Dia Langellier, Band Director Kenyatta Revelle, Principal

Dia Langellier, Band Director

Kenyatta Revelle, Principal

Music happens to be an art form that transcends language.

Band Handbook

~Herbie Hancock

Individualcommitmenttoagroupeffort-thatiswhatmakesateamwork,acompanywork,asocietywork,aciviliza;onwork.

~Vince Lombardi

If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you find the time to do it over?

~John Wooden

The only place that “success” comes before “work” is in the dictionary.

~Vince Lombardi

Success is… knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.

~John Wooden

It is no accident that the word ‘harmony’ describes both world peace and a musical concept.

~Doug Goodkin

Preface

The purpose of this handbook is to provide you with information concerning the band program at Iles Middle School. In order to maintain the high standards of excellence expected in our band program, you should become familiar with the procedures set forth in this document. If a problem arises that is not addressed here, please feel free to contact me at [email protected], or 525-3226.

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mailto:[email protected]

Table of Contents Instrument Supplies 3 Mission Statement_______________________________________ 3 Band Expectations 4 Grading Policy 5 Performances 5 Practice 6 Chair Placement 6 School Instruments & Doubling 6 Concert Attire 7 Jazz Band 7 Remind 7 Private Instructors 8 Band Contract 9 Appendix 10

Supply List

Mission Statement

The mission of the Iles School Band Program is:

• To encourage musical growth in students through standards-based instruction • To encourage students’ social growth through musical activities • To encourage and promote music in the culture of the school and the community • To reinforce through musical preparation and performance the skills and behaviors which

lead to success in music, school, and life.

Flute Clarinet Sax Trumpet Trombone Percussion

• Tuning Rod • Soft Cloth • Practice

stand for home

• Swab • Cork Grease • Four

PLAYABLE reeds (no chips, cracks, or MOLD!)

• Practice stand for home

• Swab • Cork Grease • Four

PLAYABLE reeds (no chips, cracks, or MOLD!)


• Valve Oil • Tuning Slide

Grease • Snake (bore

brush) • Practice

stand for home

• Slide Cream (or slide oil)

• Tuning Slide Grease

• Snake (bore brush)


• Drum Sticks • Drum Key • Practice stand

for home

!!

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Band Expectations

Commitment. Middle school band class is a semester long commitment. Students will not be allowed to sign up for, or drop band class, except at the beginning of the first and second semester.

Be on time. You must be in the room 1 by 2:05. You must be in your seat, warming up and ready to play by 2:08.

Be prepared. At each class you are expected to have: your instrument, your music (already practiced), a pencil, valve or slide oil (if applicable), an extra working reed (if applicable), all necessary sticks and mallets (if applicable). Studentsshouldreadtheboardorscreenuponenteringclassandplacemusicintheordernoted.Usetherestroomonthewaytoclass.

Warm up correctly. No loud playing or blasting. Slow, long tones give your muscles the chance they need to get ready.

Be respectful. Show respect for yourself. Show respect for others and their property.

Eat, drink and chew gum elsewhere. Water is the only drink allowed in class.

Use appropriate language. Disrespectful or threatening language will not be tolerated.

Have good posture. Sit up tall with both feet on the floor. It is necessary for excellent playing and will be insisted upon.

Groom before class. Doing hair and applying makeup during class is distracting to all and will not be allowed. Please take care of these issues prior to class. Out of respect for those with allergies, please keep your use of perfume and cologne to a minimum.

Stay in your seat until you are dismissed. The bell is only a guide, the teacher dismisses the class.

Be safe. No running, pushing, fighting, etc.

Be musical. Strive everyday to make music to the best of your ability. Remember, if it is worth doing, then it is worth doing well!

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Grading policy:Weekly rehearsal skills grade (20 pts.)

Weekly Practice Goal Assessment/recording (20 pts.)

Performances (200 pts)

Performance evaluation (20 pts.)

Playing Test (50 pts.)

Rehearsal Skills Students have the opportunity to earn ten points each day for rehearsal skills. Students are expected to abide by the Band Expectations found on page 4 of this handbook each day in class in order to receive the full amount of credit for the day.

