Mt. Carmel High School Music Department

Transcription

1 Mt. Carmel High School Music Department Handbook Mrs. Kim Mandrell, Director Welcome to the Mt. Carmel High School Music Department! MCHS takes pride in its fine tradition of musical performance and knows that it is the hard work, high expectations, and dedication of the students like you that have brought the program to this level. Welcome to our team here in the MCHS Music Department! It is the purpose of Mt. Carmel High School Music Department to serve as a vehicle through which you, a student of MCHS, can: Develop sound vocal and instrumental skills and further your music education Develop social skills while working with peers and your instructor Gain a sense of responsibility through making a commitment to the ensemble Perform in musical ensembles which enrich your high school experience by creating an outlet for musical creativity This year I ask you to do your very BEST to become the BEST that you are capable of becoming!

2 Foreword The Purpose of this handbook is to provide valuable information about the MCHS music program. To consistently achieve and maintain the high standard of excellence desired by this organization, members should familiarize themselves with the guidelines and procedures of the band. It is hoped that some of the questions always prevalent with the music dept. will be answered in this handbook. If a problem or question not covered in this handbook should arise, the director should be consulted for an explanation. I. Marching Band (Fall Semester) Instrumental Ensembles: The marching band is a musical marching unit organized during the fall for the duration of the football season. Membership is required for all band students from 9-12 grades. Membership requires total dedication and maximum effort and involvement in all aspects of marching, playing and performance. The marching band not only has a tremendously busy competition schedule, but also provides entertainment for pre-game and half time shows at all home football games; and therefore performs in front of thousands of spectators at various marching band competitions, parades, pep rallies, and other related events. Instruments Most students own their own instruments. Should a student play a school instrument for the purpose of marching band, for example, marching baritone, mellophone, bass clarinet, tenor sax, bari sax, etc. The student is responsible for that instrument. Should the instrument incur any damage while being used by the student, the student is responsible for the instrument repair and cleaning when needed, in addition to the purchase of any accessories needed by the instrument while in the students use. Flip Folders Students will be issued a flip folder at the beginning of Band Camp. They will be held responsible for keeping it in working condition. Should pages tear, rings break, or plastic backs crack or break, the student will be assessed the following charges: Replacement rings. $.50/ring Replacement pages. $.50/page Replacement folders/plastic backs. $5.00

3 Colorguard The Colorguard is a vital part of the marching band. Their contribution to the ensemble is primarily visual in nature and, therefore, of utmost importance. Membership into the Colorguard is open to 9-12th grade students. No prior experience is required, as the skills used in the Colorguard will be taught during the marching season and throughout the year, as needed. The members of the Colorguard are considered band members. Because of this, they are subject to the conduct policies contained within the Music Handbook. Auditions are held each spring. Football Games & Competitions The Marching Band attends all home Varsity Football games. Its members are to act as ambassadors of the school. As a band, we march into the stadium, perform, and play in the stands as one single unit. The following guidelines should be followed: 1. The arrival time for all home football games will be usually 1-½ hours before game time. 2. Arrival times for marching competitions will be announced as the season progresses. 3. Students must always travel to competitions with the band. 4. Prior to each time the band travels (competitions, trips, etc.), the director will announce a travel dress. This will usually be the MCHS Band Shirt and pants or shorts. 5. Students may not ride home from competition with their parents 6. We travel to and from the band room in uniform. You must stay in uniform at all times in the stands, on school grounds, and on location at games and competitions. 7. Students must remain in uniform at all times, including: On the bus to and from marching events (Marching Aces T-Shirt/Black Shorts/ Dinkles/Socks) Every where on and off of school grounds outside of the band room and changing area 8. Students will change during 3 rd quarter only with director permission 9.. No boyfriends/girlfriends will be allowed in the band section when the band is assembled as a unit. NO TOUCHING! Band Travel 1. Unless a logistical problem exists, the buses will leave Mt. Carmel High School at the assigned time regardless of whether all students are present or not. 2. Students are responsible for keeping the bus clean. Students and Band Council will check for lost and found items and litter after the students have left the bus. 3. No student is to leave the group formation for any reason whatsoever until properly dismissed by a director. 4. As ambassadors of Mt. Carmel High School and the band, students must be on their best behavior at all times. Any student misbehaving will be asked to return to the bus with a chaperone for the remainder of the trip. If this action is taken, the student will be issued an unexcused absence for the performance. 5. No smoking or drinking of alcoholic beverages will be tolerated at any band function.

