Brooks Bands, Week of 10/3 - 10/7

CONCERT REMINDER:

D97 Instrumental Music Festival, Wed., Oct 19th at 7:00 p.m., OPRFHS Auditorium. This is a required event for all band students (Cadet, Concert, Symphonic and Wind Ensemble. Permission slips will be online and will be going out via email this week. We will need to take bus transportation for rehearsals with the Julian Middle School bands and every student must have parent permission according to district policies. If there is an important family conflict, parents must notify Mr. Barnard at least two weeks in advance of any performance and students will need to complete an alternative assignment no later than a week after any event. Parents may notify Mr. Barnard via email at jbarnard@op97.org or with a written note with phone # for verification. It is very important that all students participate at these performances since we have been spending weeks preparing this music and every student is critical to the success of each ensemble!

Concert Attire:

Boys: White button down dress shirt, black dress pants, black dress shoes, solid black neck tie.

Girls: White blouse top that covers shoulders, black dress pants, black dress shoes.

No jeans, t-shirts or gym shoes.

IMEA District I Auditions, Sat. Oct. 1st, Bryan Middle School, Elmhurst

Congratulations to all of our Band, Choir and Orchestra students that participated in the IMEA District I Jr. High Honors Music Auditions this past Saturday. Results are in and will be announced early this week. We are very proud of all of our students that participated and represented our music program, school and community in a very positive manner! No matter what the results, all of our students learn a lot and have become stronger musicians by participating in this process!

HOMEWORK:

Portfolio Assessments: Any student that did not accomplish their portfolio assessment last week must leave their band binder and show both their Standard of Excellence and Alfred Essentials of Music Theory book no later than this Tuesday 10/4. Binders will be penalized after this date 10 points each day. After this week, any binder that is turned in for assessment will receive only 1/2 credit.

Practice Record Journals (Due every Monday)

Week 6 Due Monday, 10/3

All students, 6th-8th grade are now aiming for 150 minutes a week for an A on the practice record.

Students need to have the Practice Record (outside cover) Practice Journal and Weekly Assignments and Goals filled out for full credit. Parents need to sign two signatures, one on the outside cover and one in the Weekly Assignments and Goals is required for credit.

Practice records that are not turned in on time do receive a 10 point penalty each day it is late and will not receive credit if it is not turned in within the week. Make sure that both the cover as well as the assignments and goals page are signed to receive credit.

Please note that Week 7 Practice Journals are due on Tuesday, 10/11 due to Columbus Day Holiday.

Music Theory: (Wed.)

6th Graders: Lesson 5, Ledger Lines

7th/8th Graders: Lesson 41, Dotted Eighth Rhythm

All students need to have their required Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory Book in order to complete this assignment in class. If students use their class time wisely, they will not have music theory homework. Students will need to show Mr. Barnard their completed work in class or by the next class day in order to be received on time. A late penalty of 10 points per day will be assessed to any late assignment.

STUDENT DATA FORMS/HANDBOOK CONTRACT & VIDEO PERMISSION SLIPS:

Thank you to all the students that have already turned in their Student Data sheets and Handbook Contract/Video Permission slips. Please check powerschool to see if you do have these forms marked as turned in. You should see a green check mark which will indicate that Mr. Barnard has received it and is on file.

Both forms are very important in order to have the most up to date information on contact information, instrument information and parental permission to use educational video clips as part of the band curriculum, per D97's video usage policy made last school year.

If you need a copy of any of these forms please contact Mr. Barnard for a new form.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Order forms for the "Brooks Jazz T-Shirts" will go out this week. All students in the jazz program will wear these t-shirts for jazz performances throughout the school year.

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders):

Tuesday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Thursday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Jazz Lab Band:

Friday: 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

All students that want to participate will need to have a signed permission slip in order to participate.

All jazz students, 6th-8th grade, will need to have the Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble book which will be used all three years of their jazz experience at brooks.

If students or families have any questions or concerns please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

Brooks Bands, Week of 9/26-9/30

CONCERT REMINDER:

D97 Instrumental Music Festival, Wed., Oct 19th at 7:00 p.m., OPRFHS Auditorium. This is a required event for all band students (Cadet, Concert, Symphonic and Wind Ensemble. Permission slips will be out very soon since we will need to take bus transportation for rehearsals with the Julian Middle School bands. If there is an important family conflict, parents must notify Mr. Barnard at least two weeks in advance of any performance and students will need to complete an alternative assignment no later than a week after any event. Parents may notify Mr. Barnard via email at jbarnard@op97.org or with a written note with phone # for verification. It is very important that all students participate at these performances since we have been spending weeks preparing this music.

Concert Attire:

Boys: White button down dress shirt, black dress pants, black dress shoes, solid black neck tie.

Girls: White blouse top that covers shoulders, black dress pants, black dress shoes.

No jeans, t-shirts or gym shoes.

IMEA District I Auditions, Sat. Oct. 1st, Bryan Middle School, Elmhurst

Students that are registered to audition for the IMEA District I Jr. Honors Band, Choir, Orchestra, Jazz groups will receive information on Monday with their audition times and information about bus transportation to and from Oak Park. Parents that wish to take and/or pick up their student from the auditions must notify Mr. Barnard in writing in advance.

Any student that would like to come for help during their lunch period or after school should talk to Mr. Barnard to get a lunch pass or check for availability. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday after school Mr. Barnard can be available.

Audition results should be found out within the following week.

