DMS Performing Arts Guidebook

Transcription

1 DMS Performing Arts Guidebook

2 DMS Performing Arts Guidebook Ride The Wave This guidebook was prepared to compliment the DMS Student handbook. It provides information for performing ensemble students and parents regarding those policies, rules, and procedures that are unique to performing art classes Table of Contents 2 Rehearsal Schedule 2 Welcome Letter 3 Philosophy 3 Calendar of Events 4 Music Ensemble Technology 4 Absence Policy 5 Conduct Policy 5 Responsibilities/Instruments 6 Concert Attire/Order Form 7 Rehearsal Schedule All Band and Chorus Rehearsals are during your child s grade level encore time. Each ensemble meets 5 times out of each 6 day cycle. (Days 1-5) Students in both band and chorus will have their choral rehearsal on Day Minute Instrumental Lessons for 5 th and 6 th Grade occur during General Music Class Time. 6 th Grade 11:00-11:30 5 th Grade.11:35-12:05 8 th Grade.12:05-12:35 7 th Grade.12:40 1:10 After school/evening ensemble rehearsal schedule Chamber Singers..Thursday 6:00p-7:30p (7 th -8 th Grade Auditioned) Drama Club...Schedule details weekly on DC page and online calendar (6 th -8 th Auditioned) Jazz Band...Tuesday 6:05p-7:25p (6 th -8th Grade Auditioned) Percussion Ensemble Wednesday6:30p-7:30p (6 th -8 th Grade Open to all ensemble members) *Changes to the evening rehearsal schedule will be reflected on the performing arts online calendar.

3 Dear Parents and Students, Welcome to the Dover Middle School Music. We recognize the many options students and parents have when considering educational opportunities here at DMS and would like to thank you for making music part of your learning this year. We are energized and thankful for the opportunity to work with such incredible young people. The DMS Music Program has a tradition of a quality program with a rich musical history and we are very excited about building and continuing to celebrate that fine tradition. This guidebook was prepared to compliment the DMS Student handbook. It provides information for students and parents regarding those policies, rules, and procedures that are unique to band and chorus. It will prove to be a valuable source of information as music groups are not like other classes nor are they exactly like team sports or clubs. Instead, they possess characteristics of both: (a) music classes are similar to other classes in that there are concepts and skills that must be learned through a definite curriculum, and (b) they are similar to team sports in that success depends on all individuals performing their parts and relating with others as teammates in a cooperative and supportive spirit. Our music website is the best way to stay informed of activities and events, which can be accessed through the Dover Schools Web site. If any questions arise during the year please do not hesitate to call, , or send a note. We look forward to meeting and working with all of you as we strive for excellence. Onward and Upward, Rob Finch Jeff Leaf Dave Tromba r.finch@dover.k12.nh.us j.leaf@dover.k12.nh.us d.tromba@dover.k12.nh.us Music Office Phone : Philosophy It Is Our Commitment That all students in the Dover Middle School Music Program develop a lifelong appreciation for the value of music in their lives. We realize that after they leave school most of our students will enjoy music as listeners more often than as performers. With that in mind, we will strive to help them develop the widest range of musical taste by exposing them to as many different musical styles, ideas, and experiences as possible. Through our rehearsals we will instill a strong sense of self-discipline, self-motivation, and an inner drive for excellence. We will foster a better sense of citizenship for the world of tomorrow by developing the traits of a responsible citizen today through the mental and physical discipline of the program of music. Through our performance opportunities, students will gain the self-confidence to know there is nothing that cannot be achieved. There is no obstacle that cannot be overcome if they are willing to utilize their talents and work together. Through our social relationships within music, they will develop life-long memories and friendships which are bonded by the variety of activities they will share. Most of all, students must view music as an experience that has a vital, positive effect on their lives for years to come. DMS Middle School Music is intended to serve as a positive musical experience for our youth to lend dignity, spirit and atmosphere to DMS and the Dover Community. These are but a few examples of the many rewards of being associated with Dover Middle School Music.

