Expectations and Guidelines for a Thriving Band Program.
I am looking forward to another great year of BPC band classes! For the students to grow as musicians, it will take sustained commitment and support from every family involved to make it happen!
"Teamwork makes the Dreamwork"
Don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions regarding band bpcbands@gmail.com
- Mr Kennedy
Band starts Week of September 20th!!!!
Whoohoo!!!
Beginning Band
-Monday and Wednesdays 3:15- 5pm
Concert Band
-Monday 7am - 8:25 / Thursday 3:15p - 5:30p
Advanced Band
Woodwinds/Strings/ Rhythm Section:
-Tuesday / Thursday 7a - 8:20a
Brass
-Wednesday and Thursday 7:00a -8:20a
Combo A - Additional Rehearsal
- (Friday 3:15 - 5:30p)
Concert Band : (No audition)
- Get Essential Elements Book 1&2 for your instrument
Combo B Requirements:
Play all major scales (one octave), chromatic scale (full range of your instrument)
Play the melody to Au-Privave by Charlie parker
Arpeggiate a Bb blues (Contact Mr. Kennedy for materials).
Combo A Requirements: (Must have had two years of prior band or improvisation experience).
Play all major scales (one octave), chromatic scale (full range of your instrument)
Arpeggiate a Bb Blues
Play the head to Au-Privave, Tenor Madness and Blue Monk.
Play solo scales for an F blues (Contact Mr. Kennedy for materials).
LESSONS
Private music lessons are a requirement for all BPC Band students. If you need assistance finding a private teacher for your child, take a look at this referral list or ask me directly. Please feel free to reach out if you need help to make this happen. We will do our best to help you get your student a private teacher.
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If you are currently working with an instructor you would recommend highly, please grow our list by adding their name and contact info as a comment.
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I personally teach beginning woodwinds, brass, percussion, guitar and bass. Email me to arrange a time to discuss.
PRACTICE
At home instrument practice is required for all band students. I suggest three times/week for the beginning musician and up to 5 days for the more advanced students. That said, you should do what works best for your student.
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Setting aside a regular time for the student to practice will be an invaluable tool in their musical growth. There may be times when your child will resist scheduled practicing time or the family schedule is too busy to accommodate it.
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If a child is stressed or resistant I say skip it that practice. However, I would suggest they resume their regular practice as soon as possible. This will show your child that you are committed to their success in band. In short, it is important to have an explicit agreement with your child around their commitment to the band program.
COME TO CLASS PREPARED
Students need their instruments and their music at every band class!
- Essential Elements book
- A 1inch 3 ring binder w/pencils inside (Envr. friendly)
- Envr. friendly sheet protectors with three hole punches for the binder music. Students also need a pencil for every rehearsal.
RESPECT YOUR INSTRUMENT
Instruments should be kept in good playing condition. Take pride in your instrument, clean it after every practice and put it away properly.
· Brass musicians need to have valve oil and a cleaning rag. Ask your private instructor to go over maintenance of your child's instrument.
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Guitar/Bass musicians need to have a cable, a guitar tuner, and at least three picks in their case at all times.
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Woodwinds need to have the proper reeds and keep at least 3 good reeds in their case at all times.
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Each instrument must be marked with an identification tag on the outside of the case.
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Need repair? Here's our guide.
PARTICIPATION AND BEHAVIOR
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Disruptive or disrespectful behavior towards other band members or staff will not be tolerated. You may be ask to sit out from band.
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Excessive tardiness or missed rehearsals will affect the student's overall standing in band.
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Every student is expected and required to participate in all the activities of the class.
Students are never to leave FAD area with out
permission.
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PARENT EXPECTATIONS
It is crucial that parents take an active role in their child’s practice. Parents are also expected to keep informed about what is happening via emails.
VOLUNTEERING
· Parent volunteers are a crucial part of the success of the program. Throughout the year there will be many opportunities to help out (We'll discuss at the Curriculum Night meeting in mid-September).
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We will need new parent leadership next year. Consider whether it might be you!
REHEARSALS & CONCERTS
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Students may be asked to come to extra rehearsals to prepare for band concerts, particularly in the days leading up to a performance. I will give advanced notice about extra rehearsals to the best of my ability. BPC Band concerts are required for all band students. If there is a conflict with any of the concert dates, the student/parent must inform Mr. Kennedy at least two weeks prior to the performance date so the repertoire can be adjusted.
PERFORMANCE DRESS CODE
BPC Band T-Shirt or White button up shirt, black pants or black dress and Black Shoes. This depends on the type of performance.
Always dress your best for performances!
WHY TWO INSTRUMENTS?
In beginning band I encourage students to play two instruments. This allows students to try a different instrument and lean something new over a long year in band. This is not a requirement.
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We want every musician to be well-rounded. ex. I also find it helpful and important for woodwind players to study piano at to better help them understand their instrument even more.
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Dear families,
I know your students education is important to you, and I will do my best to help them achieve and learn in music. Together we can work to bring a sense of satisfaction to your student by giving them the tools necessary to succeed in this class and in life.
Musically,
Jerry Kennedy, BPC Band Director
bpcbands@gmail.com
510-706-4766 cell
Email Groups.
You have been added to two email groups: the one for your child's band, and the all-bands group. You can use these groups to coordinate with other band parents, seek rides, etc. (just like your grade-level google groups).
All Bands: bpc-bands@googlegroups.com
Beginning Band: bpc-beg-band@googlegroups.com
Concert Band: bpc-concert-band@googlegroups.com
Combo B: bpc-combo-B@googlegroups.com
Advanced / Combo A: bpc-advanced-band@googlegroups.com
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