Band

DEWITT 7TH & 8TH GRADE

2018-
2019
CONCERTS
Here’s the schedule of concerts for this year:


✦ September 28 - Homecoming (OPTIONAL - 7/8 students are invited to play pregame with DHS Marching
Band)
✦ October 30 - Fall Premiere Concert (DHS Auditorium)

✦ December 17 - Holiday Concert (HS Gym)

✦ February 27 - Spring Concert w/DHS Bands (HS Auditorium)

✦ March 1/2- Michigan Music Education Association Band Clinic in Fowlerville (TBA)

✦ May 21 - Final Concert (HS Auditorium)

Our concerts begin at 7:00 PM and you need to arrive ready to go 30 minutes early.

We will be wearing official DeWitt band polos and nice pants to concerts this year. You are more than welcome to wear
last year’s shirt, but ordering information will be made available soon if you need another.

Attendance and participation in all concerts is required and is half your grade! For band class, concerts are the
culmination of everyone’s hard work and dedication and are just like major exams in other classes. If there is EVER a
conflict, just remember to COMMUNICATE EARLY so we can figure something out.

GRADES
Students’ grades are based on a combination of performance assessments recorded online or performed in class and
concert/event attendance. Concert attendance counts for 50% of the term’s final grade.

Performance assessments will be graded using the following rubric:

1. Tone - Student plays with a good sound (0-5 points)

2. Tonal Accuracy - Student plays with correct notes/fingerings (0-5 points)

3. Rhythm - Student plays with accurate, consistent time and rhythm (0-5 points)

4. Articulation (tonguing) - Student plays with accurate and correct articulation (0-5 points)
5. Phrasing- Student is breathing/phrasing appropriately (0-5 points)

Grades for each term will generally consist of the following:

✦ Major scale and arpeggio

✦ Minor scale and arpeggio

✦ Etude (musical example)

✦ Musical excerpt from concert material

✦ Concert attendance

Assignments not submitted on time will be marked as “missing” in Infinite Campus and be calculated as a zero until
submitted. Resubmissions of playing assignments will be accepted until the last week of the term.
 LOCKERS
Each student must bring their own combination lock ONLY as soon as possible. Keep in mind that the lockers are for
instruments and not trash and loose paper.

MATERIALS
✦ A pencil - you’ll need one on your stand everyday, without exception.

✦ 3 ring binder with sheet protectors for all your music and handouts is a good idea.

✦ Plenty of instrumental maintenance supplies like oil, grease, reeds, etc.

CLASS EXPECTATIONS AND POLICIES

1. RESPECT

✦ the room, the teachers, and each other

✦ all musical instruments, lockers, sheet music, and books (Any books, music, or lockers assigned to you need to
be kept in good condition!)

✦ Always have a positive attitude!

2. OWN IT

✦ Always have your instrument in class and in working condition. If your instrument needs a repair, please
communicate this with Mr. Pike as soon as possible.

✦ This is YOUR classroom and YOUR band. Always be a positive contributor!

3. ACT RESPONSIBLY

✦ Band is a lot like a team sport. We rely on each other for support and just can’t be successful unless we all own
up to our personal responsibilities. If any conflicts with the band schedule arise, just COMMUNICATE with me
and we’ll find a solution together!

✦ Make appropriate decisions and good choices. Remember, there are consequences (positive AND negative) for
your actions and you need to consider these before acting.

4. REACH FOR EXCELLENCE

✦ Always push yourself to achieve a higher level--never settle. Musicianship can always grow no matter what your
ability level.

GOOGLE CLASSROOM
Most of our assignments will be posted and submitted through Google Classroom. Please check email regularly to be
on top of all assignments. You will receive an invitation via email to join the Google class. From there follow the prompts
to join the class.

Most performance assignments will be submitted as video performances. Please make sure to have your face and
instrument visible in the recording.

Still have questions? Don’t be afraid to ask—we’re here to help! HAVE A GREAT YEAR!!