Cavitt Junior High School

Cavitt Junior High School

2008-2009 Band Program

Beginning-of-the-Year Parent Information Packet

Miss April M. Haynes, Band Director

ahaynes@eureka-usd.k12.ca.us

(916) 791-4152, ext. 138



Dear parents, August 21, 2008



Welcome back to school! I hope that you’ve had a fun and relaxing summer. I am pleased to be starting my

twelfth year teaching children music. We have an exciting year ahead of us, and I’m looking forward to lots of great

music-making experiences with your children.

The purpose of the Parent Packet is to tell you what to expect in the Band Program this year. Please read the

packet carefully, and return the last page to me by Monday, August 25. It is crucial that I have your current email address

on file for important Music Department news, so make sure you fill that out, too. Throughout the year, I will keep in

contact with you through notes I send home, emails, the Cavitt website (click Music Department on the left side), and

parent meetings.

Please also notice the information about how you can become an integral part of the Music Department at Cavitt

by volunteering to help out. We have lots of needs for help throughout the year. Some jobs are big, but many are small

and can be fit into the busiest of schedules so that you can support your child’s musical endeavors. Please fill out the

Parent Volunteer Sign-Up Sheet, and get on board with helping our musicians excel!

If you have any questions after reading through the information, please do not hesitate to contact me at the email

and phone listed above. Again, I look forward to a great year together!



Musically yours,





April M. Haynes





Supplies Needed for Band

 Formal and Casual Concert Uniforms (More information to come home soon regarding our Concert Dress.)

 Instrument in good working condition. Please make sure that all cases are labeled with the student’s name, home address and

phone number as many look alike. We will begin playing on Monday, August 25 th.

 Pencil used to make markings in the music.

 Band folder to keep assigned music in. Folders will be given to students at the beginning of the school year. Students may elect

to use binders instead, if they prefer.

 Assigned sheet music. Our music is our textbook, so it is important that every student have his/her own music in class, on the

music stand, each day. Pieces that we work on in class will be checked out to students, and checked back in when we are finished

using it. Students will be charged for lost or damaged sheet music.

 Appropriate instrument cleaning supplies.

 Method book. (For Symphonic Band, Essential Technique 2000, and for Concert Band, Essential Elements 2000, Book 2.) We

will order the books together, unless your child already has a copy of his/her book. There is an order form in this packet. (Orders

are due by Monday, August 25.) Books will be distributed to students at school upon arrival.

 Additional items:

o For Trumpet Players: a straight mute will most likely be needed during the year for pieces that we perform. (A good

brand is “Humes & Berg Stonelined Trumpet Straight Mute” for $10.99 through The Woodwind and Brasswind at

www.wwbw.com.)

o For Percussionists: Stick bag with required sticks and mallets (see Percussion Equipment List).

o For Symphonic Band only: When we play for GBHS Pep Night on September 26th, students will find it easier to

have a flip folder to put their music in, as well as a lyre. Flip folders can be found at www.wwbw.com, starting at

$3.99, or through your local music store. These items will also be useful to students as they move into high school.



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♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ Cavitt 2008-2009 Music Department Events ♫ ♪♫ ♪ ♫



Day Date Event Symphonic Concert Choir Jazz

Fri. Sept. 26 Pep Night X REQUIRED

Fri. Oct. 31 GBHS Band & X X X Assembly

Choir during the

Assemblies at school day

Cavitt

Thurs. Nov. 13 Band & Choir X X X Pictures

Picture Day taken

during the

school day

Wed. Nov. 19 CV/OLY Fall X REQUIRED

Concert

Mon. Dec. 1 Honor Band X X Optional

Audition

Recordings &

Fees Due

Wed. Dec. 17 Band Winter X X X REQUIRED

Concert

Fri. Jan. 9 & Capitol Section X X Selected

& Sat. 10 Honor Band students

only

Jan./Feb. Capitol Section X Selected

TBA Honor Choir students

only

Sat. & Feb. 7 & Causeway X Selected

Sun. 8 Youth Band students

Festival only

Feb. 19- All-State Band X X Selected

22 Weekend/CBDA students

Conference only

Tues. Feb. 24 Junior High X REQUIRED

Invitational

Concert

Sat. Feb. 28 Bandtastic X X REQUIRED

Sat. March 21 Golden Empire X REQUIRED

Festival

Fri. & May 8 & Spring Tour X X X Optional

Sat 9

May TBA Cavitt Choir & X REQUIRED

Orchestra Spring

Concert

Thurs. May 14 Cavitt Open X REQUIRED

House

Thurs. May 28 Cavitt Bands X X X REQUIRED

Spring Concert

Sat. June 6 Sunsplash X X X Optional

Fri. June 12 Cavitt X REQUIRED

Graduation

Ceremony









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Band Grading Policy

 ATTENDANCE at required events (20%)

 PRACTICE RECORDS and other HOMEWORK (20%)

 DAILY GRADE (20%)

 TEST GRADES (20%)

 PERSONAL PROGRESS (20%)





1) CONCERT and REQUIRED EVENT ATTENDANCE GRADE (20%)

We are a performing group first and foremost, and as such, performances are part of the band grade. The only way that we can sound

and feel our best is with 100% participation. Hence, band students are expected to be in attendance at the required events. For this

reason, students who miss a required rehearsal or performance with an unexcused absence will receive 0 (out of a possible 50) points

for that event. Excused absences will be at the discretion of the teacher, and must be cleared 30 or more days prior to the event.

