RedDevilBandandChoir

GERMANTOWN MIDDLE SCHOOL
MIGHTY RED DEVIL BAND
HANDBOOK
2007 – 2008

Welcome  to GMS.  Welcome to the Mighty Red Devil Band.  I’m thrilled and excited that you have chosen to be a part of the Mighty Red Devil Band.  Ninety percent of students participating in a performing musical ensemble throughout high school go on to  graduate from college!!!  Band also offers intrinsic rewards, teaches group cooperation, instills a positive sense of self-worth and is an invaluable preparation for life.  Instrumental music education provides opportunities for all of that while students are learning to play an instrument!!!

Band probably requires more time outside the school day from more students than any other school activity.  Band members are also the students who are most often the high achievers, learn how to manage time, found on the school Academic and Citizenship Honor Rolls, and who grow into well-adjusted young adults.  It is also true that few, if any, other activities are more richly rewarding in terms of good fellowship, helpful recreation, and the satisfaction which can come only from a job well done.

This handbook is for Germantown Middle School Band members and their parents with the hope of giving information regarding the various phases, activities, policies, and regulations of the instrumental music program.  All band members and parents are urged to read the entire handbook carefully at the beginning of each school year.  The ultimate goal of the following policies, guidelines and rules are to help create a successful young musician, and thus, a great band program.

FOCUS OF INSTRUCTION

Instruction in band classes will focus on the following band skills:
Sixth Grade Band:  Reading music, correct tone production, correct playing posture and hand positions, care of the instrument, development of instrumental technique, and readiness for the ensemble performance.
Seventh and Eighth Grade Band:  Continued development of music reading, continued development of individual instrument technique, group performance of concert band literature, group performance of marching band literature, and marching band skills.

CLASSROOM RULES

1.  Be prompt – Be in assigned seat when class begins.
2.  Be prepared – Bring all equipment needed for class:  music, reeds, oils, etc.
3.  Be polite – Demonstrate respect for all members of the class.
4.  Participate and follow directions the first time they are given.

REWARDS

1.  Special recognition and verbal praise
2.  Notes and calls home
3.  Happy Notes
4.  Additional privileges and responsibilities

GRADING PROCEDURE

We will again use the same grading system as last year in band this year.  Students will receive an A, B, C, D, or F again in band this year.  Conduct grades will also be given.   Every student starts each class period with an A or 100.  There will be 18 total grades each nine weeks.

It is up to the student to keep their A or 100.
A = 93 – 100
B = 85 – 92
C = 75 – 84
D = 70 – 74
F = 69 or below

The student can lose their A for the day in band in several ways.
-20 points for being late to class
-20 points for not participating
-20 points for not playing their assignments
-20 points for not being prepared

The student can gain points on their grade in several ways.
Each plus (+) equals 5 points up to 10 points per class.

Students can gain a plus in class for outstanding work throughout the school year and
can gain a plus for any 5 or a combination of 5 of the following items:
5 hours of practice
5 programs
5 concerts
5 after school rehearsals
(students need to turn in a note and place it in the box)

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CONDUCT GRADES

Students will be given conduct grades in band.  Conduct grades will be given according to how many marks they accumulate during the nine weeks.  0 – 1 mark equals an E, 2 to 3 marks equals an S, 4 to 5 marks equals an N and 6 or more marks equals a U.
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PRACTICE SHEETS

All band members should practice no less than 70 minutes a week during the first semester for their grade in band.  Second semester, all band members should practice no less than 90 minutes a week.  This is a part of your child’s grade.  All band students are to keep a record of daily individual practice.  Practicing is homework and you will never get as good as you can be without practice.  This practice sheet is to be signed weekly by a parent or guardian.  Turn in a practice time sheet each week or, parents, email your child’s practice times to Mr. Lane instead of sending a note.  Practice sheets are found on the shelf in the bandroom or make your own and turn it in each week in the box on Mr. Lane or Ms. Ward’s desk.    Make practicing fun.   Remember, you only have to practice on days that you eat.
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BAND FEES

There will be a band activity fee this year for each band member.  There will be a $145 fee for all 7th and 8th Grade Band members.  There will be a $75 fee for all 6th grade band members.    This fee will pay for transportation costs, instrument repairs, music, awards, clinicians, contest registration fees, solo and ensemble fees, summer  band camp,  band
t-shirts, band method books, etc.  Please pay this fee no later than Monday, September 10th.  This fee does not include the Six Flags trip.

