123 Someville Rd,

Kalamazoo, MI,39006
(269)-123-4567
Fax: (269)-234-5678
www.someville.bands.edu
Table of Contents

Philosophy Statement …………………………………………………………..………………...2

Greeting Letter ..…………….…………………………………………………………………….3
Calendar of Performances & Events... ……………………………………………………………4
Class Rules & Procedures
Grading Policies & Assessments
Band Attire & Uniforms
Spirit Wear
Directions to Order Form
Recommended Instruments And Accessories
Ensembles Descriptions
Concert Band
Symphonic Band
Wind Symphony
Marching Band
Jazz Ensemble
Chamber Ensembles
Private Lesson Contact List ……..………………………………………………………………..6
Band Volunteer Form
Class Contract
Philosophy Statement

Someville High School Bands strive to provide an enriched understanding and lifelong

love for music through performance in solo, chamber, and large ensemble settings. Our band

program inspires individual growth in leadership skills, responsibility, confidence, and a high

standard of character to reach a student’s highest potential. We believe in student first learning.

Throughout the year we will actively assess our student’s needs to go forward in our program.

We will also provide many opportunities for both leadership and performance growth with

multiple events throughout our school year.

Mission Statement

In Someville High School our mission is to foster student learning through all various aspects of

music. We strive to provide our students with meaningful opportunities that will allow them to

not only be better musicians and leaders, but to become the best versions of themselves.
Dear Someville Students and Guardians,

Welcome to the Someville High School Band program! As a high school of 500 students,

we are excited to offer you the opportunity to join our Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind

Symphony, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and chamber ensembles -- all taught by our fabulous

conductors: Ms. Beattie, Miss Emery, and Miss Ross.

Someville High School Bands have a very busy year planned out, from attending

MSBOA Festival, Solo and Ensemble, marching competitions, several exciting concerts, and our

spring tour to New York City, we definitely have our work cut out for us. We value educational

and musical experience, so students will also have the opportunity to attend several performance

events outside of school as well.

We’re sure you have plenty of questions about our program, so we have compiled this

collection of resources to help you get started. If you have any further questions, please don’t be

afraid to contact any of us; we will be more than happy to help. We look forward to working with

you this year. GO BULLS!

Ashley Beattie Erin Emery Brooke Ross

Symphonic Band Wind Symphony Concert Band & Jazz Band
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Phone: (586) 212-2562 Phone: (231) 944-9827 Phone: (616) 890-9527
Class Rules and Procedures

All district wide rules outlined in the Someville High School Handbook are in effect. We hold our
students to a high standard within our band program and the following rules are always in effect.

In Class Expectations
1) Follow directions the first time they are given.
2) Do not touch equipment that does not belong to you.
3) Raise your hand to ask a question and wait to be called upon.
4) Be prepared for class: Have your instrument, reeds/mouthpiece, music, pencil,
etc.
5) Be respectful of your teacher and fellow classmates.
6) Cell phone use is not permitted unless otherwise specified by your director.

Class Procedures
Not only are we teaching our students how to play music and how to be a performer, but we
also aim to teach them responsibility and accountability. Students will follow this list of our class
procedures and hold themselves accountable for following our routine:

1) Walk into the band room and set up chairs

2) Walk and grab your instrument
3) After you grab your instrument, sit calmly in your chair and start warming up
4) Class will begin with a short icebreaker
5) Warm up as a class with scales
6) Play through a quick right-reading example
7) Work on our concert music
8) Pack up your instrument (That means cleaning it EVERY TIME)
9) Walk and put your instrument to its assigned spot
10)Calmy leave class.
Grading Policies and Assessment

Students have the option to take Marching Band as a Physical Education credit here at
Someville high school. However, they are required to have completed two full seasons of
Marching Band within their high school years. They are responsible for taking care of this
substitution by talking to their individual school advisor. They must pass the class to receive this
credit.

