cole Viscount Alexander

Manuel de llve dharmonie

Band Student Handbook
2014-2015
Enseignante Mme. Vanessa Nowostawski

Table of Contents
1

Letter from the

Director
,.3
Letter from the
Principal
....4
Objectives of the Band
Program
...5
Parent Advocacy
Information
....6
How Parents Can
Help
..7
Band Program
Syllabus
.8
Policies and
Procedures
...11
Grading
System
..14
Supplemental Materials and
Resources
16
Master
Schedule
...18
Contract of Mutual
Consent
..19

Welcome to one of the most exciting experience in which you can be a part the
band! Now, more than ever, we have information to justify why we participate in
this demanding, yet rewarding, activity. Experts have concluded that the study of
music helps with spatial reasoning, test taking, and overall quality of life! Factor in
social skills, emotional development, leadership training, group interaction,
aesthetic perception, music-making, and the discipline of being in a band program,
and I dont know why anyone would not want to be involved in a successful band
program like the one at our school. The ultimate goal is a lifelong understanding
and appreciation for high-quality music and music-making!
Everyone should read the information in the handbook, even veterans. Some of the
information has changed, so make sure youre informed. For those new to the
program, this information helps us run everything smoothly and efficiently. Most
questions can be answered by consulting the handbook, and policies will be
adjusted from year to year as the need arises to clarify issues within the program. It
is my hope that the information contained in this handbook will both inform and
inspire! The advocacy article How Parents Can Help is designed to give guidance
to parents; read it carefully to gain important insights. Students need to know we
think that what we do is important. You will quickly find that band is truly a family in
and of itself.
This past year was full of success by our students. In a ll areas of the program, we
saw growth and indications that the program is only going to continue to prosper. As
of this writing, we are looking ahead to some wonderful opportunities for the
coming year. Please consult the Master Schedule for a list of upcoming events,
performances, and workshops that we will be participating in this year.
3

I have renewed my commitment to develop student leadership as well as develop a

private lesson program. We have such tremendous potential in both areas. We are
truly fortunate to have fine high school players in the area to teach our students. I
am also happy to begin a Band Student Leadership Team. Please consult the
Student Leadership page for more information on both of these opportunities.
The handbook is designed to answer any questions you might have concerning the
program. Please read all of the information, and sign the form in the back of the
book. I am honoured to be your band director and am looking forward to a great
year!
Sincerely,
Vanessa Nowostawski

Letter from the Principal

At this point, I have not yet obtained a letter for my handbook from my principal.
This page is reserved for when I receive this from her.

Objectives of the Band Program

The band program has many objectives that each student will strive for during the
two years he/she is part of the program. They include the following:

To develop reading skills and proficiency in playing a chosen musical

instrument.
To instill a sense of work ethic in all students.
To develop an appreciation and understanding of the language and structure
of music.
To provide the opportunity to expand musical interest and talent.
To always aim for the highest standards
To provide the student with opportunities for public performance.
To provide an opportunity to develop self-discipline and pride in his/her
accomplishments.
To provide an opportunity to participate in a group activity, thus developing a
sense of group responsibility and team spirit.
To assist in planning for future musical enjoyment.
To foster leadership skills within each student

Parent Advocacy Information

The following are excerpts from various articles and journals explaining the value of
music education and in which ways music help students in various aspects of their
lives and upbringing:
Upitis, R. (2011). Engaging students through the arts. The Literacy and
Numeracy Secretariat,

[Monograph

33].

Toronto,

ON:

The

Royal

Conservatory of Music.
Student engagement is central to learning. Those students who are fully engaged
are ready to learn in every way physically, socially, emotionally and intellectually.
The arts play a vital role in ensuring that students remain engaged by encouraging
them to learn in physical and embodied ways, by inviting them to collaborate with
peers, by requiring them to respond emotionally and by calling upon their cognitive
capacities as they learn in, through and about the arts
6

The arts add enjoyment to the day and make students more alert to other kinds of
learning. Classroom teachers become the best advocates for an engaging
education, rich in the arts, when they bring the arts to their students.
Canadian research affirms that spending time in the arts does not come at the
expense

of

achievement

in

other

subjects,

but

improves

estimation

and

computation skills and enhances student engagement in school learning overall.

Kraus, N. et al. (2014). Music enrichment programs improve the neural

encoding of speech in at-risk children. The Journal of Neuroscience, 34,
11913-11918.
Community music programs enhance the neural processing of speech in at-risk
children, suggesting that active and repeated engagement with sound changes
neural function.
Musicians are often reported to have enhanced neurophysiological functions,
especially in the auditory system.
Musical training is thought to improve nervous system function by focusing
attention on meaningful acoustic cues, and these improvements in auditory
processing cascade to language and cognitive skills. In light of these reports,
educators are considering the potential for co-curricular music programs to provide
auditory-cognitive enrichment to children during critical developmental years.

