Nipmuc Regional High School Music Department E Block, Concert Band Simon Harding, Director - sharding@mursd.org If you're not prepared to be wrong, you'll never come up with anything original" - Sir. Ken Robinson Concert Band is a performance-based course designed to instruct students in intermediate techniques of wind band music and of music from a variety of time periods and genres. Please read the following information carefully, as it will be necessary to for your personal success and the achievement of the ensemble. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES: Bring daily: your music in your organized folder, a pencil, and all technique handouts. Students will be assigned a numbered folder in which to keep their music. Please keep your folder organized. Music will be assigned to each student, and it is expected that students will not lose or damage music. Any original music that is not returned in the same condition will be charged to the student. If you are absent from class or rehearsal, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed. You may ask a section member or Mr. Harding. Students are required to stay for every performance, and if applicable, participate as an audience member demonstrating appropriate concert etiquette. CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS: "To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late and to be late is to be unacceptable" You should be in your seat, warming up or listening, with your materials in order in accordance with the daily rehearsal outline when class begins. Students will adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Nipmuc Regional High School Student Handbook. (Courtesy and respect will be practiced at all times.) GRADING: Because this is a performance based course, the majority of your grade is derived from your individual performance; including performance and achievement in class, as well as any out of school performance, and required concerts. 50% Performance/Attendance: Attendance at all dress rehearsals and performances is MANDATORY. Each rehearsal and performance equals to a major quiz grade or exam grade respectively. If a student skips a concert, that student will receive an academic F for the term in which the concert takes place. (Extenuating circumstances will be evaluated by the director)
35% Ensemble Collaboration/Daily Achievement: The quality & success of any musical ensemble relies on the teamwork, cooperation, enthusiasm, mutual respect, and musical discipline/commitment of every member. The achievement grade is comprised of daily participation, punctuality, preparation, behavior, and musical achievement. 15% Performance Evaluations/Written Work (Scale Quizzes, Section Quizzes, Sight Reading Quizzes etc): To assess the progress of each student, written and/or playing quizzes, tests, or work may be given in class. There will be one performance exam each quarter. Students will be graded based on individual progress. All student performances will be evaluated in class daily through regular part checks and section evaluations. CONCERT ATTIRE: In order to appear professional at performances, the following concert attire will be worn; there are no exceptions. Students not in concert attire may not perform in the concert, resulting in a grade of a zero. Men: School provided: Tuxedo pants, jackets (pending), bow tie, long-sleeved white wingtipped tuxedo shirt Student provided: Black shoes, black socks. Women: School provided: Black Blouse and Black Pants Student provided: Black shoes (no heels higher than 2½ in.), black hose or socks. Everyone: Hair must be pulled away from your face, no big jewelry, no strong perfumes or scented lotions. DISTRICT AUDITIONS/INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS: It is highly recommended that students audition for the district and all-state festivals, if applicable. The audition piece this year are posted at: www.cdmmea.org Mr. Harding retains the right to make the final decision as to whether or not a student will attend an audition. It is highly recommended that students take private lessons to further their individual instrumental growth. More information regarding private lessons through the Mendon-Upton Music Department Lesson program will be forthcoming.