Information about Lessons

Each band member will receive a 25-30 minute group lesson each week at the member's school. These music lessons are during the school day. Band members should arrange for a classmate or a friend to help them keep track of class work that they miss. It is important that students make up missed work promptly.

Information about Rehearsals

Our before-school rehearsals take place at AGS and JBN schools. Parents are asked to drop off their children at the designated school between 7:35-7:45am so that the students are in their seats and ready play when rehearsal begins at 7:50am.

Storm, Gustafson, and McWayne students comprise the Batavia Red Fifth Grade Band. These students will rehearse at AGS every WEDNESDAY from 7:50-8:40am. At 8:45am, the Storm and McWayne students will board a bus to return to their home school so they may begin class at the scheduled time.

Louise White, Hoover-Wood, and JB Nelson students comprise the Batavia Gold Fifth Grade Band. These students will rehearse at JBN every THURSDAY from 7:50-8:40am. At 8:45, the Hoover-Wood and Louise White students will board a bus to return to their home school so they may begin class at the scheduled time.

THE CONTINUED SUCCESS OF BATAVIA'S MUSIC ENSEMBLES IS DEPENDANT ON ALL FOUR ELEMENTS OF OUR PROGRAM:

LESSONS

HOME PRACTICE

FULL BAND PRACTICE

PERFORMANCES

Students should realize that attendance at rehearsals, lessons, and performances is mandatory! Band members should attend their lesson or rehearsal even if they forget their instrument on a given day or have injured themselves (Broken finger etc.). This will enable them to keep up with what we are doing and get their assignment for our next meeting. If your child is ill and must miss a rehearsal, please send a note along with your child to the next lesson or rehearsal so that his/her absence can be excused.

Information about Daily Practice

Band members are expected to practice between 25-35 minutes every day. 140 minutes per week is a good norm. It is suggested that each student set aside a specific time for daily practice. This makes it easier to remember and becomes part of their daily routine.

Much of the students' practice time should be spent on the assigned material in their band lesson book. They can, however, spend time playing band music, technical studies, and fun songs. The students have a variety of materials to help make their practice time both productive and pleasant. Please encourage your child to perform for the family on occasion or to tape record him/herself. In addition, you can find collections of popular, holiday, and show music at most music stores. All band students have the Accent on Achievement Book 1 lesson book. This book comes with an accompaniment CD that can be played on a computer or a CD player. All band members also have the First Solo Songbook. There is an accompaniment tape available which would make a great gift around December when the students have a little more technical facility.

Information about Practice Records

Fifth grade band students receive an "Assignment and Practice Record" at every band lesson (sometimes a whole month may be on a double-sided sheet). The students are asked to write down the assignment and the number of minutes practiced that week. The directors add comments that you may wish to review. We ask that you sign the practice record each week!

Every band member has a folder for his/her books, pencil, sheet music, and practice records. When students consistently forget their materials it causes concern that they may not be practicing regularly. Please check your child's music folder weekly.

Information about Semester Grades for Band

Participation in the band program is an elective music class that takes place both during and outside of the school day. Students will receive a report card for band at the end of each semester. Grades are based on two main considerations.

1. Their Understanding of the elements and principles of music.

2. Their ability to perform and create using the elements and principles of music.

In fifth grade band, these elements include: proper tone production, use of dynamic markings, combinations of blend and balance, correct time values for notes and rests, use of 4/4, 2/4, 3/4 time, following conducting paterns, fingerings and note names for the beginning six notes, fingerings and note names for extended ranges up and down, rolls, flams, and paradiddles or percussion, basic forms including repeats, 1st/2nd endings, Da Capo, rehearsal markings, proper posture-breathing-hand positions, correct articulation, and phrasing, appropriate decorum as performers and audience members, Bb, Eb, F scales.

The application of appropriate learning behaviors affects all of their classwork-including music. Key for instrumental music study are: EFFORT (this is determined primarily by the weekly practice records that are filled out by the students and signed by the parents) and Attendance at lessons, rehearsals, and performances. Parents are encouraged to keep informed of their child's ongoing progress by reviewing their weekly practice records.

Information about Materials in Band

Band members should bring their instrument, music books, pencil, and other materials to all lessons and rehearsals. It is advisable to keep a supply of reeds, oil, etc. in the instrument case. There is a limited selection of supplies available for purchase at school.

Students looking to purchase supplies may also order from Ellman's Music Center.

Students will use the following books as they progress from beginning band to becoming a middle school band member:

Batavia Band Packet (Szsotek)

Accent on Achievement Book 1

First Solo Songbook

Additional Information about Fifth Grade Bands and the BPS Band Program

Private lessons are strongly encouraged for your child. We can provide a list of professional teachers as well as exceptional high school students who can also offer worthwhile lessons.

Students who use some of the larger school-owned instruments will be asked to share in any repair costs that may be necessary.

It is important that band members attend all performances. These are the major "perk" after all the students' hard work. Please mark the dates on your family calendar so that conflicts can be avoided.

The Music Buffs is a district-wide music booster organization. They provide invaluable support to ourmusic program at all levels. It is their goal to aid your child's musical education. Please give them your support.

The Batavia music programs have a long tradition of excellence. Today's first-year band students have the opportunity to grow into this rich tradition. They will experience the personal satisfaction that can be earned through their own musical efforts.