For more, please consult visit the website of The Coalition for Music Education:
http://musicmakesus.ca/inform/quick-facts/

How Parents Can Help

7

Parents play an important role to their childs success. The following are a few ways
that you can help support your child in the band program:

Show an interest in the musical study of your child.

Arrange a regular time for your child to practice.
Find a quiet place where your child can practice without interruption.
Listen to performances of practice material when asked to do so.
Make faithful attendance to all band activities important.
Keep the handbook in a safe place and refer to it often.
Notify the teacher if the student will be absent for a rehearsal.
Remind students to bring their instruments to school.
Attend concerts.
Join the Band Parent Committee

Band Parent Committee

The Band Parent Committee helps with the various band events such as helping at
the concerts, Band-a-Thon, and behind-scenes-work. The committee meets about
four to five times a year. Please refer to the Master Schedule for the meeting
dates.
Financial Obligations and Fundraising
The primary financial obligation is the rental of an instrument for their child. As
much as possible, the cost of activities will be covered by the band budget. In the
event of any extra costs for activities such as trips or field trips, the following
fundraisers will be made available for students to participate if they would like:

Show and Save Coupon Books: These books are $20 each. Every first book
sold, the band program will receive up to $10. The profits of the second book
and any after sold will go directly to the students personal accounts which
can be used for band activities or other school events.
Peak of the Market Vegetables: The profits of this fundraiser will be for the
band programs account. This money will be used for paying for buses,
festival registrations, and clinicians.
Bake Sale: Students will receive one dollar toward their personal account for
every dozen dainties that they donate toward the bake sale. The sale will
take place at the winter band concert. The profits of this fundraiser will be for
the band programs account. This money will be used for paying for buses,
festival registrations, and clinicians.
Silent Auction: The silent auction will take place at the winter band concert.
The profits of this fundraiser will be for the band programs account. This
money will be used for paying for buses, festival registrations, and clinicians.
Band-a-Thon Sleepover: There will be a Band-a-Thon Sleepover for all
students to participate in. Students will be invited to pledge money for their

participation. The profits will be used for scholarships for students to attend
summer band camps.
Communication
Website
There is a new and improved band website. You can access it at
www.evamusique.weebly.com. It will contain the weekly practice guides, important
dates, and fundraising information. To contact Mme. Nowostawski, please email her
at vnowostawski@pembinatrails.ca or call her at 204-452-8945 ext. 5743, or fill out
a contact form on the website.
Monthly E-Newsletter
Each month, a newsletter sent via email that will contain information about
upcoming events, deadlines, audition information, performances, and more.

Band Program Syllabus

9

Concert Band
The concert bands are the primary performing organization in the instrumental
music department throughout the school year. There are two concert bands: one for
grade 7 students and one for grade 8 students. Each band rehearses four times a
cycle divided into their separate homeroom classes. When we get closer to
performances, the bands will rehearse together two to three times prior to the
performance during class time.
Morning Jazz
Morning Jazz rehearses Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 7:30 am for an hour. It is
an auditioned ensemble for grade eight students. Students may play any
instrument. Students are provided a mark on their report cards for their work.
Atelier Jazz
Atelier Jazz rehearses twice a cycle for 80 minutes during the grade eight atelier
periods. It is an auditioned ensemble for grade eight students. Only traditional jazz
instruments are accepted (saxophones, trombones, trumpets, drum set, piano, bass
guitar, and guitar) and there are limited spots. Students are provided a mark on
their report cards for their work.
Percussion Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble is for any student in any student in grade 7 or 8 who is
interested in learning to play percussion instruments. No prior knowledge is
necessary to be part of this ensemble. It rehearses Wednesday mornings at 7:30 am
for an hour.
Chamber Ensembles
Students will have the opportunity throughout the year to participate in small
ensembles. Possible groups are woodwind quintet, brass quintet, saxophone
quartet, horn ensemble, trombone quartet, low brass ensemble, flute choir, clarinet
choir, and additional small groups. There will be performance opportunities for these
ensembles such as performing O Canada at assemblies as well as chamber recitals
throughout the community.
Sectionals
Students will have the opportunity to meet once every two months as part of a
section to learn skills and techniques that are specific to the instrument that they
play. These sectionals will take place during class time, at lunch, and/or with the
Creative Arts EA during our band class.
10

