Student/Parent Information Sheet

All Band Parents:
Please make sure to click on the link to fill out your Student/Parent Information Sheet!!!

Greetings to our new and returning Brooks Band students and families! My name is Ms. Friedrich and I will be working with you throughout the school year. I am very excited to be a part of the Oak Park music program, and we have many exciting things lined up for this year! Please make sure you have checked out the supply list for the year (a few blogs down) so that you can be prepared for a great start. Working with middle school band students is truly a passion of mine and I cannot wait to meet all of you and get the music flowing! If you ever have any questions please feel free to email me at sfriedrich@op97.org. 

A little about me: I grew up in Joliet, IL in a strong and competitive instrumental program.  My primary instrument is clarinet but I also played alto saxophone in jazz band starting in 6th grade. In my freshman year of high school I also started learning flute and often performed with jazz band and in the pit orchestra for musicals. Throughout my high school experience I performed in the wind ensemble, orchestra, pit orchestra, marching band, and the Suburban Youth Symphony Orchestra. I did my undergraduate work at Illinois State University with a double major in music performance on clarinet and music education. At ISU I performed as principal clarinet for the wind ensemble and marching band, and also performed in various chamber groups as well as orchestra. Most recently I completed a master's degree in music education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I have taught middle school band for 7 years, in public and private schools. My last position included many of the components that are also present here in Oak Park, including concert bands, jazz band, marching band, and preparation for organizational contests. It continues to be my goal to provide students with a well-rounded music curriculum that includes a variety of opportunities with high expectations for learning and musical growth. I am pleased to have the opportunity to do so here at Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School and I look forward to a wonderful and  successful year!

Welcome Ms. Sally Friedrich/IMEA Audition Material

We welcome, Ms. Sally Friedrich, who will be taking over for Mr. Barnard during the 2012-2013 school school year as Director of Bands.  Ms. Friedrich has taught several years in the Crete-Monee school district and has recently finished a maternity leave position at Homewood-Flossmoor High School.  Ms. Friedrich as an excellent teacher that has several years experience teaching band and jazz at the middle school level and we look forward to having her on board!

Audition Material for IMEA Jr. Band can be found on the right side for all students to download and print off for practicing.  7th & 8th graders should prepare both the scale sheet and audition material for their instrument for seating placements for the fall.

All students interested in auditioning for jazz ensemble will need to download the audition material on the right side of the blog.  6th graders interested in participating in Jazz Lab Band do not audition. Information about audition dates and the rehearsal start dates will be available soon through Ms. Friedrich.

I look forward to hearing great things about the band program while I am off taking care of baby Lily and I look forward to seeing you at some of our concerts this school year!

Mr. Barnard

Band Supply List 2012-2013 School Year

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.

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 So
 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.

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.

Brooks Bands, Week of May 21st-25th

Congratulations to all of our band students for a fantastic week of concerts and the St. Louis Music Tour this past weekend.  We are proud to announce that our combined 7th/8th grade bands received an "Excellent" rating and was placed 2nd overall in the Music in the Parks National Music Festival in St. Louis!  Even though we are only 9 days away from the end of the year there is still a lot of information to get out to parents.  Please read through this blog for all the information you will need for the remainder of the school year!

HOMEWORK: 

Practice Journals:  Week 11 is due on Monday, May 21st.  This is the last week to collect all practice journals.  No practice journals will be collected after May 25th.

Outside Concert Summaries:  are due no later than this Friday, May 25th.  If you are looking for any last minute concert opportunities there are two concerts this week, Tuesday Orchestra Concert and Thursday Choir Concert.  Again, no concert summaries will not be collected after May 25th.

GRADUATION BAND:
The 8th Grade Graduation Ceremony is next Thursday, May 31st at 7:30 p.m. in the OPRFHS Auditorium.  The band program provides a group for this very important district event!  The band that performs for this event consist of 6th & 7th grade volunteers from all of our bands.  Students will report to the OPRFHS Auditorium (back stage) no later than 6:40 p.m. to set up and get ready for this important performance.  The event will finish at approximately 8:45 p.m.  Dress for this event is formal but students do not need to wear our standard black and white concert attire.
 
Students interested in being a part of the graduation band will need to sign up on the Graduation Band List located in the front of the band room!  A one time combined rehearsal will happen on Tuesday, May 29th during 3rd & 4th periods.  6th graders will eat lunch at the beginning of 5th period and are encouraged to bring a sack lunch that day.

JAZZ PROGRAM:
Congratulations the the Jazz Lab Band & Jazz Ensemble for a successful 2011-2012 school year!  Last week wrapped up our rehearsals for the school year.  Students interested in auditioning for next year's jazz ensemble should pick up an audition packet from Mr. Barnard before the end of the school year.    6th & 7th graders should hold onto their Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble books for next year.

LAST DAY FOR INSTRUMENTS FOR CLASS:
Tuesday, May 29th due to grade level field trips and our school wide PBIS activity on May 30th & 31st.  Students will need to make sure that their band lockers are cleaned out by May 29th.

Brooks Bands, Week of May 14th - 18th

SPRING BAND CONCERTS THIS WEEK!

*7th/8th Grade Spring Band Concert, Tuesday, May 15th @ 7 p.m., GBMS Auditorium.
This is a required performance for Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble
students.

     5:30 p.m.  Jazz Ensemble Soundcheck in Auditorium
     6:30 p.m.  Symphonic Band Report in Room D105 (choir room)
                     Wind Ensemble Report in Room D110 (band/orchestra room)

*6th Grade Spring Band Concert, Thursday, May 17th @ 7 p.m., GBMS Auditorium. This
is a required performance for Cadet Band, Concert Band and Jazz Lab Band students.





This concert also includes our elementary bands which will start at 6:30 p.m.  All 6th graders need to be in room D110 ready to go no later than 7:00 p.m.  The 6th grade portion of the concert will start at approximately 7:15 p.m.

CONCERT ATTIRE THIS WEEK:

Boys:  White button down dress shirt, black necktie, black dress pants, black dress shoes
Girls:  White blouse top covering the shoulders, black dress pants, black dress shoes

No Jeans or Gym Shoes,  No skirts

 

All jazz students will not wear the "Brooks Jazz T-Shirts" for these events.

 

*These events are required performance events for 3rd trimester for all academic bands. Contact Mr. Barnard in writing (email preferred) no later than two weeks before this event if there is an important family conflict. Refer to the Band Handbook for more information.

 

BRAVO ST. LOUIS MUSIC TOUR, May 18th-20th, 7th/8th Graders

Don't forget to check your packing list so you don't forget anything!  All students should take their instruments home on Thursday so they do not need to go into the school building.  Parents please do not park on Washington Blvd. along the school so our Motor Coach Buses can pull up to load equipment and students.  If anyone has any questions please refer to the Final Itinerary Packet or contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

5:15 a.m. report time on Friday, May 18th. 

• Make sure to pack only a carry on size luggage bag and bring a carry on bag that can fit in under your seat.  Make sure you use the luggage tag that was provided to you for the trip.
• All band and orchestra instruments must have the tag provided to you on the case.  Make sure that if your instrument is not a carry on instrument that it is dropped off at the appropriate bus first thing in the morning.  BAND:  Bus 1 Blue,  ORCHESTRA:  Bus 2 Yellow.
• Any student that requires medicine will need to make sure they see Mr. Sindelar with your medication in a zip lock bag in the original container the medicine came in.
• Make sure to have your sack lunch!
• Make sure you have your money for meals not provided for the weekend!

 Arrive back to Brooks at approx. 4:00 p.m.

• Make sure you have everything with you!
• Check in with your chaperone before leaving!
• GO TO SCHOOL ON MAY 21st!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

 
8th Grade Graduation Ceremony, Thursday, May 31st, 7:30, OPRF Auditorium.
This performance is for select 6th/7th grade band students. Sign up sheet will be available this week.

HOMEWORK:

Practice Record Journals

Week 10 Due Monday, 5/14. Please make sure that the practice journal is also signed on the inside of the booklet as well as the front cover.

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.



WEEK 11 will be the last week collected for the school year, due May 21st!

MUSIC THEORY:No Music Theory This Week! Practice for your upcoming performances!

3rd TRIMESTER OUTSIDE CONCERT SUMMARIES, Due May 25th

Students in any academic music elective are required to attend one live performance of a music, dance or theatrical event each trimester and fill out the Concert Observation Form based on what they saw at the event. A copy of the program or ticket stub from the event will need to be attached and the form requires a parent signature for credit.

Students can attend any event that is school related or out in the community (i.e. OPRF Concerts, community concerts and recitals, events in downtown Chicago such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Broadway in Chicago productions, etc.). Copies of this form can be downloaded from the link provided in the upper right hand corner of the band blog.

Concert Summaries are 5% of the total band grade so please do not forget to accomplish this assignment.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders):
Tuesday 8:00-8:50 a.m. rehearsal

              5:30 p.m. Soundcheck
              7:00 p.m. Concert

Jazz Lab Band:
Monday 8:00 - 8:50 a.m. rehearsal in Auditorium
Thursday 8:00 - 8:50 a.m. rehearsal in Auditorium

This week will be the last rehearsals for our jazz groups!  Audition material for the 2012-2013 jazz ensemble will be available this week for 6th-7th graders to pick up.

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

Brooks Bands, Week of 5/7 - 5/11

ST. LOUIS MUSIC TOUR (7TH/8TH Graders)
Final Informational Meeting has been changed to Tuesday, May 8th at 7 p.m. in the GBMS auditorium. At this meeting students and parents will receive the final trip itinerary, important contact information for that weekend, information on D97 medication policy, and an opportunity for students and parents to meet their chaperone for the trip.

Congratulations to all of our 7th/8th Graders for their outstanding performance at the Ethnic Festival Parade on Saturday!!!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

*7th/8th Grade Spring Band Concert, Tuesday, May 15th @ 7 p.m., GBMS Auditorium.
This is a required performance for Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble
students.

*6th Grade Spring Band Concert, Thursday, May 17th @ 7 p.m., GBMS Auditorium. This
is a required performance for Cadet Band, Concert Band and Jazz Lab Band students.

BRAVO St. Louis Music Tour, May 18th-20th, 7th/8th Graders
5:15 a.m. report time on Friday, May 18th. Arrive back to Brooks at approx. 4:00 p.m.

8th Grade Graduation Ceremony, Thursday, May 31st, 7:30, OPRF Auditorium.
This performance is for select 6th/7th grade band students. Sign up sheet will be available shortly.

*These events are required performance events for 3rd trimester for all academic bands. Contact Mr. Barnard in writing (email preferred) no later than two weeks before this event if there is an important family conflict. Refer to the Band Handbook for more information.

HOMEWORK:

Practice Record Journals

Week 9 Due Monday, 5/7. Please make sure that the practice journal is also signed on the inside of the booklet as well as the front cover.

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:No Music Theory This Week! Practice for your upcoming performances!

3rd TRIMESTER OUTSIDE CONCERT SUMMARIES, Due May 25th
Students in any academic music elective are required to attend one live performance of a music, dance or theatrical event each trimester and fill out the Concert Observation Form based on what they saw at the event. A copy of the program or ticket stub from the event will need to be attached and the form requires a parent signature for credit.

Students can attend any event that is school related or out in the community (i.e. OPRF Concerts, community concerts and recitals, events in downtown Chicago such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Broadway in Chicago productions, etc.). Copies of this form can be downloaded from the link provided in the upper right hand corner of the band blog.

Concert Summaries are 5% of the total band grade so please do not forget to accomplish this assignment.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders):
Tuesday 8:00-8:50 a.m. rehearsal

Thursday 8:00-8:50 a.m. rehearsal

Jazz Lab Band:
Friday 8:00 - 8:50 a.m. rehearsal
Additional rehearsals added on Monday, May 14th & Thursday, May 17th @ 8 a.m.

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.