Curriculum & Grading

Rehearsal Competencies

All Band students are expected to come to class prepared to participate.  Being physically and mentally prepared for class shows that responsibility.  The class is a hands-on, participation class.  Students need to have a working instrument, instrument accessories (ie. Mouthpiece or reeds), proper book(s), all music, a pencil or pen.  Regular practice is necessary to keep up and function as a contributing member of the group.  Points are deducted from a student who does not come to class each meeting with all of the above-mentioned items.  If an instrument is being repaired, you should try to get a loaner instrument.  If that is not possible, students need to bring a note from the parents stating the situation.  You will still be expected to participate by completing a rehearsal detective writing assignment.  Students who “forget” to bring an instrument the first time will be expected to complete a writing assignment.  A more tedious assignment will be given on the second occurrence.  If for some reason there is a third or fourth time the students will be given a STEP on the FFMS Discipline Plan.  Chronic forgetfulness will be brought to the parent’s attention.  Rehearsal Competency is 40% of a student’s grade.

Playing Tests

On several occasions during a grading period, students will perform short music excerpts, exercises, or scales for a grade in order to check progress in certain areas of their performance.  These will be played individually and submitted through eClass, recorded and turned in, or in some situations performed live.  Students that choose to submit playing tests via the eClass Dropbox must turn them in by 11:59pm on the due date.  If you are unable to utilize eClass, acceptable recording formats are CD, MP3 or WAV file, cell phone, camera, iPod, or a flash drive labeled with student name. They may be emailed ONLY if absolutely necessary; otherwise my mailbox will fill up quickly. Playing tests will count as part of the summative grade category.  Playing tests submitted late are subject to a 10-point late penalty.

Rehearsals and Performances

Band is a performance-based class and public performance is a major part of the class.  Performances are scheduled at the beginning of the year (see activity calendar and required events) and count as a major part of the students’ grade.  If for some reason your child cannot attend and participate in a scheduled performance, you must send a written excuse from the parent/guardian ahead of time.  If a family emergency arises the day of a performance, then an excuse from the parents is required the day the student returns to school.  If the absence is excused, an alternative assignment may be given to the student. There is no substitute for actual participation in the concerts. Excuses will be considered on an individual basis.

Occasionally, rehearsals are scheduled outside of the normal school day.  Required out-of-class activities as stipulated by the teacher will also determine a portion of the students’ grade.  Excuses for missed rehearsals are considered just like they are for performances.  Performances and rehearsals count as 10% of the students’ grade under the Final category.

Enrichment Opportunities

There are many opportunities for musical enrichment through extra-curricular activities.  Students have the opportunity to prepare for and perform for evaluation at the district Solo and Ensemble Evaluation Event and prepare for and audition for the District Bands and All-State Band. There will also be the opportunity to participate in the UGA MidFest Clinic and the First Year Band Clinic. All students are encouraged to seek enrichment opportunities.

Band Dues

Each student is asked to pay a $35.00 band due. These dues include the band shirt for the current school year (polo for 6th grade & t-shirt for 7th/8th Grade) and a band book for the specific grade level. This money also helps us function as a band program.

Instrument Care Tips

The most frustrating experiences for the student, teacher, and parent – is an instrument that is constantly going back and forth to the repair shop.  Usually the real problem is not being able to communicate to your repairman the type of problem your child is experiencing when playing the instrument.  Here are some tips regarding instrument care and repair intended to take the “Murphy’s Law” out of instrument servicing.

  • Never try to pull a stuck mouthpiece or slide with pliers.  I have a tool called a ‘mouthpiece puller’ at school.  If I cannot get it out with the mouthpiece puller it needs to be repaired by a professional.
  • Never store anything other than the instrument and necessary supplies inside the case. Loose mouthpieces, music books or folders, music stands, etc. can do major damage when stored carelessly inside your case.  Saxophonists MUST place the end plug into the body of the instrument each time it is put in the case to prevent damage to the octave key.
  • Before leaving an instrument at the music store, have your child or a band director write a short note to the repairman explaining the problem.  Never leave the instrument for repair with just a vague description of the problem (“it squeaks”).
  • Have your child go with you to pick up the instrument.  Play the instrument before leaving the store to be sure it is really fixed.  If the problem was due to your child mistreating the instrument, he/she needs to know exactly what action caused the problem so it won’t happen again.
  • If the repair is done by the music store where you are renting your child’s instrument ask for a loaner instrument while yours is being repaired.
  • Most repairs should not take more than 5 school days.
  • Be sure your child’s music, mouthpiece, reeds and method books DO NOT go to the repair shop with the instrument!

Private Lessons

Private study on any musical instrument is worthwhile only when the student is willing to practice regularly.  The best private teacher cannot fix poor tone or weak rhythmic skills if the student makes no effort to apply the suggestions made.  Your child will make a great deal of improvement when practice is done conscientiously over the course of the year.  Do not expect big leaps in your child’s ability after just one or two lessons.  Do expect good teacher-student rapport and music and exercises appropriate to your child’s age and playing experience.   Tell your child’s teacher ahead of time about extra playing opportunities in which you might want your child to participate (church solos, all-state, solo/ensemble, etc.).  Expect to pay about $15-$35 per half hour lesson. Music stores often have a staff of private teachers.   A list of private music teachers will be posted on the bulletin board for interested students.