Dear John Jay Band Family

Dear John Jay Band Family,

We hope that you are ready to take on another exciting and challenging year!

Over the years we have had great success making music here at John Jay, and we are looking forward to continuing our fine tradition of excellence. With such a positive response and a strong work ethic from our students, our program will continue to thrive.

Included with this letter is the revised handbook for the school year. Please make sure you give special attention to each of the sections. I ask that both students and parents read the entire handbook together. You are also asked to return the last page to your director by September 9th, signed by a parent or legal guardian and the student. Please be sure to mark all the concert dates on your calendar.

Below are the course descriptions, expectations, and grading policies. If you adhere to these requirements you will not only insure a satisfactory grade for yourself in band, but more importantly, will guarantee the success of the group. Also included are the Instrumental Music Outcomes and the annual Calendar of Events.

Parents, I would encourage you to lend your talents and support to The John Jay Music Boosters. More information will be coming at a later date. If you have any questions, please call us at 897- 6700 x30066. Here is to a fun and productive year!

Sincerely, Mr. Banda [email protected] Mrs. Esposito [email protected] Course Descriptions

NINTH GRADE BAND Code: N654 Full Year(9) (1 credit) All days N639 Full Year(9) (½ credit) Every other day (rank weight 1.0) Prerequisites: Demonstrated performance ability on one of the traditional band instruments and the successful completion of the instructional sequence of the earlier bands or permission of the instructor.

NOTE: The every other day option may be selected only with permission of the instructor. Members are expected to participate in concerts and rehearsals held after school hours, as well as in in-school rotational lesson classes on the major instrument.

Areas of Study Include: • Skills, habits, and techniques necessary for fine band performance • Performances of ensemble music of a variety of styles • Knowledge of and an appreciation for various styles of music • Performance in many public concerts throughout the year • Career options

Assessment: Student evaluation is reflected in the music grade, a composite of a student’s achievement and performance in lesson and ensemble classes. The grade may be derived from objective and subjective teacher evaluations and observations, including students’ demonstration of criteria-based skills and techniques in performance, home assignments, and District-wide assessment results.

For the complete NYS Core Curriculum for the Arts, see http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/arts.html.

CONCERT BAND Code: N635 Full Year(10-12) (1 credit) All days N636 Full Year (10-12)(½ credit) Every other day (rank weight 1.0) Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ninth Grade Band or permission of the instructor NOTE: The every other day option may be selected only with permission of the instructor. Members are expected to participate in concerts and rehearsals held after school hours, as well as in in-school rotational lesson classes on the major instrument.

Areas of Study Include: • Performance of compositions of varied difficulties and styles • Skills, habits, and techniques necessary for fine band performance • Performance in many public concerts throughout the year • Career options

For the complete NYS Core Curriculum for the Arts, see http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/arts.html.

SYMPHONIC BAND (JJ) Code: N632 Full Year(10-12) (1 credit) All days (rank weight 1.0) Prerequisite: A high degree of proficiency as an instrumentalist

NOTE: Membership is gained by audition or permission of the instructor. These groups are in great demand for performance both in school and the community, and members must be willing to give the mandatory extra time. Students are expected to participate in concerts and rehearsals held after school hours, as well as in in-school rotational lesson classes on the major instrument.

Areas of Study Include: • Skills, habits, and techniques necessary for fine band performance • Performance of highly challenging compositions of a wide variety of styles • Knowledge of and an appreciation for various styles of music • Performance in many public concerts throughout the year • Career options

For the complete NYS Core Curriculum for the Arts, see http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/arts.html. Grading Procedure

Lesson Portion (50%):  You are responsible for all lesson assignments for your lesson group, and there will be a new assignment every cycle. You will receive a grade for your preparation of each lesson. The average of your five (5) best lesson grades is 50% of your quarter average.  Five points will be deducted from the lesson average for any unexcused lesson not counting the five averaged grades. For example, if you had five grades and two zeros, your grade would be the average of the five best grades minus 5 points for each zero. If attendance at a lesson is not possible (i.e., out sick, test, field trip) please submit a missed lesson form and reschedule the missed lesson within one week of the originally scheduled lesson. Band Portion (50%):  Attendance at concerts will account for 20% of your quarter grade. Attendance at performances is critical! If a concert is missed due to an excused absence, a replacement assignment may be provided at the discretion of the director.  Playing quizzes, in-class assignments, tests, homework, and participation during band rehearsal will account for 30% of your quarter grade. Expectations

General 1) Participation . Be prepared. Have your instrument in playing condition. Please bring all the things you will need for a productive rehearsal; for example music, pencil, accessories, mutes, reeds, slide oil, valve oil, etc. . Be punctual. Early is on time, on time is late and late is inexcusable! . Be professional. We are capable of striving to be the best at all times.

