handbook - mh band - 2016

Handbook 2016-2017

Meadow Hill Band Handbook

2016 - 17

Dear Parent(s)

Welcome to the 2016-17 school year with the Meadow Hill Bands. Whether you are new to the Meadow Hill Band program or returning for your second, third or possibly 4+ years I want you to know that you are always more than welcome to stop in for any reason. Whether it is observing a class, sitting in on an instrument or wanting to check in on your child’s progress I encourage you to visit! This year will have many opportunities for you to get involved in your

child’s education, from the 6th grade Adopt-A-Band scheduled for late October to the 5th annual

Tuxedo Junction dance that will be taking in early 2017. My goal with every scheduled performance is to make the experience as enjoyable for the audience member as it is for me and the students presenting the music. Learning an instrument is often times an activity that can strengthen bonds in a family and I highly encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunity when possible.

Dear Student(s)

I am very much looking forward to working with you during the school year. The success of each band here at Meadow Hill Middle School is dependent on every member within the group. I encourage you to ask a question when something is unclear, ask for help on a playing challenge when needed and become as actively involved with your band as possible. This year’s schedule features a wide variety of performances for the different grade level bands

ranging from the traditional Solo Days with the 6th and 7th Grade Bands to the annual 8th Grade Band Music Day in May. .

Please remember that I encourage you to work together with your fellow classmates as you prepare the material we work on in class each day. Playing/practicing with friends is a great way to make the time fly by and create a memorable experience while improving your musical skills. The most important part of everything you do is to have fun; luckily this is easily accomplished while playing an instrument!

A Thought to Leave You With:

Meadow Hill Bands: Perfection is Expected, Excellence is Accepted If you are trying your best, I will always be proud of what you accomplish.


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Meadow Hill Middle School Band Handbook Randy Zschaechner, Director Meadow Hill Middle School Phone: 728-2400 ext. 4475 4210 South Reserve Street Email: [email protected] Missoula, MT 59803

To establish and maintain a tradition of excellence takes the effort of every individual within our program. The respect of others will be earned through the image we present every time we appear in public. We must present an image that shows only pride, quality, and excellence.

This handbook is intended to supply information to help guide and inform both students and parents. I hope it will answer questions and concerns about all aspects of the program. It will also give you my perspective as well as a common point of reference.

Understanding and Communication It is my intention, at all times, to make my meaning clear to each person. This includes general instructions and information, such as this handbook, as well as all instructions during rehearsals. If you do not fully understand what I am trying to say, please ask me to explain. If you are not sure, others are also not sure.

Newsletter I will send out a biweekly newsletter detailing upcoming events and informing families of current events in the program. This biweekly communication is the main way that I send home information regarding what we are doing in class. I ask for your email on the final page of this handbook to get you signed up to receive the weekly updates. The newsletter will also be archived on the website for access at a later time.

Website The Meadow Hill Band website is also a great resource for both you and your child. I have posted links to local music businesses, teaching aides, supplemental classroom information, contact information for private instructors and much more. I encourage both you and your child to familiarize yourselves with this tremendous tool!


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What you can expect from Mr. Zschaechner: • I will be fair. • I will be on time to all scheduled events. • I will give you my best effort at all times. • I will not put you in a position in which you cannot be successful. • I will treat you with respect and dignity, and not in a demeaning or derogatory fashion. • I will listen to your concerns and/or suggestions. • I will communicate dates and times of all pertinent activities to you in a timely manner so

you can make necessary arrangements to be in attendance. This will include all performances and rehearsals, tests, assignments, and other miscellaneous events.

Student Responsibilities: • Use common sense. Think before you act. • Give your best effort to contribute to your own and the ensemble’s success • Show pride in yourself, your organization, and your school. • Be prepared for all rehearsals and performances. • To be early is to be on time! • Take constructive criticism well. It is intended to help you improve, not as a personal attack. • Your contribution to the group is important. • Respect and take care of our facilities and our equipment. • Do nothing to demean others in our program.

