Be Prepared: Arrive on time with all necessary materials and be ready to participate. If you’ll be absent from Band or a lesson, please email me ahead of time—it helps the class run smoothly. (For example, if all trumpets are absent, it affects what we can accomplish.)
Attendance is Mandatory: Attendance is mandatory for all rehearsals, lessons, concerts, and combined rehearsals. Missed lessons must be made up within one week to receive full credit. Make-up options include submitting a video assignment or attending a make-up lesson during lunch, which I offer weekly.
Respect Yourself and Others: Band is a team effort. Treat yourself, your peers, and our space with respect at all times. Disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.
Always Try Your Best: Your best may look different from day to day—and that’s okay. Open, honest communication helps me support you when you need it.
If an issue with any of the above arises…
1. Discussion with Mr. Ryan after class
2. Email/phone call home
3. Referral to the office
4. Meeting with student, parent(s), Mr. Ryan, and an administrator
5. Further action, as deemed appropriate with administration.
Students receive a number grade from 0 to 100 in Band, as in any other class. Here’s how I break things down:
Daily Ensemble Grade – 30%
Every five weeks, you’ll receive a grade out of 25 points based on punctuality, preparedness, and effort. As long as you show up on time with a positive attitude and try your best, you’ll do great!
Written Assignments – 20%
Most of our work is playing-based, but you’ll occasionally complete listening reflections, concert evaluations, or self-assessments. These are rare, but must be made up if missed. Assignments can be completed on paper or in Classroom.
Weekly Lesson Grades – 30%
Each weekly lesson is graded out of 10 points:
8 points for performance (tone, technique, rhythm, articulation, notation reading)
2 points for preparation (on-time, with a pencil, instrument, lesson music)
Music Checks/Quarter Projects – 20%
These are short recorded assignments based on the music we’re working on in class. With practice, focus, and a little help when needed, you’ll be in great shape! These assignments are designed to show your growth—not to cause stress.
Being prepared with the required items is essential for active participation in class and counts toward both rehearsal and lesson grades.
Many of these items can be purchased on Amazon, or locally at Paul Effman Music (near AHS) or D&M Music (on Rt. 44 in Pleasant Valley). If your family needs help obtaining any supplies, please let me know so I can make sure every student has what they need to succeed.
Click HERE to view the required materials and supplies.
Make sure to check your case/stick bag before purchasing anything!
Private lessons are one of the best ways to grow as a musician. Students who take weekly one-on-one lessons often improve faster, build stronger technique, and gain confidence—whether they’re preparing for NYSSMA, All-County, or just want to play better in Band.
While I do my best to support everyone in class, nothing beats the focused attention of a private teacher. It’s like having a personal coach, dedicated to your growth.
Interested? Let me know—I’d love to help you find a teacher who fits your goals, schedule, and budget.
Eighth grade is often a time when families consider investing in an upgraded instrument to support their child’s growth. Prices vary widely based on the instrument, brand, and whether it’s new or used.
If this is something your family is exploring, please reach out—I’m happy to help you find a quality instrument that fits your budget. Many listings on sites like Amazon or eBay may seem like bargains but often end up holding students back.
Not ready for a full upgrade? Accessories like better mouthpieces, ligatures, reeds, or practice tools can make a big difference—without the cost of a new instrument.
Proper instrument care and cleaning—especially for wind instruments—is extremely important. Many of the required materials listed above are essential for keeping your instrument in good condition and preventing costly damage.
Woodwinds:
Swab out your instrument after every rehearsal, practice session, and lesson.
Moisture left inside can cause damage and encourage bacterial growth.
When in doubt, wash it out! If you can smell your mouthpiece... something’s wrong. Clean it with warm water and mild soap.
Brass:
Mouthpieces can also be cleaned with warm water and mild soap.
Brass instruments benefit from occasional baths—we’ll walk through the process during lessons if you're unsure how.
Having trouble?
Let me know as soon as you notice a problem. We’ll do what we can at school, and if needed, arrange for repairs with a professional.
School-Owned Instruments:
All of the above care expectations apply to school-owned instruments. When a student and family sign out a district instrument, they are responsible for its daily care and maintenance. Please treat it as you would your own!
Participation in Band at LMS may involve some optional or required costs, including: NYSSMA registration fees, lesson method books, instrument rentals or upgrades, reeds and cleaning supplies, instrument maintenance, sheet music, accessories (mouthpieces, mallets, etc.), Trills & Thrills trip costs.
That said, cost will never be a barrier to any student who wants to participate, improve, and perform. If finances are ever a concern, please don’t hesitate to contact me—we will find a solution together.
Fundraising opportunities will be offered throughout the year to help offset the cost of our spring trip. If a student fundraised more than they used for the 7th Grade Band trip, those profits will be rolled over toward any 8th Grade Band trips!