6th graders have been working on the following in band:
1. How to take care of the instrument.
2. How to assemble the instrument.
3. Proper posture, hand position and mouth formation (embouchure), proper grip for percussion
4. Producing the first note.
Woodwind and Brass students should be practicing “Long Tones”. Holding notes out for as long as possible. This will develop strength and control. Brass students should practice long enough to notice some fatigue in their mouth. This is the only way they will develop the facial strength needed to play the instrument. Flute students will notice that from time to time they will become dizzy while practicing their long tones. This will last for a few weeks, but eventually will stop.
Students have an assignment every night! A few minutes of practice daily is far more valuable that hours one night per week. Band students should keep their assignments written in their agenda book.
Questions? Contact Mr. Turner r1turner@scsk12.org
During the first 3 weeks of band classes we have been working on the following:
7th and 8th grade
1. How to practice effectively. Using a clear, organized approach to practicing helps insure success and continued motivation. Students should use the following guideline when practicing at home.
a. Count. 7th and 8th grade students have been taught a system to count the music assigned. They should make sure they understand the rhythm before they attempt to perform it.
b. Count and Finger notes. After the student has mastered counting the rhythm, they should practice counting while fingering the notes. When they encounter a trouble “spot” they should repeat that section (a measure or group of notes) until their fingers will easily move from note to note.
c. Finger notes and say letter names. This step is for the less experienced students. Many students might be able to skip this one. Students who are having difficulty immediately recognizing the letter names of notes will need to practice saying the letter names while fingering . This will reinforce immediate recognition of each note.
d. Play. Once the first 3 steps are mastered the student can play the assigned music. When they encounter a “trouble spot” they should stop, repeat it slowly as many times as necessary, to master that spot. Then try to start the assignment over at the beginning and find other spots that may need attention. When all the problem segments have been practiced, start at the beginning and play the assignment from beginning to end.
Students that simply start at the beginning and play through to the end, mistakes and all, often learn it wrong. Practicing using an organized methodical way will actually have the student spending less time to get the assignment mastered.
7th graders should be learning or reviewing the first 4 scales (passed out in class).
8th graders should be learning or reviewing at least the first 5 scales (passed out in class).
Many students can do more than this minimum of scales. Scales will be checked off in class using a chart posted in the front of the class.
There has been assignments given in the band book. Students should keep up with the assignments in their agenda book.
There has not been any practice record logs due as of yet. I will announce when that begins.
Questions? Contact Mr. Turner r1turner@scsk12.org
from the Band Director, R. Turner,
Schilling Farms MS Band
Band Grading
Band grades are calculated using the following:
50% daily participation — This includes coming to class with the proper materials (instrument, accessories, music, band book, pencil, agenda book etc…), mental effort and focus, and cooperation.
40% tests and quizzes — Playing and written tests both announced and unannounced. Assignments for practice at home are given for every night of the week. Proper preparation through daily practice at home are key to success.
10% homework — Students using the software “SmartMusic” will either print the assessment of their practice to turn in to band director or record the audio of their practice assignment and email it to the band director. Mr. Turner’s email address is r1turner@scsk12.org. Students should record their daily and weekly assignments in their agenda book.
Discipline Plan
Discipline problems are not normally a factor in band classes. Parents should rest assured that any lack of respect, lack of motivation or effort, or disruptive behavior will result in immediate contact of the parent by phone or email. Disciplinary action could include after school detention, silent lunch or referral to the office.
Communication
The SFMS Band uses several means of communication to the parents. We are using the “Charms Music Office Assistant” website to keep parents informed of current band fees, calendar of events, handouts and other information. Please log into web address www.charmsmusic.com. In the parent’s area type in the log-in code “SchillingMSBand”. Once there you can access your personal contact info by typing the “Charms ID #” in the password tab. This ID# was given to you at either the Band Family Dinner on August 28th or passed out to the students during class. Find the icon labeled “student info”, click on it and review your information. If you correct or add any information, make sure you click on the “update” tab to save the changes. Please make sure your email address is correct. The band director is communicating regularly through emails to the address listed in the Charms web information. Additionally you may see the lastest update to the Band Calendar of Events that will include performances, field trips, and after school rehearsals.
From time to time you may receive an automated call that will remind you of an upcoming deadline or event. For this reason please make sure that your phone number is correct in the Charms database.
