Band Handbook 2019 | |
File Size: | 21 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Sanford H. Calhoun High School Instrumental Music Department
1786 State Street, Merrick, NY 11566
E. Tumminelli – Director
[email protected] 992-1348
Music Department Handbook
Introduction
A purpose of this handbook is to provide consistency among music organizations at Sanford H. Calhoun High School since the degree of success within an organization depends, in part, upon the development of standards and procedures. Handbook content is meant to serve as a guide through which the procedures, requirements, and obligations of music performing organizations at Calhoun High School may be realized. It is anticipated, therefore, that students and parents will become more cognizant of mutual goals, and that the music experience gained through participation will be of lasting value
Performing Organization Objectives
The objectives of these organizations shall be to provide for the students opportunities to improve their musical abilities, to encourage school and community spirit through public performance, to learn about music through the performance of outstanding literature of all styles, to experience music as an important aesthetic aspect of life, and to promote leadership, friendship, fairness, reasoning, responsibility, dedication, loyalty, and respect.
Attendance Policy
In the event of a student’s anticipated absence from a performance, parents shall notify the director, stating the reason(s) in writing, at least 30 school days prior to a public performance, insofar as possible.
Absences from a performance are considered excused for the following reasons only:
-Severe illness, -Severe illness or death in family, -Religious observance
Performance/Dress Rehearsal Responsibilities
Attendance is required at scheduled school concerts and any other scheduled performance. Performance dates will be given to each organization participant. In the event there is an expressed need for outside employment, hours must be arranged so as notto interfere with either rehearsals or performances. Responsibilities of organization members will be equitable. Dress rehearsals are scheduled before every regularly scheduled concert. Attendance at these rehearsals is required. Students who do not attend a dress rehearsal may not be allowed to perform in the concert. Students will be notified regarding dress rehearsals with sufficient time prior to the rehearsal.
Grading System
It is the policy of the Music Department to grade students for their achievement, musicianship, and participation. The point system shall serve as a basis for all music grades. Each marking the grade will be based on the number of points earned from the total possible for that marking period.
1st Marking Period
Class Participation..………50
Sectionals…………………..20
Playing Test…………………..10
Handbook/Misc. Assign.…..15
R.M.P.T................................5
2nd Marking Period
Class Participation………….45
Sectionals……………….…..15
Winter Concert……………...25
Playing test..................10
R.M.P.T......……………….......5
3rd Marking Period
Class Participation………….45
Spring Concert...................25
Sectionals………………….. 15
Playing Test…………………10
R.M.P.T.....................…….….5
4th Marking Period
Class Participation…………..70
Memorial Day Parade (symphonic band and wind ensemble)…..25
R.M.P.T.................................5
Class Participation: Participation grade will be based on:
-Attendance (Absences/lateness)
-Behavior/attitude/general effort
-Materials (instr., music, pencil, folder, oil, reeds, etc)
-Following rehearsal procedure: instrument care, no gum/candy/etc., NO CELL PHONES!
Rotating Lesson Sectional
Group sectionals occur on a rotating basis. Students are excused from one class per 2 weeks to attend their sectional. The students will miss the same class only once every 7 or 8 weeks. Students are responsible for all work missed from the academic class.Any absence from a scheduled lesson must be made up. Tests, field trips and absence from school constitute a legal excuse. Absence for other reasons will be considered an unexcused absence. Students will have five school days in order to make up the missed lesson to be credited as follows:
Excused absence – 100% credit max.
Unexcused absence – 80% credit max.
Playing Tests
(1st, 2nd and 3rd quarter)
There are only 2-3 tests given all year. They are usually given in the first three quarters. Students can retake the test multiple times if time permits. ALL tests will be taken using the Flipgrid ap and students will need some sort of video capability by either phone, ipad, laptop or PC. It is highly recommended that students practice at home for tests.
R.M.P.T
Short for: Required Monitored Practice Time. This is time spent playing the instrument outside of class and can be earned in a variety of ways,
some of which are below:
-afterschool R.M.P.T. sessions (2:25-2:55), Rock Band, Jazz Band, pit orchestra, practicing during lunch, NYSSMA, All-County, All-State, Tri-M music Honor Society, peer tutoring, out of school performing ensembles, video practice sessions at home
Practicing
It is HIGHLY recommended that students develop a practice routine at home that fits their schedule. Students should take their instrument and music home and practice a MINIMUM of 2-3 times a week. Private teachers are an excellent way to prepare for tests and/or auditions. Parents are free to contact Mr. Tumminelli for a list of highly experienced, professional teachers in the area.