All percussion members must also purchase a drumstick kit for $75.  This kit will include a drumstick bag, two pair of drumsticks, one pair of bass drum mallets, and one pair of xylophone mallets.  If you already have a bag and the required sticks there is no reason to purchase a new one.

There will be a colorguard activity fee of $125.  This fee will include poles, flags, uniforms owned by the school and instruction.  Each colorguard member is also responsible for purchasing band shoes to match those in the band as chosen by the band director (approximately $25).

Majorettes must pay an activity fee of $100.  The student is also responsible for the cost of their uniform and shoes as chosen by the majorette director and band director.  Both the uniform and shoes are kept by the majorettes at the end of the year.

For students participating in more than one group with the band and choir program, they must pay the full activity fee for the first group and one half of the activity fee for the second group.  For example:  Band and Colorguard ($145 + $63).  Colorguard and Choir ($125 + $38).
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BAND METHOD BOOKS

We will be using the Standard of Excellence Enhanced Book as part of our class this year.  The cost of these books is included in the band fee.  Books will be passed out to your child as soon as they pay their band fee.  The Eighth Grade Band members will use Standard of Excellence Enhanced Book 3.  The Seventh Grade Band members will use Standard of Excellence Enhanced Book 2 and the Sixth Grade Band members will use Standard of Excellence Enhanced Book 1.

REQUIRED BAND SUPPLIES

All woodwind instruments:  reeds -  medium 2 or 2 and a half.  Rico or Vandoren (best).  You must have at least three in good playing condition at all times.  I suggest to go ahead and buy a box.  Do not leave your box of reeds in your case.  They will disappear.  You will also need cork grease, handkerchief or drop swab, and appropriate cleaning brushes.

All brass instruments will need valve oil (preferably Al Cass), a mouthpiece, a mouthpiece cleaning brush, a cleaning brush (snake) and tuning slide grease.

Trombones will need a mouthpiece, slide oil and cleaning brushes.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES FOR HOME PRACTICE

1.  folding music stand
2.  metronome (Seiko DM – 10 or DM-20 are good) and a tuner (the Korg CA-20 is good         and is inexpensive).

MUSIC STORES

Amro Music Store    Amro Music Satellite Store     Lane Music Store
2918 Poplar Ave.        located in RememberWhen      9309 Poplar Ave.
323 – 8888            Scrapbook Store on Winchester    755 – 5025

These three music stores are very close and convenient to Germantown Middle School. There are several other stores in town.  Different plans are available through these music stores for renting or buying a band instrument.  Just pick the plan that is most convenient to you – rent, buy, or rent to buy.  Buying an instrument is a good investment and you can almost always resell it if your student does not continue in band.  Also, a beginner level instrument is always good to have as a backup instrument or a marching instrument in high school if you are interested in purchasing a step-up instrument.  All students are required to rent or buy their own instrument, except in special circumstances for school instruments.  All band members must have their instrument and supplies no later than the second full week of school, August 20th, 2007.

There are also many good used instruments available from private sources that you may want to check into.  For example, Uncle Henry’s old trumpet up in the attic.  If you have a used instrument or are deciding to buy a used instrument, please let me check it out first or take it to a music store to be checked so that we can make sure that it is in the best possible playing condition.  Also, you may get some deals at a pawn shop or over the computer.  For example, ebay, be careful of brands and check feedback.  Also, certain area department stores are selling instruments…..Beware!!!  Even though these may be inexpensive, they will not have the best quality, and if they break, you will probably not find parts or music repairmen who will fix them.  Be careful in purchasing or renting your instrument.  It has been said that broken or poor quality equipment is the top reason why students stop participation in the band.

SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS

School instruments will be passed out on a first come, first serve basis.  We are limited in our school instruments.  Most are the larger instruments, such as:  baritone, trombone, french horn, tuba, etc.  There will be a $75 non-refundable fee charged per year for the use of the school instrument to help defray the cost of  repairs and upkeep.  The fee for percussion and tuba rentals will be $100 plus individual equipment charges.  Any damage  to the instrument,  caused by  your child, must be paid for by you and your child.  A school instrument form must be filled out and signed by the parent or guardian before the instruments will be assigned.  The school instrument check out days will be Monday and Friday, August 20th and August 24th at 7:15 AM.

INSTRUMENT STORAGE

All musical instruments may be stored during the day in our Mighty Red Devil Band storage room.  No instruments are to be left in the band room.  Take home your instrument each night.

INSTRUMENT NAME TAGS

All band members must have their names on their cases at all times.  Name tags are available on the shelf in the bandroom.  Occasionally, Mr. Lane and Ms. Ward will have a pop quiz name tag test.

BAND UNIFORMS

All 7th and 8th grade marching band members will be assigned a band uniform, hat and gloves.  Uniform sizing will take place during after school rehearsals and band classes in August and September.   All students are required to wear their band t-shirts under their uniforms and must wear black socks and black band shoes with the uniform.   Uniforms will be passed out in late September.  Watch for an email or a note home about uniform pickup.  All uniforms must be checked out by a parent or guardian.  Our band uniforms are very nice and very expensive.  Any damage caused to the uniform by your student will be expected to be paid by you.
All 6th grade band members will be expected to wear their red band t-shirt for all performances.   The student will need to purchase black shoes, black socks, and black pants to also be worn during performances.

BAND SHOES

All 7th and 8th grade band members will need to purchase a pair of black premier marching shoes.  These can be ordered on the uniform check out days in September through the Band Booster Club.  The cost of the band shoes is $25.

All 6th grade band members may purchase their black shoes from the Band Booster Club at $25 a pair or may purchase them from another local store.  However, shoes must be entirely black, top and bottom.

MUSIC

Music that is passed out to the student is theirs to keep.  Each band member will also be issued a folder.  Students may choose to keep music in a notebook of some kind with clear sheet protectors.  These have proven to work well in the past.  Not having their music will result in the lowering of your student’s grade.  All music and folders must be labeled with  the student’s name.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Private lessons are highly recommended.  No single ingredient is more important to developing the abilities of young musicians than private instruction.  One 30 minute  lesson per week is recommended for all students in our band program at GMS.  Germantown High band students can assist in this area; Lane Music Store, Germantown Baptist Church Conservatory of Music, and Colllierville Baptist Church also offer private instruction.  See Mr. Lane for other  instructors.

AFTER SCHOOL BAND REHEARSALS

After school band rehearsals for the Mighty Red Devil Marching Band will begin on Tuesday, August 28th for all band members.  Check the August, September, and October band practice schedule at the end of this Handbook for the day and time of your practice.  Practice dates and practice schedules can also be found each Monday on the band emails and on the band web site.  Rehearsals begin at 3:15 PM and end at 4:30 PM in the bandroom.  Students must be picked up no later than 4:45 PM or they will not be allowed to participate.

REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES

Rehearsals and performances are a vital part of the band program.  An unexcused absence from a scheduled performance will result in a deduction of 50 points.  Check the Band Calendar at the end of this Handbook for all performance dates.    Students may be removed from the After School Band when absences affect the performance of the full ensemble.  Excuses, no matter how good they are, will not produce a fine band.  They should be given only for the gravest of reasons.  Band rehearsals and performances require total participation in order to be effective for all concerned; please avoid activities and appointments on days when you are asked to attend.

