Papillion Junior High Instrumental Music Faculty

 

Mr. Ken Janak - Director of Bands at Papillion Junior High  kjanak@paplv.esu3.org    898-0424

 

Ms. Kristin Keller -  Assistant Director of Bands at Papillion Junior High and 6th Grade Band Director at Walnut Creek and Anderson Grove.  kkeller@paplv.esu3.org    898-0424

 

 

 

Philosophy

The philosophy of the PJH Instrumental Music Department is to create an environment where students are able to foster musical skills and self-confidence through participation in a performing ensemble while also gaining an appreciation for and understanding of music from varied styles and different cultures.  Music as a means to self-expression and lifetime fulfillment is emphasized. 

 

Goals and Objectives of the Papillion Junior High Instrumental Music Program

 

Students will have the opportunity to explore music through the following ways:

 

            1.         A Technical Approach that is concerned with the rudiments and required skills for                          performing music

 

2.        A Creative Approach that encourages exploration of the elements of music including improvisation and composition.  Most importantly, students will gain decision making and problem solving skills related to musical creation and performance.

 

            3.         A Cultural/Historical Approach that gives students insight into the perspective and                                   significance of a musical work as it relates to specific cultures and life events.

 

            4.         A Critical Approach that allows students to make value judgments regarding a musical                  work’s effectiveness in using the basic elements of music.

 

            5.         An Aesthetic Approach that allows students to evaluate music based on an individual                                emotional response.

 

                                    * These concepts above are based on the Visual & Performing Arts                                                            Frameworks for Nebraska Schools

 

 

 

 

 

 

Papillion Junior High Band Information

 

LARGE ENSEMBLES

CADET BAND - The 7th Grade Band students are divided into two bands of equal instrumentation.  One rehearses second period, and the other fourth period, daily.  Each band performs two concerts during the school year.  Students will continue developing those skills introduced in 6th grade band, with emphasis placed on both individual musical development and ensemble playing techniques.

 

 

SYMPHONIC BAND - The Symphonic Band is comprised of 8th grade students and is divided into two bands of equal instrumentation.  One rehearses during first period and one during third period, daily.  Students must pass certain playing requirements to maintain membership and perform with this band.  Students will expected to continue developing their skills at a high level through scales, technique exercises, ear training and high quality band literature of an intermediate to advanced level.  This band performs several public concerts, tours to the elementary schools, and participates in contests/festivals. 

 

JAZZ BAND - The Jazz Band is comprised of 8th grade students who must audition to gain membership in this group.  This band rehearses from 7:15 - 8:00 A.M three mornings per week.  The Jazz Band performs several concerts during the school year including appearances at a jazz festival and other school and community events.   A second jazz lab band will be formed later in the school year and will be open to 7th and 8th grade musicians who play an instrument that fits the jazz band instrumentation.

 

 

 

SOLOS / SMALL ENSEMBLES / HONOR BANDS

Band students have the opportunity to prepare solos and participate in small ensembles such as jazz combos, duets, trios, quartets, etc.   These activities do require extra time and effort but students will gain valuable skills through their participation.

 

o       Seventh grade students may perform solos and ensembles at a public recital night in the PJH band room the third week of May.  A guest clinician gives verbal and written comments to participating students. 

 

o       Eighth grade students may be selected to participate in the Blair Middle School Honor Band.  Eighth graders may also choose to audition for the NSBA All-State Honor Band.

 

o       Eighth grade students may perform solos and ensembles at the Millard Instrumental Clinic held in the spring.  Participating students receive verbal and written critiques from guest clinicians, and outstanding entries are awarded “Superior Performance” certificates.

 

 

 

 

LESSONS

An important aspect of the PJH Band program is the group sectional lesson.  The lessons provide students an opportunity to focus on and improve their individual playing skills.

 

Time - Each student is scheduled for a group lesson, usually held during the band class period or during study hall. Students who are preparing solos or honor band auditions may be scheduled for a private lesson as time allows.

 

Missed Lessons - It is the responsibility of the student to be at each lesson.  If a lesson is missed, the student must meet with the lesson teacher to get the assignment and arrange a make-up lesson if possible.  

 

Materials - A method book (purchased by the student) will be used for weekly assignments.  In addition, solos, small ensemble music, band music, or other selected materials may be used.  Students will be tested periodically on the band music.

 

Private Lessons  - Although we can provide individualized instruction to a certain degree within our band program, private lessons outside of school are highly encouraged.  Students, who have an above average interest in playing their instrument and are eager to progress at a quicker pace, are good candidates for private lessons.  It is recommended that you seek a specialist on your child’s particular instrument for private lessons.  The instrumental music staff at PJH can help you find a qualified private lesson instructor.

 

 

 

PRACTICE

Practice Reports - All band students will be issued a practice card on which to record their daily practice effort.  This card will be turned in at the end of each month and a grade given for the amount of time practiced.  The card must be signed by a parent in order to receive credit for the practice time logged on the card. Individual practice is the single most important factor in gaining skills on a musical instrument.

 

Practice Hints - While all musicians enjoy playing music they can already play well, remember to devote adequate practice time to material that is challenging to you.   If you always sound great when you’re practicing, you’re not practicing the right things!

