Hettinger High School Band Handbook 2012-2013 "Music does bring people together. It allows us to experience the same emotions. People everywhere are the same in heart and spirit. No matter what language we speak, what color we are, the form of our politics or the expression of our love and our faith, music proves: We are the same." John Denver
HETTINGER HIGH SCHOOL BAND HANDBOOK 2012-2013 Welcome to one of North Dakota s premier music programs the Hettinger High School Music Program! Within this handbook you will find everything you need to know about this year s high school music events. It is a requirement that every student and his or her parents or guardians thoroughly read this hand book in its entirety and return the signed acknowledgment form. Course Description Concert band is a course designed to promote academic achievement through music analysis, evaluation and performance. Students enrolled in concert band will actively participate in solo and ensemble performances. Students will learn and develop the basic fundamentals such as reading music notation, articulation, dynamics, intonation, balance and blend. A variety of performance opportunities will be provided throughout the year including, but not limited to, school concerts, music festivals and pep band performances. The overall goal of this course is for the students to have fun learning about the world of music while making new friends to enjoy it with! My Expectations First and foremost, you have the right and privilege to learn in this classroom without distraction. No one has the right to violate your right to learn, and violations such as these will not be tolerated. You the student assume responsibility for your own education. This includes taking initiative both in and out of the band room. In the classroom you will be expected to create the best music that you can every day while helping your peers do the same. In addition, a portion of your grade will depend on the time that you spend practicing outside of class. I encourage you to play more than the minimum requirement. Classroom Rules and Procedures 1. Make the best music possible at all times! 2. Respect yourself, your peers, your teacher and all equipment. This includes all chairs, music stands, folders and personal belongings. 3. No food or drinks (including gum) will be allowed in the classroom. You may have water as long as it is in a clear container with a spill-proof lid. 4. Each student is to arrive to class on time. Students will be given three minutes to prepare for class after the tardy bell rings. Being prepared for class means being seated in your assigned seat with your instrument fully assembled and music in order, ready to play. You will also have three minutes at the end of the period to clean your instruments and put them away in their proper instrument storage cubby. ALL PERCUSSIONISTS are responsible for putting away percussion items at the end of each class. Points will be deducted from every student in the section if the percussion area is not properly cleaned up at the end of the period. 5. Please leave all non-music related items in your storage spot do not bring them into the band room. 2
6. Talking during rehearsal is not acceptable when the director is on the podium. 7. Students are responsible for their instrument maintenance. Duct Tape over leaky slides is not an acceptable method of repair. Have respect for our organization and get your instrument repaired professionally. Daily cleaning of your instrument after rehearsal if part of your instrument upkeep. Also, have all the necessary materials you will need during class. 8. Students should use restroom facilities before coming to class. 9. Each student is responsible for his or her own music folder. Each band member will be issued a concert band folder, as well as a pep band folder. Folders will be checked out and all music must be returned at the end of the school year. Replacement cost for pep band folders is $20.00 and concert band folders will vary depending on the value of the music and method books missing. Attendance and Grading Policies Class attendance and tardiness will be handled in accordance with school policy. All school sponsored performances are mandatory. This includes school concerts, festivals, and pep band performances. Concert band performances and festivals are worth 100 points and weighted 3x. This means that any unexcused absence from a concert or festival will certainly compromise your band grade. Family and medical emergencies will be dealt with on an individual basis. Advance notice of conflicts is much appreciated- a phone call or email the night of the event lets me know you are OK. For students involved in extra-curricular activities that conflict with performances, I will either waive the performance from your grade or give you a make-up assignment, depending on each activity; however, you must contact me two weeks in advance of the conflict in order for this consideration to be made. Class participation from every student is crucial for the band to have the best rehearsal possible. EVERY STUDENT IS IMPORTANT! Therefore, each student will receive five points for each day that he or she attends and participates in class. Excused absences will not count against your grade. In addition to this, each student will begin the day with five behavior points. These will be reduced if a student is not displaying appropriate classroom behaviors. Students must take their instruments and music home two days a week to practice. Each day of practice will be worth 10 points, or in other words, this assignment will total 20 points each week. If a student would rather practice in the band room, I will be more than happy to make arrangements for that student to practice between the hours of 7:45-8:15am or 3:15-3:45pm (20 minute practice sessions will be required if done in the band room). Take-home work will be graded depending on point value of each individual assignment. Grading Points Daily Participation 5 point/day (deduct 5 points for no instrument/missing equipment) Daily Behavior 5 points/day Concerts 100 points (weighted 3x) Pep Band Performances 10 points 3
