Tarpon Springs Middle School

Instrumental Music Department

Handbook
2009-2010

Diane J. Suris
Director of Instrumental Music

Dr. Susan Keller

Principal

Preface

The purpose of this handbook is to provide valuable information about

the Instrumental Music Department at Tarpon Springs Middle School.
To consistently achieve and maintain the high standard of excellence
desired by this organization, members should familiarize themselves
with the regulations, procedures, and traditions of the Tarpon Springs
Middle School Instrumental Music Department.

TSMS Mission Statement

Our Mission is to fully engage all students in their education. Through
effective teaching practices, family involvement, and the students
application of knowledge, students will be prepared for high school.

Tarpon Springs Middle School

501 N. Florida Ave.
Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689
727-943-5511 ext. 2032
Diane J. Suris Director of Instrumental Music
surisd@pcsb.org
Instrumental Music Department website
http://it.pinellas.k12.fl.us/teachers4/surisd/

Dr. Susan Keller Principal

Jeanne W. Reynolds Pinellas County K-12 Music/Theatre Supervisor

Tarpon Springs Middle School Instrumental Music Department

The following information is very important. Members should adhere

to all of these rules and guidelines. Please read this carefully and
thoroughly!

Classroom Expectations

Please enter and exit the band room in an appropriate and orderly
fashion.
No food, beverage or chewable substance is allowed in the music
facilities!
Show respect to others and their property.
Use only the equipment that belongs to you or has been assigned to
you.
All instruments left in the band room during the day should be placed
on their proper shelf. Only instruments should be left in the instrument
storage room.
Students are expected to take care of personal needs (restroom, water
fountain, etc.) before class or rehearsal begins.
Do not leave your seat or assigned area without permission from the
director.
Keep music facilities clean and neat. Throw trash in proper
receptacles.
DO NOT LEAN ON MUSIC STANDS AND DO NOT LEAN BACK IN CHAIRS!!

Rehearsal Guidelines

Rehearsal time is very valuable and every minute needs to be used

efficiently. In order to achieve success, every band member must
follow these guidelines.

Be on time. To be early is to be on time!

Be prepared, including;
Band binder with appropriate materials
Sharpened pencil
Music
Properly-working instruments
All necessary accessories; 3 good reeds, valve oil etc.
Students are expected to participate each day in class. Those who can
not play should have a note from their parents explaining the problem.
Whenever possible, students should follow along in the music and
finger the notes on their instrument.
Only play your instrument with the group or when given permission by
the director. Warm-ups will be done with the full ensemble, unless
otherwise noted.
No talking is allowed during rehearsal unless permission is given by the
director.
When the conductor gives a cut-off, please stop immediately and
listen for instructions.

Always maintain correct posture and proper playing position. Respect

and full attention should be given to any authorized person that is in
front of the band.
If the director is working with another section, follow along and
practice the fingerings on your instrument.
Ask questions. Dont hesitate to ask for information that relates to the
music at hand.
Always strive to maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude during
rehearsals.

Success
It is critical to the success of any performing organization that each
member follow basic behavioral guidelines at all times. This will
enable the ensemble to maintain a high level of performance. If a
student is responsible for preventing this from happening, the following
will occur:

1st Offense Verbal warning/loss of participation points for that

rehearsal.
2nd Offense Conference with student/loss of participation points for
rehearsal.
3rd Offense - Parent/Guardian contacted/loss of participation points for
rehearsal.
4th Offense - Administrative referral
5th Offense - Meeting with student, parent, and teacher (possible
dismissal from program)
School Insurance

County policy requires all students involved in any level of

band/orchestra in the Pinellas County School System to have school

insurance. This inexpensive insurance may be purchased online at:

www.K12studentinsurance.com
(1-866-313-4512)
Attendance Policy

Performances Every student is a vital member of the team effort and

absences not only affect the person missing but also those around him,
causing a drop in performance standards. The following policies are in
effect regarding performance attendance.

ALL PERFORMANCES ARE MANDATORY!!

