South Lyon East Concert & Symphony Band Program Handbook

Transcription

1 South Lyon East Concert & Symphony Band Program Handbook Shaping The U In Music 2017

2 VISION/PURPOSE - Shaping the U in MUSIC - Unity - Unique - Unafraid CORE VALUES Who Are WE? - Unity = The Team, The Team, The Team - Unafraid = Yes Before No - Uniqueness = You Can Not Be Anybody But You CULTURE - Sense of Community - Sense of Understanding & Acceptance - Sense of Encouragement

3 Course Overview Concert Band-Co-Curricular Concert Band: An instrumental music course designed for students refining their abilities for future placement in Symphony Band. Students will receive instruction to develop basic range, tone, vibrato, intonation, technique, and style skills. Performances and dress rehearsals are required of this course that will occur outside of the scheduled school day. Attendance at these events is mandatory and the dates will be provided to the members prior to the first day of class. Symphonic Band - Co-Curricular An instrumental music course designed for students with a select set of abilities. Selection for this course will be determined by an audition set up by the band director. Specifics for range, vibrato, tone quality, intonation, style, and technique can be obtained from the director. Students of this ensemble must also exhibit exceptional habits of mind. Performances and dress rehearsals are required of this course that will occur outside of the scheduled school day. Attendance at these events is mandatory and the dates will be provided to the members prior to the first day of class. All members of the Concert Band and Symphony Band have the opportunity to participate in any of the following ensembles: Marching Band (extra-curricular) Members of the marching band will have summer rehearsals, rehearsals after school, perform at football games and compete at district and state competitions. Jazz Ensemble (extra-curricular) Members of the Jazz Band study, rehearse, and perform many styles of music that fall loosely into the jazz idiom. Auditions for this group will occur the week following marching band season. Any person may audition on instruments typically used in a Jazz Band. Small Ensembles (extra-curricular) Students with an interest in participating in a Flute Choir, Saxophone Choir, Brass Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Clarinet Choir or any other small ensemble will have an opportunity to do this. Auditions may be required depending on the number of students interested. School sponsored small ensembles are coached and will be performing in concerts and attending District and State Solo and Ensemble. Students will be expected to attend rehearsals once a week and prepare their music on their own time. Small Ensembles start in October. Pit Orchestra Musical (extra-curricular) Anyone may be involved in the Spring Musical whether it is on stage, behind the scenes, or below the stage in the orchestra pit. Performing as a member of a pit orchestra is a thrilling,

4 challenging, and unforgettable experience. Necessary instruments vary from show to show, but most shows require a representation of standard band instruments as well as stringed instruments. Pit orchestra auditions will be held before winter break and rehearsals will begin immediately following winter break. After-school availability is required between January and May. Solo and Ensemble Festival (extra-curricular) Students have the opportunity to participate in small groups or as soloists in District and State Solo and Ensemble Festival. Students are expected to rehearse on their own time. Music selections should be done on their own as well, but the director can help students find appropriate music if the students address their needs to him. Performances are in front of judges who provide helpful comments, suggestions for improvement, and a rating based on performance. All band members are strongly encouraged to participate in this valuable event. COUGAR BAND EXPECTATIONS ATTENDANCE POLICIES Attendance is expected at all performances and at all pre-scheduled rehearsals and events (see calendar in back of handbook). Band is Co-Curricular, meaning your grade is dependent on your participation and attendance. Band is your CLASS, and all band activities are part of this class. Extra-curricular activities that conflict with these curricular band events must be worked out in advance. The only acceptable excused absences are personal illness, ACT or other testing, family wedding, funeral, religious activities, family emergency, and academic ineligibility. Please review the calendar for conflicts and please use these dates when preparing your family calendar. Work or job related activities are NOT excused absences. You will be provided with a detailed schedule for each event the band does. If you have questions about the schedule or time of an event, please contact the director immediately. All absences must go through the band director. Students must complete a Band Conflict Form (in the back of the handbook, and available in the band room) when there is a conflict. A parent signature is required on this form. It will be the student s responsibility to obtain a form, fill it out, get the appropriate signatures and submit it to the band director. The band director will review the form and will determine if the absence is excused or not. Absences are not to be sent by to the director or band coordinator unless it is a last minute illness or emergency. Every absence must go through the band director using the conflict form no less than two weeks in advance of the affected date. For students involved in athletics, drama, and other activities, the following general policy is in effect: Performance in Band vs. Athletic/drama/other activity or practice: Go to Band Athletic/drama/other Competition or Performance vs. Band practice: go to Other Event Conflicts that involve competitions or performances at the same time should be discussed with all coaches and directors involved as soon as the student is aware of the conflict. In most cases, a compromise can easily be reached between the student, the student s parents, and the coach.

5 Athletic conflicts will be assessed on an individual basis and the student will be notified regarding the need for a make-up assignment or project. Performances are an integral part of the band program and are factored into the student s grade. By choosing to participate in band the student has committed to all rehearsals, performances and fundraising activities as listed on the calendar in the back of the handbook. Because there is no substitution for attendance at a performance or dress rehearsal, excused absences must still be made up through the completion of an alternative assignment or project chosen by the director. Unexcused absences may not be made up and will affect the student s grade. **Please note : With a few of our concerts being combined with the SLEHS Choir and middle school bands, you will be required to be an audience member for some portion of the concert. Be advised that this is part of your required participation and if you leave the auditorium/building before the conclusion of the concert, it will be considered an unexcused absence and you will not receive points for the performance. **Every attempt has been made to provide you with an accurate schedule for next year. However, all dates are subject to change and attendance at rehearsals, performances and festivals will be required even in the event of a date change. TRAVEL PERMISSION Participation in the band will require travel both within and away from the South Lyon Community School District. In consideration for the opportunity to participate in the band activity, the student will ride in District-provided transportation, if available. Parents will be asked to sign a blanket permission slip which is on the back of the Band Handbook Contract which must be signed and returned by September 16. This permission slip will cover all travel to and from curriculum related performances with the band. Other permission slips will be required for any activities in which we use parent drivers or for an out of state trip. CLASSROOM AND REHEARSAL BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE Promptness - Students are to be in their seats with all necessary materials and instruments ready to play two minutes after the bell rings (daily classroom), or 10 minutes BEFORE the posted start time for dress rehearsals and evening rehearsals. This includes having all music and reeds ready, all valves oiled, slides greased, etc. Once rehearsal has started students are not to get up for drinks, bathroom, or anything else, unless permission is given by the director. Students will lose their varsity points for an event at which they receive an unexcused tardy. Tardies will be handled in the same way excused absence requests are made. Attentiveness - Students are expected to be attentive at all times that class or rehearsal is in session and will be held responsible for all information given from the podium. Students should be aware that distracting other students will result in disciplinary action. It is expected that each student will contribute to rehearsal each day by being attentive and actively engaged in the rehearsal. Rehearsals are considered classroom instruction and should be treated like any other classroom. Outside materials such as homework from other classes, books, and electronic devices should not be out during rehearsal.

6 Citizenship - As musicians, your goal should be to acquire the skills necessary to make music independently. It is the nature of a performing ensemble to contain both strong and uncertain musicians. With this in mind, when students are asked to play something in front of others it is extremely important to remain as courteous and encouraging as possible to those around you. Respect your fellow musicians at all times. Citizenship also includes behaving within school policies at all time. Dental Work Any work a student has done on their mouth will greatly affect their playing. When determining to have dental work done please contact the director immediately once dental work is first discussed as an option. Care of Music - You are expected to care for your music and keep it in the folders you are provided. Music is the property of SLEHS and is not to be defaced or written on in ink. Music should never be folded, rolled or placed in an instrument case. Music laying around the floor, in practice rooms, or left on music stands will NOT BE TOLERATED. Improper care of your music will result in points lost in the participation component of your grade. Your music is considered your textbook and you must have it every day. If extra copies of music are needed, you may ask the band coordinator to take care of that for you. Proper Use of Band Lockers Students will be assigned a locker that is appropriate to the size of their instrument. These lockers are to be used only for band related items, and will be locked AT ALL TIMES. If your locker is found unlocked you may find yourself in the Principal s office asking him for your instrument! Band lockers are NOT to be used to store books, athletic equipment, food, or coats while not in rehearsal. Instrument cases are to be stored in your locker or under your chairs during rehearsals, NOT on the floor of the hallway outside the band room. All lockers will have a school owned lock and no other lock will be allowed. The locker assigned to the student is not to be shared, traded, or switched. Any student found using a locker that isn t the one to which they were assigned will lose their locker privileges. Proper Care of Uniforms - Students are provided with complete concert uniforms (except black shoes and black socks) and are expected to care for these with utmost respect. Proper and appropriate behavior is expected at all times in the uniform room. Students will be responsible for properly hanging up their uniforms after each use. Students will also be polite and respectful to the uniform parent volunteers. Complete uniform guidelines are found in the UNIFORMS Section of this handbook and are expected to be followed. School Policies, Code of Conduct & Performance Behavior The following school/district policies will be enforced during rehearsals and performances and are also taken into consideration in determining the students participation component of their grade. Code of Conduct - Whenever students leave school grounds on a performance-related matter, they represent both SLEHS and the community. As such, they must abide by school rules at all times, and are expected to follow both the Codes of Conduct outlined in the student handbook and the guidelines of the Extra-curricular Code of Conduct. Actions that fall short of these expectations will result in the removal of the student.

