Band Handbook

2014- 2015






Lovinggood Middle School Bands
3825 Luther Ward Road
Powder Springs, GA 30127
(678) 331-3015


Soaring on the Wings of Success


Dear Parents,

It is our pleasure to welcome you to another exciting year with the Lovinggood Middle
School Band program. As we enter our 9
th
year in existence, we would like to extend a
very special welcome to those students and parents that are joining us for the very first
time. We believe that you will find this year fun, exciting and full of wonderful
experiences!

Please take the time to review the contents within this handbook. Enclosed you will find
extremely important information regarding rules and regulations, grading policies,
required uniforms and calendars, as well as forms needed to be turned in for participation
in band. Please keep this handbook as a reference guide throughout the year in the event
you have questions concerning the logistics of the Lovinggood Band Program.

We are excited about this coming year! With hard work, dedication and the help of your
student, I am sure we can continue molding the Lovinggood Band Program into an
organization that will bring pride to our parents, students and community. If you have any
questions regarding the Lovinggood Band Program, please feel free to contact us.


Musically Yours,


Joseph D. Heiberger Shelley M. Ferrell
Director of Bands Associate Director of Bands
Lovinggood Middle School Lovinggood Middle School
Joseph.Heiberger@cobbk12.org Shelley.Ferrell@cobbk12.org




Course Descriptions

6
th
Grade Beginner Band

The Beginner band is comprised of 6
th
grade students. Prior experience is not necessary
as students are taught all fundamental elements of instrumental music including
embouchure, tone, reading and technique. Beginner classes are divided into separate
classes of like instruments (clarinets, flutes, trumpets, etc.). Beginner students will
perform as a class at the end of the year at the spring concert. By the end of their 6
th
grade
year, students are expected to know 4-6 major scales (full range), chromatic scale (full
range), all eighth note and sixteenth note rhythms, 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 time signatures as
well as demonstrate reading abilities commensurate with a 6
th
grade level.

7
th
Grade Bands

The 7
th
grade bands are split into two different ensembles containing full instrumentation.
Each ensemble will have several opportunities to perform at solo and ensemble contests,
GMEA All-State and Honor Bands, Winter and Spring Concerts as well as ensembles
(Percussion, Brass, etc.). Students will continue the development of musical skills,
flexibility exercises and sight reading. By the end of their 7
th
grade year, students are
expected to know 6-8 scales, chromatic scale, syncopated and compound rhythms, 6/8
time signature as well as demonstrate reading abilities commensurate with a 7
th
grade
level.

8
th
Grade Bands

The 8
th
grade bands are split into two different ensembles containing full instrumentation.
Each ensemble will have several opportunities to perform at solo and ensemble contests,
GMEA All-State and Honor Bands, Winter and Spring Concerts and ensembles
(percussion, Brass, etc.). Every 8
th
grade student will also have the opportunity to
perform at the Groovin at the Grove pizza feast as well as perform with the Hillgrove
High School Marching Band at a High School football game! Students will continue the
development of musical skills, flexibility exercises and sight-reading. By the end of their
8
th
grade year, students are expected to know 8-12 scales, chromatic scale, all rhythms,
all time signatures including 2/2 as well as demonstrate reading abilities commensurate
with an 8
th
grade level.









7
th
/8
th
Grade Concert Uniforms

We take pride in having a neat, professional appearance each time we perform. Please
make sure that your child has the following attire. This attire will be worn at all
performances throughout the year.

7th/8
th
Grade Guys
Black Dress Pants
Black Socks
Black Dress Shoes (not tennis shoes)
*White Tux Shirt
*Black Bow Tie & Cummerbund
7th/8
th
Grade Ladies
Black Dress Shoes (Flats preferable)
* Matching Black Blouse (3/4 sleeve)
Black Slacks (No capris)



The Lovinggood Band will have a representative (Kim King) from STA here on
Friday, August 22
nd
to fit guys and girls for their shirts/blouses. See below for
cost breakdown.

