The John Carroll School Music Department Handbook Mr. Marc Bolden Director of Instrumental Music Mrs. Julie Parrish Director of Vocal Music
Table of Contents Welcome & Introduction...3 Mission Statement...3 Stay Connected...4 Expectations and Requirements...4 Policies...4 Major Performing Ensembles...5 Additional Performing Ensembles...6 Band...7 Chorus...8 Jazz Band...8 Orchestra...8 Chair Placement...9 Extra Activities...9 Tri-M National Music Honor Society...9 Music Parent Club...10 First Semester Final...11 Additional Costs...13 Calendar...14 Acknowledgement Form...16!2
Welcome Welcome to The John Carroll School Music Department! If you enjoy singing, playing your instrument, and want to become a better musician, then this is the place for you. We have a growing tradition of music excellence at John Carroll and we are excited to have you in our program! As a member of The John Carroll School Music Department, you will enjoy the experience of learning in groups whose members not only value music, but value each other. These values have aided in maintaining a tradition of musical excellence. Every fine band, chorus, and orchestra has high standards in rehearsals, concerts, and code of conduct, and these standards or expectations are a vital part to the John Carroll music program. This handbook is designed to help make your orientation to the John Carroll Music Department a quick and easy task. Through the reading of this handbook, you will be informed of the responsibilities that encompass being a member of our successful and active band, chorus, and orchestra program at The John Carroll School. Parents and students are requested to read the content of this booklet. Your careful attention will answer most of your questions and hopefully eliminate any misunderstanding later in the school year. Our hope is that the expectations set forth in this booklet will aide students in their musical growth, their feelings of accomplishment, and their appreciation of the rewards and positive emotions connected with commitment. These are acquired life skills that develop with sincere involvement in the The John Carroll School Music Department, where the real satisfaction comes with the hard work students are willing to devote to their ensembles. At the end of this handbook, there is a student and parent acknowledgement form. This needs to be signed and turned in to Mr. Bolden or Mrs. Parrish. We know your pride will grow with each musical accomplishment and we look forward to a successful and enjoyable year! Please feel free to contact us at any time: MBolden@JohnCarroll.org -or- JParrish@JohnCarroll.org Mission Statement At The John Carroll School, we aim to help students develop their unique musical potential, to provide abundant and diverse opportunities for group and individualized music learning, to develop musical partnerships that reflect The John Carroll School's mission, and to cultivate a safe, respectful, inter-culturally responsive, and stimulating environment that supports student development.!3
Stay Connected! https://www.facebook.com/jcmusicdept! For occasional important texts, text @mrbol to 410-344-7043! https://twitter.com/jcmusicdept! https://www.youtube.com/channel/ucfixdtud3tbs7tqi45aajba Expectations and Requirements It is expected that each student will perform to their best ability with a positive attitude. Requirements: Instrument, music, and pencil in class Attendance of classes and on time arrival Participation and good attitude in class Performance attendance (See Schedule) Attendance is mandatory for all performances unless otherwise notified 2 full weeks notice is required for approval of an absence Notice under 2 weeks will result in a loss of points Approved absences will be considered on a case by case basis Playing and written tests All students will be treated with respect as well as respect one another Policies Instrument Policy Students are expected to provide their own instruments. The school offers select instruments that can be borrowed by students. Each student using a school-owned instrument is required to signout that instrument with the director. No student will play an instrument that is not signed-out to them. Students using school-owned instruments are expected to take care of general upkeep and wear and tear. Only percussion students are allowed to use percussion equipment. Students are expected to provide their own accessories for the instrument. Percussion students should have at least one pair of drumsticks and a practice pad.!4
