MONTALTO, MICHAEL

Mr. Michael Montalto

Mr. Michael Montalto, Director of Bands, earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Temple Universities Boyer College of Music. Mr. Montalto is endorsed by Dark Horse Percussion and Silverfox drumsticks. Mr. Montalto won the 2009 Asbury Music Award for top drummer and is still active in the music scene. For the past 13 years, Mr. Montalto served as the Director of Bands for the Bordentown Regional School District, where his ensembles earned state and national recognitions. During that time, he was recognized as Bordentown High Schools Teacher of the Year in 2018 and most recently was recognized as the 2022 receipt of School Band and Orchestra Magazine's 50 Directors that Make a Difference representing the state of NJ. Mr. Montalto is excited to continue his career in Wall Township and continue the tradition of excellence the music department is known for. Outside of school and music, Mr. Montalto loves spending time with his wife, daughter and son.

A Letter From Mr. Montalto

Dear WIS Band Families,

My name is Michael Montalto, and I am the new proud Director of Bands for the Wall Intermediate School. Growing up in Howell and having close ties to the Wall Township Community, I am aware of the tradition of excellence that the Wall music program has had for many years. I am excited to share my passion for music and continue to uphold and build upon the great traditions this great program has to offer. For the past 13 years, I have served as the Director of Bands for the Bordentown Regional School District. During that time, the middle school and high school bands earned many state and national recognitions in the fields of marching band, jazz ensemble and concert band. I am excited to continue my career in Wall and have a positive impact on the students in this music community.

I look forward to getting to know the students and families this year. I am a firm believer that music and extracurricular activities have a positive impact on students' social skills and provide students with a safe place for learning. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at any time.

Sincerely,
Mr. Michael Montalto
Director of Bands

Course Overview/Materials

MATERIALS NEEDED

6th grade Band:

Each student will need a three-ring binder with clear inserts. “Band Binders” will be housed in an assigned storage closet in the Band room (200). In addition students will be given a “Standard of Excellence” book to use for the year.

Students will need either a rented or school-owned instrument (that can be “checked out” for the school year. Please contact me for a list of instruments available). All student instruments may be stored in the band room in the assigned storage closet.

**PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE SECURING AN INSTRUMENT**

Standard of Excellence Book 1- provided by WIS

7th and 8th grade Band:

Each student will need a three-ring binder with clear inserts. “Band Binders” will be housed in an assigned storage closet in the Band room (200).

Students will need either a rented or school-owned instrument (that can be “checked out” for the school year, please contact me for a list of instruments available). All student instruments may be stored in the band room in the assigned storage closet.

**PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE SECURING AN INSTRUMENT**

Students will be responsible to maintain a “neat binder” of all music distributed. If a binder is lost the student is responsible to make copies for his or herself. One of our Band officers will be available to help with lost music.

"Extra Help Day" for all musicians will be on Monday in the band room!

EXPECTATIONS/PROCEDURES

Enter the band room, put all books on a large table (located in the band room) or in the assigned storage closet.
Retrieve your instrument from the assigned storage closet. Be sure to stow the instrument case back in the storage closet once you have your instrument. Retrieve your binder from the assigned binder slot.
Make your way down to the auditorium to your assigned seat.
Please warm-up while you wait for the rest of the band to arrive.
Work hard and maintain focus.
Respect everyone around you. This is a judgment-free zone!
Follow all rules and procedures of the school provided in the student handbook.
Have fun!

Homework/Assignments

GRADES

Major Assessments: Performances, projects, class participation grade (includes lunch lessons, participation/behavior, preparation, and attendance)
Minor Assessments: Quizzes, assignments, independent assessments

Please remember that Band is a class like any academic subject, with grades (A – F), earned by the student, which will appear on report cards. Grades are also based on the criteria above. We will be using Google Classroom and Music First again this year for student assignments. Students will be uploading scales and excerpts from repertoire for assessments in either Google Classroom or Music First.

Google Classroom Codes for Curricular Ensembles: