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TMS 2015-2016 Handbook

 

 

Welcome to the TMS Band Program!

 

I am extremely pleased that your child has chosen to be a part of the band program at Thornburg Middle School.  Band is a rewarding experience for all involved.  Not only will your child learn about music, he/she will learn about the importance of teamwork, discipline, and being a part of a rewarding organization. Students are given the opportunities to grow as individual musicians, but also as part of an ensemble or group.

 

Below is an overview of both the required and recommended activities throughout they ear (confirmed dates are in italics; official dates are on the student calendar 2015-2016.

 

8th Grade Night at Massaponax High School- Date TBA

After School Rehearsal for Veteran's Day Concert- Beginning of November; Grades 7 & 8

All-County Band Auditions- End of November; Grades 7 and 8

Veteran's Day Concert- November 11th; Grades 7 and 8

Elementary School Visits and Performances- December, 8th Grade

After School Rehearsals for Winter Band Concert- 6th Grade- December 7th; 7th Grade- December 8th; 8th Grade- December 9th 

Winter Band Concert- December 10th; Grades 6, 7 & 8

All-District Band Auditions- Beginning of January; Grades 7 and 8

All-County Band Event- Beginning of January; Grades 7 & 8

All-District Band Event- Beginning of February; Grades 7 & 8

7th & 8th Grade Band After School Rehearsals- February 17th, 24th, March 2nd, 9th, & 16th 

District Band Assessment- Middle of March; Grades 7 & 8

Kings Dominion Spring Trip- End of April or Beginning of May; 6th Grade

After School Rehearsals for Spring Band Concert- TBA; Grades 6, 7 & 8

Hershey Park Spring Trip- May 6th; Grades 7 & 8

Spring Band Concert- June 2nd; Grades 6, 7 & 8

Marching Band Mini Camp- End of May; 8th Grade

 

*****Concerts WILL require mandatory after school rehearsals prior to the performance and are subject to change*****

 

The purpose of this handbook is to provide students and parents involved in the Thornburg Middle School Band with a clear understanding of the expectations needed to be successful musicians. This handbook will be a guide for you throughout the year.  Please keep it handy and refer to it whenever you or your parents have any questions. If you need to contact me, you can reach me at Thornburg (582-7600 ext. 2166) or by e-mail at Jcpatterson@spotsylvania.k12.va.us. Please also frequently visit the website for updates: http://jpatters72.wix.com/tmsbands. 

 

 

Jordan Patterson

Director of Bands

Thornburg Middle School

 

Student Expectations

 

  • Gum, food, or beverages of ANY KIND (except for water) are not permitted in the band room.

  • Respect is a two way street. Students will respect the teacher and their peers, and the teacher will respect students.

  • You must raise your hand for anything you may need during class. You may have to wait until the teacher can attend to you.

  • You should be prepared to give 110% for EVERY class and performance.

  • Develop and maintain a positive attitude. A negative attitude does nothing but hold you and your classmates back from experiencing success.

 

Student Responsibilities

 

  • If an instrument is damaged, misplaced, or stolen, the parents must supply a written explanation (email will suffice) regarding the situation and the expected date of repair.  A working instrument is essential to a student’s level of achievement. An Instrument Contract must be signed and agreed to by any student who is renting an instrument from Thornburg Middle School.

  • An Instrument Contract must be signed and agreed to by any student (and parent) who is renting an instrument from Thornburg Middle School.

  • Thornburg Middle School is NOT responsible for any misplaced or damaged instruments that are stored in the instrument room. Sutdents are responsible for their instruments at all times during the school day. If a student does not feel comfortable leaving his or her instrument in the instrument room, please talk to Mr. Patterson to make other arrangements. Otherwise, the student will be expected to use the instrument room for storage.

  • Thornburg Middle School is not responsible for any instrument/equipment that is not school property.  Students who use school instruments are responsible for any damage that occurs while in their possession as stated by instrument contracts.

