L’Anse Creuse

Middle School North

2017– 2018

Band Handbook

2

Dear L’Anse Creuse MSN Band Students and Parents,

Let me be the first to welcome you to the MSN Band Program. I am thrilled you have

chosen to begin what will no doubt be a very exciting and inspiring journey through the field of

music. I cannot express how thrilled I am to have the privilege to be your child’s band teacher

this year.

The MSN Band Program is an organization known throughout the area for its class and

high standard of excellence. It is in this tradition we strive to build upon. I look forward to

beginning and continuing the music education of the best students MSN has to offer. Students

enrolled in the MSN band program will receive a quality education in music and musical

performance while also learning about hard work, dedication, teamwork, and many other

beneficial life skills.

This handbook is designed to give you a quick look at both the expectations and

opportunities provided to each MSN band student. Please look over it carefully with your

student and make sure they understand the rules and expectations.

An information form is included at the end of the handbook. I am going to require

completed forms be turned in, by all students, no later than Friday, September 8th for a

homework grade. If there is a problem with this due date, please contact me as soon as possible

at comerju@lc-ps.org. Both the information provided by you on these sheets and updates we

make to the MSN band website (www.comerfordmsn.weebly.com) will keep you informed with

all important information regarding your child.

Thank you for supporting your child in their education to make L’Anse Creuse Middle

School North and the MSN band the best it can be! Please do not hesitate to contact me with any

questions or concerns. I look forward to a wonderful school year!

Sincerely,

Justin Comerford

Band Teacher

L’Anse Creuse Middle School North

comerju@lc-ps.org

(586)493-5260

3

Table of Contents

Opportunities in the Middle School North Band Program 4

Band Rules and Expectations 5-6

• Class Procedures

• Class Rules

• Consequences

Class Participation 7

Required Class Materials 8

Financial Obligations 9

Practice 10

Private Instruction 10

Concert Attire 11

Grading Policy 12

Grading Rubric 13-14

• 6th and 7th Grade Performance Rubric

• 8th Grade Performance Rubric

Getting Braces (and other dental appliances) 15

“I QUIT” 15

Important Dates 16

Contact Information 17

Student Information (To be handed back to Mr. Comerford) 18

4

Opportunities in the MSN Band Program 6th Grade (Beginning) Band:

The Beginning Band is arguably the most important part of any quality band program

as it is the roots of what creates our outstanding musicians from 7th grade through 12th grade. In

this ensemble, students will begin learning how to play a musical instrument and lay the

foundation of music fundamentals and knowledge crucial to future success in band.

7th Grade (Intermediate) Band:

In the 7th Grade Band, students continue improving their fundamental music skills.

Students also continue to improve and learn new skills important in performing at a high level on

a musical instrument. Throughout this important year of musical development, students start to

learn about how to play and work together as a large group.

8th Grade (Advanced) Band:

The 8th Grade Band is the premier performance ensemble for Middle School North. In

this class, students continue development of their instrumental performance skills, as well as

beginning an in-depth study of how to play together as an ensemble. This band usually is the

representative of the band program to perform at school events and select athletic events.

Pep Band:

This ensemble is part of the 8th grade curriculum and an off-shoot of the 8th grade

band. In this band setting, students learn about playing outdoors or in gyms while helping to

provide excitement and support to the MSN students and athletic teams.

MSN Jazz Ensemble:

This ensemble is open to 7th and 8th grade students only and begins during the month

of October. Students will meet from 7:00 – 7:50 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Throughout

the year, students will learn how to perform in a jazz ensemble and how the parts fit together

differently than in a standard concert band. We will also begin to learn basic fundamentals of

jazz improvisation and expand students’ knowledge of notes and scales.

Solo & Ensemble:

All students enrolled in 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Bands have the option to perform a solo

with piano accompaniment or in an ensemble with friends, from the same band class they are in.

6th Grade Solo & Ensemble will take place in March while we give the students plenty of time to

understand how their instrument works. 7th and 8th Grade students will perform their solos and

ensembles at the end of January in class. In addition, 7th and 8th Grade students also have the

option to perform at the Michigan Schools Band and Orchestra Associations annual Solo &

Ensemble Festival which also takes place at the end of January at Rochester HS. More

information will be provided as we get closer to these events.

