Rutland Middle School
Band
Handbook 2009-2010
“The Eye of the Hurricane is on Excellence.”
Principal Director
Dr. Jerri Hall Mr. Meyer
Mission Statement
The primary focus of the Rutland Middle School Band is individual achievement leading to
organizational achievement. As we work to bring out the best and most in every person, the
musical development of the individual student results in a performance-oriented program
capable of meeting the need of the school community, providing for the aesthetic nurturing of
the student, and creating lifelong learners and seekers of excellence. We strive to always
present the best musical performances we can while working to create an atmosphere where the
students learn the value of dedication, discipline, teamwork, and pride while having fun and
participating in events they will remember the rest of their lives.
Class Schedule
8:45 AM – 10:05 AM 8th Grade Band
10:40 AM – 12:00 Noon 7th Grade Band
1:00 PM – 2:20 PM 6th Grade Band
Course Descriptions/Ensembles
Beginning Band (6th Grade):
- Beginning Band class is made up of students who are starting on their instrument for the
first time. Members of Beginning Band will learn the basic fundamentals of being a
musician. The students are expected to purchase/rent an instrument. The class meets
every other day during the school day and there will be few to no after school rehearsals.
Beginning Band students will perform at a spring concert at the end of the year.
- Required Materials:
Book: Standard Of Excellence, Book 1
Book: Master Theory, Book 1
Instrument (Including reeds if required)
Pencil & Paper
Music Stand (home practice)
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Course Descriptions / Ensembles (Continued)
7th & 8th Grade Intermediate Band:
- Intermediate Band is designed for students with previous band experience, band students
who wish to change instruments, or students who have not played an instrument
previously. Members of Intermediate Band will continue learning the fundamentals of
being a musician.
- Required Materials:
Book: Standard Of Excellence, Book 1
Book: Master Theory, Book 1
Instrument (Including reeds if required)
Pencil & Paper
Music Stand (home practice)
7th & 8th Grade Advanced Band:
- The mission of the 7th & 8th grade Advanced Bands is to gain the confidence to be
outstanding musicians, to perform flawlessly, and to surpass all expectations while
gaining satisfaction of a job well done. These bands will perform several concerts during
the year.
- After school rehearsals may be required periodically. Dates for currently scheduled after
school rehearsals are listed on Pg. 4. The students will be notified at least two weeks in
advance of required after school rehearsals that are not listed in this handbook.
- Members of the 7th and 8th grade Advanced Bands will be eligible to participate in Solo &
Ensemble, All-State, Region Honor Band, District Honor Band, RMS Pep Band and the
Rutland Middle School Large Group Performance Evaluation (“Festival”) Band upon
passing an acceptance audition.
- 7th and 8th Grade Advanced Band Required Materials:
Book: Standard Of Excellence, Book 1
Instrument (Including reeds if required)
Pencil & Paper
Music Stand (home practice)
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Calendar
August 14, 2009 Deadline for Beginning Band Students to Have Supplies
TBA Discount Card Fundraiser Kickoff
September 18, 2009 „Canes Night Out (7th Adv. & 8th Grade ONLY)
September 22, 2009 All State/Honor Band Registration Due
September 24, 2009 RMS 8th Gr. Adv. Band Home Football Game
October 1, 2009 RMS 8th Gr. Adv. Band Home Football Game
October 1 & 2, 2009 Band Picture Days
November 10, 2009 Middle School Performance Evaluation Registration Due
December 5, 2009 All State/Honor Band Audition (Huntington Middle)
December 10, 2009 7:00 PM Winter Concert (7th & 8th Grade Advanced Bands)
January 9, 2010 Final All State Audition
February 9, 2010 Solo & Ensemble Registration Due
February 12, 2010 District Honor Band
March 4 – 6, 2010 All-State Band (Savannah, GA)
March 17 - 19, 2010 Middle School Large Group Performance Evaluation
April 24, 2010 Solo & Ensemble (Northside Middle, Warner Robins)
May 5, 2010 Band Tour (8th Gr. Adv. Band Students)
May 11, 2010 Spring Concerts:
6:00 PM – Beginning Bands
7:00 PM – Advanced Bands
May 21, 2010 Last Day of School!