7 Performance Behavior - As an audience member, whether on school grounds or elsewhere, all students are expected to carry themselves professionally. Etiquette and expectations will vary depending on location and style of musical performance, and students should adhere to the expected standards. Cell phones and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited while students are on stage or as an audience member. If a student is caught, the director will confiscate the device and a parent will be required to pick it up. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY Updated Fall 2017, the following chart directly relates to participation in all after school events associated with all participating South Lyon East High School Performance Ensembles rehearsals and performances: HIGH SCHOOL ELIGIBILITY COMPONENT RATIONALE Minimum semester grade point requirement of 1.70 and no end of semester E s or I s establishes eligibility for next semester. SLCS utilizes plusses and minuses for grading; this GPA represents a C-. We believe that this is a reasonable minimum standard for eligibility. Once eligibility is established students must pass a minimum of four classes before official eligibility checks, generally on the 1st of the month. This allows students to experience difficulty, receive a "warning" and have the opportunity to improve their performance prior to being declared ineligible. Minimum time of ineligibility = two weeks as long as student regains eligibility with a 1.70 GPA and no E s The student should be able to spend this period of time focusing on studies prior to having eligibility restored. Semester incompletes must be eliminated to restore eligibility with a 1.70 GPA and no E s. We believe that this will minimize incompletes being utilized to circumvent the eligibility requirements. Co-curricular activities: If a student is ineligible for public performances because s/he is not a fulltime student or due to failure to meet academic or behavioral standards as defined in this policy, alternative assessments shall be provided. This will allow students to attend class, receive a grade and still adhere to the eligibility requirements. In an effort to support the performing arts and other co-curricular activities, students enrolled in co-curricular activities may participate in performances at the high school or at other schools within the District during regular school hours, in accordance with rationale #10 below. Summer school will be considered for eligibility. Summer school classes as identified in the student handbook are subject to approval of the building principal. Students needing to recover credit for a failed semester course for eligibility may take an online course that gives a letter grade and/or percentage grade. To comply with District procedure guidelines.

8 Special education students will be required to comply with academic and behavioral standards subject to the individual's IEPC as provided in the state and federal laws. After August 10th of each year, activities that are impacted by eligibility standards are: Tryouts, practices, and games, events and activities that occur before or after regular hours on home course, field, arena, court, pool (etc.) or at away events If a special education student is at risk of a failing grade in a class, the IEPC process may be a suitable course of action. To comply with MHSAA rules. Activities not impacted by eligibility standards are: Summer camp and activities during regular school hours, as long as the activities are not competitions, games, events, festivals or contests. Not a compliance issue with MHSAA. GRADING SYSTEM Semester Grade Calculation: Semester 1: 87% Semester 2: 87% Final Exam 1: 13% Final Exam 2: 13% Redos & Retakes: Redos and Retakes are already designed into the daily rehearsal of coursework. As musicians It is the student s responsibility to seek additional help on their individual material to assist in growth from the instructor. Google Classroom assignments are eligible for redos/retakes. However, once an assignment grade is posted to skyward, the instructor will no longer check for student progress. If a student chooses to continue their growth in an assignment, the student must fill out the appropriate log to inform the instructor of progress. Once a grade is posted in skyward for the class, the student has one week to continue submitting growth before submissions are no longer accepted. The same policy will be adhered to with all Quizzes and Classroom Worksheets. Assignments that are NOT eligible for redos/retakes are: Concert Performances Festival Performances In-Person Individual Playing Assessments Final Exams Event Make-up Assignments: If a student should happen to miss a concert, dress rehearsal, football game, or other event for an approved excused absence, they are allowed to make it up. Event make-up will be a playing