Symphonic Band-NEW!
Symphonic Band is a new ensemble this year for those who would like more of a
challenge. It is an auditioned ensemble that rehearses Tuesday and Thursdays after
school until 4:30 pm. Students will be provided with a mark on their report card.
Student Mentorship Program-NEW!
In partnership with the Vincent Massey Band Program, we are happy to be able to
provide free private lessons to our students. Once a week, students are invited to
attend lessons on their instruments to help improve and hone their skills. Please
consult the schedule to find your childs instrument.
Band Student Leadership Workshop-NEW!
The Leadership Workshop prepares students to become effective leaders within the
band program and beyond. This workshop is required of all students who wish to be
considered for the Band Student Leadership Team.
Manitoba Band Association Summer Band Camps
The Manitoba Band Association hosts summer band camps every summer that
provide students with opportunity to rehearse with a guest conductor, have
sectionals with specialists on their instruments, jazz instruction, and chamber
ensemble experience. Scholarship opportunities will be made available for those
interested in attending.
Manitoba Provincial Junior Honour Band
The Junior Honour Band is an intensive event that occurs in the spring that students
may audition for. Successful applicants rehearse for three days with a guest
conductor and perform a concert. Please consult the Master Schedule for the
audition deadline.

11

Policies and Procedures

Attendance
Attendance at all music performances, concerts, festivals, and activities is
mandatory. In the event of a prior commitment (i.e. away on vacation) or illness, the
parents of the student must contact Mme. Nowostawski with as much notice as
possible before the day of the concert.
Conflicts with Band
Resolving conflicts between band and other activities or events is the responsibility
of the student. Rehearsal and performance schedules are given out in advance so
that arrangements can be made. Students should have a calendar and be aware of
all band dates well ahead of schedule. It is the policy of the band director to assist
students when conflicts occur within the scope of the band policy.
Duties of the Band Member

Be on time for all rehearsals and performances. Early is on time-on time is

late.
Upon entering the band room, retrieve your instrument and go to your seat.
When the director or the staff member in charge asks for your attention, all
talking should cease.
Come to a rehearsal with a good attitude.
Make a real effort to improve and a daily basis and establish a regular
practice routine.
At the end of the rehearsal, put all materials in the proper place.
Have respect for yourself and for the others around you.

Instrument
It is necessary that each student brings his/her instrument to each band class. For
every second class that the student does not have his/her instrument, he/she will be
required to complete a written assignment from the teacher. If a student forgets
his/her instrument three times or more in a row, his/her parents will be notified. In
the event that an instrument is in the shop being repaired, parents are asked to
send a note to class with their child explaining this. A student who is not feeling well
in class is asked to follow along as best as they can.
Behaviour and Attitude

12

All students are expected to contribute to a positive and cooperative environment.

Should a student be disrespectful toward others or to the classroom, the following
measures will be taken:

First infraction: Verbal warning

Second infraction: Written assignment to be complete outside of class
Third infraction: Phone call home to parents
Fourth infraction: Office referral for disciplinary action

Required materials:

Instrument
Instrument supplies (valve oil, reeds, slide cream, etc.)
Pencils
Music

Suggested Materials:

Wire music stand for home practice

Uniform Information
Students are expected to wear all black to each performance unless otherwise
informed. Girls should ensure that skirts are of appropriate length.
Audition Information
All auditions for jazz band and symphonic band are held in June for the next school
year. If a student is interested in auditioning for an ensemble outside of the regular
audition time, the student must talk with the band teacher.
Student Leadership Opportunities
One of the many skills that we foster as part of our band program is leadership. All
band students have the opportunity through the nature of the program to become
leaders within their sections, the band, the school, and the community. For those
wishing for a larger role, the following are opportunities that they can be more
involved:

Band Student Leadership Workshop: Students will take part in sessions

that focus on team building, organization, communication, and how to
successfully lead within the group.
Band Student Leadership Team: Interested students may apply to be a
part of the Band Student Leadership Team. Members of this team will help the
band director with various tasks and have the opportunity to lead their
sections and the band in different situations.

