Mound Westonka High School
Band Handbook
2005-2006
This packet contains:
Welcome Letter
Philosophy of music
General information
Transportation Policy
Grading policy
Discipline policy
Acknowledgement form
Mr. Steven Smith
Director of bands
October 3, 2004
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) and Student:
Welcome to the 2005-2006 band program. I am truly excited for the upcoming year with all the challenges and successes ahead. I take this opportunity to join our band booster organization, which meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in the faculty dining lounge or band room.
Enclosed you will find information that will help you and your children be successful in the High School Band Program. The information will help the students understand the grading procedures and expectations of the program. Please take the time to read it carefully with your child, as the success of our band depends upon each individual working toward the same goals. Please sign the acknowledgement form and have your child return it to me by October 28, 2005.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your time and support.
Sincerely,
Steven Smith
High School Band Director
952-491-8176
Keith Randklev
High School Principal
952-491-8101
Philosophy
Music fulfills spiritual, emotional and intellectual needs in a manner that is not provided by any other art form. Music is unique in that both the performer and listener can participate and communicate through the same experience. Music is a strong reflection of our culture and heritage.
The purpose of music education is to provide children understanding so that they can express themselves aesthetically to the extent their aptitude will allow. The music program of the Mound Westonka High School provides opportunities for all students to develop aesthetic values and a lasting appreciation for music. Students are educated in the basic musical skills and are given the opportunity to develop their musical talent through class activities, instrumental and vocal ensembles.
All students are encouraged to discover and develop their individual musical talents and interests. A program is provided to meet the needs of all talent levels, and to prepare those students highly gifted and motivated for a career in music.
The study of music provides additional benefits to the student, the school and the community which include:
Ø A significant contribution to a balanced educational program which deals with objective, subjective, symbolic and concrete aspects of human experience;
Ø Experiences which develop self-discipline, positive self-image, teamwork and positive social interaction;
Ø Experiences which develop large and small motor skills, hand/eye coordination, posture and breathing;
Ø Opportunities for visible success and achievement in the school and community;
Ø Exposure to a body of knowledge not provided anywhere else in education.
General Information
Fall Pep Band: Pep Band is part of the activities of the Symphonic Band. The Pep Band performs at all home games and in the homecoming parade. The Pep Band provides music between plays of the football game and during half time. Specific dates are listed on the attached schedule.*
Winter Pep Band: The Pep Band performs at a number of home games for other sports during January and February. These sports may include, but are not limited to: Men’s basketball, Women’s Basketball, Men’s Hockey and Women’s Hockey. Specific dates art to be announced.*
*Pep Band performances are part of the requirements of the Symphonic Band students. The band grades, as well as earning a letter are tied to Pep Band attendance. Pep Band performs in uniform.
Symphonic Band: The Symphonic Band consists of students in grades 9-12 that have passed the entrance requirements for selection to the ensemble. The Symphonic Band meets every day during 4th hour and performs several times throughout the school year. These performances may include, but are not limited to: an October concert, performances for district elementary schools, Holiday Concerts, Band festivals, and Spring Concerts. The Symphonic Band also tours in the spring of even years. Specific dates are listed on the attached schedule. Trip information will be covered with the Symphonic band students separately.
Concert Band: Concert Band consists of students in grades 8,9, and 10. The Concert Band performs several times throughout the year. These performances may include but not be limited to: Holiday Concerts, Band Festivals, and Spring Concerts. Specific dates are listed on the attached schedule. Auditions for placement in Symphonic Band are held in the spring for 8th grade students.
Uniforms:
Pep Band: Uniforms are provided to the students for all pep performances. They are housed at the high school. The provided uniform consists of a jacket and pants. Students are expected to have white sneakers, white socks and a red t-shirt. In cold weather, students may wear any sweatshirt under the red t-shirt to achieve comfort. A fee is required of all band students to insure maintenance of the inventory. Specific fees are listed on the attached fee schedule. FEE: A Deposit Check will be collected from all Pep Band students in the amount of $125.00. This check will not be cashed and will be returned to the family upon the completion of the spring season, provided that the uniform is returned in excellent condition.
