HMS BAND
Music Handbook
EXPECTATIONS
CLASSROOM/REHEARSAL PROCEDURES
GRADING/ASSESSMENT
There will be three primary considerations for grading: Participation, Improvement and Level of Performance Skills. Participation is reflected through the student’s handling of punctuality, attendance, effort, respect, attentiveness, cooperation and positive input. Improvement of individual abilities and level of performance skills will be measured through observation. To participate in music field trips, a student must maintain a grade of 3 or 4 and attend all performances.
HMS music students are tested many times in any marking period. Most assessments will be performance tests. Students will be notified of all performance exams several days (or possibly weeks) in advance. A performance assessment will usually consist of an exercise, scales, a music passage from folder music, or an etude from a required method book. Other tests may occur randomly and may or may not be graded. These tests will be given from any source in the student's folder. The following will be considered in scoring: tone, intonation, rhythm, technique, expression, and posture.
Areas that are graded:
* Performance tests (discussed above) * Attendance at all rehearsals
* Concerts * Written Tests
* Participation * District Honor Band (extra credit)
Playing and singing exams are not intended to compare students or to say a student is “not good enough.” Instead, their purpose is to assess the musician's current progress and what he/she should be focusing on next. If the material is too difficult, an alternative assignment can be supplied at no loss of points. Students’ grades will be determined by averaging the following areas:
MUSIC
Music will be provided free to students. Band students will receive individual folders and sheet music that will be collected at the end of the year. Students are responsible for all their music, and folders should last the school year. It is very important that the sheet music is taken care of and preserved for future use. Music may be marked in pencil only and music must never be folded. Sheet music and band folders should not be kept in an instrument case as it may damage the instrument. All band method books and folders must be clearly marked with your name.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is required for all rehearsals and public performances of the various performing groups that make up the HMS Music Program. Absences due to illness, accident, or severe family crisis may be excused if the parent or guardian informs the director, within two days of your returning to school. Please email, call, or send in a note if such an emergency arises. Absences not due to illness, accident, or family crisis will be considered unexcused. Jobs, family trips, etc., do not justify absences. Students will receive a zero for an unexcused absence. If the student is excused, they will be expected to do make up work as the director sees fit. While performances are not the only consideration for a final grade, it is a legitimate part of a total grade.
INSTRUMENTAL PRACTICE
Band students at Hanover Middle School should be prepared to devote a minimum of 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, to individual practice. The rewards of playing a musical instrument increase in direct proportion to the number of hours invested in individual practice. These rewards include improvement on the instrument, positive grades, and self-satisfaction. There will be many times during any given week when more than 30 minutes can be devoted to practice. The key is to set aside a certain time every day for practice. Set up a daily schedule to insure that practice is an important part of your daily studies. If practice reports are utilized in your class, the instructor will determine the due date and a parent or guardian should sign them.
PARENTAL HELP
There are many times during the year when the music department will need the support and help of parent volunteers, especially at concerts and on field trips. If you are interested in volunteering, please make sure you fill out the appropriate paperwork at the HMS office.
PUBLIC PERFORMANCES
Most dates for public appearances are announced at the beginning of the school year or at the very least many weeks or even months in advance. Our functions are listed on the band website and HMS online calendar. Events may be rescheduled by the Hanover School District, if needed. Students will be informed of warm-up times and places before the concert. The ten-minutes-early rule (The Musician’s Rule) is especially important so that you may be at the warm-up location on time with your music and instrument if applicable. All students are expected to be at all performances. If an emergency arises, please refer to the absence policy in Attendance.
CONCERT ETIQUETTE
Since performance is a major objective of our ensembles, concert etiquette must be learned and practiced. Typically, there is more than one group performing at each concert. When you are listening to another group, it is essential that performers and audience members conduct themselves appropriately and use proper concert etiquette:
It is part of your job to help educate our audiences in proper concert etiquette by setting the example.
CONCERT DRESSThe concert dress for each group is as follows: Concert Black – Keep it Classy
Jeans and sneakers are considered inappropriate for performances. Please make sure you have everything you need well in advance. It is not the intention of the music director to exclude any student from music activities for any reason, especially financial concerns. If, at any time this becomes an issue, please do not hesitate to contact the director as soon as possible.
INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT
Instrument shelves provide a place for instruments to stay during the school day. It is, of course, impossible to practice at home if your instrument is left in the band room overnight. Instruments should never spend a night in a school classroom or the band room.
Each band member will be expected to keep his or her instrument in excellent condition. Grades will be given on periodic inspections. All cases should be kept clean and clearly display the student’s name.
WOODWINDS
SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS
Instruments may be supplied to students to give the band a well-balanced instrumentation, or to students in need of an instrument. Each student playing a school instrument must take the best possible care of that instrument. Students using school equipment must fill out an Agreement of Use form, and have it signed by a parent. Students using school instruments are responsible for any damage incurred while in their care.
