2012-2013 BAND CLASS INFORMATION
Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year! I am excited that you have decided to become part of the Huntington Middle School Band, and I am excited to work with you this year! I am confident that this year will be even better than last, and I look forward to a great school year!
HUNTINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND EXPECTATIONS
When you become part of the band, you become part of something bigger than yourself. You become part of a team, and your actions affect everyone else in the band. Students who have committed to becoming a part of the Huntington Middle School Band are expected to participate in all rehearsals and performances- both during and after school. After school band rehearsals and scheduled band performances are an important part of the Middle School Band curriculum. Students will be given a schedule of performances and rehearsals well in advance, and students and parents should make every effort to schedule appointments with this schedule in mind. A written note from a parent or guardian MUST be submitted to Mr. Hunter in order for the absence to be excused. Medical appointments require a note from the doctor in order to be excused. The Newport News Public Schools Band Curriculum requires that Middle School Band Students participate in all scheduled band activities in order to meet course requirements. IF YOU ARE ABSENT FROM A REQUIRED PERFORMANCE FOR ANY UNEXCUSED REASON, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY FAIL THE GRADING PERIOD IN WHICH THAT EVENT IS HELD.
Students will be given a calendar at the beginning of the year which will outline upcoming rehearsals and performances, etc. Students are responsible for maintaining this calendar. Mr. Hunter will make every effort to inform students of any changes in a timely matter. PLEASE DO NOT SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT DURING A BAND REHEARSAL OR PERFORMANCE!
Grading Policy
1. 25% = Daily Class Participation (i.e. proper materials, participation, etc.)
2. 25% = Performance Band Participation (i.e. outside rehearsals and performances)
3. 40% = Average of all Playing Tests
4. 10% = Written work
Band Class, Rehearsal and Performance Grading Guidelines
Students will start each class, rehearsal, and performance with 2 (two) points. Points will be subtracted for the following reasons:
-Not coming prepared to class
-Failure to put forth effort
-Failure to follow the rules of the band room
-Arriving late or leaving early (unless a written excuse from the parent/guardian is given)
Students who fail to bring instruments will receive a grade of 0 (zero). Students will be given a written assignment to be completed for 1 (one) point- two if the instrument is being repaired (needs to be approved by Mr. Hunter).
STUDENTS WHO MISS A PERFORMANCE FOR ANY UNEXCUSED REASON WILL AUTOMICALLY FAIL THAT NINE WEEKS. STUDENTS WHO MISS A MANDATORY REHEARSAL FOR ANY UNEXCUSED REASON MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PERFORMANCE.
HOME PRACTICE:
It will be the responsibility of the student to determine their own individual practice needs at home. I recommend at least three hours of at home practice per week. If Mr. Hunter determines that you cannot perform your music to a reasonable standard, you can be held back from a performance event. Home practice is very important and it is your homework for this class. Prepare to do your best!
FEES:
Music Fee- $10
All Huntington Middle School band students are responsible for the $10 music fee. This fee goes towards method books and music.
First Year Instrument Rental Fee- $35
First year band students who are renting an instrument through Huntington Middle School are responsible for the first year rental fee. Students who procure instruments from other sources are NOT obligated to pay this fee. This fee goes towards the procurement and maintenance of NNPS instruments.
Second/Third Year Instrument Rental Fee- $50
Second/third year band students who are renting an instrument through Huntington Middle School are responsible for the second/third year rental fee. Students who procure instruments from other sources are NOT obligated to pay this fee. This fee goes towards the procurement and maintenance of NNPS instruments.
Special Note Regarding Payment of Fees: There will be fund raising opportunities for students to raise money for band-related expenses. If there are special considerations or situations, please contact Mr. Hunter to discuss your individual situation. Special arrangements can be made to meet any unique needs and will remain confidential. I do NOT want financial situations to keep ANY student from taking band, but I need to know about it!
