ABOUT SRMS BAND

Normally, the band does not provide instruments for students; however, there are a few exceptions to this rule.

SunRidge Middle School rents the following instruments to individual students on a first come, first serve basis: 

• Oboe

• Bass Clarinet

• Bassoon

• Baritone Sax

• French Horn

• Euphonium

• Tuba

RENTAL FEE
Students issued school-owned instruments will pay a $50.00 Instrument Rental Fee via SchoolPay. This fee will not cover any damage (dents, broken parts, etc.) brought about by the student. Such repairs become the student/parent’s responsibility and will not be paid for by the school. If stolen and/or destroyed, the instrument will have to be replaced by the student.

MOUTHPIECES & ACCESSORIES
Students using school owned instruments will also need to purchase their own mouthpiece and other accessories as needed. All supplies are available from area music stores or on Amazon.

Orange County Public Schools does not have insurance or any play that will cover damage, theft, or loss of privately-owned equipment. If that equipment is to be covered, it must be through the parents' personal insurance, such as a homeowner's policy.

Supplies such as reeds, oil, cork grease, and swabs may be ordered from area music stores and will be delivered to school. Students who need to purchase accessories may do so before school, NOT before or during class. 

Plan ahead and be sure to have the appropriate materials on hand when needed, so when emergencies happen, you need only to reach into your case and get another reed or some oil.

• BRASS PLAYERS: Brass players will be expected to have valve or slide oil, mouthpiece brush, and tuning slide grease on hand at all times. There will be a mouthpiece puller available in the band office if needed. Please do not attempt to pull out a stuck mouthpiece with pliers because it can result in serious expensive damage to your instrument.

• WOODWIND PLAYERS: Woodwind players should have a reed guard, four good reeds, swab, and cork grease on hand at all times. Please also remember that you will only be as good as your equipment allows you to be- if you are playing on the cheapest reed available, you can only achieve the sound potential of the reed. Both Vandoren and Mitchel Lurie are preferred brands.

• PERCUSSIONISTS: Percussionists will be responsible for their own snare drum and mallet kit (which may be kept at home to practice with), drumsticks, and mallets for bells and timpani that are to be kept in their stick bag.  

Accidents with instruments do happen and when they do, the director can make minor repairs. If the director is unable to repair the instrument, please call your local music store and inform them of the problem. 

The music store will then pick up the instrument from SunRidge, repair it and return it to school.

Please make arrangements for payment with the music store that repairs the instrument. 

All band students are responsible for reading and adhering to the Orange County Public Schools Code of Conduct. Here are some general rules about conduct in the Band Room and when representing SRMS as a member of the band:

• Loud, boisterous behavior is inappropriate in the band room.

• Gum and food are NOT allowed in the band room. Water will be allowed as long as students act responsibly.

• DO NOT touch anything that is not yours! This is a very simple way to protect your personal property and the property of the school.

• Please keep the band room clean so that we may have a pleasant place to share the joy of music.

• Remember the golden rule, “ALWAYS TREAT OTHERS AS YOU EXPECT TO BE TREATED!”

DISCIPLINARY REFERRALS
Due to the nature of all the band groups, it is imperative that students’ behavior is exemplary. There will be opportunities for off campus trips and because of that, students will be held to the expectation of zero discipline referrals. In the event that a student does receive a referral from the band director, that student will be put on probation and not be allowed to participate in any activities outside of the regular class time for a nine week period. If a second referral is written by a band teacher, the student will be removed from the Jazz Band class. 

Please understand that referrals written by other SunRidge Staff will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, band consequences will be determined by the director.

Band students are expected to be model students in the area of academics. It is very difficult to take students from another class for special rehearsals or performances when they are failing that class. Even though we do not pull students out of other classes often, it is sometimes necessary for performances, so it is important for students to keep up with their other classes.

Students will maintain a semester GPA of at least a B-Average in their band classes and a C-Average in their academic classes. If a student falls below the GPA they will be placed on probation. If it occurs a second time, the student will be removed from the second band class. 

MPA ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY
The rules for eligibility for band Music Performance Assessment (MPA) held by the Florida Bandmasters Association from the FBA handbook are as follows: the student must have attained a 2.0 GPA and have passed at least 5 courses during the previous marking period.

Middle school students are involved in two MPAs during the school year. The first is the solo/ensemble festival held in February and concert MPA held in March (see calendar for specific dates). For participation in these MPAs, the following report cards will be checked:

• Second marking period, issued in early January

• Third marking period, issued in April

Every Band member will need to bring their instrument, music, pencil and any other equipment as specified by the director to rehearsal each day. 

When entering the band room, students should check the correct band white-marker board to make themselves aware of the schedule of events for the rehearsal, keeping in mind which extra book and materials will be needed for the day. 

Students should leave their personal belongings on the backpack table so that no “non-musical” items will be at their seat. 

All percussionists will take make sure the correct equipment is set up before the band starts the class warm-up.

• There is to be no talking or disturbance during rehearsals. Subdued talking is permitted with the director’s permission only when the director leaves the podium. Talking should cease when anyone stands on the podium.

• Gum chewing or eating food is not permitted during rehearsals or performances. It's important to keep the band room clean and free from food, candy, and drinks. If a student is caught with gum or food in the band room the following actions will be taken:

  • • First Offense: Warning (during the first week of school)

    • Second Offense: Take Home Detention

    • Third Offense: Detention

    • Fourth Offense: Referral 

Each student should be seated with his or her materials, ready to work, at the designated time or the student will be marked tardy. Tardy or previously absent students should give excuses to the class secretary rather than disturbing rehearsal.

Do NOT lean back in your chair.

Do NOT lean or write on music stands.

Above all, come to class prepared, with a positive attitude and an open mind ready to learn and share the joy of music.

• Pencil

• Black 3-ring binder

• Plastic page protectors

• Band Method Book:

  • Wind Ensemble: Foundations to a Superior Performance by Richard Williams and Jeff King 

  • Symphonic Band: Tradition of Excellence Book 2 by Bruce Pearson