(Dates Are Subject To Change)
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L.G.P.E. Band
Rehearsal Schedule
ALL FULL BAND Rehearsals Will Be Held From 2:45 – 4:30
Sectionals Will Be Held From 2:45 – 4:00
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 Percussion Sectional
Thursday, February 18, 2010 FULL BAND
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 Brass Sectional
Thursday, February 25, 2010 FULL BAND
Tuesday, March 2, 2010 Woodwind Sectional
Thursday, March 4, 2010 FULL BAND
Tuesday, March 9, 2010 Low Brass/Low Woodwind Sectional
Thursday, March 11, 2010 FULL BAND
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 FULL BAND
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Band Member Responsibilities
A band is only as good as its members. For the organization to function, members must follow
rules and/or guidelines that will develop responsibility and self-discipline that in turn will help
the student and the band to be successful.
1. Students should read, study, and know all Rutland Middle School rules as defined in the
student handbook, Bibb County Code of Conduct, as well as the band handbook, and
abide by them at all times.
2. Students and parents should always read all material sent home by the band director. All
correspondence sent home is to be signed by a parent and returned promptly.
3. Punctuality is respect for the time of others. Being on time means the student is in his/her
seat ready to play (not adjusting a reed or oiling valves).
4. Students should take suggestions and criticism in the proper spirit. Mistakes in music hurt
not only the individual performer, but also the entire ensemble.
5. It is each student‟s responsibility to store his/her property in the correct location.
Instruments left in the band room are still the responsibility of the student, NOT the band
director or Rutland Middle School. The band director or Rutland Middle School assumes
no liability for instruments damaged or missing while left in the band room.
6. Students are to show proper care for all band property. Percussion equipment is off
limits to all students other than percussionists.
7. Band members should attend each class and rehearsal with the following items:
An instrument in top playing condition;
All assigned music, books, and other instructional materials;
Paper and sharpened pencil;
Any mutes, reeds, oil, or other needed accessories; and
Any other items necessary to do a first-class job. Single reed players should
never have fewer than 3 broken-in, good quality reeds. Double reed players
should always have at least two properly conditioned reeds.
8. Each member is expected to do his/her share in helping to keep the band room neat and
clean. Our facility shows the pride we take in our bands.
9. Students should listen attentively, need no teacher reminders to refrain from talking or
interrupting, and follow all the rules for good rehearsal participation.
10.Attitude is the biggest part of a great band program. Showing respect for each other, the
band director, the band, and adults will foster a good attitude. Rudeness and lack of
cooperation will not be tolerated. One rude or uncooperative person will slow down the
band‟s progress and reflects badly on the band, the parents, and the school.
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Classroom Rules
1. Enter and exit quietly.
2. Follow directions the first time they are given.
3. Be prepared with all necessary materials (this includes pencil & paper).
4. Keep hands, feet, and other objects to yourself. Throwing objects of any kind will
NOT be tolerated!
5. No talking during rehearsal. Raise your hand to get permission to speak.
6. No gum, candy, or other food/drink products allowed in the band room.
Contraband will be kept and not returned.
7. Store instruments on shelves on the far wall in the band room.
8. Loud playing (blasting, banging on percussion) is not permitted.
9. DO NOT lean on the music stands or use them for any other purpose other than
holding music.
10. Percussion instruments are for percussionists only. IF YOU DO NOT PLAY A
PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT, DO NOT TOUCH THE PERCUSSION
EQUIPMENT.
11. Only students who are members of the band are allowed in the band room. Please do
not bring friends into the band room to visit. This strict rule is to protect individual
and school property.
Rehearsal/Class Procedures
Students should observe the following rehearsal procedures:
1. School regulations govern all rehearsals and programs.
2. The student‟s first responsibility when arriving for a rehearsal or program is to make all
necessary preparations to perform on his/her instrument, not socialize. This means
prepare the music, pencil, instrument, valve oil, and other necessary materials.
3. Books and cases will be stored underneath the student‟s chair. All extra equipment is to
be placed where they will not cause accidental tripping.
4. There is to be no extraneous talking, individual playing, or random noise while the
director, guest director, or any other designated person is on the podium.
5. When a guest enters the room, students will sit quietly without making any noise
whatsoever and wait for the rehearsal to resume.
