2018-2019 Handbook Mr. Denver Rawson, Mr. Brian Anderson & Miss Michelle Dyler, Music Directors Mr. Sean Powell, Principal Lansdowne Middle School ...
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2018-2019 Handbook
Mr. Denver Rawson, Mr. Brian Anderson & Miss Michelle Dyler, Music Directors
Mr. Sean Powell, Principal
Lansdowne Middle School
1765 Lansdowne Road, Victoria, B.C. V8P 1A7
250.598.3336 - lansdownemusic@gmail.com
Lansdowne Music Handbook 2018-2019 | 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Please click on the name of a section below to be taken to that page in the Handbook.
1. Welcome 2
2. Teacher Information 2
3. Contact Information and Communication 2
4. Expectations 3
5. Practice Cards 4
6. Music Ensembles 5
7. Schedule 8
8. Calendar 2018-2019 8
9. Grade 6 Instrument Selection 10
10. Music Program Expenses, Music Accounts and Instrument Rental 11
11. Private Music Lessons 16
12. Concerts and Uniforms 19
13. Assessment 19
14. Lansdowne Music Parents’ Association (LMPA) and Fundraising 20
Lansdowne Music Handbook 2018-2019 | 2
1. WELCOME
We, in the Lansdowne Music Program, want to welcome you to the 2018-2019 school year! We are extremely excited
for the many things we have planned this year. This handbook serves as your detailed guide to the year ahead.
The Lansdowne Music Program involves students in grades 6 through 8 and offers band, choir and strings ensembles to
all students. There are over 350 students involved in seven bands, two choirs, two string orchestras and one full
orchestra. Many of our students are involved in more than one group as classes don’t conflict with one another. The
experience our students gain is invaluable.
We pride ourselves on having musicians and ensembles that perform at a high level, but more importantly, we pride
ourselves on our community and the life skills students develop through our program. Studying music develops extrinsic
skills including teamwork, perseverance, critical thinking, self-discipline, responsibility and accountability. Studying music
also develops intrinsic skills including self-motivation, the joy of making music and self-expression. We have a strong
community that our students, families, and staff take tremendous pride in and ownership of.
We ask that all Lansdowne Music students and parents/guardians, new and old, read over this handbook, complete the
“Lansdowne Music 2018-2019 Contract” and return it to one of their music teachers. Contracts were handed out at
school and can also be downloaded from our website lansdownemusic.weebly.com/forms.html. Please note that the
contracts are different for grade 6 and grade 7/8 students.
2. TEACHER INFORMATION
Mr. Denver Rawson has been teaching at Lansdowne Middle School since 2008. He earned his B.Ed in Secondary
Instrumental Music from the University of Victoria. It was during his bachelor’s degree that Mr. Rawson first taught at
Lansdowne as a third year student. Selected by the band students of 2002, he had the opportunity to conduct in the
Lansdowne gym for the first time. Since then, he has secured a job at Lansdowne, toured the country with a small indie
band, married his beautiful wife Liz, earned an M.A. in Band Conducting from Sam Houston State University, and most
recently spent some quality time with his baby daughter Harriet. Mr. Rawson is very proud of the work he and his
students have put in at Lansdowne over the years. He is also extremely honoured and humbled to be working with such
fine colleagues in Mr. Anderson, Miss Dyler and the Lansdowne staff at large. Mr. Rawson teaches all the concert bands,
traditional jazz band, both choirs, and orchestra.
Mr. Brian Anderson is thrilled to be returning for his second year teaching at Lansdowne. Mr. Anderson studied at UVic,
where he earned a B.Ed in Music (Instrumental) and Social Studies (History). During his time at UVic, he studied double
bass with Victoria Symphony members Mary Rannie and Alex Olson and performed as a member of the UVic Symphony
Orchestra and the UVic Jazz Orchestra. Teaching at Lansdowne has been a goal for Mr. Anderson since he first observed
a Band 7 class there. He was absolutely blown away by the student’s musicality and the pride and ownership they took
in their community. Mr. Anderson completed his first teaching practicum with Mr. Rawson at Lansdowne and is thrilled
to be back. Before teaching at Lansdowne, Mr. Anderson spent one year Teaching on Call in the Victoria and Sooke
School Districts. At Lansdowne, Mr. Anderson teaches all the string ensembles, Band 6-8 and Symphonic Jazz Band.
Miss Michelle Dyler is a graduate of the University of Victoria’s music program where she studied saxophone with
Wendell Clanton. She graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Music Education and began her teaching career that fall at
Alberni District Secondary in Port Alberni. In her time at ADSS, from 2009-2017, Miss Dyler directed choirs, jazz combos,
jazz bands, and concert bands, participating in festivals and performances worldwide including Musicfest Canada, Lionel
Hampton Jazz Festival, and tours of California, Hawaii, and Cuba. Her bands have received gold ratings at MusicfestLansdowne Music Handbook 2018-2019 | 3
Canada and she has also had several students featured as soloists in Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival’s “Hamp’s Club.” Miss
Dyler moved to Victoria in 2017 and has enjoyed working with the music students and teachers of School District 61 and
is looking forward to a great school year at Lansdowne and Monterey middle schools.
3. CONTACT INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
The best way to contact us is by email at lansdownemusic@gmail.com
We are also available by phone at (250) 598-3336, but due to the nature of our jobs, we are rarely able to have phone
conversations without notice. Please contact us by email if you need to schedule a phone conversation with us.
Due to the nature of email, all major concerns will be addressed by phone or in person. Please email us to schedule a
phone conversation or in-person meeting.
Our website is www.lansdownemusic.weebly.com. It contains information on current happenings, our schedule,
ensembles, student account fundraising opportunities, our Lansdowne Music Parents’ Association (LMPA), tours,
festivals and more.
