Transcript Band Handbook II-B1 - Josephine Locke Elementary School

The Locke Band
Department
Handbook
2016-2017
Ken Van Lysebettens
Director
John Fitzpatrick – Principal
Deborah O’Brien-Asst. Principal
Maureen Komperda– Asst. Principal
Dr. Alixa Rodriguez-Asst Principal
Josephine Locke Elementary School
2828 N. Oak Park Ave. Chicago
The Locke Band
Handbook
Mission Statement
The Locke School Band Program is a school
instrumental program designed to afford our
students the opportunity to experience
themselves through music performance. In
discovering and developing their talents, they
discover the artistic and creative gifts within
them, improving their view of themselves, the
world and their future in it. In discovering
their musical talent, a child can discover the
voice within them and the mode for that voice
to be expressed in a constructive and creative
manner.
While involved in a variety of performance
opportunities and experiences, members are
exposed to standard band repertoire in various
styles. They are instructed in and perform
music designed to develop their skills on their
chosen instrument. Within the context of
lessons and performance, students learn the
proper techniques required to perform well on
their instrument whether in a solo or an
ensemble setting.
Notes
Rehearsals
Notes
The Locke Beginner Band rehearses every
Wednesday that school is in session from 2:45 to
4:15 P.M. Students must be on prompt in order
that we may set up, distribute materials and begin
rehearsing on time. Symphonic Band meets the
from 2:45 to 4:45 pm. on Thursdays. Semiprivate lessons (once per week) will be given
Monday thru Friday after school. Schedules
will be provided. Please check your schedule and
mark your calendars.
Members must attend all lessons and rehearsals.
Students absent from rehearsal due to illness,
prior notice with permission or family obligation
will be excused. Attendance otherwise will be
recorded in the attendance book by the Band
secretary and done so based on a point system.
Ten (10) points being the maximum number
possible, points will be deducted from the total
due to tardy arrival. No points will be awarded
for unexcused absence. Students need to bring
their instrument, music and a pencil for each
rehearsal. Students are expected to practice
their instrument at least 20 to 30 minutes
minimum daily, 40 minutes for Symphonic
band members. This is VITAL to the
advancement of their skills and ability to perform.
Performances
The Locke Bands will perform two formal concerts
per year, namely our annual December Holiday and
Spring Concerts. The Symphonic Band will also
perform in the Chicago Music Festival/Contest as we
seek a variety of experiences making this elementary
band program a truly unique opportunity for the
students. Some performances are held during school
hours, others are held during non-school hours.
Permission slips with a letter of explanation will be
sent home prior to each performance.
Based on accumulated points for rehearsal attendance
and practice record, students with the minimum
number of points will be eligible to participate in
performances. Those students who have not
accumulated the required minimum will be ineligible
to participate.
All students are responsible for being prepared for
Band rehearsals and performances. The greatest part
of being prepared for rehearsals and performances
involves practicing on a regular basis (6 days a week
minimum) at home and attending rehearsals. The
remaining part involves materials and being dressed
properly in uniform (next page).
Dear Parents,
We welcome you to The
Locke Band Program
and wish you a great
year! Hope to see you
regularly throughout
the year and don’t
hesitate to stop in for a
visit, ask questions or
just listen and ENJOY!
Best wishes,
Mr. Van
Fund-raisers
Throughout the year in the music program we
come across budget limitations that alone can
prevent us from providing our children with
opportunities for learning. With the time-tested
process of fundraising, we can jump those hurdles
and give our children more opportunities and
enriching experiences.
The Locke Bands will be conducting fund-raisers
to cover the cost of trips, music, etc. throughout
the year. Fundraising will be discussed at the
parent meeting.
Any assistance you can offer from direct
involvement with the process to helping your child
in his/her fundraising efforts will be greatly
appreciated.
Band Uniforms
Symphonic Band Boys and Girls:
BLACK TUX, Black dress shoes and black socks.
Black tux is on loan to band member during
concert season. Student must clean and return
their white tux shirt to their suit hanger following
performances. Students/parent are responsible for
care of tux and shirt in their possession.
Beginning Band Boys & Girls: Formal dress
attire (suits & ties, dresses, dress shoes)
NO T-SHIRTS, GYM SHOES OR JEANS. NO
JEWELRY. Please make sure uniforms are
clean and pressed.
Materials
Each member is responsible for the care and
maintenance of their instrument and the materials
given to them. Instruments should be cleaned as
instructed at least once a week. Instruments may
be placed carefully in the music office area
designated for them. However no instruments
should be left there after school is dismissed.
They should be taken home and PRACTICED!!!
All school owned instruments must be returned
following the spring concert unless written
permission has been given by Mr. Van. All rented
instruments are kept year-round unless student is
not participating any longer. The return of rented
instruments to Mr. Van is the responsibility of the
parent as well as the student.
Decorum
The members of The Locke Bands want to build a
reputation of being part of a highly regarded,
well-respected and talented music program. The
present members have been given the privilege to
perform as they represent not only The Locke
Band but the entire school here at Locke.
It is important that each student carries themselves
and regards others in a manner evident of this
privilege. Behavior in and out of rehearsals and
performances should speak to the awareness of
this privilege. Inappropriate behavior will effect a
student’s eligibility for participation in
performances.
Participation in the Band is a privilege and not
considered an excuse for not completing school
work except in the event a substantial homework
assignment(s) is given the day of a performance
and the student has no time to complete the
work. In such instances the homework teacher
and Mr. Van must be notified by the student. If a
student needs academic assistance, please notify
Mr. Van.
The Locke Fine Arts Banquet
The annual Locke Fine Arts Banquet is held
each year in June following the Spring Concert.
The Band members and their families members
are invited to dine together followed by an awards
ceremony with performances by alumni members.
A truly magical night for all of us! All students
receive awards for participation and selected
students receive special awards.
Booster Club Parent Volunteers
We are always looking for parent volunteers for
the trips, events and fundraisers throughout the
year. If you would like to help please sign up at
the parent meeting or call the school and leave a
message for Mr. Van that you are interested in
volunteering to be a chaperone or assist at events
such as the banquet and fund-raise. Also, please
touch base with our Band Booster Club President,
Mary Gonzales who will get you plugged in
Thank you for generously donating your time for
the sake of our children and the Fine Arts Music
Program here at Locke