HOMEWORK:

Portfolio Assessments: 1st trimester portfolio assessments will be accomplished this week for all band students. 6th graders will have portfolio assessments this Wednesday, 9/28 in class and all 7th/8th graders will have portfolio assessments throughout the week during their scheduled band sectional. A copy of the scoring guide on the portfolio assessments can be found towards the back of the Band Handbook.

Practice Record Journals (Due every Monday)

Week 5 Due Monday, 9/26

All students, 6th-8th grade are now aiming for 150 minutes a week for an A on the practice record.

Students need to have the Practice Record (outside cover) Practice Journal and Weekly Assignments and Goals filled out for full credit. Parents need to sign two signatures, one on the outside cover and one in the Weekly Assignments and Goals is required for credit.

Practice records that are not turned in on time do receive a 10 point penalty each day it is late and will not receive credit if it is not turned in within the week. Make sure that both the cover as well as the assignments and goals page are signed to receive credit.

Music Theory: (Wed.)

6th Graders: treble/bass clef notation supplement

7th/8th Graders: 16th notes/rests supplement

All students need to have their required Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory Book in order to complete this assignment in class. If students use their class time wisely, they will not have music theory homework. Students will need to show Mr. Barnard their completed work in class or by the next class day in order to be received on time. A late penalty of 10 points per day will be assessed to any late assignment.

STUDENT DATA FORMS/HANDBOOK CONTRACT & VIDEO PERMISSION SLIPS:

Thank you to all the students that have already turned in their Student Data sheets and Handbook Contract/Video Permission slips. Please check powerschool to see if you do have these forms marked as turned in. You should see a green check mark which will indicate that Mr. Barnard has received it and is on file.

Both forms are very important in order to have the most up to date information on contact information, instrument information and parental permission to use educational video clips as part of the band curriculum, per D97's video usage policy made last school year.

If you need a copy of any of these forms please contact Mr. Barnard for a new form.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Order forms for the "Brooks Jazz T-Shirts" will go out this week. All students in the jazz program will wear these t-shirts for jazz performances throughout the school year.

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders):

Tuesday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Thursday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Jazz Lab Band:

Friday: 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

All students that want to participate will need to have a signed permission slip in order to participate.

All jazz students, 6th-8th grade, will need to have the Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble book which will be used all three years of their jazz experience at brooks.

If students or families have any questions or concerns please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

Brooks Bands, Week of 9/19-9/23

JAZZ ENSEMBLE AUDITIONS

Thank you to everyone that has auditioned for the Jazz Ensemble this year! I am amazed at the talent of our students!!! Unfortunately I can only take so many students into jazz ensemble. The results will be posted on Monday morning, 9/19 and the first rehearsal starts this Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. We are having callback auditions Monday morning for some of our drum set players before we make our final selections for that position of the jazz ensemble. Everyone should know no later than the end of the day Monday so they can attend our first rehearsal.

We do have two positions open still! We currently only have one pianist and would like to add another. Also, we are in need of a bari. sax player. Mr. Barnard will ask those saxophone students that are next in line first to see if they would like to play bari. sax in our jazz ensemble and then will open it up to any current bari. sax player in the band program. Any student that currently plays piano and would be interested in playing in the jazz ensemble should contact Mr. Barnard. Any student that did not go through the formal audition process will need to prepare on of the audition requirements first before any recommendation into the jazz ensemble is made.

For those students that did not get selected thank you for taking the time to prepare and audition for us! There are a lot of good things happening with all of you!! For the students that did make it into the jazz ensemble, please make sure that you stay committed to our rehearsal and performance schedule. If there is a student that is not committed, they can be dismissed from the jazz program and the slot will be offered to the next student in line for that seat. Before a decision is ever made to dismiss a student, both he/she and their family will be notified to let them correct the problem before being dismissed.

Students that have more than two unexcused rehearsal absences can be dismissed from the jazz program. Students that do perform in other co-curricular and/or athletic activities that may have occasional conflicts must notify the director before each rehearsal.

PERFORMANCE SKILLS TESTING:

All students will be completing their 1st performance skills assessments this week. 6th Graders will be accomplishing this assessment during class and 7th/8th grade students will be completing them during their scheduled band sectional. Students will be performing the following:

Cadet Band: Bb & F Concert Major Scales and Arpeggios

Concert Band: S.E. Bk 2: Ex. 2, 4, 6, 8 (Bb & Eb scales/arpeggios/technique exercises)

Symphonic Band: IMEA Jr. High Scale Sheet (lines 2-6) and IMEA Audition Etude excerpt.

Wind Ensemble: IMEA Jr. High Scale Sheet (All) and IMEA Audition Etude excerpt.

All 7th/8th graders will only be assessed on the IMEA Jr. High Scale Sheet for a grade. The IMEA Audition Etude excerpt is an additional item that will be used to determine seating placement for the fall concert. The next seating placement assessment will happen before Thanksgiving break.

HOMEWORK:

Practice Record Journals (Due every Monday)

Week 4 Due Monday, 9/19

All students, 6th-8th grade are now aiming for 150 minutes a week for an A on the practice record.

Students need to have the Practice Record (outside cover) Practice Journal and Weekly Assignments and Goals filled out for full credit. Parents need to sign two signatures, one on the outside cover and one in the Weekly Assignments and Goals is required for credit.

Practice records that are not turned in on time do receive a 10 point penalty each day it is late and will not receive credit if it is not turned in within the week. Make sure that both the cover as well as the assignments and goals page are signed to receive credit.

Music Theory: (Wed.)