  • Students will be given the privilege to store instruments in the storage room as long as they put their instruments neatly in the correct location AND their instruments are clearly labeled with their names. Any student who cannot abide by this guideline will lose this privilege.

  • The band office, percussion room, and storage room are all off-limits to students unless given permission by the director.

  • Students are expected to supply their own reeds (Clarinets, Saxophones, Bassoon, and Oboe). Students may buy reeds from Mr. Patterson for $2.00 in an emergency situation.

  • All school rules apply.

 

Discipline

 

  • Late to class

    • When a student is late to class, they will receive lunch detention. The ONLY tardy that will be excused is if the student provides a note from their previous teacher.

  • Talking while director is talking

    • The director imparts important information from announcement dates to musical information. Students who are talking during this time will cause themselves and classmates to miss important information. Any students saw talking while the director is talking will be given lunch detention. This infraction can also result in point deductions under the grade category "materials and rehearsal etiquette". 

  • Chewing Gum

    • Chewing gum can cause instrument problems, which is why it is not allowed. If your child is caught chewing gum, he or she will receive lunch detention. This infraction can also result in point deductions under the grade category "materials and rehearsal etiquette".

  • Playing Without Permission

    • If a student plays his or her instrument without permission, he or she will receive lunch detention. This includes BEFORE ensemble warm-ups or in the middle of rehearsal. This infraction can also result in point deductions under the grade category "Materials and rehearsal etiquette".

  • Forgot Instrument

    • When a student forgets his or her instrument, they cannot participate in class and miss valuable information. During class time, they must complete lines and/or worksheets as provided. This counts as their “rehearsal etiquette” grade (See section: Grading). This infraction WILL also result in point deductions under the grade category "materials and rehearsal etiquette.

 

Materials

 

Materials (for 2015-2016 school year) are needed by:

6th Grade: Friday, September 18th

7th & 8th Grade: Thursday, September 10th

 

A large part of being a successful band is preparedness for rehearsals. Every day, each student must bring the following materials to class:

 

  • Instrument (For 6th Graders- Please wait to purchase/rent an instrument until you hear from the director on which instrument your child shows an aptitude for either during summer appointments or beginning of the school year).

    • Note to Parents – please remember that a quality instrument is VITAL to the development of your student’s musical success.  Please stay away from pawnshops or wholesale retailers.  These instruments usually have a nice small price tag, but are harder to play and of questionable workmanship.  The stores that I recommend are:

  • Care kit for your instrument

  • Essential Elements 2000 Band Method Book

    • 6th grade – Book 1

    • 7th Grade – Book 1 (Should already have) and Book 2

    • 8th Grade – Book 2 (Should already have)

  • 3 Ring Binder with Sheet Protectors

  • At least 3 Pencils

  • Materials for home (optional):

    • A portable music stand (recommended for home use)

    • Metronome (Recommended for home use)

 

Other Specialized Materials Needed

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  On top of regular materials needed, your student may also need more specialized equipment depending on what instrument they will be playing.  Listed below is equipment that students will need ONLY if they are playing that particular instrument.

 

Clarinet and Saxophone

AT LEAST 6 Reeds (#2 for 6th graders, #2 1/2 Van Doren OR Rico Royale for 7th graders and #3 or higher Van Doren OR Rico Roylae for 6th Graders)

1 – Reed Saver cartridge that will hold 4 reeds

 

Percussion

Vic Firth SD-1 General Snare Sticks

Practice Pad

 

*****TMS has reeds; however, these reeds are for EMERGENCY purposes only. If for whatever reason a student runs out of reeds during class, they can buy a reed from Mr. Patterson through immediate cash payment of $2.00.*****

 

Thornburg Middle School Instruments

 

         Parents are responsible for renting or buying their own child’s instrument. Students with larger instruments will use school owned instruments so they do not damage their personal instrument on the bus (Tuba, Baritone Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, and Bass Clarinet) IF SCHOOL INVENTORY ALLOWS. In addition, students are expected to care for the instrument throughout the school year. They also need to be returned at the end of the school year in the SAME CONDITION as they were checked out. Any repair deemed not normal wear-and-tear (i.e. dropping the instrument, accidentally hitting it on something) will be the responsibility of the student.  Natural wear-and-tear repairs are not the responsibility of the student.  Listed are examples of items that are not wear-and-tear:            

  • Keys or rods on a saxophone broken or bent due to dropping.

