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2008-2009 Lamar Band Handbook |
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Lamar Middle School Band 4000 Timbercreek Road 2008-2009 Lewisville Independent School District Alan Hanna - Director
www.lamarmsband.org
Forward Today, more than ever, educators and taxpayers examine the worthiness of every course in the curriculum. Does it fulfill the objectives of education? The Lewisville Independent School District recognizes that education should be more than just a means for preparing for a career. The emphasis that has been invested in the arts, and specifically the band programs show the appreciation and importance that music holds for the students of the district. Music is the most widely used art. Almost everyone listens to music on television, radio, movies or recordings. Central to the appreciation and understanding of music is music performance. The student who has learned to play an instrument will always enjoy music more than if he/she had not. A good band will perform superior and challenging music in order to give its members a worthwhile musical foundation. The band’s purpose is not only to serve the school and community through marching in parades and playing at football games, thus providing entertainment and enhancing school and community spirit, but also to furnish the student with an invaluable experience. The disciplines of a good band are similar to those acquired in athletics. Both develop coordination, cooperation, teamwork and self-discipline to a degree not possible in academic subjects. The band is no haven for a lazy student. It demands and develops concentration essential to success in any subject or endeavor. Band performance also promotes good health. One pediatrician has said, “If I had my way, all boys and girls would be required to play a wind instrument.” One must not forget that superior bands help to develop character, good behavior, and provides students with an ideal outlet for their energies. The band gives students a place “to hang their hat.” Everybody needs something of this kind for good mental health and happiness. In addition to the rewards from discipline and hard work, one also belongs to band because it is fun. There is a genuine exhilaration in making music, in playing a beautiful concert, in being part of a thrilling half-time football show, in leading a parade down Main Street, and in being able to wear a uniform of a band. Astronaut John Glenn was in the band. Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, was a baritone player. President Reagan was the Drum Major of his high school band, and President Clinton, a saxophone player, was a member of the Arkansas All-State Band for three years. David Robinson, NBA great for the San Antonio Spurs, attributes much of his mental quickness and coordination to the study of the keyboard and saxophone. An amazingly high percent of American scientists and people of note have played in a band. The band directors at Lamar Middle School look forward to preparing your child for a more enriched and fulfilled life. Congratulations to you for giving your child the opportunity to play in the band!
About the Directors
Alan Hanna is in his sixth year as director of the Lamar Middle School Bands in Flower Mound, Texas. Mr. Hanna moved to Lamar from Frisco, Texas where he was director of bands at Pioneer Heritage Middle School. Mr. Hanna began teaching eleven years ago after graduating with a Bachelor of Music Education degree from West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. He began teaching as the assistant band director at Midland Lee High School with four additional years as the band director at Goddard Junior High in Midland. His bands have received superior ratings at both UIL Contests and Festivals and have been selected to the final round of the Texas Music Educators Association State Honor Band Competition twice. He has served as guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator in regions across the State of Texas. Mr. Hanna’s love for music began at a young age. His mother was his elementary music teacher, and his father was his high school band director. His sister, Kimberley Hoyle, is also a band director and teaches at Lovejoy Middle School. Mr. Hanna plays the trumpet and has participated in practically all facets of instrumental performance, including Drum Corps International, rhythm and blues bands and symphony orchestra. He was a member of the internationally recognized blues band Kay Kay and the Rays. Mr. Hanna is married to Shari, who has been a color guard instructor for both Midland and Lee High Schools in Midland. She currently works for Genequity Mortgage in Irving.
Danielle Walkenhorst recently earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree with Summa Cum Laude honors from the University of Houston. While primarily studying flute there, Ms. Walkenhorst had the privilege of performing in the top Wind Ensemble, New Music Ensemble, the Symphony, Opera and Ballet Orchestras, and the Cougar Marching Band. As a member of the University of Houston’s flute choir, Ms. Walkenhorst has traveled to Florida and New Mexico as a soloist at the National Flute Association conventions. On several occasions she has performed in TMEA clinics and concerts, eager to begin sharing her skills as a music educator. Having loved her middle school band experience and the wonderful teachers she has had along the way, Ms. Walkenhorst is very excited and fortunate to begin her teaching career at Lamar Middle School. Although she will miss her family in San Antonio and her friends in Houston, Ms. Walkenhorst is very enthusiastic about now living in the Dallas area and is looking forward to a great year.
