1. Welcome to EMS Music -Music Handbook -Bowtie/Cummerbund Form

2. Welcome!!!!! Welcome to, or back to, East Middle School. I would first like to thank you and congratulate you for your interest in our Band or Orchestra (String) Ensembles. I believe you will find our groups to be very fun and rewarding. There are many opportunities that can come from being in Band or Orchestra, including All-County, All-State, District Festival, Solo & Ensemble, not to mention new friendships, and an all around added value to your education. I am very excited about what lies ahead for our music department this year. Even if you are not new to the EMS band scene you will find some exciting changes

3. As a member of the Band or Orchestra, you will be expected to take on certain responsibilities. The responsibilities not only lead you towards a successful musical development, but also contribute to the success of the entire group. Outlined in this handbook you will find many of the expectations and responsibilities of all members of our groups. Please read them over carefully so that you understand your role. As a member of the Band or Orchestra, you will be expected to take on certain responsibilities. The responsibilities not only lead you towards a successful musical development, but also contribute to the success of the entire group. Outlined in this handbook you will find many of the expectations and responsibilities of all members of our groups. Please read them over carefully so that you understand your role.

4. Ensemble Rehearsal Schedule Band and Orchestra classes are part of the Related Arts Schedule that rotate on an A day/B day schedule. Band and Orchestra classes are part of the Related Arts Schedule that rotate on an A day/B day schedule. Whats an A day/B day schedule? First day of school is an A day, next is a B day, etc. Whats an A day/B day schedule? First day of school is an A day, next is a B day, etc. All Band and Orchesra classes will meet during the first or second period of Related Arts. All Band and Orchesra classes will meet during the first or second period of Related Arts.

5. Technique Classes (Lessons) Lessons occur once a week outside of Band/Orch class. Lessons occur once a week outside of Band/Orch class. Each student will receive a lesson schedule which will include dates and times of the lessons. Each student will receive a lesson schedule which will include dates and times of the lessons. Students are graded on lessons. Students are graded on lessons. Students must make sure to ask teacher for any work they will miss. Students must make sure to ask teacher for any work they will miss. Mr. Howes is flexible with lesson attendance as long as you talk with him before missing a lesson. Mr. Howes is flexible with lesson attendance as long as you talk with him before missing a lesson.

6. Behavior Policy Students are expected to demonstrate traits of a responsible, reliable, young musicians at all times. If a student does misbehave I use a 3 strike policy: Students are expected to demonstrate traits of a responsible, reliable, young musicians at all times. If a student does misbehave I use a 3 strike policy: Strike 1 – Student sent to Time Out. Strike 1 – Student sent to Time Out. Strike 2 – Student sent to Time Out. I will call home. Strike 2 – Student sent to Time Out. I will call home. Strike 3 – Student sent to Time Out. Administrator calls home and a conference will be held. Strike 3 – Student sent to Time Out. Administrator calls home and a conference will be held.

7. Student Responsibilities Be On Time. Students are expected to be in the band room with necessary materials (instrument, music, pencil) on time. Be On Time. Students are expected to be in the band room with necessary materials (instrument, music, pencil) on time. Treat others with respect. No inappropriate language. Be Honest. We will abide by the three R’s. Treat others with respect. No inappropriate language. Be Honest. We will abide by the three R’s. No food, drink, or gum in the music area. Students must ask for permission to leave the classroom to use the bathroom or drinking fountain. No food, drink, or gum in the music area. Students must ask for permission to leave the classroom to use the bathroom or drinking fountain.

8. Student Responsibilities cont. Stay in your seat. Once class begins, students are not free to walk around without permission. Stay in your seat. Once class begins, students are not free to walk around without permission. When the conductor is on the podium, the rehearsal is beginning – stop talking, stop playing. Be prepared to rehearse. When the conductor is on the podium, the rehearsal is beginning – stop talking, stop playing. Be prepared to rehearse. Please bring your agenda book to class. (date changes, passes, etc.) Please bring your agenda book to class. (date changes, passes, etc.)

9. Supply List A detailed list can be seen on the EMS music website: hhhh tttt tttt pppp :::: //// //// wwww wwww wwww.... cccc aaaa rrrr rrrr oooo llll llll kkkk 1111 2222.... oooo rrrr gggg //// eeee mmmm ssss //// mmmm uuuu ssss iiii cccc //// dddd eeee ffff aaaa uuuu llll tttt.... aaaa ssss pppp

10. All County Band & State Ensembles Students in Band and Orchestra can audition to be a part of All County Band/Orchestra in the fall. Students can also perform solos and ensembles in the Spring. Audition dates are listed on our website under “important dates”. Audition materials for ACB/ACO will also be on our website under “Resources”. http://www.carrollk12.org/ems/music/default.asp

11. Attendance Policy All Students are required to attend all lessons, concerts and rehearsals throughout the year. All Students are required to attend all lessons, concerts and rehearsals throughout the year. If a student needs to miss a lesson, they must talk to me before the lesson to receive credit. If a student needs to miss a lesson, they must talk to me before the lesson to receive credit.

12. Grading Lessons30% of Grade Lessons30% of Grade Concerts70% of Grade Concerts70% of Grade Grades are determined by how well a student plays their instrument on the assigned music selection. Three areas of focus are Notes, Rhythms, and Dynamics. Grades are determined by how well a student plays their instrument on the assigned music selection. Three areas of focus are Notes, Rhythms, and Dynamics.

13. Chorus Members Since our school does not offer Chorus to Band/Orchestra students, you can participate in our Advanced Chorus. If you would like to sing in the Advanced Chorus, please contact Mr. Andrews. Since our school does not offer Chorus to Band/Orchestra students, you can participate in our Advanced Chorus. If you would like to sing in the Advanced Chorus, please contact Mr. Andrews.

14. Carroll County Public Schools Dress Code Policy for Concerts. White shirts or blouses with button collars that will properly hold a bow tie. White shirts or blouses with button collars that will properly hold a bow tie. Black trousers for boys. (Traditional style in length. Worn at the waist and not baggy in style) Black trousers for boys. (Traditional style in length. Worn at the waist and not baggy in style) Black skirts OR black trousers for girls. (Skirt minimum length should be mid calf and maximum length at ankle. Black skirts OR black trousers for girls. (Skirt minimum length should be mid calf and maximum length at ankle. Solid black shoes for all students. Solid black shoes for all students. Black socks for all students who wear trousers. Black socks for all students who wear trousers. Bow Tie and Cummerbund must be worn by everyone. Bow Tie and Cummerbund must be worn by everyone.

15. First Two Assignments Print and sign Handbook Acknowledgement & Information Form on EMS Music Website. Due Sept. 10 Print and fill out Bow Tie and Cummerbund Order Form on EMS Music Website. Due Oct. 1 Students who turn in forms before the deadline will receive a piece of candy from Mr. Howes.

16. Mr. Howes says….. If at anytime you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am more than happy to help with anything I possibly can. I am truly looking forward to working together this year! dehowes@carrollk12.org 410- 751-3656 If at anytime you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am more than happy to help with anything I possibly can. I am truly looking forward to working together this year! dehowes@carrollk12.org 410- 751-3656dehowes@carrollk12.org