The school instrument must be returned at the end of the school year in the same condition in which it was issued. Any damage to an instrument that is beyond normal use (not playable, major dents, or improperly cared for) will be considered the student s responsibility to fix. For percussionists, any instrument damaged without a person found responsible will be replaced through a fee collected equally between players. Woodwind instruments need to be swabbed immediately after rehearsal, disassembled, and put correctly into their case; brass instruments should be given a bath once per month; percussionists are responsible for keeping their drum sticks and mallets in good repair and storing them properly in their lockers and/or cabinet drawers, along with other equipment (tambourines, cymbals, etc.) after each rehearsal. Music Policy Students will be responsible for any sheet music assigned to them. Each student will have a music folder where all music should be placed. All music and music folders are the property of The John Carroll School Music Department and must be returned upon request. Lost or destroyed music will be replaced by the student at the current cost plus shipping. Students are expected to mark their music in pencil, provided it is appropriate music information. Students should have a pencil with them at all times so that instructional comments in class can be noted on their music. The director will provide a pencil at the beginning of the year and it is the student s responsibility to replace lost or stolen pencils. Whether in class or during private practice at home, music should only be marked in pencil! Major Performing Ensembles Band Members of The John Carroll School Band will perform in the and Concert Band. All band members are required to attend band camp in August, to prepare for the upcoming marching band season. The performs at all home Varsity Football games, pep rallies, and local parades. The Concert Band performs for John Carroll concerts, Harford County District Festival, as well as other school assemblies. Members of The John Carroll School Band are permitted to try out for Maryland All-State Band and participate in the Harford County Solo/Ensemble Festival. In addition, members of the band are permitted to join the Jazz Ensemble, Pep Band, and Pit Orchestra. Both the and Concert Band will have opportunities to play at events such as Music in the Parks festivals at Hershey Park and Six Flags America as well as perform in Walt Disney World. Chorus Members of The John Carroll School Chorus will perform in a mixed voice chorus. Chorus meets after school, from 3:00-3:30. Members of the Chorus are also required to participate in!5
Music Ministry. The Chorus performs for John Carroll concerts, Harford County District Festival, as well as other school assemblies, while Music Ministry performs for school Masses and Prayer Services. Members of The John Carroll School Chorus are permitted to try out for Bella Voce, Maryland All-State Chorus and participate in the Harford County Solo/Ensemble Festival. The Chorus will have opportunities to play at events such as Music in the Parks festivals at Hershey Park and Six Flags America as well as perform in Walt Disney World. Jazz Band Members of The John Carroll School Jazz Band will perform various types of jazz, including big band, blues, swing and vocal jazz. Jazz Band meets after school, from 3:00-3:30. The Jazz Band performs for the John Carroll Christmas and Spring concerts, Jazz Concert, other school assemblies, and for the community. All musicians are encouraged to join the Jazz Ensemble. Members of The John Carroll School Chorus are permitted to audition for vocal parts. Orchestra Members of The John Carroll School Orchestra will perform String Ensemble and Full Orchestra music. The Orchestra performs for John Carroll concerts, Harford County District Festival, as well as other school assemblies. Members of The John Carroll School Orchestra are permitted to try out for Maryland All-State Orchestra and participate in the Harford County Solo/Ensemble Festival. In addition, members of the orchestra are permitted to join Pit Orchestra. Members of The John Carroll School Orchestra are permitted to audition for the String Quartet. The Orchestra will have opportunities to play at events such as Music in the Parks festivals at Hershey Park and Six Flags America as well as perform in Walt Disney World. Additional Performing Ensembles Bella Voce Bella Voce is an auditioned a cappella group. Bella Voce performs for the John Carroll Christmas and Spring concerts, other school assemblies, and for the community. Only members of The John Carroll School Chorus are permitted to audition. Auxiliary Units (Color Guard & Twirlers) The Auxiliary Units are the visual art that accompany The John Carroll School. No previous experience is required. Members of the Auxiliary Units will receive experience in spinning rifles, flags, and batons, as well as learn choreographed routines. All Auxiliary members are required to attend band camp in August, to prepare for the upcoming marching band season. The Auxiliary Units perform at all home Varsity Football games, pep rallies, and local parades. All students are encouraged to join. Color guard may also perform independently during the school year.!6
