AGS BANDS GRADING/POLICIES
QUARTERLY GRADES are assessed as follows:
CONDUCT/PARTICIPATION
This is a formative assessment of the students’ adherence to behavioral expectations and rehearsal procedures, including having your instrument ready, all music, materials, pencil, etc. Students are expected to turn in all paperwork, homework or written work on time. 10 points per week are given for proper conduct and participation.
PERFORMANCES
The students’ ability to perform various passages of music will be routinely assessed both individually and in small groups. Individual practice outside of class is expected. ATTENDANCE AT PERFORMACES IS MANDATORY and absences require a medical/emergency notice from parents in writing to be excused (see below). With the exception of a personal medical emergency, or a family emergency, failure to attend a performance will result in the student’s semester grade being lowered by 2 letter grades.
THEORY/EAR TRAINING QUIZES
Students will be given written work in music theory, notation, and ear training, and will be quizzed on their understanding and ability to apply basic music concepts.
SEMESTER GRADES are assessed as follows:
FIRST/THIRD QUARTER GRADE (45%)
SECOND/FOURTH QUARTER GRADE (45%)
FINAL EXAM GRADE (10%)
SCHOOL EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS
The school furnishes percussion equipment and some of the larger and more expensive instruments. Students are responsible for any equipment issued by the school. This includes printed music, instruments, and all accessories. Careless handling of school property will not be tolerated any may result in the recall of such equipment. Instruments must NEVER leave the school grounds without being checked out through the band office computer. Instruments MUST be signed out with the Director. Only the Director can sign an instrument out OR in. It is very important that this procedure be followed.
Lost instrument parts must be replaced by the student with the same quality parts. Intentional damage to school equipment or another student’s instrument will be charged to the student and will result in disciplinary action and possible removal from the band program. Damage to school equipment or another student’s instrument due to “horseplay” will be charged to the student. Musical Instruments are very valuable and expensive to purchase and repair. Respect them. The student may need to supply the necessary consumable supplies for his or her instrument such as drumsticks, valve oil or cork grease. These must be used as recommended by the instrument manufacturer to maintain the instruments top playing condition.
CONDUCT/PARTICIPATION
This is a formative assessment of the students’ adherence to behavioral expectations and rehearsal procedures, including having your instrument ready, all music, materials, pencil, etc. Students are expected to turn in all paperwork, homework or written work on time. 10 points per week are given for proper conduct and participation.
PERFORMANCES
The students’ ability to perform various passages of music will be routinely assessed both individually and in small groups. Individual practice outside of class is expected. ATTENDANCE AT PERFORMACES IS MANDATORY and absences require a medical/emergency notice from parents in writing to be excused (see below). With the exception of a personal medical emergency, or a family emergency, failure to attend a performance will result in the student’s semester grade being lowered by 2 letter grades.
THEORY/EAR TRAINING QUIZES
Students will be given written work in music theory, notation, and ear training, and will be quizzed on their understanding and ability to apply basic music concepts.
SEMESTER GRADES are assessed as follows:
FIRST/THIRD QUARTER GRADE (45%)
SECOND/FOURTH QUARTER GRADE (45%)
FINAL EXAM GRADE (10%)
SCHOOL EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS
The school furnishes percussion equipment and some of the larger and more expensive instruments. Students are responsible for any equipment issued by the school. This includes printed music, instruments, and all accessories. Careless handling of school property will not be tolerated any may result in the recall of such equipment. Instruments must NEVER leave the school grounds without being checked out through the band office computer. Instruments MUST be signed out with the Director. Only the Director can sign an instrument out OR in. It is very important that this procedure be followed.
Lost instrument parts must be replaced by the student with the same quality parts. Intentional damage to school equipment or another student’s instrument will be charged to the student and will result in disciplinary action and possible removal from the band program. Damage to school equipment or another student’s instrument due to “horseplay” will be charged to the student. Musical Instruments are very valuable and expensive to purchase and repair. Respect them. The student may need to supply the necessary consumable supplies for his or her instrument such as drumsticks, valve oil or cork grease. These must be used as recommended by the instrument manufacturer to maintain the instruments top playing condition.