Lamar Middle School Band Calendar 2008-2009 www.charmsoffice.comAugust September October November December January February March April
June
July12-24 WTAMU Band Camp
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2008-2009 Schedule of Band Classes **updated 8/22/08**
Period |
Time |
Class |
0 |
7:00-8:00 |
Symphonic & Concert Band Sectionals & Rehearsals |
8:00-8:45 |
Tutorials |
|
1/11 |
8:45-9:25 |
Beginning percussion, Horn, Flute |
2/12 |
9:30-10:10 |
Beginning Cornet & Clarinet Beginning |
3/4 |
10:15-11:50 |
Symphonic Band (A-Day) |
13/14 |
10:15-11:50 |
Concert Band (B-Day) |
Lunch |
11:50-12:20 |
Lunch |
5/15 |
12:25-1:05 |
Beginning Trombone & Dbl Reeds |
6/16 |
1:10-1:50 |
Tuba/Euphonium & Saxophone |
Activity |
1:55-2:25 |
Activity Period |
7/17 |
2:30-3:10 |
Director Planning Period |
8/18 |
3:15-3:55 |
Conference |
9 |
4:15-5:15 |
Tutorials |
With many students in the band program, the directors receive many calls and messages. Our goal is to respond to every message in a timely manner.
You may e-mail us at the following address:
Mr. Hanna hannaad@lisd.net
Ms. Walkenhorstwalkenhorstd@lisd.net
Mr. Wylie ksw43065@aol.com (Percussion)
Mr. Talanca talancad@lisd.net (Clarinet)
Call during a conference time: We are not always near a phone during this time, but it is the best time to try to reach us. We may use conference time for an emergency trip to the music store and other band-related errands. In general, we are teaching every period of the school day. Mr. Hanna and Ms. Walkenhorst’s conference period is 3:10-3:55. Sometimes it is possible to reach us during the 5 minute passing time between classes. Regardless of what time you call, you may always leave a message on our voice mail and we will return your call as soon as possible.
Lamar Band Office and Voice Mail: 972-350-2068
Lamar Main Office: 469-713-5966
Lamar Fax in Main Office: 972-350-2050
Mr. Wylie’s Voice Mail: 972-539-1591 ext. 16207
Charms music is a secure web-based program that will assist the band directors and booster club in communicating, financing, and organization of the Lamar Band program. Please try to keep student and parent/guardian information up-to-date on this program, so you will not miss important emails and announcements. The official band calendar will also be at this site.
- Log on to www.charmsoffice.com
- Locate the “PARENT/STUDENT LOGIN” section of the web page.
- Login to your child’s program account using the following login:
lamarlonghornband
- This will bring up the main parent page. This will allow you to look at your child’s program calendar, event list, handouts and SmartMusic files.
- Clicking on an event on the calendar brings up the details for that event, such as times, attendance requirements and equipment/uniform necessities. Clicking on “event list” puts all of the calendar information in a list form for easy printing.
- When you enter your child’s ID NUMBER, LISD 6 digit ID number (email walkenhorstd@lisd if you forgot this number or if you want us to reset your password) another more detailed screen appears with even more options to view your student’s uniform assignments, music assignments, financial records, forms and inventory. Enter your child’s ID FIRST – then you may create your own, unique password by clicking on the “keys.”
- Two areas in which you can help the director maintain his/her records:
- Student information form – if the director has allowed it, you may help make changes to your child’s student information page (such as updating phone numbers and email addresses if they change) to help the teacher communicate with you more effectively.
