Mr. Boley's Class

William R. Martin Middle School Band

Practice.......Practice...........Practice

OBJECTIVES

1. To develop the technical skills necessary to play a musical instrument, both as a soloist and as a member of an ensemble, and to develop the skills necessary to read music.
2. To promote the success of the entire Bulldog Band Program as well as the individual student. Music is fun! However, there is no fun in mediocrity. Each individual must be willing to sacrifice individual desires for the good of the band.
3. To increase the amount of fun and satisfaction each student receives from being in band. "What you get out of band depends on how much you put into it." Each student is expected to strive to put enthusiasm and hard work, as well as a desire to "do the job right" into all band activities.
4. To build leadership and character. The Bulldog Band Program strives to be known by outstanding character and citizenship. We will work to ensure proper conduct, consideration, and courtesy as a vital part of the participation of students - both in the band hall and in all public situations.
5. To promote and encourage each and every student to work together as a group toward specific goals and objectives. Students will learn both leadership and the willingness to follow.

PHILOSOPHY

The Bulldog Band Program at W. R. Martin Middle School, with the support of our principal, Mr. Sanders, operates under the following philosophy:

The Middle School Band programs are designed to prepare each student for High School level performance. We expect and encourage our students to continue their musical training and education through the outstanding programs offered in the Dallas County Schools. On behalf of the Bulldog Band Program at W. R. Martin Middle School, we thank you for your support and encouragement in the development of your young musician.

 GRADING POLICIES

Grades in band reflect the work and performance level of the individual. Performance tests include a wide variety of material depending on the ability level of the student. Assignments throughout the year might include materials from the following list of activities.  

1. Written tests over preassigned material
2. "Pop" tests over written or playing material (sight reading a new song, for example)
3. Concert and class participation--(having instrument, music, folder, notebook, pencil and demonstrating proper rehearsal technique will be considered when calculating the participation grade)

·        Concerts are co-curricular events that take place outside of the class day. Attendance at each of the scheduled is required. An unexcused absence will result in a failing grade of “zero” for that concert. This performance grade carries enough weight that the student’s grade will typically fall by at least two (2) letter grades. Should an extenuating circumstance arise, the student shall provide written notification to the band director in advance.

MAKE-UP WORK

If a student is absent for any reason, he/she is totally responsible for finding out what material was missed. If the absence results in a missed test, the student is responsible for making up the grade within three days. If the student is still unable to make up the missed assignment, the director will arrange to do so at his/her convenience. All assignments must be made up before the end of the nine weeks.

AFTER SCHOOL PRACTICE

There will be times when after school rehearsals will be scheduled. Your student’s grade will not be affected by missing these rehearsals, but participation is strongly recommended.

CONCERTS AND CONTESTS

A band is a performing musical organization. It is through performance and preparation for performance that a great deal of learning occurs. With this concept in mind, several concerts and contests are scheduled throughout the year. Each of these is a required event that serves as a major grade. The only valid excuse for missing a performance is a death in the immediate family or severe personal illness. Unexcused absences constitute a zero as a major grade. In any event, the director should be notified immediately.

BAND HALL RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. No loud or excessive talking

2. No running or horseplay
3. No food or drink of any kind at any time (particularly gum/candy/sodas)
4. No handling of anyone's equipment except your own
5. Exemplary behavior is expected at all times

Any infraction might result in a detention after school in the band hall and/or referral to the office. The amount of detention time will vary according to the severity of the problem. In addition, parents will be notified. Persistent problems might result in removal from the class.

DISCIPLINE

One of the most important elements in any worthwhile endeavor is discipline. A successful band student must possess a certain degree of personal discipline. This element is essential to a fine band program and is a must for every individual. Examples of personal discipline include:

1. Personal practice
2. High behavior standards
3. Positive attitude
4. Dedication to the cause of the program
5. Effort
6. Loyalty to the group

Band members are expected to maintain high standards of behavior while representing the band and W. R. Martin Middle School in public, in performance, on buses, in the band hall, and at all times anywhere on the WRMMS campus. Improper conduct by band students will not be tolerated.

CLASS REQUIREMENTS

All band students must have the following supplies every day for the entire school year (beginning on the second day of school):

1. Instrument and all its necessary equipment (i.e., name tag, reeds, valve oil, mouthpiece, etc.)
2. Complete music folder (we will provide the folder and the music. It is the responsibility of each student to have it with them each day in class)
3. Pencil

DRESS CODE

It is understood that distracting hair styles, makeup, and jewelry might be inappropriate for a band group or individual performance setting. Your personal grooming and attire reflect upon our group, and the directors shall reserve the right to have our school and band represented in a reasonable manner.

BEFORE / AFTER SCHOOL

Band students are welcome in the band hall before school to store instruments and music in their assigned slots for each school day. The band hall will be open at 7:30 a.m. for this purpose. Students should place their instruments and music in the assigned location, then immediately go back to the appropriate grade-level location.

Band students are allowed in the band hall after school to pick up their instruments for home practice, private lessons, or to practice. Only present band members are admitted into the band hall area at any time.

INSTRUMENT INFORMATION

INSTRUMENT INSURANCE

All students are encouraged to have personal instrument insurance. Some homeowner's policies will cover instruments but the deductible is usually large. Also, many music stores provide coverage during the rental period. Please check with your insurance agent or music store representative for specific details about coverage. You may wish to purchase instrument insurance coverage with a low deductible via the attached form.

Students that use a school-owned instrument are responsible for that. Parents should check with their insurance agent to find if additional coverage is necessary, or you may wish to purchase separate coverage.

          SCHOOL-OWNED INSTRUMENTS

A limited number of school-owned instruments are available for use by students at WRMMS. Students and parents should understand that they are physically and financially responsible for the instrument. If the instrument is lost, stolen, or damaged, the student must reimburse the district for the replacement cost of the instrument, or necessary repairs at the discretion of the directors.

NAME TAGS

Students are required to have name tags on their instrument cases. A luggage tag may be used. All materials and accessories should have the student's name or initials written clearly on them. Percussion students must have their names or initials on their stick bags as well as on each stick and mallet.

SECURITY

Students are not allowed to touch or play an instrument that does not belong to them. Students are encouraged to tell a director immediately if they think that their instrument or case has been tampered with. Vandalism and horseplay in the band area will not be tolerated.

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