Band & Music - Mr. Kievert

Beginning Band

Day 1: Flutes (Pod A)

Day 2: Clarinets (Pod B)

Day 3: Brass (Trumpets, Trombones, and Euphoniums) (Pod C)

Day 4: Flutes (Pod A)

Day 5: Clarinets (Pod B)

Day 6: Brass (Trumpets, Trombones, and Euphoniums) (Pod C)

5th Grade Out-of-School Rehearsals

Monday mornings from 7:15-8:00 am

Wednesday afternoons from 3:00-3:45 pm

Advanced Band

Day 1: Flutes and Percussion (Pod A)

Day 2: Reeds (Pod B)

Day 3: Brass (Pod C)

Day 4: Flutes and Percussion (Pod A)

Day 5: Brass (Pod B)

Day 6: Brass (Pod C)

6th Grade Out-of-School Rehearsals

Monday afternoons from 3:00-3:45 pm

Wednesday mornings from 7:15-8:00 am 

Daily Schedule

8:15-9:00: Band I/II (Period I)

9:00-9:45: Band I/II (Period 2)

10:00-10:45: Advanced Band (6th)

10:45-11:30: Beginning Band (5th)

11:30-12:00: Lunch

12:00-12:45: 4th Grade MDM

12:45-1:30: Kindergarten Music

1:30-2:15: 1st or 2nd Grade Music

2:15-3:00: 3rd Grade Music

Classroom Expectations

1. ALL students must show the utmost musical respect for everyone within or assisting the band program (including the teacher or any other adults relating to the band), including themselves. We are working as a team within the program, and it is absolutely critical to our success that we treat ourselves and our fellow musicians with respect.
2. All students must be prepared with their music, instrument, and any supplies they need (sharpened pencils, reeds, valve oil, etc.) assembled promptly. General music and chorus students do not need to worry about instruments. Band students with reed instruments must have unbroken reeds to be considered prepared. Sporadic instrument and supply checks will occur at Mr. Kievert’s discretion. If a student needs help acquiring a reed or supplies, I am more than happy to assist in any way I can.
3. Students will be expected to be respectful when the teacher or another student is talking, or while anyone is playing.
4. Students are expected to learn as much of their parts as possible outside of rehearsal.
5. Personal electronics must be turned off and put away during class time.
6. Gum, food, and drinks other than water are prohibited in our band and music rooms.
7. All students are responsible for their own music. Any replacements for destroyed, lost, or otherwise ruined original copies of music will be done at the student’s expense.
8. For markings in music, only pencil may be used.
9. Students will show respect for classroom equipment, including classroom instruments, decorations, stands, and chairs.
10. Always do your best! A positive attitude, attentiveness, and good work ethic are essential to a productive rehearsal and an enjoyable class!

Rehearsal Etiquette for Performing Ensembles

1. Bring your materials! A good rule of thumb is that if you think you might have band, bring your instrument!
   • Make sure you have: your instrument, any supplies your instrument might need (reeds, valve oil, sticks, etc.), and your folder with your music INSIDE it
2. Stay on task and avoid talking to your neighbor unless it helps our learning together!
3. Please practice before rehearsal
   • Remember: every day of not practicing is a day of forgetting! When possible, aim to practice on days when you don't have band. 
   • The goal of rehearsal is NOT to learn how to count and play our parts; our goal is to learn how to play together and put our individual parts together into the whole ensemble
   • If you are unsure of a note, please consult the fingering chart found in the front cover of your method book (band-specific).
4. If you have a question, please ALWAYS raise your hand for permission to speak. This is a school-wide policy, and is expected of you to follow to minimize classroom disruptions. Similarly, please wait until I ask for questions when explaining something. Chances are, I was planning on answering it anyways!
5. Respect everyone and everything in class. That includes Mr. Kievert, your fellow class members, and all of our equipment.
   • Please do not play with or write on the stands. They are not toys or drawing boards.
6. LISTEN to our concert pieces often. First listen for your part, and then listen for the most important one (it may be yours, it may not be).
7. If you are a band member, please put your instrument together quickly and quietly, without playing before our warm-ups.
8. Please try your best have a positive attitude at all times, even if you’re having a bad day. Music class is a place where we can forget about the stresses of daily life, make music together, and have FUN! However, please let me know if I can make your day better and I will do my best to accommodate that.

Content Showcase

General Music State Standards

 

Performing Musical Ensemble Standards (Band)

Important Band Dates for 2024-2025

Beginning Band (5th Grade)

Wednesday, January 15th, 2025 - Beginning Band Informance at 5:30 pm at Union Park

Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 - Spring Concert at 5:30 pm at Union Park

Advanced Band (6th Grade)

Wednesday, December 11th, 2024 - Winter Concert at 5:30 pm at Union Park

TBA, December 2024 - Holiday Chamber Concert at Elevate Coffee

Wednesday, February 12th, 2025, - DVUSD Honor Band at Sandra Day O'Connor HS

Saturday, March 1st, 2025 - AzMEA All-State Band at Mountain View HS

Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 - Spring Concert at 5:30 pm at Union Park

