Middle School Band
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Elkhart Middle
School Band
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Middle School Band Itineraries
Middle School Band Handbook
Elkhart ISD
Middle School
Band Handbook
Band Policy and Mission Statement
In order to assist band members and parent in understanding areas of responsibility, a statement of band policy is herein set forth. Becoming familiar with this policy will enable each individual to make the most of this great opportunity to be a member of the Elkhart Middle School Band, becoming a better person and a better musician.
We firmly believe that each student should improve through regular practice. When the student has lost the will to improve him/herself or to make a better contribution to the band, he or she is wasting the time and effort of fellow members. The happiest student is one who improves through regular habits of practice and daily progress. He or she must not only know right from wrong, but must be able to stand for principles and develop a high sense of purpose toward which he or she is willing to work. Responsibility is the focus behind any level of achievement within this program. We intend to conduct ourselves in a manner that will facilitate the learning of all students.
Objectives of the Elkhart Middle School Band Program
- To teach music through performance
- To develop performance skills on the various wind and percussion instruments
- To provide for the musical needs of the school and the community
- To develop discrimination with regard to the selection of music
- To acquaint the students with music theory/history and how history and musical composition relate to students' lives and musical experience
- To provide all students with the opportunity for worthy use of their time, a means for self-expression, and a healthy social experience
- To develop the ability to function as a responsible member of a group, enhance interaction and develop espirit de corps
- To foster leadership skills within each student
- To foster a life-long love of music appreciation and music performance
Twelve Benefits of Music Education
(by: Carolyn Phillips)
1. Early musical training helps develop brain areas involved in language and reasoning. It is thought that brain development continues for many years after birth. Recent studies have clearly indicated that musical training physically develops the part of the left side of the brain known to be involved with processing language, and can actually wire the brain's circuits in specific ways. Linking familiar songs to new information can also help imprint information on young minds.
2. There is also a causal link between music and spatial intelligence (the ability to perceive the world accurately and to form mental pictures of things). This kind of intelligence, by which one can visualize various elements that should go together, is critical to the sort of thinking necessary for everything from solving advanced mathematics problems to being able to pack a book-bag with everything that will be needed for the day.
3. Students of the arts learn to think creatively and to solve problems by imagining various solutions, rejecting outdated rules and assumptions. Questions about the arts do not have only one right answer.
4. Recent studies show that students who study the arts are more successful on standardized tests such as the SAT. They also achieve higher grades in high school.
5. A study of the arts provides children with an internal glimpse of other cultures and teaches them to be empathetic towards the people of these cultures. This development of compassion and empathy, as opposed to development of greed and a "me first" attitude, provides a bridge across cultural chasms that leads to respect of other races at an early age.
6. Students of music learn craftsmanship as they study how details are put together painstakingly and what constitutes good, as opposed to mediocre, work. These standards, when applied to a student's own work, demand a new level of excellence and require students to stretch their inner resources.
7. In music, a mistake is a mistake; the instrument is in tune or not, the notes are well played or not, the entrance is made or not. It is only by much hard work that a successful performance is possible. Through music study, students learn the value of sustained effort to achieve excellence and the concrete rewards of hard work.
8. Music study enhances teamwork skills and discipline. In order for an orchestra to sound good, all players must work together harmoniously towards a single goal, the performance, and must commit to learning music, attending rehearsals, and practicing.
9. Music provides children with a means of self-expression. Now that there is relative security in the basics of existence, the challenge is to make life meaningful and to reach for a higher stage of development. Everyone needs to be in touch at some time in his life with his core, with what he is and what he feels. Self-esteem is a by-product of this self-expression.
10. Music study develops skills that are necessary in the workplace. It focuses on "doing," as opposed to observing, and teaches students how to perform, literally, anywhere in the world. Employers are looking for multi-dimensional workers with the sort of flexible and supple intellects that music education helps to create as described above. In the music classroom, students can also learn to better communicate and cooperate with one another.
