Handbook

 

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Junior High Band Program. The Cortland Junior High Band is an ensemble that has received much recognition for it’s hard work and dedication to excellence. This year will be no different! You should look forward to a year of fun and rewarding musical experiences, of course not without challenges and hard work! It has been documented that playing a musical instrument is one of the hardest activities because it requires 90% of your brain's attention. The other 10% is for vital involuntary bodily functions, such as breathing. Who would have thought!?

We wish to continue this standard of excellence for many years to come while increasing our sensitivity to music, knowledge about musical forms, history, style, and much more. Each band member will be required to uphold the following positive characteristics for the good of the ensemble: patience, respect, self-discipline, cooperative effort, attention to detail, and the desire for perfection.

It is our belief that through participation in public school music that each student will graduate with a great appreciation for all forms of art, including music, dancing, painting, architecture, etc. We hope they will carry this appreciation throughout their lives.


EXPECTATIONS

In order to achieve great success in all aspects of music a proper ATTITUDE and a sense of RESPONSIBILITY of one’s self and the group are very important. We are only as good as our weakest link. The following expectations have been outlined to ensure that we all know the values we are responsible to uphold.


CLASS

1. Attending all rehearsals and being on time is required. This means in your seat with the proper music, mutes, mallets, reeds, valve oil, etc. when the conductor is ready to start. Anyone entering late must see the band director after class and give an explanation for his or her tardiness.

2. Preparation of material is vital, each student will resolve to master all assigned parts through regular practice.

3. We shall all strive to sustain a high level of concentration and musical involvement throughout the duration of each rehearsal.

4. It is imperative to our growth, that each student respects the band director and what she has to say on and off the podium.

5. Remember we are all examples of attitude to those around us.

6. A pencil is necessary at all rehearsals. NEVER WRITE ON MUSIC IN INK.

7. Everyone is responsible for having his or her own copy of the music. It is not your stand partner’s responsibility to always bring the music.

8. All seventh graders will need to buy a folder this year. The cost is $12.00. There will be extras for those who need to replace a folder; cost again is $12.00. Please make checks payable to CJHS Bands and return it by Monday, Sept. 8th to Mrs. Sanderson.

LESSONS


1. Each student is responsible for attending one (1) lesson per 6-day rotation. Each lesson is graded. (see “grading”).
2. Students are excused from class to attend lessons, but it is the student’s responsibility to tell their classroom teacher they will be missing class and to make up any missed work. Lessons are scheduled on a rotating basis.

3. A missed music lesson is treated the same way as a missed class.

4. Referrals will be issued to those who choose not to attend lessons.

5. When a test is scheduled during a lesson time the student must inform the director BEFORE the lesson and the lesson will be rescheduled.

6. Students who have been excused from a regularly scheduled lesson have one (1) lesson rotation to make up the lesson. The time of the make up lesson is at the discretion of the band director.

7. Lessons are mandatory, therefore those who miss more than half of their lessons in a given marking period may be excused from band rehearsals and scheduled for “Lessons Only” until their attendance and preparation improve.

8. There are NO make-up lessons for make-up lessons.

9. PRIVATE LESSONS are highly recommended. See Mrs. Sanderson for the names of recommended teachers.

PRACTICE

1. Students are required to practice a minimum of thirty (30) minutes a day/5 days a week. This should be considered your homework for this class. Practice logs will be distributed. These should be referenced for weekly assignments and filled out on a daily basis. Parents, please sign the practice log prior to each lesson, verifying that your son/daughter practiced the amount recorded.

2. Students have the option of practicing at home or during study hall time. If a student wishes to practice during a study hall, they should have a pass filled out and signed by the music director in advance and presented to the study hall teacher before class.

3. If a student cannot practice during school hours, they are required to take their instrument home to practice. The director will check instruments on random evenings after school hours. Any student who does not practice during school and leaves their instrument at school on a particular evening when a random check is done will have two (2) points deducted from their grade.

4. Intonation is a large part of performing in a musical ensemble. Therefore, each student will be required to work with a tuner and drone for thirty (30) minutes each marking period. It is recommended that you get your time in early, the tuners and drones will be on high demand as the end of the marking period gets closer. This procedure will be explained more thoroughly in lessons and band. Remember to see Mrs. Sanderson after you have done this so that you will receive credit. Tuners and drones may be signed out over night but must be returned first thing the next morning. (This counts as part of your class participation grade.)

5. All percussionists are required to work with a metronome or Dr. Beat for thirty (30) minutes once each marking period.

GENERAL

1. There is to be NO food or drink consumed in the music suite.

2. Please keep your hands off of other students’ instruments unless given permission.

3. The Percussion equipment and Piano are to be treated as instruments. DO NOT set things on top of them or play them unless you are authorized to do so.

4. The music suite is not a lounge. It may be used for practice and other music related activities during the school day. Band students are welcome to meet other band students before and after school in the music suite. There will be no other students allowed in the suite before, during, or after school.

5. For communication purposes it is imperative that every student keep their instrument and music in the band cabinets during the day. The band director may need to communicate with you in this way.


PERFORMANCES

Attendance at all concerts is of course mandatory. Treat it like the final exam for this class. When an absence from a performance is anticipated, a written parent request must be given to the director at least two weeks prior to the concert. Only in extreme circumstances will a student be granted permission to miss a performance. If a student is granted permission to be excused from a performance that student will be required to perform an alternative assessment as per the director.


GRADING POLICY

50% LESSONS: lessons are based on weekly attendance and preparation of assigned materials (method books, solo literature, band literature, scales, etc.) Make sure you bring all needed materials to your lessons, extra copies may not always be available.

50% CLASS PARTICIPATION: class participation includes: participation and preparation for class,  participation and preparation for performances and any written assignments given during band.

EXTRA CREDIT

Extra credit may be earned for the following completed tasks. The points listed will be added on top of your final average for that marking period.

Plus 1 Each additional 30 minutes spent with a tuner and drone beyond the required 30 minutes. A maximum of 5 points may be earned. Percussionists can earn the same with each additional 30 minutes spent with Dr. Beat or a metronome.

Plus 2 Two points can be earned by students who attend concerts by the Syracuse Symphony, Binghamton Symphony, Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, any Ithaca College band or orchestra, or any other professional orchestra or concert band. You must also write a 100-word critique of the performance. Be sure to include the program with your response. A maximum of 6 points may be earned. However, go to as many concerts as possible!!!


GRADE POINT DEDUCTIONS

Tuner and Drone All wind players must spend a minimum of 30 minutes working with a tuner and drone each marking period or receive a 10 point deduction from your participation grade.

Dr. Beat (percussionists) All percussionists must spend a minimum of 30 minutes working with Dr. Beat each marking period or receive a 10 point deduction from your participation grade.

Weekly Music Lessons A zero will be given for each lesson missed.

Practice Any student who does not practice during school and leaves their instrument at school on a particular evening when a random check is done will have two (2) points deducted from their grade.


OTHER PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Jazz Ensemble- Rehearses once a week in the evenings (TBA)
Pep Band- plays at all home football games
Parade Band- marches in the Dairy Parade


CONCERT DRESS

Men: Black dress pants, white dress shirt with collar, black bow tie, black shoes, and black socks.

Ladies: Black dress pants, white blouse (at least ¾ sleeves), black shoes, black socks, or a long ankle length skirt with white blouse.


 

CORTLAND JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT BAND 2009-2010 CALENDAR

Dec. 11              Wednesday            Winter Concert                              7:00PM

Mar. 13              Wednesday             Prism Concert                              7:00PM

 

Jun. 10                  Tuesday                Pops Concert                               7:00PM

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________

PARENTS AND STUDENTS:

Students: Please read this handbook carefully and sign below. You are responsible for the expectations, rules, and performance dates outlined in this handbook.

Parents: Please read this handbook carefully, sign below, and have your son/daughter return it by Monday, September 8th. By signing this slip you are verifying that you have read the packet and understand the expectations and responsibilities placed on your child. In addition, you are aware of all mandatory performance dates.

Student’s name: _________________________________

Student’s Signature: _______________________________

Parent Signature: _______________________________

Date: ____________________

Please return by Monday, September 8th

Folder Form

7th graders and anyone else needing a folder must purchase one this year!

Cost is $12.00. Please make checks payable to CJHS Bands and return with this form by Monday, September 8th.

NAME: ________________________________

AMOUNT ENCLOSED: _________________


 

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