“Musical Excellence in Motion”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student Handbook

 

2008-2009

 

Ms. Janetta L. Lockhart

 Director of Bands

   

 

“Go Dawgs”

Table of Content:

 

Page #

3-4                            Band Director’s Letter               

5                              Principal’s Letter    

  

6                              Band Policy                 

 

7-9                            Grading Policy

 

10                             Attendance Policy

 

11                             Band Rules

 

12                             Booster President’s Letter

 

13-14                                Practice Tips

 

15                             Recommended Instrument Brands

   

 

Dear Dora High Band Students and Parents

 

Hello and welcome to what will soon be on of the finest band programs in the South!  Here at Dora High School, the Bulldog Band not only plays music, we live it!  This year you will be a part of musical excellence in motion.  The Bulldog Band is expected to pride themselves in being the finest musicians on and off the field.

 

 Being a part of band will help you socially, mentally and physically grow into a well-rounded adult.  Participating in a band program of high quality, like this one, you will learn discipline, responsibility, how to think more intelligently, and much more. Band is an important subject to have in schools, and we will take it seriously here at Dora High School, but we also have fun.  Since band is a part of the curriculum, I will treat EVERY rehearsal as a class. You will be expected to participate in every class session, and will be graded on your attendance and participation.

 

There is something for everyone here in the Dora Band program.   I understand that the Dora Band has participated in and been successful in their competitions, and we will strive to keep this going. The band will continue to experience growth, and will only get better with time and dedication from our members. 

 

As your director, it is my responsibility to prepare you for your musical future.  It is my goal to see that every member grows in their area of performance.  I love music, and I hope that I am able to share that love with you in the upcoming year.  Welcome to the Dora High Band and GO DAWGS!!!!

 

Musically yours,

 

Janetta Lockhart

Principal’s Letter

 

To: Dora High School Band Members

From: Richard Pate

Re: 2008/2009 Dora High Band

 

Dear Dora High Band Members,

 

The Dora High School Family is waiting with great anticipation for the first performance of the 2008/2009 Pride of Walker County Band. With the past success you have enjoyed and the new additions to our band, I can only expect to celebrate our band’s continued rise to superiority in the county and state. Each and every member of the Dora High Band has a special role to play in achieving the success that you as a band member should be striving to achieve. I am confident that under the direction of Ms. Janetta Lockhart, you as individuals and as a band unit will set short range goals that lead to the accomplishment of greater long range goals of greatness.

 

As individuals, each of you represents the Dora High Band, Dora High School, your family, and yourself in and out of your band uniform. As members of the Pride of Walker County Band, you are expected to conduct yourself in a manner that is representative of what your band, school, family and community expect and demand. I have confidence that each and every individual in the Dora High Band will live up to our expectations and bring home the awards.

 

REMEMBER THAT GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE THAT WORK HARD!

 

Go Bulldogs,

 

Richard E. Pate

Principal

Band Policy

 

Because we pride ourselves in being a leader in the band world, there are a few things that must take place for our program to run smoothly.  I have very high expectations for each member, and I expect that learning is taking place every time he / she enters the room or steps on the band field.  In order to accomplish our daily goals, students must put time into preparing themselves outside of class.  Each member is expected to practice his / her instrument on a regular basis (guard, majorettes, danceline).  If every student is not giving 100%, then he or she is stunting the musical growth of the program.  If students practice outside of class, they are more likely to feel that they are being a contribution to the program and not a hindrance. 

 

Objectives of the Dora High School Band Program

 

• To teach music by its actual performance
• To develop musicianship
• To acquaint students with music theory / history through the performance and evaluation of music from various genre
• To provide all students with the opportunity for worthy use of their time, a means for self-expression, and a healthy social experience
• To develop the ability to function as a responsible member of a group, enhance interaction, and develop leadership skills

 

Grading Policy

 

Band is a music class based on performance. Students are expected to do more than just show up.  Students will be given grades for their participation and contribution in marching and concert band. Each student is capable of earning 200 points of more each semester.   The grading process is broken down into 4 elements.   These are:

 

Performance – 80 points - Students will perform individually taped performances at least 4 times during the semester.  The tapes will be evaluated based on tone quality, intonation, technique, articulation, and music reading.  This grade also includes an individual playing test that will occur mid semester to determine chair placement for the following semester

 

Attendance – 75 points - Students must be present at each rehearsal, sectional, concert, and band event in order to receive an acceptable grade in band.

 

Practice & Tuning Charts / Terms Log – 25 points – Practice & Tuning charts are to be turned in at the end of each week.  Students should write down the time and dates of each practice.  The tuning charts are to assist students with familiarizing themselves with the pitch tendencies of notes on their instrument.  Students are expected to practice at least 3-6 hours a week. To build a musical vocabulary, students will keep a vocabulary log of musical terms and definitions.  The terms will come from the music that is played during the semester as well as added words from the director.  There will be at least 2 exams during a semester.

