Salina Intermediate School

Music Program Handbook

Principals

Mr. Jamel Lawera, principal

Mr. Khaled Abdulla, assistant principal

Music Teacher

Mrs. Celeste Reed

• email: reedc@dearbornschools.org
• blog:  http://iblog.dearbornschools.org/reedc/

• iLearn: Salina Drums, Salina Strings, Salina Band

Salina Intermediate School

2623 Salina

Dearborn, Michigan  48120

313-827-6602

Table of Contents

Welcome

Class Schedule

Concert Performances

Course Descriptions

        6th Grade Band or Orchestra

        7th Grade Band or Orchestra

        Drumline Class

        Pep Band

Marching Band

5th Grade Band and Strings classes

Classroom Procedures

Band Room Rules and Expectations

Practice Materials

Grading

        Rehearsal Etiquette

        Playing and Written Tests

Personal Progress

Performances

Renting and Purchasing Instruments

Trips, Solo and Ensembles, Festivals

After School Rehearsals

        Marching Band

        Pep Band

        Honors Choir

Homework and Practice Tips

Continuing Music in High School

Photo Release

Uniforms

Recommended Instrument Supplies page

Student Information Sign Up

Band Boosters

Welcome

Welcome! I’m glad you’ve chosen to be a member of one of the Salina Intermediate School Music Programs. I’m excited to begin our first full year together. This year’s music programs will include several concerts as well as a march down Michigan Avenue on Memorial Day. We will also begin our Pep Band soon. Music opportunities at Salina Intermediate this year will include honors choir for grades 4-8, orchestra, band, drumline, and a flag corp (orchestra students) for Memorial Day Parade.

The Salina Intermediate School Music Programs have an open door policy. If at any time you would like to see a rehearsal, simply register in the office and come down to the band room, 115.

You can contact me:

via email at reedc@dearbornschools.org

Leave a message on the blog, Contact Mrs. Reed

Leave a phone message at 313-827-7957

Or in person either before of after school

Communication between Mrs. Reed and parents will take place primarily on the Mrs. Reed’s Music Classroom iBlog. I strongly recommend that you subscribe to Mrs. Reed’s Music Classroom to receive an email alert when the blog is updated.  Students will also have assignments posted in the respective iLearn Courses.  Links to iLearn Courses will be posted in the Music Blog.

Students and parents should read this handbook to familiarized themselves with what is expected of students.

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Class Schedule 2014-2015

Concert Performances

We have a number of concerts planned for our Salina Intermediate School Musicians.  All students (except Drumline) will perform at our Winter Concert, our Spring Concert, and our Memorial Day Parade. We are invited to perform with the EFHS band as a pep band during the EFHS vs FHS football game.   More details regarding all performances on our blog.

Scheduled Concerts

October 17, 2014 - Perform With Edsel in the stands at Football game EFHS vs FHS

November 20, 2014 - Meet the Band Director & Band at EFHS

December 17, 2014 - Winter Instrumental Music Concert

January 16, 2015 - Drumline Composition Concert (drum class only)

February 24, 2015 - Feeder School Concert Trip at EFHS - Tentative

April 29, 2015 - Spring Instrumental Music Concert

May 25, 2015 - Memorial Day Parade

May 29, 2015 - Drumline Composition Concert (drum class only)

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Course Descriptions

• 6th grade Band or Orchestra:

• This block is reserved specially for 6th grade students of band (A days) or orchestra (B days). Because we have so much more rehearsal time in middle school, we will make enormous progress this year. You should expect to know how to play much better in just one short year.  Some students in this class will be beginners, having not had the experience to play in 5th grade.  We will not have percussion in this class.

• 7th & 8th grade Band or Orchestra:

• This block is reserved specially for 7th & 8th grade students of band (A days) or orchestra (B days).  We will be a mix of experienced and inexperienced players and have to work well with each other, being patient and encouraging of each other.  WE will be the leaders of the music program, setting high expectations from everyone, for great success.

• Drumline Class:

• This course is reserved for 7th and 8th grade students only and is one semester long.  Students in this course will learn the fundamentals of performing Marching Percussion instruments, basic music theory, create a basic Drum Cadence composition and perform in a concert at the end of the semester.  Star students in this class will be invited to perform along with the band students in concert (first semester) and in the Memorial Day Parade (second semester).

• After School Classes

• Marching Band

• The Salina Intermediate School Wildcats Marching Band includes students from all our bands and orchestras. The marching band will perform Monday, May of 2015 at the Memorial Day parade in Dearborn on Michigan Ave. As we get closer to the event, I will post all the details on our blog.  It is possible we will have the opportunity to march in a Clean-up Day parade, too.

