COURSE EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL BAND CLASSES 2014-2015

Teacher: Vickie Purdy, vickiel.purdy@vbschools.com; 648-4750, ext. 71547

THE BAND HANDBOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE THROUGH OUR SCHOOL WEBSITE.
http://www.landstownms.vbschools.com and click on the academics and band music link.

MATERIALS & SUPPLIES
1. 6
th
and 7
th
grade beginners - The Standard of Excellence Band Method, Book 1 (red book)
2. 6
th
and 7
th
grade beginners small paper notebook and paper, pencil.
3. A music stand to use at home. (Sometimes included with rental instruments)
4. Specific materials for each instrument include:
FLUTE: Cleaning rod and cotton cleaning swab. (A men's handkerchief works great)
CLARINET/SAXOPHONE: Cleaning swab, cork grease, reed keeper, mouthpiece cap and at
least 3 extra reeds at all times. Students should purchase, Lavoz -medium
strength, Mitchell Lurie or Vandoren strength 2. Students may not use Rico reeds
beyond the third week of playing.
OBOE/BASSOON: Cleaning swab, cork grease, and at least 2 extra reeds (medium or
medium hard strength)
TRUMPET/BARITONE/TUBA: Valve oil, soft polishing cloth
TROMBONE: Slide cream, small spray bottle, soft polishing cloth.
FRENCH HORN: Rotary valve oil, soft polishing cloth
PERCUSSION: Vic Firth SD1 drumsticks and a Percussion Kit, which includes bells, mallets
and a practice pad. A snare drum in not required, LMS will provide drums for concert
performances. All percussion students will be required to learn the mallet instruments,
i.e. xylophone, marimba, and bells in conjunction with the drums.
5. 7th grade intermediate - The Standard of Excellence Band Method, Book 2 (Blue book).
6. Paper towels are always needed.

EVALUATION & GRADING
Students' grades are based on:
25% Music Theory/Literacy
45% Performance
15% Rehearsal Skills
5% Music History and Cultural Context
10% Analysis, Evaluation, and Critique

VIRGINIA BEACH PUBLIC SCHOOLS GRADING SCALE
A 93 100 C + 77 - 79
A - 90 92 C 73 - 76
B + 87 89 C - 70 - 72
B 83 86 D + 67 - 69
B 80 82 D 64 - 66
E 63 and below




BAND CLASS RULES
1. Come in quietly, get your instrument, a drink of water if you need one, & put your things
on the floor next to you.
2. Raise your hand and wait until you are called on before talking or getting out of your
seat.
3. Students who eat candy, chew gum or drink soda in the band room will be given a
detention.
4. Students need to be on time and prepared with their instrument, supplies, band method,
pencil, & a cooperative attitude.
5. Never play an instrument other than your own and always handle your instrument with
care and respect.

BEHAVIOR PROCEDURES
1. 1st strike: Verbal Warning
2. 2nd strike: Verbal Warning and phone call home.
3. 3rd strike: Detention
4. Problem continues: referral
The above also applies to tardiness to class.

HOMEWORK -To practice on a regular basis. Evaluation of practice time spent to be
written each Monday during class.

BAND CALENDAR - Is extremely important - will go out each month with upcoming
information.
BAND CONCERTS & AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSALS & CONCERTS
In middle school, grade levels are not mixed during the school day. Thus,
large ensembles and sectionals must meet after school as necessary prior to
concerts. Rehearsals and concerts will be announced in advance and are an
extension of the classroom activity. Therefore, they are considered
mandatory. Students who must miss a rehearsal are expected to bring a
signed note with them to their band class. Any student who misses a dress
rehearsal without notifying Mrs. Purdy in writing prior to the event will not be
allowed to perform with the group. Students who miss concerts, whether or
not it is an excused absence, will be required to perform all concert material
in front of their peers and the director or may also be given written make up
material.
All rehearsals and concerts are required grades! All students are
expected to stay for the entire concert.




CONCERT DRESS FOR 6TH, 7TH, & 8TH - REQUIRED
Concert, Festival, Marching, Pep, Ensembles and Jazz Band:
1. School Shirt (order form will be given to student)
2. Black Khaki pants or black jeans NO EXCEPTIONS
3. All Black tie shoes & socks NO EXCEPTIONS
(It is recommended that soft sole leather or vinyl shoes be purchased for
marching band.)
4. Uniforms for special concerts and or Marching Band will be issued

Up

DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Sept. 16 - Home Football game
Oct. 7 - Home Football Game
Oct. 28 - Home Football Game
Dec. 6 - Holiday Parade
Dec. 13- District Band Auditions - Held at Princess Anne Middle
Dec. 16 - Band concert - 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 5,6,7 - District Band event - Held at Cox High School
Feb. 26 - Band pre- assessment at Landstown High/subject to change
March 12,13 or14 - Band Assessment - Held at Corporate Landing
March 27,28 - All City Band, Orchestra and Chorus
April 22 - solo & ensemble for Band - Held at Princess Anne Middle
May 21 - Band Concert - 6:30 p.mn.
May 29 - Jazz Band concert and Awards - 6:00 p.m.

PARENT HELP
Though we do not have a formal band parents organization with officers etc, we
do have a great need for parental involvement. There are many tasks that we need
help with on a regular basis. It is the dedicated cooperation and teamwork behind
the scenes, whether in rehearsal, practice, uniform sizing, fund raising, or
maintenance chores that make our Landstown Band program so successful. Get
involved and feel the excitement. Be a part of our Band parent support Team!