(Deaths in the family or serious personal illnesses are exceptions to this.) Students with extenuating circumstances who have cleared

their absence in advance of the 30 days may be given an opportunity to make up the concert points through make-up work, at the

director’s discretion, although please realize that the experience of performing can never be made up or recreated by doing written

work. Please add our concert dates to your family calendar now so as to avoid conflicts.





PLEASE NOTE:

While the Band Calendar of Events appears crowded with many activities, only a few are required.

CONCERT BAND REQUIRED EVENTS (4)

Winter Concert, Bandtastic, Spring Concert and Graduation

SYMPHONIC BAND REQUIRED EVENTS (5)

Pep Night, Winter Concert, Bandtastic, Golden Empire Festival, and Spring Concert

With more performing opportunities for students who elect to do so.





2) PRACTICE RECORDS and other HOMEWORK (20%)

Eureka Union School District policy is that practice is an essential part of musical development, and as such, 20% of the band grade

depends on it. Band students are to practice 90 minutes each week and turn in a weekly Practice Record, on which they have logged

their time. Practice Records will always be due on Monday (unless Monday is a holiday, in which case they will be due on Tuesday)

and worth 50 points each. Full credit will be given for Practice Records turned in 1) on time, 2) with a parent signature, and 3)

completely filled out. Here is the point break down for practice times:



PRACTICE TIME LOGGED POINTS EARNED

Over 90 minutes ** 5 points extra for each extra 30 minutes

90 minutes 50 points

75 minutes 45 points

60 minutes 40 points

45 minutes 35 points

30 minutes 30 points

15 minutes 25 points

No practice time/no practice record turned in 0 points



** A maximum of 100 extra credit points will be allowed per trimester for individual practice time.

Band students may be assigned written homework from time to time, and homework points (which will vary) will be added into this

portion of the students’ grades.









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3) DAILY GRADE (20%)

Students receive 5 points each day toward their Daily Grade. Students can easily keep all 5 points each day by coming to class

prepared to work hard bringing all necessary music, instruments, and other supplies, and showing cooperative, hard-working attitudes

during daily rehearsals. Students who choose not to follow these guidelines will lose points. Some examples of Daily Grade point

deductions are:

 forget to bring instrument (5),

 forget to bring pencil (2),

 tardy (5)

… etc.. Points will be deducted at the teacher’s discretion for other unproductive behaviors during class. Points can also be added to

the student’s Daily Grade for exemplary attitudes, behaviors, and musicianship during rehearsal.

** Please note that failure to bring instrument to class more than twice in a trimester (unless the instrument is in the shop for necessary

repairs), the student’s letter grade will automatically drop by ½. (For example, an A drops to an A-, and an A- drops to a B+.)





4) TEST GRADES (20%)

At least once each trimester, students will be given playing tests to help monitor their personal progress in music. This year, we will

begin using the SmartMusic software for testing. For those students who already have SmartMusic at home, great! For

students who don’t yet have it, you will be receiving information soon about how to get started. Real music happens when

ensemble members have learned their parts outside of class time. I am available for individual help on the music outside of class time

… just ask! Playing test point values will vary and I will inform the students at least 2-3 days in advance of each playing test.





5) PERSONAL PROGRESS towards BETTER MUSICIANSHIP (20%)

Band students will be given a progress at the end of each trimester. Progress grades will be determined by the director based on each

individual student’s progress and not in competition with other students in the ensemble. Points will be assigned as follows:

50 points Student shows a willingness to work together with other students, cooperates with the director, practices consistently

at home and begins to demonstrate qualities of leadership. Test grades are consistently high. Student was present at

all required rehearsals and performances.

43 points Student shows a positive attitude and has made improvement in his/her individual musicianship during the trimester.

Although this student may have missed one or more practice records or received playing test grades of Bs and Cs,

he/she is an asset to the band. Student was present at all required rehearsals and performances.

36 points Student shows an overall apathy towards his/her own musical growth and development. Several, or even many,

practice records were not turned in. Student consistently earns low grades on playing tests. Student may have been

absent for one or more required rehearsals and/or performances.









