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Sunset Ridge Instrumental Music Handbook For Parents and Students Instrumental Music Handbook, Page 1

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Sunset Ridge Instrumental Music

Handbook

For Parents and Students

Instrumental Music Handbook, Page 1

Mission

The purpose of our program is to expose all students to instrumental music and provide an opportunity to develop proficiency through varied musical experiences, including different instruments, styles, ensembles, and cultural influences.

Instrumental Music Handbook, Page 2

Instrumental Music Handbook, Page 3

WHY LEARN MUSIC?

Music is a scienceIt is exact, specific; and it demands exact acoustics. A conductor’s full score is a chart, a graph thatindicates frequencies, intensities, volume changes, melody, and harmony all at once and with the mostexact control of time.

Music is mathematicalIt is rhythmically based on the subdivisions of time into fractions, which must be done instantaneously,not worked out on paper.

Music is a foreign languageMost of the terms are in Italian, German, or French; and the notation is certainly not English -- but ahighly developed kind of shorthand that uses symbols to represent ideas. The semantics of music are themost complete and universal language. Vocal music is performed in many languages.

Music is historyMusic usually reflects the environment and times of its creation, often even the country and/or racialfeeling.

Music is physical educationIt requires fantastic coordination of fingers, hands, arms, lip, cheek and facial muscles in addition toextraordinary control of the diaphragm, back, stomach, and chest muscles, which respond instantly tothe sound the ear hears and the mind interprets.

Music is all these things, but most of all...Music is art

It allows a human to take all these seemingly dry, technically boring, but difficult procedures and use them tocreate emotion. That is one thing science cannot duplicate: humanism, feeling, emotion, call it what you will.

THIS IS WHY WE TEACH MUSIC!

Of what value will it be to make a prosperous living unless you know how to live?

THIS IS WHY WE TEACH MUSIC!

Not because we expect you to major in musicNot because we expect you to play or sing all your lifeBut so you can relax

so you can have funso you will be humanso you will recognize beautyso you will be sensitive

so you will have something to cling toso you will have more love, more compassion,more gentleness, more good - in short, more life.

Our InstructorsMr. GoldenMr. Golden’s teaching experience includes thirty-three years of music education at all levels from kindergarten through college. He has taught students across all demographic classifications, from the Englewood neighborhood in Chicago to the North Shore. He has performed as a professional musician in the Chicago area with members of the Chicago Symphony, Lyric Opera and Grant Park Symphony. A graduate of Northwestern University, he performed and soloed with the Northshore Concert Band under the direction of his mentor and professor the late John P. Paynter of Northwestern University.

He was Assistant to the President of the Chicago Federation of Musicians, where he became part of the negotiating team, bargaining for the Chicago Symphony, Grant Park Symphony, and nationally for radio and television commercials, and recording contracts.

He also has a great deal of experience with technology, including work for the Tandy Corporation setting up classes to teach computer skills to teachers. This included managing one of five sites that introduced computer technology to 20,000 Chicago Public School teachers. His teaching experience in technology includes the syllabus construction for adult computer education at Moraine Valley Community College, and teaching adult education at Moraine Valley Community College, Triton College, Roosevelt University and Chicago City College campuses.

In 2008 he guest conducted and played flute on a special fund raising concert at his alma mater Lane Tech Prep High School that included soloist Rachel Barton and members of the Chicago Symphony. His guest conducting also includes performances at New Trier, and Glenbrook High Schools. Currently he is playing and guest conducting the Glenview Concert Band under the direction of Mr. Ken Bartosz. Usually performing as a flutist, he is playing with the renowned Dick Schory in the percussion section.

