Franklin 2018-2019 Academy Instrumental Music Handbook Malone CSD Franklin Academy High School 42 Husky Lane Malone, NY 12953 Wind Ensemble Symphonic Band Instrumental Lessons Music Theory
Malone Central School District Superintendent Jerry Griffin Franklin Academy Principal Brandon Pelkey Franklin Academy Assistant Principal Darcy Rabideau Athletic Director Eileen Kilcullen Franklin Academy Music Department Band Teacher/Woodwind Instructor Lily Ianaconi Jazz Ensembles/Brass and Percussion Instructor Jeffrey Soper Choir and Swinging Sounds Director George Scoville-Upham Table of Contents From the conductor... 2 Concert calendar...3 Band rules and regulations......6 Guidelines for use of the band room.....8 Instrumental lessons..9 The challenge system...10 Grading system....11 Music letter, pin, and honor status...12 Bus trip rules 14 Acknowledgement form....15 1
Letter from the Conductor I am pleased to welcome you to the Franklin Academy Instrumental Music Department. The FA Instrumental Music Program has enjoyed a tradition of excellence dating back to the 1970 s. This handbook has been compiled in order to assist you in maintaining the high standards set over the past four decades and to help you gain the best possible experience from your participation in band. Please sign the last page after you and your parent/guardian have carefully read through the handbook. I am excited to work with all of the outstanding musicians involved in the FA Instrumental Music Program. Together, we can all make beautiful music while we learn from each other. Each person in the band plays a key role in making sophisticated music. With your dedication, responsibility, and talent, this will be an exceptional year for the Franklin Academy Instrumental Music Program. A good attitude and strong sense of responsibility are vital to the success of the ensembles. You as a student are accountable for doing your best at all times. It is the responsibility, and ultimate goal of the band program, to help our students develop as whole individuals, both on a musical and personal level. Being involved in the FA Instrumental Music Ensembles is a great honor being a conductor as well as a musician. Along with your dedication, I will strive to make a fantastic sounding ensemble that we can all be proud of. I am looking forward to working with all of you, Lily Ianaconi Instrumental Music Teacher Franklin Academy Malone Central Schools lianaconi@maloneschools.org faband.weebly.com 518.483.7807 x 7100 @MaloneCSDMusic 2
2018-2019 Concert Calendar November 9-10, 2018-7:00 PM Middle School Musical November 14, 2018-7:00 PM FA Fall Concert Wind Ensemble and Concert Choir FA Auditorium November 16-17, 2018-9:00 AM-5:00 PM Area All-State Music Festival Ticonderoga CSD November 29 -December 2, 2018 NYSSMA Conference All-State Rochester, NY December 6, 2018-6:30 PM Middle School Choral Winter Concert 6th and 7/8th grade Choruses December 12, 2018-6:30 PM St. Joseph s Winter Concert December 13, 2018-6:30 PM Flanders Winter Concert December 17, 2018-7:00 PM FA Winter Concert Symphonic Band and Treble Choir FA Auditorium December 19, 2018-6:30 PM Middle School Band Winter Concert Intermediate and Concert Bands December 20, 2018 - TBA Concert Snow Date Location TBA 3
January 15, 2019-2:30 PM 5th Grade Band Open House Davis Elementary Cafeteria January 16, 2019-8:30 AM and 10:00 AM Swinging Sounds and Jazz Ensemble Elementary Performance January 17, 2019-7:00 PM Swinging Sounds and Jazz Ensemble February 1-2, 2019-9:00 AM - 4:00 PM FCMEA All-County Music Festival Malone Middle School February 6, 2019-6:30 PM Davis Winter Concert Grades 3-5 and Chorus February 7, 2019 - TBA Concert Snow Date February 13, 2019-7:00 PM * FA February Concert* *Chamber Ensembles and Musical Preview* *FA Auditorium* February 14, 2019 - TBA Concert Snow Date March 1-3, 2019 New York State Band Directors Association State Honor Band and Symposium Syracuse, NY March 6, 2019-6:30 PM Davis Spring Concert Grades K-2 March 7, 2019 - TBA Concert Snow Date March 21-23, 2019-7:00 PM and 2:00 PM FA Musical - Mamma Mia! 4
FA Auditorium April 4, 2019-9:00 AM - 7:00 PM FCMEA Senior High All-County Band Festival FA Auditorium April 10, 2019-7:00 PM FA Spring Concert Symphonic Band and Treble Choir FA Auditorium April 29. 2019-6:30 PM Middle School Band Spring Concert Intermediate and Concert Bands May 3-4, 2019-4:00 PM - 9:30 PM and 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM NYSSMA Solo Music Festival Peru CSD May 8, 2019-6:30 PM Middle School Spring Concert 6th and 7/8th grade Choruses May 15, 2019-6:30 PM Elementary Spring Musicale 5th Grade Band, Flanders, St. Joseph s, and Davis Choirs May 16, 2019-7:00 PM FA Spring Concert Wind Ensemble and Concert Choir FA Auditorium May 20, 2019-7:00 PM Swinging Sounds and Jazz Ensemble FA Auditorium May 30, 2019-8:00 AM - 5:00 PM NYSSMA Major Ensemble Festival Plattsburgh CSD May 31, 2019 FA s Got Talent FA Auditorium 7:00 PM 5