Standard Grading is in the Someville High School Academic Hand Book and it is advised that
you familiarize yourself with the grading scale.

How our band program splits up the grading:

Performances: 100 points

Class Time Rehearsals: 15 points
5 Points for having instrument (working condition)
5 Points for having music and all other needed materials
5 Points for participation and behavior
After School Rehearsals: 25 points
5 Points for having instrument (working condition)
5 Points for having music and all other needed materials
5 Points for participation and behavior
10 Points Attendance
Playing tests/memorization charts: 15 points each
5 Points technique
10 Points preparedness (notes, rhythms, obvious practice time done)

Each semester all points are added up and from there the points that the students received will
determine their grade.

To make up missed rehearsal time (during or after school) extra work can be assigned to
receive full points. For any missed rehearsals, a student may submit a video assignment or pass
a playing test on the material they missed up to 4 days after the absence (please see below the
absence policy). Accommodations must (if possible) be made in advance with one of the
directors.
Assessments
As this is a performance based class, assessments are equal to the attendance and
performance of concerts and shows. Any performance on the calendar is required and there is
no way to make up a missed performance (see absence policy below).

Additionally, within this class there are playing tests and memorization charts (rubrics will be
posted closer to the due dates of these assessments). Students are responsible for turning in
their work and practicing the materials outline each week, to achieve the best grade that they
can.

Absence Policy
All of our music ensembles abide by the attendance policy outlined in the general Someville
High School Handbook. Student excused absences for class are done through the main office
and are between the parent/guardian and the school. With the exception of extenuating
circumstances such as death in the family, extreme health issues, natural disasters, etc., no
absences from performances are considered excused unless previously communicated with the
directors by a guardian.
Band Attire & Uniform

All Someville band students are required to purchase and maintain the same band uniforms. It is
different for various ensembles.

Concert Band(s)
The Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Symphony all share the same uniforms. Every
student is required to purchase black pants/dress skirt (both must go to the ankle), black
socks/tights(must cover all skin from feet to ankle, cannot be sheer), and a long sleeve white
dress shirt (along with a white undershirt which may be a tank top or plain t-shirt). The band will
provide every student with a fitted jacket which will be embroidered with the band's logo for
rental. No undergarment of any kind is allowed to be visible when the uniform is on, and
students are responsible for the cleaning and upkeep of the correct sizing of their clothing.

Marching Band
For Someville Marching Band, there is a uniform fitting where the students are able to rent their
marching uniform for the whole season. They are expected to dry clean it twice a season at the
local dry cleaners (Moe’s located on Someville Rd, the price is around $15 each), and provide a
receipt before the season is over. A $50 fine will be accrued if these receipts are not returned by
the end of the season. If a student is experiencing financial hardship, it is their responsibility to
speak to the directors about this issue before the halfway point of the season (October 1st). In
addition to their band uniform, the student must wear their Marching Band shirt, black socks, and
black shorts beneath their uniform to every competition, as well as black marching shoes
(purchased through the Band Boosters).

Jazz Band
Jazz band uniforms are the same as the Concert Bands, with the exception that they may wear
their t-shirts and (no hole/ripped) blue jeans, to casual gigs, and are only required to wear the full
band uniform to Jazz Festival.
Spirit Wear

T-Shirts: $15 (Sizes larger than XXXL require a $3 upcharge)

Crewnecks: $35 (Sizes larger than XXXL require a $3 upcharge)
Hats: $20
Water Bottles: $15
Directions to Order Form

1. Follow the link to the band apparel form and fill out what it is you and your student wish

to purchase.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Zb6Sz_95JCjDuvvEpXwe5oU1g1U76Wz5GZa8eW-4wrk/edit

2. Make all purchases out to: Someville band Boosters, or pay with cash.

3. Order forms due by: September Thursday 10th. 2020.

Recommended Instruments and Accessories

Instrument care is the responsibility of the individual student. Maintenance, repairs, and
upgrading is all done with the individual. More expensive instruments can be rented through the
school but the student is held liable for any issues, wear, and repairs that may be needed from
misuse, poor instrument care, or any other unprofessional reason deemed by the teachers.

