Gypsum Creek Middle Band/Choir Handbook

Jon Ward, Director

GCMS Wolf 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Concert Bands/Choirs
Email: jonathan.ward@eagleschools.net
Phone: 970-328-8980
Dear Band/Choir Parents,
All across the country, schools are offering courses dealing with self-discovery, self-discipline,
and self-motivation. The purpose in mind of these courses is to help the student define ways he/she
can concentrate for long periods of time, and to help students develop a spirit of cooperation with
teachers and classmates.
Our society is one of fast food, iPods, instant downloads, mobile internet, remote control,
texting, etc. It is no wonder that many students struggle to demonstrate high level thinking skills for
an extended period of time.
One of the most important aspects of a childs education is developing the ability to set and
achieve both short and long term goals. Music education is an excellent vehicle to help instill this trait
in our young people. Music teaches self-discipline, self-esteem, social skills, mind and body
coordination, and provides students with a feeling of well-being and pride all of which comes about
through patience, persistence, and the willingness to overcome failures through hard work. Music
combines the academic and artistic minds, and at the same time allows students to express
themselves in a personal, emotional, healthy, and creative way. What an excellent discipline for your
child to study!!
I believe that work habits are established at a young age, and if patience, persistence,
manners, and self-discipline are not part of a childs daily routine, then the chances of success later
in life are minimized.
As your childs instrumental and vocal music teacher, I promise to give 110% in the classroom
every day. A wonderful teacher gave me the gift of music in my childhood, and I want to pass the
same gift along to your child. You, the parent, can make a difference by supporting the efforts of the
band program, the school staff, and especially your students practice habits.
Please feel free to visit rehearsal any time. You need not make an appointment, and you have
an open invitation. If I can help your student in any way, please dont hesitate to call.

Musically,

Jon Ward
Director of Band/Choir

Introduction & Goals

This handbook has been written for all 6th, 7th and 8th grade band and choir members and
their parents with the hope of providing information regarding the various phases and activities of the
music department at GCMS.
ALL MEMBERS and parents are urged to read this handbook carefully at the beginning of the
school year to avoid conflicts with the policies and rules stated herein.
The music program is designed to encourage all students to achieve these goals:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Use manners and a respectful attitude in and outside of the classroom.

Make a real effort to learn and improve daily.
Cooperate with fellow ensemble members and share with them the responsibilities and
privileges that are a part of the music program.
Have the proper respect for those in authority.
Be honest and fair with others concerning equipment, music, and school life in general.
Read and play music with insight and expression.

Music Room Rules to Live By

1. Students will act like ladies and gentlemen at all times.
2. Students will treat music, equipment, and people with respect
3. If it isnt yours, dont touch it.

Attendance & Performances

I understand that students are very busy with all of the various activities that middle school has
to offer, and I am sympathetic to the busy schedules that families of band members keep. Every
effort will be made to avoid conflicts when band activities are scheduled.
Ensemble member participation and attendance at ALL music events is absolutely
mandatory!! WHY? Every single person is a critical part of the whole. Music events may include but
are not limited to: Band/Choir concerts, Athletic events, Parades, Festival performances,
Assemblies, etc.
Absences will be defined as excused or unexcused. The following reasons for missing a
musical performance will be considered unexcused unless they are accompanied by an extenuating
circumstance:
Non-school sports practice, game, or tournament
School sports practice
Non-school or school related activity (scouts, FFA, clubs, dance, etc.)
Forgetting or not having a ride
If a legitimate conflict with a music event occurs, I am understanding and flexible, as long as I
am given adequate prior notice to the conflict (at least 1 week). Thanks for your cooperation.

Grading
6th,

7th

&
Grade Fall Semester
10%
Fall concert participation*
10%
Holiday Concert participation*
35%
Playing/singing tests, theory tests
40%
Rehearsal participation, In-class and out of-class assignments, special projects
5%
Instrument/equipment treatment**
8th

6th, 7th & 8th Grade Spring Semester

10%
Spring concert participation*
10%
End of year/ commencement Concert participation*
35%
Playing/singing tests, theory tests
40%
Rehearsal participation, In-class and out of-class assignments, special projects
5%
Instrument/equipment treatment**
*Dress for the concerts & contest will be dress clothes - no jeans, t-shirts, shorts, and
preferably no athletic shoes. Attendance at any of these events without the proper
attire will result in a 5% out of 10% grade.
**Students are required to treat musical equipment (stands, chairs, music, instruments)
with 100% care. If instruments are left out of lockers at the end of class, or music is left
out of folders and folder slots the grade given will reflect that. Mistreatment of any
property in the music room is strictly prohibited.

Concert Attire
Girls nice dress, skirt or slacks outfit (no jeans, tennis shoes, or T-shirts)*
Guys nice shirt, nice slacks (no jeans, shorts, tennis shoes, or T-shirts)*
*May be subject to change
Why no shorts, t-shirts, or tennis shoes? One simple reason Our concerts are formal
presentations of what we have labored to produce in class, and if students dress professionally, they
will play professionally - a concert performance is not the same as a school day rehearsal. If meeting
the concert attire requirements is a financial hardship, please contact Mr. Ward.

Band/Choir Shirts
Band/Choir Members get new band t-shirts each Fall semester if agreed upon by the
ensemble*. The cost will be $10 per shirt.** T-shirt designs and ordering will be discussed in class
during the first month of school.
*If there is not enough interest in shirts, they will not be ordered/required.
**This cost may vary up to $5 either way depending on design and company costs.

Substitute Teachers
Occasionally it is necessary for a substitute teacher to oversee music classes. The behavior
and representation of students is critical on these days, as substitutes often take their impression of
the music program with them when they leave according to how the students behaved in class.
If a rehearsal-capable substitute is available, he/she is always our first choice, if not, general
substitutes will show a music-oriented video that is usually accompanied with a worksheet. Although
these worksheets may seem inconsequential and easy (if students pay attention!), they are often
worth a significant amount of points, sometimes as much or more than an in-class playing/singing
test. This is designed to impress upon the students how important it is that they behave and
participate when they have a substitute.

Practice
STUDENTS: Success in music is directly dependent upon the amount and quality of private
practice you do outside of the classroom. 20 minutes per day is a good standard minimum to set for
yourself. Here are some guidelines for quality practice:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Set aside a particular time of day to practice and STICK TO IT!

Have a designated area where you practice your bedroom, basement, bathroom, dog
house, etc.
Quality is ALWAYS more important than quantity!!
Study the music and practice what is difficult, not what is easy. Take the hard parts and
work on them in small pieces. Trying to learn too much music at a time is like practicing
easy music that you can already play it doesnt help you!!

Supplies
All Ensemble Members will need:
1. TWO pencils in your case or folder
2. A small spiral pad for rhythmic dictation/scale exercises
Band members
Brass players need:
1.
Valve oil (valved instruments), Slide oil (trombone)
2.
Flexible snake brush for cleaning the pipes
3.
Mouthpiece brush
Woodwind players need:
1.
Cleaning cloth and swabs
2.
Supply of AT LEAST 3 useable reeds important!!!
3.
Cork grease
Percussionists need:
1.
At least 1 set of Vic Firth SD-01 General sticks
2.
A snare drum to facilitate practice time at home a practice pad is also acceptable. (NOT
required but HIGHLY recommended)

Section Leaders (7th & 8th only)

Section Leaders will be chosen from each band to assist Mr. Ward with some of the daily duties
that are a part of the music program at GCMS. Qualifications for section leader are:

A thorough understanding of the terms, rhythms, and fingerings for all of the notes that have
been introduced since 6th grade band
A good attitude and a willingness to go beyond the call of duty for the good of the band
program
Must be passing all classes

Duties for section leaders will include but are not limited to:

Reporting absences from their instrument section(s) during daily rehearsals & performances
Liaison between Mr. Ward & their instrument section
Passing out music to their section(s)
Assisting with concert set-up before each performance
General tasks that arise as part of the daily workings of the band

Section leaders will enjoy special privileges and rewards throughout the school year in return for their
leadership and assistance.

Choir members: Section leaders will not be chosen, but there will be opportunities for
STUDENT LEADERSHIP. If interested, contact Mr. Ward.

Tips on Instruments, Folders, Music, & Life

1.

Instruments/music need to be at school EVERY DAY unless I specify otherwise. Never

assume that you wont need your instrument.

2.

Label your case/folder with your name.

3.

Write down the brand, make, and serial number of your instrument and keep this information
at home.

4.

Chewing gum and soda damages instruments severely. Do not bring it into the classroom or
eat/drink it right before playing your horn. Wash your mouth out with water before you play.
This also hinders the vocal chords from working properly. Dont bring either to choir or have
them before class

5.

Percussion equipment is only to be touched by percussionists!! Percussion players need to

make sure that all music, sticks, mallets, and equipment is put away and stored correctly at
the end of each rehearsal.

6.

Keep your music in your folder NEVER stuff it in your case it ruins music and damages
instruments. If you need a new folder, see me and I will get you one. Put your name on it!

7.

Keep 2 pencils in your folder or case and bring it to the rehearsal area during class. Never
use pen on music!

8.

Phones and iPods have no place in a music rehearsal. If I see you with one I will confiscate it
and put it in phone jail.

9.

Be cool. Were going to spend a lot of time togetherif something is making you grumpy,
come talk to me about it so we can make life better for you.

Contact Info
Mr. Ward: jonathan.ward@eagleschools.net

286-8400 (GCMS)