Personnel Alan Francis, Director Caitlin Yovino, Manager Tamika Gorski, Percussion Assistant The Hartt School Community Division 200 Bloomfield Avenue West Hartford, CT 06117 Phone: (860) 768-4451 Email: Harmony@hartford.edu Website: www.hcd.hartford.edu
Harmony Winds 2013-2014 Academic Year Table of Contents About the Ensemble Leadership Membership Rehearsals Concerts Performance Attire Tuition and Fees Commitment Attendance Policy Withdrawal Policy Expectations Percussionist Expectations Rehearsal Expectations Performance Expectations Advance Absence Forms Calendar Membership Agreement Page 2 Page 2 Page 2 Page 2 Page 3 Page 3 Page 3 Page 3 Page 3 Page 4 Page 4 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8
About the Ensemble Harmony Winds, founded in 2011, is an intermediate wind ensemble for middle and junior high school instrumentalists. This exciting new group is for motivated younger students looking to refine ensemble skills and perform at a high level with other middle school students from our region. Music performed is varied and challenging, creating a valuable experience for everyone involved. This ensemble will perform at least two concerts per year: one in the fall and one in the spring. Leadership "Helping young, growing Harmony Winds musicians reach new skills and musical understanding is a joy. It would be hard to imagine a better way to work with middle school instrumentalists. " Alan Francis, Harmony Winds Conductor Alan Francis is the Director of Harmony Winds. As a performer, conductor and educator, Mr. Francis is well known in and around New England. He appears regularly with the Hartford Symphony, has been a member of the Hartford Pops Band, New Britain Symphony, Connecticut Concert Opera Orchestra and many other local orchestras and ensembles. Alan has also performed extensively in the greater Hartford area as a chamber musician in Hartt Faculty Recitals, the Hartford Symphony Woodwind Quintet, Harmonie Hartford, the Trinity College pre Carillon Chamber Music Series, was a founding member of Die Freispieler, and founder of Fiati. Upon completing his Bachelor of Music Degree at the Hartt College, Mr. Francis joined The United States Army Band, Pershing s Own, in Washington D.C where he served as Assistant Principal Clarinet, Principal Eb, Eb Alto, Bass and Contra Bass Clarinet. While in D.C. he was also a soloist and member of the Baroque Arts Chamber Orchestra, Baroque Arts Chamber Orchestra Wind Ensemble, the Pro Arte Woodwind Quintet and the Intersevice Repertory Orchestra. After his military service Alan returned to Hartt, completing both a Master of Music Degree and the Teacher certification program and began teaching Band and Orchestra in the West Hartford Public Schools. During his years in West Hartford, Mr. Francis conducted numerous bands and orchestras including the Inter Elementary Festival Band, Inter Elementary Festival Orchestra, the Inter Junior High School Band and the Inter Mid Orchestra. Mr. Francis joined the Clarinet Faculty of the Hartt Community Division in 2002 and upon his retirement from the West Hartford Schools in 2008, he was appointed the Director of what is now known as Philharmonia Winds. He was also an advocate for the 2011 creation of Harmony Winds, the ensemble which begins the continuum of the Community Division wind ensembles and culminates with the Greater Hartford Youth Wind Ensemble. Membership Harmony is composed of middle and junior high school musicians from around southern New England. Auditions occur at our Audition Festival during the month of June. Alternative audition times maybe made by appointment, please contact our office at (860) 768-4451. Rehearsals Harmony Winds meet on Saturdays from 11:15 am 12:15 pm in the Bliss Music Room at the Hartt School. Please see the Calendar in this handbook for specific dates. Concerts
Harmony Winds generally performs 2 concerts per year and all events can be found on our school website http://hcd.hartford.edu and on the calendar located in the back of this handbook. Most concerts are recorded and/or video-taped professionally and available for purchase. The following are our concerts for the 2013-2014 academic year: Saturday, December 21, 2013, 3:00pm in Millard Auditorium, University of Hartford Campus Saturday, May 3, 2014, 7:00 pm in Millard Auditorium, University of Hartford Campus If you have conflict with either of these dates contact the Manger immediately! Performance Attire Ladies long, black skirt or black dress pants, white shirt/blouse/top and black shoes Gentlemen black dress pants, white shirt, black shoes, calf length black socks and a long tie of any solid color. Tuition and Fees $270 per academic year $75 per academic year for Hartt School Community Division private lesson students. A $25 registration fee may apply. Absence/Schedule Policy: Students are expected to attend all activities (rehearsals and concert) indicated on the schedule on Page 7 of this handbook. Students who fail to meet attendance requirements are subject to expulsion from the ensemble and will forfeit tuition and fees. Commitment Instrumentalists who have been accepted into Harmony Winds must submit a registration form with appropriate tuition and fees before the first rehearsal. The submission of a signed registration form with tuition and fees indicates agreement to the calendar and attendance policy listed in this handbook. It also indicates that the student and his/her parents have read the handbook, looked at the yearly calendar, and are willing to make a commitment to the organization for the coming year. A student who does not fulfill his/her commitment to the organization may jeopardize current and future membership in the organization. Attendance Policy Attendance and active participation at all rehearsals and classes is crucial to the success of any organization. It is expected that all members will demonstrate responsibility, punctuality, and dependability as part of their commitment to the organization. If a student knows that he/she will have to be absent from a rehearsal or class, an absence form on Page 6 must be completed and turned in to the manager. Excessive absence (more than twice per semester) is not acceptable and may result in dismissal without refund for tuition and fees. In the case of illness, members are expected to send an email message to the Harmony Winds manager at harmony@hartford.edu or call (860) 768-4451. At the next rehearsal or class, the student must submit an absence form and turn it in to the manager. Instrumentalists who do not attend the final rehearsal before the performance, the dress rehearsal, may not perform with the ensemble. Members who miss performances (except in the case of illness or family emergency) will not be considered for future membership. Withdrawal Policy
