Maple Valley High School
Music Program Handbook
Director:
Kirci Wagner
701-749-2570
Letter from the Director
Dear Music Member,
As summer draws to a close, it is time to welcome in the new school year. I am looking forward to seeing what we will accomplish this year in band and choir! There would be no music program without the students and support of the parents, and so I'd like to thank you for choosing to participate this year in our music program. This year I will be on maternity leave until the first week of October. Our long-term sub is Julie Hudson, and we are very lucky to have her expertise!
I commend you for your desire to become a better musician and for giving so generously of your time and talent. I hope this experience will enrich your life in your high school years and set a pattern for lifetime success and appreciation of fine arts. The pride and work you bring to our program are the foundation of this organization. I hope you have a wonderful year!
Sincerely,
Kirci Wagner
Table of Contents
Course Goals
Classroom Rules
Discipline and Consequences
Attendance Policy
Excused Absences
Unexcused Absences
Grading Policy
Classroom Policies
Music Room Care
Instrument Care
Transportation Policy
Bus Policy
Fundraiser
Awards
Ensembles
Solo and Ensemble Contest
Other Opportunities
Schedule
Instrument Rental Form
Handbook Form
Course Goals
The primary goals of this course are
1. to learn about music as a communicative art, and
2. to strive for personal and group excellence when rehearsing and performing music in all settings.
Classroom Rules
The basic rules of this class are as follows:
1. Be on time.
2. Be prepared for class.
3. Be respectful to others.
4. Be respectful of school property.
**School rules and consequences will be observed in this class.
Discipline and Consequences
Blatant breaking of school rules and music policies set forth in this handbook during any band function may result in progression toward dismissal from the program.
1. Loss of certain privileges, parent/director conference, detention or suspension. Step one will follow the disciplinary system of the previous year. Your warning will consist of your name being written on the white board, and any check marks after will signal a consequence.
2. If the student is consistently finding their name on the board, a disciplinary contract (setting boundaries) will be filled out by the student, with the teacher.
3. If issues cannot be resolved, the student will be dismissed from the program.
Attendance Policy
As a music program member, you have made a strong commitment to others as well as yourself to achieve the finest results in performance. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory and crucial towards this goal! The following policies have been designed to maintain the excellence of our music program and will help ensure that membership in this group continues to be a worthwhile and educational experience.
Excused Absences
1. personal illness
2. death in the family
3. a conflicting school activity in which the student is participating
4. family vacation
When a student discovers that he or she will be missing a rehearsal or performance, the student will notify the director no less than THREE (3) DAYS in advance of the event. A note (written notification) from a parent or guardian with the student's name, reason for the absence, date of the absence, and signature must be submitted for each absence to the director. Notes from the office will be accepted provided the note has been written for one of the above excused absence reasons.
If you wish the director to consider an absence excused that is not on the above list, a parent phone call is required. Whether the absence is considered is up to the discretion of the director.
Grading Policies
1. 25% - Classroom readiness and participation - includes: A functioning instrument (for band), a complete music folder, a sharpened pencil, and the students BEST attitude!
2. 40% - Performance attendance and Final Assessment - Student must attend all required performances unless they have a note from a parent/guardian that details one of the above listed excused absences. This portion will also include the final yearly performance assessment.
3. 25% - Listening Critique - Student will complete one listening critique per semester. Each listening critique will be worth 12.5% of the students yearly grade adding up to 25% of the students grade at the end of the school year.
4. 10% - Reflection - Student will complete a reflection at the end of each semester (normally completed during class time). Each reflection will be worth 5% of the students yearly grade adding up to 10% of the students grade at the end of the school year.
Classroom Policies
The music room should be a well kept and welcome place for students, parents, and other visitors.
1. No food or drink in the music room. Absolutely NO GUM!
2. Your instrument is to be kept in your designated storage area, NOT on the floor.
3. Leave book-bags, or other school materials in the entry way of the music room, not by your seat.
4. Vandalism with regard to instruments, equipment, and school property will not be tolerated. Offenders will be held responsible, and face consequences set by the director, the principal, or the superintendent.