Classroom Rules 1. Be a Respectful Learner

a. To yourself, others, property 2. Be a Responsible Learner

a. For all rehearsals, performances, tests 3. Be a Safe Learner

a. Act in a way that does not put yourself or others in danger 4. Be an Active Learner

a. Play the best you can

Calendar Please mark your calendars immediately! These performances are an important part of the curriculum. Please contact me immediately if you have a conflict—the sooner we communicate the better. I am happy to work out make-up assignments with students who notify me of schedule problems early in the year. See appendix for full calendar.


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Equipment Needed Instrumental Needs • Woodwinds

2-3 working reeds at all times - All proper cleaning tools (Swabs, brushes, etc) Cork Grease (Selmer is preferred) Pencil Optional (highly encouraged) – Step up Mouthpiece (Sax/Clarinet – Contact Mr. Z

• Brass Appropriate Cleaning Kit for their instrument (Highly Encouraged) Valve Oil, Slide Grease (Slide Kits for Trombones) Pencil

• Percussion See Percussion Usage Policy

Books Needed - (Some books may have been previously purchased, please check with your child)

• 6th Grade 1” 3 Ring Binder (Black or White) Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 Essential Elements 2000 Book 2 New Generations – The Blue Solo Book

• 7th Grade Essential Elements 2000 Book 2 New Generations - The Blue Solo Book

• 8th Grade Books are supplied for this year

• SmartMusic Software Access (Optional)

SmartMusic is a tremendous instructional aide that students in the Meadow Hill Bands have the option to use. From helping structure practice sessions and developing good practice habits to completing and receiving feedback on playing tests this can be a valuable investment for your child. A home subscription allows access to variety of practice tools, an extensive library of music and a fun twist on learning an instrument.

This is an excellent option for students who either require a little extra assistance to achieve their goals or students who strive to excel on their instrument by offering them an added instructional push.

I encourage every student/family to purchase a subscription if possible. An order form is located on the final page of this handbook, simply fill out the information before you return the sheet and I’ll order your home copy asap!

Please see the Music Supply Order Sheet on the Meadow Hill Band Newsletter Page if you are in need of any supplies to start the school year. I am able to get discounted pricing on everything from reeds to oils; let me know if your child needs something to be successful!


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Grading Students will receive grades based on their participation as a member of the Meadow Hill Bands during each quarter. Their overall grade will be figured through a point calculation system (Points earned/Points Possible); please see the grading scale listed below. Each scheduled performance is worth 50 pts towards a student’s grade. In addition to their performance points each student will need to earn 100 points. Students have a variety of ways to earn these points, please see the table below. Points will be collected and tallied at Mid-Term and the end of each quarter. Please note – Unexcused Absences from concerts will result in ‘0’ points earned without the opportunity for makeup. Students who are ill will need to talk to their teacher regarding the possibility of make up.

Lettering in Band

Students in the Meadow Hill Bands will have the opportunity to receive a Music Letter Award. Music Letter Awards are based on the points a student earns during the school year; students who earn a certain number of points receive the award recognition. Please see the table below for the requirements to receive a Meadow Hill Band Music Letter Award.

Meadow Hill Band Music Letter Award Point Requirements

6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade

>799 pts for the year >699 pts for the year >599 pts for the year

Meadow Hill Band Grading Scale A+ 100% or Higher A 90% - 99.9% B 80% - 89.9% C 70% - 79.9% D 60% - 69.9% F < 59.5%

Meadow Hill Band Points 5 Points 10 Points

Partial Practice Slip Fully Completed Practice Slip Music Theory/Rhythm Sheet Completed Playing Challenge

Help Session with Mr. Z Attend an extra performance Private Lessons (5 pts each) Lead Daily Warm Up – 2/quarter

Misc. Tasks – ask Mr. Z Music Tech Demo/Presentation

25 Pts

Participating in an Extra Performance Complete a Concert Review

Complete a Composer Research Project Complete a Composition Project


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Instrument Care Please take care of your instruments—they are expensive investments! Notify me if you are

experiencing any problems with your instrument. I am capable of quick repairs, but will need to refer you to one of the many specialists around town should the problem be greater or require specific tools. The better you maintain your instrument, the less likely any repairs will be needed.

