Granite Hills High School Band Handbook
Welcome to the Granite Hills High School Band Program for the 2009-2010 year!
The Granite Hills High School Band is looking foraward to a wonderful and exciting new year. The marching band is playing a thrilling field show takin from Video Games Live, featuring music from Halo, Advent Rising, and Kingdom Hearts. Granite Hills is officially 10 years old, and we plan on celebrating this decade celebration with a trip to Hawaii!
The Granite Hills High School Band exisits to provide students with a musical education that answers and exceeds guidelines set by the Music Educatiors National Association. This program encourages a complete education that will augment a student’s high school education, and imporve their quality of life thereafter. This statement is based on the following core beliefs:
• Learning to play, read, create and listen to music is essential for the complete education of any music student.
• Music is a living art, and in order to have a complete understanding, one must participage in the creation of music.
• In order for a complete education to occur, the environment must be one of trust, optimism, and treamwork.
• Any student can develop an appreciation or talent for music.
• Students should be exposed to a varied repetoire of music, and understand the cultural and historical implications of each.
This handbook will help orient you to our philosophy, policies, year schedule, and guide to ensemble participation.
GRADING POLICY
Practice(25%)
Achievement Record sheets will be turned in on a monthly basis. Students are expected to practice 30 minutes a day for 6 days a week, a total of 3 hours a week. No need to turn in practice sheets if taking private lessons. Points will be awarded as follows:
3 hours -----------5 points
2.5 hours --------4 points
2 hours -----------3 points
1.5 hours ---------2 points
1 hour -------------1 point
0.5 hour- ---------0.5 points
0 hour- ------------0 points
Participation(40%)
Daily Participation
Band is a participatory class. Therefore, it is essential that students are present, focused and ready to rehearse. Students will be given and automatic 1 point/day for every rehearsal. If the student is not prepare to play 5 minutes after the bell (instrument out and put together, in their seat, and music ready) a demerit of 0.5 points will be taken away, leaving a total of 0.5 points possible for the day.
Demerits
0.1 points will be taken away for each disruption.*
*Disruptions inlcude: talking, showing disrespect to others, chewing gum, and breaking any other classroom/school rules. GHHS’s school rules apply to the classroom, if a student breaks any of these rules, demerits will be issued or possibility of no points will be issued to that student.
Night Rehearsals
I cannon express how essential night rehearsals really are. They are to be held every Tuesday and Thursday night from 7-9pm during the marching season and sporadically throughout the rest of the year. These rehearsals are mandatory. An unexcused absense is half a letter grade drop (A to A-, etc.). three unexcused rehearsal tardies is equivalent to one unexcused absense, thus dropping your grade by half a letter grade. Also, and unexcused performance tardy (See Concerts/Festivals/Competitions) is equivalent to two unexcused rehearsal tardies.
Concerts/Festivals/Competitions
Concerts and Competitions are considered similar to finals for the band. All of the class participation is geared towardspreparing for these concerts and competitions. Grades will be based on the “all-or-nothing” principal. If one concert/festival is missed by a student, a grade no higher than a “C-“ can be achieved. If two or more concerts/festivals/competitions ar emissed, the student will receive a failing grade. The concerts/festivals/competitions required are:
• Back-To-School Night
• Visalia Band Invitational
• Selma Band Review
•Veteran’s Day Parade/Band-o-Rama
• CMEA Festival
• Porterville Celebrates Reading
• Spring Concert
Solo/Ensemble
The purpose of the solo/ensemble is to prepare students to perform at an individual level. Solo/Ensemble will help aid the student to excel in their individual instrument and become more of an independent musician. Up to 50 points will be awarded for participation in either a solo on their main instrument or a small ensemble. Extra credit will be awarded to those participating in both a solo and an ensemble.
Other Performances
These performances include football games, recruitment trips to other schools, parades, and any other extra performances planned for the year. 10 points will be award for each of these.
Extra Credit
Students must consult the teacher if extra credit is desired. The teacher will approve/disapprove if extra credit is to be attained. The teacher will also determine the worth of any extra credit. Some extra credit approved assignment/activities are; transcriptions, compositions, music related services(cleaning lockers, organizing music, etc) music related essay, etc.