2) Concert Attendance Playing a concert is a major goal. We rehearse and practice so that we can perform with understanding. On the attached sheet you will find the concert dates for the year. We have given you these concert dates so that you can refer to them when organizing your schedules. Remember that concerts are a required part of the course that will affect your overall grade.

3) Individual Accountability Always do your best both in and out of rehearsal. Practicing is the biggest commitment you have to this group. Dedication to your instrument is sure to result in success individually and as a group. Practice persistently – keep trying, use different approaches, and if you get stuck, please ask for help.

Rehearsals A positive performing and learning environment should be our primary objective at the start of our time together. The best bands are the ones that work well together and use time effectively. This is a list of the minimum requirements for a positive and productive rehearsal. This burden falls on each of us. 1. You should be in your seat (with your instrument, accessories, and music) and ready to rehearse no later than three minutes after the start of the period. A prompt and orderly start to the class is essential. Tardiness will be handled in accordance with the school attendance policy. 2. When the conductor stops: stop, look, & listen for instruction. 3. Respect the contributions and needs of the other members of the group. Remain silent while other groups are working, listen, and offer to help. 4. Study and practice your parts outside the rehearsal as much as possible, so we can focus on the ensemble as a whole. 5. Bring a pencil to every band rehearsal or store one in your folder. Use it to mark your music lightly; do not destroy the music for the next group that plays it. 6. No gum, candy, or food is permitted during rehearsal or performance. 7. Supplies and repairs should be taken care of outside of rehearsal time when possible. 8. When excused, put all music, instruments, and equipment away properly. All wind instruments go in cases in the appropriate area. All percussion gets covered, stowed, or neatly arranged. 9. The conductor signals dismissal. Instrumental Rehearsal Room & Instrument Storage Areas The Music Department provides an area to store your instrument as a courtesy. In order to keep your instrument in the Instrument Storage Area, you must do the following:  Neatly place your name, phone, and address on the outside of the case.  Keep your compartment neat and free of loose papers, garbage, clothing, and other items.  Please store music in a suitable folder at all times.  Be out of Instrument Storage Room before class starts.  Be proactive in the area of instrument care and safety.  Assist in the cleaning of the instrument storage room on a regular basis.

Music and Instruments District-owned music and instruments are to be treated with care. We are merely curators of these resources until the next ensemble inherits them.  All music must be kept in a suitable folder that prevents damage.  Store your folder in a secure, flat space that will prevent bending, tearing, and damage of any kind.  ALL music must be returned when requested.  Instruments are delicate and sensitive. Proper care must be given at all times to ensure excellent tone, intonation, and mechanism. Please read #6 on your In-School Multiple Use Loan Contract.  Only handle or play your own instrument (percussion instruments especially). Every student must care for their instrument(s) on a regular basis. Make sure that you have all of the necessary care products for your instrument, such as:  Cork grease  Swabs or snakes  Polishing cloth  Reed case (with several reeds!)  Mouthpiece brush  Tuning slide grease  Valve, rotor, key, or bore oil  Trombone slide lubricant & spray bottle  o o o Instrumental Lesson Policies   You are responsible for all scheduled instrumental lessons.  Inform your classroom teacher at least a day in advance of your lesson. On the day and period of the lesson come directly to the music room for your lesson.  You may be excused from a lesson for a test, quiz, movie or review if you do the following: 1. Completely fill out a lesson excuse form and have your classroom teacher sign it. 2. Deposit the lesson excuse form in appropriate envelope in the band room by the end of the day of your lesson. 3. Be sure to get your assignment for the next lesson and schedule a make-up lesson.  You are responsible for rescheduling missed lessons within a week. You will not be permitted to make up more than one lesson in the last week of a quarter, so please stay on top of your lessons with a lesson tracking sheet.  HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC Outcomes and Performance Indicators (GRADES 9-12) Wappingers Central School District   ABILITIES OUTCOMES (apply the following to each content outcome) 1. APPLY ABILITIES TO MUSIC A.HIGHER ORDER THINKING SKILLS: Use thinking skills in music: classify, decide, compare, analyze, predict, generalize B. GOAL SETTING/ATTAINMENT: Set goals and reach them by following a plan: brainstorm, dream, plan, organize, persist C. COMMUNICATIONS: Talk and write about music using music vocabulary D. QUALITY PROCESS: Use the quality process in creating and performing music (plan, draft, analyze, revise, evaluate) 2. APPLY MUSIC SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE A. Be able to enjoy music through listening and performing B. Understand the creative process and be able to create and improvise music C. Be able to evaluate and give your opinion about music D. Be able to respond to music in an emotional and physical manner E. Be able to use available technology to create and perform music F. Understand the interrelationship between music and history and music and the other disciplines G. Understand music as an expression of many cultures H. Be able to create a quality, expressive performance I. Be able to use instruments, equipment, and materials in a respectful and appropriate manner J. Know about music careers   UNIVERSAL OUTCOME: BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE PROPER PERFORMANCE AND AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE A. Attend all performances on time B. Dress appropriately C. Stay for the entire concert D. Be attentive, still, and quiet as a performer and audience member E. Enter or leave the audience only between groups F. Show appreciative and respectful attention to the performance of others G. Adhere to the individual auditorium rules H. Evaluate concert performances, (yours and others), and develop and use strategies to improve 

CONTENT OUTCOMES NYS Standard  1. BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE PROPER INSTRUMENTAL TECHNIQUE 1, 2, 3 A. Be able to use instrument specific posture, hand position, and embouchure B. Know and be able to employ diaphramatic breathing (winds and brass) C. Be able to play in tune, and produce characteristic tone qualities on your instrument D. Be able to read and play the following articulations: spiccato, marcato, tenuto, bell tones, and detache E. Know and be able to use alternate/chromatic fingerings, stickings, or bowings F. Be able to demonstrate technique comparable to the following NYSSMA solos: 9th Band – Level III,  Concert Band or Orchestra – Level IV, Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble – Levels V and VI G. Be able to show proper care and maintenance of your instrument H. Show an understanding of acoustical principles as they apply to intonation tendencies of your instrument 2. BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF BASIC MUSIC SYMBOLS 1 & 2 A. Be able to read and play all dynamic markings B. Be able to read, count, and play rhythms from previous levels, and as dictated by the literature C. Be able to read and play in mixed meters D. Be able to read and play all markings and musical terms of appropriate NYSSMA levels E. Be able to play in 7M keys (9th and Orchestra), 9M keys (Concert Band), and 15M keys (Symphonic Band and  Wind Ensemble) and their corresponding scales or rudiments from memory F. Be able to play 3 (9th and Orchestra), 4 (Concert Band) and 7 (Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble) harmonic minor scales G. Be able to play and explain musical forms used in selected literature H. Be able to compose or improvise an original melody 3. BE ABLE TO PERFORM LITERATURE FROM VARIOUS PERIODS AND CULTURES 1, 2, 4 A. Be able to apply knowledge for expression of style and interpretation B. Be able to apply knowledge for expression of ornamentation to include mordents, grupettos, glissandi, and tremolo C. Be able to compare various cultures and origins of music D. Be able to use appropriate bowing styles for different periods of music (strings) 4. BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF MUSICALITY 1, 2, 3 A. Be able perform with expression B. Be able to perform with balance and blend, “Pyramid Principle” C. Be able to play in tune D. Be able to analyze and perform a phrase as a musical idea 5. BE ABLE TO USE PROPER REHEARSAL TECHNIQUES 1, 2, 3 A. Be prepared for class with music, instrument and accessories B. Be on time for class C. Be able to develop and maintain a regular practice schedule D. Be able to develop and implement strategies on how to improve E. Be able to evaluate group and individual performance F. Be able to store and use equipment/materials properly G. Be able to respond to verbal and visual conducting commands to include: advanced meters, tempo and dynamic changes, and stylistic indications H. Be able to follow established behavior rules I. Be able to show commitment to lesson, rehearsal, and performance schedule 6. BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE PROPER PERFORMANCE AND AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE 2 & 3 A. Be able to evaluate concert performances (yours and the other groups, too) B. Be able to show appreciative and respectful attention to the performance of others C. Enter and leave the audience only between performing groups  John Jay Bands Signature Page     After reading the entire handbook, print and sign below. Please bring this completed page back to your director by Friday, September 9, 2016.        I ______(student prints name) have read and understood the rules and regulations set forth in this handbook, and I agree to abide by those terms. I also understand that corrective actions may occur as a result of not following the rules and regulations contained therein. The concert dates have been recorded in my calendar to avoid conflicts.    ______ Date Student Signature   ______ Student email address      I ______(print parent or guardian name) have read and understood the rules and regulations set forth in this handbook. I also understand that corrective actions may occur to the above student as a result of not following the rules and regulations contained therein. The concert dates have been recorded in my calendar to avoid conflicts.    ______ Date Parent/Guardian Signature   ______ Parent/Guardian email address  (for student-related communication only.) 