Auditions/Seating
Auditions are held in October for entry into Jazz Band. Wind Ensemble auditions are held in February for placement the following year. Group size constraints limit the number of students who may be involved in these groups. Students will be notified of audition requirements well in advance of the audition date. There are no seating assignments in 9th grade band. Music parts will be rotated among the section members. All students will be eligible to audition for solos when they are presented in the literature.
Parades
Members of the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band are required to march in the Memorial Day Parade. Concert Band members (9th graders can volunteer for RMPT credit) All students marching MUST have solid black pant/jeans and solid black sneakers/shoes. The time commitment for Memorial Day is 7:30am until 12 noon the latest.
Concert Dress
It is important that our image on stage during concerts is one of uniformity and professionalism. Please adhere to the following guidelines as it will directly impact their 2nd and 3rd quarter Concert grades:
Wind Ensemble
Gentlemen: DARK suit or sport jacket/blazer. Dress pants, standard dark tie, white collared shirt, belt, dress shoes, black socks
Ladies: Black or dark dress/gown. Skirts must be knee length at the minimum. Skirts above the knee will require standard black tights. Dress shoes; heels not recommended
Symphonic/Concert Bands:
Gentlemen: NO JACKET! Dress pants, standard dark tie, white collared shirt, belt, dress shoes, black socks
Ladies: Black pants or skirt. Solid white tops. Skirts must be knee length at the minimum. Skirts above the knee will require standard black tights. Dress shoes; heels are not recommended.
***ALL GROUPS***:
Sneakers, hats, sandals, jeans of any type, black stretch pants (girls), and/or t-shirts will not be permitted on stage. Students will be removed from the performance and their grade will be affected if they do not comply with the above dress requirements.
Instrument Rentals/Maintenance Fee/Percussion Requirement
Any student may borrow a school owned instrument. There will be a mandatory $90 maintenance fee for use of that instrument over the school year. Percussionists are required to purchase one of two options for a stick bag. Every percussionist must have the appropriate sticks and mallets in their own bag. Please see the handout for details.
Cell Phones
Cell phone policy will be determined entirely at the discretion of the director. As a general rule, students should leave cell phones in their cases throughout the entire rehearsal. An exception can be made for a student in an emergency/urgent situation that the director has been notified of. Students who abuse this rule will have their class participation grade lowered and will be required to secure their device in a separate location for the marking period/semester.
1786 State Street, Merrick, NY 11566
E. Tumminelli – Director
[email protected] 992-1348
Music Department Handbook
Introduction
A purpose of this handbook is to provide consistency among music organizations at Sanford H. Calhoun High School since the degree of success within an organization depends, in part, upon the development of standards and procedures. Handbook content is meant to serve as a guide through which the procedures, requirements, and obligations of music performing organizations at Calhoun High School may be realized. It is anticipated, therefore, that students and parents will become more cognizant of mutual goals, and that the music experience gained through participation will be of lasting value
Performing Organization Objectives
The objectives of these organizations shall be to provide for the students opportunities to improve their musical abilities, to encourage school and community spirit through public performance, to learn about music through the performance of outstanding literature of all styles, to experience music as an important aesthetic aspect of life, and to promote leadership, friendship, fairness, reasoning, responsibility, dedication, loyalty, and respect.
Attendance Policy
In the event of a student’s anticipated absence from a performance, parents shall notify the director, stating the reason(s) in writing, at least 30 school days prior to a public performance, insofar as possible.
Absences from a performance are considered excused for the following reasons only:
-Severe illness, -Severe illness or death in family, -Religious observance
Performance/Dress Rehearsal Responsibilities
Attendance is required at scheduled school concerts and any other scheduled performance. Performance dates will be given to each organization participant. In the event there is an expressed need for outside employment, hours must be arranged so as notto interfere with either rehearsals or performances. Responsibilities of organization members will be equitable. Dress rehearsals are scheduled before every regularly scheduled concert. Attendance at these rehearsals is required. Students who do not attend a dress rehearsal may not be allowed to perform in the concert. Students will be notified regarding dress rehearsals with sufficient time prior to the rehearsal.
Grading System
It is the policy of the Music Department to grade students for their achievement, musicianship, and participation. The point system shall serve as a basis for all music grades. Each marking the grade will be based on the number of points earned from the total possible for that marking period.
1st Marking Period
Class Participation..………50
Sectionals…………………..20
Playing Test…………………..10
Handbook/Misc. Assign.…..15
R.M.P.T................................5
2nd Marking Period
Class Participation………….45
Sectionals……………….…..15
Winter Concert……………...25
Playing test..................10
R.M.P.T......……………….......5
3rd Marking Period
Class Participation………….45
Spring Concert...................25
Sectionals………………….. 15
Playing Test…………………10
R.M.P.T.....................…….….5
4th Marking Period
Class Participation…………..70
Memorial Day Parade (symphonic band and wind ensemble)…..25
R.M.P.T.................................5
Class Participation: Participation grade will be based on:
-Attendance (Absences/lateness)
-Behavior/attitude/general effort
-Materials (instr., music, pencil, folder, oil, reeds, etc)
-Following rehearsal procedure: instrument care, no gum/candy/etc., NO CELL PHONES!
Rotating Lesson Sectional
Group sectionals occur on a rotating basis. Students are excused from one class per 2 weeks to attend their sectional. The students will miss the same class only once every 7 or 8 weeks. Students are responsible for all work missed from the academic class.Any absence from a scheduled lesson must be made up. Tests, field trips and absence from school constitute a legal excuse. Absence for other reasons will be considered an unexcused absence. Students will have five school days in order to make up the missed lesson to be credited as follows:
Excused absence – 100% credit max.
Unexcused absence – 80% credit max.
Playing Tests
(1st, 2nd and 3rd quarter)
There are only 2-3 tests given all year. They are usually given in the first three quarters. Students can retake the test multiple times if time permits. ALL tests will be taken using the Flipgrid ap and students will need some sort of video capability by either phone, ipad, laptop or PC. It is highly recommended that students practice at home for tests.
R.M.P.T
Short for: Required Monitored Practice Time. This is time spent playing the instrument outside of class and can be earned in a variety of ways,
some of which are below:
-afterschool R.M.P.T. sessions (2:25-2:55), Rock Band, Jazz Band, pit orchestra, practicing during lunch, NYSSMA, All-County, All-State, Tri-M music Honor Society, peer tutoring, out of school performing ensembles, video practice sessions at home
Practicing
It is HIGHLY recommended that students develop a practice routine at home that fits their schedule. Students should take their instrument and music home and practice a MINIMUM of 2-3 times a week. Private teachers are an excellent way to prepare for tests and/or auditions. Parents are free to contact Mr. Tumminelli for a list of highly experienced, professional teachers in the area.
Auditions/Seating
Auditions are held in October for entry into Jazz Band. Wind Ensemble auditions are held in February for placement the following year. Group size constraints limit the number of students who may be involved in these groups. Students will be notified of audition requirements well in advance of the audition date. There are no seating assignments in 9th grade band. Music parts will be rotated among the section members. All students will be eligible to audition for solos when they are presented in the literature.
Parades
Members of the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band are required to march in the Memorial Day Parade. Concert Band members (9th graders can volunteer for RMPT credit) All students marching MUST have solid black pant/jeans and solid black sneakers/shoes. The time commitment for Memorial Day is 7:30am until 12 noon the latest.
Concert Dress
It is important that our image on stage during concerts is one of uniformity and professionalism. Please adhere to the following guidelines as it will directly impact their 2nd and 3rd quarter Concert grades:
Wind Ensemble
Gentlemen: DARK suit or sport jacket/blazer. Dress pants, standard dark tie, white collared shirt, belt, dress shoes, black socks
Ladies: Black or dark dress/gown. Skirts must be knee length at the minimum. Skirts above the knee will require standard black tights. Dress shoes; heels not recommended
Symphonic/Concert Bands:
Gentlemen: NO JACKET! Dress pants, standard dark tie, white collared shirt, belt, dress shoes, black socks
Ladies: Black pants or skirt. Solid white tops. Skirts must be knee length at the minimum. Skirts above the knee will require standard black tights. Dress shoes; heels are not recommended.
***ALL GROUPS***:
Sneakers, hats, sandals, jeans of any type, black stretch pants (girls), and/or t-shirts will not be permitted on stage. Students will be removed from the performance and their grade will be affected if they do not comply with the above dress requirements.
Instrument Rentals/Maintenance Fee/Percussion Requirement
Any student may borrow a school owned instrument. There will be a mandatory $90 maintenance fee for use of that instrument over the school year. Percussionists are required to purchase one of two options for a stick bag. Every percussionist must have the appropriate sticks and mallets in their own bag. Please see the handout for details.
Cell Phones
Cell phone policy will be determined entirely at the discretion of the director. As a general rule, students should leave cell phones in their cases throughout the entire rehearsal. An exception can be made for a student in an emergency/urgent situation that the director has been notified of. Students who abuse this rule will have their class participation grade lowered and will be required to secure their device in a separate location for the marking period/semester.