they have been removed from Band.

Grading Scale: Straight letter grades, no (+) or ( -)

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97% - 100% A+94% - 96% A90% - 93% A-87% - 89% B+84% - 86% B80% - 83% B-

77% - 79% C+74% - 76% C70% - 73 % C-*67% - 69% D+*64% - 66% D*60% - 63% D-*0% - 59% F

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Classroom Expectations

1) Respect others. Other students and the teacher should always be treated with respect. Bullying will NOT be tolerated. You must respect my right to teach and the rights of your fellow students to learn.

2) Respect the equipment and facility. All instruments, chairs, and stands must be treated with the utmost respect. This includes the special sound wall coverings: don’t touch the walls! Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you touch an instrument that has not been assigned to you unless you have received permission from Mrs. Gordon.

3) No food, drinks, or gum are allowed in the classroom. ONLY water bottles are permitted.4) Respect yourself. Take responsibility for your actions and your education. Always come prepared

and ready to learn. Arrive on time. Stick to your word.5) Follow all teacher instructions and classroom procedures. This includes substitutes and guests.

ConsequencesPlease see the front of your new school agenda for the school campus rules. Students who disrupt the learning environment for others by failing to follow the classroom expectations will experience the following consequences:

1st – 3rd offense: Verbal warning, possible phone call or e mail to parent, or in class detention Referral to office, who will determine the consequences

Practice Expectations

There is no substitute for consistent, careful practice. If you hope to improve, you must practice. Please see the Practice vs. Playing sheet later in this Handbook.

Band students should think of practicing as doing their homework for Band class. If you schedule a regular practice time, you will be more likely to get into the habit of practicing every day.

Students will be expected to practice 100 mintutes per week, record the minutes per night on a practice log and turn the log in each Monday starting September 10th for all band except Beginning Band.

How to practice at home for BEST results in band AND academics:

How to practice at home for BEST results in Band AND Academics Research has proven that music study assists the comprehension of academic subjects such as math and science, particularly if music is engaged in prior to doing the math or science homework. The wisest way to practice and get your homework is this pattern, each and every day: Assemble your instrument and set up to practice.

Set your timer for 10 minutes/practice your music assignment. When timer goes off, move immediately to your math homework. Complete it. Set your timer for 10 minutes./oractice your music assignment.When the timer goes off, move immediately to your science homework. Complete it.

Set your timer-play music/do another subject//set timer-play music/do another subject, etc.

Continue this pattern until you are through all your academic homework. Add up your minutes of music rehearsal. RECORD YOUR MINUTES ON YOUR PRACTICE RECORD IMMEDIATELY.

I challenge you to continue this pattern daily, and watch not only your music playing skills increase, but also watch your math and science grades go up; it works! Got a big math or science test? Try playing your instrument for ten or fifteen minutes before school!

Dorothy McElhinney Crimson Colts Band Program CalendarPlease take note of these dates and plan accordingly. Concert attendance is mandatory for all band students.

BB : Beginning Band (6th gr) PB: PEP Band (CB/IB/SB as club music)CB: Cadet Band (6th gr)IB: Intermediate Band (7th & 8th gr)SB: Symphonic Band (adv. 7th & 8th)

CCDL: Crimson Colts Drum LineCCCG: Crimson Colts Color GuardAll: All groups

Date Event Ensemble Tues. Aug 28th @ 5:00pm First Band Parents Meeting All Band ParentsFri, Oct 12 @ 4:00 pm VMHS Football Band Night All 8th grade Band studentFri, Nov 30th &/ or Sat. Dec 1 Christmas Parade / Details TBA CB/IB/SB/CCCG/CCDLWeds, Dec. 5th @ 6:30pm Deck the Halls Concert, MPR 6th: BB/CB/CCCSat. Dec 15th, 4:00 pm Murrieta Push Cart Parade SB/IB/GC/DL/auditioned 6thTues. Mar 14/15th @ 7:00pm SCSBOA Band Festival/VMHS IB/SBFri., April 12, 5:00 pm Storms Baseball Family Event IB/SB/PEP Band2nd week of April/TBA Disney Workshop SB & 8th graders from IBTues, April 23rd, 5:00pm MVUSD Band Concert/VMHS IB/SBDate TBA/May Disney Workshop/Park All SB & IB 8th gradersFriday, May 24th, 5:00pm Music Under the Stars AllLast Day Promotion Ceremony SB/IB