MSBOA District XVI Honors Band:

Outstanding 7th and 8th grade band students will be nominated, and if selected, will

take part in this ensemble consisting of students from Macomb, St. Clair, and Oakland Counties.

Usually, 2-3 students from each grade will be the final students selected to take part in the

ensemble.

MSBOA Honors Band:

This auditioned ensemble takes place mid-January in Grand Rapids, Michigan at the

Michigan Music Educator conference. Information for this ensemble will be passed out at the

beginning of the school year for 7th and 8th Grade students. The auditions are held in mid-

October.

5

Band Rules & Expectations

Classroom Procedures:

Please be sure to read and discuss these classroom expectations with your young

musician. Our band classes are usually quite large, some containing as many as 60

students. It is important for students to understand there is no tolerance for

disrespectful or disruptive behaviors.

1.) Enter the room quietly and set up for class. All personal belongings should be

stored in your band locker. Book bags are not allowed in class. Take care of all

instrument problems BEFORE or AFTER class (oiling valves, reeds, etc.)

2.) Be in your seat with your instrument, method book, and pencil ready to start

class 3 minutes after the tardy bell.

3.) Rehearsal order will be on the board. When class starts, students should have

their music in this order so we don’t waste time during class.

4.) Sit quietly in your seat while you wait for class to start. We will warm up

together as a class, do not play until class begins.

5.) Once a director / teacher steps on the podium, all noise stops and your

undivided attention is given to the person on the podium (this most definitely

includes substitute teachers).

Unnecessary talking should not occur until class is over.

6.) Students must raise their hand and be recognized to speak.

7.) Students must get permission to leave his/her seat. Exception will be

percussion students as they do not use chairs on most days.

8.) Students will leave the band room just as it was before class.

9.) The director / teacher dismisses class…not the class bell. Wait for his/her

permission to leave class. We will never line-up at the door for dismissal.

6

Classroom Rules:

1.) Treat all others with respect (this includes other students, teachers,

substitute teachers, and guests)!

2.) The band room is a food/drink/gum – free zone! No food, drink, or

gum should ever be out in the band room.

3.) Respect the property of others. Leave other students’ belongings

alone.

4.) Respect the room equipment. Music stands and percussion

instruments are expensive pieces of equipment, not tables for storage.

Non-percussionists should never touch percussion equipment, unless

instructed to by a director.

5.) Follow the L’Anse Creuse Student Code of Conduct.

Our rules and procedures are designed to create a positive learning

environment where students can learn and feel safe.

Consequences for breaking rules:

First offence – Verbal warning

Second offence – Incident is documented & e-mail and/or phone call

home

Third offence – MSN Band Discipline letter is sent home & e-mail

and/or phone call home

Fourth offence – Office Referral

**Other consequences for severe or repeated misbehaviors may

include parent/teacher conference, losing special privileges, or

dismissal from the band program.**

7

Class Participation

Students should bring instruments, music/method book, supplies

(reeds, valve/slide oil, etc.) and a pencil to class every day. Failure to be

prepared for class will result in 2 points off his/her participation grade

per day. Even if a student does not have a playable reed, an instrument,

or music, he/she will participate by following along, listening, taking

part in class discussions, and remaining in their seat. Examples would

be to "play" a pencil, sing the part, etc. Students will NOT be allowed to

do work from other classes.

If an instrument is being repaired, parents should send a

note/email/phone call to Mr. Comerford indicating such. The student

will still participate as noted above and will lose participation points. To

avoid the loss of participation points, please discuss with Mr. Comerford

ahead of time any repairs to instruments. This way we can get your

child an instrument to use while theirs is being repaired.

If a student has an illness/injury which keeps him/her from

playing, the only way to be excused from playing is through a

note/email/phone call from a parent/guardian. They will still need their

instrument and music for class (they will "play" the instrument minus

the blowing). Under no circumstances should a student “borrow”

another person’s instrument or reeds for health reasons.