Below are instrument suggestions for intermediate and advanced instruments, as well as the
necessary accessories that all individual students must own for their instrument.

All students are recommended to have their own tuner and metronome, which can be found on
the various app stores, or online/at local music stores.

INSTRUMENT ACCESSORIES

Flute Intermediate Cleaning Rod

Yamaha YFL-222 Swab
Jean Paul USA FL-220
Professional
Gemeinhardt 30SB
Lazarro Professional Flute

Bb Clarinet Intermediate Cork Grease

Yamaha 650 Swab
Yamaha CSVR Reeds
Backun q Reed case (optional)
Moba Humidifier (Only for wood
Professional clarinets)
Selmer Stand (optional)
Buffet e12
Buffet limite
Buffet r13

Oboe Intermediate Oboe Swab (One for top joint

Fox Renard Model 330 and one for lower)
Yamaha YOB-441 Cork Grease
Fox 400 Reed Soaker
Professional Reed Case
Fox Lauben Reeds: Jones, made by local
All Fox Oboes students or professors, or any
Loree Royale 125 reed from Midwest Music
Bulgheroni Imports (please see Ms. Ross
for special instruction and
needs)

Bassoon Intermediate Bassoon Swab

Fox Renard Artist model 220, 240 Cork Grease
Fox Renard Bassoon model 222 Reed Soaker
 Professional Reed Case
Fox Bassoon 460 Reeds: Jones, made by local
Heckel Bassoon 41i students or professors, or any
reed from Midwest Music
Imports (please see Ms. Ross
for special instruction and
needs)

Saxophone Intermediate Neck Strap

Yamaha Yas-380 Swab
Yamaha YAS- 480 Cork Grease
Jupiter JAS1100SG Reeds
Professional
Yamaha YAS-62III Professional Alto
P. Mauriat PMXA-67RX Influence

Bb Trumpet Intermediate Valve Oil

Bach TR200 Slide Grease
Besson BE1000 Snake
Jupiter JTR1100S Mouthpiece Disinfectant
Professional Mouthpiece Brush
Bach Stradivarius Series Straight Mute
Schilke S33HD Custom Series

Trombone Intermediate Valve or Rotary Oil (please see

Bach TBSOL300 Miss Emery for which is best for
King 606 your personal instrument)
Yamaha 200AD Slide Cream
Professional Snake
Bach 42B Mouthpiece Disinfectant
Conn 88HO Mouthpiece Brush
Edwards T350 Straight Mute

Horn Intermediate Medium Viscosity Rotor Oil

Yamaha YHR-567 Slide Grease
Holton H378 Snake
Conn 6D Mouthpiece Disinfectant
Professional Mouthpiece Brush
Yamaha YHR-668NII Straight Mute
Conn 8D
Paxman Model 20

Euphonium Intermediate Valve Oil

Willson 2950S Slide Grease
Yamaha YEP-642II Snake
Meinl Weston 451 Mouthpiece disinfectant
Professional Mouthpiece Brush
Allora AEP-550 Paris
 Adams E1
Besson BE967 Sovereign

Tuba Intermediate Valve Oil

Yamaha 321 Slide Grease
King 2341 Snake
Holton BB460 Mouthpiece disinfectant
Professional Mouthpiece Brush
B&S 3098 Shelf Liner
Nirschl MWN 8
Eastman 836CC

Percussion Mallet/Stick Bag Vic Firth SD1 and SD3

(Auxiliary) Drumsticks
Triangle beater (set of at least 3)
JH4 (General Timpani Mallet)
Promark SD5 (General Stick)
TB5 Wire Brushes

Percussion Pearl PL910C Percussion kit OR Sound AA25 Vibe Mallets Innovative
(Mallets) Percussion Labs bell kit Percussion (IP)- Two Pairs
IP300 Marimba Mallets- Two
Pairs
PSX20R (Promark Xylo/Bell
Mallet- Hard)
 Ensemble Descriptions

Concert Band

Our Concert Band here at Someville High School will consist of 9th- 10th grade students and is

directed by Miss Ross. This ensemble is made to be an introduction to high school bands. We

will work with students to improve on fundamental concepts and to explore a variety of music.