Instrumental Music Handbook, Page 4

Mr. NolanHeralded   by   the   Chicago   Tribune   as   a   "consistently   imaginative"  musician  who   brings  "vigor  and  variety"  to  his  instrument,  Mr.  Nolan  began   exploring   the   world   of   music   as   a   young   man   living   in   the  Chicago  suburbs.  Interested  in  broadening  the  scope  of  percussion  and  erasing   the   lines   that   divide   the   "jazz,"   "rock/pop,"   and   "classical"      spheres,   Jesse  landed  at  Indiana  University  where  he  received  both  a  Bachelors   Degree   in   Music   Education   and   Masters   Degree   in   Jazz  Studies   while   under   the   tutelage   of   Steve   Houghton,   David   Baker,  Gerald  Carlyss,  and  Anthony  Cirone.

Mr.  Nolan  has  held  the  drum  chair  for  various  groups  including  the  James  Moody  Quartet,   the  50th  Anniversary  World  Tour   of  "West   Side   Story,"   the   2008-­‐2009  AD  Tour  of   "Jesus   Christ  Superstar"  starring  Ted  Neeley,  the  Rob  Parton  JazzTECH  Big  Band,  Frank  Glover  Quartet,  David  Baker  Bebop  Band,  Lorraine  Feather  Quartet,  Bob  Shepard  Quartet,   Oliver  Nelson  Jr.   Quintet,  and   the  Madcap   4,   and   has   appeared   on   recordings   by   the   Buselli-­‐Wallarab   Jazz   Orchestra  (Carol   of   the   Bells,   2006)   and   Chicago   rock   band  Second  Hand   Poets   (Virginia   City   Lounge,  2004).  He  is  also  the  leader  of  the  The  Like  Minds  Collective,  an  original  group  that  performs  his  compositions.  He  has   performed  in  over  40  states   and  7  countries,   including  engagements  at  Saddler's   Well   Theatre   (London's   West   End),   The  North  Sea   Jazz   Festival,   Beavercreek   Jazz  Festival,   North  Texas/Addison   Jazz   Festival,   Elmhurst   Jazz   Festival,   Elkhart   Jazz   Festival,   the  Steans   Institute   for   Young   Artists   (Ravinia   Festival),   The   Jazz   Showcase   (Chicago),   The  Blue  Wisp  (Cincinnati),   The   Jazz   Kitchen   (Indianapolis),   and  Avery   Fischer   Hall   at   Lincoln  Center  (Essentially   Ellington   Festival).   As   a   percussionist,   Mr.   Nolan   has   been   under   the   baton   of  Frederick   Fennell   and  Ray  E.   Cramer   and   has   performed  at   The  Midwest   Band  &   Orchestra  Clinic,  Bands  of  America,  and  the  College  Band  Directors  National  Association  Conference.  He  is  endorsed  by  and  plays  exclusively  Vic  Firth  sticks,  mallets,  &  brushes.

As  a  composer  and  arranger,  Mr.  Nolan’s  projects  include  an  arrangement  for  solo  percussionist  of  Steve  Reich's  minimalist  classic  Clapping  Music.  His  performance  was  touted  by  Glenn  Kotche  of  Wilco  as  "a  tour  de  force"  in  the  October  2005  issue  of  Percussive  Notes  Magazine.    His  suite  for  jazz  orchestra,   featuring  the  “Peanuts”  music  of  Vince  Guaraldi,  is  titled  “You're  A  Big  Band,  Charlie  Brown”  and  was  given  its  world  premiere  by   the  Indiana  University  Jazz   Ensemble  in  April  2006.

As   an  educator,  Mr.  Nolan  served  as  the  Director  of  Instrumental  Music  at  Benet  Academy  in  Lisle,   Illinois   where   he   taught   2   string   orchestras,   3   bands   and   multiple   other   performing  ensembles.   He   was   also   an   Associate   Instructor   of   Percussion   at   Indiana   University   from  2004-­‐2006,  served  as  the  Director  of  Camp  Jam  Kidz   in  2006  and  taught  extracurricular  music  at  Wheaton  North  High  School  and  Oak  Park  River  Forest  High  School  from  2004-­‐2007.    He  has  taught  hundreds  of  private   students   in  over  12  years   of   teaching  and  currently  maintains   an  active  teaching  &  clinic  schedule  out  of  his  Chicago  studio.  Jesse  is  also  proud  to  be  a  part  of  the  Vic  Firth  Education  Team.  