- Credit card payments for fees, trips and deposits to your student’s account. If the director has created a PayPal account for the booster club or school activity account, you may pay for your child’s fees or trips easily with a credit card.
- Most importantly, the parent page assists both you and the teacher to communicate with each other.
- Throughout the coming school year there will be many times information about an upcoming contest, party, rehearsals, concerts, additions to the calendar or event will come home with your student. Checking their band binder for this information is an important way to keep you informed.Many times making 200 copies made to send home with the students is not possible due to time constraints. This is when e-mail becomes a critical part of communication. Communications between the directors, parents and students is very important. It is STRONGLY recommended that you enter at least one email address in our online database program Charms. The following page contains instructions for logging on. Please notify Amy Enloe if you are having any difficulties. Charms is a management system to help the directors and the booster club have a way to organize and manage inventory, keep track of the formal uniforms, collection of forms, collection of monies for trips, band fees and fundraisers.Charms is a way for the parents to check to see if a certain payment has been made, if forms have been turned in, see what # uniform piece has been checked out to your student, look at the most updated calendar, plus more. Once you make any changes or additions to the student information in Charms make sure you click the UPDATE button located above the students name.Additionally the official Lamar Band website, www.lamarmsband.org , will contain links to information of upcoming events, itineraries, etc. Please put this website and Charms in your Favorites and visit them often.
- To develop a life long love of music and a recognition of its importance in helping enrich the human experience.
- To develop self and group discipline through preparation and practicing of instrumental music.
- To develop leadership skills, responsibility, diligence, and an ability to cooperate with others as a team member.
- To develop strength, stamina, endurance and coordination.
- To develop an ability to make musical value judgments through critical listening. The student shall be provided opportunities to recognize quality of sound, pitch, style, tempo, rhythm, blend, balance, phrasing, dynamics, and articulation.
- To develop skills in using and understanding note values, rests, key signatures, scales, musical terms, signs, and symbols.
- To develop the ability to recognize and tune intervals, unisons, harmony, and to develop discriminate listening skills.
- To develop proper instrumental technique, care for instrument, correct posture and playing position, embouchure, good tone, correct breathing, technical proficiency, and rhythmic skill.
- To develop instrumental technique in finger/tongue coordination, intonation, musical phrasing, dynamic control, rhythmic skills, and articulation.
- To develop music reading skills, hand/eye coordination, and to interpret in sound, musical symbols and terms from the printed page.
- To develop musical sensitivity through performance of music as well as listening to music. The student shall be provided opportunities to internalize generally accepted authentic performance styles and techniques in music played and heard.
- To evaluate the quality of musical performance the student shall be provided opportunities to evaluate progress toward self-established musical goals, evaluate solo and group rehearsals and performances, and recognize quality of sound, pitch, style, tempo, rhythm, blend, balance, phrasing, dynamics, and articulation.
- To develop creative self-expression in every performance experience and explore possible careers in music.
- To exhibit concert etiquette as an informed, actively involved listener during varied live performances.
- No gum, candy, food or drinks in the Fine Arts Facility.
- Do not interfere with the directors’ ability to teach or a students' ability to learn.
- Students are not to touch or handle any equipment or instrument that they are not assigned to play by the school.
- All required materials are to be brought to class each day.
- Do not bring extra materials to your seat in rehearsal.
- Students should refrain from playing their instruments until class begins and the director starts the warm-up.
- Students must be in their chair with instrument by the start of the class period.
- Students should not leave their instrument unattended.
- Keep your eyes on the director when he is speaking.
- Instruments may be stored in their assigned band cubby during the school day. Cases must be clearly labeled with the student’s name. Other class materials are not allowed in the instrument storage areas. Keep lunches, gym clothes, and other belongings in your secured school locker.
- Percussion instruments are only for the percussionists. All other students are to leave them alone.
- As a security precaution, only band students are allowed in the band hall.
- You will be expected to take your instrument home every day. Instruments shall be picked up immediately after school is dismissed. Athletes should make arrangements with Mr. Hanna for pick up and storage. If you leave school early, be sure to pick up your instrument before you leave.
- All band students are encouraged to use the Fine Arts Facility. Everyone will assist in keeping all rooms neat and clean. Cleaning is everyone’s responsibility and should not be thought of as punishment.
- 30 minutes a day will be much more beneficial to the student than trying to make up by doing longer chunks of time every few days.
Aesthetic experiences are a vital part of student growth. Band, as a musical organization, provides one medium of aesthetic expression for students. Our departmental goal, therefore, is that each student be able to express aesthetic values of music, through performance skills and theory comprehension.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Standards of Behavior
Standards of behavior ensure that the Lamar Band will establish and maintain a tradition of excellence and will protect students and equipment.
Procedures
Disciplinary Consequences
Violation of the standards or procedures outlined in this handbook may result in one or more of the following actions:
1. Verbal warning
2. Time-out (may include a writing assignment) resulting in loss of participation points
3. Parent contact
4. Referral to principal’s office
5. Parent conference
6. Removal of band privileges.
7. Removal from Band
Severe behavioral problems will result in an immediate referral to principal’s office.
* Symphonic and Concert Band
Grading Policy*
Grades for Symphonic and Concert Bands are based on:
30% Attendance at performances
All performances are marked on the calendar as mandatory events. These events cannot be made up. See Attendance Policy.
25% Attendance at rehearsals and clinics
These include: Monday morning rehearsals and any other co-curricular activities, like master classes and clinics. One rehearsal/clinic per grading period can be made up during a tutorial time before the last Tuesday of each grading period. Parents and students should understand the tutorial will not meet the educational value of a rehearsal/clinic. Please make every effort to attend all rehearsals/clinics.
25% Attendance at weekly section rehearsals and daily/test grades
Section rehearsal grades are 2 part; attendance and playing test. Students attending the section rehearsal but failing the test will receive a 50. Students present and passing the test will receive a 100. One section rehearsal can be made up during tutorial time before the last Tuesday of each grading period. However, the tutorial will not meet the educational value of the section rehearsal. Please make every effort to attend all section rehearsals. Any student wishing to change a 50 to a 100 may do so by re-performing the selection during a tutorial or by preparing a recording of the selection for a band director on or before the last Tuesday of the grading period.
Non section rehearsal grades (daily) may consist of playing exams during band class or the returning of assignments. Some major assignments may be weighted heavier than others.
20% Practice journals
Practice journals will be graded on a weekly basis. The practice week will begin on Monday and conclude on Sunday. If practice logs are not turned in Monday there will be a “10” point penalty for each day it is late through Friday. If a Holiday falls on Monday the journal will be due on Tuesday. If not received by Friday a “0” will be entered for that week. The practice journal grading scale can be found in section 13 of this handbook.
*Beginning Band Grading Policy*
Grades in Beginning Band are based on:
40% Attendance at performances and after school rehearsals
All performances and rehearsals are marked on the calendar as mandatory events. These events cannot be made up. See Attendance Policy.
35% Daily grades
Daily grades consist of assignments and playing tests. A zero will be given to any student who is absent or refuses to take a playing test. Any playing test below 70 can be raised by re-performing the selection during a tutorial for your band director on or before the last Tuesday of the grading period.
25% Practice Journals
Practice journals will be graded on a weekly basis. The practice week will begin on Monday and conclude on Sunday. If practice logs are not turned in Monday there will be a “10” point penalty for each day it is late through Friday. If a Holiday falls on Monday the journal will be due on Tuesday. If not received by Friday a “0” will be entered for that week. The practice journal grading scale can be found in section 13 of this handbook.
Any activity which is included in the course is considered curricular. Section rehearsals, performances, and clinics, are part of the course requirements and are, therefore, graded activities.
