Your Grade in Choir Earn an A

Your grade in Band – Earn an A!!

Your grade in Band is an earned one. It WILL NOT be solely based on your ability to play your instrument. Rather, it will be based upon the contribution you make to the success of the group. Also, please remember that because you will not be tested regularly as you are in academic classes, your grade will be primarily based on your participation, your attendance in class and at concerts, and how hard you are willing to work for the excellence of our organization. It will not be enough merely to SAY that you are interested in the group’s success; you must demonstrate by your actions that you are dedicated to that goal.

TO EARN AN “A” IN Band, A STUDENT MUST:

1. Be in attendance at all concerts and performances (see schedule below) for the ENTIRE CONCERT, unless illness or family emergency should prevent attendance. The student must notify the director BEFORE the event (6 weeks) to be excused. It is essential that you support your peers in each band as they perform – they will do the same for you. In addition to attendance, students must wear the appropriate dress for each concert. For marching band, black shoes & socks are required.
2. Be on time to class, in the assigned seat and ready to play your instrument. *
3. Demonstrate by a positive attitude and by disciplined behavior that the band’s excellence is of prime importance.
4. Participate in small group and/or individual instrumental lessons. Instrument lessons take place once per week during the student’s study hall, lunch period, choir period, or before or after school and last for about 15 minutes. The student must demonstrate knowledge of instrumental music and demonstrate effort in learning scales and exercises pertinent to each individual’s instrument
5. Show a willingness to cooperate in every way your talent permits.

*Please Note:Because we have no homework and very few tests, attendance is VERY important. Because talking is disruptive to our group effort, talking out of turn in class will likewise result in the lowering of the grade. In addition, much of the equipment we use is costly. Disrespect to school owned equipment will result in lowering of a student’s grade.

My goal as your director is to assist you in every way possible to have meaningful musical experiences, explore your instrumental talents, and to earn that A! If you have an extenuating circumstance or would like to discuss any aspect of your role in band, please do not hesitate to talk with me!

Thank you,

Matthew Snow

588-2554 x285

Instrumental Music Calendar

Required- Band Performance Dates:

Monday – Thursday, August 16th – 19thBand Camp9 – 4 PM

Friday, September 3rdFootball Game6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Sunday, September 12th Wild West Days ParadeNoon

Friday, September 17thFootball Game6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Monday, September 20thMarching Band Practice7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Thursday, September 23rdPep Rally/Volleyball Game (RC)6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Friday, September 24thHomecoming Parade1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Friday, September 24thFootball Game(Homecoming)6:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Friday, October 8thFootball Game(senior night)6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Thursday, October 21stFootball Game6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Monday, December 6thHS Band Concert7:00 PM

Thursday, December 16thMadrigal Dinner6:00 PM

Friday, December 17thMadrigal Dinner6:00 PM

Friday, March 4thGirls Basketball Prairie du Chien6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Thursday, February 10thBoys Basketball RC6:15 PM – 8:30 PM
Thursday, February 24thBoys Basketball Dodgeville6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Friday, January 14thGirls Basketball RC6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Monday, March 7th HS Band & Choir Concert7:00 PM

Saturday, April 9thSolo & EnsembleRVHS – All Day

Thursday, April 21stBand O Rama7:00 PM HS

Saturday, April 30thState Solo & EnsembleUW Platteville – All Day

Monday, May 9thHS Band & Choir Concert7:00 PM

Saturday, May 14th Large Group ContestRichland Center – All Day

Saturday, May 28thGraduation

Monday, May 30thMemorial Day Services (Band)8AM – Noon

MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND INFORM YOUR EMPLOYERSNOW!!

Other Important Dates to Consider:

Tuesday, October 12thVolleyball Game (Dodgeville)6:30 PM
Thursday, October 14thVolleyball Game (PDC)6:30 PM

March 17th- 20th HS MusicalTBA

Sunday, February 20th Jazz ConcertTBA

Monday, April 11th“Hear the Mosaic” Choir Concert7:00 PM

This year, there are four required winter pep band events for the entire band. The rest of the season will be optional for students. A separate Winter Pep Band Schedule is given to all students before the athletic season begins. It is currently available on the band web site.

**Please return enclosed Band Contract to the High School by Tuesday, September 7th. Thank you.**

Band Contract

1.I have recorded these concert dates and I commit to attend. I have also informed my employer of these dates, as I understand that I will not be excused from a concert to work.

1. We understand that students must ride the bus to events held outside of the RiverValleySchool District due to District Insurance Policies.

1. We understand that students may not ride with another student or students’ parents, even with written permission, unless otherwise instructed by an administrator of the RiverValleySchool District. Students may only ride with their OWN parent or take the bus. We understand failure to comply with this rule may result in disqualification at contest or a lowering of the student’s grade.

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Band Member SignatureDate

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Parent SignatureDate

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this contract and for reserving these important performance dates!

Matt Snow