Lakeview Middle School Band

& Orchestra Handbook

Dear Parent/Guardian and Student,
Welcome to the Lakeview Middle School Band! This is one of the most all-
inclusive music programs in the State of Florida. With an enrollment of over
200 talented and musically driven students, our performing ensembles
include the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, two Beginning Band Website
Bands, Advanced Orchestra, Beginning Orchestra, and numerous brass,
woodwind, and percussion student-led ensembles.
lakeviewmsband.weebly.com
The purpose of the Lakeview Middle School Band and Orchestra Program is
to provide students with musical opportunities and experiences that will
enhance their life and education. Students will leave the band and orchestra
program as competent musicians who will be able to use their skills outside
of the Lakeview Middle School band room. Hard Work, respect, and
discipline provide a solid foundation for musical growth and achievement.

Remind
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us
(Download this app, then use the link
at any time. Included in this handbook is important information about below.)
upcoming events and various aspects of our class that can and will need to
be referenced throughout the entire school year. Please review this entire remind.com/join/lvmsband20
or in the app @lvmsband20
packet together with your child to ensure understanding of our expectations
for the band and orchestra program here at Lakeview Middle School.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY! GET + STAY CONNECTED!

1 2 3
RAFAEL COURET
Director of Bands
GO TO OUR SITE FILL IT OUT CHECK YOUR EMAIL
Click on the tab Provide us with Email is our primary 407-877-5010 x5122292

“FORMS,” then some important form of

communication. 108491@ocps.net
select “Student information
Information Form.” including an

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BAND FAIRSHARE
All Students are asked to contribute a donation to the band program called the Band Fair Share. This
amount is $50 per student.

This donation helps us pay for:

Shirts - all students will receive a polo shirt to wear on trips and concerts. Students can also
purchase a band spirit t-shirt for an additional $10 to wear on spirit days, school functions, trips,
and concerts.

Local Travel - bus fees for local field trips

Music - did you know one piece of music for a band/orchestra can average about $50 or more?
Between all of the music classes this year, we anticipate playing over 70 different pieces!

Instrument Repair

Supplies and materials needed in the band room for student success

No student will ever be denied participation or materials due to inability to pay. Financial aid is always
available. Please contact the band director.

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REQUIRED MATERIALS
3 ring binder (1 inch)

Instrument (Private or school owned):

: correct mouthpiece, valves and slides properly lubricated in working condition; cleaning
cloth

Woodwinds: a minimum of 4 working reeds (AT ALL TIMES), cork grease, all keys in
working condition, cleaning cloth.

Percussion: Stick/mallet bag that contains soft yarn mallets, hard rubber mallets, snare
drum sticks, and timpani mallets.

Strings: Rosin, at least 2 sets of strings that fit on your instrument (violin, viola, cello),
cleaning cloth, shoulder rest (violins and violas), rock stop (cellos and basses)

Pencils: Each student needs to have multiple sharpened pencils. No other

writing utensil is allowed.

“Tradition of Excellence”: Need to purchase by instrument specific.

(Trombone, baritone, and tuba will need “B.C.” for bass clef.)

Beginning Band - Book 1 (Red)

Concert Band - Book 2 (Blue)

Symphonic Band - Book 2 (Blue)

“Foundations for Superior Performance”: (Symphonic Band

Only) Need to purchase by instrument specific. (Trombone,
baritone, and tuba will need “B.C.” for bass clef.)

“Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble” (Jazz Band Only)

“Essential Elements for Strings Book 1” (Beginning

Orchestra Only)

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REHEARSAL PROCEDURES
Music requires 100% attention at all times. The enjoyment and extraordinary benefits of music can only be achieved through goal-
oriented effort and dedicated teamwork. The concept of “teamwork” in band is very similar to that of great athletes: individual
focus joins commitment to accomplish goals. We cannot afford to be distracted from making music and reaching our fullest
potential because of inappropriate behavior. Every player matters and can affect the entire group in a positive or negative
way.

Classroom Rules

Absolutely no
Remain seated
Remain quiet unless food or drink
unless given
given permission by (except water) is
permission to get
the director. allowed in the
up by the director.
band room.

