Disclosures for the R. J. H. Bands
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Thank you for allowing your sons and daughters to be a part of the Roy Junior High School Razorback Band
Program. This will enhance their lives, giving them opportunities that they would not otherwise have. We take great
pride in our program and what it has to offer.
BEGINNING RAZOR BRASS AND WOODWINDS:
Thank you for giving your child the opportunity to enrich his/her life with music. The various music stores have rent-to-own programs if
your son/daughter needs an instrument. We do have a limited number of band instruments at Roy J. H. S. Such as French Horn,
Baritone, Tuba, Bassoon, Oboe, Alto Clarinet, Bass Clarinet and Contra-Alto Clarinet. Arrangements can be made at school. The
book that we will be using is the "Standard Of Excellence" Books 1 and 2.
NOTE:
1. All students will need their instruments and books in class as soon as possible. Clarinet Players: I recommend that you get reeds
that are 2 1/2 strength. This will help develop a better tone much more quickly. Also recommended is a quality mouthpiece. The
vendors can help you with this.
2. What About the Saxophone? Students who would like to learn the saxophone should start on the clarinet. This helps to develop
better saxophone technique, gives the students more options when continuing on at the High School level.
Grades are based on four areas of participation: Performance, Participation, Playing Tests and Practice. These are explained on the
Grading Policies at the bottom of this page.
We will ve having some concerts and other performances for you to attend so you may take part in your son/daughters learning
experience. Our concerts and performances are listed on another page, linked at the top of the home page. There is a $10.00 lab fee
for these classes that helps support our band program.
ROY BAND (INTERMEDIATE):
Thank you for continuing to give your son/daughter the opportunity to continue with the Roy J. H. S. Band Program and to enrich his/her
life.
We will be using the "Standard Of Excellence" book 2 (the same one that we used last year). Grading is also the same. The grading
policy is at the bottom of this page.
Our concerts are listed on the "performance link" at the top of the Home Page.
There will also be the Weber School District Band Festival which members of the Razorback Band will be required to perform. There
is also the Weber County Solo and Ensemble Festival which some students may attend and which is optional and by audition only.
Parents may attend these and other performances.
Students will also have a chance to audition for the Weber School District Honor Band. The auditions for this event are usually held. I
will have more information about these events later this year. We will have a fun filled and eventful year. There is a $10.00 lab fee for
this class that helps support our band program.
RAZORBACK BAND (ADVANCED):
Thank you for giving your child the opportunity to continue with Roy Jr. Band Program and enrich his/her life.
This letter is to let you know about the policies and procedures in the program. Grades are based on four areas of performance:
practice, performances, tests and participation that are explained on the Grading policies sheet.
Our concerts are listed on the "performance link" at the top of the Home Page.
There will also be the Weber School District Band Festival which members of the Razorback Band will be required to perform. There
is also the Weber County Solo and Ensemble Festival which some students may attend and which is optional and by audition only.
Parents may attend these and other performances.
Students will also have a chance to audition for the Weber School District Honor Band. The auditions for this event are usually held. I
will have more information about these events later this year. We will have a fun filled and eventful year.
Students who are using school instruments will be receiving an instrument that is in good working order. If the instrument is damaged,
the student and parent(s) of that student are responsible for the repair or replacement of that instrument as stated in the contract. Note:
If purchasing an instrument, purchase a reputable brand. They have far fewer problems and allow the student to have a rewarding and
successful experience in band. There is a $10.00 lab fee for this class that helps support our band program.
I am looking forward to a great year with the Roy Jr. Bands. I hope this will be a positive learning experience for you child.
ROCKIN' RAZORS JAZZ BAND:
We will meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m throughout the school year. All band students
are welcome. The only requirement I have is the students must be currently enrolled in one of the Roy Jr. High
School band classes with a "B" (80%) or higher grade in band, good citizenship (S or H) and be willing to work and
have fun. No fees involved for this class.
Beginning Band Students: They will need to wait until they have the necessary skills necessary to play the music,
which would be half to a full year. They are always welcome to try any time.
We will work around students after school schedules as much as possible.
Best of all, there is No fee!! (Yes, I am angry as many of you about the newly incurred "Band Fees" and yes, I am
trying to do something about it).
Performances: When we are ready i will include the Jazz Band in with the scheduled Band concerts at Roy Jr. High
School and the Weber School District Jazz Band Festival in the spring.
Curriculum: I will be teaching basic jazz concepts and styles, jazz music theory, and improvisation.
RAZORBACK INDUSTRIAL SHRAPNEL ENSEMBLE a.k.a. R.I.S.E.:
This is our novelty percussion ensemble, performed largely on trash cans, some times other interesting objects: al la
"Stomp". We meet every Wednesday and Friday 7:00 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. And after school 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. To be in
this, you need to be in one of the band classes listed above, have a "B" (80%) or higher grade in band, good
citizenship (S. Or H). It does not matter what instrument you play, you just need to be able to count. No fees
involved, but you must provide your own pair of drum sticks. Wood tipped 2s or 3s marching snare drum stick are
recommended.