Performances Performing is an important part of your music education. Performances serve as authentic assessments of your learning in music and they give you a forum in which to apply the musical skills which you have developed in band. In order to receive full credit, it is expected that students attend all performances, arrive on time, wear the proper required attire, and fully participate in the performance to the best of their ability. Please see (and subscribe to) the Band Calendar posted on my website for dates and times of performances. Each member of the band is expected to attend all performances. Out of respect for your fellow performers, any conflicts with the performance calendar must be brought to the attention of Mrs. Langellier in writing as soon as possible. The calendar is published early to minimize conflicts, therefore conflicts brought to Mrs. Langellier less than one week prior to the event will not be excused except in emergency situations.

Excused/Emergency Absence To request an excused absence from a performance, please bring a signed note from a parent stating the reason you will be missing the performance, at least one week in advance of the absence. In the event

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Points are subtracted for lack of preparation, i.e. forgot instrument, music, are not ready to play on time.Points are subtracted for not following rules.

Students must attend all concerts, on time, and wearing the proper concert attire.

Students will perform a minimum of one playing test per quarter.

Students must turn in post performance evaluation.

Students must turn in a practice goal assessment sheet or assigned recording each Tuesday.

you miss a performance due to an emergency, you must also bring a signed note from a parent stating why the performance was missed within a week of the missed event. Emergencies are defined as extreme illness or death in the family only. Please note that bringing a note does not guarantee being excused from the event. All excused absences are granted at the discretion of the director.

Co-curricular/ Extra-curricular Eligibility Performances which occur off-campus or outside of the school day but are required as part of a student’s grade are considered co-curricular. Students may participate in co-curricular events regardless of their academic eligibility. That said, it is my personal policy not to remove non-eligible students from school for co-curricular activities in most circumstances. Participation in performances which are not required for the grade (trips, honor bands, etc.) are considered extra-curricular and therefore requires students to be academically eligible in order to participate.

Practice In order to maintain and improve your playing skills, it is strongly recommended that students practice a minimum of 150 minutes per week (that’s only 30 minutes a day, 5 days per week). I will be sharing ideas for how and what to practice with students in class.

Playing Tests There will be at least one playing test per quarter. Tests will be either group or individual at the teacher’s discretion or recorded. Tests may or may not be announced in advance, at the teacher’s discretion. Material tested will include excerpts from current literature and scales.

Written Assignments From time to time work will be assigned to be completed in class or as homework. These assignments may include music theory worksheets, video or audio reviews, concert reviews, etc. In most cases, students will be given time in class to complete this work.

Extra Credit Students wishing to earn extra credit must first get approval from Mrs. Langellier. Extra credit will be awarded based on the amount of effort the student puts forth. Some options for earning extra credit include:

• Completing a concert review • Participating in an extra-curricular musical organization (i.e. Youth Orchestra) • Participating in an honor group (ILMEA/All City)

Section Leader/Chair Placement Section leaders and chair placements will be determined by Mrs. Langellier, based on quarterly playing assessments. Once chair placements are assigned, students may work toward improving their placement through daily practice. The next playing test will be the next opportunity to move up.

Switching Instruments/ Doubling Certain band members may be asked to voluntarily change to a different instrument (trumpet to horn, flute to oboe, etc.) for the good of the group sound. In all possible cases the school will provide the student with the instrument he/she is being asked to switch to. Except in extreme cases, students are not required to switch if asked. Student requests to switch instruments will be considered by the director and will generally be approved provided that the sound of the band will not suffer. The school may or may not be able to provide an instrument to a student requesting to switch.

School Instruments Students are encouraged to have their own instruments. However, a limited number of school instruments are available for student use. A contract which outlines parent and student responsibilities must be filled

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out prior to instrument check-out. Students will still need to provide their own reeds and other materials. Please see Mrs. Langellier for details.