HONOR BAND

Honor Band tryouts will be held during the month of January.  This group is open to all band members, including 6th graders.  Students trying out for the All-West Tennessee Honor Band and the Overton Memphis Area Honor Band are automatic members of the Honor Band.  The Honor Band will be expected to practice very hard and will have many after school rehearsals.  This band is also expected to attend rehearsals regularly and have good grades and conduct (no Fs or Ns or Us in conduct).  This group’s main goal is to perform at Concert Festival, the Memphis Area Concert Festival, the Play For The Cure Concert, the Six Flags Music Festival and the Spring Concert.   At the Festivals, the band will perform three pieces of music to be rated by a panel of judges.  They then go into a sight reading room and use their skills to sight read a piece of music they have never seen before.  Students will receive helpful comments from the judges and a plaque for a superior or excellent rating.  Last year, the Honor Band received a Superior Rating on stage and a Superior Rating in sight reading at Concert Festival.  Last year, the Honor Band also performed at the Six Flags Music Festival in Atlanta, Georgia, and received all Superior Ratings in every category.  They received First Place in their division, First Place Band overall, First Place Jazz Band, First Place Jazz Band soloist and the Esprit de Corps Award for the best and most supportive band overall.

INTERMEDIATE BAND

Intermediate Band tryouts will be held during the month of January.  This group is open to all band members.  The Intermediate Band will practice after school one day a week.  Intermediate Band members will be expected to practice very hard, know their music and make all Intermediate Band rehearsals.  This group’s main goal is to perform at Concert Festival and the Spring Concert.  Last year’s Intermediate Band, composed of all Sixth Grade Band members received a Superior Rating on stage at the Concert Festival and a Superior Rating in the sight reading contest.

JAZZ BAND

We will be forming a Jazz Band again this year.  We have a very busy Jazz Band schedule planned for this year.  Practices will be on Fridays from 3:15 PM until 4:30 PM.  The Jazz Band prepares to perform at the PTA Meetings, WTSBOA Jazz Festival, the Spring Trip and the Spring Concert.  More information will be coming about the Jazz Band.  The Jazz Band will be getting started in September this year.  See Mr. Lane if you are interested.

GARBAGE BAND

We will again be forming the Garbage Band or Percussion Ensemble this year.  See Mr. Lane if you are interested.  We will begin rehearsals in early October.

WTSBOA ALL WEST TENNESSEE HONOR BAND

Each school year the West Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association (WTSBOA) sponsors the All-West Tennessee Band on the junior and senior high level.  This past year, we were proud to have five Mighty Red Devil Band members achieve this high honor.  All Germantown Middle Band members enrolled in band are eligible to audition for the All-West Tennessee Honor Band.  All-West Tennessee Honor Band is an honors band clinic that will again be held at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Memphis, home of the Memphis Symphony.  It is open to students only by audition.  This year’s auditions will be held on Saturday, December 8th at the University School in Jackson, Tennessee.  The audition fee is included in the band activity fee.  Registration information will come out in early November.  The audition will consist of scales (know all twelve from memory plus the chromatic scale), prepared exercises, and sight reading.  Students who take private lessons have proven to do better and be more prepared at the audition.  Ms. Ward and Mr. Lane will also be holding some individual and group sessions to prepare for the audition.  Students in their second year and beyond are encouraged to audition.  This is not usually an event for beginners, though some very talented beginner band students have previously been successful in being selected to the All-West Tennessee Honor Band.  We have had two sixth graders make the band in the past.  It is a good experience just to work hard and try out.  Once students are chosen for membership in the All-West Tennessee Honor Band, they receive music to practice in preparation for the three-day event, January 31st through February 2nd.  Scale sheets will be passed out the first day of band.  The chromatic scale can be found in the band method books.  The prepared music will come out at a later date.  Start practicing for the All-West Tennessee Honor Band today.

OVERTON MEMPHIS AREA HONOR BAND

Overton High School sponsors the Memphis Area Honor Band each year.  Last year, we had over 20 students make the Memphis Area Honor Band.  Tryouts consist of knowing all major scales by memory and your chromatic scale and playing them in front of a judge.  There is a fee for the honor band.  The dates have yet to be decided but are generally held in mid to late January.  What a great honor and opportunity for our band members to go and participate with other outstanding musicians from the Memphis area.