Tux shirt/Bow Tie/Cummerbund package = $26
Bow Tie/Cummerbund set = $12
Bow Tie = $6
Cummerbund = $8
Ladies Black ! sleeve blouse = $20

* Please make checks payable to LOVINGGOOD MS and put BAND UNIFORM in
the memo section.


6
th
Grade Concert Uniform

The 6
th
grade band will perform one concert at the end of the year (see yearly calendar for
date). We realize that everyone has different types of clothing in their closet. Due to this,
the 6
th
grade band has several options for concert attire.


6
th
Grade Guys
Suit and Tie or
Pants (dress or khaki)
Collared shirt (Polo, button up)
(short or long sleeve)
NO JEANS
NO T-SHIRTS
NO SHORTS

6
th
Grade Girls
Dress or
Skirt w/ blouse or
Pants (dress or khaki)
Shirt (polo type, button up)
(short or long sleeve)
NO JEANS
NO T-SHIRTS
NO SHORTS


Attendance Policy
The daily instruction in band is always geared towards a common goal performance.
For band students, the concert/contest is the long-term goal of all the practice hours and
daily rehearsals. Students must attend all concerts involving their class. We
understand that schedules can get rather busy throughout the year. Due to this, we have
spent a lot of time developing the yearly calendar (enclosed in this handbook). The yearly
calendar is handed out at the beginning of the year so that parents/students can plan
accordingly.

Examples of Excused Absences:
Personal Illness which causes absence from school (Doctors note is required)
Death in the Family (note from parent required)

Examples of Unexcused Absences:
Not having a ride
Forgetting
Select soccer practice/game
Anything other than list of excused absences

Students who miss performances during the course of the year with unexcused
absences will need to complete all of the following before the missed concert date.
Students who fail to complete this before the missed concert date will receive a
performance assessment grade of zero.
1) Perform their band music alone for a grade for the directors
(must be completed prior to any absence)
2) Turn in alternate writing assignment (History of instrument, Composer paper, etc)
3) WILL NOT be allowed to participate in special performances and/or field trips
(ex. Lock-in, Six Flags, etc)



School Owned Instruments
Lovinggood Middle School has very high quality, professional equipment available for
student use. A student using a school owned instrument must fill out a Cobb Co.
instrument loan contract with parent signature before an instrument can be issued.

The board of education as well as the Lovinggood music department has invested
thousands of dollars for school owned instruments. Students performing on a school
owned instrument will receive an instrument in proper working condition. Students are
expected to treat and maintain the instrument with care throughout the year. There
is no rental fee per say, however, should the instrument need repair, it is the
responsibility of the student to take the instrument to an approved repair facility for
proper maintenance. At the end of the year, instruments will be returned and any
damage assessed and charged to student.


Lockers
Each band student at Lovinggood will be issued a band locker with a band lock. Students
may keep their instrument and band supplies in their locker. It is the responsibility of the
student to make sure that the lock is ALWAYS locked. This will ensure that no supplies
are taken and locks are not lost. Students that loose their lock will be charged a $5.00
lock fee.

Students are NOT allowed to keep anything else in their band lockers! Gym clothes,
math books, lunches, etc will be removed and thrown away if found in students
lockers. If a student is found to have a messy locker, the student will be given a Messy
Locker Ticket. The student will have 24 hours from the time the ticket is issued to
clean out their locker. Students who fail to clean out lockers will be given a teacher
detention. STUDENTS WILL LOOSE LOCKER PRIVILAGES UPON RECEIVING
THEIR 4
th
MESSY LOCKER TICKET!


Private Lessons
With over 450 band students and only 2 teachers, we do not have the opportunity to give
students the individualized attention that they may need. Fortunately, there are many
professional musicians in our area who offer private lessons on a weekly basis from 30 to
60 minutes in length. Students who take private lessons tend to progress at a faster pace
than those who dont.

