1. Be on time!
The quicker we can get set up and ready, the more time there will be to play during class. Students will have three minutes from the beginning of the class period to be ready for rehearsal to begin. Being ready to play includes having all materials (music binder, method book, pencil, instrument, and instrument materials) out and put together.

2. Do not run in the band room.
Running and goofing around can cause damage to instruments and/or students in the band room. Take care of yourself and your responsibilities when you enter and exit the band room! You will have time in order to get ready and pack up at the end of the class period.

3. Do not play an instrument that is not yours.
Instruments are expensive! If you damage another student’s instrument, you will be financially responsible.

4. When a director is talking, please do not talk your peers unless instructed.
Our time is extremely valuable together. The less time the director talks, the more time we can play. Follow instructions the first time they are given.

5. When we are not playing together, do not play yourself.
Playing out of turn is disrespectful to other students who are wanting to learn. Please DO practice at home, not during band class!

6. Raise your hand and wait to be called on to speak.
There are too many students in the band room to be shouting out comments and answers all at once!

7. Please no gum, food, or drink (except water) in the band room.
Let’s respect our facilities and our incredible custodial staff!

8. Check Canvas regularly!
Announcements, resources, assignments, and more will frequently be updated on the Canvas page. Information will be shared during class time as well as on the Canvas course. Please do not miss out on important information!

9. Be kind and respectful to all classmates.
Students are expected to contribute to the classroom’s collective and collaborative environment in a positive way. This requires a safe and healthy environment. Any language that demeans another will not be tolerated.

I forgot my instrument? – Students will need to fill out the “Rehearsal Detective” activity sheet during class time in order to receive their participation point for the class period.

I do not have a playable reed? – Students can purchase a reed before class time begins. Clarinet and saxophone reeds are $3.

I forgot my music? – Students can check with Miss Thomas if there is a method book available to borrow during class time. Students can check Canvas to see if their music is uploaded to their course and will need to read off their Chromebook for the class period.

My instrument does not seem to be working? – If a student notices before class time that something is wrong with their instrument, a director can try before class begins to fix the instrument. If there is not time before or during class to fix the instrument, the student will need to “airing fingers,” along in order to receive their participation point, and will need to give their instrument to Miss Thomas at the end of class.

1. Participation
Students will earn a participation point each day by abiding by the band expectations, for a maximum of 5 points per week. If a student fails to meet a band expectation, the student will receive a verbal warning. If the behavior continues to occur, the student will lose their participation point for the day. Parents will be emailed or called if consistent misbehavior occurs.

2. Playing Quizzes
At least once per quarter, students will play a short excerpt from their band repertoire for the instructor that teaches their sectional rehearsal (Miss Thomas or Mr. Hinshaw). Students will be graded on their performance of this excerpt with an extensive rubric, focusing on musical elements such as expression, dynamics, and pitch accuracy.

3. Concert Attendance
The music department at Lewis Cass Jr/Sr High School presents four concerts each year on which the junior high bands are featured. Therefore, each concert is required by students to attend. Some academic quarters will have a concert within it, and some will not. Concert attendance is mandatory. Students will only be excused for reasons that one would be excused from a normal school day for. Please provide a note or email for the student’s absence. If no communication is made, or if the absence is not excused per the rules of the school student handbook, the student will receive 0 points for that concert.

4. Assignments (including eLearning)
All band activities that are individually completed will fit into this category. eLearning assignments will be completed at home and will relate to theoretical concepts developed in class.

5. Progress and Improvement
While all junior high bands will improve every rehearsal, every quarter students will be assessed by the avenues and amount by which they improved during that quarter. This rubric will contain categories such as rehearsal etiquette, embouchure, posture, and others.

Percentage of final grade:

30% - Participation
25% - Playing Quizzes
20% - Concert Attendance
15% - Theory Thursday and eLearning
10% - Progress and Improvement

Beginning Band, Cadet Band, and Honor Band

White concert shirt
*Shirts will be kept at school between concerts on hangers (to ensure they remain in good shape), and at the completion of the student’s last eighth grade concert, the shirt may be taken home.

Black dress pants (provided by student)

Black dress shoes or black flats (provided by student)