Wheaton High School Instrumental Music Handbook

Transcription

1 Wheaton High School Instrumental Music Handbook Mr. Loren Westbrook-Fritts, Instrumental Music Director

2 Dear Instrumental Music Department parents and students, My name is Mr. Loren Westbrook-Fritts, and I am the Instrumental Music Director and Music Technology teacher at Wheaton High School. I am looking forward to working together with you throughout what I am sure will be another fantastic school year. The goal of the Instrumental Music Department is to create an enjoyable and meaningful musical experience for all students, stimulating both musical and personal growth. I aim to prepare young musicians for future endeavors in their music education, while instilling a strong sense of pride and building school spirit. Through dedication, organization, diligence, and teamwork, I truly believe that together we can lift Wheaton High School's Instrumental Music Department to new heights. This Instrumental Music Handbook is designed as a resource to help parents, students, and the director maintain a successful and efficient program. It contains important information for parents and guardians to review with their child. I hope this handbook answers any questions you may have about the program. Please feel free to contact me at the address or office phone number below if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for supporting your child's success at Wheaton High School. Sincerely, Mr. Loren Westbrook-Fritts Instrumental Music Director Loren_T_Westbrook-Fritts@mcpsmd.org

3 INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC OBJECTIVES Maryland Essential Learner Outcome Instrumental Music Demonstrate the ability to perceive, perform, and respond to music Demonstrate an understanding of music as an essential aspect of history and human experience Demonstrate the ability to organize musical ideas and sounds creatively Demonstrate the ability to make aesthetic criticism National Standards - Instrumental Music: Sing alone and with others a varied repertoire of music Perform on instruments alone and with others a varied repertoire of music improvise melodies, variations, and accompaniments Read and notate music Listen to, analyze, and describe music Evaluate music and music performances Understand the relationships between music, the other ads, and disciplines outside of the arts Understand music in relation to history and culture Additional Objectives: Practice regularly and effectively Follow classroom rehearsal procedures and the concert performance procedures Meet individual responsibilities for care and preventative maintenance of a musical instrument Meet all of the performance obligations Improve individual playing ability and musicianship in the following areas o Tone - demonstrate characteristic tone and blend with the members of the ensemble o Ensemble - demonstrate the ability to play with precise rhythm and follow the conductor o Intonation - demonstrate the ability to play in tune individually and with an ensemble o Technique - demonstrate ability in range, endurance, finger dexterity, and flexibility o Style and musicality - interpret the different types of music, respond to musical directions, and demonstrate proper phrasing. dynamics, and articulations GRADING POLICY Daily Proficiency - 10 points max per week using the following scale: 10 points - Student is completely prepared for class and demonstrates mastery of all skills necessary to produce quality ensemble 8-9 points - Student is mostly prepared for class and demonstrates mastery of most skills necessary to produce a quality ensemble. 6-7 points - Student is somewhat prepared for class and demonstrates mastery of some skills necessary to produce a quality ensemble. 5 points - Student is mostly unprepared for class and does not demonstrate mastery of most skills necessary to produce a quality ensemble. 1-4 point - Student is completely unprepared for class and does not demonstrate mastery of any skills necessary to produce a quality ensemble. 0 points - Student has either an unexcused absence or failed to bring their instrument to class (and did not bring a note from home).

4 Written Assignments (10 to 30 points each) - a rubric will be given with assignments which may include occasional vocabulary and rhythm-reading assessments, and or other handouts or Writing assignments given in class. Spot Checks (10 points each) - Each student will be spot checked at least once per grading period during normal classroom instruction. Spot checks will not be announced in advance, and will determine the students' ability to perform excerpts from the current repertoire. Playing Tests (20 points each) - Playing tests will always be announced with a rubric outlining the grading system before each playing test. Performances (30 points per performance) - Grades in this area will be based on the student's quality and improvement in the following: posture, hand position, tone production, pitch control, knowledge of fingerings, range, endurance, hand coordination, ensemble playing, and Dynamics. This grade also represents the student's ability to follow the "Concert Expectations" outlined in this handbook, including attendance, stage performance, preparedness, etc. Please note: in accordance with MCPS policy, assignments that demonstrate minimal effort will not receive a grade lower than 50%. Assignments that have not been attempted at all will receive a grade of zero. If an assignment includes an opportunity for re-takes, it will be announced. If a student does choose to re-take, the higher of the two grades will be recorded. ATTENDANCE Attendance at all rehearsals is essential for a quality performing group. To be excused from class participation, a note from the parent must be presented at the beginning of class. Students absent from class are responsible for making-up missed exercises or assessments. It is the student's responsibility to arrange a time with Mr. Westbrook to make-up missed work. MAKE-UPS AND EXTRA HELP Students can come in for extra help, or to make up assignments (with prior permission). Please prearrange these extra help sessions at least 24 hours in advance by with Mr. Westbrook. DAILY REHEARSAL PROCEDURES 1. Arrive to class on time with their instrument, assemble their instrument, and be seated promptly. 2. Be prepared for class with a) A working instrument b) Their folder of music c) A pencil d) All necessary assignments e) All supplies necessary for their instrument (see "Equipment and Music Care") 3. Be seated in their assigned seats and ready within 5 minutes after the bell rings. Check the board for announcements and the rehearsal order. Suggested warm-up exercises include easy exercises to warm the instrument and finger muscles. Scales and spots in the music we are playing also work. 4. Respect all equipment, music, instruments, and classmates. No student should play the pianos or drums unless directed by the teacher. 5. Cease talking and provide their undivided attention to the director once rehearsal has started. Cell phones and all other electronic devices like laptops or gaming machines, unless being used as tuners and

