These are the slides shared at the Millennium MS Performing Arts Parent Meeting/Beginning Band Orientation on Tuesday, August 19, 2014.

1. P A R E N T O R I E N T A T I O N
M I L L E N N I U M M I D D L E S C H O O L P E R F O R M I N G A R T S

2. A G E N D A
• Parent Support
• Student Expectations
• Performance
Expectations
• G.P.A. Requirements
• Use of School Property
• DIVIDENDS

3. P A R E N T
S U P P O R T
• All performing groups
depend upon parent
support for student
success
• Students need:
•Equipment
•Transportation
•Positive support

4. P A R E N T
S U P P O R T
• Equipment
• Each discipline requires
equipment
• Uniforms, instruments,
costumes, etc.
• See your teacher for a list
of equipment and how to
obtain

5. P A R E N T
S U P P O R T
• Transportation
• Attend performances when
possible
• Timely drop-off/pick-up
• Don’t wait for the student to call
and then come pick-up!
• Know the performance times
• 45 minutes beyond the end of a
performance or rehearsal,
Sanford PD will be called to come
pick student up

6. P A R E N T
S U P P O R T
• Positive Reinforcement
• Encourage!
• Never use practice as a
punishment!
• Provide a place to
practice
• Each discipline requires
homework

7. S T U D E N T
E X P E C T A T I O N
S
• Participation
• Large part of student’s grades
• Make sure student has everything
needed for class
• Ask them questions often
• Be informed. Check:
• planners
• handouts
• handbooks
• websites

8. P E R F O R M A N C
E
E X P E C T A T I O N
S• Etiquette
• Much time is spent teaching students how to
observe proper performance etiquette
• Distractions from the audience negatively
affect a student’s performance
• Follow basic rules of etiquette
• Show appreciation through applause, not
shouting or whistling
• Auditorium behavior is different than gym behavior
• No flash photography during performances
• Leave auditorium between performances

9. G . P . A
R E Q U I R E M E N T
S
• Grade Point Average Requirements
• State law mandates that students must
maintain a minimum of a 2.0 G.P.A. in
order to participate in activities that take
place outside of the classroom
• Sanctions
• The Seminole County Code of Student
Conduct mandates that students who
receive disciplinary action may be
denied participation in school activities

10. U S E O F
S C H O O L
P R O P E R T Y
• School property may include:
• Instruments
• Uniforms, costumes
• Music, Scripts, Books
• Props, set pieces
• Some equipment is provided:
• On a rental basis
• On a loan basis
• Some equipment is purchased for the student and then
given to the student
• Be aware of what equipment must be returned to the
sponsor
• Loss/damage of school equipment may result in the
student/family having to replace that equipment!! $$$$$$

11. D I V I D E N D S
• County-approved parent volunteers
• Each discipline relies on parent
volunteers to make events successful
• Parents MUST be DIVIDENDS in
order to help with events
• Parents can register to be
DIVIDENDS:
• online (at the SCPS website:
www.scps.k12.fl.us)
• Or in the front office

12. F U N D R A I S I N G
• Each discipline requires supplemental
money in order to operate
• Each group fundraises in its own
ways
• Some examples:
• Product sales
• Candy, brochures, magazines, etc.
• Donations
• Sponsorships
• Ticket sales

13. A D V O C A C Y
• Arts classes often the first to get cut
during budget cuts
• Be aware of how proposed legislation
affects your student’s ability to take
arts classes
• Be a knowledgeable voter…and then
vote!
• Example:
• All middle school students are required to
take one class period per day of PE for
one semester of each year unless parents
sign a waiver to exempt

14. E N D O F
I N T R O D U C T I O N
Move to component
meetings:
Band- Millennium Hall
Chorus - 2-113
Drama – 2-107
Orchestra- 2-115
Dance- 2-105

15. DATE
AUGUST 19, 2014
BAND PARENT
ORIENTATION
MILLENNIUM HALL

16. Agenda
Curriculum
Communication
Investments

17. Curriculum
Process
Band Handbook
Supplemental Tools
Equipment

18. Philosophy
Process vs.
Performance
Accessibility

19. Band Handbook
Your reference
Contact Info
Calendar
Code of Conduct
Grading Policy
Supply List
Uniforms
Instrument guidelines
Private Lessons
resource
Communication
FBA Events
Boosters
Handbook Contract
Fair Share Form
Medical Form
Scholarship form
FORMS DUE NEXT FRIDAY!!!

20. Supplements: Private lessons

21. Supplements: SmartMusic

22. Equipment
Band Handbook
Instrument
Approval Form

23. Equipment
Beginning Band Rental
Packet
Tips on How to
Acquire an
Instrument
Rental flyers from
various stores
SCPS Property Use
Form (school rental)

24. Acquiring Equipment
Basic concepts
Rent, don’t purchase
School Rental: $100 for the school year
Some instruments are available to everyone
Some instruments are available to students on
Free/Reduced lunch
School rentals will be issued when a minimum payment of
$10 has been made
Store Maintenance Plans are strongly recommended!!!

