SAULT HIGH BAND HANDBOOK
2009-2010
A STATEMENT OF POLICY
In order to assist band members and parents in understanding areas of responsibility, a statement of band policy is herein set forth. Students can and should practice regularly. The HAPPIEST student is the one who is improving through regular habits of practice and steady progress. Personal responsibility is the focus behind any level of achievement in life and music is no exception.
OBJECTIVES OF THE BAND PROGRAM
· To learn music through performance and analysis.
· To develop performance skills of students playing the various wind and percussion instruments.
· To provide all students with the opportunity for worth use of their time, a means of self-expression and a healthy social experience.
· To develop the ability to function as a responsible member of a group
· To enable students to grow as individual musicians, gain skill on their instrument and experience the joy of performing music with others.
UNIFORMS
Uniforms are provided to band students for concert and marching band performances. It is the student’s responsibility to keep their uniforms clean and properly stored between performances.
· Always store your uniform properly by hanging it correctly on the provided hanger after a performance. The trouser crease should be flat against the hanger when you hang your marching bibbers. This will prevent unnecessary wrinkles or possible damage.
· Use the garment bag for transporting your uniform NOT for storage. It is not good for the uniform to be stored in the garment bag.
· Uniforms may be altered by adjusting the hem or sleeve length—by hand-stitching only. NEVER CUT OR REMOVE FABRIC FROM THE UNIFORM.
· Black socks are to be worn with the marching band uniform and the concert uniform. Ladies wear nylons with their concert dresses.
If a uniform is lost, stolen, or damaged while checked out to a student, the student or parent is responsible for purchasing an identical replacement uniform.
CLASS PROCEDURES
In order to function more efficiently and collegially as a group, we need to follow these procedures on a daily basis.
Entering the classroom Go directly to music/instrument/seat/warm-up procedure.
Beginning class When Mr. C. steps on the podium, talking/playing stop.
Asking a question Raise your hand to be recognized.
Responding to a question Raise your hand to be recognized.
Passing in music or papers Pass to the left
Class dismissal Mr. C. dismisses class, not the bell.
Storing music Put your music in your designated storage slot.
Instrument shelves The shelves are for instruments only.
PRACTICE
As with any endeavor in life, you get out of band (music) what you put into it. Band will be more enjoyable if you know how to play your part with confidence and musicality. Here are a few practice tips:
· Set a practice goal. It’s not about the time you spend practicing but what you accomplish during that time.
· Pick a set time to practice and stick to it.
· Work on technique (articulations, accents, etc.)
· Play some form of scale at every practice session.
· Remember to remind yourself that playing an instrument, though often frustrating, can and should be fun.
BAND CURRICULUM IN BRIEF
Concert Band
The Concert Band is the primary performing organization in the instrumental music department. Students must have previously participated and played in middle school band. A short audigion will be requreid for students who are new to the system or have missed one or more semesters of band. Band affords students the opportunity to continue to develop skills in playing a musical instrument and to provide musical experiences with a variety of musical literature.
Participation in scheduled concerts, games, and festivals is considered a vital part of the course. Because Concert Band is a performance-oriented class, the student’s participation is critical to the success of the group, much like an individual athlete’s performance and participation is critical to the team’s success. Unlike a sports team, however, Concert Band is an academic course. Grading is based on class participation, individual class behavior, preparedness, playing quizzes, written quizzes and attendance and participation at scheduled performances.
Jazz Band
The Jazz Band is intended to expand students’ musical abilities. A variety of jazz styles are covered and students are encouraged to stretch themselves musically by learning simple improvising techniques.
Chamber Ensembles
All students are encouraged to participate in one or more small chamber ensembles. The interaction and communication that occurs in smaller ensembles results in improved playing in larger ensembles.
Honors, District and All-State Bands
Members of the Concert and Jazz Bands are eligible through audition to play in several special ensembles that host auditions during the year. These are generally very competitive to be selected for, but are well worth the effort of auditioning for. Typically, they rehearse over a one-weekend period, with a performance on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.
Private Lessons
As one might expect, private lessons on a musical instrument are the best way to improve your playing skills. The one-on-one approach allows the students to benefit from the individual attention as opposed to learning in a larger group of mixed instruments. I would be happy to assist in the selection. I am also available to tutor students, and am happy to work with them after school at the student or parent’s request.
