forest grove middle school band handbook...
TRANSCRIPT
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Forest Grove Middle School
Band Handbook
2013-2014
Bradley J. Esau
Director of Bands
Terrance Davis
Principal
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Table of Contents Welcome Letter to Students and Parents.............................................................................3
Mission Statement and Program Expectations……………………………………………4
Instrumental Rental or Purchase Program ………………………………………….........4
Ensembles…………………………………………………………………………………5
Grading Policy……………………………………………………………………….........7
Rehearsal Expectations…………….……………………………………………………...9
Contract of Mutual Consent…………………………………………………………...…16
Absence Form…………………………………………………………………………....17
Instrument Rental Contact Form…………………………………………………………..6
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August 13, 2013
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome to the 2013-2014 school year for the Forest Grove Middle School Band!
I am very excited about working with all of you this upcoming year. This handbook will
serve as a guide for the various events that we have going on during the year. The
handbook will include everything from our mission statement, calendar of events to
rehearsal etiquette. If you should ever have a question about anything during the year,
this handbook will more than likely have the answers. If not, then feel free to contact me.
As many of you know, there are many benefits to being a part of band in school.
Research shows that being a part of the band program can improve academic skills,
reasoning, social interaction, spatial relationships and discipline. Add in the fact that
students get to create music and represent their school in a positive light, and the result is
an enjoyable experience that will have a lasting positive impact on your child’s life!
This past year was full of individual and group success in all aspects of the
program. The growth of the program over the last year has opened up some new
opportunities for the band, including a jazz ensemble performance at the Lakeside Jazz
Festival in Port Orange in April, and the MPA band participating in a music festival in
Orlando at the end of this year! If we continue to work as a team to achieve our goals, I
have no doubt that the band will continue to grow and prosper. I would like to welcome
all incoming 6th
grade students, and say that I am excited to open your eyes to the
wonderful world of music through band!
If there are any questions that have not been answered by the information in this
handbook, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time using the information listed
below. I am looking forward to a great year of making music with all of you!
Sincerely,
Bradley J. Esau
Director of Bands
Forest Grove Middle School
(772)468-5885 ext. 2649
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Mission Statement
The Forest Grove Middle School Band will be one of the premier bands in the State of
Florida. We will accomplish this through dedication, teamwork, professionalism and the
desire to raise the bar every day.
The purpose of this handbook: This handbook will serve as a guide to the many events
and components that are a part of the Forest Grove Middle School Band program. You
will find dates for activities, requirements for ensembles, grading information, and
expectations for rehearsal procedures. This handbook will also answer many of the
questions that you may have regarding equipment and the expectations of band members.
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Instrument Rental or Purchase Program
At Forest Grove Middle School, we have a limited number of instruments that are
available for rental. In the back of the handbook you will find a rental contract for these
instruments. All other instruments must be provided by the student. This can mean either
owning your own instrument, or renting to own a new or good used instrument through
any of our local music stores:
Music Man Inc. 3940 Orange Ave. Fort Pierce, FL 34947 (772)466-8764
Academy of Music 220 Orange Ave. Fort Pierce, FL 34947 (772)464-3533
The Band Box Inc. 733 NW Federal Hwy. Stuart, FL 34994 (772)692-1355
You can also rent an instrument through www.rentmyinstrument.com
Should you choose to purchase your own instrument, I highly recommend these
brands:
Yamaha, Selmer, Geneidhart (flutes), Conn (saxophones and all brass instruments), King,
Holton, Leblanc, Vito, Buffet (especially clarinets and saxophones), Jupiter, P. Mauriat.
Purchasing a quality instrument will pay for itself in the long run. It is highly
recommended that you purchase an instrument from a store that can service the
instrument on site.
.
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Ensembles
6th
grade Beginning Band- This group will receive direct instruction on the fundamentals
of playing an instrument. This group will perform on both the Winter and Spring
Concerts. The music that this group will perform will establish fundamentals of playing
as a band as well as allowing them to grow successfully. Individuals may participate in
other ensembles and band activities by showing exceptional musicianship and behavior.
7th
and 8th
grade Concert Band- The 7th
and 8th
grade Concert Band is comprised
of second or third year musicians. This band will perform at the Winter and Spring
Concerts, as well as the first and third quarter Honor Roll assemblies. Members of this
group also make up the Jazz Ensemble, Drumline, the MPA Concert Band, and are
eligible to participate in the Florida Bandmasters’ Association (FBA) Solo and Ensemble
Festival.
Jazz Ensemble-. This group is an after-school group that meets on Thursdays
from 4:15-5:45. Membership is based on auditions and classroom conduct. This group
performs at the Winter and Spring Concerts, the second quarter Honor Roll Assembly,
Jazz MPA in February, and other performances that may arise throughout the year.
Member agreement slips can be found at the back of the handbook, and must be turned in
BEFORE auditions begin.
