Technique Books
Intermediate Band class will continue the use of Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician. Students may use theirs from last year if they still have it. If not, I can provide a new one for $5(use SchoolPay). You will be responsible for caring for it and having it with you at all times. You may pay through SchoolPay in the "Payment Portal" link in the menu or cash or check. If you have trouble, please see Mr. Robson for help.
Private Lessons
It is highly recommended that you consider taking PRIVATE LESSONS. Nothing can take the place of this kind of individual; expert attention, and guidance. PRIVATE LESSONS greatly increase your development as a musician.
Band Room Rules
- No food, drink, or gum is allowed in the band room at any time.
- Leaning on equipment (especially music stands and percussion instruments) is not permitted.
- When seated in a chair, keep all four legs touching the ground at all times
- When you choose to leave your music at school, it must be kept in your band locker.
- Walking only is permitted in any part of the band room at any time.
- Students may be allowed in the music office only with permission of the band teacher.
- You may touch and play only your own instrument.
- Only percussionists may touch percussion equipment.
- As a band student, you are expected to respect others by the speech you use, and the way you treat other's property.
- Students will follow these rules for the purpose of having a more productive band class this year.
Behavior
Our primary responsibility in band is to learn music. Any behavior which distracts from or interferes with this learning process will not be permitted.
The BAND ROOM RULES are provided as a special guideline for your BEHAVIOR while you are in the band room. Quiet attention to the teacher, remaining in your seat during the class period, and following directions are naturally expected of you in the band just as they are in your other classes. All Teeland School rules and policies, as outlined in the Student Handbook will be strictly enforced.
Normal Rehearsal Routine
It is important to establish a NORMAL REHEARSAL ROUTINE so that daily rehearsal time can be used efficiently. The routine begins as you enter the room.
Immediately upon entering the room, you should unpack and set up your instrument, get your music from the music folder rack, pick up your music stand, and return to your seat. You may then warm-up, practice that week’s assigned scale or rhythm, practice out of your Traditions of Excellence book or Rhythm Sheets, practice band music, or socialize with your immediate neighbor.
Two minutes after the tardy bell has rung, or when everyone appears to be in their seats and ready (whichever comes first), the conductor will stand on his riser. At this time, you should stop all activities and quietly listen to the director for instructions. Students who are not in their assigned seats by this time will be marked tardy. The director will then take daily participation points. To receive all points, you must show your music, book, pencil, planner, and instrument.
With 5 minutes remaining in the period, the rehearsal will end. You will, with no further playing, quickly put your instruments and music stand away and return to your seat, and be ready to be dismissed by Mr. Robson.
The class will be dismissed by the director (NOT THE BELL) when:
- The room has been returned to its original state of order.
- All students are sitting quietly in their assigned seats.
- The director has made all necessary reminders and announcements.
Materials Grade
Each student will need the following items in class every day:
- Sharpened pencil (NO PENS)
- Instrument (sticks and mallets for percussionists)
- Music and Music Folder
- Supplementary HSBBM Book/Binder
- At least 2 playable reeds (clarinet and saxophone)
You will be responsible for all items. If you cannot afford any of these items, let the director know so that assistance can be arranged.
Instruments
You are expected to provide your own INSTRUMENT. Teeland has a limited number of the larger INSTRUMENTS that will be checked out on a “first come first-first served” basis. You are expected to have your INSTRUMENT by the end of the first week of school. On the first day of class, you will inform the director of your “first” and “second” choice INSTRUMENT that you would be willing to play. This is, so we do not have too many of the same INSTRUMENTS.
Percussionists will need their own pair of the following:
- Snare Sticks (5A or 7A)
- Medium timpani mallets
- Hard plastic xylophone mallets
*All can be purchased at Matanuska Music or available for rent from Teeland Middle School*
Performance Attire
All band members must have performance attire.
They are:
Boys:
White Tuxedo Shirt(ordered through the school), Black slacks or pants, Black shoes, Black socks, and provided bow tie. NO JEANS
Girls:
White Tuxedo Shirt(ordered through the school), Black skirt (knee length) or Slack Pant, Black shoes, Natural or black stockings/socks, and provided bow tie. If wearing leggings, please cover with a skirt.
Performance Grades(Concerts are required)
When you receive the performance schedule please review this with your parents and put the dates on your family calendar so that no conflicts will arise. If an unavoidable conflict does come up, you must let the director know at least one week before the performance date with a written note from a parent. Such a note must describe the specific reason for your absence so that the director can determine if you may be excused. This will give the band time to redistribute parts before the performance. A note asking to excuse you from a performance less than one week prior to a performance, or after the fact, cannot be accepted.
Below are the criteria for PERFORMANCE GRADES:
A - You arrive on time for the warm-up, are dressed appropriately (see PERFORMANCE ATTIRE), behave appropriately in the warm-up, on stage, and in the audience, and stay with the band for the entire performance.
C - You fulfill all but one of the requirements for an "A"
D - You fulfill all but two of the requirements for an "A"
F - You fulfill all but three of the requirements for an "A"
Lockers
During the first week of school, an instrument locker will be assigned to you. These lockers are only for the storage of musical instruments and must be kept clean and organized at all times.
Your locker is not to be shared with anyone unless those arrangements were made when it was assigned to you. It is school property and will be inspected periodically to make certain that it is being used appropriately. If it is determined that your locker is being used improperly, you will forfeit the use of any locker. You will carry your instrument from class to class.
Extra Help
If you are having difficulty with any of the music we are working in class, you should come in before or after school for individual EXTRA HELP. However, you should always make an appointment with the director before coming in for help. They will also be glad to help you with any special music or audition material on which you may be working on.
Extra Credit
You will occasionally be made aware of concerts and recitals that you may attend for EXTRA CREDIT. To get credit, you must bring a program to band class the next school day. You must have your name clearly printed on it and it must be signed by one of your parents. Many of these concerts are free of charge. Performances by any other High School or Middle Schools will also qualify for EXTRA CREDIT.
Check with the director ahead of time if you will be attending any musical performance for which you would like to receive EXTRA CREDIT.
