Dear Parents:
Welcome to all new and returning Band members. The year is underway with a strong start for our 7-8 grade Band. Included in this letter is information to explain how our Band program is organized throughout the year. Topics included are; Band Rehearsal, Discipline, Enrollment, Lessons, Required Events, Grading, Instrument Rental and Fees, Supplies and Notes and Information. Also included are the CALENDAR OF EVENTS for the year and a Note about our first performance on Friday, October 13.
BAND REHEARSAL
The BAND rehearses on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The 8th grade Band meets
from 12:45 - 1:30 and the 7th grade Band meets during 5th hour at 12:09 pm.
We begin the year with Marching Band and will soon start Concert Band, Jazz
Band, Contests, and preparation for various performances. All members are expected
to participate in all school rehearsals. The basic Band curriculum includes
BAND REHEARSAL, LESSONS, and REQUIRED PERFORMANCES. For those more interested,
it can include other activities. Students are encouraged to participate in extra
activities if they are willing to give the effort needed. Please see the CALENDAR
OF EVENTS included with this letter.
DISCIPLINE
A Band is a special group that meets together and works together on specific
goals. A large group such as ours needs basic rules to assure that everyone
gets an equal opportunity to learn, rehearse and benefit from the class. RULES
ARE POSTED. Also, general instructions are given often and vary throughout the
year. These keep things running smoothly and help teach the students to pay
attention and cooperate with others.
Infractions will result in various consequences such as; after school class
detention, school detention, removal from class or conference with the parent.
If a student forgets their instrument twice they will need to make up time with
me before or after school.
BAND ENROLLMENT
Band enrollment is very important and contributes to the success of our Band
program. Students are requested to enroll in Band by the year or semester. There
should be no dropping of Band during or between quarters without penalty of
a lowered grade. The reason for this is that music and the curriculum content
must be determined and planned early in the school year. Many activities continue
through quarters and even semesters. An example of this is; preparation for
solo and ensemble contest begins in December and concludes in February. Music
that is begun one quarter may be performed in the next quarter.
The entire Band relies on the performance contributions from each individual.
The group works together for Band goals. Like a team, when one member drops
out, it affects everyone. So, please help make the BAND the best it can be--Make
a commitment to STAY IN BAND.
LESSONS
A 15 minute lesson is given to each student per week. This is a time to learn
and improve skills, techniques and musical understanding. Lessons can also be
made up before or after school on a first come basis. Extra Credit will be given
for perfect attendance at lessons.
There is also a storage cabinet available with padlocks for students who are
in sports and wish to take their instrument home after practice or games. It
is located in the hall near the wrestling room at Vernon. See Mr. Law about
using a key.
REQUIRED EVENTS
Required Event means all students are expected to be present and participate
in the BAND. (Illness is the exception.) Excuses will be considered if Mr. Law
is notified at least 3 weeks prior to the scheduled event by NOTE or PHONE CALL
from the parent. Required events are 20% of each quarter grade. (See the Calendar
of Events for Required Events.)
GRADING
All students receive a grade in Band each quarter. Grades are earned by combining
the Band Rehearsal (30%), Lesson (40%), and Required Event (30%). The following
areas are considered when determining the grade; Classroom Behavior, Performance,
Practice & Preparation, Lesson Attendance, Progress, and Required Events.
INSTRUMENT RENTAL AND FEES
Some students may rent the larger BAND instruments from the school. The fee
is $50 per year for each instrument. Percussionists regularly play school-owned
instruments also. Their fee is $20 per year. This money helps maintain the instruments
in proper playing condition and helps with repair and/or replacement costs.
Bills are included with this letter for the students that have fees.
SUPPLIES
It is important that students keep good reeds, oils, and supplies on hand at
all times for playing. Some items can be purchased at school. A price list will
be posted and students must bring the money when the item is purchased. No charges
will be allowed.
Two music stores stop at Vernon regularly. The Music Loft comes on Tuesday morning
and West Music comes on Thursday afternoon. Arrangements can be made to send
in repairs or receive orders at those times.
NOTES AND INFORMATION
Many information notes will be sent home throughout the school year with the
students. Please check regularly with your child regarding this. Hopefully,
we can keep the lines of communication open and insure that everyone has the
Best Experience Possible.
In conclusion, I'm sure it's going to be a Great Year! I'm proud to have these students in Band. They are a credit to you, the school and the community. I'm looking forward to working with all of them.
Please feel free to contact me at school or home if you have questions.
Mr. David Law
Vernon Middle School
Band Director
Vernon 377-9401, ext 4448 Home 377-5203
dlaw@marion.k12.ia.us
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