Grading Policy

All grades will be based on the following criteria: periodic playing tests, Smart Music assignments, quizzes, Daily Rehearsal (see Rubrics) and Performance (See performance Rubric)

Tardy to a performance or rehearsal will result in earning half of the allotted points. Unexcused absences will result in earning Zero of the allotted points.

Updated grading policy for 2020-2021

For first 9 weeks of this school year, the grading policy will be adjusted. Grading in music is solely based on effort. Teachers want students to improve musically, have successful performances, be excited to play music, turn assignments in on time, and to expect the most out of themselves. Students should never be tardy to class nor performances.

All assignments will be posted in Google Classroom and Flipgrid (see here for details and protocols on this)

10 points for each Google Classroom/ Flipgrid Assignments (this includes memorization checks in person)

100 points for each performance

Deductions will be as follows:

-10% of points removed from performances for failure of uniform inspection (see uniform policy)

-50% of points removed for late assignment turn ins

-100% of points removed for failure to turn in assignments and for unexcused absences from performances

Event Point Total

Rehearsal during the day 9 point allotment

Rehearsal outside of the day 9 point allotment

Music Checks (memorization) 9 point allotment

Performance 100 point allotment

Pitch tendency charts 10 point allotment

Placement Audition 100 point allotment

4 Pep Band performances 100 point allotment

Rehearsal during the day

Students are expected to arrive to rehearsal on time, retrieve their instrument, music, pencil, and proceed directly to their seat in the rehearsal room. Points will be deducted for missing any required items, tardiness, and lack of effort. See the rehearsal rubric for details.

Rehearsal outside of school

Students are required to attend all outside of school rehearsals. These are typically only 1 day a week either on Tuesday or Thursday during the football season. Check the Band app Calendar for specific after school rehearsal dates.

Performances

All Concerts (10+ football games, 2 parade of bands, 3 parades, December concert, March concert, OMEA LGAE, May concert) are required.

Practicing

The only way for students to take true ownership over their performances is to practice their part outside of school. During school, rehearsals are meant to bring all of the parts together to create music. Students must learn their parts outside of class so they can have a proper contribution to the group. When practicing at home, USE A METRONOME and TUNER.

Music Assignments

Students are assigned little snippets of music to perform either in person (music memorization checks) or digital (through Flipgrid or Google Classroom). This is done for individual accountability and to give the directors an opportunity to listen to each student individually and to give individual advice so each student can improve. It is highly advised that students PRACTICE the assignments before attempting these assignments. Students will perform a selection in front of their Section or Squad Leader for memorization checks. If the student does not pass, they can perform again in front of a Section or Squad Leader or a Director. We want EVERYONE to play and EVERYONE to improve. Not every student learns at the same pace. Students will be given many opportunities to pass Music Checks, but it is up to the student to take initiative and BE YOUR BEST!

Practice

As with any activity, you get out of it what you put into it. Band will not be fun unless you practice. There are many values in the study of music as a discipline that transfer to other areas of life. Although this will not immediately happen, persistent practice will lead to enthusiastic, driven practice. Remember: "Perfect practice makes perfect”.

Here is a suggested plan of study:

• • • Pick a set time each day.

    • Use a tuner for a portion of your practice session.

    • Have a non-boomy place of practice.

    • Increase dynamic range (work on pianissimo).

    • Use our daily warm-up and think “tone".

    • Increase endurance (15 minutes of full-tone playing).

    • Take a break every 20 minutes.

    • Use a metronome for part of the time. (You can download a free app from the app store! TEMPO is a great metronome app, or purchase the highly recommended Tonal Energy Tuner app)

    • Work on technique (articulations, accents, etc.).

    • "I will start with ____minutes and increase to ____”.

    • Practice sight-reading.

    • Listen to your concert music and other marching band/jazz band/concert band music

Instruments

Much like clothing, the older you get the different and appropriate size clothing you need. The same holds true with instruments and mouthpieces. When enrolling in the High School Band program, students are required to own the mouthpieces listed below. Having an appropriate mouthpiece will give students room to grow. Beginner mouthpieces can be restricting and make it harder to perform your instrument. An intermediate to professional level instrument is highly recommended for students who wish to further their musical career past high school. Below is a list of these recommendations.