AGS BAND ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY
BYOD (Bring your Own Device) Classroom Cell Phone/Electronic Device Rules:
BYOD (Bring your Own Device) Classroom Cell Phone/Electronic Device Rules:
- Devices are permitted for the use of educational apps in the music classroom.
- For students without devices, another option will be provided when necessary or the work may be completed on paper.
- Students will not be permitted to make calls, text, or take pictures during class. Doing so violates the school cell phone policy. Please read the school handbook on the FAPS webpage for more information.
- It is a parent’s decision whether their student can have devices in class or at school.
- The teacher is not responsible for the device if it is lost or stolen.
- Students will only have the device visible when the teacher has given permission
- For the protection of the students, only “secure” apps will be used in the classroom.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
- FOLLOW ALL PROCEDURES
- RESPECT PEOPLE AND THINGS
- DEMAND EXCELLENCE
CLASSROOM CONSEQUENCES:
- OPPORTUNITY FOR CORRECTION
- CALL/EMAIL HOME
- OFFICE REFERRAL
REHEARSAL PROCEDURES
- Enter the room/stage quietly, walk to your locker.
- Build your instrument on the floor by your locker.
- Flute/Oboe/Clarinet bring cases to seats, everyone else leave case in locker.
- Binder & Name Tag on stand, DO NOT PLAY YET...
- Students are required to have an instrument and mouthpiece that is approved by the director. Equipment must be in good playing condition. Instruments are to be kept clean and well maintained. We do "Maintenance Mondays" in class, but major repairs must be sent out to Marshall Music. Students are responsible for keeping their parents informed of the need for major repairs.
- Reed players are expected to have four good reeds at all times. Having a good reed is your responsibility. New reeds are available in the office for purchase.
- Students are expected to play everyday in class. Students who cannot play are expected to come to class with a note from their parents explaining the problem. Whenever possible, students should follow along in the music and finger the notes on their instrument.
- Students should have a PENCIL in their music binder at all times, along with their method book and all papers/music.
- Raise your hand to ask/answer questions. One person speaks at a time.
- Take the pass to use the restroom. One person goes at a time.
- Return instrument and binder to your locker.
- Straighten chairs and stands.
- Check the floor for miscellaneous stuff.
- The teacher dismisses the class, NOT the bell.
PRO TIPS & RECOMMENDATIONS
- Band students are expected to practice on a regular basis. 10-20 minutes per day is recommended.
- All instruments left in the band room during the day should be placed in the proper locker, and all latches should be secured. Cases should be labeled with the student’s name on both the outside and inside of the case. Instruments are not to be left in the main rehearsal room area or in the hallway outside of the band room. The band room will be locked when the director leaves for the day and cannot be opened by custodians – this is for security reasons.
- Students must attend all performances scheduled for their group. The director must approve absences, and the students must make up a missed performance. Excuses must be presented in writing at least three weeks before a concert. ATTENDANCE AT AFTER SCHOOL PERFORMANCES IS A REQUIREMENT OF BAND MEMBERSHIP. Concert absences will be handled on a case-by-case basis. I am very flexible when approached early with potential conflicts.
- Students are expected to remain in attendance at all concerts for the entire concert, supporting their peers.
HOW TO PRACTICE
Students should practice an average of at least 10-20 minutes per day, if they are to make progress. The following is a suggested routine for practice:
PRIVATE LESSONS (click to go to lesson page)
INSTRUMENTS & MOUTHPIECES
The following instruments and mouthpieces represent acceptable quality and good value for the money. Please take the time to check with the band director before buying an instrument or mouthpiece not on this list.
FLUTES
Flutes require little maintenance other than wiping out the excess moisture with a cloth on the cleaning rod and wiping the body of the flute with a soft, lint free cloth to remove fingerprints.
Do not use liquid or paste type of polish. Water should only be used on the head joint (mouthpiece section). Do not use oil, grease on any part of the flute. Do not attempt to adjust any of the screws. If the flute will not go together easily, try cleaning the head and foot joints with a piece of white paper (typing). If this does not help, it probably is bent and needs repair. Do not put anything in the case that will press against the flute when closed. Many flutes are damaged when students place polishing cloths over the flute before closing the case. Always leave the flute in the case when not in use and be sure that the latches are secured when leaving a flute unattended. Music stands are not for holding flutes!
