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The Timony Band Handbook 2020-2021
GRADING POLICY – Students who are scheduled for lessons will receive a letter grade each trimester. This grade is based on: RECORDING ASSIGNMENTS, “CLASSROOM” REHEARSAL PARTICIPATION, PRACTICE LOGS and BASIC MUSICAL COMPETENCY. Students must be in good academic standing in all classes in order to be a member of the Instrumental Program. Any student that does not meet these requirements will be notified by the director and may be removed from the program. Any student that is retained from one academic year to another will not be eligible to participate in the Instrumental Program until sufficient academic progress can be demonstrated.
There are two different models for this school year: Fully Remote Learning (Learning from Home); and Hybrid Learning (Students learn from school 2 days a week, and from home 3 days a week).
There are two different models for this school year: Fully Remote Learning (Learning from Home); and Hybrid Learning (Students learn from school 2 days a week, and from home 3 days a week).
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REMOTE TRIMESTER
40 % BASIC MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE 25 % REHEARSAL PARTICIPATION 25 % RECORDINGS + PRACTICE LOGS 10 % PROJECTS (Incl Virtual Concerts) |
HYBRID TRIMESTER
35 % BASIC MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE 30 % REHEARSAL PARTICIPATION 25 % RECORDINGS + PRACTICE LOGS 10 % PROJECTS (Incl Virtual Concerts |
BASIC MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE
Throughout the year each student will be given opportunities to demonstrate an understanding of basic music theory covering the most essential information a musician should know in order to be successful in a middle school instrumental program. To help ensure proficiency on their instrument, it is required for students in grades 5-8 to have a music book. All books are available through the local music store or Mr. Abruzzese.
Every student will be tested on a predetermined excerpt chosen from the Concert Band literature or Lesson Book material. The specific excerpt will be announced in advance, as well as practicing suggestions to help each student achieve success.
Throughout the year each student will be given opportunities to demonstrate an understanding of basic music theory covering the most essential information a musician should know in order to be successful in a middle school instrumental program. To help ensure proficiency on their instrument, it is required for students in grades 5-8 to have a music book. All books are available through the local music store or Mr. Abruzzese.
Every student will be tested on a predetermined excerpt chosen from the Concert Band literature or Lesson Book material. The specific excerpt will be announced in advance, as well as practicing suggestions to help each student achieve success.
REHEARSAL PARTICIPATION
A student’s positive contribution to the rehearsal, preparedness (i.e. a pencil, music, instrument, sitting in the correct position), participation in class discussions, general conduct, effort, punctuality, and attentiveness (including being present on the Class Schedule Google Meet calls) are all necessary for accelerating through the Instrumental Program.
All instrumental students are required to attend all scheduled class periods during the school day. If a student does not attend class regularly, they will not be given full credit for Rehearsal Participation. Students who are sick for the day will not be penalized; excessive absences will result in a lower grade.
Students must have the appropriate materials ready before class begins.
A student’s positive contribution to the rehearsal, preparedness (i.e. a pencil, music, instrument, sitting in the correct position), participation in class discussions, general conduct, effort, punctuality, and attentiveness (including being present on the Class Schedule Google Meet calls) are all necessary for accelerating through the Instrumental Program.
All instrumental students are required to attend all scheduled class periods during the school day. If a student does not attend class regularly, they will not be given full credit for Rehearsal Participation. Students who are sick for the day will not be penalized; excessive absences will result in a lower grade.
Students must have the appropriate materials ready before class begins.
- Instruments, Google Meet, and Google Classroom are all required
- Pencils, music stands, and printed sheet music are suggested, but not required
- Electronic sheet Music will be given through Google Classroom
- Discipline Guidelines should be followed at all times, whether at Home OR at School
PRACTICE LOGS and RECORDINGS
All Grades Levels: Practice Logs are due every week by the end of Friday. Students will receive a Google Form to fill out. Recordings are due approximately once a month.
Practice Logs: The purpose of the practice log is to help develop a practice schedule or routine for each student. Each student must practice for 45-60 minutes a week. This averages out to about 30 minutes every other day, or roughly 20 minutes every day with one day off. Once practicing becomes routine, it will be more enjoyable.
Recordings: Recordings will be found on Essential Elements Interactive (EssentialElementsInteractive.com) for Grades 5 and 6, and Google Classroom for Grades 7 and 8. They will be announced when they are created, along with the due date of the recordings. Essential Elements Interactive Login information: It will be the same as the student’s Google Login.
All children do not start at the same level nor do all children progress at the same speed. Every student is expected to improve. Your child’s progress should be noticeable at home as well as in school. All students will experience some difficulties along the way which is normal. The best we can do for our children is to encourage them to persevere and work toward their goals.
All Grades Levels: Practice Logs are due every week by the end of Friday. Students will receive a Google Form to fill out. Recordings are due approximately once a month.
Practice Logs: The purpose of the practice log is to help develop a practice schedule or routine for each student. Each student must practice for 45-60 minutes a week. This averages out to about 30 minutes every other day, or roughly 20 minutes every day with one day off. Once practicing becomes routine, it will be more enjoyable.
Recordings: Recordings will be found on Essential Elements Interactive (EssentialElementsInteractive.com) for Grades 5 and 6, and Google Classroom for Grades 7 and 8. They will be announced when they are created, along with the due date of the recordings. Essential Elements Interactive Login information: It will be the same as the student’s Google Login.
All children do not start at the same level nor do all children progress at the same speed. Every student is expected to improve. Your child’s progress should be noticeable at home as well as in school. All students will experience some difficulties along the way which is normal. The best we can do for our children is to encourage them to persevere and work toward their goals.
PROJECTS
Throughout the year, there will be several projects the students will need to complete. They will range from Musical Composition, to recording and producing their own music video. All required materials will be given to the students through Google Classroom, and they must complete the project before the due date given to receive full credit.
Throughout the year, there will be several projects the students will need to complete. They will range from Musical Composition, to recording and producing their own music video. All required materials will be given to the students through Google Classroom, and they must complete the project before the due date given to receive full credit.
CONCERT DRESS
In the event of a Professional Video Project, Concert Dress will need to be worn. A Professional Video Project can be described as: Virtual Concert, or Virtual Performance. Along with sounding professional, a group’s performance is also enhanced by its appearance.
At the director’s discretion, a performer who is dressed inappropriately may be excluded from a performance.
Girls: Black pants or black knee-length or full-length skirt; white shirt, blouse or sweater; black shoes.
Boys: Black pants; collared white shirt (dress shirts or golf shirts); Black shoes and socks.
Optional - Necktie & Dark colored sport coat.
In the event of a Professional Video Project, Concert Dress will need to be worn. A Professional Video Project can be described as: Virtual Concert, or Virtual Performance. Along with sounding professional, a group’s performance is also enhanced by its appearance.
At the director’s discretion, a performer who is dressed inappropriately may be excluded from a performance.
Girls: Black pants or black knee-length or full-length skirt; white shirt, blouse or sweater; black shoes.
Boys: Black pants; collared white shirt (dress shirts or golf shirts); Black shoes and socks.
Optional - Necktie & Dark colored sport coat.
INSTRUMENT SIGN-OUT
If you require an instrument, you MUST email me as soon as possible. To keep everyone safe and healthy, Methuen has very strict COVID Procedures.
The Timony Grammar School Instrumental Program has some instruments available to borrow.
If you require an instrument, you MUST email me as soon as possible. To keep everyone safe and healthy, Methuen has very strict COVID Procedures.
The Timony Grammar School Instrumental Program has some instruments available to borrow.
- A student must first demonstrate successful performance and care with their primary instrument before being considered for a school loaned instrument. This is left up to the discretion of the Director.
- Both the student and parents/guardian must sign an Instrument Sign-Out Form and return to the Director.
- When the student receives an instrument, they are responsible for its care and return.
- The instrument must be returned immediately upon request by the Director, in the same OR BETTER condition.
CLASSROOM IDEALS
Classroom Expectations
Consequences
Rewards
Classroom Expectations
- We are a team - Respect Each Other
- We Try Our Best
- We create and Learn From Our Mistakes
- We Celebrate Each Other's Success
- We participate with video and audio on when possible, contributing fully to discussions
Consequences
- Verbal Warning
- Phone call home [Detention during Hybrid Learning]
- If more than 2 calls home occur in any trimester, the Principal will be notified
- Severe Clause – Escorted to the Office
Rewards
- Verbal Praise
- S.O.A.R Bucks for outstanding:
- Leadership
- Helping others set up their instrument
- Constantly being ready to play without reminders, or helping others stay on task
Student and Parent Sign Off
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You may download the latest copy of the Band Handbook here.