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR THE YEAR: (Subject to change) Please put these dates on your calendar NOW, and inform Mr. Harding ASAP of any conflicts. (Remember that all performances and rehearsals are mandatory) Sept 8 th - Sept. 28 th - Sept. 29 th - Oct 5 th - Oct. 19 th - Oct. 20 th - First home football game @ 1:00pm Pep Band Homecoming Pep Rally - In School Homecoming Football Game @ 2:30pm Pep Band Third home football game @ 7:00pm Pep Band U-mass Multi-Band Day During School (Optional) Fourth home football game @ 1:00pm Pep Band Nov 6 th - After School Marching Rehearsal 2:15-3:15 Nov 12 th - Nov 17 th - Nov. 22 nd - Dec 5 th - Jan 26 th - Jan 30 th - Feb 9 th - Veteran s Day Parade, Milford, MA, - Time: TBD (Morning) Central District Auditions Quabbin R. H.S., - Time: TBD (Optional) (11/18, Snow Date) Thanksgiving Day Football Game @ 10:00AM, Nipmuc Winter Concert, Auditorium, - Call Time: TBA, Performance: 7:00pm All-State Auditions, Shrewsbury, MA - (1/27 Snow Date) Jazz Night, Auditorium Nipmuc @ 7:00pm Umass Honor Band (Optional/Auditioned) Feb 28 th - March 2 nd - All State Music Conference and Festival (Optional/Auditioned) March 6 th - MAJE Festival at Nipmuc (Student help needed) - Times: 2:00pm-9:00pm March 20 th - MICCA Preview Concert, Auditorium - Performance: 7:00pm March 23 rd - MAJE State Finals, Norwood High School April 5 th -April 7 th - MICCA Festival Weekend, Performance Venue and Time TBD April 24 th - May 16 th - May 21 st - Senior Music Auditions - After School High School Pops Concert, Nipmuc Gym, Performance:7:00pm Nipmuc Senior Music Night May 22 nd - After School Marching Rehearsal 2:15-3:15 May 27 th - May 31st - Memorial Day Parades, Mendon and Upton, 8am and 10am Graduation Ceremony, Nipmuc Gym, 6pm
HELPFUL HINTS FOR STUDENTS: HOW DO I PRACTICE? 1. Practice daily for progress and results. 2. Assemble the instrument carefully and lubricate regularly. 3. Warm-Up (both the instrument and yourself!) Play in the middle register of your instrument, mezzo-forte, and gradually extend the register and dynamic levels as your lips, embouchure, and body begin to respond with agility and flexibility. 4. Strengthen your embouchure by playing l-o-n-g t-o-n-e-s. Listen and play in tune with good tone quality, practice all dynamic levels. 5. Limber the fingers by playing scales and exercises. Practice slowly at first, increasing the speed only after the patterns can be played evenly. 6. Practice the assigned lesson or music parts. When unable to play a particular phrase or group of notes, STOP. Make an exercise out of the difficult part. Practice slowly at first, then gradually build up to the proper speed. 7. Practice for results- not just a length of time! Focused time spent on your instrument is very similar to focused attention on physical exercise. You can save yourself a million mindless repetitions if you work intelligently. 8. Clean and disassemble your instrument. After a practice session is over, dry the inside of woodwinds and drain the moisture from brass instruments. Then wipe off the outside of the instrument. Carefully return the instrument to its case. To avoid damage: do not keep stands, mutes, music, or other objects in the case unless a place is provided for them.
Considerations when renting or purchasing an instrument To ensure that your son or daughter has the best possible musical experience when starting an instrument or even continuing to further their growth in music, the following list has been generated and agreed upon by the Mendon Upton Public Schools Music Faculty, as quality instruments that are a worthwhile investment. If you are planning to purchase an instrument from a non-music store, please give your music teacher a call as there are some brands that you really want to avoid because of poor quality and repair problems. If you are planning on using an instrument that has been in the family, please bring it to your music teacher so they may make sure that it is in good working order. The most common instruments in band are divided into categories below with a few brand name suggestions to make the renting process a little easier. If you have any questions during this process, please contact your son or daughters music teacher at any time. Flute Gemeinhardt Armstrong Pearl Flutes Saxophone Kielwerth Yanagisawa Selmer Trumpet Bach King Blessing Clarinet Buffet/Vito Selmer Leblanc Trombone Bach King Conn F Horn / Baritone Bach Conn Holton
