Diamond Bar High School Instrumental Music and Color Guard www.brahmamusic.org Music is mortal law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything. Plato Orchestra String Orchestra Concert Orchestra Symphony Orchestra Band Concert Band Symphonic Band Wind Ensemble Color Guard Marching Band Color Guard Varsity Guard J.V. Guard Music Theory/History Music Appreciation AP Music Theory IB Music Extra and Co-Curricular Activities Thundering Herd Jazz Band Jazz Combos Musicals Varsity Drumline Elite Pep Band Chamber Music Private/Group Lessons Solo/Ensemble Festivals Junior Varsity Drumline Solo/Group Recitals Master Classes Performing Arts Academy Local youth orchestras & honor groups Academy Concert Percussion
Purpose The Instrumental Music and Color Guard programs are an essential part of high school, for the performers, the school, and the community. There is an innate value in shared experiences and the growth and knowledge that comes from artistic group skill development. Diamond Bar High School operates on the philosophy of "The 4 As"- Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Activities. Our programs play a vital role in the comprehensive high school, providing a wide variety of opportunities to all students, regardless of background, ability, or other commitments. All students should have an education that gives them the opportunity for a wide variety of learning experiences. Music provides a unique avenue to the imaginative and affective aspects of life and their contribution to our cultural heritage. Performing groups should never seek to detract from the rigorous academic schedule of its participants, but instead to enhance, improve, and augment the lives of all that come in contact with it. At Diamond Bar High School, we strive to: Provide high-end opportunities to all students, maximizing their potential Nurture an enjoyment & understanding of the arts, enriching the quality of life for our students Help students learn to express themselves by providing opportunities for creativity and expression of feelings and ideas through performances Expand individual musical knowledge, interests, skill and appreciation which will produce intelligent consumers of the arts Offer varied experiences through which students may become acquainted with other art forms and cultures Individualize programs to meet needs of all students Present opportunities for students to develop socially and become better connected with the positive aspects of high school Provide connections to professionals, universities, and other mentors to assist in the transition from high school to college and career Encourage and prepare students for participation in top local youth orchestras and honor groups 2
Description of program Concert Band This course is intended to give the student a balanced program of music representing a variety of styles and cultures in a wind band setting. This class is intended for freshmen and sophomore students but is open to all grade levels. Performances occur outside of the regular school day in the evenings, on weekends and holidays. Symphonic Band This course is intended to give the student a balanced program of music representing a variety of styles and cultures in a wind band setting This class is intended for freshman, sophomore, junior and senior students. Performances occur outside of the regular school day in the evenings, on weekends and holidays. This course fulfills the IB Music prerequisite. PREREQUISITE: Enrollment by audition and consent of Instructor. Wind Ensemble This course is for the advanced music student. Open by audition only, select students will also provide the wind section to the symphonic orchestra, the spring musical, and participate in chamber ensembles. Performances occur outside of the regular school day in the evenings, on weekends and holidays. Wind Ensemble will be offered concurrently with Symphony Orchestra. This course fulfills the IB Music prerequisite. PREREQUISITE: Enrollment by audition and consent of Instructor. String Orchestra This course is designed for freshman and sophomore students who have experience on traditional string orchestra instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass). The class will focus on large and small string ensembles. Music will be selected from current orchestral and string ensemble literature. Performances occur outside of the regular school day in the evenings, on weekends, and holidays. Concert Orchestra This course is designed for freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior students who have experience on traditional string orchestra instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass). The class will focus on large and small string ensembles as well as full orchestra. Music will be selected from current orchestral and string ensemble literature. Performances occur outside of the regular school day in the evenings, on weekends, and holidays. This course fulfills the IB Music prerequisite. PREREQUISITE: Enrollment by audition and consent of Instructor. Symphony Orchestra This course is designed for the advanced string students who have experience on traditional string orchestra instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass). The class will focus on large and small string ensembles. Music will be selected from current orchestral and string ensemble literature. Performances occur outside of the regular school day in the evenings, on weekends, and holidays. This course fulfills the IB Music prerequisite. Weekly rehearsals outside the regular school day may be required. PREREQUISITE: Enrollment by audition and consent of Instructor. 3
