Band Handbook
Practice Routine
There is absolutely NO way a musician can be successful without some kind of practice routine. Beginners should practice at least 20 – 30 minutes, four nights a week. Intermediate students should work 30-60 minutes at least five nights per week. Advanced students should shoot for 45-60 minutes at least five days per week. This routine must be your routine. You set it up and you stick with it in order to be the best you can. If you don’t practice, it will show. People in your section, and you director, will know very easily.
Instrumental Practice Routine: breathing/long tone exercises (hold note for 30+ seconds), scales & arpeggios, scale patterns, rhythmic exercises in the back of your band book, new music (repeat problem measures), and some pieces you already know.
Permission Forms – See appendix
Class Descriptions
The band program includes beginning band, intermediate band, advanced band and jazz band.
The Beginning Band meets for a full year and is designed to teach the fundamentals in playing a wind and percussion instrument. The beginners will learn about all the instruments in the band, but must concentrate on one. Students will use Essential Elements 2000 for Band method book and will maintain a folder with theory assignments, compositions, sheet music and a listening log. Beginners must stick to a regular practice routine at least four nights per week repeating songs and warm-ups over and over to build muscle strength and memorize fingerings (or drum rudiments). Students in beginning band will have 1-2 concerts per year and will participate in solo and ensemble festival in February.
The Intermediate Band is a full year course designed for those students continuing in their second year of band. Students in this band are required to learn seven basic scales, the chromatic scale, perform a solo, and perform music at a higher level. Students will be involved in music composition, performing solos and small group ensembles. The band participates in District Solo & Ensembles Performance Assessment and students are required to be in attendance at all band performances. Students begin to play more difficult music and must practice longer each day. Fieldtrips and clinicians will be included in the curriculum. Students will finish book two of Essential Elements 2000 for Band method book and will maintain a folder with theory assignments, compositions, sheet music and a listening log. Students in intermediate band will have 2-3 concerts per year. Cooperation and careful preparation of music and scales is essential and critical!
The Advanced Band is a third year course designed for only the most dedicated musician. Students will perform second and third year arrangements and will perform full range scales and arpeggios at a rigorous pace. Students must audition for all-county band and are required to perform at the Solo & Ensemble Performance Assessment and Concert Band Performance Assessment. Bi-weekly playing test will determine placement in the band. Attendance at all performances is mandatory. Woodwind and Brass players will be required to have step up mouthpieces and percussionist will be required to have a full array of sticks, mallets and accessory instruments. Students must set up a serious practice routine. The performing schedule is rigorous. Great attention is placed on intonation and blend. All music and technique books will be supplied. Students in advanced band will have 3 or more concerts per year. As the name implies, this is an ADVANCED BAND and greater demands will placed on each student.
The Jazz Band is a small group of the most talented musicians at Mariner Middle School. Most of these students will be in the Advanced Band. The Jazz Band will study jazz styles, scales, chords, and history. Students will learn to improvise within many different styles of music. Jazz History and the artists that built the jazz traditions will be taught. Practice routines will be difficult since the material is advanced and requires serious study. Many concepts taught in this class do not appear in other classes. Students will perform at the Solo & Ensemble Performance Assessment.
Instrument Recommendations
WARNING!!!!!!WARNING!!!!!!WARNING!!!!!!
DO NOT purchase an instrument from any place other than a reputable band instrument dealer. Instruments available from other retail outlets are so inferior that 95% of them are unplayable after two weeks of use. In addition, if something needs repair on the instrument (AND, IT WILL), many repair shops will NOT work on them.
E-BAY PURCHASES - Unless you are purchasing a "name" brand instrument with the intent of putting a little extra work into once you receive it, do not purchase an instrument on E-Bay. Don't be deceived by the description and price. Your children will not be succesful playing instruments from these places.
Do not purchase an instrument until you have been notified by Mr. Ferlazzo.
Prior to your purchase, please visit the School Band & Orchestra Magazine web site, www.sbomagazine.com, and click on the "How to Buy" series. This is one of the most informative publications available.
