There is much evidence that a student’s conception of themselves and their abilities are a major factor in achievement. Self-image and achievement are directly related. The role of the band in building good citizenship, self-confidence and poise cannot be overestimated. Students gain a deep and lasting sense of satisfaction in accomplishment; therefore they enjoy the respect, acclaim and esteem of their fellow students, parents, and citizens of the community. By working together, as well as forming lasting friendships through common respect and a feeling of belonging, the band program offers a unique learning environment for all children.- American School Band Directors Association.

The first year’s study is devoted to learning the fundamental techniques of instrumental music performance. Lessons concentrate on the fundamentals of sound production, music and pitch recognition. This class is designed for beginning students who have not yet completed their first lesson book regardless of their grade. Students do not need prior musical experience to join Beginning Band. Beginning Band members perform at the Winter Concert, Solo Contest, and Spring Concert.

Membership in the Concert Band is open to students who have successfully completed the Beginning Band program and first lesson book. Students at this level work to further enhance their technical ability and knowledge of music theory and performance. Concert Band members perform in the Marching Band, Winter and Spring Concerts, Solo Contest, Band Festivals, Spring Graduation and school assemblies.

The Symphonic Band is the "show case" ensemble at Brooks Middle School. Eligibility for the Symphonic Band is determined by the band director. The director’s invitation is based upon the student’s music reading ability, performance level, and ability to make a positive contribution to the ensemble. Symphonic Band concentrates on the refinement of the student’s performance abilities, advanced rudimental techniques, further development of tone quality, dynamics, articulation, intonation, music theory and history. Symphonic Band members perform in Marching Band, Winter and Spring Concerts, Solo Contest, Band Festivals, I.G.S.M.A. Contest and school assemblies.

Marching band enhances the school and community with color, esprit de corp, pride, recognition and emphasizes student cooperation, teamwork, uniformity of conduct, and discipline. In order for students to be eligible for marching band, marching band performers must have at least one year of experience in the band program.

The Flag Line offers all students with no previous musical experience an opportunity to participate in the instrumental music program. Members perform in conjunction with the marching band. Flag line offers an added visual dimension of style, grace and visual motion to enhance the marching band. Rehearsals may be held outside of school hours and during Summer Band. Students are expected to maintain their commitment and attend all rehearsals and performances.

Students receive a letter grade at the end of each quarter and follow the A-F rating. Grades are based on the student’s ability, attendance, discipline and contribution to the ensemble. Parents are encouraged to consult the director at any time in regard to the band grade and their child’s progress. Grades are given for all ensemble participation with the exception of Marching Band, Flag Line, and Jazz Band. Students are not graded on the manner in which they develop their individual ability to perform on their chosen instrument.

A Superior This grade is reserved for the pupil who performs masterfully, demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of musical concepts taught, shows evidence of daily home practice, participates skillfully and attentively during class and has perfect attendance at all performances and sectionals.

B Very Good This grade indicates the pupil performs well most of the time, participates enthusiastically in class, demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of most of the musical concepts taught in class and who shows evidence of home practice.

C Competent This grade indicates that the pupil performs at a competent level most of the time, participates actively in class, demonstrating some knowledge of the musical concepts taught in class but needs more home practice.

D Below This grade is given to pupils who show little sign of home practice Average has difficulty demonstrating the musical concepts taught in class or is disruptive in class. More productive participation and home practice is expected.

F Failing This student has great difficulty demonstrating the concepts taught in class, participates poorly in class and shows very little signs of home practice.

We encourage students to practice ½ hour, five days a week or an accumulation of 2 ½ hours. Practice record grades will be assigned based on the number of hours practice below.

A 2 ½ Hours or more

B 2 Hours

C 1 ½ Hours

D 1 Hour

F Less than 1 hour

* Regular daily practice is much more effective in developing playing skills than irregular practice. Before or after dinner when the students are home is an excellent time to establish a ½ practice routine.

Band members are expected to show a high level of self-discipline through practicing daily, keeping weekly practice records, being prepared for class with all the necessary supplies, being quiet and attentive during class and following directions the first time they are given. Members must be courteous to the director, band parents and other students at all times. Failure to follow these common courtesies will result in the student being placed on probation or possible removal from the band.

Instrument Storage: Because of the large number of students involved in the program, and the ever present possibility of instruments being lost or stolen, the following procedures have been established. The band directors and school are not responsible for misplaced or lost instruments or locks.

1. All instruments will be assigned a storage locker in the bandroom. Instruments are to be brought into the bandroom prior to the start of the school day, and picked up immediately after the school day ends. For the safety and security of all instruments, students must lock their instruments in the bandroom lockers during school hours. Locks can be purchased in the bandroom for $4.25.

2. Because students will be practicing every night, all instruments are to be taken home at the end of each school day and not left in the bandroom.

3. All instrument cases must have identification tags on them and be stored in their lockers when not being used.

4. Record the serial number of your child’s instrument for later identification. Parents are advised to have instruments included on their home owner’s insurance policy to cover possible theft or loss.

Students’ instruments should be kept clean and in good working order. No gum or food is allowed in the band room. The directors can do minor repairs and adjustments to some instruments. If the director can not repair the instrument the director can send the instrument in for you. Call your music store for a loaner instrument before you send it in and keep your mouthpiece to use on the loaner. An instrument repair form must be completed before an instrument can be sent in for repair.

Beginning Band: Beginning Band students need to furnish their own black pants/skirt, black shoes, and white shirt/blouse. Beginners need not pay the annual $15.00 uniform repair and replacement fee. Students must wear the proper uniform to perform.

Each student is expected to have their instrument, music, folder and pencil at all rehearsals. Supplies are to be purchased by students from a local music store. Students are expected to plan ahead so they are fully prepared for each rehearsal.

Woodwind players- need a minimum of three good reeds, a cleaning swab, polishing cloth and cork grease.

Percussionists- should have medium weight sticks 5B and a bell kit for home practice.

Busses will be provided for the majority of the performances held off campus. Students are expected to be well mannered, be respectful to the chaperones and must return on their assigned bus. Students attend any performance via bus must return on the same bus.

The Band Booster organization consists of parent volunteers who donate their time and energy to help our band. Booster meetings are held monthly during the school year at 7:00 p.m. in the band room. During the year, students and parents are asked to help raise money for the band by participating in fundraising activities which the boosters organize and sponsor. The boosters provide essential benefits including raising funds for: transportation, awards, field trips, supplies, music, chaperoning and much more. All parents are encouraged to participate in the booster organization. Students are expected to participate in at least two fundraising activities during the school year to help support the band. Officers are elected at the beginning of each school year.

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(Cut here and return to the band office.)

I have read the Brooks Band Manual and agree to support the policies of the band. I additionally give my child permission to attend all the events included in the band calendar. I also understand that my child is to remain in band throughout this school year unless disciplinary action warrants otherwise.

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(Print Parent or Gaurdian’s name) (Parent Signature)

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(Print Students name) (Student Signature)

______________________________ Parent e-mail (*Used to keep you informed only.)

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Emergency cell phone #