Parade Band This class emphasizes techniques of parade marching. Rehearsals are Monday and Wednesday from 4pm to 6 pm. There is also a mandatory band camp that takes place in August two weeks before the start of school. Performances occur outside of the regular school day, typically on Saturday mornings in October and November. Parade Band may be taken in lieu of P.E. This course fulfills the IB Music prerequisite. PREREQUISITE: Must have previous band experience on a band instrument. Football Band The Football Band performs a vital role in supporting our football team on the field. Music will be rehearsed during class time. Minimal marching drills will be included. Dress for home games will be the parade uniform. One of the purposes of the football band is to generate excitement and to provide entertainment at sporting events. Students in the marching band are required to attend all home games. The Pep Band will perform at all away football games and at all home basketball games. PREREQUISITE: Must have previous band experience on a band instrument. Color Guard Color Guard is a program designed for students interested in participating with the parade and football band using rifles, sabers or tall flags. Emphasis will be placed on choreography and marching skills associated with football shows and parades throughout the fall and Color Guard competitions in the spring. Attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances which begin in August and occur outside of normal school hours, in the evenings, on weekends, holidays, and vacations. Color Guard may be taken for P.E. credit. PREREQUISITE: A minimum 2.0 GPA as well as a tryout/audition after a mandatory week long clinic. Auditions Students who wish to participate in Symphony Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble or Jazz Band must audition for placement. Freshman choosing not to audition will be placed in either the concert band or the string orchestra. Auditions will take place at the end of the previous year and, if positions are available, at the end of the first semester. 4
PARENTS The Parent Advisory Committee Established in 2004 the mission of the DBHS Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is to act as an advisory forum to the Instrumental Music Directors and Instructional Staff, regarding performance activities and student issues. The further purpose will be to assist in providing the highest quality education for our students. The Band PAC will actively provide the logistic and financial support of the program. Meetings will be held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7pm, and will be open to any parent involved with the orchestra, band, or color guard at DBHS. Minutes will be kept, and information will be disseminated to all DBHS Instrumental Music participants via the program website and newsletters. Parent Coordinators Uniforms: responsible for fitting all students in uniforms (field and show); maintain uniforms for Band, Auxiliary, and Drum Major; sews and puts together Auxiliary uniforms; does repairs as needed; coordinates cleanings. Master Chef: Develops a menu for needed meals, purchases required food and coordinates parents to prepare and serve students at the appropriate times. Lead Chaperone: oversees the recruitment and management of the volunteer chaperones, including setting chaperone policy and delegating chaperone assignments Logistics: reserves trucks for Band excursions; arranges loading times; drives the trucks full of Band instruments and uniforms to the Band events; coordinates the moving of the golf cart and trailer; moves equipment to the Band competition area. Fundraising: is the backbone of the program and its primary purpose to raise funds; develop a Financial Strategy Committee and Fundraising Chairpersons; establishes what fundraisers will be done each year and finds chairs for each event. Publicity: helps encourage community support of our fundraisers and events; gathers information from the Band Director(s) about upcoming events; attends monthly meetings to gather the latest Band happenings; submits competition standings after an event; submits press releases to the community and school newspapers and radio stations. Telephone & Email Alerts: has phone numbers of all Band and Auxiliary students and parents; passes on information about upcoming events, such as: meetings, fundraisers, emergencies, and schedule changes. Volunteer Coordinator: recruits all Band and Auxiliary parents to fill volunteer positions for all fundraisers and events. Color Guard Mom: responsible for chaperoning the majority if not all of the events; recruiting and management of the volunteer chaperones; work closely with the Band Director(s), maintain emergency forms for each guard member and volunteer; keep an inventory of all necessary emergency and color guard items needed prior to each 5
event; ensure each color guard member looks their best for each performance; assist with all fundraising activity. Bingo: recruits from the Instrumental Music and Color Guard parents to fill the necessary positions for the Bingo fundraisers throughout the year. Awards Dinner: is the largest single fundraiser to support the financial needs of the Instrumental Music and Color Guard programs at Diamond Bar High School. Activities include identifying and securing date identifying key positions necessary to insure a successful event and overseeing the activities to insure strong financial achievement. More Information for Parents: Chaperoning: Besides fundraising, parents are needed for off-site concert performances, football games, and marching competitions. We need to have one adult for every 10 students attending off-campus events. Parents play a vital role in helping the students with attire or uniforms, feeding lunch and/or dinner, and hauling equipment, not to mention supporting and cheering for them. Participating in these activities is one of the most eye-opening and rewarding ways to support your student. This is not just a time to help, but it works out to be a fun social event for you as well. Food: During marching band events, food and drinks will be provided for your students. This cost is included in your parent donations. However, it is also important that students are well nourished and hydrated before leaving home to keep them going on those long days until the food arrives. Bingo: The DBHS Brahma Boosters host Bingo every Saturday night. The Instrumental Music and Color Guard Programs are assigned 8 Bingos each year. In exchange for working Bingo, we receive $2,000 per night for our programs. This money is essential to our basic operations. Running one Bingo requires a minimum of 20 volunteers (over 18 yrs. old) in addition to the Brahma Booster parent staff. When we don t provide 20 volunteers for our assigned Bingo days, we are penalized $100 for each missing person. If you have an emergency and can t come on the day you volunteered for, please arrange for an adult substitute. Encouragement: We encourage parents to support their children by participating in the music program as a chaperone or volunteer. You can be also encourage your child by assisting them in maintaining their schedules; helping them attend all scheduled events and bringing them to the events on time. You should insure your child is properly groomed according to the standards in this handbook. Additionally you should verify they have all the required clothing/accessories for their performance. Having a positive attitude and encouraging your child to be prepared is critical for an outstanding experience in the program. Parent Volunteers are a critical component of the Band. Parent volunteers are organized to recruit additional volunteers and to assist in raising funds to support and to maintain a quality Band program at Diamond Bar High School. General meetings, open to all Band parents and interested individuals, are held monthly to discuss opportunities and plans. The meeting is also an opportunity to socialize with other Band parents and to engage the Band Director. Parent Volunteers will raise money to provide funds for sheet music, new instruments, additional uniforms, special clinicians, teaching assistants, equipment, etc. Parent Volunteers are proud to step up and to keep this wonderful music program alive. With ongoing parental 6
Attire support, we can continue to provide an opportunity for our students to participate in a top quality program. Color Guard General Appearance: Appearance is extremely important as we perform in front of hundreds of people. It is important that you always look your best not only for performances, but also when wearing any DBHS Guard or Band attire. Visible tattoos or body piercing are prohibited. Hair: The Color Guard Instructors will determine specific styles. If you have any trouble with the specific style, please speak with the Color Guard Instructors. Normally, the hair is pinned up in a bun. Please ensure you have a hair net and plenty of bobby pins! If you color your hair, please keep it a natural color. Extreme colors are prohibited. Please keep hair pulled back out of your face during rehearsals. Make-up: Full make-up must be worn for all games, pictures, parades, and other performances. Due to the nature of our activity, theater style make-up must be worn. That is, heavier applied make-up then everyday wear. The Color Guard Instructor will determine colors. If the Color Guard Instructor(s), Guard Mom or Captain(s) feel your make-up is inappropriate, you will be instructed to fix it. Nail Polish: No fingernail polish is allowed. Jewelry: NO jewelry is allowed for any performance unless it is part of the uniform. Sunglasses, earrings, wristwatches, chains, rings, pendants, etc. should be left at home the day of the performance. THE BAND DIRECTOR MAKES ALL EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE. Any piercing that cannot be removed must be covered with a bandage PRIOR to arriving at the show site. It is your responsibility to ensure these piercing are not visible. If the Color Guard Instructor(s), Guard Mom or Captain(s) feel the piercing is inappropriate, you will be instructed to remove the item. Uniforms: While you are in uniform, you are constantly being observed. Your personal appearance and your actions represent not only you, but also your band, school and community. The uniform assigned to you is a valuable asset to the band. You will be responsible for its care and maintenance. If something needs to be fixed or adjusted on your uniform, simply report it to Color Guard Director or Guard Mom. The desired goal is that the Diamond Bar High School Parade Band and Color Guard continue a tradition of excellence. The manner in which the guard presents itself can leave either a positive or negative impression on its audience. The care of the uniform and the guard member s behavior while wearing it goes far toward creating pride and continuing tradition. The color guard instructor will determine the specific uniform. All portions of your uniform including shoes are expected to be kept clean. This includes regularly washing your uniform and ensuring your footwear is not worn out (NO HOLES). All uniforms must be clean for every performance. If you are uncertain about how to properly clean any piece of your uniform, please ask the Color Guard Instructor(s), Guard Mom or Captain(s). If you lose or damage any part of your Color Guard attire, 7
it is your responsibility to replace it. Field and Winter Guard uniform(s) are included as part of your yearly fees. Clothing for Rehearsals: Please dress appropriately for rehearsals. Wear clothes and shoes that are easy to move in and are comfortable. It is best to wear thicksoled shoes for rehearsals. NO SANDALS, BOOTS, OR BARE FEET are allowed. Blue jeans and jean shorts are not recommended. Please also be aware of the length of your shorts-remember you will have a lot of dance and body work-so the shortest shorts you own are probably not a good idea. No low cut necklines. If the proper clothes are not worn, you will be asked to change or leave practice. Bands and Orchestras Symphony & Chamber Orchestra/Wind Ensemble Boys: Tuxedo (black socks and shoes) Girls: Black Long Skirt and Blouse (hose and dress shoes) Available at Simple Choices Uniforms. Fittings will be done at DBHS the first two weeks of school. Marching Band The school will provide performance uniforms. These do not go home (we will dryclean as needed). Band members are required to provide long black socks, shorts and a t-shirt (to wear under and with the uniform). Marching shoes, white gloves and white spats will be ordered and purchased through the band. Hair must be up and off the neck (boys too!) so it is not visible under the hat (shako). Using gel and hair spray is essential! Students are also asked to not wear any jewelry, watches, or visible nail polish. 8
Personal Responsibilities General Expectations a) Students must participate in all co-curricular and extra-curricular activities (assemblies, concerts, class work, after school rehearsals, football games, contests, trips to festivals or contests, parades, etc.). b) Students are responsible for having the necessary materials for class (including reeds, drum sticks, pencils, binder, music, etc.). A student must not use another student s materials without proper permission. c) A student is responsible for all equipment used by him/her. d) Students must participate in fundraising activities. Students must participate in Bingo setup days. e) All students will comply with the school policy on illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Violation of the school policy may include suspension or expulsion from the band programs at the discretion of the directors in addition to school consequences. f) After the beginning of school a student will be given three days to have their name properly placed on all instruments cases and paraphernalia. g) All horns must go home over extended breaks. h) Instruments must be kept in good repair and clean. i) Student is responsible for the protection of their instrument and property. j) Instruments must be kept in the instrument room. Must have authorization to use school owned instruments. Student will be responsible for repair needed due to abuse. k) All students are expected to have uniform fitting done during band camp. Necessary purchases of shoes and gloves will be done at this time. l) Members are expected to rehearse every day during band period. m) There will be extra practices before or after school as needed n) School tardy policies are in effect for all classes. Classroom Expectations a) Be in your seat with all materials before the bell rings. This includes, but is not limited to instrument, pencil, binder/folder, and music. b) Students may not bring food, drinks or gum into the band room. Water is ok. c) Give full attention during rehearsal. No talking, no playing instrument out of turn or while director is talking. d) Show respect to director, fellow students and yourself. e) Student is responsible for putting all materials away properly and in a safe manner. f) The school nor band director are responsible for personal items left in the band room or on busses. Grading Policy a) All grades are based on attendance, behavior, participation, assignments, and performances. b) If a student is going to miss a performance due to school conflict or family emergency, please see the band directors in a week advance. c) Students will be given a full credit (100%) for attending class on a daily basis, any after school rehearsals, performances. d) Missing a performance (unexcused absence) will be a full letter grade drop. Make up assignments will be offered to make up for the grade. 9
e) Students are allowed to retake as many time as they desire for the in-class performance exams. f) In order to get a full credit for behavior and participation, students must have all the prepared material (binder/folder, music, instrument, pencil) everyday at the beginning of each class. Students will actively participate during class by playing everyday, and listening to the teacher, coaches, and section leaders. g) Make-up assignments are offered for any missing assignments. All make-up assignments will be assisting the band directors for the number hours they missed in the rehearsal/performance. Band Rehearsal Rehearsals are called by the director and are mandatory. If there is a reason you cannot be there, it is your responsibility to have notified the director. The quality of the band depends solely on the attitudes and goals that each individual sets for it. Facilities and Equipment It is the responsibility of the students, parents and directors to maintain the equipment and facilities provided by the school district. Food, gum and drinks (excluding water) are not allowed in the band room unless specified by the directors. Students are expected to take care of their band instruments. All instruments will be stored in their cases (shut and fastened) and in its proper assigned storage area. Only instruments will be stored there. Instrument Repair Students are responsible for the care and maintenance of their own instruments. Students using school owned instruments will be responsible for any repairs above normal wear and tear. Students must have repairs done in a timely manner, or the lack of an instrument may adversely affect their grade. Other Information Private Lessons For students who wish to excel at both the school, state, and national level, private lessons are essential. Lessons can be provided at Diamond Bar HS for your convenience, or we can provide assistance in finding other qualified instructors who meet our high standards as well as your family s needs. Instruments For students wishing to excel, the quality of their instrument is very important. Please contact us when you are looking to upgrade your instrument, as we can be a valuable resource in procuring the best instrument at the best price. Travel 10
The opportunity to travel as part of a performing group allows students to experience other cultures and art forms, perform in acclaimed concert halls, showcase their talents to a wider audience, and meet like-minded students from around the world. Awards/Benefits: Lettering in Instrumental Music can be a very rewarding experience for the student that accomplishes the task. Two different types of letters will be given to students enrolled in instrumental music. Marching Band Letter Students who complete two seasons in marching band (including color guard) will receive a band/colorguard letter. Every year they complete after their first, they will receive a bar to be pinned to the letter. Instrumental Music Letter (Two Ways) First way - Student participate in 4 semesters of concert band - And, the Student will participate in a small ensemble or solo festival or concert Second Way - Student will audition and earn a position in either the All Southern or All State High School honor band or orchestra. 11
Youth Orchestras: Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra (PSYO) www.psyo.org OUR MISSION The Mission of the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra is to provide young people of Orange County with an orchestral experience marked by educational excellence through a unique relationship with Orange County's Pacific Symphony. We will offer the developing musician special opportunities to experience the broad range of traditional and contemporary Classical music, as well as ongoing progress with the advanced elements of orchestral study. AUDITIONS: Auditions are generally held in early Fall. Please check the website for forms and specific dates each season. Claremont Youth Musicians Orchestra/Intermezzo Orchestra (CYMO, CYMIO) Perform as a member of the highly acclaimed Claremont Youth Musicians Orchestra or the Claremont Youth Musicians Intermezzo Orchestra. Coaching is provided by numerous professional musicians, including members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and the Los Angeles Opera Orchestra. The Claremont Youth Musicians Orchestra rehearses on Monday evenings and the Intermezzo Orchestra on Sunday evenings at Claremont High School. The CYMO presents major symphonic works and soloists in concert each year at Bridges Hall of Music on the Pomona College campus. The orchestra has made three European Concert Tours performing 15 concerts in Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. The CYMO was one of the five youth orchestras in the country chosen to perform as part of the ASOL Youth Orchestra Festival in Sarasota, Florida in 2002, and in 2005 performed a concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall as part of the Sounds About Town series. Audition forms are available in the Instrumental Music Office (at DBHS), by calling (909) 624-3614, or by emailing RJSCYMO@aol.com Orange County Youth Symphony Orchestra (OCYSO) www.ocyso.org The Orange County Youth Symphony Orchestra, one of the premiere American youth orchestras, is the official youth orchestra of Orange County, California. Conducted by Music Director Daniel Wachs, the youth orchestra, celebrating its 39th season, provides the highest level of pre-professional orchestral training for young musicians. The orchestra s annual season features a public concert series at Chapman