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Franklin Symphonic Band - Winter Concert
Franklin Concert Band - Winter Concert
- Course Description
- Course Expectations And Social Conduct
- The Bands At Franklin
- Auditions
- After School Rehearsal Attendance
- Concert Attendance
- Dress Code For All Performances
- Private Teachers
- Practice Time
Music is a personal, social and artistic media evolved by humans in their eternal quest for self-expression. It is important, as a part of their general education, that students learn to appreciate, to understand, to create, and to critically evaluate this product of the mind, which gives dignity to the individual and exalts the spirit of humankind
Why Study Instrumental Music?
There are good reasons for studying instrumental music. A few of the key advantages are:
- The student will develop an understanding and appreciation of music.
- The student will develop the ability to work as a member of a team.
- The student will develop poise and personality through solo and ensemble experience and will develop emotionally and socially.
- The student will develop the ability to work as a member of a team.
- The student will develop coordination, rhythm and grace from the instrumental music experience.
- The student will learn to enjoy music and gain a fulfilling lifetime leisure pursuit.
- The student will become part of a school program with vocational possibilities.
The Benjamin Franklin Middle School Band Program is designed to sequentially develop ensemble skills paralleling the proficiency levels listed in the Fairfax County Public Schools' Program of Studies (POS). Limited Performance opportunity will be provided.
Objectives
The Franklin Middle School Band Program will strive to:
- Demonstrate an awareness of ensemble intonation within the ranges and dynamic level achievable by the ensemble as a whole, and to increase students' awareness of the intonation characteristics of the students particular instrument.
- Demonstrate an acceptable balance and blend within sections and between sections within the ranges and dynamic levels achievable by the ensemble, while working for the continuing development of individual proficiency.
- Develop an awareness of the dignity and work of all participating members.
- Play musical literature within the capabilities of each ensemble, yet provide motivation and variety.
- Develop awareness within the total ensemble of the relationship between instrumental maintenance and learning capabilities.
- Develop, in the students, the ability to work effectively through - acquisition of such traits as industry, cooperation, persistence and enthusiasm for growth.
Course Expectations And Social Conduct
- Students are required to attend all group performances. For your convenience, a schedule of events will be available. Please mark these dates on your calendar.
- The student must understand that learning his or her part is an individual responsibility, but one that is necessary to the success of the group as a whole.
- Members, at all times, will be held responsible to conduct themselves in a manner that becomes them and the organization of which they are members. (Students will not attend band trips if classroom behavior becomes an issue.)
- A member, at all times, will be excepted to show proper respect for the director, substitute teacher, guest instructor, and visiting parents.
- Students are responsible for having their music, instruments, and all necessary accessories (such as reeds, valve oil, etc.) at all rehearsals.
- Students must be cooperative, courteous and helpful to other members of their section and to the other members of the band.
- Section leaders have the additional responsibility of earning the respect of their section members.
- Students will not be permitted to have food, bum or candy in the band room during class. Toys, comic books, etc., are also prohibited.
- Students must properly mark their instrument cases with their names and addresses.
There are five classes at Franklin Middle School. They are as follows:
- Beginning Band
- Cadet Band
- Percussion Class
- Concert Band Silver And Gold
- Symphonic Band
Beginning Band:
This class offers fundamental training experience to beginning brass and woodwind students who have little or no musical knowledge and who have no previous instruction.
Cadet Band:
This class is designed for students who have had some limited musical instruction and who would like to improve their skills in preparation for a higher level class. Depending on the progress of the Cadet Bands as a whole, the entire class may be incorporated into the Concert Band.
Percussion Class:
This class is designed to develop students tempo, rhythm, form and technique. The class will improve the musical talents of percussion students for all levels of ability. All beginning students who are interested in learning to play a percussion instrument are encouraged to sign up to this class. All percussion students who are able to independently perform easy material will rehearse and perform with the Cadet and Concert Bands.
Concert Band:
This class is designed for students who have played for at least one year, and who can independently grasp their own part in simple grade level two and three music. This class continues the development of music fundamentals and instrument proficiency, and provides basic ensemble training. The Concert Band will perform several times during the year and students will participate in the Virginia Band & Orchestra Director's Association Activities, annually held in February or March.