Drumline- The FGMS Drumline is open to any seventh or eighth grade band
student. You do not have to be a percussionist to participate in the Drumline (although
this is highly encouraged). This is also an after-school group that meets on Wednesdays
from 4:15-5:45. Membership is by audition and classroom conduct. The Drumline will
perform at the Winter and Spring Concerts as well as the Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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Parade in January. After the MLK Parade, the Drumline will not meet again until after
Concert MPA is over in March.
Solo and Ensemble- The FBA Solo and Ensemble Festival is for any student that
would like to experience playing music beyond the band setting. Students can perform as
soloists with piano accompaniment or in small groups. Music for FBA S&E will be
selected in October. All solos that require piano accompaniment will require a $25
accompanist fee. Individual practice and preparation will be vital in students’ success at
the festival. Participation is HIGHLY encouraged and can lead to nominations for honor
bands in the future. After-school extra help will be available from December- February.
Concert MPA (Music Performance Assessment) - Concert MPA Band is a select
group of students who will be selected to represent Forest Grove at the FBA District
MPA Festival in March 2014. Participation is by audition and classroom conduct, as well
as by instrumentation. Auditions will take place in December before Winter Break, with
after-school rehearsals beginning in January. There will also be an MPA Mini-Camp in
February on a Saturday. Expectations for this group are very high, as the success of the
band is dependent on 100% efforts by its members.
Honor Bands-
All State- The All-State Concert Band is an audition-only ensemble that is open to
7th
and 8th
grade students that have prepared an audition per the FBA All-State
requirements. Students are chosen from all over the state to participate in this ensemble,
making it one of the most competitive but rewarding experiences in band. Any student
that prepares for the audition but is not selected will be nominated for the All-State
Middle School Honor Band.
IRSC Honor Band- The IRSC Honor Band festival takes place in January.
Nominations will be given to the top four 8th
grade students based on classroom
participation, grades, and student conduct. Interested students should ask Mr. Esau for
more information.
MIOS All-County Honor Band- This takes place during April. Nominations will
be granted to the top seven 8th
grade students and the top eight 7th
grade students.
Nominations will be based on conduct, grades and participation. Interested students
should ask Mr. Esau for more information.
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Grading System
The FGMS band classes are broken down into simple grading sections.
Participation=50%- This is absolutely the most vital part of your child’s grade.
The only way that your child will be able to succeed in class is by having their
instrument, necessary equipment for that instrument (mouthpiece, drum sticks, neckstrap,
reeds, valve oil, etc.) music folder, and a pencil EVERY SINGLE DAY! If a child is sick
or has problems playing because of braces, they are still required to finger along with the
rest of the class as if they were playing, or they will do a written assignment.. If a child
forgets their instrument, they will be assigned written work that day. Grades will be
penalized for each occurrence: Each student can earn one hundred points every 2 weeks.
Each day is worth twenty points. Five days is equal to one hundred points. Four days is
equal to eighty points. Three days is equal to sixty points. Two days is equal to forty
points. One day is equal to twenty points. No days means no points. Anything less than 3
days in a 2-week period will result in a parent phone call.
Practice Logs= 15%- With the addition of block scheduling this year, each
student will be required to submit practice logs this year. Each student will need a
composition notebook. In the notebook, they will list the week of school, and log in the
amount that they practiced that week. Logged practice time must be equal to a minimum
of 2 hours, and must be signed by a parent or guardian. Students should be as detailed as
possible in their practice logs. Examples will be shown during the first week of school.
Performances and Tests=30%- This section of grading includes written and
playing exams, Winter and Spring Concerts, as well as the rehearsals that accompany
them, and in-class performances. In the event that a student must miss an after-school
rehearsal, a student must submit a note signed by a parent at least 24 hours before the
rehearsal. An e-mail or phone call from a parent is sufficient as well. Verbal
communication from a student will not count as an excused rehearsal. Missed rehearsals
without an excuse of absence will be counted as a 49%. During the 3rd
9 weeks, all 7th
and 8th
grade students are required to do a solo/small ensemble project, which must be
performed in class. Taking the solo to the FBA Solo and Ensemble Festival will earn the
student extra credit.
Written classwork= 5%- This includes all work assigned when Mr. Esau is absent.
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Responsibilities of the Student
The difference between an average band and a great band is the behavior and pride which
the student exhibits in band. The expectations of rehearsals during school and after school
are as follows:
- Arrive on time. Upon arrival, get a chair and take your seat in your assigned area.
Await further instruction.
- When the director calls the attention of the band at the beginning of rehearsal,
everyone must stop what they are doing, look forward and be quiet. Await further
instruction.
- When the director cuts off, stop playing immediately.
- Come to each rehearsal with a positive attitude.
- Show all classmates, teachers, and other guests the same respect that you would
want.
- Assume responsibility for your actions. Maturity and professionalism are great
habits.
- RAISE THE BAR EVERYDAY!