8

Required Band Supplies:

Everyone:

• Instrument

• Pencil

• Music Folder with sheet music (provided by the band)

• Method Book:

➢ 6th Grade: Standards of Excellence Book One (for their specific instrument) – can

be purchased at Rental Night, available from music stores or online at

Amazon.com.

➢ 7th Grade: Standards of Excellence Book One and Book Two (for their specific

instrument) – can be purchased at Rental Night, available from music stores or

online at Amazon.com.

➢ 8th Grade: can be purchased at Rental Night, Standards of Excellence Book Two

• Flip Folder: (8th Grade Only) – Students are issued these in class to hold pep band music

for performances. Students will keep these throughout the entire year and must be

returned at the end. Replacement fee of $10.00 will be assessed for missing flip folders.

• Lyre: (8th Grade Only) – Students are issued these in class to attach the flip folder to the

instrument. Replacement fee of $10.00 will be assessed for missing lyres.

All Woodwinds - Clarinets, Saxophones, Oboes, Bassoons (except flute):

• Several playable reeds

o Clarinet/Saxohpone – 6th Grade Rico 2 ½

▪ 7th Grade – Rico 2 ½ or 3, Vandoren 2 ½

▪ 8th Grade – Rico 3, Vandoren 3

**Due to L’Anse Creuse Policy, we may no longer sell reeds to students. These must be

purchased from a music store or online. They can be ordered over the phone and sent to the

middle school or online and sent to your front door.**

Percussion Expectations

Required equipment for all Percussion

• Stick/Mallet Bag

• Vic Firth, Ludwig, or Yamaha bell kit

• Medium hard xylophone/bell mallets (Vic Firth M61)

• Basic Concert snare drum sticks (Vic Firth SD1)

• Metronome – can be purchased, standalone device. Can also be Web based, or an app on

phone or tablet.

• Yarn mallets (Vic Firth M211)

• Soft Timpani Mallets (Vic Firth T1 General)

** Equivalent Mallets from Mike Balter company will also be accepted.

**These materials will be used throughout middle and high school if kept in good

condition.

9

Financial Obligations

The financial obligation for membership in the MSN band is

relatively small. The greatest financial obligation is furnishing a musical

instrument. Unless an instrument is already available, 6th graders are

encouraged to rent an instrument from a local music store rather than

purchase one. This is a monthly obligation of about $25-$40, depending

on instrument selected, and gives the student a chance to find out if band

is right for them without making a large instrument purchase. If a

student wishes to continue in band for a long time, then purchasing an

instrument is a worthwhile option. Larger/more expensive instruments

(Tubas, Baritones, French Horns, Bassoons, Oboes, Bass Clarinets,

Tenor Saxophones, Baritone Saxophones) are available for use from the

school. These instruments are available on a first come, first serve basis.

6th, 7th, and 8th grade percussionists will need to purchase sticks and

mallets outlined above and rent a bell kit. 6th grade percussion starts later

in the school year.

If you are looking to purchase an instrument from elsewhere,

please contact Mr. Comerford so I may point you in the right direction

as far as what to buy. There are instruments being made which will

continuously break and are not able to be repaired by the various local

music stores. In addition, when buying anything online, one must be

mindful of what and who they are buying from. Assistance from Mr.

Comerford should provide you enough confidence you are getting the

most for your money.

10

Practice:

Students are expected to, and will need to practice outside of class just like any

other class to succeed. Most assessment of the students is done through performing

on their instrument. Students should at least plan to spend the appropriate time per

week practicing at home to do well on playing assignments and to stay on par with

the class.

A few suggestions to help you get your practice in a little easier:

• Use the play along options that come with your method book. These give

you the option of playing a various tempo until you are able to master the piece

that may be slightly out of reach for you. It will also help prepare you for playing

with others as you progress through band.

• Get out your instrument while you are watching TV. When a commercial

break comes on, use this time to practice. No one really likes commercials anyway.

• Go to the music store and pick up a book of pop songs or movie themes

for your instrument. Who said you must only practice scales and band music for

class? Make it more fun for you. In addition to playing on your band music, play

some music that you pick out.

