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Updated 4/22/10 - NEW STUFF IS IN BLUE SmartMusic Subscriptions go up in June to $36. Congratulations to the following students for making Superior Ratings at Solo & Ensemble Festival this year! I'll be handing out the medals on Monday. I'm very happy and proud! Solos Landon Sims Ensembles Percussion Ensemble Congratulations to the following parents of the students who turned in a practice record charts this week. Out of 50 students that student is: The Solo and Ensemble Festival is at Ouachita Junior High School in Monroe, LA on April 17th. To get there: Parents will be responsiblefor seeing that your child has transportation to and from the event. Go east on I-20 til you get to exit 120 to Garrett Road towards Monroe Airport. (Pecanland Mall exit) Turn left on Garrett Rd. and go for about .6 miles and turn left on Millhaven Rd. Go about .2 miles and turn right on Kansas Lane. Go about 1.5 miles and you should see Ouachita Junior High on your left. It is on the corner of Blanks Ave. and Kansas Lane. Be there at least 30 minutes prior to your performance so you can locate the performance room and then go to the warm up area. You may stick around for about 30 minutes after your performance, and hopefully you’ll know your ratings at that time. If you don’t wish to stay for ratings, you may go and receive ratings/awards/comments on Monday. Don't forget to take the original music to give to the judge and number the measures on that original with pencil for the judges. Don’t forget to take your copy as well to look at during your performance. Remember, you are obligated to show and play, even though you may “feel” you are not prepared.
Ruston Junior High Band Request for Excused Absence or Tardy Form Rehearsal___________ Sectional_____________ Performance_____________ Date_______________ Time_________________ Makeup Date:____________ Name:____________________________________ Instrument_____________________________ Reason:______________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Student signature:___________________________ Parent Signature___________________________ This form MUST be submitted to a director at least 24 hours before you will be absent or tardy, or 24 hours after you return from an emergency. You are to make up the absence on the Tuesday before or after the absence. Excessive and/or unexcused absences and tardies may affect your spot in the advance band or your band placement. These infractions will definitely affect your grade and you eligibility to attend the honors trip in May Excused:_______ Unexcused:_______ Director’s signature.________________________________________ We placed second in the amount of students per capita selected for Honor Band. West Ridge was first. We placed 7th in the number of students who did not follow through to show up for tryouts. Because of integrity and honor, I would have been happier if these two statistics were reversed. P.S.– If you are one of the few who haven’t subscribed to SmartMusic Impact yet, go to smartmusic.com and enroll today!!! Instructions on how to downloadsoftware and order a special microphone are online. All students who use it are showingremarkable improvements on their playing ability, and it’s just plain fun, andyou can’t beat the price. If you wantyour child to be successful, it’s a no brainer…I have it, my kids have it…youshould to. For the price of a shoe, youget unlimited access to 1000’s of songs they can practice along with from Jazz,to pop, to classical. What are youwaiting 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: (whichincludes) Snaredrum sticks (Promark SD1)
March 10th or 11th LargeEnsemble Festival**(Advanced Band only)March 15 Deadliine for Solo and Ensemble Entry forms and fees April 10th SpringSolo and Ensemble Festival (West Ouachita High School) (Fees due March 20th) April 17th Solo and Ensemble Festival at West Ouachita High School May 6th SpringConcert at RJHS 6:30 pm** May 21st REWARDS TRIP – TBA(For those who qualify) **Required participation for grade (More performances can and will be scheduled as they arepresented.)
GRADING SYSTEM 50% ofthe overall grade is based on participation, such as attending required eventsor rehearsals and having appropriate materials for class.(such as reeds, pencils, mouthpieces, music, instrument, etc. Usual total amount available is 45 pts.)
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, 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** Afterschool rehearsals are optional for beginning band students, and are designed tohelp students on and individual basis until January, then there will beorganized 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 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, 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 isessential that all do theirpart.
