HANDBOOK

Student Evaluation - Grading

1. Band Performances are worth 100 points each. We will have atleast one each quarter.
2. Evaluation points will vary from ensemble to ensemble. Playing evaluations range from 10 to 25 points/each and written assignments will range from 25 - 100 points.  Semester 1 finals will be given in all music classes.
3. Daily Particpation and Attendance - 5 points/day. Active participation in rehearsal is required to earn the full value each day. This includes being aware and implementing standard rehearsal etiquette. A typical quarter will equate 120 - 130 points.
4. FYI points can be accrued during the course of the entire quarter. Each quarter all band members are responsible for earning 100 points in this category. Points can be earned by:

FYI category

1. Documented Practice – 8 points per hour or 2 point for every 15 minutes.
2. Performance of any approved method book material - 5 points per exercise
3. Documented Private Lessons – 5 points each
4. Listening to CD’s from “The Listening Wall ” or Band Room hard drive – 5 points/disc
5. Attendance as a listener to approved concerts – 10 points per concert 
6. Leadership Counsel tasks - coordinator or crew member 
7. Extra rehearsals required by the director 
8. Others as set up by the director
 

1. Death in the family
2. Severe illness on the part of the Band Member
3. Acts of God. (Severe weather conditions, earthquakes, etc)
4. School Activities notified IN ADVANCE.

Helpful Hints for Proper and Meaningful Practice

Practice the same time everyday - within a few weeks it becomes a daily activity that helps define my day. 

Let your goals determine the length of your session.

• Instead of just practicing for a set time ("I have to do 30 minutes") have a list of goals to accomplish during the practice session and see how long it takes you.  When you set your goals of things to accomplish, practice in such a way that leads to being able to play the exercise without a "miss" or mistake (see Practice Intelligently below).

Have a set warm-up. 

• I call my warm-up "ROUTINE" and I do it EVERYDAY.  Doing the same exercises at the beginning of your time on the instrument develops consistency in your playing.  Long Tones and slow scales are a good place to start. As you warm-up, the use of crescendo/diminuendo on the long tones will assist greatly in tone and pitch development.

Practice Intelligently.

• If a part is difficult, go super SLOW and ACCURATE the first few times through the exercise and then gradually increase the tempo as you get the notes under your fingers and the sound in your ear.  ACCURACY is the basis for building the part into your muscle and ear memory.
• One of my old teachers used to say something like: "Mediocre players practice until they get it right.  Incredible musicians practice it until they can't get it wrong". 
• Once you get a part down - practice until you can play it FIVE TIMES without making any mistakes.
• Try and hold yourself to the highest standard of perfection during practice.  Practice like it is a performance.

Physical Training - everything counts

• Sit forward and on the edge of your chair when playing to provide for maximum lung usage and proper breathing. An arch in the small of the back and aligned posture helps focus wind and mind.  Proper posture during practice will truly help you during performances.
• SOUND, SOUND, SOUND - spend a few minutes each day working on sound.  Close your eyes and truly listen to your sound.  Explore ways to make your sound more open and beautiful to your ears.  Your sound says something about YOU.

Band Behavior/Rehearsal Rules

1. Follow directions the first time they’re given. This simple, straightforward rule allows us to function efficiently. This includes being intimately familiar with standard rehearsal etiquette*.
2. When the Director comes up to the podium please make no sounds on your instrument until the baton is in motion. Be sure that your music is in order according to the rehearsal order on the board.  Music stands should be adjusted, pencil on the stand and eyes on the Director as he steps onto the podium.  Rehearsal time will be treated with a sense of urgency and the rehearsal pace will be fast.  Please do your best to remain present mentally and focused at all times.   If you need to ask a question during rehearsal, please raise your hand. Again, review rehearsal etiquette and make it a part of your own personal discipline. 
3. Music and instruments must be returned to their cabinets at the end of rehearsal.  At the end of each rehearsal, straighten your stand and chair, carefully dismantle your instrument, place your music back in the folder cabinet and wait inside the door for the bell to ring. If the bell rings during rehearsal, the Director will dismiss you.
4. No gum, pop, food or candy is to be in the rehearsal room.  We all need to do our best to keep the band area neat and tidy at all times.  Please clean your lockers on a regular basis.The band facility should be kept neat at all times. Your efforts toward this end are greatly appreciated.

Standard Rehearsal Etiquette*

Performing instrumental music ensembles generally adhere to established standards of behavior for public performances and for rehearsal efficiency. These standards date back to the 1400's, and have thus proved their worth by their longevity in performing ensembles. Following is an abbreviated compilation of ensemble etiquette. These five items pertain to rehearsal and performance etiquette for any instrumental music ensemble.