Musical Theater The John Carroll School performs two musical productions a year, one in the fall and one in the spring. All students interested in singing, dancing, and acting are encouraged to audition. Students interested in stage crew or running lights and sound are also encouraged to join. Pep Band The Pep Band performs for men s and women s home basketball games and pep rallies. Members of the Pep Band will have opportunities to travel to colleges and universities to play during basketball championship games. All musicians are encouraged to join Pep Band Pit Orchestra The Pit Orchestra provides the music for the schools musical productions, when applicable. There are two productions a year, one in the fall and one in the spring. All instrumental musicians are encouraged to join Pit Orchestra String Ensemble The String Ensemble is an auditioned group, and can range from a trio or higher. The String Ensemble performs for the John Carroll Christmas and Spring concerts, other school assemblies, and for the community. Only members of The John Carroll School orchestra are permitted to audition. SEE MARCHING BAND HANDBOOK Band Concert Band As a member of the Concert Band, you will have the opportunity to play classic and popular band music. During performances, men must wear a black sports coat, black dress pants, black socks, black dress shoes, a white dress shirt, and a black bow-tie. If one wishes, you may rent or purchase a tux, but it is not required. Women must wear professional black clothes. No low cut tops, bare midriffs, or short skirts or dresses. Shoes should be appropriate. The goal of the Concert Band is to focus on musicality, technique, sight-reading, and other musical issues. Attendance at all performances is mandatory. If you are unable to attend a performance, you must notify Mr. Bolden at least 2 weeks in advance.!7
Chorus As a member of the Chorus, you will be asked to sing a varied repertoire, including classic, popular and foreign pieces of music. Chorus meets four days a week from 3:00-3:40pm. Attendance is mandatory for all rehearsals! This is class time, not time to talk to teachers, make up tests, etc. If you are absent for any reason, you will be responsible for making up missed work. During performances, women and men will be required to purchase and wear specific performance attire. Performance attire will be discussed and all necessary purchasing information will be sent home with students at the beginning of the school year. The goal of the Chorus is to focus on musicality, technique, sight-reading, and other musical issues. Attendance at all performances is mandatory. If you are unable to attend a performance, you must notify Mrs. Parrish at least 2 weeks in advance. Jazz Band As a member of the Jazz Band, you will be introduced to jazz, blues, funk, and latin music. Jazz Band meets Mon - Thurs from 3:00-3:40pm. Attendance is mandatory for all rehearsals! This is class time, not time to talk to teachers, make up tests, etc. If you are absent for any reason, points will be deducted from your grade. During performances, musicians should wear all black (dress shirt, pants, socks, shoes). Additional items (white tie, sports coat, etc.) may be required, and will be discussed on a case by case basis. The goal of the Jazz Band is to focus on musicality, technique, sight-reading, and other musical issues. Attendance at all performances is mandatory. If you are unable to attend a performance, you must notify Mr. Bolden at least 2 weeks in advance. Orchestra As a member of the Orchestra, you will have the opportunity to play classic and popular strings music, as well as full orchestra pieces. During performances, men must wear a black sports coat, black dress pants, black socks, black dress shoes, a white dress shirt, and a black bow-tie. If one wishes, you may rent or purchase a tux, but it is not required. Women must wear professional black clothes. No low cut tops, bare midriffs, or short skirts or dresses. Shoes should be appropriate.!8
The goal of the Orchestra is to focus on musicality, technique, sight-reading, and other musical issues. Attendance at all performances is mandatory. If you are unable to attend a performance, you must notify Mr. Bolden at least 2 weeks in advance. Chair Placement (Concert Band & Orchestra) Students will be placed in a seating arrangement by the instructor according to a blind audition. In addition, their attitude and leadership will factor into their placement. Students may request to challenge any player above them for that player s chair. All challenges must be completed at least 3 full weeks before the next performance. Mr. Bolden has final judgment on all decisions regarding challenges and chair placement. Extra Activities In-School Practice In-school practicing is recommended based on students schedules. If the student has a free mod, they are more than welcome to practice. The music rooms are open for all music students to use and should be treated in the same respect as the rest of the music department. All-State Band/Orchestra/Choir Students are more than welcome to audition for the select groups of All-State Band, Orchestra, or Choir. The student must talk to Mr. Bolden to arrange audition materials, practice times, and dates. Solo & Ensemble Contest: Students are more than welcome to perform at the instrumental and vocal solo/small ensemble contest. The student should talk to Mr. Bolden to arrange materials, groups, practice times, and dates. Tri-M National Music Honor Society The Tri-M Music Honor Society is an international music honor society. It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and to inspire other students to excel at music and leadership. Tri-M is a program of the National Association for Music Education.!9