Private lessons are for two types of students:
Students who are doing well and wish to be pushed beyond the pace of the class.
Students who are having problems in class and need tutoring assistance.
Students who wish to participate in solo contests and All-State/Honor Bands
A list of private teachers can be found in the Lovinggood Band Room.

Payment Procedures
Throughout the course of the year, there will be many times that students will need to
bring payments to school (i.e. uniform payment, field trip fees, fundraiser turn in, etc).
Due to Cobb County policy, school bookkeepers are the only staff members allowed to
handle money turned in by students. Teachers are not allowed to handle money in any
way. For this reason, payment of funds should follow the policy below:

1. Checks and money orders should be made out to Lovinggood Middle School.
(Cash should be in exact change as the bookkeeper can NOT provide change)
2. Payment of ANY sort should be placed into the pre-printed Cobb County payment
envelope.
3. Students must fill out the front of the envelope.
(Make sure to write Band as recipient.)
4. The sealed envelope should be placed into on of the black boxes located
throughout the school
Teachers are not responsible for money that is placed in the incorrect location!


Supplies
Each student is expected to have the following supplies. This list is only a reminder, as
supply lists were given out at the end of school last year. (This list does not include
instruments, reeds, oils and other band supplies). These items need to be in class
EVERYDAY. Failure to have any of the items will result in point deduction from daily
grade.

6
th
Grade Band::
Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 (yellow)
Reeds (woodwinds only)
Stick bag w/ SD-1 generals/Bell Mallets/Yarn Mallets (percussion only)
Black, 1 three ring binder with 25 sheet protectors
Loose leaf paper
Pencil Pouch with 5 pencils

7th Grade Band:
Essential Elements 2000 Book 2 (red)
Reeds (woodwinds only)
Stick bag w/ SD-1 generals/Bell Mallets/Yarn Mallets (percussion only)
Black, 1 three ring binder with 25 sheet protectors
Loose leaf paper
Pencil Pouch with 5 pencils

8
th
Grade Band:
Essential Elements 2000 Book 2 (red)
Essential Techniques 2000 Book 3 (Green) 8-1 Band only
Black, 1 three ring binder with 25 sheet protectors
Loose leaf paper
Pencil Pouch with 5 pencils

Students who do not have supplies will receive the following consequences:

1
st
time without supplies in a 9 week period:
Warning/Loss of daily points
Writing assignment given
Note sent home to parents via agenda

2
nd
time without supplies in a 9 week period:
Warning/Loss of daily points
Writing assignment given
Note sent home to parents via agenda
N on report card

3
rd
time without supplies in a 9 week period
Loss of daily points
Writing Assignment given during class
Office referral


Grading Policy
Beginning this year, Lovinggood Middle School is adopting standards-based grading.
Thus change will provide students and parents with grades that reflect what the students
know and are able to do. For example, in Music the report card will show the percentage
of mastery of a standard such as Creation instead of a task description such as Playing
test. Seeing this kind of grade should make it clear to parents what specifically their
child needs to study. A complete list of standards for each grade level can be found on
teacher blogs under the Georgia Music Standards section to the right of the blog.
Simply click on Georgia Music Standards link then select the grade level that pertains
to you.


Grade Weights

Playing Test 3
Practice Logs 1
Written Tests 1
Daily Grade 1


Band Standards

Skill and Techniques/Performances
70%
Critical Analysis
10%
Creation
10%
Cultural & Historical Context/Literacy
10%
Non-Graded 0%


There are nine standards (#1-9) set within four basic Standard Domains (A-D). The
standards within the four domains are based upon the national music standards set forth
by the Music Educators National Conference. Below are the four main domains and
standards that pertain to each domain.

