Hereford High School
Hereford High School
Music Department Handbook
2014-2015
Janet Sovich, Department Chair
band and orchestras
David Sobel, chorus/chamber choir
Introduction
We are honored that you have chosen to be a part of the Hereford High School Music Department and look forward to a very exciting and rewarding year. Being a member of a musical ensemble is a wonderful experience - one that you will remember for a long time. The Hereford High School Music Department believes that“music is a team sport”and we achieve musical excellence when all of the members of each performing group are committed towards this goal. As we begin the year it is appropriate to review the responsibilities of membership in the group. Please read the following and keep it as a reference so that you will know what is expected of you and all members of our groups.
Class Responsibilities and Procedures
1.Rehearsal time is limited and important. Everyone needs to be present, on time and prepared to work. Attendance and active, positive participation is part of your grade.
2. Upon entering the classroom, obtain your designated music from the shelf and place your books and/or extra materials under your assigned seat. ALWAYS have a pencil. Students not seated with ALL supplies two minutes after the bell rings, will be marked tardy.
3.When the director steps in front of the class or on the podium, all talking should stop immediately so we may proceed with rehearsal. Positive rehearsal etiquette includes stopping when the director stops conducting or cuts off the group, as well as listening quietly for instruction. Rehearsal etiquette is part of your class participation grade.
4. Please be courteous and aware of instruments, music on shelves, and music stands. Do not lean on the music stands or rest your feet on the stands as this bends and loosens them.
5.Cell phones are prohibited in all music classes. There is no need for cell phones in the rehearsal setting. Students violating the cell phone rule will receive one warning and then given an administrative cell phone referral.
6.No food or drinks are allowed in any music rooms during class time. Only water is permitted.
Attendance Policies
1. All classes in the HHS music department follow the BCPS attendance policies as stated in the BCPS handbook.
2.A schedule of evening performances is supplied in this handbook, and all students are required to participate. Additional mandatory rehearsals will be added for students planning on performing in Disney World (dates tbd). Occasional enrichment rehearsals will be scheduled in the weeks leading up to performances.
Grades
Grading Outline for: Concert Choir Honors Chamber Choir
Quarter Grades are determined by the following:
50%Class participation/class performance
30%Sight-Singing and written quizzes/assignments
20%Concert performance
Grading Outline for:GT Chamber Choir
Quarter Grades are determined by the following:
50%Class participation/class performance
15%Sight-Singing and written quizzes/assignments
20%Concert Performance
15%GT assignment
All Classes:
Final Grades are determined by:
85% quarter grades
15 % final exam
GT Assignments
If you are receiving GT credit for a music class, you are required to practice and videotape yourself performing an additional piece of music and selectexcerpts from concert repertoire, each marking period. GT music assignments will be selected and distributed by Mr. Sobel. If you are studying privately, you may choose something that you are working on with your private teacher, as long as Mr. Sobel approves it. It is the student’s responsibility to videotape their performance and email it to Mr. Sobel by the specified deadline. If you do not have access to video recording equipment, you may schedule a time to use the department video recorder during enrichment or after school.
Music Department Concert Attire
More information will be distributed shortly.
Co-curricular activities
The Hereford High School Music Department offers many co-curricular music activities and ensembles based on student interests. Such ensembles include Pep Band, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab, the Bull-tones, Ladies Faire and pit orchestra (for the school musical). Students are not required to participate in any of these groups but all students participating in co-curricular activities must be enrolled in a music department class with either Mrs. Sovich or Mr. Sobel in order to participate. Descriptions of these ensembles are as follows:
Pep Band- Mrs. Sovich
The HHS Pep Band provides spirit and music at home football games during the fall. The group is open to all band students, regardless of instrumentation or ability. Interested string players or vocalists may select an alternate instrument if they wish to participate. The group plays many styles including rock, pop, funk and jazz. The Pep band rehearses during the second half on enrichment on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Jazz Lab- Mrs. Sovich
Jazz Lab is open to any member of the concert band wishing to play jazz in a band setting. The focus of Jazz Lab to develop a sense of swing and stylistic articulation, not commonly used in the concert band setting. Jazz Lab will rehearse twice a week during enrichment following the pep band season.
