From Ms. Brannman
Band Room Expectations
We are so lucky to have great instruments, great equipment, and a beautiful band room. Please follow these expectations so that our space and equipment stay in great shape!
- Respect the instruments - Please don't touch any instrument that does not belong to you.
- Respect the rehearsal process - Please be on time to class, listen when the director is speaking, and always be prepared with your music/instrument/pencil.
- Respect each other - I take this expectation very seriously. Every individual has the right to learn; keep the band room a safe place to be.
- Respect yourself - Don't sell yourself short, give 110% effort at all times!
Ms. Brannman's Grading Policy
Beginning Instruments
Concert Band
Symphonic Band
Every band student's grade is dependent upon four factors:
(1) Concert participation = 30%,
(2) Bandsmanship = 30%
(3) Miscellaneous Assignments = 25%
(4) Band Journals = 15%
CONCERT PARTICIPATION:
It must be understood that playing an instrument in the band means belonging and contributing to the entire team. Every band member and instrument is crucial to the success of our rehearsals and concerts. Concerts are equivalent to a final exam in other classes with one notable difference being that they are non-reproducible events. Attendance is required at all performances and field trip concerts given by each MBMS band and failure to attend any performance given by the band will affect a student's grade considerably. An excused absence from a concert will be granted ONLY with a signed note of explanation from the parent in case of (1) unforeseen family emergency or (2) sickness. On rare occasions, MBMS’s teaching staff may disallow a student from attending a field trip for various reasons. Such an absence will not affect a student’s band grade, however.
BANDSMANSHIP:
Proper class participation includes good attendance, being on time to class, being ready for musical entrances, listening to instructions, and evident improvement of all aspects of your playing through home practice. Factors that influence this grade include classroom behavior, politeness, cooperation, citizenship, tardies, orderliness, and having the proper materials for class (instrument, music, accessories, etc.). To be prepared for rehearsal means to have your instrument, your book, working reeds, and a pencil at all times.
BAND JOURNALS:
Each Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Beginning Instruments member is required to practice one hour per week. You may divide the time however you like. For example you might practice one hour in one day, or you might choose to practice ten minutes every day for six days. Band journals need to include the date, duration, and content of the practice session. A parent must sign your band journal before it can be turned in for a grade.
MISCELLANEOUS:
This category includes any assignment that is not a band journal. The first assignment included under “Miscellaneous” is the form of acknowledgement, stating that you have read and agree to all of the performance dates, grading policy, and class expectations. Any playing tests or written assignments will also be included in this grading category.
(1) Concert participation = 30%,
(2) Bandsmanship = 30%
(3) Miscellaneous Assignments = 25%
(4) Band Journals = 15%
CONCERT PARTICIPATION:
It must be understood that playing an instrument in the band means belonging and contributing to the entire team. Every band member and instrument is crucial to the success of our rehearsals and concerts. Concerts are equivalent to a final exam in other classes with one notable difference being that they are non-reproducible events. Attendance is required at all performances and field trip concerts given by each MBMS band and failure to attend any performance given by the band will affect a student's grade considerably. An excused absence from a concert will be granted ONLY with a signed note of explanation from the parent in case of (1) unforeseen family emergency or (2) sickness. On rare occasions, MBMS’s teaching staff may disallow a student from attending a field trip for various reasons. Such an absence will not affect a student’s band grade, however.
BANDSMANSHIP:
Proper class participation includes good attendance, being on time to class, being ready for musical entrances, listening to instructions, and evident improvement of all aspects of your playing through home practice. Factors that influence this grade include classroom behavior, politeness, cooperation, citizenship, tardies, orderliness, and having the proper materials for class (instrument, music, accessories, etc.). To be prepared for rehearsal means to have your instrument, your book, working reeds, and a pencil at all times.
BAND JOURNALS:
Each Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Beginning Instruments member is required to practice one hour per week. You may divide the time however you like. For example you might practice one hour in one day, or you might choose to practice ten minutes every day for six days. Band journals need to include the date, duration, and content of the practice session. A parent must sign your band journal before it can be turned in for a grade.
MISCELLANEOUS:
This category includes any assignment that is not a band journal. The first assignment included under “Miscellaneous” is the form of acknowledgement, stating that you have read and agree to all of the performance dates, grading policy, and class expectations. Any playing tests or written assignments will also be included in this grading category.
