1. A five to seven persons Board of Directors; whom serve for a 5 years term and are eligible for renewal.  (Oversee the Band Officers and the band finances).

2. Five Band Officers who serve with no term limits.  President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary and Historian who oversee the finances and policies of the band in accordance with the AAA Band Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation.

All students are expected to behave appropriately.   If a student causes a disruption during lessons, rehearsals, or concerts Mrs. Rollins will give that student one warning to change their behavior.  If the student fails to do this, the student’s parent will be asked to sit with the student during lessons and rehearsals and this student may be asked not to participate in concerts.

Most quarters the grading is:

A: 7 pages, 7 scales, 7 rhythm lines, 7 pages in theory, concert music and/or solo

B: 6pages, 6 scales, 6 rhythm lines, 6 pages in theory, concert music and/or solo

C: 5 pages, 5 scales, 5 rhythm lines, 5 pages in theory, concert music and/or solo

D: 4 pages, 4 scales, 4 rhythm lines, 4 pages in theory, concert music and/or solo

F: 3 or less of the above

These requirements can vary each quarter depending on the amount of concert music that needs to be assigned and mastered.  Due to limited band lesson time, the theory is not always included in the grade

Intermediate Band Requirements

1. Book: EE Book 1 page 27

2. Scales: All 12 major scales memorized one octave 2 @ 80, and lowest two scales on instrument 2 octaves one at 80.   All all-state scales 2 @ 80

3. Rhythm Lines: All beginning rhythm lines counting & clapping, and playing.  First 10 Intermediate rhythm lines counting and clapping

4. Theory: Pass off all of Master Theory Book I

Advanced Band Requirements

1. Book: Finish EE Book I; EE Book II page 10

2. Scales:  Lowest 4 scales of instrument 2 octaves 2 @ 80; all single octaves 2 @ 120

3. Rhythm Lines:  All intermediates and Section 9 counted, clapped, and played

4. Theory: Master Theory Books I, II, III

All events are posted under the "events" tab

1. Christmas Concert – all students (required concert)[1]

2. Christmas Parade Float – all students (if qualified)

3. All-State tryouts – Intermediate and Advanced students (Jan-Feb)[2]

a.  To qualify for the first year’s All-State audition, students must have completed page 27 in EE book 1 and have all the scales memorized one octave. 

b. Exceptions are for flutes and clarinets: They must complete all of 1EE book and have 5 of their 7 All-State scales memorized in 2 octaves by Sept. 1

4. All-State Performances (Feb-March)2

5. Da Capo Band – Beginner Honor Students (May)

6. Solo & Ensemble – all students (if qualified) (May)

7. Spring Concert - (required concert)1

8. Memorial Day Parade Float – all students (if qualified) (May)

9. Other possible performances by invitation:

a.  One Table – Intermediate/Advanced students (Thanksgiving)

b. Homeschool Awareness Day at the Capitol- Inter/Adv students (April)

c.  Patriotic Performances – Inter/Adv (Various times throughout the year)

[1] There are two required concerts per year for intermediate and advance students.  The Christmas and Spring concerts are required for all students (i.e., beginners, intermediates, and advance).

[2] Dates and information are available at www.bandlink.org

• Formal Events

  • Beginner Students:

    • Black pants and black belt

    • Long sleeved, white button-down blouse or dress shirt

    • Black socks and black closed toed dress shoe (No sneakers).

    • Black socks

• • Intermediate and Advanced Students:

    • White tuxedo shirt

    • Black pants and black belt

    • Black vest with matching bow tie

    • Black socks and black closed toed dress shoe (No sneakers).

    • Black socks

• Informal events

  • • Band polo shirt and khaki pants, shorts or long skirt

• For picture examples click here Students 

All band and music lesson fees are to be paid to AAA Band.  Refer to payment chart provided for more information.  Payments can be made via PayPal (above) or by cash/check placed in an labeled envelope and placed in the AAA money box.

Balances can be checked through the band treasurer at anytime.

