HANDBOOK 2004-2005
WELCOME TO THE 2004-2005 SCITUATE HIGH SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM!!
You have enrolled in one of the most exciting classes and programs available anywhere and we’re looking forward to working with you all year long. Our band has become known throughout New England not only for its excellence in performance, but also for its constant striving to involve as many students as possible.
Our basic philosophy is that if you are willing to work hard and do your best, then there’s a place for you in our band. As we write this, there are currently 156 students enrolled in the High School Band! This largest group ever will march as one Marching Band, but will be split into two concert bands. Each concert group will be selected based on a student’s year in Band, performance ability, previous work and instrument needs. This will enable us to ensure every student receives the finest musical experience. All qualified Seniors and Juniors will be placed in the Symphonic Band. If anyone would prefer not to be, they should see me as soon as possible to talk about it. Auditions for 9th/10th/11th graders for Symphonic Band will take place during the first three weeks of school. The audition will consist of the materials from last year, marching music, sightreading and scales. Students auditioning will receive added credit towards their Band testing grades. I assure you that, though we have two concert bands, all students will receive similar experiences when it comes to festivals, performance opportunities, etc. Some students will even be asked to perform in both groups! Since we will still meet as a separate classes, all members are required to rehearse every Thursday Period 9.
Our basic philosophy is that if you are willing to work hard and do your best, then there’s a place for you in our band. As we write this, there are currently 156 students enrolled in the High School Band! This largest group ever will march as one Marching Band, but will be split into two concert bands. Each concert group will be selected based on a student’s year in Band, performance ability, previous work and instrument needs. This will enable us to ensure every student receives the finest musical experience. All qualified Seniors and Juniors will be placed in the Symphonic Band. If anyone would prefer not to be, they should see me as soon as possible to talk about it. Auditions for 9th/10th/11th graders for Symphonic Band will take place during the first three weeks of school. The audition will consist of the materials from last year, marching music, sightreading and scales. Students auditioning will receive added credit towards their Band testing grades. I assure you that, though we have two concert bands, all students will receive similar experiences when it comes to festivals, performance opportunities, etc. Some students will even be asked to perform in both groups! Since we will still meet as a separate classes, all members are required to rehearse every Thursday Period 9.
There are three keys to success in our Band, in music and life. They are:
Desire to always do one’s best - Proper Planning - Preparation Clear Communication
These three are all dependent on each other. By following them the Scituate High School Band has achieved a great deal. A few of our honors include:
Last year’s incredible trip to Wahington DC with Superior Ratings and 1st place finishes!
All Bands experienced a PROFESSIONAL RECORDING SESSION in 2003 and produced a SUPER CD—there are still scome copies available—Have you bought one?
Both Bands received "A" at Band Festival last year –Concert Band was the best it has ever been!!!!
Symphonic Band received Superior and Concert Band received Excellent at the Florida Music Festival in 2002.
Symphonic received PERFECT SCORES at the Music Showcase Competition, New Jersey in 1999 and 2001 overall Best Band for the Season in both years!
Combined Bands performed the World Premiere of Festival! In 2001, composed specifically for them.
SUPERIOR and Excellent Ratings and 1st and 2nd place at the Orlando Music Festival, Florida, 1998.
Four superb performances at Trinity Square’s "Music Man" 1998.
Received Superior, Gold and Silver Medals in International Festivals throughout the 80s and 90s.
Received consistent "A" ratings in RI’s Band Festivals since 1983.
Had dozens of students selected to All-State, All-Eastern, All-American, New England Honors Band etc.
Taken home hundreds of medals at the RI Solo/Ensemble Festival.
Had graduating seniors receive music scholarships to college.
WE’VE ALSO MADE GREAT MUSIC AND HAVE SHARED WONDERFUL EXPERIENCES!!
Proper planning means that you will always know well in advance of mandatory events. Because our school is small and students very busy, you can be certain that I carefully review each opportunity to perform as to its merits, time, and how it fits into our hectic schedule. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve turned down invitations to perform due to the above considerations. In return for this, I ask every family to carefully review the performance dates and plan for them to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
With the help of the SCITUATE MUSIC ASSOCIATION, we’ve instituted a number of big projects to further enhance your experience in music. These have included major trips to music festivals, commissioning new works, creating a professional recording and special guest artists. This year’s big event is the commissioning and WORLD PREMIERE of a BRAND NEW PIECE OF MUSIC! We begin working with our Composer in September. We do this only once every four years, so don’t miss it.
Mrs. Marsland and I look forward to welcoming all of you back, under the leadership of Senior Band President Jessica Lai. WE NEED NEW DRUM MAJORS – ARE YOU INTERESTED?
Please carefully read all of the attached pages. Print out and return the necessary forms by the deadlines indicated. REMEMBER, communication is one of the keys to success. IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION, CONCERN or PROBLEM, feel free to call me at 944-4874 or email me at DNeves@aol.com.
TOGETHER, we’ll have another great year!
David Neves -- 9-2-2004
PLEASE PRINT THIS OUT, FILL OUT AND SEND IN BEFORE SEPTEMBER 14TH
Click Here to Go to Printable Version
September 2, 2004
Dear Band Members and Parents,
The High School Band is COMMITTED to perform/meet on the dates listed on the next page. All Band members are required to attend all of these performances except where there has been a previous commitment. In these cases, students will be given an alternate assignment to earn the same grade as other Band members. Remember, we are a team, just like any sports team, except that in Band, everyone plays in all the "games", and everyone depends on everyone else. We need all members there to be as good as possible.
We have few commitments compared to most bands in our state, so we ask that everyone does their best.
PREVIOUS COMMITMENT is a commitment made BEFORE receipt of this notice. I ask to be notified of these conflicts in writing on the enclosed form by September 14. WORK IS NEVER CONSIDERED A VALID EXCUSE. Previous commitments should be of a special nature.
Even if you have no conflicts, the bottom portion of this sheet must still be filled out and turned in by September 14th. It serves as a PERMISSION SLIP for these events. PLEASE NOTE: OUR PERFORMANCES ARE MAJOR TESTS. FAILURE TO ATTEND A PERFORMANCE, MAKE IT UP, OR EXCESSIVE "PREVIOUS COMMITMENTS" WILL ADVERSELY AFFECT THE STUDENT’S GRADE, and WILL JEOPARDIZE THEIR MEMBERSHIP IN BAND.
Please carefully check the dates on the following page. Place these dates on your home calendar.
Keep the page at home for reference. Return the form below by September 14th. Only through constant planning and cooperation can the Scituate High School Concert Band continue its legacy of excellence!
Thank You,
David Neves
Band Director
FALL-WINTER 2004 PERMISSION SLIP
We have read the attached sheets and handbook dealing with the Scituate High School Band, understand the information enclosed, and give permission for participation.
Student’s Signature: _____________________________________________________
Parent’s Signature: _________________________________________________________
Parent’s
Phone:____________________________________Parent’s
Email:____________________________
Check One:
________
Will attend all performance dates listed
________Has a previous commitment on ___________________________ but will attend
all other dates.
I am interested on chaperoning on:_________________________________.
RETURN THIS SLIP (along with the Medical Form passed out in class) TO MR.
NEVES NO LATER THAN Tuesday, September 14th.
PLEASE PRINT THIS PAGE OUT and Post the DATES ON YOUR HOME CALENDAR
(Refrigerator art!!!!!)
SCITUATE HIGH SCHOOL BAND PERFORMANCE
DATES ----- FALL 2004
Sept 20 Monday 2:25 to
3:30
Extra Marching Band Rehearsal for Big E
Sept 21 Tuesday All day --until
8:30 pm Eastern States Fair --
BIG E Springfield, MA
Oct. 11 Monday
Afternoon
Scituate Art Festival
Oct. 23 Saturday
Afternoon
Homecoming Soccer Game -- Scituate Soccer field
Oct. 27 Tuesday 2:25 to
3:30
Extra Rehearsal for Harvest Concert
Oct. 28 Thursday 7:00
pm
Harvest Concert -- Scituate H.S. Aud
Oct. 31 Sunday 5:00
pm
Halloween Parade – N. Scituate Village- in Costume!
