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Shelburne Community School
BAND
HANDBOOK
2013-2014
Tim Buckingham, Director
[email protected]
985-3331, ext. 267
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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Why Music Education?
The Parent’s Role
About the Director
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LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Lessons
Home Practice
Band Rehearsals
Concerts
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EVALUATION & ASSESSMENT
Grading
Playing Evaluations and Rubric Assessment
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INCENTIVE & ENRICHMENT
Distinguished Musician Award
District III Music Festival
Private Lessons
Vermont Youth Orchestra Association
Summer Camps
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NUTS & BOLTS
Instrument Care
Maintenance Supplies
Repairs
Returns
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CALENDAR
Calendar 2012-2013
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Index
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WHY PERFORMANCE MUSIC EDUCATION?
Learning to perform music is a series of important
experiences that helps develop physical coordination,
timing, memory, visual skills, aural skills, and
language skills. As students work to increase their
demand of their voice or an instrument and to
exercise skills in the company of others, they gain
valuable experience in self-paced learning, mental
concentration, and heightened personal and social
awareness. There is a rich history of findings and
excellent new research studies that highlight the
following:
calmusiced.com
● Children raised in cultures rich in music develop learning and communication skills more quickly than do other children.
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Music is also meaningful way to integrate cultural attributes into our curricula.
● There is a proven correlation between high cognitive ability and self-esteem among young people and their
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involvement in school performance music programs.
● Students who participate in performing arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.
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● Students participating in school performance music score significantly higher than non-music students on standardized
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tests in reading and mathematics: These differences become greater the longer students participate in music.
According to a recent UCLA study of nearly 5,000 middle school students in four regions around the country, students
in performance music programs scored 19-32% higher in reading and writing tests and 17-33% higher in mathematics
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tests.
● School music performance students have higher overall GPA’s in high school and score 38-58 points higher on the
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SAT’s than do other students.
● There are specific synaptic connections being made through musical training that are exactly like those required for
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abstract and spatial reasoning. Perhaps even more importantly, immeasurable interpersonal and intrapersonal skills
are huge hooks for school involvement and application.
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Pearson, Bruce. The Standards of Excellence Curriculum Guide, 1992
Kaiser, Michael. Contributing to the Human Spirit: Arts Education & the Creative Economy, 2004
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Kluball, Jeffrey Lynn. University of Sarasota Study, 2008
Journal of Research in Music Education, June 10, 2007
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The College Board: Profile of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, 2001
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Colwell, Richardd. Music Intelligence and the Benefits of Music Educatoin. NAASP Bulletin, Nov. 1996.
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THE PARENT/GUARDIAN’S ROLE
A parent or guardian’s support, encouragement, and patience make a huge impact on a child’s
musical study. A parent does not need to know how to play a musical instrument and/or read
music to lend essential support. Although the child should assume the main responsibility for
the instrument and home practice, he/she will need a parent to help them stay on track:
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Please support home practice as required homework for band.
A parent/guardian initial is required practice logs.
Praise and encourage! Ask questions. Have your child show you
what they can do!
● Set goals together with your child – this heightens the joy of
playing and practicing.
● Attend all concerts
● Consider private lessons for your child – consult with the band
director for teacher referrals.
ABOUT THE BAND DIRECTOR
Timothy Buckingham is a dynamic music educator known for his excellent curriculum,
thorough instruction and assessment, collaborative work with the school community,
and quality musical performances. Mr. Buckingham’s energy and direction also
benefits the Vermont Youth Orchestra Association as music director for Music Day
Camp, a popular regional band and orchestra summer program, and as a coach with
Vermont Youth Winds. He is a member of the National Association of Music Education
and the Vermont Music Educator’s Association. He was nominated by the VMEA Board
as Vermont Music Educator of the Year in 2005 and by Burlington parents for VermontNEA Teacher of the Year in 2008.