Helpful Hints on Practice

13

As with any activity, you get out of it what you put into it. Band will be even more
fun the more that you practice. There are many values in the study of music as a
discipline that transfer to other areas of life. Although this will not immediately
happen, persistent practice will lead to enthusiastic, driven practice. Remember:
Perfect practice makes perfect! Here is a suggested plan of study:

Pick a set time each day

Use a tuner for a portion of your practice session
Have a non-boomy place of practice
Increase dynamic range (work on pianissimo)
Use our daily warm-up and think tone
Increase endurance (15 minutes of full-tone playing)
Play some form of scales at every practice session
Increase range (highest note with good tone)
Take a break every 20 minutes
Use a metronome for part of the time
Work on technique (articulations, accents, etc.)
I will start with ___ minutes and increase to ___
Practice sight-reading

14

Grading System
Concert Band:
All concert band students will be graded according to the following:
50% Monthly Objectives: At the beginning of the school year, students will
receive a list of objectives to be completed by the end of each month. They will
have the opportunity to complete these objectives during band classes. Students
may also complete these before or after school, during sectionals, or by making an
appointment with the teacher. The objectives are created based on the curricular
priorities and might include playing music excerpts, scales, and technique.
25% Quizzes: One of the ways that student progress is measured through playing
and written quizzes. Quizzes will be given on repertoire, technique, sight-reading,
and theory. Students will be given the test material well in advance before the day
of the quiz. Quizzes will be completed during class time. If a student should receive
less than 70% on a quiz, the student is required to take it home and have his/her
parents sign it and will be given the opportunity to redo the assessment.
25% Written Assignments: To assist the students in being successful in band,
students will be given regular assignments to be completed. A practice guide will be
given at the beginning of each week for the students to follow while they practice at
home. For students who would like a challenge, there may be certain exercises,
musical excerpts, and opportunities that students may choose to partake in.
Jazz Band:
All jazz band students will be graded according to the following:
50% Monthly Objectives: At the beginning of the school year, students will
receive a list of objectives to be completed by the end of each month. They will
have the opportunity to complete these objectives during band classes. Students
may also complete these before or after school, during sectionals, or by making an
appointment with the teacher. The objectives are created based on the curricular
priorities and might include playing music excerpts, scales, and technique.
25% Jazz Listening Log: An important way to develop ones skills in jazz is to
listen to jazz recordings. Students will be required to listen regularly to jazz
recordings and keep track of what they are listening to.
15

25% Written Assignments: To assist the students in being successful in band,

students will be given regular assignments to be completed. A practice guide will be
given at the beginning of each week for the students to follow while they practice at
home. For students who would like a challenge, there may be certain exercises,
musical excerpts, and opportunities that students may choose to partake in.
*Students who participate in both Morning Jazz and Atelier Jazz are
automatically provided a mark of 100% as they are going over and above
the expectations asked, provided that they fulfill all of the assignment,
practice requirements, etc. asked of them for each ensemble.
All Symphonic Band students will be graded as follows:
Symphonic Band:
75% Monthly Objectives: At the beginning of the school year, students will
receive a list of objectives to be completed by the end of each month. They will
have the opportunity to complete these objectives during band classes. Students
may also complete these before or after school, during sectionals, or by making an
appointment with the teacher. The objectives are created based on the curricular
priorities and might include playing music excerpts, scales, and technique.
25% Written Assignments: To assist the students in being successful in band,
students will be given regular assignments to be completed. A practice guide will be
given at the beginning of each week for the students to follow while they practice at
home. For students who would like a challenge, there may be certain exercises,
musical excerpts, and opportunities that students may choose to partake in.

16

Supplemental Materials and Resources

List of Method Books
Students will receive many handouts throughout the year to help them develop
their skills. That being said, students may want to collect various study and
technique books to help them further. The following is a list specific to each
instrument for those interested:

Flute
o The Art and Practice of Modern Flute Technique William Kincaid
o Eck Method by Emil Eck
o Exercisis Journaliers-Flute by H. Altes
o Rubank Intermediate Method for Flute by A.C. Petersen
Clarinet
o Forty Studies for Clarinet, Book I by C. Rose
o Kloss Celebrated Method for Clarinet by Hyacinthe Elonor Klos
o Melodious and Progressive Studies by David L. Hite
o Rubank Intermediate Method for Clarinet by J.E. Skornicka
Oboe
o Barrett Oboe Method by A.M.R. Barrett
o Fifty Classical Studies for the Oboe by Gunther Joppig
o Practical and Progressive Oboe Method by Albert J. Andraud
Bassoon
o Practical Method for the Bassoon by J. Weissenborn
o Rubank Intermediate Method for Bassoon
Saxophone
o Rubank Intermediate Method for Saxophone by J.E. Skornicka
o Thirty-five Meldoious and Technical Exercises: Saxophone by D. Gatti
o Universal Method for the Saxophone by Paul de Ville
Trumpet
o Arbans Complete Conservatory Method by Jean-Baptiste Arban
o Daily Drills and Technical Studies for Trumpet by Max Schlossberg
o Rubank Intermediate Method for Cornet or Trumpet by J.E. Skornicka
o Technical Studies by Herbert L. Clark
Horn
17

First Book of Practical Studies for Cornet and Trumpet by Robert W.

