Molasky Jr. High School Band7801 West Gilmore AveLas Vegas, Nevada 89129Phone (702)799-3400 extA040

Daron Heilman, PrincipalJennifer Messinger, Assistant PrincipalDonna Marinch, Dean of StudentsPatrick Collins, Band Director

MOLASKY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL - BAND HANDBOOKThis handbook is designed to acquaint band students and their parents with thepolicies and procedures of the Band program. It also contains information whichmay be helpful to insure that the students' musical experience at Molasky is successful, as well asrewarding. It may be helpful to go to www.molaskyband.com and save a copy of this handbook,because you will need to refer to it throughout the year.

TO THE STUDENT:Welcome to the Award-Winning Molasky Band Program! As the director, I knowthat anyone who fully participates and gets involved with the music program willenjoy the experience of playing in an organization whose members not only possesshigh qualities of good citizenship, but also constantly strive to maintain a highdegree of musical and academic excellence.

TO THE PARENT:As the Director, I am here to help the students, but also the parents in any waypossible. I know that with your support, encouragement, and approval, we canachieve the highest possible standards. If I can be of any help, or if you have anyquestions or suggestions, at any time during the year, please feel free to Email atpecollins@interact.ccsd.net, or call at 799-3400 ext.4040. I am sure that this schoolyear will be one in which both you and your child will take a great amount of prideand satisfaction in his musical growth. I look forward to seeing you at all of theMolasky band department functions.

Sincerely,

Patrick Collins, DirectorMolasky Bands

I.COURSE SCOPE AND GOALS:This program is open to any student who desires to playa wind or percussion instrument.It involves applying the basic fundamentals of music reading to the particular technique ofthe instrument being studied.rr.CLASS~TERlALSNEEDED:WOODWINDS:Flutes: a cleaning rod and cloth.Clarinets and Saxophones: a mouthpiece and ligature, 3 or 4 PLAYABLE reeds (mediumstrength), a drying swab, cork grease, a neck-strap (only for saxophones)

BRASS:All Brass Instruments: a mouthpiece, valve oil for valve instruments (trombones needslide cream); tuning slide grease (Vaseline), mouthpiece brush, cleaning snake, cleaningcloth (an old T-shirt works great).

PERCUSSION:All Percussion: a Bell kit with mallets included, two (2) pair of drumsticks (size 5A), and apractice pad (usually included in the bell kit) for home practice.

BOOKS AND MUSIC NEEDED: Beginning Students: The Music Book we use is:"Do It!" Book I, for your particular instrument. The book will be available for purchase in class.In addition, Percussion students will also need to purchase "The Snare Drummer's Toolbox,"which will be available in class.

All Classes: Most sheet music will be checked out to students and must be returned followingperformances. It is expected that this music will be returned in good condition. Charges will bemade for music that is lost, damaged, or written on with anything other than a common leadpencil.

UNIFORM: All Students: The band uniform is an integral part of the successful bandprogram. The uniform is a visual symbol of the identity of the group. More importantly, itrepresents that every student has given up a part of their individuality, and that allstudents are part of a collective team effort. The band uniform for Molasky Junior HighSchool consists of:Completely black dress shoes and black socks (NO TENNIS SHOES, PLEASE!), completelyblack dress slacks for all band students, male and female, and the black Molasky band logoshirts. (More information will be sent home on this). At Band concerts, all band studentsshould be dressed completely in black from their waist to the floor. Because of the numberof positive comments regarding the appearance of band students, and the importance of theuniform as a symbol, I will be enforcing the policy that students who are not "in uniform"will not be allowed to perform. If the purchase of these uniform items creates a situation offinancial hardship, then please contact Mr. Collins, in writing, at least two weeks prior tothe performance so that arrangements can be made to obtain them.I strongly recommend that all students consider purchasing a folding wire music stand(about $15) so that they can practice with the correct posture. Also helpful, is an electronicmetronome (about $20). Electronic tuners make nice gifts during the holidays.Also, it is required that students clearly label the outside of their instrument case with anidentification tag or other appropriate material. The school cannot be responsible for loss or

damage of a privately owned instrument. Privately owned instruments can beinexpensively insured through the parent's homeowners' policy.

III. GRADING POLICY: Student performance is evaluated in four areas.QUARTER GRADES are based upon1) Daily Observation Assessment2) Playing and/or Written Tests3) Performances4) Practice logs

• DAILY ASSESSMENT EVALUATION (20%): Each day, students will be observed andevaluated on being actively engaged in the learning process. A maximum of two points perday may be earned. As there are 45 days in a grading period; there are 90 points possiblefor daily assessment (45x2=90). At the end of the 9-week period, the number of dailyassessment points will be totaled and divided by the number of days in the quarter to reacha percentage.