Solo and Ensemble Festival
Our school is a member of the Michigan School band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA). We are in District 13. Each year in February, students from participating MSBOA schools are invited to perform in their respective districts at MSBOA-sponsored Solo and Ensemble Festivals. Participation in these Festivals is a highly valuable experience for students. Students prepare a selection to perform either as a solo or as part of a small ensemble. Each participating soloist or ensemble performs for a judge, hired especially for this occasion by the MSBOA. Students are given written and verbal feedback about their performance. They are rated by the judge, receiving a numerical score from 1 – 5. Students and groups receiving the top rating of “1” are invited to continue to the State level and may participate in one of several State Solo and Ensemble Festivals, held in different regions of the state each spring. The State Festivals are also juried and students receive a numerical points rating from 1-100.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
The only excused absences from a required performance are those that would be excused by the school for regular attendance records (i.e. illness, death in the family, or religious practice or requirements). Individual cases may be considered only if pre-arranged by special request from parents. Absences from the District Band Festival may not be pre-arranged or excused.
For ALL missed performances, the following procedures must be followed by the student and parent:
· Mr. C. must be notified in advance. If I cannot be reached directly, leave a message on my office phone at the high school (635-3839, ext. 5844) or notify me by e-mail at . Even if an absence is cleared through the school office, absences from a band activity must be cleared with Mr. C. as well.
· For an illness, a doctor’s excuse or written note signed by parent MUST be submitted.
· An excused absence from a performance may be made up by arranging an alternate performance. A make-up performance must be discussed with and decided upon by Mr. Chenoweth within one week of the missed performance.
· Unexcused absences and failure to make-up a performance for an excused absence will result in the loss of points for that performance.
CONFLICTS WITH BAND
All efforts have been made to avoid scheduling band performances and functions in conflict with other activities. In spite of this, not all conflicts can be avoided. However, when conflicts do arise, students and parents must remember that Band is an academic class in which students receive a grade and class credit.
Conflicts between band and other activities or events are the responsibility of the student. Rehearsal and performance schedules are given out in advance so that arrangements can be made by the student to avoid conflicts with other activities. Students should write down events on a calendar well in advance of when they occur. All conflicts in regard to band performances should be worked out in favor of the student’s responsibility to band.
Work schedule conflicts are not an excuse for missing any required band activity.
DUTIES OF THE BAND MEMBER
· Be on time for all rehearsals and performances.
· Wear proper attire for all performances.
· Upon entering the rehearsal setting, acquire your instrument and go directly to your seat.
· When Mr. C. steps on the podium or asks for your attention, all talking should cease.
· Come to rehearsals with a GOOD ATTITUDE.
· Make a real effort to improve on a daily basis. Establish a good practice and rehearsal routine.
· At the end of rehearsal, put all materials in their proper place. Instruments should be placed on the shelf—or better yet, take them out the door and home with you!). Music should be stored in the storage cabinet.
· Be responsible for and assume responsibility for your own actions.
· Respect yourself and other members of the band.
· Communicate to Mr. C. (conversation, e-mail, phone call, letter) when you have a concern about personal or musical matters that are negatively affecting your experience in class. Remember, small issues can loom large when left unaddressed.
· HAVE FUN!
ATTITUDE AND DISCIPLINE
The greatest single factor that will determine the success of any individual or group is ATTITUDE. A positive attitude is something that you can choose to make as an individual and as a group. It is one of the few actual independent choices that we have in life. Our collective group attitude will determine the level of success we achieve as a group. Try to stay positive. To quote Henry Ford: “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right!” Give your best in every rehearsal and performance.
Because of the nature of creating music, individual and group discipline is vital. Concentration, dedication, perseverance are all attributes that we need to utilize in band.
INSTRUMENTS / MATERIALS
Students are responsible for purchasing the following supplies and items:
· Woodwind players should have 3 good reeds in their cases at all times. I suggest that you buy a box of reeds. They are available on-line, from local music stores, or through Marshall Music.
· Brass players must have valve oil, slide cream and / or slide grease. They must also purchase a mute for their instrument.
· Students must have a pair of black dress shoes to wear for performances.
· Students must purchase a band polo shirt to be worn for more casual performances, games, workshops and trips. The cost is $20.00