*Additional performance events can and will be added. Check the DMMS Music website calendar often and watch for DMMS Music Dept. Announcements on your designated e m

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School Instrument Policy

Dorothy MeElhinney Bands has a small number of instruments available for student use. It is very important to maintain a repair budget for these instruments. A tax-deductible donation is requested of $75 per school year for the use of school instruments, to be used directly for instrument repairs. Cash or money order [MVUSD] is the only form or payment accepted by our Music Department Bookkeeper,Mrs. Dagny Fitzwater. Students who are unable to afford the rental fee should see Mrs. Gordon.

Band UniformsStudents will wear the DMMS gray music polo our concerts. These will be ordered prior to the first concert in October. In addition to the shirt, each student will need to wear black pants with black shoes and socks. Jeans and tennis shoes should not be worn, so plan accordingly now!

Music Policy: Music is loaned to students for use for at home rehearsal and performances. Please take care of it, and return it in the same condition as it was when it was passed out. Damaged or lost music will be charged to the student account.

DMMS Band Room Store:

We carry the following items for sale on an emergency basis: reeds, oil, grease. Please see Mrs. Fitzwater, DMMS Music Department Bookkeeper for any store purchases. See Mrs. Gordon for larger purchases or ordering.

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Instrument & Equipment Storage

Your student will be assigned a daily storage instrument locker within the Band Room to store his/her instrument, notebook, supplies, and method books. All instruments must be dropped off and placed in the assigned storage locker each morning before going to class. The Band Room is available and open for students to drop off or pick up their instruments before or after school, or in case student has to leave campus during the day. For your student’s instrument safety, instruments are NOT allowed to be carried into the academic buildings on campus. Note: Mrs. Gordon has a check list each day to see who is and who isn’t taking their instrument home. Instruments that don’t go home aren’t being practiced daily, which a HOMEWORK REQUIREMENT. GO HOME AND PRACTICE!

RepairsDMMS Music Department is serviced by Shamrock Music Repair, Frank Reilly. Mr. Reilly (“ Mr. Frank”) will work on both DMMS district instruments and personal instruments. Music store rental instruments will not be accepted for repairs; see your music store for maintenance and service. Repair process: If your instrument needs repair, see Mrs. Gordon first to inspect repair needed; often adjustments can be made so instruments don’t have to be sent in.

If determined to need professional repair: Pick up an REPAIR AUTHORIZATION FORM from Mrs. G. .Parent must fill out and sign it, return to Mrs. Gordon attached to the instrument before Tuesdays/9:00 am.See Mrs. Gordon for orange handle tie that marks all DMMS repairs for Mr. Frank. All repair costs are the responsibility of the student parent and payment is expected before instrument will be released to the student. Be sure you list contact numbers so Mr. Frank can call you with the repair cost.

Instrument purchasingThere are a lot of instruments to choose from, some good and some not-so-good. Before your consider purchasing an instrument, PLEASE see Mrs. Gordon for advice and information. Nothing is worse than purchasing a lovely, colorful, instrument online, only to have it disintegrate in your student’s hands. A badly constructed instrument will cause a lot of headaches both for your student, your pocketbook, and Mrs. Gordon. A great instrument is worth its weight in gold, and with my help, doesn’t have to be expensive!

NOTE: There are instrument specifics, including permitted brands, that are allowable/required for both middle school and high school band. Please don’t waste your money on an ineffective instrument that will need to be replaced soon or won’t function properly. Mrs. Gordon has the expertise to help you make a wise - and frugal – instrument purchase. Don’t hesitate to email and allow me to help you. lgordon@murrieta.k12.ca.us

Dorothy McEllhinney Middle School Music Contract

We have read the contents of this Handbook and understand that these policies are for the good

of the DMMS Band Program. Also, we have checked the Concert Dates and marked our

calendars, and will refer weekly to the Music Department website for updated information

(DMMS/Teacher/L. Gordon/main page or left side column)

Student Name (PRINT) ___________________________________________________________

Student Signature ________________________________________________________________

Parent Signature _________________________________________________________________

Parent Name(s): _________________________________________________________________

Best parent contact email address(es): _________________________________________________

Home phone number(s): ____________________________________________________________

Quick-reach cell phone number(s): ______________________________________________________

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