FOOTBALL GAMES BeginningBand members are not at the point to where they are able to play any of themusic by the time the games begin, and this is understandable. They are not involved with the band at footballgames or pep rallies.
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.
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 very important event for a band. You will be notified of the exacttime and place of the festival closer to that day. The uniform for this event isbeige khaki pants (not baggy or hip huggers) and red RJHS Band golf styleshirt, tucked in. The Intermediate and Beginning band members go as spectators.
SOLO & ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL This is achance 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 willreceive a medal for superior rated performances. This is especially a goodevent for those who move faster than the class on the average and need morechallenges. All students are strongly encouraged to 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 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 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 tocatch up with other students. Private lessons supplement, reinforce andimprove. 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 a music major on that instrument. Call the La. Tech Music Dept. for a qualifiedtutor. 257-4233 SmartMusic isthe next best thing!
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!
MY SCHEDULE
1st period – RHS 2nd period – Planning - RJHS (9:00-9:51) 3rd Period- Intermediate Woodwinds - 9:54-10:39 4th Period- Percussion Class - 10:59-11:54 5th Period- Advanced Band - 12:28-1:23 6th Period– Intermediate Brasswinds - 1:23-2:18 7th Period- Beginning Band - 2:23-3:18
Consequences:
1st offense - Step One Sheet (Writing exercise) 2nd offense - Step Two Sheet (Writing exercise) 3rd offense – Disciplinary Referral
General Classroom Behavior Rules:
1. Enter and leave the room quietly and orderly 2. Be prepared by having the proper materials in class. 3. Be attentive and participate 4. Take good care of classroom equipment and materials. 5. Do not cause distractions or disruptions in the classroom. 6. No food, gum or drink in the band room. Discipline Plan
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
Starting in Sept. MandatoryAfter School Rehearsals every Thursday. 3:18- 4:45 (Football players exempt) Sept. 29th, Oct. 13 & 15 Homegames - RJHS Stadium.**(Football players expempt) Oct. 9th End of mandatory rehearsals forfootball games. Oct. 29 Startup ofvoluntary Tuesday rehearsals from 3:18-4:45, primarily to help Honor Bandtryouts December 3rd RustonJaycees Christmas Parade www.rustonjaycees.org December 18th RJHSChristmas Concert (morning during school, details later)** January 9th District Honor BandTryouts at West Ridge in Monroe (Details later) (Fees due Nov. 30th)(Requiredfor advanced band) January 11th 2ndSemester Instrument Fees are due. January 19th Startup of mandatory afterschool rehearsals for Advanced Band members. Working on Festival January 22nd& 23rd DistrictHonor Band Clinic (for those who are selected.) We’ll be taking a bus. March 10th or 11th LargeEnsemble Festival**April 10th SpringSolo and Ensemble Festival (West Ouachita High School) (Fees due March 20th) May 6th Spring Concert at RJHS 6:30 pm** May 21st REWARDS TRIP – TBA(For those who qualify)(This is atentative date) **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. Allrehearsals 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) 3rd Period- Intermediate Woodwinds - 9:54-10:39 4th Period- Percussion Class - 10:59-11:54 5th Period- Advanced Band - 12:28-1:23 6th Period– Intermediate Brasswinds - 1:23-2:18 7th Period- Beginning Band - 2:23-3:18
Consequences:
1st offense - Step One Sheet (Writing exercise) 2nd offense - Step Two Sheet (Writing exercise) 3rd offense – Disciplinary Referral
General Classroom Behavior Rules:
1. Enter and leave the room quietly and orderly 2. Be prepared by having the proper materials in class. 3. Be attentive and participate 4. Take good care of classroom equipment and materials. 5. Do not cause distractions or disruptions in the classroom. 6. No food, gum or drink in the band room. DisciplinePlan
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. |
- http://rustonjunior.lincolnschools.org/rjhs_organizations.htm
- The Power of Music Education Why band?
- Smartmusic Accompaniment Software Better than a tudor, but cheaper...see video on top right of page.
- Smart Music Studio Parent and student information