Unlike other core classes, it is not possible to make-up a performance or special rehearsal. Attendance at all rehearsals, clinics and performances are mandatory. All absences must be approved in advance by the director. Advanced notice should be given at least three school days for morning and after school rehearsals and two weeks for performances. Only conflicts of a serious nature will be considered. Failure to have an absence excused in the previous manner may result in the student failing that six week grading period. If you absolutely must miss an activity due to an unavoidable conflict or family emergency, a written request by parent or guardian will be needed. Please submit the request in a timely manner. Requests will be reviewed and excused at the directors’ discretion. Unexcused absences may result in the reassignment to a different part or role in the rehearsal or performance.
Performances are the center piece and focus of our program, when missed the students do not get to experience the fruits of their labor.
Every member of our band is important. One missing member is like a missing link in a chain. You are important!
The majority of students who miss events, have missed due to the lack of planning or lack of communication. Most all absences can be avoided or excused by planning ahead. Many times a parent’s schedule doesn’t allow time to transport their student to these events. There are many ways to solve these problems ahead of time. Many parents have worked out a carpooling system with band members from their neighborhood. Carpooling works, if you plan ahead. Always plan ahead.
“Procrastination is the thief of time.” Edward Young
The success of our program is directly proportional to the overall attendance rate throughout the year. We can not teach an empty chair, and unlike football we do not have a bench. Please make every effort to schedule your medical, dental, or other appointments around band activities and class time.
Symphonic and Concert Band
The Symphonic and Concert Bands are the largest and most visible groups at Lamar Middle School. They perform at school pep rallies, have several concerts throughout the year, and participate in a number of contests and festivals.
Activities include:
1. One sectional rehearsal per week held before or after school for 60 minutes
2. Three before school rehearsals per grading period
3. Performances at school pep rallies
4. 2 Performances at school football games
5. Performance at Marcus Band Cluster Festival
6. All-Region Master Class (Oct.) (not required of Concert Band members on the fundamental track)
7. All-District Auditions (Oct.) (not required of Concert Band members on the fundamental track)
8.
PTA Concert (October)
9. All-Region Auditions (Nov.) (not required of Concert Band members on the fundamental track)
10.
Winter Concert (December)
11.
Solo and Ensemble Contest and Recital (January/February)
12.
Pre-UIL Contest Concert (March)
13.
UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest (April)
14.
All Guest clinician rehearsals
15. Spring Concert (May)
Due to the level of literature and the performance demands placed on this ensemble, private lessons are an expectation of the Symphonic Band members. Those families that need financial aid will need to make an appointment with Mr. Hanna to discuss the availability of funds. Most Concert Band students also participate in the private lesson program.
Other General Requirements:
1. Maintain a positive attitude and a strong work ethic
2. Daily home practice
3. Bring an instrument in good playing condition to all rehearsals and performances
4. Bring a working tuner with pick-up, pencil and binder containing all music we are performing to all rehearsals and performances
5. Remain eligible for extra-curricular activities (pass all classes every 6 weeks)
6. Maintain and accessorize band uniform
7. Purchase a band shirt for use at pep rallies, informal functions and other specified events
8. Pay for solo accompanist. (February)
9. Brass players must have a BERP on their instrument in all rehearsals. (except Tubas)
10. Woodwinds must have 3 playable reeds at all times
11. Percussionists must keep a stick bag. (Mallet lists are available from Mr. Wylie)
12. Practice journals must be turned in weekly with your practice times
We are aware of the difficulties financial hardships. If the directors are informed of such problems, we will do everything possible to make accommodations. Financial hardship should not be an obstacle for participation in the Symphonic or Concert Bands.
THESE ACTIVITIES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED OPTIONAL. THEY ARE REQUIREMENTS OF ALL SYMPHONIC AND CONCERT BAND MEMBERS. BY ACCEPTING MEMBERSHIP IN THE SYMPHONIC AND CONCERT BANDS, YOU ARE ACCEPTING THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF BEING A PART OF THESE ELITE ORGANIZATIONS.
Beginning Band
The Beginning Band consists of first-year players and is made up mainly of 6th graders. This is the most important year for a band member because the student will learn 90% or more of the fundamentals necessary to be successful in playing an instrument. The band is split during the school day into like-instrument classes and comes together for three performances per school year.
