Handbook BACON ACADEMY BAND 2016 2017 THE BACON BAND PROGRAM SYMPHONIC BAND and 645 WIND ENSEMBLE are the major ensembles. The program desires students who want to progress their individual technique and make music with their friends for four years. ALL SYMPHONIC BAND and 645 WIND ENSEMBLE members participate in the Marching Band in the Spring. In the Marching Band, students may be in the wind Band, percussion section or Color Guard, (when funded). Color Guard members do not need to be enrolled in Band. Members enrolled in JAZZ BAND may participate in SYMPHONIC BAND. Jazz Band members should be in 645 WE. All Band students should consider private study outside of school with a private teacher on their instrument. FRESHMAN REQUIREMENT In January, SYMPHONIC BAND members are required to pass a technique test for placement and eligibility for the following year. ENSEMBLE GRADING POLICY Grading depends upon three criteria: rehearsal behavior (25%), performance attendance (50%) and technical skill (25%). Rehearsal behavior means: BEING READY: Be seated; your instrument is put together; you can make a sound; you have your music. IN REHEARSAL: 1. You will work on the rehearsal music, do not read other books. 2. Stay focused on the rehearsal. Do not speak to others while rehearsing. 3. If asking a question, wait for a pause. Do not interrupt the class work. 4. Ask questions as needed, speak with a pleasant voice. 5. Keep your instrument in good shape. Treat it well. 6. Sit up and try. 7. Please Eat, Drink or Chew gum away from the rehearsal room. 8. Percussionists must play all the time, doubling parts as needed. Standing. Rehearsal behavior demands responsibility, safety, compassion and respect for yourself, the conductor and the ensemble. Should you show these core values, you and the ensemble will obviously achieve. Performances are MAJOR events. They are like an exam, and cannot be made up. Attend all performances and you will receive appropriate credit for attending. All performances to be missed should be discussed, well PRIOR to a performance. Often, conflicts can be solved easily. Should an emergency develop on the evening of an event, leave a message at 537 2378, x2304 and/or an email at tkess810@colchesterct.org The Memorial Day Parade is on Sunday, May 28 th, 2017 Mark your calendar. Technical Skill can be up to Twenty five (25) points, determined by a playing exam. Do you play your part PRECISELY CORRECT? Are you working on your technique? Do you contribute to the Band's performance? Is your horn in excellent playing condition?
MISSING A PERFORMANCE If you plan on missing two performances during the year, reconsider enrollment. Missed Concerts and Parade performances leave no opportunity for a make up. Therefore, an absence may result up to a 40 point reduction of the quarterly grade. You will be asked to perform the concert, after school, when you return to class. A BIG RULE Should you be suspended, there will be a meeting of the director, parents and administration to discuss attendance at an outside of school event. This includes all festivals, Trips, Berklee, etc. SCHOOL LESSONS Band students should take a lesson with Mr. Kessler this year To Study Hall/Privilege Students 1. You are permitted to be in Band Room IF there is no class there. 2. Your non Music student friends are not permitted in the Wing. 3. Use that time to practice, or take a lesson with Mr. Kessler to learn, improve and contribute to the Band. PRIVATE LESSONS Improve your technique. Study with a teacher on your instrument. See Mr. Kessler for assistance. TRIPS Should you be interested in attending a trip with the Band: You must not have a suspension in the school year of the trip No refunds will be paid should the student be removed during the trip. IN REHEARSAL: Bacon s five Core Values are represented by rules written for this Band Handbook for 29 years. Read all Boards at the beginning of class. Listen to instructions, try to adjust. Keep trying. Follow directions Write things down. Bring Instrument problems to Mr. Kessler before rehearsal. Have a folder, take it home to practice. Use your music not someone else s. Be quiet in the Band Room during rehearsal. Stop playing when asked to. NEVER ASK, "How does it go?" No Gum, No Hats Remain seated during rehearsal. Don t get up and leave. Go to the Bathroom before rehearsal. Interruptions and distractions keep us from achieving excellent music making. If you have to go, leave quickly and return quietly. Use more air! Start a new reed no later than 5 rehearsals before the Concert. Be selective in your questions to Mr. Kessler.