6th Graders: Alfred's Music Theory Lesson 4, Activity Worksheet 1-1

7th/8th Graders: 16th notes/rests supplement

All students need to have their required Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory Book in order to complete this assignment in class. If students use their class time wisely, they will not have music theory homework. Students will need to show Mr. Barnard their completed work in class or by the next class day in order to be received on time. A late penalty of 10 points per day will be assessed to any late assignment.

BAND HANDBOOKS:

All students have received the Band Handbook to help them and their families understand the grading policies, required supplies, concert dress requirements and responsibilities of the students, parents and their band director. There is also helpful information on practicing, music enrichment opportunities available and sample forms for students and parents to copy from if needed.

Students also received a band handbook contract/video usage agreement form that needs to be signed by both students and their family. Due to recent district policy, teachers must have written parental permission to show video/movie clips as part of their curriculum. If a student does not have written permission from a parent an alternative assignment must be given. Periodically we use video clips of music performances from both school and professional level musicians to use for critique and comparison of what we are doing with our band program. We also use video clips of music educational/history series such as Marsalis on Music, Ken Burns JAZZ and Blast to name a few. These clips are also supplemented with activity sheets to help student comprehension and retaining information.

This band handbook contract/video permission slip was due on Tuesday, Sep. 13th. Please check powerschool to see if your student has turned in this form. A green check mark should show you that I have received it.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders):

Audition results are posted on Monday, 9/19.

Tuesday 8 a.m.: 1st rehearsal

Thursday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Jazz Lab Band: Is primarily our 6th grade jazz band and is open to all band students. Students that play oboe and french horn are encouraged to join jazz lab band on another instrument (i.e. piano, bass, guitar, etc.) Since this is an introductory level jazz band, students do not audition in order to participate. The jazz lab band rehearses every Friday morning from 8:00 - 8:50 a.m. and will start on Sep. 23rd.

All students that want to participate will need to have a signed permission slip in order to participate.

All jazz students, 6th-8th grade, will need to have the Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble book which will be used all three years of their jazz experience at brooks.

The jazz participation flyers are available for pick up in the band room (D110) and I will also email this form out to parents to download. Please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org if you have any questions regarding the jazz program.

If students or families have any questions or concerns please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

Brooks Bands Week of 9/12-9/16

Congratulations to all of our 8th graders that participated in the OPRF Marching Huskies 8th grade night. We had 21 8th graders participate and there was over 50 8th graders total from all three public feeder programs! We did face a little bit of rain but it didn't damped the spirits of the students who had a great time working and playing with the OPRF Marching Huskies!

CURRICULUM NIGHT: Thursday, Sep. 15th

Don't forget to come out and meet all of your students' teachers this Thursday evening. This event is for parents only.

HOMEWORK:

Practice Record Journals (Due every Monday)

Week 3 Due Monday, 9/12

6th Graders: 120+ minutes = A, 90-119 minutes = B, 60-89 minutes = C, 30-59 minutes = D, below 30 minutes = U.

7th/8th Graders: Regular practice requirements 150+ minutes = A

Students need to have the Practice Record (outside cover) Practice Journal and Weekly Assignments and Goals filled out for full credit. A parent signature on the outside cover and on the Weekly Assignments and Goals is required for credit.

Practice records that are not turned in on time do receive a 10 point penalty each day it is late and will not receive credit if it is not turned in within the week. Make sure that both the cover as well as the assignments and goals page are signed to receive credit.

Music Theory: (Wed.)

6th Graders: Alfred's Music Theory, Lessons 1-3

7th/8th Graders: Alfred's Music Theory, Lessons 39-40

All students need to have their required Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory Book in order to complete this assignment in class.

BAND HANDBOOKS:

All students have received the Band Handbook to help them and their families understand the grading policies, required supplies, concert dress requirements and responsibilities of the students, parents and their band director. There is also helpful information on practicing, music enrichment opportunities available and sample forms for students and parents to copy from if needed.

Students also received a band handbook contract/video usage agreement form that needs to be signed by both students and their family. Due to recent district policy, teachers must have written parental permission to show video/movie clips as part of their curriculum. If a student does not have written permission from a parent an alternative assignment must be given. Periodically we use video clips of music performances from both school and professional level musicians to use for critique and comparison of what we are doing with our band program. We also use video clips of music educational/history series such as Marsalis on Music, Ken Burns JAZZ and Blast to name a few. These clips are also supplemented with activity sheets to help student comprehension and retaining information.

This band handbook contract/video permission slip needs to be turned in by Tuesday, Sep. 13th.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders): The jazz ensemble meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:00 - 8:50 a.m. Students are selected into this group by audition and audition material was available at the end of last school year and will be available for students to pick up this week if they need another copy. The instrumentation of the jazz ensemble is similar to a traditional big band (saxophones, trumpets, trombones, piano, guitar, bass, drum set, and we have added vibraphone which can be used in the traditional big band setting. Flute and clarinet players have been encouraged to pick up saxophone as a secondary instrument. They may however audition in jazz ensemble on their primary instrument but will be competing for a spot in the saxophone section.

Auditions and workshops for the jazz ensemble are the following:

Mon. 9/12: Saxophone, trombone, trumpet workshop, 8:00-8:50 a.m.

Rhythm Section workshop(piano, guitar, bass, drumset, vibes) 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Tues. 9/13: Rhythm Section workshop 8:00 - 8:50 a.m.

Saxophone, trombone, trumpet workshop, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Thurs. 9/15: Saxophone, trombone, trumpet auditions 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Students will

need to sign up for a specific audition time and have a signed permission slip.