Instrument and Music Care
Personally-owned instruments:
1. Properly clean instrument
2. Properly store instrument
3. Needed repairs should be handled promptly
4. Clearly mark instrument case with your name
School-owned instruments:
1. Properly clean instrument
2. Properly store instrument
3. Needed repairs should be handled promptly (notify the director)
4. Fill out instrument rental form
Music and Folders
1. Music must ALWAYS be in a folder (no loose music allowed)
2. Only mark music in pencil
3. Music must be put back into your assigned folder slot at the end of the day
4. Folders are the schools, not private property. Please only write your name if the director has requested.
5. Do not bend/rip/tear or otherwise destroy music/folders.
Transportation Policy
Maple Valley students will ride on school authorized vehicles to and from school sponsored events. Exceptions to this policy require the following:
1. A written request by a parent or legal guardian to the school official in charge of the event at least 2 days prior to the event.
2. The parent or legal guardian is required to present himself to the official in charge prior to taking said child with him.
3. The parent or legal guardian is required to confirm through a phone call or physical presence if the child is going to be riding with another parent.
**Each request will be evaluated and permission denied or granted by the school official in charge of the event.
Bus Policy
1. If multiple busses are taken, band members will be assigned to a bus by the director.
2. Students are not permitted to switch busses and will ride their assigned bus to and from all music activities.
3. Attendance is taken upon boarding the bus, both ways.
4. Only music members and designated personnel are to travel with us.
5. Students must obey all school and bus rules (including rules set by the bus driver).
6. Respect the bus driver and the chaperones.
7. Each student is responsible for loading and unloading their own instrument unless unable and other arrangements have been made.
8. The school is not liable for any lost or stolen items left on the bus.
Fundraiser
Currently the Variety Show in the spring acts as the music programs only fundraiser. However, other fundraisers may be initiated during the year with approval from the director, the students, and the administration.
Awards
At the end of the year awards of distinction are given to students that have displayed the highest levels of commitment leadership, and achievement. These include:
The John Philip Sousa Award (A director selected senior band student)
The National Choral Award (A director selected senior choir student)
The Most Improved Band Student (A student elected award)
The Most Improved Choir Student (A student elected award)
The Most Improved Jr. High Band Student (A student elected award)
The Most Improved Jr. High Choir Student (A student elected award)
Raider Musician Award (A director selected music student)
Lettering (Any student 9-12 can letter if they participate in solo/ensemble contest)
Band Requirements
Concert Band/Pep Band
When a student signs up for concert band at Maple Valley Public School, they are automatically considered to be members of both the concert band and the pep band for which (1) full credit is received upon completion. Currently the Jr. High Band meets 6th period, and the High School band meets 7th period.
Pep Band Game Policies
1. All pep band games are REQUIRED and graded. Please see the attendance policy section for more details on absences. If the student has a severe conflict with the schedule, please contact the director as soon as possible to see if a compromise can't be met.
2. The band will sit together at all games until they are finished playing. Non-band members are not permitted to sit with the band.
3. Whether playing at home or at a tournament, the members of the pep band reflect Maple Valley Public School and should always strive to portray a positive image. Good behavior, attitude, and positive sportsmanship are a must.
Solo and Ensemble Contest
Solo and Ensemble contest is an optional activity for the more serious 9-12 music members. When a student makes a commitment to perform a solo or in an ensemble, the commit requires the payment of fees (normally covered by the school), out-of-class rehearsal time, and attendance the day of the contest. Soloists will have the additional responsibility of rehearsing with an accompanist. These competitions is different from the Large Group Contest, which is required for members of the high school band and choir.
Other Opportunities
There are many other opportunities for Maple Valley Public School members to be involved with including: UND Honor Festival, All-State, Seminars, Young Musician's Festival (Jr. High Only), Career Days, and Master Classes. General information and deadlines will be displayed in the band room. Applications and detailed information may be acquired from the director upon request.