Nov. 11 Tuesday
Morning
Veteran’s Day Parade -- Scituate (N. Scituate village)
Dec. 12 Sunday 3:00
pm
Christmas Concert -- Scituate Aud
Dec. 13 Monday 7:00
pm
Christmas Concert -- Scituate Aud
*For the homecoming game, soccer players and cheerleaders will be excused from
performing. The rest of us will perform before the soccer games . It’ll be
fun, worthwhile and go far in promoting school spirit!
PARENTS: Chaperones will be needed on September 21. Interested parents,
indicate below and return info with the permission slip.
NOTE: In case of illness on the day of a performance, the Bandmember
should phone his/her section leader and
bring in a note (signed) on the next day so that a make-up assignment can be
given.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION: All-State Auditions --- November 20th (at Rhode
Island College )
Audition selections are at Roberts, Chepachet Music ----- Get them NOW!
TENTATIVE SPRING DATES: All Band Concert: March 10; Band Fest: April 1;
Pops: May 26; Memorial Day: May 30; PAWSOX: TBA; Graduation: June 10
__________________________________________________________________________________________
CHAPERONE FORM
I am available to chaperone on:
_____________________________________________________
Parent’s Name: _____________________________________________Phone:
_____________________
UNIFORM INFORMATION UNIFORM INFORMATION UNIFORM INFORMATION
Part of being in a band includes dressing properly. The Scituate School
Department and the Music Association have invested thousands of dollars to
provide us with quality Marching and Concert Uniforms. I ask every single
student and family to carefully take care of these uniforms once they are
assigned. You are asked to get them dry cleaned at least once each year.
CONCERT UNIFORM
Black tuxedos and concert skirts will be provided for every bandmember. Everyone
is asked to provide a long sleeved, wing tip collar, white tuxedo shirt with
black studs and black bowtie. If you need a shirt, new ones can be
purchased at a reasonable price from our tailor or in local stores. (Financial
hardship? Call me—we will take care of you J )
We will be making arrangements for our tailor to measure all boys for tuxedos at
the end of September.
If you do not own black dress shoes, get some right away. They can be any style
as long as they are totally black. Black sneakers are NOT ACCEPTABLE,
ALL BANDMEMBERS MUST HAVE THE PROPER UNIFORM AND BLACK SHOES TO PERFORM.
Not doing this will effect your grade.
MARCHING UNIFORM
Our Marching
Uniforms looks really sharp and receive a great deal of praise. I ask every
bandmember to carefully take care of them and have the entire uniform dry
cleaned at least once this year. I ask everyone’ understanding if adjustments
in the uniforms are necessary. THIS YEAR WE HAVE 30 NEW UNIFORMS
COMING, BUT, THEY WILL ONLY BE HERE IN NOVEMBER, SO UNTIL THEN, SOME STUDENTS
WILL NEED TO USE ALTERNATIVE UNIFORMS – BUT THESE STUDENTS WILL HAVE BRAND NEW
UNIFORMS AFTER THAT!! J Students are
asked to pay particular attention to announcements concerning Marching Uniform
distribution. We use a special schedule to aid in fitting everyone. Details will
be announced in class.
Band members must have signed out their uniform by Sept 16th to attend the
Big E.
MARCHING UNIFORM RULES
1.
Jackets and pants are to be hung neatly on a hanger and kept in
the garment bag provided.
2. Jackets and pants should be identified on the inside
with the bandmember’s name. (Use masking
tape in an unobtrusive place.)
3. Marching jackets and pants are to be kept at home
between performances.
