Junior High Band
Miscellaneous Forms

Disclosure Document - Band

  1. DESCRIPTION OF CLASS
    A band is a group of 40 to 60 students playing brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. The band rehearses and performs various styles of music including marches, classical, and contemporary. Each student is tested on playing, tuning or comprehension skills. The band participates is quarterly concerts and annual district festivals.
  2. GRADING POLICY
    The students earn points by passing tests, practicing regularly, behaving well in class, having good attendance, participating in concerts and festivals, and being involved in any worthwhile musical experience. The following percentage scale is used to determine actual grades: 93-100=A, 86-92=A-, 80-85=B+, 75-79=B, 70-74=B-, 65-69=C+, 60-64=C, 55-59=C-, 50-54=D+, 45-49=D, 40-44=D-, 0-39=F.
  3. CLASS REQUIREMENTS AND HOMEWORK
    The students are expected to cooperate and behave as adults. Each student’s minimum responsibility to the group is to perfect his part. One half hour practice outside of class each day is required as well as 100% attention and effort in class.
  4. DISTRIBUTION OF TEST RESULTS
    The students are told as soon as they finish a playing test or tuning test if they passed or not. The written tests are scored by computer and returned the next time the class meets.
  5. PROGRESS REPORTS
    Progress reports are posted weekly in the band room to allow students to track their grades. Mid-term progress reports are mailed to the parents of all students in time to avoid failure.
  6. ATTENDANCE POLICY
    In accordance with district policy, all missed rehearsals must be made up. Forty minutes of practice in the band room before or after school will make up one missed rehearsal. A tardy can be made up by being on time to the next five rehearsals. All make up work must be completed by the end of the current quarter.
  7. DISCIPLINE PLAN
    The school discipline plan (Assertive Discipline) is used in all band classes. The rules are as follows:
    • Play only when directed.
    • Respect property rights.
    • Follow Directions.
    • Be polite.
    • Don’t eat gum or candy.
  8. FEES AND EXPENSES
    All students using district owned instruments are required to pay a $70 usage fee. Drummers pay a reduced fee of $40 to use the percussion instruments. The students are asked to purchase their own method books (approx. $7/book). Students who wish to use a band locker are issued a combination lock. If the lock is not returned at the end of the year, the student will be charged a $5 replacement fee.

Video Disclaimer

The attached videos are not perfect examples of how each tune should be played. They are recordings of junior high students, some of whom have had their instruments for only a few months. Also, they are not professional recordings. They were taken by band parents using home equipment and naturally focusing on their own children.

I include them for two reasons: (1) To give you an idea of what the arrangements are like, and (2) To illustrate the kind of performance you can expect from your junior high students.