Band Rules and Regulations 1. Membership in the band is open to all who have passed the previous year of band with a 65 or higher overall average. 2. Punctual and regular attendance at all regularly scheduled rehearsals is mandatory. 3. Satisfactory participation will earn the student 1 unit of school credit per year. 4. Seating in the band will be determined by a seating audition performed at the beginning of the year. Each student will be given a minimum of 1 week to prepare an excerpt. Seating auditions will be played in a blind audition style. 5. The Challenge System is available for any band member with ambition to excel. See more about the Challenge System on page 10. 6. Each band member is expected to: a. Spend at least 30 minutes per day practicing lesson and band music b. Take instrument home each night and especially on weekends and vacations c. Come prepared to each rehearsal and lesson with all of the appropriate materials (instrument, pencil, music, reeds, mutes, etc.) d. Attend concerts outside of Franklin Academy when possible (Crane School of Music, surrounding district concerts, online streaming concerts, etc.) 7. The section leader and assistant leader (if applicable) will receive points towards honor status. See more about the honor status on page 12. They will serve as a role model in their section. They have the responsibility of assisting others in their section in a positive, encouraging manner. 8. Each person is expected to maintain proper care of his or her own instrument at all times. Failure to do so may result in the loss of privilege of using the school instrument. Under no circumstances are others allowed to play your instrument. 9. When an absence from a performance is anticipated, a written parent/guardian request must be given at least two weeks prior to the concert. Because each individual player is important, attendance at all performances is expected. In the rare case that a member misses a concert, a make-up assignment will be given. An unexcused absence will result in a major loss of credit. 6
10. Appropriate concert attire is required for all students in all performances unless stated differently by the band director. Men: White button down shirt with black bow tie, black dress pants, and black dress shoes. Women: White top, long black skirt or black pants, black shoes. No leggings or flips flops allowed. 11. Four officers will be elected in each band. Each one will serve as a student leader and will demonstrate an excellent example of citizenship and musicianship. The duties are: Assistant Conductor Must be an individual with good leadership skills. Will be in charge of the warm ups or rehearsals if Mrs. Ianaconi is not present. Public Relations Take attendance at rehearsals when Mrs. Ianaconi is absent. Will assist assistant conductor with warm ups or rehearsal if needed. Responsible for sending invitations to concerts, thank you letters, and other correspondences. Responsible for taking pictures and updating the FAHS Band Twitter Account. Assists in fundraising activities and tasks. Librarian (2) Assist in distributing and collecting music and filing music in the library. The librarians will be in charge of regular maintenance of the band library. 12. Withdrawal from the band program is a serious decision that affects many people. Each band member was selected through a rigorous process to be part of this prestigious group. If a decision to discontinue has been made by the student and parent, a written note signed by the parent, should be given to the director. 13. A student needs to be a participating member of the performing groups in order to attend any out of town trips or performance tours. 7
Guidelines for Use of the Band Room In order to provide a safe and hazard-free classroom, and to insure that the band room is used for the purposes of conducting classes and participating during the school day, the following guidelines will be established and maintained. During periods 1-8, students will be allowed to practice under the following conditions: 1. There must be a music teacher physically present. 2. No food or drinks with the exception of water are allowed in the band room. 3. Practice rooms are to be used solely for practicing. Any defacing or vandalism of practice rooms will be subject to punishment as deemed appropriate by administration. 4. Students will report to study hall to sign in before coming to the band room. 5. Instruments must be kept in lockers. 6. All pianos and percussion instruments and equipment are to be treated as musical instruments and used only by authorized students. 8
Instrumental Lessons 1. Students must alert the classroom teacher involved prior to the lesson and make up all missed work. 2. Books, reeds, and other supplies must be purchased by the student. 3. Each student must have a minimum of four evaluations during the first and fourth quarter, and five evaluations for the second and third quarters. If a student does not have the required number of evaluations, he or she should arrange a makeup lesson at the teacher s discretion before the next scheduled lesson. 4. When a student is scheduled for a lesson, it is the student s responsibility to report in a timely fashion, regardless of other activities. The student may be able to make up the lesson at their teacher s discretion. If a make up lesson is not an option, the following procedure will be implemented: a. First forgotten lesson: the student will receive their benchmark grade in place of their lesson grade. b. Second forgotten lesson: the student will receive their benchmark grade -10 points as their lesson grade. c. Third forgotten lesson: the student will receive their benchmark grade -15 points as their lesson grade. d. Fourth forgotten lesson: the student will receive their benchmark grade -20 points as their lesson grade. e. Fifth forgotten lesson: the student will receive their benchmark grade -30 points as their lesson grade. 5. If a student has an excused absence from school, they will not be accountable for making up the lesson, unless they are below the number of necessary lesson grades per quarter. 6. Students who choose to play a secondary instrument in Symphonic Band are required to have two lessons each quarter. These lessons can be given by a Malone CSD music teacher. 9
