Hamden High School Music Department 2040 Dixwell Ave. Hamden, CT 06514

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1 Hamden High School Music Department 2040 Dixwell Ave. Hamden, CT A Successful Guide to Making Music Dear Parents/Guardians of Concert Band and Orchestra Students, Welcome back to school! Hopefully you and your family had an enjoyable and relaxing summer vacation. This packet contains information that will be crucial for a successful year. Included is a calendar of performances, information about the Hamden High School Music Parents Organization, a level designation form, useful resources on the Internet, Hamdenmsuic.org, and much more! Please read through the packet and return the last page signed with your contact information by Friday, September 5, If you ever need to contact me, I can be reached at school by phone x-3105 or via abarkon@hamden.org. I hope to see you at all of our performances! Sincerely, Z. Aaron Barkon Director of Instrumental Music

2 HHS Music Department Events Calendar August SIM (Summer Institute of Music) Camp (ALL BAND and ORCHESTRA) 9:00-noon each day September October 2 Football (5:30) Thursday***** 6 Dress Rehearsal for Symposium evening 7 Symposium of Sound 10 Football (5:30) 17 Football (5:30) (w/8 th grade HMS/WIMS) 25 Mattress Fundraiser (Quartets) 30 Football (5:30) THURSDAY**** 28 - Fall Level 9 Recital (Sophomore) November 6-8 Fall Drama (HHS) 14 Football (5:30) 15 CMEA Southern Regional Auditions (Foran High School, Milford, CT) 27 -Football/GreenBowl 8:30 breakfast, 9:30 outside December (stage 15-22) 16 - Winter (Jazz BB, Jazz Combo, Chamber) 18 - Winter Concert (WE, CB, Orch, FO, Chorus) + 8 th grade (PRISM) (snow 12/22) January 9-10 CMEA Southern regional Festival, Middletown High School (16-17 snow) 21 - Level 9 Recital (Freshman/Junior) Jazz - outreach February (stage 6-10) All-state auditions 10 SpotLight Concert/run thorugh March HHS Musical SBAC April 26 NEASC Welcome (leave after school on Wednesday) Music Trip* 30-1 All-State May (stage 18-28) Pasta Dinner (Orchestra, Jazz Ensembles, Chamber Chorus) 21 - Spring Concert (WE, CB, Orch, FO, Chorus) 25 Memorial Day Parade 26 - banquet 28 - Spring Concert (Jazz BB, Jazz Combo, Chamber)???? June 2 - Level 9 Recital (Senior) TBD Graduation** *Trip subject to approval of the Hamden Board of Education **Tentative date for Graduation subject to change due to snow days

3 Music Department Performance Attendance Policy Attendance at all performances is mandatory for both Concert Band and Orchestra. Students are expected to remain at a concert until the last group has performed. To request to be excused from a performance, students must bring in a written note explaining the conflict signed by a parent or guardian at least one week prior to the performance (sooner is preferred). Excuses will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The following reasons for missing a performance will not be accepted: work, failure to find a ride, sports practice. In the event that a student has a conflict with a school sports event, both the coach and Mr. Barkon should be notified as soon as possible so that a solution can be worked out. Failure to abide by this attendance policy will result in a lowered grade. See Ensemble Grading Policy below. Required Concert Attire Boys: Black dress pants, white collared shirt, dark tie, black shoes and black socks. Girls: Long black skirts or dress pants, white blouse, black shoes. *Rehearsal Expectations Students must be in the room when the bell rings actively getting their music and instrument out as soon as possible. The time we have is very precious and we need to utilize every second. Check the board upon taking your seat; it will have announcements and instructions for the music we are rehearsing that day. As soon as Mr. Barkon steps on the podium all talking and playing stops. Never talk when Mr. Barkon or others are speaking. Only one person has the floor at a time. Raise your hand if you have a question. Try to resolve personal questions (instrument needs fixing, reeds, etc) or issues before or after school. No Hats, No Food, No ipods, No Earphone/Headphone, No Outside Homework, No Food. Rehearsal time is for everyone to work..100%...100% of the time. Everyone works all the time.even when you are not specifically asked to play, you should be listening to the lesson while mentally applying it to your part. Silently practicing difficult passages and marking fingerings, dynamics changes, articulation changes, etc are an