We aim to perform at a Grade 3 level in this ensemble.

Symphonic Band

Symphonic Band at Someville High School consists of our 11th-12th grade students and is

directed by Ms. Beattie. This ensemble is designed as an intermediate ensemble with our older

players. There will be a focus on more advanced concepts as well as fundamental concepts. We

aim to push students to read at a Grade 4 level of music.

Wind Symphony

Our Wind Symphony here at Someville high school is a very prestigious ensemble, directed by

Miss Emery. This ensemble is open to all students upon passing an audition. Students must be

ready to play all scales, prepare a memorized etude to demonstrate, and perform a sight reading

example apon instruction. This ensemble requires the best of our students and performs at a very

high level. We aim for Grade 5 music in this ensemble and insist excellence from our students.
Marching Band

We require all concert ensemble students to be part of the Someville Marching Band. We

compete once a year at our local MSBOA District Marching Band Festival. Our marching band

meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 5pm-8pm working on our fundamentals and show

materials. We also play at every home football game in support of our football team and do a

performance of our show at halftime.

Jazz Band

Our Jazz Band is offered year round to any 9th-12th grader, as a zero hour before school. It

meets from 6:30 to 7:30 am every regular school day, with the exception of exams. This

ensemble is audition based. It is not required that a student must be in another Someville

ensemble previously. However, it is expected that they have some sort of letter of

recommendation upon their audition if they are interested in joining the program. More

information will be sent out at the beginning of every school year. This ensemble participates in

three festivals a year (one local festival, one for a district rating, and one at Western Michigan

University for their High School Jazz Festival), and has many performances throughout the year

at various venues. Instruments are provided for the rhythm section only, and there is a small $40

fee for T-shirts and registration for the various festivals. If you need financial assistance, please

contact the directors.

Chamber Ensembles

Chamber ensembles are student-led groups that meet during study hall. They will have the

opportunity to find and program all of their own music (upon approval by their director) and are

required to perform at either our Chamber Ensemble Showcase Concert or the MSBOA District

Solo and Ensemble Festival. You may also choose to perform at both. If you receive a first

division rating, students will be given the opportunity to attend the MSBOA State Solo and

Ensemble Festival. This event will be optional but is highly encouraged. Each chamber

ensemble will receive a 30 minute coaching once a week. Woodwind groups will be taught by

Ms. Beattie, brass by Miss Emery, and percussion by Miss Ross.

 Private Lesson Contact List

Advanced HS Student Intermediate (BM Degree) Professional

Flute Matthew Johnson Jenna Dornoff Dr. Martha Councell-Vargas

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Oboe Olivia Smith Brooke Ross Dr. Alex Hayashi

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Bassoon Dusty Terrence Jonathan Holder Dr. Wendy Rose

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Clarinet Riley Kellogg Ashley Beattie Dr. Ellen Breakfield-Glick

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Saxophone Selena Tai Lauren Hill Dr. Andrew Rathbun

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Trumpet Joshua Wang Kelli Kwiatkowski Dr. Robert White

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Horn Grace Wilcox Erin Emery Dr. Lin Foulk-Baird

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Trombone Philippe Sanchez Scott Dumas Dr. Steve Wolfinbarger

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Euphonium Samantha Martin Jay Bennett Dr. Fritz A. Kaenzig

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Tuba Rose Garcia Marc Rose Dr. Jacob Cameron

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Percussion Andy Russell Colin Bieszard Judy Moonert

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Piano Lily Ruth Eli Snyder Lori Sims

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Band Volunteer Forms

Any parent or direct family member of a Somerville student who is participating in the
Someville band program is not only welcome but also encouraged to participate as a band
volunteer. Throughout the year we ask the community to aid us in various tasks such as making
food and feeding the band during the marching band season, chaperoning on competitions and
trips, helping during festivals, and participating as part of the band boosters who facilitate the
smooth running of the band program.