11. Music performance teaches young people to conquer fear and to take risks. A little anxiety is a good thing, and something that will occur often in life. Dealing with it early and often makes it less of a problem later. Risk-taking is essential if a child is to fully develop his or her potential.
12. An arts education exposes children to the incomparable.
Carolyn Phillips is the author of the Twelve Benefits of Music Education.
She is the Former Executive Director of the Norwalk Youth Symphony, CT.
Research from the University of Toronto showed that children who studied music have higher IQ’s as adults. Music feeds the soul and brightens imaginations. Music is a tremendous vehicle to open up your child’s mind to many new wonders.
Elkhart Band Curriculum
Elkhart Middle School
Beginner Band
The Elkhart Beginner Band starts in 6th grade. The primary focus of this group is to introduce the students to their respective instruments and teach them the fundamentals of that instrument. While this is not a primary performance group at Elkhart, we will perform at the Winter and Spring concerts as well as participate in the Sandy Lake Amusement Park's FunFest.
There are three (3) classes of beginner band at Elkhart. The woodwind class consists of flute and clarinet, while the brass class consists of trumpet and trombone. Percussion is very limited and students are chosen through an audition, interview and the results of the Selmer Music Aptitude Survey that each student will take in their 5th grade music class. This class meets separately from the others beginner classes.
Other instruments such as oboe, bass clarinet, saxophone, French horn, euphonium (baritone) and tuba are taught at a later time. Students interested in the oboe, bass clarinet or saxophone are encouraged to enter the woodwind class on either the flute or clarinet while students interested in the French horn, euphonium or tuba are encouraged to enter the brass class.
Middle School Band
The Elkhart Middle School Band consists of 7th and 8th grade student who have completed the Elkhart Beginner band class. The primary focus of this ensemble is to prepare the students for HS Band through performance. As a result, the MS Band has more performance opportunities than the beginner band which include all Middle School pep rallies, a MS football game halftime performance, a MS basketball game, the Winter and Spring Concerts as well as the Middle School UIL Concert & Sight-Reading contest.
In addition to the full band events, MS students have individual performance opportunities that include ATSSB Middle School All-Region Band and an invitational style Solo & Ensemble contest.
General Rules and Procedures
All school rules laid out in the EISD Student Handbook must be observed within the band program.
Attendance Policy
The only excusable absences are prearranged school conflicts and those that would be excused by the school for regular attendance records, e.g., illness, a death in the family, or a religious holiday. Individual needs will be addressed as they occur. This system is subject to modification by the director.
For all absences, the following procedure must be followed by the student as well as the parent:
- The director must be notified in advance
- For illness, a parental note or doctor's note must be submitted
- Although cleared by the school office, absences from a band activity that same day must be cleared with the band director as well - please call the band hall
- In extreme cases, a phone message may be left on the band hall voice mail with a follow-up personal call
- Follow-up is the sole responsibility of the student and/or parent
All performances and rehearsals are mandatory and attendance is of the utmost importance. If a student must miss a performance for ANY REASON, the band director must be notified as far in advance as possible. Please keep in mind that notification of an absence is a professional courtesy and does not insure that the student's grade will not be altered. In extreme cases, skipping a performance may result in being removed from the band program altogether.
Conflicts With Band
Resolving conflicts between band and other activities or events is the responsibility of the student. Rehearsal and Performance schedules are given out well in advance and are on the band's website for reference. This is done so that students can plan their schedules and arrangements can be made to attend each band rehearsal and performance. Students should have a band calendar and be aware of all band dates well ahead of schedule.
It is the policy of the band director to assist students when conflicts occur within the scope of the band policy. Students are reminded that band is a very demanding activity and that involvement in outside activities should be limited to those compatible with the band schedule. All conflicts with performances must be resolved in favor of band participation. Work is not an excuse for missing any band activity.
When there is a conflict between two school-sponsored events, allow time for the band directors and the conflicting sponsor to work it out. This takes time, so make sure you look ahead to any future conflicts so that the sponsors will be able to plan around it and resolve the scheduling conflict. Plan ahead.
Grading Policy
Grades are assigned for the band class and performances, which are considered co-curricular.