Maple Valley Public School Music Program Schedule 2016-2017
(All dates and times subject to change)
Pep-Band Volleyball / Tuesday, October 4th / Tower City Gym / Band 7-12Pep-Band Volleyball / Tuesday, October 11th / Tower City Gym / Band 7-12
Pep-Band Volleyball / Tuesday, October 18th / Tower City Gym / Band 7-12
Pep-Band Volleyball / Monday, October 31st / Tower City Gym / Band 7-12
Large Group Contest* / Saturday, November 12th / Richland / Music 9-12
Pep Band GBB / Tuesday, November 29th / Tower City Gym / Band 7-12
Elementary Christmas Concert / Thursday, December 1st / Tower City Gym / Music K-6
Pep-Band BBB / Monday, December 12th / Tower City Gym / Band 7-12
High School Christmas Concert / Monday, December 19th / Tower City Gym / Music 7-12
Pep Band GBB / Thursday, January 5th / Tower City Gym / Band 7-12
Pep Band BBB / Tuesday, January 17th / Tower City Gym / Band 7-12
Pep Band GBB / Tuesday, January 24th / Tower City Gym / Band 7-12
Pep Band GBB / Monday, February 6th / Tower City Gym / Band 7-12
Pep Band BBB / Friday, February 10th / Tower City Gym / Band 7-12
Pep Band BBB / Thursday, February 16th / Tower City Gym / Band 7-12
Region II Vocal Contest / Monday, March 13th / VCSU / Band 9-12
High School Spring Concert / Tuesday, March 14th / Tower City Gym / Music 7-12
Region II Instrumental Contest / Wednesday, April 12th / VCSU / Choir 9-12
Elementary Spring Concert / Thursday, May 4th / Tower City Gym / Music 1-6
State Music / Saturday, May 6th / TBD / Music 9-12
Variety Show / Thursday, May 11th / Tower City Gym / Music 7-12
Extra Curricular Opportunities
- UND Honor Band/Choir - Fargo
- All-State (Jr.High All-State) Music Festival - Fargo
- Barnes County Music Festival - VCSU
- Singing/Playing National Anthem at pep band games
- Young Musicians Festival
*Large group contest will be a required event! It will be part of the "performance attendance and final assessment" grade!
Maple Valley Public School
Instrument Rental Agreement
Student Name ______Instrument ______
Make and Model______
Current condition of instrument: ______
______
Parent Name ______
Address ______
______
Phone # ______
Terms of the rental agreement:
The student will have use of the instrument for the school year as long as they are a member of the Maple Valley band program. Due to cleaning and upkeep costs, refunds are not given if the student decides to drop band. The student will be the only person allowed to play and handle the instrument unless permission is given by the instructor. Any damage to the instrument beyond normal wear and tear will be repaired at the expense of the renter. If the instrument is lost while in the care of the student, replacement will be at the cost of the renter.
I agree with the above rental conditions for the 20______- 20______school year.
Parent/Guardian ______Date ______
Student ______Date ______
RENTAL FEES:
Rental of a primary instrument: $50 for the school year.
This covers the use of a school owned instrument for at school rehearsals as well as individual practice at home. Reeds and basic supplies such as valve oil are not included in this fee.
Handbook Form
(Read Verification)
We have read the information contained in the Maple Valley Music Program Handbook and we are aware of the responsibilities entailed with my son/daughter's membership in the program. We have also discussed this information to make sure that he/she understands the commitment that this program requires. Again, a signed 'Handbook Form' verifies that the handbook has been read by those providing signatures below who will comply with the critical policies within the handbook.
______
Printed name of parent/guardian
______
Signature of parent/guardian
______
Printed name of student(s)
______
Signature of student(s)
Please return this form by September 9th, 2016. It is a graded form, so it is important that it is turned in by the deadline. I look forward to working with your children and I know we are going to have a great year in music!