A
Parents
Guide
To
6th Grade Band

Mr. Brian Carter, Director of Bands
Mr. Pat Jarve, Director of Bands



Gaylord Intermediate School

www.gaylordperformingarts.com




Dear Band Parent(s),

We welcome you and your son/daughter to one of the most exciting and rewarding educational ventures our schools have to offer---BAND!!! We are glad your child has chosen to be a part of our program.

Each year, as sixth grade band begins at Gaylord, we are flooded with questions from parents concerning every aspect of the beginning band program. Although this guide is not intended to replace in-person contact with parents, we hope to answer some of the questions that are asked most often. Please feel to contact one of the band directors in person if you have questions that are not covered here-we would be more than happy to assist you.

What benefits will your son/daughter get from their experience in Band? Recent statistics prove that young people who participate in music are stronger academically and have higher SAT score averages than their fellow classmates. The life-long benefits of band include: self-discipline, group cooperation, high self-esteem, understanding the value of teamwork, performance confidence, and a life long love and appreciation of music. As your child progresses in his/her understanding and command of their instrument, you will notice how this same desire for musical excellence will carry over to their other school subjects.

For you as a parent, the chance to become involved is a bonus. We all know the importance of supporting our children in whatever they choose in life. The following guidelines are designed to assist you in helping your child have an enjoyable and successful band experience. Please check out our performing arts website. It contains important information about the band program and activities happening throughout the school year!


Sincerely,




Mr. Brian Carter Mr. Pat Jarve
Director of Bands Director of Bands
carterb@gaylord.k12.mi.us jarvep@gaylord.k12.mi.us
989-731-0848 x1342 (middle school) 989-731-0969 x1251 (high school)
989-731-0856 x1527 (GIS) 989-731-0856 x1527 (GIS)
Benefits of Instrumental Music

For Your Child For Your Family
Music participation enhances: A child’s music study offers
*Problem Solving opportunities for shared family
*Teamwork experiences, including:
*Self-expression *Family music making
*Coordination *Music event attendance (concerts)
*Memory Skills *Learning about the lives of composers
*Self-confidence and esteem and cultural heritages.
*Concentration *A sense of accomplishment and pride
*Poise for the entire family.
*and much, much more!

How Do You Fit In As A Band Parent

Your support is a crucial element in your child’s success with music study.

SCHEDULE PRACTICE TIMES
*Remind your child to practice 20 minutes, six days/week. This ensures consistent daily progress and success.
*Provide a quiet place for daily practice.
*Have a music stand available for your child to practice with each day.
*Help schedule a consistent, daily time for practice.
*Encourage and support your child’s practicing, especially in the beginning weeks. It will take a few weeks to develop a consistent, characteristic sound on their instrument.
*Praise your child’s efforts and achievements.

SELECT A PRIVATE MUSIC TEACHER
Private lessons will allow your child to receive extra help outside of daily band class. Your child will also advance on his/her instrument at a faster pace. There are quality teachers available at the Musik Haus and high school students available to teach as a part of our “Adopt A Band Student” program. If you need assistance in locating a teacher, please talk to Mr. Carter or Mr. Jarve.

If Your Child Loses Interest

In the event that your child loses interest in band:

*Discuss the situation with your child to determine why their interest is declining.
*Have your child talk to Mr. Carter or Mr. Jarve to communicate their declining interest.

IMPORTANT: We require every student who chooses to participate in band to commit to staying in class through the first concert on January 10. At that point the parent and student will have two weeks to make a decision regarding continued participation in band. After the two-week “window” students will be expected to continue with band the remainder of the school year.

School-owned Instruments

If your child has chosen to play the Tuba or one of the limited school-owned instruments, he/she will be responsible for keeping the instrument clean and well-maintained. Each student using a school-owned instrument will need to complete an “Instrument Loan Agreement” form, signed by a parent, and turned into their band director before an instrument may be used.

Band Schedule

Band classes for students will begin on Friday, September 14. Morning band is taught by Mr. Jarve and afternoon band is taught by Mr. Carter. Both bands are divided by homerooms and meet everyday of the week.

Gaylord 6th Grade Band

Goals: Our goals aim at helping students develop high level musical skills, a love and appreciation for music, and a life-long interest in making music.

Schedule: Students begin band in 6th grade and meet everyday by homeroom during the regular school day. The 6th grade blue band meets in the morning with Mr. Jarve. The 6th grade gold band meets in the afternoon with Mr. Carter. There are no after school rehearsals or practices.

