Band Handbook

2017-2018

William Petito, Director of Jazz Bands

(585)242-7682 x1880

douglas.stone@rcsdk12.org

Kerry O’Mara, Director of Bands

(585)242-7682 x1880

kerrya.o’mara@rcsdk12.org

Table of Contents

Calendar…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...pg. 3

National & State Standards for Music Education………………………………………………………....pg. 4

SOTA Classroom Plan………………………………………………………………………………………………..pg. 5

Grading Policy & Report Card Information………………………………………………………………...pg. 6

SOTA Ensemble Information……………………………………………………………………………………..pg. 7

Concert Dress…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..pg. 8

Attendance Policy…………………………………………………………………………………………………….pg. 9

Field Trip Information & Eligibility………………………………………………………………………….pg. 10

Agreement Form……………………………………………………………………………………………………pg. 11

Calendar of Events

September

• 9/19/17 Curriculum Night 6-8pm (Building-wide)

October

• 10/12/17 Parent Teacher Conferences 5-7pm
• 10/26/17 Jazz Concert with special guests SUNY Oswego Jazz Department

(Ensemble Theater)

November

11/9/17 Band Concert

11/30/17 Parent Teacher Conferences 5-7pm

January

1/9/18 Band Concert

1/11/18 Jazz Concert

February

2/2/18 Parent Teacher Conferences 12:30-2:30pm

March

3/8/18 Jazz Concert

3/8/18 Parent Teacher Conferences 5-7pm

3/13/18 Band Concert

May

5/23/18 Senior Instrumental Recital (Ensemble Theater)

June

6/7/18 Year End Concert & Food Truck Rodeo

*All events begin at 7pm unless otherwise noted.

**Calendar subject to change with advance notice.

National Standards for Music Education

1. Creating: Generate musical ideas for various purposes and contexts.
2. Performing: Select various musical works to present based on interest, knowledge, technical skill, and context.
3. Responding: Response to music is informed by analyzing context (social, cultural, and historical) and creators and performers manipulate the elements of music.
4. Connecting: Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make music.

NYS Standards for Music Education

Standard 1 - Creating, Performing, and Participating in The Arts

Students will compose original music and perform music written by others. They will understand and use the basic elements of music in their performances and compositions. Students will engage in individual and group musical and music-related tasks, and will describe the various roles and means of creating, performing, recording, and producing music.

Standard 2 - Knowing and Using Arts Materials and Resources

Students will use traditional instruments, electronic instruments, and a variety of nontraditional sound sources to create and perform music. They will use various resources to expand their knowledge of listening experiences, performance opportunities, and/or information about music. Students will identify opportunities to contribute to their communities’ music institutions, including those embedded in other institutions (church choirs, industrial music ensembles, etc.). Students will know the vocations and avocations available to them in music.

Standard 3 - Responding To and Analyzing Works of Art

Students will demonstrate the capacity to listen to and comment on music. They will relate their critical assertions about music to its aesthetic, structural, acoustic, and psychological qualities. Students will use concepts based on the structure of music’s content and context to relate music to other broad areas of knowledge. They will use concepts from other disciplines to enhance their understanding of music.

Standard 4 - Understanding The Cultural Dimensions and Contributions of The Arts

Students will develop a performing and listening repertoire of music of various genres, styles, and cultures that represent the peoples of the world and their manifestations in the United States. Students will recognize the cultural features of a variety of musical compositions and performances and understand the functions of music within the culture.

(Much of the information above has been paraphrased from https://nafme.org/wp-content/files/2014/06/Core-Music-Standards-EUs-EQs-Definitions.pdf and http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/arts/artstand/home.html)

SOTA CLASSROOM PLAN

• Be on time, Be prepared, Be engaged.
  • Early is on time! J On time is late! L
• Cell phones and all Electronics are prohibited in ALL classrooms.
  • To include but not limited to: ear buds, headphones, IPODS, etc.
• The Dress code will be strictly enforced.
  • To include but not limited to: Hats, hoodies and bandanas as well as what is prescribed by the school handbook and posters.
• Disrespect/Disruption to the educational process is prohibited.
  • To include but not limited to: bullying, profanity, food consumption and personal grooming.

POSITIVES                            

• Participation Surprises

CONSEQUENCES:   To include but not limited to:

• Verbal/non-verbal warning/contact log
• Move the student’s seat
• Parent contact
• Lunch detention
• After school detention
• Conference with administrator

NON-NEGOTIABLES – Immediate removal from classroom

• To include but not limited to: Fighting; both physical and verbal, vandalism, theft, chronic disruption, and suspicion of being under the influence of illegal substances.