Music Care Our music library represents a large financial commitment to meet the various performance

needs of the district. New music is selected to supplement the titles which do not exist in our instrumental library. Your individual effort is needed to keep your music in good shape, and check it in at the appropriate time. We are not the only school who uses this music, please treat it with respect—it is the textbook for this class.

Each student of the Meadow Hill 6th grade Band will need a 1” Three Ring Binder (Black or White) for daily use in their band class. Students will keep everything from class, such as concert music and handouts, in this binder. Students will need to bring their binder to class each day to keep up on any rehearsal notes and handouts covered in class. Students in the 7th and 8th grades will have a folder assigned to them that will contain their daily rehearsal music.

Performance Attire *Points will be deducted for incorrect performance attire during scheduled events.

It is expected that each student adhere to the performance attire described below. The focus of a musical performance ensemble is the music and any variance in the uniform can detract from the overall performance of the group.

Meadow Hill Band Shirt o 6th Grade – Each student will need to purchase a band shirt, orders will be made

through the school at the beginning of each year. Each shirt costs $10 and is the student’s to keep. Please watch for the sizing form distributed at the beginning of the year.

o 7/8th Grade - Each student will be issued a band shirt for all performances during the year. Please take special care in following all washing/drying instructions to help ensure that the shirts are properly maintained. Members of the 7th and 8th grade bands will receive the new style of Meadow Hill Band shirts, please take note of the care instructions.

o Lost/Damaged Shirts • Students who lose or damage their shirt will be expected to a replacement

charge before being issued a replacement shirt. 6th Grade Replacement Fee - $10 7th/8th Grade Replacement Fee - $25

The Bottom Half of the Uniform o Guys

• Concert Appropriate Black Pants, Black Socks, Black Shoes (Not Sandals) o Ladies

• Concert Appropriate Black Pants, Black Socks, Black Shoes (Not Sandals) • Ankle Length Black Skirt, Black Stockings, Black Shoes (Not Sandals)


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Private Lessons Progress and success are important. Any student with the desire to excel or seek remedial

help should consider private lessons from an instructor specialist on their respective instrument. There are many private instructors on the wide variety of instruments that can help any student in the Meadow Hill Band program. I have included a list of instructors on the Meadow Hill Band Website.

Band Boosters Band Boosters are one of the biggest factors in the success of the Meadow Hill Band

program. There are many opportunities throughout the year for parents to get involved. I include a section on the weekly newsletter that highlights any current or upcoming opportunities for parents to lend a hand, please feel free to send me a message if you are ever willing to come in!

Scholarship Fund The Meadow Hill Band maintains a scholarship fund through the sales of Band merchandise.

Students will be able to support the band program, specifically their fellow students, by purchasing shirts and other items to be determined. Students who are interested in applying for a scholarship to attend a summer music camp will have the opportunity towards the end of the school year.

SmartMusic SmartMusic is a computer program that is designed to enhance the students’ daily musical

experiences. From offering access to thousands of online music books to basic tools such as a tuner and metronome, this program is a tremendous asset for your child. This program is a tremendous tool for students of all interests and abilities. Whether they are completing the necessary playing challenges in the comfort of their home or using the SmartMusic program to explore new music and push themselves on their instrument the $40 subscription fee is well worth the return! Please visit www.smartmusic.com for more information. We can earn a group discount if enough students order a subscription for the year, let me know if you are interested in ordering!

Fundraising Tuxedo Junction Dance

o This is the 5th year the Meadow Hill Bands will put on the Tuxedo Junction Dance. This event will offer an opportunity for members of the 7th and 8th grade bands to provide live music in a fun nightclub atmosphere. Opportunities to lend a hand will be available for both parents and students alike, watch the newsletter for more information.

Chocolate Sales o Each year the Meadow Hill music program partakes in a fundraiser. It is with this money

that we are able to maintain school instruments, purchase new music and supplies, and continue this program’s tradition of excellence. I urge, but do not require, you to participate because it shows immense pride in our music department and our school.

