WHSMiller Bands

2017-2018Band Handbook

Dear WHS Band Students and Parents, Our WHS Bands have developed a tradition of excellence, and I can promise you that we will continue to strive for the best in the future. I “set the bar high” and expect a lot from you. In return I will give you my best at every rehearsal to help you reach your potential. We have an exciting year ahead full of great music, festivals, and concerts! Let’s get to work! Sincerely, Tim Martin Band and Orchestra Director

Find us on the web

Bookmark our music department webpage: http://washburn.mpls.k12.mn.us/instrumental_music

-Lost your music? No problem- find copies on the site

-Find helpful “how to” videos on the site.

Thinking about buying an instrument? find recommendations from Mr. Martin on our site.

40% Ensemble Skills Have instrument, music book and folder, concert music, working reeds, oil, pencil on your stand Demonstrate good posture Class notes about performing are written in your music On time, focused on task at hand, music is well practiced listening attentively to direction.

40% Assessments Playing tests/on concert pieces Scale Assesments

20% Concert Performance & Reflections Each student is expected to have his/her instrument, and folder, all music, pencil, and necessary instrument supplies (reeds, mouthpiece, oil..) during every rehearsal. Students who are unable to participate in band because they do not have required materials must complete a “Non-Participation Work-Sheet” during class. If this assignment is thoughtfully completed, partial credit will be given for that rehearsal.

Students will receive a list of performance assessments at the beginning of each semester. Those who fail to submit a recording by the published deadline will be required to come in after school to complete the assignment. Late assignments may earn no more than an 80% score.

Performances are the culmination of many hours of work and practice. Your participation in the concert affects other students and the quality of the overall performance. Therefore, performances are required for all band members and constitute a portion of your grade in band. Every effort will be made to give ample notice of concert dates. Please mark these dates on your school and home calendars to assure that family plans are not made without knowledge of band obligations. On rare occasions, a concert absence is unavoidable. If an absence is considered by the director to be an excusable absence (generally sickness or out-of-kingdom travel) and is verified by a written note from parents, the student’s grade will not be penalized. They will simply receive a “no grade” in the Gradebook under Concerts. Unexcused absences will receive a 50% score. Students who miss a concert will need to complete an assignment to make up for missing the concert. Grades are kept up to date in the Gradebook. On average, grades will be updated every two weeks.

Course Grading

20% Concert Performance and Reflections

40% Assessments

40% Ensemble Rehearsal Skills

Daily Rehearsal Rubric

Course Rubric-Used for Ensemble Skills Grade and Assessment Grades

Daily Procedure

Rehearsal Guidelines

if you need reeds, grease, oils, you must find the band manager and get your items from them. If your instrument is not working bring it to Mr. Martin, before school. He will not have the time to do anything about it once rehearsal has started. Listen carefully for remarks from the Director. Instructions he may give to one section of the band he is working with will often apply to other sections that may not be playing at the time. If you are given instructions to write in your music, do it! Be supportive of your peers. ALWAYS play your absolute best. You will get better, faster. ALWAYS have a pencil out on your stand ready to write musical directions on your music. ALWAYS do your best to help not hinder the rehearsal. Mr. Martin tries to work fast and he has two “pet peeves”

1. Anything that slows down the pace of rehearsal (someone telling him the need a reed in the middle of rehearsal, someone purposely hindering the progress of a rehearsal, waiting until rehearsal has started to notify him they have no music, waiting until the middle of rehearsal to tell him their instrument doesn’t work, talking when he is talking about what you need to do to play your part or instrument better). He is not patient with these. 2. Students that give up on themselves and don’t make the effort to try even if it is difficult. Check the board for daily announcements & rehearsal order. Brass/Woodwinds: Get your instrument, music, and pencil, and take your seat. Begin to warm up with long tones or your warm-up packet. Open your music to the first assignment on the board. Percussion: check the board for rehearsal order and set up equipment accordingly. Begin warming up with your warm-up packet Class will begin no later than 3 minutes after the start of the period. Anyone not in their seat ready to begin will be considered late and will lose ensemble skill credit. Begin packing up only when the teacher has given permission.