• PLAYING TESTS (20%): Playing tests will be given regularly. Students are required topractice 30 minutes per practice, five times per week, however, some students may find itnecessary to practice more in order to prepare for a playing test or a performance. At theend of the Quarter, test scores will be averaged together to reach a percentage.

• PERFORMANCES (35%): Performances are announced to students well in advance, andstudents are required to attend.

• PRACTICE LOGS (25%): In order to develop the muscular control and coordinationrequired to playa musical instrument, students are required to practice at least 30 minutesper day, up to a weekly total of2V2 hours per week. Although students may practice athorne or in the band room after school, this is not considered as "homework", but more like"working out" to an athlete.

Grades from each area are averaged together toattain the student's 9-week grade as follows:

A = 90% -100%B = 80% - 890/0C = 700/0 - 790/0D = 600/0 - 690/0F = 00% - 59%

IV. HOMEWORK POLICY: There is generally no homework given in band other thanto study what was learned in class and to be prepared for the next days' lesson. It must beexplained that the practice log is not considered to be in the homework category. Class timeis used to demonstrate and explain. Practice time is used to develop and strengthen theembouchure, fingers, lips, tongue, reaction time, and muscular coordination. Althoughstudents may practice at home (or in the band room after school) this is not considered as"homework", but more like "working out" to an athlete. Students are required to practice 30minutes per day (two and 1/2 hours per week) for the proper muscular development andcoordination required to play an instrument. Help your child keep a daily record of his

practice and remind him/her to TURN IT IN every Monday. Late or missing practicelogs cannot be redone and will not be accepted after the week they are due(excepting excused absences).

V. DISCIPLINE, CLASSROOM RULES, CITIZENSHIP GRADES:The followingrules and regulations are made with the idea building and maintaining anorganization that will invite the respect of students, parents, faculty, and community. Onlythrough the total cooperation of everyone involved can this be accomplished.

DAILY REHEARSALS:• You are expected to be in your seat with your instrument and ready to play within two (2)minutes after the tardy bell rings.• Instruments should be used to make music NOT NOISE!!!• All warming up, tuning, and playing will be at the direction of the Director. No talking orindividual playing will be allowed once class has begun.• You are to remain in your seat during class. If something is needed during class, raiseyour hand and wait silently to be called upon.• All music, instruments, and necessary equipment (reeds, valve oil, drum sticks,sharpened lead pencils, etc.) are required every day.• Everyone is responsible for putting away their own music, instruments, straighteningtheir chair, and making sure the floor around them is clean.• You are not to play an instrument that does not belong to you or that is not checked out toyou from the school. This prevents damage from misuse and saves the repair cost.• Gum chewing is not allowed at Molasky JHS and is never allowed in the band room. Itposes a serious, if not fatal, choking hazard. If a student violates this rule once, they will begiven a warning, and parents will be notified by phone; a third gum incident will resultin a "U" in citizenship for the Quarter. TillS IS NOT NEGOTIABLE. (Neither ischoking to death!) Students who have a "U" in Citizenship are ineligible for school fieldtrips and other extra-curricular activities.• At no time will scuffling, wrestling, shoving, horseplay or other similar behavior beallowed in the music room.• If it becomes necessary for you not to play (lip sores, asthma, doctor's order, etc.), a notefrom home must be brought to the Director stating the reason, and how long the conditionis expected to last. Otherwise, no points will be earned each day you are unable to play. Anote will be goodfor three (3) school days. After that time new note must be brought fromhome.• If it becomes necessary for an instrument to be taken to the repair shop, a note fromhome should be brought to the Director on the first day you do not have an instrumentstating when it is expected to be repaired. Otherwise, no points will be earned for every day.you are unable to play. A note will be good for three (3) school days. After that time a newnote must be brought from home.

ASSERTIVE DISCIPLINE PLAN:The following procedures will be taken for infractions of the rules:1st offense: --verbal warning by teacher.2nd offense: --conferencewith student, loss of daily assessment points, Citizenship gradelowered to "S".

3rd offense: --phone call to parent/guardian, loss of daily assessment points. (lfwe areunable to make contact by telephone, the next step will be taken).4th offense: --a Disciplinary letter will be sent home with the student, loss of dailyassessment points, Citizenship grade lowered to "N". If the letter is not signed by theparent/guardian and returned, the next step will be taken.5th offense: --the student will be referred to the Dean's Officewith a request for aRequired Parent Conference, loss of assessment points, Citizenship grade lowered to"U". Student is in jeopardy oflosing the privilege ofbeing in band class.NOTE: The teacher may start at the 4th step for serious behavioral infractions.