4 everyday way to utilize your class time. Rehearsal will move faster and become more efficient. This will allow everyone s musical ability to grow. Be sure to stop immediately when he stops conducting. This will allow the Concert Band and Orchestra to maximize their performance potential. Students cannot sit out without permission of the director. If a student forgets his/her instrument, they must take notes during the class. These notes should reflect the students perception of the rehearsal.what worked, sounded good/off, etc. A student needing to sit out for more than one rehearsal for medical or other reasons must bring in a note from a parent. Please come to class every day with your instrument, music, and a pencil. Practice It is expected all students in Concert Band and Orchestra will practice their part outside of class in preparation for rehearsals and performances. Mr. Barkon is available for extra help by appointment. Please make arrangements to stay after school at least 24 hours in advance. Students should practice a minimum of two hours per week. Practicing for Concert Band and Orchestra is your homework for the class. Time should be spent on music we our working on in class as well as scales and warm ups. Special attention should be given to improving tone quality, intonation, dynamics, articulations, and reading correct rhythms. Care of Instruments Students are to keep their instruments in working condition. This means percussion equipment is used only by percussionist, equipment is properly put away every day, all reed instruments have spare reeds, oils, etc. Instrument Storage Students will be assigned a locker in C105 for storing their instrument. Students must bring their own combination lock for their locker. Many classes are held in C105 throughout the day and the security of the instruments cannot be guaranteed if students do not lock their locker. Pull Out Lessons Students will be required to attend pull-out lessons. These lessons will be scheduled during their school day classes on a rotating schedule. Students will be expected to attend their lesson unless their classroom teacher has a quiz, review, or a test scheduled. These lessons will focus on small group/section work as well as assessing individual student growth (scales, tone, breathing, etc.) There will always be a make-up lesson scheduled if necessary.

5 Private Lessons Taking private lessons is the best way to improve your performance and enjoyment of music. All students are strongly encouraged to study privately. Due to the number of students in both the Band and Orchestra individualized instruction in class is very difficult. Private lessons can be a great way to get more personal attention, especially for those students looking for a challenge. If you are interested in finding a private music teacher, please let Mr. Barkon know as soon as possible. Ensemble Grading Policy Class Participation 50% Students must be on time with their instrument, music and a pencil every day and follow all *rehearsal expectations. This grade may fluctuate throughout the year as students improve their performance or their performance deteriorates. Playing/Performance Assessments 25% Students will perform on their instrument multiple times a year and will be graded based on tone, rhythm, pitch, dynamics, and other elements of music. Attendance at all performances is mandatory for all members of Concert Band and Orchestra Performance Attendance 25%. Students must maintain a B+ or better average in order to continue Band/Orchestra the following year. Although each student s performance varies, a level of improvement and competency/mastery in skills are necessary. Performance Grades 10 attended, performed and arrived when asked 9 - attended, performed, did not arrive when asked 8 - did not attend, but submitted a note in writing 2 weeks prior to event in order to attempt a resolution. 7 - did not and submitted a note after the event 0 - did not attend and did not submit a note

6 Midterm Final 10% of Final Grade 10% of Final Grade Levels Band and Orchestra Students will have to option/opportunity to move from a level 7 (all students are started at level 7 due to their required after school time at performances (camp, concerts, football games, etc. as stated in the above calendar)) to a level 9 (HONORS) credit. This will be determined at the beginning of the year through an audition process. Level 9 students will be assessed on their instrumental performance and techniques. A higher expectation is placed on those level 9 students. Those students who are accepted into the Level 9 Ensemble will perform 1-2 solos (duets) throughout the year at various performances (recitals, pasta dinner, concert, etc). These students will perform at various functions throughout the school year (i.e., art show at QU, HMS/WIMS to advocate for our program, chamber music/solo concert, etc.). Hamden High School Music Parents Organization (HHSMPO) The Mission of HHSMPO is to support and promote the students' education, activities, and fellowship of the Hamden High School Music Department. This is a parent support group of the music department and is always looking for new members! We support all of the ensembles at Hamden High School by volunteering our time, advocating for music to town officials and administrators, and fundraise for current needs of the program. Make sure Mr. Barkon has your address so you can receive up to date information from the music department. You will receive bi-monthly s regarding program progress and parent/volunteer needs. Come and meet other parents and get involved! Web Page Please check our web site regularly for changes and additions to the schedule, and for other useful information!

7 Music Banquet The music banquet is a semi-formal event that celebrates the year s success and accomplishments as well as recognizes individual students for their years of participation in ensembles and outstanding musicianship through the year. This year s banquet will be held at Laurel View Country Club on West Shepard Avenue in Hamden on June 1 st. All students and their parents are invited to attend. Donations collected throughout the year at all concerts will help offset the cost of the banquet. We want as many people to attend as possible to celebrate the achievements of our students! Other Excellent Resources! Music Stores: Goldie & Libro Music Center Inc. 380 Washington Ave. North Haven, CT (203) excellent for instrument repair (they will pick up and return to HHS) - will have many items in stock - will deliver to HHS Family Music Center All Things Musical 1396 Dixwell Ave Whitney Ave Hamden, CT Hamden, CT (203) (203) Sheet Music: The Foundry Music Company 102 Audubon Street New Haven, CT (203) Brass and Woodwind Repair: Goldie & Libro Music Center Inc. Al s Woodwind and Brass Repair 380 Washington Ave Whitney Avenue North Haven, CT Hamden, CT (203) (203) String Repair: Ute Brinkman 84 South Orchard Street Wallingford, CT (203)

