Course Syllabus
Sun Valley Middle Band Handbook
1409 Wesley Chapel Rd ♦ Indian Trail, NC 28079 ♦ 704.296.3009 ♦ www.svband.blogspot.com
Introduction
The Sun Valley band program strives to create strong, independent, disciplined band members in an environment that is both enjoyable and educationally sound. Our program is designed to help students gain a feeling of accomplishment through personal effort, experience a spirit of cooperation through group participation, and provide an outlet for emotional release and creative expression all while mastering technical execution on their given instrument.
This handbook reviews the policies of the Sun Valley Middle School Bands and we request that you spend time going over this band handbook with yourself and your child. Please read this handbook carefully, it should be a “living document” which is revisited throughout the school-year.
Communication
The best way to support your child’s music education is to STAY INFORMED. You are encouraged to check WEEKLY for announcements, event details, assignments, student progress and news in the following places:
- Class Canvas Page – Become an Observer so that you can monitor your child’s progress
- Band Website (www.svband.blogspot.com) – updated weekly
- SVMS Facebook Page – updated daily with school information
- Report Cards – sent home with students every 6 weeks
If you have a general question about the band program, please reference the band website. If you cannot find the answer to your question on the website or you have a specific question about your child’s progress, please use email or call the school and leave a message for me to call you back.
Class Materials
- Assigned instrument in good working condition with a name tag on the case
Clarinet/Saxophone/Oboe/Bassoon – At least 3 working reeds at all times
Trumpet/French Horn/Trombone – Valve Oil and Tuning Slide Grease in case
Baritone/Tuba – Mouthpiece with pouch that travels to/from school each day
- Band Method Book
6th Grade – Ed Sueta Premier Performance Book 1
7th Grade – Ed Sueta Premier Performance Book 2
8th Grade – Habits of a Successful Middle School Musician
- Band Binder - BLACK three ring binder (1/2 or 1 inch) with a pencil pouch and clear page protectors (15-20 sheets)
We strongly recommend the purchase of a music stand, metronome and tuner to aid in your child’s practice and musical development. Supplies can be purchased at the Sun Valley Band Store, Music & Arts Center in the Arboretum Shopping Center (704.341.0000), or online at www.musicarts.com and www.wwbw.com.
Classroom Rules
1) Be in the right place at the right time with the right materials when class begins
2) No gum, candy, food, or drinks in the band room, during rehearsal, or during performances
3) Do not play your instrument unless you are under direction
4) Avoid equipment not assigned to you
5) Raise your hand to speak or to ask to leave your seat
Grading System
Student progress is measured daily in band and is based on an accrual of points during the grading period:
Rehearsal Etiquette
A check system is used for grade participation. Each week students begin with a maximum of 50 points and may lost points for each instance of the following infractions.
-
- No instrument 10 Points
- Lack of Materials 5 Points
- Poor Performance Etiquette 5 Points
Assessments
Assessments may include, but are not limited to:
- Playing Tests – Method Book Exercises, Scales, Musical Excerpts, etc.
- Written Tests – From Theory Worksheets, Method Book, etc.
- Classwork/Homework Assignments – Practice Journals, Canvas Assignments, etc.
- Performances – Winter/Spring Concerts, MPA Performance, etc.
Assessments will be assigned point values based on the amount of work needed to complete the assignment successfully.
Late Work Policy
Students may turn in work up to 3 days past the due date, each day late decreases the available points earned by 10%. After 3 days, work will not be accepted – this includes Canvas assignments.
Instrument Expectations
Neither the band director nor the school is responsible for the safekeeping of any instrument left overnight in the band room. Instruments are expected to be taken home at the conclusion of each school day for practice and security reasons.
Practice Expectations
Students are expected to practice 20 minutes per day in order to maintain the skills developed within class rehearsals. Canvas assessments and in-class playing tests are given with this time investment in mind.
Fundraising
UCPS does not supply middle school band programs with adequate funds for instrument repair, transportation costs, performance registration fees, and sheet music in a band program of this size. Each year we have ONE fundraiser for our band program called Bank-For-Band, participation is greatly appreciated.
Performances
The SVMS Bands are performing ensembles and every student is expected to attend all band performances. There are usually between two and five concerts per ensemble each year. The dates of these performances will be announced well in advance to allow for adequate planning. In the event of personal illness or death in the family, a student may be excused from the performance without penalty, provided that a note is signed by the parent or guardian and given to the director the next day. Failure to arrange transportation, athletic/dance practices, scout meetings, tryouts or other extra-curricular events ARE NOT excused
SVMS Band Calendar of Events
Day |
Date |
Who |
What |
Where |
Fri |
Nov 8th |
8th Grade Band |
Football Night |
SVHS Stadium |
Mon |
Dec 16th |
6th/7th Grade Band |
Winter Concert |
SVMS Gym |
Thurs |
Dec 19th |
8th Grade Band/SVHS Bands |
Winter Concert |
SVHS Auditorium |
Sat |
Jan 11th |
Select Band Students |
All-District Band Auditions |
Porter Ridge HS Indian Trail, NC |
Fri-Sat |
Jan 24th-25th |
Select Band Students |
All-District Band Clinic |
Stuart Cramer HS Cramerton, NC |
Fri-Sat |
Feb 14th-15th |
Select Band Students |
All County Band Clinic |
Porter Ridge HS Indian Trail, NC |
Thurs |
Mar 5th |
8th Grade Band |
Music Performance Assessment (MPA) |
Wingate University Wingate, NC |
Tues |
May 5th |
6th/7th Grade Band |
Spring Concert |
SVMS Gym |
Thurs |
May 7th |
8th Grade Band |
Spring Concert |
SVMS Gym |
Thurs |
May 14th |
7th Grade Band |
Festival of Music |
Charlotte, NC |
Concert Attire
It is important to dress for success when performing and all students are expected to adhere to the dress code specifications below:
6th Grade: • SVMS Performance T-Shirt
- School code khaki pants, skirt and closed-toe shoes
7th Grade: • SVMS Performance POLO
- School code khaki pants, skirt and closed-toe shoes.
8th Grade: • SVMS Performance POLO
- Black pants or skirt (knee-length or longer)
- Black dress shoes and socks/hosiery
SVMS Performance T-Shirts and Performance Polos will be available for purchase in September.
Course Summary:
Date | Details | Due |
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