SEVERE CONSEQUENCES: 

• To be determined by administration

Grading Policy

All SOTA ensembles are performance-based classes.  Attendance and participation in all lessons, rehearsals, and performances is mandatory.  It is expected that students be on time for all rehearsals, lessons, and performances.  Failure to attend a scheduled performance will automatically result in a failing grade for the marking period in which the performance took place!!! 

It is the responsibility of the student to notify the director of the ensemble in the event that he or she will be absent from a rehearsal, lesson, and/or performance in advance so that proper arrangements can be made.  The same expectations are upon you to notify your classroom teachers of any music-related absences beforehand (lessons, performances, etc.) so that any notes and missed work can be completed. 

Report Card Calculations

Lessons:  Arrive to your scheduled lesson AFTER CHECKING IN WITH YOUR CLASSROOM TEACHER, on time and prepared with all of your materials.  Participation is mandatory in all lessons and may include, but not limited to, playing solo and group material, band music, scales & other warmups, and other repertoire for your instrument.

Rehearsals:  Arrive to rehearsals on time and prepared with all of your materials.  Be engaged in the rehearsal and follow directions. 

Practice (homework):  30 minutes minimum daily practice is required.  Personal practice time does not include time spent in rehearsal. 

Sample Practice Schedule:

(Set a timer for each category)

5 mins. - Long Tones/Warm-ups

7 mins. - Scales

8 mins. - Lesson Materials (Etudes, solos, etc.)

10 mins. - Ensemble Music

Quarterly Exams:  Once per marking period, there will be a performance exam that will occur during your regular scheduled lesson time.  Quarterly exam format is subject to change throughout the school year.  The end of the year jury will serve as the fourth marking period performance exam. 

SOTA Ensemble Expectations

Practicing-                  30 minutes minimum daily practice is required.  Practice is most effective when a specific time slot is set aside for practicing every day.  NOTE: This is the minimum practice requirement for all students.  The more ensembles a student is involved in, the more practice time is necessary. 

Attendance-                Attendance is MANDATORY.  Failure to attend lessons, rehearsals, and/or performances may result in a failing grade and possible expulsion from the group (see grading policy). 

Respect-                      Students are expected to treat themselves, as well as others, with respect.  This means: 100% attention when the director is in front of the group.  NO EXCESSIVE TALKING DURING REHEARSALS!  Students are expected to respect personal and private property at all times.  Students will be responsible for the replacement/repair of school/personal instruments in the event they become damaged as a result of carelessness or horseplay (see RCSD Bond Form). 

Classroom

Environment-             Students are expected to maintain a productive learning environment.  Disruptions in lessons and rehearsals will not be tolerated.  Infractions of behavioral expectations will be dealt with accordingly. 

Professionalism-         Punctuality, respect, preparation, and communication are just a few characteristics of successful people.  As an instrumental major at SOTA, you are expected to act like a professional.  You will constantly be in the public eye.  Your conduct is of the utmost importance. 

                                    In the event a scheduling conflict should arise, it is the students’ responsibility to notify his/her director IN ADVANCE and IN PERSON.  Communication and planning are essential elements of conflict resolution.    

                                    Throughout the course of the year additional rehearsals outside of the school day may be scheduled if needed, however, proper notice to students and parents will be communicated. 

Dress for success!  “If you look great, then you are going to sound great!”  You are representing yourself, your ensemble, your school, and your community.  If you have questions about an outfit, ask your ensemble director. 

Additional Information

Music Folders-            Folders are not to leave the band room at any time.  Copies are made for home practice.  Folders are for in-school use only.  Each student is assigned a specific folder and slot and is responsible for all of his/her music.  In the event a folder and all of its contents are lost, you will be responsible for the replacement costs.  Sheet music is one of the most expensive items in our budget…as much as $60-$100.00 can be involved in the cost of one folder.  If you share a folder, the cost will be divided among all students involved.  Don’t lose your folder!  Use the correct slot and be sure to return it after rehearsal.  Use PENCIL ONLY at all times when writing on sheet music. 

Room Usage-               The band room and practice rooms at SOTA are multi-functional and used by many people throughout the school day and after school.  We will make every effort to maintain the condition of the rooms and their contents.  Take ownership of OUR rooms.  The neatness, cleanliness, and security of rooms in the band suite is the responsibility of all students and teachers.  If you see something that does not seem right, say something. 

Practice Rooms-         Please ask to use a practice room.  These rooms will remain off limits and can only be used during a study hall or lunch WITH A PASS FROM A TEACHER.  NO FOOD, DRINK, GUM, OR CANDY is allowed in any of the music rooms.  Students who abuse practice rooms privileges will be banned from using them!

Private Lessons-         Students who wish to participate in private lessons outside of the normal school day are encouraged to do so.  If you would like further information, contact Ms. O’Mara or Mr. Stone.  Students are also encouraged to participate in the Eastman Community Music School or Hochstein programs (lessons, classes, ensembles).

NOTE: These private lessons do not replace nor can they be substituted for the in-school lessons required for participation in the program. 

Concert Dress-            The official performance attire for at School of the Arts is

“concert black.”

Girls: black dress pants, black dress shirt, black cardigan, long black dress, long black skirt, comfortable black dress shoes

***No spaghetti straps or strapless tops EVER, no low cuts in front or back EVER, no midriff EVER, nothing above the knee EVER, no jeans EVER.

Boys: black long sleeve button down dress shirt, tie, black socks, black dress shoes

            ***No jeans EVER

Students who arrive in any piece of clothing deemed inappropriate by staff and/or administration will not perform and consequently will receive a failing mark for the quarter (unexcused absence from a performance.)  If you have questions about appropriate “concert black” dress, please speak with Mr. Stone and/or Ms. O’Mara directly and in advance of an upcoming concert. 

Concert Etiquette-     It is expected that all students will demonstrate proper concert etiquette at all times.  This includes:

• Following directions and being respectful before, during, and after performances.
• Staying for the entire concert unless granted permission to leave by your director.
• Being good and polite audience members during other performances (not talking in the auditorium, not booing, or whistling, etc.)
• Remaining in the auditorium. No socializing in the foyer, commons, etc.
• Parents are expected to provide transportation to and from concerts. All concerts will last 60-90 minutes.  Students and parents must exit the building within 15 minutes of the final note of the concert. 

Any student not demonstrating proper concert etiquette may be asked to leave and not perform, in which case they will receive a failing grade for the concert.  Further action will be taken if deemed necessary by the directions and the SOTA Administration.

Attendance Policy

A quarterly attendance grade will be given each marking period based on the number of unexcused days absent and tardy.  An absence will count as a one point deduction and a tardy will count as a half point deduction.  For example, if there are 100 days in a marking period and you are absent 9 days and tardy 2 days, your attendance grade will be 90%.

9 point deduction for absences (1 point each)

1 point deduction for tardies (half point each)

Instrument Bond Forms

All instrument bond forms (including signatures & payment) are due by the end of marking period 1, Thursday, November 9^th.  Any student who does not turn in a completed bond form and payment by that date will receive a failing grade for marking period 1.  If you cannot bring your instrument home to practice because you have not turned in the bond form, you are not completing the required amount of practicing to be successful and therefore deserve a failing grade.  If the rental fee poses a financial burden for you and your family, then you are responsible for speaking to Mr. Stone or Ms. O’Mara about arrangements and alternative solutions. 

Field Trips

            You may have the opportunity to participate in several music department field trips throughout the school year.  In order to be eligible to participate, you must complete all necessary paperwork.  A medical form that will be valid for any school field trip has been mailed to your home.  These forms are will be due to Mr. Stone or Ms. O’Mara on Friday, September 22^nd, 2017.  Any student who does not turn in the medical form by this date will not be eligible to participate in any band department field trips this year. 

            It is imperative that you also remain academically eligible throughout the school.  The academic eligibility policy is outlined in the SOTA student, parent, and faculty handbook and is applicable to all extra-curricular music department activities including field trips.  It is also important for you to know that eligibility is based on the previous marking period report card.

Agreement

Please discuss this handbook and its contents with your parent/guardian.  This is a formal agreement between the MUSIC DIRECTOR, STUDENTS, and PARENTS in regards to the participation in any of the ensembles at School of the Arts.  The purpose of this “contract” is to ensure all lines of communication remain open at all times among all parties involved.  Please fill out the appropriate information and return this page to your director NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2017.

I (student name)                                                                    have read and understand all aspects of the School of the Arts Instrumental Music Handbook.  All expectations hereby stated in this document will be adhered to.

DATE                                                  STUDENT SIGNATURE

DATE                                                  PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE

PARENT PHONE NUMBER

PARENT EMAIL ADDRESS- please print

*email addresses will be used to form distribution lists for concert letters and other pertinent information*