With COMPASSION: During rehearsal. Wait until after rehearsal to talk to a director about issues. Do not yawn while a director is instructing you. Get more sleep at home. Speak slowly and clearly, make the question be pertinent to the rehearsal. Watch the conductor and listen well. IMPORTANT RULE : Bring up your issue/conflict/problem to Mr. Kessler. 537 2378 x2304 tkess810@colchesterct.org You d be surprised that he can solve most problems. AT CONCERTS/Performances: Come to all performances AND PERFORM Come to all performances AND PERFORM Wear the APPROPRIATE concert dress. No Gum, No Hats Do not text during performance Watch all other performances at that event, quietly. Never start a new reed on concert night. Be part of a Set up or Breakdown Crew CONCERT BAND DRESS GIRLS: TOP: Solid White Long Sleeve Blouse, cover arms. No stripes, polka dots, colors, bling appliqué. Be Modest, please. BOTTOM: Solid Black covering legs (see above for Solid Black definition Full length skirt or, Knee length skirt with black tights or leggings, or Solid Black Slacks, no jeans. Solid Black Dresses conforming to the above are permitted. FEET: Solid Black shoes, toes not showing BOYS: TOP: Solid White Long Sleeve, with Collar and Long Black Tie No T Shirt/ Golf Shirt/ Sweater Solid Black Jacket optional BOTTOM: Solid Black Slacks FEET: Solid Black shoes AND Socks (No white socks) Jazz Band Dress: ALL : Solid White Tuxedo Shirt, Solid Black Slacks/Shoes/Socks. No jeans. Tie and Cummerbund provided.
For Marching Band: Solid Black pants, socks, shoes The shirt will be provided for you. If you responsibly wear what is requested, we achieve respect for each other and Bacon Band. SOLO COMPETITIONS & FESTIVALS (Achievement) Prepared and competent students may audition for festivals. Participation is based on audition results. Bacon Academy's Band Program participates in these festivals: Charter Oak Music Festival Band November 3&9 BACON Eastern Region Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band Jan 6 7 All State Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band March 30 Apr1 ASBDA Honors Band November 15 Guilford HS If interested in any of these, see Mr. Kessler immediately. IN THE MUSIC WING/BAND ROOM Care about the room, your music, yourself. Keep your instrument on a shelf or in a locker. Put your instrument away neatly Be nice to others in the Band Room Percussionists put instruments away With COMPASSION: Smile and greet Mr. Kessler warmly before rehearsal. Be nice to others in the Band Room. When you see a director moving equipment, ask, How can I help? Ask to help the Director with anything, anytime. Spend time in the Band Room. No Gum, hats, computer Games, cards, No earphones Do not argue with a Director Solve your schedule conflicts with the director's help. When you have a problem with a performance or rehearsal, See a Director immediately. No Gum, hats, computer Games, cards, No earphones Percussionists put instruments away Take responsibility for you, never let a friend speak for you. If you are bothered by anything, tell someone, make a suggestion. Keep a music folder, know where it is. Hand your music in when asked. Be alert to Collection Dates. Percussionists: please put instruments away "Who's in the Band?"
AT HOME Clean your horn, ask for help. Give it a bath. Use lukewarm water. Talk to your parents and employers about the schedule. If thinking about getting a new instrument, let a director help! Take Your Instrument Home! Take Your Instrument Home! When ALL of you practice: Work on the hard parts Isolate your problem(s), fix them. Figure the rhythm, the fingerings BY YOURSELF. ASK if you do not know something. ASK for help, do not fake it! Practice at home over the weekend. Brass players should "buzz" every day. When making outside of school appointments that must be made during rehearsal, consider being in some of the rehearsal, instead of missing all. COLLECTION OF MUSIC (Responsibility) 1. ALL STUDENTS should have one copy of all necessary music. 2. All students need their music, not someone else s at their Lessons 3. Section Leaders will assist with collection of music and give them, in score order. 4. Students not handing in music ON TIME will be subject to $1 a part. The payment will be through Graduation Obligations.
CALENDAR (Achievement, Responsibility, Respect) Dates can change. Please Check the Newsletter on Digital Backpack See Handbook for Audition/Festival deadlines September 30 Audition Registration Deadline Playing Exams/Assessment due October 25 Concert 645WIND ENSEMBLE/JAZZ BAND November 3 & 9 Charter Oak Music Festival, HERE @ BACON 15 ASBDA Honors Band Festival Guilford 19 Region Auditions Killingly HS December 1 CONCERT BANDS 22 CONCERT CHOIRS/Jazz(?) January 6 7 Eastern Region Festival, UConn 28 All State Auditions North Haven HS February 1 Berklee Jazz Festival Boston 8 Bacon Jazz Night March 7 CONCERT BA BAND 15 CONCERT w WJJMS,(16 snow) 30 APR1 All State Festival, April 21 Waterford Jazz Festiva l May 28 Memorial Day Parade June 1 CONCERT Band If three Snow Days move a concert to Monday, June 5 If you plan on missing a Major performance, inform Director immediately. If you plan on missing two Major performances, please reconsider your enrollment. When emailing Mr. Kessler, please include your student s name and YOG in the subject heading, i.e.; Student Name 2017 PARENTS: Should should last name be different than your student, please include it on the email. Help your son or daughter follow the suggestions, rules and schedule. Thanks! Follow Mr. Kessler on Twitter @BABandMrKessler