Fri. 9/16: Rhythm section auditions 8:00 and if needed 3:30 p.m. Students will need to sign up

for a specific audition time and have a signed permission slip.

All students auditioning need to have a signed permission slip for the jazz program before auditioning. NO EXCEPTIONS. Audition results will be posted on Monday, Sep. 19th and the first rehearsal starts Tuesday, Sep. 20th.

Jazz Lab Band: Is primarily our 6th grade jazz band and is open to all band students. Students that play oboe and french horn are encouraged to join jazz lab band on another instrument (i.e. piano, bass, guitar, etc.) Since this is an introductory level jazz band, students do not audition in order to participate. The jazz lab band rehearses every Friday morning from 8:00 - 8:50 a.m. and will start on Sep. 23rd.

All students that want to participate will need to have a signed permission slip in order to participate.

All jazz students, 6th-8th grade, will need to have the Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble book which will be used all three years of their jazz experience at brooks.

The jazz participation flyers are available for pick up in the band room (D110) and I will also email this form out to parents to download. Please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org if you have any questions regarding the jazz program.

7th & 8th GRADE BAND SECTIONALS/SEATING PLACEMENTS

Band sectionals for all 7th/8th grade band students will start on Monday, Sep. 12th. Students will receive a copy of the sectional schedule for the 1st trimester this week. The sectionals are scheduled during 3rd, 4th and 8th periods and students will be scheduled by their instrument section (i.e. flutes, trumpets, percussion, etc.) Each group will be assigned a specific day each week and the schedule will rotate from these three class periods so students do not miss the same class period more than once a month. In the case of a four day week, sectionals maybe rescheduled in order to fit each group within the week. The goal to the rotating schedule is to avoid as little disruption to every student's schedule as possible.

Students will need to check in with their classroom teacher before coming down for band sectionals and they should have a copy of their sectional schedule with them as their pass to come down. Students are excused from a band sectional if they are taking a test, presenting a project, or have a guest speaker in their classroom or are absent from school that day. If time permits, they should come down for the remainder of the class period if they finish early with testing/quizzes, etc. To confirm an excused absence (other than absent from school) students will need to fill out an excused absence form and have it signed by their classroom teacher. This form should be turned in by the next school day.

It is crucial for students to participate in the sectional portion of the 7th/8th grade band curriculum since it provides an opportunity to give more individualized instruction, work on instrument specific skills and complete performance assessments that cannot be completed in a full band class environment.

The 7th/8th grade seating placement assessments will happen the week of Sep. 19th. This will allow students focusing on jazz ensemble auditions or other co-curricular ensemble auditions the week before as well as give us a chance to review the seating placement material together in each sectional.

If students or families have any questions or concerns please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

Brooks Bands, Week of 9/6-9/9

BRAVO Meet and Greet Gathering has been moved to this Wed., Sep. 7th at the home of Carollina Song and Alec Harris, 238 Forest in Oak Park (adults only). This is a great opportunity for parents to meet BRAVO faculty and BRAVO Advisory Board Members and find out about all of the various opportunities for your student(s). The event is 7:00-8:30 p.m. and their will be light refreshments. If anyone has questions contact Tina Reynolds at treynolds@op97.org or Daphanee Lewis at dlewis@op97.org or call the BRAVO Hotline at 708-524-5621.

OPRF MARCHING HUSKIES 8TH GRADE NIGHT, Friday, Sep. 9th:

All 8th grade band students are invited in this event to learn more about the OPRF Marching Band as well as the OPRF Band Program as a whole. Participants will have the opportunity to be a part of the Marching Huskies for the night by being a part of their pre-game show (yes on the football field), play in the stands during the first half, and watch the Marching Huskies perform their halftime show. Students will walk from Brooks over to OPRF with Mr. Barnard right after school or can meet the group at the marching band practice field, located at Lake and Scoville by 4:30 p.m. Pizza dinner will be provided and students will have a great opportunity to socialize and learn a little bit about the band program and high school from the high school students.

After the half-time show, students will be released and will need to have tranportation arrangements made with their parents (approx. 9 p.m.). Permission slips are available in the band room (D110) and will need to be turned into Mr. Barnard no later than Tuesday, Sep. 6th.

IMEA JR. HIGH HONORS AUDITIONS

Registration forms for the IMEA Jr. High Honors Band, Choir, Orchestra and Jazz are due no later than this Friday, Sep. 9th. The cost for auditioning is $12 and checks need to be made to BRAVO. The audition material for band and jazz band is the same material students are preparing for 7th/8th grade seating placement assessments and jazz ensemble auditions.

The auditions are on Sat., Oct. 1st @ Bryan Middle School in Elmhurst. Students interested in auditioning need to be committed to this audition date as well as the festival date(s), Sat., Nov. 5 @ Riverside-Brookfield H.S. (Band, Choir, Orchestra) and/or Sat., Nov. 12 @ Rich South H.S. in Richton Park. Both festivals are all day events that include rehearsals, workshops and a late afternoon concert with their honors ensembles. Each ensemble works with a guest conductor/clinician in the music education profession, usually at the collegiate level. Audition results are known within the week and students are responsible for preparing the honors music prior to the festival event. Students should see Mr. Barnard for help preparing for the auditions as well as festival music if selected.

If families have any questions about the registration or audition process please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

REMINDER ABOUT BOOKS & SUPPLIES

6th Graders: Standards of Excellence Bk 1 & 2 and Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory Bk 1. The Standards of Excellence Bk 1 will be for review and we plan to quickly get into the Bk 2 within the next week or two.