Instrument and Mouthpiece Upgrades

Mouthpieces

Clarinet Vandoren 5RV Lyre, Vandoren B45 Mouthpiece or D'Addario Reserve Model X5; Rovner Dark Ligatures

Saxophone Selmer C* mouthpiece; Rovner Dark Ligatures

Trumpet Bach 3C

Horn Schilke 30

Trombone Bach 6.5 AL; Schilke 51D, Denis Wick 6BS (small shank)

Euphonium Schilke 51D

Tuba Helleberg 120 Standard; Arnold Jacobs Heritage

Instruments (intermediate and Professional Models)

Piccolo Yamaha YPC62

Flute Yamaha 684H

Clarinet Buffet R-13

Oboe Loree or Fox 400

Bassoon Fox Renard 222

Saxophone Old Selmer Mark VI or Yamaha Custom

Trumpet Bach Stradivarius

Horn Holton 179

Trombone Bach 42B, or Bach 42BO; Conn 88H

Euphonium King 2280

Tuba King 4321W

Recordings

Just as the blind child cannot paint a picture of the sunset, an instrumentalist cannot duplicate a characteristic sound on his or her instrument without an appropriate model to emulate. Below are suggestions of artists for each instrument. Every student in the band should own at least on recording of the Following artists:

Flute Jean-Pierre Rampal, Jim Walker, Paula Robison

Clarinet Harold Wright, Larry Combs

Oboe Joseph Robinson, John Mack

Bassoon Bubonic Bassoon Quartet, Christopher Millard

Saxophone Jean Rousseau, Joseph Lulloff, Steven Mauk

Trumpet Phil Smith, Adolph Herset, Winton Marselas

Horn Dale Clevenger, Dennis Brain

Trombone Joseph Alessi, Christian Linberg

Euphonium Brian Bowman, Roger Behrend

Tuba Arnold Jacobs, Sam Pilafin

Percussion Scott Johnson (Snare)

Private Lessons

Students are also highly encouraged to take private lessons. By taking private lessons, a student will advance more easily while under the individual advisory of a professional of that instrument. Private lessons are a tremendous aid in the development of a student’s musical knowledge and improve overall quality of the band.

To be prepared to play at the next level (College) you MUST take private lessons. What you learn in class is wonderful to become a great ensemble player but in college they want great soloists. There are many options for you. Any student interested in studying privately should see the band director for recommendations.

Scholarships

There is a wide variety of scholarships for both music majors and non-music majors on the college level. Many universities grant partial scholarships or a one-time scholarship to students who simply agree to play in an ensemble, and some will waive out-of-state tuition. Ask for information in the band office, and we will do all that we can to help in your future endeavors.

The Band Boosters also offers two $1000.00 scholarships. See a director in April for more details. Non-graduating students are eligible for a Summer enrichment scholarship in which they can get financial aid to go to various music camps such at BW, Music for All, and Fred J. Miller.

Musician Achievement Awards

John Philip Sousa - This award is presented each year to the outstanding senior band member who displays superior musicianship, merit, leadership, dependability, loyalty, cooperation, and other positive qualities of conduct. This member receives a lapel pin, certificate, and a marble desk piece with medallion. The student’s name is placed on a plaque permanently displayed in the band room. The recipient is selected by a vote of the band membership and band council. If there is a tie, the final decision rests with the directors.

Distinguished Service Award - This award plaque is given to any band member who has made the unending dedication and service to the band. This individual is the person who gives extra and expects nothing in return. The directors are responsible for selecting the best person(s) to receive this award.

Louis Armstrong Award - This award is presented to the outstanding senior jazz musician who has contributed the most to the program. The recipient receives a marble desk piece with medallion, a lapel pin, and a certificate. The student’s name will also be placed on a wall plaque which is permanently displayed in the band room. Selections are made by jazz band members

First Year Award

• Chenille Graduation Numbers are given to the student who has completed one year of Marching Band.

Second Year Award

• Chenille Varsity Letter given to students who have completed two years of Marching Band

Third Year Award

• Chenille Instrument given to students who have completed three years of Marching Band

Fourth Year Award

• Chenille Blue Logo given to students who have completed four years of Marching Band