 

Location of Practice - Students are encouraged to practice at home; however, practice rooms are available at school from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  All instruments are to be taken home each weekend and as often as possible during the school week.  It is recommended that a specific time and place be scheduled each day to help set a routine for daily practice.  Choose a quiet place that is free from distractions and use a proper chair and music stand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INSTRUMENTS AT SCHOOL

Students can store their personal instruments on shelves in the band room during the school day.  Storing an instrument in your locker is not recommended.  All instruments must have a proper name tag with the student’s first and last name!  A limited number of nametags will be available at the beginning of the school year for those that need them.  Instruments should always go home on the weekends and holidays and as often as possible during the school week (Practice!).

 

SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS

The school on a loan basis furnishes the larger and more expensive instruments in the band.  Students may transfer from another instrument or start on a school instrument depending on the student’s capabilities, the availability of an instrument, and the need for a certain instrument to fill out the proper instrumentation in the band.  Students are expected to keep these instruments clean and show extreme care when handling them.

 

BROKEN INSTRUMENTS

When an instrument is not working properly, students should first show it to a band director to determine if it is a minor repair that can be handled at school.  If the instrument must go to the shop and the student will be without it for a period of time, the student should bring a signed note from a parent explaining the situation or a dated repair tag from the shop.

 

PURCHASING INSTRUMENTS

With the appearance of many “bargain brand” instruments on the market and with the popularity of on-line shopping, knowing which instrument to choose can be confusing.  While some of the lesser-known brands are perfectly fine for students, some of the others can be of very poor quality, making them difficult to play and repair.  Knowing the difference isn’t easy unless you are a musical instrument expert.  This is especially true if you’re only able to look at a picture on the Internet or in a catalog.  The instrumental music staff at PJH will be happy to advise you when you are considering purchasing a musical instrument.

 

UNIFORMS

The performance uniform for all band members is:  khaki or tan   “Dockers” style pants, dark shoes and the band shirt. The band shirt may be purchased at the school. 

 

SUMMER BAND

All PJH band students are offered a summer band session during the month of June, free of charge.  While this session is optional, all students are encouraged to attend.  More detailed information will come out in the early spring.

 

Check the PJH Band web page for additional information and updates, including a page of interesting and educational Internet links for band students.  The web page can be accessed from a link on the PJH website at:  www.plvschools.esu3.org/papiojh/

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRADING

 

The grade for each quarter will be based on performance in these areas:

 

Playing Assessments: 35%

 Quarterly scale and rudiment tests

Band music tests

 

Daily Participation: 35%

 Having proper equipment and supplies

Staying on task

 

Written Assessments: 20%

Music theory/vocabulary worksheets

Writing assignments (i.e. concert/performance review)

Ear training activities

 

Monthly Practice Record: 10%

Based on minutes practiced

Verified with parent’s signature

 

 

PERFORMANCE ATTENDANCE

Band members are required and expected to be at each scheduled performance for their respective band.  Because band is a performance-based class, missing performances can jeopardize a student’s grade and/or membership in the band.  Students missing a performance of any type without the parents notifying the band director at least two weeks in advance (exception:  illness and family emergency), will be subject to disciplinary action.  This action will result in the student receiving a lower grade and a possible suspension from the band program.  Please mark your family calendar with the performance dates included with this handbook.  On the rare occasion when a student must miss a performance and has given proper advance notice, they will be given the opportunity to make-up the grade credit through a written research project.  These cases will be handled on an individual basis.

 

 

DISRUPTIVE ACTION

A student causing any type of disruption during a band rehearsal, lesson, or other band activity will have a conference with the band director to discuss the elimination of the problem.  In the case of a second offense, the parents will be notified to help find a solution to the problem.  If a third offense occurs, the student will lose the privilege of membership in the band.  (See School Handbook “Disruptive Actions”)

 

 

 

How Parents Can Help

From MENC:  Music Educators National Conference

·  Help your child set up a special place at home to play the instrument.

 

·  Establish a time each day to play. Some children are at their best in

the morning, before school.

 

·  Help him establish a routine. This may require some consultation with the teacher. A typical middle schoolers' half-hour practice routine might include:

·  If possible, be a positive part of your child's playing time. Sit with your child while he plays and ask, "Show me what you're learning." Or, consider learning to play the instrument with your child.

 

·  Praise your child for each step forward.

 

·  As a parent, don't make judgments about the musical quality of your child's practicing. Learning an instrument requires lots of squeaks, scratches, and wrong notes.

 

·  Help your child understand that playing only familiar songs will not help her improve.

 

·  Help your young musician set practice goals. Keeping a journal, not just a practice chart, helps track the peaks and valleys of learning a new piece or improving fundamental skills.

 

·  Explain to your child that learning happens in stages. Sometimes a student will work on something for a long time with no apparent improvement, and then discover a sudden leap in ability. Other times, learning happens very quickly. The important thing to stress is that consistent practice will yield results.

 

·  Encourage other family members to applaud the child's efforts. Positive attention is a great motivator.

 

·  Remember that there are always peaks and valleys in the learning process. You and your child should expect times of discouragement, accept them, and focus on the positive fact that she's learning to make music. Remind her that everything worth doing takes time and effort.

 

·  Provide positive role models. Bring your child to hear amateur or professional musicians perform. Take your child to movies that show musicians in a positive light, such as "Music of the Heart."

 

 

·  When seeking private lessons, find a qualified teacher you can talk to easily. Ask about the teacher's philosophy of education, and ask to talk to some of the teacher's current students or their parents. Make sure your child is comfortable with the teacher.