The Goals of the RVHS Band program are to enable students to:
· Develop musicality that satisfies a basic human need aesthetic expression.
· Examine the elements of music: rhythm, melody, harmony, form, tone, tone color, texture, dynamics, and style.
· Acquire music skills through a variety of experiences: playing instruments, listening, reading, movement, creating, and evaluating.
· Develop attitudes that will encourage further growth and enjoyment throughout adult life.
· Develop a positive concept of self worth through musical experiences.
· Discover interests, develop leadership, achieve visible success in the school and community, and to develop their musical abilities and give them insights into career opportunities and/or lifetime pursuits.
· Show respect for others, yourself, and all equipment.
· Be Prepared. Have instrument, music, and pencil for all rehearsals.
· Be on time to class and performances. Tardy Policy: After 2nd Tardy = Follow the High School 4 step Misconduct Policy
· Leave gum, candy, food, and drinks outside of the band room (school policy).
· Leave books, homework, and study materials from other classes outside of the band room or in your instrument bin.
· Participate and be attentive!
Uniform/Instrument Rental – The River Valley School District is reinstating the uniform cleaning fees for the Music Department this year. They will be $10.00 per uniform. There will be no fee for using school instruments, however, damage caused by negligence or vandalism will be charged in full. (See Usage of School Instruments)
Instrument Repair – Students are responsible for the cost of any repairs to their instruments. You can have your instrument sent in with the Ward-Brodt representative, Dan Selz, who comes every Thursday afternoon. Ward-Brodt will then send the instrument back when completed and bill the student directly through the school. You will need to pay Ward-Brodt before you receive your instrument.
Percussion – All percussionists in the High School will need to have their own stick & mallet bag with a pair of 7A snare sticks and rubber mallets (blue). This can be ordered through Mr. Snow or purchased on own. Failure to have this essential instrumental equipment will result in a lowering of student’s grade. Percussionists that will be marching snare drum in the fall will be required to purchase two sets of marching sticks ($8.00 a pair).
Description of Bands
**Combined Wind Ensemble – This year, 2011-2012 we are combining both bands for rehearsals and performances. All band students will rehearse the same hour and eat the same hour (TBA). Having band class over the lunch hour gives the class a lot of flexibility in scheduling different types of ensembles.
Pep Band – This volunteer group supports our athletic teams throughout the fall and winter seasons. Fun, excitement, and participation is what this group is all about. Free
RiverValley Jazz Ensemble I – As an extracurricular group made of 10th – 12th Grades by audition, this ensemble rehearses during the mornings before school and/or in the evenings. Rehearsal times to be determined. Students must be enrolled in Concert/Symphonic band to participate in this group. Cost = $15.00
Blackhawk Marching Band – This band is made of both Concert and Symphonic Bands and performs at all of our home football games and in various parades during the summer and fall. Membership is required.
· River Valley high School Music Department will offer students the opportunity to use the following school instruments: Baritone/Euphonium, Tuba, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Piccolo, and Percussion (See Percussion Guidelines)
· The Music Department will provide an instrument to the student that is in excellent playing condition at the beginning of the fall semester.
· The student is expected to keep the instrument in excellent playing condition through care and personal maintenance to their instrument (i.e. oiling valves, keeping clean in its case, putting away carefully after rehearsals, etc.) Expense due to negligence will result in the student paying for the instrument repair.
· As an instrument ages, it will require some “normal wear & tear” repair work as deemed by a certified instrument repair technician. This will be the responsibility of the Music Department. However, repairs to instruments not deemed “normal” will be the responsibility of the student.
· Percussion Guidelines: Percussionists must have a stick bag that includes a pair of concert snare sticks and rubber mallets in class at all times. Locks are provided for students to lock their belongings after class.
If a student is found to be negligent to his/her instrument more than once, he/she will not be allowed to use a school instrument.
· The greatest factor that will determine success for any individual is attitude. It takes dedication to meet worthwhile goals, and the study of music can nurture positive attitudes and the ability to concentrate.
· In addition, participation is the key for success in band. As a part of a group what you do affects all of us, how we perform, and ultimately how we are perceived. Consequently, student attitude/behavior, classroom participation, lesson participation and practice, and performance participation comprise each student’s grade.
· Music is an academic discipline, but it is not something only a few gifted students can enjoy and become skilled in. It can be very demanding, but with effort and study it can enrich the life of any student.
· Based on a curriculum that is largely performance oriented, the following grading rationale will be used for 2005-2006 school year for the High School Band.
· Lesson Grade – 40 % (based on material completed – includes attendance, music assignments, and instrument maintenance and inspection)
· Performance – 45% (based on attendance of performances)
· Classroom – 15 % (based on daily participation, attitude, and test scores)
· Attendance – Due to the nature of our band curriculum, performances are very important. A concert or marching performance is the exam of the material we have been working on in class, and is therefore an extension of that class. Concert and marching performances are required, and absences will only be excused due to illness or a family emergency. I can be reached at 588-2554 (W) if such an instance may occur. Unexcused absences will affect the individual’s grade and consistent absences may result in dismissal from band. If an absence is excused, the student will complete a make-up assignment within a week of returning to school from the absence.
· Transportation – Band students must ride the bus to participate in out of town events! Students may leave the event with a parent/relative only if there is a note provided at the event. At no time will a student be able to drive or ride with another student.
· Apparel – The appearance of the band is very important. The band must appear to be confident, unified, and neat. During concert and marching performances hair must be up and off of face and neck. With the exception of the pearl necklaces, there will be no dangling jewelry worn. It is imperative students wear black shoes and socks during concerts and while marching. Absence of these will reflect in a student’s individual participation credit.
If obtaining any part of the band uniform is a hardship, please let me know and we can arrange appropriate items.
