8th Grade Band - Program Overview
MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND: Grade 8, PREREQUISITES: Intermediate Band, Audition and/or Director’s permission. Performs on four concerts each year as well as the M.S.B.O.A. District Band Festival. The Middle School Band is the top performing ensemble at the middle school level.
♪ HALLOWEEN CONCERT: October 2020 - TRHS Auditorium - 7pm.
Students will report approximately 45 minutes before the concert.
With the 7th Grade Band. Concert run-time approximately 1 hour.
Students are highly encouraged to wear school-appropriate Halloween costumes for the fun, spooktacular concert.
A reception of donut holes and apple cider to follow in the cafeteria.
♪ BAND HOLIDAY CONCERT: December 2020 - TRHS Performing Arts Center - 7pm.
Students report up to 1 hour before the concert start time. Student dress is described below in "uniforms."
With the 7th Grade Band. Concert run-time approximately 1 hour.
♪ PRE-FESTIVAL CONCERT: February 2021 - TRMS Auditorium - 7pm.
Students will report approximately 45 minutes before the concert. Student dress is described below in "uniforms."
With the 7th Grade Band. Concert run-time approximately 1 hour.
Each band will perform their M.S.B.O.A. District Band Festival pieces and also do a sight-reading of piece they have never seen before.
♪ M.S.B.O.A. DISTRICT BAND FESTIVAL: March 2021 - Mattawan HS - Time TBA
Students will be traveling by school bus to a festival site hosted at one of the schools in our district.
Student dress is described below in "uniforms."
Information and the itinerary will be sent home with the students and posted on the website when they are available.
♪ SPRING BAND CONCERT & AWARDS: May 2021 - TRHS Performing Arts Center - 7pm.
Students report up to 1 hour before the concert start time. Student dress is described below in "uniforms"
With the 6th Grade Band and the 7th Grade Band. Concert run-time approximately 1.5 hours.
Each student will receive their M.S.B.O.A. District Band Festival medal and a certificate of appreciation for their participation in the band program.
One boy and one girl from the 8th Grade Band will be selected to receive the Robert L. Smith award for outstanding musicianship.
One student from the 8th Grade Band will receive the Most Improved Player award.
A reception of cake and punch to follow in the cafeteria.
Additional activities include M.S.B.O.A. Solo and Ensemble Festival, High School Pep Band, Private Lessons, and Summer Music Camps.
Detailed information can be found in the 'Musical Opportunities' link under the 'More…' header.
♪ HALLOWEEN CONCERT: October 2020 - TRHS Auditorium - 7pm.
Students will report approximately 45 minutes before the concert.
With the 7th Grade Band. Concert run-time approximately 1 hour.
Students are highly encouraged to wear school-appropriate Halloween costumes for the fun, spooktacular concert.
A reception of donut holes and apple cider to follow in the cafeteria.
♪ BAND HOLIDAY CONCERT: December 2020 - TRHS Performing Arts Center - 7pm.
Students report up to 1 hour before the concert start time. Student dress is described below in "uniforms."
With the 7th Grade Band. Concert run-time approximately 1 hour.
♪ PRE-FESTIVAL CONCERT: February 2021 - TRMS Auditorium - 7pm.
Students will report approximately 45 minutes before the concert. Student dress is described below in "uniforms."
With the 7th Grade Band. Concert run-time approximately 1 hour.
Each band will perform their M.S.B.O.A. District Band Festival pieces and also do a sight-reading of piece they have never seen before.
♪ M.S.B.O.A. DISTRICT BAND FESTIVAL: March 2021 - Mattawan HS - Time TBA
Students will be traveling by school bus to a festival site hosted at one of the schools in our district.
Student dress is described below in "uniforms."
Information and the itinerary will be sent home with the students and posted on the website when they are available.
♪ SPRING BAND CONCERT & AWARDS: May 2021 - TRHS Performing Arts Center - 7pm.
Students report up to 1 hour before the concert start time. Student dress is described below in "uniforms"
With the 6th Grade Band and the 7th Grade Band. Concert run-time approximately 1.5 hours.
Each student will receive their M.S.B.O.A. District Band Festival medal and a certificate of appreciation for their participation in the band program.
One boy and one girl from the 8th Grade Band will be selected to receive the Robert L. Smith award for outstanding musicianship.
One student from the 8th Grade Band will receive the Most Improved Player award.