Students will be permitted to make up a performances (based on
extenuating circumstances).
All after school rehearsals are mandatory
Grading Policy

All students will be graded fairly based on their own individual

accomplishments. Students are evaluated as follows:

40% Daily Class Participation (being prepared & participating in class

5 pts. per rehearsal)
30% Tests (performance and/or written)
30% Practice charts

Practice Charts

Students are responsible for turning in a practice chart every Monday

at the beginning of the class period. These practice charts must be
signed by a parent or guardian in order for the student to be given a
grade. If a student studies with a private music instructor, the amount
of minutes practiced will be doubled. Attending before/after school
sectionals and/or jazz band will count for practice hours. The practice
chart grading scale is:

151+ minutes

100-150 minutes =

50-99 minutes

10-49 minutes

0-9 minutes

Not turned in

Students may use the instrumental music room before school, during
lunch and after school for practicing.
Uniforms
Beginning Band and Beginning Orchestra
Polo shirt, black dress slacks (or long black skirt for girls),
black dress shoes, black socks (or black stockings).

*Symphonic Band and Symphonic Orchestra musicians will rent their

uniforms from the school.
Symphonic Band boys; Black pants, black shoes, black socks, TUXEDO
shirt, and a bowtie/cummerbund provided by the band.
Girls; Black formal dress provided by band/orchestra.
Symphonic Orchestra Boys; Black pants, black dress shirt, black shoes,
and black socks.

School-Owned Instruments and Equipment

In compliance with School Board Policy, all students using schoolowned instruments will be required to pay a minimal rental fee.
Semester rentals are $35.00 and yearly rentals are $60.00. These fees
will be collected during the first three weeks of school. Each student
who uses a school-owned instrument is completely responsible for the
care of that instrument or piece of equipment. Lost or damaged items
shall be replaced at the students expense. Before school-owned
instruments are checked out, a Pinellas County Rental Form must be
filled out and filed with the Ms. Suris and the bookkeeper.
Percussion = $30yr. / $18yr.

The rental fee may be waived for students on free/reduced lunch per
approval from the principal.

Music Lockers

Students will be issued a music locker (found in the back of the music
room) for their instrument. Instruments are to be kept in these lockers.
Students may pick up their instrument after school, and return it to
their music locker before school. Students should take their instrument
home EVERY night to practice!!

Use and Care of Music

Do not fold, tear or otherwise mutilate music. Students are required to

purchase a black, three ring binder (clear page protectors are highly
recommended). All music as well as theory and history assignments
must be kept neatly in the folder and brought to class daily.
Marking music is encouraged. Students are to use pencil when
marking music never pen. Students who use pen or permanent
markers will be assessed a fee for damaging music. Erasable pens are
not allowed.

Recommended Instruments
Flute: Gemeinhardt strongly preferred, Yamaha (no Jupiter)
Oboe: Renard, Yamaha, Selmer/Bundy, Vito
Clarinet: Yamaha, Selmer/Bundy, Buffet, Vito
Vandoren B 45 Mouthpiece
Rovner Ligature
Vandoren reeds (or Zonda reeds)

Alto and Tenor Sax: Yamaha, Selmer/Bundy, Vito

Padded neck strap
Selmer C* mouthpiece
Rovner ligature
Vandoren reeds (or Zonda reeds)
Trumpet: Bach, Yamaha, Holton, Blessing, Conn or Selmer/Bundy
Bach 7C mouthpiece (5C intermediate), (3C or 1 for advanced)
French horn: Yamaha, Holton, Conn, Bach, Selmer/Bundy
Bach 11 mouthpiece or Schilke 27 mouthpiece
Trombone/Baritone/Euphonium: Bach, Blessing, Yamaha, Holton
Bach, Blessing, or Giardinelli 6 AL mouthpiece.
Tuba: Helleberg 18 or 24 AW mouthpiece
Bach 22 (intermediate)
Percussion: Pearl, Yamaha, Ludwig, Gretsch
Snare drum and bell kit recommended
Sticks and mallets with students name

SUPERIOR EQUIPMENT FOR SUPERIOR MUSICIANS!! High

quality instruments. Please avoid the very inexpensive band
instruments manufactured in Asia & the Middle East. Not only are they
nearly impossible to play in tune, but, once something breaks, they
cannot be repaired!! A used high quality instrument in much better
than a poorly manufactured brand new one.
Practice Routine

Most middle school students approach practicing with the wrong

attitude. They get out their horns, toot a few notes, and then play
through their favorite pieces. This is not practicing!
In order to accomplish the most in the least amount of time, you must
have a plan when you practice. To begin with, each instrumentalist
must start off with their mouthpiece. This is a very important part of
the skill of playing an instrument. Flutes work on playing a low note
and a high note with the head joint. All other Woodwind instruments
should concentrate on proper embouchure with just the mouthpiece.
Brass players should work on a siren with their mouthpieces.
The next step is very important. Each session should begin with LONG
TONES. This means very long notes on a scale or a chromatic pattern.
Most musicians usually play very slow whole notes that go
chromatically downward. The reason for playing Long Tones is to
develop a characteristic tone quality. Tone quality is the single most
important skill in playing an instrument. If you dont sound good, no
one will want to listen to you. Concentrate while playing long tones on
embouchure, breath control, and mainly your sound.
After long tones, work on scales. Scales teach key signatures,
technique, and flexibility. Articulations can also be worked out in
different combinations. After scales, work on music that you need to
practice. Fix mistakes by saying each rhythm while fingering at the
same time. Slow practice makes more sense because you have more
time to correct your problems. Isolate problem areas (practice two
difficult measures at a time) and then play the entire piece.
After working on the more difficult selections, then allow yourself time
to play through pieces that you are already able to play. Make sure
that you are always playing with a good tone quality!
This whole process should take about 30 minutes. If you practice with
this plan in mind every single day (EVEN ON WEEKENDS), you will be
amazed at your progress. Remember, practice does not (by itself)
make perfect. Only Perfect Practice makes Perfect!!
*A tuner and metronome are both highly recommended

Student Information

Thank you for taking the time to review the Tarpon Springs Middle
School Instrumental Music Department Handbook. Please complete
this form and return it to Ms. Suris as soon as possible.

PLEASE COMPLETE THE INFORMATION BELOW:

Student Name____________________________________________

Family E-Mail (used for Band communication to parents)

____________________________________________________

Address ____________________________City _____________Zip ______

Parent/Guardian Names (first and last)

________________________________________________________
Home Phone __________________________________

Instrument ________________________________________ (if privately owned)

Make of instrument (Bach, Yamaha) __________________________________

Instrument Serial No. _______________________________________

I have read the TSMS Instrumental Music Department Handbook and I

understand the policies and information contained within.

Student Name _________________________________________________

Student Signature ______________________________________________

Parent Name __________________________________________________

Parent Signature _______________________________________________

Awards
Beginning Band Expectations

Model Student - Medal

1. I can demonstrate proper assembly, care and maintenance of
my instrument. ____
2. I can demonstrate proper tone production on my instrument
using correct posture, breathing, embouchure, hand position,
articulation, and releases. ____
3. I can demonstrate control of rhythmic pulse by myself and
within an ensemble. ____
4. I can accurately perform basic written rhythm values including
whole, half, quarter, eighth, dotted half, and dotted quarter notes
and rests in simple meters. (Percussion only: also sixteenth
notes)____
5. I can identify and perform musical pitches in the clef generally
used for my instrument.____
6. I can demonstrate fundamental notation skills, accurately and
neatly drawing clefs, notes, rests, time signatures, and key
signatures._____
7. I can accurately sight read short examples of music for my
instrument in simple meters in the keys of concert Bb and Eb
major.____
8. I can improvise short musical phrases in the keys of concert Bb
and Eb major.____
9. I can correctly identify matching and non-matching pitches.
____
10. I can demonstrate proper rehearsal and concert etiquette and
understand the importance of rehearsal and concert
attendance.____
11. I have earned an A, B, or C on all tests and practice journals.____
12. I have completed all theory, history, and map assignments,
and they are all arranged neatly in my folder.____
13. I have received no more than 1 detentions per semester.____
14. I have a pencil on my stand at all times.____
15. I have my instrument, folder, and planner in class at all
times.____
16. I have attended all rehearsals, concerts, and
performances.____
17. I have received no referrals from Ms. Suris.____
18. I have PRIDE in Band.____