Getchell
o Lyrical Studies for Horn by Giuseppe Concone
o Rubank Intermediate Method for French Horn by Joseph Skornicka
o Sixty Studies for Horn (two volumes) by G. Kopprasch
Trombone/Euphonium
o Arbans Famous Method for Trombone by Jean-Baptiste Arban
o Daily Drills and Technical Studies for Trombone by Max Schlossberg
o Melodious Etudes, Books I and II by Joannes Rochut
o Method for Trombone/Euphonium by Herbert l. Clark
o Rubank Intermediate Method for Trombone or Baritone by J.E. Skornika
and E.G. Boltz
Tuba
o Rubank Intermediate Method for Tuba by Himie Voxman and William
Gower
o

List of Private Teachers

If your child is not able to take part in the student mentorship program and/or would
prefer private lessons with a professional, a list of private instructors may be found
on the Manitoba Band Association website at http://mbband.org/PDF/Pr%20Teachers
%20S13.pdf . Please also consult Mme. Nowostawski to help find the best possible
match for your child.
List of Professional Players on Each Instrument
One of the best ways to improve is to listen to recordings of professional players on
ones instrument. The following is a list of some of the most recognized and
prominent players:
Flute: Jean-Pierre Rampal, Jim Walker, Paula Robison
Oboe: Joseph Robinson, John Mack
Bassoon: Bubonic Bassoon Quartet, Christopher Millard
Clarinet: Harold Wright, Larry Combs
Saxophone: Jean Rousseau, Joseph Lulloff, Steven Mauk
Trumpet: Phil Smith, Adolph Hersth
Horn: Dale Clevenger, Dennis Brain
Trombone: Joseph Alessi, Christian Linberg
Euphonium: Steven Meade, Brian Bowman, Roger Behrend
Tuba: Arnold Jacobs, Sam Pilafian
Percussion: Evelyn Glennie

18

Master Schedule
Monday, October 20
Tuesday, October 21: Camp
Assiniboia-Grade 8
Concert
Band
Friday, October 24
Brass Quintet performance at the
Manitoba
Music Teacher's
Conference
Saturday, October 25
Fall Big Band Workshop:
Morning Jazz
Saturday, November 8
Fall Big Band Workshop: Atelier
Jazz
Sunday, November 9
Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra
Performance-Atelier
Jazz
Wednesday, November 19-Thursday, November 20 Pembina Trails Divisional
Honour Band
Saturday, November 23
Winnipeg Wind Ensemble Dress
RehearsalGrade 8 Concert
Band
Sunday, November 24
Winnipeg Wind Ensemble
Performance-Grade
8
Concert Band
Saturday, November 29
Holiday Horns Rehearsal and
Workshop
Sunday, November 30
Chamber Ensembles perform at
the Assiniboine
Park Conservatory
Friday, December 5
Holiday Horns Performance at the
Concert Hall
Saturday, December 6
Clarinet Day Workshop at the U
of M
Sunday, December 7
Holiday Tuba Festival
Monday, December 8
Winter Band Concert
Friday, January 16
Solo and Ensemble Festival-Grade 7
Concert
Band
Friday, January 23-Saturday, January 24
Band-a-Thon Sleepover
19

Thursday, January 29
Avila
Tuesday, February 24
Concert Band
Wednesday, February 25:
and
Monday, March 9
Thursday, March 19-Friday, March 20
and Atelier Jazz
Wednesday, April 15
Concert Band
Thursday, May 28
Thursday, June 11
Atelier Jazz
Thursday, June 18
Atelier

Atelier Jazz performs at cole St.

Optimist Festival-Grade 8
Open House-Grade 7 Concert Band
Morning Jazz
Honour Band Auditions Due
Brandon Jazz Festival-Morning
Level One Festival: Grade 7
Final Band Concert
Jazz Cabaret-Junior, Morning, and
Jazz Community Tour-Morning and
Jazz

Contract of Mutual Consent

I, the undersigned student, have read the policies and procedures outlined in the
student hand book. I fully agree to carry out my responsibilities to the best of my
ability.

______________________________

_____________________________

Student Signature

Date

I, the undersigned parent, have read the policies and procedures outlined in the
student hand book. I fully agree to carry out my responsibilities to the best of my
ability.

______________________________

_____________________________

Parent Signature

Date

20