Beginning Band
Parents of 5th grade students who show an interest in being in the band will attend an introductory parent meeting in August. Instrument choices will be based on physical characteristics, Timbre Preference Test, instrumentation needs and interests of the child. Parents will then be instructed to go to a music store of their choosing to rent an instrument for their child. No one should rent or purchase an instrument before that meeting.
Beginning Band students learn the basic fundamentals of reading music, how to assemble, disassemble and care for their instrument, and how to properly play that instrument. No prior musical instruction is necessary.
Classroom instruction and grading is based on a Nine Weeks Objective Sheet. These objectives are to be played and checked off as the student accomplishes them. In addition, all students are expected to practice at home and turn in a weekly practice sheet.
Beginning Band will give a demonstration concert in October, perform in the December Holiday Concert, and perform in the Spring Concert near the end of the school year. In addition, they will have the opportunity participate in the Music in Our Schools Month Concert in March and in the Solo and Ensemble Festival in April. Students are responsible for performing in all concerts and events and they will have the opportunity to receive awards and recognitions throughout the school year based on their accomplishments.
Students who successfully complete their band objectives will be promoted to the Intermediate Band. Students developing exceptional band skills will be invited to participate in the Metro Summer Band Camp in June.
Beginning Band students learn the basic fundamentals of reading music, how to assemble, disassemble and care for their instrument, and how to properly play that instrument. No prior musical instruction is necessary.
Classroom instruction and grading is based on a Nine Weeks Objective Sheet. These objectives are to be played and checked off as the student accomplishes them. In addition, all students are expected to practice at home and turn in a weekly practice sheet.
Beginning Band will give a demonstration concert in October, perform in the December Holiday Concert, and perform in the Spring Concert near the end of the school year. In addition, they will have the opportunity participate in the Music in Our Schools Month Concert in March and in the Solo and Ensemble Festival in April. Students are responsible for performing in all concerts and events and they will have the opportunity to receive awards and recognitions throughout the school year based on their accomplishments.
Students who successfully complete their band objectives will be promoted to the Intermediate Band. Students developing exceptional band skills will be invited to participate in the Metro Summer Band Camp in June.
Concert Band
All 6th grade students who successfully pass Beginning Band will be promoted to the 6th Grade Intermediate Band.
This band will play more challenging literature and their Objective Sheets will be more difficult. They will perform in the December Holiday Concert for the school, the Solo and Ensemble Festival in April, and the Spring Concert in May. They may also be asked to perform additional concerts as/if the invitation arises and they are responsible for performing in all concerts and events. All students receive awards and recognitions throughout the school year based on their accomplishments.
Concert attire for ladies is solid black age-appropriate dresses. The gentlemen are to wear black pants with a white shirt. Ties are optional, but encouraged for all band performances. Both males and females must wear dress shoes only.
Students who successfully complete their Intermediate Band objectives will be promoted to the Advanced Band. In addition exceptional students may be invited to participate in the Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Metro Summer Band Camp in June.
This band will play more challenging literature and their Objective Sheets will be more difficult. They will perform in the December Holiday Concert for the school, the Solo and Ensemble Festival in April, and the Spring Concert in May. They may also be asked to perform additional concerts as/if the invitation arises and they are responsible for performing in all concerts and events. All students receive awards and recognitions throughout the school year based on their accomplishments.
Concert attire for ladies is solid black age-appropriate dresses. The gentlemen are to wear black pants with a white shirt. Ties are optional, but encouraged for all band performances. Both males and females must wear dress shoes only.
Students who successfully complete their Intermediate Band objectives will be promoted to the Advanced Band. In addition exceptional students may be invited to participate in the Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Metro Summer Band Camp in June.
Symphonic Band
Bellevue Symphonic Band 2019-2020
The Bellevue Middle School Symphonic band is part of the Bellevue Band Program. It is comprised of the best musicians regardless of grade that form the Bellevue Symphonic Band.
It is an honor to participate in the Bellevue Symphonic Band. Every musician in the Symphonic band plays an important part in the success of the group. It is also a commitment to be considered carefully. Symphonic Band is in addition to the class time band / concert band. All Symphonic Band activities are considered mandatory. For your musician to get the most out of this experience, you as a parent are making a commitment as well.