4. All hats will remain in the music room.
5. Band members are responsible for the uniform assigned
to them. You may not switch uniforms
without permission. If you do not
return the proper uniform, you will be asked to pay for it.
6. Everyone needs BLACK SHOES AND BLACK SOCKS
while marching.
Shoes must be "totally" black or students will not be allowed to
march
We ask that each family have the tuxes and marching uniform DRY CLEANED once
during the year.
ALL CONCERT- MARCHING UNIFORMS WILL BE RETURNED AT THE END OF THE YEAR.
(Remember to keep your shirt, studs and bowtie -- they belong to you!)
Minimum Expectations for High School Band members
1.
Instrument and music at all rehearsals and performances.
2. Attendance and participation at the Thursday Full
Band Rehearsal, period 9, every week on
stage. THIS IS PART OF YOUR BAND
PERFORMANCE GRADE!!!
Individual practice as much as
possible. If you don’t practice at school using the
practice rooms, you must bring your
instrument home daily. On Thursdays, students may leave instruments in school
without penalty.
4. All music prepared to the best of your ability. Students
not meeting this will not perform.
5. Attendance at ALL scheduled performances and
rehearsals. (Exceptions:
emergency, illness, previous
commitment)
6. Proper and complete uniform at all performances.
7. Completion of any makeup assignments due to excused
absence from
performances or extra rehearsals
8.
ANY STUDENT MISSING MORE THAN 25% OF PERFORMANCES
FOR ANY
REASON,
EXCUSED OR UNEXCUSED, WILL JEOPARDIZE THEIR STATUS IN BAND.
Failure to meet any or all of the above expectations will have an adverse
affect on your grade, seating assignment and status in Band.
Symphonic Band- Concert Band Placement Procedure
Due to the enormous size of the High School Band, we split up into two concert
groups for concerts. The groups will constitute different levels of performance
ability, but will be equal in every other way possible including amount of music
covered, credit received, concerts performed, experiences, etc. The only
difference between the groups will be the difficulty of music performed.
Placement will be based on each student’s musicianship level, past
experience/performance in Band, instrumentation needs of the groups and
personal/musical needs of the individual students. All qualified Juniors and
Seniors will be automatically placed into Symphonic. If anyone is concerned with
this placement, they should see me to discuss it. All other students will be in
Concert Band, but have the option to audition for Symphonic. Some advanced
students, due to instrumentation needs, may be asked to perform in both groups.
Placement auditions will begin as soon as school begins using materials from
last year plus the marching music. If you audition, you will automatically
receive two test grades of "A" averaged into your first quarter grade!
We would like all auditions to be complete by September 19th. We know the
auditions can be frightening for some, but previous experience demonstrates that
the system can work for the best. GET IT OVER WITH TODAY!!!! We promise it will
not hurt. If you have doubts, talk to us!!!!!!!
(See the end of this HANDBOOK for specific audition criteria)
BASIC REHEARSAL PROCEDURES
1. Instruments will be stored on the shelves in the
Prop room.
Please: All instruments labeled with
names/phone numbers!!!
2. Enter the room and set up immediately. (Instrument, pencil, stand, music, chair, etc.) All members should be ready to rehearse 5 minutes into the class.
3. When seated, warmup quietly and constructively.
4. When seated, put music in order for rehearsal as listed on the blackboard.
5. When the
conductor steps on the podium, immediate concert rest and
silence.
6. During Actual Rehearsal
a. No talking or note passing – Use your brain and your pencil
b. Always know where the conductor is in the music
c. Always be prepared to perform or answer questions when called
upon.
d. If you do not understand something, raise your hand and ask the
conductor.
ALWAYS CONCENTRATE, THINK, LISTEN AND COUNT!!!