Clarinet Suggested Equipment The following list contains recommended equipment for students in Concert Band ---Woodwinds--- ~Mouthpiece: Vandoren B45 13 Series ~Ligature: Rovner ~Reeds: Vandoren or Rico Royal, strength 2.5-3 ~Reed Holder: Vandoren or LaVoz Alto/Tenor/Baritone Saxophone ~Mouthpiece: Selmer C* ~Ligature: Rovner ~Reeds: Vandoern or Rico Royal, strength 2.5-3 ~Reed Holder: Vandoren or LaVoz Trumpet ---Brass--- ~Mouthpiece: Bach 7C or 5C ~Mutes: Straight- Vacchiano or Dennis Wick, Cup- Stoneline ~Valve Oil: Al Cass or Blue Juice Trombone ~Mouthpiece: Bach 6 ½ AL ~Slide Lubricant: Cream and Spray Bottle or UMI Slide-O-Mix ---Percussion--- ~Stick Bag: Tuxedo -Provides protection during transportation -Keeps pairs of sticks together -Creates a storage pocket for drum keys and general maintenance products ~Concert Snare Sticks: -Vic Firth 5A (wooden tip) (PLEASE put your name or initials on EACH stick) ~Practice Pad: -Remo Practice 6 Pad or Reel Feel 6 Pad (With rubber playing surface) ~Drum Key: -To adjust snare drum ~Jazz Drum Set Sticks: -5A Regal Tip (PLEASE put your name or initials on EACH stick) If you have any question or concerns regarding this information, please contact Mr. Harding as soon as possible.
Volunteers Needed! The Mendon Upton Music Boosters is looking for parent volunteers to assist with upcoming concerts and events! Please review the music calendar and let us know if there is a concert or event that works with your availability. Please look for Sign Up Genius emails for details on dates, times, responsibilities and locations. Email us at mendonuptonmusic@gmail.com www.mendonuptonmusic.org If you have any question or concerns regarding this information, please contact Mr. Harding as soon as possible. Thank you! sharding@mursd.org Please complete the electronic signature form linked on the web-site or cut and paste the following link into your favorite browser. https://goo.gl/forms/lxl8aynwwx9yww2q1
Mendon Upton Regional School District Music Department Lesson Program Simon Harding Nipmuc Regional High School PreK-12 Music Coordinator 90 Pleasant Street sharding@mursd.org Upton, MA 01568 Dear Music Parents and Students, The after school private lesson program is offered to all instrumental and vocal students in the Mendon Upton Regional School District. The private lesson concept is designed to engage students in study of their instrument with a professional specialist. This will not replace existing class lessons and sectionals, where band and chorus basic instruction is presented by our school department faculty; but offer advanced training in technique, solo literature, and musicianship to students who choose to participate. This type of local program will also help parents avoid transporting students to other towns for private lessons. All participants are required to register for the program with Mr. Harding and complete a contract that details the fee structure and terms of the program. Lessons may not begin until the contract is signed and a payment plan is selected. Fee Structure: Annual Registration Fee: $5 per student. This is a one-time payment to the Mendon-Upton Regional School District (MURSD). This fee is for students starting at any point in the year, and covers that academic year only. The standard month-long package will be 4 lessons. Payment for the full month is due to the teacher at or before the first lesson. 30-minute lesson: $25 x 4 = $100 If the four lessons are completed before the end of the month, the instructor and family will typically arrange additional lessons to fill the remaining week. In the case that there are 5 scheduled lessons, the family may choose to pay for the full month. If a child cannot attend a lesson for any reason, the private teacher must be notified at his/her contact number no later than 9:00 a.m. on the day of the lesson. Parents are responsible for contacting the private teacher directly If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Simon Harding PreK-12 Music Coordinator
Mendon Upton Regional School District Music Department Lesson Program Student Name: Grade: Phone #: Instrument: Parent/Guardian Name: Parent/Guardian Email: Please List the Times you are available for lessons. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Teachers will be contacting you directly to set up lesson days and times. I agree to the terms of the Mendon-Upton Lesson Program as stated in the above letter. I understand it is my responsibility to keep track of payment for lessons and notify the private teacher in advance if I will miss a lesson or payment is required. Student Signature: Parent Signature: