Updated 2/03/2012 NEW STUFF IS IN BLUE

The band will be having their pictures made for the yearbookon Monday 2-6-2012.  We will be wearing our bandshirts and khaki pants the entire day.  We want thisto look nice.

Also, ensure that you child is filling out their practice record charts.  It's not too late to sign on to Smartmusic, this helps tremendously.

I am looking into rescheduling the Rewards trip to Six Flags in May.  The GT students will be just getting in from a week long trip, and will not be up to the trip on May 12th.  Does anyone have any problems with going on May 19th?  We'd be leaving at 5:30 and returning at 10:30 pm.  Those students who have missed a performance or more than 2 after school rehearsals, or have been suspended out of school, or who have been suspended in school twice will not be eligible for the trip.  Remember, this is a reward for good behavior and faithful participation.  Those students who have sold items during our fundraiser will receive a deduction of the cost of the trip.  The cost will be determined at a later date.  Please reply concerning the date.  Thank you.

We will be taking the students below to Monroe on Friday the 27th for the District Honor Band Clinic.  I will be sending a permission slip for the bus on Monday.  Please send it back by Tuesday.  Also, I have paid for the Program Ad, so as soon as you can send in your $4, please do so.  Remember, the $7 Honor Band Fee is taken care of. (All this information was sent home via your child.)

Make sure you child has their concert attire for our concerts coming up.  We dress for success. 

For concerts, the guys are to wear black pants,black button down long sleave shirt and black tie and black shoes.  Girls are to wear a black dress with sleevesthat is no higher than an inch above the knees and black shoes.

Subject:  District Honor Band, Christmas Parade and Christmas Concert.

Subject:  District Honor Band

                District 1 Honor Band tryouts are coming up on Saturday, Jan. 7^th  atCalhoun Middle School.  District Honor Band is an Honors band comprisedof the best JH musicians from the Northeast corner of Louisiana.  There are 8 Districts in Louisiana.  Those who are selected will receive a T-shirtand/or a patch that can be applied to their senior band jacket in HS.  As some of you already know, this is thehighest form of recognition a JH band student can receive on a District Leveland is a stepping stone for All-State Band in HS.  The students have the tryout music and havebeen testing on it once every 2 weeks.  It’sa “no brainer” that everyone should tryout, since they have been and arecontinuing playing the same music for periodic tests anyway; Advanced bandmembers are required totryout, for it is part of their 9 weeks grade. This is do-able by all the students because there have been beginners inthe band who have tried out and made it. The cost for the tryout is $7 per student, and you must find your owntransportation to and from the tryout site. Make checks payable to RJHS band and turn in with this slip.  It is very important to understand that forthose who are selected during tryouts, they must commit to the rehearsals andconcert that take place on the 27th and28th of January.  If theycannot be there for the rehearsals and/or concert at ULM, then DO NOT sign-up for the tryoutsand include an explanation on the back of this form.  I will be transporting the students to ULM bybus when the actual rehearsals take place on the 27th and 28th; however, you must be pick them up at noon on the 28th to take them to eat and dress forthe concert.   The deadline for their $7 tryout fee and this signed form is tomorrow Thursday, Dec. 1st. I have to turn in the names money onFriday  to the District Chairman, byFriday, Dec. 2^nd or none of my students will get entered.  They will then issue times for each student’stryout, and send those to me, and then I will send you another hand out with thetime, a map and pertinent information for the tryouts.  Those who are selected will then receive themusic and another letter concerning the rehearsals and concert.  Please encourage them to start practicingdiligently now on a daily basis!!!  Inorder for me to be sure that no parent has missed out on this wonderfulopportunity for their child, I need everyoneto return this form, even if your child will not be trying out.  Everyone needs to sign this form and returnASAP with with with with thetryout fee if you are entering.  Thiswill help limit the amount of time spent on calling each of you.  Students who make District Honor Band will beentered into a drawing for an IPOD TOUCH. TWICE IF THEY MAKE FIRST CHAIR. More chances will arise when Solo and Ensemble festival comes around inApril. Those who tryout and make at least a 50% score will receive 10 bonuspts.  Those who are selected will receivean additional 10 bonus pts.  So, notoriety,bonus pts. and a chance to win an Ipod Touch. All 3 bases covered for incentives. Nuff said!   Thanks!

