Davenport School of the Arts 2004 2005 Pan-A-Maniac Steel Drum Ensemble Student Handbook
TABLE OF CONTENTS Forward 2 I. How to become a Great Steel Drum Member 2 a. The Importance of Attitude 2 b. The Importance of Discipline 2 II. Statement of Band Policy for Parents and Students 3 a. Your Child s responsibility to the Steel Drum Program 3 b. The Responsibility of the School & Music Department 3 III. Steel Drum Ensemble Grades 3 Practice 3 IV. Calendar 4 V. Steel Drum Ensembles 4 a. Class Ensemble 4 b. After-School Ensemble 4 VI. Steel Drum Equipment 4 a. Instruments 4 b. Uniforms 5 c. Music and Folders 5 d. Care of Equipment 5 e. Inspections 6 f. Repairs 6 VII. Music Rooms 6 a. Rehearsal/ Class Room 6 b. Practice Rooms 6 c. Instrument Storage Rooms 6 d. Director s Office 6 VIII. Attendance 6 IX. Rehearsals 7 a. Procedures 7 b. Sectionals and Extra Rehearsals 7 c. Restrooms 7 X. Field Trips 7 XI. Steel Drum Ensemble Parent Group 8 Acknowledgment and Commitment 9 Out Of County/Permission Form 10 Image and Technology Release Form 11 Volunteer Application 12
GUIDELINES FOR THE DAVENPORT SCHOOL OF THE ARTS PAN-A-MANIAC STEEL DRUM ENSEMBLE HANDBOOK Forward The Davenport School of the Art s Steel Drum Ensemble has established a tradition of musical achievement and excellent student conduct. This is a source of pride throughout the school and community. It has been made possible because members of the ensemble have taken great pride in their work and have aspired to improve every aspect of the program at all times. I. How to become a Great Steel Drum Member a. The Importance of Attitude The greatest factor that will help you to be successful is your attitude. You should always use the words I Will. You must be dedicated to reaching your goals. Approach class time with a positive attitude. Come to class expecting to play better than the previous day. Leave problems or concerns not related to the rehearsal outside of the room. Make coming to steel drums with a positive attitude your top priority. Music is an Academic Discipline Remember that those in music are a select group. Music can do much for you. Make the most of your experience through superior practice, superior rehearsals, and superior performance. You will only get out what you put into it. b. The Importance of Discipline Because of the nature of this organization, discipline must, out of necessity, be strict. Students and parents must be willing to support the ideals, principles, and rules of the steel drum program. Because you are constantly on display you must always be aware of the importance of good behavior. You should remember that you represent the Steel Drum Ensemble, Davenport School of the Arts, and the community whenever you perform publicly. 2
II. Statement of Steel Drum Ensemble Policy for Parents and Students The successful child is the one who is improving through regular practice and daily progress. We firmly believe that your child will improve through daily practice. a. Your Child s Responsibility to the Steel Drum Program 1. Be regular in attendance and account for all absences in advance. 2. Strive for daily improvement through consistent practice. 3. P.R.I.D.E. - Personal Responsibility In Daily Effort. Become responsible for and assume the consequences of your actions. 4. Be personally clean, neat, and observe all dress codes. 5. Respect those in authority-teachers and substitutes. 6. Follow all classroom, school, and trip rules. 7. Be honest and fair with others in all aspects of school life. 8. Cooperate with fellow steel drum members. b. The Responsibility of the School and Music Department 1. Provide steel drum members with the proper rehearsal environment. 2. Plan each day s instructional time so it ensures daily progress of the entire ensemble. 3. Provide students with a music education that relates to appreciation, theory, and performance. 4. Supervise the students in class and on school-sponsored steel drum trips. 5. Grade the progress of each member on a regular basis and inform parents of below average work in order to develop a plan of improvement. III. Steel Drum Ensemble Grades Steel Drum Ensemble grades are based on written and playing tests, class preparation, homework assignments, class participation and attendance at all rehearsals and performances. Parents are encouraged to consult the director at any time regarding grading policy or student grades. A close contact of parents and teachers indicates a strong interest in the child s success in the Steel Drum program and can thus aid both parties in understanding and solving problems. The director can be reached at 863-421-3247. Practice The music building will be open for practice every morning from 7:45-8:20 a.m. unless otherwise instructed by teachers and staff. The music building is not open for practice when the director is not present or if there is a substitute. All students must report to their homeroom teacher before arrival to the music suite. Students will be issued tools for practicing at home. 3