SYMPHONIC BAND PLACEMENT AND AUDITION GUIDELINES (revised 6/2/02)
All 4th year Bandmembers who have attained a minimum B- average during the previous
year are automatically placed in the Symphonic Band.All 3rd year Bandmembers who have attained a minimum A- average during the previous
year are automatically placed in the Symphonic Band.To be eligible for placement in the Symphonic Band, all other High School Bandmembers must audition for the High School Band Director. A High School Band member will have three windows of opportunity to audition for Symphonic Band: In the Fall during the month of September
For students who audition in the Fall, but were not selected, immediately following the holiday concerts and by the second/ week of school in January.
At any time of the year if both the High School Band Director and the Assistant Band Director agree that it is in the best interest of the student.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Technique
From memory: Chromatic Scale at Full range --- 8th notes MM=120
Major Scales: Concert Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, F, C, G, D-- standard band rhythm mm = 120 2 octaves where possible
Technique Pages from band method book – Reviewed in class
Percussion: Demonstrate Roll rudiments and Diddle rudiments on snare drum
in addition to mallet work on scales above
Prepared Band Music: Excerpts from all Marching or Concert Band music performed in the most recent performance
(Percussion must perform some snare drum parts)
Sight reading: a piece chosen by the Band Director that includes:
At least 12 measures but not more than 16 in duple or triple meter
At least one interval in the range of a major third to a perfect fifth
Dotted quarter notes, 16th notes and syncopation
A key signature of not more than 3 sharps or flats
(PERCUSSION: will sight read on both mallets and snare drum)
Assessment Criteria
Tone and Intonation ------ 5 points deducted for unfocused, uncontrolled or uncharacteristic tone that is prevalent throughout the category
Pitch Accuracy ----- 1 point deducted for each pitch mistake
Rhythmic Accuracy --- 1 point deducted for each rhythmic mistake
Dynamics and Articulation --- 1 point deducted for each unobserved dynamic marking or articulation in the prepared Band music
Starting Over ---- Two points deducted from the category if you decide to start over
To qualify for acceptance to the Symphonic Band, you must score as follows: Technique----- at least 25 out of 30
Prepared Music ------ at least 35 out of 40
Sight Reading -------- at least 20 out of 30
Total Score: 80 out of 100
Note: This criteria may be adjusted due to instrumentation needs and or individual band member’s previous assessment scores or special circumstances. A student may also be accepted under certain conditions (Ex: regular attendance at Dept Night, maintain a practice record, etc)
Symphonic Audition sheet
Name: Grade: Date:
Instrument:
# of Mistakes Pts. deducted
Technique: ----------------worth 35 PointsChromatic Scale
Pitch (1 pt each)
Rhythm (1 pt each)
Starting Over (2 pt each)
Characteristic Tone (5 pt )Major Scales
Pitch (1 pt each)
Rhythm (1 pt each)
Starting Over (2 pt each)
Characteristic Tone (5 pt )"Smith" Book
Pitch (1 pt each)
Rhythm (1 pt each)
Dynamics/Articulation (1 pt each)
Starting Over (2 pt each)
Characteristic Tone (5 pt )Points Earned:
Prepared Band Music: -----------worth 40 points
Pitch (1 pt each)
Rhythm (1 pt each)
Dynamics/Articulation (1 pt each)
Starting Over (2 pt each)
Characteristic Tone (5 pt each)Points Earned:
Sight Reading: -----------------------worth 20 point
Pitch (1 pt each)
Rhythm (1 pt each)
Dynamics/Articulation (1 pt each)
Starting Over (2 pt each)
Characteristic Tone (5 pt )Points Earned:
Total Points Earned
Technique + Prepared Band Music + Sight Reading =
TOTAL:
Status: Accepted Not Accepted Jazz Option?
Conditional Acceptance (Conditions):
IMPORTANT NOTES
1. The SCITUATE MUSIC ASSOCIATION will meet Monday, September 13th at 7:00 in the Music room. Projects and fundraising will be discussed. All parents of Band/Chorus members are asked to attend and join the Association. The Music Association has a huge task ahead of it if we are to continue raising funds for our trip, tuxedos, senior jackets awards and scholarships. President Christine Viveiros requests that everyone help.
