Wayland-Cohocton CSD

This handbook is for your convenience and reference. This handbook is also posted on my web page. All information regarding the 5^th Grade Instrumental Music Program will be found in this booklet. Please keep this in a handy place and refer to it throughout the year.

LESSONS

1. Lessons will be given one day a week for one 40-minute period in small groups of like instruments, and will begin the week of 9/19.

2. The lessons will rotate each week to different periods, 1st, 3rd or 12th. Band students need to refer to the Quarterly Lesson schedule provided to them by Mrs. Davis. Most 5^th grade teachers have them posted in their rooms, also. Lessons will be on the same assigned day of the week, with the same assigned letter group. Students will need to check their schedule to find their day and assigned letter group.

3. Students are to report to their classroom teacher first before coming to their lesson. They need to tell their teacher they have a lesson. Students should ask if there is any work they will need to make up while they are at their lesson, and should ensure that all work is made up in a timely manner. If their teacher states they need to stay in class for a test or quiz, they or their teacher should phone Mrs. Davis and let her know. Make-ups will be made during 13^th period.

4. Students should have their instruments, book and band music for each lesson. Being prepared and responsible are major parts of the program.

5. Students need to practice 15-20 minutes a day. Please make it a part of your child’s daily homework routine. Practice tips will be stapled in your student's lesson book.

6. Students will be graded for lessons each week on a rubric and can earn a total of 10 points. The points are accumulated in the following areas:

Conduct & Prepared for lesson: with instrument, book, band music, reeds, etc. 4 pts.
Attendance: being present, on time 2 pts.
Assignment Prepared using correct posture/hand position/embouchure: 4 pts.

BIG BAND REHEARSAL

1. A full-group band rehearsal will take place once each week, every Wednesday, 13^th period, 2:35-3:20. These are mandatory rehearsals. Students may not stay with another teacher to make up work on Band days. If they are behind in their work, they need to make other arrangements to complete the work. Students may miss for emergency only, with a parental phone call or written excuse. If a student is not in band rehearsal, they are not on the attendance absentee list, and I have received no note or phone call, then a referral must be written and submitted to Mr. Flowers indicating that a particular student skipped class. Disciplinary action follows accordingly.

2. Being prepared is essential for Band. You need to have your instrument and all music at each rehearsal. DO TAKE MUSIC HOME TO PRACTICE. Just remember to bring it back at the next rehearsal. Ensure that you have the necessary accessories you need for your instrument: working reeds, cork grease, valve oil, cleaning cloth, etc. to enable you to participate fully. You can get supplies at The Music Store (by Dollar General), phone#: 728-5470.

3. Books Needed: Essential Elements 2000 Book 1, (w/CD), for your child’s instrument.

CONCERTS

Attendance at concerts is required for all band members. Unless there is some unforeseen emergency or illness, attendance is mandatory. Concerts are an accumulation of all we do in lessons and band. They are special occasions. When one person misses a concert it can really affect the entire ensemble. Missing a concert is similar to missing an important test in a class; if you miss a test because you are sick or cannot be in school, you make-up the test. You cannot “make-up” the concert as such, but need to do a project to receive a grade for the concert. Students need a written note or phone call/e-mail from parents about reason for missing concert. Project details will be handed out after the missed concert. Students will not receive a grade for missed concert, unless they complete the project.

CONCERT DATES

Winter Band Concert: December 15th – 7:00 p.m.

includes both the 5^th & 6^th grade bands and 5th & 6th grade chorus.

Concert Attire: Girls: dressy pants/top, or skirt and top, or dress

Guys: Collared shirt; dress pants; a tie would be great!

Feet: Please wear dress shoes—no sneakers, if possible. (Girls,

use caution regarding high heels.)

LOOK SHARP!

Spring Band Concert: May 31st – 7:00 p.m. - includes both the 5^th & 6^th grade bands and 5th & 6th grade chorus.

Concert Attire: Same attire for this concert.

Any other pertinent information will be coming home with your student. Thanks for your support and the opportunity to work with your children! I look forward to seeing you at the upcoming musical events.

Please feel free to contact me at any time during the school year.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Davis

728-2551, ext. 3130

(Note: Please detach the LAST page and return to me as soon as you are able. Thanks!)

PLEASE HELP YOUR CHILD PACK FOR EACH DAY, so they remember what days to bring instruments and books. Students need their instruments every:

WEDNESDAY - for Band Rehearsal

INDIVIDUAL LESSON DAY – to be assigned

This information can be found on my school website. GO TO www.wccsk12.org. Click on STAFF, teacher pages, MS teacher pages, Mrs. Davis.

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Please detach this portion, sign and return to Mrs. Davis: Room #130.

We have read and understand the guidelines presented for the 5^th grade Band Program, including the concert requirements, and

have put concert dates on our calendar:

Student Signature/date__________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature/date____________________________________