WTSBOA SOLO AND ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL

This year’s solo and ensemble festival will be held on Saturday, April 12th at Cordova Middle School.  The solo and ensemble festival provides all band students the opportunity to prepare a solo and/or ensemble performance to be performed for and rated by a judge.  All band members are highly recommended to participate in this event.  A student can sign up for 3 or more events.  The judge will give helpful comments to help in the future.  Students receiving a rating of a level one or two will be honored with medals.  Registration information should be coming out in February.  The school has some music. to choose solos and ensembles from, or the student can find music on their own or through their private teacher.  All music should be approved by Mr. Lane or Ms. Ward.  Students who take private lessons usually do exceptionally well, and their teacher can assist them in selecting and preparing music.  I highly encourage all students to participate in this fun and educational event.  All fees for this festival are paid through your band activity fee.  If for some reason your student chooses not to participate, then they should expect to play a selection in class for a grade.

RED DEVIL CONCERT CHOIR

We have an outstanding Red Devil Concert Choir.  All band members will be given the opportunity to try out for the Red Devil Concert Choir. Choir rehearsals are held on Wednesday mornings before school and during the school day on one other day during the school week.   All band members participating with the Red Devil Concert Choir will be expected to pay the full band activity fee and one half of the choir activity fee.

SUMMER BAND CAMP

Summer Band Camp will be offered again during the summer of 2008.  This will be open to all band members.  Clinicians, specialists on different instruments, will be invited in to work with individual sections in the band.  The cost of the camp will be free to all students.  More information will be coming later in the year.

EMAIL ADDRESSES

If you have an email address, please fill out the student information sheet at the end of this packet and return it to Mr. Lane as soon as possible.  Each week Mr. Lane will send out a band information newsletter via email listing practices, upcoming events, awards, congratulations, etc.   Also included in the email will be after school rehearsals and school and band activities.

INTERNET

Check the internet each week.  Schedules, rehearsals, etc. are listed on the Internet.
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THE BOX

Any notes from parents, practice sheets, private lesson sheets,  creative ideas, etc., please place in THE BOX on Mr. Lane’s desk.  Any money to be turned in should be sealed in an envelope and placed in THE MAIL  BOX on the wall by the bandroom door.  On the outside of the envelope please write your child’s name and what the money is for.  Also, please put your child’s name on the check when a check is sent.

AWARDS

Special band awards will be given out at the Spring Band and Choir Picnic.   Band and Choir Awards will include outstanding girl and boy musicians, excellent girl and boy musicians, most improved musicians,  section leader awards, three and four year awards, etc.

BAND BOOSTER CLUB

All band parents and friends of the band are encouraged to become active in the Band Booster Club of Germantown Middle School.  This is a totally 100% volunteer organization.  This is an exciting group dedicated to supporting our students.  We could not function and be successful without the help and time of many booster members.  Booster meetings are held the second Monday night of every month at 6 PM in the GMS Bandroom.  Our first Band Booster Meeting will be Monday night, August 27th at 6 PM in the bandroom.  Duties of the Band Boosters include such things as chaperoning, helping with fund raising activities, helping with the concerts, uniforms, and serving on various committees.  We are in need of several people to head committees dealing with these areas.  Continued success of the band program depends on volunteer efforts of many working together.  There are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities.  Sign up and become a part of the Band Booster Club now.  Give our Band Booster Club President, Mr. Holland, a call at 870 – 0053 and become actively involved.  Come to the Booster Meetings each month and help our Mighty Red Devil Band members at GMS.

Our Band and Chorus Booster Club Board members are:
President:  Paul Holland
Vice President:  Sheryl Weatherford
Treasurer:  Gary Douglas
Secretary:  Lisette Widmer
Fund Raising:  Debbie Kermick
Uniforms:
Brenda Dew
Michelle Christie
Mary Jane Nailen
Colorguard:  Michelle Christie
Sixth Grade Rep:  ???
Choir Rep:  ???
Choir Uniforms:  ???
Majorettes:  ???
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LATE FEE

A charge of $10 will be assessed if school owned property is turned in after the designated date at the end of the performance season.

All band members, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, need to bring their instrument, supplies, and music book with  them  to school the second full week of school beginning Monday, August 20th as their schedule states.