2. Chaperones are needed for September 21st. If interested, contact Mr. Neves using the form on the previous page or by phone. Parents who help out in the Association and chaperoning will be given preference for our overnight trip chaperones.
3. PRIVATE LESSONS are extremely important at this level. Each bandmember is now only one out of 154. Many lessons are available during after school hours at our school for only $15.00 for each 1/2 hour. Attached is a list of suggested private teachers in the area. The ones with the * teach some students at our school. Many of the others teach at their homes with none more than 30 minutes from Scituate. Please call them to make arrangements. Though a high school bandmember can do well in Band without taking lessons, having a private teacher makes it much easier to succeed with all of the extras such as Jazz Ensemble, All State, Solo-Ensemble.
4. HONORS BAND -- open to 11th and 12th graders in Band. See details elsewhere in this Handbook.
5. SCHOOL PHONE: 647-4120
6. Mr. Neves’ Phone: 944-4874 If you have an emergency question or private concern, CALL ME, I really don’t mind.
Email is: DNeves@aol.com.
This WEB page will have tons of information. You can always get to it through the High School Web Page. http://www.scituatehighschool.com
OTHER SCITUATE HIGH SCHOOL BAND OPPORTUNITIES
1. Honors Band ----- 11th/12th graders by contract -- see attached
2. Jazz Ensemble ---- by audition. Rehearses Monday nights from 6 to 8 pm and Friday mornings 7 am to 7:45. MEMBERS MUST RE AUDITION EVERY YEAR. Your Symphonic Audition is also the Jazz Audition! Rehearsals start on September 27th. Due to the large interest we would like to have a second Jazz group this year, but enough people have to audition – GO FOR IT!!!
3. Orchestra ----- by selection. Our full orchestra rehearses Wednesdays after school from 2:20 until 3:00 pm. We need enough winds to form a full orchestra with our growing string population. Most of the wind parts for orchestra are easier than the Symphonic Band music, but are usually played only one per part. A great opportunity to showcase your solo skills and to experience the artistic side of orchestral music.
4. ALL- State and Honors Groups -- Students must audition for these groups on November 16th at Rhode Island College. They must register in advance and perform particular solos, scales and sight-read to be ranked statewide. If selected to one of the groups, students will attend 3 to 4 rehearsals and perform a concert with students from all over Rhode Island. 9th graders are eligible for Junior Division Honors and All-State Band, Orchestra, Chorus and Jazz Ensemble. 10th, 11th and 12th graders are eligible for Senior Division All-State Band, Orchestra, Chorus and Jazz Ensemble. ALL HIGH SCHOOL BAND MEMBERS ARE URGED TO AUDITION! Band members auditioning will receive an additional testing grade of an "A" and will be excused from the Midterm Testing Tape Requirement.
5. Band Officers -- Any organization as large and as active as our band requires excellent student leadership to succeed, thus each year, the HS Band elects a number of officers.
--President -- In charge of all activities, under the guidance of the Band Director; sets the agenda, calls officer meetings, and serves as the liaison between students in the Band and the Scituate Music Association. Duties include setting up and running meetings, attending the monthly Music Association meeting, ensuring all members of the band receive appropriate notice of events and coordinating the efforts of all Band Officers. the President is also in charge of ordering the Award Jackets and coordinating fundraising activities with the Chorus. The President must be a senior and is elected in June of the previous year.
The 2004-2005 Band President is Jessica Lai J ...
--Vice Presidents -- two Vice Presidents are elected in the fall -- one from each Period Band class. In addition to taking over from the President when needed, the Vice Presidents’ principal responsibility is to ensure that all band members, regardless of the class or group they are in, receive necessary announcements, handouts and information at the same time.