Participation (50%) - If a student attends class punctually, has all of their materials every day (instrument, music, pencil), and is not a disruption in class, they will receive a “100”. Tardiness, lack of effort, lack of preparation and/or missing equipment will result in points taken off.
Rehearsals/Performance (30%) - All after-school rehearsals are graded rehearsals and as such are considered test grades. Attending and being on time to these rehearsals will result in a “100”. For every minute late to the rehearsal that a student is, points will be taken off of the grade. Not attending the rehearsal will result in a “0” for that rehearsal.
The same basic policy applies to performances. Missing a performance, without prior notification of the band directors, may also result in removing the student from the field show.
There will be times when music is graded on a performance basis, meaning that your grade will reflect your performance. Those grades will vary depending on proper preparation of the music. Scoring is subjective.
Six Weeks Test (20%) - Usually the Six Weeks test is a big performance within that six weeks grading period. Any UIL band event will be graded as a six weeks test. During a Six Weeks grading period in which there is no UIL band event, the last test of the Six Weeks will be considered the Six Weeks Test.
Semester Tests - The Winter Concert acts as a fall semester test while the Spring Concert acts as a spring semester test. The grade is based on attendance and punctuality. Points are taken off for tardiness and a “0” is given for non-attendance. Students are expected to attend the entire concert for full credit. TEA mandates that the students are taught how to behave as well as critique a live concert environment, and this is our way of fulfilling that specific TEKS for band.
Eligibility
All public performances are subject to eligibility status. UIL has a “no pass/no play” rule that means if you make below a 70 in any class during a 6 weeks grading period, you cannot perform with the group until you regain eligibility either through the progress report at the 3 week mark, or through a passing report card at the end of the next grading period.
Eligibility is a very big deal. Not only are you letting the entire band down by forcing them to perform without you, you are also jeopardizing passing a class for the year which could affect your graduation date.
As a courtesy to band students who become ineligible because of a failing grade(s) on their report card, a “50” is given for every performance that the student must miss because they are ineligible to attend. We do this so that the student will not fail band. Their grade will be significantly lower during the time that we have performances while they are ineligible, but that is an accurate reflection of their contributions to the band during that time. Bottom line: Don’t fail a class and become ineligible.
Stay on top of your class work. Go to tutorials. Turn in all of your work. Keep a good attitude in your classes and it will be difficult for you to fail. 9 times out of 10, failing to do one of those things is the reason that you failed a class in the first place. “I’m not good at math…” is not the reason you failed that class. Get some help and do your best at all times.
Equipment
All students must attend every rehearsal and performance with all of their necessary equipment. Instrument, music and a pencil is mandatory for every rehearsal. Failure to have any of these items will result in disciplinary actions of various degrees ranging from writing sentences (I have a really good sentence!!!) to an office referral. Please make having all of your equipment a top priority!
If a student's personal instrument is in the repair shop and not available to the student, a parent note explaining the nature of the repair and when the instrument will be back in action is mandatory. Without a parent note, the student will be disciplined as if the instrument were merely forgotten and left at home. When it comes to having an instrument repaired, the band director MUST be informed in writing.
Most instances of “forgetting an instrument” happen because the student is not in a habit of taking their instrument home to practice and bringing it home the next day. If home practice is not a consistent part of their day, then the student WILL attend class unprepared whether they have their instrument or not.
Financial Obligations
All Band Students
- Pencil (Probably not real expensive)
- Metronome/Tuner (~$30…the Korg MA-30 & the Boss TU-80 are good choices)
- Basic maintenance items (valve oil, cork/slide grease, slide cream, key oil, polishing cloth, or other instrument specific maintenance supplies)
- A "Foundations for Superior Performance" book for their specific instrument. We call this "the blue book" and it is our foundational warm-up and technique book. We will play out of this book every day and it is very important that the student have their own book. This is a one-time purchase...students may use the same book year-to year, all the way through high school band. This book is required for band members from 7th grade and up. Beginner Band students will not need this book. (Instrumentalists - $8, Percussionists - $12)
- Reed players (clarinet and saxophone) and double reed players (oboe, bassoon) should have a good supply of reeds…at least 4 working reeds in their case at all times. Reeds break and must be perceived as consumable items that will need to be replaced regularly. A reed will NOT last a full year…even if it remains unbroken.
