5th Grade Band

Handbook
2017-2018
September 1, 2017

Dear 5th
Grade Band Families,

The start of a new school year is an exciting event, especially for you as a CSMS
TIGER CUB. As a member of 5th Grade Band, you have chosen to associate with
some of the finest scholars, athletes, musicians, and student leaders in our
school and in our community. Our expectations are high. Each band member will
be held accountable for his/her actions, attitudes, and performances.

Band and family members: please read through this handbook in order to help
you understand what our expectations are for the 5th Grade Band. This handbook
contains policies and procedures that will be in effect for the 2017-2018 school
year.

Musically,

Carol Holck Chelsea Hutchings Moulee Gupta

5th & 6th
Band Director MG General Music Teacher, Band Dept. Chair
5th Band Director

cholck@d75.org chutchings@d75.org
(847) 949-2707 x6041 847) 949-2712 x5034

The reason to LEARN MUSIC is to MAKE MUSIC.

Music touches a part of our psyche that helps us regulate our lives. Music helps
us understand and express our moods and attitudes. Music helps us reorganize
our thoughts and feelings while keeping us on track. Music allows us to respond
appropriately in social structure that is often confusing and complex. THERE IS
NO SUBSTITUTE FOR MUSIC; MUSIC FOR THE SAKE OF MUSIC.

(http://www.musicforall.org/who-we-are/advocacy/why-music-why-band).
What is 5th
Grade Band? 5th Grade Band is a fantastic ensemble made up of 5th Grade
students. It is open to all fifth graders. Members will learn how to read music, play an
instrument, and perform in an ensemble. The 5th Grade Band performs at three formal concerts
(see below) and at several assemblies. It rehearses twice a week before school and each
band member will also attend one small group lesson each week.

We embrace the 7 Habits: Using the 7 Habits of the Leader In Me program has profoundly
impacted the success of the students in the 5th
Grade Band. What is so cool about this? YOU
ALREADY KNOW THEM Together we will Be Proactive, Begin with the End in Mind, Put
First Things First, Think Win-Win, Seek First to Understand Then to be Understood, Synergize,
and Sharpen the Saw. We will use them to be successful.

Effective Effort Matters! Students are encouraged to apply their best effort in every aspect of
band -- rehearsals, lessons, practice, and performance.

5th Grade Band is a one-year commitment: Your child is expected to participate in 5th
Grade Band for the entire school year. There often comes a point where students begin to
struggle; the full year commitment allows your child to work through these struggles and reach
the point where he/she gets it and band becomes fun again. Note, at the end of the school
year, students who have shown great growth and or have conferenced with the directors will
have the privilege to make a switcheroo to another instrument.

5th Grade Band Rehearsal Schedule:

We are excited to implement a new and improved rehearsal schedule for the 5th Grade Band.
Your child will receive regular guided instruction 2 days a week. Please see below.
What Who Where Days When
Lessons All band students, Band lesson room One day a week either on During
(starting week of in small groups (across from the MG Tuesday or Wednesday school
Sept 5) (TBD soon) office) (TBD soon)
Morning Band EVERYONE MG large Gym Tuesday and Wednesday 7:10AM

Expectations for 5th

Grade Band: Respectful, Responsible and Ready
Band Lessons:
Each student attends one 25-30-minute small group lesson per week
Groups consist of 2-6 students playing same or similar instruments
Lessons are held during the school day
Updated schedules are periodically given to students at morning band and can be found in
the 5th Grade Bands Google Classroom (Ask your child to invite you to Google Classroom)
Schedules are posted in each classroom, the music room, and the band lesson space
Students are responsible for remembering to come to their lessons
Bring instrument, music, pencil, and assignment notebook to your lesson

2
Parents and students, Please complete the online Band Contract & Contact Google form located in the
5th Grade Bands Google Classroom or at csmstigerbands.weebly.com--> 5th Grade Band By SEPT 7
(Continued: Expectations for 5th Grade Band)

Morning Band Rehearsal:

Two rehearsals before school each week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Parents transport students to MG for Morning Band Rehearsal
Drop off students at the drop-off / pick-up door (side of the school)
Front doors will be locked
Arrive between 6:50-7:05AM. Group rehearsal begins promptly at 7:10.
o Rehearsal time is limited and valuable, so please be prompt
Bring your music, stand, instrument, band books, pencil, AND a positive attitude
Attendance:
Morning band is mandatory
Small group band lessons during school are mandatory
Attendance at all performances is expected
o Performances require all members to be present in order to be truly successful (think
of a baseball game with no pitcher)
If an unavoidable situation arises, such as an illness or family emergency, please notify
your band director via email or phone immediately
When a conflict happens with a lesson, it is the students responsibility to notify Mrs.
Holck in advance
Preparation/Practice:
The goal is to improve and grow; practice is essential
Practice develops the muscles and skills to help you play your instrument
The amount of time needed is dependent on how long it takes to master an assignment
Some students will need more practice than others to achieve a given level of mastery and
this will vary over time
Students who practice a minimum of 30 minutes 5 days a week achieve great success and
become confident young performers
Practice tracking/reflections are turned in weekly
Morning Band Rehearsal Procedures:
Bring instrument, music, pencil, stand, and assignment notebook to Morning Band
Before rehearsal
o Go immediately to the BIG gym (NO lockers)
o Sign-in
o Put personal items and instrument case in the designated area against the wall
o Read the big screen for directions
Seating chart
Mastery objective
Instructions and announcements
o 7:10AM band starts
Be in your seat, instrument, book(s), pencil, & stand ready to go
During rehearsal
o Use your BEST EFFORT Focus, participate, be respectful, and have fun
3
Parents and students, Please complete the online Band Contract & Contact Google form located in the
5th Grade Bands Google Classroom or at csmstigerbands.weebly.com--> 5th Grade Band By SEPT 7
 End of Rehearsal
o Be responsible for putting away your own chair
o When dismissed from band, go to your classroom
o Leave the band space with everything you brought

Instrument Storage Areas

Store small instruments in your school locker & large instruments in storage area designated
by your teacher.

Small Group Lessons Procedures:

Bring your instrument, music, pencil, and assignment notebook to lesson. NO STAND:-)
What do I do when I get my lesson schedule?
o Find your name
o Circle it
o Find the time and day you will be going to your band lesson
o Write a reminder in your assignment notebook for your LESSON (day and time)
(Mrs. Holck and Ms. Hutchings LOVES the assignment notebook!)
What do I need to do BEFORE I go to my band lesson?
o Check in with your teacher
o Get the homework for that class
o Go to your lesson

* Please note, teachers may differ in their procedure. Students and teachers will have to listen
and seek first to understand and then be understood when determining what is best.*

If you have a conflict with your lesson time (test, presentation), BE PROACTIVE! Share
with Mrs. Holck in ADVANCE for a win-win result. Communication is key to solving
problems.
If you missed your lesson, come up with a plan. Be responsible to find out what you
missed and a time to make up your lesson. Learning from our mistakes will make us
stronger together. Communication is essential!

Evaluation:
5th Grade Band members musical growth in band will be will be assessed regularly.

Playing & written assessments will happen on a regular basis. We will hear you play in small
groups and individually. Prepare your music to your best ability so you are prepared for these
evaluations.

4
Parents and students, Please complete the online Band Contract & Contact Google form located in the
5th Grade Bands Google Classroom or at csmstigerbands.weebly.com--> 5th Grade Band By SEPT 7
(Continued: Evaluations)

Playing ability will be assessed using the following categories:

Posture Embouchure / Stick grip
Playing position Articulation
Note recognition Tone quality
Fingerings/ hand positions Rhythmic accuracy
Pitch accuracy Breath support

*These are the foundation of any successful band program and we will continue to reinforce
them throughout your musical journey.*

Practice Tracker:
Practice is essential for growth
How much to practice is dependent on the child
We recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of practice BEYOND THE SCHOOL DAY and
Morning Band
Students and teachers will decide specific practice goals, which may include written
practice, mental practice, and playing
Students will complete and online practice chart located in the 5th Grade Google
Classroom or a paper copy. Parents must confirm they have gone over the PRACTICE
TRACKER with student prior to submission.
Parent signatures are required weekly to monitor practice goals
Practice Trackers are due on Tuesday nights by 8pm. (Turn them early if you want:-)

General Information:
Label all materials with your FIRST NAME, LAST NAME, and your morning classroom
teachers name (ex. Ringo Holck, Mrs. Ewing)
Questions?
- Students write them in our Question Notebook
- Leave them in our band mailbox near the band lesson space
Current handouts, practice charts, homework, and forms can be found in the 5th
Grade
Band Google Classroom
Never touch an instrument that isnt yours. This includes percussion instruments
and pianos.

5
Parents and students, Please complete the online Band Contract & Contact Google form located in the
5th Grade Bands Google Classroom or at csmstigerbands.weebly.com--> 5th Grade Band By SEPT 7
Uniforms for Concerts
Plain white shirt, loose fitting, without markings or stains (short or long sleeves)
Black dress pants (not leggings, jeans, or athletic pants)
Long black socks (borrow some from your parents:-)
Black dress shoes (shoes should be entirely black)

Required Equipment (Rentals through Quinlan & Fabish provide these items)
Flute Horn
Cleaning Cloth (thin enough to fit through Rotary Valve Oil
body of flute with the cleaning rod) Mouthpiece Brush
Cleaning/Tuning rod Holton-Farkas MDC mouthpiece

Clarinet Saxophone
Cork Grease Cork Grease
Cleaning Swab (the kind that drops Cleaning Swab (the kind that drops
through the instrument- silk or thin cotton through the instrument)
preferred) AT LEAST 4 working reeds at all
AT LEAST 4 working reeds at all times times
Vandoren Reeds (strength 2.5) Vandoren Reeds (strength 2.5)
Ligature Neck Strap (should come with rental,
Vandoren b45 mouthpiece but you can get a better one if you
like)
Trumpet Ligature
Valve Oil Selmer C-Star mouthpiece (to replace
Tuning Slide Grease factory mouthpiece with rental
Mouthpiece Brush instrument)
Bach 7-C Mouthpiece
Euphonium
Trombone Valve Oil
Slide Oil (NOT valve oil) Tuning Slide Grease
Tuning Slide Grease Mouthpiece Brush
Mouthpiece Brush Mouthpiece Bach 12C
Mouthpiece Bach 12C
Percussion
Percussion Kit Bells w/ mallets, Snare
Practice Pad w/ snare sticks

6
Parents and students, Please complete the online Band Contract & Contact Google form located in the
5th Grade Bands Google Classroom or at csmstigerbands.weebly.com--> 5th Grade Band By SEPT 7
Band Supplies (Do you have what you need?)
Band method and ensemble books:
o Tradition of Excellence Book 1
o Festival Ensembles
Be Proactive; order supplies when they are low
Quinlan & Fabish services D75
o Orders are delivered weekly to Mrs. Holck
o Call at Quinlan & Fabish (847) 253-5592

Band Repairs Quinlan & Fabish (847) 253-5592

PARENTS: Please do not attempt to perform a repair on your childs instrument! You could do more
extensive damage. If a mouthpiece gets stuck, let the band director handle the situation.

Q&F Rentals: You are eligible for free repairs. Please leave a detailed note inside your
case and your band director will send in your instrument with our Q&F representative.
Non-rentals or instruments from other companies may also be sent in for estimates or
repairs with Q&F. Please make sure to arrange for a loaner instrument while your
instrument is being repaired. Your family is responsible for repair costs on instruments not
from Q&F.

Please include the following information:

student first and last name, phone number, and a description of the problem.

Additional Activities and Opportunities

Practice Club: Is an opportunity for 5th
Grade Band students to practice with a band
teacher present. Time and location to be announced soon. We are hoping to find a space
at MG or CSMS.
Extra Help Events: Stay tuned for extra events throughout the year, such as Bath Night
and Note and Rhythm Reading Nights.
Private Lessons: A good private teacher is perhaps the most valuable musical investment
a parent can make for their child. See the attached listing of instructors if you are
interested. Lessons usually last for 30 minutes and cost approximately $25 a lesson.

7
Parents and students, Please complete the online Band Contract & Contact Google form located in the
5th Grade Bands Google Classroom or at csmstigerbands.weebly.com--> 5th Grade Band By SEPT 7
CSMS Tiger Bands

Commitment Respect Leadership Teamwork Pride Responsibility Attitude Effort Discipline

5th
GRADE BAND CALENDAR: 2017-18
Please note that call times (student arrival times) will be earlier than the performance times listed below.

Tues, 9/5 5th Grade Band First Lesson / Parent Meeting (5th Grade) 6:30-7:30 PM (MG)
Thurs, 10/26 Pasta Night Fundraiser (all are invited!) TBA (MPR/ GYM)
Mon, 12/4 Holiday Band Jam (open to ALL band families 5th -8th) 6:30-7:30 PM (CSMS)
Mon, 12/18 Winter Collage Concert (5th, 6th, 7th
& 8th Grade) 7:00 PM (MHS)
Wed, 2/28 Spring Band Concert (5 & 7 Grade)
th th
7:00 PM (CSMS GYM)
Fri, 4/20 5th & 6th
Grade Band Pizza Party and Fun! 4:30 PM (CSMS)
Tues, 5/1 Leadership Day Assembly (5th Grade) During School
Tues, 5/15 Pops Concert (5th & 6th
Grade) 7:00 PM (CSMS)
Tues, 5/16 Breakfast Bash last day of morning band 7:05 AM (MG)

In Closing

Young people need positive direction. We see band as an opportunity to shape young lives
and to positively influence young people. Students must understand that their actions will have
a tremendous impact on their lives and the lives of others. The nature of that impact (positive
or negative) is up to the individual. Remind your child when the challenge becomes tough,
teachers, just like parents, set high standards because we care.

Thank you for your support and best wishes for a safe, happy, and successful school year.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Carol Holck Chelsea Hutchings Moulee Gupta

5th & 6th
Band Director MG General Music Teacher, Band Dept. Chair
5th Band Director

cholck@d75.org chutchings@d75.org
(847) 949-2707 x6041 847) 949-2712 x5034
8
Parents and students, Please complete the online Band Contract & Contact Google form located in the
5th Grade Bands Google Classroom or at csmstigerbands.weebly.com--> 5th Grade Band By SEPT 7