 

Ensemble Evaluation – 10 point - Students will be asked to critique the ensemble after each performance for self-improvement.  Evaluation should be based on tone quality, intonation, phrasing, articulation, and rhythmic accuracy. Students will be asked to comment on marching style, and what they feel should be improved before the next performance.

 

Final Exam – 10 point - Students will take a cumulative final exam that contributes to the overall class grade.

Grades will be assigned on a 200 point system. Averaging for weekly, mid-term, semester and final grades will follow these guidelines:

 

180 points – 200 points (+) = A

160 points – 179 points = B

140 points – 159 points = C

120 points – 139 points = D

119 points or less = F

 

 

Criteria for an “A”:

• Demonstrate superior work in rehearsals. Goes beyond the call of duty
• Show evidence of home practice
• Gives 100% in every rehearsals
• Works well with the group and director. Can be a leader if needed
• Always prepared and on time for class and rehearsals
• Has correct music and equipment
• Passes all exams and turn assignments in on time

 

Criteria for a “B”:

• Demonstrates above average work in daily rehearsal
• Shows evidence in class of regular home practice
• Gives 100% in most rehearsals
• Works well with classmates and director. Can be used as an assistant leader if needed.
• Always prepared for class and on time
• Has correct music and equipment
• Passes majority of exams and turns in assignments in on time

 

 

 

Criteria for a “C”:

• Demonstrate average work in daily rehearsal. Does just enough to get by
• Shows evidence of some home practice
• Gives 50% in rehearsal
• Experiences a little difficulty working with classmates and director
• Is without equipment or music at times.
• Is occasionally late
• Passes most exams and turns in assignments at a late date

 

Criteria for a “D”

• Demonstrates below average work in daily rehearsal
• Show little to no evidence of home practice
• Work is below average in rehearsals
• Experiences difficulty working with classmates and director
• If frequently without music and equipment
• Is frequently late or absent
• Passes less than half of exams and frequently neglects to turn in assignments

 

Criteria for an “F”:

• Demonstrates poor work in daily rehearsal
• Shows no evidence of home practice
• Is unable to work with classmates or director.  Needs constant supervision
• Never comes to class with proper music or equipment
• Rarely passes exams and rarely turns in assignments
• Is frequently late or absent

 

 

 

Attendance Policy

 

Attendance will be taken at the beginning of rehearsal by the band assistant/or director.  Students are expected to be in their assigned field position or assigned seat on time in order to receive full credit for the day.

 

Below is a break down of attendance procedures.  It is the responsibility of the individual band member to make the necessary plans to ensure consistent attendance.

 

Excused Absences:

• Personal illness or injury; severe illness in family
• Death in family
• Religious Holidays
• Religious Events (Bar Mitzvah, Baptisms, etc)

*other absences may be discussed

 

Consequences

• 2 unexcused tardies = 1 unexcused absence
• 1 unexcused absence from rehearsal will result in a 5 point deduction as well as possibly being  placed on suspension from an upcoming performance
• Unexcused absences from a performance will result in possible expulsion from the band as well as receiving a “D” or “F” in band depending on points lost.

 

If you are going to be late or absent, please contact the director in advance.

 

*Suspension means that a student is not allowed to participate in a performance but must attend.  The student is required to turn in a typed 1 page evaluation of the performance as well as make up the missed rehearsal.

Band Rules

These rules apply to marching band and concert band

 

1. Shoes and socks must be worn to all outdoor rehearsals
2. If members are late for rehearsal without a valid excuse, your grade will be affected.
3. If members are excessively late (more than 2 lates), a student/parent meeting will be set up.
4. Chewing gum, food, and drink are not permitted inside the band room or on the field.  Students are allowed to bring bottled water with a cap to each rehearsal.
5. CELLPHONES are not permitted in class or on the band field.
6. No hats or distracting clothing should be worn in the band room (shades, short skirts / shorts, crude language on clothing, clothing that reveals body parts, etc). Students are expected to follow the dress code of the school.
7. Be in your seat or designated field position on time ready to rehearse.
8. No playing instruments in band room unless you are practicing or warming up for rehearsal
9. No student is allowed to play on anyone else’s instrument or any other band instruments but their own
10. Respect yourself and others.
11. No jewelry (medical jewelry not included), nail polish or excessive makeup should be worn while in uniform.
12. Hair should be tucked into shako
13. No talking during rehearsal unless you are asking or responding to a question.
14. No inappropriate language at any time
15. No horseplay in the band room as to avoid injury or damage of equipment.
16. Practice at home
17. Have fun learning music!
18. Pencils, music notebooks, and drill cards are expected in every rehearsal. They are your learning tools, and required on a daily basis. Do not depend on your section leader or friends to take care of these items for you.   
19. Attendance at rehearsals is mandatory. If the practice schedule changes, you will receive a 2 weeks notice.
20. No PDA (Person Display of Affection) while in a performance, rehearsal or bus.