It will be the student's responsibility to have the instrument repaired through Goulet Music.
STATE HONOR FESTIVALS
HMS is part of the Southeastern District of the Massachusetts Music Educators Association and can participate in the yearly SE District Jr. Music Festival, as well as the music festival sponsored by the Southeastern Massachusetts School Bandmasters Association (S.E.M.S.B.A.). Students in grades 7 and 8 may audition to be accepted to these music festivals, and audition information is distributed at the beginning of the year. Members of the honor groups are selected based on an audition of scales and prepared music. All music students are encouraged to audition for these great opportunities, and lessons with a private instructor are highly recommended to help students prepare for these competitive auditions. Students selected for an honor ensemble will participate in a weekend rehearsal and concert.
PRIVATE LESSONS
The director will always strive to give as much attention as possible to each student, but individualized lessons in the classroom setting are not always feasible. Students may sign up for private lessons outside of the school day, and can contact the private teacher directly to make scheduling and payment arrangements. The success of every outstanding music program depends on the quality of the players as well as the determination of the students to give that extra effort. Excellent private teachers take the student to the next level, many times teaching finer points that will rarely be covered in a class setting. Please refer to the private lesson instructors list on the band website or contact your director for recommendations.
Music Handbook
EXPECTATIONS
- Accept responsibility for yourself and your learning.
- Respect the rights, safety, and property of others.
- Be a responsible citizen, obey all school rules.
- Arrive at all rehearsals and concerts on time with necessary music and instrument.
CLASSROOM/REHEARSAL PROCEDURES
- Enter the rehearsal room in a courteous and orderly manner.
- Quickly get your music and take your seat.
- Concert attention will be observed when the director is leading class and no further talking will be permitted.
- Good posture is of great importance at all times.
- No gum, food, or drinks are allowed in the music room unless preauthorized by the director.
- Band students will not play another student's instrument, or school owned instruments not assigned to them.
- Band members should always have their instrument, all music, and a pencil.
- Band students who do not bring their instruments to school will complete an assignment during class and points will be deducted from their participation grade.
- All instruments should be stored in the band room (or a supervised classroom) at the start of school.
- Band students will take music and instruments home every day.
DISCIPLINE
GRADING/ASSESSMENT
There will be three primary considerations for grading: Participation, Improvement and Level of Performance Skills. Participation is reflected through the student’s handling of punctuality, attendance, effort, respect, attentiveness, cooperation and positive input. Improvement of individual abilities and level of performance skills will be measured through observation. To participate in music field trips, a student must maintain a grade of 3 or 4 and attend all performances.
HMS music students are tested many times in any marking period. Most assessments will be performance tests. Students will be notified of all performance exams several days (or possibly weeks) in advance. A performance assessment will usually consist of an exercise, scales, a music passage from folder music, or an etude from a required method book. Other tests may occur randomly and may or may not be graded. These tests will be given from any source in the student's folder. The following will be considered in scoring: tone, intonation, rhythm, technique, expression, and posture.
Areas that are graded:
* Performance tests (discussed above) * Attendance at all rehearsals
* Concerts * Written Tests
* Participation * District Honor Band (extra credit)
Playing and singing exams are not intended to compare students or to say a student is “not good enough.” Instead, their purpose is to assess the musician's current progress and what he/she should be focusing on next. If the material is too difficult, an alternative assignment can be supplied at no loss of points. Students’ grades will be determined by averaging the following areas:
- Daily Grade 35% – Class preparation, participation, effort & attitude.
- Playing Assessment/Evaluation 25% – In addition to periodic in-class performance assessments,
- Performance 25% – Each student will receive a grade for each performance.
- Care of equipment, instrument & music 15% - Includes use of music folders, placement of the instrument in its case and being put in the proper storage areas, upkeep of the instrument, taking it home, cleanliness of instrument and storage areas, etc. Periodic inspections will be held.
MUSIC
Music will be provided free to students. Band students will receive individual folders and sheet music that will be collected at the end of the year. Students are responsible for all their music, and folders should last the school year. It is very important that the sheet music is taken care of and preserved for future use. Music may be marked in pencil only and music must never be folded. Sheet music and band folders should not be kept in an instrument case as it may damage the instrument. All band method books and folders must be clearly marked with your name.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is required for all rehearsals and public performances of the various performing groups that make up the HMS Music Program. Absences due to illness, accident, or severe family crisis may be excused if the parent or guardian informs the director, within two days of your returning to school. Please email, call, or send in a note if such an emergency arises. Absences not due to illness, accident, or family crisis will be considered unexcused. Jobs, family trips, etc., do not justify absences. Students will receive a zero for an unexcused absence. If the student is excused, they will be expected to do make up work as the director sees fit. While performances are not the only consideration for a final grade, it is a legitimate part of a total grade.