7th/8th Graders: Standards of Excellence Bk 3 and Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory Bk 2.

8th graders should be all set with their books if they still have them from last school year.

All Band Students are required to have a 1 inch, 3-ring binder that will be used as our everyday folders to keep track of sheet music, handouts and supplementary exercises. Students will also keep their PRACTICE RECORD JOURNAL in their 3-ring binders as well. We also recommend that students get plastic sheet protectors which will help keep papers from ripping out of the binders. A package of 25 should be plenty to get through the school year. Once every trimester we will be doing Portfolio Assessments which will be checking to see that our students are keeping their current music, music theory and handouts in order as well as having their required books.

BAND STUDENTS ALWAYS BRING PENCILS TO CLASS.

Please check out the previous post for all required supplies and equipment students need in order to participate in band.

HOMEWORK:

Practice Record Journals (Due every Monday)

Week 2 Due Tuesday, 9/6

6th Graders: 90+ minutes = A, 60-89 minutes = B, 30-59 minutes = C, 29- minutes = D.

7th/8th Graders: 120+ minutes = A, 90-119 minutes = B, 60-89 minutes = C, 30-59 minutes = D, 29- minutes U.

Students need to have the Practice Record (outside cover) Practice Journal and Weekly Assignments and Goals filled out for full credit. A parent signature on the outside cover and on the Weekly Assignments and Goals is required for credit.

Because of the Labor Day holiday, Practice Record Journals will be collected on Tuesday 9/6.

The goals for Week 3 will be the following: 6th Graders 120 minutes = A, 7th/8th Graders 150 minutes = A.

Music Theory:

Music Theory will start the following week due to our four day school week as well as establishing our daily rehearsal routine.

Any student that does not have their required Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory Book will need to have it by next Wednesday 9/14.

BAND HANDBOOKS:

All band students will receive our band handbook which will help both students and families understand the overview of the band program. Students and their families are to use the handbook for information regarding grading policies, concert attire, class descriptions, co-curricular opportunities, band event calendar and help looking for enrichment opportunities such as studying privately, etc. In the back of the handbook are copies of forms we will use throughout the year. Students and their families should become familiar with these forms and can copy from these sheets if needed. We may add a couple more scoring guides soon and will forward them out to parents via pdfs to download and use.

Along with the handbooks students will receive a student contract/video usage agreement form that will be completed by both the student and their parent/guardian. The video usage agreement allows us to show students video clips of music related topics including recorded performances of school and professional music ensembles for critique and comparison.

This contract/video usage agreement form will be due no later than Monday, Sep. 12th.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders): The jazz ensemble meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:00 - 8:50 a.m. Students are selected into this group by audition and audition material was available at the end of last school year and will be available for students to pick up this week if they need another copy. The instrumentation of the jazz ensemble is similar to a traditional big band (saxophones, trumpets, trombones, piano, guitar, bass, drum set, and we have added vibraphone which can be used in the traditional big band setting. Flute and clarinet players have been encouraged to pick up saxophone as a secondary instrument. They may however audition in jazz ensemble on their primary instrument but will be competing for a spot in the saxophone section.

Auditions and workshops for the jazz ensemble are the following:

Mon. 9/12: Saxophone, trombone, trumpet workshop, 8:00-8:50 a.m.

Rhythm Section workshop(piano, guitar, bass, drumset, vibes) 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Tues. 9/13: Rhythm Section workshop 8:00 - 8:50 a.m.

Saxophone, trombone, trumpet workshop, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Thurs. 9/15: Saxophone, trombone, trumpet auditions 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Students will

need to sign up for a specific audition time and have a signed permission slip.

Fri. 9/16: Rhythm section auditions 8:00 and if needed 3:30 p.m. Students will need to sign up

for a specific audition time and have a signed permission slip.

All students auditioning need to have a signed permission slip for the jazz program before auditioning. NO EXCEPTIONS. Audition results will be posted on Monday, Sep. 19th and the first rehearsal starts Tuesday, Sep. 20th.

Jazz Lab Band: Is primarily our 6th grade jazz band and is open to all band students. Students that play oboe and french horn are encouraged to join jazz lab band on another instrument (i.e. piano, bass, guitar, etc.) Since this is an introductory level jazz band, students do not audition in order to participate. The jazz lab band rehearses every Friday morning from 8:00 - 8:50 a.m. and will start on Sep. 23rd.

All students that want to participate will need to have a signed permission slip in order to participate.

All jazz students, 6th-8th grade, will need to have the Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble book which will be used all three years of their jazz experience at brooks.

The jazz participation flyers are available for pick up in the band room (D110) and I will also email this form out to parents to download. Please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org if you have any questions regarding the jazz program.

7th & 8th GRADE BAND SECTIONALS/SEATING PLACEMENTS

Band sectionals for all 7th/8th grade band students will start on Monday, Sep. 12th. Students will receive a copy of the sectional schedule for the 1st trimester this week. The sectionals are scheduled during 3rd, 4th and 8th periods and students will be scheduled by their instrument section (i.e. flutes, trumpets, percussion, etc.) Each group will be assigned a specific day each week and the schedule will rotate from these three class periods so students do not miss the same class period more than once a month. In the case of a four day week, sectionals maybe rescheduled in order to fit each group within the week. The goal to the rotating schedule is to avoid as little disruption to every student's schedule as possible.