CITIZENSHIP GRADES: will be formulated in the following manner. Each studentbegins the nine weeks with an "0" in citizenship. Students who violate the above listedrules and regulations two (2) times in a nine-week period will be given an "S",3-4 violations will result in an "N"and five or more infractions will result in a "U" incitizenship. The only exception to the Citizenship grade progression is the gum rule, whichwill result in an immediate 'U' in citizenship after the second incident.As you may know, band is a popular elective and the classes are very large. Therefore itbecomes extremely important that courtesy and good citizenship are demonstrated at alltimes. Throughout the year these incentives and rewards will be offered to those studentswho exhibit positive behaviors, ongoing courtesy, and exemplary citizenship.

VI. MAKEUP WORK POLICY:CCSD REGULATION 5113, SECTION VIITeachers shall provide an opportunity for a student to make up missed work due to anyabsence, and students shall be held accountable for the work. When a student is absent,however, the educational experiences lost during that absence might be irretrievablebecause the instruction and interaction in the instructional setting cannot be duplicatedthrough makeup work. After any absence, a secondary student is required to initiatecontact with the teacherts) to obtain appropriate makeup work within three school daysimmediately following the absence. Once contact has been made with the teacheris), specificmakeup work must be completed and returned to the teacheris) within a reasonable lengthof time, to be determined by the teacher and communicated to the student/parent or legalguardian. The makeup work must be returned to the teacherts) by the specified due date ifit is to be acknowledged. Students shall be allowed a minimum of three (3) days to completemakeup work.

ALL MAKE-UP WORK SHOULD BE COMPLETED AND TURNED IN TO THE DIRECTORWITHIN AT LEAST ONE WEEK FOLLOWING THE ABSENCE OR ONE WEEK BEFOREHE END OF THE NINE WEEK PERIOD (WHICHEVER COMES FIRST)

• TESTSAny written or playing tests which are missed because of absences, medical reasons,instrument repairs, or other legitimate reasons may be made up within one week ofreturning, as long a note from home is given to the Director explaining a valid reason formissing the test.

• CONCERTSIt is expected that by being in an instrumental music class you must give up some of yourout-of-schooltime (afternoons, evenings, and/or Saturdays) to participate in various music

programs. These events are a very important part of being a successful musician and a vitalpart of the music learning experience. Usually all extracurricular performances areannounced to students (6) weeks in advance so that students and their familiescan plan the time for them.Any student missing a performance MUST:1) If the absence is expected, a note from the parents stating the reason for the absencemust be received one week PRIOR to the event; or2) If the absence was unexpected, a note from the parents stating the reason for the absencemust be received the day the student returns to school. CCSD Attendance Office Guidelineswill be used to determine excused absences.

• Pre-ArrangedIf an unusual circumstance arises in which it is impossible for a student to attend aperformance, the parents must notify the Director at least ten days prior to theperformance so that we may plan accordingly (Emergencies will be handled as they arise).In rare cases, performances may be made up as circumstances dictate. CCSD AttendanceOffice Guidelines will be used to determine excused absences. Let's eliminate excuses suchas: "My child didn't tell me about the concert until last night, we've planned a birthdayparty for that night, my child had to baby-sit, we couldn't find a ride, we don't have blackpants/shoes", etc. EXCUSED ABSENCES MUST BE MADE UP (SEE THE DIRECTOR).

Tentative music performances for the school year:Month: Performance: Group(s) To Play:Oct/Nov Fall Concert Symphonic BandDecember Winter Concert All BandsFebruary CCSD Solo Festival (Optional)"FeblMar Basketball Garnes Pep (Symphonic) BandMarch/April CCSD Band Festival Symphonic BandAprillMay CCSD Jazz Band Festival Jazz BandMay Spring Concert All Bands

*(Usually, only students who take private lessons)

EXACT DATES AND TIMES WILL BE GIVEN, AS THEY BECOME KNOWN.

