Stone Valley Middle School Music Department Handbook 2019-2020 Cadet Band Concert Band Symphonic Band Jazz Band String OrchestraWELCOME! Dear Stone Valley Music Parents and Students, ‘Welcome to the Stone Middle School Music Department! Members of the Stone Valley music groups will enjoy being involved in a campus organization that provides a positive sense of identity, purpose, and pride. The Music Department actively encourages, fosters, and promotes musical and academic excellence, This handbook is a guide for all Stone Valley musicians and their parents. These ‘guidelines have been formulated to maintain a music program in which each ‘member, the entire school, and the Alamo community can take great pride. Here are some of the successes of last year and some of the goals to build upon this, school year: ‘Successes/Highlights: We finally have our new music room!! We finally have a String Orchestra at SV!!! + Great Winter and Spring Concerts + Participation in SRVHS and MVHS Marching events, Area Festivals, and Jazz Concerts « ‘Successful visit to Elementary Schools by the Jazz Band + Band performances in ‘our community (such as the Run for Education or Alamo Tree Lighting Festival) Goals: Continued success in school-wide and community performances * Continue to build our new string orchestra program through outreach to the elementary school feeders throughout the year * Increasing parent and community aware and support of the music program look forward to meeting music students at the beginning of the school year and parents at Back to School Night. Please read the following pages carefully and don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. The last page of this handbook must be signed by parents and students and returned to Mr. Loomer no later than Friday, August 23rd, 2019. Omwand!Table of Contents Page Performing Groups 4 Music Room 5 Instrument Storage and Locks 5 Rehearsal Procedures 6 Music 6 Musical Instruments 7 School-Owned Instruments 8 Concert Dates 9 Concert Attire 9 Band Grading 10 Private Lessons 11 Music Stores 11 Practicing Tips 12 Academic Integrity Policy 12 Music Donations 13 Music Standards 14Performing Groups Cadet Band The Cadet Band isa traditional concert band designed for 6 graders, Students should have completed one year of band prior to being enrolled in this clas. Students who did not play in S trade are welcome, but private lessons ae steongly encouraged to help students catch up. This ‘band will perform at school concerts, will visit the San Francisco Syraphony, and participate in the Band Area Festival Concert Band ‘The Concert Band is our traditional concer band designed for 7- graders. Students must have completed a least one or to years of band prior to being enrolled in this class. These bands will perform at school concerts, Band Area Festivals, and our Spring Performance Trip. Other performances may be announced, Symphonic Band ‘The Symphonie Band is our traditional concert hand designed for § graders, Students must have completed a least one or two years of band prio to being enrolled in this class. These bands will perform at sehool concerts, Band Area Festivals, and our Spring Performance Trip. Other performances may be announced, String Orchestra ‘Our new String Orchestra class is designed for 6-8 graders. The traditional string orchestra instruments wil be aught; violin, viola, cello, bass, & piano. (Other similar instruments will be added at teacher discretion.) Students should have experience playing an instrument, but all are ‘welcome. (Private lessons are strongly encouraged to help beginning students catch up) This ‘orchestra will perform at school concerts, wll visit the San Francisco Symphony, and participate in the Area Sting Festival zz BandThe Music Room In order to ensure a safe and welcoming classroom, students must adhere tothe following rules as part of their grade. (Failure to follow these rules might also involve a detention ) + No food or drinks (except water) are allowed. + No gum is ever allowed. No vandalism to stands, lockers, posters, doors, walls, ee + Students must only ouch their own instrument and belongings. + Norumning or horseplay allowed. ‘© Students must clesn-up afte arbage, ete) emselves after each rehearsal (Used reeds, pencils, music, Never leave un instrument unattended on a char. ‘© Take PRIDE in their music room and enjoy! Instrument Storage ‘Students must follow these guidelines or cisk losin their locker privileges. Lockers willbe routinely checked during the year. Combo locks may be brought from home but combos must be given to Mr. Loomer. (No “keyed” locks or “direction” locks allowed.) + ‘The music room will be open between 8:00 and 8:15 AM each morning for stdents to drop off their instruments. Pick-up will be after sehool until 3:00 PM or