7923 Fielder Rd.
ELITE SCHOLARS ACADEMY
Mr. S. Justin Miller, Band & Orchestra Director
Jonesboro, GA 30236
“Striving for Performance Excellence”
justin.miller@clayton.k12.us
20 24 - 2025 BAND & ORCHESTRA HANDBOOK /SYLLABUS
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you for choosing to participate in the Elite Scholars Academy Band and Orchestra Program! I want to welcome you to an exciting year and I look forward to teaching you. My goal is to provide an atmosphere where students learn to succeed at playing musical instruments as individuals, small ensembles, and a collective group. The programs seek to prepare students for success on the district and state performance level.
A successful tradition starts with an attitude of success. As parents, band and orchestra members, and director, all of our efforts should be directed toward creating a positive experience for the young scholars in our programs. A positive experience must start with an understanding of expectations for those who participate in the programs. The information listed in this handbook denotes these expectations.
This handbook has been established to provide a source of information about the band and orchestra program. I hope that you will take the time to become familiar with its content. If you have any questions about either program, this handbook should be your source of information. If the answer cannot be found in this handbook, please feel free to contact me at school by phone or e-mail. I am looking forward to a wonderful year of making music!
Musically yours,
S. Justin Miller Band & Orchestra Director Elite Scholars Academy
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
There is a very high musical and artistic standard for the Elite Scholars Academy Band and Orchestra Program. It is imperative that students and parents understand the ramifications of setting such high standards.
This is a performance-based class. Students will only improve through consistent class participation and strong individual effort. Students will continue to develop their knowledge of their instruments, music theory, the ability to analyze and evaluate music, and the use of critical thinking skills to make refinements in their performance.
Practicing your instrument is your homework for this class! Students are expected to practice 2-3 times per week outside of class time, as well as take their instrument home for the weekends and ELBC Days. Preparation in advance for rehearsals is key to success for the ensemble. Individual growth is also encouraged through participation in solo and ensemble festivals, district honor groups, and private lessons.
The Georgia Standards of Excellence for Music can be found here: https://www.georgiastandards.org/GeorgiaStandards/Documents/K-12-Music-Georgia-Standards.pdf
Class Structure
Beginning Band and Beginning Orchestra
These classes are for beginners on their respective instruments, and consist of mostly 6th graders. Students in other grade levels who want to begin their journey in band or orchestra may also be placed in these classes. Typically, the beginning ensembles do not perform in Fall Semester, as to not put too much pressure on students early on in their development. They will begin performing this upcoming spring semester.
Symphonia Orchestra
This level of class is for the highest achieving students in Orchestra, which can have anyone from 7th-12th grade students. The Symphonia Orchestra performs at every concert each semester, Large Group Performance Evaluation, and other various public performances.
Symphonic Band
This level of class is for the highest achieving students in band, which will be majority high school students and high achieving middle school students. The Symphonic Band performs at every concert each semester, Large Group Performance Evaluation, and other various public performances.
Concert Band
This level of class is for students who have some level of experience on their band instrument, which will be majority 7th8th grade students. The Concert Band performs at every concert each semester, Large Group Performance Evaluation, and other various public performances.
C LASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
• BE RESPECTFUL
o Disrespect in ANY form will not be tolerated in our learning space
o Students are to respect adults AND peers
• Be on time.
o Students should be in the classroom by the time the tardy bell rings. Students should be in their seat warming up two minutes into class. Downbeat will be 4 minutes into class.
• Have your materials.
o Your instrument
o Band/Orchestra binder with page protectors
o Method Book
o Pencils, spare reeds, valve oil slide cream, rosin, etc.
o Positive Attitude
• No use of profanity/foul language
• Give 100% EFFORT each during rehearsals!
NO gum, food or drinks in ANY area of our shared space
If a student fails to follow classroom and/or school rules, necessary disciplinary actions will be taken. The teacher will use his discretion in regards to the sequence of consequences according to school policy.
1. The student will receive a warning.
2. The student will receive a silent lunch and may be asked to move to a time-out location within the classroom.
3. The teacher will issue after school detention and then a phone call home will be made.
4. The teacher will then issue an office referral and a parent conference will be requested.
The Elite Scholars Academy Bands and Orchestra Program follows all directives of Elite Scholars Academy (https://099ccps.ss10.sharpschool.com/about/school_values) and Clayton County Public Schools. These details will be followed, as well as those included in this handbook and discussed in class. With an emphasis on respect, responsibility, participation, and learning focus, we will have a positive and productive class where students succeed both individually and as an ensemble.
*Students who consistently misbehave, have a poor attitude, or distract others from learning will face disciplinary consequences which may result in removal from the band/orchestra program.*
GRADING SYSTEM
Student Assessment
Students will be evaluated by the following
• Individual playing/singing Test
• Group playing/singing tests
• Class participation
• Pop quizzes: paper and performance
Grading Procedure
• After school rehearsals
• Class participation
• Performance attendance/participation
• Online Video Performance Submissions
Grades are based on categories of instructional assignments and assignments and categories have different grading weights. These weights are in compliance with the school-wide grading and instructional plan. Be sure to check Infinite Campus frequently to stay caught up and well aware of your grade. If you have questions, need tutoring, or have any concerns regarding grades, feel free to contact Mr. Miller at any given time.
