Band Handbook
Grading Policy
Band is a graded subject that gets averaged into your overall grade.
Attendance and preparedness are the most crucial aspects to succeeding in this program
Here is how you will be graded:
Lesson Grade: 25% of overall band average
Rehearsal Participation: 50% of overall band average.
Concert Attendance: 10% of overall band average
Playing Finals: 15% of overall band average
Band Supply List
6th Grade Brass and Woodwinds: Standard of Excellence Book 1 (red) and Book 2 (blue)
7th Grade Band Brass and Woodwinds: Standard of Excellence Book 2 (blue)
6th Grade & 7th Grade Percussion: Alfred’s Drum Method Book 1, Drum sticks
8th Grade Band: no additional books at this time
Pencils and a 3-Ring Binder
Other accessories needed for your instrument: Size 3 reeds, Valve oil, Cleaning cloth
Optional: Tuner and Metronome
Books can be ordered from: J.W. Pepper, Sheet Music Plus, Amazon
Lesson Grade: 25% of overall band average
Rehearsal Participation: 50% of overall band average.
Concert Attendance: 10% of overall band average
Playing Finals: 15% of overall band average
Band Supply List
6th Grade Brass and Woodwinds: Standard of Excellence Book 1 (red) and Book 2 (blue)
7th Grade Band Brass and Woodwinds: Standard of Excellence Book 2 (blue)
6th Grade & 7th Grade Percussion: Alfred’s Drum Method Book 1, Drum sticks
8th Grade Band: no additional books at this time
Pencils and a 3-Ring Binder
Other accessories needed for your instrument: Size 3 reeds, Valve oil, Cleaning cloth
Optional: Tuner and Metronome
Books can be ordered from: J.W. Pepper, Sheet Music Plus, Amazon
Rehearsal Goals and Expectations
Band rehearsal is time for the ensemble to practice as a group.
Virtual Rehearsals will be out of 5 points
Students will need to attend rehearsals virtually during that class's assigned time -- see above times.
At the end of rehearsal, your teacher will send you a Google Form rehearsal reflection for you to complete and submit.
Virtual Rehearsal Expectations: Band rehearsal time is to work out problem spots and play together as a group.
In Person Rehearsals will be out of 8 points
2 pts. for having their instrument.
2 pts. for having their book, binder, and pencil.
4 pts. for being a contributing member and playing during rehearsal - See rubric below
In Person Rehearsal Expectations: Band rehearsal is time for the ensemble to practice as a group.
Students will need to attend rehearsals virtually during that class's assigned time -- see above times.
At the end of rehearsal, your teacher will send you a Google Form rehearsal reflection for you to complete and submit.
Virtual Rehearsal Expectations: Band rehearsal time is to work out problem spots and play together as a group.
- Log into the Google Meet on time with all materials: Instrument, music, pencil, post it notes or notepad, and headphones, Be sure to be playing with good posture in a space where you can focus without interruptions.
- Mute Mic and Video On: There will be many of us altogether so entering with your mic off will be helpful to the rehearsal flow. Need to ask a question? Type it into the chat or unmute your mic at the appropriate question taking time.
- Be focused, courteous, and proactive during rehearsal. Band rehearsal is the time for you to learn the other instrument's part. More progress will be made if all students are engaged and respectful to their fellow ensemble members.
- Always give your best! Everyone experiences music differently - what comes naturally to one person might be a little more work for another. Always try your best, ask questions, and be a positive member of the group - Hard Work Pays Off but it takes time.
In Person Rehearsals will be out of 8 points
2 pts. for having their instrument.
2 pts. for having their book, binder, and pencil.
4 pts. for being a contributing member and playing during rehearsal - See rubric below
In Person Rehearsal Expectations: Band rehearsal is time for the ensemble to practice as a group.
- Arrive on time with all materials: Instrument, Book, Binder, and Pencil. Rehearsal starts 3 minutes after the bell; students should be in their seats ready to play.
- Know your music. Your individual part should be worked on at home. Trouble spots or questions can be addressed during your lesson time, before or after school, or during lunch.
- Be focused, courteous, and proactive during rehearsal. Band rehearsal is the time for you to learn the other instrument's part. More progress will be made if all students are engaged and respectful to their fellow ensemble members.
- Always give your best! Everyone experiences music differently- what comes naturally to one person might be a little more work for another. Always try your best, ask questions, and be a positive member of the group - Hard Work Pays Off but it takes time.
Rehearsal Times
6th Grade Band 7th Grade Band 8th Grade Band
Period 6 -- 11:40 - 12:20 -- A/C Days Period 3 -- 9:21 - 10:01 -- A/C Days Period 2 -- 8:33 - 9:13 -- B/D Days
Period 6 -- 11:40 - 12:20 -- A/C Days Period 3 -- 9:21 - 10:01 -- A/C Days Period 2 -- 8:33 - 9:13 -- B/D Days
Lessons
See the Lesson Schedule link above for home use.
Virtual Lessons will be out of 10 points
Students will be assigned a week day when assignments will be posted in the google classroom.
Students will be responsible for submitting work and/or uploading recordings by their next lesson. (1 week time)
In Person Lessons will be out of 100 points
Attendance 50 pts. Attending scheduled lesson times.
Performance 30 pts. Book Work, Band Music, and Technique
Materials 20 pts. Book, Binder, Pencil, & Instrument
Students will be assigned a week day when assignments will be posted in the google classroom.
Students will be responsible for submitting work and/or uploading recordings by their next lesson. (1 week time)
In Person Lessons will be out of 100 points
Attendance 50 pts. Attending scheduled lesson times.
Performance 30 pts. Book Work, Band Music, and Technique
Materials 20 pts. Book, Binder, Pencil, & Instrument
- Students are responsible for knowing when their lesson is scheduled.
- Schedules are posted in the music suite, on the website, copied for students, & read every day over the morning announcements.
- In person lessons rotate through academic and exploratory periods. Students will miss the same period 1 - 2 times a quarter.
- In person lessons or missed lesson assignments must be made up within 2 weeks of the missed lesson date.
School Instruments
Due to the number of students in our band program the following guidelines apply:
*Baritones, Bassoons, Horns, and Tenors will need to be transported to and from school for lessons and rehearsals.
*Tuba students will need to bring their mouthpiece and music to and from school. Under no circumstance should personal belongings be left in the cases of the instruments at school. These instruments will be shared among the three grade levels. Mrs. Hulle and Mrs. Shafer cannot responsible for keeping track of your belongings.
*School owned Bass Clarinets and Bari. Saxophones will stay in school.
If you would like to take one home for the weekend please sign the instrument out with Mrs. Hulle or Mrs. Shafer before taking it.
*All woodwind instrument players will need to provide their own reeds. If you have questions or concerns please contact Mrs. Hulle or Mrs. Shafer.
Private Lessons: If your child is interested in receiving private instruction outside of the lessons offered in school, please email for a list of recommended teachers.