Rehearsal Etiquette Basics

There are some additional expectations that we will require all of our students to follow. To call these expectations additional “rules” for our
classroom would not be exactly accurate. Instead, there are a few core rehearsal etiquette basics that are appreciated by band directors at all
levels: middle school, high school, college, and professional.

1. Get ready for rehearsal quickly. Follow proper set up procedures. Watch for the “quiet” signal.

2. When the director speaks, you don’t.

3. When the director is talking to another section, pay attention - you will probably be able to use that information
yourself sometime.

4. When the director gives a cut-off, stop playing immediately and listen with your eyes and ears.

5. when the director signals (visually or verbally) that playing is to resume, get ready immediately.

Consequences
Failure to follow the above classroom rules, rehearsal etiquette basics, and all rules outlined in the OCPS Code of Conduct will result in increasing
disciplinary action.

2. Detention / Phone Call 3. Parent/Teacher 4. Administrative Discipline

1. Verbal Warning
Home Conference Referral

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GRADING POLICY
A student’s final grade will consist of the following categories:

Participation (20%)

Students will earn 25 points each week for their preparation for class. If a student arrives in class without
materials required to participate on his/her instrument, the student will receive a grade deduction for the day.
Students may lose points for broken guidelines listed within Rehearsal Etiquette Basics.

Playing Tests (20% Formative)

Playing assignments entail playing for the band director either before school, during class, after school, or
through Canvas. Accuracy of pitch, rhythm, and other musical components are assessed.

These are always available for re-takes if the student is not satisfied with his/her performance.

Musicianship (20% Classwork)

All students will have graded performance requirements for each class. Students will receive a grading
contract for each quarter of school. The grading contract includes musical exercises, etudes, rhythms, scales,
as well as any other musical exercise or playing test assigned by the director.

Concerts/Performances (40% Summative)

All concerts and performances for your class are required. Notice is required two weeks prior to the event if a
student is going to be absent. The calendar is provided for the entire year during the first week of school so
that students may be aware of their band/orchestra commitments.

NOT ALL ABSENCES WILL BE EXCUSED - It is up to the discretion of the director and no matter what, an
alternative assignment will be required to fulfill a concert grade if a student is absent.

Not having a ride is not an excuse - if a student needs help finding a way to an event, please contact the
director for assistance in setting up a carpool with fellow students in the same class. We can find a way to
make sure students are present for every event required by their class if we work together.

Sporting events and participation in outside-of-band/orchestra activities will not be excused - we do

understand our students love to play sports and have other outside commitments. We have scheduled band/
orchestra events and planned in advance for the least amount of potential conflict as possible.

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UNIFORM & CONCERT INFORMATION
Professional and respectful concert attire / etiquette will be expected of all band/orchestra students.
It is the responsibility of each individual family to obtain the items below on their own.

Beginning Band / Concert Band / Symphonic Band / Jazz Band / Orchestra

Boys

Black dress pants (Denim is not acceptable.)

ENTIRELY black dress shoes (Sneakers that are almost all black are not acceptable.)

FULL length black socks (NO ankle length socks.)

Black belt

Black band polo, maroon jazz polo or grey orchestra polo (provided with fair share.)

Girls

Black dress pants (not made of a material that clings to the body, but a formal material, denim is not acceptable)

Black band polo, maroon jazz polo or grey orchestra polo (provided with fair share.)

Black shoes (Not sandals, and they must be solid black.)

Students that arrive to a concert without the correct uniform will not be permitted to perform
until they are wearing the correct uniform for their class.

Students will be asked to stay at certain concerts IN ITS ENTIRETY so that they can support their
fellow students and also hear what other classes have prepared. Any student who causes a
disruption at a concert will receive immediate disciplinary action in the form of a detention and loss
of points in concert grade.

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LOCKERS AND INSTRUMENT STORAGE

“THE ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM DOES NOT HAVE INSURANCE OR ANY PLAN
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 HOMEOWNER’S POLICY, ETC.”

Lockers are provided to band/orchestra students for instrument and music storage ONLY. Due to
the limited number of lockers, students may share lockers with students of the same instrument.

Students may not store food, drink, or non-band materials in their lockers. All prohibited items will be
removed upon sight.

