2. TABLEOFCONTENTSWELCOMETO
MUSIC
We are pleased that your child
has chosen to be a part of our
wonderful Instrumental Music
Program at JESD.
We hope that your child finds
music to be a valuable,
educational, and fun
experience!
Please feel free to contact me
at rservantez@jsd.k12.ca.us or
!415"902#1776 with questions
about our program.
Thank you for your tremendous
support of our program!
RICHARD SERVANTEZ$
Director, Instrumental Music
Richard Servantez
WELCOME LETTER ........................................ 2-3
! Band Calendar
EXPECTATIONS ................................................. 4
! Student Discipline
! Attendance
! Concerts
! Annual Fundraisers
MATERIALS ........................................................ 5-6
! Instruments
! Uniform Dress Code
! Method Books
! Miscellaneous (Metronome,Tuner, Inst. Stand)
BAND AWARDS ............................................. 6-7
! John Philip Sousa Award
! The Director’s Award for Band
! Louis Armstrong Award
! Spirit Points Award
BAND FIELD TRIPS ......................................... 8
! Forum Music Festival
! Jazz Band Tour
SUMMER BAND CAMP ................................. 8
OUR MUSIC PROGRAM .............................. 9
! Elementary, Enrichment, Falcon Band
! Jazz Band
PARENT SUPPORT! .......................................... 10
! Band Booster Program
INSTRUMENT CONTRACT ....................... 11
BAND CONTRACT ...................................... 12
3. Jefferson Elementary School District
Martin Luther King Jr. Education Center
101 Lincoln Ave. • Daly City, CA 94015
Web Address: www.jsd.k12.ca.us
August 22, 2014
SUBJECT: Falcon Band Handbook (2014 - 2015)
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to our Falcon Band program! It’s a pleasure welcoming you and your child into the music family
at Ben Franklin Intermediate School.
Please find many aspects of our music program outlined within the contents of this handbook. Specifically,
our Falcon Band calendar which will help in planning your musician’s academic year. Information contained
in this handbook will provide you a basic synopsis of the music curriculum to be taught throughout the year.
It also outlines the requirements and expectations of our musicians. Please read it thoroughly.
I want to thank you in advance for supporting your musician. A supportive band parent impacts our program.
Success of the band is highly dependent upon 100% student enthusiasm in attendance, preparation and
participation in rehearsals and performances. I fully understand that these commitments may impact your
daily planning, but hope that this handbook and its contents are helpful. Please help me to ensure your
musician participates in all band activities.
Thank you for your time, effort and support in making music a great learning experience for our students at
Ben Franklin Intermediate School. I have already seen tremendous enthusiasm from our band students. I am
really looking forward to another rewarding year!
Wishing all of you the best for a successful year of music! If you have any questions or concerns, please feel
free to contact me directly at rservantez@jsd.k12.ca.us , call (or text) me at (415) 902-1776.
Sincerely,
RICHARD SERVANTEZ
Director, Instrumental Music
-2-
5. -4-
STUDENT DISCIPLINE
Music students must promise to make an honest effort to learn to play the instrument assigned by practicing
regularly. Students must attend daily music class and weekly after school rehearsals with all necessary
music supplies.
Music instruments are critical to the effectiveness of learning music. Students who attend class without their
instrument will receive an infraction. Instrument infractions will be documented on the student’s Band
Contract. Students that fail to bring their instrument five (5) times to class during the academic year will be
automatically dropped from band. Students that are dropped from band will not be allowed to re-join band
until the following academic year.
Students are not to be disruptive in music class. Disruption interrupts our limited time for music instruction.
Disruptive infractions will be documented on the student’s Band Contract. Students that are disruptive five
(5) times in class during the academic year will be automatically dropped from band. Students that are
dropped from band will not be allowed to re-join band until the following academic year.
ATTENDANCE
All band students are required to attend class every day as part of their grade. As a developing competitive
ensemble, band students are also required to attend weekly after school rehearsals. (This includes sectionals
that may be called for additional rehearsal time.) After school rehearsals will not be considered as part of a
student’s grade. However, students who have 3 unexcused absences from after school rehearsals will
automatically forfeit their opportunity to be considered for a Band Award and lose the opportunity to attend
Festival. Please provide absence letters for approved excusal. Please encourage and support your musician’s
active participation in the program.