TEST/ASSIGNMENTS(25%)
Sectionals
Times will be scheduled during lunch for additional rehearsal time with specific sections. A schedule will be posted pertaining to when different sections will hold brunch rehearsals.
Playing Tests
Playing tests asses the individual’s improvement due to practice and allows the director to give feedback at a personal level (mini-lessons). Playing tests will be assigned on selected parts of the repertoire being learned, technical studies (scales, rhythms, etc.), and a solo/etude. Playing tests will occur once a month. Students could earn up to 10 points for each given test.
Marching Band Pass-Offs
Music played in marching band, particularly on the field must be memorized! Memorized music is more than just the notes. It must be played with the written dynamics, articulations, etc. The music will be passed off to the section leaders of the students given section. Section leaders will pass-off their music to the director.
Concert Attendance
Part of bettering a students musicianship, one must listen to quality music. Students are expected to attend two band concerts (one per semester) a year. Concerts in which the student themselves participate in do NOT count! The concert must be teacher approved. Students will then write a brief summary (one page, 12pt font, double spaced) of the concert(likes, dislikes, favorite piece, how did it affect you, conducting techniques, etc. (Do NOT write about the clothes, décor, other peoples looks, etc))
Research Paper
In order to help the students understand and learn more about music. Students will write a two page, 12pt font, double spaced, research paper on the following subjects according to the year in which the student is attending.
• 9th Grade – History of the student’s instrument
• 10th Grade – Musical composer (preferably a band composer)
• 11th Grade – The music of a historical period (Medieval, baroque, classical, romantic, contemporary, etc.)
• 12th Grade – An approved (by the teacher)research topic of their choice (ex. Careers in music, acoustics, evolution of marching band, significance of a A-440, etc.)
Students are expected to use correct grammar and punctuation, show bibliographical information, and show the student has a firm understanding on the topic of their paper.
Quizzes – Quizzes will be given weekly at the beginning of a class on topics covered in class (aural studies, theory, terms, composition, etc.)
Handbook Form -
The handbook is to be read by both student and parent. There is a form at the end of the handbook which is to be signed by both parent and student and returned showing that they understand and comply with the rules, guidelines, and schedules set in this handbook.
Music –
The music used in our class is in our textbook. It is to be treated with utmost care. Music is to be stored in the folders which will be assigned to each student. Only pencil is to be used in marking music, NO PENS!! Music is to be returned undamaged at the end of the school year. Any markings must be erased before turning it in. A fee of $5.00 will be paid by the student for any lost music or music beyond repair due to the student’s abuse or music with any inappropriate material written upon it. A fee of $30 will be paid by the students for any lost folders.
Instrument Inspection
School owned instruments will be checked-out the first week of school and turned in the last week of school. Instruments are to be turned in cleaned and in the same condition that it was checked out in at the beginning of the year. Any repairs due to damage(dents, broken keys, cracks, etc) caused by a careless student will be paid by the student. Cleaning supplies will be provided after school the last week of school for the student’s use.
*Jazz Band Students Only
Transcription
Listening to jazz is essential for developing jazz musicians. Students are to listen to recordings of sololist of their instrument. Jazz students are to aurally work out a transcription of one of the solos. The said solo will then be performed for the class.
**PRIVATE LESSONS**
Private lessons will receive EXTRA CREDIT! Private lessons are not required but are highly recommended. If you have taken private lessons for at least 2/3rds of the past year: add ½ letter grade to this section (test/assignments)
ATTITUDE/EFFORT(10%)
Student Evaluation Forms
Every student should be putting forth 100% effort in class, rehearsal, and performance. All students will complete and return a self-evaluation at the end of each semester.
Teacher Evaluation Form
This evaluation form will be completed by the teacher. The teacher will evaluate the student’s participation, effort, and attitude. The teacher will assign and earn value of points.