--Secretary -- Two secretaries are elected in the fall -- one from each Period Band Class. In addition to keeping necessary minutes/notes from meetings, the Secretaries are responsible for taking care of "thank you" notes to members of our community and coordinating student advertising activities for Band events. (posters, flyers, etc)
-- Treasurer-- Two treasurers are elected in the Fall - one from each Period Band Class. Treasurers are in charge of collecting and accounting for all moneys turned in by students and various fundraising activities. Treasurers will work closely with the Band Director to ensure that accurate records are kept and moneys are deposited in safe and appropriate places.
Librarians -- Four librarians are appointed in the Fall by the Music Directors. One from each Band Period in each group. They have the responsibility for preparing music for distribution, distributing music, maintaining extra parts in an appropriate manner and helping students replace lost music when necessary.
Equipment Managers -- Two equipment managers are appointed in the Fall by the Music Directors. Whenever possible, these Managers will be from the Percussion section. Responsibilities include maintaining proper storage and condition of Band equipment, and reporting needed equipment repairs, replacements and/or problems to the directors.
Uniform Managers -- Two uniform managers are appointed in the Fall by the Music Director. Duties of the Uniform managers include helping to distribute and collect both Marching and Concert uniforms, ensuring that uniform storage areas are kept in a neat, clean and organized manner; helping band members deal with uniform problems/concerns.
All officers are members of the Band Council and will have an equal vote at all meetings. All appointed officers will be selected from the Band after elected officers are chosen to ensure that all student grades (9-12) have representation on the Band Council.
Band WEB Page –As you can see, we will be doing more and more through the school’s WEB page. Please try to check it regularly. In addition, I will update our email list to send announcements out to both parents and students whenever needed. If your email changes, please email me right away.
BAND GRADING PROCEDURES
IMPORTANT --- Our High School Band is an ACADEMIC COURSE -- not an extra curricular activity. Students are earning academic credit (just like English or Math) and must be graded accordingly.
The following pages explain our grading and testing procedures.
Due to the size of each of this year’s band classes, I will be requiring a tape of testing materials in the 2nd and 4th quarters. 1st and 3rd quarter testing will be done in class. In addition, there will be regular in class spot checking of band literature and specific exercises/scales. This should give a better balance for those students who prefer in class testing over tape testing, or vice versa.
Students who audition for All-State will receive an additional testing grade of an "A" and will be excused from the midterm tape.
SCITUATE HIGH SCHOOL BAND GRADE DETERMINATION
Each high school bandmember’s grade is determined using the following criteria and percentages:
Criteria % of Grade
Performances 40%
Individual Testing 45%
Classroom performance 15%
Demerits and extra credit will be used to adjust the final grade accordingly.
Explanations/Descriptions:
1. PERFORMANCES - Performances are an integral part of the Band Curriculum and thus are mandatory. Students who are "excused" from a performance for any reason, must do an assigned makeup to receive credit. UNEXCUSED ABSENCES from performances may NOT be made up. Students and parents are notified of all mandatory performances at least 6 weeks in advance. PERIOD 9 ATTENDANCE IS COUNTED AS A PERFORMANCE
a. Successful completion of a performance earns a grade of 100 for that date.
b. An unexcused absence earns the student a grade of 0 for that date.
c. Successful completion of a makeup earns the student a grade determined
by the quality of the makeup. An excused absence, not made up, earns
a "0" for that date.
example: 3 performances in the quarter
a. All 3 performances completed = 100 %
b. 2 completed + 1 unexcused = 66%
2. INDIVIDUAL TESTING -- At least once each quarter, individual students will
perform specific exercises and/or band material during class time. Students
will be graded according to: Evidence of Practice
Time-- Tone -- Technique-- Musical Expression
In addition, during the 2nd and 4th quarters, students will be asked to prepare a more comprehensive test on tape as a Midterm and Final exam.
Note: This portion of your grade also includes written worksheets done and the Band WEB
page project.
Students auditioning for All-State receive an additional testing grade of an "A".
Students taking part in Solo-Ensemble Festival receive additional credit.