Tim Buckingham (vyo.org)
Mr. Buckingham, a drummer and percussionist, received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the College of Wooster
(Ohio) in 1993. He studied under Thomas Fries, percussionist with the Cleveland Contemporary Music Ensemble. After
serving Wooster’s music department as principal percussionist, Mr. Buckingham has performed regionally with Vermont Opera
Theater, Vermont Winds, Bach Wind Philharmonia, Vermont Opera Theater, and several local jazz and rock bands. Mr.
Buckingham has been fortunate to share the stage with musical greats Jimmy McGriff, Donald Byrd, Milt Hinton, Vassar
Clemens, Emmylou Harris, Leftover Salmon, Buckwheat Zydeco, and String Cheese Incident.
Mr. Buckingham continues to develop professionally in several areas: his graduate work has focused on music technology
and curriculum design; he often serves as a percussion adjudicator and guest conductor for several VMEA districts; he
provides fellow music educators with support and professional development in percussion instruction; and mentors student
teachers from the University of Vermont.
Residing with his wife, Anne Decker, and his daughters Eliana and Maclyn in Waterbury Center, Mr. Buckingham enjoys
cooking and outdoor recreation.
Contact information:
[email protected]
802-985-3331, ext. 267 or 802-578-7153
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LEARNING
OPPORTUNITIES
LESSONS
Lessons are the essential supplement to an instrumental program and serve as a
“lab”. It allows for more individualized instruction and technical coaching for each
student in specific instrument groupings. Every band student receives one small
group lesson about once every two weeks.
Lessons last full periods and are scheduled during other class time. To minimize
the impact, there is a scheduled rotation of lesson groups so that each student
only misses one or two specific class periods per marking period.
ms-music-band-singingtigers.wikispace
The lesson and rehearsal schedule is developed for each marking period and
is available for viewing or download on our band web page
http://www.scsvt.org/Page/709, and is posted in school.
Attendance is graded under Participation, which is weighted 25%.
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Lesson attendance is required.
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Students are responsible for checking-in with their teachers to make up any work missed.
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If a lesson absence is unexcused, a student will receive an “F” (50) for that lesson until it is
made up after school or at a designated make up lesson time in the lesson schedule. Lessons
must be made up before the end of the marking period.
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If a lesson absence is excused (excused school absence, field trip, etc…), a student will receive
an “excused” for that lesson but is still required to make it up before the end of the marking
period.
HOME PRACTICE
Home practice is the most important part of a student’s success in
band. It is required homework for all band students and as a
guideline, for above standard performance in the class, should
be done 4 to 5 times weekly at least 20-30 minutes.
A practice log and practice guide is given to each student to
keep track of assignments and progress through the trimester. A
parent initial is required before each lesson.
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When practicing at home, students are urged pay careful attention
to proper technique, beat, and rhythm. It is best to establish a
regular time and routine – a suggestion is 3-4 weeknights and 1-2
times over a weekend. A practicing space should be designated at
home and be free of distractions. It should accommodate the
following at the right:
A practicing space should have:
Straight-backed chair
Metronome
Music stand
Pencil
Adequate light
Tuner (for more advanced
Mirror
students)
BAND REHEARSALS
Band rehearsal, our class time, is primarily for building large ensemble skills: balance, blending,
intonation, and group cohesiveness. There is little time to work on the notes and rhythms in the
band music. Therefore, it is expected that students come having practiced so that time is used
productively during rehearsal. Students are responsible for bringing their instrument,
book, music folder and a pencil for each rehearsal. Attendance is required.
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CONCERT BAND: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 10:40-11:10am.
SYMPHONIC BAND: A Days *, Period 6, 12:35-1:25pm.
WIND ENSEMBLE: B Days *, Period 6, 12:35-1:25pm.
* A/B day schedule available on the band web page: http://www.scsvt.org/Page/709.
CONCERTS
Concerts are the culminating experiences that are simply
the pinnacle of a performance music class. Therefore, it
is essential that the logistics of the event go smoothly to
ensure that the students and director are relaxed and
focused.
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ATTENDANCE AT ALL CONCERTS IS
REQUIRED (when a student’s
ensemble is performing). Please
refer now to the “CALENDAR” at the end
of the handbook.