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“Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become

the best that you are capable of becoming.”

-John Wooden



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♪ ♫ ♪ BAND BOOK STATUS and ORDER FORM ♪ ♫ ♪

Due Monday, August 25



Student Name______________________________________________________



Performing group my child is a part of:

□ SYMPHONIC BAND (8th grade)

□ CONCERT BAND (7th grade)



Please check your band book status:



□ My child is not ordering a book because he/she already owns it.



□ My child is not ordering a book because we plan to purchase it on our own from a

local music store. (Students need their books by Sept. 2.)



□ My child needs a book. Payment is attached.



Book needed for SYMPHONIC BAND



_____ Essential Technique 2000 for _______________ @ $7.50 ea.

(indicate instrument; price applies for all except percussion)



_____ Essential Elements 2000 for percussion @ $16.00 ea.



Book needed for CONCERT BAND



_____ Essential Elements 2000, Book 2 for _______________ @ $7.50 ea.

(indicate instrument; price applies for all except percussion)



_____ Essential Elements 2000, Book 2 for percussion @ $16.00 ea.





Total money enclosed $___________________



Please make all checks out to Cavitt Junior High.





______ AMOUNT RECEIVED

______ Cash

______ Check (#_____)



Director Use Only





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Cavitt Junior High School Music Department

2008-2009 Donation Form

August 21 – September 26, 2008





Student ____________________________________________________________



Performing Group: Choir _____ Symphonic_____ Concert _____



Parent ______________________



Phone _____________________________ Email __________________________







In an effort to maintain the quality and variety of experiences offered in our music program that are not

covered by District funds, our Music Department is asking for a beginning of the year donation. In this way, we

can avoid “nickel-and-dime” fundraisers that greatly detract from the learning environment, take a lot of parent,

student and director time, and involve expenditures that do not go directly to students.

The suggested donation is $45 per student for band and $35 per student for choir. Some families may be

able to give more while others are not able to give as much, but all donations are very much appreciated! Please

consider what you are able to help with.

It should be noted that monies raised in this way will go directly to benefit the students that are here in

the music program now. Our biggest expenditures each year are sheet music for the many performing

ensembles we have, equipment replacement, end-of-the-year student awards, and scholarship funds for spring

tour.

Funding for our Music Department Donation Drive can come from parents, but it is possible that our

music students have grandparents, aunts and uncles, and family friends who would also like to support our

program by giving. Donations are tax-deductible, and you will receive receipts for donations. Thank you in

advance for your support!

As a side note, I am also wondering if there are parents whose employers may be interested in the idea

of matching funds, as well as if we might have parent volunteers who would be willing to investigate this idea

for our Music Program. If so, please feel free to contact me.



Musically yours,





Amount Received________________

Cash____________

April Haynes

ahaynes@eureka-usd.k12.ca.us Check #__________

(916) 791-4152, ext. 138









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♫ 2008-2009 CAVITT BAND PARENT VOLUNTEER SIGN-UPS ♫

Student Name______________________________ Band your child is in: SYMPHONIC CONCERT

Parent Name(s)_____________________________ Best Time to Call___________________________

Phone Number(s)___________________________ Email_____________________________________

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------



I. Band Volunteer Coordinator

_____ I will tabulate responses from the Volunteer Sign-Up sheets, and contact volunteers as they are needed throughout the school

year for various Band events.

II. Chaperoning for Off-Campus Events

We need parent chaperones to help things run smoothly. Some parents may be able to drive their own vehicles to the event

and meet up with us at times. However, we will always need parents to ride on the bus as well. We will accept as many

volunteers as possible, because the more people that volunteer, the fewer times you will be called upon for assistance. Please

check the events that you will be available to chaperone for.

_____ Saturday, February 28: Bandtastic! rehearsal and concert at GBHS; approximately 2-9 PM; combined concert with GBHS

and Olympus band students. Involves both Concert and Symphonic Bands.

_____ Saturday, March 21: Golden Empire Festival performance for Symphonic Band (location TBA).

III. Equipment Assistance

When we perform off campus, we need help in transporting our equipment to the performance venue. This includes

percussion equipment, large instruments, and music stands. If you have a large vehicle that you are willing to drive band

equipment in, before and after the performance, your services would be very much appreciated for our musicians.

_____ Saturday, February 28: Bandtastic! (Many drivers needed for this – our biggest event of the year. Involves both Concert and

Symphonic Bands.)

_____ Saturday, March 21: Golden Empire Festival (Symphonic Band only)

IV. Spring Tour (May 8 and 9 – optional overnight trip to the Bay Area involving Choir, Concert and Symphonic Bands)

_____ I would like to co-coordinate Spring Tour this year (we need 1-2 7th grade and 1-2 8th grade parents).

_____ I am willing to assist with Spring Tour preparations (may include any of the following: making copies, shopping for snacks,

making calls, etc.).