4 DMS Performance Schedule 11/20/ Bands field trip to the UNH Band Extravaganza 12/14/2015 DMS 5 th & 6 th Grade Band and Chorus Concert 12/15/2015 DMS 7 th & 8 th Grade Band and Chorus Concert 3/3/2016 Dover Music Concert Camp Day DMS/DHS 8:00AM-2:30PM 3/12/2016 Jazz Band trip to the Clark Terry UNH Jazz Festival 3/21/2016 DMS 5 th & 6 th Grade Band and Chorus Concert 3/22/2016 DMS/DHS Band 7-12 Concert 3/23/2016 DMS/DHS Choral 7-12 Concert DMS Musical 4/7-4/9 4/10/2016 DHS Auditorium 2:00PM 6/8/2016 Spring Concert and Art Exhibit 6 th - 8 th Grade DMS Gym 7:00PM 6/9/2016 Jump Up Concert 4 th & 5 th Grade Band DMS Gym 7:00PM JUNE TBA: Jazz in the Park Concert DHS & DMS Jazz Ensembles TBA Events All Dates are tentative and are subject to change. Students will be notified if a date change occurs. Music Ensemble Technology Music ensembles use a blended approach to curriculum that includes direct teacher instruction and long distance tools such as interactive software programs for individualized instruction. The use of the technology is essential to helping facilitate our performance based learning and assessment. The Ensemble Technology Fee and use of the Music First Suite of music technology is mandatory for participation in band and chorus. Because Music First is cloud based, students can use any computer with internet access to complete their assignments. Students who do not have internet access at home may use any designated music department computers after school to complete their assignments for both band and chorus.

5 Performance-Based Learning and Assessment (Be A Learner) In the act of learning, people obtain content knowledge, acquire skills, and develop work habits and practice the application of all three Performance-based learning and assessment represent a set of strategies for the acquisition and application of knowledge, skills and work habits through the performance of tasks that are meaningful and engaging to students. Ct. Regional school district 15 Performance based learning and assessment will utilize many forms of assessment with the purpose of collecting data to identify strengths and weaknesses and ultimately improve student performance. Evaluation is using the assessments to make decisions and judgments on the quality, value, or work of a response, product or performance. Grades answer questions like: - Does this performance represent the student s best work? - How does this performance compare to the previous performance made by the student? - How does this performance compare to other performances made by other students? - What grade should this performance receive? Both fixed standard and individualized evaluations are used in music classes. Grading is reported on a semester basis (2 nd and 4 th quarter) for all music classes at DMS Ultimately we encourage questions and comments throughout the semester and appreciate the communication, especially at the beginning of a semester instead of at the close Absence Policy Excused Absence from Performance or Rehearsal: There are three acceptable reasons for an absence from a performance: 1.Illness: Student s absent due to illness from school on the day of a performance are not to perform that evening and will be considered excused. 2.Emergency: Emergency absences include: personal illness, serious illness of a member of the immediate family which requires hospitalization, or a death in the immediate family. 3. School Sponsored Event: The Music director and other school representatives must be notified well in advance so that a solution can be worked out. Conduct Policy The Dover Middle School Music Department has always sought discipline through individual responsibility. As a member, you are a representative of your school, the department, your community, your family, and yourself. With this in mind, basic criteria have been established that all members of our program are expected to follow. Our rules are made for one reason-not to inconvenience any one member but to establish guidelines from which all members can best accomplish their own musical goals, as well as the goals of the organization. A healthy attitude and full cooperation will make your ensemble a fun organization to belong to. Each ensemble will only be as good as each individual makes it. Give your best effort at all times and we will be assured of developing performing groups of which we can all be proud! BE RESPECTFUL A. Yourself *Have materials ready for rehearsal immediately after entering the room. *Be in attendance and be on time at all performances. *Use your time wisely participating with the class for the entire class period each day. Silently go over your own part whenever the director is working with another group. B. Others *Do not engage in behavior that keeps other students from learning & Rehearsing *There should be no out-of-turn talking or playing during a rehearsal. Each minute is valuable. *Respect others' property. "If it's not yours, leave it alone." C. Your School *Music, the music rooms, all instruments, materials, and equipment are to be well cared for at all times. These things belong to all of us-past, present, and future. *No gum chewing in the music room