Jazz Ensemble-Mrs. Sovich
Jazz Ensemble is an advanced jazz band for which all students must audition. Instrumentation is standard, including saxophones, (sometimes flute), trumpets, trombones, drum set, auxiliary percussion, vibes, piano, electric guitar and bass. This group is for the serious jazz musician and students must commit to two rehearsals each week. Jazz Ensemble will meet the
Bull-tones- Mr. Sobel
Bull-Tones is an all male a-cappella vocal group open to students currently enrolled in Music Department classes and by teacher recommendation. Auditions are not necessary. Bull-Tones will rehearse once a week during enrichment.
Ladies-Faire- Mr. Sobel
Ladies-Faire is an all female a-capella vocal group open to students currently enrolled in Music Deparment classes and by teacher recommendation. Auditions are not necessary. Ladies-Faire will rehearse once a week during enrichment.
Musical Pit Orchestra- Mr. Sobel
The Pit Orchestra for the Fall school musical is open to qualified musicians by recommendation. This ensemble will meet 2-3 times a week after school from 2:30-4:30pm, rehearsals are required.
Tri M Music Honor Society- Mrs. Sovich and Mrs. Sobel
This honor society is designed to recognize students fr their academic and musical achievements and to provide leadership and service opportunities to young students. Our philosophy is “service through music” and interested students must be nominated and meet department criteria. Tri-M will meet once a month/as needed.
Calendar of Events
September 7:00 p.m.Disney Trip meeting
September 11, 2014Back to school night
September 16, 20146:00 p.m.Disney trip information meeting for parents
September 17, 2014 6:00 p.m.Disney trip information meeting for parents
September 19, 20146:15 p.m.Pep band performs at HHS varsity football game
September 26, 20146:15 p.m.Pep band performs at HHS varsity football game
October 10, 20146:15 p.m.Pep band performs at HHS varsity football game
October 15, 20147:00 p.m.Fall Performing Arts Showcase
Chamber Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Choir,
Advanced Theater, Advanced Dance
October 16, 2014Pep band performs at HHS pep rally
October 17, 2014 6:15 p.m.Pep band performs at HHS varsity football game
November 7, 20146:15 p.m.Pep band performs at HHS varsity football game
November 20-237:00 p.m.Musical Production
December 1, 20142:30-4:00Wind Ensemble rehearsal
December 2, 20142:30-4:00Chamber Choir rehearsal
December 3, 20147:00 p.m.HHS Concert Band, Wind Ensemble,
Jazz Band and Guitar Concert
December 4, 20147:00 p.m.HHS Concert Orchestra, Orchestra, Concert Choir,
Chamber Choir Concert
January 23, 20142:30-9:30Music Marathon
January 30, 20142:30-9:30Music Marathon snow date
March 10-18, 2014BCPS Music Assessments, exact dates tbd.
Chamber Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Choir
March/AprilAfter SchoolDisney rehearsals (exact dates and time TBD)
April 6, 20149:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.Rehearsals for Disney Trip
April 7-11, 2014Performing Arts Trip to Disney World
April 29, 20147:00 p.m.HHS Orchestras and Chorus Concert
April 30, 20147:00 p.m.HHS Bands, Jazz Band and Guitar Concert
June 4, 20147:00 p.m.Performing Arts Spring Showcase
Graduation, TBD.
Please complete the following form and return no later than Friday, September 5, 2014
Student Name______
Music Class______
Voice Type______
I have read and agree to abide by all terms in the 2014-2015 Music Department Handbook including: Class Policies and Procedures, Grading System, Requirements, and Calendar of Events:
Student Signature______Date______
Parent Signature______Date______
Parent Name______
Parent Email______
Parent Phone______