Godley Middle School

Band Handbook

 

INTRODUCTION

         Welcome to the Godley Middle School Wildcat Band!  The directors, Jeffrey L. Henry and Carly Simpson, are very excited about teaching our new beginner students, as well as our returning 7th and 8th grade band members!  We are very dedicated to helping our students becoming better musicians and preparing them for high school band.  This handbook is given to all parents and students to that they may be better informed of the expectations of all students enrolled in the program.

          The band places an emphasis foremost on teaching musicianship to all students enrolled in the band.  We also look to enhance our students' qualities of citizenship, tradition, morale, spirit, and loyalty.  The students in the band program at Godley Middle School learn time management skills and the importance of making sacrifices to gain the pride of an accomplishment.

 

CLASS RULES

         1. Be here on time.

  

         2. Be courteous.

         3. Clean up after yourselves.

         4. Have everything you need to do your job.

         5. Integrity -- Do the right thing even when no one is looking.

         6. Be proud of yourselves and your school.

 

GO WILDCATS!!!

 

EXCUSED ABSENCES

     The following situations are examples of excused absences:

  

         1. Illness

        

         2. Death in the family.

 

         3. Extreme family emergency.

         4. Emergency doctor's appointment.  (Please try to schedule all doctor's

              appointments around your band schedule!)

      NOTE: All excused absences require a note from the parent or legal guardian.

 

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

         1. Most other absences will be classified as unexcused, subject to the director's discretion.

 

         2. The second unexcused absence will result in a parent/teacher conference.

         3. Please be responsible for your own actions.  Remember that when you are not there          

              you are not only putting youself at a learning disadvantage, but you are also placing your

              peers at a learning disadvantage.  In band, everyone must be present to get a good deal of

              work accomplished.

 

SUPPLIES

              Clarinet and Saxophone students must have at least 3 playable reeds, cork grease,

               and a swab in their case at all times.

               Oboe and Bassoon students must have at least 2 playable reeds and a swab in their 

                case at all times.

               Flute students must have a soft polis cloth, swab and a flute rod in their case at all times.

                Brass students must have a soft polish cloth, valve oil, slide cream, water bottle

                (for trombone students only), and a mouthpiece brush in their case at all times.

                Percussion students must own a practice pad with stand, a bell set, stick bag, snare

                sticks (SD1--general), and rubber and yarn keyboard mallets.

 

                It is highly recommended that all band students own and USE a

             metronome while practicing!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

REHEARSAL GUIDELINES

                 In order to have a good band we must be able to practice efficiently.  Students in the

                 Wildcat Band are expected to show respect to their school and their band hall, as well as

                 to the teachers and their peers at school.

 

GRADING POLICY

                 Grades are based on student responsibility and achievement.  It is our goal to help

                 encourage and further musical growth in all of our students.  The six-weeks grade will

                 be determined by the following factors:

                 Homework (Taking the instrument home) -- 20%

                 Pass-Off Sheet Test -- 20%

                 Pass-Off Sheets (2 per six weeks) -- 60%

 

CONCERT ATTENDANCE

                 Attendance at all concerts and performances counts as a test grade.  Students are

                 expected to attend all concerts and performances.  Please write down all concerts and

                 performances on your calendar to help us prevent scheduling conflicts.  Concerts and

                 performances are a fun, necessary part of this course.  If you attend all rehearsals, but

                 miss a performance, you are throwing away a lot of work that was put into that music.

 

PARTICIPATION & GOOD ATTITUDE

 

                 All members of the band are expected to be responsible for their own actions and

                 materials.  Students will get more out of band class if they are on time with their

                 materials, show up with a good attitude, and show respect towards others.

 

     UNIFORM POLICY

 

                  Band shirts will be worn for pep rallies, football games and field trips.  Band shirts must

                  be worn to school on a pep rally or band spirit day.  Band shirts must be tucked in at all

                  times.  It is the student's responsibility to clean the shirt before it needs to be worn.

 

PRIVATE LESSONS

 

                    

                  The directors strongly encourage students to take private lessons once a week.

                  However, private lessons are not mandatory.  Private lessons will help students with

                  individualized issues on their instrument, which is very valuable to the students. 

                  Private lessons are once a week for 30 minutes.  If you are interested in taking private

                  lessons, please speak with Ms. Simpson or Mr. Henry.

 

REPAIRS

 

                    If you think that your instrument might need repairs, please speak directly with

                    Mr. Henry, as he will take care of most instrument repairs.  Always handle school

                    owned instrument repairs through Mr. Henry!

 

A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTORS