For your reference, below is handbook passed-out to sixth grade band members in August 2010.  This is also available on the band web site:   www.DFLBAND.com.

Dan F. Long Sixth Grade Band Handbook 2010-11

Welcome to Dan F. Long’s Band Program! This page contains information to help you with your child’s first year in band. You will receive additional detailed information about concerts during the school year.

Sixth graders have band everyday for 50 minutes. During the first week of September students will begin learning to play their instruments in class. We will begin as soon as all students have instruments so no one starts behind. We may keep instruments at the school for the first couple weeks to insure that the students have received their supplies, had ample opportunity to learn what to practice, and how to properly play.

We hope you’ll encourage your son/daughter to practice challenging music and to do more than the minimum required. The more involved students are, the greater they can excel.

PLEASE return the back page by the Monday, September 20, so we know you received this package. Your child should have brought this packet home by Friday, September 3. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a message at the school and one of the directors will get back with you (You may also jot a note on the back of the signature page).

The band directors will send out notices/reminders through e-mail this year. In order to be certain your email address has been added to the distribution list, please send a short note to blackj@cfbisd.edu. Any new or important information will continue to be sent home in writing for those who do not have e-mail.

Hope you're having a great year. Thanks for your support.

John Black                                               Belinda Parks                   Office:  972-968-4136
blackj@cfbisd.edu                                  parksb@cfbisd.edu          Fax:     972-968-4110

The goal for all sixth grade band students is to have a musical experience through instrumental music. This musical experience will enrich their lives culturally and will give them a better appreciation for music.

TEACHERS
Mr. Black - Cornet, F Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba  (blackj@cfbisd.edu)       972-968-4136
Mrs. Parks - Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon             (parksb@cfbisd.edu)     972-968-4136
Mr. Parks - Percussion                                                 (parksr@cfbisd.edu)      972-968-6865
Mr. Gibson - Saxophone, Clarinet                               (gibsonmi@cfbisd.edu) 972-968-4842
Private teacher contact numbers and emails are listed in the band hall or you may contact us for this info.

CLASSROOM POLICIES

Rules- Below are the five basic rules that must be adhered to by all students during regular band class:

(We will follow the "Make Your Day" program throughout the school.)

• Look at the band director when he/she is talking; the director must know he has your undivided attention. The band director will also be able to observe the student’s understanding of materials.
• Remain quiet and seated during rehearsal; if you have questions you need to raise your hand and wait to be called upon.
• Only play your instrument when instructed.
• Be prepared for rehearsals each day by bringing the proper equipment and supplies.
• Follow directions.

Consequences- The directors hold all band members to high standards of discipline.  The actions of each member affect the overall image of the band in the school.  When dealing with such a large group, it becomes necessary for each member to behave in a mature manner.  When dealing with discipline problems, the director will follow a plan that includes counseling with the student, talking with the classroom teacher, contacting parents, and other ways as appropriate under the "Make Your Day" program.  However, if the band program is to reach high levels of excellence, discipline problems should be nonexistent.  If a student chooses to drop band, he/she must do so during the first two weeks of the school year with written permission form the parent, band director and a counselor.  Band is a year long elective at this school. Students choosing this class are expected to finish the year.

Students’ grades are divided into two categories, formative and summative. Formative grades will count 40% and summative grades will count 60% of the band grade. Formative grade will include daily grades, written work, daily participation in class, having materials in class, quizzes, and practice reports. Summative grades will consist of frequent playing and/or written tests plus three concerts.

Concerts are considered summative grades. This can be excused if the absence is due to a family emergency or serious illness. Other excuses cannot be accepted. The student (unexcused) will be removed from the band on a temporary (or possibly permanent) basis. This is the most serious infraction since a band depends on every individual to carry his portion of the load and support the entire group. Any absence should be cleared up within five school days.

Tests will be graded 0-100. Anything less than 70 will be retested, however any test may be retaken for a maximum grade of 95. The original grade will be replaced by the new grade, even if it is a lower grade. If a test grade is lower than a 70, the student should replay the test again (or as many times as necessary for the student to pass). Students may come to the band room for extra help in the morning before school. Each student will need to ask one day in advance so we can make arrangements. The band directors will help each student as much as possible to be successful.

Practice outside of band time is important to the success of the student. Each student will keep a record of his or her daily practice time. The minimum amount of daily practice time will vary according to the time of year. Below is more detailed information about the practice report requirement.

• A student must practice the minimum time requirement during the day to receive credit for practicing.
• The number of days the student practices the time requirement will determine the number of points earned toward his/her six weeks practice grade.
• At the end of the six weeks, the six numbers recorded as "Points Earned" will be added together to find the practice grade.
• Perfect score for sixth grade band is 108. Extra credit will be given for practicing beyond the minimum time requirement.

Minimum time requirement:

• After allowed to take instruments home until October 1 = 15 minutes per day.
• October 1 - mid-November = 20 minutes per day.
• After mid-November = 25 minutes per day.

The minimum time requirement does not have to be done at one time (especially when first learning to play an instrument. Short frequent practice sessions make for a good beginning.)

This plan will be in effect beginning the third week of school. Full credit will be given for the first and second week of school.

The following information can provide helpful information for planning practice. 

POSTED GRADES
Students’ grades are posted in the band hall on the bulletin board or in another designated area should space be a problem. Portions of the area will be marked off for each group. Students are encouraged to frequently check their grades and retake every test where a low grade is recorded. Any test may be retaken as many times necessary for a maximum grade of 95. These retakes must be completed before the end of a nine weeks grading period.  Important Concert Dates: More information will be given in writing to the students closer to the performance dates.

• Sept. 2, Wed - Kick-off Lock-In pledge drive (Turn-in dates:  Sept. 23, 30, Oct. 21 and 28)  Goal:  $60 per student.  ($10 band fee counts as part of the $60.)
• Nov. 5, Fri - Band Lock-In (10pm/Fri - 6:30am/Sat)
• Monday, September 20 - $10 band fee due from all beginners
• Thursday, October 14 – First Concert – Dan F. Long 7:00p.m. Cafetorium.
 
• Friday, Dec. 10* – Tentative full group rehearsal – Dan F. Long, 8:00a.m.
• Tuesday, December 14 – Winter Concert – Dan F. Long 7:00pm. Cafeteria.
• Thursday, February 3 – Pep Rally – Dan F. Long (during school: afternoon)
• Wednesday, Apr. 13 – *Full group rehearsal – Dan F. Long, 8:00a.m.
• Thursday, Apr. 14 – *Full group rehearsal – Dan F. Long, 8:00a.m.
• Saturday, April 16 – Sandy Lake Contest – Sandy Lake Park (times: to be determined)
• to be announced – Solo Contest –  (come after school one day during the week at Dan F. Long (individual time slots of 5 minute durations will be arranged...times may be handled during class if possible....this schedule varies every year pending other activities.)
• Friday, May 13 – Spring Concert – Dan F. Long 7:30p.m. Competition Gym.
• Friday, May 27 (6-8pm) – Pool Party –  Rosemeade Pool.

Practice until you can't miss it
PRACTICING AT HOME

What is a sufficient amount of practice?  For a beginner, 15 minutes per day is a good start. This should gradually increase through the year to around 30 minutes.  Students may practice longer for even better results. As a minimum, students should practice:

• 6 out of 7 days
• five practice sessions of at least 25 minutes
• one practice session can be 15 minutes.

Usually the day missed is the one where the student has a number of activities and homework to complete.  Students should treat their practice as important and essential: a normal everyday activity. This does take some degree of self-discipline and may take some effort and time to establish (if the student is inconsistent).

WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF CORRECT PRACTICE?

• A regular, daily routine of 25 or more minutes.
• Done at a time acceptable to other family members.
• Begins with fundamental flexibility exercises.
• Specific measures are practiced to achieve specific results. Something should sound better at the end of 25 minutes.
• A metronome should be used to check rhythmic accuracy.

We will be emphasizing to the students that playing through music without a specific goal is a waste of time. Time is important. When a student enters a practice session, he should identify his goals for that session. He should be as specific as possible (listing which measures are to be worked on, what the problem to be solved is, what the desired result will be...). He should isolate a problem down to its smallest component and work it until it has improved. Then gradually adding measures before and after the problem area so that it fits in contest. A student may then check for consistency by seeing how many times a section of music can be played in a row with zero mistakes; today, it might be three times, tomorrow it should be five times... Once a problem has been effectively fixed, it should remain fixed. Working through a particular problem may take several practice sessions, but at each practice session, improvement should be evident and continual.

Conclude practice sessions by playing through any music for fun. This could be old music, new music, music from pop/movie music books (a number of which are available at Pender's Music Company located on the southeast quadrant of Midway and Trinity Mills).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~DAILY PRACTICE IS IMPORTANT ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*Students who excel should be taking private lessons on a weekly basis in order to receive enrichment not possible in a full band setting.

Instruments - Each student must have an instrument in proper working condition. The school provides some instruments for use with no rental charge to the student. These are generally the more expensive and larger instruments. The students will be held responsible for repair other than general maintenance. The student will be held responsible for vandalism, theft and other damages incurred while the instrument is checked out to him. We strongly encourage all students to insure their instruments (school owned as well as personally owned). Be sure to have a written record of your child's instrument make, model number, and serial number of the instrument. This information will be necessary to file a claim or police report. Do not let anyone play, borrow, or hold on your instrument! This frequently leads to damage of the instrument. All instruments need to be labeled with the student’s name, address, and phone number. The band directors will place labels on cases with no identification tag. Take your instruments home. (Playing on another student’s instrument is a "steps" issue on Make Your Day.)

Repair – If an instrument breaks, we strongly suggest that the student shows the instrument to the director. Do not attempt to fix it yourself. Often the director can make minor repairs. If major work is needed the director will call the parent and give some suggestions.

