Band+Handbook

= Band Handbook =

Dear Band Parents and Students,

Let me take an opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Claire Larson and I am the new band director for Kenyon –Wanamingo. I am very excited to be a part of this program and community.

Just a little background information on myself, in case you wondered. I am a graduate of St. Olaf College and the University of Minnesota. My teaching experiences include Patrick Henry High School/Franklin Middle School in Minneapolis, New Prague area schools, and Brooklyn Center Jr/Sr High School. I live in Northfield with my husband, 3 children and dog, Ole.

It is a unique opportunity to have students for 8 years and I take that very seriously as your new band director. You can see that we have a full schedule of events for the school year, several of which have social events which preceed them. All band students 5-12 are invited to attend the tailgating time before our football games. I will always strive to create that sense of a ‘band family.’

Please make note of the Bandboosters meeting which is scheduled for Monday, September 13th at 7 p.m. All parents in the band program are encouraged to attend.


 * Pep band** will be limited to high schoolers and any 8th graders who can learn the music on their own. **Jazz band** will start up in January and rehearse before school on Friday mornings. Any students 7-12 may join the jazz band. More details on this will follow.

I’m certain that there will be many additional notes and opportunities that you will be made aware of as the year progresses. I look forward to getting to know you all and working with the fine students, staff and Kenyon/Wanamingo Communities!

Best! Claire Larson

__**WOMEN’S ATTIRE**__ *Black dress, black pants or black skirt (3/4 or full length) (skirt/dress must completely cover knees when sitting) *Black top with sleeves *Black socks or hosiery *Black shoes __**MEN’S ATTIRE**__
 * NO strapless outfits or exposed midriffs**
 * Black dress pants
 * White collared shirt
 * Black bow tie
 * Black shoes
 * Black socks
 * Black belt

There will be a $20 activity fee charged to cover the cost of a band t-shirt and activities throughout the year, including parties and special events. Checks can be made out to Kenyon Wanamingo Bands.
 * Activity Fee**

__**Concert Performances: Weighted 50%**__ Purpose: To evaluate musical progress and share your musical talents with friends and family. • Concerts are an important tool used to evaluate musical progress. In order to receive full credit for a concert performance, students must be on time, wear the proper attire, be respectful audience members and participate musically with their best etiquette and efforts. • Each band student will be required to fill out a concert attendance contract. __**Class Assignments/ Assessments - Written & Performance-based 20%**__ Purpose: To expand and evaluate a student's knowledge of musical concepts, vocabulary, theory, history and performance skills. • Throughout each semester there will be written assignments and quizzes. • At the end of each semester there will be a final exam covering material learned from the assignments, quizzes and information learned from daily rehearsals. • Playing tests will include scales, etudes, rhythm exercises, lesson book exercises and sight reading excerpts. Playing tests may be evaluated for note accuracy, articulation/sticking, tone/technique, rhythm, range and musicianship. __**Sectionals & Lessons: Weighted 20%**__ Purpose: To teach musical skills and techniques that are specific to each instrument or section. • The director is here to help, but every student is expected to come prepared for each lesson to ensure adequate progress. • Grading for lessons will be in two parts: 1) lesson attendance and 2.)Lesson preparedness. • In general, students will be expected to take one lesson or sectional each week.
 * Grading:**

__**Daily Participation Rehearsal Etiquette: Weighted 10%**__ Purpose: To evaluate each student's personal responsibilities as a band member. • To ensure musical growth, students are expected to participate with their best effort every day. • Since band is a participation class, students need to be present and on time for rehearsals. • Students must come to class prepared with the necessary materials every day. • Students are expected to observe the podium rule. (no talking during rehearsals) • Students will keep the band room free of gum, pop, candy & food.

Performance Attire

__**Pep Band Events/Parades**__ Students will wear black pants and Red band shirts, black shoes.

__**MS Concerts**__ Students will wear black pants and Red band shirts, black shoes.

__**HS Concerts**__ It is expected that all students follow these concert attire requirements:

__**Attendance Policy**__ In any performing group, success depends on 100% cooperation of all members. Students and parents/guardians should be aware that concerts are an important and necessary part of participation in all of the music groups at Hastings High School.

An excused absence from a concert will be granted only if the director has approved a written excuse from a parent or guardian at least five (5) school days prior to the concert. In the event of an emergency (i.e. illness or death in the family, etc.) prior notification may be impossible. The student should contact the director as soon as possible. All excused absences will require a make-up assignment from the director. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO MAKE SURE THAT PROPER ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE WITH THE DIRECTOR. An unexcused absence from a concert will result in a significantly lowered grade.

Supplies The following supplies will be available for students to purchase: Reeds (purchased Valve Oil Flip Folder


 * Each student will need a ½ inch Black 3 ring binder for band.**

In my teaching experiences, I have found great success in using Smart Music. It is __**highly**__ recommended that each family invests in this music software which can help students have a positive music and learning experience.
 * SMART MUSIC**

SmartMusic is an award-winning learning software with the power to transform music learning. Students of all ages and skill levels can play with professional accompaniments, making practice both rewarding and fun. An affordable subscription to SmartMusic gives students the opportunity to explore a wide variety of music from the world’s largest accompaniment library featuring thousands of titles for band and orchestra, solo contest repertoire, popular method books, jazz, and skill-building exercises.

Please see the brochure that is sent home or order online at www.smartmusic.com.

It is expected that all band students should have regular scheduled practice time on their instruments. Band and music in general should be a positive and successful experience for students. By practicing students are able hear the fruits of their labors. As with anything, results are directly related to the efforts invested.
 * Student and Parent Expectations for Band**