A reception of cake and punch to follow in the cafeteria.
Additional activities include M.S.B.O.A. Solo and Ensemble Festival, High School Pep Band, Private Lessons, and Summer Music Camps.
Detailed information can be found in the 'Musical Opportunities' link under the 'More…' header.
Rehearsal
Rehearsal time is very valuable and every moment of it must be used for actual rehearsal purposes. The following regulations are used in all fine musical organizations. These are the foundations of our rehearsal procedure. READ THESE RULES CAREFULLY. This will eliminate any possible misunderstandings.
1. All students should be in their seat when the bell rings. All music and equipment, including instrument and pencil should be out and ready. All percussion equipment should be set-up prior to warm-up. Conversation and warm-up may continue until the director steps up on the podium. Tardiness will be dealt with according to school policy.
2. Warm up your instrument by softly playing long tones or scales. Drummers should confine themselves to playing soft warm-up exercises and assembling necessary equipment for the rehearsal.
3. When the conductor steps up on the podium, all talking should stop at once. Your full attention should be given to the conductor and nothing else should be allowed to distract you. All books and materials not pertaining to band should be placed in your lockers or under your chair for the duration of the rehearsal.
4. Gum chewing, eating, or drinking will not be permitted during any rehearsal or performance.
5. The rehearsal room and storage room must be kept orderly at all times. This is each band member's responsibility. All equipment should be stored properly after each rehearsal. All instruments should be put in the storage rooms or in the instrument lockers. No music should be left lying about and all sticks, mallets, and accessories should be stored in, not on top of the percussion cabinet. No mallets or sticks should ever be left on the floor.
6. Failure to adhere to these rehearsal policies and rules will result in the person(s) involved receiving a warning and then reports will be filed through the schools’ disciplinary system and parents will be contacted regarding the issue. Continuing or severe discipline problems will be dealt with through the office.
1. All students should be in their seat when the bell rings. All music and equipment, including instrument and pencil should be out and ready. All percussion equipment should be set-up prior to warm-up. Conversation and warm-up may continue until the director steps up on the podium. Tardiness will be dealt with according to school policy.
2. Warm up your instrument by softly playing long tones or scales. Drummers should confine themselves to playing soft warm-up exercises and assembling necessary equipment for the rehearsal.
3. When the conductor steps up on the podium, all talking should stop at once. Your full attention should be given to the conductor and nothing else should be allowed to distract you. All books and materials not pertaining to band should be placed in your lockers or under your chair for the duration of the rehearsal.
4. Gum chewing, eating, or drinking will not be permitted during any rehearsal or performance.
5. The rehearsal room and storage room must be kept orderly at all times. This is each band member's responsibility. All equipment should be stored properly after each rehearsal. All instruments should be put in the storage rooms or in the instrument lockers. No music should be left lying about and all sticks, mallets, and accessories should be stored in, not on top of the percussion cabinet. No mallets or sticks should ever be left on the floor.
6. Failure to adhere to these rehearsal policies and rules will result in the person(s) involved receiving a warning and then reports will be filed through the schools’ disciplinary system and parents will be contacted regarding the issue. Continuing or severe discipline problems will be dealt with through the office.
Performances
Performances are extremely important as they give each student an opportunity to display their skills and also participate in a creative musical experience. It is important that each student accepts responsibility as a member of the Three Rivers Bands and participates in every public performance. Please remember that band is voluntary until you are accepted as a member, then it becomes obligatory. ALL PERFORMANCES ARE REQUIRED, NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
Students must also stay through the entire concert!. It is important for them to listen to the other ensembles and also to show support for the members of the band program.
Refer to the schedule of performances and activities for the dates of all required performances at the top of this page. Please note that an unexcused absence from a required performance will result in a serious reduction of the overall grade. Students who make arrangements in advance will be given the opportunity to perform the entirety of their performance for Mr. VanToll and will be graded accordingly.
All absences from required performances including illness must be taken up with the director as far in advance as possible. Please try to make every accommodation possible to allow your student to perform. Having every member of the band is critical to our success. If, for some reason, you cannot make arrangements and your son/daughter must be absent, please make Mr. VanToll aware as soon in advance as possible. This allows the director to make necessary changes in the music to accommodate for missing persons.
It is understandable that serious illness, family emergencies, and “Acts of God” can and will happen from time to time. In the case of this happening, please make every effort to keep Mr. VanToll informed. This is best accomplished through e-mail. Part time work/job will not be accepted as a reason for an excused absence.