• Invite a friend over to practice with you. Who said getting the job done

means locking yourself in your room all alone? Having a friend from class over to

practice helps you both get better. The person you invite over doesn’t even have to

play the same instrument.

Don’t forget to turn in a completed practice record each week!!!

Private Instruction

A common misconception among students is private lessons are tutoring

for students who are behind. Private instruction on a student’s own instrument is a

great opportunity for all band students! One-on-one instruction helps struggling

students find a way to “catch up”, keep high achieving students challenged on their

instrument, and can help “middle of the road” students achieve more and boost

their excitement in class.

There are a wide variety of instructors who give private lessons. Please

contact Mr. Comerford for help in finding a teacher your child will gain the most

from.

11

Required Concert Attire:

Please review carefully as there is a change for this school year.

To present our band in the best way possible, we have guidelines to

make sure everyone in the band looks their best while we perform in

concert.

All Band Students:

• Black, long-sleeve dress shirt. Can be turtleneck, button up, and/or

collared with no other colored markings. Previously, we have

required turtleneck shirts, but I must agree with many of you who

have spoken to me, these are getting harder to find. I believe it is

time to change our concert attire.

• Black, full length pants. Please, no shorts, capris, gauchos, or

athletic pants with stripes or other markings. Dress pants are

preferred.

• Black, over the calf socks.

• Black Shoes – No other markings should be visible on outside of

shoe.

7th & 8th Grade students:

Will be supplied a band jacket before our first concert. A

replacement fee of $75.00 will be assessed if the jacket is not returned at

the end of the year.

Please contact Mr. Comerford as soon as possible if you are unable to

acquire the listed items for your child. I will work with you to get your

child what they need for our performances.

12

Grading Policy

Participation: Band is a performance based class relying heavily on class participation.

Students are given 2 points per day. This grade is based on a student’s willingness to participate,

i.e. playing in class, giving examples, answering questions. This grade can be lowered if the

student fails to have his/her instrument and/or other necessary materials for class (Pencil, music

folder, etc.) If you do not have your materials, it is not possible to participate fully with the class.

Concerts: Since band is a performance based class, we view our public performances as a major

part of the curriculum. The concert attendance portion of your grade counts as 250 points per

concert. Everyone who participates automatically gets full points. Failure to attend will result in

a zero. If a student is to miss a concert, for any reason, they will be assigned a research report to

make-up the points for their grade.

All concerts are held after school hours. All evening concert dates are listed in the

handbook. If a student cannot be present at a concert, please give notice to Mr. Comerford as

soon as possible. Last minute emergencies or illness do happen, but students who miss the

concert will still have a make-up assignment to complete for full points.

Please remember the performance is the goal of all our work, every day, in band.

When one person is missing, for any reason, it takes away from the group as a whole.

Assignments: From time to time, various types of assignments may be assigned. Students will

always have ample time during class to finish their assignment. If a student has music

homework, other than practicing, it just means they did not use their in-class time as well as they

could have.

Practice Records: Practice records will be a weekly grade worth 10 points per week. Written

homework is never assigned, but practice time is vital to student success and growth as a

musician. Students may pick-up a practice record sheet from the band room or print them out

from the website. To receive credit, a student needs to complete a form, have his/her

parent/guardian sign for that week, and place it in the assignment hand in the first school day of

the week. I suggest the student spread out practice time every day during the week rather than

just trying to do it all in one day. Your child will get much more out of their practice time by

spreading it out. Required practice time is as followed (totals are based on a 5 day, Monday-

Friday week):

12 minutes per day, or 1 hour per week.

Playing Tests: Students will have bi-weekly playing tests which help determine your child’s

growth throughout each quarter. Each test will be worth 100 points. Please refer to the rubrics

on the following pages for more information on how students’ test grades are determined.

