Hershey Elementary School  

Band 
Handbook for Students and Parents 

2018-2019 
 
 
 
 

 
Mrs. Kaitlin Obielecki 
Hershey Elementary Director of Bands 
 
 
(717)531-2277 
kobielecki@hershey.k12.pa.us 
www.obie-music.com 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Table of Contents 
1. Welcome
a. Why Teach Music?
b. National Standards for Music Education
2. Large Ensemble
a. When is Band?
b. “How to Make Our Band Great!”
c. Balance
d. Attendance Policy
e. The Band Commandments
3. Small Group Lessons
a. Scheduling
b. Sectionals
c. Attendance
d. Private Lessons
4. Small Ensembles
a. Hershey Elementary Jazz Band
b. Other Small Ensembles
5. Playing Exams
6. Home Practice
7. Performances
8. Obtaining an Instrument
9. Miscellaneous
a. Performance Outside of School Activities
b. Mailbox
c. Care of Instruments
10. Appendices
a. Practice/Assignment Sheet
b. Progress Report
c. Contract Sign-off
1. Welcome!! 
Welcome to the Hershey Elementary School Band Program. The Derry Township School
District has a great reputation for their fine music programs, and each member of the
instrumental program at Hershey Elementary is a vital part of the continued success of the
program. Parents are also important to that success because of the support that they give to their
child’s music education.
The success of the band depends on the individual responsibility of EACH and EVERY
member. Everyone plays - no one sits on the bench! This is your band, your team. The Hershey
Elementary Band is better because you are a member!
 
a. Why Teach Music??? 
MUSIC IS A SCIENCE: ​it is exact, specific, and relies on the laws of Physics. It
must be 100% correct...99% doesn’t cut it!
MUSIC IS MATHEMATICAL:​ rhythm and pitch exist as a series of ratios of
time and frequency.
MUSIC IS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE: ​terms used in music are Italian,
German, French, etc. and notation is a highly developed type of shorthand.
MUSIC IS PHYSICAL EDUCATION:​ it requires and promotes the
development of coordination and extraordinary control of breathing, arms,
fingers, and facial muscles.
MUSIC IS HISTORY:​ it reflects the environment and cultural aspects of the
time it is created.
Music is all of these things, but most of all...​MUSIC IS AN ART!

Some objectives of Music Education…

1. Skills to Life: To expose the student to the many skills necessary to be productive and
successful in life. The following is a list of some of those “life” skills: analyzing,
appraising, categorizing, communicating, conferring/conferencing, counseling,
estimating, evaluating, following directions, interviewing, investigating, listening,
negotiating, perceiving, persuading, planning activities, predicting, presenting,
 prioritizing, reading, self-assessment, setting goals, speaking, summarizing,
synthesizing, teaching/tutoring, teamwork, time management, and writing.
2. Cultural: To continue development of music appreciation and understanding through the
study and performance of the best in music.
3. Educational: To develop competent performers who are able to use their instrument to
facilitate the development of music appreciation, concentration, and discipline. To
explore music as a possible vocation.
4. Service: To lend color and atmosphere to certain school and community events while
promoting and enhancing the dignity and reputation of the school through traditional
public appearances in and out of school.
5. Expression: To provide all students of the school with the opportunity for emotional
expression and social interaction.

For all these reasons and more,​ I TEACH MUSIC.

B. National Standards for Music Education - How do we meet them? 

THE STANDARD THE SUB-STANDARDS WHAT WE DO!

Imagine Come up with musical ideas,
CREATE Plan and Make share them with others, and
Present perform them!
Evaluate

Select Rehearse individually, in small

Rehearse groups, and in large groups,
Interpret then give performances for our
PERFORM Analyze peers, families, and friends!
Present

Select Explain and identify why we

RESPOND Analyze made musical choices, and
Interpret evaluate our own performances!
Evaluate

CONNECT Connect music to daily life,

other subjects, history, and
cultures using our musical
knowledge!
2. Large Ensemble 
a. When is Band? 
○ 4th Grade Band ​- meets EVERY Thursday from 2:45-3:30 in MPR2
○ 5th Grade Band​ - meets EVERY Thursday from 8:45-9:30 in MPR2
■ If students needed to miss band for an academic reason, they must
communicate with Mrs. Obielecki BEFORE the rehearsal.
■ Students are not to be pulled out of band for discipline reasons

b. “How to Make Our Band Great!” 

○ Expectations
■ Be prepared! Have ALL music, your instrument, and a pencil. Know your
music -- practice, practice, PRACTICE!!!
■ Enter the band room (MPR2) quickly and quietly.
■ Sit quietly and patiently before we begin.
■ Put music in the order as listed on the board.
■ Listen when others speak or play.
○ Results
■ You’ll be able to actively participate.
■ We’ll be able to start on time.
■ You’ll be able to hear instructions.
■ We will save time.
■ We will accomplish more in rehearsals​.
○ Consequences
■ You will be reminded to remember the rules to MAKE OUR BAND
GREAT (informal warning)
■ Official Warning
■ Call home
■ Referral

c. Parts/Seating 
The part each student plays in band will be determined by Mrs. Obielecki based
on the band’s needs. Please remember that all parts in the band are extremely important!
Sometimes playing a harmony is more difficult than playing the melody. Seating will be
assigned by Mrs. Obielecki and will be done according to the needs of the band, not
necessarily on ability. The seating pattern will change regularly.
C. Balance 
To create the optimal band sound and the best band experience for everyone, the
instrumentation must be balanced. On occasion, students are asked to switch
instruments, or try a new instrument. For example, a clarinet player may be asked to
perform on a bass clarinet, or someone may be asked to switch to a low brass instrument
for the sake of balance. All instruments are important! Any student asked to play an
alternate instrument should give the request serious consideration.

D. Attendance Policy 
Students are required to attend ALL rehearsals. Extraordinary circumstances will
be at the discretion of Mrs. Obielecki.

E. The Band Commandments 

● Thou shalt warm-up thine instrument quietly and tune softly before each
rehearsal.
● Thou shalt constantly assume the position and attitude of attention during each
rehearsal and performance, and at any other time the conductor’s podium is
occupied; thou shalt sit away from the back of the chair when playing thine
instrument.
● Thou shalt use thine eyes to see the music and the conductor, thine ears to hear
the music and the teaching, and they mouth only to play thine instrument; thou
shalt make all necessary movements unobtrusive.
● Thou shalt play thine instrument in the music rooms only when at school, unless
under specific direction.
● Thou shalt fill the air with music at least fifteen minutes daily by practicing on
thine instrument; great is he/she who maketh resounding music much longer.
● Thou shalt always be present and on time to all rehearsals and performances.
● Thou shalt care for thine instrument, music, and all other properties, which are
entrusted to thy use; they shall be kept in good condition and stored properly;
nothing shall be lost, misplaced, or missing when needed.
● Thou shalt be loyal, honest, courteous, and sportsmanlike in all thy dealings with
thine organization and its members.
● Thou shalt conduct thyself to show pride in and reflect credit to thy school and
thine organization.
● Thou shalt love thine instrument and thy music and thine organization as thyself.
3. Small Group Lessons 
a. Scheduling 
All students enrolled in the the Hershey Elementary Band Program are scheduled
for small group lessons. These lessons are scheduled during the school day in one
half-hour blocks. Students are never pulled from a class in which they are performing
below grade level. Lessons will be assigned in the cycle day schedule (i.e. Day 4 @ 9:30).
 
B. Sectionals 
Sectionals will be happening everyday during the scheduled recess time. Daily
sectionals will be grouped by instrument groups, so Percussion will meet one day,
Woodwind another, and Brass another. Recess sectionals will run on the day of the week
schedule (Monday = Woodwinds, Tuesday = Brass, Wednesday/Friday = Percussion)

C. Attendance  
Small group lessons and sectionals develop the individual skills to have a
successful band program. Therefore, students are required to attend one lesson per six
day cycle, and one sectional per week. It is the student’s responsibility to ask the teacher
if they may leave the classroom to go to the band room. It is also the student’s
responsibility to ask what they are missing in class that day, and have the work
completed according to the teacher’s instructions. School lessons are not an excuse to
“get out” of a class or not complete the work. Sometimes, students must miss lessons
because of testing; these students should contact Mrs. Obielecki before the lesson is
missed. It is assumed that all Hershey Elementary Band members accept the
responsibility that comes with participating in band.

​ D. Private Lessons 
Students are encouraged to seek a private lesson teacher to supplement their
school lessons. Private teachers are able to focus on specific problems by spending more
individual time with each student. Private lessons are an excellent supplement to school
lessons, not a replacement.
  

 
4. Small Ensembles  
a. Hershey Elementary Jazz Band 
The Hershey Elementary Jazz Band is a small ensemble that will be available to
students in 5th grade (or in their second year of playing). Jazz Band will meet on one day
of the week (Wednesday) during recess (​subject to change)​
The goal of the Hershey Elementary Jazz Band is to offer those students who
excel at their instrument an opportunity to learn all styles of jazz, learn the fundamental
concepts of improvisation, practice and perform more challenging music, and provide a
service to the school and community by performing at certain activities and events. All
instruments are welcome in the Hershey Elementary Jazz Band.
 
B. Other Small Ensembles 
As the school year progresses, students that are far exceeding the expectations of
lesson assignments and band music may be asked to participate in a small ensemble
group. These ensembles could include, but are not limited to, woodwind quartet,
percussion ensemble, trumpet ensemble, etc. These groups would either meet during
lessons (might require a change in lesson time) or during recess. Small ensembles would
most likely be asked to perform at concerts.

5. Playing Exams 
Playing exams are held on occasion and are required of all Hershey Elementary
Band Students. They will always be announced at least two week prior. They will consist
of fundamentals (i.e. scales, rudiments, circle of fourths) and an etude or passage from
one of more band pieces.

6. Home Practice 
Home practice is essential in the success of any music student. Whether it is the
timpani or the kazoo, the harmonica or the trumpet, no one can reach their full potential
without home practice. All students will be required to record daily practice in their
quarterly lesson booklet. An example of one page of the booklet can be found in the
 Appendix. The lesson booklets will be used at every lesson, and allow Miss Daneker and
the parents to track the amount of practice each student is putting in each week. Practice
tips can be found on the flip books and at www.obie-music.com. Students are asked to
practice a total of 60 minutes a week.
 

7. Performances 
Attendance is required at all performances. This is the time to show off all of your
hard work! Absences will be excused only if the student is missing from school due to
illness, a severe family emergency, or religious conflict. Please let Mrs. Obielecki know
immediately if you have a problem with attending the concert.
This year’s band performances are…
● Monday, December 10th, 2018 @ 7:00pm (5th grade only)
● Wednesday, May 8th, 2019 @ 7:00pm (4th & 5th grade)
❖ CONCERTS ARE HELD AT THE HIGH SCHOOL OR MIDDLE SCHOOL
❖ Please mark your calendars​ NOW!
❖ CONCERT ATTIRE
➢ Dressy clothes, concerts are formal occasions!
➢ Boys - black slacks, black dress shoes, black OR white dress shirt, ties
optional.
➢ Girls - Any combination of white and/or black, black dress shoes - be
aware of length if wearing a dress or skirt, students will be sitting.
➢ If you have any questions about attire, ask Mrs. Obielecki in the days prior
to the concert.

8. ​Obtaining an Instrument 
Students participating in the Hershey Elementary Band Program are asked to
either rent their instrument (Loser’s Music and Menchey Music are both school
approved) or purchase their instrument. If you are choosing to purchase an instrument,
please consult with Mrs. Obielecki first. She will be able to help you choose a lasting
instrument or help you avoid purchasing an instrument that may lack in sound quality or
easily require repair. Cheap instruments are usually not quality instruments.
 There are a VERY limited amount of school instruments that can be made
available to students that would like to play, but experience a hardship that prevents
them from renting or purchasing. Utilizing a school instrument would require direct
communication with Mrs. Obielekcki. School instruments are only available at the
elementary school so alternate arrangements would need to be made before entering
middle school.
 
9. Miscellaneous 
a. Performance Outside of School Activities 
Students should notify Mrs. Obielecki when they are performing outside of school
(i.e. community ensembles, private lesson recitals, church, theatre). Mrs. Obielecki will
make an attempt, schedule allowing, to attend these performances.

​ ​ B. Mailbox 
Mrs. Obielecki tries to make most forms available on ​www.obie-music.com​ for
electronic download. There is a mailbox directly inside the band room door for turning in
band mail. Students may drop off band mail first thing in the morning, at their
lesson/sectional, or as their classroom teacher permits.

C. Care of Instruments 
Students will learn about care of their instrument in their small group lessons.
Additional information can be found at www.obie-music.com
Band Progress Report P
B
E N
Derry Township School District A R
L O
Hershey Elementary School D O
B O
V F
A W A
A I
Student Name: S T
N C
I B T
C I
C A E
Grade: Quarter: E E
S M
D N
I T
T
Instrument: C

RHYTHM - ​ability to read and perform the correct note

values (note length, steady pulse)

PITCH - ​ability to identify & perform notation written on

the staff (fingerings, key signatures)

TONE QUALITY - ​ability to identify & produce the

correct sound for the student’s chosen instrument

ARTICULATION - ​ability to start & stop each note using

the tongue or slurring

TECHNIQUE - ​student performs technical aspects of

playing (embouchure, hand position, posture, instrument
position, etc.) at the expected level.

PREPARATION - ​demonstration of practice effort or

skill acquisition. Lesson booklet filled out, and turned in.

PLAYING EXAM​ - ​demonstration of knowledge in

fundamentals, and preparation for concert

STRENGTHS: AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT:

❏ Note Reading ❏ Note Reading
❏ Rhythm/Pulse ❏ Rhythm/Pulse
❏ Tone Quality ❏ Tone Quality
❏ Pitch Identification/Fingerings ❏ Pitch Identification/Fingerings
❏ Attitude/Cooperation ❏ Attitude/Cooperation
❏ Home Practice ❏ Home Practice
❏ Participation/Preparedness ❏ Participation/Preparedness

★ Private lessons are always a good idea! COMMENTS:

★ Daily Practice is ESSENTIAL for success!

❏ Please call Miss Daneker for a conference

❏ Instrument needs maintenance
❏ Student needs supplies

Mrs. Obielecki’s Contact info :​ kobielecki@hershey.k12.pa.us 717-508-2266

Website - www.obie-music.com Instagram - @obiemusic