A. Skills and Techniques/Performances
#1 Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music
#2 Performing on instruments, alone and with others, through a varied repertoire
of music
#3 Reading and notating music
B. Creation
#4 Improvising melodies, variations and accompaniments
#5 Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines
C. Critical Analysis/Investigate
#6 Listening to, analyzing, and describing music
#7 Evaluating music and music performance
D. Cultural and Historical Context
#8 Understanding relationships between music, the arts and disciplines outside
the arts.
#9 Understanding music in relation to history and culture

Each Domain will have a percentage of weight assigned to it. Since we are a
performance-based class, Domain A will carry the higher percentage of weight in
calculating grades.

6
th
grade
1
st
Nine Weeks:
A. Skills and Techniques/Performances (75%)
B. Critical Analysis/Investigate (25%)

2
nd
, 3
rd
and 4
th
Nine Weeks:
A. Skills and Techniques/Performances (70%)
B. Creation (10%)
C. Critical Analysis/Investigate (10%)
D. Cultural and Historical Context (10%)

7
th
and 8
th
Grade
All Nine week periods*
A. Skills and Techniques/Performances
(70%)
B. Creation (10%)
C. Critical Analysis/Investigate (10%)
D. Cultural and Historical Context
(10%)

* Each student will receive a minimum of two grades for every week. They are:

Rehearsal Etiquette (Standard #2c). This grade will be worth a weekly total of
100 points. Rehearsal etiquette includes elements such as having all materials
every day, and class participation. In the event an instrument is getting repaired,
students can provide the shop receipt to avoid having points deducted. Simply
telling a director that the instrument is in the shop will not excuse them from
point deduction.

Playing alone at home (Standard #2) Playing alone at home will be monitored
by the use of practice logs. Practice logs are worth 100 points. Each student will
be required to turn in a practice log twice every 9 weeks. The logs will record the
amount of time spent on practicing their instrumenta sort of homework grade.
Practice logs must be signed by a parent! Students who do not turn in a log will
get a 0 for that weeks log grade. Practice logs without parent signatures will not
receive a grade higher than 70, no matter how many minutes are recorded.

Practice logs are handed out at the beginning of the year. If a student looses
his/her log, students have several options. 1) Download off of teacher blog
2) Request a new one 3) Use a piece of paper.

* Some changes you will see as we transition into standards-based grading

Student behaviors such as turning in work on time (forms and such) will not be
included into the academic grades but will be reported in a separate category on
the report card called NON-GRADED
Students who do not reach mastery on final assessments will be allowed one
opportunity to retake such test (except benchmarks). They will take the retest
before or after school once they have completed as assigned reinforcement task.
On Tuesdays (8:00 8:45) and Thursdays (4:30 5:15) students can attend
academic detention. Teachers may offer additional office hours.
Assessments must be redone within 5 days of grade being posted in Pinnacle.
Classwork and homework given during a unit must be completed before the unit
assessment.
Not all classwork and/or homework will be recorded, especially at the beginning
of a lesson.

Practice Logs
Each student will be given a practice log to record home practice. Logs are due three
times per semester at 6 and 12 week progress reports and again at end of 9 the
semester. Students will be graded on all the weeks they practiced once log is turned
in. Logs must be signed by a parent in order to get credit. Times should be recorded in
minutes. Students will also be given a grading sheet so they can see what grade they will
receive before they turn it in. Practice log grades are as follows:

6
th
Grade Log Grading Sample

Minutes Practiced Per Week Weekly Grade
150 and above 100
140 149 95
130 139 90
120 129 85
110 119 80
100 109 75
80 99 70
60 79 60
30 59 50
Less than 30 0



In addition to these two weekly grades, additional assessments that meet standards based
grading will be utilized. The point breakdown for these is as follows:

Performance Based Assessments (100 points)
Written Quizzes (10 points)
Performance projects (scale/book pass offs) = (100 points)





Rehearsal Etiquette

1. Be On Time All students must be in the band room before the bell rings. Be in
your seat ready to play 2 minutes after the bell rings.