Instrument Selection for Beginners:
-First-year band students will begin band instruction on the following instruments: flute, Bb clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, baritone horn, or trombone
-Students will submit three instrument choices and will be assessed on each of those three instruments before an instrument is chosen. Mr. Hunter will make every attempt to pair each student with his/her first choice, but the final decision is ultimately up to Mr. Hunter.
-Interested students will have the option of switching to percussion after the first semester. Students must audition and must be approved for percussion by Mr. Hunter.
-No instrument changes will be permitted until the second semester. Any instrument change must be approved by Mr. Hunter.
Supplies:
All Students: Pencil (no pens), method book (Essential Elements 2000), music, instrument, folder. Students must keep all handouts in his/her folder. Failure to bring ALL required supplies to class EVERY day will result in a reduction of the student’s participation grade.
Each instrument requires equipment that needs to be brought to class every day:
Flutes: Cleaning rod, cleaning cloth
Clarinets, Saxophones: At least two (2) working reeds, cleaning supplies, cork grease
Trumpets, Horns, Baritones, Tubas: Mouthpiece, cleaning supplies, valve oil
Trombones: Mouthpiece, cleaning supplies, slide grease
Percussionists: Sticks, stick bag, practice pad
Students may purchase supplies locally at the following locations:
Woodwinds Plus, Inc.
555-E Settlers Landing Road
Hampton, Virginia 23669
1-888-999-2365
Music and Arts
Kiln Creek Shopping Center
209 Village Ave Ste I
Yorktown, VA 23693-5639
(757)988-3970
Students may also wish to purchase supplies online:
Woodwind & Brasswind- http://www.wwbw.com/
Cascio- http://www.interstatemusic.com/
PLEASE CONSULT MR. HUNTER BEFORE MAKING ANY MAJOR PURCHASE! (Instruments, mouthpieces, etc) I am here to help!
HUNTINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND CLASS RULES:
-Make every effort to use the restroom before or after class.
-NO FOOD, DRINK, OR GUM IS ALLOWED IN THE BAND ROOM
-Listen first, speak second. Follow directions.
-Clean up after yourself!! Put all instruments and materials in the proper storage areas.
-Class is over when Mr. Hunter dismisses you.
-YOU are responsible for YOUR music, instrument, and other supplies. If there is a problem with your instrument or if you need to purchase reeds or supplies, see Mr. Hunter before or after class.
-Most importantly, treat others the way you want to be treated. Remember, respect is a two-way street.
-FAILURE TO FOLLOW RULES AND DIRECTIONS WILL CAUSE A REDUCTION IN YOUR PARTICIPATION GRADE
Daily Classroom Procedures:
-As soon as you enter the band room for class, grab your instrument, unpack it against the wall, grab your book and music, grab a chair and stand if needed, have a seat, and quietly begin the “Do Now” posted on the board. Do not play out of turn.
-Classwork, forms, or any other document that does not include money will be turned into the “Turn In” bin.
-Graded papers and receipts will be placed in the “Pick Up” bin. It is the student’s responsibility to check this envelope on a regular basis. Any document that is more than one week old will be discarded.
-Payments will be turned into the mailbox in the front of the band room. Students will place the payment in an envelope, seal the envelope, and label the envelope with his/her name, the amount, and what the payment is fore, before dropping the envelope in the mailbox. This mailbox will be locked.
-Purchasing reeds and other supplies, asking Mr. Hunter to repair an instrument, making payments, turning in papers and picking up papers should be done before or after class, NOT in the middle of class
-Students will not begin packing up until instructed to by Mr. Hunter
Consequences:
Students who choose not to follow the rules also choose to face the following consequences:
1st Offense = Warning
2nd Offense = Reduction of participation grade
3rd or more = Removal from rehearsal, student conference, parent contact/conference, and/or office referral, and/or removal from the Huntington Middle School Band program
I am very excited to work with the Huntington Middle School Viking Band. I am here for you- please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. With your cooperation, I’ve no doubt that this will be a great school year.