6. Random playing between selections, both in rehearsal and concerts, is NOT allowed.
7. Students who break band room rules after being warned during after school rehearsals
will be dismissed from rehearsal and a parent conference will be requested or required.
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After School Rehearsals
After school rehearsals are mandatory if the student is a member of the group the
rehearsal is for. After school rehearsal attendance does count toward the student‟s
current 9 weeks grade. If a student misses an after school rehearsal, they will receive a “0”
for the missed rehearsal. Dates for the after school rehearsals for the L.G.P.E. Band are listed
on Pg. 4. All students will be notified of any additional after school rehearsals at least one week
in advance. Students must be picked up in front of the building. Students who are repeatedly
picked up excessively late will not be allowed to stay for rehearsals and consequently will not
be in the performing group.
All teachers and coaches at Rutland Middle work hard to ensure that students will be able to
participate in school events; therefore, students in more than one school organization must take
on the responsibility of notifying the band director who will work with the other staff member
to come up with a solution in the event of a scheduling conflict.
When the student unexpectedly has to miss a rehearsal or performance, the student must bring a
note from his/her parent to the next class meeting or band function. All excuses must be in
writing and must be thorough enough to clearly indicate the need for the absence. Whether an
absence is considered excused or unexcused is at the discretion of the director. Failure to
observe these procedures and/or excessive absences may affect the student‟s placement or
enrollment in the performing band.
Continuing in Band/Removal from Band
Band students will automatically be enrolled in Band for the next year at RMS. If a student
would like be removed from Band, then a note from home, signed by the student‟s
parent/guardian, stating that the student would like to be removed must be given to the Band
Director no later than May 7, 2010. A student must have parental consent to join Band, so a
student must have parental consent to be removed. However, if a student academically fails
Band, then the student may be removed from Band by the Band Director.
Percussion Players
The band program owns thousands of dollars worth of percussion equipment. The students may
use this equipment with certain conditions:
1. Students are responsible for putting away all percussion equipment at the end of
each rehearsal.
2. Students found not caring for the equipment or found damaging equipment will be
required to pay for the replacement of that equipment.
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Performances
Performances are the culmination of many hours of rehearsal and practice. All Concerts are
required. If a student misses a performance, they will receive a “0” as their grade for the
missed performance. Absences affect the entire ensemble. A calendar is included in this
handbook. However, if a performance date has to be rescheduled due to an unforeseen
circumstance, please be aware that the concert is still required and an absence will still count
against the student‟s grade. Conflicts must be referred to the director in writing before the day
of the performance. Students must be passing Band with at least a 70 in order to be allowed to
perform on his/her concert. If a student is not passing Band at the time of the concert,
he/she will NOT be allowed to perform.
Performance Attire / Uniforms
All band students are asked to purchase a band uniform shirt. The cost of the shirt is $20. This
shirt will be worn at ALL band functions. Students are expected to wear tan/khaki colored
slacks and medium brown or dark brown shoes (please NO tennis shoes/sneakers). If the
student is not wearing the correct attire, he/she will not be allowed to perform. Students will be
able to order their Rutland Middle School Band uniform shirt at the beginning of the school
year. No student will be denied participation due to his/her inability to pay.
Performance Opportunities
RMS Large Group Performance Evaluation Band (L.G.P.E. Band or “Festival” Band) –
7th and 8th grade band students will be eligible to participate in the Rutland Middle School
“Honor” Band. The purpose of the Honor Band is to perform at the Georgia Music Educators
Association, District Eleven Larger Group Performance Evaluation in March. Rehearsals will
be held after school, starting in February. 7th Grade Students must pass an audition to be
accepted into this group and 8th Grade Advanced Band students are required to participate.
Solo & Ensemble – Students work as individuals (solo) or in groups of two or more (ensemble)
to perform pieces to be heard by a judge. Students receiving a Superior (I) or an Excellent (II)
will be awarded a medal at the awards program in the spring.
„Canes Night Out – 7th Gr. Advanced Band and ALL 8th Grade Band students are invited to
participate with the Rutland High School Band during a home football game. Students will play
along in the stands with the RHS Band as well as perform on the field during the half-time
show.