IV. Calendar of Events The Steel Drum Ensembles is a high performance group. Many dates arise with as little as 2 weeks notice. Some semesters have seen as many as 30 performances. Dates will be sent home as they are received. There are six ways to obtain upcoming dates and information: 1. Printed notice sent home to parents through students 2. Submitting personal e-mail address. These will be sent out the same day as the printed notice. 3. Davenport School of the Arts MUSIC Website: http://www.polk-fl.net/dsa/music0405.htm 4. Contacting the school at 863-421-3247 5. Posted calendar in the Music Building 6. Students make note with in their agendas The Davenport School of the Art s Steel Drum Ensemble performs for functions that will promote the school, the ensemble, and the community. Notice will be given as far in advance as possible. V. Steel Drum Ensembles a. Class Ensemble - Students are taught fundamentals of music theory, appreciation and instrumental technique. Focus on performance of music literature utilizing and developing techniques learned. b. After-School Ensemble - A high paced class for continuing students with a focus on technical development and tone. Focus on performing advanced level music; utilizing advanced technical and musical skills. Includes study of jazz articulation,jazz styles, performance, and improvisation. Students selected by Audition only and must also be in the Class Ensemble. VI. Steel Drum Equipment a. Instruments The school has invested in professional instruments so that the ensemble would have the tools necessary for the most success. Students are responsible for caring for each instrument as they use it. Certain instruments are checked out to students at the beginning of the school year. Students that check out a school owned instruments are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of these instruments. Parents are responsible for any damage other than normal wear (dents, broken parts). Deliberate or maliciously damaged instruments will be handled in a disciplinary fashion and will be the financial responsibility of the parents. These actions will not be tolerated and can result in expulsion from the Steel Drum Ensemble. 4
b. Uniforms The Steel Drum Ensemble uniform specifications are: 1 Purple Davenport School of the Arts Polo Shirt (4 th and 5 th Grade) 1 Black Davenport School of the Arts Polo Shirt (6 th 7 th Grade) 1 Pair of School Khaki Pants 1 Pair of School Khaki Shorts 1 Pair of All White Sneakers (with as few logos as possible) 1 Pair of white socks 2 Davenport School of the Arts Steel Drum Ensemble T-Shirts 1 Pan-A-Maniac Hat *Cost for Steel Drum T-shirts will be sent out as they are designed and put together. Plan for $10.00-$15.00. *Cost for Steel Drum Uniform Dress Shirt will be sent be sent out as soon as possible; plan for about $35-40. Students will keep this shirt at school for the school year. There will be a cleaning fee of $5.00 for the school year. The shirts will go home with the students at the conclusion of the school year. c. Music and Folders Each Student will be responsible for the following supplies: DSA Agenda Music Folder Music Notebook and staff paper Sharpened Pencil This notebook is to be used for music materials only. All music issued is the property of the Davenport School of the Arts Steel Drum Ensemble or the Director and must be returned in good shape when requested. Music may be taken home for practice but must be at every rehearsal. NO EXCUSES. A pencil should also be kept in the folder at all times. It is best to have a pencil just for the music notebook. Mechanical pencils ensure that the pencil will be fully operational throughout class. 1. When folders are turned in they must contain all issued music. Each student is responsible for his/her music. There will be a $1.00 charge per page for music that is lost or damaged. No music or materials will result in loss of daily class participation points and a mark on the triple a card for middle school students. 2. Do not bend, fold, or mutilate the music. It does not belong to you. Mark your music with pencil only. Erasable pen is not acceptable. d. Care of Equipment It is every steel drum member s responsibility to show the utmost care for all equipment. Make sure all areas are neat and things are returned to their proper location. It is the responsibility of each Steel Drum member to clean his/her instrument as often as necessary to maintain proper playing condition. An instrument is fragile, complicated, and built very precisely. Proper care and handling will ensure proper playing condition. 5
e. Inspections The Teacher will conduct random inspections of music Notebooks and instruments. f. Repairs All school owned instrument repairs must be made through the Director. Do not attempt to perform repairs at home. VIII. Music Rooms a. Rehearsal/Class Room All Steel Drum members are to assist in keeping the room clean and in good order. Keep chairs and music stands in place and use the wastebasket for the disposal of trash. b. Practice Rooms Practice rooms are to be used for individual or small group practice only. They are not to be used as social areas. No more than two students are to be in a practice room without Director approval. If you move any equipment for practice, you are responsible for returning it to it s proper location when the practice session is complete. c. Instrument Storage Room This room is for instruments only. Unless directed by the teacher, all students are to stay out of the instrument storage rooms. d. Director s Offices The Director s office is off limits to all students. They may be used only as instructed by the Director. Anyone in the Director s office without permission will be referred to the office. VIII. Attendance The attendance guidelines must apply with equal force to all steel drum members. Membership in the ensemble automatically includes attendance at all rehearsals, sectionals, lessons and performances. All scheduled steel drum activities carry points toward your nine-week grades. Unexcused absences from scheduled events will result in reduction of grade and possible removal from performance ensembles. Steel Drum performances are part of the steel drum ensemble curriculum. It is expected that students in the steel drum program intend to perform with the ensemble. Any conflicts must be cleared at least one (1) week in advance of the conflict. Absence due to serious illness, accident, or family related emergency will, of course be honored. However, the Director should be given as much advance notice as possible. Remember that the Steel Drum Ensemble is counting on your performance. Students with pre-excused or emergency absences will be allowed to complete work to recover lost points. A written report will be completed one week after returning to school. Students are responsible for obtaining report topics from the Director. 6