Nicholas P. Hunter
Director of Bands
Huntington Middle School
Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year! I am excited that you have decided to become part of the Huntington Middle School Band, and I am excited to work with you this year! I am confident that this year will be even better than last, and I look forward to a great school year!
HUNTINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND EXPECTATIONS
When you become part of the band, you become part of something bigger than yourself. You become part of a team, and your actions affect everyone else in the band. Students who have committed to becoming a part of the Huntington Middle School Band are expected to participate in all rehearsals and performances- both during and after school. After school band rehearsals and scheduled band performances are an important part of the Middle School Band curriculum. Students will be given a schedule of performances and rehearsals well in advance, and students and parents should make every effort to schedule appointments with this schedule in mind. A written note from a parent or guardian MUST be submitted to Mr. Hunter in order for the absence to be excused. Medical appointments require a note from the doctor in order to be excused. The Newport News Public Schools Band Curriculum requires that Middle School Band Students participate in all scheduled band activities in order to meet course requirements. IF YOU ARE ABSENT FROM A REQUIRED PERFORMANCE FOR ANY UNEXCUSED REASON, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY FAIL THE GRADING PERIOD IN WHICH THAT EVENT IS HELD.
Students will be given a calendar at the beginning of the year which will outline upcoming rehearsals and performances, etc. Students are responsible for maintaining this calendar. Mr. Hunter will make every effort to inform students of any changes in a timely matter. PLEASE DO NOT SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT DURING A BAND REHEARSAL OR PERFORMANCE!
Grading Policy
1. 25% = Daily Class Participation (i.e. proper materials, participation, etc.)
2. 25% = Performance Band Participation (i.e. outside rehearsals and performances)
3. 40% = Average of all Playing Tests
4. 10% = Written work
Band Class, Rehearsal and Performance Grading Guidelines
Students will start each class, rehearsal, and performance with 2 (two) points. Points will be subtracted for the following reasons:
-Not coming prepared to class
-Failure to put forth effort
-Failure to follow the rules of the band room
-Arriving late or leaving early (unless a written excuse from the parent/guardian is given)
Students who fail to bring instruments will receive a grade of 0 (zero). Students will be given a written assignment to be completed for 1 (one) point- two if the instrument is being repaired (needs to be approved by Mr. Hunter).
STUDENTS WHO MISS A PERFORMANCE FOR ANY UNEXCUSED REASON WILL AUTOMICALLY FAIL THAT NINE WEEKS. STUDENTS WHO MISS A MANDATORY REHEARSAL FOR ANY UNEXCUSED REASON MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PERFORMANCE.
HOME PRACTICE:
It will be the responsibility of the student to determine their own individual practice needs at home. I recommend at least three hours of at home practice per week. If Mr. Hunter determines that you cannot perform your music to a reasonable standard, you can be held back from a performance event. Home practice is very important and it is your homework for this class. Prepare to do your best!
FEES:
Music Fee- $10
All Huntington Middle School band students are responsible for the $10 music fee. This fee goes towards method books and music.
First Year Instrument Rental Fee- $35
First year band students who are renting an instrument through Huntington Middle School are responsible for the first year rental fee. Students who procure instruments from other sources are NOT obligated to pay this fee. This fee goes towards the procurement and maintenance of NNPS instruments.
Second/Third Year Instrument Rental Fee- $50
Second/third year band students who are renting an instrument through Huntington Middle School are responsible for the second/third year rental fee. Students who procure instruments from other sources are NOT obligated to pay this fee. This fee goes towards the procurement and maintenance of NNPS instruments.
Special Note Regarding Payment of Fees: There will be fund raising opportunities for students to raise money for band-related expenses. If there are special considerations or situations, please contact Mr. Hunter to discuss your individual situation. Special arrangements can be made to meet any unique needs and will remain confidential. I do NOT want financial situations to keep ANY student from taking band, but I need to know about it!