5 metronomes during class as directed by the teacher, are prohibited. Ask the director any questions they have about the music at appropriate times. 6. Keep his/her instrument in good working condition. Each student is responsible for protecting His/her instrument so that it does not get misplaced or damaged. Stands, chairs, and the floor are not acceptable resting places for instruments. Students are expected-place his/her instrument in their lap or case if it needs to be put down. 7. Maintain music books and sheet music in good condition. A folder and a folder slot will be provided for each student. Loss of sheet music or music books will result in an obligation which will be reported to the financial secretary. 8. Never handle an instrument that belongs to another student. Only percussionists are permitted to handle their percussion equipment. 9. Remember that bottled water is the only permitted consumable and that gum, candy, soda, and food are not permitted in the instrumental music room, practice rooms, or storage area. 10. Pack up his/her instrument and if necessary place it in the appropriate storage area prior to dismissal. Instrument Management Due to the schedule and room security, Instruments must be brought to class during 3rd period Instrumental Music only. Instruments should not be dropped off before school. Instruments should be taken at the end of class or picked up from 2:30-2:45pm. Occasionally the band room will not be available for pickup after school. Mr. Westbrook will make the best effort to inform students prior. If an instrument must be obtained and the band room is locked, please contact a building service member, security team, or front office to see if they can assist in getting the instrument. HOME PRACTICE TIPS Find a private, distraction-free area to practice (with privacy, you will be more comfortable working through difficulties). The location should be quiet and well-lit. Students should sit in a straight-backed chair and use a music stand. Wire stands can be purchased at local music supply stores or borrowed from the teacher. Warm-ups should be simple exercises (long tones with a clear, steady tone, or scales). Avoid limiting the practice to playing selections that have already been mastered. Improvement comes from stretching beyond one's initial capabilities. Have a goal in mind and work towards it - do not simply play through exercises and move on. When working on a difficult passage, start slowly, using a metronome, and repeat until it can be played without mistakes. Then begin increasing the tempo little by little. Play something familiar, easy, or fun at the end of your practice time. After properly cleaning the instrument, return it to its case. Do not leave instrument out of the case, even if you plan to continue later. CONCERT EXPECTATIONS 1. Concert attendance is mandatory. Concerts are the culmination of many hours of hard work and count as our PBL final presentation. They are a vital part of the course objectives and the grading policy. Concert dates are determined in advance so that students and their families may plan for them accordingly. 2. Arrive 60 minutes before the scheduled concert time. This allows for sufficient time for set-up, tuning, and any last minute adjustments.

6 3. Appropriate concert dress is mandatory. Only students who dress appropriately will be permitted to participate in the concert. If you have any questions about the concert dress code, please ask. Let Mr. Westbrook know in advance if you need assistance finding the necessary attire. Ladies Floor-length black skirt or black dress pants ¾ sleeve or longer sleeve black or white Blouse Black stockings (or black socks with pants) Black dress shoes Gentleman Black dress pans (no black jeans) Long sleeve white collared dress shirt Black socks Black dress shoes EOUIPMENT AND MUSIC CARE Music: Sheet music and exercise books are to be stored in the provided music folder. Keep a pencil either in your music folder or in your instrument case at all times. Only use pencil to mark your music (do NOT use any type of marker or pen). Music must be treated with the utmost care. Destruction or loss of music will result in a fee to purchase new music. Publishers often do not sell individual parts, only the entire set for a piece, making replacement very costly. Equipment: Student's name, address, phone number, and school should be attached to the case. This is critical in the event your instrument is lost or left on the bus. Keep your instrument in working condition. Periodically inspect your instrument and report any damage or maintenance needs to Mr. Westbrook. Instruments must be kept clean, both inside and out for sanitary reasons and for better playing response. Do NOT drink or eat right before or while playing a wind instrument. When not in use, the instrument should either be in the student's lap or in their case. Students and parents will be financially responsible for repairs on school owned instruments which are the result of misuse or neglect. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAINENCE Woodwind Instruments: Instruments must be dried out with a swab (or ramrod cotton cloth for flutes) after each playing Remove reeds from the mouthpiece after each playing. Flute Soft cleaning cloth and cleaning rod Oboe 2 medium soft reeds, reed case, cleaning swab, small container for water (plastic film containers or empty pill bottles work well All Clarinets 1 box of reeds (2 ½ or higher), cleaning swab and cork grease