CLARINETS AND SAXOPHONES
Water is the enemy of woodwind instruments. Use the swab to remove moisture from the bore after playing. Keep the mouthpiece clean by using a mild soap, warm water (not hot) and a proper mouthpiece brush weekly. Always remove the reed from the mouthpiece when you are finished playing, and keep the reed in a proper reed holder. All corks should be greased with cork grease when they are new. You may need to grease them several times when they are new. Never use key oil. Do not put books, folders, or cloths in the case that will put pressure on the keys when the case is closed. Do not leave wooden clarinets where they will suffer extremes of temperatures. Extreme heat or cold can cause a wood clarinet to crack.
BRASS INSTRUMENTS
Brass instruments should be kept clean by flushing them with water at least once a month. After flushing, all slides should be pulled and greased with tuning slide grease. The valves on trumpets, baritones, and tubas should be removed and oiled with valve oil and replaced. French Horns have rotary type valves that should only be removed by a repairman. The bearings of a French horn may be oiled. To do this you must unscrew the valve caps and place a drop of oil on each of the bearings. Trombone slides should be wiped with a soft, lint free cloth or paper towel and re-greased. I recommend Lemon Pledge for trombone slides. Valve oil or Vaseline should not be used on a trombone slide. Cleaning snakes are available for different instruments. They should be used to clean out all of the slides while you are flushing the instrument. Brass is a soft metal, which dents easily, please be careful when handling a brass instrument as dents are expensive to remove. If your mouthpiece is stuck, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE IT YOURSELF. Bring the instrument to the band director to have it removed.
INSTRUMENT REPAIR
Most instrument repairs are done through Marshall Music in Lansing. Marshall music will pick up instruments that need repair work done on Monday mornings in the school office. The instruments need a repair tag placed on them. You may get the tag from the band director or in the office. The repair tag requires an adult signature. The instrument will be returned a week later on the following Monday. Marshall will not deliver to the school on Holiday Mondays or if the school is closed – it will be one Week longer. Loaner instruments may be available – please inquire with the band director before requesting a loaner from Marshall Music. If you have a maintenance contract, most of the repairs are free including replacement of woodwind mouthpieces if dropped and chipped. Please check with the band director before sending in an instrument for repair.
Other repair centers:
Sherm’s -on Lapeer road in Flint
Meridian Winds - Okemos, MI
Stores for supplies:
Grand Blanc Music – Saginaw St. in Grand Blanc
Milford Music – Milford, MI
Marshall Music- Lansing, MI
Meridian Winds - Okemos, MI
Marshall Music will take orders via the phone. You may secure the purchase with a credit card and the merchandise will be delivered to the school the following Monday. 1-800-221-1755. Reeds, Valve Oil, and Cork Grease are available in the office.
Students should practice an average of at least 10-20 minutes per day, if they are to make progress. The following is a suggested routine for practice:
- Warm Up – 3-5 minutes: This should consist of long tones followed by scales.
- Band Music or Test Material – 5-10 minutes : Work on music to be performed and exercises assigned as test material.
- Fun Practice – 5-10 Minutes: Students should spend these minutes playing songs they like. YouTube has millions of fun play-along videos!
- "Practice Makes... PERMANENT!" Only PERFECT Practice Makes Perfect, so demand excellence.
PRIVATE LESSONS (click to go to lesson page)
INSTRUMENTS & MOUTHPIECES
The following instruments and mouthpieces represent acceptable quality and good value for the money. Please take the time to check with the band director before buying an instrument or mouthpiece not on this list.