A student in Beginning Band should always keep in mind that this is a preparatory course designed to prepare him/her for participation in the performing ensembles for the next six years.
Activities include:
1. Four or Five after-school rehearsals to prepare for winter and spring concerts and the band festival
2. Winter Concert (December)
3. Solo and Ensemble Contest (April)
4. Practice Marathon (April)
5. Festival Performance (May)
6. Spring Concert (May)
Other General Requirements:
1. Maintain a positive attitude and a strong work ethic
2. Daily home practice
3. Bring an instrument in good playing condition to all rehearsals and performances
4. Bring a working tuner, pencil and binder containing all music we are performing to all rehearsals and performances
5. Remain eligible for extra-curricular activities (pass all classes every 6 weeks).
6. Practice journals must be turned in weekly with your practice times.
We are aware of the difficulties financial hardships. If the directors are informed of such problems, we will do everything possible to work with them. Financial hardship should not be an obstacle for participation in the Beginning Band.
Every Symphonic and Concert Band member is required to attend a 60 minute sectional rehearsal once per week. It is during sectional time that playing tests are administered and individualized instruction on material covered in band is given.
Sectional rehearsals are the single most critical factor to the success of the Lamar Bands, and attendance is very important. Please do not schedule appointments (i.e. orthodontia etc.) during section rehearsal time. Students attending tutorials for other classes may attend tutorials every morning of the week except for the morning of sectionals. Other arrangements must be made on your section rehearsal day.
The schedule will be posted during the first week of each semester. This schedule may change to help facilitate athletics and unexpected conflicts. The Web Site will be updated with any changes to this schedule.
Band Events Defined
All Region Band Auditions: All Region Band Auditions take place in November. All Symphonic and Concert Band Members are required to prepare the music and scales for this audition. It is expected that both group's members will participate in the All Region audition. Students from across the North Dallas Area participate in these auditions. The audition consists of scales, two prepared pieces and sight-reading that will be held in two phases on two separate days in November. Students are judged by a panel of three to five judges who sit behind a partition to listen to each student perform their music. This process protects student anonymity and the integrity of the audition process. The top students are selected from these auditions and receive the honor of participating in the All Region Band Clinic and Concert. Selection to the All Region band is one of the highest honors a middle school student can achieve. At Lamar, our philosophy emphasizes the improvement each student experiences as a result of participating in the All-Region Band process. If your student qualifies for one of the Region Bands they will also participate in a Clinic and Concert to be held on a Saturday in December.Students will be required to play all scales and audition music for the band directors prior to the audition date. This is a major part of the grade of all Symphonic and Concert Band members during the fall semester.
All District Band Audition: District Band Auditions follow essentially the same process as All Region except the audition pool is limited to students in the Lewisville Middle School programs on a Saturday in October. The Clinic and Concert will be on a Friday in January.
Clinic/After School Rehearsal: A clinic is a band rehearsal held outside of normal school hours. Clinics are usually held in conjunction with the Band’s preparation to perform in the various contests and festivals it attends during the spring semester. Well-known, highly respected band directors are brought in to work with the band during a clinic rehearsal. This allows students to be exposed to some of the finest directors in the field, thus augmenting the students’ music education. Clinics also afford the band a more extended rehearsal period to supplement the 45 minutes that the class day offers.
Clinics are a very important part of our contest preparation and the musical growth of our students. Clinic attendance is required of all Symphonic and Concert Band Members.
Concert: A concert is a non-competitive performance given as part of our curriculum. There is no admission charge. Family members and friends are encouraged to attend. The Beginning Band gives two concerts per school year while the Symphonic and Concert Bands participate in at least four concert events. Concerts are a state-mandated part of our curriculum and attendance is required of all students in the participating groups. Concert etiquette is also part of our curriculum. For this reason, Beginning Band members will be expected to remain in the audience for the Symphonic and Concert Band portion of the Spring Concert and the Symphonic and Concert Bands will be required to sit in the audience for the Beginning Band portion of the concert.
Contest or Festival: A contest is a competitive performance. The Symphonic and Concert Band participate in several events during the spring semester. These events are: Two Pre-UIL Concert and Sight-reading contests, UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest and a Festival in the weeks following the UIL event. The Beginning Band also attends a Festival in the month of April or May.
Solo and Ensemble Contest: All Lamar Band students participate in at least one Solo and Ensemble Contest per year. All students are required to perform a solo with piano accompaniment, however the majority of percussion solos do not require accompaniment. The soloist is judged on a scale of I (Superior), II (Excellent), III (Good), IV (Fair), V (Poor). Students that receive high marks are awarded a medal. The band staff will help students arrange for a piano accompanist, or you may make your own arrangements. The band provided accompanists charge a small fee for their services. If you make your own arrangements, please be sure the directors are told so they can schedule your accompanist.
Concert Uniform and Uniform Guidelines
Symphonic and Concert Band Uniforms
There will be two different uniforms worn by the Symphonic and Concert Bands for performances. These uniforms are informal and formal and will contribute to the overall presentation and appearance of the band for the concerts and functions.
Beginning Band Uniforms
Beginning Band Festival, Concert and Solo uniform will be the Informal Uniform as listed below.
Formal Uniform
The formal concert uniform that the Symphonic and Concert Band members wear is dignified and professional. Lamar Band provides the formal uniforms consisting of a white tuxedo shirt, black tuxedo pants, jacket, bow tie and cummerbund for gentlemen. A long formal black dress is provided for ladies.
Uniform Guidelines for Concert and Contest Performances with Formal Uniform
All Symphonic and Concert Band members must provide their own black dress shoes. Ladies need to have a closed toe shoe. (preferably flats) Gentlemen’s socks must be solid black while the ladies must wear black hose with no pattern or visible design. When in public, shirts must remain tucked in at all times, bow ties need to remain around the neck and fastened and the cummerbund needs to be around the waist and fastened. Inappropriate jewelry will not be a part of the formal uniform. The only time it is acceptable to be out of uniform is when you have received permission from a band director.
The uniforms must be back to school no later than Monday, May 18. If for any reason the uniform or any part thereof is not returned you will be responsible to pay for a replacement.
Lost or damaged uniforms are the student's responsibility. Payment is expected to replace items lost or damaged.
Informal Uniform
For informal performances and functions, all students in the Band must provide:
Lamar Band Shirt The shirts are a polo style shirt and have the Lamar Band Longhorn logo on them. Price for the band shirt is $20.00 and must be purchased through the Lamar Band Boosters.
Black Pants The pants need to be a solid black and worn with black shoes and socks.
Informal Uniform Guidelines
Shirts are to be tucked into black pants with a belt (if there are belt loops). Black closed-toe dress shoes are preferred. Please make sure pants fit well and are not sagging.
These guidelines are not meant to infringe on your right of personal self-expression. They are designed to maintain uniformity among the members of the band. The directors take these guidelines very seriously, as should the student members of the band. Failure to comply with the above guidelines can result in a student being removed from the performance in question and/or future performances resulting in a lower band grade.
Following a consistent, daily practice schedule is essential for as student to progress at an acceptable rate on his or her instrument. Parents, encourage your child to adopt a schedule of 30 minutes per day, seven days per week. Past experience has shown us that students who are practicing and making noticeable progress on their instruments are more likely to enjoy band than those who do not practice.
Keep the following guidelines in mind when establishing a practice routine:
1. Practice for results, not just for the sake of “putting in time.”
(NO TIMERS PLEASE)
2. Keep distractions to a minimum: no radio or TV.
3. Set up a daily schedule and stick to it. Treat practice as part of your homework.
4. Always use a metronome. This greatly enhances your sense of pulse.
5. Always use a music stand. This helps avoid the formation of bad habits.
6. Try to follow a daily routine:
Warm-up exercises used in class each day
Fundamentals (such as scales or exercises)
Review material covered in class that day
Practice assigned material
Work ahead in book or music to material not yet covered.