Parents should NOT use membership in the Symphonic Band as a punishment for their child. To pull a child from performing with the Symphonic band because of poor grades and/or bad behavior punishes 70 other children that have done nothing to deserve a poor grade or performance rating. I am sure any parent can create a consequence that will only affect the child that is not in compliance with meeting certain expectations. We need everyone that is prepared to perform to insure OUR best chance of success.
Student and Parent Practice and Competition Responsibilities
Each Symphonic Band student and his/her parents commit to the following responsibilities:
Any student not preparing his/her music at the level of the director’s wishes will be given up to three notifications:
With prior written notification, students are excused from the Saturday Band Clinics for sports events.
Financial Responsibilities
Each Symphonic Band student and parents commit to the following financial responsibilities. See Fundraiser opportunities attached.
Girls: full-length dresses (hemmed to the bottom of the ankle).
(Band Boosters provides matching pearl necklace / earrings during the concerts.)
Girls - Percussionist: New this year, female percussionist have an option of wearing pants and a blouse.
Boys: black tuxedo pants and black long-sleeved dress shirts
*Please note: your student’s attire may need to be altered for fit and/or length. It is the parent’s responsibility to arrange and pay for all alterations.
Boys: black dress shoes (NO TENNIS SHOES) and black dress socks (go above the ankle)
Our goal is to provide fund raising to aid with this. These efforts are made possible by willing volunteers. We will have info throughout the year on ways to raise funds for your student’s Symphonic Band expenses.
Last year we were invited to perform in the prestigious Southeastern Music for All Regional Festival in Atlanta. Previous years, we have gone to the Music in the Parks at Six Flags in St. Louis, Gatlinburg for the Smoky Mountain Music Festival, and to the Orlando, Florida, “You’re Instrumental!” Disney Workshop. Details to come on the destination, dates and cost.
Student Behavior Expectations
It is critical to the productivity of rehearsals that all students come to rehearsals prepared and ready to focus. Disruptive behavior, as determined by the band director, will not be tolerated.
Every rehearsal starts a new count of consequences. A student dismissed from three rehearsals will be dismissed from Symphonic band.
Symphonic Band members are held to a high standard. One OSS or three ISS offenses CAN be cause for dismissal from Symphonic Band.
EACH STUDENT'S PARENT MUST COMPLETE A SYMPHONIC BAND PARENT INTENT FORM before your student may be considered to join Symphonic Band. Complete form here: http://www.bmsmusicboosters.org/parent-intent-form.html .
The Bellevue Middle School Symphonic band is part of the Bellevue Band Program. It is comprised of the best musicians regardless of grade that form the Bellevue Symphonic Band.
It is an honor to participate in the Bellevue Symphonic Band. Every musician in the Symphonic band plays an important part in the success of the group. It is also a commitment to be considered carefully. Symphonic Band is in addition to the class time band / concert band. All Symphonic Band activities are considered mandatory. For your musician to get the most out of this experience, you as a parent are making a commitment as well.
Parents should NOT use membership in the Symphonic Band as a punishment for their child. To pull a child from performing with the Symphonic band because of poor grades and/or bad behavior punishes 70 other children that have done nothing to deserve a poor grade or performance rating. I am sure any parent can create a consequence that will only affect the child that is not in compliance with meeting certain expectations. We need everyone that is prepared to perform to insure OUR best chance of success.
Student and Parent Practice and Competition Responsibilities
Each Symphonic Band student and his/her parents commit to the following responsibilities:
- Provide space and time for individual practicing at home.
- Attend Friday afternoon rehearsals from 4:15 PM – 6:00 PM.
All instruments will have rehearsal every Friday. Specific rehearsal dates are listed on the calendar. If school is out on Friday, an afternoon will be scheduled earlier in the week. - Attend two - four Saturday Band Clinics from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
- Any student missing two rehearsals without notification is grounds for dismissal from Symphonic Band. In the case of excused rehearsals – with prior notification – arrangements can be made to make up the rehearsal time.
- All students are expected to participate in either the Fall or Spring MTSBOA Solo & Ensemble Festival (Oliver Middle School, Dates TBA).
- All students are expected to attend the Cluster Pre-festival Concert Preparation at Hillwood High School (date TBA - it should be sometime around the end of February).
- All students are expected to attend the MTSBOA Concert Performance Assessment at MTSU in March (date TBA – it should be sometime between March 3-9th).
- All students are expected to attend the spring trip. Trip details are TBD.