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All students are expected to be ready for
warm-ups, referred to as CALL TIME, in
the band room, usually 30 minutes prior
to the concert. Plan to arrive 40
minutes prior to concert time
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Students are required to be in appropriate concert DRESS:
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manatee.k12.fl.us
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BOYS: black pants and white button-down or other collared white shirt (tie
optional) tucked in. Black or very dark dress shoes (preferably not sneakers).
GIRLS: black skirt/dress/dress suit pants and white top.
shoes.
Black or very dark dress
EVALUATION &
ASSESSMENT
The band grade is divided into four equal areas of weight with playing evaluations being outlined by the eight
performance criteria. Some of the criteria are not introduced until well into the first year of instrumental study.
Grades managed and can be viewed by students, parents and teachers at http://jupitergrades.com/.
PARTICIPATION
Lesson Attendance
Preparedness
Focus
Cooperation
PLAYING EVALUATIONS
Quizzes (short, periodic) and
Exams (end of term, comprehensive)
See Performance Criteria below
HOME PRACTICE
Practice Log Assessment
Preparedness (music is familiarized)
WRITTEN EVALUATIONS
Short writing examples (reviews, reflections)
Written quizzes
Musical Composition assignments
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
Students will use the following eight criteria when assessing and evaluating solo and ensemble
performance:
Woodwinds and Brass
Pitch Accuracy (Note Accuracy): the correct pitches or notes are played according to the
written music.
Rhythm: Notes and rests (sounds and silences) are correctly timed, following the beat, in the
written music.
Tempo: The beat or pulse in the music is steady and is executed at the appropriate speed.
Tone quality: Tone is characteristic of the instrument and developed with proper technique
school.discoveryeducation.com and adequate air support.
Technique: Playing position, embouchure (mouth position), tone production, articulation, and
overall control of the instrument.
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Articulation: Proper start to producing a note (attack) and ending a note (release) and stylistic articulation (like
staccato or legato) is being observed.
Expression: Student observes dynamics (natural volume), style, and other musical expression indicated in the music.
Intonation: Playing notes in-tune, often using the ear to adjust. This is more advanced criteria as students learn the
tendencies with each instrument.
Percussion:
Sticking: following indicated pattern of right/left stick or choosing a smooth, alternating appropriate for the written
music.
Playing area: the sticks are striking the optimum area on the drum head for the written music, taking into consideration
technique and musical expression.
Articulation: executing accents, rolls, and grace notes with clarity and musicality.
Rubrics are familiarized among the students and routinely used to both assess and evaluate performance for individuals
and groups. Students learn common language to help them understand the criteria and the standard levels of
performance. The director uses assessment data to inform instruction, form future evaluations, and adjust curricula.
Copies of the assessment rubrics can be viewed on our web page at http://www.scsvt.org/Page/709.
INCENTIVES &
ENRICHMENT
DISTINGUISHED MUSICIAN AWARD
A Distinguished Musician is a student who shows commitment to
developing his/her musicianship. To earn the title of Distinguished
Musician by the end of the school year, students must earn at least 25
points total throughout the school year. These students will be
recognized at the end of the year. The student with the most points will
receive the Top Distinguished Musician Award.
ydtalk.com
New Oxford Middle School
To obtain some of the points, students must to hand in a Distinguished
Musician Award form. A “J” indicated below means that a student
must hand in a DMA form to get credit for this activity. This form
is available in the band room, on our web page at
http://www.scsvt.org/Page/709. Otherwise, the director keeps a log for
the rest of the points.
3 points
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audition for the District III Music Festival
participate the District III Music Festival
study with a private teacher for a summer or 1 semester (half of the year) J
attend a music summer camp (from previous summer) or a workshop J
earn honor roll or high honor roll for one marking period
serve on the Band Leadership Team for the year.
