Middle School Band
2015-2016
WELCOME TO THE BAND!
I am excited to have you in the band program at Holy Family Catholic High School! You are part of a tradition of excellence at Holy Family. The middle school band can continue to ensure this tradition, but it will not happen by accident – excellence is a direct result of dedicated students who work hard and care about their ensemble. If you practice, focus in class, and make a positive contribution to the band every day, you’ll be amazed at what we can accomplish this year! You’ll also personally progress in your skills and have lots of fun along the way!
The goals of the Holy Family Catholic High School Music Program are to foster an appreciation for all kinds of music, explore many different areas within music (i.e. performance, creation, history and theory) and to celebrate, improve upon and share the musical ability God has given to each of you.
CONTACT INFORMATION
If at any time you (students and parents) have any comments, questions or concerns regarding the Holy Family Catholic High School Middle School Band program, please feel free to e-mail or call.
Laura Boillat (BOY-ah) [email protected] 952-443-4659 x6132
SCHEDULE AND ATTENDANCE POLICY
Each student is an extremely valuable member of our ensemble; therefore it is important that everyone contributes fully every single time we are scheduled to meet. Rehearsals begin promptly at
4:00pm and end at 4:45pm. Please arrive early enough that students may enter the building, find their
seats, and be ready to play by 4:00.
Please email me in advance if your child is unable to attend one of these dates:
Oct. 8 Oct. 22 Nov. 5 Nov. 19 Dec. 3 Dec. 10 *Sunday, Dec. 13 Jan. 21 Feb. 4 Feb. 18 Mar. 3 Mar. 17 Apr. 7 Apr. 21 Apr. 28 *Friday, May 6 *Performance Date
ABSENCES: Our rehearsals are usually two weeks apart and we only have a limited number, so in order to maintain a seat in the ensemble, students may not have more than two absences prior to the first performance or three total for the school year.
LATE ARRIVAL: If students arrive late, they are to set up their instruments outside the classroom and tune, enter the room quietly and without disruption, and promptly join in the rehearsal.
In case of inclement weather, Holy Family Catholic High School may be released early or cancelled for the day. Please be aware of the weather and check for school closures. If classes are cancelled, there will be no after school activities either. HFCHS follows ISD 112.
PERFORMANCE ATTENDANCE
Concert performances are the culmination of what we work on in rehearsals. All students are required to attend all performances. There are few exceptions. Except for special instances with extenuating circumstances, students will be required to present the director with a note signed by their parents or guardians at least ONE MONTH prior to any concert they intend to miss. Because band is an organization that depends on a complete instrumentation, it is essential that all participating students be present for each performance.
Our performance schedule is as follows:
♫ Sunday, December 13 Time TBD – Holy Family Performance Center
♫ Friday, May 6 7:00pm – Holy Family Performance Center
Arrival/warm-up times will be determined closer to each performance.
CONCERT ATTIRE
We want our audience to focus on our music, not on our clothing. We work hard to put together a great performance, so we need to present ourselves professionally
Girls: long dress or a long black skirt or dress pants and nice shirt/sweater, dress shoes. Long
is below the knee. Strapless tops/dresses are not allowed unless the shoulders are covered. Keep it conservative.
Boys: dress shirt (preferably long-sleeved), straight tie of your choice, black dress pants (not
jeans), black socks, black shoes. Shirts with writing are not allowed.
If you have gently used clothing that meets the above requirements but is no longer of use to you, perhaps because your child has outgrown them, you may donate them so other students may reuse them.
SUPPLY LIST
You are expected to come to every rehearsal with: your instrument
music
EXPECTATIONS
► Be Respectful……of others, yourself, and property, and pay attention to all instruction. ► Be Prepared…
…mentally and physically to make music. ► Be Prompt…
…to all rehearsals and performances.
► Only percussionists may use/play percussion instruments.
► Ask questions if you don’t understand. Questioning is the root of learning! ► NO…
…gum, beverages, or food. (Water is fine.)
Students who participate in the Holy Family Middle School Band Program are expected to continue to participate in their respective school band program as this experience is not a substitute for the knowledge and attention they receive from the band director at their own school.
ROOM POLICIES
Treat all equipment with utmost respect. Stands, chairs, percussion instruments, and all other items in the room are very expensive and must last for a long time. If you are not a percussionist, do not touch percussion instruments.
It is your responsibility to keep all of your band music in good condition. You will have a folder issued to you for this purpose. ONLY PENCILS should be used to mark your music. You will be charged
for music you lose, damage, or deface.
INSTRUMENTS
It is expected that your instrument will be in top working condition at all times. Slides must slide, reeds must not be chipped, valves must work, etc.
PERCUSSIONISTS: ALL percussionists must bring their own sticks, and it is recommended that
you store them in a stick bag when you are not using them.
REED PLAYERS: You must have at least 2 working reeds at all times! It is best to use two or
more on a rotating basis so each is broken in.
Do not purchase supplies right before a performance if you need them for a performance!
Check that you have everything you need a couple of days in advance to avoid this situation. Reed players must have at least 2 WORKING reeds at all times!
SCHOOL-OWNED INSTRUMENTS
A student who uses a Holy Family Catholic HS-owned instrument will be expected to be extremely careful with it. These instruments are only for use at HFCHS, and students will be asked to cover the costs of a repair if the instrument was damaged while in their care.
PRACTICE
You must practice as much as it takes for you to do what is expected of you in rehearsals.
PRACTICE TIPS FOR STUDENTS
Why would you want to practice your instrument?
So you can enjoy performing the music correctly! Investing time and effort into
your practicing can result in a BIG pay-off. Do it right!!!
1. Practice your instrument OFTEN and REGULARLY.
Thirty minutes each day is recommended. Many students choose to practice the same time every day, like after school or after the supper dishes are finished. Find the time that’s best for you and your family.
2. Find the best place in your home to practice.
Look for a place where you will not interrupt others, or be interrupted by the television, the phone, the computer, or other family activities. Remember to practice in front of a mirror whenever possible.
3. Set your music on a music stand and practice good posture.
This can help you get better faster because when you stand or sit tall you can take in the air you need to create a good sound and muscle tension is released from the body, allowing your fingers to work more freely.
4. Hold your instrument correctly. 5. Work for a pleasing sound.
6. Stop and work on difficult measures slowly and carefully.
Practice them over and over before you play the whole song again.
7. Don’t be discouraged by a slump in progress or a dislike for practice.
Experience has shown that, with continued effort, this cycle is short lived.
TIPS FOR PARENTS
1. Encourage good practice habits.
Assist your student in setting up a regular time and quiet place to practice. Provide good lighting, a music stand and necessary supplies, like reeds and valve oil. Setting a simple timer will help
2. Assist in the care of the instrument.
An instrument works well only when it’s maintained in the best possible condition. It should be cleaned after each use, returned immediately to its case or set on an instrument stand, and stored in a safe place.
3. Band is both an individual and group endeavor.
Reinforce skills needed to participate as part of a group, including responsibility, dependability, ownership, and attention.
