2011-2012 RBJH Band Handbook Signature Page (pdf)
Signature page needs to be signed and returned by Wednesday, August 24
Whatever we accomplish in life, if it’s solely for our own good,
then it doesn’t mean that much. The things you do that affect
others in a positive way are the ones that count. Whatever facet
of life you’re in, God has given you a gift; do the best you can
with that gift. ” — Alberto Salazar
Preface
This 2011-2012 RBJH Band Department Handbook has been developed for the Roanoke-Benson Junior High School Band members and their parents. This handbook contains the objectives, expectations, and policies of the RBJH Band Department. All members and parents are encouraged to read the entire handbook which explains the policies of the RBJH Band Department.
Objectives of the RBJH Band Department
- To develop and foster creativity
- To teach music by its actual performance
- To develop performance skills on the student’s individual instruments
- To develop the ability to read and play music with insight and expression
- To acquaint students with some of today’s technology that is applicable to music in their lives
- To acquaint students with music theory and music history and how it relates to the music being rehearsed and performed
- To appropriately provide for the musical needs of the school and the community
- To work as a team member with fellow band members
- To develop self-discipline
- To develop the ability to function as a responsible member of a group
- To foster leadership
Rehearsal Objectives
- Reading and understanding music notation and terms
- Overall musicianship
- Tone quality
- Intonation
- Rhythmic accuracy and development
- Precision of attacks and releases
- Clarity of articulation
- Control of tempo
- Technical facility appropriate for music
- Control of dynamic levels
- Proper emphasis of balance and blend
- Interpretation – phrasing
- Music history as it pertains to music being rehearsed / performed
- Music theory as it pertains to the music being rehearsed / performed
Expectations
Performance Expectations
The following are expectations that will apply to all students during each performance.
- To represent the communities of Roanoke and Benson, the R-B School District, the RB60 Music Department, the RB60 Band Department, past and future RB60 Band members, our families, and our selves to the best of our abilities.
- Arrive in sufficient amount of time to be seated, in proper uniform, with instrument ready to warm-up at the designated time. Be a responsible member of the band – NEVER force the entire band to wait for you individually.
- After every rehearsal, each student will be responsible for storage of his/her instrument and music.
- After every performance, each student will be responsible for storage of band equipment as instructed by the band director. NOTE: Percussion student are responsible for storage of percussion equipment. Sticks, mallets, and small percussion instruments will be stored in the percussion cabinet. All percussion players are responsible of all percussion equipment. The excuse of “I put away [this or that]” doesn’t excuse a percussionist from the responsibility of making sure that all percussion equipment is properly put away.
- Each student will perform to the best of his/her ability
- Student will conduct themselves to the highest professional standards
- Posture
- Focused on the performance, cell phones turned off
- Refrain from talking
- Refrain from any actions during the performance that will distract from the band’s performance
- Students will demonstrate proper concert etiquette (i.e. applauding for soloists, not talking …)
- No gum allowed during any part of a performance – this includes percussionists
- All mobile electronic devices are not allowed during performances
Classroom Expectations
- Arrive on time with all necessary materials (if not, the student will be counted tardy)
- When the Band Director starts rehearsal, be in your assigned place with music and equipment ready to rehearse (if not, the student is counted tardy)
- If books are brought into the classroom, they must be kept under your chair
- No gum during the entire rehearsal -including time spent putting instruments and music away – Student chewing gum will be counted tardy
- No food or drink is allowed in the rehearsal room
- Fully participate in rehearsals and daily activities
- Give your very best effort – at all times – work with a good attitude
- Good posture is never a suggestion; good posture is required
- Read the rehearsal announcements on the markerboard (before asking questions)
- Percussionists should get out instruments to be used for selections listed on the board
- Percussionists should make sure all parts are covered at all times – if a person is absent, then someone must volunteer to cover that part for rehearsal. The percussion section should be proactive in this.
- Students must have his/her name on their instrument case
- Only handle or play your own instrument (non-percussionists do not have permission to play percussion instruments)
- When excused, properly store all music, instruments and equipment
- When excused, percussion equipment should be neatly arranged; sticks, mallets, and small percussion instruments are stored in the percussion cabinet – a pathway to the fire exit should always exist.
- Supplies and repairs should be taken care of outside of rehearsals when possible. When possible, supplies should be ordered online through www.kiddermusic.com
- Remain in the room until the bell rings
“What you permit, you promote.” Ron Kiesewetter
Consequences
Verbal warning, grade deduction, teacher-given detentions, parent notified, referral to office
Use of School Property
Students are expected to treat school-owned property with care and respect. Any student caught vandalizing school property will be held responsible for the repair or replacement of property that is damaged as deemed appropriate by the band director and disciplined according to the RBJH student handbook. Non-percussionist handling percussion equipment will be considered an act of vandalism. If damage occurs to school owned property as a result of student negligence, the student will be held responsible for the complete repair or replacement of property that is damaged as deemed appropriate by the band director and disciplined according to the RBJH Student Handbook.
Students will not be held liable for repairs, of school-owned instruments, which resulted from normal care and use. Students are not allowed to bill repairs, on school-own instruments, to the school themselves.
Grading
Roanoke – Benson Junior High School grades are given at the end of each nine weeks. Grades will be calculated on the following percentages:
- Assignments 25%
- Weekly effort grade: 25%
- Attendance of performances: 50%
Band Supplies
Instrumental supplies (reeds, oil, method books, etc…) are not sold, on a regular basis, through the RB Music Boosters. Parents are to purchase instrumental supplies online through the website of Kidder Music Service, Inc. These supplies will be delivered to the school without shipping charges. The supplies, ordered online, are the same price that the RB Music Boosters would have paid for them, but the need and liability of the RB Music Boosters to operate a re-sale account is eliminated. RBHS and RBJH will continue to keep a limited amount of instrumental supplies on hand for those families that do not have the ability to order supplies online. These supplies will be sold on cash in advance basis.
Neither the Roanoke-Benson School District, nor does the Roanoke-Benson Music Boosters, endorse one particular music store. Parents are free to order instrumental supplies from whomever they wish to. Kidder Music is the only dealer in the area that routinely visits the school to deliver supplies. If parents have any questions they should feel free to call or email (shayes@rb60.com) the director.