GRADES (based on 180 school days points are an approximation)
PRACTICE – 20%
____________________________________/380
PARTICIPATION (40%)
Daily participation_____________________/180
Concert/Festival/Competitions__________/500
Solo/Ensemble_______________________/50
Both(extra)______________/20
Other performances__________________/300
Total:_____________________________/1050
TEST/ASSIGNMENTS(20%)
Playing tests_____________________/100
Marching Band Pass-Offs__________/30
Concert Attendance______________/50
Essay__________________________/50
Quizzes________________________/50
Handbook Form_________________/10
Music_________________________/10
Instrument Inspection___________/10
*Jazz Only: Transcription________/50
Private Lessons? Extra! YES NO
Total_________________________/360
ATTITUDE/EFFORT (20%)
Student Evaluation Forms
1st Semester___________________/100
2nd Semester__________________/100
Total________________________/200
To be filled out by teacher only
Teacher Evaluation forms:
Concert Evaluation:
Marching Evaluation:
Overall Evaluation:
Grand Total__________________/2350
UNIFORM POLICY
Students will be issued a uniform. Uniform fittings will take place during the first week of school after school. Uniforms will be taken home and stored there hung up on their hanger. On nights/days of performances, students are to arrive dressed in full uniform. Once out in the public, we are performing (Whether we have instruments or not.) Therefore, full uniforms are to be worn at ALL times (including jacket) when out in public (excluding gloves). Only exceptions will be in hot weather in which the jacket may be taken off only if the current year’s T-shirt is worn underneath. All students are to use black marching shoes and black gloves. (drum major needs white marching shoes and white gloves) These uniforms are to be turned in at the conclusions of the marching season dry-cleaned with receipt.
Uniform for concert season is concert black. Boys: Black tuxedo, or black suit with black socks and shoes (white shirt) Girls: Black shoes, black dress or pants or black skirt, and black shirt. Any white is to be an absolute minimum. School dress code is to be followed and enforced. If you have any questions if an article of clothing is okay, bring it to the director and ask.
LOCKER POLICY
The lockers are for your use to store your instruments. It may be used to store school supplies. However, additional lockers will not be issued. Locker check-out will occur the first week of school. Any intentional damages will be that students responsibility. Lockers are to be kept clean and clear of clutter, and NO FOOD or DRINKS are to be kept in the lockers.
FEES
There is no fee for the year. Students will be expected to provide their own:
Cleaning of uniform: about $15
Reeds, Valve Oil, Cork Grease
Band T-Shirt: about $7
Transportation, and any other miscellaneous supplies needed.
The director will try to have reeds available for purchase for woodwinds
Welcome to the Granite Hills High School Band Program for the 2009-2010 year!
The Granite Hills High School Band is looking foraward to a wonderful and exciting new year. The marching band is playing a thrilling field show takin from Video Games Live, featuring music from Halo, Advent Rising, and Kingdom Hearts. Granite Hills is officially 10 years old, and we plan on celebrating this decade celebration with a trip to Hawaii!
The Granite Hills High School Band exisits to provide students with a musical education that answers and exceeds guidelines set by the Music Educatiors National Association. This program encourages a complete education that will augment a student’s high school education, and imporve their quality of life thereafter. This statement is based on the following core beliefs:
• Learning to play, read, create and listen to music is essential for the complete education of any music student.
• Music is a living art, and in order to have a complete understanding, one must participage in the creation of music.
• In order for a complete education to occur, the environment must be one of trust, optimism, and treamwork.
• Any student can develop an appreciation or talent for music.
• Students should be exposed to a varied repetoire of music, and understand the cultural and historical implications of each.
This handbook will help orient you to our philosophy, policies, year schedule, and guide to ensemble participation.
GRADING POLICY
Practice(25%)
Achievement Record sheets will be turned in on a monthly basis. Students are expected to practice 30 minutes a day for 6 days a week, a total of 3 hours a week. No need to turn in practice sheets if taking private lessons. Points will be awarded as follows:
3 hours -----------5 points
2.5 hours --------4 points
2 hours -----------3 points
1.5 hours ---------2 points
1 hour -------------1 point
0.5 hour- ---------0.5 points
0 hour- ------------0 points
Participation(40%)
Daily Participation
Band is a participatory class. Therefore, it is essential that students are present, focused and ready to rehearse. Students will be given and automatic 1 point/day for every rehearsal. If the student is not prepare to play 5 minutes after the bell (instrument out and put together, in their seat, and music ready) a demerit of 0.5 points will be taken away, leaving a total of 0.5 points possible for the day.
Demerits
0.1 points will be taken away for each disruption.*
*Disruptions inlcude: talking, showing disrespect to others, chewing gum, and breaking any other classroom/school rules. GHHS’s school rules apply to the classroom, if a student breaks any of these rules, demerits will be issued or possibility of no points will be issued to that student.
