Lancaster Middle School Band Handbook
Director: Ashley Miller
Inside:
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The LMS Band Program
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Philosophy of Band Program
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Lesson and Rehearsal Information
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Lesson Material
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Practice Tips
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Guidelines for Success
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Band Activities (Concerts and Festivals)
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Evaluation, Grading and Responsibility
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Jazz Band and Marching Band
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All-State Honors Experiences
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Music Boosters
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Fundraising
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A Special Message to Parents
The LMS Band Program
Among many other skills and attitudes, students in Lancaster Middle School Band will learn:
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Body posture and appropriate hand positions
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Rhythm and counting skills
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Musical independence
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Appropriate care and maintenance of instruments
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How to get a supported tone on their instrument
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Understand the procedures of rehearsal
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Music reading
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Understanding music theory. What makes music Music?
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Listening skills
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Life-long appreciation of the arts
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Dedication, responsibility and cooperation
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Music connection to history, math and culture
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Cooperative learning
Arrow Band and Cadet Band
6th graders will test into Cadet Band starting around October. They will perform #53 and #54 to show they can independently read and count music.
Students may test into Arrow Band at any test-in period regardless of what grade they are in. “Testing-in” requires playing the Arrow Test. Each instrument has different point values depending on their instrument range expected of middle school students. But all Arrow Tests consist of note naming, note playing, scales, chromatic range, rhythm counting and sight-reading. Each of these tasks is graded on a point system. Students must get 100 points total to get into Arrow Band. This point system also dictates what chair they will sit once in Arrow Band. Section Leaders will be the student with the most points.
Philosophy Statement
I believe that every student with a desire to learn and play a musical instrument should be given the opportunity to do so. To provide this opportunity, Lancaster offers a comprehensive band program where each student, regardless of ability, has a place in the program. A place that fosters improvement and dedication.
I believe that being part of the band is worth-while for every student. Music education has benefits which last a lifetime and research has shown that students who actively participate in school music programs have consistently scored higher on standardized tests and are quite successful in other school activities as well. Most of all, Music is fun! It is an experience important in our lives and to our society.
Lancaster Middle School is proud to provide a quality music education for our students. Music is an important part of a complete and well-rounded education in the Lancaster Community School District. Our school music programs exist to provide meaningful experiences in music so that students may establish a solid and permanent relationship with music.
Quality musical experiences will enable every child to develop music literacy, promote aesthetic growth and self-worth, and establish a basis for an appreciation for music.
It is with these goals in mind that I truly value the challenge of working with each and every student involved in the band program. I welcome questions and concerns at any time
Band Lessons
Band lessons are a required part of band. They are on a 6-Day rotation with the 6-Day class schedule. Lessons are brief, so it is VERY important that the students come on time, and come prepared (PRACTICED!). If you have a lesson during a class, you may be excused during a test/quiz with a note from the teacher. 6th Graders have lessons once every 6 days with small groups of like instruments. St. Clement students have a lesson once a week after school. They ride the bus to the MS, and have small group lessons of varied instruments.
Make-Up Lessons
Because I want you to be most successful in band, all band lessons can be made up for partial credit. Students should see me to find an available time, or check the schedule outside my office window.
Summer Band Lessons
Consistent summer lessons are for 6th graders beginning band. 7th and 8th graders have a small “Band Camp” in mid-August to practice marching band music. This is also the time where color guard and drum major have auditions!
Band Rehearsals
We follow a 6-Day rotation. Cadet Band meets day 2 and 4, with St. Clement students coming on day 4. Arrow Band meets day 1,3,5, and 6. 6th Graders must pass a playing test to get into Cadet Band (usually October/November). Band meets 4th hour. 7th and 8th graders NOT in Arrow Band have study hall on Non-Cadet Band days.
Lesson Materials - These materials should be at EVERY lesson!
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Book 1 of the Essential Elements 2000 series for your instrument. Additional books may be recommended by the teacher after you finish Book 1 and can be purchased at the music store of your choice.
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Carry accessories in your case ONLY if there is a designated space for it – as to not cause damage to your instrument.
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Reed instrument players should at all times have 2 extra reeds, a cleaning swab, and cork grease.
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Flute players should have a soft cloth as well as their cleaning rod.
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Brass players should have valve oil, and tuning slide cream. Trombones should also have slide cream.
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Percussionists should have drum sticks and a practice pad.
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ALL students will need their band music, and a pencil.
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Occasionally other materials will be assigned for a lesson.
Practice Tips
1 Set aside a time and place for daily practice total about 25-30 minutes each day. Remember, a few short chunks of practice time are better than one long marathon session.
2 Follow your teacher’s instructions.
3 Practice difficult material the most.
4 Try to “hear” pitches before you play them. This is especially important for brass players. Sing the exercises if possible.
5 Listen to recordings of your instrument and try to imitate the sound (tone) of professionals.
6 Look up fingerings you’re not sure of.
7 Figure out rhythms before trying to play them. Practicing correctly the first time is much better (and easier) than having to “un-learn” bad habits and then “re-learn” correct ones.
8 Make sure you know what all the signs and symbols in your music are AND what they mean.
9 Review what you talked about in lessons.
10 Learn all you can about your instrument! The library, internet, and music teacher can all be good resources.
A great book for students and parents alike is The Young Musicians Survival Guide by Amy Nathan (Oxford University Press 2000)
Keep in mind that playing and practicing are NOT the same thing..... Aim for quality in your playing – not quantity of minutes spent.
Student Guidelines for Success
1 Keep your instrument clean and in good playing condition. Report any repairs to Mrs. Miller
2 Practice at home or during homeroom every day for individual improvement. Make sure your lessons are well-prepared!
3 Come to rehearsal and lessons on time, with all your necessary materials, and a good attitude!
4 Attend all lessons, concerts, and required band activities.
5 Keep school equipment in good condition! (Music, stands, instruments, etc.)
6 Ask questions if you don’t understand something!!
7 Music is fun – the more you practice the better you’ll become and the more fun you’ll have!
Get involved! You can make a ton of friends
by getting out and trying things!
Concert Information
Attendance at all concerts is required once a student tests into Cadet Band. Students are expected to follow proper concert etiquette by staying the entire program, and supporting other students in music. This also gives the opportunity to hear other musical options at LMS.
Concert Attire:
Boys: Dress pants, shirt and tie, nice shoes. No flip flops.
Girls: CONSERVATIVE dress!! Shoulders covered, skirts must be to the knee. No flip flops.
We are performing and should look as professional and put together as possible.
We have the following concerts each year:
Marching Band: Harvest Festival Parade, UW-Platteville Homecoming Parade, and joined field show with the HS in October. “Last Blast” Concert in October/November. Memorial Day Program in May (6th graders march!)
Concert Bands: Winter Concert in December, Music in Our Schools Month Concert in March, and Festival Concert in May.
Jazz Band: Chamber Concert in April/May, and other opportunities around the community as they come up!
Large Group Festival: The Arrow Band performs at the Kalahari Large Group Festival every May. This is an exciting, fun trip for those that have tested into Lancer Band!
Arrow Band: Every now and then, Arrow band is asked to perform special concerts. Morningside, Lancaster Community events, etc. At the discretion of the teacher.
Solo Ensemble Festival
Every year LMS Arrow Band students take part in Solo Ensemble Festival. Every Arrow Band student works on a solo, duet, trio, quartet, small group, or ensemble to take to festival. The rotation changes every year as to what school is hosting. Once they have performed for a master adjudicator, they are given a score. The Music Boosters then purchase a medal for each event that scores a 1-3. The students enjoy this event, and get to keep their medal as a reminder of their hard work and experience. Students are awarded this medal at a school assembly.
Evaluation and Grading
Each student will be evaluated on the basis of his/her practice habits, attitude, lesson/concert attendance, band community, improvement and preparation for lessons. They are also given points for taking their instrument home, and being prepared for class. Homework is also graded.
Lesson Grades will be based on the following criteria:
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Attitude
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Tone and posture
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ATTENDANCE!
Student Responsibility
Responsibility is my favorite word. As Middle Schoolers, you are learning to be responsible for yourself. You are responsible for reading and understanding this handbook and following all instruction carefully. You are expected to try your hardest, practice every day, and have all your materials for class/lessons. And most of all, you are responsible to treat all other peers, teachers, and equipment with RESPECT. In LMS band, we are a respectful, responsible, caring COMMUNITY. And that means we all work together to do our best.
Teacher Responsibility
I am responsible for recording and noting student growth and progress. I am responsible for communicating with parents and guiding students to promote musical improvement and appreciation.
Parent Responsibility
Parents are responsible for encouraging their student to do their best. They will also help with acquiring proper materials for lessons and practice. It is encouraged parents monitor practice, and give praise whenever possible. It is also the parents’ responsibility to never make-fun or tease their student when notes don’t come out right.
Jazz Band
Jazz band is open to any Arrow Band member. Students will be placed in the section according to their Arrow Band seating. Jazz Band rehearses once every 6 days (the day is to be determined in cooperation with the choir schedule), Activity B. Jazz band performs at the Chamber Concert, and also takes place in the 5th grade band recruitment schedule with a performance at Winskill Elementary. Jazz Band starts after the marching season.
Marching Band
Marching Band consists of ALL 7th and 8th graders, no matter what their placement in Arrow/Cadet Band. From August Band Camp-October, all 7th and 8th graders are expected to report to band every day. They are also expected to be prepared with proper shoes and outside material should we go outside. LMS Marching band traditionally participates in two parades a year, a combined field show with the high school, a pep band concert, and a Memorial Day Program in March – where the 6th graders march for the first time.
Uniforms consist of:
LMS Marching Band Uniform: Provided by School
Black Socks: Provided by student
ALL BLACK SHOES: Provided by student
**Students are responsible for turning in their uniform and paying for dry-cleaning of uniform at the end of the season. Price will vary each year.
Color Guard
The summer before your 7th grade year you become eligible for color guard. Anyone is free to try out, and just because you do it as a 7th grader does not mean you are guaranteed as an 8th grader. The auditions are points based. You learn several moves to counts, and then try-out in small groups. As color guard members, you will spin flags and do dance movement to songs during our marching season. COLOR GUARD IS OPEN TO ANYONE REGARDLESS OF GENDER.
Drumline
Drumline is the marching drum section made up of snare drum, bass drum, quad tenors, and cymbals. You must be in percussion, or be a non-marching instrument (bassoon or oboe). Drumline is in charge of calling off drumrolls into songs, and playing our marching cadence while the band is not playing the marching tune. Everyone wants to be in drumline, but you have to remember, they don’t get a break! It’s hard work! Drum line is formed for the Memorial concert in May, and 6th graders may also be invited to participate.
Drum Major
Drum Major is in charge of leading the band! They are my 2nd in command next to me. It’s a lot of responsibility to know when to call a drumroll, and to keep your whistle in tempo. As drum major, you also conduct the band, in parade, and in concert. Drum major auditions are point based, and you may become eligible to try out the summer before 7th grade.
Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) Middle Level Honors Band and Orchestra
If a 7th or 8th grader takes a Class B Solo to Solo Ensemble, they are eligible to audition for the WSMA Middle Level Honors Program in early April. These students must memorize four concert scales, and a chromatic scale that shows their whole range. There is a cost to audition covered by the student, but transportation is covered by the school. Some 1900+ students audition every year, and those chosen perform at a music teacher convention in October. Students are placed in either the band or the wind/percussion section of the orchestra. Lancaster has had some fantastic musicians make the program and have a wonderful time with it. It’s a very fun experience! And those who work hard, have a great time!
Music Boosters
Lancaster has a PHENOMENAL parent-run Music Booster program! Music Boosters help the school music programs financially and with much support. They plan festival concessions, Cabaret logistics, help provide money for trips, and so much more! We have fundraisers every year to help raise money for the Music Boosters. Parents are always encouraged to attend meetings on the first Wed of the month. If a parent is interested in becoming an officer, elections are at the end of the year. THANK YOU MUSIC BOOSTERS!
Fundraising
At LMS, we do several fundraisers for our Music Boosters, and for trips!
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Wreathe Sale: In November we sell beautiful real wreaths. This money goes towards the Music Boosters, and then gets put back into our program. It’s a huge hit with Lancaster residents!
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ButterBraids: LMS Arrow Band participates in the Kalahari Large Group Festival and it is of some cost to students. By selling ButterBraids, it helps offset the cost to the students.
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Special Fund Raisers:
Every four years the High School music department takes HS choir and band students to New York on a wonderful performance and travel experience. This is at a pretty substantial cost to the student. A special fund raiser may be offered to help off-set these costs, and will be given at the discretion of the music staff and administration
A Special Message to Parents......
When you enroll your child in band, you are providing them a very special opportunity. Together, you and I will enjoy seeing them have success in all the different stages of their band experience.
Nothing will ensure your child’s success in the study of music as much as your interest and involvement.
Your child needs your help in this new endeavor. Here are a few things you can do to help:
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Establish a consistent practice routine
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Make sure the instrument is in good working condition
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Follow, and praise, your child’s development
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Listen to him/her play frequently
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Attend school concerts
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Help them remember their instrument and lesson book on lesson days
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Ask them about band! Ask them about their instrument! Take an interest in this fun process as they learn and develop to love music! J
Thank you for supporting your child in music!
The benefits are more than can be measured by any test.
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