VII. INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES:A. Learn and apply the basic care, maintenance, and assembly of the instrument.B. Produce a characteristic sound on the instrument.C. Identify and interpret the note and rest values of whole to eighth; meter signatures; andcommon rhythmic values such as triplets, and dotted halves, quarters, and eighths.D. Apply proper embouchure, posture, breath support, and control.E. Recognize the note names and pitches on the staff throughout the practical range of theinstrument.F. Produce the appropriate pitches on the instrument.G. Identify and interpret basic music terminology including crescendo, decrescendo,accelerando, ritard, D.C., D.S., repeat signs.H. Recognize and interpret tempo markings: allegro, maestoso, grave, moderato, andandante.

1.Recognize and interpret staccato, slur, accent, fermata, and breath markings.J. Produce simple phrases on the instrument.K. Respond to the conductor's physical movement as related to interpretations of tempo,phrasing, breathing, dynamics, and articulation.L. Identify and interpret the dynamic markings ofpp, p, mp, f, ff, sfz, and fp.M. Recognize and play scales and literature in the concert keys of Bb, F, and Eb.N. To participate in public performances and concerts.O. To establish proper daily home-practice habits.P. Percussionists will attain minimum proficiency on keyboard percussion before advancingto snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, etc.

VIII. Miscellaneous Information:PARENT RESPONSIBILITYThere is nothing that will assure your child's success in the study of music, or speed hislherprogress more, than YOUR SINCERE INTEREST in their music participation. Here aresome of the things that will be helpful:• Set aside a regular time and a suitable place for your child to practice. Students arerequired to practice 2 112 hours per week (30 minutes per day) for the proper musculardevelopment and coordination required to play an instrument.• Help your child keep a daily record of his practice and remind himlher to TURN IT IN onMondays.• Select a suitable place to store your child's instrument in the home, and make it knownthat you also think it is important.• Make certain that your child is on time at school rehearsals and performances every day.• Occasionally ask your child about what is happening in band class. As you know, childrenoften get so excited about things that other things are mysteriously "forgotten". Also,children are not often the best judges ofwhat is important!• Communicate with the teacher at regular intervals to keep yourself informed so that youwill understand and know your child's progress.• Attend all concerts and never make fun of any strange sounds you may hear. No one triesto make mistakes on purpose.• Help your child understand that the more he or she practices now, the more fun andenjoyment will be had later. Your child may not particularly like to practice once the"newness" has worn off,but experience proves that with proper encouragement, this cycle isshort lived, and the student soon becomes more deeply interested and will continue topractice more and more.• If at all possible, obtain private lessons with a qualified instructor. The amount of moneyand time invested is very minimal when compared with the results. The school musicteacher is involved in helping many individuals in an ensemble setting and often doesn'thave sufficient time to give the extra one-to-one teaching that is so helpful to individualsuccess. Should there ever be any doubt in your mind about any phase of your child'sparticipation in the school music program; there are two people who are most anxious to beof help to you... your child's music teacher and your music dealer. Both are experienced andinterested.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY• Maintain a positive attitude during each playing session, whether you are practicing,rehearsing, or performing.

• Bring all of your necessary materials to each rehearsal.• Pay attention throughout the entire session. Good music is no accident.• Mark your music (with a pencil). The most successful musicians carry a pencil, and use it!• Be musically prepared for each new session. This is where home practicing is extremelyimportant. It's very difficult to learn something new if you're still struggling overyesterday's lesson.• Attend all rehearsals and performances. Remember, you are a part of a team and yourabsence will affect the entire group. If you must be absent, find out what was learned andlearn it before you return. Everyone in the group will appreciate you a lot more if they don'thave to wait for you to catch up.• Make sure that your instrument is always in top shape. It's very frustrating when theinstrument doesn't work. Imagine a basketball coach trying to teach someone to dribble aball that has no air in it. ("Pick up the ball ...throw it down... bend over and pick up theball ...throw it down.") Be considerate of the other members of the team.• Make sure that you communicate with your parents about what-is-happening in bandclass. You"need to be a responsible communicator. Your school agenda book is a great tool ifused correctly.• PLEASE practice! Students are required to practice 2 lJ2 hours per week. Embouchure,fingers, lips, tongue, reaction time, and coordination must be developed. Success in music isa result of discipline, desire, structure, practice, and preparedness. Your music teacher iscommitted to giving you the gift of musical understanding and enjoyment. Allow yourself toaccept this gift.• HAVE FUN! The greatest thing about music is that your hard work pays off in big waysbecause people will want to hear you again and again. There is nothing more fulfilling thanperforming for an appreciative audience. No one can do this for you, and no one can do thepracticing for you.