Symphonic Band:
The Symphonic Band is the highest level-performing group. It represents Franklin Middle School in numerous concerts, contests and festivals during the year. Students in this organization must have a command of scales, be familiar with sight-reading, and be able to perform grade four level music. Selection for placement in this band is based on the student's playing ability and his or her sense of self-discipline and responsibility. The Symphonic Band has a special dress code for all performances. (See Dress Code)
Auditions
Auditions For Concert Band:
Students must know the following:
- 3 sharp scales: G, D, & A
- 3 flat scales: F, B flat, & E flat
- Chromatic Scale for the range of the instrument
Auditions For Symphonic Band:
Students must know the following:
- 4 sharp scales: G, D, A, & E
- 4 flat scales: F, B flat, E flat, & A flat
- Chromatic Scale for the range of the instrument
Any student who can not perform the above, will be moved to a lower band.
After School Rehearsal Attendance
Cadet Or Concert Band:
After-school rehearsal will be held on Wednesdays, beginning six 'school' Wednesdays before each scheduled performance. Students may miss one rehearsal without penalty. Subsequent absences will require a written explanation from home. A schedule of rehearsals will be posted in the band room.
Symphonic Band
Weekly sectional rehearsals may be scheduled in an effort to provide more individualized instruction. These sectionals, set for one day each week, may begin in October and continue throughout the school year, with brief recess the last three weeks in March. Woodwinds will meet every Monday. Brass and percussion will meet on Wednesday. Students will be dismissed in time to take the late bus home. Sectional rehearsals are necessary for the growth and development of the individual student and the success of the band as a whole. The student should make every effort to attend these rehearsals and to organize his or her schedule accordingly. Students may miss one rehearsal a month, if necessary (although they are encouraged to attend all rehearsals it possible). A written note from home must explain all other absences.
Students will be dismissed in time to take the late bus home.
As stated under "COURSE EXPECTATIONS AND SOCIAL CONDUCT," professional performance is the ultimate goal of any band. Therefore, attendance is required at each performance. Here are some excuses which are NOT considered valid:
- "I forgot."
- "I had to baby-sit."
- "I had a youth club soccer game."
- "I didn't have a ride."
- "My uniform wasn't ready."
- "I did not know this concert was on the calendar."
Dress Code For All Performances
Symphonic Band
Girls-will wear black skirts (must be approximately two inches below the knees); white long-sleeved blouses with a dress collar; dark shoes and neutral hose. Cummerbunds and bow ties will be provided.
Boys-will wear black pants; white long-sleeved shirts with a dress collar; dark shoes; black socks. Cummerbunds and bow ties will be provided.
Concert And Cadet Band
Girls-will wear the blue school *band shirt; black slacks (no blue jeans, please); dark shoes and dark socks.
Boys-will wear the blue school *band shirt; black pants, (no blue jeans, please); dark shoes and dark socks.
*Band Shirts: The Franklin Middle School Band Staff has designed a uniform blue polo shirt for all students participating In the band program. Students will purchase these shirts In September to wear for concerts, travel, and designated school functions throughout the year.
A "shopping" list of private teachers will be posted for all instruments.
STUDENTS OF ALL LEVELS OF ABILITY ARE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENHANCE THEIR INDIVIDUAL SKILLS THROUGH PRIVATE LESSONS.
Parents can greatly encourage home practice by arranging a regular practice time for their children and allowing nothing to interfere with that special time. Parents who show a sincere interest in their child's progress will have a strong positive influence on the development of that child's home practice habits. Students should practice an average of 30 minutes per day. Periodically, Mr. Walker will audition the student on the music in his or her folder. If the student does not pass the audition on their performance, they will be moved down one seat
ANY STUDENT NOT ABLE TO MUSICALLY PLAY THEIR PART, WILL NOT PERFORM WITH THEIR GROUP.
Hershey/Busch Gardens Points:
Students are given 25 Hershey/Busch Gardens Points in September. One point will be deducted each time a practice schedule is not turned in. Students must have a minimum of one Hershey/Busch Gardens point to attend the spring trip. Students will not attend the trip with Zero Hershey/Busch Hardens points.