At the end of class:woodwinds need to swab their instruments and wipe off fingerprintsbrass need to empty water and wipe down their instruments,percussion need to put all equipment away in the correct locations, cover all timpani and the marimba.

Homework: Daily Practice &Assignments

You will receive assignments that you will need to practice at home. How long do you need to practice? You need to practice as long as it takes to complete the assignment at the required score. However, the quickest way to get better is to have a daily habit of playing your instrument at home. Mr. Martin suggests a daily practice of 20 minutes per day at least 5 days a week for all students. Don’t wait until the day an assignment is due to start practicing.

Band is a curricular class that receives a grade. After school clubs and sports do not. Your presence, physically and mentally at our rehearsal is mandatory and part of your class grade. Making and finding time, and a place to practice your instrument is essential to your success and the success of the group. “A little goes a long way, and even more goes farther.” (Deep, I know)

Student Band OfficersStudent Band Officers are elected by the band membership, a group of students who are elected by their peers to help manage the band activities. The band council organizes fundraising, social events,activities for band camp and the yearly banquets. Council is a direct link between the band director and the general band member. As veterans of your band, you have the power and responsibility to help those new members and shape your band the way you want it to be. New members will respond immediately if they see everyone around them doing the same thing the same way at the same time. 

Do not underestimate the power of leading by example, and the responsibility you hold as a veteran member of your band. When every single person in your group works together and sets a clear example for all to follow, that is the true essence of leadership. To quote the great American writer Henry Miller, "the real leader has no need to lead — he is content to point the way." Appointments are made by the director. Elections will be held early in the fall during band class. Duties are described below. 

Officers and Responsibilities

Band President:

The Band President primary function is to provide student leadership and direction to the, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble during the year. The Band President will be responsible for organizing, communicating and leading student activities throughout the school year. He/she will also represent the music department to all school, school district and parent/community events. The successful individual will be one who is an exceptional leader and communicator who can guide a large group of band members to grow, learn and have fun. The Band President is a position of service as well as leadership. The Band President’s responsibility is to do whatever needs to be done for the students of the music program to have a successful experience. 

Vice President:Assists the Band president and Band Director. Is able to perform the duties and responsibilities of the other officers when needed. Is responsible for is responsible for any correspondence from the band membership, for checking the roll at rehearsals and performances, and assists the directors with clerical duties.

Equipment Manager:

The primary role of the Equipment Manager is to work with the Director and be responsible for all instruments and equipment owned by the band.   The Equipment Manager is also responsible for loading and unloading equipment when the band travels.  Specific Responsibilities  

1. Assist the director with the distribution and collection of all school owned instruments, mouthpieces, mutes, and lockers 

2. Assist the director and Section leaders with periodic and random locker inspections 

3. Assist the director with maintaining an accurate band inventory 4. Head up two instrument cleaning days (one each semester) and work with

section leaders to make sure all instrument are cleaned with swabs, valve slides greased, piston/rotary valves oiled, cork greased and keys oiled as required on each instrument.

5. Ensure that all cases are stenciled with WHS and numbered and matched with the correct instrument 

6. Report any needed repairs of school owned instruments to the director.  Students should bring all repair needs to the Equipment Manager

7. Organize, supervise, and implement loading procedures for all trips.  Keep an accurate log of ALL school owned equipment that will be taken by the band 

8. Ensure that all band equipment is brought back to WHS and properly stored9. Serve on the stage crew for all band concerts

Section Leader:

Jobs include:

1. Provide a good example for students to follow.2. Responsible for checking other students of his/her section for proper music and

equipment.3. Instruct and answer questions pertaining to the music.4. Follow through with any instructions the director may provide for the band.5. Conduct sectionals when director is not available.  (All sectionals must be pre-

approved by the director.)6. Check for locker violations on a regular basis

Section Leaders are in charge of "setting the standards of excellence" in musical as they "lead by example." Modeling excellence, and in motivating and encouraging their section to perform at a high level of excellence. They lead sectional rehearsals. They are responsible for disseminating information and announcements to all members in their section. They are responsible for helping to organize and maintain Band equipment. They respect every member of their section as a valued Band member. They strive to serve each section member by providing help and encouragement.  Furthermore, They will complete weekly inspections, provide instruction, serve as positive role models, and assist the director as needed.

The success of the Washburn High School Band is directly related to the effectiveness and commitment of the student leaders, and their ability to inspire hard work and lead their peers to excellence. All of the finest equipment, all of the hours of planning, all of the creative ideas, hard work, investment of time, and all of the best wishes of our supporters have very little meaning if our Seniors and leaders fail to inspire quality performance. Even more important than their ability to perform is the ability of our leaders to set a good example as human beings and to encourage others to follow their lead. Please understand your important role within the Band organization and strive to fulfill it to the best of your ability.

LibrarianThe Band Librarian is responsible for maintaining the band library, including: filing, distributing, and repairing music and maintaining the library.

Jobs include:

1. Provide a good example for students to follow.2. Maintain and organize all music in the library.3. Handout, take up and make copies of all music distributed to students.4. Keep music updated in data base.

Publicity/Historian

1. Official student photographer and collector of department photos and videos2. Assist the Director with making and distributing fliers and posters.3. Maintain an up-to-date scrapbook of all band events, including pictures, and

other information 4. Advertise and promote band events, including pictures and other information5. Plan and assist with the video yearbook for the annual banquet presentation.

Instrument Storage & Case Labels/TagsThe only safe place for your instrument is in the Band Room. There have been times in the past when students’ instruments have been lost when they were stored in unsecure locations throughout the school. When your instrument is on campus, please

store the instrument on the shelves provided in the band room. This is the only place where we know that they will be safe and secure. Please avoid leaving your instrument in your another teacher’s room as the room might be locked when you need to pick up your instrument. Please avoid leaving instruments in unsecured places in the hallways. Personal instruments need to go home after school. You have a better chance of practicing if you have your instrument. All students must provide a luggage tag or label bearing their name and phone number for their instrument. This applies for both personal and rented instruments.

Instrument RentalWashburn has a number of instruments student can rent for $35.00 for the school year. Students needing 2 instruments, (for example a baritone at home and 1 at school) will need to rent the 2 instruments. It will be there responsibility to purchase reeds, valve oil, etc, and keep it in daily working order. If a key is leaking or slide is stuck, it is your responsibility to bring it to Mr. martin’s attention, so he can properly fix it or send it in for repair. School owned instruments are covered by the School. Personally owned instruments are your responsibility for maintenance and repair. If you have any questions please contact Mr. Martin.

Care of Instruments Band instruments are expensive and delicate items and they deserve the utmost care. Students are responsible for the proper care and cleaning of their instrument whether school owned or privately owned. With proper treatment, your instrument will give many years of service. General Band Supplies– All Students WHS will provide the first round of general band supplies (i.e. 1 reed, oils) for school-owned instruments during the school year. After a time students will be responsible for their own supplies.

(brass cleaning snake) (reed case) (valve oil) portable stand

Students are responsible for obtaining the following supplies: Portable Music Stand (for use in home practice) Pencil in music folder at all times A tuner/metronome APP. I like the TOTAL ENERGY APP. OR a tuner/metronome, I like the Korg TM 50 tuner

Band Supplies– Instrument SpecificWoodwind Players All Woodwind players - Instrument Care Kit that incudes a swab, oil, cork grease, polishing cloth, mouthpiece brush, etc. Reed players (Clarinets, Saxophones)

Vandoreen Reeds* of Reeds (Size 2 1/2 or size 3+)-- see note below *The box should be blue. If it’s green, they are jazz reeds and are better suited for jazz players. Reeds are also a personal choice based on the strength of the embouchure. In general a 7th grader should probably be on 2.5 reeds and 8th and 9th graders on a 3 or higher reed. Oboe & Bassoon (Medium Soft) These are expensive and delicate. Students will need to be take good care of their reeds to insure they have a working one all year. Acquire a small cup or empty medicine bottle for water to keep the reed wet. Saxophones Extra “neck-strap.” For heavier instruments like the tenor, you may want invest in a padded strap. Brass Players All brass players- Instrument Care Kit that includes oil, tuning slide grease, polishing cloth, cleaning brushes, etc. You will need more than one bottle of oil. Mouthpiece (also for those using school-owned instruments). Trumpet – Bach 5C or Yamaha 14C4 Trombone/Euphonium= Bach 6 1/2 AL or Yamaha 48 French Horn- Yamaha 30C4 or Schilke 30 Tuba – Yamaha 18 or 22 Percussion Players Vic Firth American Classic Hickory Wood 5A Vic Firth SD1 Generals2 pr. Vic Firth SD7 Whacker Drum Sticks ( great for Jazz and small groups)

Vic Firth EP2 Intermediate Education Pack (includes stick bag, one pair snare sticks, one

Band Supplies– Concert Attire Ladies: White shirt/blouse with black slacks. Black skirts or dresses. Tops should have sleeves. Dressy shoes (No flip flops) Hose and socks are not required, pair hard rubber mallet, one pair yarn mallets, one pair timpani stick

Gentlemen: White, long-sleeved dress shirt. Black trousers Black socks and black dress shoes. ( No Tennis Shoes) Black belt

All band member will purchase a WHS Band Polo $12 (wear for school tour performances etc) , and Orange or Blue Band Shirt $6( depending on which pep band your are in) and a WHS Band Hat $7. Total $25

Recommended Local Stores for purchasing instruments and supplies.

Schmitt Music- Brooklyn Center : Trumpet Shop, Trombone Shop, Sax Shop, String Shop. Great staff and repair department.

Groth Music- Bloomington. Full service music store. Great percussion store.

Ekroth Music- Roseville- Great Staff and great customer service.

Lots of Online options:Woodwind and BrasswindMusicians FriendCascio Music InterstateebayCraigslist

CONCERT AND PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

MILLER PRIDE ORANGE AND BLUE BANDS performance schedule All games start at 7pm. Be in the band room ready to play at 6:15pm.

September 8th 7:00 pm St. Paul Central – BLUE BAND Saturday Sept 16th Super Soccer Saturday----BLUE AND ORANGE SIGN UP,

BLUE AND ORANGE Section Leaders

September 22nd 7:00 pm Blake----ORANGE BAND October 6th 7:00 pm Fridley – Middle School Mass Band----BLUE AND ORANGE BAND SECTION LEADERS, Blue and Orange Band Make up or Extra Game.October 13th 7:00 pm Homecoming ALL BLUE AND ORANGE BAND

October 10th Orchestra Fall Concert 7:00

Dec 18th Holiday Concert 7:00 Orchestra, Concert Choir, Men’s ChoirDec 19th Holiday Concert 7:00 Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Miller Voices, Treble Choir

January 12th Jazz and Crew 612 Showcase 7:00 (place TBD)

March 15th Band Mid Winter Concert 7:00Mrach 16th Orchestra Mid Winter Concert 7:00

April 23rd Region 6AA Large Group Ensemble Contest (TBD) Both Bands and Orchestras

May 18th Orchestra Concert – Senior Pops – 7:30 pm

May 22nd Band Senior Pops Concert -7:30pm

June 7th Graduation 8pm Minneapolis Civic Center Auditorium