We now have 8 students using SmartMusic, this exceeds the amount we had last year.  This is very encouraging.  Thank you for the support of your child's musicianship. 

Each band student is working in a theory book.  Periodically we are taking written tests from this material.  Some of the students are not keeping up with their work.  Please encourage them to do this work at home.  We need to be using our class time to play instead of working on something that can be done at home.

I'm looking for a donation of an electronic gadget that can be used as an incentive to encourage students to tryout for District Honor Band, Solo and Ensemble and various other goals throughout the year.  Something like an Ipad or Ipod touch or comparable to those.  Something that would be under $300.  I know that sometimes companies do this for advertisement and such.  If you have any advice towards this end, please let me know.

The dates for Spring Concert and Spring trip are wrong

Spring Concert is May 3rd and Spring Trip is May 12.

The Christmas Parade date has been set to Dec. 8th.

Three Easy Steps to Getting Started with SmartMusic®

1. Purchase SmartMusic online (if you haven’t already)

• Go to www.smartmusic.com and click on Order Now in the For Students section.

• Select Add to Cart and follow the on‐screen instructions to complete your order. Indicate you are a student, and pick your school from the list.

• SmartMusic works best with a SmartMusic microphone, so consider buying one when you order your subscription. (Built‐in computer microphones are not supported in SmartMusic.)

• If you are a new customer: Select Create a New Account and enter your e‐mail, password, and other information. If your teacher has already had you enroll for class at
school, log in using that email
address and password instead of setting up a new account
when ordering.

• If you have purchased SmartMusic before: Log into your account with the e‐mail address and password that you used the last time you purchased and activated your subscription in SmartMusic. NOTE: You only need one subscription for each computer, so if your family has more than one
musician in school, you’re all set.

2. Install SmartMusic You can install SmartMusic from a disc or by downloading it. • New customers – You’ll receive an installation disc with your order (remove the CD from your basket only if you are downloading).

• Returning customers – The SmartMusic application will prompt you when an update is released. Installing from the disc: Follow the directions on the disc system requirements card. Installing from the Download: Download SmartMusic from the right‐hand side of the home screen at www.smartmusic.com, and follow the instructions on‐screen. 3. Activate your Subscription

• After you have completed the installation, the SmartMusic application will launch and you will see a Welcome screen. You must be online to activate a SmartMusic subscription.

• Click the Activate button.

• Enter the e‐mail address and password you created when you ordered SmartMusic, and click Login.

Dear Parents:

                                                                                                                        Mr.Teague

Intermediate and AdvancedBand Supply List

All Instruments: - Allmembers must have a flip folder and all but percussion and flutesmust have a lyre.

Woodwinds: - Cork grease and cleaningsupplies.  Clarinets and saxes – Box of10 reeds.  3-3½ strength.

Brass: - Valve oil and cleaning supplies. Advanced bandtrumpets need an aluminum straight mute.

Percussionists:

Promark Scholastic Pro Pak:  (which includes)

Snaredrum sticks (Promark SD1)
Medium rubber mallets(Pro-Mark PK60)
Timpani mallets (Pro Mark ATP3)
Medium yarn mallets (Pro-mark PK73) (optional)

If you buy a brand new instrument for less than $400...you are buying an inferior product made by a non- reputable company. Call me if you have any questions. You can trust Conn, Yamaha, King, Artley, Gmeindhart, Vito

Dear Parents,

Our music department will be using SmartMusic® to help students practice and perfect their music this year. Please read this letter to learn what SmartMusic® is and why it is such an important tool for our music program and your child's musical development.

I have 8 students using this already and it has already made a major impact on their playing abilities. They've made District Honor Bands, they've challenged and outplayed piers with more experience, and they've returned assignments to me via email of the contest(March 20) music we are preparing and they'll have the ability to perform at Solo and Ensemble festival(April 12th) with an accompaniment. This is truly an exciting and economical way to increase your child's playing ability, and that is what I'm here for. Please fill out the information below. I have sent information home before about this, but with only 8 parents taking advantage of this, I'm sure some are not receiving the information. I will be calling those who don't return this information for fear they haven't been informed about this revolutionary technological new marvel of music. Texas, who has the best bands in the nation are taking advantage of this and using it in their curriculums. I attended a smartmusic clinic at the Texas Music Educators Association convention a couple of weeks ago that will enable our school system to receive a free copy of Finale, which is a $400 music writing software package if we manage to get 50 students signed up before May 1.

