Bullpups Band

WINDER-BARROW MIDDLE SCHOOL

HANDBOOK 2009-2010
Brett Johnson, Director

PURPOSE
The purpose of the Winder-Barrow Middle School Band Program is to impart an appreciation of
music to all of its members through successful study and performance. In addition, those students
with the interest, talent, and dedication are given the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge of
music that will prepare the student for the progression into the high school band program.

FOREWORD
This handbook is written as a guideline for students of our instrumental music department. This
handbook is an effort to explain to every band student and parent what is expected of them in the
band program and to outline many of the procedures and practices that govern the operation of the
band. These guidelines have evolved over a number of successful years in some of the model middle
school band programs in the country.

There are a number of benefits that students can realize by participation in the band program. The
intense concentration and training required to perform in band is the same kind of training that
produces success in every field. Playing in the band develops coordination, organization, and mental
discipline, and that explains why bands invariably have such a high percentage of the school’s
highest-ranking academic students in the organization. Scholarship and musicianship go hand in
hand!

Through the cooperation of every student, parent, and teacher, we can have many enjoyable musical
experiences affording musical growth, accomplishment, appreciation, and recreation. Students will
experience many hours of work and play as a member of the band, and hopefully each member will
share in the spirit of doing a Quality Job!

WBMS-BAND 2009-2010
Message from the Director
Welcome to the Music Department of Winder-Barrow Middle School ! Parents, I invite you to all scheduled
performances and ask that you fully support your child in this new experience.
This band handbook will give you some sense of my goals and curriculum, my philosophy of grading for this
course, and my expectations of each band member. Parents and students are requested to read this entire
handbook, discuss it, and keep it for reference for the entire school year. Only when every member of the band puts
forth a 100% effort can a band attain its goals in musical achievement and service to school and community. You are
embarking on a lifetime of musical enjoyment. The more you invest of yourself, the more will be your reward. Together
we can make this the best year ever.

Please take special notice of the sections dealing with attendance, grading, the student resource
notebook, early morning band rehearsals, daily procedures, concert dress, and important dates.
I appreciate all your support and look forward to another exciting school year.
Mr. Brett Johnson

COMMUNICATION
A key element of a successful band program is communication. The Winder-Barrow Middle School Band
maintains a website that has all the information needed for participation in the band. This is a very convenient
resource if you have misplaced this handbook, calendar or any other forms that have been passed out in band
during the year. Please go there regularly to keep up-to-date on information regarding the band.

Students and especially parents are highly encouraged to sign up for electronic bulletins by providing the Band
Director with an e-mail address. E-mail communication will be used solely for providing updates about
assignments, tests, concert dates, parent association news, and general information about the band program.
Addresses will remain hidden for privacy.
Website:
http://wbmsband.snappages.com

Email:
purvis.johnson@barrow.k12.ga.us

Phone:
(770) 868-1421

CLASS RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
It is a privilege to be a part of the band program. It is the
right of every musician to learn and it is the right of your
director to teach. There are certain rules and regulations
that must be followed in order to maintain a successful
rehearsal environment. These are as follows:
1. Have respect for your directors and classmates
2. Be in your seat with all equipment and materials ready
to play two minutes after the
time class is scheduled to start.
3. Do not play your instrument until the director begins the
rehearsal.
4. Do not touch any instrument except your own.
5. Do not touch any piece of percussion equipment.
6. Raise your hand for permission before speaking or
getting out of your seat for any reason.
7. No gum, candy, food, or drinks will be allowed in the
band room.
8. Have permission before entering the band office or
using the phone.
9. Do not touch anything on the director’s stand, podium,
or cart at any time.
10. Keep your instrument in working order. If an instrument
must be repaired, bring a note from your parent stating
where it is being repaired and when it will be returned. Be
sure to ask for a loaner instrument when available.
10. Follow all directions.
11. Have pride in everything you do.
12. Keep the band room clean by picking up trash off the
floor and straightening chairs.
13. Remember the first word of Self-Control and Self-
Discipline is Self! Nobody can do it but YOU!
WINDER-BARROE MIDDLE SCHOOL BANDS

SIXTH GRADE BAND

Sixth grade is the starting point countywide for the formal study of instrumental music. There will be two randomly
selected classes of even size to start the year in the 6th grade. Students will learn the basic of reading music, correct
tone production, playing posture ad hand positions, care of instruments, development of instrument technique and
readiness for ensemble performance.

