Category Archives: Band Handbook

Participation in Performances and Trips

Performing for others is one of the highlights of playing an instrument. In general, the Band program will schedule two major evening performance per year, per class. As other opportunities to perform present themselves, they may be added to the calendar. Please note that some weekend performances may be necessary.

A performance at a festival or competition in the local area (a day trip or staying over one night) is a required  part of the curriculum.

A multiple day/overnight trip (needing a larger financial and time commitment) is a strongly encouraged but not required part of the curriculum.

Should a conflict arise with a scheduled performance or trip, please contact Mr. Grush immediately to arrange a mutually agreeable solution. An excused absence from school on the day of a performance constitutes an excused absence from the performance, but please email Mr. Grush to make sure he is aware.

As per the Arts Department policy, an unexcused absence from a performance at school or at a local festival may result in a lower grade for the trimester.

We will wear white tops and black bottoms  for performances.  Families should acquire their own clothing.

Men should wear a white, long sleeve dress shirt, a necktie or bowtie, black dress pants, black belt, BLACK SOCKS, AND BLACK DRESS SHOES.  Men may select their own necktie for the performance outfit.

Women should wear a black dress with white sweater, white blouse/black skirt, or white blouse/black pants with BLACK dress shoes.  Women’s clothing should fall within dress code and skirts should be long enough to cover the knees when you are seated.

President – CEO of the class.  Helps run weekly planning sessions, contributes weekly shout-outs, represents all students of the class. Supervises student leaders. Elected by the class.

Student Director – CMO (Chief Musical Officer) of the class.  Helps run weekly planning sessions, conducts class when needed, tutors class members as needed, makes recordings as needed, assigns section leaders to tutor or make recordings as needed, contributes weekly shout-outs.  Supervises section leaders. Appointed by Mr. Goofy

Secretary – documents daily class activities, documents results of weekly planing sessions, documents other information as needed. Appointed by Mr. Grush

Librarian – helps to copy music and organize binders.  Appointed by Mr. Grush

Section Leader – leads sectional rehearsals, tutors section members as needed, makes recordings as needed, contributes ideas to weekly planning sessions, contributes weekly shout-outs.  Appointed by Mr. Grush

Individual Practice

Each band student is expected to practice her/his instrument and listen to recordings of her/himself regularly outside of rehearsal.  Time spent is not as important as making improvement in skills.

6th grade students                          5 days per week

7th/8th grade students                  4 days per week

Upper School students                   3 days per week
Those who wish to truly excel should take private lessons and practice diligently every day.

See  52 tips for Improving Your Skills by Daniel Coyle for strategies for deep and effective practice that will save time and maximize growth.

Band Music Standards

Preparation
• Practice
• Audiation (hearing the music in your head)

Sound
• Breath Control
• Tone

Pitch
• Notes
• Tuning

Time
• Rhythmic accuracy
• Pulse Control (Tempo)

Style
• Articulation (note beginning, note length, note release)
• Dynamics
• Phrasing