• Pep Band

• This year Salina will have a pep band. The pep band will meet after school on Wednesdays, from 3:05-3:45. Students who would like to be in the Pep Band will need to audition.  Pep band will perform for all home Football, Basketball (girls and boys) and Volleyball games.  Parents will need to arrange transportation home following all pep band rehearsals and performances.

• 5th Grade Band and Strings Class

• 5th Grade Band Class

• 5th Grade Strings Class

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Classroom Procedures

• While entering the room:

• First: Take your folder to your music stand
• Then: Take out your instrument, put case in assigned area.
• Take instrument to seat and work on bell work
• Stop all sounds when Mrs. Reed steps on the podium

• Rehearsal Etiquette - During Class time students are expected to

• Bring all necessary equipment:

• instrument
• music
• pencil
• planner

• Be on time
• Give your attention to the rehearsal, i.e., don’t talk
• Questions: If you have a question, raise your hand.
• Down time: When Mrs. Reed works with others, respect their opportunity to learn by remaining quiet and practicing fingerings and rhythms without sound at your chair. Do not play unless Mrs. Reed says that is acceptable.

• If your instrument breaks:

• Raise your hand quietly for my attention
• If I can fix it easily, I will do so.
• If not, fill out a repair ticket, close your instrument case with the repair tag hanging out, and put your instrument under the table in the front by the board.

• When rehearsal is over students are expected to:

• Swab out Woodwinds
• Empty Brass of condensation
• Place your instrument in it’s case and latch it properly
• Put your case in your designated storage area or for smaller instruments take them to your locker
• Take your music home with you to practice.
• Push your stand down and remove all your belongings
• Return to your seat and wait for Mrs. Reed to dismiss you

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Band Room Rules and Expectations

• Please DO:

• Remain still while Mrs. Reed is speaking to the ensemble
• Follow directions
• Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself, including all instrument parts and accessories
• Sit in your assigned seat
• quietly assist the person next to you when necessary and able
• Play your instrument only when you have permission to play
• Take your instrument home to practice daily

• Students routinely following this pattern of “Do’s”

• Gain participation points
• receive classroom praise
• can result in phone calls home commending their leadership skills
• focus card signings for exceptional participation

• Please refrain from:

• Talking while Mrs. Reed is speaking to the ensemble
• Playing while Mrs. Reed is speaking to the ensemble
• Chewing gum or eating food in the band room
• Getting out of your seat without permission

• Students who choose to break classroom rules:

• 1st warning results in a verbal comment
• 2nd warning results in the loss of a participation point (marked in grade book)
• 3rd warning results in a call home and loss of participation point
• 4th warning results in Focus card signing

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PRACTICE and MATERIALS

Books and Technology Tools for practice

We are currently using Strictly Strings and Yamaha Band Student method books in the classroom.  Our method books are getting quite old and worn.  If you would like to purchase your own copy of the book you may do so by bringing in $6.00 in cash and I will order a new book for you.  

One of the most advanced and fun ways to practice is with a program called SmartMusic.  Our method book is not one of the selections in SmartMusic, however,many of the songs we will be working on are in the other method books linked to SmartMusic.   Basically, students play at home into a microphone and SmartMusic tells them how they are doing. It will give immediate scores on accuracy in pitch and rhythm. Students can submit their playing to the teacher and advance as quickly as they would like! The cost for a subscription to SmartMusic is $44.00/year.

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Grading

A student’s grade in band is a balanced reflection of musical achievement, technical skill on an instrument, participation in band activities, and effort both within class and at home. The grade is made up of four different factors: Rehearsal grades, playing tests on our ensemble band music, written tests and concert performances.

Grades are weighted as follows

• Rehearsal Etiquette 30%
• Playing Tests 35%
• Written Tests 10%
• Performances 25% (when a performance falls within a marking period)

Rehearsal Etiquette:

This is the day to day behavior and effort demonstrated in the music classroom. Students choose to be in the class, therefore each person earns 96% just for walking in the door, or a low “A.” To receive a solid “A” students must demonstrate reasons for me to award such a grade. However, students who demonstrate poor rehearsal etiquette fall quickly to an “A-” or lower. The rehearsal etiquette grade is based on

• Preparation: You have your instrument, music, pencil, book and have prepared your ensemble music
• Participation: during class you are on task and seated with good posture when we play
• Beginning class in seat on time: we will tune three minutes after the bell rings
• Behavior: Student contributes to the ensemble with positive behavior. Mrs. Reed will note and track positive and negative behavior in the classroom.