V. Classroom Assistance

_____ I am available during the days to assist with filing, making copies, event planning, and Music Library work when needed. I

am available on the following days between 9:15 AM and 1:15 PM:



_____ Monday _____ Tuesday _____ Wednesday _____ Thursday _____ Friday

VI. Cavitt Music Goods

_____ I am willing to spearhead an opportunity for Cavitt Music students to have other items with our logo such as sweatshirts, etc.

VII. Concert Supervision, Refreshment Table, and Clean-up

Parents are needed to help with supervision of students and with setting and cleaning up the Refreshment Table, set up,

decorations, programs, and other miscellaneous jobs. Supervision includes sitting near the students during the concert, but

will not cause you to miss any portion of the performance.

_____ Wednesday, December 17: Winter Concert (Jazz, Concert and Symphonic Bands)

_____ Thursday, May 28: Spring Concert (Jazz, Concert and Symphonic Bands)

VIII. Photography/Videography/Publicity

_____ I will send in a CD of photos (stills) taken at Band Events (Pep Night, Winter Concert, Bandtastic, Honor Groups, etc.) for

possible use in/perusal for the Cavitt Yearbook.

_____ I will send in a copy of digital video footage taken at Band Events (Pep Night, Winter Concert, Bandtastic, Honor Groups,

etc.) for possible use in/perusal for the Cavitt Video Yearbook.

_____ I would be willing to help with public relations and communication to let our community what’s going in with music at

Cavitt (i.e.: contacting newspapers with information regarding concerts, honor group articles/pictures, etc.).

_____ I would be willing to help publicize our performances around the community (posters, etc.).

_____ I am interested in helping put together a Power Point slideshow of pictures collected throughout the year that we can show at

the end of the year as a recap.

IX. Sound Technician

_____ I would like to help with running the sound board at the Fall Choir Concert, Winter Band Concert, Spring Concerts, and

Graduation (June 12).



X. Miscellaneous Help

_____ I am willing to help on a hit-or-miss basis. I may be called from time to time to help out with various jobs as the opportunities

present themselves.

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MUSIC DEPARTMENT MEDICAL RELEASE AND FIELD TRIP FORM



CAVITT JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

7200 Fuller Drive

Granite Bay, CA 95746



____________________________ is a member of the Cavitt Music Department this school year (2008-2009)

and as such, it is understood that he/she will be traveling periodically with the band and/or choir via school bus.

This medical release and bus permission slip will be active throughout the year for music related field trips

unless I, the parent, contact the teacher to prohibit participation.



In case of accident, I hereby authorize medical treatment.



______________________________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature Date







Students: Remember that when we travel off campus, you are representing Cavitt Junior High School, and all

school rules and consequences will apply. Your responsible and respectful behavior is required in order to

participate in special activities.





EMERGENCY INFORMATION





Mother’s Name___________________________________ Home Phone___________________

Address_________________________________________ Work/Other Phone______________

Father’s Name____________________________________ Home Phone___________________

Address (if different)_______________________________ Work/Other Phone______________

Child’s Birthday (optional)_________________







If neither parent can be reached in case of emergency, please contact:

Name_________________________ Phone__________________ Relationship_______________

Name_________________________ Phone__________________ Relationship_______________







Physician’s Name___________________________________________________ Phone___________________

Medical Insurance Company_________________________________________

Group #_____________________________ ID #____________________









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2008-2009 CAVITT JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

BAND PARENT PACKET ACKNOWLEDGEMENT and

PERFORMANCE COMMITMENT FORM



By signing below, I signify that I have read all of the information contained within the Band Program

Parent Packet, including the grading policy. Comments or concerns with the policies have been noted below,

and it is understood that a meeting to discuss these concerns may be requested before a student will be

exempted from the policies and procedures in question.





I have noted the dates set forth in the 2008-2009 Band Program Calendar of Events. I understand that

because music is a team oriented activity, we need each member of our ensemble present in order to perform at

our best. Furthermore, I understand that the Required Performances comprise 20% of the trimester grade for

Band students.







Student Name (please print)___________________________________________________________________

Student Signature___________________________________________________________________________

Parent(s) Name(s) (please print)________________________________________________________________

Parent Signature_________________________________________ Date____________________







Return to Miss Haynes by Monday, August 25, 2008.







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EMAIL SIGN-UP



I need an email address for every family in the Music Department to ensure timely communication throughout

the year. Please provide me with your primary (parent) email address(es) for Music Department communication

to be sent to. Thank you!



Parent Name_____________________________ Parent Email_____________________________________



Add’l Parent Name____________________________ Add’l. email_______________________________



□ NO CHANGES/ADDITIONS. Check here if you have been receiving Music Department

communications do not need to have your information updated.

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