When it comes to general band membership, it is our policy to NEVER let a child miss out on a music education because of financial difficulties. We can and will do whatever we can to help out financially. Please communicate to us and allow us to help. Communication is key!
Band Uniforms
Our uniform consists of two separate types of dress, depending on the group and the performance.
Beginner Band Uniforms (6th Grade)
Winter and Spring Concerts – White dress shirt, black dress pants/long skirt, and dress shoes. (Please, no t-shirts, blue jeans or tennis shoes!!) This concert is semi-formal and we should look nice for it.
Sandy Lake Funfest – Red Middle School Band t-shirt, blue jeans, and tennis shoes. We want to be more comfortable for this performance, so the red MS Band shirt and blue jeans will suffice.
Middle School Band Uniforms (7th and 8th Grade)
Winter and Spring Concerts & UIL Concert & Sight Reading Contest – White dress shirt, black dress pants/long skirt, and dress shoes. (Please, no t-shirts, blue jeans or tennis shoes!!) These performances are semi-formal and we should look nice for it.
Pep Rallies – Red Middle School Band t-shirt, blue jeans, and tennis shoes. We want to be more comfortable for these performances, so the red MS Band shirt and blue jeans will suffice.
Behavior While In Uniform
It is critical that you realize that when you are wearing our band “uniform”, you are representing the Elkhart Middle School Band, Elkhart Middle School and the community of Elkhart itself. It is unacceptable to behave in a way that brings negative views to our organization. This includes your speech as well as your actions.
There is NO PDA of any type while in uniform. Please control your actions. People are watching, and people form opinions of the Elkhart Middle School Band based on your individual choices. Make the right choice.
Instruments
Student Owned Instruments
Each student is highly encouraged to purchase his/her own instrument. We believe that a student will take more pride in their music education if they have an instrument of their own. This also reduces the strain on the band budget when it comes to supplying instruments to students.
If the student is still using the instrument that was purchased for beginner band in 6th grade, it is also recommended that the instrument be upgraded to "Intermediate" or "Advanced/Professional" for the High School level of music. Beginner level instrument quality has inherent mechanical and intonation problems that will start to hold the student back if it is not upgraded. This is not an issue when they are beginning to play, but as they improve, the instrument needs to improve along with them. The band directors can help locate a good instrument and help you find it with the best price. Remember, this is an investment. When that instrument helps pay for 4 years of college, it really starts to look like a smart investment.
School-Owned Instruments
School-owned instruments will be checked out on a needs-only basis. Please understand that the school district has invested a large amount of money to supply quality instruments to our band program. It is our responsibility to treat each instrument with care and respect. This is not only a responsibility issue, but an issue of pride. Please have pride in the instrument that you've been supplied.
The school will pay to have the instrument serviced as well as any normal wear-and-tear maintenance that may be required. Normal wear-and-tear issues include torn or worn pads, broken springs, torn corks, etc. The student is responsible to pay for any repairs to a school-owned instrument that is not considered normal wear-and-tear. Anything that would jar the solder joints loose or dent/scratch a slide, valve casing or any other part of the horn is NOT considered normal wear-and-tear.
Currently, we do not charge students a "rental fee" for the use of school-owned instruments. This is a courtesy and will remain in effect as long as the school instruments continue to get treated with care and respect. A rental fee of an undetermined amount may be added at any time if students do not display pride and care when dealing with their instrument.
All percussion equipment, including sticks and mallets, are provided by the school. Our percussion equipment is good, and will be treated with the utmost of respect. Our sticks and mallets should not be used in any way that would render them useless. The stick bag is a privilege and at any time a percussionist may be asked to provide his/her own sticks or mallets if our equipment is continually mistreated.
