SMS Band Update - Making Progress!

We are off to a good start!

It's felt like a slow start to get face masks, bell covers, instruments, and Noteflight in place, but we are off to the races now!

Students have been great with our new procedures in class, but many need some reminders for completing virtual work at home. More on this below.​

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Face Masks & Bell Covers

Face Masks (Band version)

• Required during band class.
• Washable
  • Machine wash - gentle cycle, dry on low (or air dry)
  • By Hand - warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, air dry
  • Needs washed between uses. 

Bell Covers

• Required during band class (except percussion & flutes)
• Uses MERV-13 filter material 
  • This rating filters extremely small particles to prevent it from circulating in the room. 
• Not washable (because of the filter material)

Each student has been provided a mask for band. Students with instruments requiring a bell cover (all except percussion and flute) have been provided a bell cover. 

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Noteflight

Students will create Noteflight accounts during classes this week. Noteflight is an online program the coordinates with our band books to provide students with feedback when at home. The program can listen for notes and rhythms and show students areas where they make mistakes. 

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Supplies

There are a few students missing some supplies. It is important for students to have everything they need to participate in class. 

6th Grade Supply List and How to Order

7th Grade

• Currently using Book 1 for review
• Moving to Book 2 very soon
• Needs Tuner/Contact Mic

8th Grade

• Using Book 3 (Technique)
• Needs Tuner/Contact Mic

Meyer Music School Store - Order Supplies Here

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Concerts

We are still getting a feel for the pacing of this school year. This is important because the timing of concerts has to work with how and when we learn our performance music.

The other consideration is where we hold concerts. Right now, concerts will have to be held outdoors. This is fine, but it does limit when we hold our performance. We don't want to sit in the cold. :-)

Some options: 

• Perform virtually. Each grade would come to school to record a performance that is shared with families. This may be a good option for this fall and winter.
• Perform outdoors. We may be on school grounds or in our community. We are keeping an eye on the new Hawk Ridge Amphitheater. This may be a good option for next spring.

Stay tuned! Once we have a final plan, I will let you know. 

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Virtual Day Assignments

Virtual day assignments are required. This week, I will have students check their grades for missing work. They can make up missing work, but need to make a plan for completing the assignments when they are assigned. 

For example, students will see items listed in Canvas for each virtual day. Many of these require items to be submitted for a grade. Here is a picture of last week's module for 8th graders:

Students should check Canvas on each virtual day to see their work for that day. 

Last spring, the virtual work didn't count against a student's grade. This year is different. Virtual assignments DO count toward grades. 

Read below to see how grading works in band.

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Grading

Grading in band is very simple. We have Practice assignments and Assessments. 

Practice Assignments

• 50% of the total band grade.
• Students will submit work showing their progress.
• Students are graded on their time and effort toward improvement. Grades are not based on playing the music perfectly, although they may receive feedback on how to improve. 

Assessments

• 50% of the total band grade.
  
• Students are graded based on their performance. 
• Correct notes, rhythms, and musical effect are all considered in their grade. 

Currently, students have only been graded in the Practice Assignments category. This means their grade is 100% unless they are missing work. 

Parents: When to check Canvas and when to check SIS (Parent Portal)?

Check Canvas to see details for all assignments. This is where students get feedback on their work. You can also use Canvas to see the grade for individual assignments. 

Check SIS (Parent Portal) to see the official grade for band. (Note: SIS will be updated regularly, however, grades from Canvas do not immediately sync into SIS).