Jesse  currently  plays  drums  for  Meet  The  Beetles  &  John  Wesley’s  Band.

Instrumental Music Handbook, Page 5

Instrumental MusicThe following description will provide an overview of the program; a syllabus for instrumental music at Sunset Ridge School.

Program Description:The instrumental music program at Sunset Ridge School includes band, strings and jazz. Band and Orchestra are taught in grades 4-8Jazz is taught to students in grades 5-8 in a before-school program.

Large group instruction is provided during the school day by grade level.

Small group lessons by instrument are held before school for students in grades 6,7 and 8. Lessons for 4th and 5th grades are held during the flex time during the school day. Students are not pulled out of academic classes for lessons.

Students are expected to provide their own instruments except for tuba and large percussion instruments. Students who play tuba, baritone, double bass, or percussion may keep their own instrument at home for practice and use the school’s instrument during the day. Instruction books will be provided by the district. The instrumental music program is one of the fine arts. Students will learn a great deal about music through the playing and performance of a musical instrument. All areas of music are explored, just as one would expect in a visual art class or literature class. Students should understand that while we may explore contemporary pop music such as rock and others, we are not a rock and roll band, and as such we teach traditional wind, string and percussion instruments. The jazz band will however use guitar, bass and piano in the rhythm section. Students playing these instruments outside school should continue to do so if they enjoy it. Following is a list of instruments that are taught in our instrumental music program:

Instrumental Music Handbook, Page 6

Band:Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, Bass, Percussion (4th graders must take private lessons to start on percussion)OrchestraViolin, Viola, Cello, BassJazz BandRhythm section: Piano, Bass (upright and/or electric), Guitar, DrumsAny other instrument desired

Grade 4All students in 4th grade participate in instrumental music. They may choose to participate in either the band or string ensemble. Students begin in small groups which will be taught during a special half hour flex time used by teachers for many purposes including instrumental music lessons. They will have a lesson once every week.In addition to the group lesson instruction, a full band or string ensemble class is taught where students combine into large ensembles to prepare for concerts or other performances. This also occur once each week, and are scheduled as regular classes during the day.There will be one major performance for the 4th grade band and string ensemble which is the Spring Concert in April.

A personal letter detailing the specific information for your child will be emailed and or mailed to you including a list of retail establishments to rent or purchase instruments. There are parents of former band students who may wish to sell instruments as well.

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Instrumental Music Handbook, Page 8

“Achievement through Commitment”(together we can help your child grow)

Informations for 4th Grade ParentsINSTRUMENTS

Instrument evaluation will begin during the first or second week of the new school year.

Instruments are chosen on the basis of personal interest, physical characteristics and

overall balance of the group. This will take place during the school day.

Students are expected to have their own instruments. When acquiring an instrument, parents are cautioned about doing so from mail order catalogues, discount stores or the

internet. These instruments may be out of tune, made of inferior materials or unacceptable for a child who is learning to play an instrument. When in doubt, check

with the director.

All children are requested to have their instrument approximately one week after

receiving notice of your child’s instrument selection. Lessons will begin at this time. Parents should feel free to call the instructors at any time to discuss their child or any

aspect of the band or string ensemble.

CLASS LESSONS

One class lesson per week is given to all students in the band and string programs.

These lessons are given for one half hour during school time. The size of each class will

vary; however the classes are kept small (about 4 to 6). Lessons are given in

homogeneous groups. The lesson times will be during the homeroom teacher’s flex

period. Students will not be pulled from academic classes.

