Band20Syllabus20MCMS 1

							                           Mason Creek Middle School
                            Band Syllabus 2011-2012
                               David Sims, Band Director


Dear Band Parents and Students,

WELCOME TO BAND! We’re so happy and proud of you for beginning or continuing your
experience as a part of the Wolf Band Family. This year holds a lot of promise for us with new
opportunities to grow and excel as we learn. In order to make the most of this year we need to
have clear goals and expectations. That’s why you’ve been given this syllabus. Knowing what
to expect from one another and from the director at all times makes this class more enjoyable
for everyone!

This syllabus contains six different sections. They are:

   1.   Materials needed for class
   2.   Procedures/rules/consequences/rewards
   3.   Grading system
   4.   Music vendor contact numbers
   5.   Performance attire requirements
                                 Section One: Materials



Having all the proper materials is very important to your success in band. It is also tied directly
to the way you will participate in class every day. Check this list carefully and make sure that
you have what you need every day. Preparation saves time and eliminates confusion.

              Instrument (all parts, including mouthpiece)
              Method Book- Essential Elements 2000 (level one-6th grade) (level two-7th&8th)
              Method Book- Foundations For Superior Performance (7th & 8th grade)
              Band folder with current music
              Maintenance supplies (reeds, cork grease, valve oil, slide oil, cleaning materials)
              Agenda
              Pencil
              Smart Music System purchase (encouraged, but not required- got to
               smartmusic.com to order this year’s subscription)
         Section Two: Procedures/Rules/Consequences/Rewards
Classroom Procedures
     Enter the classroom quietly. Get your materials off the shelf, sit in your seat, and
       assemble your instrument.
     Write the agenda message in your agenda and get started on the Warm up activity.
       (Warm up activity in band class traditionally involve air playing current musical
       selections; please note that playing out loud will result in a consequence)
     Three minutes after the tardy bell, Mr. Sims will step to the podium to begin breathing
       exercises and warm ups; full participation is required. (Students who do not bring
       materials to class must “participate” to the best of their ability by attempting to act out
       the playing of their instrument. Failure to do so will result in a written assignment.)
     Students must obtain permission to leave their seat.
     Restroom passes will be granted a maximum of 5 times per semester. Students wishing
       to leave the class must have their restroom card to be initialed by the teacher before
       leaving the room.
     Hands up = instruments in ready to play position
     At the end of the class the teacher will choose sections with the cleanest, straightest,
       quietest rows to put their instruments up first before the bell rings and dismissals begin.


Concert Procedures
    Students will arrive 10 minutes prior to warm up time and wait quietly in their
      designated area with their instrument and music only.
    At call time the director will begin to warm up the group.
    Tuning will occur. It is imperative to be absolutely silent during tuning because of the
      slight differences in pitch that must be heard for proper adjustment. Failure to stay
      silent during tuning and warm up will result in dismissal from the entire performance.
    All performers must stay for the entire concert.
    Dismissal should be and event without running, pushing, or any other similar behavior.
      Be respectful of those around you, as many people bring babies or elderly people to our
      concerts.
Rules of the Band
   1. Follow all procedures
   2. Respect your fellow classmate’s right to learn without being disturbed
   3. Be on time (better yet, be early!)
   4. Respect property (yours, your classmate’s, the school’s)
   5. Give 100% effort in everything you do

Law of the Pack
   1. Points will be taken off according to the infraction in student’s agenda.
   2. Parent will be contacted via agenda or phone call.
   3. At home detention will be assigned as an intervention prior to school detention.
   4. At appropriate point levels silent lunch/detention/referral will take place.
   5. Referral; serious offenses such as fighting or theft may require this step immediately)

Rewards
   There are several positive rewards in the band program itself. From learning something new
to the thrill of competition, there is something for almost everyone. Students can be chosen
for the following activities as an additional reward for going above and beyond the call of duty:
     Football/Basketball pep band
     Douglas County Honor Band
     Festival Invitational Groups
     Annual Road trip
   Classroom rewards include game time for great behavior, daily section contest for early
dismissal, “sugar coated reinforcement” for outstanding performance, and band outside days.
                          Section Three: Grading System

There are four main areas in which you’ll be graded. They are:

   1. Participation and daily work (50%)
      This includes bringing materials necessary to participate, making sure that you are
      actively working and learning every day that you are present, and also various written
      work that may be assigned from time to time (including substitute teacher
      assignments).
   2. Practice record/ CATS (10%)
      Your parent/guardian will be asked to sign a weekly practice sheet. Fill out the number
      of minutes and days you practice. Turn it in to Mr. Sims each Monday. He will record
      your grade, initial your sheet and give it back to you for you to use the following week.
      New practice sheets are available from school website or you may pick one up in the
      band room at the front table.
   3. The playing test (20%)
      Each week, a playing test will be assigned and you’ll be given a brief playing test on
      Friday. These playing tests will usually occur on an individual basis during class.
      Students are encouraged to read AR books or airplay during other students’ playing
      tests.
   4. Performances (20%)
      This is the most exciting reason to be in band! Performance calendars will be given out
      at the beginning of the year/semester for the entire season and every effort should be
      made in advance for the entire family to attend. However, should a last minute
      emergency occur that could not be previously avoided, Mr. Sims will at his discretion
      allow that student to make up the concert grade by performing individually for the class
      on the next school day.

                          Section Four: Music Vendor Contacts

        Here are some local music stores that you can use to buy supplies. It is always a good
                                     idea to call before you go!

                                   Jackson Music- 770-949-5262
                     JW Pepper (sheet music/method books only)- 770-941-9100
                                 Ken Stanton Music- 770-427-2491
                                 Big Bargain Music- 678-838-2888
                                    Music & Arts- 404-389-0455
                             Section Five: Performance Attire




All students on stage will wear the following performance attire if they are to perform with the
band:
      Black dress pants or slacks with no other color on them (NO JEANS!!!)
      Black socks
      Solid black shoes (any kind will do as long as they are solid black with no other color)
      Tuxedo shirt with bowtie/rosette/cummerbund. You will be given and order form in
        August and the cost for the combo is $30.00. These must be prepaid before we order.
        A sizing chart and order form will be sent home for you to fill out and return.

All students in pep band members will wear a t-shirt with jeans and casual shoes. The t-shirts
will be ordered in early August and the cost will be $10.00.
                                   Student Information Sheet
                                         100 Points!!!


Student Name__________________________________________________

Grade Level __________________

Instrument____________________
Serial #_______________________
Brand________________________

Parent/Guardian Name__________________________________________

Best Parent Contact Number:
Daytime:_________________________________
Evening:_________________________________

Student Address:_________________________________________________
               _________________________________________________
               _________________________________________________

Parent Email Address:_____________________________________________

Please read the following statement and sign below:

We have read and understand the MCMS band syllabus and agree to abide by the guidelines set
forth for the success of all students, the band program, and the school. The syllabus is available
on the school website. Click on “fine arts dept.” on the left side of the website, then click band,
then click forms. Any student without internet access can obtain a paper copy of the syllabus
from the director upon request.


______________________________________________                ____________________________
Student signature                                             Date


______________________________________________                ____________________________
Parent signature                                              Date