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Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome back - there are many exciting changes happening in band this year! Our band students will have more opportunities, challenges, and fun as we continue to explore music together! Below, you will find useful information about our program. The 2009-10 school year will be filled with fantastic music, a variety of performances, and many opportunities for individual growth – be involved, have a good time, and make the most of your musical experiences!
Communication
I will do my very best to keep you informed of your child’s progress through email, phone calls, and progress reports. Email is the most effective way for me to communicate – I check it several times throughout the day. If you ever have a question or concern about your child’s involvement in band please contact me, Tony Cavagnetto, via email at tcavagnetto@rvschools.org , or by phone at (608)588-2556(W) or (608)546-4017(H).
Grading
Grades are compiled quarterly and are made up of three criteria:
* Lessons (50%) Lesson grades will be based on progress of each lesson and practice time.
Students are expected to practice 1 hour at home each week.
* Classroom (30%) Classroom grades will be based on daily participation and behavior.
* Performance (20%) Performance grades will be based on attendance at required performances.
Please remember that students are graded on participation and progress;
Classroom & Lesson Expectations
Students are expected to participate to the best of their ability in class. Each student has a band lesson once/week for 10 to 15 minutes which he/she is expected to attend. Due to special events, shortened weeks, illness, etc. only five lessons will be graded each quarter. Practice at home is extremely important for your child’s musical development and interest. Students who do not practice at home will fall behind others, become frustrated, and lose interest in band. Consequently, students are expected to practice their instruments a minimum of 1 hour/week at home and parents are encouraged to promote a regular practice routine. Aside from becoming a better musician, students may earn individual practice awards throughout the year and participation awards at the end of the year for their efforts.
Required Performances
All of our performances take place outside the school day so please note them on your calendars. Students will only be excused from our required performances for family emergencies, illness, and very important family events. A note or a phone call is required explaining their absence. Please inform me of non-emergency absences as far in advance as possible. I will excuse non-emergency absences only if I am notified 2 weeks prior to the performance and the student completes a specified assignment in lieu of the performance. Students will normally need to be at the middle school band room 30 minutes before the event for warm-up purposes. Parents, your presence at your child’s performances are very important – don’t miss these opportunities to celebrate their accomplishments!
Performance Apparel
Students are expected to ‘dress-up’ for concerts. Listed below are the concert dress requirements for each grade:
* 6th Grade Band students do not have a ‘uniform’ but are expected to ‘dress up’ for our concerts.
It is a formal event so blue jeans and t-shirts are discouraged.
* 7th Grade Band students will be in uniform for most performances. The uniform will consist of:
Black Dress Pants, Dark Shoes, and Uniform Shirt**($25.00).
* 8th Grade Band students will be in uniform for most performances. The uniform will consist of:
Black Dress Pants, Dark Shoes, and Uniform Shirt**($25.00).
** Our uniform shirts are the same as last year so most 8th graders already have this shirt. Also, anyone who was in the summer marching band already has this shirt. We will be using these many times throughout the year.
Band Fees
$25.00 (7th & 8th grade students only) - Please return to Mr. Cavagnetto by Friday, September 11th
Please make your check payable to: River Valley Schools
Instrument Maintenance and Supplies
Students are responsible for the cost of any repairs to their instruments. Excessive damage to school instruments will also be charged to the student. Damaged instruments can be sent to Ward-Brodt Music on Thursday afternoons with our rep, Dan Selz. Instruments are returned when completed, (usually a week), and your bill paid. Supplies such as lesson books, reeds, oil, etc., are delivered on Thursdays. All supplies must be paid for in advance.
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