  • Dents, deep scratches, and holes in instrument because it was dropped.

  • Percussion equipment broken due to misuse.

  • Playing around and breaking another person’s or school instrument.

 

Students are still responsible for their own mouthpieces, ligatures, sticks, and reeds related to these instruments.

 

Basically don’t touch an instrument if it is not yours and treat an instrument that you borrow as if it was your own!

 

Private Lessons

 

            Students who are deeply committed to their instrument may choose to take private lessons. It has been proven that one on one instruction is the most effective. If you are interested or would like additional information, please see me and I would be happy to give you my professional recommendations.

 

I will be staying after school every Wednesday (with the exception of Wednesdays that fall on concert weeks or during marching band season) for extra help. This is a great opportunity for students to catch up or even get ahead in class. It is also a great opportunity for students to receive help for All-County and/or All-District auditions.

 

Grades

 

Students will be assessed in the following four Main Areas:

 

Rehearsal Etiquette                 20%

Tests (Playing and Written)   20%

Performances                          40%

Daily Materials                       20%

 

  • Rehearsal Etiquette-   

    • Rehearsal time is very important to band and student success.  Students will be evaluated on their daily rehearsals.  Students are expected to demonstrate proper rehearsal etiquette (playing when asked, proper posture, marking up music, etc).  Demonstrating proper rehearsal etiquette is a part of the student’s daily rehearsal etiquette.

 

  • Tests- 

    • Various tests will be given throughout the year. Few paper and pencil tests will be given; majority of tests will be playing tests. Chairs/Playing tests will be given every two weeks. Students will also be tested on scales respective to their grade level.

 

  • Performance/Rehearsals-  

    • To evaluate student’s practice at home and concerts. This grade will be based upon your child’s attendance at concerts AND the correct concert attire, as listed below.

    • The rehearsals component refers to mandatory after school rehearsals.

 

  • Daily Materials-

    • Having the right equipment is essential to have rehearsals run smoothly.  This includes the following materials: Pencils, Music and Folder, Essential Elements book, and Instrument. The students will undergo a periodic check of required materials.

 

Rehearsal Etiquette

 

            All rehearsals are very important to the success of the group.  To ensure to the successful nature of a rehearsal, students are asked to follow these guidelines:

 

  • Follow all student responsibilities (as listed above).

  • Refrain from playing any instrument until the entire group is ready to play. The band will warm-up as a whole, since we perform as a whole, not individually.

  • The director will start the rehearsal exactly one minute after the late bell rings. You are expected to be in your seat with your instrument and other materials out, ready to listen to any necessary announcements and begin rehearsal. If you are not, you will be assigned lunch detention.

  • When the director is on the podium, you are expected to listen and focus and maintain proper playing posture.

  • Refrain from cleaning or performing any maintenance to your instrument during the rehearsal, you may miss a very important piece of information.

  • The director will give you plenty of time to pack-up your instrument up.  Refrain from doing so until the director indicates the time to pack-up your instrument.

  • You NEED YOUR MUSIC AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS BOOK for every rehearsal to display proper rehearsal etiquette. If you lost your music, you will NOT be given an extra copy. Instead, you will have to borrow your stand partners music and find a way to make a copy of it sometime other than class.

  • Rehearsal Etiquette is essential to the success of the bands come District Assessment time. Please make sure that you understand how important Rehearsal Etiquette is.