The AAA Band is a fee-based band.  The band participation fee covers budgeted operational expenses such as computer repairs, software, and replacement, facility rentals, etc. It is adjusted annually.  Also included in this fee are:

• First Band Polo Shirt

• Registration costs All-County, Region, All-State auditions, and clinics

• Costs for overnight accommodations to all clinics

• All medals and awards

• DaCapo registration (The registration includes lunch, a t-shirt & a medal.)

• Solo & Ensemble registration

Additional out of pocket fees may include:

• Additional band polo shirt

• Travel Costs All-County, Region, All-State auditions and clinics

• Food costs

• Accompanist for S&E

  • • All accompanists will be paid $20.00 for each student accompanied.  This includes one rehearsal, the recital and the performance.  Any extra rehearsals & associated fees with the accompanist must be arranged by the student and the accompanist.

The annual budget will be evaluated every year by the officers in May and presented to the Board of Directors for approval at their July meeting.

Music Binders

Binders, protective pages and pencil cases purchased by the band, and music belonging to Mrs. Rollins will be available for each student.  These binders, protective pages, pencil cases and music must be returned to Mrs. Rollins when a student leaves the band.

Required music books

Beginners:

·       Essential Elements Interactive (2000) Book 1

·       Master Theory Book  I, II

·       Concert Favorites I  (published by Hal Leonard)

·       Concert Favorites II (published by Hal Leonard)

·       Christmas Favorites,  arr. Sweeney, (pub. by Hal Leonard)

Intermediates:

·   Essential Elements Interactive (2000 Book 2)  

·   Essential Elements Technique  Book 3

·   Patriotic Favorites (published by Hal Leonard)

·   Broadway Favorites (Published by Hal Leonard)

·   Movie Favorites  (Published by Hal Leonard)

·   Rubank Elementary Book

·   Practical Studies Book 1

Advanced:

·   First Division Book IV

·   Rubank Intermediate Book

·   Rubank Advanced Books 1 & 2

·   Practical Studies Book 2

·   Master Theory Books II, III, IV, V, VI – The student is encourage to work through the whole set.

Additional required tools

1. A metronome (per family)

2. A music stand (per student)

3. Pencils

4. Tote Bag or Book Bag

AAA Supplies can be purchased here: Pecknel Music - AAA Shop 

SABCS Supplies can be purchased here: Pecknel Music - SABCS Shop 

AAA Supplies can be purchased here: Pecknel Music - AAA Shop 

SABCS Supplies can be purchased here: Pecknel Music - SABCS Shop 

Mrs. Rollins has some instruments for rent for AAA Band students.  The cost is $10.00 per month or $100.00 per year (if paid in full at the beginning of the year).

Conditions of rental:

1. Responsibility for all needed repairs during rental period.

2. Have the instrument checked over by a reputable music dealer before returning it and pay for any necessary repairs.  Any needed repairs will be an additional cost to the students renting the instrument.

Other options include:

• AAA Rent to own: click here - Pecknel Music 

  • In the drop down menus, select:  

    • County of School: Aiken; 

    • Select School: Aiken Area Academy Band or South Aiken Baptist Christian School

    • Select your instrument

*Please check with the director before purchases used from other sources.

Each family must provide documentation proving they are operating under one of South Carolina’s three homeschool options by early October.  These options can be found at www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?State=SC .

1. Participate on quarterly Parent’s meetings to discuss upcoming events or policies.  Parents participation is expected.

2. Involvement Opportunities:

   1. Contribute to the band using the special gifts God has given you.

   2. Help organize decorations and food for the Christmas concert.

   3. Drive students to events.

   4. Provide snacks for the students at all day events.

   5. Chaperone band clinics.

   6. Decorate floats.

   7. Organize and staff a music lending library for Solo & Ensemble

   8. Volunteer as a member of the Board of Directors, Band Officers.

   9. Band website administrator.

1. Website – www.aaaband.org

Contains information related to lesson fees, calendar of events, with hyperlink to the online-google docs and handbook.  The Parents’ meeting minutes and special announcements will be posted on the website.