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Performance Opportunities (Continued)
RMS Football Pep-Band – 8th Gr. Advanced Band as well as select 7th Gr. Adv. Band students
will play in the stands during RMS football games. (Please see calendar for game dates)
7th Grade Students must pass an audition to be accepted into this group and 8 th Grade Advanced
Band students are required to participate.
District Honor Band – Students from throughout District Eleven must audition to be selected
to participate in the District Honor Band. Requirements include memorized scales and sight-
reading.
Region Honor Band - Students from throughout our GMEA region must audition to be
selected to participate in the Region Honor Band. Requirements include memorized scales and
sight-reading. Selected from District Honor Band participants.
All State Band – Students from throughout the state of Georgia audition for selection in this
band. Requirements include memorized scales, sight-reading, and a prepared etude(s).
Students must score the minimum level (varies by instrument) on the District Honor Band
audition to be recommended to the final All-State audition.
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Grading
65% Daily Grade (Class Participation)
Daily Grade is the grade students earn each day by having instruments (including reeds, valve
oil, etc.), book(s), music, pencil & paper, and participating in all class activities. Points are
deducted from the daily grade if students do not participate in each activity or do not have all
the required class materials. Attendance at after school rehearsals will be reflected in each
student‟s daily grade.
Students must be present at after school rehearsals unless they are absent from school or
participating in the PEFORMANCE of another school activity. If a student has a legitimate
conflict with an after school rehearsal, parents must notify the director in writing 48 hours IN
ADVANCE of the rehearsal.
Examples of possible deductions include, but are not limited to:
-No Instrument -100 points (student will receive a “0” for the day)
-No Participation -100 points (student will receive a “0” for the day)
-No music/book -30 points
-No warm up -30 points
-Not ready to play -10 points for each occurrence
20% - Tests/ Playing Tests /Performances
Most tests will be playing tests, but written tests are also possible. Performances will count the
same as three test scores and will be averaged with the other test scores.
15% - Practice Charts (100 minutes MINIMUM WEEKLY)
Practicing is daily band homework and should be treated as such. Students are required to
practice their instrument 100 minutes per week. Students will turn in their practice record on
Monday of each week. Each student will be given several practice record slips. Each week they
will turn in one slip with the dates of practice and amount of time practiced. Parents are
required to sign the form verifying that the student practiced the documented amount of time.
Parents will need to be sure that students fill out the reports in pen and make sure that the report
is accurate. The director reserves the right to call to verify that the parent or guardian signed the
record and that the record was accurate. Practice charts that are over a week late will NOT
be accepted.
Alternate Grading Policy
In the event Practice Charts are discontinued, the grading policy will be adjusted as follows:
- 75% Daily Grade (Class Participation)
- 25% Tests/ Playing Tests /Performances
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Practice Tips
There are a few simple things that you can do to make practicing much more productive. Please
read the following tips and guidelines for practicing.
FINDING A PLACE:
Select a place that is free of distraction such as a bedroom.
APARTMENT DWELLERS: Many students live in apartments where practicing or
making any loud noise may disturb neighbors who live in very close proximity.
Communicate with your neighbors about your situation and ask if there is a time each day
that you could practice. This way, your neighbors will be expecting you to practice at the
same time each day and they can arrange their time around it. Living in a apartment may
NOT be an excuse for not practicing and/or not turning in your practice charts.
EQUIPMENT:
Having all of the following equipment will help your practices go smoothly:
Instrument
Music and/or book
Practice chart
Music stand
Sturdy chair
Pencil
Supplies (reeds, valve oil, etc.)
PROCEDURE:
Before practicing, warm up with some long tones, scales, or slow chorales.
Percussionists should do rudiments or scales to warm up.
After warming up, start with the assignment/exercises from class and then move on to
concert music.
REMEMBER: Practice does NOT make perfect…PERFECT PRACTICE makes
perfect. Practicing a passage incorrectly over and over will NOT help. After a passage
is played correctly slowly, then practice it correctly over and over. If you only practice
until you get it correct once and then quit, chances are you won‟t get it right when you
come back to it. Practice the passage several times once you get it correct and you‟ll get
it right later as well.
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CHARACTERISTIC SOUND:
Each instrumentalist should know what his/her instrument sounds like with a good tone
and to practice is to imitate that sound. If you are having difficulty creating a good
sound, first make sure your embouchure is correct, and then if it is, check to make sure
your instrument is in correct working order. Check for a bad reed or air leak in the
instrument. Percussionists might need to check for an improperly tightened drumhead, or
other such defects in the instrument that may need immediate attention. Keeping your
instrument in prime working condition is required AND the responsibility of the student
and parent/guardian.
School Owned Instruments
Students who play school owned instruments are responsible for keeping them in good playing
condition. This includes excellent care of the cases. The following will be the procedure for
using a school owned instrument:
1. The band director will fill out the “Bibb County Public School System Instrumental
Music Loan Agreement” form. The student and parent must sign the agreement.
2. After the “Instrumental Music Loan Agreement” form is returned, the student will
receive the instrument.
3. Students found not to be properly caring for the instrument will have their parents
contacted and the instrument taken away. Any damages made by the student or due to the
irresponsibility of the student will be charged to the student. Lost/stolen instruments are
the responsibility of the student and parent/guardian and reimbursement to R.M.S. for the
missing instrument is required.
Band Trip Policies
All students are required to ride on the band buses to all events.
Bus drivers are Bibb County personnel and should be treated with respect at all times. Parent
chaperones are volunteering their free time to ensure the safety of all students, and will be
treated with the utmost respect. All school bus rules must be observed. Instruments will not be
played on buses. Students are to remain on the buses until told to unload. When the band is at
an event, they are not only representing the band but also the school, community, and parents.
Any and all discipline problems occurring during a field trip will be referred to an administrator
for disciplinary action.
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Fundraising
All students are expected to do their part in fundraising. Money raised for the band benefits
everyone in the program. Money for fundraisers should be turned in on the designated dates in
order to conclude the fund raising activity in a timely manner.
Awards
Awards will be given at the end of each school year. The following awards will be given:
Band Student of the Year Certificate – Awarded to the most outstanding musician of each
grade level (determined by student‟s band grade point average and/or participation in district
honor band, all-state band, solo and ensemble and the R.M.S Honor Band where applicable).
Large Group Performance Evaluation Medals – Blue medals are presented to each member
if the band earns a “Superior” rating or red if an “Excellent” rating is earned.
District Solo and Ensemble Medals – Awarded to those students who earn a “Superior” or
“Excellent” rating at Solo and Ensemble.
District Honor Band Medals – Presented to those members who are selected and attend the
District Eleven Honor Band.
All-State Medals – Awarded to those individuals who are selected and attend the Georgia All-
State Band.
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Dear Parents,
I am excited about your child being in the Rutland Middle School Band and I am looking
forward to a successful school year. I understand the great commitment that is required of both
you and your child in order for the band to be successful. I would like to thank you in advance
for all of the help and support that you will give.
Each child in the band is important because the band is only as good as our individual players
and their accomplishments. Please encourage your child to practice daily.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call me for a conference at
(478) 779-4400 or email at cmeyer.rutlandms@bibb.k12.ga.us. Together we can make a
difference. Thanks again for your support.
Sincerely,
C. Meyer
Director of Bands
Rutland Middle School
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Fill Out & Return This Form
My child and I have read the Rutland Middle School Band handbook. We understand the
policies and procedures for the band program and agree to abide by them.
Student Signature ___________________________________________ Date: _______
Parent Signature ___________________________________________ Date: _______
Band Uniform Shirt:
____ My child already has the RMS Band uniform shirt.
____ I would like to order the RMS Band uniform shirt at this time. I‟m enclosing $20.
Cash or Money Orders ONLY. (Rutland Middle no longer accepts checks.)
Adult Shirt Size: S M L XL (Circle One)
Student/Parent Information:
Student Name: __________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name: ___________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
Phone: Home - _______________ Work - ________________ Cell - ______________
Email: _________________________________________________________________
(Email is the preferred method of communication during the school day)
Please return this slip by Friday, August 14, 2009
Returning this slip acknowledging both the parent and student have read this handbook
counts as the 1st grade for the 1st 9 weeks. Please sign and return it to receive a “100”.
Failure to return this slip will result in a “0”.
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