until 2:20 PM on Wednesdays, + Lockers are for instruments and band music ONI LY. Al other items will be placed in the StoneRehearsal Procedure Every rehearsal at school is a golden opportunity for the group to improve their playing ‘musicianship, and citizenship. It requires daily effort of every member. A student's daily “participation” will be evaluated and make up the largest portion of their grade, Parents are more than welcome and encouraged to attend any dsily rehearsal 1, Students must be on time for each rehearsal (and performance), 2, When entering the music room, students must immediately take all necessary items needed for the rehearsal to their assigned seat. Ths includes musi, instrument, pencil, sticks, mallets, ete 4. Students will be marked tardy if they are not in their seats ready to play two minutes after the tardy bell rings. 4, When the conductor, student, or guest i on the podium, students must give them ther fll 5, When the musi stops, students must listen for direction and comments. This will enable students to impeove faster, play and sing more music, and enjoy the class, 6, Rehearsals ends when the director dismisses the class, not when the bel rings. Students must Safely put ther music and/or instruments away and throw away any personal trash atthe end of rehearsal, Music Band & Orchestra Classes All Band and Orchestra students willbe given a binder and sheet protectors to hold the sheet ‘music that will be passed out in class. Students are encouraged to write in pencil (aot pea) on this ‘music. According to copyright law, the music will be collected at the end ofthe semester and. either refed or destroyed by the teacher, ‘Students will be checked out a method book provided by the music department. This is theMusical Instruments - Care and Maintenance ‘Woodwinds ‘Woodwind instruments must never be wasled or soaked with water, The cork and pads will be permanently damaged. Students must swab thei insirument with the appropriate size swab ot pprchase a pad saver that i inserted into the instrument for storage. Students must make sure the ‘instrument is inthe ease properly before closing it Reeds must NEVER be left on the mouthpiece after use. Mold and other bacteria thrive on dark, damp places. Yuck! Reed players must have a least 3 working, playable reeds in their eae a all times. A box of reeds are best, Used reeds must be disposed of propery inthe garbage Instruments should NEVER be placed on a chair or music stand, Wash your hands before playing or handling your instrument, This will prevent fingerprints, oil, ‘grime and other general dirt from building up on your instrument, Opt fora hard, well-padded case. A good hard ease and good cushioning will reduce the risk of damaging the instrument. Don't leave you instrument in the sun of other places lke a car for long periods of time where it ‘could get hot, (Your instrument could become tngled) Always loosen your bow after you have finished using it, Tightness over along period of time ‘will damage the eurved wood ofthe bow and the horse hairs, Wipe rosin aff the stick of the bow and off your instrument afte each practice, Common places where rosin accumulates are ‘between the fingerboard and the bridge, on and under the fingerboard, under the bridge and on the strings. (Make sure o use ¢ gentle cloth when cleaning your instrument.) Brass Brass mouthpieces and instruments can become clogged and should be cleaned at least every 3 ‘months, There ate special brushes and "snakes" to clean the inside of brass instruments, All slides and valves are removable and can be soaked in watm water to remove els and food particles. have & botle of valve oil in their case, All rombone recommended). All musi stores carry Al trurmpet, baritone, and tuba players mo players must have a slide grease or ream, “cleaning kits” and are recommended. Percussion aSchool-Owned Instruments + Band instruments such as tenor sax, bass clarinet, French hom, baritone sax, baritone horn, tuba, and others are provided at no charge as a service to students who are willing to branch out and learn a new instrument. They are also helping fill out the instrumentation in the band to provide better balance, Students who play a school-owned instrument are responsible for its care, safety, and upkeep as if it were their own instrument. + There are also school-owned instruments available for students and families who are unable to rent an instrument. Those instruments are provided to students at no cost, assuming they are well cared-for, and no repairs are needed due to negligence. Instrument supplies are limited, but Mr. Loomer will make every attempt to provide the best instrament possible for all students, ‘+ Students playing school-owned reed instruments must provide their own reeds, cork grease, and