PRACTICE

Students are required to practice every day. This is their “band homework”. The

amount of time is specified by the teacher. When children miss a day of practice, they are expected to make up the time on another day. Adequate practice is the most

important contributing factor to success in music. Students who meet their responsibilities in this area can expect to progress at a satisfactory rate.

5th GradeThe 5th grade program is a continuation of 4th grade band and strings. As in 4th grade, all students participate in the program. They are highly encouraged to stay on the same instrument, although exceptions will be made if necessary. A conference with the teacher should be made to determine if or when a student should switch. As 5th graders mature, they will be ready to perform on the Holiday Concert in December, a Spring Concert in April, and a 5th grade recital in May. Either late third or early fourth quarter students will be recruited to continue participation in the band and string programs. At this time students will weigh their options and make a decision to either continue in band or strings or participate in a study hall environment. This decision should not be made lightly. Many students are extremely talented, but might not display this at home. Playing a musical instrument has many residual benefits in addition to the pure aesthetic satisfaction of playing music. There are many studies that show the positive results of test scores and improved brain function for instrumental musicians. There is much more information on this topic beyond the scope of this document. The directors will be more than happy to help assist parents with this process. Notification of the process will be made by email.

Instrumental Music Handbook, Page 9

6th Grade6th Grade Band and strings are wonderful experiences for students. This is a transition year for instrumental students, as it is in their regular classes. Even though the challenge is greater, they begin to gain more confidence in their skills, and

will be able to perform pieces that are more adult in nature. Some or all students may participate with the Jr. High Band depending on their individual skill level.Performances for the 6th Grade Band and Strings include the Veteran’s Day Concert, Holiday Concert in December, possible field trip performance at Middlefork, possible participation at Northwestern University at the annual Festival, and Spring Concert in May. Check the school calendar for performance dates and times.

7th and 8th Grade - Jr. High BandThe Jr. High Band is our showcase ensemble. It is comprised of both 7th and 8th grade students, but may also include 6th graders at certain times. In this ensemble, students take on more responsibility including tuning the band, section leaders, and even conducting. Our performances include the Veteran’s Day Concert, Holiday Concert in December, field trip to New Trier that includes participation with the New Trier High School Band, Northwestern Band Festival at Northwestern University, Spring Concert in May, as well as other performances that may arise, usually by invitation. Performance dates and times will be announced in advance.

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Jazz BandJazz Band will be taught before school. One day each week will be devoted to 6th, 7th, and 8th grades and one day for 5th grade. The Jr. High group will perform at the New Trier Jazz Festival and the

Northshore Jazz festival. The jazz band will be included on school concerts as well.

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6th Grade Field Trip to Middlefor

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Important ItemsThe following items are for the sole purpose of maintaining the high musical standards initiated by the Band and Orchestra Directors. These standards can only be maintained if each member resolves to do their best to improve their own playing, and improve the group as a whole.

Private Lessons

Although your director would like to give you as much individual attention as needed, this is impossible. Therefore, it is strongly encouraged (not required) you study your instrument with a good private teacher outside school. If you do not know of any the director will be glad to suggest one or more. The benefits derived from private lessons will keep all ensembles at a high level of proficiency. Also, students who take private lessons may opt out of their group lesson given at school.

Concert AttireOur concert attire for 4th and 5th grades will be khaki pants and light color shirt with collar and dark shoes and socks. Girls may wear a skirt if desired and collarless blouse. 6th, 7th and 8th Graders will wear the band polo with khaki pants and dark

shoes and socks. Gym shoes are not appropriate for concerts, however a black solid color shoe with no

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colored stripes is acceptable. Check with the director to be sure. Jazz band and Choir may have different requirements depending on the type of concert and venue. Check with the director for instructions.

Band PolosBand Polos will be made available to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade band members at a nominal cost. The shirt has an embroidered school logo that says “Sunset Ridge Band”. It will be worn at all performances as part of our uniform.