• Positive behaviors include

• Helping other students
• Maintaining excellent posture while playing
• Remaining quiet and listening while Mrs. Reed or a student is speaking.
• Practicing fingerings and rhythms while Mrs. Reed is working with others
• Helping before or after school with clean-up or music organization

• Negative behaviors include things that stop instruction during class like

• Talking at inappropriate times
• Playing at inappropriate times
• Non-participation by not playing at appropriate times
• Touching others
• Playing percussion equipment without permission

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Playing and Written Tests 

Playing tests are taken by students from the music assigned in class

• Students will be asked to play individually or in small groups several times during each marking period.
• Mrs. Reed will also grade how students are playing as we rehearse.
• Students will also be asked to play scales, arpeggios, or other exercises

Written tests will be given from time to time. The material will be related to important elements that we have learned during our class and are important for our success.

Personal Progress

Not everyone enters band at the same skill level. Some have played for a long time and have a highly developed skill set. They need to improve. Some have had band in 5th grade. They need to improve. Some have not played before. They need to improve.  It is my goal to insure that every student has the opportunity to progress from his or her current skill and knowledge level. I will provide them with the materials and information, they need to provide the effort. Part of a student’s grade will be noting their skills and knowledge at the beginning, then noting their progress as the semester proceeds and particularly at the end of each marking period. This is graded under the Performance, Written and Playing Test categories.  I expect every student to progress! Here is how students can demonstrate progress throughout the school year;

• Ask for help. If students need help with the music, I will make time to help them before or after school. I may arrange for another student to help them.

• Play scales

• Played with increasingly more accuracy, range, speed, etc.

• Perform Solos and Duets, Ensembles

• Student can ask me to get solos or ensemble music  for them. What a fun way to improve your grade! You and a friend pick out some music to practice together. Or ask for a solo that you can play one showcase Friday!

• Work ahead in our method books.
• Record yourself at home playing of songs from your method book and send them to me on iLearn.
• Get a subscription to SmartMusic. SmartMusic is a fantastic way to progress and show Mrs. Reed what a great grade you should get! CLICK HERE for more about SMARTMUSIC
• Take private lessons! Perhaps the best way to progress is to take private lessons with a reputable teacher.  Ask me for teacher recommendations.

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Performances

Concerts constitute  25% of a student’s grade.  Students are expected to attend concerts.  If for some reason a student cannot attend a concert, they must let Mrs. Reed know BEFORE the concert. Students who miss concerts will be asked to play the concert music for a test. Notification for missing a concert will be graded as follows,

Written Notice from parents or guardians two weeks prior to concert: 95% (A)

Written notice from parents or guardians before the day of the concert, 85% (B)

Written notice the day of the concert, or after the concert, 65% (D)

No Written notice from parents 0% (E)

IN CASES OF EMERGENCY, notices will be accepted at any time and a 95% grade (A) will be awarded. Students will be asked to play the music for the concert when they are able to do so.

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Renting or Purchasing Instruments

It is strongly encouraged that students rent or purchase their own instruments and book. If you are unable to do so, we do have a supply of previously used instruments available for students. Larger instruments, including french horn, baritone, tuba, and percussion are more common for students to borrow from the school.

Several music companies are available from which we recommend that you rent instruments.

If there are enough students/parents interested in renting instruments we can invite one of these music companies to our school for a Rental Evening.  This will give you and your parents the chance to meet the music store Representatives and rent or purchase the instrument.  You will be able to take an instrument home that very evening!

Repair Options

School instruments are repaired through our school account with local music dealers. If a student’s school owned instrument should require maintenance, the student should place it on the table designated for instrument repair, complete a repair ticket, and place the ticket hanging out of their closed case. If I can fix it, I will. If not, I will send the instrument out for repair.  DO NOT attempt to repair instruments yourself at home or in the classroom.  This can cause serious damage to your instrument resulting in a large repair bill.  All efforts will be made to allow students to use a school instrument during the time their instrument is in for repair.

Students using student owned instruments may follow a similar procedure.  Should your instrument need repair place it on the repair table with the repair tag sticking out of the case.  If I can repair it for you I will.  If not, then you will need to take it to an area music store.  I would strongly recommend you use one of the four stores mentioned above.

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Salina Instruments available

We encourage students to rent or purchase their own instruments. However, sometimes rental or purchase is just not possible. In those cases, we do have a selection of previously used instruments for students to play. Have your child let me know if you would like them to use a school owned instrument. We will set them up with a contract.  Please read the contract, sign it, and return it to Mrs. Reed.

Students playing large instruments, including, bass, cello, french horn, baritone, baritone and tenor saxophone, oboe, bassoon tuba, and percussion can expect Salina to provide instruments for them.