What is SmartMusic?

SmartMusic is a software-based computer program that helps students practice and submit their school music assignments. Students can practice exercises, solos, and beginning band and string methods, as well as the music that they are performing with their school band, orchestra, or choir. SmartMusic records and even grades student progress from home or school practice room computers and includes a metronome, tuner, and digital recorder.

How does SmartMusic benefit your family?

Individual practice is often boring as the music has been taken out of its intended group context. SmartMusic makes practicing fun. With SmartMusic, students practice with professional accompaniment. This makes practice time more engaging and productive, and helps develop better listening skills and a more mature understanding of the music.

Students also practice longer and more effectively as a result of the built-in assessment features. SmartMusic enables students to record their assignments for self-evaluation and submit these recordings as part of their assignment. Most assignments offer assessment, where green and red notes indicate what students have performed correctly and where improvement is needed. In this digital age, students are accustomed to receiving immediate feedback, and they respond by setting their goals higher.

A SmartMusic subscription also provides your student immediate access to the world's largest accompaniment library, allowing them to explore areas of interest and set their own development objectives.

What is needed to use SmartMusic?

SmartMusic works on your PC or Mac and requires an Internet connection to activate your subscription and receive and send assignments on-line. System requirements and support contacts are listed at www.smartmusic.com/support.

What does this cost?

You can purchase a full-year $30 per year. Microphones cost $19.95 and are highly recommended as they are required for recordings and assessments. Mac computers also require a USB microphone adaptor. This is cheaper than a family dining out once, and multiple family members can use it for the one cost.

To purchase a SmartMusic Subscription for $30

- Visit www.smartmusic.com and enter your code to purchase a subscription for $30. (This subscription gives you access to the entire accompaniment library and all of SmartMusic's features for one year from your date of purchase).

If you have any questions about how to use Smart Music or encounter any problems, please don't hesitate to call our toll-free Technical Support line at 866-240-4041. Our phones are open weekdays from 8.30am-8pm (CST). You can also submit your question online at http://support.makemusic.com.

More about SmartMusic (www.smartmusic.com):

This award-winning, computer-based interactive practice system gives students the tools and accompaniments they need to get better on their own:

- Over 30,000 titles that make practicing at home fun!

- Built-in Tuner and Metronome keep students in tune with a steady beat

- Recording encourages students to analyze their performances.

- Exercises that develop individual skills display right on the screen with a choice of accompaniments.

- Beginning band and string students are guided with colorful Assessment graphics (String assessment currently available for violin and viola only).

Smartmusic System Requirements

Windows

Pentium III-class 800MHz processor or higher, 256MB RAM, Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP. CD-ROM drive. 700MB free disk space. Microphone. Direct X 9 compatible sound card with full duplex support. One available USB or serial port for the foot pedal (optional). Monitor resolution 1024x768 (800x600 minimum).

Macintosh

867MHz G4 processor or higher, Mac OS 10.2.8 or higher. 512MB RAM (256MB RAM minimum). CD-ROM drive. 700MB free disk space. Microphone and microphone adaptor. Speakers or headphones. Additional USB port for the foot pedal (optional). Monitor resolution 1024x768 (800x600 minimum).

GRADING SYSTEM

50% of the overall grade is based on participation, such as attending required events or rehearsals and having appropriate materials for class.(such as reeds, pencils, mouthpieces, music, instrument, etc.  Usual total amount available is 45 pts.)

 50% of the overall grade is based on written and playing tests.

 This system works best because it helps students who don’t have a lot of natural talent, but are making a serious effort to become a better musician. A person who makes a B average on tests and has been participating 100% will more than likely receive an A on their report card. A person who has a lot of talent but is not participating can make a lower grade. The emphasis is on improvement.