CONCERTS
All music students are highly encouraged to participate in every band concert as part of their grade. Concerts
provide our young musicians with the life-learning experience of public performance and contribute
substantially to a musician’s development, confidence and team building skills.
All band concerts are held at Benjamin Franklin Intermediate School, 700 Stewart Avenue, Daly City, CA
94015. All concerts are typically preceded by FREE Family Potluck dinners. Every musician is kindly
asked to contribute to our Family Potluck by bringing a dish that feeds 3 to 4 people. Potluck sign-ups will
generally occur one week prior to each concert.
ANNUAL FUNDRAISERS
All profits from fundraising will be used to benefit our music program projects at both intermediate and
elementary school sites such as new equipment, uniforms and music field trips. I highly encourage every
music student’s participation. Students are asked to sell a minimum or “fair share” of our product. Students
that meet benchmark sales will receive awards and recognition.
BANDEXPECTATIONS
6. -5-
INSTRUMENTS
Every musician needs a musical instrument. Assessments are conducted at the beginning of the school year
to determine the instrument that is best suited for your child. DO NOT rent or purchase an instrument until
you receive my letter with a recommended instrument.
Several instruments are available from our district-owned inventory. Instruments loaned from the district
may used for the academic year only, and must be returned prior to end of the year. Although borrowing a
district-owned instrument is FREE, we ask for a suggested donation that benefits the daily operation costs of
the program. Students will be provided a Instrument Rental Form for parent approval prior to receiving a
district instrument.
If you choose to purchase an instrument, feel free to see the Music Director for
standard questions or recommendations.
UNIFORM DRESS CODE
Ben Franklin students are provided a school-owned uniform free of charge. Uniforms
will be assigned to each student and distributed prior to an event or concert.
Parents are asked to provide their musician with the “universal” music ensemble
performance uniform. The “uniform” will be utilized at all band functions.
PERCUSSIONISTS ALL OTHER STUDENTS
Black Pants (no jeans) Black Pants (no jeans)
White Long (collared) Black crew t-shirt
Black Shoes (no tennis shoes) Black Shoes (no tennis shoes)
Black socks Black socks
UNIFORM HAIR REQUIREMENTS
Both females and males will ensure their hair is neatly groomed, and that the hair does not present a ragged,
unkempt, or extreme appearance. Hair that is unkempt may detract audience attention during a concert or
interfere with student performance. Students are asked to please neatly fasten or pin back any free-hanging
hair that falls naturally in the child’s face, over the eyebrows, or below the uniform collar.
UNIFORM CLEANING REQUIREMENT
Students are asked to take care of the uniform assigned. There may be occasions that students will have meals
while in uniform. If a student soils a uniform, parents will be responsible for any associated professional dry
cleaning costs.
UNIFORM REPLACEMENT COST
There may be occasions when students will be given the band uniform for an extended period of time. If a
student loses a uniform, parents will be responsible for any associated replacement costs. Standard
replacement cost estimate is currently $200.00 per uniform jacket.
BANDMATERIALS
7. -6-
METHOD BOOKS
JESD utilizes standard music method books for our curriculum. Method books are loaned (free of charge) to
all music students at Ben Franklin for the academic year.
However, parents are able to purchase their musician’s book for only $12 (provided at a very discounted rate).
Young musicians are able to own and fully utilize their personal books from 4th thru 8th grade music classes
(5 years!). Music classes at the middle school level are provided music method books by the school site.
Parents not desiring to purchase a book should contact the director.
MISCELLANEOUS
Although not required, students are encouraged to purchase the following items to enhance the music learning
experience at school and at home:
* Metronome
* Tuner
* Instrument Stand
* Music Stand
BAND AWARDS
All 6-8th grade music students are candidates for the following annual music awards. Please see below
for an explanation of the award criteria:
! John Philip Sousa Band Award
! ! The John Philip Sousa Band Award was introduced in 1955 to honor the top student
! ! in a school music program. It recognizes superior musicianship and outstanding
! ! dedication in a school’s music program.