- All 7th and 8th graders are expected to audition for Mid-State at a fee of $10.00. If selected, you are expected to attend the clinic. The cost will be $100-$150 per student.(This includes registration, hotel cost for 2 nights in Murfreesboro, and meals)
Any student not preparing his/her music at the level of the director’s wishes will be given up to three notifications:
- First notification is given to the student, with an evaluation follow up within one week.
- Second notification is given to the student and parents. At this time the student is placed on “probation.” The student will have one week to schedule extra practices outside of his/her regularly scheduled rehearsal to either get help from another student or the director so he/she can be evaluated whether they can be taken off “probation.”
- Third notification is given to the student and parents. This is a one-week notice. At the end of that week the student will be expected to perform individually in front of the director for approval or denial. If dismissal is warranted at that time, all available funds paid by the parents to the student account will be refunded. If the time of dismissal takes place after purchases of Formal Concert Attire or travel expenses are paid, these funds will not be refunded.
With prior written notification, students are excused from the Saturday Band Clinics for sports events.
Financial Responsibilities
Each Symphonic Band student and parents commit to the following financial responsibilities. See Fundraiser opportunities attached.
- Formal Concert Attire ($65 girls; $45 boys)
- All Concert Attire is now ordered online by parents. Please see the Formal Concert Attire Section under Band with links and information for each uniform.
Girls: full-length dresses (hemmed to the bottom of the ankle).
(Band Boosters provides matching pearl necklace / earrings during the concerts.)
Girls - Percussionist: New this year, female percussionist have an option of wearing pants and a blouse.
Boys: black tuxedo pants and black long-sleeved dress shirts
*Please note: your student’s attire may need to be altered for fit and/or length. It is the parent’s responsibility to arrange and pay for all alterations.
Boys: black dress shoes (NO TENNIS SHOES) and black dress socks (go above the ankle)
- Band Polo Shirt ($20)
The Band Polo Shirt is our “casual” uniform that we use when we are invited to play at local venues. - Band T-Shirt ($15)
- Garment Bag ($15 - optional)
- Chromatic Tuner (Parents purchase independently)
- Fall or Spring MTSBOA Solo & Ensemble Festival ($10)
- MTSBOA Concert Performance Assessment at MTSU (Lunch money)
- Spring Symphonic Trip
Our goal is to provide fund raising to aid with this. These efforts are made possible by willing volunteers. We will have info throughout the year on ways to raise funds for your student’s Symphonic Band expenses.
Last year we were invited to perform in the prestigious Southeastern Music for All Regional Festival in Atlanta. Previous years, we have gone to the Music in the Parks at Six Flags in St. Louis, Gatlinburg for the Smoky Mountain Music Festival, and to the Orlando, Florida, “You’re Instrumental!” Disney Workshop. Details to come on the destination, dates and cost.
Student Behavior Expectations
It is critical to the productivity of rehearsals that all students come to rehearsals prepared and ready to focus. Disruptive behavior, as determined by the band director, will not be tolerated.
- 1st Offense: Verbal call out to the student.
- 2nd Offense: The student will be asked to stand for 10 min without playing their instrument and no talking.
- 3rd Offense: Student will be dismissed from the entire rehearsal.
Every rehearsal starts a new count of consequences. A student dismissed from three rehearsals will be dismissed from Symphonic band.
Symphonic Band members are held to a high standard. One OSS or three ISS offenses CAN be cause for dismissal from Symphonic Band.
EACH STUDENT'S PARENT MUST COMPLETE A SYMPHONIC BAND PARENT INTENT FORM before your student may be considered to join Symphonic Band. Complete form here: http://www.bmsmusicboosters.org/parent-intent-form.html .
Solo Ensemble
Every child in the Bellevue Band program will be required to perform a solo, duet, or trio as part of the MNPS standards for instrumental musical performance in front of a judge who is an experienced music teacher specializing on the instrument your child plays.
There is a $10 charge per event with a 4-event limit. Any student getting a Superior award receives a 100 project grade. Excellent rating receives a 93 major project grade.
Alternative: Any student who does not wish to pay $10.00 or play at the November and April Solo and Ensemble Festivals will play during the Chamber Concert Night and will be graded on their performance.
There is a $10 charge per event with a 4-event limit. Any student getting a Superior award receives a 100 project grade. Excellent rating receives a 93 major project grade.
Alternative: Any student who does not wish to pay $10.00 or play at the November and April Solo and Ensemble Festivals will play during the Chamber Concert Night and will be graded on their performance.