Welcome to Band

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Welcome to Band!

• Mrs. Stephanie Christensen
• Wagar Middle School Bands

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Let me introduce myself...

• Ive lived in Michigan my entire life.
• I can play all instruments but am primarily a
  trombonist. Im also a recreational singer and
  pianist.
• I have two degrees in instrumental music
  education from U of M. Go Blue!
• I am very excited to be working with your
  children!

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(Almost) All About Band

• Wagar Middle School Band Handbook
• The Short(er) Version

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Classroom Objectives

• Students in band will
• Develop tonal, rhythmic, executive skills on
  their instruments
• Read music notation
• Play by ear
• Compose
• Learn about music history and music theory
• Study a variety of musical styles and traditions

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The Rules

• Treat people, objects, and ideas with respect.
• Come to band prepared to learn.
• Be ready to play when band begins.
• Keep all food and beverages out of the band room.
• Follow all school rules.

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Everyone can earn an A!

• Assignments Practice assignments are due each
  Friday signed by an adult.
• Evaluations Frequent playing tests and quizzes
• Projects One per marking period.
• Rehearsals and Performances Students must be at
  performances!

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A Word About Practice Assignments

• At-home practice is essential to the success of
  our band.
• Assignments are intended to help students develop
  their ability to practice more efficiently and
  effectively.
• Students need to track the minutes they practice
  for full credit, but the number of minutes does
  not determine the grade.
• Skills developed through assignments practice
  strategies, problem-solving skills, accurate
  personal assessment and short- and long-term goal
  setting.

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Instruments

• Students assigned school instruments are
  responsible for care.
• Only school instruments may be left in the band
  room.
• Know the serial number, manufacturer, and model
  number of your childs instrument. This info is
  critical if the instrument is lost or stolen.
  Protect your investment by checking into
  insurance options.
• Repair Marshall Music visits on Friday mornings.
  

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Walking from WMS to AHS

• In cases of severe weather, alternate
  arrangements will be made that do not involve
  traveling.
• Please remind your child to be prepared for
  ordinary weather (jackets, umbrellas, etc).

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Choices and Consequences

• I will not permit anyone to interrupt student
  learning and my teaching.
• Students receive two free warnings.
• Third warning Student removes him or herself
  from class for five minutes. Further consequences
  may also result.
• Chronic disruptions may lead to parent
  conferences, administrative conferences, and/or
  student action plans.

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Absences and Attendance

• Consistent daily attendance is essential to our
  the success of our bands.
• Attendance is required for all performances.
• Examples of excused absences Family emergencies,
  personal illness, weddings and funerals
• Examples of unexcused absences Sports, after
  school activities, and baby-sitting (in most
  situations). Students must see me if they have a
  conflict of this type!
• The sooner I know about scheduling conflicts, the
  more likely we are to be able to work them out.

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Uniforms

• The school provides bow ties and cummerbunds.
• All students should have black pants, black
  socks, black shoes, and a white tuxedo shirt.
• Bands need to dress to impress! What you wear
  sends a message about what you think about music
  and how well you expect to perform.
• Please contact me if you are having difficulty
  getting any parts of the uniform.

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Music Lessons Upgrade Instruments

• If you or your child is interested in finding out
  more about private music lessons, please let me
  know. I can help you find a teacher. Studying
  with an expert is a great experience for students
  at all levels of proficiency and typically
  students who take lessons make significant
  improvements. If you are interested in purchasing
  an upgrade instrument, I would be happy to help
  you make a selection.

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Wagar Band Website

• http//www.airport.k12.mi.us/WBand/index.htm
• All info is online!

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Important Dates

• 9/24 Pizza kit orders due (pick up 10/17)
• 11/5 Band-A-Rama
• 6th, 7th, and 8th graders
• 11/8 Parent-Teacher Conferences
• 12/18 Winter Band Concert
• 7th and 8th graders only

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Contact Info

• Please dont hesitate to contact me. Email is
  generally the fastest way to reach me. My address
  is ltschristensen_at_airport.k12.mi.usgt. I can also
  be reached at 654-6205 ext. 4239.

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Thank you for coming!

• We are off to a great start.

And were going to have a fantastic year!