Welcome!

Mrs. Mrs. Smith- or call SRMS at (571) You can also find us through the school website. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US:

Supplies Needed for all music classes: PENCILS 1-inch 3 ring binder Sound Innovations, Book 1 Instrument Accessories- (4 working reeds- clarinet/sax, valve oil, neck strap, etc)

Tone Technique (posture, breathing, fingers, tongue) Theory (parts of music) Care of the equipment Repertoire Aesthetic growth (preparation & participation) Inter- disciplinary (history & relation to other fields) LEARNED SKILLS

1. Concerts/Performances/Projects (100 points)  Concert grade will be based on rehearsal attendance, individual preparation, concert attendance, and concert reflection (to be assigned the class period following the concert). Failure to attend all required rehearsals or failure to complete make-ups for any missed rehearsals and any absence from the concert itself will result in a lowered concert grade. BAND GRADING SYSTEM

2. Playing Quizzes (25-50 points) Will occur often! May be videotaped, recorded, or done during class 3. Written Quizzes/Tests (Points may vary depending on length) BAND GRADING SYSTEM

Daily Techniques: The student will demonstrate a positive attitude toward music and self-development through:  Regular attendance with music and instrument  Regular Practice  Completion of assignments  One point will be deducted for any missing item each day (ie: no instrument, no music, no pencil, etc) 4. DAILY TECHNIQUES/ENSEMBLE SKILLS (15 POINTS WEEKLY)

Ensemble Skills: The student will demonstrate a positive attitude toward the success of the ensemble through:  Attention and active participation in class  Persistence in overcoming musical problems  Demonstrate concert etiquette as a performer and listener 4. DAILY TECHNIQUES/ENSEMBLE SKILLS (15 POINTS WEEKLY)

 Must earn 10 points on your own each quarter!  Two people with the most number of student choice points at the end of the year will win a prize!  Student choice points are due by the end of the quarter, though you may turn them in at any time! 5. STUDENT CHOICE POINTS (10 POINTS EACH QUARTER)

 Play something in front of the class  Must be approved by music teacher by turning in a note with your name and musical selection  Audition for All-District Band  Perform in a concert outside of school  Ex: recitals, church performances- See your music teacher for approval!  See a concert  Ex: Dominion Band Concerts, other SRMS concerts  Critique the concert you just saw HOW TO EARN STUDENT CHOICE POINTS

 Write a paper on the History of your Instrument  Write a paper on a composer of your choice  Write a paper of a musical topic of your choice  See your music teacher for prior approval!  When in doubt- ask us if we will accept it! HOW TO EARN STUDENT CHOICE POINTS

GREEN SLIPS!

Smart practice WILL pay off and is definitely worth every minute that is invested into this important aspect of being in band. We require students practice a minimum of 5 days a week, 24 minutes or more each day. Always Create Good Habits!!! These consistent practice times will greatly improve The student’s playing ability. A Parent/guardian will initial after the total each week. If a student does not complete his/her practice calendar or is unable to complete an assignment due to lack of practicing we will informing the parent/guardian of the incomplete practicing/assignment. The student will be required to come before school to practice in the band room with the band director. Practice calendars will be recorded and reported. PRACTICING!!!

PRACTICE CALENDARS

 Taking private lessons will help you grow as a musician! All students can benefit from private lessons  Private Lesson Sign Up Private Lesson Sign Up PRIVATE LESSONS

Performances are great experiences for every band member here at SRMS. They are also the result of many hours of hard work. It is REQUIRED for every band member to be present at concerts. These events will be counted as a test grade for each student. Dates for the performances are on the band calendar, posted on the band website, and printed in the SRMS monthly newsletters. Please mark your calendars at the beginning of the school year. These events are the highlights of our year and the culmination of lots of hard work. PERFORMANCE POLICIES/INFORMATION

 Excused absences: Sudden illness, death in the family, family emergency  Not excused absences: sporting event (practices and games), doctors’ appointments, birthday parties, “don’t feel like it”, etc  One Exception: If your family already has an extended vacation planned and it conflicts with a concert/rehearsal- you must let us know now otherwise it will not be excused! PERFORMANCE POLICIES/INFORMATION

Ladies: Navy Blue SRMS polo shirt (we will order these later) Black pants Black pantyhose or socks Solid black shoes Gentlemen: Navy Blue SRMS Polo Shirt (we will order these later) Black dress pants Black socks Solid black shoes PROPER LOUDOUN COUNTY ATTIRE FOR CONCERTS:

Be prepared for Every Rehearsal – In addition to being on time with all of the necessary materials, it is vital to the success of our ensemble that each member develop and maintain a work ethic outside of rehearsals that allows for daily readiness. Be Respectful – The character of each individual within the ensemble is more important than the music itself. No One is Bigger Than the Ensemble – Understand that everything you do will directly affect the ensemble as a whole. Make smart decisions and do everything you can to fulfill your obligations to your section and the entire band. CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS LEADING TO SUCCESS

 All 6 th grade students will be divided into two bands- the Thunder Band or the Bolt Band  We will let you know shortly what band you are in; make sure that you mark the rehearsal dates in your calendar! THUNDER/BOLT BANDS

 January 20 th - After school rehearsal for the Bolt Band  January 21 st - After school rehearsal for the Thunder Band  January 22 nd - Winter Concert for 6 th Grade!  Bolt Band- 6:30pm; will arrive at 6pm  Thunder Band- 7:30pm; will arrive at 7pm CONCERT DATES

 Get text reminders of rehearsals the evening before and last-minute concert reminders  Text the message to (571) TAKE OUT YOUR CELL PHONES!

Band Website Write this down:  Band Contract Must be completed by Friday, September 12 th.  If you cannot access the handbook online, you must let us know prior to next Friday! TAKE OUT YOUR AGENDAS!