In such a large and busy music program, we do our best to keep communication flowing between ourselves and our
music families. Our primary means of communication is our weekly “Lansdowne Music Notes.” We aim to send out the
weekly notes every Friday. These notes provide all important music program information, including schedule changes,
fundraiser information and performance information. If you wish to receive the notes via email, the “Lansdowne Music
2018-2019 Contract” includes a space for contact information to be provided. We will also be publishing the notes on
our website each Friday on the “Music Notes” page (lansdownemusic.weebly.com/weekly-notes.html).
Students and families are encouraged to communicate with the teachers before concerns become issues. Students are
encouraged to communicate with us one-on-one, at appropriate times. Communication keeps our program running
smoothly and teaches our students to be accountable for themselves.
We will do our best to provide our music families will all of the information you need to be an active, informed and
organized member of our community. We ask that our students and families thoroughly read all materials sent home,
keep track of schedules and calendars and inform us of any conflicts as early as possible.
4. EXPECTATIONS
We pride ourselves on having high, positive expectations for our students. In this section, we would like to outline the
commitment required from music students and our general expectations.
Commitment:
Participating in a core music class (Band 6-8, Choir 6-8 and Intermediate or Advanced Strings) is a year-long
commitment. If a student signs up in September, they are committing to participating for the entire school year. Our
expectation is that no student withdraws from an ensemble mid-year. Please see the “Lansdowne Music 2018-2019
Contract” for more information.
Participation in other music classes (Jazz Bands, Orchestra and Firebirds) is a term-long commitment. If a student signs
up for one or more of these classes, they are committing to participating for the entire “concert cycle”. WithdrawingLansdowne Music Handbook 2018-2019 | 4
from one or more of these classes mid-cycle is not a possibility. Students may withdraw from one of these classes at the
end of each term. New members may join these ensembles mid-year, with the permission from the music staff.
Our ensembles perform throughout the school year, so it is important for each team to stay together to keep a
consistent sound (please see page 8 for view our calendar). We really want our students to understand that they are
valued members in every ensemble they join. Every person plays an important role and when they are absent, they are
missed.
Attendance and Punctuality:
Music students are expected to attend and to be on time to all rehearsals and concerts, unless excused by a
parent/guardian. Please send a physical note or email us if they are arriving late, unable to attend a rehearsal or if there
is a recurring issue that prevents them from being punctual.
There are many ups and downs in the music education experience and you, as a music parent/guardian play a key role in
being present in your child’s musical experience. We are here to help, but as a team, we can do so much more.
If your child is not at school, our office will make us aware of this. Please let us know if your child is unable to be at any
rehearsals, but they are able to attend the regular school day (for example, your musician is at school, but cannot attend
an after-school rehearsal due to an appointment).
Please expect an email from us anytime your musician misses a music rehearsal when they are present at school. Our
absence emails acts as communication with our families and to develop student accountability.
Preparedness:
Music students are expected to be completely prepared for every rehearsal. They need to bring the following to every
class (if applicable):
Instrument
Anything they need to play their instrument (reeds, neck strap, endpin anchor, etc)
Sheet music in Lansdowne Music folder
Method Book (specific to ensemble)
Pencil (please, no pens)
If your musician plays a large instrument (tenor or baritone saxophone, trombone, etc), they may need to only bring
their mouthpieces and reeds to school. We have a small supply of larger instruments so that students do not have
difficulty in transporting their own instrument. Please check with your teachers to ensure an instrument is available.
Attitude:
A student’s attitude and the support they receive goes a long way towards success. Please support your musician and
help them have a positive year through celebrating high points and working through challenges. Teachers and families
modelling a “growth mindset” (the concept that one’s skill at something, intelligence, etc, is not fixed, but can grow and
improve through hard work and perseverance) is extremely powerful for students. We expect students to do their best
to bring positivity to all music rehearsals, as well as their entire music education.
Practice Cards:
Lansdowne Music students are expected to practice 20 minutes/day, 6 days a week. All music students in band, choir
and/or strings are expected to turn in a practice card. Please see the next section on Practice Cards for more
information.Lansdowne Music Handbook 2018-2019 | 5
5. PRACTICE CARDS
Lansdowne Music students are expected to practice 20 minutes/day, 6 days a week (a total of 120 minutes). All music
students in band, choir and/or strings work towards this goal and can combine their time if they participate in multiple
ensembles.
All music students will receive a practice card to report their home practice. Each day, students write down the number
of minutes they practice and have a parent/guardian sign it at the end of each week. Practice cards are due at the first
rehearsal of each week. As practice cards are a major way in which we assess a student’s effort, marks in music classes,
participation in certain ensembles and participation in music events are largely based on these efforts.
If your musician is unable to practice on a given day for a legitimate reason, they should write the reason on that day. A
legitimate reason is something that prohibits a student from practicing at all that day, such as a vacation where they do
not have their instrument, their instrument is in the shop for repairs, they are ill, or an all-day event where they do not
have any time to practice. If a musician is unable to practice for legitimate reasons to the point that they are unable to
practice for 120 minutes that week, they will be excused. Please review your musician’s practice card and sign it each
week.
Practice card marks are as follows:
4 (Exceeds expectations) = 180+ minutes/week
3 (Meets expectations) = 120-179 minutes/week (Our expectation for all music students)
2 (Minimally meets expectations) = 60-119 minutes/week
1 (Does not meet expectations) = 0-59 minutes/week
- (Excused) = Excused from practice due to illness, vacation, etc.
6. MUSIC ENSEMBLES
For specifics on schedule/timetable, please see our schedule/timetable on page 8.Lansdowne Music Handbook 2018-2019 | 6
BANDS:
Band 6:
Prerequisite: None
Schedule: Two in the timetable classes/week and one before-school sectional/week.
Band 6 is open to all grade 6 students. Band 6 students will learn the fundamentals of playing a band instrument, how to
read notated music, and the importance of teamwork and commitment. The instruments available to Band 6 students
are flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone and baritone. Students interested in playing specialized
instruments (oboe, bassoon, french horn, and tuba) can do so under the condition that they enrol in private lessons on
at least a bi-weekly basis. Please note that we do not initially offer percussion as an instrument choice. Our students
start together on wind instruments. During December or January, select students will have the opportunity to play
percussion, in addition to their wind instrument. Students are chosen for percussion based on interest, aptitude and
meeting expectations.
For information on the instrument selection process, please see the “Instrument Selection” section on page 10.
Band 7:
Prerequisite: Band 6 or permission from their music teacher
Schedule: Two in the timetable classes/week
Band 7 is open to all students who completed Band 6, either at Lansdowne or through another school’s program. Band 7
students continue to develop the concepts learned in Band 6. The instruments to available to Band 7 students are the
same as Band 6, with the addition of oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, tenor saxophone baritone saxophone, french horn
and tuba. Students will be allowed to play these instruments based on musical ability and how well they are meeting the
music program’s expectations.
Band 8:
Prerequisite: Band 7 or permission from their music teacher
Schedule: Two in the timetable classes/week
Band 8 is open to all students who completed Band 7, either at Lansdowne or through another school’s program. Band 8
students continue to develop the concepts learned in Band 7.
Firebirds Concert Band:
Co-Requisite: Band 7 or Band 8
Schedule: Two outside of the timetable classes/week
The Firebirds Concert Band was created at Lansdowne for our grade 7 and 8 students who are looking for more of a
challenge. This group will progress through music at a fast pace and will play music at a high school level. Because of
this, students are expected to demonstrate a focussed and positive work ethic at every rehearsal. Students must also be
meeting or exceeding all of the music program’s expectations in participate (2.5 practice card average, turning in their
practice card at least 50% of the time, attending classes, being prepared for classes, being positive and working to the
best of their ability).
Symphonic Jazz Band:
Co-Requisite: Band 7 or Band 8
Schedule: Two outside of the timetable classes/week
Symphonic Jazz Band focuses on learning jazz styles, including swing, latin, rock and funk. Due to the advanced nature of
this ensemble, it is open to all grade 7 and 8 band students. This ensemble is open to all instruments in concert band,
with the addition of piano, guitar, bass and drum kit.
Traditional Jazz Band:
Co-Requisite: Band 7 or Band 8
Schedule: Two outside of the timetable classes/week
Traditional Jazz Band seeks to develop the advanced “jazzer” and prepare students for high school Jazz Band. The
“Traditional” aspect of this ensemble is that it includes only the instruments and number of instruments in a traditionalLansdowne Music Handbook 2018-2019 | 7
jazz big band: Five saxophones, four to five trombones, four to five trumpets, piano, guitar, bass and drums. Due to the
size of this group, there is an audition process that will take place in September and students must also be meeting or
exceeding all of the music program’s expectations in participate (2.5 practice card average, turning in their practice card
at least 50% of the time, attending classes, being prepared for classes, being positive and working to the best of their
ability).
Winter Birds Orchestra:
Co-Requisite: Band 7 or Band 8
Schedule: Two outside of the timetable classes/week
The Winter Birds Orchestra is open to Band 7 and 8 students. Students participating in this ensemble form the brass,
woodwind and percussion sections of the full orchestra (strings are added to make the full orchestra). Due to the
advanced nature of this ensemble and its small size, students will be chosen for this ensemble based on how well they
are meeting or exceeding the music program’s expectations (2.5 practice card average, turning in their practice card at
least 50% of the time, attending classes, being prepared for classes, being positive and working to the best of their
ability).
CHOIRS:
Choir 6:
Prerequisite: None
Schedule: Two outside of the timetable classes/week
Choir 6 is open to all grade 6 students, no previous experience required. Musicians in this ensemble learn the
fundamentals choral singing, including tone production, sight-singing and singing in two to three part harmony. Choir 6
performs a wide variety of repertoire, including classical, pop and folk.
Choir 7/8:
Prerequisite: Choir 6 or permission of their music teacher
Schedule: Two outside of the timetable classes/week
Choir 7/8 is open to all grade 7 and 8 students. Students in this ensemble continue developing the skills and technique
covered in Choir 6 and work towards singing in four parts. Choir 7/8 performs a wide variety of repertoire, including
classical, pop and folk.
STRINGS:
Skylarks Intermediate String Orchestra:
Prerequisite: None
Schedule: Two outside of the timetable classes/week
The Skylarks Strings Orchestra is for students who have played strings for one year or for students that have no strings
experience. Beginners are more than welcome but must be committed to working hard as the class starts from the
beginning but moves quickly. The instruments available to students in the Skylarks are violin, viola, cello and double
bass. Students in this ensemble will learn the fundamentals of string playing, including posture, position, tone
production, musical literacy and ensemble playing.
For information on the instrument selection process, please see the “Instrument Selection” section on page 10.
Nightingales Advanced String Orchestra:
Prerequisite: Skylarks Strings Orchestra or more than one year of experience playing a string instrument.
Schedule: Two outside of the timetable classes/week
The Nightingales Strings Orchestra is for students that have played in the Skylarks for one year and feel confident about
everything covered in that ensemble, or that have significant experience playing a string instrument. We do not want
our students to be lost or feel that they are not being challenged, so placement in string orchestras is at the music
teacher’s discretion. The Nightingales will build on the concepts covered in Skylarks and will perform a variety of
repertoire.Lansdowne Music Handbook 2018-2019 | 8
Winter Birds Orchestra:
Co-Requisite: Nightingales String Orchestra
Schedule: Two outside of the timetable classes/week
The Winter Birds Orchestra is the ensemble for Nightingales students that are looking for more of a challenge. Winter
Birds musicians must participate in the Nightingales to be eligible for participation in this group. This group will challenge
students with more difficult music but will also reward them as one of the ensembles that will tour and perform
extensively. Students must also be meeting or exceeding all of the music program’s expectations in participate (2.5
practice card average, turning in their practice card at least 50% of the time, attending classes, being prepared for
classes, being positive and working to the best of their ability).
7. SCHEDULE
8. MUSIC PROGRAM CALENDAR 2018-2019
Music Program events will be added throughout the school year – Please read all communication sent home to stay up to
date.
September:
Tuesday, September 4: First day of school
Monday, September 10: LMPA Meeting (7pm, Fine Arts Studio - formerly known as the Band Annex)Lansdowne Music Handbook 2018-2019 | 9
Tuesday, September 11: New Music Parent Meeting (7-7:45pm, Lansdowne Gym)
Monday, September 17: Pro-D Day (no school)
Wednesday, September 19: Meet the Teacher and Community Picnic (5:30-7:30pm)
Thursday, September 20: Instrument Rental Night at Long and McQuade (6-8pm)
Saturday, September 22: Band 6 “Day with a Pro,” Lansdowne (9am-1pm)
October:
Monday, October 1: LMPA Meeting (AGM) (7pm, Fine Arts Studio)
Monday, October 8: Thanksgiving (no school)
Tuesday, October 16: Dismissal at lunch for parent-teacher conferences. Traditional Jazz Band held 12-1pm instead of
after school. No Choir 7/8 on this day.
Wednesday, October 17: Dismissal at lunch for parent-teacher conferences. Combined Winter Birds and Choir 7/8
rehearsal 12-1pm. No Symphonic Jazz Band or Choir 6 on this day.
Friday, October 19: Pro-D Day (no school)
November:
Monday, November 5: LMPA Meeting (7pm, Fine Arts Studio)
Friday, November 9: Remembrance Day Assembly - Firebirds, Choir 7/8 and Winter Birds perform (Exact time TBA)
Monday, November 12: Remembrance Day (no school)
Friday, November 23: Pro-D Day (no school)
Tuesday, November 27: CC Day – Dismissal at Lunch – Lunch classes will be held 12-1pm
December:
Monday, December 3: LMPA Meeting (7pm, Fine Arts Studio)
Wednesday, December 12 and Thursday, December 13: Celebration of Winter Concerts (1pm and 7pm, Lansdowne
Gym)
Week of December 17-21: Expect outside of timetable class cancellations in this week - please watch the Weekly Notes
for more information closer to the date.
December 21: Last day before winter break
January:
Monday, January 7: School resumes
Monday, January 14: LMPA Meeting (7pm, Fine Arts Studio)
Monday, January 21: Pro-D Day (no school)
Thursday, January 24: Grade 5 Open House – Ensemble to perform TBA (7-8:30pm)
February:
Monday, February 4: LMPA Meeting (7pm, Fine Arts Studio)
Friday, February 15: Pro-D Day (no school)
Monday, February 18: Family Day (no school)
Wednesday, February 20: CC Day – Dismissal at Lunch – Lunch classes will be held 12-1pm
Friday, February 22: Musical Desserts (7-9pm, Philip T. Young Theatre, UVic)
March:
Monday, March 4: LMPA Meeting (7pm, Fine Arts Studio)
Wednesday, March 13 and Thursday, March 14: Sound of Spring Concerts (1pm and 7pm, Lansdowne Gym)
Friday, March 15: Last day before spring break
April:
Monday, April 1: School resumes
Monday, April 8: LMPA Meeting (7pm, Fine Arts Studio)
Friday, April 19: Good Friday (no school)Lansdowne Music Handbook 2018-2019 | 10
Monday, April 22: Easter Monday (no school)
May:
Monday, May 6: LMPA Meeting (7pm, Fine Arts Studio)
Wednesday, May 8 through Saturday, May 11: Sunshine Coast Music Tour
Wednesday, May 15: Dismissal at Lunch – Lunch classes will be held 12-1pm
Wednesday, May 15: Celebration of Learning (4:30-7:30pm)
Thursday, May 16: District Transition Afternoon
Friday, May 17: Pro-D Day (no school)
Monday, May 20: Victoria Day (no school)
June:
Monday, June 3: LMPA Meeting (7pm, Fine Arts Studio)
Thursday, June 6: CC Day – Dismissal at Lunch – Lunch classes will be held 12-1pm
Wednesday, June 12 and Thursday, June 13: Jubilation in June Concerts (1pm and 7pm, Lansdowne Gym)
Friday, June 14: All Lansdowne instruments, mouthpieces, etc. due back
Thursday, June 27: Last day of school year
9. GRADE 6 INSTRUMENT SELECTION
Band:
The instruments available Band 6 students are:
Flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone and baritone.
Oboe, bassoon, French horn and tuba are also available to Band 6 students, but because these are specialized
instruments, students need to enrol in private lessons on at least a bi-weekly basis. Please contact the music teachers
before completing your contract if your student is interested in playing one of these instruments.
Playing in a band that is well balanced is extremely important. A concert band made up of mostly saxophones, for
example, will not sound like a concert band, nor would it serve as a positive learning environment. If your child wishes to
join band, we ask that when they complete their contract, they choose three instruments and rate them as their 1st, 2nd
and 3rd choices. They must make at least one choice from each the Brass and Woodwind families. We will compare the
students’ selections and try to create a balanced ensemble within their choices. 99% of the time, we are able to give
each student their first or second choice. Signing up for band means committing to participating in band on any of your
three choices. You will receive written confirmation of the instrument your child will be playing.
Please note that we do not initially offer percussion as an instrument choice. Our students start together on wind
instruments. During December or January, select students will have the opportunity to play percussion, in addition to
their wind instrument. Students are chosen for percussion based on interest, aptitude and meeting expectations.
Please see the “Instrument Rental” section of the Handbook for more information on instrument rentals. No child will
be denied the opportunity to participate in the music program due to financial reasons. Please contact us if you need
more information.Lansdowne Music Handbook 2018-2019 | 11
Strings:
The instruments available to strings students are:
Violin, viola, cello and double bass.
If your child has played a string instrument (violin, viola, cello or double bass) before, they are guaranteed to play that
instrument in strings at Lansdowne. If they are interested in switching to a different string instrument, we ask that you
note this in the appropriate section on their contract. Switching instruments will only be accommodated if the balance
of the string orchestra allows it (see below). You will receive written confirmation of the instrument your child will be
playing.
Playing in a string orchestra that is well balance is extremely important. A string orchestra made up of mostly double
basses, for example, will not sound like an orchestra, nor would it serve as a positive learning environment. If your child
wishes to join strings and has never played a string instrument before, we ask that they choose three instruments and
rate them as their 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices on their contract. We will compare the students’ selections and try to create a
balanced ensemble within their choices. 99% of the time, we are able to give each student their first or second choice.
Signing up for strings means committing to participating in strings on any of your three choices. You will receive written
confirmation of the instrument your child will be playing.
Information on playing the double bass (rental, transportation, etc.) is found on page 16 of the Handbook.
Please see the “Instrument Rental” section of this handbook below for more information on instrument rentals. No child
will be denied the opportunity to participate in the music program due to financial reasons. Please contact us if you
need more information.
10. MUSIC PROGRAM EXPENSES, MUSIC ACCOUNTS AND INSTRUMENT RENTAL
Participating in the Lansdowne Music Program has a number of expenses associated with it. No student will be denied
the right to participate in music due to financial reasons. If you are in need of financial assistance, please contact us at
lansdownemusic@gmail.com.
All music program expenses can be paid for via cheque (addressed to “Lansdowne Music Parents Association” or simply
“LMPA”), cash or with your Student Music Account. Please send cheques and cash to school in a sealed envelope clearly
labelled with the student’s name and what the funds are for (“Music T-Shirt,” “Music Tour,” etc). All payments are to be
placed in the lock box in the Fine Arts Studio (formerly known as the “Band Annex”), never given directly to a music
teacher or dropped at the school office.
Student Music Accounts
All Lansdowne Music students have a music account at Lansdowne. Funds go into individual student music accounts
when students participate in any of our music program fundraisers (see the “Fundraisers” section of this handbook). At
regular intervals throughout the year, updated music student account statements will be posted in the foyer of the Fine
Arts Studio.
Funds from student music accounts can be used for any music-program related expense and for any music education
related expense (private lessons, instrument rental, musical supply purchase, etc.).Lansdowne Music Handbook 2018-2019 | 12
When a parent/guardian wishes to use funds in their child’s music account to pay for something through the music
program, they need to send us an email or a physical note to let us know they would like funds to be withdrawn for a
given purpose. When a parent/guardian wishes to have a music-education related expense reimbursed from their child’s
music account, they need to send us a digital or physical copy of the invoice/receipt to reimburse the expense.
Music Program Expenses – Mandatory
1. Instrument Rental and Essential Supplies: Price varies
● All Band and Strings students need an instrument to participate. Instruments can be purchased or rented, but
we recommend renting, especially at first. Instrument rental prices vary and can be found through each music
store.
● Our local music stores are Long and McQuade (756 Hillside Ave) and Tapestry Music (828 Fort Street).
● Each instrument has supplies that must also be purchased, in some cases, regularly throughout the year (ie.
reeds). Please see below for a detailed list.
2. Pencil: Price varies
3. Method Book: $10 (if purchased from us)
● All Band and Strings students need at least one method book. We sell these books at a slightly discounted rate
directly from us, which saves you a few dollars and a trip to the music store. Method books can of course, also
be purchased directly from music stores. The method books students need are as follows:
● Band 6: Measures of Success Book 1 (Blue)
● Band 7: Measures of Success Book 1 (Blue) and Book 2 (Orange)
● Band 8: Measures of Success Book 2 (Orange)
● Skylarks Intermediate Strings: String Explorer Book 1 (Blue)
● Other ensembles do not need a method book. This includes Advanced Strings (new as of this year), as we now
have a class set of method books that students take out from the library.
4. Lansdowne Music T-Shirt: $10
● All Lansdowne Music students need a Lansdowne Music T-Shirt as part of their performing uniform. These shirts
are purchased directly through us.
5. Lansdowne Music Uniform: Price varies – not purchased through Lansdowne Music
● All Lansdowne Music students need solid black pants, black socks and solid black shoes as the rest of their
performance uniform. These items are not purchased through the Lansdowne Music Program.
Instrument Rental
Families have several options for renting instruments:
1. Directly from one of our local music stores:
● Long and McQuade: 756 Hillside Ave. 250-384-3622
● Tapestry Music: 828 Fort Street. 250-590-0752
2. At the Lansdowne Instrument Rental Night:
● On Thursday, September 20, 2019 from 6-8pm, we are hosting an instrument rental night at Long and
McQuade (756 Hillside Ave). Representatives from Long and McQuade will be there to rent instruments
to you and the music teachers will be there to answer any questions you have.
● We encourage grade 6 families to rent on this rental night because it allows families to be assisted by,
and ask questions to the Long and McQuade staff and the music teachers. The music program also
receives a financial kick-back for every instrument rented on this evening.Lansdowne Music Handbook 2018-2019 | 13
Music Program Expenses – Optional
1. Music Stand: $15 and up
● Practicing using a music stand encourages proper posture and position. It also allows students to play to the best
of their abilities. We highly encourage students to practice with a music stand.
2. Sunshine Coast Music Tour: Approximately $600
● Grade 7 and 8 students that are meeting or exceeding the music program’s expectations have the opportunity to
participate in our Sunshine Coast Music Tour from May 8-11, 2018. More information will be sent home about
this tour.
3. Various festival and public performances: Price varies
● Throughout the year, opportunities to perform at various festivals and public performances will come up. Costs
for these events will be cover registration fees and transportation.