Concert Band: Men wear black pants, a white long-sleeved dress shirt and a black necktie. Ladies wear a black dress, or a black skirt that goes past the knee while seated, black socks or stockings and a white top. Both men and ladies wear black shoes. FEE: A $20.00 fee will be collected to cover the costs of participation in Concert Band. This fee will cover expenses such as clinicians, music, folders, workshop fees and various other expenses. Checks should be made out to Mound Westonka High School Band Activity Fund.
Symphonic Band: Men wear black tuxedo pants, vest and bowtie. The school/music booster organization provides these. They must also purchase a tuxedo shirt they order through the Band Boosters. Men must also have black socks and black dress shoes. Ladies wear a black dress that is provided by the school/boosters. The ladies must also have the specific black shoes that are purchased through Band Boosters, and black stockings. FEE: A $50.00 fee will be collected to cover the costs of participation in Symphonic Band. This fee will cover expenses such as clinicians, music, folders, workshop fees and various other expenses. Checks should be made out to Mound Westonka High School Band Activity Fund.
Instrumental Lessons: Small group/ individual lessons are not provided by the school district at the high school level. I encourage all band students to arrange for a private instrumental lesson every week. Several sources exist. Contact me for suggestions.
Equipment Needs: Each learner must bring to class everyday: a sharpened pencil, their instrument in good working condition, assigned music in good condition, and a positive attitude. The student must replace lost or destroyed music.
Transportation Policy: It is the policy of the Mound Westonka High School that all band members ride school transportation to away events. Students may ride from the event with parents or relatives, providing they have submitted a note from his/her parent or guardian in advance.
Grading Plicy:
Rehearsals 50%
Performances 40%
Playing Tests 10%
Rehearsal Criteria
-Student is on time for rehearsal;
-Student has appropriate materials and instrument;
-Instrument is in working condition;
-Music and folder are not torn or defaced;
-Student is attentive and exhibits exemplary conduct
Performance Criteria (grade for each performance)
-Student is on time for performance warm up;
-Student is in assigned uniform;
-Student has instrument and appropriate materials;
-Student is attentive and contribution to a good performance;
-Student performs individual part at a high level of proficiency.
Playing tests:
-Student performs assigned materials to the satisfaction of the instructor, demonstrating appropriate tempo, style, articulation, rhythm, notes, tone production, posture and phrasing.
Earning a Letter in Band: Students may earn a Mound Westonka High School Letter for participation in Symphonic Band. The students can earn a ‘letter’ in band by accumulating points.
Ø 100 A- or better average in band one year
Ø 50 Travel with the band on tour
Ø 50 Perform a solo at solo festival contest
Ø 100 70% performance at pep events
Ø 50 Performing with pit ensemble in school musical
Ø 50 Jazz Band
Ø 10 Set up or tear down for concert (3 concerts 60 pts possible)
450 Points for Music Letter
650 First Bar
850 Second Bar
1050 Third Bar
Fees:
All band students in grades 8-12 must pay a participation fee. This fee helps to pay for things such as clinicians, festivals, uniform care, commissioning projects, music and instruments.
Symphonic Band Fee: $50.00
Pep Band Deposit: $125.00 (deposits are un-cashed checks)
Concert Band Fee: $20.00
UNIFORM DEPOSIT: This deposit will be returned in full provided the uniform is returned in like new condition. Any repair or cleaning expenses that are beyond normal wear will be deducted from this deposit.
The fees are also explained in the uniform description for each ensemble.
Discipline Policy:
In order to maintain an orderly educational environment, the discipline policies of the Mound Westonka High School that are explained in the Student Handbook will be followed.
Music Calendar
Date Event Meeting Time
9/24 Pep Home Football Game 6:00 pm
10/14 Home Coming Pep Home Football Game 5:00 pm
10/31 Symphonic Band to Elem Schools School Day
12/8 Holiday Concert-Symph and Concert 7:00 pm
2/26 District Band Concert 12:00 pm
4/20 Band Tour – New York City
4/27 Spring Band Concert 7:30 pm
6/8 Graduation Ceremony 7:30 pm
**Pep Band will also perform at several winter sport events to be scheduled in January, February, and March.
**Other events may be added as arise.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM
I acknowledge that I have received the 2002-2003 Mound Westonka High School Band Hand Book. I am aware of and will abide by all policies explained within.
______
Parent(s)/Guardians(s) Date
______
Student Date
Band Fee Paid (YES / NO)
Amount $50.00 $20.00 (circle one)
Uniform Deposit check number______