Category Archives: Band Handbook
Band Handbook 2016-17
Read your band newsletter (Goodnews/Bandnews) every week
Check your class Haiku page weekly for assignments and links to other information
- Assessment
- Easy Ways to make a really BAD grade in Band
- Effort Scale
- Extra Credit
- Extracurricular Opportunities
- Musical Standards
- Student Leaders
- Performance Attire
- Performances and Trips
- Portfolio
- Practice Tips – taken from Daniel Coyle’s The Little Book of Talent
- Private Teachers – Private lessons are highly recommended
- Repairs
- Storing Your Instrument – leave it ONLY in the bandroom
- Supplies, Textbooks, Software
Extracurricular Opportunities
MS Pep Band
During the 2nd trimester, MS Pep Band plays for a number of home girls and boys basketball games. During 1st and 3rd trimesters, MS Pep Band plays for the MS Student-Faculty games. Membership is open to all 6th-12th grade students, parents, and employees. Interested students should see Mr. Grush.
US Drumline
The US Drumline is open to any 9th-12th grader interested in learning to play marching percussion instruments and meets Wednesdays during the Upper School Club period, 2:40-3:10. The group is student directed and writes some of its own music.
MS Jazz Band
The Middle School Jazz Band will rehearse during Club period, once per week, during the school day. All middle school students (6th-8th grade) with previous experience playing one of the following instruments are eligible to join: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone/Euphonium, Tuba, Piano, Electric or Upright Bass, Electric Guitar, Drum Set.
We will perform for school functions and concerts. Interested students should see Mr. Grush
Band Movie Afternoons
4-5 times per trimester from 3:15-5:30 in the bandroom . We will watch movies and blog about the movie soundtrack. Of course we will have popcorn!
Open Bandroom
Once per week from 3:15-4:00 the bandroom will be open to any student who wants to jam. All school instruments will be available to use, including but not limited to percussion, drumset, piano, bass woodwind and brass instruments, midi wind controller (electronic saxophone)
Pit Orchestra for Musical Revue
Once per week during 1st trimester and twice per week during 2nd trimester, the Pit Orchestra will reheasre music for the 20th anniversary musical revue.
Assessment
Student Assessment
| 50% | Class Participation | Will appear as Participation Average in gradebook |
| 20% | Portfolio | Compile once per trimester |
| 30% | Preparation Assessments | Replace Pass-offs |
Class Participation
The effectiveness of student participation in class will be observed daily. Students should work hard, listen intently, play together, and have fun.
Other criteria include:
- being on time and prepared to begin class
- having all materials
- cleaning and maintaining instrument
- being able to keep up with the class
- focusing on class activities
- following instructions
- maintaining a positive attitude
- exhibiting self-control
- parents and students – returning forms (paper or electronic) promptly
Students who wish to raise their participation average should ask Mr. Grush how they can improve, practice, then see Mr. Grush for an appointment to demonstrate the improvement(s). All students start with an average of 94 (A).
Preparation Assessments
In past years, we have had pass-offs in class to assess student progress. This year, students will have more choice and utilize the capabilities of their accounts at MusicFirst.com.
Preparation Assessments will be completed outside of class and submitted through student accounts at MusicFirst.com.
An “Incomplete” on an assignment means the assignment has not been completed or has not been received. Once the assignment is completed, the “incomplete” will be replaced with the grade s/he has earned.
To raise grades, students may submit a new recording or make an appointment to play for Mr. Grush during advisory/club period or after school. Students have one week after the assignment due date to complete the assignment for partial credit or to play the assignment again.
Portfolio
At the end of the trimester, students will compile a portfolio in their MusicFirst.com account. Students may use the assessments already completed. Portfolios will be evaluated as follows:
| B (83) | Uses the trimester preparation assessments exactly as submitted previously |
| A- (90) |
Makes improvements in one or more assessments and submits the new recording(s) along with the original ones |
| A+ (97+) |
Submits the trimester preparation assessments plus at least one brand new one that the student chooses from ideas below. Also, the student makes improvements in one or more assessments and submits the new recording(s) along with the original ones |
Ideas for the new preparation assessment in a student portfolio
- Record music of the student’s choosing (with or without background accompaniment)
- Review a favorite piece of music and include a link so Mr. Grush can hear.
- Listen to 3 different rehearsal recordings (of our class playing the same piece) and reflect on at least 3 specific skills we have improved. Also give advice on what more we can do to improve further.
- Reflect on your individual progress made this trimester including at least 3 specific skills that you have improved.
- Attend a live musical performance and write a review. List at least 3 titles and composers of pieces you hear as well as identify 3 specific skills that the performer has mastered.
- Tutor someone else on playing your band instrument. Write a reflection and include at least 3 specific skills that your student has improved.