6 Here is a checklist that should be used to make sure that you have all your materials for this year: Guidebook Pencils Black Socks Black dress pants Music Folder Name Tag for instrument case (for band) Black dress shoes DMS Music Polo Standard of Excellence (Book 1 for 5th and 6th grade Bands) Current School Year *"Sound Innovations" will replace Standard of Excellence and will be phased in beginning with 4 th Graders Woodwind Players: Brass Players: Percussion: Extra Reeds, Cork Grease, Neck Strap Valve Oil Sticks Instrument Check Out - Dover Middle School has an inventory of those instruments that are either not used on a regular basis or are prohibitively expensive to own. These instruments may be checked out by students enrolled in instrumental music classes and ensembles. All woodwind players are expected to supply their own reeds. All percussion instruments will be used at school but percussion students are expected to supply their own drum sticks, bell set, and snare drum/pad for practice at home. Instrument Loaner Fee In order to help defray the cost of repairs and upkeep on the school owned instruments, we ask any student using a school owned instrument to pay a $25 fee for the year. An instrument rental agreement form must be completed and signed by both the student and the parent with payment before the instrument can be issued. The instrument must be turned in on the assigned date or at any time designated by the band director. Repairs - The care and maintenance of the assigned instrument is the responsibility of the student to whom it is rented. Normal wear will be allowed. Repairs of any damage resulting in accidents, carelessness or lack of proper upkeep will be the responsibility of the student. Maintenance - It must be understood that each student is responsible for the care and maintenance of his/her own instrument. The band student cannot participate and perform at their best if their instrument is not in the best possible condition. Woodwind instruments - should be swabbed thoroughly after each playing to remove all moisture from the instrument. Woodwind instruments should not be submerged in water. Extreme care should be taken to prevent the pads from getting wet. Reeds should be taken off the mouthpiece and placed in a reed holder. Periodic maintenance checks by a qualified repairman can prevent major problems. Brass instruments - should be kept thoroughly lubricated. All slides and valves should move freely. Extreme care should be taken not to dent or bend any slide or valve casing since this can cause expensive damage. Brass instruments should be wiped off after playing to remove finger prints and perspiration. This will extend the life of the finish and preserve the appearance of the instrument. Percussion instruments - must be kept in top working order at all times. All percussionists should have their own 1) bell/xylophone mallets, 2) snare sticks; All personal equipment should be clearly marked with the student's name. Additional mallets and sticks and equipment should be returned to the percussion cabinet. All equipment should be covered when not in use. Special care should be taken to protect drum heads from puncture and warping. Even tension on all heads will protect them and prolong their life. Use of School Music - School music should be cared for and returned in good condition. Music is very expensive and must last for many years. Students will be charged for damaged or lost music. Ink pen should never be used to mark music! DMS Music Ensemble Students are expected to average a 100 minutes per week of home practice. REMEMBER WHY YOU PRACTICE TO BECOME A BETTER PERFORMER AND TO HAVE MORE FUN

7 DMS Music Concert Attire DMS Musicians, Parents and Guardians, Welcome to the Music Season. We strive for excellence both in how students sound and look on stage. Concert attire consists of: A Green DMS Music Polo (tucked in) for 7 th and 8 th Grade A Gray DMS Music Polo (tucked in) for 5 th & 6 th Grade Black dress pants with solid black belt (not jeans) o Knee length or longer skirts are permitted with black leggings Solid black or nylons Black dress shoes (Please no gym shoes, Uggs, sandals, or Crocs) o Ladies flats are ok (for safety, no open toed shoes) o Choir members should avoid high heels as they can become uncomfortable and distracting on the risers Hair should be pulled up and away from the face. Students are responsible for attaining the items on the above list. Returning students should double check and make sure their attire still fits appropriately. Any musician in need of a new DMS Music Polo should complete the order form below and return it to Mr. Finch, Mr. Leaf or Mr. Tromba by Friday, October 2nd to guarantee a shirt before the first performance. If there are any questions or concerns please contact us. Sincerely, Mr. Finch, Mr. Leaf and Mr. Tromba keep the top half for you Music Polo Order Form Please cut at the line above and submit the bottom portion and $15.00 no later than Friday October 23rd to a music teacher near you. o Shirts ordered after October 23rd may not be in on time for the first performance o Checks payable to Dover Middle School (memo: Music Polo) o One check per family is fine, but please fill out one order form per student DMS Music Polo s are only manufactured in adult sizes o 5 th Grade Musicians: when ordering your shirts please keep in mind that you will one day be the size of an 8 th grader If you have any questions please contact Mr. Finch, Mr. Leaf or Mr. Tromba Musician s Name First Grade Last Homeroom Teacher Parent Name Parent Phone Size (checkmark only one) reminder these are adult sizes S M L XL