Students will need to check in with their classroom teacher before coming down for band sectionals and they should have a copy of their sectional schedule with them as their pass to come down. Students are excused from a band sectional if they are taking a test, presenting a project, or have a guest speaker in their classroom or are absent from school that day. If time permits, they should come down for the remainder of the class period if they finish early with testing/quizzes, etc. To confirm an excused absence (other than absent from school) students will need to fill out an excused absence form and have it signed by their classroom teacher. This form should be turned in by the next school day.

It is crucial for students to participate in the sectional portion of the 7th/8th grade band curriculum since it provides an opportunity to give more individualized instruction, work on instrument specific skills and complete performance assessments that cannot be completed in a full band class environment.

The 7th/8th grade seating placement assessments will happen the week of Sep. 19th. This will allow students focusing on jazz ensemble auditions or other co-curricular ensemble auditions the week before as well as give us a chance to review the seating placement material together in each sectional.

If students or families have any questions or concerns please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

Brooks Bands, Week of 8/29 - 9/2

Hello Band Families,

This is the first of weekly posts I will be displaying on our band blog to help inform band students and their families on band related events, practice records, music theory assignments, co-curricular ensemble schedules, etc., etc.

For the first full week of school. We will be gradually be getting into our routine, including keeping track of our practicing and acquiring needed books and supplies for the year. We are asking that all students to have all of their required books and 3-ring binder no later than this Friday, 9/3. The required books are the following:

6th Graders: Standards of Excellence Bk 1 & 2 and Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory Bk 1. The Standards of Excellence Bk 1 will be for review and we plan to quickly get into the Bk 2 within the next week or two.

7th/8th Graders: Standards of Excellence Bk 3 and Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory Bk 2.

8th graders should be all set with their books if they still have them from last school year.

All Band Students are required to have a 1 inch, 3-ring binder that will be used as our everyday folders to keep track of sheet music, handouts and supplementary exercises. Students will also keep their PRACTICE RECORD JOURNAL in their 3-ring binders as well. We also recommend that students get plastic sheet protectors which will help keep papers from ripping out of the binders. A package of 25 should be plenty to get through the school year. Once every trimester we will be doing Portfolio Assessments which will be checking to see that our students are keeping their current music, music theory and handouts in order as well as having their required books.

BAND STUDENTS ALWAYS BRING PENCILS TO CLASS.

Please check out the previous post for all required supplies and equipment students need in order to participate in band.

HOMEWORK:

Practice Record Journals (Due every Monday):

Students will be receiving their Practice Record Journals on Tuesday and will start keeping track of their practice minutes as well as what materials they are practicing throughout the week. The Practice Record Journal is a new concept to band students since not only will they be recording their practice minutes, they will also write down what they are practicing. This will help students set practice goals and routines as well as help parents and teacher know how they are practicing.

On the outside of the Practice Record Journal cover is the standard practice chart where students will be keeping track of their practice minutes for each week. Besides keeping track of minutes there are two other pages that will be filled out as part of the practice record requirement.

The first page is what we call a detailed practice journal. Here they will write down what what they are practicing. The are boxes that cover the following: Scales, Long Tone or Rudiments for percussion, technique exercises & etudes, Band Music and lastly for any jazz related or supplementary solo work practice. In each box they will simply write down what scales, technical exercises (usually out of their Standards of Excellence Book), band and/or jazz band repertoire they may practice for each section. We will practice in class for the next few weeks how to fill this out!

The second page is the Practice Assignments & Goals. Here students will write down what they are assigned to practice for band class and jazz band. Students also have space to reflect on what they have learned or can now do, what they need more practice on, what they may need more help with and any questions they may have for their teacher. The bottom of this page as well as the outside cover (Practice Record Chart) will need to be signed by a parent/guardian. I will use some of this feedback to make any teaching adjustments and see what areas may need more review. The majority of this page should be filled out every week in class!

Each week students will receive two practice grades. One grade will be for the practice chart on the outside cover. The other grade will be for the journal entries for each week.

Again, the purpose to using the Practice Record Journal is to help students and their families see what and how they are practicing. I will be sending out examples via email to help students and families understand what we are doing in class.

Since we are getting back into the groove so to speak. This week's practice minute goals will be the following:

Week 2

6th Graders: 90+ minutes = A, 60-89 minutes = B, 30-59 minutes = C, 29- minutes = D.

7th/8th Graders: 120+ minutes = A, 90-119 minutes = B, 60-89 minutes = C, 30-59 minutes = D, 29- minutes U.

Because of the Labor Day holiday, Practice Record Journals will be collected on Tuesday 9/6.

Music Theory:

We will start music theory next week to allow students and their families to get their needed music theory books. Since we have band five days a week, we do take the time to learn and study music theory to help develop music reading skills as well as break down the theory behind rhythm, scale construction and harmonic theory used in music theory composition and performance. The main goal for every student is to become fluent in reading music and for our more advance students to take this knowledge in order to create their own music. Music theory lessons are typically on every Wednesday and any homework assignments are due by that Friday. These assignments are started in class and many students either complete it our get most of it done in class.

After each Unit of the Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory Book. Students will take a Unit Test to assess their knowledge on those music theory concepts covered. These tests are typically twice a trimester.

BAND HANDBOOKS:

Later this week, all band students will receive our band handbook which will help both students and families understand the overview of the band program. Students and their families are to use the handbook for information regarding grading policies, concert attire, class descriptions, co-curricular opportunities, band event calendar and help looking for enrichment opportunities such as studying privately, etc. In the back of the handbook are copies of forms we will use throughout the year. Students and their families should become familiar with these forms and can copy from these sheets if needed. We may add a couple more scoring guides soon and will forward them out to parents via pdfs to download and use.