The Challenge System The challenge in any instrumental music program is common. It has been a part of the Malone band program since 1952. In any band or orchestra, musicians are generally seated according to their ability; the most talented musician is seated as first chair, then the rest of the musicians follow down the line. If a musician feels that he or she could move a seat higher, that student is allowed to challenge the musician directly ahead of them. The challenge could be compared to an academic test, or a sporting event. The purpose of the challenge is to instill a feeling of improvement, perhaps without realizing it. The aim is to create a stronger section, and in turn, a stronger ensemble, and not to create friction or hurt feelings. After a student challenges another, they will both be given an assigned portion of music. This music may vary from familiar band music or lesson material to portions of unfamiliar pieces. Challenges will also include scales. Students will be graded on the following criteria: 1. Notes 2. Rhythms 3. Dynamics 4. Articulation 5. Tempo 6. Tone 7. Expression Students will be asked to record their scales and excerpts of music in a room unaccompanied by others. The recordings will be listened to blindly, or not knowing which student is which, by the band director. In some cases, other music teachers may be asked to listen to the recordings blindly as well. If a challenge takes place a month or less prior to the concert, chair title may be switched if the challenger is successful, but the pre assigned music may not switch due to group integrity. If a student wishes to challenge but is unsuccessful, that student must wait one month to challenge the same student again. 10
Grading System Quarterly grades are based on the following formula: Lesson grades 50% 1. Preparation for lesson 2. Improvement 3. Execution and technique 4. Musical performance Band rehearsals 35% Each student will begin each quarter with a 92. Students can earn points throughout the quarter with the following opportunities: 1. Concert Attendance (1 pt for attending, 2 pts if accompanied by a short reflection) 2. Listening critique (online performance) (2 pts) 3. Article Reflection (2 pts) 4. Out of class performances a. Jazz Workshop (1 pt) b. Chamber Music Performance (1 pt) c. NYSSMA (4 pts) d. Church (1 pt) e. Community (1 pt) 5. Honor Ensembles (2 pts) 6. Concert Help (Programs, stage crew, lights, sound) (2 pts) Quarterly Benchmark 10% Performance at the end of each quarter during your lesson Assignments 5% 1. Written assignments 2. Quizzes 3. Tests 4. Projects 11
Music Letter and Honor Status Students have the opportunity to earn honor status and receive letters and pins in Choir, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble. Honor status can be achieved on a yearly basis through various activities described below, whereas letters and pins are cumulative from year to year. Once a student has attained twenty points in a year, they will receive honor status for their music class. This status will add weight to the course, affecting their overall GPA. To receive a letter, a student must accumulate forty points, a pin requires eighty points. Seniors need to earn 10 points by the conclusion of the second quarter of school to reach honor status. NYSSMA Solos Level V and VI A+ 97-100 10 points A 93-96 9 points A- 90-92 8 points B+ 87-89 7 points B 83-86 6 points B-/Comments Only 80-82 5 points C+ 77-79 4 points Level I-IV Outstanding 26-28 8 points Excellent 21-25 7 points Good 13-20 6 points Needs improvement 5-12 5 points NYSSMA Ensembles All levels Outstanding 26-28 7 points Excellent 21-25 6 points Good 13-20 5 points Needs improvement 5-12 4 points 12
Jazz Ensemble and Swinging Sounds Satisfactory participation - 6 points Area All-State/All-County/Honor Ensemble/Summer Music Camp Each participation - 8 points Conference All-State or NYSBDA Honor Band Each participation - 10 points Principal chair/section leader/assistant first chair 1 point Officer of a music group Satisfactory leadership - 1 point Musical/Pit orchestra Satisfactory participation - 2 points Chamber groups Rehearsals with performance - 3-6 points Music Camp 1 point Overall lesson average of 94 or above 2 points Participation in two bands 2 points 13
Bus Trip Rules and Regulations 1. Students will ride the bus they are assigned for the entire trip. 2. No smoking, foul language, or containers with liquid refreshments will be allowed on the bus. 3. Each bus will have at least one authorized chaperone. 4. For trips out of the country or overnight, one chaperone is required for every five students. 5. Bus trips are an extension of the classroom. Students are to act accordingly. Disciplinary action will be the responsibility of the principal and administration. 6. Stopping en route or allowing students to stop for a lunch or refreshments is the prerogative of the chaperone in charge. 7. The driver of the bus also has the authority to take disciplinary action or correct a situation if he/she deems it necessary for the safety and health of the passengers. 8. Chaperones are expected to control a reasonable amount of decorum. 9. For evening trips, the driver should allow for some lighting inside the bus at all times. 10. Permission slips must be signed and returned before students are allowed to attend a trip. 14
Acknowledgement Form I have read and understand the rules and regulations in the Franklin Academy Band Handbook. Student s name Student s signature Parent s signature Date Would you like to receive emails from the Music Boosters? Please write an email address below to be added. Emails include upcoming meetings, and minutes from past meetings, information about fundraising and upcoming trips. Email address: Parent or student comments, questions, etc. Sign and return this page to Mrs. Ianaconi by Monday, September 17th, 2019. 15
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