EAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
MUSIC HANDBOOK
WELCOME TO MUSIC AT
EAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
We are happy and proud to welcome you to our music department.
Music plays a vital role in the development of every child.
Excellence, success and pride are traditions
we strive to maintain at East Middle School. As a
part of the music program, your child will have the
opportunity to experience the rewards of that tradition.
Never be afraid to ask questions, come in for
help, or share a concern you may have in music. We
are here to make this a successful year!
Good Luck!
The Music Faculty
MUSIC ORGANIZATIONS AT EAST
A variety of classes are offered within our band and orchestra program.
Each class is designed to meet your child at his/her level of development.
In every class, emphasis is placed on individual growth in developing
fundamental music skills within a large group experience as outlined in the
district music curriculum. All groups will also participate in two or more concerts
throughout the school year.
Symphonic Band Philharmonic Orchestra
Concert Band Concert Orchestra
Bighorn Band Ram Strings
Ram Band String Ensemble
7th Grade Percussion Class * East Ensemble
*Seventh grade percussionists often feel “neglected” in the
traditional band class. In the 7th grade percussion class, students
will have the opportunity to work on percussion-only skills.
They will learn techniques in the playing of such instruments as:
timpani, marimba, vibraphone, more in-depth snare drum,
drumset, and many, many others. The students will prepare
the same music as the students in Ram and Bighorn Bands.
They will perform with those bands on concerts.
7th Grade Choir 8th Grade Choir
Schedule Changes
All drop or add schedule request changes are made with the music
director. EMS counselors will then process the change of schedule
according to our school guidelines for drop-adds. Parents must personally
contact the director. Please DO NOT just send a note from home.
SPECIAL MUSIC GROUPS
EMS Fiddlers
East Middle School Fiddlers is an extracurricular group that
explores new musical styles including country, bluegrass and
swing. All orchestra students are eligible for membership.
Chamber Music Groups
Chamber Music groups include Viva Viola, Cello Nation and String
Quartets. These are also extracurricular groups. No audition is required.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals for Fiddlers, Jazz Band and Chamber Groups are
usually held before school hours. Concert performance dates
and any other additional performance opportunities will be announced
throughout the year.
PRIDE AND DISCIPLINE
Classroom rules, consequences and rewards are posted in the
music rooms. Individual copies for students are sent home at the
beginning of the school year and are also available from
the music instructors.
A high standard of behavior is exhibited and expected at East Middle School.
NO gum or candy allowed in the music area. Only water will be allowed.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC EQUIPMENT RENTAL
Equipment
The school provides many large instruments, equipment and stands for the instrumental
program. In turn, the students are responsible for the care and upkeep of all
classroom equipment and any equipment specifically assigned to them.
Costs incurred due to neglect, damage, or loss is the student’s obligation.
Rental
Any student using a school-owned instrument is responsible for its care and maintenance.
A fee of $70.00 is charged for the full school year, $35.00 for a semester, and $15.00
for the summer music session (the GFPS rental agreement has all pertinent details).
Percussion students are charged a $25.00 fee to cover the use of school-owned
instruments and mallets for the year. Your instructor will issue instruments and rental sheets
at the appropriate times.
Instrument Storage – Security
Storage space, in the music department area, is provided for most
large instruments. All smaller type instruments will be stored in the
students’ lockers (flutes and clarinets must be stored in students’ lockers).
Instruments should not be left overnight on a regular basis at EMS.
Music rooms are locked when classrooms are not in use.
Weekend Storage: For the safety of personal property, it is highly recommended
that all instruments be taken home on weekends and holiday/breaks.
Name Tags
Every student must have a name tag on their instrument case.
East Middle School tags are available for purchase should the
student choose to own one.
Risk Coverage
Insurance for privately owned instruments is available at a low
cost premium by the school district. Forms will be distributed in the fall.
REHEARSALS
Instrumental classes meet daily. There are no non-playing days.
Required extra rehearsals may be needed and advance
notification will always be given to the students and parents.
PRACTICE RECORDS
Steady improvement and student success are directly related to
home practice. A weekly practice record is required. These
must be signed by an adult. Neglect or failure to practice will
have a substantial effect on the grade for that grading period.
Students experiencing difficulty in this area may be asked to
make special arrangements for help.
MUSIC and FOLDERS
All sheet music, books, folders, and supplements are furnished by
the school. Costs incurred due to neglect, damage or loss of assigned
music is the direct responsibility of the student. It is the student’s
responsibility to notify their instructor when problems occur.
CLASS MATERIALS
All instrumental music students should supply the following as is appropriate:
Band Orchestra
pencil pencil
3 reeds rosin
valve oil/cork grease mute
swabs/cleaning brush
Standards of Excellence Book 1
PERFORMANCES
Concert Dress
Concert dress for groups performing in East Middle School uniforms consists of the following:
*East Middle School Band and Orchestra shirts
(provided by the school)
*Black pants (no skirts)
*Black socks and dark shoes
We wear our East Middle School green with pride. Students will be issued a
shirt at the beginning of the school year and will turn them back in after the final spring concert.
Concert Attendance
Most concerts and performances are in the evening at 7:00 pm and attendance is required.
It is necessary for parents to contact directors in advance of performances when conflicts occur.
Notes are required for verification and a make-up assignment should be anticipated.
Special Note: Please take time and plan ahead. Below is a sample of conflicts that have not been excused at EMS:
*Failure to have transportation to concerts
*Babysitting
*Non-school sporting event (EMS sporting, extra-curricular activities are carefully scheduled to avoid student conflicts.)
An unexcused absence can result in a failing grade for that grading period.
(Make-up for unexcused performances is possible. See your director.)