Rules & Procedures

Grades

Performances

Instruments & Music

Rules & Procedures

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Participation in band requires teamwork and cooperation, with everyone involved working toward a common goal.  Having a set of rules and procedures that we follow every day makes rehearsals easier and more productive for everyone involved. 

DAILY RULES AND PROCEDURES

The rules I have are relatively simple.  In fact, they can be condensed into four main rules:

1. Be on time

2. Be quiet

3. Have your stuff

4. Have an attitude to try

However, I do find it helps to set out specifics.  The following is the guideline to a successful rehearsal.

1. Enter the music room in a quiet, courteous, and orderly manner.

2. Quickly get your instrument and music and take your seat.

   • A student will be considered tardy if they are not in their seat, ready to rehearse at the appropriate time.

3. Check the blackboard for the agenda.

   • Students will check the blackboard for the agenda and put their method books and music in the correct order.

4. Concert attention will be observed when the director steps on the podium and NO further talking will be permitted.

5. Students will NOT play their instruments without permission.

6. Students will not play other student’s instruments. 

   • This especially includes ALL percussion instruments.

7. Band members should have the following for every rehearsal:  Instrument (with all necessary accessories), all music, and a pencil

8. Good posture is extremely important to making good music and will be used at all times.

9. If a problem develops with your instrument bring it to the attention of the director before or after rehearsal, NOT during the rehearsal.

10. When class is over quietly remain in your seat until you are dismissed.

11. Students who do not bring their instruments to school will have points deducted from their participation grade.

12. Students are expected to play at every rehearsal – NO EXCUSES!!

Grades

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The grades will be determined approximately as follows:

DAILY PARTICIPATION

The bulk of our work will be done during regular class period. Do not ask to be excused from this period except in emergencies. School policy will prevail in dealing with unexcused absences and tardiness during regular band period.  Points will be subtracted as listed below.

PRACTICE

Band students at Lincoln Center should be prepared to devote a minimum 120 minutes a week to individual practice. This time will be recorded on the practice sheet and handed in each week on Monday.  The rewards of playing a musical instrument increase in direct proportion to the number of hours invested in individual practice. These rewards include musical ability, grade, and self-satisfaction.  The key is to set aside a certain time every day for practice. Set up a daily schedule to insure that practice is an important part of your daily studies.

CONCERT ATTENDANCE

Attendance is required for all rehearsals and public performances. One primary purpose of any music program is the preparation for and participation in public performances and contests.

PLAYING TESTS

Students will be periodically asked to perform specific musical exercises or excerpts.  These will be announced well ahead of time and will function in a similar manner to tests in any other class.

LESSONS

Each student will receive a lesson each week.  A Traveling Music Teacher (TMT) will give the lessons to small groups.  It is VERY important that students make their lessons each week.  One absence will be allowed, more than that will affect the student's grade.  Lessons are our time to work on individual skills.  All teachers are made aware of the lesson schedule.  If there is a conflict with a lesson, then Mr. Zabor should be notified in writing.  If a student needs more help with their music they should try to schedule a time with Mr. Zabor before or after school.  I urge all students to consider taking private lessons or lessons at MPS’ Saturday Music Centers in addition to those provided at school.

WRITTEN WORK

From time to time students will be required to complete written work.  This could be done either in or out of class.  The prompt return of most forms and permission slips will count in this category.

Performances

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Here are the concert dates for the 2005-2006 school year.  They are, of course, subject to change and addition.  

Please note: All concerts are required!  If extenuating circumstances require that a student miss a concert, an assignment will be offered so that the student can make up the points (the make-up work earns the points and provides an alternative learning experience, but the student misses the learning and teamwork-feeling that happens when one is on the spot in a concert situation.).  Please help teach your young musician the importance of honoring commitments and please put these dates on the calendar now.  Also, should something come up, please call me.  If I know even a half hour beforehand, a) I won’t worry, b) I can make arrangements if the student’s part needs to be covered, and c) I will think positively about the student’s responsibility!

CONCERT DRESS

• Black pants or skirt - NO SHORT SKIRTS!!!  They look terrible on stage.  If the student wishes to wear a skirt, please be sure it is an appropriate length.

• White shirt - plain, without any pictures, writing or colors on it.  Long or short sleeves are fine, turtlenecks are fine, and tee shirts are fine - anything, pretty much, is fine as long as it is plain white.  Shirts must be tucked in!

• Black shoes - dress shoes would be nice, but black athletic shoes will do.  They must be plain black.  I will cover up any markings with black tape.

Remember that the point of a uniform is so that the whole group looks the same.  We don’t want anyone to stick out and draw the audience’s attention away from the music!

CONCERT ETIQUETTE

Since performance is a major objective of any group, concert etiquette must be learned and practiced.

1          Everyone should remain seated during the performance of each selection. If one must leave during a concert, they should quietly exit between musical selections.

2          There should be no talking during another groups’ performance. Every effort must be made to avoid distractions.  Cell phones and all other similar devices should be turned off.

At the end of each selection, the audience should applaud. Shouting or whistling is not acceptable. Hopefully all students will appreciate the opportunity to hear other groups perform. Remember that you must set an example of personal discipline. Be polite. Politely applaud regardless of your impression of the performing group. Do not be negative.

Instruments & Music

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Most instruments needed for band will be provided by the school, though I do urge 7^th and 8^th graders who plan on playing in high school to consider renting their own instruments.  Before receiving a school-owned instrument the student must return a signed Bond Card.  Each band member will be expected to keep his or her instrument in excellent condition.  All cases will have the student’s name clearly marked on the nametag.

REPAIRS

Lincoln Center will take care of minor repairs that result from normal wear and tear.  Major damage will be your responsibility.  Please read the bond card carefully.

MUSIC

Music and folders will be provided free to students in band. The folder should last a semester. If a replacement is required before the end of the semester, a replacement may be purchased for a fifty-cent fee. All students are responsible for all music in their folders.

Folders or music left out after rehearsal will be picked up and the student will lose points on class participation grade.

Music may be marked in pencil only and music must never be folded. Try to get in the habit of numbering all measures of music in your folder.

All method books and folders must be clearly marked, in pen, with your name and instrument.

LOCKERS

In general, it is not wise to leave you instrument in your homeroom or other unlocked areas in the school (It’s sad, but true, that not everyone is caring about other people.).  Please put your instrument in a safe place!

We have instrument lockers available to band students.  These are school instruments that your child is using and the best way to keep them safe is in a locked locker.

MUSIC SUPPLIES

I keep some supplies on hand.  You will, however, be responsible for most of what you need.  I will provide you with what you need to get started with at the beginning of the year.  Throughout the year, though, your child will be responsible for providing items that are disposable.  These are things such as reeds, valve and slide oil, and some cleaning supplies.  These are available through me at a discounted price.

FEES

All students are required to pay certain fees.  Instrument rental and lesson fees are based on lunch program.  To rent a school owned instrument is $15 per semester, $9 if your child is on the reduced lunch program, and $0 if your child is on the free lunch program.  Lesson fees are the same, regardless of whether or not you use a school instrument.  Other fees may be required and all students are required to pay for needed supplies and method books.

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Lincoln Center of the Arts

820 East Knapp Street

Milwaukee, WI  53202