MBMS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC HANDBOOK 2022-2023
Welcome to MBMS’ Band & Orchestra Program! Congratulations and thank you for your commitment to band/orchestra and the study of music. The information provided in this handbook will hopefully guide you to understand your role in making this a musically rewarding experience for all. With hard work, dedication, and communication, we look forward to a successful year at MBMS!
GOALS
Through the making of music, all participants in the MBMS instrumental music program will work towards the following musical and non-musical goals:
CLASSROOM RULES, PROCEDURES AND EXPECTATIONS
Students may store their instruments in their assigned slots in the band/orchestra room or MPR during the school day. Students are encouraged to leave their instruments in the music room before their first class and pick it up after school. All instrument cases must be labeled with a blue tape label with the student’s first and last names.
SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS
MBMS owns a limited number of musical instruments. They are the larger, more expensive, unique instruments necessary to complete a well-balanced instrumentation. Any student who checks out a school instrument must have an instrument check out form completed, on file with Mrs. Haslop. There is no charge for using the instruments, but we ask for a donation to cover the yearly maintenance expenses. Students who have been using the school instruments for a year may be asked to rent/purchase one for the next year, to allow new incoming students to use the school instruments.
HOMEWORK
HOMEWORK = HOME PRACTICE = A MINIMUM OF 5 TIMES A WEEK (20-minute session)
Practicing in class alone is not enough to develop good music skills. Students may also choose to practice in the band/orchestra room during lunch time.
GRADING
Students will be individually tested from time to time to determine progress in class. Areas subject to testing will be, but not limited to:
SECTIONALS
Sectionals are held for members of Chamber Orchestra, String Ensemble and Symphonic Band. As members of these groups frequently represent the school and district at public performances, they are expected to attend sectionals. Sectional rehearsals are vital for working out details essential to a fine performance, therefore upholding the tradition of outstanding music education at MBMS. Attendance and participation at sectionals count towards the students’ grades. Sectionals take place once every two weeks, after school from 3:10pm - 4:10pm, for students in Chamber Orchestra and Symphonic Band. String Ensemble sectionals occur during lunch.
AUDITIONS
Before the end of the school year there will be auditions for membership to all the groups to appropriately place students in the correct classes. Students playing popular instruments should consider switching to instruments that are not common. This will help in the instrumentation needs of each group and alleviate competition to advance into the next group. For optimum learning in each group, there are limited spaces for some of the instruments. Placement for these instruments will be based on the highest scores earned in the audition. Students in Chamber Orchestra, String Ensemble and Symphonic Band who are currently 6th and 7th graders do not need to audition again but must maintain an average of 90% (without extra credit) in the class to remain in the group the next year.
RECITALS & SOLO COMPETITION
Students are encouraged to work on solos and in small ensembles to improve their musicianship and to allow opportunities for different musical experiences.
EXTRA CREDIT
Students are encouraged to attend live concerts to earn extra credit. The concert must involve a performance of at least one of the instruments played in the class. Students need to turn in the program and a completed Concert Appreciation Report (available in Google Classroom) as evidence of attending the concert. Each Concert Appreciation Report will earn a maximum of 5 points, a student may attend up to 2 concerts a trimester for extra credit.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Although as much individual help is provided during class rehearsals, each band and orchestra member is encouraged to study with a private teacher who is a specialist in that person’s instrument. Such a teacher is available to devote the entire lesson toward the development of the individual student. The results of this kind of attention simply cannot be attained in a group situation. If interested, email Denise Haslop [email protected] for recommendations of private teachers.
LIST OF IMPORTANT DATES
Here is a link to important band/orchestra dates for the 2022-2023 school year. They include dates for:
GOALS
Through the making of music, all participants in the MBMS instrumental music program will work towards the following musical and non-musical goals:
- Individual mastery of musical knowledge, skills and instrument techniques.
- Prepare and present musical performances to the highest level of our ability.
- Development of the individual’s self-confidence through working as a team member.
- Develop self-discipline and self-confidence, working collaboratively as a team.
- Create a safe and respectful environment where every member belongs and feels welcomed.
CLASSROOM RULES, PROCEDURES AND EXPECTATIONS
- Students are to only handle their own instruments. Accidents and damages tend to happen when students handle another person’s instrument.
- Students leave their backpacks outside the classroom and only bring into the room what is required for class. Students also leave hats and water bottles outside the classroom.
- Enter the room with all required materials (instrument, music folder, music, pencil, music book, etc.) Demerits are given when one forgets to bring materials to class.
- Students must be seated, ready to begin tuning and warm-up procedures when the tardy bell rings. Failure to do so will warrant tardiness.
- Students are not to leave their instruments laying around unattended inside/outside the music room. This will invite damage/theft.
- Students will neither chew gum nor eat in the rehearsal room per school rules. Detention will be assigned.
