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TRANSCRIPT
L’Anse Creuse
Middle School North
2017– 2018
Band Handbook
2
Dear L’Anse Creuse MSN Band Students and Parents,
Let me be the first to welcome you to the MSN Band Program. I am thrilled you have
chosen to begin what will no doubt be a very exciting and inspiring journey through the field of
music. I cannot express how thrilled I am to have the privilege to be your child’s band teacher
this year.
The MSN Band Program is an organization known throughout the area for its class and
high standard of excellence. It is in this tradition we strive to build upon. I look forward to
beginning and continuing the music education of the best students MSN has to offer. Students
enrolled in the MSN band program will receive a quality education in music and musical
performance while also learning about hard work, dedication, teamwork, and many other
beneficial life skills.
This handbook is designed to give you a quick look at both the expectations and
opportunities provided to each MSN band student. Please look over it carefully with your
student and make sure they understand the rules and expectations.
An information form is included at the end of the handbook. I am going to require
completed forms be turned in, by all students, no later than Friday, September 8th for a
homework grade. If there is a problem with this due date, please contact me as soon as possible
at [email protected]. Both the information provided by you on these sheets and updates we
make to the MSN band website (www.comerfordmsn.weebly.com) will keep you informed with
all important information regarding your child.
Thank you for supporting your child in their education to make L’Anse Creuse Middle
School North and the MSN band the best it can be! Please do not hesitate to contact me with any
questions or concerns. I look forward to a wonderful school year!
Sincerely,
Justin Comerford
Band Teacher
L’Anse Creuse Middle School North
(586)493-5260
3
Table of Contents
Opportunities in the Middle School North Band Program 4
Band Rules and Expectations 5-6
• Class Procedures
• Class Rules
• Consequences
Class Participation 7
Required Class Materials 8
Financial Obligations 9
Practice 10
Private Instruction 10
Concert Attire 11
Grading Policy 12
Grading Rubric 13-14
• 6th and 7th Grade Performance Rubric
• 8th Grade Performance Rubric
Getting Braces (and other dental appliances) 15
“I QUIT” 15
Important Dates 16
Contact Information 17
Student Information (To be handed back to Mr. Comerford) 18
4
Opportunities in the MSN Band Program 6th Grade (Beginning) Band:
The Beginning Band is arguably the most important part of any quality band program
as it is the roots of what creates our outstanding musicians from 7th grade through 12th grade. In
this ensemble, students will begin learning how to play a musical instrument and lay the
foundation of music fundamentals and knowledge crucial to future success in band.
7th Grade (Intermediate) Band:
In the 7th Grade Band, students continue improving their fundamental music skills.
Students also continue to improve and learn new skills important in performing at a high level on
a musical instrument. Throughout this important year of musical development, students start to
learn about how to play and work together as a large group.
8th Grade (Advanced) Band:
The 8th Grade Band is the premier performance ensemble for Middle School North. In
this class, students continue development of their instrumental performance skills, as well as
beginning an in-depth study of how to play together as an ensemble. This band usually is the
representative of the band program to perform at school events and select athletic events.
Pep Band:
This ensemble is part of the 8th grade curriculum and an off-shoot of the 8th grade
band. In this band setting, students learn about playing outdoors or in gyms while helping to
provide excitement and support to the MSN students and athletic teams.
MSN Jazz Ensemble:
This ensemble is open to 7th and 8th grade students only and begins during the month
of October. Students will meet from 7:00 – 7:50 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Throughout
the year, students will learn how to perform in a jazz ensemble and how the parts fit together
differently than in a standard concert band. We will also begin to learn basic fundamentals of
jazz improvisation and expand students’ knowledge of notes and scales.
Solo & Ensemble:
All students enrolled in 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Bands have the option to perform a solo
with piano accompaniment or in an ensemble with friends, from the same band class they are in.
6th Grade Solo & Ensemble will take place in March while we give the students plenty of time to
understand how their instrument works. 7th and 8th Grade students will perform their solos and
ensembles at the end of January in class. In addition, 7th and 8th Grade students also have the
option to perform at the Michigan Schools Band and Orchestra Associations annual Solo &
Ensemble Festival which also takes place at the end of January at Rochester HS. More
information will be provided as we get closer to these events.
