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Band

WELCOME - 7th & 8th Grade Band
Another school year has begun and we are looking forward to a great year in all of the Bands at DeLong Middle School. The 7th Grade Band is a very different experience from their beginning Band year.  They will present two concerts, march in their first parade, and perform for several school events.  They will also be encouraged to get involved with the solo/ensemble contest next March.  The 8th Grade Band will be presenting two concerts, touring the elementary schools, marching in two parades, and providing entertainment at a North and Memorial basketball game during the winter.
 
During the 2023-24 school year, Mr. Luginbill will teach 6th, 7th and 8th grade band classes 
 
We have an exceptional group of Band students this year and we know you will enjoy their performances.  Mr. Luginbill is very excited about the year ahead! 

All concerts begin at 7:00p.m. in the Auditorium
Concert dates for the 2023-24 school year are:

6th Grade - Jan. 11 & May 2
7th Grade - Dec. 5 & April 4
8th Grade - Nov. 30 & April 18

 *Students are required to attend all concerts, as the performance represents the final test and collective effort of the Band

CONCERT DRESS
Band 7 students will be ordering DeLong Band shirts this fall.  Band 8 students will wear the same shirt as last year for their concert dress.  All Band students should wear the following uniform to the Winter and Spring Concerts and Parades: DeLong Band shirts, black pants, black socks, and black shoes.  Please make sure that pants, socks, and shoes are ENTIRELY BLACK.
 
PRACTICE CHARTS
Students in the DeLong Bands will have a practice chart component to their grade this year.  Although practice charts are an assignment that you are familiar with, we would like to highlight a couple of reminders about them.  First, practice charts will be due the first day that you have band each week, but accepted throughout that week.  Second, they must be completely filled out in order to receive credit.  This includes: name, chart dates, grade, class, assignment, practice times, your letter grade, and your parent’s signature.  No credit will be given to practice charts which are incomplete.  And third, your lowest practice chart grade of each quarter will be dropped from the grade book and not count towards your grade.
 
GRADING SCALE
90-100% =  A                              
80-89%   =  B
70-79%   =  C
60-69%   =  D
0-59%     =  F
Grading will be based on a combination of the following:

  • 33%     Weekly practice chart grades
  • 33%     In-class playing quizzes (3-4 per quarter)
  • 33%     Attitude/effort during band.

Students who take private lessons on their instrument or piano lessons will be given a form at the end of each quarter to receive extra credit points.  Lessons are not a component of the weekly practice chart grade.  We encourage all DeLong Band students to take private lessons on their instrument.
 
CLASS EXPECTATIONS
Students are expected to be in the bandroom when the bell rings at the beginning of class.
 
Instruments must come to and go from school each day of Band.  Students should never leave their instrument at school overnight for two reasons.  First, your instrument needs to be at your home so you can practice it.  Second, the DeLong instrument storage area is not a secure place to leave an expensive instrument after school hours.  Failure to take instruments out of school overnight will result in lunch detention.
Students are expected to treat their instruments, the bandroom, and each other with respect.
 
JAZZ BAND (8th grade only)
8th Grade Jazz Band will begin during second quarter this year.  It will rehearse before school, during Primetime, or a combination of the two.  More details will be coming during the first quarter.
 
AND FINALLY…
There is no specific schedule for the music department during Family/Teacher Conference times, so please drop by the bandroom at any time if you would like to talk with one of us.
 
We are both looking forward to a terrific year with the Bands. If you have any questions or concerns during the year, please don’t hesitate to call us. 
 
 
WELCOME - 6th Grade Band
We would like to officially welcome you to your first full year at Delong Middle School as a member of the 6th grade band. We had a terrific summer band program in which over 100 new 6th graders started on their instruments. 
 
The information below is crucial for the success of the band and all students.  Please read and discuss this information with your child so that everyone is “on the same page”!!
 
Band Class/Practice:  Each student has band every-other-day, on either Day 1 or Day 2.  Instruments can be dropped off in the band area before school and must go home that same day.  For both practice and liability reasons, instruments are never to be left at school overnight.
 
Practice Charts:  All students must fill out and turn in a practice chart at the beginning of each week.  These charts are supplied by the school, and should reflect the practice done during the previous week at home.  Practice charts must be completely filled out by the student and signed by a parent or guardian in order to receive credit.  These practice charts, along with playing test grades and in-class attitude and effort will determine the student’s quarter grade.
 
Concerts:  The 6th grade band will perform two concerts this year. The school band concerts begin at 7:00 pm. Of course, concert participation is required for all band members as the performance represents the goal/final exam for the music that we have been working to perfect.
 
Other:  Both band directors are available before and after school for extra help.  Reeds are available for sale in the attendance office at reasonable prices.  Brass players should always have a small bottle of valve or slide oil in their case. Percussionists are responsible for putting away any school percussion instruments or mallets used during band, and must help keep the percussion area looking tidy.
 
We are really looking forward to a great year with this fine bunch of young people and trust that you will be impressed with their first concert.  Thank-you for the support that you give to us, and to your children.  And above all, please don’t hesitate to call us should any questions or concerns. 

Sincerely,                             
Dennis Luginbill - 715-852-5024