IX. Rehearsals Rehearsals are time to work as a group. If you are practicing every day, you will help your class progress at an acceptable rate. During rehearsals we must work on developing a good ensemble sound. Time will be taken to prepare difficult passages but it is of the utmost importance that students work outside class to perfect their parts. Failure to participate in rehearsals will result in the loss of daily participation points. Students who come to rehearsal unprepared to participate will have the option of a written report to cover daily grades lost. a. Procedures 1. Enter the building quietly. Students will promptly be in their seats with their instruments ready 2. No talking or horseplay in the Music Suite. 3. There will be no talking during rehearsals. Talking is disruptive to the Director and to those around you. If you have a question, raise your hand. 4. Show respect and courtesy to others and their property at all times. 5. Notebook should have a pencil and paper ready at all times. 6. No band is better than it s rehearsal. Every rehearsal should have a performance atmosphere. 7. After rehearsal place your instrument in the correct storage space and wait quietly for dismissal. 8. Food, gum, candy, or drinks are not allowed in the music building. Get rid of them before you enter the building. b. Sectionals and Extra Rehearsals Occasionally Sectionals and Extra rehearsals will be necessary for performances. If Sectionals and extra rehearsals are needed, they will be a required part the Steel Drum Ensemble Member s Grade. c. Restrooms Restrooms are located off the hallway in the music suite. Students will be allowed one use of bathroom privileges per semester with the Directors approval. Choose your time wisely. Class time is for learning music. Use the restroom between classes. Students are not to use the adult bathrooms. X. Field Trips Students may attend band trips only if they meet the minimum eligibility requirements. A complete listing of rules, regulations and trip schedules will be provided to students in a timely manner before all trips and will be covered in class. All school rules and school board policies apply on all trips. Only exemplary conduct and behavior will be tolerated by Davenport Steel Drum members. 7
XI. Steel Drum Ensemble Parent Group The Davenport School of the Arts Steel Drum Ensemble Organization s sole purpose is to assist the ensemble members and Director. The success of the ensemble is due in large part to the active participation of all of our parents. Membership in the Pan Parent s Organization shall consist of all parents of the ensemble members enrolled in the Davenport School of the Art s Steel Drum Ensembles. Parents must be a Polk County Approved Volunteer. Several committees exist to assist with the operation of the ensemble. Your help in one or more of these areas is essential to our overall success. Parent Volunteer Duties will include: a. Pan Parent President Management of Pan Parent Association Business, Loading Crew Coordinator, Trailer Detail Coordinator 1. Assistant Loading Crew Coordinator Loading Crew Coordinator, Trailer Detail Coordinator b. Secretary Minutes at Pan Parent Meetings, Parent Communications 1. Assistant Secretary Assists Secretary with Minutes at Pan Parent Meetings, Parent Communications c. Chaperone Coordinator Student Attendance, Uniform Coordinator, Snacks, Bus Detail 1. Assistant Chaperone Coordinator Assists Chaperone Coordinator with Student Attendance, Uniform Coordinator, Snacks, Bus Detail d. Treasurer Fundraiser bookkeeper e. Chaperones Child Safety and Supervision f. Loading Crew Assists with Performance Equipment before and after productions g. Equipment Trailer Transportation insured and able to tow Pan-A-Maniac Equipment trailer. 8
Student Name: ACKNOWLEDGMENT and COMMITMENT I have read and understand the guidelines and policies set forth in the Davenport School of the Arts Steel Drum Ensemble Handbook. I agree to abide by the rules of the ensemble and the music department during the school year. I understand that failure to abide by the rules of the ensemble and music department may result in my removal from the Steel Drum program. Student Signature Date I have reviewed the contents of the SD handbook with my child and will help him/her to abide by the rules. Parent Signature Date Student Name Grade Parent Name Home Address City Zip Home Phone ( ) - Work Phone ( ) - Cell Phone ( ) - E-Mail Address Parent Name Home Address City Zip Home Phone ( ) - Work Phone ( ) - Cell Phone ( ) - E-Mail Address Please check all duties that you might be able to assist with (see page 8.) Pan Parent President Secretary Chaperone Coordinator Treasurer Loading Crew Assistant Loading Crew Coordinator Assistant Secretary Assistant Chaperone Coordinator Chaperones Equipment Trailer Transportation Please check all that Apply Below I am generally available for the above checked positions Daytime Evenings Anytime Most times Please return this form no later than Friday, October 29, 2004 9
Davenport School of the Arts 2004-2005 Please return this form no later than Friday, October 29, 2004 10
Davenport School of the Arts Please return this form no later than Friday, October 29, 2004 11
Davenport School of the Arts 12