TEACHER RESPONSIBILITYFor the Director of a large performing group, the teacher's responsibility is twofold. Whilethe success of each individual in the group is highly important, I believe that the success ofthe group itselfis the main responsibility. Not only is it important for each student to beable to play their part correctly, they must internalize how their part fits in to the totalpicture. It is interesting to note that in the National Standards for Arts Education, the firsttwo standards use the wording, "alone and with others". While I will spend as much time aspossible with individual student learning, unfortunately, I realize that the more time Ispend with each student, the more time is taken away from the entire group. I will take, asmuch class time as needed to help each student fit within the group, however there isinvariably a point in time where I must make a judicious decision regarding the amount ofclass time taken on individual learning. Most students are very successful with thisapproach, and it works great under most circumstances. While outside private musiclessons are not necessary, it is always a good idea to supplement classroom instruction withprivate music lessons. Private lessons are beneficial for advanced students as well, and canoften provide the extra challenge that may be-missing from classroom assignments. Privatelessons can be obtained through any retail music store for a reasonable fee.In addition to upholding the policies outlined in this booklet, there are some things that Ishould mention about the guidelines, which I try to follow.

• Music performances will be announced well in advance so that necessaryarrangements can be made for students and parents to attend. (Usually six weeks inadvance.)• I am aware that paychecks come on differing schedules and I will give plenty of noticewhenever a situation arises requiring money from parents. Materials, books needed,uniform purchases, fund raiser due dates, instrument repairs, etc. are usually announcedat least two weeks prior to their due dates. Even then I am usually willing to makeindividual arrangements whenever necessary.• I believe that since the student is the one sitting in my classroom, I will give the studentevery opportunity to correct any malfeasance before I contact the folks at home. If thestudent is able to correct their mistakes on their own, then the matter is finished(depending, of course, on the seriousness of the matter).• Making music is fun, but it also requires extra effort and hard work. I will adhere toprofessional standards when it comes to music performance. The level of materials will besuited to the group andwillbe challenging but attainable. In other words, ultimately, Istrive to hear Mozart, not someone trying to play Mozart.

HOW TO PRACTICE1. Select a time of day that will be as free as possible from interruptions, and usethis time consistently. Students are required to practice two and 112per week.2. Choose a place where you will be free from distractions.3. Have your objectives well in mind. Plan what you hope to accomplish during thepractice period.4. Adopt and maintain only the highest standards of performance.5. Stand as much as possible during practice so that playing posture is naturallycorrect.6. Isolate troublesome passages and work on them slowly at first. Then, graduallyincrease the tempo until it becomes easy for you.7. Above all - be patient. Sometimes things only begin to happen the second timeyou practice them.

PRACTICE OBJECTIVESCorrect BreathingToneIntonationPhrasingArticulationRhythmReading ability and technique

EACH PRACTICE SESSION:• Start with a warm-up exercise.• Play something that you have previously learned.• Play something fun!• Learn something new (scales, skip ahead in the book, learn a song "by ear".)• Play something fun!

• Master a technique (articulation, phrasing, dynamics, tone, rhythms)• Play something fun!• Always be mindful of instrument care."PRACTICE MAKES PERMANENT". SO PRACTICE CAREFULLYl

IX. CONTACT INFORMATION:As the Director, I am here to help the students, but also the parents in any waypossible. I know that with your support, encouragement, and approval, we canachieve the highest possible standards. If I can be of any help, or if you have anyquestions or suggestions, at any time during the year, please feel free to Email atpecollins@interact.ccsd.net, or call at 799-3400 extA040. I also Maintain the bandWebsite www.molasklyband.org as well as a FaceBook page Molasky Band. I amsure that this school year will be one in which both you and your child will take agreat amount of pride and satisfaction in his musical growth. I look forward toseeing you at all of the Molasky band department functions.

X. SIGNATURE SHEET

Please read, print out, sign, and have your child return this page to Mr.Collins at school.

FOR THE STUDENT:I have read the course expectations, evaluation criteria, behavior expectations,concert information, uniform standards, and student responsibility, and Iunderstand and agree to all.

STUDENT NAME PERIOD _(CLEARLY PRINTED)

STUDENT SIGNATURE DATE _

FOR THE PARENTS:It is important that all parents understand and agree with the policies that-theirchild is expected to abide by. Please sign below indicating that you have read andagree to the contents of this Handbook. If there is anything that is confusing orquestionable, please contact Mr. Collins before signing.

PARENT/GUARD~ DATE _PARENT/GUARD~ DATE _HOME PHONE NUMBER, _CELL PHONE NUMBER _WORK PHONE NUMBER (IF AVAILABLE) _BEST TIME TO CALL _E-MAIL --------------------------------------