Mr. Greg A. Williams, director

http://granbymusic.pbworks.com

Room 114 – The Music Room 1:15 – 2:00 pm

 

Our Junior High School instrumental program continues with a renewed curricular focus for band on individuals’ skill and knowledge acquisition through our exploration of solo and ensemble repertoire and technical skills.

 

Unlike the East Meadow instrumental music program, there are currently no small group lessons in the Jr/Sr High School programs. I encourage all students to have individual private lessons as well as practice regularly, in addition to band rehearsals, to maintain and enhance their musical skills. This is especially true for students who intend to audition for the Music Festivals throughout the year. I am willing to assist any student in locating a private music instructor in the area. I post after-school help sign-up sheets on the band door weekly for students to request one-on-one help or to stay to practice on their own.

 

For students who may occasionally need to leave their instrument in school over night in the music area, please note that even though the music room will normally be locked, the hallway storage area is not and the school does not take responsibility for personal property.

 

As we begin a new year, it is important that we have clear expectations! Yes, I expect you to be successful, and the tradition of the program exudes nothing but success! With these high expectations come many policies and procedures that help us become effective members of the ensemble. I am here to help you, so I am not going to allow you to do anything that would interfere with the success of the group. So that we can have a successful working relationship, the following rules, expectations, and procedures are set forth:

 

PERFORMANCE DRESS CODE

The band will continue with the previous uniform dress code for performances. Any member that does not follow this concert/uniform expectation may not participate in the given performance, at the discretion of the director, and it will have a negative effect on your final exam grade.

ConcertConcert, Parade, and Band Day Dress: White Band Shirt (tucked in - plan accordingly),full-length Black Slacks, solid Black Shoes, and Black Socks or Hose (except for band day when students may wear jeans/sneakers).

Please plan now for these needs – especially for the required band shirt. Students who do not have one at all, or that fits, must order a shirt through Mr. Williams this fall. Shirts cost $13 and checks are payable to GMPA (the Granby Music Parents’ Association).

 

RULES

 

Tardiness for Band Rule: Do not be tardy to band rehearsal. Roll will be taken for band five minutes after the start of class. Students not seated and ready to begin, with their instrument, will be marked tardy to class.

Gum Chewing Rule: Do not chew gum at any band function that involves playing your instrument, i.e. a rehearsal, performance, games, or in the music room at any time. I will have ZERO TOLLERANCE for gum in the music room!

Music Rule: Each student will be assessed a replacement fee for missing or torn music, as determined by the music publishers. See the director for any problems concerning music.

 

EXPECTATIONS

 

Appropriate Listening, When Someone Else Is Talking: It is expected that when the director or student leader is talking, that you address that person with your EYES and give them your full attention. We believe that you should have enough self-respect that you would honor this request.

Inappropriate Talking: When the director or student leader is talking, you should not be talking. If another student talks to you at an inappropriate time, don’t respond. They’ll get the message!

Playing Position: All students will demonstrate appropriate playing posture and instrument hand positions when playing at all times, rehearsals or performances.

Quarterly Playing Exams: All students will submit this exam prior to the last day of each marking period, as indicated on the exam. Late submissions, without prior approval of the instructor, will receive partial credit. This is the student’s and family’s responsibility to manage.The assignment is given approximately 1 week prior to the due date near the end of every quarter.

Seeking Help: Mr. Williams’ stay day is Friday, but is often available other day’s of the week if asked in advance. Often there may be another student who can assist after school if Mr. Williams will be staying, but is not available to work one-on-one. Try to plan in advance.

 

PROCEDURES

Procedures are how we do things. They are not rules and do not have consequences. This is the way we do it.

• Entering the classroom Go directly to: instrument / music / stand / seat / warm up
• Beginning class Director stands at the podium & the class is silent
• Class dismissal Mr. Williams dismisses, not the bell
• Exiting the classroom Put away music / stand / instrument as instructed and clean personal area
• Asking a question & Responding to questions Raise your hand
• Instrument storage Keep them neat and orderly in the space assigned (including percussion)
• Turning in Recordings Put in the assignment box at start of class or send electronically
• Turning in paperwork Put in the assignment box at start of class or send electronically
• Fire Drill Go to the assigned area and remain as a class
• Announcements Check board; will be done at the beginning/end of class also visit websites frequently
• Getting Help Ask Mr. Williams and he will set up after-school help sessions
• Practicing Regular, Structured, DAILY practice
• Storing Music Put music in the designated folders and storage area after class

 

MATERIALS

Here are the materials that are needed everyday:

* Instrument (including mouthpiece/reeds/mutes) OR sticks/mallets for percussionists

* Standard of Excellence Book 1 for all students

* Standard of Excellence Book 2 and/or Book 3 for those who have moved into them

* Sharpened Pencils (no pens) (This can stay in your child’s case so they have one here)

* Music folder (I will give each student one)

* Notebook paper everyday (This can be loose in their band folder.)

 

GRADING

Grades are assigned for the band class and performances, which are co-curricular.

20% is based on class participation and personal responsibility: This includes after-school activities that are scheduled in advance, students having their instruments and music every day, a pencil at every rehearsal, and show maximum effort to earn the best grade.

80% is based on Quarterly Playing Exams, Assignments, and Self Assessments: It is the student’s responsibility to turn in all assignments, prepare for auditions, and make all scheduled events. Playing assignments for the school year will be short and must be submitted via audiocassette, compact disc or electronically – SmartMusic is highly recommended for this purpose. Please prepare, in advance, to purchase an inexpensive audio recording device or set up your computer for this purpose. Please do not wait until the exam is assigned.

The Final Exam Grade is determined by how the student met the attendance, dress code, and personal responsibility expectations for the required performances. Alternative projects will be given to students who must miss a performance with a legitimate excuse and with advance notice to the director.

 

PERFORMANCES/ACTIVITIES

The Granby Music Calendar is available online or as a Google Calendar on Mr. Williams’ Website with a tentative list of all of this year’s music activities for the instrumental and vocal ensembles grades 4-12. Please note that some events are not yet scheduled and some may need to be changed. However, I hope that this helps improve planning for the year.

 

The band will participate in two concerts this year (TENATIVE DATES: Tuesday, December 8 and Wednesday, June 2), attend UMass Band Day (Saturday, September 26 – afternoon/evening), and march in the Granby Memorial Day Parade (Monday, May 31). This band does not play at graduation. These are all required performances for students enrolled in band and notices will be posted on the website once performance dates are scheduled.

 

UMass Band Day Look for info on Mr. Williams’ Website! There is no cost for the student to participate. The Granby Music Parents Association is providing for the registration fee and busing. They will also offer an optional meal at the event for a small fee.

 

Music festival information for band, orchestra, jazz ensemble, and chorus can be found on the website. In order to audition, students mustperform their audition materials for Mr. Williams at least once, demonstrating readiness. Do not procrastinate setting up this time with Mr. Williams. These times with Mr. Williams are not meant to be private lessons. Students are encouraged to seek private lessons in order to prepare fully for their audition as well as to gain additional music skills.

 

Extra-curricular music activities are being planned for pepband, jazzband, and chorus. Please listen and watch for more information.