You can get a copy of the school instrument use form by clicking this link:

School Instrument Use Form

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Trips, Solo and Ensemble, Festivals

Middle School Band students will participate in annual band concerts. Please see the section on Concert Performances and check my music blog for more detailed information.  Solo and Ensemble and Music Festival will not be a part of our program this year.  However, we do have the opportunity to hold a “Mock” Solo and Ensemble and Music Festival at our school.  One of our Dearborn Public Schools retired music teachers has agreed to come to our school and personally adjudicate our performances.  More details will be posted in the music blog.

Field Trips - I have often taken music ensembles to perform for Senior Community Centers.  This is something we could look into with the support of our PTA and Administration.

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After school rehearsals

Pep Band

The Pep Band will meet Wednesday’s after school beginning in September. Our rehearsals will begin at 3:05 and run until 3:50.

Honors Choir

Our Honors Choir will include students in grades 4-8.  The actual rehearsal times will be decided.  We are very honored and fortunate to have Mrs. Heather Webber joining us as director of the choir this year.  Check my music blog for updated information.  

Sectionals

These group rehearsals of students who are playing the same instrument, will be scheduled from time to time. You will always know about a sectional at least two days in advance, and usually much further in advance. You can check the blog for detailed schedule information.

Voluntary Practice

My classroom is almost always available before and after school for personal practice sessions.  The back practice rooms are available for your use as long as I am in the band room.  It is very important and respectful of you to be sure your parents know each time you plan to stay after school to practice.  Make arrangements with your parents in the morning before coming to school so you don’t have to call home after school for permission.

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Homework and Practice Tips

• Practice Tips

• Practice a little every day. It is better to practice 15 minutes five times a week than to practice an hour and 15 minutes one time in the week.
• Use a metronome. A metronome makes a click for each beat. You can use it to begin practicing a scale or passage slowly, then gradually increase the speed. There are dozens of metronome apps.

• Metronome Beats (free) works well and has a feature where you can quickly and simply add 5 beats per minute during your practice.
• Metronome Plus ($1.99) has been called the best metronome app.

• Set a daily or weekly goal, either by yourself or ask Mrs. Reed for help
• Isolate difficult passages and practice them slowly (Use your metronome)
• It is better to play slow and accurate than fast and sloppy
• Stay Positive! Not everything will be easy. In fact, if you are practicing correctly, you are intentionally practicing the music that is not easy! Go slow and play accurate. If you get frustrated, take a break and come back to it another time.
• Always end your practice by playing something fun that you enjoy playing.
• Play for others as often as possible; family, friends, dog or cat!

• Blog help

• The Music Program at Salina has an active blog. This is the primary form of communication that I will use during the course of the school year. Students can ask questions, get practice files, check schedules and concert rehearsals, dates, attire, etc.

• iLearn help

• Mrs. Reed has an iLearn course for each class.  Please take advantage of the great resources there.  
• You will also have the opportunity to perform and post video and audio recordings of your performances.  
• We can use iLearn to challenge musicians from other Dearborn MS music programs.

• SmartMusic

• One of the most advanced and fun ways to practice is with a program called SmartMusic.  Basically, students play at home into a microphone and SmartMusic tells them how they are doing. It will give immediate scores on accuracy in pitch and rhythm. Students can submit their playing to the teacher and move ahead at their own pace. The cost for a subscription to SmartMusic is $44.00/year.  You can practice, record, and send your performance to me.  SmartMusic automatically grades your performance.  this is a great tool for self improvement.

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Continuing Music in High School

Meet the High School Directors

• Dearborn High School

• Carmelle Atkins, Vocal Music, Music Theory,
• Jeff Oshnock, Instrumental Music
• Greg Viscomi, Theatre

• Edsel Ford High School

• Robert Doyle, Piano, Theater, Vocal Music
• Alexander Armstead (Instrumental Music, Marching Band, Jazz Band,

• Fordson

• Scott Guthrie, Band, Marching Band, Strings, Jazz Band
• Matt Laura, Choir, Piano

Photo Release

If it is your desire that your child’s picture NOT be used on school blogs, information, slide shows, etc., you must fill out a “DO NOT PHOTOGRAPH” form in the office at Salina School.

Uniforms

BAND UNIFORMS

This year’s attire for concerts will be black pants/skirts/dresses, shoes, and socks and our Salina School polo style music shirts.  We will work with the PTA to make this purchase.  Should we not have the Polo Shirts in time for our first concert we will wear White Dress Shirts in place of the polo shirts.

It is a privilege to wear the Salina Intermediate School Band Uniform.  KEEP YOUR UNIFORM CLEAN AND PRESSED!  If your uniform does not meet the high standards required in the Salina Band, you are subject to being removed from a performance or not traveling with the band. This uniform is a symbol of pride and will be worn accordingly. When we travel or perform, you must wear all of the uniform or none of the uniform!  Here are some dos and don’ts that will help you and your uniform look great at all times:

• DO remember to wear clean white shirt (no logos) if we do not have the polo shirts yet.
• DO wear black shoes and socks each time you wear the uniform
• DO take extra time and care when hanging up your uniform. Keep your shirt looking neat.
• DO wash your Polo shirt regularly to keep it clean and fresh.

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Recommended Instrument Supplies page

Suggested Musical Equipment

The following list contains recommended equipment for students in the music program.

 WOODWINDS

Clarinet

• Mouthpiece: Vandoren B45 13 series
• Reeds: Vandoren/Rico, Strength 2.5-3
• Reed Holder: Vito
• Bay Mouthpiece Patches, Clear 4-Pack

Bass Clarinet

• Mouthpiece: Selmer C*
• Reeds: Vandoren/Rico, Strength 2.5-3
• Reed Holder: Vito
• Bay large Mouthpiece Patches

Alto Saxophone

• Mouthpiece: Meyer M5
• Reeds: Vandoren/Rico, Strength 2.5-3
• Reed Holder: Vito
• Bay Mouthpiece Patches, Clear 4-Pack

Jazz Band Saxophone

• Mouthpiece: Meyer Medium M5
• Reeds: Vandoren Java/Rico Royal/La Voz, Strength 2.5-3
• Reed Holder: Vito
• Bay Mouthpiece Patches, Clear 4-Pack

Tenor Saxophone

• Bay Mouthpiece Patches, Clear 4-Pack
• Mouthpiece: Selmer C*
• Reeds: Vandoren/Rico, Strength 2.5-3
• Reed Holder: Vito

Jazz Band Tenor Saxophone

• Mouthpiece: Otto Link Metal 6 Facing
• Ligature: Selmer Metal
• Reeds: Vandoren Java/Rico Royal/La Voz, Strength 2.5-3
• Reed Holder; Vito
• Bay Large Mouthpiece Patches

Baritone Saxophone

• Mouthpiece: Selmer C*
• Reeds: Rico Royal, Strength, 2.5-3
• Reed Holder: Vito
• Bay Large Mouthpiece Patches

Jazz Band Baritone Saxophone

• Mouthpiece: Otto Link Metal #5
• Reeds; Rico Royal/La Voz, Strength 2.5-3
• Reed Holder: Vito
• Bay Large Mouthpiece Patches

BRASS

Trumpet

• Mouthpiece: Bach 7C or 5C
• Mutes: Straight-Vacchiano or Dennis Wick Straight/Cup Combination
• Accessories: Tuning slide grease and valve oil

French Horn

• Accessories: Holton Tuning slide grease, key oil, rotary valve oil

Trombone

• Mouthpiece: Bach 6 1/2 AL
• Accessories: Case Valve Oil, synthetic blend, for slide. More advanced players may want to use slide cream and a small spray bottle for their slides

Baritone/Euphonium

Mouthpiece: Bach 6 1.2 AL

Accessories: Tuning slide grease and valve oil

Tuba

Mouthpiece: Bach 18

Accessories: tuning slide grease and valve oil

PERCUSSION

Beginning percussionists

Snare Drum Mallets, 5B size

Practice Drum Pad

Practice Drum Stand

Bells and Percussion students should wait to purchase these items. If percussion becomes a passion, these items would be beneficial

Stick Bag: Tuxedo

-provides protection during transportation

-keeps pairs of sticks together

-creates a storage pocket for drum keys and general maintenance products

 Percussion

Snare Drum Sticks: Vic Firth SD 1, General

-Please put your name or initials on each stick

Timpani Mallets: Vic Firth

-will be used by all 7th grade drum students

Yarn mallets:

Will be used by all 8th grade drum students for barred instruments

Practice pad: Remo practice 6” Pad-with a rubber playing surface

Drum Key-To adjust snare drum

Student Information Sign Up

As you can see, it is very important that you subscribe to all of your child’s Teacher Blog sites.  I have made it very easy for you to subscribe to the music blog.  Simply click this link, add your email address and press the “subscribe” button.  Keep in touch!  It is going to be a great year!

Band Boosters

The Salina Intermediate Music Program does not currently have a Parent Boosters group. If you are interested in assisting with the formation of this vital support group for our school please contact Mrs. Reed.  

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