INSTRUMENTAL PRACTICE
Band students at Hanover Middle School should be prepared to devote a minimum of 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, to individual practice. The rewards of playing a musical instrument increase in direct proportion to the number of hours invested in individual practice. These rewards include improvement on the instrument, positive grades, and self-satisfaction. There will be many times during any given week when more than 30 minutes can be devoted to practice. The key is to set aside a certain time every day for practice. Set up a daily schedule to insure that practice is an important part of your daily studies. If practice reports are utilized in your class, the instructor will determine the due date and a parent or guardian should sign them.
PARENTAL HELP
There are many times during the year when the music department will need the support and help of parent volunteers, especially at concerts and on field trips. If you are interested in volunteering, please make sure you fill out the appropriate paperwork at the HMS office.
PUBLIC PERFORMANCES
Most dates for public appearances are announced at the beginning of the school year or at the very least many weeks or even months in advance. Our functions are listed on the band website and HMS online calendar. Events may be rescheduled by the Hanover School District, if needed. Students will be informed of warm-up times and places before the concert. The ten-minutes-early rule (The Musician’s Rule) is especially important so that you may be at the warm-up location on time with your music and instrument if applicable. All students are expected to be at all performances. If an emergency arises, please refer to the absence policy in Attendance.
CONCERT ETIQUETTE
Since performance is a major objective of our ensembles, concert etiquette must be learned and practiced. Typically, there is more than one group performing at each concert. When you are listening to another group, it is essential that performers and audience members conduct themselves appropriately and use proper concert etiquette:
- No conversation is allowed while a group is performing.
- Applaud at the appropriate times and in the appropriate manner.
- Getting out of your seat and moving around is not allowed during the concert.
It is part of your job to help educate our audiences in proper concert etiquette by setting the example.
CONCERT DRESSThe concert dress for each group is as follows: Concert Black – Keep it Classy
- black pants, long skirt, or black dress
- nice black top (short or long sleeve)
- dark socks & shoes
Jeans and sneakers are considered inappropriate for performances. Please make sure you have everything you need well in advance. It is not the intention of the music director to exclude any student from music activities for any reason, especially financial concerns. If, at any time this becomes an issue, please do not hesitate to contact the director as soon as possible.
INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT
Instrument shelves provide a place for instruments to stay during the school day. It is, of course, impossible to practice at home if your instrument is left in the band room overnight. Instruments should never spend a night in a school classroom or the band room.
Each band member will be expected to keep his or her instrument in excellent condition. Grades will be given on periodic inspections. All cases should be kept clean and clearly display the student’s name.
WOODWINDS
- Check pads weekly for worn or torn skins.
- Mouthpieces should be cleaned weekly (things you can't see start growing).
- Clarinets and Saxes should have 4 playable reeds. Playable means no chips or cracks and looks new.
- Instrument should be washed monthly, inside and out. Do not perform this task without instructions from your director.
- Mouthpieces should be cleaned weekly (things you can’t see start growing).
- Tuning slides should be greased after they are washed.
- Trombone slides should be lubricated with slide cream as necessary.
- Valves should be oiled as necessary.
- All players should have the required sticks and mallets in their own stick bag.
- All players are responsible for keeping all equipment clean and in good working order.
SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS
Instruments may be supplied to students to give the band a well-balanced instrumentation, or to students in need of an instrument. Each student playing a school instrument must take the best possible care of that instrument. Students using school equipment must fill out an Agreement of Use form, and have it signed by a parent. Students using school instruments are responsible for any damage incurred while in their care.
It will be the student's responsibility to have the instrument repaired through Goulet Music.
STATE HONOR FESTIVALS
HMS is part of the Southeastern District of the Massachusetts Music Educators Association and can participate in the yearly SE District Jr. Music Festival, as well as the music festival sponsored by the Southeastern Massachusetts School Bandmasters Association (S.E.M.S.B.A.). Students in grades 7 and 8 may audition to be accepted to these music festivals, and audition information is distributed at the beginning of the year. Members of the honor groups are selected based on an audition of scales and prepared music. All music students are encouraged to audition for these great opportunities, and lessons with a private instructor are highly recommended to help students prepare for these competitive auditions. Students selected for an honor ensemble will participate in a weekend rehearsal and concert.
PRIVATE LESSONS
The director will always strive to give as much attention as possible to each student, but individualized lessons in the classroom setting are not always feasible. Students may sign up for private lessons outside of the school day, and can contact the private teacher directly to make scheduling and payment arrangements. The success of every outstanding music program depends on the quality of the players as well as the determination of the students to give that extra effort. Excellent private teachers take the student to the next level, many times teaching finer points that will rarely be covered in a class setting. Please refer to the private lesson instructors list on the band website or contact your director for recommendations.