Category of Assignment & Percentages
Participation /Classwork (45%)
This category consists of warm up activities, tickets out the door, daily graded assignments, and daily participation grades (having instrument, folder, music, and pencil).
Performances & Projects (30%)
This category consists of students attending all required performances, displaying good bandsmen behavior, and performing up to their best ability. This category also consists of projects that are assigned throughout the school year.
Tests (10%)
All tests will be announced in class and students will have ample amount of time to study and prepare. Tests will mostly serve as a tool to assess the growth and measurement of students' knowledge after a large section of material is covered. Tests can be either written, verbal, or playing.
Quizzes (10%)
This category consists of daily and weekly quizzes, and assignments taken for progress monitoring purposes. These quizzes will progress monitor and assess the current standards being taught.
Homework (10%)
This category consists of homework (graded or checked for completion), practice sheets, and any class assignments that are assigned to be completed outside of provided class time.
% Score Letter
CCPS Grade Scale
GMAs Level Interpretation
90-100 A Distinguished Advanced Proficiency, Exceeds Standards.
80-89 B Proficient Proficient, Meets Standards.
71-79 C Developing Partially Proficient, Working up to Standards.
70 D Beginning Not Proficient. Musically uncharacteristic.
Below 70 F Failing Incomplete. Not meeting expectations.
MAKE UP POLICY
Make up work policy due to being absent from school:
• Make up work for students when they are absent is the sole responsibility of the student.
• Students should request their makeup work from each of their classroom teachers on the day they return to school. The parent may request the missing work on the day of the absence by calling the front office and teachers will send the work to the office to be picked up the following day.
• Students must make up all of their assignments due to being absent within 3 days.
Late Work Policy:
• If a student does not have his/her work at the time it is collected, the assignment will be considered late.
• At the end of the 3rd day, the student will receive a zero.
ATTENDANCE
There will be 3-4 major performances each semester, as well as numerous after school sectional/ full ensemble rehearsals. These will occur throughout the school year, and attendance at these events is required and graded. The dates and times for these events will be announced at the beginning of each semester, or as far in advance as possible.
Students are not excused from any performance unless there is written notice given to the director in advance. It is at the discretion of the director to determine if an absence is excused. Excused absences from concerts are those absences which are beyond your control. It is not fair to the band/orchestra as a whole if classmates do not show up for concerts or performances. If a student becomes ill or if an emergency arises, contact the school or email as soon as possible (770.472.2823) Please leave a message if I am unable to come to the phone. Students with excused absences will be required to complete an alternative assignment deemed appropriate by the director. Those with unexcused absences will not be able to do alternative assignments and consequently, there will be a reduction in the student’s grade.
TARDY
Students are expected to arrive to class BEFORE the tardy bell rings. Students entering class after the tardy bell will be asked to go and receive a tardy pass. Students will not be allowed to enter unless they have a tardy pass or are excused by another teacher or adult in the building. Students who repeatedly enter class tardy will receive after school detention and is subject to further disciplinary action if this becomes a habit.
Instrument
1 – 3 Ring Binder WITH Sheet Protectors
Pencils
Method Book (provided)
Instrument Specific Supplies (see below)
Students missing any of the above materials will need to sign the Materials Log, located in the front of the classroom. This will result in loss of Daily Participation points. Please see the section on grading for more information.
Instrument-specific supplies can be found below:
Strings Woodwinds Brass Percussion
All:
Rosin, soft cleaning cloth.
Violinandviola:Shoulder rests.
Cello: Endpin stop/rock stop.
Please be aware that fingernails must be trimmed to play a string instrument.
All: Polishing cloth.
Flutes: Handkerchief swab
Clarinets:
4 working reeds at a time, swab, cork grease.
Saxophones: 4 working reeds at a time, swab, cork grease, neck strap.
All: Tuning slide grease, polishing cloth, mouthpiece brush.
Trombones: Slide grease.
Others: Valve oil.
All: 8” drum pad or larger for home practice with a stand, practice keyboard, stick bag, Drumsticks.
PERFORMANCE ATTIRE
The goal is for all students to look exactly the same. Students are expected to have a clean and neat uniform for each performance. Hair should be out of the student’s face and make-up and jewelry should be kept to a minimum. No flip flops, CROCS, or shorts are allowed for any performance! Students who are not in correct concert attire may not be allowed to perform and their concert grade will be lowered.
Families will be responsible for providing the formal items by our first concert. T-shirts will be ordered and provided by the director. Please communicate with Mr. Miller if there are any questions or concerns. I have provided picture examples of the formal expectations below for reference.
Formal Attire
DRESSY BLACK Button Down Shirt
DRESSY BLACK Bottoms (Pants/Skirt)
DRESSY BLACK Shoes
FINANCIAL DUES
Informal Attire
ESA Band/Orchestra T-Shirt,
Jeans or Skirt, Clean CLOSED Toed Shoes
Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, a one-time yearly fee of $75 will be assessed for all students, 6th-12th grade, in the Band and Orchestra Program. While we receive some support from Clayton County Public Schools, it is no longer enough to cover the needs of a large program such as ours.
Your yearly fee will contribute to:
• Repairs to instruments.
• Purchasing supplies (strings, bows, reeds, oils, etc.).
• Bringing in guest artists and experts, to enrich your student’s experience.
• Rolling out merchandise, including t-shirts and more.
• Transportation to and from field trips, as needed.
The one-time yearly fee of $75 will be assessed online in August. The GoFan link will be posted to all Canvas pages once available, and families will be notified.
Payments must be made by Friday, November 15, 2024 at 11:59pm. This gives families ample time to prepare and make payments. Students/families who do not pay by the deadline will not receive any merchandise during the 2024-2025 school year.
Families experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to reach out to the director. We NEVER want financial costs to prohibit a child from participating in music!
LGPE,
Elite Scholars Academy band and orchestra students can participate in various events throughout the year in addition to our regular concerts. Students are chosen to represent ESA at these events based on behavior and skill level. Students will hear more about AllState, Honor Band, District Honor Band, & LGPE as school begins, but are encouraged to check out the GMEA website for needed information at www.gmea.org
AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSALS
Throughout the year, we may have additional rehearsals for honor band auditions, concerts, etc. Rehearsals for ensembles will end no later than 5:30pm unless for special occasions. Rehearsals for performances are mandatory and absences may result in a student not being able to perform at the performance.
STUDENT PICKUP
Students must be picked up promptly at the end of the rehearsal. After a student remains at school until 5:45 or later two times, they will not be allowed to stay for any more after school rehearsals. The ESA faculty is not allowed to transport students. Students who are not picked up after 6pm will be escorted home by the Clayton County Police Department. Please do not let this happen! No one benefits from this situation.
SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS
School-owned band instruments will be issued based on instrumentation needs of the band and the availability of the instrument. No student is guaranteed use of a school instrument. Students using school instruments will be responsible for repair of the instrument required due to abuse or neglect.
OTHER GENERAL POLICIES
Before School
• Students are welcome to the Music Suite to store instruments and music supplies before starting their school day.
• All students must exit the Music Suite by 8:00am each morning, to ensure an opportunity for breakfast and arrival to homeroom on time.
Leadership Team
• The Band and Orchestra Leadership Team is responsible for assisting the Director in the operation of the Band and Orchestra Program. Roles could include Section Leaders and Council Members.
• The Leadership Team can have responsibilities including showing up to events early, setup and tear down for events, planning and leading sectional rehearsals, working at concerts they are not performing at, and being ambassadors for the Band and Orchestra Program.
• The Director has the right to add or remove any member of leadership, for any reason, at any time.
• The Director has the right to utilize the Leadership Team as much or as little as needed, based on the needs of the Band and Orchestra Program.
Lockers and Storage Space
• These lockers are for storage of items relating to band and orchestra only. Other items are subject to removal at the discretion of the Director. If you need a place to store a non-music related item, please ask the Director if there is space available and if you will be able to retrieve it after school.
• Students who play a school owned instrument will use the locker assigned to that specific instrument.
• Students who use a personal instrument will be offered locker space as available. Should we run out of locker space for your instrument size, there will be other storage options available.
COMMUNICATION
What is BAND?
Band is a free communication app for organizations. Users sign up for groups (called bands) where leaders post announcements, files, videos, events, and other useful tools. Users can also comment on posts when they have questions (so everyone can see the answer) and participate in small sub-groups (called chats).
How will ESA Band & Orchestra use BAND?
Let’s band together! We’ll make postings when we have announcements or reminders. However, we want BAND to be about essential or urgent information while maintaining safe communication practices.
HowwillstudentsandparentsuseBAND?
Ding! Here’s a reminder about an upcoming form deadline. Buzz! Here’s an announcement about a change to our rehearsal location. You can use BAND only to receive posts, or you can interact. That’s up to you.
Get Started!
1. Download the BAND app on your phone or visit band.us and click “SIGN UP” (not “Log In”).
2. Create a BAND account using your phone number, email, Facebook, or Google account. How you choose to interact with BAND is up to you, but since we’re using it for important/urgent info, make sure it’s not buried where you won’t see it. Turn on notifications if needed.
3. Use the URL or QR Code provided below to join a group.
BAND Students & Parents URL or QR Code ORCHESTRA Students & Parents URL or QR Code
https://band.us/n/a0aeA8ddvbe4B
4. Click “Join.” You’ll receive a verification code to enter.
OTHERWAYSTOGETINFORMATION
https://band.us/n/afa0Adddv2G41
CHS staff members use email as their primary mode of outside communication. Contact Mr. Miller at justin.miller@clayton.k12.ga.us
Canvas
Students will also receive announcements and assignments through our school-wide educational platform, Canvas.
Website
ESA Band and Orchestra program is in the process of launching a website. Our website will be geared toward the general public with information about our program and supporting it. There will also be a section specifically for parents/students to see announcements, pay fees, view our calendar, and more. Be on the lookout for more information on our website.