- Oboe: Fox, Selmer, Yamaha
- Flute: Gemeinhardt, Yamaha, Selmer, Emerson
- Clarinets: Yamaha, Selmer, Bundy, Buffet R11, Vito
- Clarinet Mouthpieces: Yamaha 4C, Selmer HS**, Vandoren B-45
- Trumpets: Yamaha, Bach, Conn, King
- Trumpet Mouthpieces: Bach 3C or Yamaha equivalent
- Saxophones: Yamaha, Selmer, Bundy II
- Sax Mouthpieces: Yamaha 4C, Selmer C*
- Trombones: Yamaha, Bach, Blessing, King
- Trombone Mouthpieces: Bach 6-1/2 AL
- French Horns: Holton, Yamaha, Conn
- Percussion Sticks: Vic Firth SCS2
- Percussionists should also purchase a Reel Feel drum pad
- Percussion can also purchase (optional) Vic Firth Multi-Application Keyboard Mallets, beginning with M187s
FLUTES
Flutes require little maintenance other than wiping out the excess moisture with a cloth on the cleaning rod and wiping the body of the flute with a soft, lint free cloth to remove fingerprints.
Do not use liquid or paste type of polish. Water should only be used on the head joint (mouthpiece section). Do not use oil, grease on any part of the flute. Do not attempt to adjust any of the screws. If the flute will not go together easily, try cleaning the head and foot joints with a piece of white paper (typing). If this does not help, it probably is bent and needs repair. Do not put anything in the case that will press against the flute when closed. Many flutes are damaged when students place polishing cloths over the flute before closing the case. Always leave the flute in the case when not in use and be sure that the latches are secured when leaving a flute unattended. Music stands are not for holding flutes!
CLARINETS AND SAXOPHONES
Water is the enemy of woodwind instruments. Use the swab to remove moisture from the bore after playing. Keep the mouthpiece clean by using a mild soap, warm water (not hot) and a proper mouthpiece brush weekly. Always remove the reed from the mouthpiece when you are finished playing, and keep the reed in a proper reed holder. All corks should be greased with cork grease when they are new. You may need to grease them several times when they are new. Never use key oil. Do not put books, folders, or cloths in the case that will put pressure on the keys when the case is closed. Do not leave wooden clarinets where they will suffer extremes of temperatures. Extreme heat or cold can cause a wood clarinet to crack.
BRASS INSTRUMENTS
Brass instruments should be kept clean by flushing them with water at least once a month. After flushing, all slides should be pulled and greased with tuning slide grease. The valves on trumpets, baritones, and tubas should be removed and oiled with valve oil and replaced. French Horns have rotary type valves that should only be removed by a repairman. The bearings of a French horn may be oiled. To do this you must unscrew the valve caps and place a drop of oil on each of the bearings. Trombone slides should be wiped with a soft, lint free cloth or paper towel and re-greased. I recommend Lemon Pledge for trombone slides. Valve oil or Vaseline should not be used on a trombone slide. Cleaning snakes are available for different instruments. They should be used to clean out all of the slides while you are flushing the instrument. Brass is a soft metal, which dents easily, please be careful when handling a brass instrument as dents are expensive to remove. If your mouthpiece is stuck, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE IT YOURSELF. Bring the instrument to the band director to have it removed.
INSTRUMENT REPAIR
Most instrument repairs are done through Marshall Music in Lansing. Marshall music will pick up instruments that need repair work done on Monday mornings in the school office. The instruments need a repair tag placed on them. You may get the tag from the band director or in the office. The repair tag requires an adult signature. The instrument will be returned a week later on the following Monday. Marshall will not deliver to the school on Holiday Mondays or if the school is closed – it will be one Week longer. Loaner instruments may be available – please inquire with the band director before requesting a loaner from Marshall Music. If you have a maintenance contract, most of the repairs are free including replacement of woodwind mouthpieces if dropped and chipped. Please check with the band director before sending in an instrument for repair.
Other repair centers:
Sherm’s -on Lapeer road in Flint
Meridian Winds - Okemos, MI
Stores for supplies:
Grand Blanc Music – Saginaw St. in Grand Blanc
Milford Music – Milford, MI
Marshall Music- Lansing, MI
Meridian Winds - Okemos, MI
Marshall Music will take orders via the phone. You may secure the purchase with a credit card and the merchandise will be delivered to the school the following Monday. 1-800-221-1755. Reeds, Valve Oil, and Cork Grease are available in the office.