Instrument Selection for Beginners:
-First-year band students will begin band instruction on the following instruments: flute, Bb clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, baritone horn, or trombone
-Students will submit three instrument choices and will be assessed on each of those three instruments before an instrument is chosen. Mr. Hunter will make every attempt to pair each student with his/her first choice, but the final decision is ultimately up to Mr. Hunter.
-Interested students will have the option of switching to percussion after the first semester. Students must audition and must be approved for percussion by Mr. Hunter.
-No instrument changes will be permitted until the second semester. Any instrument change must be approved by Mr. Hunter.
Supplies:
All Students: Pencil (no pens), method book (Essential Elements 2000), music, instrument, folder. Students must keep all handouts in his/her folder. Failure to bring ALL required supplies to class EVERY day will result in a reduction of the student’s participation grade.
Each instrument requires equipment that needs to be brought to class every day:
Flutes: Cleaning rod, cleaning cloth
Clarinets, Saxophones: At least two (2) working reeds, cleaning supplies, cork grease
Trumpets, Horns, Baritones, Tubas: Mouthpiece, cleaning supplies, valve oil
Trombones: Mouthpiece, cleaning supplies, slide grease
Percussionists: Sticks, stick bag, practice pad
Students may purchase supplies locally at the following locations:
Woodwinds Plus, Inc.
555-E Settlers Landing Road
Hampton, Virginia 23669
1-888-999-2365
Music and Arts
Kiln Creek Shopping Center
209 Village Ave Ste I
Yorktown, VA 23693-5639
(757)988-3970
Students may also wish to purchase supplies online:
Woodwind & Brasswind- http://www.wwbw.com/
Cascio- http://www.interstatemusic.com/
PLEASE CONSULT MR. HUNTER BEFORE MAKING ANY MAJOR PURCHASE! (Instruments, mouthpieces, etc) I am here to help!
HUNTINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND CLASS RULES:
-Make every effort to use the restroom before or after class.
-NO FOOD, DRINK, OR GUM IS ALLOWED IN THE BAND ROOM
-Listen first, speak second. Follow directions.
-Clean up after yourself!! Put all instruments and materials in the proper storage areas.
-Class is over when Mr. Hunter dismisses you.
-YOU are responsible for YOUR music, instrument, and other supplies. If there is a problem with your instrument or if you need to purchase reeds or supplies, see Mr. Hunter before or after class.
-Most importantly, treat others the way you want to be treated. Remember, respect is a two-way street.
-FAILURE TO FOLLOW RULES AND DIRECTIONS WILL CAUSE A REDUCTION IN YOUR PARTICIPATION GRADE
Daily Classroom Procedures:
-As soon as you enter the band room for class, grab your instrument, unpack it against the wall, grab your book and music, grab a chair and stand if needed, have a seat, and quietly begin the “Do Now” posted on the board. Do not play out of turn.
-Classwork, forms, or any other document that does not include money will be turned into the “Turn In” bin.
-Graded papers and receipts will be placed in the “Pick Up” bin. It is the student’s responsibility to check this envelope on a regular basis. Any document that is more than one week old will be discarded.
-Payments will be turned into the mailbox in the front of the band room. Students will place the payment in an envelope, seal the envelope, and label the envelope with his/her name, the amount, and what the payment is fore, before dropping the envelope in the mailbox. This mailbox will be locked.
-Purchasing reeds and other supplies, asking Mr. Hunter to repair an instrument, making payments, turning in papers and picking up papers should be done before or after class, NOT in the middle of class
-Students will not begin packing up until instructed to by Mr. Hunter
Consequences:
Students who choose not to follow the rules also choose to face the following consequences:
1st Offense = Warning
2nd Offense = Reduction of participation grade
3rd or more = Removal from rehearsal, student conference, parent contact/conference, and/or office referral, and/or removal from the Huntington Middle School Band program
I am very excited to work with the Huntington Middle School Viking Band. I am here for you- please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. With your cooperation, I’ve no doubt that this will be a great school year.
Nicholas P. Hunter
Director of Bands
Huntington Middle School