Dear Parent and Student:
As we begin this exciting new school year I would first like to welcome you to the East Hardin Middle School Band program! The purpose of this document is to familiarize you and your student with the grading procedures, policies, and expectations of students in our program.
It is the intent of the East Hardin Middle School Band program to offer each student the opportunity to participate in a well-rounded instrumental music program. Band will be a course designed to teach the students individual skills of instrumental music performance through group instruction. A variety of musical styles, historical information, and music theory concepts will be introduced throughout the year. Instruction will take place during the regular school day.
Please contact Mr. Baucum if you have any conflicts or would like to schedule a conference at 270-369-7370. Feel free to contact me anytime if you have any questions or concerns regarding your student.
Sincerely,
Matthew Baucum
Director of Bands, East Hardin Middle School
matt.baucum@hardin.kyschools.us
Students will be graded on the following requirements:
Individual Playing Skills. Through out each grading period students will be assessed through weekly playing tests. Material for these tests will come from prepared exercises and musical excerpts and scales. Tests will be performed in a classroom setting every Friday (unless class is not in session, then tests may be performed on any day designated by the director). Students will be allowed to retake any test that is not at an “A” grade level.
Participation. Each student will be given a weekly participation grade. This grade will be based on preparation for class, cooperation, attention to instruction and participation in class activities and discussion. Students are expected to attend class each day fully prepared. This includes having their instrument, book, music, instrument supplies (reeds, valve oil, etc.) and a pencil.
Each student will begin each week with twenty-five (25) participation points. If any of the areas listed above are deficient, the student’s grade will be reduced as necessary. Some reasons for deductions are:
ATTENDANCE AND PERFORMANCES (CONCERTS)
The EHMS Beginning Band performs two (2) concerts each year (one at the end of each semester). Performances are a very important aspect of the musical experience our program offers its students. They are the culmination of many hours of rehearsal both in and out of the classroom. Each student plays an important role in the performance of the group. The students will have rehearsed together for each performance, and missing students will negatively impact the group performance. Any absence hurts the entire group and is unfair to other students.
If a student must miss a performance the directors must be notice PRIOR to the scheduled performance. Granting an excused absence from a performance is at the discretion of the director.
SPORTS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
If the conflicting activity is NOT school-related, we ask that students split the practice in conflict equally with band and the other activity. A performance or game in one activity is always more important than a practice in the other activity.
STUDENT DRESS CODE FOR PERFORMANCES
It is important that the East Hardin Middle School Bands show professionalism while on the performance stage. Students should wear their ‘Sunday Best’ during our two performances. Examples of correct concert attire are listed below:
GIRLS
As part of our performance preparation, after school rehearsals are sometimes necessary. Students will be given a schedule of these extra rehearsals near the beginning of each semester in time to allow for their schedule preparation. Due to the importance of each student’s attendance at these rehearsals, we ask that doctor’s appointments and shopping trips be scheduled around these events.
All members are expected to attend these rehearsals except in the event of an emergency, an illness, or if the director has given consent PRIOR to the rehearsal.
CLASSROOM RULES & EXPECTATIONS