Please note: Absence does not constitute a withdrawal from any program. A signed registration form constitutes agreement to pay tuition in full, regardless of how much has actually been paid at the time of withdrawal. All students register for an entire academic year (September through June) and tuition and fees are assessed for the full academic year. Tuition may be prorated for students who begin become members after the start of the academic year. Absence and/or verbal notice is not sufficient for withdrawal notification. All requests for withdrawal must be made in writing to the Registrar. Withdrawal at any time is subject to the following program-specific penalties: Ensembles, Choirs and Group Classes: Withdrawal prior to the 1 st rehearsal/class -No tuition penalty Withdrawal received prior to October 1 st, 2013 -Partial penalty based on the number of rehearsals/classes held Withdrawal on or after October 1 st, 2013** -Full tuition penalty **Note: there are no mid-year withdrawals for Ensembles, Choirs and Group classes. Students will be responsible for the full tuition after October 1st, 2013. Following withdrawal from any program, students will be responsible for any remaining tuition plus any applicable fees associated with their account. Medical withdrawal: A student who has an injury or illness that prevents him or her from participating may request a medical withdrawal. Medical withdrawals require written notice from the student/parent/guardian to the Registrar and must be accompanied by a letter from a Medical or Orthopedic Doctor on letter head indicating that the student is incapacitated and is unable to participate due to medical reasons. The letter must indicate the approximate date and duration of the incapacitation. Refunds for classes missed due to the stated medical reason will be considered. Doctor s notes on prescription pads may be insufficient for purposes of withdrawal within this policy. Documentation and participation under this policy is subject to verification by the Registrar. Withdrawal notifications received without medical documentation will be processed in accordance with the regular withdrawal policy and will not be considered a medical withdrawal. Expectations Members of Harmony Winds are expected to attend all designated rehearsal and performance dates listed on the 2013-2014 Calendar. If additional rehearsals and/or performances are required, they will be communicated well in advance. Members are not expected to attend rehearsals on religious holidays or rehearsals that are in conflict with school music performances. Rehearsals and performances that conflict with school music performances must be communicated in writing to the Harmony manager as early as possible. Members are expected to attend rehearsals. Members who miss more than two rehearsals before a concert may be asked not to perform. Members are expected to attend the final rehearsal before the performance, the dress rehearsal. Instrumentalists who do not attend the dress rehearsal, may not perform with the ensemble. Members are expected to attend performances. Members who miss performances (except in the case of illness or family emergency) will not be considered for future membership. Members are responsible for all music or supplies checked out to them and must pay for anything that is lost or damaged. Members are expected to demonstrate a high level of self-discipline, maturity, and professionalism at all
times. They are expected to be courteous, polite, and respectful of other instrumentalists and adults. Members who cannot meet these expectations will be dismissed from the organization. Percussionist Expectations Percussionists are expected to help set up and remove percussion equipment and instruments prior to and following every rehearsal and performance. Percussionists must arrive at least 20 minutes early and plan to stay at least 20 minutes after every rehearsal and performance to provide time for storage and care of equipment and instruments. Rehearsal Expectations Instrumentalists are expected to be in place and ready to begin with all the music and materials at least 15 minutes before each rehearsal. Each instrumentalist is expected keep a sharpened pencil in his/her folder. Drinks and restroom trips should be taken care of before rehearsal. Instrumentalists should not ask to be excused to visit the restroom or water fountain unless it is an emergency. Instrumentalists should be attentive to all directions and follow them quickly. All communication with the directors and managers should occur before or after rehearsals or at a designated break. Instrumentalists are responsible for knowing assigned music when they come to a rehearsal. Food and beverages (except for water) may not be consumed during rehearsals. Folders should be kept neat and organized. A calendar should be kept in the folder at all times. Cell phones and other handheld devices may be brought to rehearsals and concerts but must be turned off prior to the start of the rehearsal or performance. Text messaging during rehearsals or concerts is strictly prohibited. Members are expected to attend the final rehearsal before the concert, the dress rehearsal. Performance Expectations Instrumentalists are expected on being in place at the designated time. Instrumentalists are required to wear the designated attire performances. Members who do not dress appropriately will not be allowed to perform. Instrumentalists who do not attend the final rehearsal before the performance, the dress rehearsal, may not perform with the ensemble. Members are expected to attend performances. Members who miss performances (except in the case of illness or family emergency) will not be considered for future membership.