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2 points
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perform a solo in
Receive an A (93)
play or sing in a
Earn an “A” in a
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perform in any school concert (1 point per event)
attend a concert or recital J
volunteer at a community music event J
a large ensemble performance
or higher on the end of marking period playing exam
recital or performance outside of school J
school music class
1 point
DISTRICT III MUSIC FESTIVAL
All 7th and 8th grade performance music students have the
opportunity to audition for the District III Middle School Music
Festival. The District middle school teachers collaborate to
provide auditions for a regional band, chorus, and orchestra.
We hire excellent conductors and organize a 2-day festival and
culminating concert at an area school. Drawing from over 15
area middle schools, this festival brings together motivated
middle school musicians from Chittenden County and provides
a memorable, motivating, and valuable musical experience.
WANT TO AUDITION?
VMEA District IV Music Festival, April 2012
washnesu.org
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EARLY SEPTEMBER: get audition packet
from band room: information, scales, and required piece.
● SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER:
practice and get additional help from Mr. B or your
private teacher.
● NOVEMBER 2, 2013 (SAT) 9am-12noon: audition at school site TBA.
Carpool organized from SCS.
● LATE NOVEMBER:
get folder of music from Mr. B and registration
information in mail.
● JAN 31-FEB 1, 2014: Festival: location TBA (transportation is provided).
● FEBRUARY 10-11. 2014:
Snow dates
PRIVATE LESSONS
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It’s highly recommended that band students additionally seek
private instruction outside of school. A private teacher is an
instrument specialist and can devote careful 1-on-1 instruction,
providing technical support beyond the general band curriculum.
This can develop a quality mentorship that is often necessary to
higher level playing. Please contact the band director to discuss
your child’s progress, recommendations for teachers, and lesson
scholarships. Check out the Music Teacher Directory at
www.vyo.org
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VERMONT YOUTH ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION
The VYOA provides many enrichment programs and
ensembles for the area’s student musicians. Regular
season auditions are held in May for entrance into
the three full orchestras (Vermont Youth Orchestra,
Vermont Youth Philharmonia, and Vermont Youth
Sinfonia) and for three small string orchestras (Vermont
Youth Strings, Presto I, and Presto II). An exciting new
program, Vermont Youth Winds, has open registration
and provides a unique mix of instrument-specific training
and general musicianship. VYOA also provides Music
Day Camp (see below). All the details about auditions,
programs, and concerts are online at www.vyo.org.
Vermont Youth Orchestra
jsc.edu
SUMMER CAMPS
Information concerning summer music camps starts arriving in the band
office in the winter months! There are a variety of regional programs from
day camps to two-week residential programs.
Among them is Music Day Camp at the VYOA, June 24-28, 2013. Directed
by Tim Buckingham, this is an ideal enrichment for middle and young high
school band students. This camp offers great teachers, a variety of
musical experiences, and elective classes – all in the beautiful Elley-Long
Music Center at St. Michael’s College. Look for information in the band
room or at http://www.vyo.org/special-programs/music-day-camp/.
STAGE BAND
NEW THIS YEAR! The SCS Band is now offering a new ensemble program for 7th and 8th graders! Stage Band is an
enrichment performance class that focuses on playing many musical styles in a jazz big-band format. Students will learn
ensemble skills in the Latin, jazz, rock, reggae, and pop styles and the basics of solo improvisation.
Sign-ups will begin in early September for the following instruments: trombone (or euphonium), trumpet, saxophones,
clarinet, flute, piano (and/or keyboards), bass guitar or upright bass, guitar, drum set, and auxiliary percussion.
STAGE BAND REHEARSALS: Tuesday and Thursdays, 7:30-8:05am, September 10 à
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NUTS & BOLTS
INSTRUMENT CARE
The proper care of an instrument ensures it’s long life, prevents interruptions
in your child’s study, and minimizes hassles. Students will learn how to
properly assemble, clean, and disassemble their instrument. They will learn
how to apply lubricants and care for reeds. In general, students must
establish good habits in the early years of instrument training.