Instrument take home 20 points/week Playing Tests 80 points Other Tests and Quizzes up to 25 points Enrichment and Band Service Opportunities Enrichment Opportunities Attending other live music events 25 points (must show proof of attendance) Listening to CDs from Music Listening Library 10 points (must complete Listening Form) Practice Slips 1 point for 15 min. of practice time (must complete Practice Slip) Private Lessons 10 points for each lesson (must hand in Private Lesson Form) Outside of school music performances (i.e. church, social clubs) are worth points toward enrichment depending upon the length of the performance. See me for more details. Service Opportunities Room Cleaning/Mr. Whipple help 5-20 points (varies with size of project) Other service opportunities will be available throughout the year, and will be announced in class. Lettering in Music You will earn points in extra and co-curricular activities to get a Music Letter. YOU MUST APPLY FOR A LETTER TO RECEIVE A LETTER!!! The lettering requirements are as follows: Initial Letter: 800 points 1 st Bar (second year letter): 1000 points 2 nd Bar (third year letter): 1200 points. Points are earned in the following categories: Solo at small groups festival: 100 points Ensemble at small groups festival: 50 points All State Member: 150 points Northern Plains Member: 150 points Solo at State B Music: 150 points Ensemble at State B music: 100 points The director may award points for other events deemed appropriate. AWARDS: Outstanding Freshman Award: Given to one outstanding freshman in each band and choir. Outstanding Sophomore Award: Given to one outstanding sophomore in each band and choir. Outstanding Junior Award: Given to one outstanding junior in each band and choir. 4
Director s Award: Given to a senior in band and/or choir who demonstrates commitment to the program. John Philip Sousa Award: A national award given to a senior in band who is voted the outstanding player. Other awards, as well as scholarships may be available as the year progresses. The decision of the director is final in determining the awards given. It is possible that not every award will be given every year. TRAVEL Throughout the year, the band may have the opportunity to travel, and students will follow the guidelines listed in the student handbook for traveling. You must keep yourself in good academic standing to travel. Remember, it is not just you that you are earning grades for, it is the entire band or choir. Smart Music Smart Music is a computer program that assists students with mastery of musical skills. The school has a subscription to this program, and it is available in the music department before and after school, as well as during study hall. We will be using the program extensively this year for playing tests and skill building exercises. Students can, if they wish, purchase a subscription for their own use at home for only $36/year. It is well worth the investment as a practice aid and now has the capability to record and send your playing test to me via email. Information on student subscriptions will be available the first few weeks of school. Check out more information at www.smartmusic.com. Concert dress is as follows: UNIFORMS Men: Top: Black, long sleeve, button down shirt. Tie (if you cannot get a tie, see Mr. Whipple) Bottom: Black dress pants. Black socks. Black shoes. Women: Top: Black blouse (classy not too much skin showing) Bottom: Black dress pants or long skirt. Black socks, or dark stockings Black shoes (closed heal and toe) Additional Information: Please keep jewelry to a minimum. Do not let it be distracting to the audience or other performers. Please do not wear perfume or cologne, as some people are very allergic. STAY UPDATED We are in the process of creating a Facebook page for the Hettinger Public School Music Department. Just search for Hettinger Public School Music Department and Like us. This will give you updates regarding anything related to the department. 5
Hettinger Public School Music Events and Important Dates October 8 ChoirFest in South Heart (High School Choir) All Day October 23 25 The Coats in residence in Hettinger October 24 The Coats in concert! 7:00pm October 25 HS Fall Concert (HS Band, HS/JH Choir, Children s Choir) 7:00pm November 9 10 Northern Plains Music Festival in Dickinson* November 16 17 Honor Choir at Bismarck State College (High School Choir) December 6 Junior High Winter Concert 7:00pm December 17 High School Winter Concert 7:00pm December 19 Elementary Winter Concert 1:00pm January 18 20 UND Honor Choir and Band in Grand Forks* February 1 2 JH All-State Choir in Fargo* March 8 9 JH All-State Band in Mandan* March 11 Region X Instrumental Festival in Dickinson All Day March 21 23 NDMEA All-State Band and Choir April 5 Region X Vocal Festival in Richardton All Day April 16 Junior High Spring Concert 7:00pm May 2 High School Spring Concert 7:00pm May 3-4 State B Music in Minot* May 10 Band Nigh in Bismarck (HS band required Junior High band invited) All Day May 14 Elementary Spring Concert 6:30pm May 26 Graduation (HS band and choir) * - Auditioned Groups Bolded events are required. All dates are subject to change. Dates may be added or removed. As much notice that can be given will be. 6
Please return to Mr. Whipple Student and Parent Acknowledgment To be returned by August 31, 2012!!! (2 participation points will be deducted for every day late) I have read the HHS Band Handbook, and understand that I will be held responsible to the policies outlined therein, including the fact that there are performances outside the regular school day for which attendance is required to fulfill class grade requirements. This is the first assignment for the semester, and is worth 5 points. Students Name (print clearly) Student s Signature Parent s Signature 7