FLUTES – Geimeinhardt – Emerson – Yamaha - Artley
Each instrument should come with a case & a cleaning/tuning rod.
MUST HAVE ACCESSORIES – Cleaning Cloth
Recommended Accessories – Folding music stand – method book – polishing cloth – pad saver – tuner - metronome
OBOES – Selmer – Yamaha
Each instrument should come with a case, cleaning swab, cork grease and a reed.
MUST HAVE ACCESSORIES – La Voz Reed Guard ($2.75) and 2 Medium-Soft & 2 Medium Reeds
Recommended Accessories – Folding music stand – method book – pad saver – cloth cleaning swab– tuner - metronome
CLARINETS – Vito – Buffett – Yamaha – Selmer
All Clarinets must have a Vandoren B45 clarinet Mouthpiece
Each instrument should come with a case, mouthpiece, mouth piece cap, ligature, cleaning swab, cork grease and a reed.
MUST HAVE ACCESSORIES – La Voz Reed Guard ($2.75) and a box of Vandoren 2 1/2Reeds
Recommended Accessories – Folding music stand – method book – pad saver – cloth cleaning swab– tuner - metronome
ALTO & TENOR SAXOPHONES – Yamaha – Vito – Selmer
All Saxophones must have a Selmer C* (C-Star) Mouthpiece
Each instrument should come with a case, mouthpiece, mouthpiece cap, ligature, cleaning swab, neck strap, polishing cloth, cork grease and a reed.
MUST HAVE ACCESSORIES – La Voz Reed Guard ($2.75) and a box of Vandoren 2 1/2 Reeds
Recommended Accessories – Folding music stand – method book – pad saver– tuner - metronome
TRUMPETS – Bach – Yamaha – Holton – King
All Trumpets must have a 7C Mouthpiece
Each instrument should come with a case, mouthpiece, valve/slide oil, tuning slide grease and a polishing cloth.
Recommended Accessories – Folding music stand – method book– tuner – metronome
TROMBONES – King – Bach – Yamaha – Holton - Jupiter
All Trombones must have a 6½AL Mouthpiece
Each instrument should come with a case, mouthpiece, valve/slide oil, tuning slide grease and a polishing cloth.
Recommended Accessories – Folding music stand – method book – tuner - metronome
DRUMS – Ludwig
Each student must have the following equipment:
1. A Ludwig Percussion Combo Kit that contains a snare drum, bells, stand and carrying case.
2. A Vic Firth Education Stick Pack or Mike Balter Band Director’s Special Stick Pack that includes snare drums, bell, timpani and cymbal mallets along with a stick bag.
3. A Tuning Pitch Pipe C-C
BARITONE - TUBA - FRENCH HORN
Students playing these instruments must have their own mouthpiece and a bottle of valve oil.
All Baritones must have a 6½AL Mouthpiece
All Tubas must have an 18 Mouthpiece
All French Horns must have an 11 mouthpiece
BASSOONAll Bassoons must have 2 medium reeds and a reed case
BASS CLARINETAll Bass Clarinetss must have a David Hite Mouthpiece and 4 La Voz Medium Reeds and a reed case
Use of Instruments
Students who chose to play the Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone and Percussion must supply their own instruments. These instruments are easily accessible through rent to own programs at many of the local music stores. Students whose chose to play the Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, French Horn, Euphonium, Baritone and Tuba will be supplied a school owned instrument. There is no charge for the use of a school owned instrument, but a Usage Contact must be filled out. Please read the contact carefully. Instruments shall not be played by anyone except the student it is assigned to. Damages for repairs will be assessed as necessary and can range from $15.00 for minor dents to $100.00+ for major damages. Replacement costs will be billed for lost instruments. Students must keep their instruments clean and in good working order whether it is a school owned or private instrument. Instrument maintenance and care will be taught in each class. Each instrument MUST HAVE A NAMETAG attached to the case.
Rental information from local music stores is available in the band room and is distributed to all beginning instrumentalists. Most stores have a variety of pricing plans based on the instrument rented and its condition (i.e.: used, like new, or new). Here are some questions I suggest you ask when renting from a music store:
- Is this a rent-to-own plan?