The minimum national criteria for Tri-M candidate consideration include: participation in a music class or ensemble at least one semester of this school year, a B grade or better in music and a C grade or better overall, and continued character strength that includes demonstration of service, leadership, and cooperation. Students are eligible to apply to Tri-M after the first semester of their sophomore year. Members agree to maintain these minimum national criteria, and any other criteria this chapter determines, and understand that my membership can lapse if any of these criteria are not maintained. Music Parent Club The John Carroll School Music Parent Club (MPC) was formed by a group of caring people to assist the students, music teachers, and community in all music related endeavors connected to the learning institution. This is done on a strictly volunteer basis. With the growth of our community comes the growth of the music program. Since the quality and quantity of our yearly projects are directly related to the number of volunteer workers, we ask and invite you to participate in this organization. All parents of band, chorus, and orchestra students are automatically members of this group, and any community member can become involved. If you would like to become more involved with the MPC, please contact Mr. Bolden at MBolden@JohnCarroll.org. MPC Mission Statement The purpose of the MPC is to actively support the music programs of The John Carroll School by encouraging parent, student, and community involvement and to foster greater school spirit and pride. (The music program includes all instrumental and choral groups, as well as auxiliary units.)!10
First Semester Music Final This is a requirement for all band and orchestra students. Students must see a live performance of a collegiate or professional ensemble. The concert may be instrumental or vocal. A concert report should then be written (see the guidelines below) and submitted by the first day of the semester one exams. Concert Reports should be submitted to the Finals folder on Edmodo. Recitals, Chamber Ensembles, Musicals, Operas and Harford Community College ensembles will not be accepted unless otherwise specified. Performances must be of a collegiate level or higher and must contain 10 or more performers. The following ensembles have been preapproved for concert reports. If you would like to see another ensemble, it MUST be approved by Mr. Bolden first. Approved Ensembles Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Goucher College Goucher Chorus Goucher Jazz Ensemble Goucher Orchestra Straight No Chaser Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra Towson University Choral Society Concert Band Latin Ensemble TU Jazz Orchestra Symphonic Band Symphony Orchestra Vocal Jazz Choir University Chorale United States Army Jazz Ambassadors University of Delaware UD Chorale Concert Choir Jazz Ensemble I/II Schola Contorum Symphonic Band Symphony Orchestra University Singers Concert Band University of Maryland (College Park) Concert Choir UMD Jazz Ensemble Men s Chorus UMD Symphony Orchestra University Chorale University Jazz Band UMD Concert Band UMD Wind Orchestra Women s Chorus UMBC UMBC Symphony Orchestra UMBC Jazz Ensemble UMBC Camerata UMBC Wind Ensemble!11
Concert Report Requirements Header: Your name Name of ensemble Date of concert In paragraph form: Comment on concert procedures and dress Evaluate the quality of the concert What did you hear What did you observed that helped, or hurt, the successes of the program What aspect(s) of the program particularly impressed you and why What aspect(s) of the program you think need improvement and why Other important information: Report should be 2-3 pages, double spaced Times New Roman, size 12 font 1 inch margins Grammar and punctuation will be evaluated Be detailed in your report You must submit your ticket to Mr. Bolden with your name on it Musical writing: Examples: (title of work) Le Nozze di Figaro (movement name or song/aria, if applicable) "Voi che sapete" (composer with birth and death years, if deceased) W. A. Mozart (1756-1791) (name of group/director/performers & instrument/voice) Kay Rubino, soprano (date of performance) 15 November 2009 How to get an A: Include all components/requirements BE DETAILED Submit concert ticket Points will be deducted if: Components/requirements are left out Report does not meet length Incorrect font or margins Ticket is not submitted This report is to be a statement of your perception of the music. As you are drawing connections as stated above, develop your writing into an informative narrative, supported by examples. Be sure your words are well chosen and effectively convey what you are trying to say. An excellent practice is to read your report out loud before you turn it in. Please follow all standard mechanics for good writing, which includes (but is not limited to) proper grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.!12