- Students may not switch instruments during the course of the year, unless with permission from the teacher.\
Students may store their instruments in their assigned slots in the band/orchestra room or MPR during the school day. Students are encouraged to leave their instruments in the music room before their first class and pick it up after school. All instrument cases must be labeled with a blue tape label with the student’s first and last names.
SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS
MBMS owns a limited number of musical instruments. They are the larger, more expensive, unique instruments necessary to complete a well-balanced instrumentation. Any student who checks out a school instrument must have an instrument check out form completed, on file with Mrs. Haslop. There is no charge for using the instruments, but we ask for a donation to cover the yearly maintenance expenses. Students who have been using the school instruments for a year may be asked to rent/purchase one for the next year, to allow new incoming students to use the school instruments.
HOMEWORK
HOMEWORK = HOME PRACTICE = A MINIMUM OF 5 TIMES A WEEK (20-minute session)
Practicing in class alone is not enough to develop good music skills. Students may also choose to practice in the band/orchestra room during lunch time.
GRADING
Students will be individually tested from time to time to determine progress in class. Areas subject to testing will be, but not limited to:
- Scales, counting and clapping/playing rhythms, sight-reading, music currently being rehearsed in class, written/interactive assignments on music theory, musical terms, etc.
- Participation in every scheduled performance is mandatory, for each concert is a test that cannot be made up. The performance is the culmination of all work in class. Serious illness is the ONLY acceptable reason for absence from a performance, in such a case, timely communication with the teacher is expected. A student with an unexcused performance absence will receive a semester report card grade one grade lower than previously earned.
- Students earn high marks for work habits and citizenship grades when they bring all materials necessary for class and have good rehearsal etiquette.
- Required Materials
- Instrument, Music, Pencil
- Accessories:
- Strings: rosin, shoulder rest, cleaning cloth
- Woodwinds/Brass: 3 playable reeds, cork grease, swab, cleaning cloth, valve oil, slide grease
- Percussion: sticks, mallets, mallet bag
- Concert Attire is important for providing a sense of unity and for raising the spirit of the occasion. Here is a link for details and photos. Here is a link to find used concert clothes.
- Good rehearsal procedures must be followed. This includes having good playing and fingering posture, paying attention and being on task. On-task students who follow directions promptly will be awarded positive model behavior points.
SECTIONALS
Sectionals are held for members of Chamber Orchestra, String Ensemble and Symphonic Band. As members of these groups frequently represent the school and district at public performances, they are expected to attend sectionals. Sectional rehearsals are vital for working out details essential to a fine performance, therefore upholding the tradition of outstanding music education at MBMS. Attendance and participation at sectionals count towards the students’ grades. Sectionals take place once every two weeks, after school from 3:10pm - 4:10pm, for students in Chamber Orchestra and Symphonic Band. String Ensemble sectionals occur during lunch.
AUDITIONS
Before the end of the school year there will be auditions for membership to all the groups to appropriately place students in the correct classes. Students playing popular instruments should consider switching to instruments that are not common. This will help in the instrumentation needs of each group and alleviate competition to advance into the next group. For optimum learning in each group, there are limited spaces for some of the instruments. Placement for these instruments will be based on the highest scores earned in the audition. Students in Chamber Orchestra, String Ensemble and Symphonic Band who are currently 6th and 7th graders do not need to audition again but must maintain an average of 90% (without extra credit) in the class to remain in the group the next year.
RECITALS & SOLO COMPETITION
Students are encouraged to work on solos and in small ensembles to improve their musicianship and to allow opportunities for different musical experiences.
- Participating in the recitals is optional. All students performing in the recital will receive extra credit (20 extra points for that trimester).
- Students from Chamber Orchestra, String Ensemble, and Symphonic Band are encouraged to participate in the solo competition.
EXTRA CREDIT
Students are encouraged to attend live concerts to earn extra credit. The concert must involve a performance of at least one of the instruments played in the class. Students need to turn in the program and a completed Concert Appreciation Report (available in Google Classroom) as evidence of attending the concert. Each Concert Appreciation Report will earn a maximum of 5 points, a student may attend up to 2 concerts a trimester for extra credit.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Although as much individual help is provided during class rehearsals, each band and orchestra member is encouraged to study with a private teacher who is a specialist in that person’s instrument. Such a teacher is available to devote the entire lesson toward the development of the individual student. The results of this kind of attention simply cannot be attained in a group situation. If interested, email Denise Haslop [email protected] for recommendations of private teachers.
LIST OF IMPORTANT DATES
Here is a link to important band/orchestra dates for the 2022-2023 school year. They include dates for:
- Performances - Class (ensemble/group) performances & Recital (solo) performances
- Photo Day
- All District Performances
- Field Trips (Symphonic Band, Chamber Orchestra, String Ensemble)
- Movie Nights
