Xavier High School Band Handbook

2011-2012 School Year

XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL BANDS

Table of Contents Statement of Policy Band Curriculum Ensembles/Color Guard Grading Lessons Attendance Student Absences General Expectations Classroom Expectations Rehearsal Procedures Section Leaders Equipment and Facilities Uniforms Concert Etiquette Band Council Fundraising Instrument Rental Recordings Band Trips Band/Student Athletes Awards System How Parents Can Help End of the year check out procedures 3 3

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A Statement of Policy
In order to assist band members and parents in understanding areas of responsibility, a statement of band policy is herein set forth. Becoming familiar with this policy will enable each individual to make the most of this great opportunity to be a member of the Xavier High School band program, become a better person and a better musician. Students need to improve as musicians and band members through regular practice and study as this will bring them the greatest success and fulfillment. To develop and maintain this consistent discipline, students must stay in touch with their own intrinsic drive and desire to improve. All individual students who come together to make our band must find this desire and discipline within themselves to grow individually and add the most to our dynamic music program, which is only as strong as the members in it. We must all believe in and stand up for the principles of RESPONSIBILITY, RESPECT, and DEDICATION, as they are the focus behind any level of achievement within this program. We intend to conduct ourselves in a manner that will facilitate all students in learning and bettering themselves to their highest individual levels.

Band Curriculum in Brief

Concert Band This course focuses on the development of music fundamentals and concepts of musicianship. Students perform in concerts, solo and ensemble activities, music festivals, assemblies, parades, at athletic events, musicals and special events. Each student will take regular private and/or small group lessons with the band director. Private lessons outside of school are encouraged! Wind Ensemble This course advances those concepts of musicianship and skills developed in Concert Band. Students perform in concerts, solo and ensemble activities, chamber groups, music festivals, assemblies, parades, athletic events, musicals and special events. It is expected that each student will continue his/her individual progress by participating in a regular private and/or school lesson program. The ensemble literature studied in this advance ensemble demands a high level of technical skill, musicianship and leadership from every member. Marching Band Membership is required of all band members enrolled in Concert Band and Wind Ensemble. The XHS Marching Band meets August through October. Music will be handed out in the spring so students have the opportunity to practice it throughout the summer. It is expected that all students should have this music memorized prior to coming to camp. There is a marching band camp in August to assign uniforms and teach the show. Camp is an opportunity for incoming freshmen to meet and perform with the upperclassmen. 3

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Marching Band Camp Marching Band Camp is comprised of two days of rehearsals to put the halftime show together. Students will learn: fundamentals of music and movement music and drill for the marching show school song and pre-game music Marching Band Camp is a time all of our students in the program can work together towards excellence as an ensemble. ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED. Jazz Ensemble I and II These ensembles provide instruction in the idiom of jazz which includes but is not limited to the study of: the blues, salsa, mambo, tango, bossa nova, bebop, hard bop, rhythm and blues, funk, funk-rock, the shuffle, big band dance, ballads, and swing. The ultimate goal of both ensembles is to give students an opportunity to study and perform high quality jazz ensemble literature and to learn how to improvise within the jazz idiom. Jazz I is made up mostly of the traditional jazz band instrumentation including: trumpets, trombones, saxes, and rhythm section (drums, aux/vibes, bass, guitar, piano). Participation in Jazz I will be determined by audition in the spring at the end of the previous year. This traditional instrumentation is preferred in Jazz II as well, though more exceptions will be made. Students are encouraged to learn a second jazz instrument; lessons for this will be happily provided. Participation in Jazz II is open and encouraged for all students no previous jazz experience is required! Jazz I meets before school from 7:00am -7:50am Jazz II begins after Homecoming and meets once a week from 6pm to 7pm as determined and announced by the director. Pep Band Pep Band plays arrangements of classic pop and rock hits, both old and new energizing Hawk fans at select home football and home basketball games. Participation is required for all members of the band program. Students earn points toward their academic letter for each pep band performance. As there are an enormous amount of home basketball games it is required that each student attend at least ten games. Pit Band / Orchestra This ensemble performs the music for our annual high school musical and there may be auditions for placement as the music performed is challenging and room in the pit is limited. Rehearsals are generally three days a week after school and will become daily three weeks before opening night. Chamber Ensembles Open to all band members, these ensembles meet on a regular or non-regular basis including, but not limited to, class time rehearsals. Possible groups would include Jazz combos, woodwind or brass

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quintets, saxophone quartet, horn ensemble, trombone quartet, low brass ensemble, flute, clarinet, percussion ensemble, as well as additional small groups. Color Guard Students who interested in dance, choreography and movement may choose to audition for color guard. Color Guard is an integral part of the Xavier Marching Band. They provide the color (literally) to the show and parades. Through dancing, flag work and the use of other equipment, the guard is responsible for the stylization and selling of the overall theme of the show. New members are highly encouraged to attend a summer color guard camp. There you will be taught the basics of color guard. This will really help your learning curve as we start our practices. The school will provide all flags, flag poles and basic uniforms. Grading Your grade for band is based on a point system. Students will receive a new grading sheet with all the points, due dates, and requirements at the beginning of each quarter. Generally, the band requirements are as follows: 1. First Quarter Learn marching band and pep band music Work from a lesson book to improve individual skills Work on concert music as needed Continue to work out of lesson book to improve individual skill Begin work on Solo/Ensemble music. Work on Solo/Ensemble music Work on Concert Band music and lesson book Work on Concert Band music for festival and concert Begin work on upcoming field show music

2. Second Quarter 3. Third Quarter 4. Fourth Quarter

Lessons 1. Each student will be required to take a private or group lessons throughout each term. There will be weeks with shortened school days and there may not be any lessons scheduled that week. Generally, there will be six or seven lessons per quarter with one week designated as a make-up lesson week. 2. If a student is taking private lessons, they do NOT have to come down for pull-out lessons. They do however need to come down for all playing exams that are announced and they need to fill out the Lesson Commitment Form posted on the Concert Band and Wind Ensemble WikiSpaces. 3. Students are pulled out of class for lessons. It is their responsibility to sign up for their lesson times. Students should not have to miss part of a class more than twice in one term. Lessons

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will be offered both before and after school for students with special circumstances. Students who desire after school lessons should contact the director to assure the schedule is clear. Attendance Attendance is linked to grading because each member of the ensemble relies upon the other for every performance. The Xavier Band Attendance Policy is as follows. 1. There is a google calendar of events for band that is posted and kept current on the teacher webpage. Students are responsible to look over this calendar with parents and employers. It is the students responsibility to make every effort possible to be present at all band events. 2. Students who find a conflict because of a vacation or a similar event should contact Mrs. Hardt as soon as possible so necessary adjustments to the band may be made in advance. Being scheduled to work IS NOT an excuse. It is the students responsibility to speak with their employer(s) and ask off for required events in advance. 3. Each student will be required to participate in the solo/ensemble festival held in March. This event, more than any other event, improves individual playing. As individuals become better, so does the band. Please clear this date of conflicts and contact the director now if you cannot attend. 4. The large group festival held in May is a culmination of our year long journey. This festival occurs during the school day and all students will be excused from classes. We usually return around 3:30 PM and make most athletic practice times. Please make your coach aware of this date, if needed.

Student Absences
Practices There will be NO grade penalty for a student who is absent if: 1. The student has provided Mrs. Hardt a note or email from their parent(s) informing them of the absence 3 days prior to a practice or 7 days prior to a performance. 2. The student is ill or an emergency occurs which does not permit the student to participate. In this case, the student must bring a note from their parent(s) within 2 days of their return to school. Music Festivals and Concerts Failure to attend the solo/ensemble festival or the large group festival will result in a deduction of a FULL LETTER grade. The band curriculum for the 3rd and 4th quarters focuses on these events. If these

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festivals are missed it is equivalent to missing a final exam and points cannot be made up. Failure to attend a concert without an excuse will also result in a deduction of a FULL LETTER grade.

General Expectations
1. All assigned music must be practiced and prepared to the best of each individuals musical ability before a lesson or performance. 2. Instruments, music, and all necessary equipment must be kept in working condition and brought to all rehearsals and events for which they are needed. 3. All members of the band are to conduct themselves in a manner that will be a credit to themselves, their parents, the director, the school, and the band. 4. A positive attitude will be encouraged at all times. Learning to play a musical instrument is a challenge that requires time and dedication. 5. Practice at home is necessary for a student to be successful as an individual musician. In practice at home the student should learn fingerings, counting, and strive to play with a beautiful tone that is characteristic of their particular instrument. Most students who fail to learn an instrument have not taken the necessary time at home to practice.

Classroom Expectations
1. For a healthy learning community to be established students are expected to be respectful of our shared space. Therefore, students must help one another take care of music, equipment and strive to leave the band room in better condition than they found it. 2. Students are to come to class prepared with the necessary materials. If you do not have your instrument or music (or drill chart during the fall) you will lose points for the day and/or an honor mark for not following expectations. 3. Student will have three minutes from the time the bell rings to be in their chair ready for rehearsal. Students who are late to their seats must have a pass or the will lose points and/or an honor mark. 4. All students are expected to have a pencil in class each day. 5. Students may drink bottled water only in the band room. Chewing gum, and other drinks or food are not allowed.

Rehearsal Procedures
1. The director will step on the podium to indicate the beginning of the rehearsal. Any student not in their chair at this moment is now late.

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2. Roll call will be taken by the band secretary while announcements are made. 3. The rehearsal schedule for each day will fluctuate. Students should always have ALL music with them at ALL rehearsals. 4. Once the rehearsal begins students are expected to pay attention and be active participants in the rehearsal process. Excessive talking damages the progress of our ensemble and will therefore not be tolerated resulting in a loss of points and/or honor mark. 5. Students are responsible for having playable reeds, oil and an instrument in good working order at each rehearsal. If you are playing a school instrument please notify the director when something is not working properly. All school instruments will require a rental contract. Rental fees will be assessed as necessary by the director. 6. Students will be dismissed to put their instruments away two minutes before the end of class. ALL instruments must be cased and locked in their locker (including percussion equipment). ALL band folders must be kept in the assigned folder slot (this expedites the process of getting music in and out of individuals folders). 7. All cell phones, books, purses, iPods, and miscellaneous items not related to the band rehearsal must be kept in ones assigned band locker during rehearsal. Cell phones, specifically, should be turned off.

Section Leaders
Section leaders are both musical leaders and the exemplification of a loyal and dedicated band member. They will be initially determined at the beginning of each year during our lessons in the first term. The section leaders responsibilities are as follows: 1. Play their parts with minimal mistakes 2. Review all music with the section and help other students in their section (suggest fingerings, counting, etc.) 3. Run efficient sectional rehearsals as determined by director. 4. Report any problems within the section to the director. Students under the direction of a section leader will show respect and make every effort possible to follow directions and cooperate. Any problems with behavior in sectional rehearsals shall be reported to the director.

Equipment and Facilities

We are blessed to have an excellent facility. It is expected that each student will treat the room and the equipment in it as if it is their own. Misuse of equipment will result in a penalty of an honor mark and, if needed, repair charges will be paid by the student who caused the damage. This includes but is not limited to ALL school instruments, band uniforms, electronic equipment, and chairs and stands. Most 8

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damage to equipment can be avoided if students do NOT horse around or use anyones instrument but their own. Equipment Requirements: Percussion Accessories As specified by Mr. Alex Rolfe, percussion instructor: 1 pair of marching sticks 1 pair of general snare sticks 1 pair of general timpani mallets or staccato mallets 1 pair of rubber xylophone mallets, Musser Blue or Musser Green 1 pair of yarn mallets, DS 16 or DS 18 1 triangle beater 1 pitch pipe, F-F or C-C 1 stick bag Woodwinds 2 spare reeds (kept in case) cork grease spit rag Brass valve oil (excluding trombones) tuning slide grease trombones only: slide cream and water spray bottle Instrument and Mouthpiece Upgrade Recommendations: Instruments (Intermediate and Professional Models) Piccolo Flute Clarinet Oboe Bassoon Saxophone Trumpet Horn Trombone Euphonium Tuba Mouthpieces CLARINET Vandoren B40 or B45 mouthpieces DEG barrels Yamaha YPC 62 Yamaha 581 H Buffet R-13 Loree or Fox 400 Fox Renard 220 or 222 Old Selmer Mark VI or Yamaha Custom Bach Stradivarius Paxman M20 or Holton 179 King (pro line), Bach Stradivarius (36 bore), Yamaha (pro line) Yamaha 321-S or Willson St. Petersburg or Perantucci

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Rovner ligatures SAXOPHONE TRUMPET HORN TROMBONE TUBA Selmer C* Bach 3 C or 1 C Schilke 29 or 30 Bach 5G Schilke 51 / 51D (bass) Helleberg 120 S Bach 18

Uniforms
Concert Dress The concert uniform includes the Xavier issued black marching shoes, black socks, and the Xavier issued Concert Uniform. The black shoes are sold to the student at the beginning of the year for approx. $27.00. Jazz Ensemble I and II Both Jazz Bands wear all black (formal) unless otherwise stated by the director Marching Dress The marching uniform includes the Xavier issued uniform, black shoes, and black socks. The Xavier issued uniform will include a hat and gloves. Each student is responsible for all parts of the uniform. Casual Performance Dress Currently band polo shirts are no longer required. During trip years, the students who are traveling will be required to purchase a band shirt to use as a casual uniform. Cost will be determined at that time. For Pep Band we will always be dressed in the spirit theme chosen (Blue, Black out, etc). Uniform Etiquette 1. Uniforms are issued at the beginning of the school year. Any problems in regard to size, missing parts, etc. should be reported to the parents who issue the uniforms. 2. All uniforms will be stored and kept in the high school uniform room. 3. Uniforms will always be handed out approximately one hour before a performance and must be returned with the uniform hung properly as soon as possible after a performance. 4. Once in uniform the student must remain in full uniform unless notified by the director to do differently. Nothing looks worse than a band with some students out of uniform and some in full uniform. 10

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5. The following items will be replaced at the cost of the student if lost: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. White Gloves Dinkles Rain Poncho Plume Uniform - $4.00 - $27.00 - $8.00 - $15.00 - $500.00

Concert Etiquette
As often as possible, band students shall observe each other in concert. As fellow musicians, we should emulate the highest standards of concert etiquette and serve as a model for all other audience members. Come early to find your seat. If you arrive late, wait until the music has stopped to find a seat. Remain silent during the performance. Talking during a music performance in a concert hall is never appropriate. Remain seated until the intermission or the end of the performance. If you must leave, please wait until an appropriate time in between selections or performing groups. Please also use this courtesy when returning to your seats. Applaud if and when appropriate. Please hold applause until the very end of any multi-movement work. Try not to anticipate applause, as you may miss the final statement of a work. You can often tell by the position of the directors hands when a piece of music is completed. Whistling and yelling are not appropriate when applauding. Vigorous, lengthy, or standing applause signals particular pleasure with a performance. Food and drink are never allowed in an auditorium or concert hall. Refrain from using flash photography, as this is distracting for performers.

Band Council
To have a strong band the must be strong student leadership and a feeling of ownership be each member. A director can guide the students and teach the music, but he/she cannot be the student voice. The band council gives students the opportunity to lead, give direction to the band, and help develop policies that are in the best interest of all the band members. The band council is made up of the following officers 1. Band President a junior or senior a. Conducts all business meeting of the band council b. Promotes band activities c. Reports to the director any problems or suggestions to improve the band d. Represents the band at any school meeting where a representative may be needed e. Acts as a role model for all band students 2. Vice President a Sophomore, Junior, or Senior a. Assumes all duties of president when president is absent b. Assists president whenever possible c. In charge of all committees formed. 11

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d. Acts as a role model for all band students 3. Secretary/Treasurer a junior or senior a. Takes roll call at the beginning of each band rehearsal. Marks all tardies and absences honestly and enters attendance into computer. b. Creates band seating chart and keeps in current. c. Acts as a role model for all band students d. Places and removes Free Will Offering Boxes at each concert. e. Acts as a role model for all band students 4. Awards Secretary/Assistant Awards Secretary a. Keeps all student award records, past and present b. Takes roll call at any event outside of school where award points are given. c. Takes inventory of awards and notifies director of what needs to be ordered. d. Assigns duties to assistant awards secretary. e. Posts award points for students to see and monitor. f. Acts as a role model for all band students 5. Business Manager a. Keeps records of all band activities in a binder. (newspaper articles, photos, programs, etc) b. Keeps calendar in band room accurate and current. c. In charge of publicity for all band events d. Assists director in any business duties needed e. Acts as a role model for all band students. 6. Concert Librarian a. Helps director sort and file music when needed. b. Keeps accurate records of the music library and enters new music as it is received. c. Records any music that leaves our library on loan d. Maintains music wherever we travel e. Acts as a role model to all band students 7. Pep/Marching Librarian Same duties as concert librarian, however, this position deals with all marching and pep band music. 8. Solo/Ensemble Librarian a. Sort all solo/ensemble music so all titles are in order and on current list. b. Collects ALL solo/ensemble music after events and files it back accordingly.

