MGS MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND HANDBOOK (updated 2023)

Welcome to the Montmorency School Band Program! I am so glad you are here!

jmccordband.weebly.com

Email: jmccord@mgs145.net
Cell Phone: 815-499-8100

Being a member of a band is an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Not only are you learning a
musical instrument, but you are gaining lifelong friendships, as you enjoy the camaraderie of belonging
to a group with a common purpose. Everyone here belongs here. Yes, mistakes will be made….as that is
how we all learn, but we must maintain a supportive environment. You are at the beginning of your
musical journey, and I wish you only the most success, happiness, fun, and a sense of accomplishment
which comes from hard work and practice.

Goals of the Program

The band program strives to provide each student with the opportunity and tools for musical success.
These topics include:

 Proper posture and playing position

 Good Tone Quality
 Technical Accuracy
 Note Reading
 Good Breath and Stick Control
 Expressive Playing

Band Room Expectations

 No food, gum, candy, drinks
 Keep hands to yourself – don’t touch instruments that aren’t yours
 No playing out-of-turn
 No talking while instruction is taking place
 Treat others with respect and encouragement

Lessons and Full Band

Band students need to bring their instrument and band folder with them to school on Tuesdays and
Thursdays each week (possibly Wednesdays, too – more info below).

Lessons are when students receive instruction focusing on techniques specific to their
instrument. As in the past, the schedule will rotate so that the student does not miss the same class
each week. If there is a conflict with a lesson time, the student’s teacher can let me know, and we can
try to make up the lesson during another time. Each student is to check into their class before coming to
their lesson. Do not have a friend check in for you. Also, students are required to turn in and collect any
homework assignments from the class they will be missing.
Full Band Rehearsal is held on Tuesday and Thursday each week 12:25-1:08pm. During this
time, we focus on playing and performing together as a full band. If perhaps, a student would forget
their instrument at home, they should still come to lessons and band. If a teacher is requesting to meet
with you during this time, bring a pass to Mrs. McCord. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, band students
will eat lunch first, go outside for recess, and then report to band at 12:25.

The Wednesday Jam Group

This is an optional group for students interested in jamming out on tunes mostly selected by
them. As a collective group, we brainstorm songs, get chords and a melody line (or figure it out by ear),
and put the song together. On Wednesdays, Jam Group students will eat lunch first, go outside for
recess, and then report at 12:25.

Concert Dress – we wear this uniform for all concert performances

Boys: Black pants, white button down shirt (tie optional). Shirt must have a collar.
Girls: Black slacks/skirt (knee length or longer), and white shirt/blouse.

Marching Band Uniform

Band TShirt, athletic shoes. Any pants or shorts can be worn unless specified for the occasion.

Students need the following to participate in Band:

 Instrument in good working order
 Lesson book (“Essential Elements 2000”). As students progress through the program they will
need to purchase Essential Elements 2000 Book 2.
 $25 Fee per semester
 Music stand for at-home practice
 Supplies :

Flute – cleaning rod with swab

Clarinet – a box of reeds (recommended Rico Royal strength 2.5-3), cork grease,
cleaning swab
Sax- a box of reeds (recommended Rico Royal strength 2.5-3),neck strap, cork grease,
cleaning swab
Trumpet – valve oil (West, Yamaha, or Al Cass recommended)
Trombone – Slide oil (Slide-O-Mix recommended)
Baritone – valve oil (West, Yamaha, or Al Cass recommended)

Percussion – stick bag with the following: Set of drumsticks, hard rubber mallets.
Practicing at Home
In order to be successful, students need to practice daily. We all learn by repetition. We recommend 10-
30 minutes or more, of at-home practice. It’s important to practice the music we are learning at school,
and it’s also important to play other music that you enjoy, so look up some of your favorite songs on the
web and play along.
How Parents Can Help
 Show an interest in your child’s music study. Ask them about what they are playing.
 Attend performances.
 Help your student to find a regular time and place to practice and encourage them to keep up
the routine.
 Keep the instrument in good repair and put it away safely in its case when done.
 Stress how attendance at all Band activities is important.
 Encourage your student to play for others at home, church, or anywhere in the community.
 Encourage them when they are working through the tough passages, and have fun!

Evaluations/Grades

Students are evaluated and graded on a standards-based system. These evaluations were designed to
help the student stay on task, and know exactly what they need to do to earn the “4 point” or “A” rating
for each category. Please see the attached sheet.

Band Participation
In any activity, there sometimes are challenging times. Working through those times defines your
character and teaches you lifelong lessons. Success at playing an instrument takes time and is
sometimes slow going. Band is a graded class, and if a student wants to end their participation in the
program, it can only be done at the conclusion of the year, providing that the parents and Mrs.
McCord together have determined that this is the right decision for the student. We hate to see
anyone decide not to continue in the band program. I encourage you all to keep your focus, as your
success will feel even greater as you work through the challenges!

Music Boosters

The Montmorency Music Booster Club is made up of the parents of students in the music program.

Goals:

 To help maintain interest in the various phases of the band program

 To lend moral and financial support to the program
 To cooperate with those in charge of the program
 To build and maintain an organization of parents which promotes the activities of the music
program.