- Does the rental or purchase price include needed repairs?
- Do they offer a loaner instrument while yours is being repaired?
- Does the rental cost include theft or loss protection?
- Can we change to another instrument?
- Can we step up to a higher quality instrument later & transfer what we have already paid?
- Do you offer a pick-up and delivery service to Mariner Middle School (for repairs & accessories)
- Will they make sure they play test your instrument before it leaves the store?
- Will they show you how to put the instrument together and do standard maintenance? (Oil valves, grease slides, put on cork grease, adjust tenon corks on clarinets) This also makes sure that the instrument plays
- Is this a student model instrument (lighter weight) and how old is it?
- Does the rental come with a maintenance plan (repairs as needed) or is that an extra cost?
- Is there a required deposit and if so, how is it to be paid?
- Are credit cards required (automatic billing) or do you send a monthly invoice?
- If I decide to buy the instrument during the rental, what is the cost/savings?
- What is the required rental period or can I cancel the contract at anytime?
- Acceptable quality brands include: Geimenhardt, Selmer/Bundy/Bach, Buffett, Conn/King, Vito, Yamaha, Ludwig, Remo, and Pearl.
- What kind of mouthpiece comes with the instrument (brass/wind) - basic or step-up?
- Do you include start-up supplies appropriate for the instrument?
Uniforms
Uniforms are the responsibility of the student. They must be kept in neat condition and clean. The appearance of the band also reflects on our school and community.
Beginning Band: No Uniform Required at this time
Intermediate Band: - Money is due Tuesday, September 4th
FEE: $25.00 (Includes embroidered music polo shirt)
Black Dress Pants (on own), Black Socks (on own), Black Shoes (on own), Music Polo Shirt
Advanced Band: - Money is due on Tueaday September 4th
FEE: $25.00 (Includes embroidered music polo shirt)
Black Dress Pants (on own), Black Socks (on own), Black Shoes (on own), Music Polo Shirt
Jazz Band: - Money is due on Tuesday September 4th
FEE: $45.00 (Includes embroidered music polo shirt)
Black Dress Pants (on own), Black Socks (on own), Black Shoes (on own), Music Polo Shirt
Goals & Expectations
Every musician will be able to perform alone and with an ensemble.
Every musician will use music notation and music terms appropriate for their course level.
Every musician will learn music history appropriate for their grade & ensemble.
Every musician will be courteous and responsible.
Performances & Dates
All performance dates will be listed in the calender section
Grades and Exams
Class Rules
Enter the band room quietly. There is no sliding or riding on instrument cases, running, shouting or horseplay at anytime.
- After putting instrument together, close and latch case, and move case out of the way.
- Walk to your seat, using a protective hold. Watch where you step so that you don’t damage another case or instrument.
- Once you reach your seat, you should have everything that you will need for class – reeds, pencil, oil, music, music stand, etc.
- While waiting for class to begin, read the board for the day’s lesson and make sure you have everything requested.
- Do not play your instrument until instructed to do so. You may blow warm air into your instrument and silently finger any music you would like to practice.
- Do not play out of turn. (While others are playing)
- Do not talk during rehearsal.
- No one is permitted to play anyone else’s instrument.
- After class, there is no playing without permission. Put your instrument away properly and quietly walk back to your seat.
Class Rules & Behavior
School Information
Principal: Richard Hagy
Assistant Principal: Shelley Siriano
Assistant Principal: Larry Fischer
School Address: 425 Chiquita Blvd N * Cape Coral, FL 33993
Main Office Phone: 772-1848
Main Office Fax: 242-1256
Band Room Extension: 245 or 247
E-Mail Address: gaetanotf@leeshools.net
Mascot: Tritons II
Colors: Black & Silver
Curriculum
Beginning Band – Level I (6th Grade)
The purpose of this course is to provide students with musical ensemble experience on band instruments. The content should include, but not be limited to, enabling students to develop basic fundamental skills, characteristic tone production, primary band techniques, basic music reading and music appreciation.
Intended Outcomes
1. Develop knowledge of fundamental music notation.
2. Develop knowledge of fundamental tone production.
3. Develop knowledge of proper care and maintenance of instruments
4. Demonstrate responsibility to the ensemble.
5. Develop listening skills.
6. Develop knowledge of appropriate phrasing.
7. Develop knowledge of appropriate musical style.
Sunshine State Standards
2. The student performs on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
MU.A.2.3.1
Performs on at least one instrument, alone and in groups, using proper techniques (embouchure, posture, hand position)
MU.A.2.3.2
Performs, as a member of a music ensemble, with expression, easy to moderate music literature from diverse genres and styles
MU.A.2.3.3
Performs with basis ensemble skills (blend, balance, instrumental timbres, responds to the director)
3. The students reads and notates music.
MU.A.3.3.1
Sight reads music in bass/trebles clefs written in simple and compound meters
MU.A.3.3.2
Uses notation and symbols to organize musical ideas.
MU.A.3.3.3
Uses notation for rhythmic and melodic phrases that have been performed by someone else.
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MARINER MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND
Information Form
Student Name | D.O.B. |
Address |
City | Zip Code |
Home Phone | E-Mail Address |
Band | Period | Instrument |
Mother’s Name | Home Phone |
| Mom’s Cell Phone |
Type of Work | Mom’sWork Phone |
Father’s Name | Home Phone |
| Dad’s Cell Phone |
Type of Work | Dad’sWork Phone |
Emergency Contact | Phone |
Any Known Allergies |
Does the Student wear Contact Lenses? Yes______ No_____ | Glasses? Yes_____ No_____ |
Any medical concerns that Mr. Ferlazzo will need to know about? |
Does anyone play an instrument in your immediate family? Who & What? |
Available to volunteer? Mom________________ Dad__________________ |
Please check any areas in which you will be able to assist in the development of the Mariner Middle School Band. |
Chaperone | Fund-Raising | Office Help |
Assembling New Equipment | Telephone Tree | Uniform |
Instrument Tutor | Community Contact |
|
| | | | | | | |
MARINER MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND
Music Instrument Usage Contract
School Year 2007 - 2008
Instrument Type Brand
Factory Serial Number S.D.L.C.#
Model Finish
Supplied with the following accessories: Check those issued with instrument
o Case | o Handcrutch | o Strap |
o Cover | o End Pin | o Sling |
o Key | o Crooks | o Mallets |
o Mouthpiece | o Bokal | o Neck Strap |
o Cap | o Reed Case | o Tools/Maintenance |
o Ligature | o Oil | o Hand Protectors |
o Joint Cap | o Grease | o Other |
o End Plug | o Piston Washer | o Other |
Date Issued Condition
Director’s Signature
Date Returned Assessment Paid Condition
Director’s Signature
We acknowledge the receipt of the above instrument and accessories and agree to the following:
- To be personally responsible for the safe-keeping of this instrument and to return it immediately to the school upon the request of the director or principal.
- To maintain the instrument in good playing condition at all times, keep the instrument clean and polished, and have it repaired at our expense as deemed necessary/or requested by the director.
- To pay the current replacement value in the event of lass or total damage. NOTE: Instruments and be placed on a homeowner’s insurance policy or covered through independent coverage.
- To have the instrument assessed at the end of the contract period and pay a fair assessment for all damage in excess of normal wear and tear.
- To allow no unauthorized person to play, handle, or use this instrument without specific permission of the director. NOTE: This instrument may be assigned to more than one student. Each student shall be afforded equal home practice time and shall assume equal responsibility for the care of the instrument. This will also be taken into consideration for any repair assessment. Repair assessments will be made by an instrument repairman.
- To encourage my child to use the instrument to the best of their ability for serious study including regular attendance at all organization rehearsals and performances, regular home practice and additional instruction and study when possible.
Student Name Grade
Home Address Phone
Parent/Guardian Name Phone
Student Signature Date
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
