FHMS Band Handbook Wind Ensemble


 

 

 
2013-2014 Wind Ensemble
 
Contact Information                 fhmsband.blogspot.com
817-744-3060                              Darlene.janeski@kellerisd.net
 
The Fossil Hill Middle School Band
 
Welcome to the 2013-2014 FHMS band program!
 
The purpose of this handbook is to provide a written policy explaining the organization and operation of our band program.  It contains important information for students and parents.  Additionally, it sets forth guidelines and expectations that students must meet in order to be sure that each student grows as an individual musician and makes a positive contribution to the program. By signing the Handbook Acknowledgement Form at the end of this handbook, the student and parent are entering into a contract with the FHMS Band Program that ensures these policies and procedures are met. Additional items at the end of the Handbook are private lessons forms, and a travel permission form that must be signed and returned by Friday, September 6, 2013.




The goal of the Fossil Hill Middle School band staff is to produce outstanding bands as well as providing every student with the best music education possible while developing every

student’s character. We will accomplish this through hard work, goal-setting, risk-taking, cooperation, and responsibility.  Producing an outstanding band requires  each student to accept certain responsibilities along with excellent conduct.

 

We congratulate you on being part of a superior organization and hope that each of you will feel pride in being part of our “Band Family.”

 

Sincerely,

 

Darlene Janeski, Director of Bands

Marco Gonzales, Associate Director

Kyle Mullins, Associate Director

 

HOW TO CONTACT THE DIRECTORS

 

By E-MAIL:

 

Mrs. Janeski – darlene.janeski@kellerisd.net

Mr. Gonzales – marco.gonzales@kellerisd.net

Mr. Mullins– kyle.mullins@kellerisd.net

Mr. Moore (percussion) – Ben.moore@kellerisd.net

 

By PHONE:

Band Conference Period:   M-F  2:50 – 3:30

Fossil Hill Middle School:  (817)744-3060

 

 

Please visit the FHMS band website weekly for important calendar updates, events and achievements!

fhmsband.blogspot.com

 

WELCOME TO WIND ENSEMBLE!!

 

Wind Ensemble- PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

 


The award winning Fossil Hill Middle School Wind Ensemble is made up of 7th and 8th grade students who have demonstrated an advanced proficiency on their instrument. 


 


All members of this ensemble are required to:


 Audition for District Band                                                    Audition for Region Band


 Particpate in Solo and Ensemble Contest                 Attend all Concerts


 Attend all Contests                                                                   Attend a weekly Sectional


 


Members are STRONGLY encouraged to take private lessons from our private lesson faculty.


 

Members must also remain academically eligible for participation in extracurricular activities (passing grade in all classes during every grading period.


 

The goals for every Fossil Hill Band musician are the same:

·        Advancing technical and musical skills

·        Reading and writing music

·        Performing at the highest possible level

Daily improvements toward these goals is the focus of every class.

 

GRADING, SECTIONALS & ATTENDANCE

 

GRADING

 

Each class will receive an outline of the six weeks’ goals and major assignments. Grading is accomplished each nine weeks through a simple formula consisting of:

 

1.       Performance

2.       Participation / Daily Grades

3.       Written Grades / Practice Records

 

SECTIONALS

 

In order to achieve and maintain a high standard of musicianship, it is necessary to have rehearsals outside of the school day. These “group tutoring” sessions are invaluable to our band’s success and are mandatory and count as a performance grade. A specific schedule will be provided at a later date.  It is impossible for the directors to schedule around the activities of all students; however, consideration will be given to those involved in other school activities.  The frequency of the sectionals varies with the band:

 

  • Wind Ensemble:  After school weekly sectionals beginning the second week of school. 

 


ATTENDANCE POLICY


 

All absences (excused or unexcused) from a sectional or performance must be communicated to the directors by phone, e-mail or a written note.    Excessive absences may result in removal from the program.

 

Excused absences include:

1.       Illness (sick from school)

2.       Approved school conflict

3.       Out of town

4.       Family emergency

***Outside of school activities (baseball practice, medical appointment, hair appointment, etc.) are NOT considered excused absences.

 

The overall success of our program is directly proportional to the overall attendance rate throughout the year.  We cannot teach an empty chair.  Please make every effort to schedule your medical, dental, or other appointments around band activities and class time.

 

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

 

ALWAYS BE IN THE RIGHT PLACE, AT THE RIGHT TIME, WITH THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT, AND THE RIGHT ATTITUDE

 

The quality of work that a performing ensemble accomplishes in its rehearsal is the single most important factor in the overall success of the group.  Efficient rehearsals produce SUPERIOR bands.  There are certain factors that will contribute to good rehearsals on a daily basis.

 

 

 

 

 

PRACTICE
 


 

 


Daily practice at home is mandatory of every FHMS band student. At least 2 hours per week of practice is expected.

Practice records will be turned in each week to assess student practice habits. Students will be graded on total time each week and only practice records signed by parents verifying the time spent will be accepted. Instruments are required to go home every day, and students risk losing points on their practice records if they are left at school.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

CONCLUSION AND ITEMS TO RETURN

 

The following forms are all due by Friday, September 6, 2013.

 

·         Acknowledgement Form

·         Travel Permission Form

·         Student Information Form

·         Private Lesson Form (where applicable)

 

We look forward to working with you and your child during their time at FHMS and it is our hope to create both musical and life experiences that will last a lifetime!

 

 

SUPPLY LIST

 

Wind Ensemble- 1st band

·         Black Band Binder 1 inch

·         1 set of Dividers

·         30 protective cover sheets

·         1 spiral notebook

·         Zipper Pencil bag

·         Pencil / Pens

·         Highlighter

·         Individual Tuner

·         Individual Microphone

·         $10.00 music donation fee (this will cover their all region music book , solo / ensemble literature and various other selections during the school year)

·          

Attire:

The students will wear solid black dress pants and a solid black shirt next year for their concerts and contests (their choice, which meets school dress code).  The students will also need solid black dress shoes.

If your child does not have a FHMS Band T-shirt, please send $15.00.  Make checks payable to FHMS- Band ,

 

 

 

FHMS BAND HANDBOOK CONTRACT OF MUTUAL CONSENT
 


 

 

 

 


(Due Friday, September 6, 2013)

 

I, the student, accept membership in the Fossil Hill Middle School Band and understand I am responsible for all policies listed in the band handbook. I fully agree to carry out my responsibilities to the best of my ability.

 

Student Name: ________________________

 

Signature: ____________________________    Date: __________

 

 

I, the parent or guardian, have read and understand the policies as set forth in the handbook. I grant full permission for my child to be an active member of the Fossil Hill Middle School Band. In addition, my child has full permission to attend all band functions. Finally, I understand that I can be a tremendous factor in my child’s musical growth. I also understand that in order to achieve the greatest amount of success, my child should bring his/her instrument and music home every day.

 

Parent/Guardian Name: ________________________

 

Signature: _____________________________    Date: __________

 

 

 

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