Policies of the
Rochester Elementary Band Program

Before choosing to play an instrument, please consider the following:

Playing an instrument, like many things done in school, is a discipline that can be very enjoyable, but usually it takes time, parental assistance and a good effort to get to the point where an instrument is more fun than work. Each student should consider with a parent his or her schedule throughout the year.  Each parent and student should then look at the band calendar and figure out how practice time, rehearsals and concerts will fit in to that schedule before deciding to play an instrument. In light of all the activities that happen during the year, you must talk to your child before making the big commitment to play an instrument.

Objectives of the Elementary Band Program

A. The students will develop an appreciation and enjoyment of music through the band instrument medium.
B. The students will learn high levels of self-discipline, responsibility, cooperation and teamwork.
C. The students will develop musical ensemble skills as they work to achieve high standards of excellence through quality performances.
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Lessons and Band Rehearsals

There are two parts to the elementary band program:
 
A. Lessons: The goal of lessons is to develop the band students' individual musical skills such as proper sense of tone, rhythm, pitch, articulation, etc. Lessons are during the school day and are free.

B. Band Rehearsals: The goal of band rehearsals is to develop ensemble skills such as balance, intonation, following and watching the conductor and other skills.


NOTE: Both lessons and band rehearsals are essential to developing a well-rounded young musician.

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Responsibilities of the Parents

A. A Supportive Environment:
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Responsibilities of the Student

Remember
D. R. U. M. S. !
  1. Daily practice of assigned material!
  2. Remembering the instrument and music on lesson day!
  3. Showing Up for the lesson on time.
  4. Making up all class work that was missed during the lesson.
  5. Safety of all instrument before, during and after school.
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Music Lessons

  1. Music lessons are free and are only given to 4th and 5th graders. Music lessons are given on only the traditional BAND instruments. (i.e. trumpet, trombone, etc.)
  2. Lessons are given during the school day and are one half hour long. Students must make up the work that they missed in class for that one half hour. Failure to do so will put that student's future in the band program in jeopardy.
  3. Students are to be prepared for their lesson by having practiced the week prior to lessons. They should have their instrument, music and their practice journal signed and filled out properly for the day of their lesson. Constant non-practice will result in a warning and then a dismissal from the program.
  4. Termination of lessons can result from students neglecting any of the responsibilities mentioned in "Students' Responsibilities".
  5. Practice: Starting at the end of the first month of playing students are expected to practice 5 days a week at 30 minutes per day.If more than 2 days are missed then that time should be made up. Every student has a practice journal located inside the front cover of their book that should always be kept up to date and signed weekly by a parent before being presented at lessons to their instructor.
  6. Special Note to Percussion Students: Percussion students learn rhythmic and melodic elements of percussion therefore they must have a pad (or snare drum) with beginning sticks AND a bell set with proper mallets. A percussion kit will be available at the open house that contains both of these items.
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Grading and Evaluation

Each student will be given a quarterly progress report to take home to a parent. Students will be graded on attitude, effort in lessons, home practice, responsibility (see "Student Responsibilities") and knowledge of the material taught.  Parents should look for this report, which usually comes out shortly after their regular report cards. back to top of page

After-School Band Rehearsals

Band rehearsals, mentioned earlier, play an important part in the growth of a young musician.  We strongly recommend each band member participate in the after-school band program.
  1. Beginning Band rehearsals are city wide encompassing all elementary schools in Rochester and are held after school every Tuesday from 4 PM to 5 PM. Please consult the calendar of events for the exact date of each rehearsal.
  2. Advanced Band rehearsals are city wide encompassing all elementary schools in Rochester and are held after school mostly on every Thursday from 4 PM to 5 PM. Please consult the calendar of events for the exact date of each rehearsal.
  3. The rehearsals are held at the Rochester Middle School in the band room located in the rear of the building. Rehearsals are held there because of the room size and availability of needed equipment.
  4. Both Beginning Band and Advanced Band practices will continue until the date of the final Spring Concert. There are no rehearsals during school vacations. See the calendar of events for specifics.
  5. Carpooling is highly recommended for transportation to and from rehearsals whenever possible, especially for beginning band rehearsals.
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Communicating with Band Directors

It is not always easy to get to the phone at school. The best ways to communicate to the band director are as follows:
 
1) By email: Mike Bergeron: bergeron.m.@rochesterschools.com, Melissa Smith: smith.m@rochesterschools.com

2) Calling your child's school to talk or to leave a message in which case we would get back to you as soon as possible.

3) By meeting after an after-school band rehearsal.
 

Also, please use this web site as a resource for you. Many questions can be answered right here!
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