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MS Syllabus

by Kristin Langemach

Lafayette County C-1 Middle School

Instrumental Music Handbook

 

 

 


 

 

 

2011-2012

 

Director:

Miss Kristin Langemach

langemachk@huskers.k12.mo.us

Office Phone: 660-584-6099

 

 

 

This instrumental music handbook has been written for the Lafayette County C-1 Middle School Band members and their parents in order to provide information regarding the classroom environment, expectations, and activities of the instrumental music program at Lafayette County C-1 Middle School.  The manual also contains the policies and regulations of the band.  All band members and their parents are required to read the entire manual carefully at the beginning of each school to avoid conflicts with the policies and rules sated herein.

 

MATERIALS NEEDED EACH DAY FOR CLASS

 

6th grade:

  1. Instrument in good playing condition (this includes sticks/mallets for percussion, reeds for clarinets and saxophones, slide grease/valve oil for brass)
  2. Essential Elements 2000 Book 1
  3. Pencil (NOT A  PEN)
  4. Three ring binder for class worksheets and sheet music.

 

7th grade:

  1.  Instrument in good playing condition (this includes sticks/mallets for percussion, reeds for clarinets and saxophones, slide grease/valve oil for brass)
  2. Essential Elements 2000 Book 2
  3. Pencil (NOT A  PEN)
  4. Three ring binder for class worksheets and sheet music.

 

8th grade:

  1. Instrument in good playing condition (this includes sticks/mallets for percussion, reeds for clarinets and saxophones, slide grease/valve oil for brass)
  2. Foundations for Superior Performance
  3. Pencil (NOT A  PEN)
  4. Three ring binder for class worksheets and sheet music.
  5. Tennis Shoes for marching rehearsals (August-September).

 

We have a school store set up with Meyer Music for easy access to many of the materials listed above. You may order your products online at: www.shopmeyermusic.com. You will need to use the scroll bar to highlight Lafayette County Schools and that will take you to our store. If you make a purchase through the online store, a representative from Meyer Music will drop your item(s) off at the school that next Monday for your student. Please let Miss Langemach know if you have any problems or questions.

BAND LOCKERS

 

1.   Each student (including percussionists) will be assigned a band locker.

2.  Each student will be provided with a lock for his or her locker.

3.  Students will be able to bring instruments to the band room before school and pick them up to take home after school.

**It is highly suggested that students keep a list of their locker combinations with them the first few weeks of school.  Between his or her gym locker, school locker and band locker, it is easy to get the numbers confused. 

 

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

 

  1. Be prepared with all materials and ready to go on time.
  2. Be an active listener; don’t talk when Miss Langemach or another student is talking.
  3. Be respectful.
  4. Be positive and supportive.
  5. Practice, Practice, Practice!

*Please note that students who fail to bring their instruments will have an alternative assignment due at the end of the class period and/or may be expected to serve and after school detention with Miss Langemach. If a student’s instrument is in the shop for repairs, he or she will be expected to bring a note from a parent or guardian stating so.

 

 

CONCERT DRESS 

 

8th Grade Band members may buy a band shirt that will be used for marching performances and concert performances. This shirt will be worn along with black pants, black socks, and black shoes. If needed, shirts may be checked out through the band program. More information will be distributed at a later date.

 

6th and 7th graders will need to wear white shirts (no special adornment), black pants/skirts, and black shoes

 

GRADING

 

1. Assessments and Theory Comprehension:  40% of grade

          Assessments will take place throughout the year. Students will be notified at least a week prior to the assessment. Please make sure your student is practicing.

          The assessments will focus on one or several specific areas (depending upon the intent of the assessment): posture, tone quality, rhythm, dynamics, phrasing, note accuracy, articulation, and memorization.

          Theory comprehension packets will be assigned throughout the year. It will be the student’s responsibility to complete and turn in the assigned work on time.

 

2.  Participation: 20% of grade

          Students are expected to be actively engaged in each rehearsal, have a positive attitude, and treat others with respect.  Students will also be expected to come to class prepared with all required materials and ready to start on time. Failure to do so may result in a loss in participation points.  If lack of engagement becomes an issue, parents or guardians will be notified.

 

3. Performances: 20% of grade (200 points per performance)

          Performances are expected and are a great learning tool.  Attendance at these events is MANDATORY.  Any excused absence from a performance will require the student to write a 3 page typed and double spaced paper on a composer of their choosing as approved by the director.  The paper will be due one week after the missed performance. In order to receive an excused absence from a performance, Miss Langemach must be notified prior to the performance that may be missed (if possible, the expectation will be to notify the director at least a week in advance).  Miss Langemach will determine then if the absence will be excused or not.

Students may attend other local or regional concerts presented around the area and may earn extra credit by bringing in the program and a short performance review (two paragraphs, 5 sentences each).  If a student performs in an area recital or for church, extra credit will be given when a copy of the program is turned in.

 

4. Practicing: 20% of grade

          In order for a student to improve, practicing is crucial EVERY week.  The expectation for your practice is 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week.  Each week, students will be required to turn in practice records.  Parents are required to sign the sheet, and it is due at the end of every week.  Parents, please encourage great practicing habits and keep students accountable and honest.

Please remember, students will struggle if they are not continually reinforcing techniques learned in class at home.  Practice a little each day; don’t try to have one long practice session each week.

Practice should consist of the following:

 

  1. Warm up (long tones, lip slurs for brass, register slurs for woodwinds)
  2. Scales
  3. A review of music you have already been working on.
  4. Music you are currently working on.
  5. SIGHTREADING
  6. Music for your enjoyment

All students are encouraged to take private lessons.  A list of instructors will be given out at the beginning of school and may be found on the class website. We are fortunate to have several GREAT instructors around the area. Take advantage of these opportunities if possible!

 

2011-2012 Calendar of Events

**Dates are subject to change. However, students will be given advanced notice.

 

Tuesday, August 30, 5:30-7:00 pm             6th Grade: Meyer Music Instrument Rental Night-Band Room

 

Saturday, September 17, Time: TBA            8th Grade: Higginsville Country Fair Parade

 

Monday, December 19, 7:00 pm                 6-8th Grade: Middle School Winter Band & Choir Concert

 

Wednesday, December 21, 7:00 pm            Snow Date for Concert

 

Tuesday, May 8, 7:00 pm                            6-8th Grade: Middle School Spring Concert

 

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