Updated 5/24/12

^{RJHS BAND CAMP AUGUST 6TH 1-5 ALL WEEK}

Spread the Word to Music Parents:
SmartMusic Makes Summer Practice Fun!

SmartMusic^® has partnered with AMP (the National Association of Music Parents) and we're guest-hosting a webinar on May 30th! Parents will learn how SmartMusic can help their students this summer:

• Instant feedback on notes and rhythms helps students improve faster.
• Students receive a score for every practice session—some will stop at nothing until they score 100%!
• Record practice sessions and share with parents and teachers.
• Parents can keep tabs on their students' growth and achievement by listening to recordings.

Join us on Wednesday, May 30th:

8:00 - 9:00 PM EST, 7:00 - 8:00 PM CST, 6:00 - 7:00 PM MST, 5:00 - 6:00 PM PST

Here's how to join this FREE webinar:

1. Go to http://is.gd/AMP_SM_Webinar
2. Enter your name and email address.
3. If needed, enter the session password: Amp2012
4. Click "Join Now."
5. To join the audio conference, follow the instructions that appear on your screen, or click this link for illustrated directions: http://is.gd/Webinar_Instructions

Download a flyer (.PDF) to send home with students.

About AMP

The National Association of Music Parents (AMP) mission is to build a grassroots national movement that brings together ALL STAKEHOLDERS of Music Education to defend the interests of our students and ensure that music and the arts remain an integral discipline within the core education system in America.

Visit amparents.org to learn more.

Since the concert we now have 22 students using SmartMusic, this greatly exceeds the amount we had last year.  This is very encouraging.  Thank you for the support of your child's musicianship. 

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.

Ruston JuniorHigh Bearkit Band      School Office 251-1601

Gary Teague - Director                          Band Office 255-6646

SUMMER BAND INFORMATION SHEET

     Now isthe time to make sure your instruments are in working order for next year.  All woodwind instruments need to go to theshop immediately at the start of the summer, even if it appears the instrumentis working fine.  There will be problemsthat go unnoticed by the student or that are forming that can prevent majorproblems.  If you wait until the end ofthe summer, the instrument will be in the shop for weeks, which will impede theprogress of your child.  Brassinstruments should go to the shop only if problems exist.  Keep your instruments out of direct sunlightor hot & humid areas over the summer. Open the case from time to time to air them out.  It is best to put cedar chips or moth ballsin woodwind cases because pads are tasty to insects.  Zeagler Music in Monroe is the only repairshop close by.  School instruments are tobe turned in Thursday, May 17th.  Thosestudents who need to rent a school instrument over the summer can pay a $25.00instrument usage fee on that day, but I must do a visual check on theinstrument.  Make checks payable toRuston Junior High School Band.  Thosestudents who are using a school instrument should purchase your own instrumentfor next year, unless of course, you are using the very expensive instrumentslike the baritone, French horn, or tuba. The band fee for next year will remain the same....$25.00 which goes tohelp take care of your child’s band supplies, music and transportation costsfor the year.

     Eachstudent is an important part of the band, and to insure they receive the mostout of music, I feel that it is essential that they receive as much individualattention they can get.  That is why I amavailable during the year to students for after-school practice.  Private lessons are greatly encouraged.  Louisiana Tech has on staff qualifiedinstructors that specialize in particular instruments.  Either they will have the time to teach yourchild, or they can refer you to someone who can, for instance a studentstudying music with special talent.  Themore successful band programs have many of their students taking privatelessons.  It is very important to startstudents when they are young in a private lesson program.  This will help your child to achieve higherresults in the selection of District Honor Band, and will increase our ratingsin Solo & Ensemble festivals.  Youcan call La. Tech Music Dept. at 257-4233 and ask for the instructor whoteaches the instrument your child plays. The price will vary.  Encourageyour children to practice during the summer. They have received most of the music we will be playing at the start ofnext year.  Encourage them to practicefrom their method books as well.

BAND SUPPLY LIST FOR NEXT YEAR

At least 10 reeds for clarinet and saxes. (Vandoren#3 1/2)

Woodwinds- Small screwdriver to fit your instrument’sscrews

Proper lubricants and cleaning supplies for yourinstrument

Lyre & Flip folder (You can buy  them from me at the beginning of the year)

Advanced Band Trumpets - Metal concert straight mute.

Good attitude!

     We willstart Band rehearsals on Monday, August 6^th,one week prior to the start of school. Band rehearsals will be from 1:00p.m. - 5:00 daily, finishing up on Friday, August 10^th.  These rehearsals are mandatory.  We will be kicking off our first fund raiserthat week as well.  It is very importantthat all instruments are in tip top shape by this time.  Camp fees will be $5 per student.  We will be attending all the home football gamesnext year and these rehearsals are essential. 

We will be taking a “REWARDS TRIP” to Six Flags atthe end of the year on a Saturday, May 11^th.  Those who have good behavior and haveparticipated faithfully will be eligible for this trip.  We take a charter bus and its LOTS of fun.  A portion of your child’s proceeds he/shecollects on our fundraiser will be applied towards their trip to reduce thecost of the trip.

An excellent way to keep informed with what is goingon in band is to go to schoolnotes.com and find my page at the Ruston Jr. HighSchool site.  I want to encourage, thosewho are able, to attend some type of summer music camp.  A lot of colleges offer this to students ofall ages and they are a lot of fun as well as instructional.  They can take all sorts of different classes,and there are lots of fun activities in the evenings.   Check out those colleges web sites for theirmiddle school camp information.  Most ofmy students have been attending the camp at Northwestern State University inNatchitoches, La.  That camp is from July17 – 20 and the cost is $260..well worth it.  My kids have gone many times.

Thanks!

Mr.Teague

P.S.– If you are one of the few who haven’t subscribed to SmartMusic Impact yet, goto smartmusic.com and download it today!!! Instructions on how to download software and order a special microphoneare online.  All students who use it areshowing remarkable improvements on their playing ability, and it’s just plainfun, and you can’t beat the price.  It’sthe next best thing to a private instructor. If you want your child to be successful, it’s a no brainer…I have it, mykids had  it…yours deserve it to.  For the price of A shoe, you get unlimitedaccess to over 3000 songs and our method books and scales they can practicealong with Jazz, to pop, movie soundtracks and classical.  What are you waiting for?

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 $36 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 $36

- Visit www.smartmusic.com and enter your code to purchase a subscription for $36. (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