University, Orange, California, additional concerts in other Orange County cities, and the highly acclaimed Concerts for Fifth Graders at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. This series of eight concerts for the school children of Orange County, presented by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and our sponsors, introduces the great musical masters and their music to over twenty-four thousand fifth graders each year. Since its inception, the OCYSO has traditionally performed Young People s Concerts and in their thirty-five year history have introduced music into the lives of over 500,000 students in Orange County. During its thirty-nine years, the orchestra has performed at many major music conferences in the United States and has toured Europe and the Orient. Performances in Austria, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Hong Kong, The People s Republic of China, Japan, the United Nations, and Carnegie Hall, were highly praised by critics and audiences alike. Summer 12
2004 marked the highly acclaimed European Concert Tour of Italy and Austria with performances in Rome, Florence, Venice, Salzburg and Vienna. The outstanding young musicians performing in the OCYSO are senior high school and college students from all areas of Orange County. The Orange County Youth Symphony Orchestra has been designated "The Official Youth Orchestra of Orange County" by the Orange County Board of Supervisors and is sponsored by the Friends of OCYSO, Chapman University School Music, Las Campanas, and the Orange County Department of Education. Audition information and applications will be available at www.ocyso.org. Audition appointments can be made on dates specified. For additional questions or information, please call (714) 744-7927 or email us at info@ocyso.org. Honor Groups CODA/ASTA Honors Symphony and Honors Strings - www.codaorchestras.org CMEA All-State Orchestra- www.codaorchestras.org CBDA All-State Bands, Jazz Band- www.cbda.org SCSBOA All Southern Orchestras, Bands, Jazz Band- www.scsboa.org Fundraising The instrumental Music Program at Diamond Bar High School has long been a tremendously successful and valuable program. Each student is provided a unique opportunity to maximize their potential according to their unique situation. Over the years we have developed a strong sense of purpose and a mission to provide a high school experience that is both memorable and marketable.( Please see the attached mission statement). Recently, DBHS was honored with a Grammy Signature School Award, one of only eight given nationally, for our comprehensive Instrumental Music Program. Our Marching Band ranked 3 rd in the state for parade bands, and expanded into one of the only programs in the state to offer two parade groups. Our Orchestra, in addition to receiving unanimous Superior ratings at statewide festivals, is considered one of the top orchestral programs in the Western United States, and our Percussion program is emerging as one of the top comprehensive programs around, receiving acclaim and accolades at each performance opportunity. From an individual standpoint, our players represent the highest degree of musicianship at the high school level. Due in no small part to our partnerships with local universities and professional musicians, our students dominate the chairs in top youth orchestras and wind ensembles, including Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra, Claremont Young Musician s Orchestra, Orange County Youth Symphony, and the Colburn School of Music. For the 3 rd consecutive year, DBHS has shattered state records for students being accepted into the All Southern California and All State Honor Bands and Orchestras. Our students are being accepted into the top public and private universities, with many receiving scholarships and acceptances directly related to their participation in our high-level music opportunities. In order to continue operating the Instrumental Music Program at our present levels, we need to raise $72,500 for the marching band program, $64,5000 for the concert band program, $62,000 for the orchestra program, and $64,250 for the percussion program. If we are unable to raise sufficient funds, a reduction, or even elimination, of these programs will have to be considered. 13
Parent donations, though not required, are our single most important source of funding and will be necessary to keep the Instrumental Music Program operating at current levels. Please keep in mind that if we are unable to raise sufficient funds, we will be unable to maintain the caliber of programs that your children deserve. To supplement fundraising efforts, and corporate contributions, we strongly urge each family to make a donation in the following amounts: Parent Volunteer Credit Parents can volunteer or help to subsidize for the band donation (up to $200) by participating in fundraisers & Instrumental Music and Color Guard events. Following is a list of point values (each point equals one dollar): Approved Brahma Booster Bingo Chaperone Band reviews Chaperone Festivals 100 pts 50 pts 10 pts 10 pts Chairing a committee Uniform chair Uniform committee Uniform Band camp 50-100 pts 100 pts 25 pts 25 pts Excellence can be attained if you care more than others think is wise, risk more than others think is safe, dream more than others think is practical, and expect more than others think is possible. 14
15