Northwestern FestivalEach year, the Jr. High Band participates in a special band festival at Northwestern University sponsored by the Northshore Concert Band and Northwestern. There are two components to the program. First, is a performance clinic that includes the entire band. It takes place on a Thursday or Friday in March and will be a field trip during the school day. The clinician will be one of the Northwestern University band directors. The second component is a solo/ensemble festival which is optional to students. It takes place on the Saturday following our band performance. Students prepare a solo or ensemble and are adjudicated on their performance. Students who receive one of the top two grades will receive medals, that are presented at our awards assembly at the end

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of the year. Details of the event will be forwarded to parents when dates are finalized.

IMEAIMEA is the Illinois Music Educators Association. This group sponsors a number of events during the year for all grade levels and ensemble types. Sunset Ridge School directors belong to IMEA and the school is registered to participate in events.

The Jr. High division sponsors an honor band, orchestra, jazz band and choir. Students prepare for an audition which takes place in the fall. Those who are selected will perform on a special concert, usually around October or November. Materials will be given to interested students, and details will be forwarded to parents when dates are finalized.

AwardsWe present many awards for Instrumental Music. The highest award is the Director’s Award. It is nationally recognized and presented by schools across the country to students in Jr. High who show outstanding leadership, superior musicianship and overall excellence in their respective programs. The company that produces this award is the same that does the oscars for hollywood.Other awards include: outstanding musician, private lesson awards, Northwestern Festival medals, and most improved player. See the instrumental music website for the years requirements.Each student in our program receives a personalized certificate of achievement with their picture.

Instrumental Music Handbook, Page 15

PerformancesAttendance is required at performances and assembly programs. Illness is the only accepted excuse. If you are ill, notify your director in advance of the appearance so arrangements can be made to have your part played. by another musician

RehearsalsPromptness at rehearsals is absolutely necessary. Regular school rules apply to classroom tardies.

At the beginning of the rehearsal, a short time (3 minutes) should be devoted to tuning and warming up. Students will learn to tune their own instruments. If help is required, see the section leader. Tuning one note is not enough. Listen carefully at all times and make tuning adjustments whenever necessary. Do not ever play so loud you cannot hear your neighbor’s intonation. Match your tone with others in the Band or String Ensemble.

The second chair player on a stand turns the music while the others continue to play. This is to prevent interruption of the flow of music.

Posture is important. It is impossible to play any instrument properly unless you play in the correct position. Appearance and mental alertness are also improved by sitting up straight. At rest, instruments are held in a uniform manner, check with your section leader for correct positions.

An occasional mistake made in rehearsal is to be expected. However, if you find yourself making the same mistake over and over it is necessary to take the part to your lesson and practice. When music

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seems difficult, don’t give up. Have patience and keep practicing. Don’t forget to count out all the rests in your part so that you know exactly where you are at all times. This is necessary so that you will not lose your place when the director stops to make corrections.

PracticeStudents are expected to practice their instrument at home a minimum of 10 minutes a day for 4th and 5th grade. By 6th grade this should increase to 20-30 minutes a day. Remember that the muscles involved in playing a musical instrument respond and develop best when they are exercised regularly. Attempting to do a week’s practicing in two or three days may actually harm the muscles. Practice some each day, resting when your lips become too tired. Remember your muscles will not grow stronger if you never tire them, just avoid excessive tiring.

Learn a concept of good tone quality for your instrument. Listen to the quality of tone by expert performers of your instruments, especially through live performances.

InstrumentsThe enjoyment of playing a musical instrument is dependent on keeping it in good paying condition at all times. When a problem arises, always ask the director for assistance. Most problems are minor and can be fixed without a trip to the shop. This also pertains to those who use school instruments. All working parts must be oiled or greased. If you do not know what to do, check with the director or the section leader. Reeds, mutes, rosin and music must be readily available for immediate use at all rehearsals.

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If you have been fortunate enough to be entrusted with a school owned instrument, remember you are responsible for the instrument and the case. Normal wear will be allowed, but any damage resulting from carelessness or lack of proper up-keep will be charged to you.

