Goddard High School Band Handbook
2010
The Goddard High School Bands provide musical opportunities for students, while helping members become musically literate, outstanding members of the community.
Classes/Ensembles
Jazz Ensemble- The jazz ensemble is a small ensemble open to any member of the band program. It performs at regular band concerts as well as special jazz events. The jazz band may occasionally travel if resources allow.
Concert Band/Wind Ensemble- The concert band is the large ensemble which meets after marching season ends. It performs in multiple concerts each year, and will travel for competitions and non-competitive performances. Students will also play in smaller ensembles within the concert band
Concert Band/Percussion Ensemble- The percussion ensemble meets separately from the rest of the concert band, and will play some pieces written specifically for percussion. The percussion ensemble will also serve as a pep-ensemble throughout the year by playing cadences at school events in addition to traveling and performing with the concert band.
Marching “Big Blue Crew”- The marching band is the large ensemble which performs at football games. It is split into three classes-winds, percussion, and color guard-which have additional meetings every weekday before school and some evenings. The ensemble travels to competitions.
Winter Guard- The winter guard meets Monday and Wednesday after school during spring semester. Members of the group are chosen by audition. The winter guard travels to at least one competition in the spring, and may travel more depending on the availability of funds.
Membership Requirements
Membership in the GHS band program is open to musicians at any level. Band membership is decided by the band directors. Any band member may be removed from his/her place in the band as a result of failing to meet expectations, which are listed below.
Behavioral Expectations
All band members will act with courtesy toward each other.
Band members will be attentive during rehearsals.
Band members will treat all equipment with appropriate care.
Band Member Responsibilities
Bring all equipment (instrument, reeds, music, drill, pencil, etc.) to every rehearsal.
Be present, prepared, and punctual for every rehearsal.
Perform with the ensemble every single time.
Wear the appropriate uniform and uniform parts.
Conduct yourself in a manner that brings honor and pride to the Goddard High School Bands.
Beginning musicians are expected to come in for extra tutoring with the directors.
Student Leader Responsibilities
Drum Majors
Conduct band during marching season and at pep assemblies.
Help director as needed.
Librarians
Pass music out to band.
Find replacements for missing sheet music.
File music in the music library.
Secretary
Take attendance for class and required events.
Section Leaders
Act as an exemplary member of the band and a role model to other band members.
Organize section rehearsals.
Inform director if expectations are not met.
Help to inspect uniforms before performances.
Uniform Managers
Keep accurate records of uniforms.
Check out uniforms before performances and check them in after performances.
Fix minor uniform problems.
Attendance
Students are expected to be at all scheduled events. An unexcused absence from a scheduled event will result in a lower grade. Unexcused absences include but are not limited to work, lack of transportation, babysitting, etc. Students will not be excused from any event “after the fact.” If you are unable to attend a required event, you must speak with the director beforehand.
Grading Procedures
Grades are determined using a point system.
Weekly Participation 10 points
Performance Quizzes 10 points
Written Quizzes 10 points
Additional Rehearsals 20 points
Performances 50 points
Weekly Participation points are earned by being on time to all rehearsals, with all equipment, and participating in a positive way, with an exemplary attitude.
Performance quizzes will be given periodically in class. Students may repeat playing tests after school for higher grades.
Written quizzes will be given periodically in class. Students can increase quiz grades by getting help from the director after school.
Extra Credit-Up to 20 points of extra credit may be earned each quarter by writing a two page concert review. Concert reviews may be written about a live performance, or a recording of a performance.
Assignment Schedule
Week 1 (1/4-1/8)
All-State (Ms. Webb in Albuquerque)
Week 2 (1/11-1/15)
Chair Tests-not for a grade
Written Quiz
Week 3 (1/18-1/22)
Week 4 (1/25-1/29)
Week 5 (2/1-2/5)
Performance Quiz
Solo/Ensemble Festival-performance grade (2/6-all day)
Week 6 (2/8-2/12)
Soloist Showcase-performance grade (2/11-6PM)
Week 7 (2/15-2/19)
Music in Our Schools Month Rehearsal-rehearsal grade (2/20-9AM)
Week 8 (2/22-2/26)
Music in Our Schools Month Rehearsal-rehearsal grade (2/27-9AM)
Week 9 (3/1-3/5)
Music in Our Schools Month Rehearsal-rehearsal grade (3/6-9AM)
Week 10 (3/8-3/12)
Census Kickoff-performance grade (3/9-TBA)
Music in Our Schools Month Rehearsal-rehearsal grade (3/13-9AM)
Week 11 (3/15-3/19)
Music in Our Schools Month Concert-performance grade (3/16-6PM)
Week 12 (3/22-3/26)
Spring Break
Week 13 (3/29-4/2)
Week 14 (4/5-4/9)
Spring Concert Rehearsal-rehearsal grade (4/5-7PM)
Spring Concert-performance grade (4/6-7PM)
Week 15 (4/12-4/16)
Week 16 (4/19-4/23)
Week 17 (4/26-4/30)
Pre-Festival Rehearsal 1-rehearsal grade (4/26-7PM)
Pre-Festival Rehearsal 2-rehearsal grade (4/28-3:15PM)
Large Ensemble Festival-performance grade (4/29-all day)
Fire Concert-performance grade (5/1-TBA)
Week 18 (5/3-5/7)
San Antonio trip-not for a grade
Week 19 (5/10-5/14)
Senior Final
Week 20 (5/17-5/21)
Baccalaureate
Final Test
Commencement
*Written or playing tests may happen at any time. Be prepared!
Fees
Band fees for the year are $150. This amount covers uniform parts and cleaning, and travel and registration costs for all band trips except for the optional spring trip. There are multiple fund-raising opportunities available to help pay for band fees, including sponsorships and poinsettia sales.
Equipment Rentals and Privileges
Instruments are available to be rented for $20 each semester. All instruments are expensive and must be treated with care. Failure to care for an instrument may lead to loss of the privilege of using that instrument. Each student will be issued both a marching and concert uniform for the year. Students are expected to take good care of uniforms, as the uniforms must last for a long time. Every student will have access to a locker and lock. Failure to take care of equipment will result in a fine.
Parental Involvement
Parents are an important part of the GHS band program. The best way for parents to help the band program is through the Band Boosters. Our Band Boosters help with fund-raising, transporting equipment, feeding the band, and many other essential tasks. Parents interested in joining the Boosters should contact Judaun Prichard, the band booster president. We appreciate any help you can offer!
Final Notes
The Goddard High School Bands have made great strides this year. We hope to continue improving as musicians and performers. This improvement will require discipline, hard work, and positive attitudes. Strive for excellence in all that you do, and help your fellow band members to do the same. If we all work together toward this goal, we will see amazing results.
Sincerely,
Laurel K. Webb
Director of Bands
Goddard High School
575-627-4826