Extra Trips
The band takes a "fun trip" every year. This is an extra expense, but this expense can be offset by our annual Cookie Dough fundraiser. Trip cost is ~$26-30 for a group-rate Six Flags over Texas ticket. This trip is usually scheduled for mid-May.
Duties of the Band Member
- Be on time to all rehearsals and performances. Early is on time, on time is late, and late is completely unacceptable!!!
- Upon entering the rehearsal setting, get your instrument and other equipment, and go directly to your seat.
- Make sure you have all of your materials with you at all times. This includes a pencil.
- When the director or staff member steps on the podium or asks for your attention, all talking and playing should immediately cease.
- Come to the rehearsal with a good attitude.
- There should be no excess playing (e.g., making ugly sounds on your instrument), only good, solid material. Practice the way you perform!
- Make a real effort to improve on a daily basis, and establish a good practice routine. Have pride in yourself and your band.
- At the end of the rehearsal, put all of your materials in their proper place and completely latch your instrument case.
- Maintain a strong academic standing in all of your classes.
- Become responsible for and assume responsibility for your own actions. Admit when you are wrong.
- Have proper respect for yourself and those in authority.
- Read and play music with insight - have musical expectations.
- Keep yourself healthy. If you are injured or sick, this basic rule applies: Do the very best that you can. We will never ask you to further injure yourself, but if you are healthy enough to come to school, it stands to reason that you are healthy enough to participate.
The Importance of Attitude
The greatest single factor that will determine the success of any individual or organization is attitude. The kind of person you are in as individual choice, and how you feel about something is one of the few actual independent choices you have in life. It takes intense dedication to reach goals. Students should learn to discipline themselves to practice fundamentals daily.
The right attitude must be present along with sincerity, concentration, and dedication as the basic foundations. Such an attitude makes an artistic performance inevitable and is the difference between a winning organization and a mediocre group. The band can do much for you. Make the most of it in every rehearsal and performance.
Attitude is the only real thing in your life that you have direct control over.
The Importance of Discipline
Because of the nature of the organization, band discipline must be strict. Band students and parents must believe in the ideals, principles, and philosophy of the organization. Each member must always be aware of good behavior and think for him or herself.
Any and all misconduct casts a bad light on the school, community and the band program. Any member who discredits the organization by his or her conduct or actions in band, in another class, or on a trip shall be subject to dismissal from the band program or may lose a privilege within the program. This may include the chance to go on our spring trip. This decision will be at the director's discretion.
Discipline not only includes making good choices and acting with maturity, but it is also the discipline to practice your craft. You will only be as good as the amount of work that you put into it, and you will only receive back from band what you put into it. The more you work at it, the more you will enjoy it…it doesn’t sound logical, but it’s the truth. All band members are expected to have the self discipline to practice and rehearse on their own.
Students' Responsibility...
…to the Band
As members of this organization, you have a great deal of responsibility. These expectations coordinate with the privileges, rewards and duties of the band program.
…to Ourselves
You have the primary responsibility of developing your own abilities. The benefits of a good instrument and private instruction can never be overestimated. What you put into it is what you will get out of it. The director is always available for your guidance and encouragement - just ask!
…to the School
The school district provides us with the resources for rehearsals, performances, and equipment. The band booster club also provides a support network, both financially and philosophically. We have the responsibility to provide the best possible services to our community.
…to Music
Music has always been a part of our culture. We must take what we have and use it for the betterment of that culture. No one expects you to be virtuoso musicians, only to do the very best you can. The great composer Gustav Mahler once said that only 10 percent of a piece of music is on the page. If that is the case, we as musicians have the duty of creating and producing the other 90 percent. The joy of music is not in everything that is apparent. It must be discovered and created.
…to Each Other
We must always do what is best for the welfare of the group. There can be no selfish acts solely for the benefit of the individual. Respect each other. If there are conflicts, find a way to resolve them. Never insult another band member's integrity. The word "band" implies that we are banded together without divisions.
