Download WELCOME TO THE LANIER MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM

WELCOME TO THE NORTH GWINNETT MIDDLE SCHOOL
BULLDOG BAND PROGRAM!
To those of you who are new to the North Gwinnett Middle School Bulldog Band program, we
look forward to having you participate in one of the most active and exciting activities at NGMS. The
band program is an important part of middle school life and represents a large, visible, highly
disciplined segment of the school. Performances at sporting events, concerts, and festivals add a great
deal of color and life to our community. By planning your schedule carefully, band will not interfere
with academic achievement and can actually provide a positive influence. You need to realize, as we
do, that you are the future of the band program at NGMS. We encourage you and your family to
become involved. It is an activity that takes extra effort, but it will be extremely rewarding!
To our returning band members, you know what it takes to achieve success as a member of our
band program. We expect you to continue the tradition of excellence. Through teamwork and
commitment we can reach the highest level of success.
The main emphasis of the NGMS Bulldog Band program is to provide students with an
enriching musical experience: to facilitate students in developing a level of musical growth that will
enhance their quality of life and enable them to become lifelong advocates of music.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Mary Wilson, Mr. Hunter McRae, Directors
Mr. Brian Lambeth, Mr. Joe Higgins, NGHS Directors
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
6TH GRADE BAND consists of two separate performing ensembles. The daily classes are divided
into a woodwind class and a brass/percussion class. The ensembles will perform two concerts per
year.
7TH GRADE BAND members participate in the Georgia Music Educators Association District Band
Performance Evaluations and perform at school concerts. Extra rehearsals may be scheduled prior to
performances and all students will be expected to attend.
8TH GRADE BAND members participate in the Georgia Music Educators Association District Band
Performance Evaluations and perform at school concerts. Extra rehearsals may be scheduled prior to
performances and all students will be expected to attend.
OTHER PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
JAZZ BAND is an auditioned group consisting of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, percussionists
(with some drum set experience), piano, guitar and bass. Jazz band members perform several times
per year including the Georgia Music Educators Association District Jazz Band Festival. Any 7th or
8th grade band student with experience on one of the listed instruments may be eligible to audition for
these groups. Auditions are held in the fall and rehearsals take place in the mornings at 8:00-9:10 AM
once a week. Our goal is to familiarize students with jazz styles, jazz articulations, and improvisation.
BASKETBALL BAND is a pep band for our home basketball games. The pep band will rehearse in
November and December. The games take place in January and February. This group consists of 7th
and 8th graders who have a lot of pep!
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES rehearse once a week in the mornings. These groups include drum
line, as well as small and large ensembles. Our goal is for young percussionists to experience many
types of percussion instruments and ensemble literature.
GMEA* SOLO AND ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL is an individual learning activity for 7th and 8th
grade students. The band directors will suggest music appropriate to the ability level of each student
or group of students. Participants will perform for a judge and receive a rating. Medals will be
awarded to students who receive an excellent (II) or superior (I) rating.
GMEA DISTRICT HONOR BAND is an auditioned group of students from the GMEA District 13
area. These students spend a weekend together rehearsing with a well-known director to perform in a
terrific concert. Students receive a medal in recognition of this honor.
GMEA MIDDLE SCHOOL ALL STATE BAND: This outstanding band consists of students who
pass the District Honor Band audition and are then selected from a statewide second audition. This
very select group of students will spend a weekend in Savannah, GA rehearsing and performing with a
nationally known composer or director. A medal is also given for this honor.
UGA MIDDLE SCHOOL FESTIVAL: This workshop allows advanced 8th grade students,
recommended by the directors, an opportunity to work with UGA faculty, professional conductors,
and band students from all over the state. Students will spend a weekend in Athens, GA and perform a
concert at the close of the clinic.
* Georgia Music Educators Association (www.gmea.org)
NGMS BULLDOG BAND DAILY MATERIALS 2009-10
1. Instrument in good working order! A durable nametag must be on each case please!
2. Binder (1/2” or 1”) - you must keep any sheet music or written material in this notebook (have your
name written on it! (It must open flat on the music stand, so avoid the plastic molded type of notebook
please.)
3. Pencil (EVERY DAY) No pens! Please keep your band pencil in your binder.
4. Books: Available at local music stores (don’t forget to write your name in your book):
 All Percussion students - A Fresh Approach to the Snare Drum by Mark Wessels
 All Percussion students - A Fresh Approach to Mallets by Mark Wessels
 6th grade Woodwinds & Brass – Standard of Excellence – Book I (red)
 7th grade Woodwinds & Brass – Standard of Excellence Book I and Book II
 8th grade Woodwinds & Brass – Standard of Excellence Book II and Book III
5. Class Donations (PLEASE) - Ream of Paper (8.5” x 11” copy paper) and/or box of tissues- Thanks so
much!
6. A wire music stand for home practice encourages good posture and great tone!
7. For band concerts all students may use their old LMS band shirt (from last year-we are still the
Bulldogs!) or you may buy a new NGMS band shirt (which will be very similar), black dress pants, black
trouser socks (no black “footies” or low ankle socks), black dress shoes (no open toe). If you would like to
purchase a new band shirt, those will be on sale soon (however, it is fine to wear your Lanier shirt since
they will be similar.)
8. All Grades - Accessories (7th & 8th graders: It’s time to step up to a better mouthpiece!)
Brass: valve oil, slide grease, cleaning “snake”, mouthpiece brush, and mouthpieces (trumpets: 3C,
5C or 7C, trombones/baritones: 6th grade: 12C or 6 1/2 AL, 7th & 8th grade: 6 1/2 AL, Yamaha
48 or Schilke 51, tuba: Bach 24AW)
Flutes: cloth swab, tuning rod
Clarinet/Saxes: 4 good reeds daily in a sturdy reed case! We recommend Vandoren reeds for a
better sound. .Please avoid strength 2 or 2 ½ reeds unless they are Vandoren reeds. Students may
see a director for the exact reed strengths that correspond to the student’s mouthpiece. A cloth
swab (cotton handkerchief type), and ligature (Bonade or Rovner) are also needed. Saxophones
need a sturdy comfortable neck strap (please label neck strap with your name or initials with a
permanent marker). (Advanced mouthpieces for 7th &8th graders: clarinet-Vandoren 5RV lyre
or Vandoren M13, saxophones-Selmer C*)
Double reeds: 2 good reeds daily, reed case, swab
Percussion: No one needs a snare drum at school!
 6th grade: Innovative Percussion FP2 mallet pack, bell kit with a Remo tunable practice pad, and
pad stand
 7th & 8th grade: Remo tunable practice pad, pad stand, and the following sticks/mallets:
 One pair of F1’s (medium marimba mallets that come in the FP2 pack)
 One pair of F2’s (soft marimba mallets)
 One pair of CT-3 (medium timpani mallets that come in the FP2 pack)
 One pair of CT-6 (hard timpani mallets)
 One pair of F8.5 (hard rubber marimba mallets)
 One pair of F9 (xylophone mallets that come with the FP2 pack)
 One mallet or stick bag that is large enough to accommodate all sticks and mallets.
 We will also be using Smartmusic, a great music tool that can be easily downloaded to your home
computer. More information will be sent out regarding this opportunity.
9. All Grades: Smartmusic is a great tool for practicing at home and sending in your “pass-offs” whenever
you wish! This is an optional music software program that is awesome! Go to www.smartmusic.com and
check it out! Many of our students use this tool.
ALL INSTRUMENT CASES MUST BE
CLEARLY LABELED WITH STUDENT’S NAME!
Please place student’s name on the end of the instrument case (paint pen or sticker), as well as having
a luggage tag on the handle. Most cases look alike, and well-labeled cases help the students find their
instrument quickly!
Please note that neither the school nor the directors are responsible for any items taken from the
instrument storage room, band room, or classroom (this includes instruments and case contents).
However, both the band room and instrument storage room are locked on a nightly basis. While the
ability to monitor over 300 instruments is difficult, we will do whatever is possible in order to help
recover lost or stolen property.
SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS
There are some instruments necessary for a successful band program that exceeds the
reasonable cost for any individual student. Some examples of this are oboe, bassoon, baritone
saxophone, horn, baritone, and tuba. Our school system has provided several of these instruments for
our students to use. In order to ensure that the instruments are maintained properly and that they may
be used to benefit the entire band program, Gwinnett County has instituted a rental plan for students
who choose to play these instruments.
Rental cost is $30.00 per semester (18 weeks) for a total of $60.00 per year. These funds will
be deposited into a “repair account” at the local school and used exclusively for the repair/maintenance
of music instruments. This fee covers normal maintenance and repair of the instrument; however,
repairs due to damage or neglect will be the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian of the student.
In addition, any student who has been assigned to a school owned instrument must
1. Purchase the appropriate mouthpiece and ligature if applicable
2. Purchase a cleaning kit available at most music stores
3. Maintain primary status (see discipline plan)
Private lessons are highly recommended for students who play school owned instruments, especially
oboe and bassoon players, due to the specialized instruction needed for a complete understanding of
the assigned instrument.
UNIFORMS
We require that all students wear the following to all performances:
Black dress pants, black trouser socks or stockings, black shoes, and the NGMS Bulldog Band shirt
(this shirt is available from the band department) - The band shirt must stay tucked in. No big jewelry
please. To look “uniform” is to look alike.
All 6th grade students will need to purchase the band shirt. Seventh and Eighth graders will be
able to purchase replacement shirts as needed (students may use their Lanier band shirt this
year since our shirts will be similar and to save you money). We will order the new shirts in
August. Students attending performances without proper uniform will not be allowed to
perform. Anyone unable to obtain the proper uniform should contact the band directors as
soon as possible. We will provide assistance in getting a uniform for that student.
There will be a uniform check by the end of October for all grade levels.
Please make sure ALL parts of the uniform are secured at this time.
GRADING POLICY
Grades will be based on a 100-point scale. During each 9 week period, 5% of the grade will be earned
through a benchmark assessment, 25% through class work, 30% will be earned through daily rehearsal
competency, and 40% will be earned through performance assessments.
Grades will be based on achievement and assigned as follows:
90-100
80-89
74-79
70-73
Below 70
A
B
C
D
F
ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Please refer to the AKS Band objective under Synthesis and Application: demonstrate
responsibility to the group through attendance, punctuality, cooperation, leadership, listening,
preparation and acceptable behavior.
Excused absences will only apply to those acceptable for school (i.e. illness, death in the family, etc.).
Lack of transportation and/or participation in recreational sporting events will not be considered
excused absences from performances or rehearsals. Conflicts can often be avoided with
communication between parents and directors. We will try to work with you, but advance notice is
needed. Also, we realize that many parents work during the school day. We are willing to help with
any transportation problem you might have. Please let a director know at least 24 hours in advance
(more time is preferable!) if there is a transportation problem. Not having a ride is not an excuse for
missing a rehearsal or performance! Every member is essential to our band!
BAND GUIDELINES
It is the right of every musician to learn, and it is the right of your directors to teach. These guidelines
are designed to make sure all rights are preserved and respected.
1. Be on time, be prepared, and be polite.
2. No food, drinks, candy, or gum is allowed in the band room AT ANY TIME!
3. Touch only your instrument or the instrument assigned to you. Only percussionists can
handle or play the percussion equipment.
4. No playing out of turn.
5. No talking when someone is on the podium. Be ready to listen for instruction.
Participation in a band program is very similar to that of participation in team sports. The discipline
and effort of the individual directly influences the quality and success of the group. In an excellent
program, such as we will have here at North Gwinnett Middle School, it is important that the
individual be self-disciplined and works to the best of his/her ability so that the entire group may
benefit. Membership in the band program is a privilege in which students choose to participate;
therefore, we anticipate few discipline/effort problems. However, should the situation arise, the
following guidelines will be implemented.
ACCOUNTABILITY BOOK
The accountability book, maintained by the directors, is a record of student discipline and
preparation. The data in the accountability book will enable the teachers to monitor the performance
status of each student.
PERFORMANCE CLASSIFICATION
Students will be classified into the following 2 groups:
Primary Performer - A primary performer is a student who is self-disciplined, consistently
prepared for class, and works to the best of his/her musical ability. Students maintaining primary
status will participate in all concerts, performances, and field trips.
Secondary Performer - A secondary performer is a student who has demonstrated that he/she has
difficulty operating in a group setting and is being detrimental to the quality of the band. Once a
student has been removed from class (time-out in our school wide discipline plan) 3 times for
discipline or 3 times for preparation infractions, he/she will become a secondary performer. A
student who has acquired this status will serve detention and be restricted to participating with the
group. Furthermore, secondary performers will not be allowed to participate in performances,
concerts, and field trips. Should a student be designated as a secondary performer, the status will
remain in effect for the remainder of the 9-week grading period. Students may earn the right to return
to primary status, prior to the end of the 9-week grading period by completing all of the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Two successive weeks with zero discipline warnings.
Two successive weeks with complete class preparation.
Complete any missed performance evaluations.
Pass-offs of band music being currently performed.
Teachers will maintain contact with parents of secondary performers to aid in the success of the
student. Each student will start with a “clean slate” every nine-week grading period.
CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE
The NGMS Bulldog Bands will follow the school wide discipline plan.
DAILY PREPARATION
Students are expected to have all materials necessary for class on a daily basis. This includes
instruments in proper working order, reeds, mouthpieces, ligatures, neck-straps, music, sticks, and
mallets. STUDENTS MUST HAVE THEIR OWN BAND NOTEBOOK AND PENCIL IN
CLASS EVERY DAY! Students will lose 5 points per day for lack of preparation. Upon the third
time a student does not have their materials he/she will become a secondary performer.
Instrument Repair - should your instrument need to be repaired during the school year, you must
bring a note from home stating that your instrument is in the shop including the name of the store to
which you have taken your instrument, and the date you expect to have your instrument back at
school. Students who have instruments in repair will not be penalized, and they must complete daily
assignments and continue music learning. If a student fails to bring a note from home, it will be
assumed that he/she is unprepared for class and consequences for lack of preparation will incur.
TRAVEL POLICIES
All school rules and policies apply to band members when traveling with the band. Violations of
those policies will be handled as outlined in the NGMS Student Agenda. On bus trips, students may
return home with a parent if they have arranged to do so prior to departure. A note from the parent is
required and needs to be initialed by a band director and given by the student to the chaperone.
BAND PARENT ASSISTANCE
We are fortunate to have wonderful families supporting and funding the NGMS Bulldog Band
program. In a program as large as ours, both parental involvement and commitment to reaching
financial goals are extremely important. Parents can help with:
•
•
•
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Assistance with fund raising activities
Chaperones for band trips
Special projects (entertainment, building projects, etc.)
Assistance with personnel administration
We encourage every parent to be an active member of our Band Program!
FUND RAISING
Although much of the equipment used in a band program is privately owned, many instruments
and other important items are far too expensive to ask individuals to purchase or rent such as tubas,
xylophones, bassoons, sound equipment, music, etc. However, in a successful band program, extra
expenses are necessary. Unfortunately, the school system can provide only a small portion of the
funds needed. With the assistance of our band families, we will hold approximately two fundraisers
per school year. We strongly encourage both students and parents to participate in building a wellequipped band program. Projected fund raising activities include our Rockathon in October!