 Participation deduction points:

Unexcused absence from performances (pep rallies, concerts, parades, competition etc.) - 30 pts. per event.

Unexcused absence from required after school rehearsals -10 pts per event

Not participating during class - 5 pts. daily

Not having supplies (such as reeds, pencil, binder, music)or homework - 2pts. daily

Signing up, but not showing up for tryouts or Festivals - -30 pts.

AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSALS**

After school rehearsals are optional for beginning band students, and are designed to help students on and individual basis until January, then there will be organized Advanced Band required rehearsals on Thursdays.   All rehearsals are from 3:20 - 4:45.Students should be picked up at the bus ramp.

BAND FEES

$25.00 Band Fee (2 books,collateral music, binder, pencil, copier supplies, and transportation)

$25.00  per semester Instrument usage fee for those who use a school instrument, including percussion.

PRACTICE

Everyone knows that a person must practice musical instruments daily.  Each student should practice a total of at least 20 minutes a day, preferably 30 minutes. They are to turn in a Practice Record Chart each week, for a total of 5 bonus points.  They have received scale sheets, District Honor Band tryout materials, an Essential Elements method book and a Theory book.  There is no bench in band,therefore everyone’s playing ability affects the whole group; so, it is essential that all do their part.

FOOTBALL GAMES

Beginning Band members are not at the point to where they are able to play any of the music by the time the games begin, and this is understandable.  They are not involved with the band at football games or pep rallies.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

This program is performed in the RJHS gym and is open to the public during the morning hours of school. You will be notified of the exact time of concert closer to that day. The uniform for this event is beige khaki pants (not baggy or hip huggers) and red RJHS Band golf style shirt, tucked in.

LARGE ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL

The advanced band will travel out of town to perform 3 pieces of music for judges to receive a rating. They will also play a sight reading piece for a separate judge for a rating. This gives every band a goal to push towards every year.This is a very important event for a band. You will be notified of the exact time and place of the festival closer to that day. The uniform for this event is beige khaki pants (not baggy or hip huggers) and red RJHS Band polo style shirt, tucked in. The Intermediate and Beginning band members go as spectators.

SOLO & ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL

This is a chance for students to perform either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble.Sign-up fees are $5.00 per event. They will perform for a rating and will receive a medal for superior rated performances. This is especially a good event for those who move faster than the class on the average and need more challenges. All students are strongly encouraged to participate.

SPRING MUSIC PROGRAM

This is the end of the year concert. All the musical organizations at RJHS perform for parents and friends to exhibit their abilities. This is a required event done in the evening, so friends and family members who work can attend. The band uniform will be beige khaki pants (not baggy or hip huggers) and red RJHS Band polo style shirt, tucked in.

REWARDS TRIP

As areward for all those students who haven’t missed a single performance and havepaid all their fees, we will be going on a Spring Trip.  Students who have been suspended twice areineligible for the trip.

PRIVATE LESSONS

They arenot required, however, providing your child with private lessons is a great wayto encourage them, and help them make progress learning to play their bandinstrument. A good private teacher will challenge your child to be the verybest musician he or she can, and at the same time, provide support and help when your child needs it most.

Private lessons are not the same as tutoring in other school subjects. In other words,private lessons are not remedial. Students don’t necessarily take lessons to catch up with other students. Private lessons supplement, reinforce and improve.

Typically,private lessons are taken on a weekly basis. The cost and length of each lesson varies according to each private tutor. Each tutor has his or her own policy regarding payment in advance, making up missed lessons, etc. La. Tech has on staff qualified instructors that specialize in particular instruments. If their schedule does not permit lessons for your child, they can refer you to someone who can, for instance a music major on that instrument.  Call the La. Tech Music Dept. for a qualified tutor. 257-4233

SmartMusic is the next best thing!

DISTRICT HONOR BAND

Studentsfrom bands all over Northeast Louisiana will be trying out for a position in the honor band. Auditions consist of scales, prepared materials, and sight reading, which your child has received. Those whoare selected will attend the Clinic and will practice for 2 days in Monroe at ULM and finish with aconcert at 2:00 on Saturday for the general public. (Dates are provided above.)  Tryout times will be posted prior to the Christmas holidays. Tryouts will be held at West Ridge Middle School and thereis a sign-up fee of $7.00. Everyone is strongly encouraged to tryout for thisHONOR!!! Advanced Band members are required  to try out. Those who are selected must be able to attend both days of theClinic. Therefore, if you can’t be there, then you must not try out.  I have beginners every year, who tryout and make this band, so don’t let your children convince you they can’t do it!

