BEDNARCIK BEGINNING BAND HANDBOOK
1. INTRODUCTION
The Oswego Junior High Band program consists of the bands at Plank, Thompson, Traughber,
Murphy and Bednarcik Junior Highs. We are very proud that the Oswego Band Program has
been recognized for excellence on the local, state, and national levels. We are very pleased about
your decision to be a part of such a fine program.
This handbook and band procedure guide outlines the expectations we have for our students
during their involvement in the program.
2. STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
Band in the Oswego School District is regarded as an academic subject for all who participate.
Students will receive a band grade on their report card at the end of each quarter. Although band
is an elective, a band member must adhere to all of the requirements.
The Oswego Band Program’s tradition of excellence is due to the high expectation level that all
of us have and must continue to have: directors, students, administrators and parents.
3. PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The Band program in Oswego consists of various levels of bands. Membership is open to
students in grades six through eight. The band program at Bednarcik is divided as follows: Sixth
Grade Band or Beginning Band, Seventh Graders or Concert Band, and Eighth Graders or
Symphonic Band.
If a student in 7th or 8th grade who did not join band in 6th grade desires to be in band, that student
must start with the beginning band students and will be placed in 6th grade band for the school
year.
A student moving into the Oswego school district with experience in band will perform an
audition in order to determine proper placement in the band program.
6TH GRADE BEGINNING BAND
The 6 Grade Band is a beginning band class with instruction beginning during the summer prior
to the current school year. The beginning band will perform in four concerts throughout the year.
They will also be required to prepare and perform a solo as an in class project and participate in
the Oswego Fine Arts Festival. The 6th grade band class meets everyday and is part of the
students’ daily academic routine at Bednarcik Junior High.
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4. GRADING POLICY
Practice and Practice Records with Reflection, Playing Tests, Classroom Collaboration and
Concert Evaluation and Performances will determine the band quarter grade. Students will be
given assignments and tests appropriate to their level in band. They will be graded on tone
quality, posture, hand position, range, and technical facility for tests involving the fundamentals
of music performance such as scales, rhythms, and articulations. When tested on concert music,
students will be graded on general interpretation, which includes: tempo, dynamics, and
expression. Final grades for each quarter will be determined by grade points earned on tests,
performances, and the students’ ability to demonstrate correct rehearsal behavior. Consideration
will be given for progress and attitude. Occasionally, during the year, the director will offer extra
credit points.
5. PRACTICE AND PRACTICE RECORDS WITH REFLECTION
In addition to the regularly scheduled school rehearsals, it is necessary for each student to practice
at home. It is strongly suggested and encouraged that a certain time each day be set aside for
individual practice. Practice records with a parent signature will be required to be turned in by all
students on a weekly basis. Missing practice records will adversely affect the final quarter grade.
6. ATTENDANCE POLICY
Band is a year-long course of instruction. Students and parents should plan for the
student to complete the entire school year of the course once they select it as an
elective option.
Schedule Changes:
We reserve the option of a schedule change for students who have a very serious
physical and/or mental health or emotional concern and need their entire schedule
adapted to accommodate their medical needs. This decision will be made following
a meeting between the teacher, parents, student, student services and any
appropriate medical personnel. This will be the final option once all
other accommodations have been exhausted and found to be ineffective in meeting
the needs of the student.
7. CLASSROOM GOALS, RULES, AND CONSEQUENCES
No large organization such as a band can function properly without well-disciplined participants.
Band is not a mandatory subject and it is assumed by the directors that all students are willing
participants. It is the responsibility of the students to adhere to the rules of the classroom. Proper
behavior at all performances is extremely important and expected. The actions of one member
reflect upon all members when dealing with a large organization. Inappropriate behavior while in
uniform will be grounds for serious consequences. The teacher and students at each school will
develop classroom goals, rules, and consequences. Rules will be posted and a copy will by sent
home with each student. All school rules apply to all band rehearsals and events.
8. USE OF THE FACILITIES
We are very proud of the Band Rooms in the Oswego School District. They are truly a
“showcase” for what our school district has done to support band and the fine arts. It is the
responsibility of everyone to treat our facilities with the respect they deserve. Keep the band
room clean. Students must keep instruments in assigned storage lockers. Over 150 students use
the band room each day. It is important that each student does his/her part in keeping things
orderly and functional. Items such as music, folder, instruments and personal belongings should
be kept in their proper places. Abuse of this rule will result in a PAC and possible grade
reduction. EVERY INSTRUMENT SHOULD HAVE A NAMETAG WITH YOUR NAME
AND ADDRESS CLEARLY WRITTEN ON IT.
