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                                             W.G. Pearson Band Handbook

                        Welcome to our W.G.Pearson Band program!

 

Materials (Third Grade):

  

Flute- "Do it!" Book 1, flute cleaning rod (usually comes with flute), cloth

Clarinet:"Do it!" Book 1, handkerchief swab, box of reeds size 2 ½ or 3, cork grease

Saxophone:"Do it!" Book 1, handkerchief swab, neck strap, box of reeds size 2

Trumpet / Euphonium:"Do it!" Book 1, valve oil, tuning slide grease

French Horn:"Do it!" Book 1, Rotary valve oil, tuning slide grease

Trombone:"Do it!" Book 1, Slide grease, tuning slide grease

Percussion:"Do it!" Book 1, must have bell kit (this includes bells, stand, snare practice pad), Drum sticks Vic firth size 2b

 

 

Fourth Grade & Fifth Grade:

*Each student is required to have a copy of the method book "Do it!" Book#1 by James Froseth for their particular instrument.

*Each student will also need their own portable wire music stand.

 

Flute- "Do it!" Book 1, flute cleaning rod (usually comes with flute), cloth

Clarinet: "Do it!" Book 1, handkerchief swab, box of reeds size 2 ½ or 3, cork grease

Saxophone: "Do it!" Book 1, handkerchief swab, neck strap, box of reeds size 2

Trumpet / Euphonium: "Do it!" Book 1, valve oil, tuning slide grease

French Horn: "Do it!" Book 1, Rotary valve oil, tuning slide grease

Trombone:"Do it!" Book 1, Slide grease, tuning slide grease

Percussion:"Do it!" Book 1, must have bell kit (this includes bells, stand, snare practice pad), Drum sticks Vic firth size 2b

 

 *4th and 5th Grade students will start out with Do it Book 1, they may progress to needing book 2 

•  In order to get full participation credit each student is required to bring his/her band instrument, music, and all other necessities (reeds, valve oil, etc.)  to class every day. Reeds should be in working and playable condition.

• If a student is without his/her instrument an excessive number of times during any quarter, then he or she will not be approved to continue in band after the quarter has been completed. Students with instruments in the repair shop will not be penalized. Please send a note or e-mail to the Band teacher.

• The method books can be purchased at Music & Arts, Sam Ashe, or any other music stores. Instruments can be rented from these locations as well. W.G. Pearson does not have an instrument inventory or copies of the method books; it is crucial for the students' success that they have their materials on time and in class daily.

Practice:

Each student has class for roughly 45 minutes a day, five days a week (Mon. - Fri.); while this is sufficient rehearsal time, students are limited in the amount of individual attention that they receive. The only way for a student to grow individually is to practice at home on a daily basis; an average of about 20 minutes (or more) per day. Band is a commitment and daily practice will encourage students to become more responsible and allow them to grow as individual players. The muscles in our face and hands are just like those in athletes…if we do not maintain them …we will lose them. Therefore, it is more beneficial to practice in small increments of time everyday rather than a large chunk of time once a week. A good idea for practicing is to set a schedule and to practice the same time everyday; this way it becomes a habit. Parents, one of the most important contributions that you can make is to allow a quiet place and time for your child to practice. Practice sheets will NOT be required, however, I will be able to tell if students are practicing through our performance assessments and our daily rehearsals.

 

Maintenance:

To keep an instrument in proper working order, it is necessary to clean them regularly.

• Woodwind instruments should be swabbed out after every time that they are played, reeds should be removed after each playing, and corks greased whenever necessary. Mouthpieces should be washed in warm soapy water at least once a week (or more often if the child is sick to prevent re-infection.)

• Brass instruments should be professionally cleaned at least once a year (this usually is included in the cost of rentals) and the slides/valves should be oiled as necessary. Mouthpieces should be washed in warm soapy water at least once a week (or more often if the child is sick to prevent re-infection.)

     

* The better the instruments are maintained on a daily basis the less likely they are to end up in the repair shop. Students will be instructed on instrument maintenance during the first few days of class.

 

Classroom Procedures:

Procedure for starting class

·     Check the whiteboard for announcements and instructions as you enter the classroom.

·     Get instruments, books, music and take them to your seats. Students must be in their seat 2 minutes after the tardy bell.

·     Get instruments out and place all other materials UNDER your chair.

Rehearsal Procedures

 

• If you need to leave your seat for any reason, raise your hand, wait to be called upon, and ask permission.

• Be silent while others speak and play.

• It is acceptable to QUIETLY speak with your neighbor if you need to discuss a fingering or other musical issues. Please keep these comments brief and to the task at hand.

 

Procedure for Class Dismissal

1.After class is over, perform maintenance on your instrument.

2.Swab your instrument

3.Put reeds in reed cases

4.Cover reed mouthpieces with cap

5.Check all tuning slides

6.Wipe off brass mouthpieces.

 

• Pack and put away instrument. Securely close all latches on your case.

• Line up with your instrument. Students who are car riders may leave their instrument in the designated storage area and pick them up at the end of the day.

• The director will dismiss the group when the bell rings.

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Discipline:

Each Band class is expected to follow the guidelines outlined in our school-wide behavior policy. Students who receive three warnings during the course of one class period will be asked to pack-up their instrument for the remainder of the class and will not be given credit for participating that day. Since band is a participation based class it is imperative that students allow others to have a chance to learn; failure to comply with the discipline policy will result in students being removed from the band program.

 

Tiger Paws Incentive Plan:

Upon arrival, students will notice that each class has a STAR. If the class follows the proper procedures, their class star will move up. Each Class starts on Green, Good Tiger, then will move up to Orange Better Tiger, Blue Best Tiger, and Purple Super Tiger. If each class gets a certain amount of Purple Paws  at the end of the quarter they will be allowed to have a "Class Reward Day."

 

Grading:

Band is a very unique class. It is a participation based, cumulative class. Musicians differ a great deal and progress on their own distinctive path. Students are graded on effort.  If students come to class prepared, are attentive, active learners, and show that they are doing their best to grow musicians, then the students' grades will reflect that.

 

Correct Playing: Students will be assessed through observation during daily rehearsals. I observe every child throughout class and am able to get an accurate account of whether each student is able to play and read what is required in their music. Students will be graded on correct notes, fingering, rhythm, posture, and tone quality.

 

Playing Assessments: Playing assessments will be given periodically in order to assess each individual player. Students will be notified in advance so they will have ample time to practice.

 

Rating scale for grades:

 

3: Student demonstrates proficiency of targeted elective standards (student has mastered the skill)

 

2:Student needs support to meet targeted elective standards (student demonstrates the skill with teacher assistance)

 

1:Insufficient performance of targeted elective standards with support. (student does not demonstrate the skill)

 

Concerts:

All performances are mandatory. Each student plays their own unique part and all students are needed in order to perform as an ensemble. When one student is not present, the whole group suffers. Failure to participate in these concerts will only be excused if a valid, written excuse is presented. Valid excuses include illness, family emergency, and unforeseeable circumstances preventing attendance. Advanced notice of a conflict that prevent s a student from being at a required performance will be considered on an individual basis.

Performances, however, are not a right. Students who consistently have problems with behavior and or do not show consistent effort will not be permitted to perform.

Concert Attire – Students will be asked to wear their W.G.Pearson Elective T-shirt that they purchased through their Band Director and Black Pants.

 

In Conclusion:

Band (and music) are an integral part of a child's development. Being part of a band program builds self-confidence, teaches self-discipline, promotes creativity, freedom of expression, social growth and some studies suggest improved test scores.