Instrument Storage Procedures In order to achieve a measure of security for instruments during the times when they must be stored at school or during trips away from the school site, the following procedures will be undertaken by the music teacher and the student:

1. Students will clearly label their instruments with their name, phone, and school. 2. Any personal property (clothes, phones, iPods, etc.) left in the classroom, or any public space are

left at the discretion of the student. 3. The music instructor, bus drivers, or School District 186 are not responsible for any lost,

damaged, or stolen items (including instruments). 4. Students will report any theft or damage to the director as soon as it is discovered. 5. Parents may wish to purchase insurance to cover theft or damage to instruments. 6. Instruments or personal property left at any school site are not covered by any school district loss

coverage or insurance for theft or damage of any kind. 7. Music instructors will not require that instruments be left at school overnight.

Concert Attire Students wear the Iles Middle School Band Uniform for all concerts. The uniform consists of the following:

• Black Band Polo • Black pants, capris or skirts (shorts are acceptable for the Spring Concert) • Dress shoes if possible

Jazz Band Students who wish to participate in Jazz Band must be members of the band program unless otherwise approved by the director. Jazz Band rehearsals will take place outside of the school day (TBD). More information will be sent home in the coming weeks. Expectations for attending performances, and policies regarding excused absences, are the same for jazz band as for Band Class. Jazz band students are expected to attend all rehearsals unless they have been excused for a conflict or illness.

Remind Parents/students are required to sign up for Remind text messages. I will send out reminders, unexpected changes in schedule, etc. through this service. It is a one way message service in which privacy is guaranteed. All texts are routed through a service so that I will not have your phone # and you will not have mine. Information on how to sign up will be given out at the beginning of the year and will be posted on my website. Parents/students need not re-register each school year. If you do not have texting service on your phone, parents must send a note requesting paper or email reminders.

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Private Instructors

Instrument Name Phone Email Comments

Flute Theresa O'hare 217-725-4492 [email protected] www.theresaoharemusic.com

Robert Rake 309-287-5194 [email protected] Capital City Music, and 1200 W Jefferson

Tom Hartley mailto:[email protected] Beginner through intermediate

Oboe Krista Steller 217-741-8646 [email protected]


Clarinet Greg Cohill 217-414-4003 [email protected] Travels to student's home.

Robert Rake 309-287-5194 [email protected] Capital City Music, and 1200 W Jefferson

Kelly Goldberg [email protected] beginners through intermediate


Joshua Peters 217-416-2416 [email protected] Beginner through intermediate

Bassoon Kelly Goldberg [email protected] beginners through advanced

Saxophone Robert Rake 309-287-5194 [email protected] Capital City Music, and 1200 W Jefferson

Greg Cohill 217-414-4003 [email protected] Travels to student's home.

McKenzie Suter

217-741-0758 [email protected]

Travels to student's home. Also at the Music Shoppe

springfield 217-529-4840

Kelly Goldberg [email protected] beginners through intermediate


Trumpet Donn Stephens 726-6203 Give lessons at student's home.

Michael Moore 217-793-3808 Capital City Music 787-7788

Kelly Goldberg beginners through intermediate

Tom Philbrick 217-415-3022 [email protected] beginners

Tom Hartley mailto:[email protected] Beginner through advanced

French Horn Michael Moore 217-793-3808 Capital City Music 787-7788

Gina Coonrod [email protected]


Trombone Amy Harris-Patel 217-691-5053

Mitchell Goldberg 217-836-4583 [email protected] beginners through advanced


Tom Philbrick 217-415-3022 [email protected]


Euphonium Michael Goldberg [email protected] beginners through advanced



Tuba Michael Goldberg [email protected] beginners through advanced




Percussion Darin Holthaus 217-691-4628 Capital City Music 787-7788

John Sluzalis 217-341-6437 Capital City Music 787-7788

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http://www.theresaoharemusic.com/













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IMS Band Practice Strategies

Use these strategies at home when you are practicing so you m

ake the best use of your time.

