Genesis Band Handbook
Online Handbook
Instruments
Students commence instruction on one of the following five Band instruments;
Flute
Clarinet
Trumpet
Trombone or
Euphonium.
In Term Two students may transition to other instruments including Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Tuba and Percussion.
Students may have a good idea of what they would like to play, however, sometimes physical characteristics are important factors.
Mr. Lovett will connect with students as required, and follow recommendations if students were in the Band Basics course.
Lesson Structure
The weekly group lessons provide a foundation in instrument skills, musicianship, and fine motor skills following a fundamental music curriculum that focuses learning throughout the year. The group lessons are scheduled twice per week according to the schedule.
In Term Two students one class per week is changed to an Ensemble class, where mixed musical instruments rehearse as a Band. The other class continues on an instrument focus, and students can consider extending to another 'exotic' instrument.
Concerts
All Band students perform at least two major concerts per year - Christmas Concert and May/June (End of Year concert). The concerts are a showcase of their musical achievements in Band.
Staff - Musical Director
Craig Lovett worked at HKIS as Middle School and Upper Primary Band Teacher for 12 years before launching MICRA Music. MICRA encompasses Craig’s specific music passions – teaching music and music instrument repair, and to explore his Saxophone performance, music arranging and other musical pursuits.
With advanced music education degrees, recognised teaching achievements and conducting experience, Craig continues supporting the strong band tradition at HKIS.
Unsure of which instrument to play?
Watch this video for an introduction to all the Genesis Band instruments.
Source: Members of The United States Army Field Band demonstrate and briefly discuss the instruments of the concert band.
Band Instrument Selection Considerations
Genesis Band Students select from the following instruments in Term one. Trumpet, Trombone Euphonium, Flute or Clarinet.
In Term Two, students can apply to switch to the Saxophone, Oboe, Bassoon, Tuba or Percussion Instruments.
Physical Characteristics: Lips, Teeth, Bite and Jaw structure, Hand Size
Coordination Characteristics: Hand Dominance, Hand Eye Coordination, Hand-Foot Coordination, Finger Dexterity
Other Factors: Personality, Desire
Woodwind Instruments:
Woodwind players use all fingers and in the case of bassoon both thumbs, so finger dexterity is important. A child with any problem or difficulty controlling and coordinating the fingers may not be happy playing a woodwind instrument. Children with double-jointed fingers, especially thumbs may find the balancing and playing of a woodwind instrument a challenge.
Quick learners and impatient children enjoy the rapid initial progress Clarinet provides. The child's lower teeth should not be jagged and an overbite can cause major problems. Sensitive teeth can make playing this instrument uncomfortable and a thick lower lip will muffle the reed. Small hands can be a challenge, make sure your child’s fingers can span the distance between the keys and can cover all holes completely.
The soprano instrument of the woodwind family. Flute players normally have medium full lips with no ‘tear-drop’ in the center of the lips. If the lower jaw either protrudes or recedes radically the child would be best advised to select another instrument.
Brass Instruments:
These shiny powerful sounding instruments appeal to a large number of children. A child who can sing, hum or whistle a tune from memory can learn a brass instrument. Playing a Brass Instrument generally uses only three or four fingers of the right hand, unlike the woodwind instruments, which can require precise coordination of the fingers from both hands. Because brass playing can require physical strength and stamina, athletically inclined children may do well on these instruments. Lips must be free of scar tissue, and the size of the lips generally indicates the size of the instrument best suiting the child.
The soprano voice for the brass Family. Successful Trumpet players are generally self-assured outgoing individuals. Good trumpet players’ lips are usually fairly thin. Children with excessive overbites may want to consider another instrument. All types of academic learners generally achieve well with trumpet.
The only brass instrument that changes pitch by using a slide. Trombonists need good pitch discrimination and eye hand coordination. A good sense of pitch is essential as trombonists need to adjust the slide position to correct the pitch. Responsible and determined children make good trombonists.. Students may have fuller lips on Trombone.
The Euphonium uses the same size mouthpiece as the Trombone but has valves to change pitch. Responsible, good natured children with a good sense of rhythm make good players. Lips may be fuller.
Instrument Loans
A school instrument can be provided at a small Instrument Levy cost, or you can provide your own instrument.
Nearly 100% of the School Loan instruments are two years old or less, and have regular maintenance, cleaning and sanitation cycles.
For larger instruments, an at-home and at-school instrument will be provided.
MicraMusic has a selection of new and pre-loved instruments for purchase at discounted prices for UP Band members too.
The Band program is a Full Year course.
Classes are held after school two days per week.
Students are required to attend both classes.
Each class meets one day from 3:00pm and from 4:00pm on the other day
(These times are subject to change due to COVID-19 and end of school time).
Genesis Band Term One
Two 45 minute Instrument Specific Classes per week
Optional Auditioned weekly Chinese New Year Drum Team Class
Genesis Band Term Two (Schedule will be released during Term One)
One 45 minute Instrument Class + One 45 minute Ensemble Class per week.