Additional Costs ALL All performers are required to purchase appropriate concert attire. Please see above guidelines for specific ensembles. Please see Mr. Bolden or Mrs. Parrish with any questions or concerns. Band members are required to purchase a pair of black Drillmasters Shoes, which can be purchased at The Crown Store, for $28.50. Shoes are needed asap as they are needed for our performances. Students are also required to purchase a gold Marching Band polo, from Mr. Bolden, for $30.00. All students should have instrument specific supplies at all times. This includes, but is not limited to, cleaning supplies, reeds, valve oil, mutes, and slide grease. Clarinet and Saxophone students should be playing on a MINIMUM of a size 3 Rico or Vandoren reed. Trumpet students should be playing on a MINIMUM of a size Bach 5c mouthpiece (Bach 3c is recommended for Junior and Senior students). Trombone and Baritone students should be playing on a Bach 12C or Bach 6 1/2 AL. All brass students should have straight mutes. Cup mutes are highly recommended, as well. Percussion students should have a practice pad and a pair of drum sticks. PROPER REEDS, MOUTHPIECES, STICKS/PADS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE STUDENTS, AND THE ENSEMBLES. Those wishing to participate in Pep Band will have a $20.00 fee for their Pep Band t-shirt. Orchestra All students should have rosin and at least one set of extra strings. PROPER EQUIPMENT IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE STUDENTS, AND THE ENSEMBLES. Chorus All vocalists will be required to purchase concert attire. Bella Voce Vocalists may be asked to purchase additional performance attire. Decisions regarding attire will be discussed and determined at the beginning of the school year.!13
2015-2016 Calendar of Events (Dates and times are subject to change. Notice will be given as far in advance as possible) Students are responsible for attending all events, unless otherwise noted. August 28: Football Game September 11: Football Game September 25: Football Game October 4: Columbus Day Parade (Baltimore) October 17: Open House, Bella Voce, String Quartet October 23: Game (Homecoming) October 30: Game (Sr. Game) October 31: Catholic University Trip (TBD) November 4: Football Championship December 5: White Marsh Christmas Parade December 6: Bel Air Christmas Parade December 7: Christmas Concert Dress Rehearsal All Ensembles December 11: Christmas Concert All Ensembles February 5: Jazz Concert Dress Rehearsal Jazz Band February 5: Jazz Concert Jazz Band March: District Festival Concert Band, Chorus, Orchestra April 18: Spring Concert Dress Rehearsal All Ensembles April 22: Spring Concert All Ensembles April 29: Music Awards Banquet All 3pm - 7pm 6pm - 10pm 6pm - 10pm 12pm - 4pm 10am - 2pm 6pm - 10pm 6pm - 10pm 10am - 7pm TBD 8am - 1pm 2pm - 4:30pm 3pm - 6pm 7pm - 9pm 8pm - 10pm 5pm - 10pm School day 3pm - 6pm 7pm - 9pm 6pm!14
May 23: Memorial Concert Dress Rehearsal Concert Band, Chorus, Orchestra May 24: Memorial Concert Concert Band, Chorus, Orchestra May 25: Baccalaureate Chorus May 28: Graduation Concert Band June 13, 15, 17, 23, 27 & 29: Parade Practice June 25: Independence Day Parade (Darlington) July 1: Parade Practice July 4: 4th of July Parades (Kingsville & Bel Air) July 5: Independence Day Parade (Edgewood/Joppa) 3pm - 6pm 7pm - 9pm 7pm - 9pm 8am - 11am 6pm - 7pm TBA 6pm - 7pm 8:30am - 7pm 3:30pm - 8pm!15
Acknowledgment Form Please sign and return by September 11, 2015. I have read the contents of the 2015-2016 John Carroll School Music Department Handbook. I understand that by signing and submitting this form that I am held accountable for all information contained inside including the schedule and policies. I agree to adhere to the rules and policies listed, and understand both the positive and negative consequences involved. Submittal of this signed form officially makes me a member of The John Carroll School Music Department. Student Signature Date Parent Signature Date If you have any further questions regarding any information in the handbook or in the music department, feel free to contact Mr. Bolden or Mrs. Parrish at anytime. 410-838-8333 ext. 2023. MBolden@JohnCarroll.org JParrish@JohnCarroll.org Once again, welcome to The John Carroll School Music Department! Musically, Mr. Marc Bolden Mrs. Julie Parrish!16