Durango High School Band Handbook

Durango High School Band Handbook Katharine Reed Durango High School Director of Bands kreed@durango.k12.co.us (970) 259-1639 ext. 2102 www.durangohighschoolband.weebly.com Mission Statement of DHS Band Program Pursuing excellence through superior performances, inspired rehearsals, and surpassing previously established goals to become a preeminent band program in the state of Colorado while striving for excellence and achieving a level of prestige through family values. Objectives of the DHS Band Program To educate in the core curriculum of the arts; most notably music, through the mastering of basic instrumental technique, fundamental knowledge of music, basic analysis of music, and the self-expression through performance in music. To understand and appreciate the cultural, historical, and artistic musical styles, genres, and values of music in our past, present, and future society. To provide a healthy, nurturing learning environment with numerous opportunities for public performance in order to instill self-discipline, pride, and teamwork within the instrumental music student community. The DHS Band Program firmly believes that these character traits instilled through music are necessary for our students to become contributive and collaborative members of society. Classes/Activities Offered Concert Band Wind Ensemble (by audition/approval of director) Jazz Band I (by audition/approval of director) Jazz Band II Red Pride Marching Band Music Theory Piano Keyboard Pep Band Color guard (part of the Red Pride Marching Band) Winterguard Chamber ensembles Solo and Ensemble Festival Opportunities for district/collegiate/state honor bands Colorado All State Band, Orchestra, and Jazz Band

DHS BAND RULES B e respectful to everyone and everything. This includes Director, guest teachers, each other, and the band room. Respect rehearsal time by not talking or playing out of turn. A ccept responsibility for yourself, your actions, and your learning. Pick up after yourself, pay attention, and work hard. Participate in class and practice at home. N o touching thing that don t belong to you. Keep your hands off other instruments, (especially percussion), music stands, the podium, the director s belonging, and each other. D o you best everyday! Be prepared with your instrument, materials, a pencil and your music learned. Set up and get to your seat quickly. ENSEMBLES Concert Band Length: 1 year (1st and 2nd semester) Meeting Time: 2nd Period Course Description: Concert Band is open to all DHS instrumentalists who play a wind or percussion instrument. This course offers students an in-depth examination and extensive experience in a variety of traditional and contemporary music. Students study selected music and perform at several concerts and festivals during the year. Emphasis is placed on proper instrumental technique, musicianship, and music reading skills. The major focus is playing in an ensemble. This is a performance-oriented class where campus and community performances are required. Red Pride Marching Band Length: August - October Meeting Time: Period 0/8 Monday-Thursday from 7-8am Course Description: Red Pride Marching Band is open to all DHS instrumentalists who play a wind or percussion instrument. This course is part of the concert band class and is a physical activity that performs outdoors, while incorporating marching fundamentals with musical performance. Students receive.5 PE credit to participate in marching band. These students study selected music and perform at several concerts and festivals during the year. Emphasis is placed on proper instrumental technique, musicianship, and music reading skills. The major focus is playing in an ensemble. This is a performance-oriented class in which campus and community performances are required.

Jazz Ensemble I Length: November-May Meeting Time: Period 0/8 Tuesday-Thursday from 7-8am Course Description: Students must audition and be selected to be in this class. The jazz ensemble is offered to provide the student with an opportunity to supplement the basic musical skills learned in the concert bands. This class is designed to expose students to the jazz idiom. Students will study many different jazz styles. The student will also gain a working knowledge of music theory applied to the art of jazz improvisation. Jazz Ensemble II Length: November-May Meeting Time: Period 0/8 on Friday from 7-8am Course Description: This course is open to anyone wanting to learn jazz.. The jazz ensemble is offered to provide the student with an opportunity to supplement the basic musical skills learned in the concert bands. This class is designed to expose students to beginning level of jazz. The student will also gain a working knowledge of music theory applied to the art of jazz improvisation. PERFORMANCES Band is a team effort, and each individual is crucial to the success of the group. Participation in performances is mandatory. No performing group can be successful without 100% participation. Students will miss school on several occasions for clinicians, contests, and festivals. If attendance becomes an issue, it may be determined by the director that performing may not be in the best interest of the individual or the group. Jobs are not an acceptable excuses for missing any rehearsal or performance. The schedule will be given to you in advance, giving you time to work out your schedule. Most employers are willing to help arrange work schedules when there is enough notice given. Please notify me immediately, if there is any conflict. PRIVATE LESSONS Are a very important part of any music program. Private lessons build individual musicianship, growth, and will ultimately enhance student s overall musical experience. For situations where financial reasons prohibit private lessons, please contact the director to see if arrangements can be made. Please contact Mrs. Reed if you would like more information on selecting a private lesson instructor. In Durango we have numerous of opportunities to take private lessons: Katzin Music, Stillwater Music, iam Music, Durango Music School, and Fort Lewis College Music Department.

DHS BAND FEE The DHS Band Fee is $100. This money goes directly towards the student s band t-shirt, upkeep of uniforms, and dry cleaning of the uniforms. Please have this in by September 15, 2017. Students will have the opportunity to fundraise for the fee. (Please make checks out to DHS Band) INSTRUMENT INFORMATION Rental Agreement: The band has a large inventory of instruments available for rent. Any student using school equipment will be required to fill out the equipment contract provided by the instrumental music department, along with $75.00 (school year) or $40.00 (1/2 year/summer) and return it to the music office. Checks can be made payable to DHS Instrumental Music. The equipment must be returned in good condition at the end of the assigned time. If any damage is done to the equipment, the user will be held financially responsible. ASSERTIVE DISCIPLINE ACTION The following actions will be taken to deal with disruptive students: 1st offense: Verbal warning and conference with the director 2nd offense: Director and/or student consult parent by phone/email 3rd offense: Assistant principal referral and parent conference. 4th offense: Principal referral and possible removal from the class. *** All severe discipline problems such as fighting, theft, vandalism, possession of weapons, drugs/alcohol, disrespect for director and/or other students will be immediately reported to the principal s office for appropriate action.*** UNIFORM POLICY No member of any ensemble will be allowed to perform without an appropriate uniform. This will be considered an unexcused absence. Band Uniforms The Durango Instrumental Music Department provides each student a complete uniform except for socks and shoes. In the event that items need to be replaced, due to misuse or damage, the student is responsible for the cost of the item(s). Costs are as follows: MARCHING Item Cost FORMAL Item Cost Jacket $150.00 Tux $150.00 Pants $50.00 Tux shirt $20.00 Shako $50.00 Bow tie & cummerbund $20.00 Plume $20.00 Black Dress $60.00 Garment Bag $30.00

Dinkles $26.00 White Gloves $5.00 Care and Wearing of the Uniform Never wear an incomplete uniform in public. Treat your uniform with pride; you are expected to care for it accordingly. Cleanliness and neatness is expected from all band students, orchestra students, color guard, and drum majors. Marching Band Uniform Hang the uniform on a strong hanger (not wire) after each performance. When traveling, always carry the uniform in your garment bag. The shako is worn with the chinstrap completely under the chin and the bill two-finger widths from the nose. When removing the hat, always place it upright, not upside down. Shoes are to be cleaned and polished for EACH performance. Concert Attire Concert Band Men: Tuxedo, red bow tie, red cummerbund and white tux shirt (Issued to the student). Please supply black dress shoes, and black socks. Your student is welcome to supply their own black tux. Women: Black dress, and jacket (Issued to the student). Please supply black dress shoes. Jazz Ensemble I & II Men: Black pants, black shirt, and colored tie. (Men may use their Concert Band pants and borrow a black button down shirt if necessary) Please supply black dress shoes, black socks, and color tie. Women: Black pants, black shirt, or black dress. Please supply all. Marching Band Men & Women: Black bib pants, red/black jacket, gauntlets, shako (hat), plume, marching band shoes, and black gloves (Issued to the student). Please supply tall black socks. BAND OPPORTUNITIES Durango High School band students participate in a variety of honor and select ensembles throughout the State of Colorado including, but not limited to: Western Slope CBA Select Band Grades 9-12 Western Slope CBA Honor Jazz Band Grades 9-12 Fort Lewis Honor Band Grades 9-12 San Juan Symphony Youth Orchestra Grades 9-12 Colorado All-State Orchestra Grades 10-12 Colorado All-State Band (UNC) Grades 10-12 Colorado All-State Jazz Band Grades 11-12

Each of these honor groups requires an audition with specific literature requirements. Please consult Mrs. Reed for details regarding these exciting opportunities! Students are responsible for audition and registration fees that go along with each band/orchestra. It is the student s responsibility to set up a recording time with either Ms. Reed or someone else for audition tapes. GRADING 10% Professional Positive Behavior 35% Formative Assessment (Practice Logs, Written Assignments, and Playing Tests) Students will be given notice of the playing test date and all material on the exam in advance. The playing tests are designed to evaluate the progress of all students, from beginners to advanced. Students will have in-class work, and homework throughout the semester. Students are expected to hand in all work on time. Any missed assignments will be accepted until the end of each grading checkpoint, every nine weeks. 35% Summative Assessment (Performance Exams) Throughout the year students will perform in concert and at contests for their performance exam evaluation. 20% Final Exam The final exam will be comprised of two parts; performing their selected etude for the teacher and a written exam of music theory, and dictation. SUPPLIES REQUIRED FOR CLASS Specific instrumental supplies required will be discussed in each class. Here is a general list of materials students should be prepared with on a daily basis: All students: Pencils Music for each class (music distribution will be determined at the start of the school year) Students are not to share music. Instrument in good working condition a good time to get instruments repaired is during breaks. Woodwind students: Cork grease, cleaning supplies (swab, brushes, etc.) At least three playable reeds at all times. I do not sell reeds to students. The cheapest reeds do not produce the best quality sound and won t set up woodwind students for greatest success. Wood reeds are better than plastic reeds for concert band. Brass students: Valve oil/slide treatment supplies, cleaning supplies (brushes, cloths) Percussion students: 1 pair of CONCERT snare sticks, size 2B or Vic Firth Generals, and a basic pair of yarn mallets. Concert Band/Wind Ensemble students:

Method book - Foundations for Superior Performance by Richard Williams and Jeff King. There is a limited amount of DHS books to loan to students for the year. Students also can buy their own book and can use this book all four years while in the concert bands at DHS. Other supplemental materials may be passed out in class. DIMBC - Durango Instrumental Music Booster Club The Durango High School Instrumental Music Club is the main parent/guardian organization that serves the students and staff of the DHS instrumental music program. All parents/guardians are encouraged to participate and be involved with DIMBC. Duties of the DHS Band Parents include (but are not limited to): Volunteer at band events (concerts, festivals, trips)volunteer at the summer band camp Assist with uniform fittings Help organize other fundraising opportunities for our program Organize necessary volunteers for events we host and concerts Assist with general work that helps support all aspects of the bands program The DHS Band Parents are under the direction of the Parent Board. These are individuals that volunteer a great deal of time to facilitate and organize the support that the boosters give to the DHS bands program. DIMBC meets every first Tuesday of the month at 5:30pm in the DHS Band Room. RECOGNITION AWARDS DIMBC Orchestra Spirit Award - awarded by the Durango Instrumental Music Booster Club DIMBC Red Pride Marching Band Spirit Award - awarded by DIMBC DIMBC Jazz Band Spirit Award - awarded by DIMBC DIMBC Concert Band Spirit Award - awarded by DIMBC Director s Award Orchestra awarded by the director. Director s Award Band awarded by the director. Semper Fidelis Award awarded by the Marine Corp for outstanding musicianship/leadership. Louis Armstrong Award Outstanding Jazz Band Senior John Philip Sousa Award Outstanding Band Senior National School Orchestra Award - Outstanding Orchestra Senior Student musicians have many opportunities to earn awards in recognition of outstanding musicianship and effort. Awards are presented at the end of the year awards banquet.

ELIGIBILITY Durango High School has declared Plan A eligibility with the CHSAA. Under our Plan, participants must take the minimum number of classes as required by Durango High School: 10 9th Grade: 7 Classes 10th Grade: 7 Classes 11th Grade: 6 Classes 12th Grade: 5 Classes In order to be eligible, participants may not be failing any classes at the weekly or semester grade checks regardless of the number of classes they are enrolled in. Participants failing any classes in the semester prior to participation will be ineligible for the first six weeks of the following semester. They may regain eligibility if they are not failing any classes at that time. A participant failing any class at the weekly grade checks will be ineligible for the following academic week. In addition, any student who has a D in any class at the weekly grade check will not be eligible to miss any school time for athletics or activities for the following academic Week. Extra-Curricular Activity Participation and School Attendance Students who are absent from school for more than two periods are not allowed to participate in any practices or school sponsored activities held after school or during the evening of the day of the absence. These activities include all athletic practices and events, plays, musicals, concerts, club meetings and any other school sponsored activities. Exceptions may be made for emergency absences as long as they are cleared in advance of the activity in question. Teachers report daily attendance at the high school, and on occasion, students miss class for acceptable reasons that are excusable within the attendance policy. Unless an absence is pre-excused, a student must attend five classes in order to practice or participate in an activity on the day of the absence. An absence can only be pre-excused if it has been approved by the office prior to the occurrence of the absence. Daily, the Activities Office will check attendance for non-pre-excused absences incurred that day. *Students who are absent from school for more than two (2) periods in a single day may not participate in practices, games or events held the day of the absence. (Exceptions may be made in certain cases but must be arranged with the Athletic/Activities Director in advance).

BAND LETTERING REQUIREMENTS Each student has the opportunity to letter in band/orchestra. It should be noted that this distinction is an award for effort and achievement above and beyond the call of duty and is not simply handed out for attendance. The requirements listed below are not intended to be unachievable, but upon completion of them, the student will wear the letter with great pride. In order to earn a DHS Band or Orchestra Letter, the student must do the three requirements listed below, plus earn the required points from the list of activities that follow within an academic year. 1. 95% attendance rate at rehearsals and performances. 2. Maintain a 3.75 GPA in band/orchestra. 3. Participate successfully in a full year of band/orchestra. (Two semesters) Lettering Activity Points: Freshmen: Must do the 7 above, plus earn 11 points from the list below. Sophomores: Must do the 7 above, plus earn 12 points from the list below. Juniors: Must do the 7 above, plus earn 13 points from the list below. Seniors: Must do the 7 above, plus earn 14 points from the list below. 1. Participate in solo/ensemble festival. (1 point for a Good rating, 2 points for an Excellent rating, 3 points for a Superior rating.) 2. Private lessons in music. ½ point for each month lessons are taken must be at least 4 months. 3. Performance outside of a school activity. (Must be okayed by director) 1 point for each performance. 4. Outside of school concert attendance. (Must be a music-type concert. The student will write a ½ page critique, and provide a program signed by the conductor. (1 point per concert.) 5. Participate in additional band/orchestra activities outside of school such as Youth Symphony, Church Band etc. TOTAL POSSIBLE 6 TOTAL POSSIBLE 2-6 TOTAL POSSIBLE 3 TOTAL POSSIBLE 4 TOTAL POSSIBLE 1 POINT 6. Recruiting additional students to sign up for and play in a band or orchestra. TOTAL POSSIBLE 1 POINT 7. Class presentation. (Something to do with your instrument or topics being covered in band that would engage the class.) TOTAL POSSIBLE 1-2

8. Audition for All-State Band, Jazz, and/or Orchestra. 1 point teach TOTAL POSSIBLE 2 9. Making All-State Band, Jazz Band, or Orchestra (4 points each) TOTAL POSSIBLE 8 10. Starting and performing in your own chamber ensemble outside of school. Director must okay the literature being studied and performances given. 11. Working for the Director. (2 points for 8 hours, 3 points for 10 hours, 4 points for 12 hours.) TOTAL POSSIBLE 3 TOTAL POSSIBLE 4 12. Being selected for an Honor Band or Orchestra (2 points each) TOTAL POSSIBLE 4 13. The band/orchestra you re in earns a superior rating at contest. (1 point per ensemble) TOTAL POSSIBLE 4 14. Fund raising above and beyond the status quo. TOTAL POSSIBLE 3 15. Attendance at a summer music camp (not including DHS Band Camp) TOTAL POSSIBLE 2 16. A 5-page typed research paper on a famous composer or time period in music history. 2 points. TOTAL POSSIBLE 4 17. Perfect attendance at all rehearsals and concerts. TOTAL POSSIBLE 2. 18. Scale performance proficiency. Freshmen/Sophomores: Circle of 5ths in Major Keys. Juniors/Seniors: Above plus Circle of 5ths in Natural Minor. Quarter note = 100 or faster, in eighth notes. TOTAL POSSIBLE 3. 19. Read articles on music, and write a ½ page summary. ½ per article. TOTAL POSSIBLE 2 Documentation of Band Letter Requirements: Each student wishing to qualify for a band/orchestra letter will compile documentation of the above items throughout the course of the year. Documentation will be turned in to the director during the final week of April. Seniors that have participated in band or orchestra for all four years will receive an automatic letter at the End of the Year Awards Banquet.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM DURANGO HIGH SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM 2017-2018 Please Complete and Return By September 1st, 2017. I have read and understand the Durango High School Band Program guidelines contained in this document. I agree to abide by all policies to help contribute to the instrumental music programs success. I understand that I must communicate with the director regarding any problems with these guidelines. Student Signature Print Name I also read these guidelines and I agree to support my child s participation in the instrumental music program at Durango High School. The DHS Band Fee is $100. (Please make checks out to the DHS Band) Parent/Guardian Parent Email Signature Print Name Parent Phone Number Please sign and detach this slip and return it to Mrs. Reed. It is worth points and goes toward test portions of the final grade. CHECKLIST REMINDER FOR BAND - DHS Athletics/Activities Red Card (Turned in ASAP by Sept. 15, 2017) - DHS Band Fee $100 (please make checks out to DHS Band due Sept. 15, 2017) NEW ELIGIBILITY RULES

A participant failing any class at the weekly grade checks will be ineligible for the following academic week. In addition, any student who has a D in any class at the weekly grade check will not be eligible to miss any school time for athletics or activities for the following academic Week. Students who are absent from school for more than two periods are not allowed to participate in any practices or school sponsored activities held after school or during the evening of the day of the absence.