Band I/II (7th and 8th Grade)

Saturday, September 28th, 2024 - ASU Middle School Honor Band at Arizona State University (concert at 4 pm at Gammage)

Friday, October 25th, 2024 - Marching Band Fall Feeder Night (call time @ 4:00 pm) at Barry Goldwater HS

Thursday, November 14th, 2024 - DVUSD Pre-Assessment at Boulder Creek HS

Wednesday, December 11th, 2024 - Winter Concert at 5:30 pm at Union Park

TBA, December 2024 - Holiday Chamber Concert at Elevate Coffee

Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 - Spring Feeder Concert at Barry Goldwater HS

Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 - DVUSD Honor Band at Sandra Day O'Connor HS

Thursday, February 20th, 2025 - Spring Feeder Concert at Sandra Day O'Connor HS

Saturday, March 1st, 2025 - AzMEA All-State Band at Mountain View HS (audition only)

Thursday, March 13th, 2025 - ABODA Area Band Festival at Millennium HS 

Friday, March 28th, 2025 - Las Fallas Performance in the morning at Union Park

TBD - DVUSD Post-Assessment at Boulder Creek HS (may not occur, due to ABODA Area participation)

TBA - California Trip

Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 - Spring Concert at 5:30 pm at Union Park

Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 - Union Park Promotion Performance at 5:00 pm

DVUSD High School Events of Interest (for anyone!)

Saturday, October 12th, 2024 - Rock the Ridge Marching Band Competition at Mountain Ridge HS

Saturday, October 19th, 2024 - Rumblin' Drums at the Dawghouse Marching Band Competition at Barry Goldwater HS

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024 - DVUSD High School Marching Band Exposition at Boulder Creek HS

Phone: ext. 55878

Email Mr. Kievert

Degrees and Certifications:

Degree: Bachelor's of Music Education from the University of Kansas
Primary Instrument: Clarinet

Mr. Kievert

¡Hola, Toros!

My name is Mr. Kievert, and I am the band director and one of the music teachers at Union Park School! This is my eighth year in the Deer Valley Unified School District. In celebration of our Spanish Immersion program, I am also learning how to speak the language! I am originally from a (relatively) small suburb of Chicago, Illinois and earned a Bachelor’s degree in music education at the University of Kansas. I am currently pursuing my Master's Degree in Music Education at the American Band College of Central Washington University. My primary instrument is the clarinet. 

In addition to teaching at Union Park, I am on the marching band staff of the Pride of the West at Mountain Ridge HS as their Woodwind Caption Head and I maintain a private clarinet lesson studio.

I cannot wait to start working and growing with your student through music education. The best way to get in contact with me is through my email if you have any questions. I am looking forward to a fun, productive, and educational school year! 

¡Hola, Toros!

If you'd like to join our band program at Union Park for the 2024-2025 school year, please complete the instrument matching tool via the link below. Also, please feel free to explore our beginning band website for more information about the benefits of joining band! Please email me for more information!

Link to Website

Below, you can find more information regarding rentals, instruments, and other pertinent information from Milano Music Center: 

There are several options to get started with renting Milano instruments: Parents can rent in their downtown Mesa store, rent at one of our many depots throughout Arizona (the closest are the Desert Ridge Music Academy and the Peoria Music Academy), or rent on their website. When renting online, families can choose to pick it up, have it delivered to school, or have it shipped to their home. Also, Milano's is working on adding the option for parents to rent online and choose to pick up at a depot.

I would like each band student to acquire a music stand so they are able to practice efficiently at home. They can also be found at Milano Music, but can also be purchased through online retailers. This philosophy should ONLY pertain to music stands. Please do NOT do this for instruments.

Essential Rental Info

Rental Program Information 

These videos explain the Milano Music rental program and how the company cleans/sanitizes rental instruments. Please disregard content relating to string instruments.

Instrument Introduction Videos 

These short, simple videos introducing each beginning instrument. Newcomers may choose from: flute, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone. Please disregard content relating to string instruments.

Care Kit Introduction Videos 

These videos going through what comes with Milano instrument care kits. Please disregard content relating to string instruments.

There are two ways to submit Canvas assignments: through the Canvas app or on a computer browser. Below are the step-by-step processes for both methods. I have also listed some troubleshooting suggestions, should you need them.

REMINDER: Have your metronome playing on a separate device from your recording device! If you don't, it will conflict with the video's sound! Videos without a metronome will NOT receive full points!