Only band/orchestra students may enter the locker room.

Lockers must be kept clean at all times and students may not write in or on their lockers.

Lockers must be kept locked (even during class).

All lockers must be locked with a combination lock. No other form of lock is acceptable.

Lakeview has a limited number of combination locks that the students can rent for the school year for $5.
Please see the band director for more information.

Any other form of lock placed on a locker will be cut off.

All instruments must be labeled with student name, class period, and Lakeview Middle School.

The locker room will be monitored by cameras to ensure safety and security of students and
equipment.

PLEASE NOTE: Any handling, manipulation, or mistreatment of instruments or materials that do

not belong to that student will result in an immediate disciplinary referral without reservation.

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SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS
There are a very limited number of school instruments available for students to use during the school
year. Students who use these instruments must provide their own mouthpiece, reeds, valve oil, and
any other necessary materials for that instrument.

Before a student is allowed to use an instrument, a contract must be filled out, signed by a parent,
and returned. This contract will be provided to the appropriate students.

Lakeview Middle School requests an Instrument Maintenance and Repair Fee of $50 per school year
for all Lakeview owned instruments. This may be paid $25 per semester or all at one time. Please pay
online at www.lakeviewmsband.weebly.com (click on Pay Online) by Friday August 23, 2019.

No student will be denied materials or participation due to inability to pay. Financial assistance is
available. If you would like to set up a payment plan or inquire regarding financial assistance, please
contact Mr. Couret (108491@ocps.net).

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INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Students will be given the opportunity to audition for and perform in special ensembles outside of
school.

ALL-STATE BAND

Student’s audition for this in September. This audition will take weeks, if not months, of preparation
and is only open to students by recommendation of the band directors. Students are chosen to
perform in this band that represents the top middle school performers in the State of Florida. These
students will travel to Tampa in January to rehearse and perform a concert.

ALL-COUNTY BAND / JAZZ BAND

This is open to all Symphonic Band and selected Concert Band students. The audition materials
become available from the band directors in August. The audition takes place in November. Students
are chosen to perform in this band that represents the top middle school performers in Orange
County. These students will meet in January to rehearse and perform a concert.

SOLO & ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL

This is open to all band students. Students will be given the opportunity to prepare and perform
music as a soloist or in small groups for Florida Bandmasters Association judges for a rating. This is
the single best thing a student can do to develop their musicianship and ability to perform. Students
who do not meet the performance requirements will not be allowed to attend. All students wanting
to participate in Solo & Ensemble should plan to meet with the band directors at least three times
before the event.

Students performing solos will be required to pay for a piano player accompanist that will perform
with them at the event - pianists will be hired by the school and the piano fee will be $40 per student
performing a solo. These accompanists will come to the school and practice with students during
their band class.

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PRIVATE LESSONS AND PRACTICING
Private lessons on your instrument are strongly encouraged but not required. The value of one-on-
one instruction with a professional on a student’s instrument cannot be overstated. Private
instruction is key to the advancement of individual skills and integral in achieving a student’s highest
musical potential. Please see one of the band directors for recommendations on private instructors.

Even if you opt out of private lessons for the time being, setting aside time to practice one’s
instrument on a daily basis is crucial to a student’s growth and enjoyment of playing music.

WHICH STUDENT DO YOU EXPECT TO PLAY BETTER?

WOULD YOU EXPECT TO KNOW MORE?
ENJOY PLAYING THEIR INSTRUMENT MORE?
EXPECT TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL IN MUSIC?

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PARENT VOLUNTEERING / FIELD TRIP CHAPERONES
The success of any band program relies heavily upon the support of parent volunteers. We will have
many opportunities throughout the school year for parents to get involved in several capacities.

Concert Set-up & Tear-down / Fundraising Organization / Community Relations / Etc.

Orange County Public Schools requires a minimum of 1 chaperone for every 10 students attending a
field trip.

If you would be interested/willing to participate in this way, please visit www.ocps.net and fill out
the ADDitions Form. You may need to type in “ADDitions” into the search menu.

Even if you are unsure of specific dates, we strongly encourage that you complete these forms now. It
can take a period of 8 weeks for these forms to be approved.

Thank you for your consideration.

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