Parents' Responsibility to the Band
It is the responsibility of every parent and guardian to see that the policies outlined in the handbook are followed and that the form in the back is signed and returned. This form states that you understand the policies set within and that any questions or concerns are to be directed to the band director by making an appointment. Each parent is responsible for the attendance of his or her child at all band functions. It is the responsibility of each parent to see that the child practices his or her instrument daily. The hands of the directors are tied without the help of the parents.
How Parents Can Help
When a band question arises, it is important that you get factual information before discussing it with others. We do more harm to ourselves, the band family, when we talk about things that contain one or more falsehoods presented as facts. If questions arise, it is important to remember this axiom: If it is a performance issue or anything dealing with the band proper, contact the band director directly via a phone call, email or an office visit.
Parents can also help in the following ways:
- Show an interest in the musical study of your child
- Arrange a regular time for your child to practice
- Find a quiet place where he or she can practice without interruption
- Listen to performances of practice material when asked to do so
- Help the student keep a daily record of practicing
- Come up with a reward system for daily practice
- Encourage practice (can you tell that practicing is important?)
- Keep the instrument in good repair
- Make sure your child has at least 4 good reeds at all times (for saxophone and clarinet students...2 good reeds for oboe and bassoon)
- Get your child a metronome & tuner
- Be extra careful with school-owned instruments. Repair costs are high
- Teach your child to be prepared and on time to each rehearsal or lesson
- Provide private instruction
- Make faithful attendance at all band activities important
- Buy your child a personal planner for marking important dates
- Keep this handbook in a safe place and refer to it often
- Notify the teacher if the student is to be absent for rehearsals or lessons
- Double check to make sure students bring their instrument home to practice and that they bring it back to school for the following day's rehearsal
- Visit rehearsals occasionally
- Make sure all fund-raising money is turned in on time
- Attend booster meetings, concerts, games and contests…yes, you are welcome to attend all of our events!
Please do NOT punish your child’s bad behavior, bad attitude or poor decision making by taking away musical privileges. If your child really enjoyed math, you wouldn’t try to discipline your child by not allowing them to do their math homework, would you? It makes just as little sense to take their practice time away from them in order to discipline them. Make them practice more!
In the same way, do NOT keep them out of an after-school band rehearsal because they are “grounded”. Please know that our rehearsals are mandatory and graded. They are a part of our curriculum. Also, our rehearsals are very strenuous, disciplined and focused. It is not what I would consider “fun”. We work VERY hard.
If your child is having behavioral problems, I can help. Please contact me and allow me to step in and assist you. By removing your child from band activities, you are effectively removing my influence and the discipline that I require of the band members. The band program is steeped in self-discipline and pride. I believe that these traits will inevitably work themselves out in their personal life.
Complaint Department
Please understand that there will be conflict, frustration, misunderstanding, miscommunication and a myriad of other problems that can occur within our very busy schedule. It is not our mission to hurt, embarrass, exclude, or put down any student…as a matter of fact, it is contrary to our “family” atmosphere that we work hard to establish. That said, sometimes feelings get hurt and there is a very high chance of miscommunication or misunderstanding of the situation.
We must, as adults, be willing and able to work out any conflict in a mature manner. If you have any complaint that you would like to voice, please follow proper due process.
Proper due process is: first, schedule an appointment and talk directly to the band director, especially if that is the source of your complaint. If a resolution is not made with the director, then proceed to make an appointment and talk to the campus principal. Again, if there is no resolution, then the next step is to talk to the superintendent and then on to the school board.
Again: 1 - Band Director, 2 - Campus Principal, 3 - Superintendent, 4 - School Board…in that order.
There is no logical reason to go straight to the principal, superintendent or the school board if NO contact has been made with the band director first.
General Middle School Band Calendar of Events
The dates on the website are as accurate as possible. For a more complete list of up to date and accurate calendar events, please visit the band website at:
www.elkhartisd.org/Band
Remember: Make sure you are accessing the correct calendar of events. For all Middle School events, make sure you click on the Middle School Band tab. All of the other tabs are dedicated to the High School BIG RED Band.
A paper copy of the current year’s calendar is available if you do not have internet access. Please contact the band director for that information.
last updated - 4/28/11