7 All Saxophones 1 box of reeds, cleaning swab, cork grease Brass Instruments: Mouthpiece must be brushed out once a week with a brush and soapy water, the pipe connected to the mouthpiece must be brushed out once a month with a brush and water Valves must be oiled regularly (when showing signs of friction) The tuning and valve slides must be greased monthly Trombone slides must be maintained with a light coat of slide cream and a misting of water from a mini-water bottle before playing (slide oil is recommended) Trumpet Valve oil, slide grease, 7C type mouthpiece (5C for advanced players), cleaning snake and mouthpiece brush French Horn Rotary valve oil, slide grease, mouthpiece and mouthpiece brush Trombone 12C mouthpiece, slide cream (not slide oil), small water bottle Baritone Valve oil, slide grease, mouthpiece brush Tuba Valve oil, slide grease, mouthpiece Percussion Instruments: They will be responsible for keeping the percussion section neat and orderly, with all instruments in good working order Percussion Vic Firth EP-2 or Promark SPP 1. This includes a mallet bag, snare sticks, and a variety of mallets. Students also need a practice pad. *it is also highly recommended that a bell kit is also rented, as percussionists will be responsible for practicing keyboard material. String Instruments: String players must wipe the rosin dust off the instruments with a clean cloth Students must regularly rosin their bow Students using school instruments are responsible for keeping their instruments clean and in good working order. Violin One set of spare strings, rosin, cleaning cloth, shoulder rest Viola One set of spare strings, rosin, cleaning cloth, shoulder rest Cello One set of spare strings, rosin, rock stop Bass One set of spare strings, rock stop, Pops bass rosin Guitar & Electric Bass One set of spare strings, strap, patch cables

8 Private Lessons Students are not required to take private lessons, but it is strongly encouraged. It is an invaluable experience intended for students who have interest inn further developing their instrumental talent. Taking private lessons expands the opportunities for musical success; including county and state honors ensembles, the top ensembles in high school, and even college scholarships. Contact Mr. Westbrook for more information and private teacher contact information. LOCAL MUSIC STORES: Chuck Levin s Washington Music Center 1151 Veirs Mill Road Wheaton, MD (Instruments & Supplies) Music & Arts Federal Plaza (several other locations) Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD (Instruments & Supplies)

9 INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC CALENDAR Concert and performance dates are determined in advance so that students and their families may plan for them accordingly. Mr. Westbrook will communicate details and/or modifications in a timely manner. The following is a list of performances and dates. EVENT LOCATION/DATE ENSEMBLE Back to School Night Pep Rally Magnet and Academy Open House Winter Concert (snow date 12/14) International Night Spring Concert Memorial Day Concert Graduation Auditorium/Front Entrance September 19 5pm - 9pm Wheaton High School October 13-1PM Auditorium October 19-6pm-9pm Auditorium December 7 7pm-9pm Student Call 6pm Auditorium April pm Auditorium April 26-7pm-9pm Student Call 6pm American Legion 262 Wheaton, MD May 29 11am (Call 10am) Constitution Hall, Washington DC TBA Band Band Band All Ensembles All Ensembles All Ensembles All Ensembles All Ensembles This calendar is subject to additions as other performance opportunities become available. For example, opportunities for performances for the community and feeder schools will arise. We will take advantage of such events to showcase the WHS performing ensembles. Reasonable notice will be given to students and their families.

10 STUDENT/PARENT CONTRACT We have read the Instrumental Music Handbook. We understand and will follow all policies and procedures of the instrumental music department. We understand that all students are expected to practice regularly We understand that all performances are a part of the course objectives and are therefore mandatory We understand that proper concert dress is expected We understand that specific equipment is required We understand that any damage to music, school instruments, or school property will result in a fine. Deliberate damage will also result in referral for disciplinary action. We understand that students are expected to be dedicated to the study of his/her instrument. Student Name (print): Student Signature: I support the commitment that my son/daughter has made to the instrumental music program: I understand that this included a commitment and responsibility on my part to ensure that my child has transportation to and from all rehearsals and performances. I will take an active part in my sons/daughter s time management and academic studies to ensure that this commitment is fulfilled. I understand that the success of the entire group depends on my child s following through with his/her commitment. Parent/Guardian Name (print): Parent/Guardian Signature:

11 WHS MUSIC STUDENT INFORMATION Ensemble(s): Band Orchestra Jazz Band Music Technology (Circle as appropriate) Name: Student ID: Music Instruments and Number of Years Studied: Grade in School: Academy: Guidance Counselor: Address: Home Phone: Student Cell Phone: Student Address: Parent/Guardian Name(s): Parent(s) Phone(s): Parent(s) What computer programs have you used to create music? What would you like to accomplish in this class? What music would you like to perform/create/learn? Band/Jazz/Orchestra Students Only: Is your instrument your own, rented, or school owned? If rented, where do you rent from? Instrument Make & Model: Instrument Serial Number: Do you take private music lessons?