13

6th and 7th Grade Performance Rubric

Domains

Tone

25 Excellent, mature, and characteristic sound

20 Good sound, but lacking in maturity

15 Fair sound, but lacking fullness and focus

10 Weak tone, unfocused

Hand Position

15 Hands are relaxed and natural, perfect

position

13 Slightly tense hands, misplaced fingers

10 Serious attention needed on hand position

5 Poor hand positions

Suggestions for Improvement

Breathing Exercises

Siren Buzzes

Long Tones

Daily Studies

Say your posture chant

Practice in front of a mirror

Practice standing then sitting

Use book as a model

Rhythm

20 No discernible rhythm errors

15 Minor rhythmic errors

10 Numerous rhythmic errors

5 Inconsistent rhythm

Count and clap

Analyze the counting

USE A METRONOME

Posture

10 Posture is correct in all aspects

7 Posture is inconsistent/minor attention

5 Posture needs attention

3 Poor posture

Practice in front of a mirror

Use book as a model

Technique

15 All or nearly all note played accurately

13 Minor mistakes affecting performance

10 Numerous wrong notes affecting performance

5 Serious performance errors

Count and clap

Analyze the counting

USE A METRONOME

Tempo

15 Tempo steady and appropriate

13 Tempo appropriate, but with some variance

10 Tempo noticeably incorrect or varied

5 Tempo uncharacteristic for this section

Tap your foot when you play

USE A METRONOME

14

8th Grade Performance Rubric

Box 1 – Performers

exhibit little training or

control in the proper

tone quality, center or

focus. Breath support is

seldom present causing

most phrases to be

interrupted and

unfinished. Little

evidence of tuning

exists. Improper

articulation method and

style occurs most of the

time, which distorts air

flow and tone

production. Rhythmic

interpretation is very

poor and a lack of

synchronization exists

with other players and

sections. Recovery time

is extensive.

Box 2 – Performers

seldom seem aware of

the proper fundamentals

required to produce

characteristic tone

quality. Insufficient

breath support exists to

produce clarity of sound

and tonal center. Pitch

and quality problems are

clearly audible and

remain uncorrected. Air

flow is frequently

disturbed during

articulated passages and

technical passages lack

control and uniformity.

Individual problems with

rhythmic interpretation

and recovery from lapses

in timing are slow.

Box 3 – Performers

demonstrate a good

fundamental approach

to proper tone

production. However,

student is sometimes

taxed beyond their

ability to control

quality and timbre at

extreme levels of

volume and range.

Occasionally a lack of

adequate breath support

results in inconsistent

timbre and

characteristic

instrument sound.

Some intonation

problems are audible. A

generally good

approach to proper

articulation style and

technique is obvious,

but inconsistent.

Student exhibits an

awareness of proper

phrasing, although

anticipation, hesitation

or over-extension does

occur. Rhythmic

interpretation is

generally good,

although at times

incorrect, even if

uniform.

Box 4 – Performers

exhibit good control of

most aspects of proper

tone production. Breath

support and

characteristic timbre

may be adversely

affected in extremes of

range and volume, but

generally is correct,

unimpaired and

unimpeded. Tonal focus

is generally accurate

and characteristic of the

best wind instrument

sound. Student exhibits

excellent control of

articulation style and

technique. Phrasing and

rhythmic interpretation

is mostly uniform.

Lapses are infrequent,

generally minor and

rarely interfere with the

success of the

performance.

0-76 77-84 85-92 93-100

15

Getting Braces

(or a few other Dental Appliances)

During the middle school years, many students begin to get corrective

dental appliances (braces, etc.). This is a very positive (and sometimes needed)

thing for students. However, getting braces or other dental appliances has the

possibility of greatly affecting their ability to play their instrument. For children

that play brass instruments (trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, and tuba), braces

completely change how they must play their instrument. It will take your child a

few weeks to get used to having metal between their lips and their teeth. I know

scheduling dental appointments can be difficult. However, if it is an option, we do

feel the best time to schedule getting braces is at the end of the school year after

the final spring concert. This will give them the opportunity to adapt to their

braces in a stress-free way (during the last 2 or 3 weeks of school) and will lead to

a lot less frustration for your child.

“I Quit”

At some point every student will approach the “uphill” part of their

journey in learning to play a musical instrument. Even I remember getting the

feeling in MS band. For some students, this period of time moves them out of their

comfort zone, but it is also a time when students experience tremendous growth in

their playing abilities. “I QUIT!” is the easy out. What a simple solution…but not

the best!