Procedures are even more important in after-school rehearsals, because that is the extra
time that we all put in together to improve. All students need to make sure that whenever
a rehearsal is scheduled, that they arrive on time and take care of all other business
(transportation, snacks, etc.) well before rehearsal starts.
TO BE EARLY IS TO BE ON TIME. TO BE ON TIME IS TO BE LATE. TO BE
LATE IS UNACCEPTABLE!
How Parents Can Help- Any successful band program has great parental support. The
easiest way to help is to let your child know that you support what they’re doing. Make
sure that your child practices, that they are at the after-school rehearsals, and that they
have proper transportation arrangements from after-school events. You may contact me at
any time with any issues or concerns you may have, and I will respond to you within 24
hours. Parental assistance is needed for several activities throughout the year, including
concert take-down, chaperoning for different events and fundraising. Anything that you
can do is always greatly appreciated!
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Calendar of Events
Should any conflicts arise, please let Mr. Esau know as soon as possible.
September 3, 2013- All-State Audition money ($10) due to Mr. Esau. If you plan to
audition, I must have the money on or before this date! NO EXCEPTIONS!
September 11, 2013- All-State auditions at Vero Beach High School. 1707.16th
St.
Vero Beach FL 32962. Times TBA.
December 5, 2013- FGMS Winter Concert. 7:01 PM @ FGMS Gym. After-school
rehearsal times will be given out in October.
January 8-11, 2014- FMEA All-State Conference. Tampa, FL. Any student that makes
any of the All-State Ensembles will be performing in Tampa at the Convention Center.
January 23-25. 2014- IRSC Four-County Honor Band. Main Campus 3209 Virginia
Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34981.
January 30,2014- FGMS Jazz Ensemble FBA MPA @ Lincoln Park Academy. Time
TBA
January 31, Feb. 1, 2014- FBA Solo and Ensemble Festival @ Lincoln Park
Academy. An after-school rehearsal schedule will be forthcoming
February 8, 2014- MPA Mini-Camp 10 AM- 3 PM at FGMS. THIS IS ON A
SATURDAY!
March 13-15, 2014- FGMS Concert MPA @ Fort Pierce Central High School. Exact
date, time, and after-school rehearsal schedule will be forthcoming.
April 19.2014- Lakeside Jazz Festival, Port Orange, FL. All details of this trip are
TBA
MIOS All-County Honor Band- TBA
May 10, 2014- 3rd
annual FGMS Band Picnic @ Jaycee Park
May 22, 2014- FGMS Spring Concert. 7:01 PM @ FGMS Gym. After-school
rehearsal times will be distributed in the middle of April
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CONTRACT OF MUTUAL CONSENT
I, the undersigned student, accept membership in the Forest Grove Middle School Band
and understand I am responsible for all policies set forth in the band handbook. I fully
agree to carry out my responsibilities to the very best of my ability.
Student Signature_____________________________________ Date_____________
I, the undersigned parent or guardian, have read and understand the policies as set forth in
the band handbook. I also grant full permission for my child to be an active member of
the Forest Grove Middle School Band. In addition, my child has permission to attend all
band functions.
Parent Signature_____________________________________ Date_________________
Please turn in no later than Friday August 24, 2012. This will count as a quiz grade!
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ABSENCE FORM
Name_______________________________ Date___________________
Date of anticipated absence______________________________________
Reason for absence______________________________________________
Please note: All performance and rehearsal absences must be submitted a day in advance.
Student Signature________________________________________
Parent/Guardian signature__________________________________
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Student name_____________________________________________________
Type of instrument (do not fill out if you are in 6th
grade)__________________________
Manufacturer_________________________________________________________
Serial Number________________________________________________________
School______ Rental________ Personal___________ (please check one)
Parent e-mail address___________________________________________________
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Jazz Ensemble Contract
Student name____________________________________ Grade__________
Instrument______________________________________________
I understand that by signing this contract, I agree to be present at all rehearsals and
performances. I acknowledge that I am allowed TWO unexcused absences, and that all
other absences must be verified using the absence form. Should I exceed more than two
unexcused absences, I understand that I may be removed from the ensemble. I understand
that rehearsals start at 4:15 and end at 5:45 on Thursdays, and will have made proper
transportation arrangements.
Student Signature_________________________________________ Date____________
Parent Signature__________________________________________ Date____________
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Drumline Contract
Student name____________________________________ Grade__________
Instrument______________________________________________
I understand that by signing this contract, I agree to be present at all rehearsals and
performances. I acknowledge that I am allowed TWO unexcused absences, and that all
other absences must be verified using the absence form. Should I exceed more than two
unexcused absences, I understand that I may be removed from the ensemble. I understand
that rehearsals start at 4:15 and end at 5:45 on Wednesdays, and will have made proper
transportation arrangements.
Student Signature_________________________________________ Date____________
Parent Signature__________________________________________ Date____________