Along with the handbooks students will receive a student contract/video usage agreement form that will be completed by both the student and their parent/guardian. The video usage agreement allows us to show students video clips of music related topics including recorded performances of school and professional music ensembles for critique and comparison.

This contract/video usage agreement form will be due no later than Friday, Sep. 9th.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders): The jazz ensemble meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:00 - 8:50 a.m. Students are selected into this group by audition and audition material was available at the end of last school year and will be available for students to pick up this week if they need another copy. The instrumentation of the jazz ensemble is similar to a traditional big band (saxophones, trumpets, trombones, piano, guitar, bass, drum set, and we have added vibraphone which can be used in the traditional big band setting. Flute and clarinet players have been encouraged to pick up saxophone as a secondary instrument. They may however audition in jazz ensemble on their primary instrument but will be competing for a spot in the saxophone section.

Auditions and workshops for the jazz ensemble are the following:

Mon. 9/12: Saxophone, trombone, trumpet workshop, 8:00-8:50 a.m.

Rhythm Section workshop(piano, guitar, bass, drumset, vibes) 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Tues. 9/13: Rhythm Section workshop 8:00 - 8:50 a.m.

Saxophone, trombone, trumpet workshop, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Thurs. 9/15: Saxophone, trombone, trumpet auditions 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Students will

need to sign up for a specific audition time.

Fri. 9/16: Rhythm section auditions 8:00 and if needed 3:30 p.m. Students will need to sign up

for a specific audition time.

All students auditioning need to have a signed permission slip for the jazz program before auditioning. NO EXCEPTIONS. Audition results will be posted on Monday, Sep. 19th and the first rehearsal starts Tuesday, Sep. 20th.

Jazz Lab Band: Is primarily our 6th grade jazz band and is open to all band students. Students that play oboe and french horn are encouraged to join jazz lab band on another instrument (i.e. piano, bass, guitar, etc.) Since this is an introductory level jazz band, students do not audition in order to participate. The jazz lab band rehearses every Friday morning from 8:00 - 8:50 a.m. and will start on Sep. 23rd.

All students that want to participate will need to have a signed permission slip in order to participate.

All jazz students, 6th-8th grade, will need to have the Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble book which will be used all three years of their jazz experience at brooks.

The jazz participation flyers are available for pick up in the band room (D110) and I will also email this form out to parents to download. Please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org if you have any questions regarding the jazz program.

OPRF MARCHING HUSKIES 8TH GRADE NIGHT, Friday, Sep. 9th:

All 8th grade band students are invited in this event to learn more about the OPRF Marching Band as well as the OPRF Band Program as a whole. Participants will have the opportunity to be a part of the Marching Huskies for the night by being a part of their pre-game show (yes on the football field), play in the stands during the first half, and watch the Marching Huskies perform their halftime show. Students will walk from Brooks over to OPRF with Mr. Barnard right after school or can meet the group at the marching band practice field, located at Lake and Scoville by 4:30 p.m. Pizza dinner will be provided and students will have a great opportunity to socialize and learn a little bit about the band program and high school from the high school students.

After the half-time show, students will be released and will need to have tranportation arrangements made with their parents (approx. 9 p.m.). Permission slips are available in the band room (D110) and will need to be turned into Mr. Barnard no later than Sep. 6th.

2011-2012 Books & Supplies

BAND EQUIPMENT & SUPPLY LIST

Parents are responsible in providing their student with an instrument, books and accessories needed in order to participate in the instrumental music program in District 97. Students that qualify for the federally reduced lunch program may receive assistance through one of our community organizations, PING (Providing Instruments for the Next Generation), for a nominal fee. For more information about the PING organization go to www.pingoprf.org.

6^th Grade Required Books:

Standards of Excellence Book I (for review)

Standard of Excellence Book 2

Alfred Music Theory – Book 1

7^th & 8th Grade Required Books:

Standards of Excellence Book 3

Alfred Music Theory – Book 2

Refer to music vendors on the last page for book purchases. BRAVO! does not pre-order books.

All band students are required to have a 3-ring binder, 1” with side pockets, for securing music and books. All students are also required to have a pencil in class for marking music, taking notes and working on music theory assignments.

Flutes: A cleaning/tuning rod with a small handkerchief. Polishing cloth for outside

finish. Optical size screw driver for adjusting loose screws.

Oboes/Bassoons: An oboe swab, oboe reeds; medium-soft or medium (6^th graders),

medium or medium hard (7^th/8^th graders). Optical size screw driver for adjusting

loose screws. Small pipe cleaner for cleaning ½ hole vents (optional). A good

quality store bought reed is Jones reeds; if you are studying privately, talk with

your private instructor for suggestions.

Clarinets: A clarinet swab, reeds: 2 ½ (6^th graders) 2 ½ or 3 (7^th/8^th graders). I

recommend Rico Royals, Mitchell Lurie or Vandoren Reeds. If purchasing Vandorens please be aware that you might want a lower number reed because they are much denser than other brands. A reed holder/protector that holds 4 reeds for proper storage. All students should have 4 playable reeds at all times. An optical size screw driver for adjusting loose screws. Bass clarinet students must purchase their own mouthpiece with ligature and cap. (Recommend Yamaha Stock)

Saxophones: A neckstrap, a saxophone swab, reeds: 2 ½ (6^th graders) 2 ½ or 3 (7^th/8^th

graders). I recommend Rico Royals or Vandoren Reeds. If purchasing

Vandorens please be aware that you might want a lower number reed because they are much denser than other brands. A reed holder/protector that holds 4 reeds for proper storage. All students are required to have 4 playable reeds at all times. An optical size screw driver for adjusting loose screws. Tenor and baritone saxophones must purchase their own mouthpiece with ligature and cap. (Recommend Yamaha 4C or Selmer C-star)

Trumpets: Valve oil (Alcass), slide grease, trumpet snakes for periodic cleaning,

mouthpiece brush. A straight mute (stone-line brand most affordable) to be used

periodically in performance.