CONCERT/SYMPHONIC BAND
In the seventh and eighth grades, there will be two band classes for each grade level. These classes may be divided into
a Symphonic and Concert Band class or possibly woodwinds/percussion and brass/percussion.Students will be placed
in either Symphonic or Concert Band based on the following criteria: Instrumentation, playing ability, conduct and
behavior, and desire to excel and contribute on his/her chosen instrument. The main focus of the Concert Band is to
prepare the students for participation in the high school band program. As a result, the students are also expected to be
able to tackle some concepts on their own.

Jazz Band
The Jazz Band is an exciting band that plays Jazz and Rock style music. This band is for 7th and 8th grade members,
and is not limited to any certain instrument. The group will play for several school and community events during the
school year. There is not an audition for the Jazz Band, interested member will simply need to express and interest to Mr.
Johnson. The band will meet after-school for practices at least once a week.

Percussion Ensemble
The Percussion Ensemble if for 7th and 8th grade percussionist. 6th grade percussionist may join the ensemble in their
Spring semester. The group will practice after-school, and preform throughout the school year. There is not an audition
for the Percussion Ensemble, students will just need to express their interest to Mr. Johnson.

Pep Band
The Winder-Barrow Middle School Pep Band is for 7th and 8th grade students. These students volunteer to play for one
pep rally and one home football game. Practice for this band is after school.

AUDITIONS, SEATING AND CHALLENGES

1. The Director will assign students to chairs in the various sections of the band according to the student’s ability and/or
the musical needs of the ensemble.
2. Students who wish to move up in their section may do so by challenging the person directly ahead of them.
3. A player must accept the challenge or lose the chair.
4. Challenges will be over music in the folder and/or music selected by the Director. In case of a tie, the tie will be broken
by the Director using additional music.
5. Challenges will be conducted during the class period. Challenges will not be held one month prior to any performance.

SOLO AND ENSEMBLE FESTIVALS

A vital part to improving the quality of a band program is to improve the individual playing skills and musicianship of its
members. In addition to private lessons, a very effective way to improve these skills is through participation in Solo and
Ensemble Festival. This event, which occurs in April, is an opportunity for students to prepare a musical selection and
perform individually or in small groups in front of a judge who will critique their performance and give the students a
rating. Students wishing to participate will work in conjunction with either their private lesson teacher and/or Mr.
Johnson to select music and set up rehearsal times. Participating students will receive a certificate at the Spring
Concert to recognize their participation.

DISTRICT HONOR BAND / ALL-STATE

One of the biggest individual honors that a band student can receive is to be selected to perform with the District Honor
Band or the Georgia All-State Band. These two ensembles are chosen through competitive audition. The first audition
will be a district level audition held in December. On this audition, students will be expected to perform four major
scales, a chromatic scale, a prepared etude, and a sight-reading exercise. The major scales and prepared etudes can be
obtained from Mr. Johnson or at www.gmea.org. If a student scores a minimum passing score (which varies by
instrument), he/she will advance to the state level audition.
The district level audition also serves as the audition for district honor band. A student’s score on the first All-State
audition will determine whether or not they are selected for district honor band. A student does not have to make it to
the state level All-State audition in order to be selected for district honor band. Students selected to the district honor
band will meet for a two-day clinic in February at the GBCC in Toccoa.
Students who advance to the state level audition will have a 2nd audition in January. On this audition they will play a
prepared etude and a sight-reading exercises. From this audition, the Georgia All-State Band will be selected. Students
selected to the All-State band will travel to Savannah at the end of February for a three-day clinic, much like the district
honor band, where they will rehearse for three days and present a Saturday concert at the Savannah Civic Center.

Band Equipment
Students are expected to have all materials in class each day for their Participation grade.
Your instrument is extremely valuable and proper care should be taken to maintain its value. Should your instrument be
in need of repair, you must always check with the Director before taking it to the shop. Never try to repair the instrument
yourself, as you may not have the proper tools or skills required. All instruments must have a permanent name tag. NO
ONE SHOULD PLAY OR HANDLE AN INSTRUMENT THAT DOES NOT BELONG TO HIM/HER.

School Owned Instruments

Students who play school owned instruments should take the same care as they would their own instrument. The
student is liable for damage due to negligence or carelessness and for loss, but not for normal wear. The student must
always inform the Director of any repairs needed.

Instrument Storage Area

Each student will have access to the instrument storage area. Due to our limited space, students will have an assigned
space for storing their instrument. No one should ever be in a side or storage room unless their instrument is stored in
that room. This especially applies to the Percussion Room. Please be aware that although these rooms will be watched
carefully, we cannot be held responsible for any items left in the storage rooms. This area is for instrument storage only!
KEEP YOUR AREA NEAT AND CLEAN!

There are a couple of things that you can do to help insure the safety of your instruments. First of all, we encourage
everyone to make sure you carry insurance on all personally owned instruments. We also require that the student’s
name be on the instrument and serial numbers be provided where requested on the “Band Student Information” form.
Another thing you can do is require your child take their instrument home everyday! This will prevent anything from
happening to your instrument after school hours and it will make the students a lot more likely to practice!!!
Music and Folders
Show the proper respect and care for your music and folder. All markings on the music should be made in PENCIL only.
Your music folder should not have any material that does not pertain to band in them! This 3-ring black binder is also
your concert folder. During the course of the school year, students at all three grade levels will keep all band books,
sheet music, and handouts in their Band Music Binder. During the course of the year, anytime we hand out a piece of
music or a handout that needs to be kept, you will need to place it in a sheet protector inside your binder. These binders
should be kept by the students at all times and brought to class everyday. These are NOT to be left in the band room or
instrument storage rooms! Occasionally, there may be notebook or pencil checks for a grade. Having these things in
class everyday will help them be organized!
Band Room and Practice Rooms
These are your rooms and should reflect your attitude towards the band program. Show respect and pride by keeping
them neat and clean. NO FOOD, DRINK, OR GUM IS ALLOWED IN THE BAND ROOM OR PRACTICE ROOMS. There
will be absolutely no tolerance for gum, candy, or soda in the facility…DO NOT BRING IT TO CLASS!
Individual Equipment
Flutes: Cleaning/Tuning Rod.
Oboes: Two good medium fiber cane reeds and a reed swab.
Clarinets, All Saxes: A minimum of four good reeds (Vandoren Preferred) strength 2 ½, 3, 3 ½ (as the Director advises),
reed guard (holds 4 reeds), cork grease, and a cleaning swab.
Trumpets, Baritones, and Tubas: Blue Juice or Al Cass valve oil and tuning slide grease.
French Horns: Rotary valve oil and tuning slide grease.
Trombones: Slide cream and tuning slide grease.
Percussion: Snare Drum Sticks—size 5A, and a stick bag, practice pad, and bell kit. (The Director may recommend
other sticks.)
CONSEQUENCES
All classes at WBMS follow the same discipline plan. We
do not anticipate major problems with our students
simply because band is a privilege and students are
there because they want to be there. If a problem does
arise, students will be expected to comply with these
steps:
Step 1 – First Offense: Verbal Warning
Step 2 – Second Offense: Phone Call To Parent
Step 3 – Third Offense: Conference with Parents
Step 4 – Fourth Offense: Office Referral
Extreme behavior (or any other severe consequence
deemed necessary by the band directors) will result
in an automatic office referral.

GRADING POLICY
*** The same grading formula will be used for 6th, 7th, and 8th grades!

All classes at WBMS are required to follow the same grading percentages:
60% Assessment (concert/performances, playing test, written test, pass-offs, and concert eqquiette)
40% Non-Assessment (practice records, folder checks, supply checks, class participation, and rehersals)

Playing Tests/Pass-Offs: Each student will be required to play lines from their book and concert music for a grade every 9-weeks.
7th and 8th graders also perform a Scale Test each 9-weeks. Students are always encouraged to “retake” any test on which they do not
show sufficient mastery or improvement. Scale Test retakes are done before and after school, not during class.

Concert and Extra Rehearsal Attendance: Extra rehearsals during a grading period will be counted as two test
grades (200 total points) and concerts will be counted as three test grades (300 total points). Please see the next
section about “After-School Obligations” for more information.

AFTER-SCHOOL OBLIGATIONS: Band is a performance-based activity which includes after-school rehearsals and
performances as part of its curriculum, and therefore these activities are included as part of the student’s grade. We
will provide you with concert and rehearsal dates as far ahead of time as possible so that you can make the proper
arrangements. Everyone’s time is valuable. With that in mind, we will schedule as few after-school rehearsals as
possible but they will be needed occasionally, especially around concert times.

The only excused absences from rehearsals or concerts are due to illness requiring a doctor visit or a death in the family.
Anything else will be considered as unexcused. Please send an email or a note with your child on the next day they
come to school explaining the absence so that we will know if it is excused or unexcused. Any absence from a rehearsal
can be made up by the student making arrangements with the directors to stay after school on another day for the time
equal to the missed rehearsal time to practice music and/or perform other chores and duties around the band room.

In addition, a student in a Symphonic Band class who misses a performance for an unexcused reason may possibly be
moved to the Concert Band at the beginning of the next grading period.
BAND UNIFORMS
It is very important that we look uniform in every way when we appear in public as a performing group. This not only
enhances our performance, but it also helps to maintain and build a reputation for our program based on discipline and
class. You will find that those two items are equally as important to us as our actual performance. Any student not in
proper uniform will not be allowed to perform which will then be counted as an unexcused absence from a performance.

6TH GRADE BAND – Concert Attire: Black Dress pants, black socks, black shoes, black belt, white under shirt and
WBMS polo.

7TH and 8TH GRADE BANDS – For all 7th and 8th grade band performances throughout the year, students will need to
wear the formal WBMS Band uniform.

Boys Formal Uniform – This will include a pair of black tuxedo pants, a white tuxedo shirt, a black cumberbon and a
black bow tie purchased through the school. Solid black socks and solid black dress shoes will need to be purchased
by the student and parents.

Girls Formal Uniform – Black dress (bought through the school), and solid black dress shoes (closed toe with a closed
back or heel strap) will need to be purchased by the student and parents.

Informal Concert Attire - Blue jeans, band polo/t-shirt, and closed toe shoes.

* Band t-shirts will be worn on field trips.

TURNING IN MONEY TO THE DIRECTOR

Anytime you are turning in money for band, please make sure it is in an envelope with the child’s name, the amount, and
exactly what it is for, especially if you are paying for several things at once. You should turn in anything with money
directly to the band money box located outside Mr. Johnson’s door. Also, whenever possible, please turn in checks only
as this is much easier to count and also much easier to track in case of a mistake. Checks should be made payable to
WBMS BAND.
BAND DONATION PROGRAM AND FUNDRAISING

Fundraising is an important part of helping our band program be the best it can be. In November, we will have our
traditional Fruit Fundraiser. We have done this fundraiser for several years now and it has become something that many
in our community members look forward to. It has also continued to be profitable each year. In the past, we have
always been able to raise sufficient funds through this one fund- raiser and a successful donation program at the
beginning of the year. Hopefully that will be sufficient; however we may schedule a spring fund-raiser as needed.

BAND DONATIONS
There are many items that are absolutely necessary to operate and maintain a successful band program. High quality
large instruments such as tubas, euphoniums, french horns, oboes, bassoons, bass clarinets, baritone saxophones, and
numerous percussion instruments, which the school is responsible to provide, can cost up to several thousand dollars
each. It takes several thousand dollars each year to build and maintain a current music library. There are also extensive
repair and maintenance costs to keep our current inventory in working order. As a long-established program, these
instrument and music needs are magnified as equipment and music need up-dating and technology becomes a more
important resource in the music classroom. This donation will also help with special days such as ice socials, pizza
award dinners, guest clinicians and awards. There are certain financial means needed to achieve the goals of excellence
that we have for the program. If your family is able, we are asking for a $20 donation. Some may want to give more and
others may want to give less any donation will help your child in our band program. We appreciate any financial
assistance and pledge to make sure it helps our program to grow and move forward.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS AND ASSISTANCE

Parental involvement is highly encouraged and ESSENTIAL to the band program at Winder-Barrow Middle School.
Volunteers will assist Music Department by chaperoning events such as concerts, festivals, pizza parties, field trips and
fundraisers. Without the parents, the Music Department could not exist. Investing your time in the Music Parents
Association is investing in your child’s musical future. Parents I will also need you assistances in encouraging your child
to be prepared by having their instrument, reeds, mouthpieces, books, binder, agenda and pencil for class every day.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DISIPLINE

It is expected that each student conduct himself/herself properly with regard to his/her actions, manners, and dress. All
band students are expected to demonstrate good discipline—excessive talking, lack of following the rules, talking back
to the Director, and a general lack of respect will NOT be tolerated. Because band members are often on display at
public concerts, festivals, and performances, each student must always remember that his/her actions represent the
band program as well as Winder-Barrow Middle School. *Remember that it is an honor and privileged to be in band, and
certain steps can be made to have members removed from the band program who do not adhere to the rules, policies
and expectations.

INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS IN BAND:

Make sure your child’s instrument is in good working condition.

Provide a quiet place to practice.
Schedule a consistent, daily practice time.
Remain nearby during practice times as much as possible.
Praise your child’s efforts and accomplishments.
Encourage your child to play for family and friends.
Expose your child to a wide variety of music including live concerts and recitals.
Allow your child to play many types of music.
Help your child build a personal music library.
Decide that you and your child have made a commitment to band and stick to it.
 PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN
I have read and understand the policies stated in the Winder-Barrow Middle School Band Handbook for the
2009-2010 school year.

Students Name (printed)

Students Signature

Grade Instrument

Parent’s Signature

Date