Periodically, Mr. Walker will test the students on the music in his or her folder. most music test will be performed in front of a video camera. if the student does not perform well on the audition test, they could be moved down one seat.
Junior All Regional Band- District XII
Students from the Middle School Bands in District XII will audition for chair positions during the month of January. The selected ensemble will rehearse under a guest conductor during the first weekend in February, followed by a Sunday afternoon concert.
District XII will feature three All Regional Bands:
Junior All Regional Band (Grade (7-8)Workshop All Regional Band (Grade 9-12)
Senior All Regional Band (Grade 9-12)District Band Festival
Band Festival for District XII is held during the month of March. The performance consists of three compositions chosen from the VBODA Manual and a warm-up march.
The Festival provides the students with an opportunity to strive for the highest musical achievement, to receive constructive evaluation of the ensemble performance, and to hear bands from other schools in our area. The Franklin Middle School Symphonic Band participates in this event, and when instrumentation permits, the Concert Band will perform.
Solo And Ensemble Festival
During the month of April, individual students and small ensemble (duets, trios, etc.) perform for a qualified adjudicator. Selections for the event are chosen from the VBODA Manual. All students are encouraged to participate in this event. Many area music stores have a current list of solo and ensemble material.
The Festival provides students with and opportunity to prepare and perform the finest solo or ensemble literature and receive constructive evaluation of their performance.
Requirements For Participating In Solo And Ensembles
- All students participating must pay an entry fee.
- Students must be members of a school instrumental band program.
NOTE: Music literature is available for students at any level of ability from beginner to advanced.
Most students are expected to provide their own instruments. Various instrument rental an/or purchase plans are available through local music stores. A few of the larger or more expensive instruments (such as oboes, bassoons, tenor and baritone saxophone, French horns, baritones, tubas, base and alto clarinets) are available for rent through the school from Fairfax County. All students are expected to have their instruments in proper operating condition at all times, and to have on hand all necessary accessories (such as reeds, valve oil, cleaning swabs, cork grease, slide oil, etc.) Please label all cases with student's name and telephone number.
Percussion students, regardless of class level or ability, must pay a maintenance fee each year for the following percussion instruments: bells, snare drums, bass drum, timpani, and mallets. Percussion instruments provided by Franklin Middle school are used by students in all classes and are subject to constant wear and tear. Mr. Walker, as needed, will provide information regarding maintenance forms and fees.
Repair of county-owned instruments will be handled by the school/county instrumental repair service, if damage is due to normal wear or an accident. However, students will be responsible for the cost and repair of any county or privately owned instrument if the damage is a result of a willful act against the instrument.
Changing Instruments During The Year
At times, a student may wish to change instruments either at the request of the Director of from personal desire. Most of these changes are very easy. At times, clarinet players are asked to change to the bass of alto clarinet Cornet or trumpet players may wish to switch to a baritone. In most cases, an instrument change would give a student the opportunity to move to a higher level of band.
Changing Band Class Level During The Year
During the school year, a student may move up from one instrumental class level to another under the following conditions:
- The student's musical playing ability has improved.
- The band director gives his recommendation for the change.
- The parent gives permission for the change.
- A class schedule change is made with few disruptions to the student's current arrangement of other classes.
The band department is involved in many activities and events throughout the year such as festivals, trips, and school concerts that require volunteer assistance from the parents. Any parent interested in assisting the band in its activities should contact Mr. Walker by calling the band office at 904-5145
Franklin Band Boosters will offer a band camp during the summer. The camp will begin during the month of June and end during July. Students interested in this summer program will have the opportunity to broaden their experience in the following areas:
- Artistic enrichment and music appreciation
- Advancement of playing skills and techniques
- Instruction from multiple directors
- Beginning classes
- Percussion classes
- Learning to play a different instrument (optional) Sectional rehearsals
- Full band rehearsals (advanced, intermediate, beginners)
- Concert performance
- Fun, fellowship and teamwork!
Note: Flyers of information regarding dates, times, registration and tuition for Summer Band Camp will be provided by Mr. Walker in February or March.
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