Director of Bands Julian S. Wilson

     Email- jswilson@gaston.k12.nc.us  Twitter- @julianwilsongcs 

                 Website- bit.ly/ycmsband  Google Voice- 980-285-7180

Music Makes the Difference! Did You Know…Children who study a musical instrument are more likely to excel in all of their studies, work better in teams, have enhanced critical thinking skills, stay in school, and pursue further education.

MISSION STATEMENT/PHILOSOPHY

The Mission of the Cougar Band is to spread music as an art form and as a way to create unity and pride among the citizens of our community and beyond, while creating life-long music lovers.

“We are what we repeatedly do!  Excellence then is not an act, but a habit!”  - Aristotle

This EXCELLENCE must begin with an attitude of SUCCESS.  As teachers, parents, and administrators, all of our actions must be geared towards creating a positive experience for these young students.  A positive experience must begin with an understanding of our expectations for those who participate in the York Chester Band Program.  This handbook will help explain those expectations.   

Cougar Band Houses 2016-17:

6th Grade UBUNTU(Nguni Bantu for I am because we are), 7th Grade PALA(Hebrew for Caring) ,

8th Grade CARITAS(Latin for Kindness)

Classroom Rules

B-Be respectful to everyone and everything (This includes your director, guest teachers, each other, and the band room. Respect rehearsal time by not talking or playing out of turn.)

A-Accept responsibility for yourself, your actions, and your learning.(Pick up after yourself, pay attention, and work hard. Participate in class and practice at home.)

N-No touching things that don't belong to you.(Keep your hands off other instruments, especially percussion, music stands, the podium, the director's belongings, and each other

D-Do your best everyday!!!(Be prepared with your instrument, materials, a pencil, and your music learned. Set up and get to your seat quickly-Early is on Time, On Time is Late!!!)

Consequences (ClassDojo point deductions will be made) (Immediate Detention-Missing Instrument, Materials, Homework; Immediate Detention/Redirect/Office Referral-Disrespect, aggressive behavior, property damage)

1. General Reminder  2. Private Verbal Warning(Parental Contact)  

3.Detention  4. Redirect/Parent Conference 5. Office Referral

Black 3-Ring Binder

6th GRADE BEGINNING BAND: MEASURES OF SUCCESS BOOK 1 ($10, Percussion Book $14)  

7TH GRADE COUGAR BAND: MEASURES OF SUCCESS BOOK 2 ($10, Percussion Book $14)

8TH GRADE COUGAR BAND: FOUNDATIONS OF SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE(Instruments $7, percussion $10)

NORTH CAROLINA ESSENTIAL STANDARDS for MUSIC EDUCATION

York Chester Cougar Band Students Will Be Able To (I Can):

ALL Band Members are expected to be 

A.W.E.S.O.M.E.

Attentive Working hard Enthusiastic Supporting others Optimistic outlook Make eye contact Eliminate excuses

Communication is the key to your child’s progress. I use REMIND in order to stay in touch with parents and CLASSDOJO to keep you informed 24/7 as far as your child’s behavior in class. Feel free to contact me at any time using CLASSDOJO, my classroom cell number 980-285-7180(text or call), or email jswilson@gaston.k12.nc.us

Be sure to sign up for your child’s REMIND communications, to stay informed as to what is going on in class. Use cell phone and:

        For 8th Grade Text @yccaritas to 81010                        We also use CLASSDOJO for incentives and to keep

For 7th Grade Text @ycpala to 81010                                  parents aware of their student’s behavioral progress.

For 6th Grade Text @ycubuntu to 81010

IMPORTANT DATES(place on your calendars immediately): 

Middle School Band Night, Hunter Huss October 7th, Music and Arts Festival - October 22nd, Winter Concert - December 8th, Disneyworld January 20-14th, All District January 27-28th, Black History Program February 21st, All County Audition February 28th, Band MPA March 8-10th, All County April 7-8th, Spring Concert May 4th, Carowinds May 5th, Solo & Ensemble MPA May 13th

GRADING PROCEDURE

A student’s grade in band is a balanced reflection of musical achievement, technical skill on an instrument, participation in band, music projects, activities, and effort both within class and at home.  The grade is made up of 4 different categories: TESTS, INDEPENDENT PRACTICE, GUIDED PRACTICE, & HOMEWORK. Students may retake any assignment,except Hmwk & GP, as many times as they like to improve grade, until 1 week prior to end of grading.

TESTS(40% of Final Grade)

        Scale Check Up Assignments

Music Theory Check Up(Test)

        Performances (These are MANDATORY. If missed, & Mr. Wilson did not excuse absence, 9 weeks grade

can be no higher than a  “C”. All students even those not performing are expected to be at

performances.)

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE(IP 30% of Final Grade)

        Karate Self-Paced Assignments

        Encore Assignments(6th & 7th Grade)

        Tiny Desk Concert Project

        Music/Song Projects

        Binder/Pencil Checks

GUIDED PRACTICE(GP 20% of Final Grade)

        Weekly Rehearsal Grade(Being A.W.E.S.O.M.E., participating, prepared for class, Early is on Time, On

Time is Late)

HOMEWORK(Hmwk 10% of Final Grade)

        Worksheets

        Marking Music

Concert Absences

There are two types of absences for a concert: Unexcused and Excused.

    • Unexcused Absences: An unexcused absence is when Mr. Wilson does not have at least FOUR WEEKS prior  

       notice.  Excuses such as “I had to baby-sit,” “I could not find a ride,” “I lost my polo shirt,” “I forgot,”

       etc. will NOT be tolerated.

        o  Points lost due to an unexcused absence cannot be made up.  This loss  

            in points will result in a significant reduction in a student’s grade to a maximum of a “C”.

        o  It will count as an unexcused absence if you do not stay for the duration  

            of the concert, unless there is an emergency that has been explained in

            advance to Mr. Wilson.  Remember, it is important that we support each

            other!  Please plan ahead to stay for the entire concert. ONLY students who attend concerts are eligible for the Disney &

Carowinds Trips

    • Excused Absences:  

        o  Excused absences occur when there is an illness, death in the immediate    

            family, or emergency situation.  In those cases, please contact

            Mr.Wilson PRIOR to the concert.

        o  In the event of an excused absence, points will be made up through a  

            “make-up” assignment.  It is the student’s responsibility to see the teacher for make-up work.  

            Work must be turned in 1 week after the assignment is given. Please look over the concert dates now for  

            any possible conflicts. Should there be any conflicts, please notify Mr. Wilson as least 4  

            weeks prior to the event.

Concert Attire

For concerts, students will wear the same uniform: Black Polo band shirt($17 by September 9, 2016), Black Dress slacks (neatly pressed & a belt if there are belt loops. NO LEGGINGS, JEGGINGS, or TIGHTS!!!), Black Dress socks, & Black Dress Shoes.

• Hair correctly worn-no visible hair garments such as scarfs, bows, etc.

• Jewelry – only watches & stud earrings                                                 
• SHIRTS TUCKED IN & WORN AT THE WAIST
• No Tennis Shoes & No Jeans

If any part of the concert attire is a problem, have your parent or guardian contact Mr. Wilson at least FOUR weeks in advance of the performance.

Instruments

Instruments can be rented or bought at local music stores such as Howren Music ((704) 867-2359), Music Center ((704) 861-1037), Sam Ash ((704) 522-9253), & Music and Arts ((704) 921-8733). A few instruments may be available for families with financial challenges, also.  Each student who uses a school-owned instrument is completely responsible for the care of the instrument.  A fee will be assessed for the year, according to the condition the instrument is returned in.  This fee will go toward any needed general repair work caused by normal wear and tear. If an instrument is damaged due to negligence or lost, the student is responsible for the entire cost.   

York Chester Middle School  COUGAR BAND HANDBOOK 9CONTRACT 2016-17“Committed to Pride and Excellence”  Director of Bands Julian S. Wilson

Parents and students please sign and return this form by Friday, August 31st

Student Agreement:         HOUSE: ⃝UBUNTU 6th        ⃝Pala’ 7th        ⃝Caritas  8th         

I have read the Band Handbook and agree to follow the policies and procedures of the band. I will also make all necessary arrangements to participate in all required performances and rehearsals.

Print Name:______________________________Signature:___________________________________________Date:_____________

Instrument(Circle one): Flute   Clarinet   Saxophone   Trumpet   French Horn   Trombone   Baritone   Tuba

Serial Number:_________________________________

STUDENT SHIRT SIZE(Adult Sizes): S_______M_______L_______XL______XXL_______

         (T-Shirts $17-Money due September 9, 2016)

Parent Agreement: I have read the Band Handbook and I am aware of the classroom expectations, performance requirements, and policies of the York Chester  Middle School Band.

Signature:________________________________________________________________Date:_______________________

Whatś the BEST way to contact you(circle): Text             Email                  Phone Call 

Print Name:___________________________________________________________        

Parent Email: _______________________________Cell Phone: __________________

Did you sign up for your child’s…

REMIND CLASS ________ YES                                 CLASSDOJO_________ YES