Ada Instrumental Music Department

Welcome to the Ada High School Band! You are a member of a wonderful organization created to further learning of the musical arts.

Course:

Marching Band

Concert Band/Wind Ensemble

Instructors:

Eric Hall

580-310-7220 ext. 7241

Jay Cloar

Marlin Krause

Richard Howard

*Additional staff for private and/or specialized instruction will be added as needed.

Objectives:

To instruct students on the proper operation and care of musical instruments

To foster a love for playing a music instrument

To foster a love for many types of music

To create awareness of music as a part of learning

To develop critical listening and teamwork skills

To develop awareness of proper concert etiquette

To promote pride and involvement in AdaHigh School

Materials Required:

  • Instrument
  • Instrument accessories - This includes reeds, valve oil, cleaning cloths, etc.
  • Pencil
  • Music folder with method book and any additional music passed out by the directors.

Classroom Procedure:

  • Be on time and move to your place daily.
  • Be prepared, including all necessary supplies (instrument, reeds, mallets, sticks, music, etc.).
  • Do not have gum, candy, drinks, etc. They are not permitted in the band room.
  • Raise your hand to be recognized.
  • Follow all rules and procedures outlined in the Ada High School Student Handbook

General Instructions:

  • Students are responsible for their own instruments. Never let an unauthorized person play your instrument. Never play someone else’s horn unless you have permission.
  • Students are responsible for their own music. Students shall be required to replace missing or lost music at their expense.
  • At home practice as well as additional time outside of the school day for concerts, contests, etc. is required of all band students.
  • Students should strive to keep the band room neat at all times. Personal items other than instruments should not be stored in the band room.
  • Non band students are not allowed in the band room.
  • Students using school instruments will be responsible for the maintenance and care of the instrument. Any damage to school instruments shall be the responsibility of the student and their family/guardian.
  • When travel occurs students are assigned a bus on a trip and are expected to ride on that bus and obey all school bus regulations. Students must travel at all times in groups of two or more. The buddy system is mandatory and students are to never travel alone.
  • Use good judgment to govern your behavior. Remember, we represent our band, our school and our community.

Grades:

Grading will be based on participation, playing and performance.

Class attendance/participation. Regular attendance is required to maintain pace with the class and necessary for the success of our band program. Classroom participation grades will be earned for strong individual effort and promoting positive learning within band.

Playing tests. Regular playing tests will be given to help assess student learning and build student performance skills.

Nine weeks assessment. At the end of each quarter, students will be given an assessment in a written and/or playing format.

Concert/ extra rehearsal attendance. Our band is a musical team. Every learner contributes to our team success; therefore, performance attendance is mandatory. Rehearsal attendance will also be mandatory. Advanced notice of concert dates and rehearsals will always be given in addition to reminders.

Daily Participation 20%

Class Playing Tests and Assignments 30%

Performance/Concert Participation 40%

Final Quarter Exam 10%

Discipline:

Students are expected to behave according to the high standards of Ada High School. Talking, disrupting, and otherwise distracting behavior cannot be tolerated. Students are expected to have all materials including their music, instrument, book and pencil to class every day.

Practice:

Again, practice at home is necessary for all musicians to reinforce classroom instruction and build individual skill. Daily practice at home of 20 minutes is recommended for each student to advance their musical development. Practice should include classroom material, private instruction material, solo/ensemble literature and/or other supplemental study material.

Attendance:

Attendance of all rehearsals and performances is necessary for the success of our band program. If a member will miss an after school rehearsal or performance for any reason, please notify Mr. Hall as far in advance as possible. Excessive absences, regardless of the reason, could result in the loss of a members place in the performing band, depending upon the closeness of the performances. Please make an effort to schedule dentist and doctor appointments around rehearsals and performances, when possible. Students involved in multiple extra-curricular activities are responsible for coordinating schedule conflicts with all involved coaches/directors.

All-District ECOBDA / All-State / Solo & Ensemble Contest:

All members are encouraged to prepare and audition for the All-District ECOBDA honor band as well as the OMEA All-State ensembles. However, if you are having trouble keeping up in regular class you should not plan on trying out. Students intending to play a solo or ensemble at contest should notify the directors during the first week of December. Your solo or ensemble will be selected for you by a director. Ensemble members who do not learn their music or who fail to attend rehearsals will be replaced at their expense. All-District and solo/ensemble events are considered to be performances. Attendance policies will be in effect.

Eligibility:

Eligibility rules are guidelines established by the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activity Association (OSSAA). These rules require students to be passing the regular school classes at 60% (D) or higher to participate in contests and honor bands. Please keep all class grades above this level to remain active in our exciting schedule!