Walnut Hills Class Information

Band Rehearsals

Each band member will have two band rehearsals per cycle. Each rehearsal takes place during organizational time, so students will not miss any classroom instruction during band. Band rehearsals will take place according to the following schedule:

Band Lessons

Each band member will receive a 20-minute private or semi-private lesson once per cycle. These lessons take place during the regular school day. Please have your student mark their band lessons in their planner. To find the specific cycle day and time of your student's band lesson, please select “Band Lesson Schedule” from the menu above. (Link?)

Class Expectations

In order to have a positive band experience, your student will be expected to:

1. Attend Band Rehearsals – twice per cycle
2. Attend Band Lessons – once per cycle
3. Attend Concerts – 3 main performances per year
4. Home Practice – 120 minutes per week

Materials and Supplies

Students should bring the following materials to all band rehearsals, lessons and performances:

1. Instrument
2. Lesson Book (Essential Elements 2000, Book 1)
3. Band Folder
4. Pencil

For more specific information about materials and supplies, go to the home page of this website, select 5th grade and click on "Materials and Supplies." (Link?)

Daily Practice

Daily practice is essential for steady progress. 20 minutes per day, 6 days per week is recommended. It is understood that students will have occasional busy weeks when daily practice can't be maintained. Overall, students should be practicing enough to pass lesson book exercises and perform band music accurately. 
Students should record their practice time on the practice record in their band folder. Parents are asked to initial the practice time each week. PBS tickets will be awarded at a rate of 1 ticket for each hour of practice.

For practice tips, go to Class Expectations—Daily Practice.

Positive Band Behaviors

1. Get instruments out before school and take them with you after school.
2. Come to class with a positive attitude.
3. Get your materials ready and wait until you are directed to warm up.
4. When the director is on the podium, voices are off.
5. Do not talk or play when the director is speaking.
6. Respect others and their belongings.
7. Do your best, keep trying and don’t give up.

Assessment

Band students will receive an evaluation at progress report time. Students do not receive a grade for band, but we do provide you with some information on how your child is progressing on their instrument.

Instrument Transport and Storage

Students will be allowed to bring instruments to and from school on the bus. After checking into their classroom in the morning, students will be allowed to go to the band room and assemble their instruments and put music on their music stands in preparation for band rehearsal and lessons. Around 3:35pm, students will be able to return to the band room to put their instrument in the case and take it home for practice.

Student Planner

In order to help students remember their instruments, it is a good idea to have your child mark band rehearsals, band lesson times, and performances in their student planner. Remember if we miss a day of school for inclement weather, the day does not count in the cycle. Students will need to readjust the cycle days of their planner.

Questions
If you cannot find the answers to your questions on this website, please contact Mrs. Cunningham.

Walnut Hills Elementary:
Janice Cunningham 987-3585 ext. 6031 (odd days)
Waukee Middle School 987-5177 ext. 3463 (even days)
jcunningham@waukee.k12.ia.us