Reeds - All clarinet and saxophone players are required to have a minimum of four working reeds. If reeds are used on a rotation basis, they will last longer. It is advisable to buy reeds by the box because they are cheaper. Oboe and bassoon players need to have two working reeds (due to expense). A student’s progress is dependent upon working equipment. Bad reeds are definitely a detriment to a student’s learning. Students are encouraged to use the brand and strength of reeds recommended.

Mouthpieces – Students need to check the size and brand of mouthpiece with their director. Student progress is dependent on correct supplies. For hygienic reasons, all students need to have their own mouthpiece.

Cleaning and Lubrication – Students will be expected to own their own cleaning rods, snake, valve oil, key oil, slide grease, etc… which is needed to care and maintain their instrument.

Percussion – All percussionist are expected to own an Innovative Percussion FP-2RP stick bag with specific sticks included, practice pad, bell set, and a metronome. The school will provide the rest of the equipment.  Percussion players are required to stand during the entire class period unless otherwise instructed by the director. If the student has been injured, exceptions will be made.

Purchase of Supplies – For the convenience of our students, supplies may be purchased through the directors. The student will need to put the cash or check (payable to Music & Arts) in an envelope and write what they need and how much is in the envelope before they give it to their director. A list of supplies and cost will be posted in the band room. No supplies will be ordered or given until the student pays for the item. Supplies are ordered from Music & Arts are delivered twice a week. Below is a list of frequently ordered items.

****Prices current May 2009*** 
Order online through the band at:  www.DFLBAND.com/pay.htm by using credit card, echeck, or PayPal.
Prices below are subject to change.

Music stand - It is suggested that each student have his own wire stand. This is used at home to facilitate practice. We also use stands for mass band events. Stands can be purchased through the band director.

Metronomes – A metronome is a valuable to any instrumentalist. It helps to develop rhythmic security, and aids in developing technique. These may be ordered through the director.

Classroom Materials – Students must have a pencil to write on their music and written work, plus a school-provided three-ring 1" binder to keep music organized. The band directors will hole-punch each student’s book.  Each student is expected to pay a $10 fee to help cover expenses during the year.  This fee will provide a band shirt for each student (see last page).  This fee is due on or before September 20.

• Lewisville (360 E. 3040 just west of MacArthur and 3040) 972-315-8400
• Addison (15212 Montfort, northeast area from Montfort and Beltline in the old Prestonwood Shopping area) 972-980-3737
   

Brook Mays Music (Universal Melody Services) (www.brookmays.com)

• 5756 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, across from Valley View Mall between Montfort and Preston on the south side of LBJ Freeway.  972-233-9633

Parent Help - Parents play an important role in the development of their child’s musical ability. Parents need to take an active role in their child’s learning process by

• attending concerts and emphasizing the importance of responsibility to a group,
• encouraging home practice (students will need to practice on a daily basis),
• listen to your child play his assignment for the week,
• provide private lessons when possible (the director will give a list of teachers as soon as possible),
• provide the proper equipment and supplies, and
• praising their child’s accomplishments.

Private Lessons- Although not mandatory, the best way to develop your child’s playing ability at the fastest rate is by private lessons. Private lessons help to find and solve weaknesses that may have been overlooked in larger classes. Your student’s director will provide a list of recommended teachers as soon as possible. A form for those interested in lessons is on the back page.

Lessons are generally 30 minutes, one day per week. The lesson rate is $16.00 per lesson. Some group lessons (2 or 3 students) may be available at $11 per lesson.  Most teachers are able to teach at Dan F. Long while a few may need to offer lessons from a centralized location, generally Newman Smith or Creekview High School.

SIGNATURE PAGE

We have read and understood the Band Handbook 2008-09 and have agreed to the rules. We understand that should a problem arise that we will talk to the band director as soon as possible.

______________________________     _________
Student’s Signature                                       Date

______________________________     _________
Parent’s Signature                                         Date

If you are interested in working as a volunteer or helping in some way during the year, please sign the portion below. There are opportunities to help as few as once a year or more frequently. Please include any special talents that you would also be willing to share.

Name of volunteer(s)__________________________________________________

Day time phone __________________________________________________

Evening phone __________________________________________________

Best time to call __________________________________________________

Avoid calling at ___________________________________________________

(Please list only the phone numbers where you would like us to contact you (ie, if during the day is bad, feel free to leave the space blank.)

Please fill out this form if you are interested in private lessons. A teacher will contact you shortly.

Student Name__________________________________

Phone_________________________Instrument_________________________

Parent Signature________________________________

All band members are expected to pay a $10 fee to cover expenses during the year.  This fee will include one band shirt for each sixth grade member and new students.  This $10 fee is due Monday, Sept. 20.  Please indicate what size shirt you would like to order. Make checks out to "DFLBC" (Dan F. Long Band Club).  Additional shirts may be ordered at $10 each.  The shirts are adult size 50% cotton and 50% polyester Fruit of the Loom (they will shrink a little). It is a good idea to order a little larger than normal.

Student’s Name________________________

Small,       Medium,       Large,       X-Large,       XX-Large(add$1)
 
(These are adult sizes...it is better to order the shirt a little bigger than normal otherwise they will out-grow the shirt.)