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Bartlesville Middle School Instrumental Music Handbook
The purpose of this handbook is to provide information about the instrumental music programs at Madison and Central Middle Schools in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Because this handbook contains general information as well as rules and regulations, it should be of interest to the parents of the students enrolled in instrumental music in Bartlesville Middle Schools.
Philosophy
Instrumental music is an integral part of the school curriculum. It contributes to the cultural balance of the student. It is the purpose of music to serve the student as an art form and to provide an opportunity for recognition, satisfaction, and enjoyment through a worthwhile experience. It is the further purpose of music to discover innate talent, develop clear-thinking individuals, good work habits, mature citizenship, and pride in being part of a group activity.
The Importance of Attitude
The greatest single factor that will determine the success of any individual is attitude. Students should adopt these two words…. “I WILL”. It takes intense dedication to reach desired goals. Analyze your own attitude and develop an increased awareness of your importance and responsibility in the group. You who are in the band are a favored few. The band can do much for you, so make the most of every rehearsal and performance.
Rehearsal Rules
1. Food and drinks are not permitted in the band room.
2. Always have a pencil to mark parts on your music.
3. Empty horn cases are not allowed in the band set up.
4. Conduct yourself as young adults at all times. Horseplay, loud talking, inappropriate language and disrespect towards teachers and other students will not be tolerated.
5. Be on time, and be prepared for each rehearsal.
Grading
The student will be graded in three areas. 1. Participation (daily and extra rehearsals), 2. Tests (playing, written, and memory), 3. Performances
Participation: The students will receive a 100% participation grade each week for bringing all materials to class. Each day a student is not prepared for class, they will lose 20% of their weekly participation grade for each occurrence. This grade will be weighted at 60% of the grading period. From time to time an extra rehearsal may be called. These include extra band rehearsals, section rehearsals, and clinics. Every effort will be made to inform the student well in advance of any extra rehearsals. An unexcused absence from an extra rehearsal will result in the student’s participation grade being lowered 40% for the rehearsal missed. The same criteria that are used to deem a performance excuse will be used to excuse an extra rehearsal.
Test: The student will be given written, playing, and memory tests throughout the grading period. A test may be made up with the director’s consent, and may be attempted twice within 1 week of the assignment. This will not be a weighted grade. (Ask how you can earn “Band Bucks” for perfect tests!).
Performances: Students enrolled in instrumental music are expected to attend every performance. A student with an unexcused absence for any performance will receive a letter grade lower for the grading period. This grade may not be made up. A student may be excused from a performance for the following reasons.
- Confining illness.
- Family emergency such as a serious illness or death in the family.
- Conflict with another school activity. The two activity sponsors and the middle school principal will work out any conflict. It is the responsibility of the student and parent to inform the director of a conflict.
For an absence to be excused, the director must be notified prior to the absence if possible. In an emergency situation the director needs to be notified as soon as the student returns to school. The notification should be in writing from a parent or legal guardian. To be excused from a performance or extra rehearsal due to a conflict with another school activity, the director must be notified in writing one week in advance. To receive full credit for a performance, the student must be present for the entire performance. The director will determine when the performance is over.
Weekly Home Practice
Students should practice 140 minutes weekly at a minimum to progress at a reasonable rate. (Ask how you can earn “Band Bucks” for your practice time!)
Transportation
The Bartlesville school district will provide transportation to all contests, concerts, and auditions. The student is expected to ride the school provided transportation to all events. Any exceptions will need to be cleared through the middle school principal in writing and in advance. A student may choose not to ride the school’s transportation from an event. They may do so but ONLY WITH THEIR PARENTS. The following procedures will be used to insure that the school’s legal responsibility has been transferred to the parents.
1. The student will present a note from their parent to their director before the student loads the bus for the event.
2. The director will sign the note and return it to the student to be taken to the bus sponsor.
3. After the event is complete, the student will bring their parent to the bus sponsor to be released.
Any exceptions to this procedure will need the approval of the middle school principal, in writing, and in advance.
Extra Opportunities
Private lessons are highly recommended to increase student progress and ability to participate in district activities. Opportunities include District Honor Band, Solo & Ensemble contest. See directors and band calendar for schedule.
Uniform
The uniform for the middle school band will be a white oxford style shirt, black slacks, or skirt, black socks, and shoes. This uniform will be worn for concerts and contests. A t-shirt will be purchased for performances such as parades and the contest at Frontier City. More information about the t-shirt will be given out separately.
Chair Tests
A student’s placement within the section is based on his/her musical ability and achievement. The following material may be used for a chair test: 1. District band auditions, 2. Audition material, 3. Memory tests, 4. Playing test without the benefit of previous notice. Chair test grades may be made up, but not for chair placement. A student missing a chair test will sit at the end of the section until the next chair test. The director’s decision is final.
Fund Raising
Each student will be given the opportunity to raise money for the trip at the end of the year. More information about the trip will come in the spring. A permission form to fund raise will need to be completed before the student’s order will be sent to the company.
Contact Us: Madison Middle School Band 918-333-3176 ext 3558
Mark Villines villinestm@bps-ok.org Dr. Rick Dugger duggerrc@bps-ok.org
Bartlesville District Band Supply List Madison Middle School
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(Method book)
Name tag on case (luggage tag) 10 plastic sleeve page protectors
Your name on band book 1” BLACK binder with pockets
1 box of tissue 5 sheets of paper
Folding music stand for home use Small home metronome/tuner
2 pencils Pencil bag
Percussion
Kit: snare drum, practice pad, bells,
Bell mallets, stands for each (6th gr.)
Pair Timpani mallets/pitch pipe (7th gr.)
Pair yarn mallets (8th gr.) Trumpet/Cornet
Bach 5C mouthpiece
Flute Slide grease
Polishing cloth Valve oil
Tuning rod & cloth Mouthpiece brush & cleaning snake
Oboe/Bassoon French Horn
Reed case (holds 3-4 reeds) Schilke 30 Mouthpiece
Swab - silk Slide grease
Cork grease Valve oil
3 reeds Mouthpiece brush & cleaning snake
Clarinet Trombone
Vandoren mouthpiece (see staff) Bach 6 ½ AL mouthpiece
Rovner ligature Slide cream or oil
Cork grease Slide grease
Swab - silk Small spray bottle
Thumbeze Mouthpiece brush & cleaning snake
1 box Vandoren reeds
Saxophone Euphonium/Tuba
Selmer C* mouthpiece Bach 6 ½ AL mouthpiece (Euph.)
Rovner ligature Tuba mouthpiece Peranntucci or
Cork grease Geddings & Webster (see staff)
Mouthpiece swab Valve oil
Instrument swab Slide grease
1 box Vandoren reeds Mouthpiece brush & cleaning snake
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