cleaning swab. Students playing school-owned brass instruments must provide their own valve oil, slide oil, slide grease, and cleaning kit, Damage to any school-owned instrument will be not be tolerated, Periodic inspections will ensure instruments are receiving proper care and maintenance. + Students and parents will be financially responsible for repairs due to gross negligence, and students will be at risk of losing the privilege of borrowing an instrument from the school for the remainder of the year. There will be a separate SV Music agreement form that parents and students aust sign peice to receiving sn instrument.Concerts and Performances ‘+ Asmembers ofthe band or choi, students are clled upon many times during the year to perform for parents, students, children, judges, and community members, To ensure & successful performance, its essential fr all students in hand to attend and perform, Every student is extremely valuable, and without his/her contribution, the entie group suffers. Please see page 16 for more updated performance information and requirements, and also the mandatory performance dates, Concert Attire ‘+The Stone Valley Bands ate expected to dress for success at all musical performances, Please review the following information and make plans to have the required clathing well before each concert. ‘+ The required ress code for the Winter and Spring Concert and any other formal ‘performance is our Music Polo and black pants, black shoes and black socks, Students rot wearing required clothes will be asked to go home and change immediately Boys + Black pants, black shoes, black socks, and Stone Valley Muse shi. Girls + Black shoes, lack socks, black pants o dress with the Stone Valley Musi shirt Black dresses!skirts may be worn, but must come PAST the knees when standing and seated, No yogs-type pants, UGGs, or flip-flops allowed, Stone Valley Music Polos + The music department takes great pride in showcasing the school spirit of its musicians Stone Valley Music Polos are required forall formal performances. +The Stone Valley Music Department does not refuse participation to any student based on en SOLE DO OS IONCadet, Concert, and Symphonic Band Grades ‘Students and parents may access current student grades (plus newsletters) by accessing the Stone Valley Middle School home page. A parent note, call, or email is required the same day if the udont’s instrument is damaged andlor ir shop and isnot at school Rehearsal Participation (20%) ‘+ On time to music clas, Students must be in their seats ready to play 2 minutes after the tardy bell rings. Prepared with instrument, music, and pencil. Grades will drop afte instances of forgotten instrument or music, Classroom behavior, participation, and care of music oom. tad, Weekly Practice Record (20%) ‘+ Students mast practice their musie assignment a minimum of 20 minutes each day days @ week) to contribute tothe band’s overall success, (100 minutes weekly) ‘+ Students will complete their practice record each weekend and have it signed by a parent before bringing it in every Monday to be stamped “on-time” in class, After Monday, practice records will be stamped late only forthe remained of that week. Music Vocabulary Dictionary (15%) ‘+ Students will create their own Music Vocabulary ditionary from terms we will len each week in class. Occasional quizzes will be given to test understanding, In-Class Playing Tests (15%) Students will periodically play individual andlor group playing tests on scales or excerpts rom our shect music, Stdents will be graded on posture, notes, rhythm, dynamics, style, articulation, phrasing, and other concepts leamed in clas. Attend Live Concert (Once a semester) (10%) © Students will nced to attend a concest (one they are not performing in) that is inaPrivate Lessons ‘While Stone Valley music groups are devoted to the study and performance of literature for & large ensemble, every musician must gain the individual techniques on ther instrument or voice tbe successful. As students become more skilled, their enjoyment of musi increases as a _areater body of music becomes availabe for study and practice, While the conductor provides: ‘some individual help during rehearsal there is no substitute for one-on-one instruction by a private teacher, Such a teacher is able to devote an entire lesson toward meeting the individual needs of the musician It's an enormous boost for a student's self estcem and confidence in ‘music. Any interested students and parens should see Mr, Loomer or contact local muse store Local Music Stores Buy orreatan instrument, stock up on reeds, valve oil, ticks, drums, metronomes, tuners, and cleaning supplies: Danville Music - (925) 743 - 0898 113 Town & Country Dr., Suite E Danville, CA 94526 House of Woodwinds - (925) 831 - 8341 2205 