While we may ask on a need by need basis for volunteers it is certainly appreciated when we
have parents who are committed from the get go to help us on our journey to a successful year.
Below are various volunteer activities and a parent volunteer form for you to sign and give your
contact information if you are interested in helping within the band program.

Please check below any of the follow events you are interested in volunteering for:

_____ Pre Band camp lunch prep and serving (July 26-31)

_____ Band Camp lunch prep and serving (August 2nd- 7th)

_____ Band Boosters meetings/Committees (Every other Saturday at 10am)

_____ Marching Band Competitions/Pit Crew (See attached Schedule)

_____ Festival (Concert band and Jazz band, See attached Schedule)

_____ Band Banquet (Once a semester)

Please fill out the following information for your Volunteer File:

Name ___________________________________________________ Date _______________

Student(s) in Band ____________________________________________________________

Phone number _____________________________ Email _______________________________

Emergency Contact Name ___________________________EC Number ___________________

Any major health concerns that may affect your volunteer work and ability to work? Any other

information we should know about you?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Are you able to provide and pass a background check if you are to become a regular band

booster/volunteer (meaning through the time your student(s) is in band?)

Yes ____________ No ______________

Class Contract

Please read, sign, and return one copy of this contract to your director by the end of the first

week of classes. The other is for you to keep as a record of your agreement.

As a member of the Someville Band Program, I agree to abide by all rules and regulations as

stated in this handbook. I also agree to follow all district policies. I understand that this class is a

year-long commitment, and that I cannot switch classes partway through the academic calendar. I

will come to class prepared and ready to learn every day. If I have a conflict with an event listed

on the provided schedule, I will contact my director as soon as possible. I also acknowledge that

band is a full year commitment and I will commit myself for the full year.

_______________________________________ ____________________

Student’s Name (Signed) Date

_______________________________________

Student’s Name (Printed)

_______________________________________ ____________________

Guardian’s Name (Signed) Date

_______________________________________

Guardian’s Name (Printed)

Class Contract
Please read, sign, and return one copy of this contract to your director by the end of the first

week of classes. The other is for you to keep as a record of your agreement.

As a member of the Someville Band Program, I agree to abide by all rules and regulations as

stated in this handbook. I also agree to follow all district policies. I understand that this class is a

year-long commitment, and that I cannot switch classes partway through the academic calendar. I

will come to class prepared and ready to learn every day. If I have a conflict with an event listed

on the provided schedule, I will contact my director as soon as possible. I also acknowledge that

band is a full year commitment and I will commit myself for the full year.

_______________________________________ ____________________

Student’s Name (Signed) Date

_______________________________________

Student’s Name (Printed)

_______________________________________ ____________________

Guardian’s Name (Signed) Date

_______________________________________

Guardian’s Name (Printed)

Sources

Groton Schools. (n.d.). Fitch High School Music Department. Retrieved February 2, 2020, from

https://www.grotonschools.org/fitch/student-life/music-department

Hebron Band. (n.d.). Mission Statement — Hebron Band. Retrieved February 2, 2020, from

http://www.hebronband.org/mission

Plainwell Community Schools (n.d) Instrumental Music Department. Retrieved March 5, 2020,

from

https://www.plainwellschools.org/userfiles/-16/my%20files/2017-18-pcs-band-handbook.

pdf?id=293

Purdue University. (2015). “All American” Marching Band Handbook. Retrieved February 2,

2020, from

https://www.purdue.edu/bands/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/2014-AAMB-Handbook.pdf