All band and choir fees are due no later than Monday, September 10th or your child could be removed from the band or choir program.
BAND AND CHOIR STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET

STUDENT NAME_________________________________________GRADE_____

PARENT / GUARDIAN NAME___________________________________________

STUDENT HOME ADDRESS___________________________________________

__________________________ZIP CODE______

STUDENT HOME PHONE NUMBER_____________________________________

PARENT / GUARDIAN CELL PHONE NUMBER____________________________

PARENT / GUARDIAN EMAIL ADDRESS_________________________________

PARENT / GUARDIAN WORK PHONE NUMBER___________________________
Please turn this form in to Mr. Lane or Ms. Ward as soon as possible.
BAND AND CHOIR VOLUNTEER FORM

The GMS Band and Choir Booster Club is a 100% volunteer organization.  The Booster Club will be having several activities during the school year.  Listed below are just a few of them.  Please sign up below for two of the activities listed.  Your help is greatly needed to make this a successful school year for the Mighty Red Devil Band and the Red Devil Concert Choir.
GMS Band and Choir Car Wash
GMS Back-To-School Skating Party
Holiday Concert
Spring Concert
Dr. Love – Valentine Fund Raiser
Jacket Sales
Uniform Committee

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STUDENT NAME______________________________________GRADE________

PARENT / GUARDIAN NAME___________________________________________

ADDRESS___________________________________________ZIP CODE______

HOME PHONE NUMBER______________________________________________

CELL PHONE NUMBER_______________________________________________

WORK PHONE NUMBER______________________________________________

EMAIL ADDRESS____________________________________________________

DAYS AVAILABLE TO VOLUNTEER_____________________________________

TIMES AVAILABLE TO VOLUNTEER____________________________________

PLEASE LIST ANY OR ALL ACTIVITIES YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP WITH:
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Please turn this form into Mr. Lane or Ms. Ward as soon as possible.
ACTIVITY FEES
Band and Choir
2007 – 2008

All band, choir, colorguard and majorette activity fees include:  supplies, music, transportation to events, music books, additional instruction, administration costs, rentals for performances and uniform repair.  Activity fees must be paid no later than Monday, September 10th or your child could be removed from the band or choir program.

There will be a $5 per person charge for the Winter and Spring Concerts during the 2007 – 2008 school year.

None of these Activity Fees are affiliated with the Six Flags trip.  Those fees are separate.

Sixth Grade Band – There will be a $75 Band Activity Fee which includes one red band shirt which will be worn for all performances and music books.  The student will purchase black shoes, black socks and black pants to be worn during the performances.

Seventh and Eighth Grade Band – There will be a $145 Activity Fee which will include one red band shirt to be worn under the band uniforms during performances, music books, and entry fees for contests.  The student will purchase black shoes (chosen by the band director and purchased at school for approximately $25) and black socks to be worn during performances.

Choir – The choir activity fee will be $75 which will include one choir shirt, music, and entry fees for contests.  The student will be responsible for purchasing a choir uniform, choir shoes as chosen by the director, and black socks.  This will help ensure unity of uniform.  The approximate cost of the choir uniform will be $100.  This fee will include shoes and uniform.

Colorguard – The Colorguard activity fee will be $125 for those members not already in the band.  This fee will include poles, flags, uniforms owned by the school and instruction.  The student is responsible for supplying band shoes to match those in the band as directed by the band director (approximately $25).

Majorettes – There will be a $100 activity fee for majorettes.  The student is also responsible for the cost of the uniforms and shoes as chosen by the majorette director and band director.  Both the uniform and shoes are kept by the majorettes at the end of the year.

Two Different Activities – For students participating in more than one group with the band and choir program, they must pay the full activity fee for the first group and one half of the activity fee for the second group.  For example: Band and colorguard ($145 + $63).  Colorguard and Choir ($125 + $38).

School Instrument Rental Fee – There is a $75 nonrefundable school instrument rental fee.  Percussion and tuba fees will be $100.  A separate signed contract must be filled out by the parent or guardian before the instrument will be issued.  Students will be responsible for all damages done to their school instrument.