4. Private lessons: Price varies
● We highly encourage that students take private music lessons when possible. The individual attention that
private lessons can provide is invaluable. Please see the “Private Lesson” (page 17) section of this handbook for
more information.
5. Tuner and/or Metronome: Price varies
● Having a tuner and/or metronome is an extremely valuable practice tool. The price and quality of tuners and
metronomes varies. Free tuners and metronomes can be found online, phone and tablet apps can be purchased
for a variety of prices and physical tuner/metronome combos can be purchased. For physical tuner/metronome
combos, we recommend the Korg TM-60 Combo Tuner-Metronome ($40).
Instrument-Specific Supplies
Many of these supplies will come with instrument rentals. Please check to be sure.
Flute:
1. Flute
2. Flute cleaning rod
3. Flute cleaning cloth (cheese cloth, available at any grocery store, works well and is generally less expensive than
a cleaning cloth from a music store)
Oboe:
● Oboe is a specialized instrument. Playing it needs to be discussed with the music teachers and students need to
take private lessons, at least bi-weekly when starting.
1. Oboe
2. Reeds (talk to your private teacher about options for reeds)
3. Oboe cleaning swab
4. Cork Grease
5. Small container that holds water to soak reeds (old film canisters work well)
Bassoon:
● Bassoon is a specialized instrument. Playing it needs to be discussed with the music teachers and students need
to take private lessons, at least bi-weekly when starting.
1. Basson
2. Bassoon bocal
3. Bassoon reeds (talk to your private teacher about options for reeds)Lansdowne Music Handbook 2018-2019 | 14
4. Bassoon seat strap or harness (talk to your private teacher about options)
5. Cork Grease
6. Bassoon cleaning swab
7. Small container that holds water to soak reeds (old film canisters work well)
Clarinet:
1. Clarinet
2. 1 box of clarinet reeds (strength: 2.5 - we recommend “Royal” by D’Addario)
3. Clarinet cleaning swab
4. Cork grease
5. Optional: Clarinet Thumb Rest (more comfortable for student’s thumb)
6. Optional: Clarinet Mouthpiece Cushion (allows playing to be a little more comfortable and easier, as well as
reducing scratches on the mouthpiece)
Bass Clarinet:
● For grade 7/8 students only.
● Bass clarinets are expensive to rent, so bass clarinet students should rent a clarinet and practice on it. See
Clarinet (above) for a list of supplies. Families are of course welcome to rent a Bass Clarinet, but practicing on a
Clarinet is a very good alternative to renting one.
● We will provide students with a bass clarinet mouthpiece to play on at school. Students will only need to bring
this mouthpiece, bass clarinet reeds (which the family is responsible for purchasing - strength: 2.5 - we
recommend “Royal” by D’Addario) and music supplies to school.
Alto Saxophone:
1. Alto Saxophone
2. Neck Strap
3. 1 box of alto saxophone reeds (strength: 2.5 - we recommend “Royal” by D’Addario)
4. Cleaning swab
5. Cork Grease
6. Optional: Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Cushion (allows playing to be a little more comfortable and easier, as well
as reducing scratches on the mouthpiece)
Tenor Saxophone (for grade 7/8 students):
1. Tenor Saxophone
2. Neck Strap
3. 1 box of tenor saxophone reeds (strength: 2.5 - we recommend “Royal” by D’Addario)
4. Cleaning swab
5. Cork Grease
6. Optional: Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Cushion (allows playing to be a little more comfortable and easier, as
well as reducing scratches on the mouthpiece)
Baritone Saxophone:
● For grade 7/8 students only.
● Baritone Saxophones are expensive to rent, so baritone saxophone students should rent an alto saxophone and
practice their parts on it. See Alto Saxophone (above) for a list of supplies. Families are of course welcome to
rent a Baritone Saxophone, but practicing on an Alto Saxophone is a very good alternative to renting one.
● We will provide students with a baritone saxophone mouthpiece to play on at school. Students will only need to
bring this mouthpiece, baritone saxophone reeds (which the family is responsible for purchasing - strength: 2.5 -
we recommend “Royal” by D’Addario) and music supplies to school.
Trumpet:
1. TrumpetLansdowne Music Handbook 2018-2019 | 15
2. Valve oil
3. Slide grease
4. Optional: Valve/Flute Cleaning Rod
5. Optional: Valve/Flute Cleaning Cloth (cheese cloth, available at any grocery store works well and is generally less
expensive than a cleaning cloth from a music store)
French Horn:
● French Horn is a specialized instrument. Playing it needs to be discussed with the music teachers and students
need to take private lessons, at least bi-weekly when starting.
● Due to the large size of the French Horn, horn students will play a Lansdowne instrument at school and have a
rented instrument at home to practice on. Horn students will only need to bring their mouthpiece and sheet
music to and from school.
1. French Horn - Double (if single, be sure it’s a F Horn)
2. Rotor Oil
3. Slide grease
Trombone:
● Due to the large size of the trombone, trombone students will play a Lansdowne instrument at school and have
a rented instrument at home to practice on. Trombone students will only need to bring their mouthpiece and
music supplies to and from school.
1. Trombone
2. Slide oil (Yamaha brand slide oil, in purple and white bottle)
3. Slide grease
4. Optional: Trombone Cleaning Rod
5. Optional: Valve/Flute Cleaning Cloth (cheese cloth, available at any grocery store works well and is generally less
expensive than a cleaning cloth from a music store)
6. Optional: Mouthpiece case. Trombone students will only need to bring their mouthpiece to/from school as they
can use a school trombone at school. We also recommend something to carry your student’s mouthpiece
to/from school. Music stores carry mouthpiece cases, but small tupperware containers or small cloth bags can
also work.
Baritone:
● Lansdowne has baritones that can be borrowed from us at little to no cost. Please contact us for more
information. Availability is not guaranteed.
● Due to the large size of the baritone, baritone students will play a Lansdowne instrument at school and have a
rented/borrowed instrument at home to practice on. Baritone students will only need to bring their mouthpiece
and music supplies to and from school.
1. Baritone
2. Valve oil
3. Slide grease
4. Optional: Valve/Flute Cleaning Rod
5. Optional: Valve/Flute Cleaning Cloth (cheese cloth, available at any grocery store works well and is generally less
expensive than a cleaning cloth from a music store)
6. Optional: Mouthpiece case. Baritone students will only need to bring their mouthpiece to/from school as they
can use a school baritone at school. We also recommend something to carry your student’s mouthpiece to/from
school. Music stores carry mouthpiece cases, but small tupperware containers or small cloth bags can also work.
Tuba
● Tuba is a specialized instrument. Playing it needs to be discussed with the music teachers and students need to
take private lessons, at least bi-weekly when starting.Lansdowne Music Handbook 2018-2019 | 16
● Due to the large size of the tuba, tuba students will play a Lansdowne instrument at school and have a rented or
Lansdowne instrument at home to practice on. Tuba students will only need to bring their mouthpiece and
music supplies to and from school.
● Lansdowne has a few tubas that can be borrowed from us at little to no cost. Please contact us for more
information. Availability is not guaranteed.
1. Tuba
2. Valve oil
3. Slide grease
4. Optional: Valve/Flute Cleaning Rod
5. Optional: Valve/Flute Cleaning Cloth (cheese cloth, available at any grocery store works well and is generally less
expensive than a cleaning cloth from a music store)
6. Optional: Mouthpiece case. Tuba students will only need to bring their mouthpiece to/from school as they can
use a school tuba at school. We also recommend something to carry your student’s mouthpiece to/from school.
Music stores carry mouthpiece cases, but small tupperware containers or small cloth bags can also work.
Violin:
1. Violin (please be sized at the music store)
2. Bow
3. Shoulder rest
4. Rosin
5. Cleaning cloth (a piece of cotton fabric also works well and is generally less expensive than a cleaning cloth from
the music store)
Viola:
1. Viola (please be sized at the music store)
2. Bow
3. Shoulder rest
4. Rosin
5. Cleaning cloth (a piece of cotton fabric also works well and is generally less expensive than a cleaning cloth from
the music store)
Cello:
1. Cello (please be sized at the music store)
2. Bow
3. Endpin anchor (the long, adjustable style, not the circular puck style)
4. Cleaning cloth (a piece of cotton fabric also works well and is generally less expensive than a cleaning cloth from
the music store)
Double Bass:
● Due to the large size of the double bass, double bass students will play a Lansdowne instrument at school and
have a rented instrument at home to practice on. Double bass students will only need to bring their music
supplies to and from school.
1. Double Bass (please be sized at the music store)
2. Bow - German (or French if discussed with the music teachers)
3. Rosin
4. Cleaning cloth (a piece of cotton fabric also works well and is generally less expensive than a cleaning cloth from
the music store)Lansdowne Music Handbook 2018-2019 | 17
11. PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS
Private music lessons are absolutely not required of music students. We do however, highly encourage that students
take private music lessons when possible. The individual attention that private lessons can provide is invaluable. Private
lessons are an excellent motivational tool for struggling students and an outstanding resource for students who are
excelling. Student’s musical skill and understanding almost always skyrockets once they start taking private lessons. The
cost of private lessons is the responsibility of the family. Private lessons can however, be paid for with fundraising
through a student’s music account. If opting into private lessons, we recommend scheduling them at least twice a
month.
To provide our students with the highly qualified, experienced teachers, we have compiled a Private Teacher Directory.
The directory is available on our website at lansdownemusic.weebly.com/private-music-lessons.html. Please contact
private lesson teachers directly if you are interested in taking private lessons.
Good questions to ask when contacting a private music teacher include:
● Their rate per half hour and/or per hour
● Where they are located and/or if they travel to students for lessons
● Their availability (days and times)
● If they require a certain level of commitment for lessons and/or if they require lessons to be a certain frequency
12. CONCERTS AND UNIFORM
Lansdowne hosts three concert sets every year. Each set spans two days and contains two concerts each day: one
concert during the school day at 1pm and an evening show at 7:00pm.
Our concert dates for this year are:
Winter Celebration of Music: Wednesday, December 12 and Thursday, December 13, 2018
Sounds of Spring: Wednesday, March 13 and Thursday, March 14, 2019
Jubilation in June: Wednesday, June 12 and Thursday, June 13, 2019
The evening concerts are primarily for families and the daytime shows are primarily for the school. Families are also
welcome at the daytime school performance, especially if they are unable to attend an evening performance.
There will be twelve ensembles performing at each concert series. A detailed schedule of which ensembles perform on
which day, when and where students need to arrive, and any other important information will be sent home in close to
each concert series.
Music students must participate in all concerts. If a student is unable to be at a concert, we require advanced notice
from a parent/guardian excusing them. All music students are required to participate in all aspects of concert day
(sound-checks, both performances, etc.).
Lansdowne Music Uniform
All music students have a common uniform that must worn at all concerts and performances. Our Lansdowne Music
uniform is:
· Lansdowne Music t-shirt ($10, purchased through us)Lansdowne Music Handbook 2018-2019 | 18
· Solid black pants
· Solid black socks
· Solid black shoes
13. ASSESSMENT
Music students are assessed using a variety of informal, formal, formative and summative methods.
Formative assessment (assessment during the process of learning) is natural to music education because we are
constantly listening to, watching and communicating with our students, which allows us to give feedback daily,
throughout the process of learning.
