Sun Valley High School Band Handbook

Sun Valley High School Band Handbook MAJOR CONCERT BAND PERFORMANCE DATES WINTER CONCERT Thurs, December 13, 2012 7pm, SVHS CONCERT BAND MPA PREVIEW Tues, March 5, 2013 Evening @ Cuthbertson HS SPRING CONCERT Tues, May 21, 2013 7pm, SVHS Mr. Jeff Reynolds, Director

SUN VALLEY BANDS Sun Valley High School 5211 Old Charlotte Highway Monroe, NC 28110 704-296-3020 Dear Band Parents & Students, August 27, 2012 Welcome back to school after what was hopefully an eventful and relaxing summer vacation. I hope you are ready to begin another exciting year with the Sun Valley Band program. The following handbook is meant to be a resource for every aspect of the program, from scheduling and grading, to the underlying philosophy and goals. Parents, your decision to provide your student with a quality musical instrument and the opportunity to experience what band has to offer is an investment in your child s future. It is my hope that band gives your child opportunities for self-expression, creativity, and achievement. I am fortunate to be in a position to lead your child through this experience. Music education is not about winning the biggest trophy at a marching contest, playing the most difficult music, or producing an award-winning prodigy, but it is about becoming a well rounded musician. My job as a music educator is to lead students through a musical experience that will give them tools they need to make competent musical, and non-musical decisions their whole lives long. It is my goal to create an environment in which students experience music as intimately as possible, whether reading, writing, listening to, evaluating, analyzing, or performing. I aim to graduate musicians that are prepared to perform expressively, listen intelligently, evaluate responsibly, and make educated decisions as consumers of music. Students will learn to enjoy themselves and make life long friends in the process. During their time in the Sun Valley band program it is my goal that students develop other important traits as well. These include goal-setting, cooperation, and time management, just to name a few. The band program at Sun Valley is designed to give students rewarding and memorable experiences that continue with them as they mature. The team-teaching approach between Sun Valley Middle and High Schools allows Mr. Owens and I to provide continuity for our young musicians, teaching daily with longterm goals in mind. We take full advantage of our unique opportunity to develop relationships with our students that often last as long as seven years, modifying our teaching techniques to meet their individual needs. The success of our band program at Sun Valley depends on the success of the students. The success of each musician also rests on the involvement and support from family and friends. Many of you already know, and others will soon discover, that the Band Parent label is quick to stick and difficult to shake. Band parents know the pain of suffering through the first sounds of beginners at practice and perhaps the pride of hearing their child play a solo at the spring concert. They understand all too well the trouble of carting an instrument to school everyday and transporting their child to and from afterschool rehearsals and performances. Thanks for all of your commitment as a parent. It is you, the parent, that can help maintain and promote a high level of excellence. Please read through the remainder of this handbook with your student, sign the acknowledgement form and return it to school. Thank you again for giving your child the gift of music. I look forward to working with you in the coming year. Please feel free to contact me at any time. Sincerely, Jeff Reynolds 704-296-3020 svhs phone jeff.reynolds@ucps.k12.nc.us

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR Jeffrey M. Reynolds, Director of Bands Mr. Reynolds earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Wingate University in 1995, having student taught at Parkwood Middle and High Schools. Upon graduation he was hired as the Director of Bands in Anson County, NC. His love of Union County schools brought him back to serve as Assistant Director for the Piedmont Middle and High School program from 1996-1999. Mr. Reynolds has been teaching at Sun Valley Middle and High Schools since the 1999-2000 school year. A native of New Jersey, Mr. Reynolds has lived in Union County since 1991. He began his musical experience taking piano lessons at age six. Mr. Reynolds played piano for both his middle and high school jazz bands and joined the percussion section for marching and concert band. He got his first glimpse of conducting when he was selected as Drum Major for both his junior and senior years in high school. Mr. Reynolds was also the recipient of the John Philip Sousa Award for outstanding musicianship at Overbrook Regional Senior High School in Pine Hill, New Jersey in 1990. Professionally, Mr. Reynolds is a member of MENC (Music Educator s National Conference) and NCMEA (North Carolina Music Educator s Association). He is currently a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army s 208 th Reserve Band, based in Concord, NC. Mr. Reynolds is also often called upon to perform with community, school, and church productions in the areas of keyboard, timpani, and pit percussion. Mr. Reynolds serves as the conductor and pit coordinator for the Union County Performance Ensemble, whose recent productions have been Phantom of the Opera, Hairspray, Miss Saigon, The Wizard of Oz, Ragtime, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Les Miserables, and Beauty and the Beast. Mr. Reynolds resides in the Sun Valley Community with his wife, Tammi, and their children Kaitlyn and Andrew.