4 Violations will result in disciplinary action according to school policies. 6. All students will ride the bus with the band to all events, with the only exception being those students traveling from a sports event to a band event or ACT testing prior to a competition. These students will be required to submit proof of parental permission prior to the event in question. 7. Only the directors, band students, and drivers are permitted inside the buses. 8. There will be no public displays of affection at band functions. This includes holding hands and hugging in public. 9. Girls will sit with girls. Boys will sit with boys. MCHS Band Performance Responsibilities at Football Games Since the band performs in the stands, every band member is expected to remain in his or her assigned place and respond quickly to directions from the band director Band students are not accessible during the game while in the stands, except for extreme emergencies. Parents, please give your child messages prior to the game. No student visitors will be allowed within the band area. No boyfriends/girlfriends will be allowed in the band section when the band is assembled as a unit. * There will be no snacks in the band area. There will be no concessions in the stands until halftime. Students will be relieved after half time to use the restroom and have refreshments. Restroom privileges during the football games will be limited and reserved primarily for the 3rd quarter. GO TO THE BATHROOM BEFORE YOU GET INTO UNIFORM. Monday 3:30-5:30pm Thursday 3:30-5:30pm Marching Band Practice Schedule No Instrument Policy All members of MCHS bands should bring their instrument to band class every day. Should a student choose to leave it regularly in the band room, a storage space and a locker cabinet will be provided for him or her. It is understandable when on a rare occasion, a band student might accidentally leave their instrument at home, in their car from band practice the night before, or for some reason not have it when they need it for band class. However, forgetting your instrument is not acceptable. Public Performances a. Every student will receive schedules of performances the band will be attending throughout the year within the first two weeks of school and will also be on the MCHS Music Department web page

5 b. Always report to the designated meeting place RAIN or shine unless you have been notified by One Call Now. c. Uniforms should be worn with pride. Shoes, gloves, and uniform should be clean for every performance. Should you fail to pass uniform inspection before leaving for a performance or a trip, you will NOT join the band until you are given permission by both your section leader and drum major. d. The full uniform should be worn at all times proceeding and following the performance. Wear the whole uniform, never just part of it unless otherwise approved by Mrs. Mandrell due to heat, etc. i.e. Coat/Hat removal e. Each marcher is required to wear his/her black Marching Aces shirt and black soffe shorts under their uniform for each performance. Should a marcher arrive without their shirt, shorts, black socks or dinkles, they will not join the band until they have aquired these items. f. BE RESPONSIBLE! SHOW UP WHEN YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO WITH WHAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO HAVE. Tobacco /Drugs Travel Policies a. It is the policy of Wabash District #348 s Board of Education that consumption, use or possession of alcoholic beverages, controlled or illegal substances are prohibited at any school function (including school trips). Students found in possession of or under the influence of the above items will automatically be turned over to the MCHS administration or the appropriate authorities for immediate action. Students are subject to suspension from band and school. b. The use or possession of any illegal or controlled substance during a band trip constitutes immediate isolation from the group. The student will then return home at their parents expense and trouble. c. Smoking or chewing tobacco will not be allowed at any time on school property or during a band function. ci. If the director is even suspicious of inproper tobacco or drug use by a student the director reserves the right to remove the student from any performance or participation.

6 General Guidelines a. Bus rosters are created by the band council. Buses are unloaded from the front to the back. Students are never allowed to change buses or seats during a trip. b. It should be noted that proper behavior is expected when on a school sponsored trip. Undignified conduct or reckless behavior may result in appropriate disciplinary action. Always be considerate of others. Respect adults and act as directed. c. Horseplay and screaming are not allowed on or off of the bus or in rooms d. All music should be listened to with ear phones. No singing allowed. e. Students are responsible for their own instruments, equipment, uniform, & hat box f. Chaperones are to be obeyed and respected at all times. g. Always remain seated on the bus upon arrival until instructed further by the director Uniforms a. Each student is responsible for the care and maintenance of their own uniform. b. Uniforms are to be placed in garment bags, hats should be in hat boxes c. Nothing but the coat, sash, and pants are to be in the uniform bag.ever d. All marchers are required to wear their marching aces t-shirt and black soffe/mesh shorts under their uniform at all times e. DO NOT CUT YOUR UNIFORM. Your uniform must not be altered unless approved by Mrs. Mandrell f. Uniform parts that are lost or damaged will be charged to the student at the current replacement cost. g. Other uniform Do s and Don ts:

7 No visible jewelry, or wild facial make-up are to be worn while in uniform. This includes pierced earrings, gauges, watches, bracelets, necklaces, or any other body piercing or tattoo that may be visible. No extreme hair color is to be used during marching season, for example HOT pink, BRIGHT red, Purple, etc. Hair length must be above the collar; either cut or pinned to length (Male & Female) Do not eat or drink soda (you may drink water) while wearing your uniform jacket. You may eat or drink if you have taken the jacket off. Wearing a uniform = Uniformity. Failure to follow these guidelines defeats the whole purpose. II. Concert Band (Begins in late October) The Concert Band is comprised of dedicated musicians who have the desire to participate in an outstanding concert organization. The repertoire consists of well known quality works for concert band covering all styles of music. This organization will perform at the Christmas Concert as well as at the spring commencement exercises. Concert Band rehearses each day during band class. 1. Chair placement & Challenges: You will be sat where Mrs. Mandrell feels that you need to be sit. Should you want to challenge someone seated above you, see Mrs. Mandrell for challenge music and a challenge will be scheduled. Challenges take place in Mrs. Mandrell's office and will judged by only her. 2. Band Rehearsal Procedures a. The daily rehearsal is the basis from which good performance originates! A Conscientious effort will guarantee successful performances. Adequate preparation on your individual music must take place at home and not at band rehearsal. (This means Practice, Practice, Practice ) Band rehearsals are designed to learn about music, develop listening skills and solve ensemble problems b. Basic fingerings, and fundamentals should be learned at home, come to rehearsal ready to move forward musically c. Every band member should bring instrument, music, pencil, and other necessary equipment to every rehearsal d. Do not talk or play while the director or drum major(s) is/are on the podium or is talking e. Gum chewing, eating, drinking anything but water, studying, reading, are not permitted during rehearsal

8 f. Good posture is of the utmost importance! No crossed legs or slumping. g. The electronic message board will most often have the days information on it. Please check it ASAP in the morning. h. See your section leader for music needs i. Music folders, instruments, and other equip. should be stored in the proper storage areas. DO NOT leave your instrument in the middle of the floor or your music on the stand. j. Books and personal belongings should not be left out in the band room or open areas overnight! All trash should be placed in the appropriate containers and not on the floor, in the cubbies, etc. Instruments belong in the open instrument storage, your personal belongings belong in the cubbies. At no point is Mrs. Mandrell or the music department responsible for things left unattended in the band room. k. Loud talking, shouting, banging on the percussion equip. or horseplay is not allowed in the band rm. At no point should you play an instrument that doesn't belong to you, including percussion. EVER. l. Students are allowed in the music room before the school day begins, but only for the following reason: To talk quietly with friends, while seated, not raising your voice, speaking politely and with school appropriate conversation and without fowl language. THERE SHALL BE NO FOOD OR DRINK IN THE BAND ROOM. NO EXCEPTIONS! NO EXCPETIONS. NO EXCEPTIONS. Should a student be caught in possession of food or during either than water will have their morning privileges revoked. m. NON-MUSIC STUDENTS should not be in the band room or use its facilities at ANY TIME unless given special permission by Mrs. Mandrell. THIS INCLUDES FOOTBALL GAMES! 1. No boyfriends or girlfriends 2. NO PARENTS (before or after football games)

9 CHORAL ENSEMBLES V. Concert Choir 1. Concert choir rehearses primarily during the school day within the two choir classes during the day. Students must be enrolled in choir class in order to be a member of the Singing 7. VI. Musical Each year the choral department will produce a musical. All students in the MCHS choral department are encouraged but not required to participate. The following expectations should be understood: All cast members will be asked to provide part if not all of their costume for the show. Basic costume guidelines will be set in ample time for students to find the items that they need Students cast in the musical are expected to take choir class in the spring; students who do not wish to participate in the musical are expected to take another class as the primary focus of 2 nd semester choir will be the musical. Each cast member is required to purchase the show themed T-shirt ($15) Each cast member may be responsible for a costume rental fee ($50) Audition dates will be held before Christmas Break and results are posted before break begins. The musical does not count as a grade or extra credit All tickets are sold online A detailed schedule of rehearsals will be provided when it becomes available VII. Singing 7 The Singing 7 is a vocal ensemble made of up the top 7 singers in the MCHS choir. This ensemble, whether it is mixed or same gender voicing performs the SSB at all home boy s basketball games. 7 also performs for civic organizations, clubs, churches, and groups throughout the entire school year and summer. This group is very prestigious in nature and auditions are incredibly competitive. Auditions are open to students All members of Singing 7 are expected to purchase the year s wardrobe which is a black modest dress. Audition requirements include: 1. Tonal Skills 1. Major Triad 2. Minor Triad 3. Diminished Triad 4. Augmented Triad 5. Major Scale 6. Natural Minor Scale 7. Harmonic Minor Scale 8. Melodic Minor Scale

10 2. Prepared Selection 1. Students will be asked to prepare an excerpt from the All State selections of IMEA repertoire and the excerpt will be chosen by Mrs. Mandrell and posted immediately before auditions occur. I. IMEA: Enrichment Activities Each fall, MCHS participates in the annual Illinois Music Educators Association festival which is held in late November on the campus of Eastern Illinois University. In order to qualify for the IMEA festival, students must audition on the selected music, scales, and sight reading. Auditions are held on Columbus Day each year in Effingham, IL. Special rehearsals will be held for those students who plan to audition for IMEA. Please see your director ASAP if you plan to audition in order to get music. Students must be enrolled in either band or choir in order to District V IMEA. However, those in band may participate in choral IMEA or vice versa. Those students selected for IMEA who are either juniors or seniors can then be chosen for All State, specifically, All State Music Educators National Conference held each January in Peoria, Illinois. All State is a Wed.-Saturday conference that is an awesome experience for any talented musician. Being an All State Musician is the highest achievement any high school musician can reach. Students are HIGHLY encouraged to audition for IMEA. Concert Performance and Attendance Attendance Policies: Concerts are a semester culminating activity for each class; therefore, each student s participation is critical in establishing their success for the semester. In order for a student to successfully complete the class he/she must perform in each scheduled concert. There are no excuses for missing a scheduled performance except death or serious medical situation. Work is NOT an excuse. In EXCUSED ABSENCE situations, students will have to complete appropriate make-up. PERFORMANCE AND REHEARSAL DATES are provided for you on this document and are the responsibility of each student to attend! I. It is understood that all rules regarding attendance, according to the MCHS Student Handbook will be followed strictly.

11 II. EXCUSED ABSENCE FROM REHEARSALS a. Except in cases of emergency or illness, band members will not be excused from rehearsals. Dr s notes are required for illness/appointments. b. Mrs. Mandrell should be notified of an emergency or illness BEFORE rehearsal or at which point the information becomes available. c. VACATIONS, Doctor s appointments, dental work, sports physicals, work schedules, etc. should avoid conflicts with band rehearsals and camps d. Your director will always provide you with a schedule in advance of the band rehearsals and performances please do your best to avoid conflicts e. Should a conflict arise with a custodial parent, please notify Mrs. Mandrell ASAP Rehearsal Absentee Policy: The success of students involved in our music Program is directly related to student attendance in rehearsals. Absenteeism may be excused for illness or emergency only. Unexcused absences will result in grade reduction. In order to receive an excused absence, the student must provide a Dr.'s note for the date of the absence and also complete the assigned make-up work in order to gain participation points in order to make up for the defect while they were absent. It is the sole responsibility of the student to request the appropriate make up work for the date missed. Should a student fail to do so it will result in grade reduction. One unexcused absence will result in grade of zero for that rehearsal on Lumen. It also may result in performance opportunities being denied the student. If the absence is unexcused and is associated with a high-profile performance, for example, Christmas Concert, Spring Concert, etc. the absence will result in the student being failed. A second UN-excused absence will result in removal from the ensemble in which it occurred. Grades will be figured by the system below: Grades:

12 As an ensemble member, each student s daily performance and class contribution is critical for his or her own personal and musical growth in addition to the growth and success of the ensemble. Therefore each student s DAILY performance and rehearsal contribution will be weighed very heavily. 5. Be in your assigned seat when the bell rings. 6. Be prepared for class (folder IN HAND at bell, complete with music and pencil everyday). 7. Maintain good singing posture/ techniques as taught by your director. 8. Do not waste time or talk during rehearsals. Listen carefully to other sections as they rehearse; study your part, the text, or other aspects of the score when other sections are being rehearsed. 9. Demonstrate ACTIVE participations in the various vocal, physical, and other activities of the rehearsal or performance in progress. 10. Treat every rehearsal as a PERFORMANCE; it is, in fact, and your efforts are being carefully monitored to establish the greatest percentage of your grade. 11. Take good care of your music. You are responsible for the music entrusted to you. You will be asked to reimburse the school district for music that is lost or damaged. DAILY ATTENDANCE!!! 20% Semester Exam- when applicable 80% Attendance & Daily Contribution Because our art relies on everyone being at every class and rehearsal, attendance will play a large role in the grade. Regular school policies will be followed for classes. All absences and tardies from class or rehearsals, including evening, will be calculated. Point values will be assigned to each rehearsal and performance. Should a student be absent, they WILL NOT receive points for the missed event unless one of the following applies: 1. The absence is pre-approved by the director (significant advance notice w/ director approval) 2. The student can supply a doctor s excuse for the time absent 3. Funeral with director approval, and accompanied by a handout ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY.

13 End of the Year Awards: a. John Phillip Sousa Award b. Fred Waring Directors Award for Chorus c. Directors Award for Band d. National School Marching Award e. Quincy Jones Musicianship Award Letters: To letter in music, the student must earn a certain number of points within the school by going above and beyond simply being enrolled in either band or choir. Points are earned throughout the school year and are tabulated on the letter applications in late March. Student Leadership Positions: Choir Officers: (2 Secretaries; One for each choir hour) Choir officers are selected by democratic vote by choir members and are installed upon the final approval given by the director. The positions are of major importance to the ensemble. Officers should display excellent leadership, responsibility, personality, and commitment to the choir and music. Officer elections will be held within the first month of school. Band Council The band Council is governed by the band officers. This group consists of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Drum Major(s) and Section Leaders. a. PRESIDENT- The president should be a senior and is elected annually in September by band members. The president presides over business in meetings in the band and the band council. He/she answers to the director b. VICE PRESIDENT- the Vice President should be a senior or junior and serve in the absence of the president. He/she serves as Chairman of the Social Committee. Social activities include band picnics, BON FIRES, parties, and banquets. c. SECRETARY- A Junior or senior. This student is responsible for taking attendance at all rehearsals and performances.

14 d. DRUM MAJOR/s- This person or persons is selected by auditions and is in charge of the band at all marching functions. The DM must display strong leadership and motivational qualities and have knowledge of conducting music alongside excellent musicianship e. SECTION LEADERS- Section Leaders will be designated in all musical ensembles at the complete discretion of the director. Musicality, dedication, experience, leadership skills, and seniority will all be determining factors in the selection thereof. Concert Attire: MCHS Band & Choir will perform in one wardrobe, which is to be supplied by the members. FORMAL ATTIRE: Dress Black. Black dress pants, dress shirt, tie, dress, shoes, skirt, etc. Rehearsal Accounts: Upon fund raising, a student might be provided the opportunity to deposit his or her profit earnings into a student account that is managed by the music boosters. While this money does roll over from year to year, upon a student s graduation, should there be a balance, the funds are donated to the Music Boosters. Student accounts may be transferred to a sibling within or entering the program. If a student leaves the music department for any reason, their student accounts will be donated to the Music Boosters. If that student should return to the music department before graduation, their student account will therefore no longer be available. Student accounts may be accessed for music department purchases only such as marching band registration, merchandise, or camp payments by filling out the withdrawal forms located via Mrs. Mandrell and can be found in the INFO BIN.