Sousa ElementaryADVANCED BAND

Handbook2016-2017

Welcome! The following contains information about the band program at Sousa Elementary. Students and parents need to read it over carefully and sign and return the signature page.

Areas of focus: Musical Literacy – reading pitch, rhythm and vocabulary Performance Skills – instrument technique, breath control, ear-training, and sight-reading Knowledge of musical styles and relation to the world

Expectations: Come to class on time Participate in all class activities and all concerts Be prepared - bring you instrument, music and supplies to every class

o Clarinet and sax players need 3 playable (not broken) reeds at all times Practice at home an average of 15-20 minutes per day Commit to one full school year of membership

Instruments:Many students were on school instruments last year. Your child has successfully completed one year in band! It is recommended that students rent their own instruments so school instruments can go to fifth graders. Rentals from stores are as low as $20 per month. Look in the phone book and shop around for good deals.

Materials: All students will continue in the Standard of Excellence book 1. Flutes need a cleaning rod and cloth. Clarinets and alto saxophones need a minimum of three #2.5 strength reeds (some students might need #3 reeds) and a cleaning swab. Bass clarinets and tenor saxophones need a minimum of three #2 strength reeds. Reed players need three working reeds at all times so it is recommended buying a box of reeds at the beginning of the year to minimize trips to the store later. Trumpets, baritones and tubas need valve oil. Trombones need slide oil. Percussion need a practice pad and 2B drum sticks.

Class Schedule:Like last year, advanced band students will meet two times each week for 30 minute classes. Students are “pulled-out” of their regular classroom. This means that every student is responsible to find out what they missed while they were at band and make-up that work in a timely fashion.

Advanced band classes will begin soon. We will not be starting with instruments, but try to have your instruments and materials as soon as possible.

Performance Schedule: December 2016 Winter assembly performance and evening concert February 2017 honor band auditions – 6th graders only (optional) March 2017 All State Band (1 or 2 lucky students) May 2017 Spring assembly performance and evening concert

Performances:As this is a performance based class, attendance at all performances is mandatory. The dates will be in the school newsletter, through e-mail and on my webpage as well as sent home with students. Please check these locations for updates. The December and May evening concerts will begin at 6:30 PM and students will need to report to the music room at 6:00 PM for tuning.

Why is attendance at concerts mandatory? Performing for an audience is one focus of this class. Concerts provide an experience that

cannot be reproduced in the classroom. Performances are a means by which skills learned in the classroom can be evaluated. Band is a group effort. The performance is weakened by every missing musician. We

rehearse together and we perform together.

Concert Dress:Students should wear white tops, black bottoms, and black shoes for the concerts. Girls may wear skirts or nice pants. No shorts or t-shirts! Preferred no jeans.

Parental Involvement: Just as with everything else your child expresses an interest in, your attitude, support, and involvement are important to his or her ability to succeed in music. This includes offering ongoing support and encouragement. The students who are most likely to succeed are the ones whose parents are involved! Help provide a place and time for your child to practice his/her instrument. Encourage practice, ask your child what she/he has learned and encourage private performances!

Honor Band: This year all advanced band students will have the opportunity to try out for District Honor Band. This band is made up of the best elementary band students from around the district. Auditions will be held on a Saturday. More information and permission slips will be sent as it is received from the district (sometime in the fall).

Why Band? When students rehearse and perform together they develop interpersonal skills, the ability to work in groups, conflict resolution and learn to recognize strengths in others. The discipline learned through band helps improve cognitive skills, communication and study skills. Music performance teaches students to overcome anxiety and take risks. They also learn poise, composure and the value of continued effort to achieve high standards. All these skills are necessary in successful jobs, no matter what field a student may choose to pursue. The more years a student stays in band, the better these skills will be developed.

Questions or Concerns: Feel free to call me at any time at 480-472-8929 or e-mail me at KAHanson@mpsaz.org. You can also view my webpage www2.mpsaz.org/sousa/staff/kahanson.

ADVANCED BAND REGISTRATION FORM

Student Name: ______________________________ Room # ________

Instrument: ___________________________ Last school: ______________________ (only if not Sousa)

Again, school instrument are in short supply. Many fifth graders last year were given an opportunity to try a band instrument by being able to use a school instrument. If possible, please share that opportunity with this year’s beginners by renting your own instrument.

I will provide my own instrument.I cannot afford to rent an instrument and will be needing to use a school instrument. (Please read the above information regarding instruments)

Important:

Read and discuss this entire handbook with your child before signing and returning this page.

I have read the band handbook and understand the expectations. If I have any questions or concerns, I will contact Mrs. Hanson.

Parent/guardian Name(s) (printed): ___________________________________________

Parent/guardian Signature: _________________________________ date_____________

Student Signature: ________________________________________ date ____________

Parent e-mail address: __________________________________________________(I will not send junk e-mails, only important reminders and e-mails regarding your child)

Parent day-time phone # ______________________________ (home) (cell) (work) Please circle one