How to submit a video assignment in Canvas on the App:

• In the App store or Google store, download the “Canvas Student” app developed by Instructure Inc. It’s the one with the red dots/semi circles .
• Start the app.
• In “Find your school or district,” type in “Deer Valley Unified School District.”
• Login with your school username and password (the one your school email uses. You do not have to use the @learner.dvusd.org extension).
• If your class does not appear on your homepage, click “Add courses” (either a plus or a gear depending on your mobile OS). From there, click on Beginning/Advanced Band, Band I, or Chorus I to star/favorite the class, so it appears on your home screen.
• Press your class's card.
• Press "Home"
• Scroll down to find assignments due in the next 7 days or in the future
  •  You can also press the syllabus button to go to the syllabus.
    • From there, press "Please complete these assignments" under "Classroom Requirements" to find all the assignments and materials for the class.
  • You may also press the "assignments" tab
  • You can also press the course calendar tab to view assignments on a calendar
  • You can also find upcoming assignments in the to-do list tab
• Select the assignment you want to complete.
• Press the Submission tab in the top right.
• Find “Turn In” and press it (it will look slightly greyed out).
  • If the assignment is a quiz, you may have to click "launch external application" instead.
• Choose “Record Video” from the menu that pops up at the bottom. At this time, it may open your camera and ask permission for camera and microphone. Say yes to both.
• Use the record button to start and stop your recording. If you are unhappy with your recording, press “retake” and start a new one. If you are happy with your recording, select “Use video” in the bottom right.
  • You can also upload an existing file by clicking "upload video."
• Wait patiently for the loading bar to finish and a grey card labeled “Media Recording” to appear.
• You’re done!

How to submit a video assignment in Canvas in a computer browser:

• Open a new window/tab in your preferred browser (I recommend Google Chrome).
• Go to the DVUSD Instructure page.
• Use your school email and password (you do not have to use the @learner.dvusd.org extension) to log in.
• Click on the Courses Tab and locate your band class.
• Click on "Please complete these assignments" under "Classroom Requirements" to find all the assignments and materials for the class.
  • You may also click on the "assignments" tab
  • You can also click on the course calendar to view assignments on a calendar
  • You can also find upcoming assignments on the to-do list to the right of the page
• Click the assignment
• Read the assignment instructions and click on the submission type you choose (I recommend Media or Upload)
• Click "Record/Upload Media."
• In the pop-up window, click "allow" to give Canvas to access to your webcam and microphone. You may need to enable and/or update Flash plugin.
• Wait for the site to connect to your camera.
• Click the red button in the center to start recording. When you are done, the finish button to stop recording.
• WATCH AND LISTEN TO YOUR RECORDING (i.e. Can you hear the metronome clearly? Is that your best sound?)
• If you are happy with your recording, hit "Save Media."
  • If you are not, click the "Start Over" button.
• Finally, hit "Submit Assignment" to submit the recording for grading.
  • Canvas should display a confetti burst upon successful submission.
• Back on the home page (syllabus page) click on "Please check on your completed tasks" under "Classroom Requirements." Does it say you submitted? If so, then...
• You're done!

Troubleshooting:

Issue: Canvas won't let me log in.

• Make sure you went to dvusd.instructure.com, and not canvas.net to log in.
• Make sure you tried logging in both with and without the @learner.dvusd extension.
• Make sure you entered your password correctly.

Issue: I can't find the class/assignment in Canvas.

• Make sure you have added the course to your dashboard from the "All Classes" list.
• Try refreshing the page. The assignment may have just been updated or moved by Mr. Kievert and needs to re-load.

Issue: The camera won't work/I can't record.

• Make sure your webcam and microphone are turned on, have power, have been properly installed with your computer, and are recognized devices in your browser. 
  • On Windows computers, check the hardware in your Control Panel (found in the Windows Menu or Start Menu). Right click on the webcam and select properties. Make sure the device is enabled. (Note: there are some computers/third party hardwares that can disable/enable your camera from a hotkey on the keyboard. Consult your computer manual for more details.) Make sure that the drivers for your device are up to date.
  • On Apple computers, from the Apple Menu, choose About this Mac and System Report. Find the Hardware list on the left. Make sure the device is enabled. (Note: there are some computers/third party hardwares that can disable/enable your camera from a hotkey on the keyboard. Consult your computer manual for more details.) Make sure that the drivers for your device are up to date.
• Install or update Flash to the newest version.
• Make sure your browser recognizes your webcam and microphone. You should be able to discover/test them in the browser settings.
• Make sure you have agreed to give Canvas access to your Camera and Microphone.
• If none of the above work, try a different browser. Internet Explorer is known to have some issues, so try Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

Issue: I completed my assignment but Mr. Kievert never got it.

• On the app, before logging off, make sure that a grey box labeled "media submission" appears under the submission tab. That represents the file of your recording, and it's how you know the submission made it through.
• On a computer, make sure a green pop-up window appears saying "Assignment Successfully Submitted" The "submit assignment" tab should also change to read "re-submit assignment."
• If your assignment spins and spins, make sure your internet is getting consistent upload and download speeds. You may need to be patient. Higher quality cameras make high quality videos, which take time to transmit. Try to limit other use of your bandwidth. Other members of the household watching Netflix or playing online video games may drastically reduce your upload speeds.
• Try a lower quality video.
• Try recording the video outside of Canvas with an independent webcam app, and then uploading the file to canvas by choosing "upload" instead of "record."
• If all else has failed, create a Google Drive Folder Labeled with your name and Canvas, like so: "Luke Skywalker Canvas." Drop your video in that folder. Right click on the folder and choose share, then click on "Get Shareable link." Copy and paste that link into a comment on the Canvas, so it at least appears in the Canvas system that I got something from you, even if it is a comment.