Okemos High School Band Handbook - for 2008 - 2009 school year

Important Guidelines for Productive Practice Sessions

Okemos High School Band Grading System

The Okemos High School Band program provides an experience in instrumental music for all students.

As parents and educators, we are deeply interested and involved in the educational experience our children are experiencing. We believe that music plays a vital role in the growth of every child. Current research confirms that the study of music is one of the most effective tools to improve learning throughout a child’s academic curriculum.

As educators and role models, we want to help students:

• Develop a habit of persistence that will help them through the tough times in life and keep them on task when it would be easier to quit.

• Learn to be responsible and to see mistakes as an opportunity to grow and make necessary corrections on the pathway to success.

• Master the skills of cooperation so they can enjoy working with their counterparts in every realm of personal and professional life.

• Create a set of personal values that will allow a prosperous and fulfilling lifelong journey and find a way to express these understandings.

• Find a meaningful form or contribution that is significant to self and others.

In more ways than one, the band experience is a training ground for all of these attributes, and much more. We believe that participation in the band has the potential to have a positive impact on important aspects of a child’s life. Healthy participation in the band develops a child’s mind and character. The disciplines learned can transfer to all of life.