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Sudbrook Magnet Band Program
 
Another exciting year is upon us and as always we are looking to improve on our outstanding programs. The understanding of the following information by everyone will give us a solid start towards making this year one of the best in Sudbrooks history. Please take the time to read over all the enclosed information and make sure both student and parent have a clear understanding of our expectations.
Band Books
These method books will be sold at school for the price listed below. If your student has the book allready they can use their old book. If your student is going to purchase a book have them bring a check made payable to: Sudbrook Magnet Middle School. Students will have until September 10th to purchase a method book.
Symphonic Band
Standard of Excellence, book 2 $7.00
French Horn/Percussion $7.00
Wind Ensemble
Foundations for Superior Performance $6.00
Foundations for Superior Performance (Perc only) $10.00
Supplies
Brass Equipment
Valve oil, slide grease, and other brass supplies should be provided by the student. We will provide mutes for brass instruments.
Percussion
Percussionists need only bring sticks and mallets to class. All percussion equipment will be provided. All percussion will pay $20 for use of the equipment!
Reeds
All clarinet, saxophone, oboe, and bassoon students MUST have playable reeds at all times - this includes backup reeds as well (four reeds are a recommended number). Reeds that are chipped, sliced, broken, or moldy are not acceptable. If a student has an instrument but does not have a usable reed, it will count the same as if the student did not have the instrument (you can not play without a reed).
Practicing
Band is a team activity and requires a team effort from everyone. Our success as an ensemble depends on the individual work that you complete at home. You must practice to participate in the performing ensemble at Sudbrook Magnet Middle School.
*** A practice record will be given to each student to keep track of his/her progress. Students will be expected to turn in their practice record each week with a parent signature.
 
Class Rules
* No gum, food, or drink
* Raise your hand
* Do not leave your seat without permission
* Treat all students, teachers, and property with respect
* Demand quality
* Be prepared with all supplies
* Be responsible for your actions
Consequences - Address problem, relocation, note/phone home, conference, referral. These may be used in any order as the situation requires.
Services
A representative from Stu's Music Shop in Westminster comes to Sudbrook once a week for any of our band and orchestra service needs. A form will be available through the directors for any students who wish to order any additional items through Stu's.
Repairs
Students are responsible for the care of their instrument. If an instrument is in need of repair, the following options are available:
1. Parents can take the repair to a music store for repair.
2. The student can give the instrument to either Mr. Mitroff, or to Stu's for repair for an estimate. We will give the student a slip to take home explaining the process. It is then the parent's responsibly to call Stu's Music to receive the estimate and authorize the repair.
Band Supply List - EVERY DAY
1. Instrument in working order, with name clearly posted on the case.
2. Method book - can be purchased through director.
3. Supplies such as cork grease and valve oil .
4. Pencil and eraser.
5. Music
Concert Dress
A uniform dress code will be followed by all band students for concert performances. The uniform will consist of the following:
GIRLS - Black skirt (mid-calf or longer), white blouse, black dress shoes
BOYS - Black dress slacks (no jeans), plain white shirt, tie, black shoes
This uniform will be worn at ALL concerts and festivals. Students not in uniform will not perform. Performing groups are judged on their appearance and discipline as well as their performance.
Grading Policy
The instrumental music grading policy will follow county standards which state:
Classwork 50%
Homework 20%
Assessments 30%
Classwork This grade will be done on a daily basis and will include the following:
1) Materials (Instrument, Music, and Pencil)
2) Warm-up
3) Reherasal Technique (Participation, Posture, Behavior)
Homework This grade will be based on their practice record and prompt return of all materials sent home.
Assessments Written and performance tests and required evening performaces.

Performing String Orchestra, Concert String Orchestra and Symphonic String Orchestra

2007-2008

Ms. Jehah Kim - Director

Congratulations! You are a member of an outstanding music program.

Instrumental music draws together students with the common interest in performing and learning more about music together. As with an activity involving a large number of individuals, each ensemble will function successfully only if everyone remembers his or her responsibilities to the group. I am very excited about the upcoming year, and hope that you share my enthusiasm, as well as a commitment and dedication to the Sudbrook Magnet Middle School Orchestra program and its varied activities.

Please read the list of responsibilities for the Sudbrook Magnet Middle School Orchestra program. This will provide an understanding of the expectations of all students in the SMMS Orchestras.

