Band

Sixth Grade Band at AMS

About Sixth Grade Band
Students in the beginning band are in a performing ensemble. While students will learn how to play an instrument, the purpose of band is to explore music through performance and develop as an individual musician to enhance ensemble playing. Theory, history, culture, form, texture, rhythm, and expression can be experienced as a member of the band. The participation and interaction from all students leads to greater understanding and execution of musical skills through performance. All of these elements culminate in the public performance of music as an ensemble. The performance is the reward of a lot of hard work and intense learning through rehearsal and individual practice.

Students may select from the following instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, and Percussion.

Classes are currently set up in homogeneous groupings (woodwinds, brass, percussion to include bells and snare drum).

Our purpose 
The beginning band class provides an instrumental experience for students with emphasis on developing performing skills and musicianship. Students will gain an understanding of music fundamentals and will learn about music primarily through in class rehearsals that emphasize basic skills such as scales and arpeggios, rhythm exercises, and tuning exercises as well as special performances of music literature.

Requirements
Students enrolled in band will be required to participate in all performances. On occasion some extra rehearsals may be required prior to performances. While after school rehearsals are very rare at the beginning level, I want parents to know in advance that it is a possibility. Every effort to provide you with advance notification will be made. Students are also required to practice individually each week and will have to perform music individually for the director.
6th Grade Required Performances Concert Performance End of 1st Semester Concert Performance End of 2nd Semester Additional Concerts for School or Community Events Solo Festival in April (2nd Semester: Details to follow)

Estimated Costs
The cost associated with band is dependent upon the student’s instrument selection. Cost will also vary with instrument brand and model. Additional consideration must be undertaken when considering a “new vs. used” instrument.

Parents are to Provide

• A quality band instrument and its accessories: Reeds for clarinets and saxophones, cleaning kit for all wind instruments, folding music stand, and band book: Division of Beat Book 1A by Haines and McEntyre. This book will be for the instrument your child will be playing, Ex: Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Baritone (bass clef), Trombone, Tuba, and Percussion
• A quiet place at home for your child to practice
• A regular time for daily home practice
• Lots of encouragement!

Decision concerning New vs. Used Instrument
New Instrument - more expensive, shinier (motivation factor) , needs to be ‘broken in’, usually guaranteed
Used Instrument - less expensive, sometimes not as nice looking, sometimes needs repair, usually “as is”

Retailer Resources
Retailers have different plans in which to purchase an instrument. Most offer varying rental programs for financing an instrument to suit the individual. Some retailers offer discounts for full, up-front payment for certain instruments. Parents may purchase instruments anywhere they wish—however, I usually suggest buying locally; it’s more convenient, generally faster service and contributes to the local economy. A few local dealers are:

• Emiron Music 101 2nd Ave NE, Decatur 353-0772
• Gadsden Music 4800 Whitesburg Drive, Huntsville 880-6344
• Hallman’s Music 1920 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville 830-2303
• Railroad Bazaar 1207 Edison St. Athens 232-5800
• Southeastern Musical Services 3308 9th Ave., Huntsville 539-5906

Rental Instruments
The band has a limited number of Baritones and Tubas that students may rent at a reduced price. The money collected goes towards the upkeep of the instrument and is only $50 per school year. This is much less than the typical rental agreement through a music store. Once again, the number of instruments available is limited and selection for these instruments would be on a first come first serve basis.

Questions?
Contact Mr. Bryan Pigg at Bryan.Pigg@acs-k12.org or Mr. Ronny Griffin ronny.griffin@acs-k12.org.

Seventh and Eighth Grade Band at AMS

Introduction

Welcome to the Athens Middle School Band Program! You are participating in a program which encourages individual effort and a strong focus towards a common goal...performing together. The progress of the program depends upon your personal desire and effort to participate appropriately in class and practice at home.

Students in the middle school band are in a performing ensemble. While students will work to improve their individual performance on an instrument, the purpose of band is to explore music through performance and develop as an individual to enhance ensemble playing. Theory, history, culture, form, texture, rhythm, and expression can be experienced through learning to play as an ensemble. The participation and interaction from all students leads to greater understanding and execution of musical skills through performance. All of these elements culminate in the public performance of music as an ensemble. The performance is the reward of a lot of hard work and intense learning through rehearsal and individual practice.

 Objective

The band class provides an instrumental experience for students with emphasis on developing performing skills and musicianship. Students will gain an understanding of music fundamentals and will be learning about music primarily through rehearsal and performance of music literature as well as basic skills such as scales and arpeggios, rhythm exercises, and tuning exercises.

Requirements

Students enrolled in band will be required to participate in all performances. Extra rehearsals and performances may be required prior to performances. Students are also required to practice individually each week and will have to perform music individually for the director.

