Welcome to the Bellingham Memorial Middle School Band Program! The following guide has been written to inspire your playing, and provide you with the basic information needed for success in the band program.
MUSICIANSHIP
Your musicianship can develop only through practice. No doubt you have heard the saying ‘Practice Makes Perfect’. Although this saying holds a very important truth, it also contains a major loophole! Practice will only make perfect if the practice itself is perfect. In other words, how you practice is just as important as what you practice. Instead, think ‘Practice Makes Permanent.’ Use this guide to help you.
HOW TO PRACTICE
1. Practice daily for progress and results.
Set up a consistent practice space. Use a music stand, and metronome, and a recorder to listen to how you sound. Schedule a regular practice time if possible.
2. Assemble the instrument carefully and lubricate regularly.
3. Warm-Up (both the instrument and yourself)
Play in the middle register of your instrument, mezzo-forte, and gradually extend the register and dynamic levels as your lips, embouchure, and body begin to respond with agility and flexibility.
4. Strengthen your embouchure by playing l-o-n-g t-o-n-e-s.
Listen and play in tune with good tone quality, practice all dynamic levels.
5. Limber the fingers by playing scales and exercises.
Practice slowly at first, increasing the speed only after the patterns can be played evenly.
6. Practice the assigned lesson or music parts.
When unable to play a particular phrase or group of notes, STOP. Make an Exercise out of the difficult part. Practice it slowly at first, and then gradually build up to the proper speed.
7. Practice for results-not just a length of time!
Focused time spent on your instrument is very similar to focused attention on physical exercise. You can save yourself a million mindless repetitions if you work intelligently.
8. Clean and disassemble your instrument.
After a practice session is over, dry the inside of woodwinds and drain the moisture from brass instruments. Then wipe off the inside and outside of the instrument. Carefully return the instrument to its case. To avoid damage: do not keep stands, mutes, music, or other objects in the case unless a place is provided for them.
Remember, if you are not sure you are practicing effectively or need help fixing a particular problem, I will be more than happy to help you. Every effort you put forth to improve your musicianship should make you personally proud!
REHEARSALS
The goal of all rehearsals is to develop musicianship and attain artistry as an ensemble. Ensemble musicianship cannot be developed until each individual band member is comfortable with his/her part. Band members should come to rehearsals with their part prepared, so that the balance, blend, intonation, and tone of the ensemble can be the focus of the rehearsal. Below, you will find basic rehearsal expectations for all school ensembles.
REHEARSAL EXPECTATIONS
- Each musician should be in their seat, ready to play prior to the downbeat. Allow for warm-up time.
- Arrange music in the rehearsal order indicated on the whiteboard. Always have a pencil on your music stand.
- The success of the ensemble rests upon your self-discipline. Please do not talk when the director is on the podium, or when the director or another musician is talking. Raise your hand when you have a question.
- Play only when asked to do so; otherwise listen attentively – chances are you’ll hear something important being said or can learn from what others are playing.
- Sit on the front half of your chair with proper posture.
- Please keep the band room neat and clean. This means throw trash away, and recycle paper.
- Display respect for fellow musicians and the director.
What to Bring to Lessons and Band:
- Pencil
- Instrument and associated accessories (reeds, valve oil, mallets, etc.)
- All Band Music
- Fifth Grade only: Essential Elements 2000 book, music folder (will be provided)
- Sixth Grade only: Essential Elements 2000 book, 1/2” or 1” binder
- Seventh and Eighth Grade only: 1/2” or 1” binder
PERFORMANCES
There is nothing quite like the experience of an inspired performance. For most professional musicians, it was just such an experience at a young age which caused them to pursue a lifetime of music making in the first place. As your band director, it is my goal to guide you in the creation of your own inspired performances. I hope that our concerts will make memories that you will remember for the rest of your life, whether you go on to become a professional musician, doctor, teacher, athlete, etc.
In order for us to make the most of our performances, it is crucial for each member of the band to attend the concert. Each individual person’s part contributes equally to the whole. Occasionally, you may experience a situation in which another activity conflicts with a band performance. If this situation occurs, it is important that you notify the director as soon as possible. The earlier the notification the more likely a solution may be found. Middle school students need to remember that concert participation is a large part of their final grade.
CONCERT ATTIRE
In order to produce a professional appearance, you are asked to wear the following to all performances:
Girls: White blouse, black pants/skirt (below the knees when sitting), black shoes
Boys: White dress shirt, black pants, black shoes and socks
It is important to remember that concert attire should feel comfortable, as well as, look professional. It is impossible to concentrate 100% on your performance if your clothing prevents you from sitting or standing in the way needed to play your instrument. An audience attends a concert to hear the music, not to see the latest fashions.
CONCERT ETIQUETTE GUIDELINES
Please respect the following guidelines when attending a concert:
1. Enter a concert hall before the performance or between entire works. Never enter or exit after the music has started.
2. Applaud at the end of a work – not between movements.
3. Applaud enthusiastically, but, please NO hooting or hollering.
4. Please withhold all conversation until after the music has stopped.
5. Refrain from taking pictures, texting, etc while the musicians are performing. Listen!
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF YOUR INSTRUMENT
Proper care and maintenance of your instrument will enhance your performance and will limit the number of trips your instrument will take to the repair shop. Following the guidelines below will help you to keep your instrument in good shape.
Care and Maintenance Checklist
- Assemble/Disassemble your instrument following proper guidelines.
- When possible, clean your hands and brush your teeth before playing.
- Keep your mouthpiece clean!
- Do not store books or music inside the instrument case unless you have a compartment for
these items. - Keep the instrument in the case when you are not using it.
- Repairs should be made by a qualified repair person.
- Write you instrument’s serial number in a safe place.
- Clearly label your instrument case with your name, address, and telephone number.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Middle school musicians are encouraged to take private lessons. Please ask your band director to provide you with a list of contacts. Information is also available on the Music Department Website (www.bellinghammusic.org).