I. Class Responsibility

Every student begins with an A. To maintain an A, in addition to the grading requirements listed below, the following responsibilities must be maintained throughout the year. Each student will receive 10 participation points per class based on the following:

Be in class on time

Be prepared with your music, instrument, and pencil

Devote your full attention during the entire class to what we are working on together. No homework, studying, or other non-rehearsal activities, including talking is to take place. Absolutely no food, soda, or gum is allowed in any music classroom or the Auditorium

Put forth your best effort in every rehearsal. This includes proper posture, instrument position, and especially attitude. This will create a positive and exciting musical rehearsal as well as result in the finest performance possible.

II. Performances

All performances are mandatory. An unexcused absence from a performance will result in a lower grade for the quarter. The 2007-2008 SMMS Orchestra winter concert date is December 3, 2007. All concerts begin promptly at 7:00. Students should arrive no later than 6:30 on concert nights dressed appropriately and ready to perform.

III. Concert Attire

Gentlemen: Long sleeved white dress shirt (tie optional), dark pants-preferably black, dark socks-preferably black, dark shoes-preferably black. Absolutely NO sneakers or athletic shoes will be allowed.

Ladies: Dressy white shirt (seasonally appropriate), dark pants or long (below the knees) skirt-preferably black, dark dress shoes (seasonally appropriate)-preferably black. Absolutely NO sneakers or athletic shoes will be allowed.

IV. Grading

All scheduled performances/rehearsals (i.e. Adjudication, Concerts) are mandatory. An unexcused absence from a performance will result in the lowering of your grade. Grades will be calculated in the following areas as per the Baltimore County Public Schools grading criteria: Class Participation and Responsibilities, Performances, and Exams (playing and written). 

V. Other

Instrument Rental Fees

There is a $40.00 rental fee for all students using school owned instruments, as required by Baltimore County Public Schools, to maintain the quality of its instruments and related equipment. All rental agreements must be signed and returned to Mrs. O’Bryan by September 17th. Checks should be made payable to SMMS.

I will call parents whenever there is a concern about behavior, tardiness, attendance, attitude, or participation that is affecting student progress. I also invite parents to contact me with any concerns about your son’s or daughter’s progress in orchestra. I am looking forward to a fantastic year.

Ms. Jehah Kim

Orchestra Director

Sudbrook Magnet Middle School

jkim@bcps.org

CHORUS

Sudbrook’s vocal music program allows our students the opportunity to engage in musical works from BACH to ROCK!

The chorus student will:

• Explore historical musical styles through singing and playing various musical instruments.
• Build a repertoire of musical symbols and language through sight reading – ultimately learning to read music independently.
• Learn about other cultures through the universal language of music.
• Participate in county and state-wide festivals and adjudications.
• Perform in two yearly concerts as a member of the Sudbrook Singers, Soaring Eagles or the Voices of Sudbrook.

DRAMA PROGRAM: GENERAL OVERVIEW

The Theatre program at Sudbrook is designed to give students a comprehensive view of the wonderful world of Drama. The student are introduced to theatre as an art form and learn how it applies to the world in which we live. Throughout the year, the student will be exposed to acting technique through observation, memory development, improvisation, vocal work, movement – all the necessary tools for character development. The student will also be exposed to theatre history, technical production, directing, etiquette, arts appreciation, and playwriting. All students will have the opportunity to be involved in the Fall Play, One-Acts, Showcases, and the Spring, All-School Musical.

To enhance learning, students are required to complete two performance critique/evaluations each semester. The guidelines and procedures are discussed in class and the forms are always available from any performing arts faculty member.

All literature for productions is selected by our teaching artists for study and performance and is chosen for its instructional and artistic value and merit. Sudbrook does not produce material which might be considered by some as “typically” middle school or children’s theatre. We are very proud of the fact that we are a pure Performing Arts Magnet. We are unique in that our musicals feature a student pit orchestra, student technical staff as well as a student cast. We produce full-length plays and musicals that adhere to only the highest of standards. The literature is selected as a means to address appropriate skill development and as an artistic challenge to our growth and mastery of our chosen field of study.  

Drama and the theatre offers something for everyone, but it requires hard work and dedication. The program at Sudbrook is performance based and requires participation and self-discipline to be truly successful.