I"am"having"trouble"w

ith…Tone

RhythmNotes/fingerings

Intervals5(skips)Intona:

onAr:cula:

onsDynam

ics1.#Play#long#to

nes#(Lip#slurs#also#fo

r#brass)

2.#Refer#to

#fingerin

g#chart

3.#Recognize#pa>erns

4.#Sing#pitches

5.#B

uzz#on#M

outhpiece#(b

rass)

6.#"Tizzle"

7.#Say,#finger,#p

lay

8.#Is

olate#one#m

easure

9.#Slow#NNNNNNNNNNN>

#Fast

10.#Say#th

e#rh

ythm#(count#o

ut#lo

ud)

11.#Play#down#an#Octave#(if#in

#upper#re

gister)

12.#Play#with

out#rh

ythm#(o

ne#note#at#a

#Ume)

13.#Play#th

e#rh

ythm#on#one#note

14.#Play#with

out#a

rUculaUons

15.#Play#all#a

riculaUons,#but#o

n#one#note

16.#Play#with

out#d

ynamics

17.#Play#all#d

ynamics#using#only#one#note

Tips5For5Successful5Prac:ce:

Don't&prac+

ce&mistakes.##B

e#sure#you#are#pracUcing#th

e#rig

ht#n

otes#and#rh

ythms.##S

low#down#th

e#te

mpo#when#you#are#fris

t#starUng#a#piece#to

#ensure#th

at#you#are#corre

ct.

It#is#best#to

#pracUce#fo

r#less&+me,&m

ore&o4en&th

an#in#large#chunks#(fo

r#example,#it#is

#be>er#to

#pracUce#20#m

inutes#fo

ur#d

ays#of#th

e#week#instead#of#p

racUcing#one#day#fo

r#90#

minutes).

Try#to

#establish"a"rou4ne.##D

esignate#th

e#same#Umes#fro

m#week#to

#week#instead#of#p

racUcing#whenever#a

nd#wherever.

Warm

6up!&#Before#jumping#rig

ht#in

#be#sure#you#play#a#warm

#up,#eith

er#something#we#use#in#class#or#something#on#your#o

wn.##R

emember,#L

ow,#slow#and#fo

cus#on#playing#with

#

GREAT5TO

NE.

Try#to

#find#a#spot#th

at#is

#comforta

ble#fo

r#you#to

#pracUce#and#use#th

at#spot#a

s#oZen#as#possible.

Keep#others#in#m

ind,#someUmes#your#fa

mily#m

embers#appreciate#quiet#U

me.##S

hut#th

e#door,#o

r#find#another#U

me#th

at#w

orks#be>er#fo

r#everyone#to

#pracUce.

My goal for this practice session is:

List specific short term goals

(What w

ent wrong? W

hy? How

do I fix it?)

My w

arm-ups today:

(List all used, i.e. Long tones, specific scales, exercises)

Check all tools used:

Dissection

Assessment: H

ow did you

do today? D

id you meet your goal, or

do you need to practice this section again?

Recognize PatternsSlow

---------> FastBreaking into sm

all chunkschaining chunks together

Fingering Chart

Buzz on Mouthpiece

Sing PitchesC

ount out loudPlay w

/o rhythm (one note at a tim

e)Play the rhythm

on one notePlay w

/o Dynam

icsW

hat grade would you give

yourself today? (A-F)Put D

ynamics back in

Recording selfH

ow long did you practice

today? (Minutes)

Feeling subdivision of pulseRecognize Patterns

Other

Nam

e: _________________________________________________________Date: _____________________

Practice Goal/Assessm

ent Sheet

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IMS

Band

Pra

ctic

e St

rate

gies

Use

thes

e st

rate

gies

at h

ome

whe

n yo

u ar

e pr

actic

ing

so y

ou m

ake

the

best

use

of y

our t

ime.

I"am"having"trou

ble"with

…Tone

Rhythm

Notes/fingerings

Intervals5(skips)

Intona

:on

Ar:cula:on

sDynam

ics

1.#Play#long#tones#(Lip#slurs#also#for#brass)

2.#Refer#to#fingering#chart

3.#Recognize#pa>erns

4.#Sing#pitches

5.#Buzz#on#M

outhpiece#(brass)

6.#"Tizzle"

7.#Say,#finger,#play

8.#Isolate#one#m

easure

9.#Slow#NNNNNNNNNNN>#Fast

10.#Say#the#rhythm#(count#out#loud)

11.#Play#down#an#Octave#(if#in#upper#register)

12.#Play#without#rhythm#(one#note#at#a#Ume)

13.#Play#the#rhythm#on#one#note

14.#Play#without#arUculaUons

15.#Play#all#ariculaUons,#but#on#one#note

16.#Play#without#dynamics

17.#Play#all#dynamics#using#only#one#note

Tips5For5Successful5Prac:ce:

Don

't&prac+ce&m

istakes.##Be#sure#you#are#pracUcing#the#right#notes#and#rhythms.##Slow#down#the#tempo#when#you#are#frist#starUng#a#piece#to#ensure#that#you#are#correct.