 Materials 

• Students will need a half inch three ring binder with sheet protectors.
• Percussion will need a stick bag, drum sticks, hard and soft mallets
• Brass players will need a cleaning cloth, valve or slide oil, and tuning slide grease
• Woodwind players will need reeds (I suggest Legere reeds, Legere.com), and cleaning cloth

Grading

1. Demonstration of Music Fundamentals - 50%: This includes appropriate demonstration of individual comprehension and execution of music fundamentals that are taught. All assessments are based on cumulative acquisition of musical skills.
2. Performance - 20%: Students will be required to perform music for a grade. Students will also be expected to participate in public performances.
3. Written Assignments and Tests– 30%: Students will complete written assignments during each grading period to demonstrate understanding of the material taught in class.

* Students will be expected to participate in activities that require the use of Schoology. 

Every effort will be made to assist the student in reaching their full potential. Students will be given ample opportunity to be successful. However, it is the student’s responsibility to work towards each performance goal and develop an in-depth understanding of the material presented in class through study and home-practice. 

Rehearsal Guidelines/Class Conduct

1. Be on time for all activities. Make it a priority to be on time to class, rehearsals, and performances!
2. Be prepared. Bring your instrument, accessories, music, books, paper, and pencil to every rehearsal. ‘I forgot’ will not be accepted as an excuse. Be Responsible!
3. Stay on task.

• Maintain correct posture and playing position when playing.
• Keep a positive attitude in class.
• Listen when the director has information for you.
• Do not be a distraction during instruction.
• If you need help, please ask. Raise your hand!
• Do not distract others from the class topic. Stay focused on the learning skill.
• Remember to think before you act or speak.

1. Be informed. Each student is responsible for knowing about all extra rehearsals, sectionals, performances, and other activities. This information is distributed in writing, announced in class, and posted in the band room. You are responsible for this information when it is distributed. You are a part of an ensemble and responsible to all other band members to be at rehearsals and performances on time.
2. Follow school and class rules.
3. Be respectful of students and teachers. Be courteous and use common sense. Stay in your space – respect school and personal property.
4. Focus on your job. Your job as a student is to earn an education. Focus on your studies, which include playing a musical instrument. Practicing at home is your homework and you will always have band homework!
5. Practice “Social Distancing”. Students will use mask at appropriate times and sit according to social distancing standards during class. Please do not enter another student’s space. We must practice safety at all times.

Classroom rules

1. No gum, candy, or any food of any kind in the band room.
2. Take your instrument home routinely so that you may practice. We will be storing our instruments in the class room. The storage room will be off limits.  
3. Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
4. Do not touch another person’s instrument or anything that does not belong to you. Focus on learning and performing.
5. Think before you act or speak. Remember that you should treat others as you wish to be treated, so be respectful of everyone, including yourself.

Fees

Students will need to pay a $25 band fee to cover the cost of music, transportation, and registration fees for MPA. Students using a school owned instruments are required to pay a $50 instrument rental fee. All fees and payments are due by Thursday, September 10^th.

Student Particiption

The students who achieve the greatest success and the most enjoyment from band participation are not necessarily the most musically talented, but those who are enthusiastic, dedicated, and attentive may benefit from the rewards music has to offer.Learning to play an instrument is, among other things, hard work. Band is fun, but the fun comes as a result of the hard work. The fun is a result of the satisfaction that comes from a job well done and the success that follows. You will only enjoy band as much as you should if ‘WE’ are successful, and hard work is necessary for that success. We are a team. Each day, your performance, behavior, and mood affect everyone else. Don’t be selfish - always practice and perform to the best of your ability so that everyone receives the benefits.

Potential Band Performances

• December Concert TBD
• Spring Concert TBD
• Solo and Ensemble Festival TBD
• Music Performance Assessment TBD
• Additional Concerts for School or Community Events

Current Schedule of Upcoming Performances

         (All performance dates will be updated once additional information has been provided to the director)

A schedule will be created to inform students and parents of upcoming performances or rehearsals once all dates have been set. Any changes to the schedule will be announced in a timely manner. On occasion, changes may occur quickly. The director will work to get information out to students and parents as soon as possible. Most information will be posted in the band room, given out to students during band class, posted to the AMS website in the caledar or under announcements for band, and posted in the students’ class section of Schoology. Students, make it your responsibility to inform your parents.

This is going to be an awesome year for our band program. I am looking forward to all of the wonderful memories we will create and the many accomplishment s we will achieve together!

Questions?

Contact Mr. Bryan Pigg at Bryan.Pigg@acs-k12.org or Mr. Ronny Griffin ronny.griffin@acs-k12.org.