Meadow Hill Logo Merchandise - Proceeds from merchandise sales help Meadow Hill Band students with scholarships towards things like private lessons and summer camps.

o Meadow Hill Band Shirts and Sweatshirts – Prices vary, watch the newsletter for ordering information


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Descriptions of Events/Ensembles

7th Grade Band Festival Each year the 7th grade bands from the three MCPS Middle Schools combine to participate in

the 7th Grade Band Festival. In conjunction with the University of Montana Concert Band Festival this performance offers a tremendous musical experience for everyone in attendance. A professional guest artist is brought in each year to work with and perform with the students in the concert. This festival consists of a brief (45 minute) rehearsal on Monday night in preparation for the concert scheduled on Tuesday evening. See the 2012-2013 performance schedule included with this handbook for exact dates.

8th Grade Band Retreat The 8th Grade Band will be participating in a daytime retreat during May. Although the

specifics of this retreat are still to be determined the experience will offer an exciting musical opportunity along with a fun and enjoyable social aspect. Details regarding this trip will be released throughout the year.

Adopt - A - Band This group is comprised of family members or friends of current 6th grade band students.

The challenge is for each 6th grade band member to ‘Adopt’ someone to train musically on their instrument. Through hard work, persistence and patience the 6th grade band members help their adopted band member prepare for their performance debut in our October concert. This is a fun time for all!

Ensemble Day (8th Grade) Ensemble Day is a continuation from the established Solo Day and offers a greater challenge

for the students in the 8th grade band. Students are separated into chamber ensembles, generally 4 students per group, and rehearse a piece of music for their ensemble day performance. The book used for this event is checked out to each student during the school year and needs to be returned in good condition; a lost or damaged book could incur a replacement fee of $10. Ensemble Day performances occur during the regular school day in front of a highly qualified music adjudicator who offers both oral feedback and written comments to help the student continue to develop their musical skills.


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MCPS Summer Music Camp The MCPS instrumental music teachers offer a music camp each year for students who would

like to continue developing their techniques on their current instrument, review the year or try out a new instrument. This camp is consistently scheduled for the first two weeks of summer break each year, plan ahead!

Red Wave The MCPS Red Wave began in the late 1970’s and had grown into an expected annual

Missoula tradition. Each member of the MCPS middle school band program participates in a Red Wave performance during the school year. The 6th grade band presents a half time show at a Lady Griz basketball game each February, the 7th and 8th grade bands combine and march in the annual University of Montana Homecoming parade. Students learn and develop skills such as basic marching abilities and memorization techniques as they participate in the Red Wave.

Solo and Ensemble Recitals Students will have opportunities to earn points towards their grade by participating in frequent recitals scheduled during PACE time. By either performing a solo or an ensemble a student can earn 25 pts towards their quarterly grade. To qualify for the PACE recitals a student will need to adequately prepare a solo or ensemble. Students will be added to the recital schedule once a student has demonstrated proficiency on a piece of music; recitals will take place once the schedule is full.

Solo Day (6th and 7th Grades)

Solo Day is a unique event that is offered in the MCPS Band programs. Each student selects a solo, generally from the New Generations solo book, and works both independently and with the help of the teacher towards their annual Solo Day performance. Solo Day performances occur during the regular school day in front of a highly qualified music adjudicator who offers both oral feedback and written comments to help the student continue to develop their musical skills.

Tuxedo Junction The Meadow Hill Bands will be presenting the 5th Annual ‘Tuxedo Junction; Community

Social’. This fun event features 3 hours of dance music from the 1930’s through today; all performed by members of the Meadow Hill 7th and 8th grade Bands. The Meadow Hill Gymnasium is transformed into a dance hall to add to the experience. This is one event you don’t want to miss! This community social is open to everyone ages 1 – 150.


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Dates 2016-17

Randy Zschaechner

Meadow Hill Middle School

(406)728-2400 ext. 4475 [email protected]

Please mark these dates on your calendars today!

Dates are accurate as of August 21, 2016.

In the event of any changes, you will be notified in advance.

