Band Basics

Period 8 – Room C15

Ms. Mallory Legman

Email: mlegman@branfordschools.org
Website: bhsid.weebly.com

BHS Mission Statement

The mission of Branford High School is to prepare students to be independent and collaborative
learners who are responsible, informed, and contributing members of society. In partnership with the
community, we strive to provide a learning environment that supports all students in embracing
diversity, acting with integrity, and achieving their personal and academic potential.

Instrumental Music Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Branford High School Instrumental Music Department is to stimulate an aesthetic
experience by immersing students in music and cultivating opportunities for them to create, perform,
respond, and connect. Music is a necessary part of a well-rounded education for every child. BHS music
courses promote students’ immediate and long-term musical development and prepare them for lifelong
musical engagement as contributing members of the community.

Course Materials
Instrument
Accessories (i.e. reeds, cleaning cloth, valve oil)
Pencil
Music in folder (will be provided)
Lyre/Flip folder (for marching)
Drill (for marching)

Course Expectations
Students are expected to work collaboratively and independently in band. This course requires a
minimal amount of written homework. Most outside-of-class work will come in the form of practicing.
Students should practice at home and/or during study hall/open periods at least three, preferably five or
more, days each week. Grades will be primarily performance based. Students may be required to
complete performance-based homework assignments and may borrow school materials if they do not
have the necessary technology at home.

Grades
50% Performance Assessments
35% Written Assignments & Assessments
15% Written Reflections on Performance

Final Exam
Per department policy, seniors who have earned an A average do not need to be present during the final
exam time slot. All other students (including students in grade 12 who have an A- or lower and all
students in grades 9-11) must attend the final exam.

Food & Drink

Water is the only beverage allowed. No food, gum, or other drinks are permitted.
Device/Cell Phone Policy
Unless the teacher has granted permission to use these electronics for something specifically related to
the course, cell phones and other devices are not permitted in class. Devices should be set to “silent” and
put away (out of sight in a pocket or bag). Please note that this includes reading or responding to text
messages from parents during class. In the case of an emergency during which a student must be
reached, parents should call the main office at 203-488-7291. Failure to follow this policy may result in
detention. Repeat offenders will be referred to administration.

Remind
I use a free service called Remind to communicate with band members and their families. If you already
signed up, you should have received a few messages from me. If you have not yet joined Remind, please
use the link below to sign up for Band Basics email alerts or text messages: remind.com/join/12345band

CONCERTS
Concerts are a culminating performance and an opportunity to showcase the learning that takes place
every day in this course. Except in emergencies, attendance is expected at all concerts. Students who
miss a concert may be asked to complete an alternate assignment. Please make note of the concert dates
listed below and see the Fall 2018 Schedule for a list of additional performances and rehearsals. Dates
are subject to change, and I will communicate any changes as quickly as possible.

BHS Instrumental Music Winter Concert (Orchestra, Band, Jazz Band)

Tuesday, December 18, 2018
(Snow date is Wednesday, December 19)
7:00 p.m.

BHS Instrumental Music Spring Concert (Orchestra, Band, Jazz Band)

Thursday, May 16, 2019
7:00 p.m.

We have a couple rehearsals outside of school before our winter and spring concerts. Because Band
Basics and Concert Band meet separately, this is our only time to rehearse together before performing in
concert. I will communicate any additional rehearsal/performance dates when they are confirmed.

Concert dress for the above performances is all black (black dress shirt, black pants, black belt – if
wearing a belt, black socks, black shoes). Long dresses or skirts are permitted, but they must fall past the
knees when seated; anything shorter is not appropriate for a concert.

Uniform for football games, parades, pep rallies, and other marching band performances as follows:
 Band jacket (provided for first-year band members)
 Long black pants (no shorts, no stripes or other prints)
 Long black socks (crew length, must cover ankle)
 Marching band shoes. Students who have not yet paid for shoes should bring in $32 (cash or
checks payable to BHS Band) ASAP.

If you are experiencing financial hardship or anticipate a problem with concert dress or uniform
expectations, please let me know immediately.
Senior Internships
Students participating in the senior internship program are expected to participate in any end-of-year
performances, including but not limited to the Spring Concert and Memorial Day Parade, and any
evening rehearsals to prepare for these events.

Fall Rehearsals
In addition to our class time, we have weekly two-hour evening rehearsals during the fall. Please note
that these evening rehearsals are the only time we get to practice together as a full band. Please make
attendance a priority by planning appointments and other commitments around this schedule. Other
than in an emergency, students should email Ms. Legman with any attendance conflicts at least 48
hours in advance if they must miss a rehearsal and at least one week in advance if they must miss
a performance. Students should follow up emergency absences with an email as soon as possible.

Instrumental
Some band students will also be enrolled in a unique pass/fail class called Instrumental. Eligibility for
Instrumental depends on what period a student has study hall/open. Please see Instrumental handout for
additional information.
 Syllabus Acknowledgement

This form is due on Monday, September 10, 2018.

SCHOOL: Branford High School

CLASS: Band Basics

INSTRUCTOR: Ms. Legman

YEAR: 2018-19

My student and I have read and reviewed the syllabus together.

We understand the requirements of this course.

Parent/Guardian Name _____________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature _____________________________

Student Name _____________________________

Student Signature _____________________________

Date _____________________________