LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL BAND
HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS/PARENTS
Daniel L. McConnell, Director
292-5400, extension 2020
The Liberty High School Band program offers a variety of musical opportunities for students,
encouraging them to perform to the best of their abilities. Students are taught skills they will carry through their lives, such as self-discipline, cooperation and an increased ability to listen and follow directions. The information that follows explains policies, procedures and expectations for EVERYONE involved in the program. PLEASE READ THROUGH IT CAREFULLY AND CALL ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS!
COURSE OFFERINGS
Our high school program consists of two (2) concert bands. The SYMPHONIC BAND is designed to give all students in grades 9—12 a large ensemble experience. Students that demonstrate superior skills are eligible, with DIRECTOR RECOMMENDATION, to participate in WIND ENSEMBLE (Honors Band).
SYMPHONIC BANDmeets every other day in the school schedule. Basic playing components are stressed, and practice techniques are enforced REGULARLY. Many different styles of music are explored and performed based on a difficulty rating of 4 or 5 out of 6. Students earn 1/2 credit for this course.
HONORS BAND (Wind Ensemble) students are challenged with the more advanced repertoire. Selection to this group is based on a 90 or higher rating on Level 5 or 6 NYSSMA solo and the instrumental needs of the group. PRIOR APPROVAL AND PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR ARE REQUIRED! Advanced playing skills are but one component that determines selection. Other skills such as ability to follow direction, work well with others, a positive attitude, and past performance history shall also determine selection. THE DIRECTOR HAS THE FINAL CHOICE OF A STUDENTS ELIGIBILITY TO BE SELECTED FOR THIS ENSEMBLE! Many different styles of music are explored and performed based on a difficulty rating of 5 or 6 out of 6. Students can earn a total of 1 unit of credit for this course (including Symphonic Band)
JAZZ BAND meeting time to be announced. It will be the traveling ensemble for functions in and out of school. We will be working on a variety of jazz, rock, latin, as well as other genres popular for numerous public performances. Students can earn a 1/2 unit of credit for this course but it cannot replace another performance course.
Other groups include but are not limited to the following:
PEP BANDis an optional band that performs at athletic functions, such as football and/or basketball games throughout the year. A sign-up will be located in the band room and students will be encouraged to attend and support their classmates. Extra credit will be given to those students who participate.
CHAMBER ENSEMBLESare an optional performance which will allow small groups of students to work together on music of historic importance to their instruments development. It will also be used as a tool to allow students who choose not to do a NYSSMA solo to fulfill the requirement by going to NYSSMA in a group setting. Students can put together a group to perform and I will work with them finding music, and performance opportunities.
LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL BAND
HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS/PARENTS
LESSONS
All Liberty Band students are REQUIRED to participate in weekly instrumental lessons. Students are scheduled for one lesson per week, on a rotating basis during class time. Students are responsible for class work missed during a scheduled lesson. Students must inform their classroom teacher of their scheduled lesson in advance to insure that he/she is not charged with an unexcused absence.
The only reasons a student may miss a lesson are as follows:
Class test
Science lab
Absence from school
The director must be informed in advance of the students tests or labs in order for the student to have an opportunity to make up the missed lesson. . Every student has ten (10) days to make up an excused lesson. Lessons that are not made up in this time frame are given a ZERO grade! I CANNOT STRESS HOW IMPORTANT THESE LESSONS ARE. The lesson is where most of the material and substance of the course is taught so they are essential to the students success. Constant communication with your son/daughter is the best indication of your child’s progress. If there are questions, please DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL ME!
The breakdown for lesson grades are as follows:
Practice and Improvement 10%
Scales or Rudiments 10%
Technique 10%
Tone Quality 10%
Pitch 10%
Musical Expression 10%
Rhythmic Accuracy 10%
Coming Prepared: (having the proper materials) 10%
Playing Assignments: (including any written exams or assignments) 20%
HOME PRACTICE
Practice is necessary to insure musical success. Students are encouraged to practice regularly throughout the school year. It is recommended that all students should be practicing upwards of 45 minutes a day. I have never encountered a GREAT musician, student, athlete or craftsman that didn’t practice REGULARLY!
UNIFORMS
All band members are issued band uniforms for performances. The uniforms consist of the following:
Jacket …………….…………………………..…………….....provided by director
Black T-shirt (under jacket)…………………………………..student provided
Full Length Black pants, black socks, solid black shoes……..student provided
Only BLACK will be accepted for the pants, socks and shoes. Jeans are NOT an acceptable replacement for black pants. Shoes, even sneakers, must be TOTALLY BLACK! NO FLIP FLOPS!! If there are any questions, please see the band director immediately to check! ALL CLOTHING MUST MEET THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE DIRECTOR BEFORE THE FIRST PERFORMANCE! Students not meeting this dress code will be SENT HOME from a Performance resulting in a lower grade!
LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL BAND
HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS/PARENTS
GRADES
Students are evaluated continually throughout the year on a number of criteria. The grades are based on two overall performance aspects. These are:
LESSON ATTENDANCE/PRACTICE……...60%
If no scheduled performances occur, percentage for lesson attendance/practice will be greater.
PERFORMANCE(S)…………………………..40%
STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND ALL PERFORMANCES!!! A MISSED PERFORMANCE CAN ONLY BE MADE UP AT THE DISCRETION OF THE DIRECTOR. THE DIRECTOR WILL DETERMINE WHAT, IF ANY PROJECTS WILL NEED TO BE COMPLETED FOR THAT PERFORMANCE CREDIT.
During the fourth quarter the grade breakdown changes due to the Memorial Day Parade which is a mandatory performance. The changes are as follows:
LESSON ATTENDANCE/PRACTICE………....40%
FINAL PLAYING EXAM (or NYSSMA)...……..20%
PARADE………………………………………..….15%
SPRING PERFORMANCE(S)……………...…....25%
Weekly lessons have been covered previously. “Performance/Practice” includes honoring the commitment of the ensemble, regular practicing, proper attire for concerts, and overall behavior during rehearsals and performances. Each of these components are averaged together to reach the final quarter grade!! If there are any questions or problems, please contact the BAND DIRECTOR!
DISCIPLINE
STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS AT ALL TIMES! They are expected to follow the rules in the BAND HANDBOOK, HS STUDENT HANDBOOK, THE PBIS EXPECTATIONS and to follow the instructions of the DIRECTOR. EVERYONE IS TREATED EQUALLY! Failure to comply will result in a series of steps designed by the director and student to remedy the situation. Failure to comply with these steps could result in removal from the band!
SEATING
Seating will be established by playing ability. Experience will play a part but if in the opinion of the director, an underclassman plays better than an upperclassman, that underclassman will sit first.. Some stronger students (regardless of age) may be asked to aid in development of a section or part of one if the director deems it necessary. Do not think of it as a demotion but as a promotion for the effort and dedication shown by that student to be given a leadership role. Challenges will be allowed if the challengee is told by the challenger.. Both students must communicate with the director who will then pick the music and scales. Within 6 school days the challenge will be carried out by solo audition in front of the director and section leader. If the challenge is made upon the section leader another section leader will be chosen to sit in.
Band is a Team. No one sits on the bench.
LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL BAND
HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS/PARENTS
SECTION LEADERS
These are generally seniors that can assist the director with the day to day operation of the band and can report problems or head off difficulties in the section. They are also responsible for attendance of the section and bringing any concerns of the section to the director. They are the peace keepers and reporters.
PRINCIPAL PLAYERS
These are usually the best players on their given instrument. They will be given any solo work and will also be asked upon to assist others in the section if they are having difficulties with their band parts. Principal players may call sectional rehearsals at their discretion on an as needs basis. They will also assign parts according to the seating and directors requests.
BAND OFFICERS:
The officers are listed as follows:
President
Vice-President
Secretary
Treasurer
Librarian (s)
The president will assist with technical aspects of the band. The president and vice president will represent the band at ALL student council meetings. All five officers will attend a minimum of bi-monthly (possibly more during peak times) meetings with the director to discuss issues in regards to repertoire, fund-raising, trips, concerts, etc… The secretary will aid in the writing of letters, correspondences, and creating mailing labels needed throughout the year. The treasurer will assist with the Liberty High School Band Account, and the librarian(s) will assist with the organization or music and parts for the band, ensembles, and solos that are currently in the library or added during their tenure.
CLASSROOM GUIDELINES
1. Do not leave anything lying around; put it in the trash or in your locker. Anything left out will be put in
the lost and found, thrown away, or confiscated. (Keep your lockers clean!)
2. Gum, is not permitted in the Band Room. No Food or drinks in the Auditorium!
3. No horseplay.
4. No throwing of objects.
5. No skateboarding or bike riding in the room.
6. No cases under your feet.
7. Ask a director before you use the telephone in the band room. (Either to call or answer!)
8. Respect your classmates, teachers and visitors.
9. When the director steps on the podium, students are to be quiet and listen.
10. Students are not to leave their chair until teacher says they are dismissed.
11. Students are to clean their area and put away instruments when dismissed.
“The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.”
Vince Lombardi