Mount Si Band 2013.2014 Wind Ensemble/Symphonic Band/Concert Band/Jazz I, II, III Students: I am so excited to be at Mount Si High School and have the privilege to work with each of you on a daily basis. We live in a great community, go to a great school, and have a great opportunity to do something fantastic together. My goal is that every student will be challenged, have fun, will improve drastically at his or her instrument, and will love and appreciate music at a deeper level as a result of their experience in band at Mount Si. In addition, the music classroom presents unique opportunities to learn about larger life skills and issues such as work ethic, responsibility, discipline, professionalism, teamwork, and leadership. I would encourage you to give 100% this year and take advantage of every opportunity both in and out of the music classroom. Mount Si Band has a tradition of excellence and high standards of musical performance. Just as the accomplishments of the present band are built upon the foundation laid by past band members, the future success and reputation of the band depends on YOU. The time you will spend in high school band is something you will remember and value for the rest of your life, so let s make the most of it together! Parents: Thank you for supporting and encouraging your student s interest in band at Mount Si High School! Music is a demanding art! It takes hard work, focus, discipline, time, patience, and team work to pursue successfully and get the results we all love to listen to. Your student will need your support and encouragement throughout the year(s) at they grow on their instrument and face new challenges. The skills your student will learn will prepare them for excelling in many subject areas, as well as for great performances, and will hopefully lead to a life-long love and appreciation for music. MSHS has a legacy of great musical ensembles with motivated, professional, disciplined, and enjoyable students. I am thrilled you and your student are on board! You also have a unique chance to get involved in the program by joining the Mount Si Band Boosters. This organization is the behind the scenes work force and support group that makes many of the amazing opportunities for music students at Mount Si Possible. I have been deeply impressed and touched by the commitment, skill, talent, and work ethic of parents in this community supporting their music students. Much of what we do in band at Mount Si music would not be possible without the incredible support of the boosters! A mandatory parent meeting will be held September 18, 2013 at 7:00pm in the MSHS Auditorium. Please come and be informed about the new Charms system, what your student will be up to in band this year, my expectations and vision for the program, and how you can get involved in your student s music education. Looking forward to a great year, Matt Wenman (425) 831-8160 wenmanm@svsd410.org www.mountsibands.org
What you will need to be successful in band at Mount Si: The most important thing you can bring to class with you every day is a positive, respectful attitude, along with a willingness to learn and grow! Other Required Materials Every student needs to have the following in class every day Instrument in working condition with all required accessories (reeds, mouthpiece, neck strap ) Folder w/all music Sharpened pencil Any materials given to you in class Lyre, Flip Folder, extra sleeves (if needed) for pep band At home every student should have: Metronome Chromatic Tuner Music Stand If you have a computer, tablet, or smartphone, there are many apps available that work as well if not better than a conventional metronome and tuner. My favorite apps are: Tonal Energy Tuner (tuning/drone app amazing made by Sonosaurus), Tempo (metronome made by frozenape) Grading & Expectations 20% - Preparation Instrument in working condition Music/Pencil Reeds, neck strap, mouthpiece, mutes etc. 20% - Tests, Quizzes, & Assignments Scale & Etudes Excerpts from music Routine in class assessments on progress 20% - Rehearsal Technique Positive respectful attitude Behavior that contributes to the musical goals of the ensemble Posture/Fundamentals Engaged/Focused on rehearsal Work ethic Punctuality Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and we will work together to solve problems that might arise. If what you are doing is not contributing positively to the atmosphere of the classroom, I will ask you to leave. 40% - Performances Arrival on time Attendance at entire concert Professional audience etiquette Proper concert attire Positive Participation Set up/take down as necessary Includes Pep Band (Football & Basketball) Attendance at all performances is mandatory. Exceptions will be made in only the most extreme circumstances (death in the family, health emergency, religious observance). If there is a conflict with a performance date, please contact me as soon as possible so we can work out a solution. 2