9 test that must be recorded within 48 hours of your return from absence. If a student does not complete this make-up assignment within 48 hours, a zero will be given. No exceptions. **Students must make up events missed through alternative assignments when ineligible. UNIFORMS CONCERT BAND UNIFORM Concert band uniforms are totally separate than the outdoor marching uniforms. The basic uniform is a tuxedo or black dress provided for the students. Boys will wear their black shoes and socks with this uniform as well. Girls will wear 1 pumps with black nylons or knee highs. A plain white t-shirt is required under the tuxedo shirt for the men. A black camisole with a lower front works best under the womens dresses. Be aware that the dresses are wide on the shoulders and colored undergarments are very visible. The dresses also show all bumps, so control top nylons are preferred. COMMUNICATION Communication to the home is a vital part of our band program. The band member is viewed to be the primary communicator with his/her family. Each student is responsible for the proper and timely delivery of information to the home. Information is given to the student verbally at each rehearsal or class meeting. This information is also written on the band room white board and on the calendar posted in the band room. Information is also communicated electronically by from the Music Coordinator, through Charms Office Assistant ( ) and will be available on the website Direct correspondence with the coordinator or director is encouraged by phone or . Contact information is on the cover of this handbook.

10 CONCERT ENSEMBLE VARSITY LETTER REQUIREMENTS 210 POINTS REQUIRED Students in Band Class can earn a Varsity Band Letter by completing the following activities and earning a total of 210 points. Fall Concert 15 points Winter Concert Dress Rehearsal 10 points Winter Concert 15 points Pre-Festival Concert 15 points District Band Festival 20 points Band-O-Rama 15 points Dress Rehearsal Spring Concert 10 points Spring Concert 15 points Memorial Day Parade 10 points Total required participation points possible: 125 Points for the first five marking periods are also given as follows: A= 5 B= 2 C= 1 D= 0 E = 0 Total grade points possible: 25 Additional points can be earned by participating in: Competitive Marching Band 50 points (must fulfill the requirements of MB award to earn these points) Any Chamber Ensemble 25 points per semester District Solo and Ensemble 25 points State Solo and Ensemble 30 points State Band Festival 30 points Boys/Girls BB Game 10 points Cabaret Performer 10 points Jazz Band - 30 points and Jazz Patch Pit Orchestra 25 points and Pit Patch Winter Drumline or Winter Guard 35 points and Winter Drumline/Guard Patch Participation in ensembles outside of school (Youth Ensembles, Honors Ensembles) 25 points Performances at school events, community or church activities 5 points each Attend approved concert (program required) 5 points each Recruiting Activities 15 points each Private Lessons 50 points per semester Total additional points possible: 365+ To earn a varsity letter as a member of the concert ensembles, a student must achieve the following: 1. Maintain academic eligibility throughout the entire academic year (defined as the end of MP1 to the end of the year). 2. Accumulate 210 total points according to the points assigned to the events above.

11 3. Students may earn additional band letters through consecutive or non-consecutive years of band involvement at South Lyon East High School. Additional letters are awarded in the form of second, third, and fourth year pins. To be considered for the year end Excellence in Band Awards (each grade) : Students must have all A s in the class and participation in one or more of the following: Solo and Ensemble Honors Band (District or All State) Private Lessons It is the student s responsibility to inform the band manager of any outside events they are involved in that would earn them points towards their Varsity Band Letter. This can be submitted from the band s webpage, SENIOR BAND AWARDS CRITERIA Three prestigious awards are given out to Seniors each year. Below are the descriptions and criteria for these two awards. Recipients names will be engraved on the plaques that hang in the band room. John Philip Sousa Award will be given to a senior band member who displays excellence in musicianship, loyalty, cooperation, leadership, dependability, and participation in events outside of the required schedule. Description: In recognition of outstanding achievement and interest in instrumental music, for singular merit in loyalty and cooperation, and for displaying those high qualities of conduct that school instrumental music requires. The Sousa Award is the most prestigious award for High School Band students. Criteria: Student must have been in high school band for four years. If transferred from another school, student must have been in their former high school s band and must be a Cougar Band Member for at least 2 full years. Student must demonstrate superior musicianship, leadership, dependability and loyalty to the band program. Student must participate in District Solo and Ensemble Festival at least two times while in high school. Student must have earned enough points in 9-12 th grades to earn his/her band letter and pin each year. Student must have worked community service hours that are required each year. Student must serve at least one year as section leader. Participation in all concerts and rehearsals is required (unless otherwise excused by director), and consistent participation in fundraisers and all other band events is also required. Auditioning for and participation in Honors Bands, All State Bands, Youth Arts Festivals, Drum and Bugle Corps and other extra-curricular performance groups are achievements that will be contributing factors in choosing the recipient of this award.