Transition to other instruments optional.
Optional Auditioned weekly Jazz Band Class
After School Care (ASC)
The HKIS Activities Office offers After School Care for those Upper Primary students who are unable to go home on the bus and return at 4:00pm.
After School Care will take place from 3:00pm - 4:00pm, Monday through Friday in the Upper Primary Dining Hall (4th Floor).
Students will be directed to their respective activities 5 minutes before they are scheduled to begin.
Snacks for After School Care can be given to your children, and they will be consumed within a designated area where eating is permitted.
Do I need to register for ASC?
All Grade 3-5 students registered in a 4:00pm Activity will automatically be registered as eligible to attend ASC. You may however withdraw your child if you are not going to use it every week by contacting the Activities Office.
Dismissal Procedures
Please add 9136 0837 as “MicraMusic” to your phone contacts in case of emergency - please use this number to contact your child if needed too.
At the end of the 3:00pm class students;
Take the 4:00 bus home
Continue with another ASA activity
Picked up by private vehicle (5th floor gate)
Walk home (with school permission)
At the end of the 4:00pm class students;
NO BUS is available
Continue with another ASA activity
Picked up by private vehicle (LP Bus Lay-By)
Walk home (with school permission)
Ensembles and Concerts
Students continue their musical journey by participating in a school ensemble whilst simultaneously developing a deep understanding of being part of a team. Making music together will inspire greater cooperation and encourage students to develop communication and self-management skills. Regular Concert performances celebrate the achievements of learning an instrument, recognise achievements, and contribute to celebrating Music within the school community.
HKIS UP Band Performance and Rehearsals
Leading up to performance concerts, students will be required to attend combined rehearsals that may, or may not, align with the regular schedule. The combined rehearsals will start immediately after school for all classes.
Rehearsals conclude at 5:00pm. Students must be collected by parents at that time.
‘CAN’ is Church of All Nations, Lower Primary, Repulse Bay
All Together Rehearsal, UP & HS Band combined student ensemble, HS Auditorium, Tai Tam. March 2019.
Concert attire is only required on the day of the concert. Students will be given sufficient time to dress during the rehearsal before the performance.
Preparing for Concerts
Attendance at these performances and rehearsals is mandatory. Having a good sounding ensemble is a team effort. Each member is expected to do their part to make each performance a success. Missing rehearsals may result in not performing the concert.
Concert attire consists of white on top, black on the bottom.
Girls can wear black knee length skirts or dress pants and black shoes. Boys must wear black pants (no jeans), black socks, and black dress shoes. White collared shirts are required on top. No T-shirts are allowed. Adhering to this dress code gives a professional look to our band.
On the concert day
Please bring concert attire, including shoes and socks, musical instrument, and music to the rehearsal. Pack an extra snack, and water bottle. Doors will open to parents 10 minutes prior to the concert.
Parent Volunteers
This program would not run smoothly without the help of our parent volunteers.
Parent Volunteers help with:
Assisting students with pre-concert supervision and concert dressing.
‘Crowd control’ at the End of Year party and other social events.
Other ‘ad-hoc’ performances or experiences.
An email will be sent out to all parents prior to events for volunteers.
Curriculum
The Upper Primary Band curriculum is aligned with the National Association for Music Education Standards.
Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
Reading and notating music.
Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
Evaluating music and music performances.
Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
Prepared for Class
Every student must bring their instrument to each class along with their music book / folder.
Only use pencil marks in the music books.
Students should have their cork grease/valve oil/reeds as required and cleaning cloth inside the case.
Practice suggestions will be given during each class. The student should practice items assigned and be prepared to play them at the next class.
Feedback
Students in the Band Program receive ongoing formative feedback in classes. If needed, we will get in touch with parents to discuss strategies for improvement in these areas.
There are no summative tasks in the Band Program.
Formative Evaluation feedback is based on:
Performance tasks, ensemble skills and participation, attendance, practice and musical responses.
Technical aspects of playing an instrument (such as posture, intonation, rhythm and sound quality) will be assessed through instrument specific rubrics.
Zoom Links for Blended Class Learning:
Mr. Lovett Personal Room: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8120803623
Practice Makes Progress
Help your child set up a special place at home to play the instrument.
Establish a set time each day to play.
Ask your child questions about their practice and encourage them to set goals and practice purposefully.
Use the Monthly Practice Sheet and SMART Goal Setting to support home practice.
Practice is vital to the success of any young musician. Practice time is considered ‘musical homework’.
Each month your child will receive a Practice Sheet to record the time spent practicing at home.
Please note: Class time is NOT considered practice time.
The Practice Sheet is due on the first class day of each month.
Parents can sign to acknowledge the commitment to practice.
Student total the number of minutes and complete the activity on the back before turning it in.
Lost Practice Sheet? Student’s responsibility to ask for new one.
Online Resources and Practice Tools
HKIS Upper Primary Band Resources
Play-Alongs, PDF’s of Music, Practice Tips, Theory Videos, Recital Pieces and Fun Stuff all in one place!