·        Hugging a parent is permitted

·        No holding hands, hugging or kissing

21. When students are performing in the stands, friends and family are not allowed to sit in the band or walk through the band. The band is always in performance, and having individuals walking in and out of the band causes distractions and it makes the band look bad.

 

Note to Parents

Parent involvement is an important part of having a successful band.  It is extra responsibility to have to raise money, move equipment, and plan social events for the students on top of being the band director.  The parent organization not only raises money for the band, you all are the biggest supporters of what your children do everyday.  You are the financial cheerleaders that follow the band and cheer them on.

 

With this said, I would like to ask the parents to assist me in giving each student my undivided attention. When a rehearsal is going on, I would like to ask that I am not interrupted unless there is an emergency. When parents or non-band members walk on to the field or into a rehearsal to speak with me, it disturbs the flow of rehearsal. Students will not have my attention because I have been distracted. I would like to ask that questions or concerns be dealt with after rehearsals. I will try to always make time after a rehearsal to speak with parents or students.

 

All announcements should be approved through the band booster president or director before they are announced to students.

 

I understand that many students have after school jobs. I will do my best to work with these students but I would ask that parents assist with the student when they are making their work schedules. I will be happy to speak with the student’s supervisors. Band is a class, not an extracurricular activity and I will treat it as a class. It is impossible to have a successful band program when students are missing rehearsals.

 

Students should be sure that vacations, doctor’s appointments and any other events are cleared with me before they take days off. I will give plenty of notice to students before a schedule changes, and I would like to ask that they do the same.  

 

Each student is expected to follow each and every rule. If there are concerns about the expectations, feel free to speak with me. I look forward to having a great year with the band parents at Dora High School. 

 

   

How to practice on your own

 

I. Be prepared

• Practice during a time of the day when your mind is clear of distracting thoughts
• Find a quiet place
• Bring all needed materials into your practice area as to avoid frequent ups and downs to get them (music, metronome, recording device, pencil, water)

 

II. Warm-Up

·        Neck Rolls/Shoulder Stretches

·        Breathing Exercises

• Long tones (Remington exercises, F, Bb, Eb, Ab scales 8, 6, 4, 2 counts on each note)
• Flexibility (lips slur exercises)
• All 12 scales in half / quarter / eighth notes
• Chorales
• Tuning Chart

 

The warm-up is a very important part of your group and individual practice.  You should begin your warm up in the middle of your instrument’s register at a mezzo forte volume.  As you progress, gradually extend your range and play exercises at various volumes to build your dynamic range.

 

 III. Techniques

• Work to improve areas that need more attention in your playing
• Don’t spend lots of time on things you already know or play well
• Work on building breathing, embouchure strength, tonguing and speed and strength in fingers

 

Each day strive to strengthen your breathing technique and gain better control, attempt to strengthen your lip muscles to gain endurance in your playing, attempt to strengthen your fingers for better dexterity and control, attempt to strengthen your tonguing muscles to gain control, evenness, and speed (in this order-never speed first).

 

III. Practicing music

• Practice small chunks, at a slow tempo, with lots of repetition.  This will help you build muscle memory. As you progress with the chucks, gradual increase speed on the metronome until desired tempo is reached
• Don’t spend lots of time on passages that less difficult
• TAPE your practice and lesson for tings that may be causing you trouble (tone, intonation between notes, rhythmic accuracy, breathing, etc)

   

Recommended Brands of Instruments

 

 

PICCOLO

Yamaha YPC 62   

Gemeinhardt 4W

Armstrong 359

 

FLUTE

Yamaha

Gemeinhardt

Brannon

Haynes

Powell

 

CLARINET

Buffet R-13

Leblanc Opus and Concerto Clarinets

Selmer 10 G or 10S

Yamaha YR-70

 

OBOE

Loree

Fox

 

BASSOON

Fox Renard 222

Fox Renard 220

Screiber S-54

Schreiber S-60

 

SAXOPHONE

Selmer Super Action 80

Selmer Mark VI

Yamaha 62

Selmer Omega

 

FRENCH HORN

Holton Faarkas H-179

Conn 8D

Yamaha YHR 664

 

TRUMPET

Bach Straduvarius ML Bore

Benge

King 2000

Schilke

Yamaha 6000 Series

 

TROMBONE

Bach 42B

King 5B

Holton TR158

 

EUPHONIUM

Boosey and Hawkes

Yamaha 321-S

 

TUBAS

Miraphone 186

King 2341

Meinel Weston 25