Morton High School Band

Transcription

1 Morton High School Band Syllabus Mr. Jeff Neavor, Director Welcome to the Morton High School Band program! You have chosen to be participate in one the most successful and well-recognized band programs in the state. The Morton High School Band program is dedicated to the teaching of music throughout many different activities. Although music is the main emphasis of the program, the program emphasizes concepts of discipline, organization and many other life skills. The band program is a great place to grow physically, musically and intellectually. This syllabus is intended to outline rules, policies, expectations and opportunities for high school band students. Course Description: Symphonic Winds (5th period) The Wind Ensemble is dedicated to the performance of the finest wind repertoire, regardless of the period or the disposition of the instrumental forces. Concert Band (1st period) The Concert Band explores traditional band repertoire, transcriptions, and contemporary works. Course Objectives: Texts: 1. The student will develop an understanding of their role as a member of a performance ensemble. 2. The student will develop an understanding of their role in support of community and school functions. 3. The student will develop and articulate their musical ability through the use of small ensembles and co-operative learning groups. 4. The student will demonstrate continued learning and mastery of the skills. Band Boot Camp Pep Band Music (student must provide 3 ring binder with sleeves) All State Material (exercises are posted in DropBox) Published Band Literature Supplemental Material

2 Wind Band Class Guidelines: 1. Class will begin everyday promptly after the tardy bell has sounded. 2. Students are required to come to rehearsal prepared with their instrument, music and pencil. Students will be asked to make notations in the music on a regular basis. Only a pencil may be used to make light marks on the music. Book bags and other school or personal materials will be left out of the rehearsal set-up. 3. Attendance is required at all rehearsals and public performances. Sectional and full ensemble rehearsals will be scheduled occasionally before and after school. Students are expected to attend all rehearsals outside of class and should plan accordingly to accommodate these music-making opportunities. Acceptable excuses are illness, family emergency, or other excused school activity and must be explained in writing. Class Expectations: 1. LEARN YOUR MUSIC. Students are expected to prepare notes and rhythms during personal practice time at home. 2. RESPECT YOUR INSTRUMENT. If you own your instrument, you know how important it is to maintain its care. If you are using a school-owned instrument, treat it as if it were your own. Polish it, clean it, put it properly in the case, and store the case appropriately. 3. RESPECT THE FACILITY. This is your band room. Everyone is expected to pick up after themselves, store instruments in their proper location, and not bring food or drink into the room. Storage areas in the band room will be used for instruments and band equipment only. Please note that personal items (i.e. clothes, shoes, books, etc.) will be stored in hall lockers unless approved through a band director. 4. RESPECT ONE ANOTHER. Respect one another by not worrying about anyone other than yourself when it comes to roles within the ensemble. Show respect for each other s instruments and personal property as well. 5. BE PROFESSIONAL. This is perhaps the most important expectation of all since it embodies and encompasses everything we do from rehearsal, to practice at home, to performance, to attending a concert. Be prepared for rehearsal. Practice at home, not at rehearsal. Amateurs practice until they get it right. Professionals practice until they cannot get it wrong! Remain quiet during rehearsal when you are not being addressed. Dress accordingly to the concert attire guidelines - professionally. Always mind what you say when representing the ensemble. Profanity is NOT tolerated! Extend respect to individuals outside of the ensemble and Broken Arrow. Leave a positive impression in the minds of others about our band and our school! When in concert (band, choral, orchestral, etc.) never speak during the performance, either on stage or in the audience. Be human. Kindness can have the most profound impact of all. If you have nothing nice to say, keep it to yourself. If it will brighten someone s day, say it!

3 Grading Guidelines: Each student s semester grade will be determined according to the following grading rubric: Daily Participation 30% Playing Tests-Homework 30% Performance 40% Total 100% The daily participation grade will start at a 100% for each student at the beginning of each semester. This grade will be lowered 5 points for the first and 10 points for each additional infraction. Infractions include: no music at rehearsal no instrument at rehearsal no equipment necessary to play or contribute to the rehearsal (i.e. reeds, sticks, valve oil, pencil, proper marching attire, having instrument in proper playing condition, etc.) unexcused tardy Any unexcused absence from a performance will result in the lowering of the Performance score. High School guidelines involving absences from a performance are different than Junior High School guidelines: Performances are REQUIRED. Vacations and family outings are not excused absences. Homework Assignments will be practical and may include playing assignments, theory assignments, written assignments and practice records. Playing tests will also be given throughout the year. At various times during the semester, extra-credit could be made available. Eligibility: The eligibility requirements for high school band are the same as those dictated by the school district for all athletics and extracurricular activities. When a student is ineligible, he/she is not eligible to perform in competitive band-related events. Please refer to the school handbook for more details. Concert Attire (Formal Black): Gentlemen: Black Shirt, Black Dress Pants, Black Dress Shoes and Socks Ladies: Black Concert Dress, Black Hose & Black Modest Dress Shoes School Owned Instruments: It is essential that students treat all band equipment with great care. School equipment is shared by students of the program and its condition will be a direct reflection of those who use it. School rental fees apply for students utilizing school-owned instruments. Percussion Set-Up and Storage: Percussion students will be responsible for set-up and storage of their equipment for class. These duties will count as a portion of the student s grade in their band class. Failure to set up equipment on time and store it properly can result in a lower grade and removal from additional percussion activities.

4 Private Instruction: One of the most important ways to improve as a musician is through private lessons. There is no substitute for weekly sessions of individualized instruction by an instrumental specialist. Private lesson instructors serve as an ideal model and mentor to assist in your child s improvement in the areas of tone, technique, and general musicianship. Private instrument lessons are a small investment that helps insure success on your instrument. Times are arranged convenient to your schedule and prices for instruction are reasonable. If you would like more information about private lessons, please contact your band director. What is a private music lesson? Your son or daughter is tutored by a professional musician who is an expert at the same instrument your child plays, once each week for a 30-minute session. Can lessons fit in my child s busy schedule? The time lessons are scheduled can be very flexible. What are the benefits of private instruction? Private lessons are a great motivator for kids to practice. A one on one experience can greatly enhance the student s musical experience. As students improve, they enjoy playing more. Honor Ensembles: All students are strongly encouraged to prepare and audition for the All-District and/or All-State Honor Bands. Audition material is posted in the band room. It is recommended that serious students take private lessons to best prepare for this experience. Honor Band opportunities from universities and national organization are also available throughout the year. The Morton High School Marching Band: Morton High School Marching Band is a state of the art competitive marching band. It explores the latest trends in the competitive marching activity. The group is a co-curricular ensemble for band students at MHS. Membership is voluntary, however, an audition (musically and visually) is required. Performances The marching band performs at pre-game and halftime of all home varsity football games. The group also performs at competitive contests on most Saturdays in the Fall, the Mid-Illini Festival, Pumpkin Parade, and Homecoming Parade. Rehearsals Since the marching band is a co-curricular activity, its rehearsal schedule falls within and outside of the typical school day. Rehearsals are as follows, but not limited to: Summer Rehearsal: Sectionals and Full Music Ensemble rehearsals begin in July Pre-Camp: Typically a week of morning rehearsals, the week before Band Camp Band Camp: A week-long event at the end of July on the campus of NIU

5 School Day Rehearsals: 5 th hour of every school day Evening Rehearsals: Typically Tuesday and Thursday nights Monday Sectional Rehearsals: An additional rehearsal per week devoted to just the students of a particular section (i.e. Percussion, Guard, Hornline, etc.). Extra Rehearsals: Typically Saturday rehearsals in the months of September and October when a competition is not scheduled, or before departing for a late competition. Football Rehearsals: A Dress Rehearsal will take place at 5:00 p.m. at MHS on each date of a home varsity football game. Small Ensemble Music Program: MHS is proud to offer a variety of small ensembles during the second, third, and fourth quarters. These small ensembles (i.e. Madrigal Brass Ensemble, Flute Choir, etc.) are extracurricular groups that rehearse once or twice a week before or after school. Membership is open to all high school band students, however, some ensembles require an audition. Band students typically find smaller ensembles to be very educational, challenging and exciting. Jazz Ensemble: Jazz Ensemble is an extracurricular activity for students meeting second semester. Rehearsals are held Tuesdays and Thursdays (3:30-4:30) after school or before school. Entrance into the Jazz Band requires an audition and is made up of traditional jazz instruments including saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, piano, bass, and drum set. Students not enrolled in a curricular band course are welcome to audition. The Jazz Band performs at several area events and concerts each year including the Mid-Illini Jazz Festival. Performance and Rehearsal Calendar: Visit for calendar events throughout the year. Pep Band Requirement: All members of the MHS Band program are required, as part of their Performance grade, to perform at half of the home boys and girls basketball games during the second semester. Students will be assigned to specific Pep Band games, and can trade with students who play the same instrument if a conflict occurs in their schedule (i.e. Trumpet 1 for a Trumpet 1, etc.) The pep performs during pre-game and halftime of the games, and then is dismissed for the evening. Additional Symphonic Wind Requirements - All Symphonic Wind Students are expected to supplement their Instrumental Instruction through Private Lesson study - All Symphonic Wind Students will perform at the Mid-Illini Concert Festival and other select festivals based during the second semester. Additional Symphonic Wind rehearsals may be scheduled in the evening to prepare for these special performances

6 Student/Parent Commitment Form Both my child and I have read and understand the rules and regulations for membership in the Morton High School Band Program. He/She has my permission to participate in this elective course which requires attendance outside of the normal classroom day. He/She will meet the eligibility criteria stated in the MHS Athletic and Activity Code. The student agrees and I affirm that he/she will abide by the provisions stated in this syllabus. The student and I understand that while participating in a school-sponsored event, school policy guidelines will be enforced. Students who behave inappropriately will face disciplinary action as outlined in the MHS Student Handbook. Morton High School desires to help students display their talents in the public arena through publications, video, art display and other media means. The intent of MHS is to spotlight the students of our school in an appropriate and positive manner. The student and parent(s) are requested to provide MHS permission to release the student s work, talent, and other information before such release is made. All band members have a unique talent in music and the performing arts. The student s talent, work and/or information may be released in the following manner: Various forms of print and electronic media throughout the course of the upcoming school year. Print Student s Name Print Parent s Name Student Signature Parent Signature Date: