Bath Community
Schools

Band Handbook
2017/2018

THE ENSEMBLES

6th Grade Beginning Band
	This is where it all begins. This is the first of many fine years of music making at Bath Community Schools. Students will learn more skills in this year than any other as they go from learning how to assemble their instruments to playing full-length pieces of music with many different parts being played at once.  

Middle School Concert Band
	7th & 8th grade band students at Bath Middle School are combined together in a single band class. This class continues building on the fundamentals started in the previous year. The music becomes more complex and challenging and at the same time, more fun and interesting to perform. Students in this band will be involved in festival activities with the Michigan Schools Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) including solo/ensemble festivals and district band festival.

The band classes at the Middle School are designed and scheduled as full-year classes. Therefore it is expected that students will remain in these classes for the entire school year. However, should it become necessary for a student to exit the band program, it is strongly recommended that a meeting with the student, his/her parents, principal, and the band director takes place to discuss the reasons for making such a decision.  

High School Band	
The High School Band is open to all high school band students with at least two years of prior band experience and focuses primarily on the performance of quality concert and symphonic band literature. The members of this group also make up our marching band in the fall. The marching band is responsible for performing at all home football games, parades, and any marching festivals scheduled for the season. Additionally, this group is called upon to perform in the capacity of a pep band during the winter basketball season at home events.  

	To maintain a high level of integrity and respect for our band program, students will be enrolled in band for the entire school year. Students will not be allowed to choose a single semester in which to participate in this course.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

•	Cell phones are not welcome in band rehearsals

•	When rehearsal begins, everyone is to be in their seats with their instruments and music ready to play.

•	Check the board for rehearsal order and put your music in order before rehearsal begins.

•	Percussionists need to have all of their equipment and music set up by the start of each rehearsal.

•	When you walk through the door, you are expected to remain there for the duration of the rehearsal. Please use the bathroom and take care of messages to others before or after class. When a student leaves the classroom, he/she is no longer participating in class activities and participation points will be deducted accordingly.

•	Cell phones are not welcome in band rehearsals

•	Everyone is expected to participate in all rehearsal activities on a daily basis. It is your responsibility to ensure your instrument is in working order and you have everything you need for each rehearsal (including your instrument, music, and a pencil).
  
•	Daily rehearsals are meant to be used to introduce new skills and work on those things that can only be accomplished as a group. Have your music prepared for these rehearsals. PRACTICE AT HOME!!

•	A culture of respect is expected in our band program.  Students are to show respect toward each other, instruments, music, and their uniforms.

•	Take pride in what you do and contribute to the excellence of our band program in positive ways. What are you going to do to each day to make your band great?

•	Cell phones are not welcome in band rehearsals

GRADING POLICY

Participation/Assignments (60%)
	In-class participation is what determines the majority of a band student’s grade.  This includes daily participation points and any written or performance tests given in class.  Daily participation points amount to 10 points for every class period, which are dependent upon a student’s in-class participation, attitude, and self-discipline.  Individual effort in the music-making process including proper posture, technique, attention to instruction, and having all necessary materials for class will also be factored into this grade. Additionally, any assignments (such as performance critiques) will be figured into this portion of the final grade. 
	
Tests (20%)
Individual student growth will be assessed throughout the year through performance testing of techniques (such as scales) and literature being learned for each performance. Additionally, written tests may be administered that assess knowledge of musical concepts presented in class.

Performances (20%)
	Attendance at all performances listed on the enclosed calendar is required of every band student. The success of our bands depends on everyone doing their part.  When people are missing, the integrity and ultimately the musicality of our ensembles are greatly diminished. Each person is valuable to our band program and each performance.
	All band students are expected to remain in attendance for the duration of each concert, not just their band’s performance. Special circumstances requiring the early release of a student from a concert must be communicated to the band director before the concert.

Exceptions to performance attendance
Due to the curricular nature of the band class it is expected that scheduled performances will take precedence over extra-curricular activities. Efforts are made between the band director and athletic director to avoid conflicts between performances and athletic contests.  In the rare event that a performance and an athletic contest are both originally scheduled on the same day, efforts will be made by the band director and athletic director to allow students to participate in both events. Should there be a direct conflict between performance time and athletic contest time, participation will be at the discretion of the student and his/her parents. Students who are active participants of an athletic event at which the band performs will be excused from performing with the band at that event.

	It is understood that there are some uncontrollable events such as illness or family emergency that may prevent a student from attending a performance. In such cases, a parent must notify the director as soon as possible to excuse the student and arrange to make up the performance (performing concert material for the band director within two weeks of the absence). An absence from a performance can only be made up if the absence has been deemed excusable by the band director. 
It is the responsibility of band students and their families to ensure personal schedules are not in conflict with the band’s performance schedule.  

Extra credit
	Extra credit will be awarded to any students who attend fine arts concerts other than those in which they perform themselves (pop/rock concerts do not count). Examples might include another school’s band, orchestra, or choir concert or a musical performance at The Wharton Center. A program from the concert signed by a parent needs to be turned in for credit. Please check with Mr. Vetter to see if a performance you will be attending can be counted for extra credit.
Extra credit will also be awarded to students performing on their instruments at events outside of school. Please bring is a signed note from a parent describing the performance situation.
	
Final Grades
In Class Participation – 60%
Tests (written or performed) – 20%
Performances – 20%

CONCERT ATTIRE

	Each student will be required to wear the appropriate concert attire for performances throughout the year. It is the responsibility of the student to have the correct uniform parts and keep them in good condition. The way our bands look should be a source of pride for all of their members. Uniforms are to be worn fully and properly at all times when the band is in the public eye.  

6th Grade Band
	Students in the 6th grade band need to dress in a uniform consisting of a white shirt, black pants, and black shoes and socks. These items are intended to give our band a “dressed up” look. Therefore, jeans, t-shirts, and tennis shoes would not be appropriate.  This uniform is the responsibility of each band student.

Middle School Concert Band
	The Middle School Concert Band has a uniform that is partially provided by the school. Each student will be issued a blue polo-style shirt embroidered with a Bath Bands logo. These are to be worn with black dress pants, shoes and socks provided by the student.These items are to be completely black, not black with stripes or any other colorful accents.

High School Marching Band
Each student of the marching band will be fitted to and assigned a jacket, pair of pants, hat, and a garment bag. Students are responsible for what has been assigned to them and that those items are returned and the end of the school year. Marching band uniforms will be kept in the high school band room when not in use.  They are not to be taken home. Each student will be responsible for purchasing black marching shoes, black socks, and white gloves. 

High School Concert Band
	Each student will be provided with a white tuxedo shirt, bow tie, and vest. Those items are to be worn with a pair of black dress pants provided by the student or a pair of tuxedo pants issued by the school. Closed toe black dress shoes (our marching shoes are perfect for this) and black socks are also to be worn with this uniform.

SUPPLIES

	Supplies such as reeds, greases, oils, etc… may be purchased from the band director at the end of class. Some items may need to be ordered if not in stock. This tends to be a problem for ill-prepared reed players. It is strongly recommended that anyone who plays a reed instrument has at least four playable reeds in their case at all times. A student’s grade will be affected if an inability to play is due to a lack of proper maintenance or supplies needed to make the instrument playable. Prices for supplies will be made available after the start of the school year.

EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

	Success in the band program is dependent not only on the effort of each student in the program but also using quality equipment and supplies. The following is a list of recommended brands for such equipment. Please be careful about what you purchase and use. There is a lot of inferior equipment being sold in various locations (in stores and online) with the allure of low prices. Please consult with Mr. Vetter before taking advantage of a “great deal.”  

Flute:  Gemeinhardt, Selmer, Yamaha, Armstrong
Clarinet:  Buffet, LeBlanc, Selmer, Yamaha
Alto Sax:  Yamaha, Selmer
Brass Instruments:  Bach, Yamaha, King, Conn, Blessing, Jupiter

Clarinet Reeds:  Mitchell Lurie, Vandoren, LaVoz
Saxophone Reeds:  Rico Royal, LaVoz, Vandoren
Valve Oil:  Al Cass, Blue Juice
Brass Tuning Slide Grease:  Shilke, Bach
Trombone Slide Lubricants:  Formula 3 Slide Cream, Slide-O-Mix, Trombotine
Drumsticks:  Vic Firth, Pro Mark (buy “general purpose” sticks with wood tips)

MUSIC RETAILERS

	We are fortunate to have a number of choices of retailers to shop at for our musical needs in the Greater Lansing area. Below is a list of stores I recommend going to for instrument repairs and supplies.

Marshall Music – 3240 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48912   (517) 337-9700
Meridian Winds – 2807 Jolly Rd., Suite 300, Okemos, MI  48864    (517) 339-7333
White Bros. Music – 13630 Main St., Bath, MI  48808    (517) 903-6040

INSTRUMENTS

	Students are expected to provide and maintain their own instruments. However, an exception will be made in the case of large instruments and percussion. Percussionists will play on school owned instruments but must provide their own drumsticks. Large wind instruments such as bass clarinet, tenor and baritone saxophones, baritone, and tuba will be provided by the school if a student of such an instrument does not own one him or herself.  
	Students are expected to treat school-owned instruments with the same respect they would their own. The cost of repairing or replacing a school-owned instrument due to carelessness or negligence will be the responsibility of the student and his/her family. Consumable items such as reeds and valve oil are to be provided by the students even if using a school-owned instrument.
 
	The band room does have space available for the storage of instruments. However, it is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her instrument is well cared for. The school is not responsible for lost or damaged instruments that were kept in the band room. Every locker in the middle school band room has been assigned a school-owned combination lock. Students who wish to store their instruments in a band locker will be responsible for the care of that locker and the lock assigned to them.

SWITCHING INSTRUMENTS

	Occasionally students wish to switch to another instrument in the band. This most often occurs during the first year of study in band when a student encounters frustration with the new instrument he/she is playing. This is the wrong time to consider a switch.  Frustration should be expected and can be overcome with practice and patience. Students will only be permitted to switch to a different instrument at the discretion of the director.  6th Grade students must remain on the instrument they started with for the entire year unless the director determines that a more immediate change will benefit the student and the ensemble.  
	Consideration for instrument changes that may occur following that first year of study will be based on a student’s musical progress, attitude, ensemble need, and parental permission.

MUSIC

	Our schools have built up libraries of music over the years at a considerable cost (music is not free). Many of the pieces of music in those libraries are not even in print any longer.  Therefore, it is important that our music is cared for properly. Sheets of music should not be folded or stuffed into cases with instruments. Folders will be issued to keep the music safe. Marks made in the music are only to be made in pencil. Damaged or lost music is to be replaced at the cost of the student.

SOLO/ENSEMBLE FESTIVALS

	Starting in the seventh grade, students may choose to perform at Michigan Schools Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) solo/ensemble festivals. Band members are encouraged to participate in these festivals and develop their individual musicianship. Students can choose to perform a solo with piano accompaniment or as part of a small ensemble. Festival performances are played in front of a judge who listens to them and gives a rating of I, II, III, IV, or V. A rating of I or II will be awarded a medal for the performance.  
	Preparation for solo/ensemble festivals is the responsibility of those involved. Students choosing to take part in solo/ensemble festivals are required to set up a rehearsal schedule with at least four rehearsals and one with their director. Anyone who chooses to participate in a solo/ensemble festival is expected to prepare the music and ultimately perform it at the festival. This decision should not be made lightly. There is a festival fee for each event that is the responsibility of the participants at the time of registration for festival (2-3 months prior to the festival). This is a great opportunity for our students to gain recognition for their individual talents and for our school’s music program.

TRIPS

	Any time a Bath Band takes a bus ride away from the school, it is considered a trip. This ranges from a short run out to Perry for a band festival to one of our big trips with the high school bands that occur every four years. All school and band rules apply to any trip situation. Students are required to ride the bus to any event. They are also encouraged to ride the bus back home, however there are situations in which students may ride home with their parents. Those will be handled on an individual trip basis. If you do not ride the bus home, you are still responsible for making sure all of your equipment is taken care of. Only Bath Band members and chaperones will be allowed to ride on the bus. Family and friends are encouraged to attend any events in which the bands participate and are welcome to follow our busses if desired. Directions will be provided to each event for those who wish to have them.

	Trips that are not necessarily educational in nature (Cedar Point, High School 4-year trip) will require students to meet academic and disciplinary standards to attend. Those standards will be relayed to students and parents as preparations are being made for these trips.

GUIDELINES for EFFECTIVE PRACTICING

-	Find a quiet place to practice without distractions.

-	Either stand up to play or find a chair that will allow you to sit with proper posture for your instrument.

-	Make sure your music can be displayed such that you can use proper posture (use a music stand).

-	Always play with your best sound.

-	Warm up with scales played in long tones (like we do in class) and some music you know how to play well.

-	Then practice music that needs work to improve your performance.

-	Set a goal for your practice session (keep it reasonable).

-	Always strive to improve your playing each time you practice.

-	Slow down the tempo until you can play it well, then speed it up little-by-little.

-	Break down tough passages in little chunks when working on them (like we do in class).

-	Finish with a song or two that you really enjoy playing.

-	If you find yourself getting frustrated and making little progress, take a break and come back to it later.

-	Do you have a smart phone or tablet? Try using some free metronome and tuner apps to improve your skills.

A PARENT’S RESPONSIBILITY

	Many parents have expressed concern for their student’s progress in his or her band class and that they themselves do not have the musical background to help them at home. The good news is that you do not have to be a musician yourself to help your child feel success in this situation. Below is a list of things you can do to help.

•	Show interest in your child’s musical study. Always be encouraging, even when the going gets tough.

•	Encourage your child to practice to avoid frustrations in class.  

•	Provide a practice space that is free from distractions.

•	Encourage your child to play for you and for others.  

•	Listen to problems they may be having. Communicate these problems to the band director.

•	Help your child maintain his/her instrument and keep it in working condition.

•	See that your child takes his/her instrument and music to and from school each day.

•	Know your child’s performance schedule (see calendar). Include these dates on your home calendar from the beginning of the school year. Support him/her at those performances with your presence.

•	Become an active Band Booster. Anyone who supports our young musicians can be a Band Booster. We are always looking for more parents to become active members of this group. Help us support the Bath Bands.  

•	Stay up-to-date with band activities by signing up for the “Bath Community Schools Bands” Team App available for your phone for free or accessible on your home computer. You can also sign up to receive notifications on your phone with our Remind accounts.