PURPOSE
The Instrumental Music Program provides
students with opportunities to try musical instruments for a period of time
in order to see if the student has an interest and can be successful on the
instrument. Students in grades 4-8 will receive one 40 minute period 
of
group instruction per week. The lessons and instructional materials will
be provided by the Board of Education, while the student provides the instrument
and the materials required for proper functioning of the instrument. Students
will be eligible for extended day band or string orchestra programs when the
instructor feels that the student has learned enough material to be able to
function as a member of the group. It is very important that the student
acquires good practice and study habits from the beginning of instruction. The
amount of time spent on serious home practice will be a major factor in student
success with the instrument. Parents are urged to provide a place and time for
daily practice for the student. Although evaluation of a student's progress
will occur at each lesson, the first major evaluation will occur at the end
of the second marking period. The second will occur at the end of the first
year and the third will take place at the end of the second year.
STANDARD of CONDUCT
Because learning to play music in a group of instrumentalists is an activity unlike any other which a student may undertake, it is important for band members to ackowledge and conform to a certain standard of conduct. In the quest for excellence in this endeavor, certain obstacles must be overcome. These obstacles include tardiness, absence, negative attitudes, lack of personal or musical integrity, trust issues, selfishness, lack of responsibility and commitment to the group, lack of respect for people and property, and lack of self-respect.
It is assumed that all band members and
their families join the band faculty in wishing to provide an environment in
which young people are expected and encouraged to develop the strength of character
which will result in overcoming these obstacles and lead to both personal and
ensemble excellence. Therefore, the following concepts form the basis for a
code of values for the students in the Bayonne, NJ, Philip G. Vroom School band
program: respect for people and property, kindness and cooperation; good and
honest intentions; intellectual curiousity; and a positive and rigorous work
ethic.
Following is a presented code of values
which must be internalized and outwardly demonstrated by each band member if
he or she is to experience, individually or within the ensemble, the full measure
of artistic success which is possible.
RESPECT
Band members are expected to demonstrate
at all times respect for faculty, parents, other students, guests, and, especially,
themselves. All property falls under this expectation as well. Indications of
respect are common courtesy and politeness, friendliness, support of peers and
competitors, helpfulness, and positive behaviors. Conflicts should be handled
maturely. Profanity, obscenity, and disrespectful speech or actions are intolerable.
PUNCTUALITY and PREPARATION
Students must be WHERE they are
supposed to be, WHEN they are supposed to be there, WITH the right
equipment, materials, and supplies, WEARING the proper attire, and WITHOUT
failing to resolve schedule conflicts.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY and ACCOUNTABILITY
You have two primary responsibilities: to yourself and your own personal growth and to any group to which you belong. Within the band program, performances take precedence over all your other activities and rehearsals take precedence over almost all other activities. When the occasional conflict arises, YOU are accountable for resolving it appropriately through adequate communication with and agreement between all parties concerned.
INTEGRITY
Integrity can be defined as being complete
as a person or having great strength of character and trustworthiness. Shakespeare's
advice "to thine own self be true" is golden, because you must be completely
honest with yourself before you can be truly honest with anyone else. The "completeness"
implied by integrity also involves being kind and thoughtful and thinking of
others as well as yourself in making decisions.
VOLUNTEERISM and WORK ETHIC
It is important for you to seek out opportunities to help keep the day-to-day activities of the band program running smoothly. Ask "What can I do to help?" often and cheerfully. Be quick to assist with library work, copying, collating, stuffing envelopes, distributing information, organizing, setting up chairs and stands, tearing down performance sets, helping younger students through modeling and mentoring, ushering, moving and packing equipment, running errands, etc.
Also, realize that finding success in any
performing art requires thousands of hours of diligent work, practice, repetition,
failure, reevaluation, discussion with teachers and peers, rehearsal, and performance.
You must demonstrate unswerving persistence toward musical excellence and personal
dedication in this area.
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--Students who have had at least 4 years of music instruction score an average of 102 points higher on their SAT exams. --More parts of the brain are engaged while playing music than any other activity. --There are many life skills to be learned in band including self-discipline, commitment, a strong work ethic, and cooperation. |
The purpose of the Concert Band is to provide experience
and training in ensemble playing for students in grades 5 and 8 who have
acquired enough of the fundamental skills to function as a member of an
ensemble. They tend to perform more challenging and a wider range of styles
and composers. Comprised of Wind and Percussion instruments. the Concert
Band typically performs three concerts a year including Graduation and
Commencement Ceremonies. Each student is required to attend lessons throughout
the school year and is provided with a lesson schedule.
String Ensemble
The
String Ensemble is for those students who choose to play violin, viola, or cello
and have acquired the skills they need to perform with a group. The Ensemble
tends to perform a more challenging repertoire better suited to the nature
of the young string player. They also perform three concerts a year including
Graduation and Commencement Ceremonies and are required to attend lessons throughout
the school year as well as extra Ensemble rehearsals.