12 Student must maintain a grade of A in band throughout 9-12 grade. A peer vote will be taken into consideration by the director when choosing the recipient of this award. If no senior has met the qualifications, the award will not be given. If two or more seniors are qualified, the band director will choose the most qualified student based on contest ratings, honors band, chair placements, and individual contributions to the band program. DIRECTOR S AWARD will be given to a senior band member who demonstrates dedication to the overall improvement of the band program through leadership and attitude. The award will be determined by the director. Description: In recognition of excellence as a band member. The recipient must demonstrate leadership, flexibility, versatility, positive attitude, and musicianship, contributing to the overall improvement of the band program. Criteria: Student must have been in high school band for at least three years. If transferred from another school, student must have been in their former high school s band and must be a Cougar Band Member for at least one full year. Student must demonstrate exceptional effort, interest, versatility, cooperation, leadership, and loyalty to the band program. Student must participate in District Solo and Ensemble Festival at least once at the high school level Student must have earned enough points in 9-12 th grades to earn his/her band letter and pin each year. Student must maintain at least a B average in band class each year he/she is in band. PATRICK S. GILMORE BAND AWARD will be given to a senior band member who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and commitment to the band. This award will be awarded based on a peer vote Band Fees As a member of the Band Class you will be requested to pay the band fee of $75 ONLY IF YOU ARE NOT IN MARCHING BAND. Students that are in marching band have a separate fee which also covers the Band Class fee The Booster requested fee covers the following: Uniform expenses which cover purchases of new formal uniforms as needed The cost of dry cleaning uniforms, and the cost of temporary alterations (hems). Expenses for Band Festival, Solo and Ensemble Festival, and other activities Portraits, awards and plaques for the band room Food! The concert bands will be treated to occasional meals depending on timing of events Student awards and letters, postage, and other items as requested by the director or Band Coordinator

13 Banquet, social activities, and other items/activities as determined by the boosters to support the director and the band program PLEASE BE AWARE that if the fee IS NOT paid, your student will not benefit from : Year-end choir awards and/or letter, and band festival medals Free or subsidized costs for social events such as banquet, Paradise Park lock-in, bowling party, etc **Note: For students with extreme financial difficulties, please see the Band Coordinator for an application for financial assistance with the BAND FEE, or to work out a payment plan. FUNDRAISERS The Band Boosters sponsors fundraisers, which are necessary to cover the expenses associated with the band program. Participation in fundraisers by all Cougar Band members is expected. Fundraisers will be planned and scheduled by the Director and Band Booster Board as deemed necessary. Fundraisers may include the following: : U of M football concessions This is our main fundraiser and we request that everyone sign up for at least one game. This involves working a concession stand at all 8 home football games. We have to supply 8-10 people at each game and the only thing it costs is your time. Students can work this event too if they are 16 and then can watch the U of M band. See the band website for links to sign up for these games. Bottle/Can Drives These will be scheduled throughout the year. Poinsettia Sales We will be selling poinsettias in November that will be used to decorate the stage for our Holiday Concert which will be the pick-up night as well. Musical Cabaret This event is in December and held in conjunction with the Downtown South Lyon s "Cool Yule". We do a spaghetti dinner and our kids are the entertainment! Also the basket raffle was a big hit last year. This fundraiser is used as a band/choir trip fundraiser when we are planning a trip. When we are not going on a trip, the proceeds go into the general account. In addition to these, there are a couple ongoing fundraisers that you can participate in with minimal effort. These include: Great Lakes Scrip The band boosters sell Great Lakes Scrip as an ongoing fundraiser. Information regarding ordering dates will be sent out by . Information regarding ordering online as well as the hard copy of the order form are available on the band booster website:

14 South Lyon East HS Band Conflict Form IMPORTANT : Before you fill out this form, read the following information You may turn in a conflict form for any of the following activities without a consultation with the director: A. Illness B. ACT, PSAT OR PLAN Testing C. Family Wedding, funeral, etc D. Religious activities Any other conflicts must be discussed with Mr Smith BEFORE you turn it in. Please submit this form as soon as you are aware of a potential conflict. Date of Conflict Conflicting Activity Today s Date Band member s Signature Parent s Signature South Lyon East HS Band Conflict Form IMPORTANT : Before you fill out this form, read the following information You may turn in a conflict form for any of the following activities without a consultation with the director: A. Illness B. ACT, PSAT OR PLAN Testing C. Family Wedding, funeral, etc D. Religious activities Any other conflicts must be discussed with Mr Smith BEFORE you turn it in. Please submit this form as soon as you are aware of a potential conflict. Date of Conflict Conflicting Activity Today s Date Band member s Signature Parent s Signature

15 South Lyon East High School Band HANDBOOK CONTRACT Parents: Please make sure this form is completed and return by Friday, September 15, 2017 Student Name: Grade: Street Address: City: Zip: Home Phone: Student Cell Phone: Student Marching Instrument: Concert Instrument: Parent/Guardian Name: Phone: Parent/Guardian Name: Phone: Students: please initial in spaces provided After reading the enclosed information and tentative calendar I am able to confirm that I can commit to being a member of the SLEHS Band Class. I have read the enclosed information in the handbook. The handbook is also available on I have carefully examined the rehearsal and performance dates and agree to attend all rehearsals and performances, unless I submit a conflict form and get approval from the band director. I understand that in rare occasions dates may change and I am still responsible for attending an event that may have had to be rescheduled. I understand that I am expected to assist in fundraising efforts to the best of my ability. I, (student) have read and understand the South Lyon East Band Handbook and schedule. I, (parent) have read and understand the South Lyon East Band Handbook and schedule with my student. I understand family support is critical for a successful program. Please complete the Travel Permission Slip on the back

16 South Lyon Schools Extracurricular Activity Transportation Policy The student, and if the student is a minor, his/her parent or legal guardian understand and agree as follows: Participation in the band and choir program listed above will require travel both within and away from the South Lyon Community School District. In certain circumstances, the School District may provide transportation to and/or from events related to the extracurricular activity. In consideration for the opportunity to participate in the band/choir activity, the student will ride in District-provided transportation, if available. If District-provided transportation is available, a student may only ride with his/her parent or legal guardian instead of District-provided transportation if an Election to Transport Student From School-Sponsored Event Form has been submitted and signed by a student s parent/guardian. In certain circumstances, the School District may not provide transportation to/from the band/choir activity, including. In those circumstances, the student and, if the student is a minor, his/her parent or legal guardian take full responsibility for the student s transportation. If District-provided transportation is unavailable, the decision as to whether a student will personally drive, ride with his/her parent or legal guardian, ride with the parent or guardian of another student participant, or ride in a vehicle driven by another student participant shall be exclusively made by the student and the student s family. The District shall bear no liability for the consequences of such decision. No person who drives the student to or from the band/choir activity program, including practice, for which the School District does not provide transportation, shall be considered an agent or servant of the School District, in any respect or for any purpose, while driving my student to or from such practice or activity. Should any claim be made against the School District based on the driving conduct of any such person while that person is providing transportation for the Student, the Student and/or his parent or legal guardian will defend, indemnify and hold the School District harmless as to such claim. TRAVEL PERMISSION I have read the above Extracurricular Activity Transportation Policy and give consent for my student to travel with the South Lyon East High School Band or Choir to events for the school year. (See schedule for events). Student Name: Parent Signature: Date: This permission slips covers any curriculum related trips including festivals and concerts/performances off-site. Any other trips that involve parent drivers or longer distances, a separate permission slip will be required. Please complete the Handbook contract on the front

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