If a student is dressed inappropriately they may not be allowed to participate in the performance. If your attire is not appropriate for school, it is certainly not appropriate for the stage! Remember, when you appear at a public performance you represent yourself, your family, your band, your school and your community to the general public. You have an important job of selling yourself in a manner that will reflect positively upon yourself and your band. One individual can discredit an entire band, school, and community with poor behavior or inappropriate attire.
Students must also stay through the entire concert!. It is important for them to listen to the other ensembles and also to show support for the members of the band program.
Refer to the schedule of performances and activities for the dates of all required performances at the top of this page. Please note that an unexcused absence from a required performance will result in a serious reduction of the overall grade. Students who make arrangements in advance will be given the opportunity to perform the entirety of their performance for Mr. VanToll and will be graded accordingly.
All absences from required performances including illness must be taken up with the director as far in advance as possible. Please try to make every accommodation possible to allow your student to perform. Having every member of the band is critical to our success. If, for some reason, you cannot make arrangements and your son/daughter must be absent, please make Mr. VanToll aware as soon in advance as possible. This allows the director to make necessary changes in the music to accommodate for missing persons.
It is understandable that serious illness, family emergencies, and “Acts of God” can and will happen from time to time. In the case of this happening, please make every effort to keep Mr. VanToll informed. This is best accomplished through e-mail. Part time work/job will not be accepted as a reason for an excused absence.
If a student is dressed inappropriately they may not be allowed to participate in the performance. If your attire is not appropriate for school, it is certainly not appropriate for the stage! Remember, when you appear at a public performance you represent yourself, your family, your band, your school and your community to the general public. You have an important job of selling yourself in a manner that will reflect positively upon yourself and your band. One individual can discredit an entire band, school, and community with poor behavior or inappropriate attire.
Travel
When it becomes necessary to travel as a group, certain rules must apply to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone. When students travel with the band they represent not only the band but also our school and our community. Students are expected to comply with the instructions of the Director and the chaperones at all times. Students must travel to and from the event, in which the band is participating, with the band on the transportation provided. If a student wants to return home after the event with their parents they must present themselves with their parent or legal guardian to the Director and then to their bus captain BEFORE departing. Students wanting to travel to the event utilizing other transportation or home from the event with someone other than a parent or legal guardian must submit a request in writing at least one week before departure for approval. For all trips that include an overnight stay a health form and travel agreement form must be signed by both the parent and the student and submitted prior to departure. If a parent wants to bring their child home from an overnight trip a letter requesting permission must be submitted to the Principal at least one full week prior to departure. The student will be allowed to leave with the parent or legal guardian only and only after all activities have been completed.
Tryouts, Chairs, and Challenges
Tryouts will be held in the Intermediate, Middle School, and Concert Bands in the first two weeks of school and periodically throughout the school year as deemed necessary. Tryouts will count for both chairs and grades and will be held using music from the band folders or a special etude that will be chosen and distributed by the director. There will be no challenge system for students to compete for chairs once the tryout is completed.
Individual Practice/Homework
Consistent, quality practice is very important to any band student wishing to be successful in music either individually or as the member of an ensemble. Each student is expected to practice a minimum of 30 minutes per night, five nights per week. Practice is most beneficial when accomplished in a quiet area with no distractions, using a chair and stand for proper posture. The following equipment is recommended to accompany your practice session:
All band students will be required to log daily practice on a Band Practice Record. Middle School students will be asked to have their logs signed by a parent to verify their practice minutes. Practice minutes will be checked every Monday and entered into the grade book.
Each week, students will earn a grade for the number of minutes they practice for the week (late practice logs are half credit; anything over 140 minutes is extra credit). The equivalent to 20 minutes a night , 7 days a week, is required for an “A”.
140 minutes – 10 points
120 minutes – 9 points
100 minutes – 8 points
80 minutes – 7 points
60 minutes – 6 points
40 minutes – 5 points
Less than 40 minutes – 3 points
The honor system will often be in place when students report the number of minutes and present their signatures. Forged signatures or academic dishonesty will be handled through office referrals and loss of credit for all points/practice minutes associated with the dishonesty. Failure to present a signature will result in a “zero” until the signature can be presented and the practice can be verified.