It#is#best#to#pracUce#for#less&+me,&m

ore&o4

en&than#in#large#chunks#(for#example,#it#is#be>er#to#pracUce#20#m

inutes#four#days#of#the#week#instead#of#pracUcing#one#day#for#90#

minutes).

Try#to#estab

lish"a"rou4

ne.##Designate#the#same#Umes#from#week#to#week#instead#of#pracUcing#whenever#and#wherever.

Warm6up!&#Before#jumping#right#in#be#sure#you#play#a#warm

#up,#either#something#we#use#in#class#or#something#on#your#own.##Remember,#Low,#slow#and#focus#on#playing#with#

GRE

AT5TONE.

Try#to#find#a#spot#that#is#comfortable#for#you#to#pracUce#and#use#that#spot#as#oZen#as#possible.

Keep#others#in#m

ind,#someUmes#your#family#m

embers#appreciate#quiet#Ume.##Shut#the#door,#or#find#another#Ume#that#works#be>er#for#everyone#to#pracUce.

Dear Parent,

Below you will find a Contract, to be signed by yourself and your child, stating that you

understand all policies and responsibilities, and that you agree to these in order to be

contributing members of the Band Program.

Please Keep this copy for your records

Cut here and return bottom portion Parent printed name_________________________________ Student printed name

________________________________

We have thoroughly read the Band Handbook. We understand all policies and responsibilities as explained and agree to uphold the standards of the Iles Middle School Band Program, including: (please initial each below)

Providing Black pants (or skirts), and dress shoes.

Attending all band performances and staying for the entire concert.

Practicing an average of five nights a week.

Coming to class with necessary equipment every day.

Signed Parent Signature Student Signature TURN OVER AND SIGN BACKSIDE

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Band Performance - ExpectationsBand is a graded performance class, therefore attendance is required at all band performances throughout the year. Exceptions will be made for illness and emergencies on a case by case basis. If a student has a conflict, making attendance impossible, the teacher must have a note from a parent at least one week before said concert and the student will be required to complete a written assignment as a make up.

Consequences for missed concerts:1. If student has informed the teacher by written note, signed by parents, at least one

week before a concert, and completed a written assignment by the deadline imposed by the teacher, he/she shall receive an “excused” for said concert performance. If the assignment is not completed and turned in by the deadline, student will receive a “0” for the performance.

2. If a student falls ill or has an approved emergency (this does not include staying home to work on homework), he/she shall be given a written assignment to complete to make up the missed performance. Student MUST bring a signed note from their parent the next day, explaining why they were not in attendance, and the teacher must approve of the reason. If the assignment is not completed and turned in by the deadline, student will receive a “0” for the performance.

3. If a student fails to show up to a performance without a valid excuse, he/she shall receive a “0” for the performance, with no possibility of make up with a written assignment.

Students who are invited and accept the chance to perform in IMEA or All-City, will be held to these same guidelines.

Please keep this copy for your records---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Cut Here and return bottom portion)

I, ________________________________________ have read the Band Class rules and agree to abide by them. I understand that my presence at performances is vital to the group and it is unfair to my classmates to not be in attendance for the performances that we have worked to prepare as a team.

________________________________________(Student Signature & Date)

I understand the importance of my child being in attendance at performances by the band, and I will make every effort to insure transportation to and from performances is provided by me or that alternative arrangements are made.

_________________________________________(Parent Signature & Date) TURN OVER AND SIGN BACKSIDE

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Documents

Dia Langellier, Band Director Kenyatta Revelle, Principal