3. Classroom Performance -- Students will receive a grade each quarter based on daily class performance including: Rehearsal decorum, Evidence of practice, Discipline/co-operation, Attitude
4. Demerits- Students receive demerits during the quarter for the following reasons: instrument/music not taken home to practice= 1 dem per day lack of instrument/music in class = 2 dem /day
Removal from class due to discipline = 4 dem per incident
Effect on the quarterly grade is as follows:
3-4 demerits - Grade drops one level (A+ becomes A)
5-6 demerits - Grade drops two levels (A+ becomes A-)
7-10 demerits - Grade drops full letter (A+ becomes B+)
More than 10 demerits -- In addition to the above, student’s status in Band is in question.
5. Extra Credit - Students may makeup a demerit or get extra credit by:
a. Practicing in school a minimum of 30 minutes ALONE. Must be validated by a music teacher.
b. Coming for extra help during study or after school
c. Working with 6th, 7th or 8th grade bandmembers after school or during study.
EXAMPLE OF GRADE TABULATION
1. Performance Grade --------- 100% x 40% = 40
2. Individual Testing ------------ 75% x 45% = 33.75
3. Classroom Performance----- 90% x 15% = 13.5
TOTAL -- 87.25 = B+
4. Demerits -------5 - minus extracredit of 2 = 3 which lowers the final quarterly
grade (report card) to: B
SCITUATE BAND AWARDS PROGRAM
In addition to the intrinsic rewards and the learning that goes on we feel strongly that our bandmembers should receive added recognition for the sacrifices they make to be in band. The Scituate Band Association provides the following awards each year to deserving students.
1. Band Jackets ---are awarded to all 12th graders in the Band entering their 4th
consecutive year of participation. Students must earn these through regular participation in at least 8 fundraising and music dept events, in addition to our performances. These events could include working at car washes, dinners, breakfasts, selling raffle tickets in public locations, etc. Helping to set up or break down for events also counts.
2. Instrumental Music Award - is given at Graduation to the senior who, in the opinion of the Director and the Band members, has contributed the most to the Band over four years and has served as an exemplary Bandmember.
3. Outstanding Bandmember Awards - One bandmember from each class in each group (9,10, 11, 12) is chosen for this award. All musical activities throughout the school year
are used to measure students. In addition to Band, these activities could include
private lessons, auditions, All-State, Solo-Ensemble, jazz, etc.
4. Outstanding Jazz Ensemble Member -- One senior Jazz Ensemble member
is selected by the Director for this award.
5. Most Improved Bandmember -- is given to the Senior who has improved the
most over the past four years in Band.
6. Certificates of Achievement - are given out to recognize Band members accepted into All-State and Honors groups.
7. Guilded Tuba Award - is given to the Band member who, in the opinion of the
Director and the Band, had the most amusing and/or "different" experience during the school year. By tradition, the winner must perform on the "Guilded Tuba" in front of the entire Band.SCHOLARSHIPS
Dorothea Sprague Memorial Band Scholarship - This $1000.00 scholarship is
provided to a senior band member who is continuing on to college. It is given
in memory of Mrs. Dorothea Sprague, whose children all were members of the
Scituate High School Band throughout their schooling. Mrs. Sprague wished this
award to go to a senior who was not only active in Band, but was a well rounded
member of the school community. Seniors apply through the Scituate Scholarship Foundation.
Peter Matarese Music Scholarship --- A new scholarship has been set up in memory of Mr. Peter Matarese, one of our school’s guidance counselors who passed away suddenly the summer of 2002. Mr. Matarese loved music and was an avid performer and composer. The scholarship has been tentatively dedicated towards a student intending on studying music in college. Details to be announced.
Special Talent Scholarships -- Just as in athletics, most colleges and universities have scholarship moneys available for talented musicians wishing to continue performing. these moneys are often available for both music majors and non music majors. In almost all cases, a student will have to perform a scholarship audition. any junior or Senior interested in pursuing this should meet with the Band Director as soon as possible to begin preparing for auditions.