Concert Attire Black from the waist down, white from the waist up Gentlemen Black formal dress shoes NO sports shoes or sandals Black dress socks Black dress pants slacks, ironed. NO jeans or corduroy White button down Tux shirt (with ruffles on front) and flaps for bow tie (no full collar) Black Bow Tie Ladies White button down dress shirt, ¾ or full length sleeves ALL Black dress pants down to the ankles NO jeans OR Long ALL Black dress, or skirt, to the ankles or WELL below the knees with leggings Closed toe dress shoes or dress shoes with leggings, no sports shoes Jazz I has a different uniform than above (Ladies all black, Gentlemen Tux Jackets). The uniform for Jazz II & III is the same as above. Students who arrive to performances in non-concert attire will not be allowed to perform and will receive a zero for a performance grade. If you have any issues acquiring concert attire, please talk to me personally. Pep Band Attendance at ALL home football games is mandatory for all band students at Mount Si. A normal season consists of 5 home games, and if the team makes it to play offs (which they often do!) we will support those games as well. Uniform: Wildcat Band jackets need to be purchased through ASB for $35 Get in the game! We want to develop a culture at Mount Si where the band is SO active, enthusiastic, and spirited at football games that we become a critical component to the Friday night atmosphere. This means working with cheerleaders, the student spirit leaders, and the parents to get in to the game and support the team. This means being LOUD, wearing face paint (optional!), having fun, and sometimes being a little crazy! (Yes, your band director just gave you permission to have an appropriate amount of crazy keeping in mind that you represent the band, yourself, the school, and me). A few expectations: We will stand the ENTIRE game. Bring a water bottle, water will be available. Bring a small snack if you want one, eat before the game. Bathroom breaks are as needed, use the restroom before the game. If you are unable to stand, or have a physical condition/injury that prevents you from doing any of the above, just come talk to me and we will work out a solution to get you involved. 3
Basketball Pep Band Basketball pep band is also required for all band students, with the exception of some percussionists. There will be no drum line at basketball games. The tentative plan for basketball band is to split the all band students in to two bands: Scarlet Band and Gray Band, and split the dates in half for each group. This means less games for students overall, but that students need to be more committed to making it to each required game. More information and dates will be published as we get closer to basketball season. Private Lessons Every student is highly encouraged to take private lessons on their instrument. At a minimum, every student should try to have one lesson every trimester with a specialist on their instrument. There is no better way to improve at your instrument than to take private lessons with a good teacher! Check out www.mountsibands.org under Private Instructors for a list of great teachers in our area. Band Room & Equipment We rely heavily on the equipment, instruments, and facilities at Mount Si. It is important that each student respects instrument and equipment, and takes ownership of the music facilities at MSHS. This means helping keep the band room, practice rooms, locker room, and stage clean, refraining from eating, drinking, or chewing gum in the band room, and encouraging others to do the same. Instrument Rental The band program does own larger and more unique instruments that can be rented by students. The current fee is $50 (planning to raise that before the end of the year to $100). Please speak with Mr. Wenman if you are need of an instrument. Alto Saxophones, Trumpets, Flutes, Clarinets, and Trombones are all rented through a music store. Fees Concert Band $100 MSHS Symphonic Band $100 MSHS Wind Ensemble $100 MSHS Jazz Band I $100 MSHS Jazz Band II & III $100 MSHS Band Boosters Pep Band Jacket $35 MSHS ASB Instrument Rent $50 MSHS Awards This year four main awards will be given to select students at the end of the year. Most improved awards are periodically selected at each band concert and recognized during performances. Band Spirit Award Director s Award Louis Armstrong Jazz Award John Philip Sousa Band Award (1 st year!) 4
Student and Parent Agreement I have read and understand all of the above information and the attached documents regarding expectations, grading criteria, and uniform requirements for Mount Si High School Band. I have checked the online calendar at www.mountsibands.org or on www.charmsoffice.com and have marked dates on our family calendar. I have logged in to Charms and updated my student and parent profiles. Parent Name (please print) Student Name (please print) Grade Parent Signature Student Signature Date Date Please return to Mr. Wenman for credit by Monday, September 23 PHOTO DISCLAIMER: There may be pictures taken of your student involved in classroom related activity. In order to put these pictures on the school or class website or in Mount Si High School publications, we need parent permission. Please know that even with permission, your student s full name will not be published, only first names may be used if appropriate. If you do NOT give your permission, please initial here. Otherwise, your signature on this form indicates consent to publish any photos of your student. 5