Junior High Band Handbook
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Philosophy of Music
Discipline Policy
Grading Policy
General Information
Transportation Policy
Contact Information
Mr. Scott Schneider
Jr. High Band Director, Percussion instructor
(417) 649-7026 ext. 2405
Mr. Ryan Churchill
High School Band Director, Woodwind instructor
(417) 649-7026 ext. 2636
Ms. Erin Smith
Assistant Band Director, Brass instructor
(417) 649-7026 ext. 2636
Philosophy of Music
All aspects of music are very important and will be emphasized at various stages of the student’s development. The primary emphasis of the instrumental program is the concert band. From this ensemble, groups such as marching band, jazz band, pep band, and solos/ensembles are derived. The Carl Junction Jr. High instrumental music department stresses the advancement of the student’s abilities to function in both the large and small ensemble setting. Music offers an opportunity to challenge each student to expand his/her horizons of life and to accept nothing less than the best one can accomplish and offer.
Discipline Policy
In order to maintain an effective rehearsal and use our time to the full outcome, the following will be observed.
Rules
1. No unnecessary talking while rehearsal is in progress
2. Only play instruments when instructed.
3. Raise your hand and be recognized by the teacher before speaking
4. Have appropriate materials in class ( pencil, instrument, music, footwear)
5. Treat the band room with respect. It is a classroom
6. The instrument lockers are for instruments and music only, anything or anyone else being stored in lockers will have consequences.
7. Do not move chairs, stands or any equipment unless instructed to do so.
8. Do not bring food, drink, candy, or gum into this classroom.
9. Keep your hands and feet to yourself
10. If it does not belong to you, do not touch it.
11. This is a classroom and it is to be treated accordingly.
12. This is YOUR band room. Take pride in it, and take care of it.
13. Students will respect and treat others as they would like to be treated.
Consequences
1st Offense Verbal Warning
2nd Offense Conference with Teacher
3rd Offense Contact with Parent(s)
4th Offense Disciplinary Referral to Principal
Severe Discipline Clause
In the event a student blatantly and/or maliciously causes a serious classroom disruption, the severe disciplinary clause will take effect and the student will immediately be taken to the principal’s office.
This discipline policy has been approved by the Administration of the Carl Junction Jr. High School.
Grading Policy
Rehearsal Criteria (weekly grade)
· Student on time for rehearsal
· Instrument and appropriate materials
· Attentive and exhibiting good conduct
· Attendance to all rehearsal sessions
· Performing music at a proficient level
· Students missing rehearsals with an excuse approved by the office may make up daily points by completing make-up work given by director – Student is responsible to get materials from teacher.
Performance Criteria (grade for each performance)
· Student on time for performance warm-up and/or roll call
· Instrument and appropriate materials
· Attentive and contributing to a good performance
· Individual part performed at a high level of proficiency
· Student stays for entire performance(watches all bands in concert)
· Students will only be excused for illness, death in the family, or at the discretion of the band director. The student can then make up the performance grade by meeting with the band director to perform his/her music for a grade or receive the appropriate make-up assignment given by the band director. Either choice should be completed prior to the performance if situation allows. If situation does not allow for completion prior to performance, student should complete assignment within 5 school days upon return or by end of grading term (whichever is first).
Playing Tests (grade for each test)
· Scales
· Music exercises
· Excerpt of music being rehearsed
Grading Scale
94-100 A
90-93 A-
87-89 B+
84-86 B
80-83 B-
77-79 C+
74-76 C
70-73 C-
67-69 D+
64-66 D
60-63 D-
0-59 F
General Information
· Equipment for class: Sharpened pencil, instrument, music and music book. During marching season, you will need tennis shoes for marching, no sandals.
· School owned instruments: If you play a school instrument, you are responsible for its care. This includes cleaning and paying for any damage done to the instrument.
· Instrument storage: Students may leave their instrument at school when they do not have time to practice at home some evenings. Mark all the belongings in your case. The storage lockers can be locked with either a combination lock loaned by the band department or by the student’s own lock providing band director has the combination. Only instruments and music are to be stored in the instrument lockers. Students taking instruments home may pick them up in the band room.
· Uniforms: A band uniform will be checked out to each band member prior to each marching performance. Each student must return the uniform immediately after the performance. The school will seek bids for dry cleaning the uniforms. You are responsible for the return of these items. Color guard members will check out uniforms, also responsible for its return. Replacement cost for the hat is and the uniform coat is $100.00. Appropriate marching shoes will be purchased through the band director. You will also need black khaki style pants. The uniform needs to be clean, wrinkle free and pants hemmed to the proper length (middle of the heel). Appearance and care of the uniform is part of your grade. A total cost of dry cleaning the uniforms, a CJJHS band t-shirt, and marching shoes will be approximately $50 per student. The concert uniform will be worn at junior high band indoor performances unless otherwise noted by the director. It consists of a white oxford-type shirt with black pants or skirt with black shoes and socks.
· Recommended outside rehearsal: 30 minutes, three to four times a week outside of school time.
· Chair placements: Auditions will be held during class. You will be given music in advance to practice (outside of class).
· Lessons: If you are interested in private lessons I will help you find a private instructor. Lessons are encouraged for every band student.
· Jazz Band: Auditions will be at the end of marching season. Rehearsals will be 7:15 a.m. to 8:10 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Rehearsals will begin after auditions are completed in early November and will run every week through the month of April.
· Eligibility: Students receiving disciplinary notices from the band or JH office may be subject to ineligibility of performance especially on performance trips. Eligibility will also be considered in terms of grade in band as well other classes (especially if band trip is during school day. Whether or not a student is allowed to perform will be determined by the band director.
Transportation Policy
All band members must ride school transportation to and from away events. Students may ride home with parents providing they have submitted a transportation release to the band director prior to the event (step 1). If the student is to ride home with a parent after an event, please sign the student out with the band director (step 2). This is for the protection of all students. Liability issues dictate that after an away event, band students may NOT ride home with anyone other than their parent/guardian. We do not want to have any confusion when it comes to transporting students from away events. Any violation of this policy will result in a parent-teacher conference to determine the eligibility of the student concerning upcoming away events. All school rules apply during these events. Any violation will result in consequences established in the Junior High Student Handbook.
Acknowledgement Form
I/We have read the handbook provided for Carl Junction JH Band Program and understand its guidelines. By signing this document I/We acknowledge the guidelines within the handbook.
Student name printed ____________________________________________________
Student Signature__________________________________Date__________________
Parent Signature___________________________________Date__________________