EVALUATION PROCEDURES AND BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES Each 6-week grade will be determined by the student s performance in the following: DAILY REHEARSAL 1) Rehearsal 30% 2) Tests/Quizzes 40% 3) Performances 30% The rehearsal grade is based upon daily preparation, participation, and adherence to guidelines while in class. Each student will begin each grading period with a total of 100 points. Deductions will be given as follows, per infraction: No Instrument (left at home) -20 (Also includes missing reeds, sticks, or other equipment that keeps a student from being able to play their instrument properly) Gum, Candy, Food, Drink, etc -10 *A morning detention will also be assigned Missing Equipment (Pencil, music, etc) -5 Up to a maximum of 10 points per day may also be deducted for improper participation in class. This would include, but is not limited to: Improper posture and/or hand position Talking out of turn Playing out of turn Out of seat without permission Instrument/supplies left out BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES 1) Be silent in your chair with instrument, pencil, and music when the director or other instructor/sub/student leader steps to the podium. This is generally 1 minute after the tardy bell 2) Bottled Water is the only food/drink permitted during rehearsals and performances. 3) Respect director, staff, students, subs, chaperones, and equipment at all times. 4) Raise your hand to speak or ask to leave your seat.

CONSEQUENCES 1) Verbal warning from director & point deductions from rehearsal grade 2) Student will be assigned to a Before or After School Teacher Detention or a contiguous punishment Teacher Detention Before School is 7:30am-7:50am Teacher Detention After School must be scheduled and times/days may vary 3) Same as #2 and Parent Contact 4) Office Referral (maximum of 3 per year), parent conference 5) Office Referral, parent conference, possible dismissal from band Please Note: The term contiguous means that part of the consequence for misbehavior may be directly related to the act of misbehavior. For example, a student caught writing on a music stand may be asked to clean all the music stands. Exceptions to the above consequences are as follows: If a student is severely disruptive, he/she may be referred to the office immediately. If a chronic behavior problem is detected then some consequences may be skipped altogether at the discretion of the director. These instances will result in an automatic parent contact. ASSESSMENT During the course of the term both written and playing tests will be administered. Written Tests will cover all aspects of the music curriculum. Music vocabulary, rhythmic notation and dictation, music theory, and music symbols are some of the basic music knowledge that may be tested. Students will receive adequate preparation and resource materials prior to these assessments. Playing tests will cover specific scales, techniques, and/or selections of music on the student s primary instrument. Playing tests will be given in a live test format. While the majority of all playing tests will be announced, some Pop tests may also be given. Unless specifically told, all playing tests will take place in the class setting. Percussion students are expected to show proficiency on both mallets and snare. Performance and understanding of additional percussion instruments may also be required. All major playing tests (those which result in course placement and chair assignment or challenge) will be recorded for the purpose of documenting the assessment and playback at the request of students or parents. The requesting student or parent will only be permitted to listen to their/their child s assessment.

PERFORMANCES All members of any performing ensembles at Sun Valley High School are required to attend all scheduled performances for their ensemble. An attempt will be made to provide as many opportunities to perform as is deemed constructive. Since music is a performing art these performances are deemed mandatory. In the event of personal injury/illness, or death in the family, a student may be excused from the missed performance without penalty, provided that a written note is signed by the parent or guardian and given to the director on the day the student returns or prior to the event if possible. An email from the parent s email account may also be accepted. The band director must approve all other conflicts at least ONE MONTH BEFORE the performance. Required performances that have already been scheduled are listed on the cover page of the handbook and on the CHARMS web calendar. Please keep these dates in mind when planning your personal calendar. You may also keep up to date on our schedule through our website at www.sunvalleybands.org FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROPER PROCEDURE FOR AN EXCUSED ABSENCE FROM A PERFORMANCE, OR ANY STUDENT WHO MISSES A PERFORMANCE WILL HAVE 30 POINTS DEDUCTED FROM THEIR FINAL 6 WEEKS GRADE. ATTENDANCE & CLASS PROCEDURES ATTENDANCE Band is a Co-Curricular class. This means rehearsals and activities will take place during the school day and after school hours. In addition to the regular class day, attendance at scheduled afterschool or evening rehearsals and performances, as well as those held during the day, are required. If a student has an excused absence from school on the day of an evening rehearsal or performance their absence is considered excused. EXCEPTIONS are those circumstances in which DIRECTOR and PARENT have previously discussed. ABSENCES If a student is absent from a daily class rehearsal they must provide a written parent or doctor note to the attendance officer upon their return. (school policy) Students who miss a scheduled after school/evening rehearsal or performance must provide the director with a parent note explaining the absence upon their return.

EXCUSES (from scheduled rehearsals and performances) Absences that occur for the following reasons WILL NOT BE EXCUSED: Student job conflicts Lack of transportation (we will assist if necessary) Work on other class projects Other school-sponsored events (unless cleared with director) IF YOU FORSEE A CONFLICT, PLEASE NOTIFY DIRECTOR AS SOON AS YOU ARE AWARE OF THE CONFLICT. NOTIFICATION SHOULD BE MADE VIA EMAIL, PHONE CALL, OR IN PERSON. FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROPER PROCEDURE FOR AN EXCUSED ABSENCE FROM A PERFORMANCE OR ANY STUDENT WHO MISSES A PERFORMANCE WILL HAVE 30 POINTS DEDUCTED FROM THEIR FINAL 6 WEEKS GRADE. YOU ARE PROVIDED A COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS TO AVOID ANY CONFLICTS. PLEASE UPHOLD YOUR COMMITMENT TO THIS PROGRAM. TARDIES (see SVHS student handbook for policy) A student is considered TARDY in band if they are not in the band room prior to the Tardy bell OR not in their designated area or seat with proper equipment 1 minute after the school tardy bell. DISMISSAL FROM BAND A student may be removed from the band program permanently in any one of the following three cases: 1) Repeated discipline problems 2) Absence from a performance with no parental explanation 3) Failure to achieve a passing average for either written or playing tests (Fall and Spring semester) or a passing semester average *A parent conference will be requested if any of the above occur.

RESPONSIBILITY Each student in the band has a responsibility to every other member of the band. In a performing ensemble each member must bring his or her best performance at all times. Every member is valuable in his/her own way. When off-campus events take us out of school for any part of the instructional day, it is the individual students responsibility to communicate with their teachers regarding necessary assignments. Band sponsored events off campus are considered Field Trips, which mean students are counted PRESENT, which means they do not count against your total absences. However, students are required to complete all missed work according to the school policy. In addition, students who are not maintaining adequate progress in their other classes may not be permitted to attend off campus events that take place during the instructional day. This will be a decision your parents, teachers, and director will have to make. This will have a significant impact on the performance of our band. Remember, in band your actions not only affect you, but those in the ensemble as well. SUPPLIES Each student is required to have: A sharpened pencil (Mechanical is Strongly Encouraged) Foundations for Superior Performance method book 3 Ring Binder Page protectors for music BRASS STUDENTS need appropriate oils and slide grease. WOODWIND STUDENTS need at least 3 good reeds at all times. A minimum of a #3 reed is expected, with 3 ½ and 4 being the recommended strength. VANDOREN recommended for clarinets, HEMKE for saxophone. PERCUSSION STUDENTS need a pair of general snare sticks for concert music. A personal stick/gig bag is also recommended for keeping up with your personal sticks. ALL PLAYERS should have the proper cleaning and maintenance items (cleaning cloths, oils, greases, etc) AND USE THEM regularly to maintain their instrument. SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS are provide to the students who have been selected to use them. There is no charge to the student for using these instruments. However, students are expected to properly maintain these instruments through routine cleaning and maintenance. Reeds are NOT provided for woodwind players, those are the responsibility of the student. Any damage to the instrument done intentionally or through mishandling will be repaired at the expense of the student. EXACT CASH may be used to purchase some items from the director. A limited supply of reeds, oils, and grease are available, HOWEVER, students are encouraged to purchase their own supplies at local music stores.

Music and Arts Center (704-341-0000) Arboretum Shopping Center Or www.musicarts.com Howren Music (704-525-5073) Park Road Shopping Center or McMullen Creek Shopping Center. INSTRUMENT STORAGE Band instruments are to be kept in the storage room during the day. It contains specifically designed cubicles to hold musical instruments. Every student is responsible for labeling the outside of their case clearly with their name. It is recommended that a record of the student s instrument Make and Serial Number be recorded in a safe place at home in the event the instrument is misplaced or mixed up with another one of similar appearance. Instruments must be properly stored in the designated area while on campus. Point deductions from a student s class grade will be made if instruments and personal supplies are not stored properly. Students must also keep their instrument in its case (and latched closed) when not being used. A student s storage cubicle must also be kept free of trash and extra stuff. Cubicles are for instruments, music, and other instrument related accessories. MARCHING BAND SHOES & CLOTHES ARE TO BE KEPT IN THE LOCKERS in the changing rooms, not in the storage room. And, AT NO TIME SHOULD FOOD OR DRINK be brought into the storage room. RESTROOM / LOCKERS Restrooms should be used for emergencies only during class. Students are also required to get permission to leave their seat if they must use the restroom. Students who simply leave their seat without permission to visit the restroom will lose rehearsal points and/or be assigned a morning detention. Students should also help maintain an orderly appearance in the restroom and changing areas by throwing trash in the appropriate containers and notifying the director of any problems with the restrooms. Students wishing to use the lockers in the changing area must first be assigned a locker through the director. *Only locks authorized by the director will be permitted. The director will have access to these lockers at all times, and only band related items are to be kept in them (i.e. marching shoes, gloves). Students are encouraged to put valuables in their locker during rehearsals and performances. DO NOT PLACE ITEMS IN EMPTY LOCKERS WITHOUT PERMISSION. Items found in lockers without locks or lying around the room will be confiscated and may be thrown away.