Beginning Band
Outstanding Musician - Small Trophy

In addition to all of the above:

1. I can play the Bb, Eb, F, Ab, and chromatic scales on page 40
and 41 from memory. The scales should be played tongue up and
slur down
2. I have received no detentions or referrals from Ms. Suris all year
long.___

Outstanding Musician - Large Trophy

In addition to all of the above:
1. I regularly help other students with their instruments before,
after, or during school.___
2. I am a role model and a positive example for other students.___
3. I have played a solo (or ensemble) at the Solo/Ensemble Music
Performance Assessment in February. ____

Symphonic Band Expectations

Model Intermediate Student - Medal
1. I can demonstrate characteristic tone quality over an extended
range on my instrument.____
2. I can identify in-tune and out-of-tune pitches.____
3. I can perform music in the keys of F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, and Gb
major.____
4. I can demonstrate mastery of the concert F, Bb, Eb, and Ab
major scales and in thirds and the chromatic scale over the
achieved range of my instrument. (Percussion only: also tap,
accent, flam, and paradiddles.)____
5. I can accurately demonstrate basic ensemble skills (balance,
blend, precision) while performing in a variety of genres and
styles.____
6. I can accurately perform additional rhythmic patterns
including sixteenth and dotted eighth notes and rests in simple
meters including cut time.____
7. I can sight read music of FBA grade 1 to the level that the
fundamental musical intent is understood by the listener.____
8. I can define and describe basic dynamic, tempo, articulation,
and expression markings commonly found in music of
FBA grade 1.____
9. I have attended and performed in all band rehearsals,
performances, and concerts for the Symphonic Band.____
10. I have earned an A, B, or C on all tests and practice cards.____
11. I have completed all theory, history, and map assignments,
and they are all arranged neatly in my portfolio.____
12. I have received no more than 1 detention per semester.____

13. I have a pencil on my stand at all times.____

14. I have my instrument, portfolio, and planner in class at all
times.____
15. I have attended all rehearsals, concerts, and
performances.____
16. I have received no referrals from Ms. Suris.____
17. I have PRIDE in Band.____

Outstanding Intermediate Symphonic - Small Trophy

In addition to all of the above:
1. I can play the following scales and arpeggios from memory:
G, C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, and chromatic.
All scales and arpeggios are to be played at least 1 octave, tongue
up, slur down.
2. I have received no detentions or referrals from Ms. Suris all year
long.___
3. I attended FBA band contest.___

Outstanding Intermediate Musician - Large Trophy

In addition to all of the above:
1. I regularly help other students with their instruments before,
after, or during school.___
2. I am a role model and a positive example for other students.___
3. I played a solo or ensemble at the FBA Solo/Ensemble Music
Performance Assessment in February.___

Advanced Symphonic Band Expectations

Model Student - Medal
1. I can demonstrate characteristic tone quality throughout the
common applied range of my instrument.___
2. I can perform music in the keys of C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, and Db
major.___
3. I can demonstrate proper tuning techniques on my
instrument.___
4. I can demonstrate mastery of concert C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, and Gb
major scales and arpeggios and the chromatic scale with
appropriate chromatic fingerings over the commonly applied
range of my instrument. (Percussion only, also 5 stroke, 9, stroke,
long, and multiple stroke rolls, flams, drags, and
paradiddles.)____
5. I can accurately perform additional rhythmic values including
quarter and eighth note triplets and syncopated figures in both
simple and compound meters.____
6. I can define and describe dynamic, tempo, articulation, and

expressive markings commonly found in music of

FBA grade 2.____
7. I can sight read music of FBA grade 1 with minimal or no
technical errors.____
8. I can create and accurately notate a short musical composition
when given specific guidelines.____
9. I can explain and describe the cultural and historical
background and compositional style for one or more
compositions that I have performed.____
10. I can discuss the quality and effectiveness of a musical
performance using appropriate musical concepts and
terminology.____
11. I have earned an A, B, or C on all tests and practice journals.____
12. I have completed all theory, history, and map assignments,
and they are all arranged neatly in my portfolio.____
13. I have received no more than 1 detention per semester.____
14. I have a pencil on my stand at all times.____
15. I have my instrument, portfolio, and planner in class at all
times.____
16. I have attended all rehearsals/sectionals, concerts, and
performances.____
17. I have received no referrals from Ms. Suris.____
18. I have PRIDE in Band.____