The following information covers instrument maintenance supplies, repair, and
returns. Note to Ellis Music customers: for questions regarding the rental
contract including insurance coverage or payment arrangements, please
contact the company at (802) 234-6400.
saxandwoodwind.com.au
MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES
Almost any supply or service for a musical instrument can be ordered through our
cooperating dealer, Ellis Music Company. You may place an order even if you are
not a rental customer. The student should place a supply order with the band
director, call to order the supply (802) 234-6400, or order online at
www.ellsmusic.com. The supplies will be delivered to our school at scheduled
deliveries every Monday afternoon. Checks payable to: Ellis Music Company.
leonardsmusiconline.com
Listed below are the basic maintenance supplies necessary for each instrument. Most come with the rental package,
however, some do not. Complete care kits are also sold for each instrument.
Flute: cleaning rod w/ cloth, silver polishing cloth*
Clarinet: swab, reeds ^, mouthpiece brush*
Saxophones: neck and body swabs*, mouthpiece brush*, lacquer polishing cloth*
Trumpet/French Horn/Tuba: valve or rotor oils, mouthpiece brush *, tuning slide grease ,
lacquer polishing cloth*
Trombone: slide oil or mix +, spray bottle of water +, tuning slide grease, * mouthpiece
brush*, polishing cloth*
Drums and percussion: drum key, pad, sticks and mallets.
* = not included in rental and must be purchased additionally.
^ = one reed is included in the rental but additional reeds must be purchased. Strength:
2 ½ from Rico Royal is recommended.
+ = slide comes with rental – students may choose slide “mix” later in his/her study
that requires a spray bottle of water.
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REPAIRS
The band director can do minor repairs and adjustments to the
instruments, however if the repair is beyond the director’s
expertise (as band director are not technicians), the instrument
will need a repair service. Please do not attempt to fix
problems at home.
Ellis Music provides an excellent repair service. Rental
customers have most servies covered under the contract’s
insurance plan (R&RP). Repair services or the school in most
cases can provide a loaner instrument for time period the
instrument is in the shop.
claisse.com
Recommendations for area repair services:
Ellis Music Company (Bethel): 800-244-7664
Vermont Musical Instrument Repair (Middlesex): 802-229-4416.
Advance Music (Burlington): 802-863-8652.
RETURNS
If you wish to return your rental instrument, please follow these directions (note: rentals continue over the summer and
school-owned instruments may be signed out for the summer).
1) Call Ellis Music at (800) 244-7664.
2) Contact the band director at [email protected] or at 985-3331, ext. 267
3) Return the instrument to the band office immediately.
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SCS BAND 2013-2014
DATE
EVENT
August 29
September 3
September 3
September 5
September 6
October 21-Nov 1
November 2
November 13
January 31-Feb 1
February 19-20
March 4-14
March 12
April 4
April 10-11
May 6-10
May 14
May 15
May 21
May 26
June 2
June 12
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TIME
Beginning band instrument demonstration
10am
Beginning band enrollment sheets due
6-8th grade band lessons begin
Ellis Music Instrument Delivery Night
6:30pm
Beginner lessons begin
Trimester One Playing Exams
District Music Festival Auditions
8:45am
Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble Concert
7pm
District III Music Festival
Fri/Sat
SCS Musical: Fiddler on The Roof
7pm
Trimester Two Playing Exams
Concert Band, Jazz Band, & Small Ens. Concert 7pm
Cabaret Night Fundraiser
6:30-9pm
Wind Ensemble Tour to Montreal
Trimester Three Playing Exams
Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble Concert
7pm
Stage Band @ CSSU Jazz Festival
7pm
Concert Band & Stage Band Concert
7pm
W.E. @ Memorial Day Ceremony
11am
Stage Band @ Discover Jazz Festival
12noon
W.E. @ Graduation Ceremony
4:30pm
PLACE
Band Room
Band Room
Band Room
Cafeteria
Band Room
Band Room
ADL School
Gymnasium
Burlington H.S.
Town Center
Band Room
Gymnasium
Cafeteria
Band Room
Gymnasium
Cafeteria
Gymnasium
Town Green
Church St. Burl
Gymnasium