25. Equipment
For more info, see our website, www.millenniummsband.org
Description of selection process
Videos of each instrument
Instrument comparison chart

26. Communicatio
n
Student level
Parent level

27. Communication: Student
level
Weekly
Assignment
Sheets
Planner
Remind (formerly
Remind101)
Handouts

28. Communication: Student
level
Remind
Text the below code to (484) 260-0127
Wind Ensemble: @mrlangston
Symphonic Band: @4d2ba
Beginning Band: @89ad7
Jazz Band: @a2c82
Tech Crew: @0faa8

29. Communication: Parent level
Email:
mrlangston@me.com
Phone: 407-484-4704
Remind
Skyward
Social Media
Facebook page: Millennium MS Band
Twitter: MillenniumBand
Instagram: millenniummsband

30. Fund Raising
Fair Share
Instrument Rental
Accessibility

31. Fund Raising: Purpose
We fund raise, so less comes out of
your pocket.
Band is high maintenance.
Traditionally underfunded.

32. Fund Raising: Result
Because we have raised money & purchased items over the
years we can:
Provide students with uniforms (tuxedos, dresses, shirts,
ties, cummerbunds, etc.)
Provide expensive instruments at low cost
Provide large instruments for at-home practice
Provide guest teachers to give specialized instruction
Pay students entry fees into the various events
throughout the year

33. Fund Raising: Example: Flute
player
Item Real Cost Our Cost
Flute $850 $100
Tuxedo/Dress $40 $0
Band Shirt $15 $0
All-State Entry Fee $17 $0
Solo & Ensemble $5 per event (3) $0
Masterclasses $100 $0
Instrument Repair $75 $0
Fair Share $100
Totals $1,112 $200

34. Fund Raising: Example: Tuba
player
Item Real Cost Our Cost
Tuba $4,000-8,000 $100
Tuxedo $100 $0
Band Shirt $15 $0
All-State Entry Fee $17 $0
Solo & Ensemble $5 per event (3) $0
Masterclasses $100 $0
Instrument Repair $125 $0
Fair Share $100
Totals $4,372-8,372 $200

35. Fund Raising: Accessibility
It is our mission that NO STUDENT
SHALL BE DENIED THE
OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE
IN BAND BECAUSE OF
FINANCIAL HARDSHIP.

36. Fund Raising
Payments can be made:
Cash
Money order
Make out to the Millennium Band
Boosters
Major Credit Cards
Band website

37. Fund Raising

38. Fund Raising: Boosters
Provide support via:
Volunteer hours
Fundraising

39. MMS Band Boosters
The Band Booster
organization is a voluntary
support group, primarily of
band parents, that work to
further the success of the band
program.

40. MMS Band Boosters
 Band Booster
Functions:
 1.Fundraising
 2.Chaperoning Events
 3.Setup & Logistical
Support of Events

41. Upcoming events
 Middle School Night-
September 26, 2014
Uniform try-on/Pick up
September 8-12, 2014

42. Dividend sign up
 www.scps.k12.fl.us
Click Dividends school volunteer link on
the left.
Then click apple on right- to register to
volunteer.
ALL volunteers/chaperones must be a
registered dividend.

43. Band Fundraisers
Cheesecake & Cookie Dough
Concert Ticket Pre-orders
Rock-a-thon

44. What does the fundraising money go
towards?
 Students band shirts
 Instrument rental repairs
 Specialized instructors throughout year
 New Music/ New uniforms
 Event Buses
 County events: Solo/ensemble festival
All State and All County Festival

45. MMS Band Boosters
 First meeting:
– Monday, September 8,
6:30pm, band room

46. Instrument Selection
Process
Director guides each student in the selection of
an instrument based upon:
1. The desire to play a given instrument
2. The suitability of the instrument based upon
physical characteristics of the student
3. The instrumentation requirements of the band

47. Instrument Selection
(cont.)
Process
All students try a variety of instruments
Director gives score based on:
Success of making the appropriate sound
Physical suitability
Students will then list their 1st & 2nd choices
Director will weigh all the issues together, then
approve each student’s selection

48. Instrument Selection
(cont.)
Woodwinds
Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
Clarinet
Saxophone
Alto, tenor
Brass
Trumpet
French horn
Trombone
Baritone
Tuba
Percussion

49. How To Acquire an
Instrument
School does not provide all students with
instruments
Responsibility of student’s family to acquire the
instrument & all accessories
School provides some instruments for a
comparatively low rental fee

50. How To Acquire an
Instrument
2 basic options:
Rent
Purchase

51. Renting
Renting is strongly suggested for beginners
Rental payments can be applied towards purchase
(rent-to-own)
Insurance policies available
adds $3-4 to monthly cost
Possibility of instrument upgrades
Beginning, intermediate, professional models
Can change instruments during rental period

52. Purchase
Most stores offer discounts on overall price as
incentive
Generally, they prefer you purchase
Once you buy it, you’re stuck with it!!!
Avoid:
shopping at pawnshops
getting grandma’s instrument out of the attic, etc.
Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Sears catalog

53. Dealing with Local
Stores
Shop by phone/brochure before you
drive
Look for program that best suits
your financial needs
Always specials this time of year
Read fine print of specials!!!
Most do credit checks

54. Dealing with Local
StoresLet them know what school you are from
Each participating store has a copy of the
Recommended Instruments/Accessories List
Refer to the band handbook for the
Recommended Instruments/Accessories List
Beware of someone who represents an item as
“just as good as” or “just the same as.”
For all other business, stores will deliver to
school

55. Getting the Instrument:
New vs. Used
Psychological impact of a shiny new instrument
Poor reason to choose an instrument because it is
already owned; “in the family”
If this instrument is chosen, please allow director
to inspect for condition
If it is not selected, music store may purchase or
you may advertise

56. Getting the Instrument:
New vs. UsedMechanically sound
Reputable music stores ensure the functionality
of instruments they sell, whether new or used
GOOD USED INSTRUMENTS ARE FINE!!!
Off brands will only lead to trouble and frustration
No pawn shop, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club,or Sears
catalog instruments, etc
The condition of these instruments may
require more in repairs than what it’s worth
Most local repairmen don’t carry parts for
off brands

57. Internet Purchases
BEWARE!!!
Most online stores don’t provide support or
insurance
Ebay or other online auctions are not entirely
reliable
Equipment may be in questionable shape
Know what you are looking for
Sort/search by brand/model, not price

58. Estimated Rental
Prices
Store prices range from $20/month to $100/month, depending
upon the instrument. Approximate prices start at (used):
Flute $20/month
Oboe $30
Clarinet $20
Bassoon $50
Alto sax $30
Tenor sax $40
Trumpet $20
French horn (single) $40
Trombone $20
Baritone $45
Bell/Snare kit $20

59. Renting From the
School
School offers the following instruments to all
students:
oboe, bassoon, French horn, baritone, tuba
Availability is limited to the # of instruments the
school owns
Students will need to purchase the accessories
to go with instrument

60. Renting From the
School
The school rents the following instruments to
students that are on free and reduced lunch
Flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, trombone
Availability is limited to the # of instruments the
school owns
Students will need to purchase the accessories to
go with instrument

61. Renting From the
School
Rental fee of $100 for the year
Used for yearly maintenance
2 payment options:
$100 all at once
$50 each semester
Money orders payable to Millennium Band
Boosters
Cash, Credit Cards also accepted
Rental contract available from the director
Responsible for repairs needed beyond normal

62. Required/Recommended
Accessories
See the Band Handbook for detailed specifications
For example: (out of Band Handbook)

63. Required/Recommended
Accessories
Instrument brand names are strong
recommendations
Accessory brand names are necessary
If they can’t be obtained right away, get
as soon as you are able

64. Required/Recommended
Accessories
Other necessary accessories/materials:
Folding wire music stand
At home use
Accent on Achievement, Book 1 method book
Appropriate 3-ring binder/notebook (blue for
Beginners)
Pencil
Plastic page covers/protectors

65. Special Note
Percussion Students will begin on combination bell
& snare kits
Should include bells, bell stand, mallets, snare
drum, snare sticks, snare practice pad (?)
1st semester spent mostly on bells
2nd semester will begin work on snare drum, bass
drum, and other accessory percussion

66. Special Note
Student wishing to play saxophone might begin on
clarinet
To control the number of students on saxophone
At the conclusion of the 1st 9-week period, clarinet
students wishing to switch to sax will be auditioned
for a set number of openings

67. Upon Receiving the
Instrument
Check the case before you leave for all
appropriate accessories.
Take handbook with you when you go.
Do not accept reeds or accessories that are not
on the list unless they are out of stock and
promise to replace them when they come in.
Refrain from allowing the student to assemble the
instrument before we go over it in class.

68. Equal Opportunity Participation
Dr. Gunderson supports our efforts to try and make
it possible for EVERYONE to participate
If there is a financial hardship,
please contact Mr. Langston
We can’t help if we don’t know!!!

69. Questions
Contact Mr. Langston @:
Mrlangston@me.com
407-484-4704
Send in a note
Will answer questions following meeting