MY SCHEDULE

1st period – RHS

2nd period – Planning - RJHS (9:00-9:51)

3^rd Period- Intermediate Woodwinds  -  9:59-10:54

4^th Period- Percussion Class - 11:29-12:24

5^th Period- Advanced Band - 12:32-1:27

6^th Period– Intermediate Brasswinds - 1:26-2:22

7^th Period- Beginning Band - 2:26-3:22

INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY!!!

For the price of a shoe, yourchild can have access to the best study aid that has ever been created called SmartMusic!  It is absolutely the most phenomenal practicebuddy a music student could ever hope for. Some even consider it a music teacher. Your child can have access to thousands of different pieces of music tohelp them in their musical growth, and it is fun to.  It is a proven success and well worth themoney and it correlates with the music we use in class.  Go to smartmusic.com and see for yourself.

INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED BAND

OPEN HOUSE INFORMATION

RJHS BAND ITINERARY

**Required participation for grade

(More performances can and will be scheduled as they are presented.)

GRADING SYSTEM

50% ofthe overall grade is based on participation, such as attending required eventsor rehearsals and

        having appropriate materials for class. (suchas reeds, pencils, mouthpieces, music, instrument, etc.)

50% ofthe overall grade is based on written and playing tests.

Thissystem works best because it helps students who don’t have a lot of naturaltalent, but are making a serious effort to become a better musician. A personwho makes a B average on tests and has been participating 100% will more thanlikely receive an A on their report card. A person who has a lot of talent butis not participating can make a lower grade. The emphasis is on improvement.

Participation deduction points:

Unexcused absence from performances (pep rallies, concerts,parades etc.) 30 pts. per event.

Unexcused absence from required after school rehearsals 10pts per event

Not participating during class 5 pts. daily

Not having supplies (such as instrument, reeds, pencil,binder, music) 2pts. daily

AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSALS**

Mandatoryafter school rehearsals are every Thursday and are necessary to get the entiremarching band together for football game practices. Football players areexempt.  In January, Advanced bandmembers are required to attend after school rehearsals on Thursdays.  Al lrehearsals are from 3:15 – 4:45. Students should be picked up at the bus ramp.

AFTER SCHOOL BAND TUTORING

            I will be staying after school every Tuesday in order tohelp students with special needs and to help prepare students for DistrictHonor Band and Solo/Ensemble Festival. This is not mandatory.  3:00-4:45

 BAND FEES

$25.00 Band Fee (2 books,collateral music, binder, pencil, copier supplies, and transportation fees.)

$25.00 per semester Instrument UsageFee for those who use a school instrument, including percussion.  

(Make all checks payable to RJHS Band)

PRACTICE

Everyoneknows that a person must practice musical instruments daily.  Each student should practice a total of atleast 20 minutes a day, preferably 30 minutes. They are to turn in a PracticeRecord Chart each week, which will give them bonus points.  They have received scale sheets, DistrictHonor Band tryout materials, an Essential Elements method book and a Theorybook.  There is no bench in band,therefore everyone’s playing ability affects the whole group; so, it isessential that all do theirpart.

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAMES

To addspirit and pride to the band, as well as the team and student body, the bandperforms at all regular season home A football games. The uniform for thisevent is NICE full length blue jeans (not baggy or hip huggers, no designs) andred RJHS Band golf style shirt, tucked in with belt. Report and dismissal timeshave been provided on a separate piece of paper.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Thisprogram is performed in the RJHS gym and is open to the public during themorning hours of school. You will be notified of the exact time of concertcloser to that day. The uniform for this event is beige khaki pants (not baggyor hip huggers) and red RJHS Band golf style shirt, tucked in with belt.