Performances: The 6th grade band will present two concerts: A Winter Concert on Thursday, January 10 and a Spring Concert on Tuesday, May 13. Both concerts start at 7:00pm in the GIS Gymnasium. In keeping with the pride and self-respect we are seeking to promote among the band students, concert dress should be very nice or “Sunday Best”. Students should NOT wear jeans, shorts, tennis shoes, or tops with printed messages or logos. All students will be required to participate in these performances. Unexcused absences (except for sickness or family emergencies/funerals) will result in a reduction of a student’s grade. Decisions concerning excused absences will be made at the discretion of the directors. Please realize that the further ahead of the concert that we are informed of a possible attendance conflict, the easier it is for us to minimize the impact of the absence on the performance of the rest of the band. Please look at your family calendar now to ensure that scheduling conflicts can be resolved well in advance of the scheduled concert date.

Assessment: Students are assessed on their musical progress and skill development, including music reading skills and technical skills on their instrument.

Grading: Students are graded in three areas:

1. Weekly Practice: (100 points each week)
Each week students will be required to fill out their practice chart (located inside the front cover of the book), signed by a parent (NOT initialed), and checked by a director (every Monday). Concerts and private lessons do NOT count towards the total practice time for the week. Students will be expected to practice a minimum of 20 minutes/day, six days a week. The 120 minutes of practice will earn them an A for the week.

A Note About Practicing

We believe that consistent practice is the most important aspect of participation in band, and therefore the most important part of the grading policy. A good practice habit/routine not only earns more points, but helps a student be more prepared for class and perform better on quizzes and concerts!

2. Attendance/Daily Class Participation: (10 points each/day)
Students will earn points for class attendance and participating in class each day. Bad behavior and/or not participating in class will result in a reduction of points and overall grade for that specific day.

3. Quiz/Tests: (100 points each)
Students will periodically be given written or playing quizzes throughout the school year. Playing quizzes will demonstrate the students practice habits and musical progress on their instrument. Written quizzes will demonstrate their understanding of music reading, including musical terms, note names, etc.

4. Extra Credit: (25 points)
Extra credit points may be earned through the following activities:
• Private Lessons
• Individual performance outside of class (i.e. church, nursing home, etc.)
• Attendance at another concert or recital (must submit concert program with parent signature for verification)

5. Concerts/Performances: (100 point each)
Students are required to attend both the Winter and Spring concerts.





Commonly Asked Questions…

Below are some of the questions that we hear many times each year as we start Beginning Band:

1. Will my child run into conflicts between band and sports?

In sixth grade, band (with exception of the two evening concerts) is an in-school activity and conflicts are very few in number. At the middle and high school levels, we do all that we can in our scheduling to avoid conflicts. If conflicts do occur, we try to be accommodating in helping to resolve them. Many of our best band students are also some of the best athletes in the school.

2. How much will my child have to practice each day?

The consistency and frequency of practice is much more important that the total time spent each day. In 6th grade weekly practice is 120 minutes or 20 minutes/day and six days a week. Learning to play an instrument involves training delicate muscle groups to do new things, and is best achieved with consistent daily practice.

3. What is the difference between a trumpet and a cornet?

The cornet is shorter than a trumpet with rounder tubes. Both instruments are acceptable for starting in 6th grade band if the instrument is good working order.

4. Are private lessons necessary for participation in band?

Private lessons are strongly encourage (especially in the first year of band), but are strictly optional. The individual attention a student receives in private lessons will greatly help and advance their playing skills. Lessons are available by talking with one of the directors.

Band Department Offerings

Band students have a variety of performance opportunities to participate in each year:

6th Grade Band:
6th grade students perform in two evening concerts and two concerts for the entire school during the school day (TBA). They also have the option to audition and perform in the GIS talent show in the spring of the school year.

7th and 8th Grade Bands:
7th and 8th students perform in three concerts each year: Winter, Pre-festival, and Spring. They also participate in the Halloween Parade, District and State Band Festivals, District Solo and Ensemble Festival, Middle School Honors Band, and other community events.

High School Bands:
The high school marching band performs at 4-5 home football games and two marching invitationals. They also perform at the Memorial Day Parade and Alpenfest Parade. The concert bands, Symphony Band and Concert Band, perform three concerts each year: Winter, Pre-festival, and Spring. High School band members also perform at High School Honors Band (hosted at Gaylord), District and State Band Festival, District and State Solo and Ensemble Festivals, State MSBOA Honors Band, High School Graduation, High School Sporting Events, and the High School Talent Show. Some students have also performed regularly with the Gaylord Chamber Orchestra.