Night Rehearsals
I cannon express how essential night rehearsals really are. They are to be held every Tuesday and Thursday night from 7-9pm during the marching season and sporadically throughout the rest of the year. These rehearsals are mandatory. An unexcused absense is half a letter grade drop (A to A-, etc.). three unexcused rehearsal tardies is equivalent to one unexcused absense, thus dropping your grade by half a letter grade. Also, and unexcused performance tardy (See Concerts/Festivals/Competitions) is equivalent to two unexcused rehearsal tardies.
Concerts/Festivals/Competitions
Concerts and Competitions are considered similar to finals for the band. All of the class participation is geared towardspreparing for these concerts and competitions. Grades will be based on the “all-or-nothing” principal. If one concert/festival is missed by a student, a grade no higher than a “C-“ can be achieved. If two or more concerts/festivals/competitions ar emissed, the student will receive a failing grade. The concerts/festivals/competitions required are:
• Back-To-School Night
• Visalia Band Invitational
• Selma Band Review
•Veteran’s Day Parade/Band-o-Rama
• CMEA Festival
• Porterville Celebrates Reading
• Spring Concert
Solo/Ensemble
The purpose of the solo/ensemble is to prepare students to perform at an individual level. Solo/Ensemble will help aid the student to excel in their individual instrument and become more of an independent musician. Up to 50 points will be awarded for participation in either a solo on their main instrument or a small ensemble. Extra credit will be awarded to those participating in both a solo and an ensemble.
Other Performances
These performances include football games, recruitment trips to other schools, parades, and any other extra performances planned for the year. 10 points will be award for each of these.
Extra Credit
Students must consult the teacher if extra credit is desired. The teacher will approve/disapprove if extra credit is to be attained. The teacher will also determine the worth of any extra credit. Some extra credit approved assignment/activities are; transcriptions, compositions, music related services(cleaning lockers, organizing music, etc) music related essay, etc.
TEST/ASSIGNMENTS(25%)
Sectionals
Times will be scheduled during lunch for additional rehearsal time with specific sections. A schedule will be posted pertaining to when different sections will hold brunch rehearsals.
Playing Tests
Playing tests asses the individual’s improvement due to practice and allows the director to give feedback at a personal level (mini-lessons). Playing tests will be assigned on selected parts of the repertoire being learned, technical studies (scales, rhythms, etc.), and a solo/etude. Playing tests will occur once a month. Students could earn up to 10 points for each given test.
Marching Band Pass-Offs
Music played in marching band, particularly on the field must be memorized! Memorized music is more than just the notes. It must be played with the written dynamics, articulations, etc. The music will be passed off to the section leaders of the students given section. Section leaders will pass-off their music to the director.
Concert Attendance
Part of bettering a students musicianship, one must listen to quality music. Students are expected to attend two band concerts (one per semester) a year. Concerts in which the student themselves participate in do NOT count! The concert must be teacher approved. Students will then write a brief summary (one page, 12pt font, double spaced) of the concert(likes, dislikes, favorite piece, how did it affect you, conducting techniques, etc. (Do NOT write about the clothes, décor, other peoples looks, etc))
Research Paper
In order to help the students understand and learn more about music. Students will write a two page, 12pt font, double spaced, research paper on the following subjects according to the year in which the student is attending.
• 9th Grade – History of the student’s instrument
• 10th Grade – Musical composer (preferably a band composer)
• 11th Grade – The music of a historical period (Medieval, baroque, classical, romantic, contemporary, etc.)
• 12th Grade – An approved (by the teacher)research topic of their choice (ex. Careers in music, acoustics, evolution of marching band, significance of a A-440, etc.)
Students are expected to use correct grammar and punctuation, show bibliographical information, and show the student has a firm understanding on the topic of their paper.
Quizzes – Quizzes will be given weekly at the beginning of a class on topics covered in class (aural studies, theory, terms, composition, etc.)
Handbook Form -
The handbook is to be read by both student and parent. There is a form at the end of the handbook which is to be signed by both parent and student and returned showing that they understand and comply with the rules, guidelines, and schedules set in this handbook.
Music –
The music used in our class is in our textbook. It is to be treated with utmost care. Music is to be stored in the folders which will be assigned to each student. Only pencil is to be used in marking music, NO PENS!! Music is to be returned undamaged at the end of the school year. Any markings must be erased before turning it in. A fee of $5.00 will be paid by the student for any lost music or music beyond repair due to the student’s abuse or music with any inappropriate material written upon it. A fee of $30 will be paid by the students for any lost folders.
Instrument Inspection
School owned instruments will be checked-out the first week of school and turned in the last week of school. Instruments are to be turned in cleaned and in the same condition that it was checked out in at the beginning of the year. Any repairs due to damage(dents, broken keys, cracks, etc) caused by a careless student will be paid by the student. Cleaning supplies will be provided after school the last week of school for the student’s use.
*Jazz Band Students Only
Transcription
Listening to jazz is essential for developing jazz musicians. Students are to listen to recordings of sololist of their instrument. Jazz students are to aurally work out a transcription of one of the solos. The said solo will then be performed for the class.
**PRIVATE LESSONS**
Private lessons will receive EXTRA CREDIT! Private lessons are not required but are highly recommended. If you have taken private lessons for at least 2/3rds of the past year: add ½ letter grade to this section (test/assignments)
ATTITUDE/EFFORT(10%)
Student Evaluation Forms
Every student should be putting forth 100% effort in class, rehearsal, and performance. All students will complete and return a self-evaluation at the end of each semester.
Teacher Evaluation Form
This evaluation form will be completed by the teacher. The teacher will evaluate the student’s participation, effort, and attitude. The teacher will assign and earn value of points.
GRADES (based on 180 school days points are an approximation)
PRACTICE – 20%
____________________________________/380
PARTICIPATION (40%)
Daily participation_____________________/180
Concert/Festival/Competitions__________/500
Solo/Ensemble_______________________/50
Both(extra)______________/20
Other performances__________________/300
Total:_____________________________/1050
TEST/ASSIGNMENTS(20%)
Playing tests_____________________/100
Marching Band Pass-Offs__________/30
Concert Attendance______________/50
Essay__________________________/50
Quizzes________________________/50
Handbook Form_________________/10
Music_________________________/10
Instrument Inspection___________/10
*Jazz Only: Transcription________/50
Private Lessons? Extra! YES NO
Total_________________________/360
ATTITUDE/EFFORT (20%)
Student Evaluation Forms
1st Semester___________________/100
2nd Semester__________________/100
Total________________________/200
To be filled out by teacher only
Teacher Evaluation forms:
Concert Evaluation:
Marching Evaluation:
Overall Evaluation:
Grand Total__________________/2350
UNIFORM POLICY
Students will be issued a uniform. Uniform fittings will take place during the first week of school after school. Uniforms will be taken home and stored there hung up on their hanger. On nights/days of performances, students are to arrive dressed in full uniform. Once out in the public, we are performing (Whether we have instruments or not.) Therefore, full uniforms are to be worn at ALL times (including jacket) when out in public (excluding gloves). Only exceptions will be in hot weather in which the jacket may be taken off only if the current year’s T-shirt is worn underneath. All students are to use black marching shoes and black gloves. (drum major needs white marching shoes and white gloves) These uniforms are to be turned in at the conclusions of the marching season dry-cleaned with receipt.
Uniform for concert season is concert black. Boys: Black tuxedo, or black suit with black socks and shoes (white shirt) Girls: Black shoes, black dress or pants or black skirt, and black shirt. Any white is to be an absolute minimum. School dress code is to be followed and enforced. If you have any questions if an article of clothing is okay, bring it to the director and ask.
LOCKER POLICY
The lockers are for your use to store your instruments. It may be used to store school supplies. However, additional lockers will not be issued. Locker check-out will occur the first week of school. Any intentional damages will be that students responsibility. Lockers are to be kept clean and clear of clutter, and NO FOOD or DRINKS are to be kept in the lockers.
FEES
There is no fee for the year. Students will be expected to provide their own:
Cleaning of uniform: about $15
Reeds, Valve Oil, Cork Grease
Band T-Shirt: about $7
Transportation, and any other miscellaneous supplies needed.
The director will try to have reeds available for purchase for woodwinds
