BAND

Our director is Mr. Dale A Orris.
(Updated: January 15, 2007)

SIXTH GRADE LESSONS: All sixth grade band musicians are encouraged to continue lessons on the instrument they played during the last school year. Sixth grade students, who do not play a band instrument, may choose to begin lessons on a band instrument. During the lessons, students learn techniques and concepts needed to become proficient with the instrument. Students are expected to practice at least six days between each lesson and a minimum of 20 minutes during each day of practice. Additional practicing (more days and more time per day) is encouraged. At each lesson and band rehearsal, students earn points toward their marking period grade (see Grading Policy).

LESSON SCHEDULE: Students will receive one small group lesson each six-day cycle. The lesson will be for ½ period (approximately 20 minutes) on the same day of the cycle (Day 1,
Day 3, Day 4, or Day 6). The period, during which they will have their lesson, will rotate (i.e. Lesson Cycle A - during period 6, Lesson Cycle B - during period 4, and during Lesson Cycle C - during period 2). Lesson schedules will be provided to each student prior to the start of lessons. If a student misses a lesson, he/she is encouraged to schedule a make-up lesson.

PREP BAND PARTICIPATION: Sixth grade band musicians are members of the Prep Band, provided that they have completed approximately six months or more of prior instruction on their present band instrument and are continuing school lessons with that same instrument. Beginning students will become members of the band when the director is confident that the student can learn to play the band music without becoming overwhelmed and discouraged. The Prep Band rehearses and performs music that is grade 1 (very easy), grade 1.5 (easy), and grade 2 (med. easy) on a scale of 1 - 6. A few advanced, sixth grade musicians may be invited, by the director, to become members of the Advanced Band for the spring concert season. Invitation is based on the student's proficiency, ability, and the present Advanced Band instrumentation.

PREP BAND REHEARSALS: The Prep Band rehearses twice each six-day cycle during Activity Periods (presently on Days 3 & 6, during Activity Periods A & B). Prior to the annual Middle School Spring Band Concert, the band will have a few early morning rehearsals starting at 7:20 am. A schedule of these extra rehearsals will be provided to the band musicians approximately one month prior to the concert.

PERFORMANCES: The Prep Band performs during the annual Middle School Winter Concert in December and during the annual Middle School Spring Band Concert in late May (see Calendar)

ADVANCED BAND
(7th & 8th Grade Band)

SEVENTH & EIGHTH GRADE LESSONS: All seventh and eighth grade band musicians are encouraged to continue lessons on the instrument they played during the last school year. Seventh & eighth grade students, who do not play a band instrument, may choose to begin lessons on a band instrument. During the lessons, the students learn techniques and concepts needed to become proficient with the instrument. Students are expected to practice at least six days between each lesson and a minimum of 20 minutes during each day of practice. Additional practicing (more days and more time per day) is encouraged. At each lesson and band rehearsal, students earn points toward their marking period grade (see Grading Policy).

LESSON SCHEDULE: Students will receive one small group lesson each six-day cycle. The lesson will be for ½ period (approximately 20 minutes) on the same day of the cycle (Day 1, Day 3, Day 4, or Day 6). The period, during which they will have their lesson, will rotate (i.e. Lesson Cycle A - during period 6, Lesson Cycle B - during period 4, and during Lesson Cycle C - during period 2). Lesson schedules will be provided to each student prior to the start of lessons. If a student misses a lesson, he/she is encouraged to schedule a make-up lesson.

ADVANCED BAND PARTICIPATION: Seventh and eighth grade band musicians are members of the Advanced Band, provided that they have completed approximately one year or more of prior instruction on their present band instrument and are continuing school lessons with that same instrument. Beginning seventh and eighth grade musicians will become members of the Advanced Band when the director is confident that the student can learn to play the music without becoming overwhelmed and discouraged. At the beginning of each concert season (early October and late January), the Advanced Band musicians participate in chair placement auditions. The auditions consist of playing assigned scales (from memory) and playing a selected piece of music (not memorized). Requirements for each audition are provided to the students well in advance of the audition so they will have ample time to prepare. The Advanced Band rehearses and performs music that is grade 2/2.5 (medium easy) and grade 3 (medium), on a scale of 1 - 6.

ADVANCED BAND REHEARSALS: The Advanced Band rehearses twice each six-day cycle during Activity Periods (presently on Days 1 & 4, during Activity Periods B & C). They also may rehearse two mornings each six-day cycle (Days 3 & 6) from 7:20 am until 8:00 am, depending on the concert season and the need. Prior to the annual Spring Band Concert, the band will have a few extra early morning rehearsals. A schedule of these extra rehearsals will be provided to the band musicians approximately one month prior to the concert.

PERFORMANCES: The Advanced Band performs during the annual Middle School Winter Concert in December and during the annual Middle School Spring Band Concert in late May (see Calendar). Members of the brass section, along with the high school brasses, spread the "Joy of the Season" by caroling around the District on the last day of school before the December, Winter Vacation.

SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY BAND: (Similar to an honors, all county, or district band, the Susquehanna Valley Band provides students with the opportunity to get to know band musicians from other schools and to rehearse and perform music in an inter-school setting.) In late November, the Susquehanna Valley Band directors (Lewisburg, Mifflinburg, Midd-West, Milton, Selinsgrove, Warrior Run and Shikellamy school districts) meet to select the members of the band. In a "round robin" fashion, the directors add the names of their musicians, one at a time, until the instrumentation for the band is filled. Every effort is made to insure maximum and equal participation by musicians from each school. (This differs from the high school division, where participation is determined through competitive audition.) The Festival is held in January of each year.

PARTICIPATION: The Jazz-Rock Ensemble is open to Advanced Band musicians who play trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, and drums, as well seventh and eighth grade students who play string bass, electric bass, guitar, and piano. Alternate instruments such as flute or clarinet may be added at the discretion of the director.

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE: The Jazz-Rock Ensemble rehearses each Day 1, from 7:10 am until 8:00 am, starting in late January of each year.

PERFORMANCES: The Jazz-Rock Ensemble performs at the annual Spring Band Concert in late May (see Calendar). One or two additional performances may be scheduled as opportunities become available.

Band Publications: (Click on any document below to view &/or print.) Welcome To Band (.pdf file) (Lesson & Band Rehearsal Schedules, Calendar of Events, and other miscellaneous & important information) Practicing (.pdf file) (Home Practicing Routine, Practicing Tips, and Rehearsal Tips) Band Musical Terms (.pdf file) (Musical terms that all band students must learn.) Marking Your Music (.pdf file) (Reminders for Marking Your Music & Rehearsal Marks) Grading Policy (.pdf file) (Documents explaining Evaluation & Grading as well as Attendance at Lessons, Rehearsals, & Performances) Personnel Update Form (.pdf file) (Complete and submit anytime there is a change of address, phone number, email address, etc.) My child is thinking about quitting. (.pdf file) (Information to help you & your child make a decision and a form to complete and return.)

Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed to access .pdf files on the left. If you don not currently have a free version, it can be downloaded by double clicking on the Adobe Acrobat Reader logo below.

* If you wish to send an email regarding band &/or lessons, send an email by clicking on Mr. Orris's name. * If you wish to receive emails regarding band & lessons, add a new email address, or change an email address, send an email by clicking on Mr. Orris's name. * If you wish to call Mr. Orris at the Middle School, dial (570) 523-3220 X 3059.