Concert Band

There are numerous opportunities available to students.  Jazz Ensemble, 9th Grade Band, Concert Band & Symphonic Band are all during a class period during the school day.  Each ensemble is made up of students grade 9 – 12.  Students may audition for Concert Band & Jazz Ensemble each spring for the following year.  All ensembles perform in several concerts, festivals and competitions throughout the year. 

GRADING/ASSESSMENT

Grading:  Because music is considered to be a highly subjective activity, it is important that each individual grade is based upon more than just performance level.  Therefore, we use several components to calculate a final percentage.  Each band student receives a participation grade for bringing their required materials (pencil, instrument, music, folder, etc) as well as maintaining an active, positive role in the ensemble.  Students also receive points for practice time, Concert attendance/participation, Pep Band Participation, playing tests, & other graded work.

PEP BAND

All band students are required to play for some sporting events in the Pep Band.  The requirement is to play in the Pep Band for 3 of the 4 fall Pep Band dates and 6 of the 8-10 home basketball games.  Those competing on the field or court or cheering on the cheerleading squad are subject to adjusted expectations.  They will never be expected to miss a game to be in Pep Band.  Acceptable excuses for missing one of the fall games include participation in other school sponsored sporting events.  Any student missing one of these two games should give notification in writing.  Work conflicts should be worked around if at all possible.

More info HERE

POPS CONCERT

Students in Jazz Band and Concert Band are involved in the Pops Concert.

Skit rehearsals are the M, T, & W the week BEFORE performances from 7 pm – whenever the kids are done.  Who comes to these?  All kids involved in skits (involvement in skits is an optional thing)

Full Rehearsals are the Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday the week OF performances and are mandatory for everyone in Concert Band (and Jazz Band, but Jazz Band kids that are not in Concert Band would only need to be there from about 8:00 until 8:45).  Those rehearsals start at 7 pm and go until 10:00 at the latest.  These are VERY important

For performances, warm up and tuning starts at 7 in the Band Room, so students should arrive to school no later than 6:45.

PRACTICE TIME

There will be a practice requirement this year of 90 minutes per week.  On the first day of school, I will hand out a chart to track practice time for the first quarter.  This chart will be turned in at the end of the quarter with a parent signature.  To receive 100%, students must practice an average of at least 90 minutes per week.  This should be 90 minutes of practice time ON A STUDENT’S BAND INSTRUMENT.  Please help your student get into the habit of getting 90 minutes in for each week and not doing it all at the end of the quarter.

         90 minutes a week is a good place to start for regular practice habits.  Many students practice more than this - some a lot more.   If a student is interested in improving at a good pace practicing five days a week for 30-45 minutes is a better practice schedule.

         Reporting this is based on the HONOR SYSTEM.  Over the years I have heard many stories from students and parents about students and parents lying on practice time sheets.  While this may seem like an easy way out, PLEASE DO NOT BE A PART OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY.