Dear Music Students and Parents:
Welcome to the VAMS Music Department!!
As we start the 2015 - 2016 school year, here is some information you need to begin a great year in the Verona Area Middle School Music Program. Be sure that you understand the expectations, and then return the signed form at the end of the handbook.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about this handbook or any aspect of the music program, please call or e-mail me at any time.
Administration:
Sandy ESKRICH - Principal
PETE CHRISTOFFERSON - Associate Principal
Office 845-4000
Behavior Expectations:
Music students are expected to put forth their best effort at each and every class session. We expect to see students demonstrate respect for one another and the learning environment at all times.
The rules for our classrooms are as follows:
Concerts
WE EXPECT ALL MUSICIANS TO ATTEND ANY CONCERT THEY HAVE PREPARED FOR!
Concerts are extensions of the daily music classroom. Attendance at concerts is required, and will be a component of a student’s grade. We are excited about concerts, as they are an exciting opportunity for students to demonstrate all that they learn in the music classroom. Musical ensembles are a team, and the success of the group depends on each and every individual!
It is the student/parent’s responsibility to inform coaches, advisors, and other non-school related activity leaders of the Music concert dates to avoid conflicts.
The VAMS concert schedule can be found at the end of this handbook, as well as the school/district website and individual music department sites. Please mark these dates on your family’s calendar!
Supplies
Almost all instruments need supplies. Saxophones, clarinets, oboes and bassoons need reeds, brass instruments need oil and grease. Percussionists need mallets and sticks. We have most of this for resale at school so you won’t have to make a special trip. If your student needs supplies, usually I’ll give them what they need to play for the day, and then send you an e-mail with the cost. If you can’t pay us back, we’ll scholarship it, but our budget is extremely tight, so do what you can. Let me know if you have questions or alternative ways to manage this.
Concert Dress
Middle school Band performers are required to wear black and white ( in any combination) to any evening concert event. All school dress code rules apply to concerts as well.
Assessments/Grading
Assessments in music classes will be combination of the following:
Grades are awarded using the following grading scale:
Savanna Oaks is moving towards a 4 number based grading system. Because we're transitioning - band grades will be given in both traditional grading:
A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D- F
4.0-3.7 3.6-3.5 3.4-3.3 3.2-2.8 2.7-2.5 2.4-2.3 2.2-1.8 1.7-1.5 1.4-1.3 1.2-1.1 1.0 <1.0
And performance based ( 4 number ) grading. That looks like this in band:
Example: Student knows how to assemble and care for their instrument properly and shows that knowledge every day.
1=student is not sure yet 2= knows but doesn't always DO
3= knows and does most of the time 4= takes exceptional care to do this daily.Always.
Practicing for Band
Band students should play outside of class 3 - 4 times per week. In 6th grade - it’s best if they play outside of class daily. This is considered homework, and is an important factor in success on one’s instrument. Set aside a quiet place and time to practice daily. (Students may choose to practice before school, after school, or during lunch times in the music department. Please see your teacher if you’d like more information on this option.)
Make a plan to succeed.
Decide now that you are going to have success in your musical ensemble. It can be fun, as well as a challenge, and a great source of pride if you approach it properly.
Our request to the parents:
Please help your child to remember his/her materials for music each day. Have him/her practice regularly. Encourage your young musician to achieve. Show an interest and praise progress. Thank you for encouraging the musical development of your child!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time.
Again, welcome to Verona Area Music Department. We are looking forward to a great year; We hope you are also!
Welcome to the VAMS Music Department!!
As we start the 2015 - 2016 school year, here is some information you need to begin a great year in the Verona Area Middle School Music Program. Be sure that you understand the expectations, and then return the signed form at the end of the handbook.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about this handbook or any aspect of the music program, please call or e-mail me at any time.
Administration:
Sandy ESKRICH - Principal
PETE CHRISTOFFERSON - Associate Principal
Office 845-4000
Behavior Expectations:
Music students are expected to put forth their best effort at each and every class session. We expect to see students demonstrate respect for one another and the learning environment at all times.
The rules for our classrooms are as follows:
- Treat other people and their belongings with respect.
- Come to class on time and prepared every day. This means having your instrument, music, and a pencil.
- Give your best effort and maintain a positive attitude every day. We are a community of learners.
- Proper Concert etiquette is expected at performances.
- All building rules apply in our classroom as well.
Concerts
WE EXPECT ALL MUSICIANS TO ATTEND ANY CONCERT THEY HAVE PREPARED FOR!
Concerts are extensions of the daily music classroom. Attendance at concerts is required, and will be a component of a student’s grade. We are excited about concerts, as they are an exciting opportunity for students to demonstrate all that they learn in the music classroom. Musical ensembles are a team, and the success of the group depends on each and every individual!
It is the student/parent’s responsibility to inform coaches, advisors, and other non-school related activity leaders of the Music concert dates to avoid conflicts.
The VAMS concert schedule can be found at the end of this handbook, as well as the school/district website and individual music department sites. Please mark these dates on your family’s calendar!
Supplies
Almost all instruments need supplies. Saxophones, clarinets, oboes and bassoons need reeds, brass instruments need oil and grease. Percussionists need mallets and sticks. We have most of this for resale at school so you won’t have to make a special trip. If your student needs supplies, usually I’ll give them what they need to play for the day, and then send you an e-mail with the cost. If you can’t pay us back, we’ll scholarship it, but our budget is extremely tight, so do what you can. Let me know if you have questions or alternative ways to manage this.
Concert Dress
Middle school Band performers are required to wear black and white ( in any combination) to any evening concert event. All school dress code rules apply to concerts as well.
Assessments/Grading
Assessments in music classes will be combination of the following:
- Rehearsal Skills
- Concert Attendance
- Practice Records
- Performance and/or Written Quizzes
- Special Projects and/or Written Work
Grades are awarded using the following grading scale:
Savanna Oaks is moving towards a 4 number based grading system. Because we're transitioning - band grades will be given in both traditional grading:
A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D- F
4.0-3.7 3.6-3.5 3.4-3.3 3.2-2.8 2.7-2.5 2.4-2.3 2.2-1.8 1.7-1.5 1.4-1.3 1.2-1.1 1.0 <1.0
And performance based ( 4 number ) grading. That looks like this in band:
Example: Student knows how to assemble and care for their instrument properly and shows that knowledge every day.
1=student is not sure yet 2= knows but doesn't always DO
3= knows and does most of the time 4= takes exceptional care to do this daily.Always.
Practicing for Band
Band students should play outside of class 3 - 4 times per week. In 6th grade - it’s best if they play outside of class daily. This is considered homework, and is an important factor in success on one’s instrument. Set aside a quiet place and time to practice daily. (Students may choose to practice before school, after school, or during lunch times in the music department. Please see your teacher if you’d like more information on this option.)
Make a plan to succeed.
Decide now that you are going to have success in your musical ensemble. It can be fun, as well as a challenge, and a great source of pride if you approach it properly.
Our request to the parents:
Please help your child to remember his/her materials for music each day. Have him/her practice regularly. Encourage your young musician to achieve. Show an interest and praise progress. Thank you for encouraging the musical development of your child!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time.
Again, welcome to Verona Area Music Department. We are looking forward to a great year; We hope you are also!