San Ramon Valley Blvd San Ramon, CA 94583, Great Online Band Equipment Resource: ‘Woodwind and Brasswin Ieper vbw com Please contact Mr. Loomer for instrument brand recommendations!5 Tips to help your Student succeed at Learning an Instrument Find music artists which play your students instrument in various styles and share thie ‘music, Youtube and google make this very easy todo when motivation and interest in practice dips... which it will 2. Look for some super easy pop music for them atthe local musi store or online. Tt keeps the excitement high! 3. A daily practice goal — rather than number of mimes is the way to go. For example, today, master measutes 8-24 in one song. Tomorrow master @ new note or thythm on pe. 2A and two exercises that use that notethythrn, 44, Midale school is the perfect time to consider switching instruments, If they don't want to continue playing in middle school ~ consider switching. Many, many’ of my past students have done this and ate sill playing and loving tin High school. Common switches are Flute to Oboe: Clarinet or Sax to Bass Claret, Tenor or Baritone Sax; Brass to another brass ~ Tuba, French Hor, Baritone; Law Percussion to Low brass or woodwind; Melodie percussion to flute; Flute to violin; Violin to viola; Violin to Cello. 55. This is probably one of the most important suggestions: All the wonderful benefits from learning music come when we stick with i!!! ean't say enough about this one. My experience has taught me that when you give the child an option, or the sense that you ‘may be convinced to change your mind, they will argue you into submission. Stay firm. and life is simpler for everyone Getting better is addictive, so tell them to get out there and practice and they will gt beter! Academic Integrity Policy Stone Valley Middle School is committed to developing students of character. The PRIDE acronym clearly defines the five expected community behaviors of personal responsibility respect, integrity, dependability, and effort (PRIDE). Being a member of the PRIDE means that the student is responsible for ACADEMIC INTEGRITY at Stone Valley Middle School ‘Students will ake the time to do their own class Work. Students will leara without cheating, Torging. lying, or taking shortcuts they know to be wrang on homework, projects or exams. Time TrackersMusic Department Donations Stone Valley Middle School has a long history dating back to 1951 when the school was opened. We still have some sheet music and instruments from that era that we are trying to replace... Please consider sponsoring a piece of music for an upcoming performance! 1 Jazz Band Piece - $404 1 Cadet Band Piece - $454+ 1 Concert/Symphonie Piece - $50+ 1 Choir Song (40 copies) - $65+ The Bands need help! We need quality low brass and woodwind instruments to help balance the band. Many of the school-owned instruments are well over 25 years old, Any donations toward an instrument would be most appreciated, or if ‘you know anyone who has a used working instrument they can donate. 1. Tuba - $1500 (used) 2. Trombone - $500 3. Tenor Saxophone - $1000 (used) 4. Symphonic Chimes - $2000 5. French Hom - $1000 (used) 6. Vibraphone - $1500 7. Baritone Horn - $800 (used)The National Music Standards ‘Standard 1: Singing alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music + Students in the SV choir and bands will uilize singing to improve their musicianship. Band students will regularly sing excerps from their band music and which will enhance their intonation, tone, and understanding of the music around them, ‘Standard 2: Performing on instruments, ak + Students in the SV choir and bands will uiliz instruments to improve their musicianship Choir students will occasionally play’ a variety of instruments to enhance thie singing ye and with others, a varied repertoire of ‘Standard 3: Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments + Students primarily inthe SV Jazz Band will regulatly improvise music during rehearsals and performances. Choir and band members will also improvise musical "answers" ‘generated "question ‘Standard 4: Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines + Students will be encouraged to write their own melodies using staff paper and music notation software, Standard 5: Reading and notating music + Students in all music ensembles will read and write notated music on a daily basis during rehearsal Standard 6: Listening to, analyzing, and describing music + Students in the SV choir and bands will regularly listen to and analyze a variety of musical ‘excerpts to compare and contrast musical concepts and characteristic in their own music, Standard 7: Evaluating music and music performances Students in the SV choir and bands will constantly evaluate ther own playing, their contribution to the ensemble, andthe