MSBOA District XVI Honors Band:
Outstanding 7th and 8th grade band students will be nominated, and if selected, will
take part in this ensemble consisting of students from Macomb, St. Clair, and Oakland Counties.
Usually, 2-3 students from each grade will be the final students selected to take part in the
ensemble.
MSBOA Honors Band:
This auditioned ensemble takes place mid-January in Grand Rapids, Michigan at the
Michigan Music Educator conference. Information for this ensemble will be passed out at the
beginning of the school year for 7th and 8th Grade students. The auditions are held in mid-
October.
5
Band Rules & Expectations
Classroom Procedures:
Please be sure to read and discuss these classroom expectations with your young
musician. Our band classes are usually quite large, some containing as many as 60
students. It is important for students to understand there is no tolerance for
disrespectful or disruptive behaviors.
1.) Enter the room quietly and set up for class. All personal belongings should be
stored in your band locker. Book bags are not allowed in class. Take care of all
instrument problems BEFORE or AFTER class (oiling valves, reeds, etc.)
2.) Be in your seat with your instrument, method book, and pencil ready to start
class 3 minutes after the tardy bell.
3.) Rehearsal order will be on the board. When class starts, students should have
their music in this order so we don’t waste time during class.
4.) Sit quietly in your seat while you wait for class to start. We will warm up
together as a class, do not play until class begins.
5.) Once a director / teacher steps on the podium, all noise stops and your
undivided attention is given to the person on the podium (this most definitely
includes substitute teachers).
Unnecessary talking should not occur until class is over.
6.) Students must raise their hand and be recognized to speak.
7.) Students must get permission to leave his/her seat. Exception will be
percussion students as they do not use chairs on most days.
8.) Students will leave the band room just as it was before class.
9.) The director / teacher dismisses class…not the class bell. Wait for his/her
permission to leave class. We will never line-up at the door for dismissal.
6
Classroom Rules:
1.) Treat all others with respect (this includes other students, teachers,
substitute teachers, and guests)!
2.) The band room is a food/drink/gum – free zone! No food, drink, or
gum should ever be out in the band room.
3.) Respect the property of others. Leave other students’ belongings
alone.
4.) Respect the room equipment. Music stands and percussion
instruments are expensive pieces of equipment, not tables for storage.
Non-percussionists should never touch percussion equipment, unless
instructed to by a director.
5.) Follow the L’Anse Creuse Student Code of Conduct.
Our rules and procedures are designed to create a positive learning
environment where students can learn and feel safe.
Consequences for breaking rules:
First offence – Verbal warning
Second offence – Incident is documented & e-mail and/or phone call
home
Third offence – MSN Band Discipline letter is sent home & e-mail
and/or phone call home
Fourth offence – Office Referral
**Other consequences for severe or repeated misbehaviors may
include parent/teacher conference, losing special privileges, or
dismissal from the band program.**
7
Class Participation
Students should bring instruments, music/method book, supplies
(reeds, valve/slide oil, etc.) and a pencil to class every day. Failure to be
prepared for class will result in 2 points off his/her participation grade
per day. Even if a student does not have a playable reed, an instrument,
or music, he/she will participate by following along, listening, taking
part in class discussions, and remaining in their seat. Examples would
be to "play" a pencil, sing the part, etc. Students will NOT be allowed to
do work from other classes.
If an instrument is being repaired, parents should send a
note/email/phone call to Mr. Comerford indicating such. The student
will still participate as noted above and will lose participation points. To
avoid the loss of participation points, please discuss with Mr. Comerford
ahead of time any repairs to instruments. This way we can get your
child an instrument to use while theirs is being repaired.
If a student has an illness/injury which keeps him/her from
playing, the only way to be excused from playing is through a
note/email/phone call from a parent/guardian. They will still need their
instrument and music for class (they will "play" the instrument minus
the blowing). Under no circumstances should a student “borrow”
another person’s instrument or reeds for health reasons.
8
Required Band Supplies:
Everyone:
• Instrument
• Pencil
• Music Folder with sheet music (provided by the band)
• Method Book:
➢ 6th Grade: Standards of Excellence Book One (for their specific instrument) – can
be purchased at Rental Night, available from music stores or online at
Amazon.com.
➢ 7th Grade: Standards of Excellence Book One and Book Two (for their specific
instrument) – can be purchased at Rental Night, available from music stores or
online at Amazon.com.
➢ 8th Grade: can be purchased at Rental Night, Standards of Excellence Book Two
• Flip Folder: (8th Grade Only) – Students are issued these in class to hold pep band music
for performances. Students will keep these throughout the entire year and must be
returned at the end. Replacement fee of $10.00 will be assessed for missing flip folders.
• Lyre: (8th Grade Only) – Students are issued these in class to attach the flip folder to the
instrument. Replacement fee of $10.00 will be assessed for missing lyres.
All Woodwinds - Clarinets, Saxophones, Oboes, Bassoons (except flute):
• Several playable reeds
o Clarinet/Saxohpone – 6th Grade Rico 2 ½
▪ 7th Grade – Rico 2 ½ or 3, Vandoren 2 ½
▪ 8th Grade – Rico 3, Vandoren 3
**Due to L’Anse Creuse Policy, we may no longer sell reeds to students. These must be
purchased from a music store or online. They can be ordered over the phone and sent to the
middle school or online and sent to your front door.**
Percussion Expectations
Required equipment for all Percussion
• Stick/Mallet Bag
• Vic Firth, Ludwig, or Yamaha bell kit
• Medium hard xylophone/bell mallets (Vic Firth M61)
• Basic Concert snare drum sticks (Vic Firth SD1)
• Metronome – can be purchased, standalone device. Can also be Web based, or an app on
phone or tablet.
• Yarn mallets (Vic Firth M211)
• Soft Timpani Mallets (Vic Firth T1 General)
** Equivalent Mallets from Mike Balter company will also be accepted.
**These materials will be used throughout middle and high school if kept in good
condition.
9
Financial Obligations
The financial obligation for membership in the MSN band is
relatively small. The greatest financial obligation is furnishing a musical
instrument. Unless an instrument is already available, 6th graders are
encouraged to rent an instrument from a local music store rather than
purchase one. This is a monthly obligation of about $25-$40, depending
on instrument selected, and gives the student a chance to find out if band
is right for them without making a large instrument purchase. If a
student wishes to continue in band for a long time, then purchasing an
instrument is a worthwhile option. Larger/more expensive instruments
(Tubas, Baritones, French Horns, Bassoons, Oboes, Bass Clarinets,
Tenor Saxophones, Baritone Saxophones) are available for use from the
school. These instruments are available on a first come, first serve basis.
6th, 7th, and 8th grade percussionists will need to purchase sticks and
mallets outlined above and rent a bell kit. 6th grade percussion starts later
in the school year.
If you are looking to purchase an instrument from elsewhere,
please contact Mr. Comerford so I may point you in the right direction
as far as what to buy. There are instruments being made which will
continuously break and are not able to be repaired by the various local
music stores. In addition, when buying anything online, one must be
mindful of what and who they are buying from. Assistance from Mr.
Comerford should provide you enough confidence you are getting the
most for your money.
10
Practice:
Students are expected to, and will need to practice outside of class just like any
other class to succeed. Most assessment of the students is done through performing
on their instrument. Students should at least plan to spend the appropriate time per
week practicing at home to do well on playing assignments and to stay on par with
the class.
A few suggestions to help you get your practice in a little easier:
• Use the play along options that come with your method book. These give
you the option of playing a various tempo until you are able to master the piece
that may be slightly out of reach for you. It will also help prepare you for playing
with others as you progress through band.
• Get out your instrument while you are watching TV. When a commercial
break comes on, use this time to practice. No one really likes commercials anyway.
• Go to the music store and pick up a book of pop songs or movie themes
for your instrument. Who said you must only practice scales and band music for
class? Make it more fun for you. In addition to playing on your band music, play
some music that you pick out.
• Invite a friend over to practice with you. Who said getting the job done
means locking yourself in your room all alone? Having a friend from class over to
practice helps you both get better. The person you invite over doesn’t even have to
play the same instrument.
Don’t forget to turn in a completed practice record each week!!!
Private Instruction
A common misconception among students is private lessons are tutoring
for students who are behind. Private instruction on a student’s own instrument is a
great opportunity for all band students! One-on-one instruction helps struggling
students find a way to “catch up”, keep high achieving students challenged on their
instrument, and can help “middle of the road” students achieve more and boost
their excitement in class.
There are a wide variety of instructors who give private lessons. Please
contact Mr. Comerford for help in finding a teacher your child will gain the most
from.
11
Required Concert Attire:
Please review carefully as there is a change for this school year.
To present our band in the best way possible, we have guidelines to
make sure everyone in the band looks their best while we perform in
concert.
All Band Students:
• Black, long-sleeve dress shirt. Can be turtleneck, button up, and/or
collared with no other colored markings. Previously, we have
required turtleneck shirts, but I must agree with many of you who
have spoken to me, these are getting harder to find. I believe it is
time to change our concert attire.
• Black, full length pants. Please, no shorts, capris, gauchos, or
athletic pants with stripes or other markings. Dress pants are
preferred.
• Black, over the calf socks.
• Black Shoes – No other markings should be visible on outside of
shoe.
7th & 8th Grade students:
Will be supplied a band jacket before our first concert. A
replacement fee of $75.00 will be assessed if the jacket is not returned at
the end of the year.
Please contact Mr. Comerford as soon as possible if you are unable to
acquire the listed items for your child. I will work with you to get your
child what they need for our performances.
12
Grading Policy
Participation: Band is a performance based class relying heavily on class participation.
Students are given 2 points per day. This grade is based on a student’s willingness to participate,
i.e. playing in class, giving examples, answering questions. This grade can be lowered if the
student fails to have his/her instrument and/or other necessary materials for class (Pencil, music
folder, etc.) If you do not have your materials, it is not possible to participate fully with the class.
Concerts: Since band is a performance based class, we view our public performances as a major
part of the curriculum. The concert attendance portion of your grade counts as 250 points per
concert. Everyone who participates automatically gets full points. Failure to attend will result in
a zero. If a student is to miss a concert, for any reason, they will be assigned a research report to
make-up the points for their grade.
All concerts are held after school hours. All evening concert dates are listed in the
handbook. If a student cannot be present at a concert, please give notice to Mr. Comerford as
soon as possible. Last minute emergencies or illness do happen, but students who miss the
concert will still have a make-up assignment to complete for full points.
Please remember the performance is the goal of all our work, every day, in band.
When one person is missing, for any reason, it takes away from the group as a whole.
Assignments: From time to time, various types of assignments may be assigned. Students will
always have ample time during class to finish their assignment. If a student has music
homework, other than practicing, it just means they did not use their in-class time as well as they
could have.
Practice Records: Practice records will be a weekly grade worth 10 points per week. Written
homework is never assigned, but practice time is vital to student success and growth as a
musician. Students may pick-up a practice record sheet from the band room or print them out
from the website. To receive credit, a student needs to complete a form, have his/her
parent/guardian sign for that week, and place it in the assignment hand in the first school day of
the week. I suggest the student spread out practice time every day during the week rather than
just trying to do it all in one day. Your child will get much more out of their practice time by
spreading it out. Required practice time is as followed (totals are based on a 5 day, Monday-
Friday week):
12 minutes per day, or 1 hour per week.
Playing Tests: Students will have bi-weekly playing tests which help determine your child’s
growth throughout each quarter. Each test will be worth 100 points. Please refer to the rubrics
on the following pages for more information on how students’ test grades are determined.
13
6th and 7th Grade Performance Rubric
Domains
Tone
25 Excellent, mature, and characteristic sound
20 Good sound, but lacking in maturity
15 Fair sound, but lacking fullness and focus
10 Weak tone, unfocused
Hand Position
15 Hands are relaxed and natural, perfect
position
13 Slightly tense hands, misplaced fingers
10 Serious attention needed on hand position
5 Poor hand positions
Suggestions for Improvement
Breathing Exercises
Siren Buzzes
Long Tones
Daily Studies
Say your posture chant
Practice in front of a mirror
Practice standing then sitting
Use book as a model
Rhythm
20 No discernible rhythm errors
15 Minor rhythmic errors
10 Numerous rhythmic errors
5 Inconsistent rhythm
Count and clap
Analyze the counting
USE A METRONOME
Posture
10 Posture is correct in all aspects
7 Posture is inconsistent/minor attention
5 Posture needs attention
3 Poor posture
Practice in front of a mirror
Use book as a model
Technique
15 All or nearly all note played accurately
13 Minor mistakes affecting performance
10 Numerous wrong notes affecting performance
5 Serious performance errors
Count and clap
Analyze the counting
USE A METRONOME
Tempo
15 Tempo steady and appropriate
13 Tempo appropriate, but with some variance
10 Tempo noticeably incorrect or varied
5 Tempo uncharacteristic for this section
Tap your foot when you play
USE A METRONOME
14
8th Grade Performance Rubric
Box 1 – Performers
exhibit little training or
control in the proper
tone quality, center or
focus. Breath support is
seldom present causing
most phrases to be
interrupted and
unfinished. Little
evidence of tuning
exists. Improper
articulation method and
style occurs most of the
time, which distorts air
flow and tone
production. Rhythmic
interpretation is very
poor and a lack of
synchronization exists
with other players and
sections. Recovery time
is extensive.
Box 2 – Performers
seldom seem aware of
the proper fundamentals
required to produce
characteristic tone
quality. Insufficient
breath support exists to
produce clarity of sound
and tonal center. Pitch
and quality problems are
clearly audible and
remain uncorrected. Air
flow is frequently
disturbed during
articulated passages and
technical passages lack
control and uniformity.
Individual problems with
rhythmic interpretation
and recovery from lapses
in timing are slow.
Box 3 – Performers
demonstrate a good
fundamental approach
to proper tone
production. However,
student is sometimes
taxed beyond their
ability to control
quality and timbre at
extreme levels of
volume and range.
Occasionally a lack of
adequate breath support
results in inconsistent
timbre and
characteristic
instrument sound.
Some intonation
problems are audible. A
generally good
approach to proper
articulation style and
technique is obvious,
but inconsistent.
Student exhibits an
awareness of proper
phrasing, although
anticipation, hesitation
or over-extension does
occur. Rhythmic
interpretation is
generally good,
although at times
incorrect, even if
uniform.
Box 4 – Performers
exhibit good control of
most aspects of proper
tone production. Breath
support and
characteristic timbre
may be adversely
affected in extremes of
range and volume, but
generally is correct,
unimpaired and
unimpeded. Tonal focus
is generally accurate
and characteristic of the
best wind instrument
sound. Student exhibits
excellent control of
articulation style and
technique. Phrasing and
rhythmic interpretation
is mostly uniform.
Lapses are infrequent,
generally minor and
rarely interfere with the
success of the
performance.
0-76 77-84 85-92 93-100
15
Getting Braces
(or a few other Dental Appliances)
During the middle school years, many students begin to get corrective
dental appliances (braces, etc.). This is a very positive (and sometimes needed)
thing for students. However, getting braces or other dental appliances has the
possibility of greatly affecting their ability to play their instrument. For children
that play brass instruments (trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, and tuba), braces
completely change how they must play their instrument. It will take your child a
few weeks to get used to having metal between their lips and their teeth. I know
scheduling dental appointments can be difficult. However, if it is an option, we do
feel the best time to schedule getting braces is at the end of the school year after
the final spring concert. This will give them the opportunity to adapt to their
braces in a stress-free way (during the last 2 or 3 weeks of school) and will lead to
a lot less frustration for your child.
“I Quit”
At some point every student will approach the “uphill” part of their
journey in learning to play a musical instrument. Even I remember getting the
feeling in MS band. For some students, this period of time moves them out of their
comfort zone, but it is also a time when students experience tremendous growth in
their playing abilities. “I QUIT!” is the easy out. What a simple solution…but not
the best!
Some students may also reach a point when they may become bored in
class because they are progressing faster than the class or are losing interest in their
instrument. This is also definitely not the time to quit.
Quitting is almost never in the best interest of the student or the music
program. Life skills taught at MSN, include discipline, teamwork, social skills,
effort, resourcefulness, but also problem solving, grit, and perseverance. We ask
your help to prevent students from giving up on themselves and the adventure of
music so easily. Thank you very much for your support of your child’s musical
experience!
16
Important Dates
All Bands:
• Thursday, 12/14/17, Winter Concert @ John Armstrong Performing Arts Center
o 6th grade – 6:00 p.m.
o 7th/8th grade – 7:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, 5/16/18, Spring Concert @ John Armstrong Performing Arts Center
o 6th grade – 6:00 p.m.
o 7th/8th grade – 7:00 p.m.
Jazz Ensemble:
• Monday, 3/19/18, In-school performance for Atwood students in MSN café @ 9:30 a.m.
• Tuesday, 3/20/18, In school performance for Green students in MSN café @ 9:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, 5/23/18, Awards Ceremony & Celebration of Excellence Performance
o @ JAPAC, 6:45 p.m.
6th Grade:
• Monday, 9/11/17, MSN Beginning Band Rental Night, @ MSN Band Room, 6-8:00 p.m.
o Parents/students can come anytime between 6-8. Refer to Rental Night handout
for items to bring.
• Wednesday, 3/21/18, 6th Grade Solo &Ensemble Night @ MSN Café
o 3rd Hour – 6-6:45 p.m.
o 5th Hour – 7-7:45 p.m.
7th Grade: Refer to “All Bands” schedule
8th Grade:
• Monday, 9/18/17, In School pep-assembly, 2:00p.m.
• Friday, 10/20/17, HSN Football Game w/HSN Marching Band and MSE Band @ HSN
o Band will stay after school for pizza in band room
o Rehearsal begins at 5:00p.m.
• Wednesday, 11/1/17, 8th grade football vs. MSE @HSN football field, 4:30 start
• Monday, 12/4/17, In School pep-assembly, 2:30 p.m.
• Monday, 2/5/18, In School pep-assembly, 2:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, 3/14/18, 8th Grade Combined Concert with MSE and MSC bands @ JAPAC,
Concert begins @ 7:00 p.m.
o Students will leave MSN at 9:00 a.m. to rehearse as full band at JAPAC.
o Students will eat lunch at JAPAC, bussed back to MSN for dismissal at 3:00 p.m.
• Monday, 4/30/18, In School pep-assembly, 2:30 p.m.
** “All Bands” means, 6th, 7th, 8th,
and jazz ensemble will be performing.**
17
Contact Me
L’Anse Creuse Middle School North
46201 Fairchild
Macomb, MI 48042-5319
Justin Comerford
Band Director/Teacher
Phone: 586-493-5260
Email: [email protected]
**Please note: Phone calls during the school day will be
directed to voice mail. By using email, you will always get a
faster response.**
Prep period: 8a.m. – 9a.m.
If you reach out to me for anything, I will get back to you
as soon as possible. Please remember it is sometimes difficult to
get back to you during the school day. Most emails or phone
calls will take place after 3:30 p.m.
I understand many parents are unsure of what their child needs
to be successful in their music classes. Please use me as a
resource for your questions. Anything, no matter how small, I
will try and find the best answer I can for your situation.
18
2017-2018 L’Anse Creuse Middle School North Band
Student Information Form (all students)
Due: Friday, September 8th, 2017
Please Print Clearly
Grade (circle one) 6 7 8
Student Name: (Last) ____________________ (First) _____________________
Parent/Guardian: (Last) ____________________ (First) __________________
Primary Phone: _________________________
Parent/Guardian Email:
__________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Thank you for taking your time to read this handbook thoroughly and fill out
the information sheet. By signing below, you (parent/guardian & student)
acknowledge you understand and agree to abide by the expectations outlined
in the MSN Band handbook.
Student Signature: _______________________________ Date: _____________
Parent Signature: ________________________________ Date: _____________