No player is allowed to enter anyone else’s instrument case without permission from the owner AND the director. Furthermore, no one is to play any other instrument but their own instrument.

Members of the percussion section must be especially careful of the equipment when it is put away. Only percussionists are allowed to play on any percussion instrument.

MusicYour music is placed in numbered folders. Put your name on each sheet of music. When music is left out, we can then put it into the correct music slot. Music must always be returned for the next rehearsal. You are responsible for all the music in your folder.

LeadershipLeadership roles are assigned to students in the Junior High Band. The President tunes the band and helps the substitute when the conductor is absent. That person has the responsibility to start the rehearsal three minutes after the bell. If the President is absent, the vice-president will assume the responsibility of starting rehearsal. The secretary will do all written work requested of the Band Director as well as assisting to remind them when their fees are due. The band librarian’s job is the only one allowed to enter the music library. The librarian will also assist with technological requirements, such as audio, visual and computer equipment.

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The responsibilities of section leaders is important to both the band and orchestra. They must constantly check intonation and always tune up before rehearsal. They should turn in the absentee report to the secretary. They should check that all the second chair players of each stand return their music to the rack.

MentoringOur mentoring program gives students the ability to work with each other to foster positive working relationships as well as teach and reinforce skills learned. We have a sign-up sheet posted in the band room. Students can sign up to tutor or be tutored.

Other Daily ActivitiesCheck the bulletin board in the band room every day for important announcements and information of interest to you as a music student. Also, look at the front whiteboard and it will reveal the rehearsal schedule for the day. Arrange your music in the proper order when you enter the classroom.

Additionally, regularly check the school calendar and teachers’ web pages to find concert dates, updates to programs, schedules and other pertinent information.

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Student mentors will receive extra credit.

STUDENT MENTOR SIGN-UPStudents who sign up for mentoring should:

1. Print your name2. Print your instrument3. Write in the date you would like to come in4. Select a time and write it in the appropriate column

We can have up to 4 students at the same time.

Select one of these times:

8:00 3:10

8:15 3:25

8:30 3:40

Name of student seeking a mentor Instrument Date Time Mentor

MusicianshipGood musicianship includes tone, technique, sight-reading ability, experience and concentration. Auditions will be held from time to time in order to determine or change rankings. It is an honor and a responsibility to become a section leader. The first chair player is the leader of the section and those in the section are expected to follow the section leader’s direction.

ConclusionWe welcome you and your son/daughter to one of the most exciting and rewarding educational ventures our schools have to offer - INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC! Those of us who have chosen careers in this field have found many rewards which may not be apparent when one first considers, "Why Should I Play an Instrument?"

Recent statistics prove that young people who participate in music are among the academically strongest in their schools. They also have higher SAT score averages than their fellow classmates do. Their adult lives are filled with success which is a direct result of their music experience: self discipline, group cooperation, high self-esteem, understanding team work, developing a sense of persistence and performance confidence. Instrumental music can provide this foundation for your child.

As your child progresses in his/her understanding of the command of the instrument, you will see how this same desire for excellence applies to every subject in school and serves as a training ground for dealing with many aspects of adult life.

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The opportunity to enjoy a new level of communication and self-expression is the goal of every musician. Creativity is within all of us, and the language of music serves as a perfect vehicle to allow this personal growth and development.

For you the chance to become involved is a bonus. We all know the importance of supporting our children in whatever they choose in life. You are encouraged to work with your child in this exciting learning process. Much can be said with music that is impossible to say with words.

Welcome to the world of music and enjoyment of art!

Don [email protected]

Jesse [email protected]

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I have read and understand the information in the handbook:

PLEASE PRINT THIS FORM AND RETURN TO Mr. Golden or Mr. Nolan

Student Name (print)

Student Signature

Date:

Parent Signature

Date: