Haines Music Department

General information about the Haines Band program

Contents
Objectives and Responsibilities
1. Class objectives
2. Student Responsibilities
3. Parental Responsibilities
4. Teacher Responsibilities

Grading
Extra Credit
Dress Requirements for Concerts
1. Concert Bands
2. Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Lab Band
3. 6th grade Jazz Band
Discipline
Practicing

Activities
1. Concerts
2. Solo and Ensemble Contest
3. IMEA Honor Band and Jazz Band
Private lessons
Instrument care
School owned instruments
Instrument Repair
Name Tags
Instrument Upgrade
Lockers
Recommended Equipment
Communication

Objectives and Responsibilities

1. The class objectives for each group at their appropriate levels are:
- to teach proper playing habits
- to teach the fundamentals of music
- to advance the student’s skill development on their instrument
- to explain proper instrument care
- to provide a time for detailed rehearsal of music for performance.
The objectives are met through the study and performance of quality music of a variety of styles.

2. The students responsibilities are:
- to practice the music and lesson material on a regular basis
- have the necessary equipment at each rehearsal
(i.e. instrument, music, and a pencil)
- to be at and on time for each rehearsal and performance
- to have the highest standards of behavior
- to come to class with a positive attitude

3. The parental responsibilities are:
- to provide a quiet space for practice
- to provide appropriate material (a working instrument, books, reeds, valve oil, etc.)
- to provide support by encouraging practicing and attending concerts

4. The teachers responsibilities are:
- to provide a safe and encouraging atmosphere where students are comfortable about exploring the incredible world of music and the performing arts
- to be prepared each day to rehearse the music and technical exercises as efficiently as our limited time allows
- to communicate as often as possible with the parents with information and progress of the students in band

When the objectives are met with the responsibilities fulfilled the result is a wonderful educational experience for the student.

Grading
Students will receive a grade on their report card at the end of each quarter that counts toward their overall academic G.P.A.

Grades in band come from 3 different areas. The final writting assignment/concert , daily work, and the final quarter playing test. The percentages of these areas will differ from grade level due.

I. Final Writing Assignment or Attendance at the Performance is one part of final quarter grade
***A significant portion of the grade is the concert music we work on in class. To show if a student has grasped the content of the class we have a final writing assignment and individual performance of the material (concert music). As an alternative to doing the paper and playing their concert music for us individually they can substitute their attendance at the “ required “ concerts.
This is only for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters.

II. Daily Grades from notspellers, rhythm sheets, and lesson or sectional playing quizzes are another part of final quarter grade.

III. Final Quarter Playing Tests are another part of the final quarter grade.

EXTRA CREDIT
Extra credit towards the Daily Grades area is ALWAYS available by attending a classical or jazz concert and turning in a program (signed by the parent and student). Extra credit counts toward the daily grade portion of the student’s final grade only.
We live in a very active arts community. Students are encouraged to attend concerts such as:
Chicago Symphony Orchestra or Elgin Symphony Orchestra
Concerts held at:
The Norris Cultural Arts Center, College of Dupage, Elgin Community College or
Northern Illinois University
Great chamber concerts held at:
Fermi Lab or area Churches
The local newspapers will provide the details.

Dress Requirements for Concerts
1. Concert Bands
Ladies- White top and Dark skirt or pants
Guys- White collared shirt (tie optional) and Dark pants
All students should be in dark socks and shoes. Please avoid
jeans and gym shoes.
2. Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Lab
Jeans and Jazz t-shirts (more information to follow)
3. 6th Grade Jazz Band
Jeans, white collared shirt, crazy tie

Discipline
All large organizations such as band can only function properly with well disciplined participants. Band is not a mandatory subject, and it is assumed that all student’s are willing participants. It is the students responsibility to adhere to all rules set forth by the school as well as the director.
Proper behavior at all rehearsals and performances is also of the uppermost importance. The actions of one member is a reflection upon all members of the group and the school community. Only the highest standards of behavior, performance, and appearance are acceptable.

Practicing

In addition to the regularly scheduled school rehearsals it is crucial for each student to practice at home. Please be aware that practice rooms are available for student use both before and after school. Just as students need a quite study area for math homework, an appropriate environment for music practice is needed; a quiet area with a music stand and appropriate equipment is a must for a successful rehearsal. I don’t have a number of minutes of practice time a week. What I have found to be the crucial element with successful musicians is daily, efficient practice. We will spend a substantial amount of time discussing what an efficient practice session should look and feel like. Bottom line is that the instrument should come home everyday, be played for at least a short amount of time, and most importantly it should progressively sound better.

Activities

1. Concerts

Concerts provide the way for students to show what they have been working toward in class. They are the end result for having performing classes like band. Students depend on each other to play their assigned part so that the music is performed the way it was intended. Attendance at concerts should not be taken lightly. The 6th grade band has two required concerts and the 7th and 8th grade bands have three required concerts a year. Students are expected to stay for the entire concert, as they are assessed for their concert etiquette as well as their performance. Please see the performance calendar.

2. Solo & Ensemble contest

Band members are encouraged to participate in the distrtict’s middle school Solo & Ensemble Contest. Contestants perform selected pieces for judges and are awarded medals at the conclusion of the contest. Students may choose to perform in a solo and/or they may choose to be a part of a small ensemble. Students performing a solo must have an piano accompanist if the piece calls for it. Solo participants are responsible for securing their own accompanist but we do try to furnish a list of piano accompanists if you don’t know one in your area. It is recommended that 7th and 8th grade contestants study privately. The private teachers and/or your director can recommend suitable music literature. A participation fee will be assessed to Solo & Ensemble contestants. Solo and Ensemble Contest will be held Friday evening, March 12, 2009, at St. Charles North High School.

3. IMEA All-District Band and Jazz Band

Select 7th & 8th Grade Band and Jazz Band students are eligible to audition for these district honor groups. Our district includes the Western Suburbs south through Bollingbrook. Auditions are October 3, 2009. If chosen, the musician participates in the District Music Festival on November 1, 2009 for Concert Band and October 31, 2009 for Jazz.

Private lessons

Every student has large group rehearsals each day. However, no instructional time can be spent giving individual assistance. Consequently, it is extremely important that you consider private lessons for your child. Your director has a current list of recommended teachers in the area.
As many enthusiastic and successful music students already
know, PRIVATE LESSONS ARE ESSENTIAL and are the way to go to become a better player and get more fun out of playing! One-on-one attention will allow the student to work on problem areas which may get overlooked in a group situation. Students studying privately should participate in Solo & Ensemble Contest. Please contact the directors for a list of area private teachers.

Instrument Care

1. School-Owned Instruments

Haines Middle School owns a limited number of musical instruments. Large instruments such as tubas, bass clarinets, etc… are available for a rental fee of $50 per person, per year. Checks should be made payable to Haines Middle School. Any student that checks out a school-owned instrument is responsible for its care, safety, and repair as if it were his or her own instrument. Repair of school-owned instruments should be handled through the music teacher. At no time should a student or parent attempt to repair a school-owned instrument!
Because the school-owned instruments are very expensive it is recommended that an insurance policy be taken out for the value of the instrument. A reputable insurance company can provide more information.

2. Instrument Repair
Very minor repairs can be done by the director or private teacher; however it is recommended that instruments receive professional treatment by a trained repair technician. An area music company representative visits the school once a week and can pick-up and deliver instruments for repair. Refer to the “useful telephone numbers” page for additional repair company options.

3. Name Tags
For security reasons all instruments are required to have a name tag on the outside of the case at all times. Identification on the inside of the case is also a good precaution. We also recommend that students record the serial number from their instrument and keep it at home in case of theft.

4. Instrument Upgrade

The director or private teacher may suggest that a better instrument will enable the student to do better work. The matter of a step-up instrument should become a subject of family discussion and consideration. The private teacher and director can help in selecting an appropriate instrument and recommending a reputable music company. Quinlan and Fabish provides an opportunity for students in the St. Charles School District to try out and possibly purchase step-up instruments. Just see Mr. Swenson and ask about the free instrument trial.

Lockers

1. Locker Assignments and Locks

The Haines Middle School Band room is equipped with lockers for instruments to be stored in. Clarinet, Oboe Trumpet and Alto Saxophone players have a locker assigned to them to use. They may keep their instrument, music folder and lunch in their locker. It is encouraged that students get a lock to secure their instrument. ONLY LOCKS PROVIDED THROUGH HAINES MAY BE USED!!!! Since the front office has all the the combinations the lockers can be accessed in case of a forgotten combination or some other situation.

Recommended Equipment

Tuner/Metronome Sabine MT-9000

Mouthpieces:

Tuba Conn-Helleberg 7B
Baritone & Trombone Bach 6 1/2 AL
Horn Schilke 30 or 31
Trumpet Bach 5C
Sax Selmer CS80 C*
Clarinet Larry Combs LC 3
Vandoren (Use on Buffet R13’s only)
Vandoren Ligature
(use with LC 3 or Vandoren mouthpiece)

Reeds:

Oboe and Bassoon Any Quality hand-made reeds such as from
Edmund Nielsen Co.
833-5676 or from your private lesson teacher.

Clarinet and Saxophone Vandoren 2 1/2 Strength

Percussion:

Each percussionist must own and use a Zildjian ( of other good quality) stick-bag containing :
Snare Drum Sticks SD2 (or other quality snare sticks)
Vic Firth T-3 Staccato Timpani Mallets
Hard Mallets - Musser M404
Soft Mallets - Balter 103B
Zildjian ( or other quality ) stick bag.

Quinlan and Fabish is a quality store to get these items. Also a good place to get the equipment is through Jeff King at Woodside Percussion
(847)464-5001.

Communication

Email addresses:

John Blank john.blank@d303.org
Erik Swenson erik.swenson@d303.org

Telephone Numbers ( all use the 630 area code unless otherwise noted)

Haines Band and Orchestra Office 587-7217
St. Charles East High School Music Dept. 377-4797
St. Charles North High School Music Dept. 443-5680

Quinlin & Fabish Music Co., Burr Ridge, IL 654-4111
(Instruments, Music, Accessories, and repair)

Roger’s Music, Dekalb, IL 815-756-7440
(Instrument Repair)(pick up and drop off with Full Staff Music)

Edmund Nielsen, Villa Park, IL 833-5676
(Oboe & Bassoon Accessories)

Full Staff Music Co., St. Charles, IL 513-7117
(Private lessons and Accessories)

Woodside Percussion 847-464-5001
(percussion lessons and supplies)

PM Music 978–9927
(Instruments, Music, Accessories, and repair)