Late Fee – A charge of $10 will be assessed if school owned property is turned in after the designated date at the end of the performance season.
SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADE BAND INFORMATION SHEET

BAND ACTIVITY FEE – $145 due no later than Monday, September 10th.  The band fee will pay for uniform maintenance, concert hall rental, clinicians, gloves, music books, transportation costs, awards, solo and ensemble fees, contest registration fees, etc.  This fee does not include the Six Flags trip fees.  The $145 fee includes a band t – shirt which will be issued to your student upon receipt of the fee.  The band t – shirt is required for all performances.  Activity fees must be paid no later than Monday, September 11th or your child could be removed from the band or choir program at GMS.

After school practices will begin in August on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15 PM until 4:30 PM.  Students must be picked up no later than 4:45 PM.  Please check your emails from Mr. Lane or the band web site for scheduled practice dates.

School instruments will be available on a first come, first serve basis and will be issued on the following dates:  Monday, August 20th and Friday, August 24th at 7:15 AM in the bandroom.  No student will be allowed to take a school instrument home until the school instrument form is filled out by a parent or guardian and the fee is collected.  No student will be allowed to sign for a school instrument.  The School Instrument Fee for 2007 – 2008 is $75, with the exception of percussion and tuba rentals which are $100 plus individual equipment charges.  All percussion members must also purchase a percussion bag which includes all sticks and mallets for their instruments at the cost of $75 a bag.

Band Booster Meetings are held the second Monday night of every month at 6 PM in the bandroom.  Our first meeting will be held on Monday night, August 27th.  Mark your calendar now.

The Booster Club is a 100% volunteer organization.  We have many activities during the year with which we need help including the GMS Car Wash, the Back – To – School Skating Party and the Holiday and Spring Concerts at G – PAC.  Please complete the volunteer sign up form and return it to Mr. Lane as soon as possible.

Look for the Mighty Red Devil Band Handbook from Mr. Lane and Ms. Ward that will be coming home with your student the first week of school.  It has more detailed information regarding the schedule for the Seventh and Eighth Grade Band.

SIXTH GRADE BAND INFORMATION SHEET

BAND ACTIVITY FEE – $75 due no later than Monday, September 10th.  This band fee pays for concert hall rental, transportation costs, awards, solo and ensemble fees, music books, contest registration fees, etc.  This fee does not include the Six Flags TRIP FEES..  The $75 fee includes a band t – shirt which will be issued toyour child upon receipt of the fee.  The band t – shirt is required for all performances.  Activity fees must be paid no later than Monday, September 10th or your child could be removed from the band or choir program at GMS.

After school practice as scheduled by Mr. Lane and Ms. Ward will be from 3:15 PM until 4:30 PM.  Students must be picked up no later than 4:45 PM.  Please check your emails or the band web site for scheduled practice dates.

School instruments will be available on a first come, first serve basis and will be issued on the following dates:  Monday, August 20th and Friday, August 24th at 7:15 AM in the bandroom.  No student will be allowed to take a school instrument home until the school instrument form is filled out by a parent or guardian and the fee is collected.  No student will be allowed to sign for a school instrument.  The School Instrument Fee for 2007 – 2008 is $75, with the exception of percussion and tuba rentals which are $100 plus individual equipment charges.  All percussion members must also purchase a stick bag which includes all sticks and mallets for their instruments at the cost of $75 a bag.

Band Booster Meetings are held the second Monday night of every month at 6 PM in the bandroom.  Our first meeting will be held on Monday night, August 27th  .  Mark your calendar now.

The Booster Club is a 100% volunteer organization.  We have many activities during the year with which we need help including the GMS Car Wash, the Back – To – School Skating Party and the Holiday and Spring Concerts at G – PAC.  Please complete the volunteer sign up form and return it to Mr. Lane as soon as possible.

Look for the Mighty Red Devil Band Handbook from Mr. Lane and Ms. Ward that will be coming home with your student the first week of school.  It has more detailed information regarding the schedule for the Sixth Grade Band.