Band Class Policies

Freehold Township High School
Music Department:
Talent - Respect - Dedication
Edward Gattsek, FTHS - Music Director
732-431-8460 x3051
egattsek@frhsd.com

Band I, II, III, IV (and honors)

Student Procedures, Requirements, and Grading Policies

Purpose: This class aims to perform a diverse range of band repertoire. Students will enhance individual skills while contributing to the larger ensemble. Each student is expected to commit to rehearsals, private practice, and performances necessary for an exceptional musical group. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory, regardless of personal schedules, as each student has over 100 fellow band members relying on their presence and preparation.

Concert/Symphonic Band (All Year): This ensemble forms the “core” of the FTHS Instrumental program, including wind, brass, and percussion players of all skill levels. Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays after school and at other times announced by the director. Members regularly perform at events such as the Holiday Concert, Spring Concert, and Graduation. Participation in the Marching Band and attendance at all dress rehearsals are also required.

Marching Band (Fall Football Season and Memorial Day Parade): The Marching Band is active during the fall football season and other scheduled events. It performs at varsity football games, parades, and additional occasions. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings and Wednesdays after school, with further times announced by the director. Performances occur at every home football game and various spring events. The band calendar contains detailed scheduling. In case of conflicts with sports or other school activities, efforts will be made to ensure equitable participation for all students in their chosen extracurriculars.

Band Classroom Rules

1. Be on/join the REMIND & Google Calendar: Both you and your parents need to be on the appropriate REMIND. Also have the calendar synched on both student and parent phones.  If needed, please see Mr. G for help with this.

2. Bring Required Items: Always bring your instrument, sheet music, a pencil, and proper equipment (mouthpieces, reeds, swabs, folder, etc.) to every rehearsal and performance.

3. No Talking: Avoid talking or disturbances during rehearsals. Subdued talking is allowed only with the director’s permission or when they are not at the podium.

4. No Eating or Gum: Chewing gum or eating is not allowed during rehearsals, performances, or in the band room.

5. Be on Time: Be seated or standing in formation at the designated time. Late arrivals will be marked tardy.

6. Posture: Maintain good posture—avoid crossed legs, slumping, or slouching.

7. Setup Music: Before rehearsals, read the whiteboard at the front of the room and arrange music in the correct order as instructed. Do not write on the whiteboard or change the posting board without permission.

8. No Loud Behavior: Loud talking, shouting, or horseplay is prohibited.

9. No Electronics: Personal electronic devices are not allowed during class, rehearsal, or performance. Follow the FRHSD/FTHS cell phone policy.

10. Sign Out: If you need to leave the room, sign out in the logbook. No hall passes for the first 15 minutes of class unless it's an emergency.

Grading Policy – FTHS Band Class

All grading policies of the Freehold Regional High School District are strictly applied. The students enrolled in the FTHS Band are graded primarily on development and improvement of musical skills, attendance at and participation in rehearsals and public performances. Playing Tests, program notes, student effort, student written self-critique and reflection, classwork, homework, outside reading, mid-term exam, final exam and other evaluative methods as listed in the course proficiencies may be used to assess student progress. Given each student’s level of proficiency, emphasis is on the following areas:

Posture (seated), Posture (standing), Breathing, Phrasing, Rhythmic Accuracy, Intonation, Tone, Dress Code, Rehearsal Etiquette, Ensemble Technique, Note Accuracy, Marching Band Participation, Articulation, Attendance

Product/Major Assessments: 60%

1. Attendance at all rehearsals, dress rehearsals and performances is mandatory for credit.  If the student fails to attend the dress rehearsal, he/she will receive a failing grade and may not perform.  

   • An unexcused absence carries a penalty of a zero (0) for that day’s activity (rehearsal or performance) and may result in an additional ten (10) points off the student’s final marking period grade. Only in cases of extreme emergency or extreme illness will a student be excused from a performance. 

   • The marching band rehearses after school: Tuesday Nights 5:30 – 8:30pm and Wednesday After School until 5:15 pm.  Be sure to check band calendar for up to date info.  

   • The Concert Band meets most Wednesdays after school.

   • Dress rehearsals usually occur the day or 2 before a performance and are mandatory in order to perform. Failure to attend will affect a student’s “performances, tests, and quizzes” portion of the marking period grade also.  

Complete page for - Attendance Policy

2. Tests and quizzes will be given during each marking period.

More details on grading - Grading Policy - Band
 

3. Students may use their notebooks for tests and quizzes.

4. Students may not share answers with each other on tests and quizzes.

5. Dress Code - FRHSD provides band uniforms for all band students.  Students shall DRY CLEAN excessively soiled uniforms.  Students must provide Black calf socks and marching shoes (available thru music parents and Mr. G)

Dress Code, Concert Band - 

• Option A - White tops (with sleeves), black pants or skirt (below the knee when seated); or All Black Dress (below the knee when seated, with sleeves) Black Shoes (avoid high heels, no boots)

• Option B - White tops, UNDERSHIRTS, black pants, black calf socks (no short sneaker socks) and black shoes. Ties optional. 

Please choose the concert attire that you feel most comfortable wearing.  

Students may not participate in a field show or concert performance without satisfying the appropriate dress code.

 Complete policy for - Dress Code 

Process/Minor Assessments: 40%

1. Students will remain active and productive contributors to the creative and learning processes.  

2. Students will complete "rhythm sheets," "do-now" work,  homework, or other written work.

3. Assessments for progress on a given work will be conducted -  individual performances, technique & part preparation, group work, mini projects

4. When the instructor is providing the lesson, students must remain quiet. Raise your hand when you have a question.

5. Students will refrain from doing work from other classes while in music class.

6. Students will come to class each day with their instruments, sheet music, pencil and other appropriate music creating materials.