Some students may also reach a point when they may become bored in

class because they are progressing faster than the class or are losing interest in their

instrument. This is also definitely not the time to quit.

Quitting is almost never in the best interest of the student or the music

program. Life skills taught at MSN, include discipline, teamwork, social skills,

effort, resourcefulness, but also problem solving, grit, and perseverance. We ask

your help to prevent students from giving up on themselves and the adventure of

music so easily. Thank you very much for your support of your child’s musical

experience!

16

Important Dates

All Bands:

• Thursday, 12/14/17, Winter Concert @ John Armstrong Performing Arts Center

o 6th grade – 6:00 p.m.

o 7th/8th grade – 7:00 p.m.

• Wednesday, 5/16/18, Spring Concert @ John Armstrong Performing Arts Center

o 6th grade – 6:00 p.m.

o 7th/8th grade – 7:00 p.m.

Jazz Ensemble:

• Monday, 3/19/18, In-school performance for Atwood students in MSN café @ 9:30 a.m.

• Tuesday, 3/20/18, In school performance for Green students in MSN café @ 9:30 a.m.

• Wednesday, 5/23/18, Awards Ceremony & Celebration of Excellence Performance

o @ JAPAC, 6:45 p.m.

6th Grade:

• Monday, 9/11/17, MSN Beginning Band Rental Night, @ MSN Band Room, 6-8:00 p.m.

o Parents/students can come anytime between 6-8. Refer to Rental Night handout

for items to bring.

• Wednesday, 3/21/18, 6th Grade Solo &Ensemble Night @ MSN Café

o 3rd Hour – 6-6:45 p.m.

o 5th Hour – 7-7:45 p.m.

7th Grade: Refer to “All Bands” schedule

8th Grade:

• Monday, 9/18/17, In School pep-assembly, 2:00p.m.

• Friday, 10/20/17, HSN Football Game w/HSN Marching Band and MSE Band @ HSN

o Band will stay after school for pizza in band room

o Rehearsal begins at 5:00p.m.

• Wednesday, 11/1/17, 8th grade football vs. MSE @HSN football field, 4:30 start

• Monday, 12/4/17, In School pep-assembly, 2:30 p.m.

• Monday, 2/5/18, In School pep-assembly, 2:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, 3/14/18, 8th Grade Combined Concert with MSE and MSC bands @ JAPAC,

Concert begins @ 7:00 p.m.

o Students will leave MSN at 9:00 a.m. to rehearse as full band at JAPAC.

o Students will eat lunch at JAPAC, bussed back to MSN for dismissal at 3:00 p.m.

• Monday, 4/30/18, In School pep-assembly, 2:30 p.m.

** “All Bands” means, 6th, 7th, 8th,

and jazz ensemble will be performing.**

17

Contact Me

L’Anse Creuse Middle School North

46201 Fairchild

Macomb, MI 48042-5319

Justin Comerford

Band Director/Teacher

Phone: 586-493-5260

Email: comerju@lc-ps.org

**Please note: Phone calls during the school day will be

directed to voice mail. By using email, you will always get a

faster response.**

Prep period: 8a.m. – 9a.m.

If you reach out to me for anything, I will get back to you

as soon as possible. Please remember it is sometimes difficult to

get back to you during the school day. Most emails or phone

calls will take place after 3:30 p.m.

I understand many parents are unsure of what their child needs

to be successful in their music classes. Please use me as a

resource for your questions. Anything, no matter how small, I

will try and find the best answer I can for your situation.

18

2017-2018 L’Anse Creuse Middle School North Band

Student Information Form (all students)

Due: Friday, September 8th, 2017

Please Print Clearly

Grade (circle one) 6 7 8

Student Name: (Last) ____________________ (First) _____________________

Parent/Guardian: (Last) ____________________ (First) __________________

Primary Phone: _________________________

Parent/Guardian Email:

__________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Thank you for taking your time to read this handbook thoroughly and fill out

the information sheet. By signing below, you (parent/guardian & student)

acknowledge you understand and agree to abide by the expectations outlined

in the MSN Band handbook.

Student Signature: _______________________________ Date: _____________

Parent Signature: ________________________________ Date: _____________