French Horn: Rotary Valve Oil, slide grease, French horn snakes for periodic cleaning,

mouthpiece brush.

Trombone: Superslick or trombotine slide grease, tuning slide grease, trombone snake,

mouthpiece brush. A straight mute (stone-line brand most affordable)

Baritone/Euphonium: Valve Oil (Alcass), slide grease, baritone snakes for periodic

cleaning, mouthpiece brush. All students must have their own mouthpiece

with a mouthpiece pouch to protect it. Each student should have a euphonium at home as a practice instrument. Recommend Bach 6 ½ AL for mouthpieces.

Tubas: Valve oil, slide grease, mouthpiece brush. All students must have their own

mouthpiece with a mouthpiece pouch to protect it. Each student should have

a euphonium or tuba at home as a practice instrument. Recommend Bach 12

for mouthpieces.

Percussion: Stick bag, snare drum sticks (Vic Firth SD1 or standard 2B), Bell Mallets

(plastic heads), Timpani Mallets (Vic Firth Generals) and medium yarn mallets. Some companies do sell a complete percussion bag full of these items at a reasonable price.

All percussionists are required to have a percussion kit with bells and practice pad for at home practice.

Optional Accessories for everyone!

Electronic Metronome: Used for providing a steady rhythmic pulse and is good for

developing accurate technique.

Tuner: Important tool to help students play in tune and develop good intonation skills.

This is highly recommended for double reed students.

Jazz Program

All students are required to have a copy of Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble, by Mike Steinel. This book is the primary book for 6^th graders and will be used continually for improvisation study throughout the jazz program.

Guitar/Bass: patch chords ( 2 recommended ), extra set of strings, electronic tuner.

Drumset: a pair of 5A or 7A sticks, a set of wire brushes.

Vibraphones: 2 pairs of chord mallets (med.)

Instrument Rentals & Purchases

It is extremely important when you make a decision to purchase an instrument that you speak to either your child’s band director or private instructor. We want you to invest in a high quality instrument that will perform well for your child and will stand the test of time. We recommend that you do not purchase instruments from internet sites, at garage sales or at non-music retail outlets such as warehouse clubs, without speaking to a band director first. What may look like a good instrument and a good deal can really be an instrument with many flaws. Please consider the following recommendations when renting or purchasing a quality student instrument.

Flute/Piccolo: Gemeinhardt, Armstrong, Yamaha

Oboe: Selmer, Yamaha, Buffet

Clarinet: Vito, Selmer, LeBlanc, Buffet, Yamaha

Saxophone: Conn, Vito, Selmer, Yamaha, Cannonball, Jupiter

Trumpet: Bach, Holton, Yamaha, Getzen, Jupiter

French Horn: Holton, Conn or Yamaha

Trombone: Bach, Yamaha or King, Conn, Jupiter

Euphonium/Tuba: King, Bach, Holton, Jupiter, Yamaha

Percussion: Ludwig, Yamaha Percussion Kits, Drumset: Ludwig, Pearl, Yamaha

Please contact your band director or private instructor when deciding to purchase a step up or professional level instrument for further recommendations.

Local Music Vendors

Austin Music Center Band Source

6815 North Ave. 2309 Maple Ave.

Oak Park, IL 60302 Downers Grove, IL 60515

708/ 383-1961 630/447-0426

www.austinmusiccenter.net www.bandsourcecompany.com

Kagan & Gaines Music Music & Arts Center

7655 Roosevelt Rd. 907 W. Irving Park Rd.

Forest Park, IL 60130 Itasca, IL 60143

708/771-2152 630/258-1485

www.kaganandgaines.com www.musicarts.com

Quinlin & Fabish Music Woodwind & Brasswind (online)

166 Shore Dr. 4004 Technology Drive

Burr Ridge, IL 60527 South Bend, IN 46628

630/654-4111 800/348-5003

www.qandf.com www.wwbw.com

ONLINE SHEET MUSIC/BOOKS

J.W. Pepper Music Company

www.jwpepper.com

Prima Music Company

www.primamusic.com

GBMS does not carry accessories such as valve oil, slide grease, reeds, sticks, etc. and it is the responsibility of the student and their parents to purchase these items.

INSTRUMENT REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE

Students and their families are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of their instruments and should have any repairs taken care of in a timely manner. In the case that an instrument may have some problems it is the responsibility of the student to inform the band director and he/she will take a look at it and if possible fix the problem.

If the repair requires taking it to a certified repair shop (music store), the band director will write a repair slip describing what the problem may be and what he/she tried to do in order to try to fix the problem. This will help both parents and the repair technician know what to look for and will help speed up the repair process.

Parents are responsible for taking the instrument in for repairs. If a student is renting an instrument from our district’s main supplier (Music & Arts Center) a phone call to the Itasca store can schedule a pick up at our school on Friday mornings. If any family is still renting an instrument from a local music store it is recommended to ask if you can check out a loaner instrument while your child’s instrument is being repaired. Most instrument rental agreements offer a loaner instrument for repair situations.