whole group's performance during rehearsals and after ‘Standard 8: Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplinesSeven Important Skills Your Child Learns By Studying Music ‘Comprehending. Learning to perceive and derive meaning from musical sounds for example, to identify a musical theme -- sharpens your child's ability to ‘comprehend abstractions. Solving Problems. The ability to understand a problem and reach an appropriate solution is one of the most important skills your child can learn. Learning the basics of musical language, such as harmony, or interpreting a work through performance teaches this skill Reasoning Logically. Applying particular lessons to other problems and solutions requires sound reasoning. When your child learns to analyze a musical work from a cultural, structural, or historical perspective, or to improvise within a certain ‘musical style, both indicative and deductive reasoning grow stronger. Making Value Judgments. Learning to comprehend, consider, and evaluate in music can help your child make informed decisions in other aspects of life. Discriminating between great and lesser works or justifying musical choices in compositions can teach your child how to make and uphold value judgments. Using Symbols. The ability to use symbols distinguishes the human race among all forms of life. Learning to read, write, and interpret musical notation provides access to a non-verbal world of thought and strengthens the use of other symbols systems as well, such as mathematics or language, Conceptualizing. Your child learns to classify and generalize by learning to identify different types and styles of music, to recognize how different cultures use music for personal expression, and to recognize common elements in different works. ‘Communicatine. Perhans the createst cift of music is its ability to cultivate our.Mandatory Performances “The Stone Valley Music Department's musi ensembles are all performance-based, The success of ‘each group is based on the commitment ofits members, When students fall to appear for a performance i affects the entire music ensemble Please mark your calendars now! The director must be notified of any performance conflict "THREE MONTHS before the performance. Failure to do so will result in a students grade to drop ‘one full grade, with only family emergencies excepted, Sporting events such as practices, games, oF ‘ryouts will NOT be excused. All ther outside activities wil also NOT be exeused, Date Event Group Time ‘Aug 22" Back To School Night @ SV Parents only 6:30-8:30 pm Oct13" —— SRVEF Run for Education iB ‘TBA...(Farly) ‘Oct31* Halloween Trip (Rancho & Mauzy) SB 8.00-11:30am Novis San Ramon Football @SRVHS ca.s8 5-8:30pm Nov 14/15 Drama Semester 1 Production DR. 7-9 pm Dee 20 ‘Winter Program Artwork Due Opt. (ALL) Dec9® Live Concert Program Sem. 1 Due All Classes! Dec12® Winter Concert (SV GYM) al 7:00pm Dec 14% SRVHS Jazz Festival @SRVHS iB BA Jan15% Talent Show Auditions @MPR_——_Opt. 2:00-3:00pm JanTBA Jazz Performance @ Alamo iB 5:30-1am Jan 30% Talent Show Opt. 7:00pm Feb 13-168 Southern California Tour "78 8 only All Days Feb248-—SFSymphony Trip fmgrade only allay Feb28 ADF Rehearsal @ CWMS AB :00am-9:30m March TBA ABF Rehearsal @SVMS ca,s8 2-3:30pm MarchTBA ABE Rehearsal @ DMS 9-Llam March TBA Jazz Performance @ Rancho 9:30-1lam March 108 San Ramon ARF Rehearsal March 10% San Ramon Area Band Festival 7:00pm March 186 Monte Vista AHF Rehearsal 30am-Ipm March 18% Monte Vista Area Rand Festival 7:00pm ‘April 25% CMEA Festival @ SRVHS TBA AprilTBA Jazz Band Auditions @MusicRm Opt (69/7) All Week ‘April30/ Drama Semester? Production” DR 9:30pm May 1 May 4% Spring Program Arework Due pt (ALL) May6® District String Festival Rehearsal SO SatamStone Valley Music Contract The Stone Valley Middle School Music Department is composed of dedicated, enthusiastic, and respectful musicians striving for the highest standards of musi excellence. The cohesiveness and unity of the musical groups make them each unique in that individuals not only have the opportunity of generating their own excitement and enthusiasm, but affecting everyone around them in a positive way. lease tear off/print this page only and return it to Mr. Loomer in the music room by Friday, August 23rd, 2019. The Music Handbook is for parents and students to keep for the year and refer to as needed. Failure to return signed form by the date above will result in a lowered bandichoir grade I have read the band handbook including information regarding rules performances, practicing, and instrument care. I understand I am obligated to attend all required performances unless written notice is given to Mr. Loomer three months in advance by a parent or guardian, Grade. Period ‘Student Name (Please Print) ‘Student Signature