1. Be ready to rehearse/perform at the scheduled starting time. The common saying among musicians is: "5 minutes early is 10 minutes late". 
2. The order of music is listed prior to rehearsal. Have your music ready as quickly as possible.  During warm-up review the music that will be covered during the rehearsal.
3. Absolutely no talking when the conductor or your section leader is giving directions.  Stop quickly when directed.  Be attentive and open to verbal directions of the person conducting the ensemble. Being aware of non-verbal instruction through the conducting is part of your musical training. Be a musician.
4. Mark your music in PENCIL Only.  ALWAYS have a pencil on your stand so that you can mark everything that is discussed during rehearsal. Remembering the details from rehearsal to rehearsal will save a TON of rehearsal time.  If you miss it - mark it!  Make your marking concise and meaningful.  Avoid simply circling notes or problems areas.  We always use pencil because it allows for different interpretations in future music uses without destroying it.
5. Come to rehearsal with your part prepared. Rehearsal is intended to be a time where we learn how things fit together and how everyone else's part interconnects with our own. Remember that others are depending on you - EVERY part is important, whether 1st, 4th or crash cymbals!

• Approved Trips are the only approved music department expenditures
• Projects in Common: Fund raising projects conducted by the entire MCHS Music Department during a given period of time for the participation of all music students within the department.
• Student in Good Standing: A student that is a registered member of a major MCHS music organization with no outstanding fines against his/her account. 
• Transfer of Funds Within the Department: A student transferring funds from one musical organization to another must be a member in good standing of the organization receiving the funds.
• Students may transfer funds on a trip year only. The transfer may not exceed the amount needed to complete the total funds required for the trip. Transfers are to be made on the final trip fund deadline.
• Students in good standing in both musical organizations may transfer 100% of all Projects in Common funds from one organization to another. Other student funds may be transferred at the rate of 75% of the total.
• A student in good standing in only one of the musical organization sinvolved may transfer ONLY Projects in Common funds at the rate of 75% of the total.
• Students may transfer their funds to another student only if that student is a sibling and a member of the same organization or will be a member of that organization the following school year.
• Students transferring from one MCPS school to another within the same musical organization may have their individual account transferred with them in total.
• Students may not transfer funds out the music department.
• The Individual Account of students who graduate or drop out of their musical organization will revert to the general fund of that organization.
• Records will be updated for students in good standing on June 30 of each year. REQUEST FOR TRANSFERS MUST BE MADE IN WRITING BY THAT DEADLINE.

Awards

Student Leadership Council

• Freshman Band Librarian
• Concert Band Librarian
• Symphonic Band Librarian
• Wind Ensemble Librarian
• Jazz Band Librarian
• Library Crew member

• Facility Staff: Maintenance and up-keep of our entire part of the building. This might include updating informational posters in the hallway, decorating the band room walls with posters/artwork, setting up the room for rehearsals before/after class, pick-up and take care of the band room. Essentially, be creative and help take care of our facility.
• Facility Coordinator: assign jobs to crew.
• Facility Crew: update bulletin boards (rehearsal room AND hallway), maintain stands and chairs, set room for rehearsal AFTER your class period, general up-keep of practice rooms.

• Concert Staff: Help with set-up and tear-down of our concerts. (Risers, chairs, stands, sound shell, lights, percussion, and sound system.)
• Concert Coordinator: assign set-up to sections, assign “tech” duties to students (use of band students from other groups to provide service for band concerts i.e. run light board, program/ushers)
• Concert Crew: Take attendance of people assigned to concert set-up and tear-down as well as help set-up/tear down.

• UNIFORM Staff : Assist with tracking, issuing, preparing and maintaining our uniforms.
• Uniform Coordinator: organize uniform room. Assign jobs to crew. Work with parent in organizing, issuing and collecting uniforms.
• Individual Band Coordinator: assigned to each band to help with coordinating check-out day.
• Uniform Crew: assist with uniform operations.

• Private/Section Tutor: Provide group or private instruction for students that are switching to your instrument or are in need of extra help in band.
• The Drum Major is the student leader of the marching band. The Drum Major is the spokesperson for the band and is an individual of high ethical standards who has a good working knowledge of the band program.
• Section Leaders are responsible for the tuning, uniform inspection, instrument inspection and assisting students in each section. They are to act as spokespersons for the members of their section. They should be good musicians and able to lead their peers.