 

Tests

 

Playing tests are essential for monitoring the progress of all band students. Playing tests must be completed during the student’s normal band class; playing in front of peers is part of the essential development of a musician. Below are the types of tests:

  • Paper and Pencil- These tests will be mostly 6th grade, and will consist of the following:

    • Note naming tests

    • Fingering Tests

    • Rhythm Tests

  • Chairs Tests- These tests are playing test. They will determine both a students’ progress on his or her instrument and the proper chair of the student. A student’s chair determines which part he or she is playing within the ensemble.

 

Chairs Test Rubric

 

Students play their test for the teacher during class. They are graded on the following criteria:

 

Tone (10)

Notes (10)

Rhythm (10)

Posture (10)

Other (10)

Score X2=

______/100

 

Concert Attire

 

Attire for ALL concerts (unless otherwise noted) will be as follows:

 

Gentlemen:

  • White button up dress shirt (No T-shirts or polos), black dress pants/slacks, black socks, dress shoes, and black bowtie

  • Black bowties can be purchased at the following stores: Wal-Mart, Men's Wearhouse, Belk, JCPenny's, Macy's, Burlington Coat Factory

 

Ladies (3 options):

  • White dress shirt (can be button up, or can be a nice dress shirt), black dress pants, formal shoes

  • A dress that is black, white, or a mixture of the two, dress shoes

  • A skirt that is black, white, or a mixture of the two, white dress shirt, dress shoes

 

Some big “No’s” for concert attire

  • Heavy perfume. Students may be allergic to perfume; please refrain from dousing yourself in perfume or cologne.

  • No dangly jewelry. Earrings are fine, but please do not wear jewelry that is “distracting”

  • White socks

  • Jeans

  • T-Shirts

  • Tennis shoes

 

*****If a student comes to a concert and is not dressed appropriately, the director reserves the right to dismiss the student from the concert, and the student will have to do the make-up assignment in lieu of the concert. If you have any questions or concerns, see me BEFORE concert day.*****

           

VERY IMPORTANT:

I understand that some of these materials are costly; however, a band should look as great as they sound. If you have ANY trouble with purchasing these items, please contact me at LEAST a week before the upcoming concert. If you contact me a week before, I will help you find clothes. If you do not contact me a week before, then your child could be denied performance at the concert and will need to complete the make-up assignment.

 

Concert Attendance

           

Attendance at scheduled concerts is mandatory. Band is a performance based discipline; students cannot grow as musicians if they do not perform at regular intervals. Each performing ensemble performs at least two concerts (Winter and Spring) per year.  Each student’s concert grade will consist of:

 

  • Promptness

  • Staying for the entire scheduled performance

  • Conduct during and after performance (including concert etiquette)

  • Appropriate concert dress

 

 

In cases of extreme illness, death in the immediate family, etc. a make-up assignment will be given if and only if a written note from parents is presented to the director within two days following an absence. Because our performances count several grades, students will be responsible for a make-up assignment for each missed performance.

 

Spring trips (such as Hershey Park and Busch Gardens) are optional.  Participation is encouraged and is highly recommended.  WE HAVE A TON OF FUN!

 

After School Rehearsals

 

           After school rehearsals are mandatory and essential to prepare students for performances.  Students must attend all rehearsals to be allowed to perform with the group. All after school rehearsals run after school until 4:00pm. The exception to this, of course, is being absent from school or leaving school early due to illness or other family emergencies and a note must be provided the next day.  Students involved in school sports are still responsible for rehearsals missed.  It is expected that students will make every effort to be at rehearsals if a sporting event is a regular practice. Because our rehearsals and concerts count several grades, students will be responsible for a make-up assignment. We work as a team. If EVEN ONE student is missing, so is his/her musical part.  It does not matter if the student is the only player on a part, or one of many, he/she is still important. What a student does, or does not do, has an affect on the entire ensemble.

 

***** There will be a minimum of 5 after school rehearsals prior to the District Assessment event. District Assessment is the band "SOL, so it is of utmost importance. These rehearsals will be held on Wednesdays until 4:00pm for the 5 weeks prior to District Assessment. *****

 

Sports Games Vs. Band Events

 

Unforutnately, there will be conflicts sometimes between band and other events, specifically sports. In the event that this happens, see below for solutions:

  • Basketball, softball, baseball, track, soccer, or volleyball practice on the day of an after school band rehearsal. If this happens, generally we expect the students to to “split” the two events so they do not miss out on either. It is the student’s responsibility to bring this conflict to the director’s attention. The director will then speak with the appropriate coach, and the student will be allowed to attend the first half of band rehearsal then go to sports practice.

  • Basketball, softball, baseball, track, soccer, or volleyball game on the day of an after school band rehearsal. In this event, the student will be excused from band practice and will attend their sports game. They will NOT have a make-up assignment for this, as a game in sports is analogous to a concert in music.

  • Basketball, softball, baseball, track, soccer, or volleyball game on the night of a concert. In this situation, students usually are able to make it back to Thornburg in time to play with their ensemble. It is OK if they miss warm-ups in this case; they will not be penalized for this. As long as the students makes it to the concert in time to play in the proper dress attire, they will receive a full grade for the performance.

 

Make-Up Assignments

 

Students will be allowed to complete a make-up assignment given the circumstances above if the parent provides a written excuse for the student. The student is responsible for obtaining the make-up assignment, which is available on the following website: http://jpatters72.wix.com/tmsbands#!make-up-assignments/c185x. If you do not have a computer at home, please contact me stating so. Otherwise, I will assume your student simply did not complete the make-up assignment. The student is allowed to choose from the following assignments:

Students are responsible for retrieving the make-up assignment from the above links on their own time and of their own accord. Make-up assignments are due exactly two weeks from the missed event, no exceptions. If a student misses more than one event, they MUST choose two different make-up assignments to do; they may NOT do two relaxation videos, or two composer reports. If they do two of the same type of project, only one will be graded.

 

Middle School Band Curriculum

 

  • 6 Major Scales and Chromatic Scale. You will learn 6 major scales and chromatic scale throughout the 3 years in band. You will be required to play these 6 scales without the aid of a scale sheet before the first nine weeks is over (7th and 8th grade only). The scales are as follows in concert pitch: Bb, Eb, Ab, G, C, and F.

  • Performing Various Literature. You will perform various literature ranging from classic wind works to pop tunes. 6th grade will have 3 concerts while 7th and 8th grade will have 5 concerts.

  • Essential Elements Book 1 and 2. Depending upon the grade level, we will be working out of the Essential Elements Book 1 or 2. We will learn majority of our concepts from this book- dynamics, new notes, rhythms, and other basic music theory skills.

  • Performance Skills. You will learn invaluable performance skills such as rehearsal etiquette, performance etiquette, audience etiquette, and more.

  • Music Theory. You will learn basic music theory skills, included (but not limited to) are the following: rhythms, scales, key signatures, musical terms, etc.

  • Extra-Curricular Activities. There will be extra curricular band activities that will be described at great length when the time comes. Some of these are: All-County band, All-District Band, State Honors Band, Solo and Ensemble, Marching Band (8th Grade), etc.

 

Honor Bands (All-County and All-District)

 

Students are given the opportunity to show their individual playing abilities through auditions. The audition dates and requirements are shown in the chart below:

 

All-County:

  • 2 out of 6 major scales (also 2 rudiments for percussion)

  • 2 octave chromatic scale (also long roll for percussion)

  • Prepared piece (Snare and Mallets for percussion)

  • Sight-Reading (Snare and Mallets for Percussion)

All District:

  • Same as above. The "prepared piece" will be different. The sight-reading will be slightly more difficult.

 

Results will be available the night of the auditions. Mr. Patterson will send out an email with results (including chairs) through ParentVue. Mr. Patterson will also call any students directly who earned a first chair position. Specific information about the event date will be given shortly after auditions.

 

District Assessment

 

District Assessment is the “Band SOL”. 7th & 8th grade band students must participate in this event. Prior to the event, we will have 5 after school rehearsals. These rehearsals will occur beginning exactly 5 weeks before the district assessment event and will run until 4:00PM at TMS. These rehearsals are of utmost importance to the success of the band at District Assessment. Some guidelines/FAQs for the district assessment event:

  • Formal Dress is required. Students who do not have the appropriate outfit will be denied the right to attend this performance and will have to do a make-up assignment. See “Concert Attire” section above.

  • The third nine weeks grade is greatly influenced by District Assessment and the after school rehearsals.

  • Please plan accordingly for after school rehearsals. Sports may conflict; please plan ahead and talk with Mr. Patterson so that your musical performance and grade do not suffer.

  • There will be no cost to students for district assessment; all costs will be paid by the band program at TMS.

 

Spring Trips

 

6th Grade attends the Kings Dominion Festival of Music for both their assessment (Band SOL) and spring trip. This trip generally happens at the end of April or beginning of May. Some guidelines/FAQs for the Kings Dominion Spring Trip:

  • All students are eligible to go on this trip (as long as they meet the eligibility requirements) and highly encouraged to do so, though, it is not required.

  • Eligibility requirements- Students cannot receive ISS, OSS, or bus suspension after Winter Break; A C or higher in band; any other situation as deemed by Mr. Patterson and administration.

  • Chaperones are done on a first come first serve basis. The first 10 (number may change depending on size of the 6th grade band) to turn in the chaperone reservation form Mr. Patterson will be chosen as chaperones. Please do not assume you will be chosen as a chaperone; wait until Mr. Patterson contacts you before you clear your schedule for the trip.

  • Season Pass holders pay a different amount than students who do not have a season pass. After the second payment date, money is non-refundable. If you are getting a season pass, please know so in advance so that you do not pay more than is required.

  • Students will tie-dye t-shirts for the trip. Formal dress is NOT required for this event ☺

 

7th & 8th Grade attends Hershey Park for a performance and fun in the park. This trip generally happens at the beginning of May. Some guidelines/FAQs for the Hershey Park Spring Trip:

  • All 7th & 8th grade students are eligible to go on this trip (as long as they meet the eligibility requirements). This trip is not required.

  • Eligibility requirements- Students cannot receive ISS, OSS, or bus suspension after Winter Break; A C or higher in band; any other situation as deemed by Mr. Patterson and administration.

  • Chaperones are done on a first come first serve basis. The first 9 (number may change depending on size of the 7th and 8th grade bands) to turn in the chaperone reservation form Mr. Patterson will be chosen as chaperones. Please do not assume you will be chosen as a chaperone; wait until Mr. Patterson contacts you before you clear your schedule for the trip.

  • The cost for the trip covers the following: Park admission, charter bus costs, t-shirt cost, lunch (Subway) cost, and performance fees.

  • Formal dress is NOT required for this event. ☺ students will wear the trip t-shirts (provided with the costs), shorts, and tennis shoes. 

 

A Note about ParentVue

 

I send out emails through ParentVue very often- upcoming events, notes about grades, reminders, etc. If you do not have an account connected to ParentVue, check with Belinda Tiedt in guidance: Btiedt@spotsylvania.k12.va.us. 

 

Communication

 

Home and school communication is a vital to the success of the band program. Information will be given to students verbally in class, through written reminders/letters sent home, and on the board in the front of the band room. Information will also be posted on the Thornburg Middle School Band homepage (http://jpatters72.wix.com/tmsbands) and ParentVue starting in September.  If you ever have any questions, you can reach me at Thornburg (540-582-7600 ext 2166) or by e-mail at Jcpatterson@spotsylvania.k12.va.us. 

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