9. LOCKERS
A space in the storage cabinet will be issued to every band student. These lockers are to be used
and treated responsibly.
1. Lockers are to be used only by the person or persons assigned to one.
2. Lockers are to be locked at all times when instrument is in the locker.
3. Band instruments are the only item allowed to be stored in the lockers. Schoolbooks and
lunches should be stored in the hallway locker. No food or drink is allowed in the band room
or band locker at any time.
4. Music and band method books must be kept in a folder in your band room locker.
5. Lockers will be inspected periodically during the school year. Anyone violating these rules
may lose the privilege of a band locker.
10. MUSIC
It is the responsibility of each student to bring the proper music books to each class. Music will
be purchased through the band director and distributed in class.
11. UNIFORMS
Each student is expected to be acquainted with the proper and only way, to wear and care for the
required dress. It should be considered the highest honor to be allowed to wear the uniform of
your organization. When in uniform, you are no longer an individual; you are a representative of
your school and community. The complete uniform is to be worn at all concert performances.
Each student is responsible to provide:
1 pair of black pants or black skirt;
black socks or black tights;
all black shoes
Each student will be responsible for purchasing their band polo. Information will be given the
first two weeks of school.
12. PRIVATE LESSONS
All students are expected to make a reasonable effort to take private lessons. The musical
enrichment derived from private lessons will aid the student in strengthening his technical
development and his understanding of music. An individual improvement is a group
improvement. A list of suitable private lesson teachers will be available to your student at the
beginning of the school year. Some teachers teach at the schools, others teach out of their home.
Please call the teacher as soon as possible to set up a lesson time.
The majority of the following professional adult teachers travel to Bednarcik to teach.
(see private lesson list)
13. AUDIENCE EXPECTATIONS AT CONCERTS, PLAYS & FINE ARTS EVENTS
It is difficult to imagine our school gym or cafeteria as a performance hall but that is exactly what
it is. We must make every effort to make the concert experience rewarding for our young
performers and our audience. To show appreciation for our young performers and other audience
members, we must strive to be conscious of our actions in a concert setting. Here are some points
to consider as an audience member:
• The audience should remain seated throughout the entire performance.
• Applause is appropriate at concerts or theatrical productions. Whistling, and yelling is not
appropriate in a performance setting.
• Conversation is not appropriate while a group is performing.
• Small children and young siblings are always welcome at performances. We would ask that
you keep younger children seated with you at all times. If children become restless, you are
welcome to step out in the hallway at appropriate times.
• Please do not bring cellular phones and pagers from home. If you must, please turn them off
prior to the performance.
• Hold applause until you are certain a selection is over.
• All performers are expected to stay for the entire performance.
Please join the efforts of the fine arts staff to promote an inviting and rewarding concert hall
experience for our young musicians and performers.
14. INSTRUMENT UPGRADES
Students who study privately and show a strong interest in band should consider an upgrade
during 7th grade. Students who have not upgraded during 7th grade but plan to participate in band
at the high school and study privately should consider an upgrade during 8th grade. If you are
ready to invest in an upgrade instrument then consider the quality of the instrument as your
number one priority. Invest in the best instrument that you can afford.
Factors to Consider:
The purchase of a professional model instrument will insure that…
• the instrument is finely crafted, will require less repair and will last in excellent condition for
as long as your child may play (through college or adult years).
• the instrument will be a one-time investment and will never need to be upgraded.
• the instrument will hold its value (and some may appreciate) in the event that you choose to
sell it.
• the instrument will be acceptable at any fine high school or college music program.
• the instrument will allow your child to develop their musical skills to their full ability.
*Intermediate instruments are a huge waste of money! An intermediate instrument does not play
much better than a good beginner instrument and will cost only slightly less than a professionalquality instrument. Try to not get drawn toward a lower price tag if it means a lower quality
instrument. In the long term, you will be throwing away your money. It has been our experience
that intermediate instruments do not hold their value and are difficult to resell. If your child
continues to play, they will eventually want to upgrade to a professional instrument. Don’t buy
two upgrade instruments if you do not have to!
Flute: Gemeinhardt 3KSB
Oboe: Fox/Renard 333 Protege
Bassoon: Fox/Renard
Clarinet: Buffet R13
Alto Sax: Selmer Paris 52
Tenor Sax: Selmer Paris 54
Trumpet: Bach LR180S-37
Horn: Conn 8D
Trombone: Bach 42BO
Euphonium: Yamaha YEP321S
Tuba: Yamaha or Bach Full Size 4 Valve