- Chair
- Music Stand
- Metronome & Tuner (I recommend the Korg TM-40)
All band students will be required to log daily practice on a Band Practice Record. Middle School students will be asked to have their logs signed by a parent to verify their practice minutes. Practice minutes will be checked every Monday and entered into the grade book.
Each week, students will earn a grade for the number of minutes they practice for the week (late practice logs are half credit; anything over 140 minutes is extra credit). The equivalent to 20 minutes a night , 7 days a week, is required for an “A”.
140 minutes – 10 points
120 minutes – 9 points
100 minutes – 8 points
80 minutes – 7 points
60 minutes – 6 points
40 minutes – 5 points
Less than 40 minutes – 3 points
The honor system will often be in place when students report the number of minutes and present their signatures. Forged signatures or academic dishonesty will be handled through office referrals and loss of credit for all points/practice minutes associated with the dishonesty. Failure to present a signature will result in a “zero” until the signature can be presented and the practice can be verified.
Care of Uniforms, Instruments, and Music
UNIFORMS
MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE:
It is each student's responsibility to have a well-maintained, playable instrument for each rehearsal and performance. This pertains to both school and student owned instruments.
It is strongly recommended that before purchasing an instrument you contact the director to make sure the instrument being purchased is of the necessary and appropriate quality. There are many manufacturers of poor quality instruments sold at a bargain price especially on the Internet. Many of these instruments are not of the necessary and appropriate quality to allow your child an opportunity to develop as a successful musician.
ALL INSTRUMENTS should be kept clean and free of grime at all times. Musical instruments are not toys! They cost hundreds and even thousands of dollars. Please make sure they are handled with care, maintained properly, and stored properly in their cases after each use. Even the best musician cannot make music on a broken or poorly maintained instrument.
SCHOOL INSTRUMENT POLICY: Please refer to this form regarding school-owned instruments and return the attached form, along with the rest of the forms in this packet, by the due date.
MUSIC
All music to be used in school performances will be issued by the band department. Folders for storage will also be provided. Music should be kept in folders when not in use. Please try to avoid bending or folding music, as this will cause it to tear. Always write instructions, alterations, etc. in your music but never use ink. Please use pencil and write neatly so the next person can read the music easily. The student(s) to whom the music was issued will replace any lost, damaged, or destroyed music.
MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE:
- black dress pants (no leggings or yoga pants)
- black dress shoes (no tennis shoes)
- black dress socks (preferably tall socks)
- plain white t-shirt (short sleeve, must be school appropriate)
- white tux shirt (must be tucked in)
- purple cummerbund (will be handed out at each event)
- purple bowtie (will be handed out at each event)
It is each student's responsibility to have a well-maintained, playable instrument for each rehearsal and performance. This pertains to both school and student owned instruments.
It is strongly recommended that before purchasing an instrument you contact the director to make sure the instrument being purchased is of the necessary and appropriate quality. There are many manufacturers of poor quality instruments sold at a bargain price especially on the Internet. Many of these instruments are not of the necessary and appropriate quality to allow your child an opportunity to develop as a successful musician.
- BRASS INSTRUMENTS should be periodically lubricated so that all valves and slides work as intended.
- WOODWIND INSTRUMENTS should also be swabbed out after every use. All corks and joints should be greased, and all keys lubricated periodically. Every reed player should have at least THREE PLAYABLE REEDS in their case at all times. In addition, reed players should be constantly breaking in reeds to maintain this three-reed minimum. This alleviates the problem of breaking a reed before or during a performance and having to replace it with a new, unplayable reed.
- PERCUSSIONISTS should have their own sticks and mallets at all times, and should keep their instruments cleaned and tuned.
ALL INSTRUMENTS should be kept clean and free of grime at all times. Musical instruments are not toys! They cost hundreds and even thousands of dollars. Please make sure they are handled with care, maintained properly, and stored properly in their cases after each use. Even the best musician cannot make music on a broken or poorly maintained instrument.
SCHOOL INSTRUMENT POLICY: Please refer to this form regarding school-owned instruments and return the attached form, along with the rest of the forms in this packet, by the due date.
MUSIC
All music to be used in school performances will be issued by the band department. Folders for storage will also be provided. Music should be kept in folders when not in use. Please try to avoid bending or folding music, as this will cause it to tear. Always write instructions, alterations, etc. in your music but never use ink. Please use pencil and write neatly so the next person can read the music easily. The student(s) to whom the music was issued will replace any lost, damaged, or destroyed music.