2. Be Prepared Practice any assignments given at home. Have your instrument and
all listed materials EVERYDAY.

3. Be Respectful When a band director steps on the podium, all talking stops.
No talking is allowed without a raised hand. Please respect
teachers, band directors, guest clinicians and fellow students.
Blurting out and back-talking are unacceptable.



4. No Food/Drink There will be no food, gum or candy allowed in the band room at
any time. This includes water and cough drops.

5. Clean up Your instrument case must be left in your locker during and after
class. Binders should be stored in lockers as well after class. Make
sure to pick up any papers that may have fallen out of your binder
during class.

6. Knock First! Please do not enter the band office without permission. We ask that
you knock AND wait for permission to enter (EVEN IF DOOR IS
OPEN!). We may be in the middle of something important. If we
do not respond, wait or come back later.

7. Do Not Touch What Does Not Belong to You

Enough said. This includes friends instruments and/or percussion.

8. No Horse Play No running, chasing or anything that resembles horseplay is
allowed.




Discipline Policy
All grades will be using the school-wide electronic EHS card for discipline. In
addition to the Discipline Card, the following discipline plan will be adhered to. Class
disruption will not be tolerated. Violation of class rules will result in the following
consequences.

1
st
Offense Sign EHS card/Parent contact/Teachable Moment
2
nd
Offense Sign EHS/Loss of daily points/Parent notified by agenda/Lunch Detention
3
rd
Offense Sign EHS/Loss of daily points/Parent notified/Counselor Referral
4
th
Offense Sign EHS/Conference scheduled between Parent/Teacher/Student.
5
th
Offense Student is referred to Administrator.

The following offenses are instant referrals (Step 5).
Cursing
Fighting
Talking back to teacher/disrespect







Chair Tests and Placement
Auditions for chair placement within a section can sometimes bring stress to students.
Please remember that each student is important to the success of the band. Auditions and
playing tests judge the students performance at one specific time under one specific set
of circumstances. Therefore, it is essential that chair and playing tests be viewed only as
part of the learning process. Performance tests may be announced or unannounced.
Audition material will always include the material or literature currently being taught.


Before and After School Practice/Pass-off Times
Students may use the band room to practice before and after school in the event
practicing in the evening at home is an issue. Students may also be asked to pass-off
certain objectives during these times. Please see grid below for available times.

Day Morning (8:00 8:50) Afternoon (4:15 4:45)
Monday Open Appointment only
Tuesday Open Appointment only
Wednesday Closed (Meetings) Appointment only
Thursday Closed (Percussion Ensemble) Appointment only
Friday Open Closed




GMEA Events
The Georgia Music Educators Association holds several events throughout the year.
These events include Solo & Ensemble Festival, District XII Honor Band and the All-
State Middle School Honor Band. All events are open to any student wishing to
participate. The District XII and All-State Bands require auditioning to be selected.
Registration forms will be given the first week of school. Required audition materials can
be found at http://www.gmea.org/info/Band/msetudeslinks.htm.
















Please Sign and Return
(Due Friday, August 29
th
)

Please review the information in this handbook carefully. It may be beneficial to review it
with your child in order to make sure that students have an understanding of expectations
and procedures. We ask that you initial by each item below. This signifies that you have
read, understood, and agree to the items in this document. Please return to the band room
by Friday, August 29
th
. This will count as your childs first participation grade.


______ Uniforms

______ Attendance

______ Calendar

______ Lockers

______ School Owned Instruments

______ Grading Policy

______ Practice Logs

______ Band Rules

______ Discipline Policy


______ Medical History Form (see blog due Friday, August 29
th
)
(7
th
and 8
th
Grade Only)


______ Blanket Permission Form (see blog due Friday, August 29
th
)






________________________________________ ______________________
(Parent/Guardian Signature (Date)

_______________________________________ ______________________
(Student Signature) (Date)