Outstanding Advanced Symphonic - Small Trophy

In addition to all of the above:
1. I can play the following scales and arpeggios from memory:
G, C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, B, and chromatic.
All scales and arpeggios are to be played 2 octaves when
possible, tongue up, slur down.____
2. (Percussion only) I can tune the timpani accurately before and
during a piece of music.
2. I have received no detentions or referrals from Ms. Suris all year
long.___
3. I have performed in a solo or ensemble for FBA solo and ensemble
Assessment in February.___

Outstanding Advanced Musician - Large Trophy

1. I can play the following scales and arpeggios from memory:
G, C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, B, and chromatic.
In addition to all of the above:
2. I regularly help other students with their instruments before,
after, or during school, in a positive and constructive way.___
3. I am a role model and a positive example for other students.___

4. I attended FBA band contest.___

5. I auditioned for all county band.___
5. I played a solo at FBA solo and ensemble contest.___
6.

2009-2010 Calendar

FBA All-State Auditions

Sept. 12

Madeira Beach

FOA All-State Auditions

School

Sept. 24

Largo High

Middle School Night

High

Sept. 25

Fall Fundraiser

October 6

TSHS Outdoor Music Festival

October 17

East Lake

TSHS

Middle School Night

October 23

TSHS

All-County Band Auditions

Middle

October 28

Osceola

All-County Orchestra Concert November 9

Hall

Ruth Eckerd

Winter Concert

December 14

TSHS

FMEA Conference

January 6-9

Tampa

All-County Band Concert

February 2

Mahaffey Theater

FOA & FBA Solo/Ensemble

School

February 19-20

Gibbs High

Jazz Band Assessment

High School

February 27

FOA Assessment

March 4

High School Assessment

March 23-25

Concert Band Assessment

April 15-17

Dunedin
TBA
TBA
TBA

Spring Trip

April

TBA

Spring Concert

May 25

TSHS

Jazz Band rehearsals will be posted on the website. Rehearsals are

Tues. and Thursday 4:15-5:15pm.

Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion sectionals will be posted on the

website soon
OFFICERS:
The following officer positions will be available to students in the
Symphonic Band and Symphonic Orchestra.
Band/Orchestra Captain
- Acts as student representative of the band department for all necessary functions.
- Coordinates all student officers.
- Helps enforce all rules and maintain order.
- Is responsible for the group at pep-band activities.
- Is appointed by the Director after a recommendation vote by the Symphonic Band.
Secretaries
- Assist with attendance
- Maintain and organizes all practice charts for the band program
- Assist the director with all paperwork.
- Is appointed by the director following consideration of applications.
Librarians
- Files music and maintains the school music library.
- Keeps a record of all music.
- Assists the director in passing out and collecting all music, books, etc.
- Is appointed by the director following consideration of applications.
Uniform Officer
- Will assist the band parents in charge of uniforms before and after each
performance.
- Maintains uniform inventory and keeps student records concert uniforms.
- Is appointed by the director following consideration of applications
Section Leaders
Section leaders must be the most experienced players in their section and must be
able to conduct music rehearsals in an efficient, friendly manner. The student who is
first chair in the section will act as section leader. Section leaders are responsible for
helping their section be organized in attending all rehearsals, having all equipment
and music, and are responsible for calling extra sectional rehearsals (each must be
approved by the Director in advance) if they are necessary to perform the music at a

top-notch level. Any student who does not lead in an effective manner in this
position will be removed regardless of their chair placement.