Westhampton Beach Middle School
Ensemble Music
Rules and Grading Policy
Welcome to the Music Department at Westhampton Beach Middle School. By choosing to be a member in an ensemble, you are taking an important step on a lifelong path of musical involvement as a performer, an audience member, and/or a composer. In class you will learn skills that make this path enjoyable and inspiring. You will also learn to strive for excellence through teamwork, individual responsibility, and commitment to the group, which is something we can all take pride in.
The underlying purpose and goal of this class is to make music. To make this goal a reality, the following rules and grading policy have been established.
EXPECTATIONS
BE RESPONSIBLE. Be in your seat, with the proper materials, when the bell rings. You are responsible for your music. It should be kept in your folder, neat and un-rolled.
BE ATTENTIVE AND RESPECTFUL. Of the teachers, each other, and of the rehearsal space. Always listen closely to directions the first time. Do not chew gum, drink or eat in the classroom.
BRING A GOOD ATTITUDE. Music is a living art form and will take on the attitude of those creating it. We want nothing less than a positive mindset.
GRADING POLICY
- Students must participate in rehearsals and all performances.
** Each Mandatory Performance is worth 30% of the students’ quarterly grade.
2. Students must attend mandatory performances if they are present in school that day.
3. Students will only be excused from mandatory performances in extreme situations; i.e. severe illness (doctor’s note required) or death in the family. Vacation, work, medical appointments, and other personal commitments are not viable excuses.
4. Band students must regularly attend weekly in-school lessons.
5. Band make-up lessons will be offered on scheduled dates after school.
CONCERT ATTIRE
It is important for a group to look like performers. Many concertgoers listen with their eyes. Therefore, the following concert attire is required.
1. Ladies: Black skirt (below the knee) or black slacks with a white dress blouse. Tank tops, spaghetti straps, and leggings are not acceptable.
2. Gentlemen: Black pants with a white, collared shirt and tie.
3. All: Black shoes.
** No jeans or sneakers. All pants, slacks, and skirts must be worn at waist level.
COMMUNICATION WITH THE DIRECTOR
It is the student’s responsibility to clear and resolve conflicts with the director well ahead of time. In many instances, problems can be resolved and a student’s grade will not be affected.
Mandatory Performances for the WHB Middle School Ensembles
December 8, 2015…………………………………...... ……….…..Winter Concert Grade 8
December 10, 2015…………………………………..…..………...Winter Concert Grades 6 & 7
May 12, 2016……………………………………….………………Spring Concert Grades 6 & 7
May 19, 2016……………………………………………...... ………Spring Concert Grade 8,
Select Choir and Jazz Band 7/8
Please put these dates on your calendar.
This handbook and other important MS Music information will be accessible online at Please click on The Arts tab, and then Middle School Music.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
Tuesday, December 87:00pmGrade 8 Winter Concert
Thursday, December 107:00pmGrade 6/7 Winter Concert
Saturday, January 99-2HMEA MS Festival
Friday, January 151-6HMEA MS Festival
Saturday, January 169-1HMEA MS Festival
Saturday, January 167:30pmHMEA MS Festival Concert
Saturday, March 59-1SCMEA Festival
Friday, March 113-6SCMEA Festival
Saturday, March 129-12SCMEA Festival
Sunday, March 131pmSCMEA Div I Concert (5/6)
Sunday, March 135pmSCMEA Div II Concert (7/8)
Thursday, March 31NYSSMA Festival (WHB)*
Thursday, May 127:00pmGrade 6/7 Spring Concert
Thursday, May 197:00pmGrade 8 Spring Concert
Friday, June 3NYSSMA Festival
(Rocky Point)**
Saturday, June 4NYSSMA Festival
(Rocky Point)**
*- Vocal and Instrumental Solos Levels 1-6, no piano.
** - Piano Solos Levels 1-6.
Students who participate in NYSSMA can be recommended for honor groups such as HMEA, SCMEA, and other special musical events.
Please detach this page and refer to it during the year.
Letter of Understanding
I have read thoroughly the WHBMS Music Hand Book. I understand and am aware of the rules, regulations, and grading policies of the WHBMS Music Program, as well as the mandatory performance schedule for the 2015/16 school year.
GRADE IN SCHOOL ______
MY SON/DAUGHTER IS A MEMBER OF CHORUS______, BAND______
(Please check)
STUDENT NAME (please print)______
STUDENT SIGNATURE______
PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME (please print)______
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE______
DATE______
QUESTIONS:
Please return this signed letter to Mr. Comerford, Mrs. Doyle, Mr. Johnson, or Mr. Monastero by Friday, September 11, 2015. Thank you very much.