8 Music related websites: Neighborhood Music School - Connecticut Music Educators Association - Online Metronome University of Connecticut Music Department - Yale University Music Department - Hartt School of Music Required/Recommended Equipment Attached is a list of required and recommended equipment for students participating in the Concert Band and Orchestra. If an item is listed as required, it is something students will be using every day, or almost every day in class. If an item is listed as recommended, it is either something that will help protect an instrument from damage, or something (such as a new mouthpiece) that will upgrade the performance of an instrument to a suitable level for high school. If your son or daughter takes private lessons, you should consult your private teacher to get equipment recommendations before making a purchase. Please note: prices listed are estimates, and may change depending on where items are purchased. Students should have all the necessary equipment as soon as possible but no later than October 1 st. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at school by phone or . Flute cleaning rod and cloth ($2.50) Clarinet 1 Box of Reeds (It is less expensive to buy reeds by the box, and it provides a back up if reeds get broken. Recommended brand: Vandoren, strength: 3 ($17.00) cork grease ($1.50) Good quality mouthpiece and ligature. (Most mouthpieces/ligatures that come with student clarinets are of very poor quality) A high quality mouthpiece and ligature can make a student instrument sound like a newer, more professional model. If the student is playing on the same mouthpiece they had when they first bought the instrument, it is time for an upgrade. Recommended brands: Vandoren B45 Bb clarinet mouthpiece (top quality, $69.95) David Hite, Premier clarinet mouthpiece (excellent quality & value, $24.95) Rovner Dark Ligature ($18.95)

9 La Voz reed case ($2.95) Pull through clarinet swab ($2.95) Thum-eez pad ($0.89) Saxophones 1 Box of Reeds (It is less expensive to buy reeds by the box, and it provides a back up if reeds get broken. Recommended: Vandoren, strength: 3 (Alto: $22.50, Tenor: $16.00, Bari: $29) Neck Strap (Recommended: Black Neotech neck strap, $18.50) Good quality mouthpiece and ligature. (Most mouthpieces/ligatures that come with student saxophones are of very poor quality, and are not appropriate for high school level musicians. A high quality mouthpiece and ligature can make a student instrument sound like a newer, more professional model. If the student is playing on the same mouthpiece they had when they first bought the instrument, it is time for an upgrade. Recommended brands: Selmer C-star (Top Quality, Alto: $99, Tenor: $114.95) David Hite, Premier (excellent quality and value, Alto: $26.95, Tenor: $31.95) Rovner Dark Ligature ($18.95) La Voz Reed case ($2.95) Thum-eez pad $0.89) Double Reeds: Consult your private teacher French Horn Non-transposing Straight mute Recommended brands: Jo-Ral metal straigt mute (top quality, $69) Humes and Berg stone-lined mutes (good value, $25) Rotor oil ($3.95) and slide grease ($2.75) Schilke #29 mouthpiece ($40) or Holton MDC 29 mouthpiece ($38) mouthpiece brush ($2.75) Trumpet Straight mute Recommended brands: Jo-Ral metal straight mute (top quality, $40) Humes and Berg stone-lined mutes (good value, $12) Valve Oil (recommended: Al Cass, $5.25) Bach 3C mouthpiece ($38) slide grease ($2.75) mouthpiece brush ($3.50) and cleaning snake ($5.95)

10 Trombone Slide-o-Mix and spray water bottle ($10) straight mute Recommended brands: Jo-Ral metal straight mute (top quality, $52.80) Humes and Berg stone-lined mutes (good value, $15.95) Bach 6 1/2 AL mouthpiece ($42) tuning slide grease ($3.50) mouthpiece brush ($3.50) and cleaning snake ($6.50) Euphonium valve oil (recommended: Al Cass, $5.25) Bach 6 1/2 AL mouthpiece, ($42) slide grease ($3.50) mouthpiece brush ($3.50) Tuba slide grease ($2.75) mouthpiece brush ($2.75) Percussion 1 pair general concert snare sticks (these are different than the sticks used for drum set playing) Recommended: Vic Firth, American Custom SD1 1 pair Rubber Xylophone mallets, Recommended: Mike Balter, #6BB, grey birch 1 pair General Yarn Mallets, Recommended: Mike Balter, #14BB, Red Yarn, 1 pair general timpani mallets, Recommended: Vic Firth T3, staccato 1 stick bag (to protect and carry sticks) Strings rosin shoulder rest (violin/viola) rock stop (cello/bass) mute rubber, birch

11 Parents/Guardians have read this handbook and agree to all required dates and requirements in order to have a wonderful school year. Student Print Student Signature Parent Signature Date