Harmony Winds Advance Absence Form Name: Instrument: Date of Absence: Student Signature: Parent Signature: Reason for Absence:. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harmony Winds Advance Absence Form Name: Instrument: Date of Absence: Student Signature: Parent Signature: Reason for Absence:.
Harmony Winds 2013 2014 Calendar Changes to the regular schedule are in bold lettering. Date Event Time Location September 7 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room September 14 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room September 21 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room September 28 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room October 5 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room October 12 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room October 19 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room October 26 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room November 2 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room November 9 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room November 16 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room November 23 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room November 30 No Rehearsal December 7 No Rehearsal December 14 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room December 21 Dress Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Millard Auditorium December 21 Concert 3:00 pm (2:15 pm call) Millard Auditorium December 29 No Rehearsal January 4 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room January 11 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room January 18 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room January 25 No Rehearsal February 1 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room February 8 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room February 15 No Rehearsal February 22 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room March 1 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room March 8 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room March 15 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room March 22 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room March 29 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room April 5 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room April 12 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room April 19 No Rehearsal April 26 Rehearsal 11:15 am 12:15 pm Bliss Music Room May 3 Dress Rehearsal 11:15 am 11:45 pm Millard Auditorium May 3 Concert 7:00 pm (6:15 pm call) Millard Auditorium Schedule is subject to change. To request an absence, please contact the manager at Harmony@hartford.edu
Harmony Winds Membership Agreement Please read the handbook and review the following policies carefully. Sign this agreement and return it to the Hartt Community Division Office by July 31, 2013. Attendance Policy: Attendance and active participation at all rehearsals and classes is crucial to the success of any organization. It is expected that all members will demonstrate responsibility, punctuality, and dependability as part of their commitment to the organization. If a student knows that he/she will have to be absent from a rehearsal or class, an absence form (see attached) must be completed and turned in to the manager. Excessive absence (more than twice per semester) is not acceptable and may result in dismissal. In the case of illness, members are expected to call and leave a message for the Harmony Winds manager (860-768-4451) or email the manager at harmony@hartford.edu. The student must fill out an absence form and turn it in to the manager at the next rehearsal or class. Members are expected to attend performances. Performances: The Harmony Winds concerts will take place on: Saturday, December 21, 2013, 3:00pm in Millard Auditorium, University of Hartford Campus Saturday, May 3, 2014, 7:00 pm in Millard Auditorium, University of Hartford Campus I,, have read the preceding statements as well as the Harmony Winds Handbook and agree to accept them as a condition of being a member of the large ensemble program at The Hartt School Community Division. I understand that if I do not follow the above guideline and those in the handbook, my membership status in the large ensemble program at The Hartt School Community Division may be subject to review. Student s Signature Date Parent/ Guardian s Signature Date Student s Name: Parent/Guardian s Name: Hartt School Community Division Advisory Board: The Hartt Community Division Advisory Board is vital to our mission. The Board focuses on fundraising, recruiting and promotion, and community-building. They help make possible our high-quality performing arts instruction within a nurturing and vibrant community. The board also serves the director as a sounding board on program and administrative issues. Members may volunteer or be nominated; they are elected to serve a term of two years. Advisory board members participate at varying levels and membership is renewable. We encourage you to get involved join us! Thank you, Maggie Wyporek Music Program Manager Name Phone Number Email Address Please check here if you are interested in learning more about volunteering with The Hartt School Community Division.