R.J.H.S. COLOR GUARD:
This is our new color guard that will be taught the basics of dance, choreography, the use of flags, rifles and other
colorful items that help develop hand/eye and physical coordination, flexibility and strength in a fun and exciting way.
As the students progress they may be invited to join the Roy High School "Pride of Roy Color Guard" to accompany
the marching band in parades, competitions and other performances. Students who excel may be invited to join the
R.H.S. Winter Guard or Summer Guard.
BEGINNING PERCUSSION:
This letter is to introduce you to the BEGINNING PERCUSSION class at Roy Junior High School. I will choose a few of the best students
from this class to continue in band through an audition process. Your child will be in the Beginning Band if your son/daughter transfers
into the Beginning Brass or Woodwind class if he/she wishes to participate in band and a transfer to one of these classes can be
arranged.
Your child will need a drum pad also called a practice pad, and one (1) pair of drum sticks (5-B or 5-A sticks recommended) to get
started in the program. The book needed in class is the Alfred's Drum method, Book I for the snare drum. You may get these items
from any of the music stores in the area such as Music Village and Bert Murdock Music located on Riverdale Rd. By the new Olive
Garden restaurant and R.C. Willie Furniture store.
Students should have this equipment ready by the beginning of September. If students fail to get the equipment they cannot continue in
this class and will have to transfer into another.
All grades will be determined by a combination of playing tests and in class participation. Playing tests are sections of music in
Alfred's Drum Method assigned by me for the students to learn and perform weekly in front of the class.
The fewer mistakes a student makes, the better his/her grade will be, i.e.: 0 -2 mistakes = A, 3 = A -, 4 = B +, 5 = B, 6 = B - and so on.
Since this is a performance based class in class participation is also an important part of the student's grade. How he/she performs
and participates on a daily basis is taken into account for this part of the grade. There is a $10.00 lab fee for this class that helps
support our band program.
GRADING FOR BANDS:
1. Performances = 45% of the final grade. A band's purpose is to perform. The performance is similar to a final
exam in another subject. That is why this category is weighted heavily. Also, it is very important to make every effort
for students to attend the performance. If not able to attend due to illness, etc., a parent must let me know the
reason a student is unable to attend before the day of the performance. This is a courtesy to both the band
members and myself, since we come to depend on each other and miss the students not in attendance.
2. Practice sheets = 5% of the final grade. These are sheets on which students record their time practiced at
home. A requirement minimum is 2 1/2 hours per week. Practicing less time will lower the grade and practicing
more time will count as extra credit. I need the parent/s help since there is no way for me to personally tell if a
student practices at home. Parents must sign the practice sheet. The sheets will be turned in when requested.
Students will play well at our performances and will perform well on the playing tests if they are practicing. Also,
you, the parent, will have the satisfaction of knowing that the time and money that you have invested in you child in
his/her instrument are being well spent. NOTE: Any Practice sheets turned in late, turned in w/out parents signature,
recorded the "official" practice sheet (there are plenty of extras if needed), will NOT be accepted and NO credit will
be given.
3. Playing Tests = 20% of the final grade. The students are assigned a section of music to learn and perform in
class for a grade. There selections include things the students need to learn to become more proficient on their
given instrument. Grading for playing tests as follows:
2 mistakes or less = A
3 mistakes = A-
4 mistakes = B+
5 mistakes = B
6 mistakes = B-
7 mistakes = C+
8 mistakes = C
9 mistakes = C-
10 mistakes = D+
11 mistakes = D
12 mistakes = D-
13 mistakes = F
4. Participation = 30% of the final grade. This includes 1) Participation at performances 2) Constructive
participation in class. 3) Being prepared (see below).
Being prepared: Students must be on time to class, have their instrument (in good working condition), reeds,
mouthpiece, neck strap, music and a pencil every day. Students not prepared will have 2% deducted from their
grade each day until they bring their materials and are on time to class. If a students instrument is being repaired,
please send me a note with parent or guardians"s signature or a note from the music store where the instrument is
being repaired so you student will not have any points deducted from their grade.
WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM ALL BAND STUDENTS:
STUDENTS WILL:
1. Take good care of their music. Very important! Having to replace lost or damaged music has become very
expensive. The average cost of music is $3.50 per page. Neither the band nor school can afford this.
2. Practice all music until it can be played with no mistakes. Band is a team effort. It hurts everyone's
performance when a few individuals try to hide behind the work of others. This is one place where doing our best
counts and is recognized.
3. Make every effort to attend all performances. Any reason for not attending must be presented to me before the
day of the performance. (Not doing this can seriously hurt the student's grade).
4. Wear appropriate dress when representing the band. Students should wear best dress for concerts, tours, and
group pictures. We are representing the band, Roy Jr. High and the community of Roy. We should look and act
our best when doing so.
5. Students should conduct themselves in an orderly manner in rehearsals and in concert situations
If you have any questions, please call me at R.J.H.S., 801-476-5260, 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monday - Friday.
Sincerely,
Paul C. Hermann
Band Director,
Fine Arts Department Chairman,
Tri-M Music Honor Society Advisor,
Roy Jr. High School
5400 South 2100 West
Roy, Utah 84067
801-476-5260