8. Fill out your practice journal during each practice session.
Practice journal will be graded on a weekly basis and will be turned to the director’s box or during class on Monday. The practice week will begin on Monday and conclude on Sunday. There will be a “10” point penalty for each day it is late through Friday. If not received by Friday a “0” will be entered for that week.
Practice journals are an important part of the student's grade.
The following two pages include:
1. Practice journal grading scale.
2. Practice journal.
Practice journals are also available to print or download at: http://www.lamarmsband.org/forms.html
___________________________________________________________________________
Practice Log Grading Scale |
||||||||||
| Please Note: | ||||||||||
| Grade: | Time (min.) | Grade: | Time (min.) | |||||||
| For every ten minutes practiced above your goal of | ||||||||||
| 210, you get one additional point, up to 10 points. | 0 | 0 | 63 | 94 | ||||||
| 1 | 3 | 66 | 98 | |||||||
| If you have a good reason not to practice please | 2 | 6 | 69 | 102 | ||||||
| send a note signed by a parent to school. If it is | 3 | 9 | 71 | 106 | ||||||
| Excused, your grade will not suffer. | 4 | 12 | 74 | 110 | ||||||
| 5 | 15 | 76 | 114 | |||||||
| 6 | 18 | 77 | 118 | |||||||
| 7 | 21 | 78 | 122 | |||||||
| 8 | 24 | 79 | 126 | |||||||
| 9 | 27 | 80 | 130 | |||||||
| 10 | 30 | 81 | 134 | |||||||
| 11 | 33 | 82 | 138 | |||||||
| 12 | 36 | 83 | 142 | |||||||
| 14 | 39 | 84 | 146 | |||||||
| 16 | 42 | 85 | 150 | |||||||
| 18 | 45 | 86 | 154 | |||||||
| 20 | 48 | 87 | 158 | |||||||
| 21 | 51 | 88 | 162 | |||||||
| 24 | 54 | 89 | 166 | |||||||
| 27 | 57 | 90 | 170 | |||||||
| 30 | 60 | 91 | 174 | |||||||
| 33 | 63 | 92 | 178 | |||||||
| 36 | 66 | 93 | 182 | |||||||
| 39 | 69 | 94 | 186 | |||||||
| 42 | 72 | 95 | 190 | |||||||
| 45 | 75 | 96 | 194 | |||||||
| 48 | 78 | 97 | 198 | |||||||
| 51 | 81 | 98 | 202 | |||||||
| 54 | 84 | 99 | 206 | |||||||
| 57 | 87 | 100 | 210 | |||||||
| 60 | 90 | |||||||||
_____________________________________________________________________
| Week Starting: Monday ___/____/200_ | Student Name:__________________ | ||
| Monday Practice Priorities: | Met. Marking | Time Spent | Total |
| 1 | ____=_____ | ||
| 2 | ____=_____ | ||
| 3 | ____=_____ | ||
| 4 | ____=_____ | ||
| 5 | ____=_____ | ||
| Tuesday Practice Priorities: | Met. Marking | Time Spent | Total |
| 1 | ____=_____ | ||
| 2 | ____=_____ | ||
| 3 | ____=_____ | ||
| 4 | ____=_____ | ||
| 5 | ____=_____ | ||
| Wednesday Practice Priorities: | Met. Marking | Time Spent | Total |
| 1 | ____=_____ | ||
| 2 | ____=_____ | ||
| 3 | ____=_____ | ||
| 4 | ____=_____ | ||
| 5 | ____=_____ | ||
| Thursday Practice Priorities: | Met. Marking | Time Spent | Total |
| 1 | ____=_____ | ||
| 2 | ____=_____ | ||
| 3 | ____=_____ | ||
| 4 | ____=_____ | ||
| 5 | ____=_____ | ||
| Friday Practic | |||