2. Band app – will be used for reminders and registering for events

3. Mrs.  Rollins sends out frequent information via e-mail.

The AAA Band offers two scholarships:

1. A $1000.00 college scholarship to a graduating senior who will be taking music classes their freshman year of college.[1]

   1. 1. Qualifications for College scholarship

         1. 1. 1. For all instruments:

                  1. First Division Band Method, parts I, II, III, and IV or Essential Elements 2000, Books I, II, III, and First Division Book IV.

                  2. Rubank Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced I and II

                  3. Practical Studies I and II

                  4. Rhythm Lines 4/4; 6/8 slow and fast; Intermediate sheets 1 and 2; Advanced 1, 2, 3, 4; Section 9

                  5. Two minute scales

                  6. Know all three forms of all the minor scales

                  7. Full chromatic

                  8. Theory Books 1-6 complete

                  9. Know all senior terms

                  10. Present a recital that includes at least one level 4 solo

               2. For percussionists:

                  1. All the above plus:

                  2. The Ludwig Book

                  3. The International Rudiments Book

                  4. All rudiments played in 8 repetitions at 100

2. Two  $300.00 summer band camp scholarship to the student who earns the most points by passing off required music, scales, rhythm lines, etc. during the first three quarters of the school year.[2]Student may select the band camp to attend. One of these will go to a SABCS  student, and one to AAA student. These two scholarships will come out of the college scholarship fund.

[1] The AAA Band contributes 10% of all donations to maintain this scholarship.

[2] These scholarships are made possible from Dr. and Mrs. Roger Rollins’ generous donations.

Region Band and All State Auditions are a South Carolina Band Directors Association sponsored event.  Students will audition live on required material to earn a ranking within our designated region.  Required material includes major scales, chromatic scale, terms, solo, and sight reading.  Students must be an active member of and registered through their band program.  Based on the resulting scores of Region Band auditions, students ranked at the top percent of the region will audition a second time for the All-State Band. Scores and rankings will be reported directly to the band directors.

The Region Band and All State Clinics are a South Carolina Band Directors Association sponsored event, and the All County Band Clinic is a Aiken County Band Directors Association sponsored event.

Students will earn the privilege of performing with these large ensembles through their Region Band audition results. All three are an honor to be included and a great learning experience for the students.

The All State Band Clinic takes place at Furman University over a 3 day weekend with the final concert Sunday afternoon.  Nationally known conductors or composers will conduct the band rehearsals over the course of the weekend and present a concert at its conclusion.  Students ranked as  alternates will have classes to attend to improve their skills.

The Region Band Clinic takes place at Lexington High School on a Friday and Saturday.  Regionally known conductors or composers will rehearse the bands during the day Friday and Saturday morning.  The clinic will conclude with a concert Saturday afternoon.

The County Band Clinic takes place at Aiken High School, typically on a Friday.  State conductors will rehearse the bands during the day and conclude with a concert that evening.

Da Capo Band Clinic is a Aiken County Band Directors Association sponsored event. First year students will earn the privilege of performing with this ensemble through their participation in the AAA/SABS band program. Mrs. Rollins with nominate the students based on their pass-off level. Because DaCapo means "from the beginning" in musical terms, this band consists of only beginner Aiken County band students.

This band is honor to be included and a great learning experience for the students.

The Da Capo Band Clinic takes place at Aiken High School, typically on a Friday in conjunction with the Aiken All County Band Clinic for older band students.  State conductors will rehearse the bands during the day and conclude with a concert that evening.

Solo & Ensemble is a South Carolina Band Directors Association state sponsored event.  Students will prepare a solo and/or a small ensemble (ie duet, trio) to perform for a judge to earn a score.  The event takes place at a local school.  The judges are typically current or retired local band directors.  Students can earn the following ranks:

I - Superior, II - Excellent, III - Good

Students also have the option of taking the state theory test.  Study materials can be requested from the director.

Students performing solos will be expected to rehearse with their accompanist (pianist) and pay the accompanist accordingly.

The band will hold a required recital to prepare for Solo & Ensemble.