Fund Raising
Additional funds are often required if the band is planning to go on a trip or other special event. Fund raising is a way of helping students offset the cost of this type of activity. Students are not required to participate in fund raisers; however, each student is encouraged to do their part.

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Each student has an individual fund raising account that is similar to a personal bank account. All profit the student makes for the band on fund raisers will be held in this account. Fundraised money will only be used for music department events, and the money in each account cannot be withdrawn or transferred for other needs. In particular, a portion of the profit may be used to offset student band fees and/or help fund future band trips for the individual. Any money NOT used at the end of the school year will carry over to the next year. After the senior year any unused money will be placed into the general band account. Students who drop band forfeit their right to any money they may have in their account. No student is allowed to receive this money in the form of cash.

Instrument Rental
Any student using a school instrument will be issued a rental contract. This contract will state that you agree to the terms of renting an instrument from the school and will report any damage or repairs to the director. Rental fees will be assessed as determined by the ACES Xavier System. If any damage above and beyond the normal wear and tear occurs, the student will be expected to pay for the repairs to the instrument.

Recordings
Just as the blind child cannot paint a picture of the sunset, an instrumentalist cannot duplicate a characteristic sound on their instrument without an appropriate model to emulate. Below are suggestions of artists for each instrument. Every student in the band program should own at least one recording of the following artists. FLUTE CLARINET OBOE BASSOON SAXOPHONE TRUMPET HORN TROMBONE EUPHONIUM TUBA Jean-Pierre Rampal, Jim Walker Harold Wright, Larry Combs Joseph Robinson, John Mack Bubonic Bassoon quartet, Christopher Millard Jean Rousseau, Joseph Lulloff, Steven Mauk Phil Smith, Adolf Herseth Dale Clevenger, Dennis Brain Joseph Alessi, Christian Lindberg Brian Bowman, Roger Behrend Arnold Jacobs, Sam Pilafian

Band Trips
If the band takes any trips their main focus will be the educational value of traveling and performing. It can be assumed that there will be at least one performance and/or clinic involved in each trip. Recent cities visited have included Orlando, Mackinac Island, New York, San Francisco and Chicago. Students will pay for these trips using both their own funds as well as any money they have raised in their student accounts.

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If a student wishes to participate in a band trip he/she must be in good standing with the band program as well as the school. Xavier High School has strict rules regarding academic performance and your ability to participate in educational trips. Please contact the director if you are concerned about your eligibility to participate.

Band/Student Athletes
There are always several students who play on a fall sports team and play in band. There will be conflicts; however, being involved in both can be done! Communication with both the coach as well as the band director is essential to keeping both sides happy. In general, band performances will require attendance as band is a class and you will be receiving a grade for your performance. For band rehearsals I will be more lenient with absences and these will be dealt with on a case by case basis.

Awards System
Xavier High School band students receive award points for their attendance at rehearsals outside of the normal band period, performances, and participation in various festivals. The awards system will be discussed in band and was created to award those students who make an effort to be the best band student they can be.

How Parents Can Help!

The single greatest benefit that can be provided is checking to make sure ones child practices his/her instrument daily. The hands of the directors are tied without the help of parents. When a band question arises, it is important that you get factual information before discussing it with others. As in any discipline or art form, we do more harm to ourselves, the band family, when we talk about things that contain one or more falsehoods but pass them off as facts. If questions arise, it is important to remember this axiom: if it is a performance issue or anything dealing with the band proper, refer them to Mrs. Hardt who will be happy to help! Finally, become involved! We need your help! The parent organization is responsible for a lot of the behind the scenes work that needs to be done in the music program. The more parents that volunteer their talents, the better off the entire music program will become. Many hands make light and fun work!

End of the year check out procedures

During the course of the year students will be issued various items that they will be responsible for returning. These items must be kept in good condition and returned in the same condition they were received. Students will be asked to replace any items missing. All concert music handed out will now be numbered and recorded. If your number is missing when the parts are collected you will be responsible for finding that music or paying for a replacement part.

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