BANDAWARDS
8. -7-
! The Director’s Award for Band
! ! The Director’s Award for Band honors the most outstanding members of a music
! ! ensemble. It recognizes excellent display of musicianship and dedication to an ensemble.
! Louis Armstrong Jazz Award
! ! The Louis Armstrong Jazz Award honors the most outstanding member of a jazz
! ! ensemble. It recognizes exceptional display of jazz musicianship.
BANDAWARDS
9. -8-
JAZZ BAND TOUR
Students that are involved in the Jazz Band may have one performance outside of campus, but within the local
area. If a music tour takes place, it is important for every member of the Falcon Jazz Band to participate.
Thanks for your support in advance.
JOINT BAND CONCERT
The district holds a Joint Band Concert involving all middle school bands within the JESD and all high school
bands within the JUSD. The event takes place at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. Rehearsal is typically and
all-day (8:00am to 3:00pm) event occurring the day prior to the concert. The concert is typically at 7:00pm
and is free to the public. You’re invited and welcome to attend.
FORUM MUSIC FESTIVAL
Attendance to the Forum Music Festival is not guaranteed. Rather, attendance at Forum Music Festival is
earned by 100% participation in the following:
* Attend all published after school rehearsals
* Performance in all annual concerts
* Fall & spring fundraisers
Our goal is have all expenses paid by our band fundraisers. Depending on our profits....
Students may be asked to pay a minimum amount to attend the Forum Music Festival in the spring. However,
this cost may be lessened by your child’s active participation in both our fall and spring Falcon Band
fundraisers. Fundraising profits will be used to pay for the band’s bus transportation to festival. Portions of the
remaining fundraising profits may be used to pay for a portion of each student’s admission ticket. The more
fundraising profits we raise, the less your child will have to contribute toward festival attendance.
Unfortunately, there are no grants or scholarships available.
SUMMER BAND CAMP 2013
With the success of our 2012 camp, I feel it is important to the program that all new 7th & 8th grade band
members be required to attend Falcon Band Camp in 2013. It will be held for 5 consecutive days one week
prior to the beginning of the academic year (Aug 12-16, 2013). It is essential for the preparation and success
of our program at the outset of the year.
I will do everything possible to keep camp costs to a minimum. Camp information brochures will be distributed
in May 2013. Your tremendous support is appreciated!
BAND CONTRACT
Our band contract is attached. Please review, sign, and return by the published deadline.
FIELDTRIPS&CAMP
10. OURPROGRAM
-9-
The JESD Elementary Music Program provides students an
introduction to instrumental music. Students are provided
FREE music instruction once a week in woodwind, brass
or percussion instrumental methods. Students learn the
basic rudiments of instrument instruction and highlight
their success with an annual spring performance. All
interested students are encouraged to participate.
Music Enrichment provides students with a basic
introduction to music performance and educational
concepts in music. Students are exposed to the major
components of music including performance, music eras
and arts appreciation. Music Enrichment is a course
designed to provide rudimentary concepts of performance
and historical aspects of music to Ben Franklin students.
Although a one-semester course, students are encouraged
to continue music in the Falcon Band program.
Both Beginning and Advanced Bands expose students to
many aspects of instrumental music, including classic and
popular music for concert, jazz, and rock bands.
The Falcon Band (Advanced) represents Ben Franklin at
concerts and festivals throughout the Bay Area and is
made up of solely 8th grade students (7th grade students
may apply or be selected to participate). Beginning Band is
generally comprised of 6th and 7th grade students.
ELEMENTARYMUSIC
MUSICENRICHMENT
FALCONBAND
11. BAND
BOOSTER
FALCONJAZZBAND
Our Band Boosters are volunteer
parents and family members of
our musicians. The purpose of a
Band Booster is to assist the
director in facilitating many band
functions that aid in our music
program’s success including:
* Annual Fundraisers
* Music Festival Chaperone
* Uniform Program
* Instrument Program
* Concert Potlucks
* Team Building Skills
* End#of#Year Family Picnic
Interested in helping our
music program succeed?
Sign#up
TODAY!
-10-
Our Jazz Band exposes students to many aspects of
early, contemporary, and popular jazz music.