Summative assessment (assessment at the end of a term or at the end of a concept) is shown on each term’s report card
and is as follows:
1. Practice Card Average: The average mark achieved on a student’s practice card for that term
2. Punctuality: A combination of a student’s punctuality for handing in practice cards and punctuality for arriving to
classes on time
3. Preparedness: A student’s preparedness throughout that term
4. Focus: A student’s in-class focus
5. Work Ethic: As student’s in-class work ethic
6. Attitude: A students in-class attitude
Each category is marked using a standard middle school 4-point grading system where:
4 = Exceeds Expectations 3 = Fully Meets Expectations
2 = Minimally Meets Expectations 1 = Does Not Meet Expectations
14. LANSDOWNE MUSIC PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION (LMPA) AND FUNDRAISING
The LMPA is a committed group of music parents that work together to provide support to the Lansdowne Music
Program. They meet once a month to tackle a variety of things including planning policy, organizing fundraisers and
offering support to the music teachers.
The LMPA supports, encourages and improves the quality of music education at Lansdowne Middle School by supporting
the music staff, organizing LMPA fundraising activities and advocates for music education at the district, city and
provincial level.
Why attend a LMPA Meeting?
● Learn more about what is happening in the music program: The music teachers attend each month’s meeting
and give a full report of activities and upcoming events in the music program.
● Learn about fundraisers: Learn about the many ways you can fundraise for your child’s music account to help
cover the costs of instrument rentals, tour fees, uniforms are more.
● Volunteer to help: Volunteer for a job. Some volunteer roles are not a huge time commitment, but need to be
done!Lansdowne Music Handbook 2018-2019 | 19 Where and When: Meetings are always on Mondays at 7:00pm in the Fine Arts Studio (formerly known as the “Band Annex”) (off the Richmond Road parking lot). The LMPA meetings for 2018-2019 are: September 10 October 1 (AGM) November 5 December 3 January 14 February 4 March 4 April 8 May 6 June 3 LMPA Roles: Some of the positions below are filled for the 2018-2019 school year while others are up for election at our AGM on October 1. Please attend our September and October meetings or email our LMPA President, Nicole Baker, at nicole.helen.baker@gmail.com for more information. We would love to have you join the LMPA! President: Chairs general, specific an executive meetings. Prepares agenda. The official spokesperson for the LMPA. Ensures that LMPA activities are aimed at achieving the objectives and purpose of the LMPA. Treasurer: Receives all funds for the LMPA, deposits all funds collected, disburses funds authorized by executive, maintains accurate records and has books ready for inspection or audit annually. Uniforms: Measuring students for t-shirt sizes, ordering t-shirts and distributing t-shirts. Purdy’s Chocolates Fundraisers: Runs Winter and Easter Purdy’s Chocolates fundraiser. Distributes, collects and submits order forms and organizes orders for distribution. Black Bear Coffee Fundraiser: Organizes monthly of coffee orders through Black Bear Coffee. Order forms and schedules are already set, but coordinating the funds, orders and dropping off coffee off at LMS is needed each month. Fairways Gift Cards: Manages and coordinates sale of Fairways gift cards. Red Barn Market Gift Cards: Manages and coordinates sale of Red Barn Gift Cards. Poinsettia Fundraiser: Manages and coordinates Winter Poinsettia sale. Distributes, collects and submits order forms and organizes orders for distribution. 50/50: Run the 50/50 sale at our concerts. Musical Desserts Coordinators: Date set for Friday, February 22 2019. A volunteer coordinator and a person to run the silent auction (acquire and display items, run the auction) are needed. PAC Liaison: A parent willing to attend the PAC and LMPA meetings and report back. Fundraiser Information: We have many music program fundraisers throughout the year. Some of our fundraisers accrue directly into to student music accounts and others accrue to the LMPA general account. Funds in student accounts are used to pay for music
Lansdowne Music Handbook 2018-2019 | 20
program expenses including music program t-shirts, method books and trips. Funds in the LMPA general account are
used to the benefit of all music students at Lansdowne. Examples of past purchases include the purchase of a baritone
saxophone, timpani and a conducting podium. Please see the table below for more information.
More information regarding fundraisers will be sent home throughout the year and information and downloadable
forms will be on our website at lansdownemusic.weebly.com/fundraisers.html.
Fundraiser Information Breakdown
Fundraiser Month Estimated Profit Profit Accrues To
Fairways Gift Cards Ongoing 5% Student
Black Bear Coffee Monthly, Starting in $5.00/bag Student
October
Purdy’s Chocolates Winter and Spring 25% Student
Poinsettia Sale November Subject to wholesale price Student
Red Barn Market Gift Cards Ongoing 9% Student
Musical Deserts February $1,000 LMPA
Concert Bake Sale and Concerts (December, $650/concert LMPA
50/50 Draw March and June)
LMPA Fundraising Policy (Abbreviated):
● If you require financial assistance for any music tours, the LMPA is willing to donate an amount equal to the
amount your student earns through fundraising efforts. This is strictly on a case-by-case basis. All students,
regardless of financial circumstances, must be in good standing in the music program, at LMS and the
community in order to participate on tour. If you feel you may need financial assistance, please contact the
music teachers.
● Fundraising profits accruing to the student are tracked on an individual basis and are held in student’s accounts.
● Money raised through LMPA fundraising initiatives and housed in student accounts remains the property of the
Lansdowne Music Parents’ Association.
● Families may access funds in individual student accounts for school music program expenses such as uniform
purchase, trip costs or instrument rental. Proof of purchase must be shown. Funds may not be used for
out-of-school programs and balances are not transportable to another school.
● All monies raised for individual accounts may be kept in trust for future siblings, however, you must contact the
treasurer by June 15 of the year your child is leaving Lansdowne in order to do so. In cases where funds remain
in student accounts after all family members have graduated the balance will be used by the LMPA for the
enhancement of the music program.
● Fundraising profits accruing to the LMPA are used for the benefit of all music students at LMS. Teaching staff
identify needs and brings requires to the LMPA. All expenditures are voted on at monthly meetings. Examples of
past purchases include the purchase of a baritone saxophone, timpani and a conducting podium.You can also read