CHRISTMAS PARADE

The RJHSBand will march at the Ruston Jaycees Christmas Parade. The uniform for thisevent is NICE blue jeans (not baggy or hip huggers) and red RJHS Band golfstyle shirt, tucked in.  More informationwill be provided later.

DISTRICT HONOR BAND

Studentsfrom bands all over Northeast Louisiana willbe trying out for a position in the honor band. Auditions consist of scales,prepared materials, and sight reading, which your child has received. Those whoare selected will attend the Clinic and will practice for 2 days in Monroe at ULM and finish with aconcert at 2:00 on Saturdayfor the general public. (Dates are provided above.)  Tryout times will be posted prior to theChristmas holidays. Tryouts will be held at West Ridge Middle School and thereis a sign-up fee of $7.00. Everyone is strongly encouraged to tryout for thisHONOR!!! Advanced Band members are requiredto try out. Those who are selected must be able to attend both days of theClinic. Therefore, if you can’t be there, then you must not try out.  I have beginners every year, who tryout andmake this band, so don’t let your children convince you they can’t do it!

LARGE ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL

Theadvanced band will travel out of town to perform 3 pieces of music for judgesto receive a rating. They will also play a sight reading piece for a separatejudge for a rating. This gives every band a goal to push

towards every year. This is a veryimportant event for school bands each year. It’s the final exam…so to speak. You will be notified of the exact time and place of the festival closerto that day. The uniform for this event is beige khaki pants (not baggy or hiphuggers) and red RJHS Band golf style shirt, tucked in.  The Intermediate and Beginning band membersgo as spectators.

SOLO & ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL

This is achance for students to perform either as a soloist or part of an ensemble.Sign-up fees are $5.00 for each event. They will perform for a rating in a roomwith only 1 judge in it, and will receive a medal if they perform at a superiorlevel. This is especially a good event for those who move faster than the classon the average and need more challenges. All students are strongly encouragedto participate.

SPRING MUSIC PROGRAM

This isthe end of the year concert. All the musical organizations at RJHS perform forparents and friends to exhibit their abilities. This is a required event donein the evening, so friends and family members who work can attend. The banduniform will be beige khaki pants (not baggy or hip huggers) and red RJHS Bandgolf style shirt, tucked in.

REWARDS  TRIP

As areward for all those students who haven’t missed a single performance and whohaven’t had more than 2 unexcused absences from mandatory after schoolrehearsals, we will be going on a trip in the Spring.  Students who have been suspended in or out ofschool twice are also ineligible for the trip.

PRIVATE LESSONS

They arenot required, however, providing your child with private lessons is a great wayto encourage them, and help them make progress learning to play their bandinstrument. A good private teacher will challenge your child to be the verybest musician he or she can, and at the same time, provide support and helpwhen your child needs it most.

Privatelessons are not the same as tutoring in other school subjects. In other words,private lessons are not remedial. Students don’t necessarily take lessons to catchup with other students. Private lessons supplement, reinforce and improve.

Typically,private lessons are taken on a weekly basis. The cost and length of each lessonvaries according to each private tutor. Each tutor has his or her own policyregarding payment in advance, making up missed lessons, etc. La. Tech has onstaff qualified instructors that specialize in particular instruments. If theirschedule does not permit lessons for your child, they can refer you to someonewho can, for instance someone studying music on that instrument. Call the La.Tech Music Dept. for a qualified tutor. 257-4233 

SmartMusic isthe next best thing!

MY SCHEDULE

1st period – RHS

2nd period – Planning - RJHS (9:00-9:51)

3^rd Period- Intermediate Woodwinds  -  9:59-10:54

4^th Period- Percussion Class - 11:29-12:24

5^th Period- Advanced Band - 12:32-1:27

6^th Period– Intermediate Brasswinds - 1:26-2:22

7^th Period- Beginning Band - 2:26-3:22

INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY!!!

For the price of a shoe, yourchild can have access to the best study aid that has ever been created called SmartMusic!  It is absolutely the most phenomenal practicebuddy a music student could ever hope for. Some even consider it a music teacher. Your child can have access to thousands of different pieces of music tohelp them in their musical growth, and it is fun to.  It is a proven success and well worth themoney and it correlates with the music we use in class.  Go to smartmusic.com and see for yourself.