Int 7 and Adv 8 Band - 3rd Period

Here are links to some of the music we are playing for LGPE so you can practice at home:

https://www.jwpepper.com/Honor-March/2481928.item#/submit 

https://www.jwpepper.com/Ancient-Moon/2439750.item#/ 

https://www.jwpepper.com/Red-Thunder/2477409.item#/ 

 

Veterans Memorial Middle School Band

Lyn Pharris, Band Director

pharris.carolyn.r@muscogee.k12.ga.us 

 

CLASSROOM RULES

  • Keep hands and comments to yourself.
  • Come to class prepared every day.
  • Obey all VMMS and MCSD rules.
  • Play only your OWN instrument.
  • Keep food, drinks, gum, candy, & all foreign objects out of your mouth.
  • Respect the Facilities.

FAILURE TO OBEY CLASSROOM RULES

Depending upon the severity of the behavior, the following are possible outcomes:  Teacher counsels Student, Written Assignment, Conference with Principal/Assistant Principal, Teacher calls Parent, Parent Conference, Points deducted from Class Participation grade.

CLASS MATERIALS

  • Complete Instrument (including extra reeds, valve oil, etc.)
  • Method Book and/or Music Folder
  • Pencil

ITEMS YOU WILL BE GRADED ON

Class Participation

Written & Playing Tests

Performances

Homework

At Home Practice

Instrument Checks

After School Rehearsals

Parents should monitor student’s “at home practice time.”  Although practice records will not be required, their ability to play will reflect their time spent in individual practice.  It is imperative that students spend a minimum of an hour (per week) practicing outside of the classroom instruction.  This means they must take their instruments home and USE them!  Frequent “spot checks” will be made during class on music to be practiced, including scales, in addition to “instrument checks” to see who has not taken their instrument home.  A minimum of an hour of practice per week could be broken down easily into four 15-minute sessions.  Obviously, the more time spent practicing the better the student will be on his/her instrument.  Please encourage your son/daughter to practice at home.

WHAT IF MY INSTRUMENT NEEDS REPAIRS?

          If you have difficulties with your instrument, be sure to show Mrs. Pharris as soon as possible because she will be able to take care of some repairs in the Band Room.  If it becomes necessary to take your instrument to the shop to be repaired, you must bring a repair ticket from the music store or a note from your parent stating the date the instrument was taken in and the date it will be ready for pickup.  Upon receipt of the repair ticket or parent note, the dates stated will then be excused.  If no excuse is submitted, the dates will be unexcused, and points will be deducted from your Class Participation grade.  Students without instruments will still be required to participate in the class assignment and may be required to complete a written assignment.

HOW CAN I INSURE THE SAFETY OF MY INSTRUMENT?

  • Make sure your name is on your instrument case (instrument tags are required on all cases).
  • Record your serial number, make, and model at home for insurance purposes.
  • Please DO NOT leave instruments in vehicles!! They can be easily stolen, and weather can damage them.
  • Put a COMBINATION lock on your locker (be sure to give the combination to Mrs. Pharris).
  • Treat others and their property the way you would like to be treated.

CARE OF SCHOOL  INSTRUMENTS & EQUIPMENT

When you use a school instrument, you are responsible for the care of that instrument.  This includes taking care of minor and major repairs that are the result of your negligence.  Each student using a school instrument will be required to return a signed “MCSD Instrument Contract” before using the instrument.

FACILITIES

  • Each student is responsible for proper care of all school facilities. This includes appropriate disposal of all trash and a general respect for all equipment & supplies.
  • Band Room – All students are expected to correctly store their music stand in the appropriate place, put away music & instruments, and straighten chairs. Trash is to be picked up off the floor.
  • Instrument Room – All cases will be closed and stored neatly. Trash is to be placed in the containers.  No person should tamper with another person’s instrument or belongings.  NO FOOD, DRINKS, CANDY OR GUM!
  • Library/Storage Rooms – All Students are to refrain from entering these rooms unless instructed to do so by the Band Director.
  • Percussion Equipment – Non-percussion students are not to play on drums or other percussion equipment without permission. These are not toys but expensive musical instruments.
  • Band Office – Students should not be in the office unless the Band Director has given prior permission. No items are to be taken from the desk or other areas without permission, and the telephone is only used with permission.

BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSALS

There may be a few times throughout the year, usually prior to a performance, when before or after school rehearsals will be necessary.  It is imperative that all students are present for these rehearsals.  Prior notice of these rehearsals will be given.  If it is necessary to be excused from a rehearsal, this must be done well in advance – preferably several days.  All requests for excused absences MUST be in writing from your parent or legal guardian.

 

Please feel free to contact me at (706) 748-3203 or pharris.carolyn.r@muscogee.k12.ga.us if you have any questions or if I can be of any assistance.  I look forward to working with you and your child(ren) this school year.

Lyn Pharris

Band Director

Important Dates for 2018-2019 School Year:

**Winter Concert – Thursday, December 13th @ 7:00 p.m.

**Spring Concert – Monday, April 29th @ 7:00 p.m.

Solo & Ensemble – Saturday, November 3rd

Honor Band/All-State Auditions (for Intermediate & Advanced students only) – Saturday, December 1st

Honor Band Event (for Intermediate & Advanced students only) – Friday and Saturday, February 8th and 9th

PPE (for the Advanced group only) – Thursday, February 21st @ 6:30 p.m.

LGPE (for the Advanced group only) – Thursday or Friday, March 7th or 8th time TBA

Beginning Band Festival (for Beginners only) – Tuesday, April 9th after school

Spring Trip to Medieval Times/Mall of Georgia (for 7th & 8th grade only) – Friday, May 10th

**Required for all students.

 

Band Booster (all Band Parents are invited) Meeting Dates @ 6:00 p.m. in the VMMS Cafeteria – 11/13, 1/15, 3/12

Chick-fil-A Spirit Nights (Columbus Park Crossing) 5:00-8:00 p.m. – 9/25, 1/22, 3/19

 

Sign up for Pharris Remind 101 for Band Updates:

706-225-2179

Beginning Band (1st, 5th, & 6th periods) Text - @mrspharr

Intermediate Band (2nd & 5th periods) Text - @mrspharris

Advanced Band (3rd & 5th periods) Text - @mrspharri

Parents Text - @8e2c2

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After reading the contents of this syllabus, please sign and return this portion to Mrs. Pharris no later than Wednesday, August 15, 2018.  (This is your first Homework grade!)

I have read and understand the rules and policies stated in this syllabus for participation in the Veterans Memorial Middle School Band.  I also understand the Winter and Spring Concerts are required performances for all students.

 

___________________________     ____________                   

                   Student                               Date                    

___________________________     ____________

              Parent/Guardian                        Date

 

Guardian’s Name & Phone Number___________________________________________________

 

Family Email Address(es)        _________________________________________________________

                                                 _________________________________________________________

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due