6th

Grade 7th

Grade 8th

Grade

September

Parade Practices: Thursday 9/15: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Wed. 9/21: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Tuesday 9/27: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Thursday 9/24: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm UM Homecoming Parade: Saturday

October 1, 2016

October

6th Grade Band/Orchestra Concert October 26th

7:00 pm Concert

November

7th Grade BOC November 2nd

7:00 pm Concert

8th Grade Band w/Sentinel November 1st

7:30 pm Concert

December

6th Grade BOC December 14th

5:30 pm Concert


7:00 pm Concert


6:30 pm Concert

ncert

January No Scheduled Performances

February

5th Annual Tuxedo Junction February 4th, 2017

6th Grade Red Wave Rehearsal (3-4:30)- Feb 9, 16, 23

7th Grade Band Festival Feb. 28

Daytime Rehearsal, PM Concert

8th Grade Band at UM Festival Feb. 27

Daytime Performance

March

6th Grade Red Wave – March1 Rehearsal (3-4:30) Performance at the

Basketball Game

March 27-29 Ensemble Day in Class

March 27-29 Solo Day in Class

April

6th Grade BOC April 5th

5:30 pm Concert


7:00 pm Concert


7:00 pm Concert

May

6th Grade BOC May 24th

5:30 pm Concert

7th Grade BOC May 24th

7:00 pm Concert

8th Grade Retreat Daytime Tour: TBD

8th Grade BOC

May 30th 7:00 pm Concert

June

MCPS Summer Music Camp

June 12 – 23


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Playing Challenge Scoring Rubric

Category Proficient (4) Nearing Proficient (3) Developing (2) Novice (1)

Rhythm

Rhythms are consistently (100%) accurate.

Most rhythms are accurate. There can be a few rhythmic

errors. (1-2)

Several rhythms are inaccurate. 3- 4 rhythmic errors.

Most rhythms are inaccurate. 5+ rhythmic errors.

Tone Quality

Sound is always clear and

supported. Tone is consistently relaxed, unpushed, clear and

centered throughout the range of the instrument.

Sound is consistently clear

and supported. Tone is relaxed, unpushed, clear, and centered though the normal

playing range.

Sound is sometimes unclear/fuzzy

and/or unsupported. Tone is sometimes relaxed, clear, and

centered but is also uncontrolled at times in the normal playing range.

Sound is unclear/fuzzy and

unsupported. Tone is often not relaxed, clear or centered

regardless of the range being played.

Notes

Notes are always (100%)

accurate.

A wrong note is played but does not detract from the

overall performance.

A few wrong notes (2-3) are

played, detracting somewhat from the overall performance.

Many wrong notes are played,

consistently detracting from the performance.

Articulations

Articulations are always (100%)

accurate.

Most articulations are accurate. There can be a couple (1 -2) articulation

errors.

Several articulations (3-4) are

inaccurate.

Most articulations are

inaccurate.

Dynamics

Dynamics are obvious, consistent and an accurate

demonstration of the style of music being performed.

Dynamics are typically accurate and consistent.

Few dynamics are demonstrated, but are attempted.

No dynamics are demonstrated.


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Acknowledgement of Receipt of the Meadow Hill Band Handbook Please complete this form after reviewing the Meadow Hill Band Handbook found on the Meadow Hill Band Website. The

Meadow Hill Band Website can be found under the ‘STAFF’ page on the Meadow Hill School Website.

• Listed here are the main points covered within this handbook:

• The Meadow Hill Music classes depend on consistent participation, it is expected that students stay enrolled for the entire year.

• It is understood that our child is expected to be in proper uniform at all scheduled performances unless written documentation is submitted to the teacher prior to the concert (excluding illness).

• We have marked down all of the scheduled events onto our calendar. • Grades will be figured and input through a point calculation system twice per quarter.

Student Name Student Grade

Student email (for newsletter ) _____@ ________

Student Signature

Parent Name

Parent email (for newsletter and any correspondence) @

Parent email (for newsletter and any correspondence) @

Parent Signature Date

SmartMusic Ordering Information

□ Yes, please order a home subscription for my child. Please include payment of $40 (either cash or check) with this form to cover the cost of the yearly subscription. Checks made payable to MCPS Fine Arts.

Please return this form to Mr. Z by September 2nd, 2016. Students will be given a copy of this form to take home and have signed.

handbook - mh band - 2016

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