The Falcon Jazz Band represents Ben Franklin at
concerts and exhibits throughout our school district
including Multi-Cultural Night and the District Art
Festival. This ensemble is generally made up of only
7th and 8th grade students. All students are welcome,
but aree required to audition.
PARENTSUPPORT
A musician’s success is highly dependent on parent
support and encouragement. It is also important to
provide your musician with the necessary resources to
succeed. Please provide your musician with the right
supplies for music class.
Parents encourage success in music by seeing that their
musician practices on a daily basis in preparation for daily
music class. Provide your musician with a space to
comfortably rehearse daily for 45 to 60 minutes. This
encourages good practice skills while holding our
musicians responsible for daily music homework.
12. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
INSTRUMENT AGREEMENT FORM
By signing below, I agree to follow all of the terms and conditions of the Benjamin Franklin Intermediate School
Instrument Program. Fully complete the information below prior to signing this agreement.
Although not required and strictly voluntary, the following donation amounts are recommended and appreciated. Donations
will be utilized for band related equipment, supplies, and annual instrument repairs.
SUGGESTED RENTAL DONATIONS:
! $20.00 ~ ! Flute! ! $25.00 ~ ! Alto Saxophone! ! $30.00 ~ Trombone
! ! ! Oboe! ! ! ! Tenor Saxophone! ! ! Euphonium
! ! ! English Horn! ! ! Baritone Saxophone! ! ! Tuba
! ! ! Clarinet! ! ! Trumpet! ! ! ! String Bass
! ! ! Bass Clarinet! ! ! French Horn! ! ! ! Electric Guitar
! ! ! ! ! ! ! Electronic Keyboard! ! ! Acoustic Guitar
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Bass Guitar
! _______________________ ! ___________________! ________! ________
! INSTRUMENT! ! ! ! DONATION! ! ! CASH! ! CHECK#
! ! ! ! ___________________________________________
MODEL
! ! ! ! ___________________________________________
SERIAL #
! ! ! ! ___________________________________________
LOCKER #
! ! ! ! ___________________________________________
ACCESSORIES
* Percussionists must purchase his or her own snare sticks.
* All other percussive mallets will be provided.
* All woodwind instrumentalists must purchase their own reeds.
* All instrumentalists will be provided associated greases and oils for care and maintenance of district instruments.
By signing below, I agree to maintain and care for the instrument assigned to me. I will be liable for all
damages and repairs caused by negligence. The school site"s band program will be liable for annual
instrument maintenance and normal wear repairs (at no charge to the student). The instrument shall be
returned at the end of the academic year for annual maintenance and repairs.
____________________________________! _______________________________! ____________
STUDENT PRINTED NAME! ! ! ! STUDENT SIGNATURE! ! ! ! DATE
____________________________________! _______________________________! ____________
PARENT PRINTED NAME! ! ! ! PARENT SIGNATURE! ! ! ! DATE
_________________! ! ! ! _____________________
ISSUED! ! ! CONDITION: E G F P! RETURNED! ! ! CONDITION: E G F P
13. I promise to make an honest effort to learn to play the instrument assigned by practicing regularly.
I understand that if I fail to bring my instrument five (5) times to class during the academic year, I will be
automatically dropped from Band.
1st Offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense 4th Offense 5th Offense
DATE
I promise to attend music class daily and attend all after school mandatory rehearsals. I understand that if I have
an unexcused absence from any rehearsal three (3) times during the academic year, I will automatically forfeit
my opportunity to be considered for a Band Award and lose the opportunity to attend the Forum Music Festival.
1st Offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense
DATE
PARENT / GUARDIAN CONSENT:
PARENT NAME: ____________________________________ ______________________
LAST FIRST
PARENT SIGNATURE: _______________________________________________
PHONE NUMBER: _____________________________________
EMAIL: _______________________________________________ DATE: _________________
Benjamin Franklin Intermediate School
Falcon Band Program
700 Stewart Avenue • Daly City, CA 94015
BAND CONTRACT
STUDENT NAME: ____________________________________ ______________________
LAST FIRST
14. METHOD BOOK #
OUT RETURNED
DATE
FUNDRAISER: # BOXES DATE INITIAL
JESD INSTRUMENT: Y / N
