PRM 6th Grade Band

Pearl R. Miller Middle School
Sixth Grade Band 2009-2010

Mrs. Bonnie Hendricks, Band Director
hendricksb@kinnelon.org
973-838-5250 x316

Pearl R. Miller Musicians and Parents:

     Welcome to the 2009-2010 school year at Pearl R. Miller Middle School. My name is Mrs. Bonnie Hendricks and I am honored to be the Sixth Grade Band Director at Pearl R. Miller School. As a music educator for over nine years, I have had the opportunity to work with many talented young musicians and I am looking forward to continuing the Pearl R. Miller School Music Department’s tradition of excellence.

     To ensure an enjoyable and rewarding experience it is necessary to communicate several aspects of the instrumental music program and the expectations for each student. In this packet you will find explanations of class objectives, daily procedures/expectations, instrument care, group lessons, concert dates, concert attire, and grading policies.

     This year we will have two concerts for the Sixth Grade Band. The Holiday Concert will take place on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 6:30pm (with a Snow Date of 12/14/09). The Spring Concert has been scheduled for Monday, May 17, 2010 at 6:30pm. The attire for all concerts is black and white. All young men are expected to wear black dress pants (no jeans), a collared white dress shirt and dress shoes (no sneakers). Young women are expected to wear a long black skirt (mid-thigh or higher length are not permitted) or dress pants, a white top and dress shoes. Prior to each concert a permission slip will be sent home containing a report time and location as well as a concert dress reminder. Students not properly dressed may not be permitted to perform.

     It takes a joint effort of communication and collaboration between students, parents, and teachers to ensure the continued success of the Pearl R. Miller Music Program. Parents, please encourage your child to review their skills by practicing at home on a regular basis to help ensure continued skill development. I am looking forward to working with this group of young musicians and I look forward to seeing you at our concerts throughout the year. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at school.

                                                                    Thank you,

                                                                    Mrs. Bonnie Hendricks

Pearl R. Miller Middle School

Sixth Grade Band Expectations

Objectives

The following is a list of the objectives that will be presented throughout the year.

     1. Care and handling of instruments
     2. Posture and playing position
     3. Instrumental technique
          a. Develop a characteristic tone
          b. Develop listening and intonation skills
          c. Develop rhythmic skills
          d. Develop ability to phrase musically
          e. Develop dynamic control
          f. Develop articulation
     4. Music reading skills
          Understand and interpret printed musical symbols through performance on instruments
     5. Musical sensitivity through performance and listening
     6. Evaluation of musical performance quality
          a. Evaluate progress toward self-established musical goals
          b. Evaluate solo and group rehearsals and performances
          c. Recognize quality of sound, pitch, tempo, rhythm, balance, phrasing, dynamics, articulation
     7. Creative self-expression
          Express oneself in every rehearsals and performance experience.
     8. Develop strong personal skills in the areas of teamwork, leadership, and communication

Daily Class Preparation

Students should enter the room quietly and gather their assigned 1) folder, 2) pencil and 3) their instrument.
Proceed to their assigned seat, assemble instrument and quietly await instructions. Students who play large instruments will have to assemble their instrument and return their case to the proper storage area prior to proceeding to their seat.
Remain seated and refrain from playing their instruments until the teacher has assigned the first task of the day.
When students receive a new piece of music they need to number each measure before the next class meeting.

Daily Instructional Expectations

Students should have their assigned folder and a pencil in class at all times.
Raise their hand and await acknowledgement from the teacher before speaking.
Students are not to play their instrument out of turn.
Exercise respect for the teacher, fellow students and equipment in the band room.
Remain seated at all times in their assigned seat until dismissal.
Work to their highest potential.
At the conclusion of the rehearsal, students should return their instrument and folder to the assigned area in sections in the order given by the teacher and return directly to their assigned seat.
Students should remain seated and wait dismissal by section in the order given by the teacher.

Instrument Care, Repairs and Supplies

Students are responsible for the day-to-day upkeep of their instruments. This means that:

The instrument is always in good playing condition.
You have a sufficient supply of reeds, oil etc. to play the instrument.
Students must purchase their own reeds and valve oil throughout the year; items can be purchased at a local music store, or from the band staff.
Percussion students must have one pair of snare drum sticks for class
All students are expected to purchase the Yamaha Advantage - Book 2 Method Book for his/her instrument. The book may be purchase at a local music store for approximately $8.00.

A music company repairman services the school once a week. If the instrument is in need of repair, Mrs. Hendricks should be notified so that arrangements can be made to have the instrument fixed. Be advised that the turn-around time on repairs can vary greatly. Do not wait until the day or week of a concert to send your instrument out. Do your best to anticipate any needed repairs, and address them before they become major problems.

Small-Group Lessons

The small-group lessons are an integral part of the continuing development and enhancement of each individual student’s musical education. The lessons provide a unique and individualized focus on the finer details of musicianship, and also allow for students to experience music and technology in the school’s MIDI and Computer Lab. The lessons are a key component to the success of the band as a whole. All students are required to take small-group lessons as they are scheduled during the school year. If you are going to miss a lesson, you must let Mrs. Hendricks know before the lesson is to occur and then schedule a Make-Up Lesson. Students will be excused from their lesson if they are absent from school, have a test in that particular class, or need to complete a lab. Small-group lessons account for 30% of a students’ marking period grade.

Lessons will be given before school (starting at 7:45am) and during 2nd and 3rd period during the school day, on a six day rotation. These lessons occur on a rotating schedule, so each student would be required to be at the school early approximately once every three weeks as dictated by the schedule. Lessons will begin during the month of September and a letter and schedule will be sent home prior to the beginning of the lesson program.

Practice/Review

One half hour of practice every day is extraordinary, however some students may find this difficult with their academic demands, therefore I recommend that students practice/review on the days they do not have band and over the weekend.

Concert Dates

Holiday Concert Wednesday, December 9, 2009 6:30pm PRM Gymnasium (Snow Date 12/14/09)
Spring Concert Monday, May 17, 2010 6:30pm PRM Gymnasium

Concert Attire

Women:	Bottom - long black skirt (mid-thigh or higher length are not permitted) or dress pants
	Top - white top and dress shoes (no sneakers).

Men:	Bottom - black dress pants (no jeans please)
	Top - a collared white dress shirt and dress shoes (no sneakers).

Grades are based on the following criteria:

Attendance of small group instruction (30%)
Small group instruction is used for individual testing, technique development and reinforcement of classroom materials and activities. A rotating schedule will be distributed shortly. Students are excused from lessons when they have a test in their regular class.

Attendance of scheduled concerts, written and performance evaluations (30%)
Concerts are the equivalent of a final exam and are mandatory. The performance is the culmination of months of individual skill development and ensemble rehearsals. Also, students will be given written and performance evaluations throughout the year employing various assessment methods.

Class and lesson preparation and participation (40%)
Students are expected to be prepared for the activity with all necessary materials and participate to the best of their ability. A continued or frequent lack of preparation will affect your grade.

Mrs. Hendricks – 6th Grade Band – 2009-2010

ROTATION – SIXTH GRADE GROUPS

Rotation 1:
Period	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
7:45AM	A	D	G	J	M	P
2	B	E	H	K	N	Q
3	C	F	I	L	O	R
Rotation 2:
Period	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
7:45AM	C	F	I	L	O	R
2	A	D	G	J	M	P
3	B	E	H	K	N	Q
Rotation 3:
Period	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
7:45AM	B	E	H	K	N	Q
2	C	F	I	L	O	R
3	A	D	G	J	M	P