St. Francis School District
2011-2012
Deer Creek Band Student Handbook (Grades 6-8)
Mrs. Lewis, Director
St. Francis Music Department Mission Statement
The mission of the St. Francis Music Department is to provide a curriculum, rehearsal atmosphere and performance schedule that will broaden and enhance the music knowledge and performance ability of its students while fostering key aspects of human development including: teamwork, patience, time management, character, dedication, self-esteem, critical thinking, leadership, cooperation and responsibility.
Practice and Performance Policy
By being a member of the St. Francis Music Department you have accepted an obligation not only to yourself, but to the entire organization. Because it is our desire to achieve the finest possible results, attendance at all rehearsals and performances by every band member is mandatory. It would be unrealistic, however, to assume that absences due to illness, death in the family, and other valid reasons do not occur. With this thought in mind, the following policy has been instituted to explain and define the absence policy of the music department. Any student who becomes a member of the St. Francis Music Department recognizes his/her responsibility to fellow students of the organization and wishes to contribute his/her best effort at all times.
A performance, when planned, organized, and evaluated as a culminating activity in a learning experience, becomes a legitimate part of the music curriculum. The performance for band/choir is like an exam in a class, such as English, and will be treated as such. Failure to participate in a performance without being excused will severely affect the student’s final grade for that grading period, just as a failure to take an exam in the English class would affect the grade for that course. The student must give the teacher a note PRIOR to the performance or the absence will not be excused. If the student is absent the day of the performance, they are excused from the performance.
Changing of Procedures Clause
This handbook is subject to change. Procedures may be added to or deleted throughout the school year. Read this handbook carefully. If procedure changes do occur, students will be given plenty of time to adjust to any new changes.
Evaluation and Grading Policy
Grades will be based on …
-
Daily Practice Records: Band students will fill in a practice log (40 points/40% of grade) with the number of minutes practiced each day, parents will sign/initial the sheets, and students will turn them every other week. Requirements (every 2 weeks): 6th grade – 90 minutes; 7th/8th grade – 120 minutes.
-
Lessons: 6th Grade band students are required to attend 1 lesson per quarter (50 points/25% of grade). Schedules will be given to 6th graders at the beginning of each quarter. 7th and 8th grade band students are required to schedule 1 lesson per semester. Mrs. Lewis will have a sign-up sheet posted on her office door. If a student is absent or forgets their lesson, they have to make it up before (7:30am) or after school (3:00pm) with Mrs. Lewis.
-
Written Assignments/Homework/Tests: Periodic written assignments, homework and take-home tests will be given during class. Assessments and assignments will be related to topics discussed during class. Points will be determined based on assignment.
-
Attendance and Participation: Each rehearsal is worth 5 points. Concerts are mandatory (100 points/25% of grade)! Students must have the required materials for each class period. This includes instrument, music, pencil, and various materials for individual instruments. Not being prepared for class will cause the student to lose daily participation points. Detentions may be given for behavior issues.
Grading Scale:
A+ (100-99%) C+ (84-83%) F (69% below)
A (98-96%) C (82-80%)
A- (95-93%) C- (79-77%)
B+ (92-91%) D+ (76-75%)
B (90-88%) D (74-72%)
B- (87-85%) D- (71-70%)
Facilities and Equipment
The school district is not responsible for stolen or damaged instruments that are owned, rented, or borrowed by the students. The room is not secure 100% of the time. Parents may wish to insure their child’s instrument under their homeowner’s or renter’s policy.
Students must take proper care of their instruments, including not leaving them in classrooms, busses, or hallways. This pertains to the school day, evening, weekend, or vacations. To minimize damage, students should never touch other instruments or allow their own instrument to be touched by others (this means no trading of instruments). An exception to this rule is: asking another student to hold your instrument for safety while you are gone from your seat. Students need to take care not to leave instruments unattended in precarious positions - on music stands, which can be easily bumped; on a chair sticking out into aisles; and standing or lying them on the floor where someone could knock them over of step on them. Instrument cases must not be used as chairs, foot rests, or lockers, as these uses can impair their ability to protect the instruments inside from damage, dirt, or moisture. Most damage occurs needlessly from carelessness.
****Only percussion students are permitted to play, touch, or move percussion instruments.****
Use and Care of Music
1. Do not fold, tear, or otherwise mutilate music.
2. Use only pencil when marking music. Be neat when marking music and make only those marks that are absolutely necessary. Do not use erasable pen!
3. Students will be held financially responsible for music that is not cared for properly ($1.50-$2.00 per sheet of music).
General Classroom Rules
1. NO GUM, DRINK, OR FOOD is permitted at anytime. Leave them in the cafeteria. Soda will quickly destroy an instrument.
2. You are responsible for the cleanliness of your area in the instrument storage area. Do not leave anything other than your instrument and music in the room. Close and latch your cases. DO NOT leave books or lunches in the room!
3. Stay away from other people’s instruments, music and belongings. Do not use their instruments under any condition. Show respect for other people’s items.
4. Vandalism (this includes writing on music stands) will not be tolerated.
5. You are not to be in the instrument storage area unless you are getting out or putting away your instrument. Also, you are not to be in the practice room/office area without permission. Please stay out of these area unless you have permission to get something. Do not go in any cabinets or touch any other instruments in the band room without permission from the director.
6. Please ask before using the phone. Then use it only for necessary calls.
Instrument Requirements
Every student deserves the best quality instrument possible to aid in his or her successes. It is expected that all students have instruments in good working condition. All flutes should have a cleaning rod and cleaning rag. All clarinet and saxophone players should always have 4 reeds at all times in a reed protector, a cleaning swab and cork grease. Brass students should have valve oil, rotor oil, and slide cream. All slides should function on brass instruments without hesitation. If a student would like to purchase a step-up instrument, please contact Mrs. Lewis to help guide you in your decision. Sometimes a better mouthpiece (brass and woodwinds) can make a significant difference. Of course, a pencil is the most important item to have with you at all times. If an instrument becomes damaged always take it to a music store with an “in-house” repair shop. These stores have the fastest service and generally do the best work.
Band Student Code of Conduct
The Deer Creek Band Program is a visible organization in both the school and community. We want every ensemble or group in the Deer Creek Band program to be known for its fine performance, discipline, and attitude. As part of the Deer Creek Band program your actions, both in and out of concert dress, are a direct reflection upon the band, school, and community. Conduct yourself with dignity and pride at all times. The rules set forth in the school handbook are in full effect throughout any performance or rehearsal.
The following list is a set of consequences outlined to meet any discipline problems which may occur. Depending on the severity of the infraction, any order or combination of consequences may apply. Consistent infractions will result in additional consequences including school given punishments.
Band Consequences (in no particular order)
-
Detention/mandatory band service time
-
Disciplinary isolation from group
-
Verbal/Written warning
-
Removal from rehearsal/performance
-
Loss of points deducted from Daily Participation
-
Conference with student(s) and parents/guardians
CONCERT ATTIRE – BUY NOW!!!
Ladies: Dress will be a long black or knee-length skirt or black dress pants, a long or short sleeved white dress shirt or blouse and nice looking, comfortable black shoes with black socks or neutral colored hose. NO T-shirts with lettering/numbering, flip flops and tennis shoes. Large jewelry and perfume are inappropriate for stage performance.
Men: The dress will be black dress pants, a white button-down dress shirt, black socks and black dress shoes. NO T-shirts with lettering/numbering, flip flops and tennis shoes. Large jewelry and cologne are inappropriate for stage performances.
**If purchase of apparel is an issue, please contact the director to discuss possible solutions BEFORE THE CONCERT. The director will tell you the appropriate dress for each concert.
Mandatory (Student must be there) Performance Dates
December 14 – Grades 4, 5, and 6 General Music Concerts (Times 9:00a.m.)
December 14 – Deer Creek Band and Choir Concert @ Deer Creek Gym (7:00pm)
March 3 – Solo and Ensemble ($3-$8 to participate; Times To Be Announced)
March 15 – Deer Creek Band Concert @ Deer Creek Gym (7:00pm)
May 10 – Fine Arts Night @ Deer Creek (Performances from 5:30-7:00pm)
May 31 – Deer Creek Band and Choir Concert @ Deer Creek Gym (7:00pm)
JOIN MUSIC BOOSTERS!!! – WE NEED YOUR HELP!
What is the “Music Boosters” organization?
-
This is a great way for parents to get involved in our music program. Music Boosters will help with the fundraising, chaperoning field trips, and many more activities.
Why is it so important?
-
Music Boosters is an integral part of our program. Without the wonderful parents who volunteer their time and energy, the student experience would be diminished greatly.
What do we stand for?
-
Helping our students achieve their goals
-
Helping provide valuable opportunities for learning
-
Giving support to our music program with care and effort
WE NEED YOU!!! Contact one of the teachers below or leave your information on the next sheet:
Kathy Doty (Elementary/Middle General Music) 486-6339, kdoty@sfsd.k12.wi.us
Beth Lewis (Middle School Music) 482-8478, blewis@sfsd.k12.wi.us
Paul Oestreich (High School Music) 747-3677, poestre@sfsd.k12.wi.us
Deer Creek Band Handbook Acknowledgment Form
Please read the band handbook thoroughly and return this form
before Thursday,September 15,2011.
Students will receive 10 extra credit points for turning this in on time.
MY SIGNATURE BELOW INDICATES THAT I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL MATERIALS AND EXPECTATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS HANDBOOK. I AGREE TO DO MY PART TO MAKE THE DEER CREEK BAND SUCCESSFUL, BY FOLLOWING THE SCHOOL AND BAND HANDBOOK GUIDELINES, SETTING FORTH MY BEST EFFORT, AND BY SHOWING RESPECT TO ALL PERSONS AND EQUIPMENT AFFILIATED WITH THE BAND. I REALIZE WHEN I FALL SHORT OF THIS GOAL, I WILL BE PENALIZED IN THE MANNERS STATED IN THIS HANDBOOK, AND THE DEER CREEK STUDENT HANDBOOK.
Student Signature________________________________Date____________
Parent/Guardian Signature__________________________Date____________
Please check one of the following boxes:
-
Yes, I would like to be a part of the Music Boosters organization. Please contact me. Name Phone
Email
-
I am not interested in volunteering at this time.
