Hollidaysburg Area Junior High School Bands 2016-2017
9th Grade Concert Band Expectations
Miss Janey Martinsen ●Director of Bands ● ● 814-695-4426
Welcome to the Junior High and to the 9th Grade Concert Band! I am so excited that you are here! The purpose of this course is to come together three days a week and make music together at a high level. It is my hope that each of you has fun every time you are in my classroom while bettering your personal musicianship and fundamental musical skills.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend every scheduled rehearsal and performance, including Marching Band. However, if you are not able to attend specific events you must notify Miss Martinsen with a written excuse or e-mail from a parent well in advance of the absence. Unexcused absences will result in a loss of points affecting your final grade.
Materials
Students are expected to have his or her instrument, reeds, mouthpiece, music folder (and its contents!), and a pencil at every rehearsal and performance. If your instrument is being repaired, do your best to let Miss Martinsen know in a timely manner so that she can try to secure a loaner for you if the repair shop cannot do so.
Students will be assigned a locker and lock to store instruments at the school. Please make note of your locker number and combination.
Students are expected to store binders, books, and materials for other classes on the shelves in the band locker room during rehearsal.
Behavior
Students are expected to come to each rehearsal with a positive attitude and desire to work hard and learn! During rehearsal, students are expected to be polite and respectful of the teacher and other band members at all times.
Teacher instruction is crucial during music rehearsals - when Miss Martinsen is on the podium conducting, students are expected to remain quiet and focused and raise their hand if they have a question or wish to say something. Excessive talking will not be tolerated and could result in a lowered grade if it becomes continuous.
Only students in seventh period Jazz Band are permitted to eat in the band room.
Practicing
Practicing is the homework for this class and the best way to get better! Students are expected to practice their assigned material at least three times per week. Students are encouraged to take instruments home to practice but also may do so during a lunch or study hall period.
(We will talk more about how to practice within the first few weeks of school - students will also be given a practice assignment on their Grade Sheet)
Grading
Students will be given a Grade Sheet during the first few weeks of school, outlining all assignments and expectations. The Grade Sheet should be kept in their assigned folder at all times so that it can easily be updated. Miss Martinsen will do her best to keep the grade sheets updated throughout each marking period so that students and parents know where they stand.
Concerts
Band Concerts are incredibly special events and serve as the culmination or final celebration after months of hard work! All students are expected to attend and participate. Concert Attendance is also a part of the students’ final grade; if you cannot perform in your group’s scheduled concert, you must notify Miss Martinsen well in advance and be expected to do an alternative project to make up for the grade. Concerts will be at the HAJHS Auditorium. Students are encouraged to stay for the entire concert to support their peers in other ensembles.
- Concert Dates for 9th Grade Concert Band:
(these do not include Marching Band rehearsals and performances) - JH Band & Orchestra Winter Concert: December 15, 2016 @ 7:00PM
- JH Band & Orchestra Spring Concert: May 9, 2017 @ 7:00PM
Concert Dress
- Students are expected to wear Concert Black for all performances.
- Ladies: Black skirt (must come below the knees) or black pants with a black blouse or top. No spaghetti straps. Black shoes also must be worn.
- Men: Black pants worn with a belt, long sleeved white collared shirt and black tie. Black jackets are optional. Black dress shoes with long black socks also must be worn.
Please notify Miss Martinsen if you need any help finding proper attire
(well in advance of the concert) so that she can secure the items for you!
Communication
I am a firm believer in the power and importance of communication! If you ever have a concern or question, please do not hesitate to ask me. I will do my very best to help you in any way that I can.
Students may come to me before or after class or during my free periods with questions or concerns. The best way for parents to get in touch with me is via e-mail:
I could not be more excited for the upcoming school year!
Let’s make it a great one and GO TIGERS!
I, ______, have read and understood the 8th Grade Band Expectations for the 2016-2017 school year. I also understand that failure to comply with the expectations could ultimately result in a lowered grade. Most importantly, I am ready for a great year in 9th Grade Band!
______
Student Signature
______
Student Name (printed)
______
Date
I, ______, have read and understood the 9th Grade Band Expectations for the 2016-2017 school year that my child has agreed to.
______
Parent/Guardian Signature
______
Parent/Guardian Name (printed)
______
Date
PLEASE TURN THIS FORM TO MISS MARTINSEN (FOR A GRADE!)
BY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2ND