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
·
Bathroom
Policy: 2 passes per quarter, unused passes redeemable for extra
points.
·
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.
·
Students
are allowed to leave on passes only from their pass book (2 per quarter)
·
Participate and be attentive!
Uniform/Instrument
Rental – The
River Valley School District is reinstating the uniform cleaning fees for the
Music Department this y ear. 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.
Concert Band
– As our
beginning concert band at the high school level, this band is made up of
freshman and sophomore students. The Concert Band rehearses during 5th
Hr. throughout the year and has various concert, contest, lesson, marching,
and pep band commitments. Coarse of study consists of a variety of
music, theory, and listening opportunities.
Symphonic Band
– This is our
advanced concert band and is made up of junior and senior students.
Membership in this group demands a high level of rehearsal and performance
techniques. The Symphonic Band also rehearses during our extended 5th
Hr. and has the same commitments as our Concert Band members. This group
tours every two years. Coarse of study consists of a variety of music,
theory, and listening opportunities.
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.
Co-curricular cost = $15.00
River
Valley
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
River
Valley
Jazz Ensemble II
- As an
extracurricular group made of all grades, this ensemble rehearses during
activity period of school and/or in the evenings. Rehearsal times to be
determined. Cost = free
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.
Grading Format by Semester/Quarter
·
Lesson
Grade – 25 % (30%
quarter) (based on material completed – includes attendance, music
assignments, and instrument maintenance and inspection)
·
Musicianship in Action – 15 %
(based on participation – see description)
·
Performance – 30 %
(40% quarter)(based on attendance of performances)
·
Classroom – 30 %
(based on daily participation, attitude, and test scores)
**Musicianship in Action**
This is a new concept
in the High School Instrumental Music Department this year. Its’ goal is
to promote a higher level of service in our students within their communities
and also at the high school, while displaying their musical talents and
abilities. Students are given the opportunity to choose two different options
from a list of five below. Students are expected to participate in at
least one of the options listed below each semester. Every student can have
some unique personal schedules, make sure to talk with Mr. Snow about “MIA” as
I am sure we can work something to fit everyone’s schedule
·
Participate in Winter Pep Band (Cost $15.00). Students must attend all
required games.
·
Participate in Jazz Ensemble I (Cost $15.00). Students must attend all
practices and concerts.
·
Participate in Jazz Ensemble II - during AP Students must attend a
minimum of 10 lessons a semester.
·
Take
private lessons outside of school with private teacher. Students must
attend a minimum of 10 lessons a semester.
·
Participate in weekly Percussion Ensemble during Activity Period (Cost $0 –
Percussionists have priority). Students must attend a minimum of 10
practices per semester.
·
Participate as a music mentor at the Middle School each week during Middle
School Band or lesson times. Student must spend a minimum of 10 visits
to the Middle School per semester
***OTHER? Let me
know if you have an idea that works better for you that promotes musical
service in our communities!
#
Note if one were
to choose to take part in Winter Pep Band (2nd & 3rd
Quarter) for an option, credit would be given during both semesters.
VII.
Performance Polices
·
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) or 546-3402 (H) 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.
Concerts
(25 points each)
____ December
____ Spring Concert
____ Band 0 Rama
____ Large Group
____ Memorial Day (15 points)
Solo & Ensemble
____ District Solo (10 pts)
____ District Ensemble (10 pts)
____ State Solo (15 pts)
____ State Ensemble (15 pts)
Marching Band
____ Summer Band (10 pts each)
___ (75% of practices)
___ (Lone Rock)
___ (Plain)
___ (State Fair)
___ (Arena)
___ (Black Earth)
____ Fall Marching (5 pts each)
__ (Homecoming Parade)
__ (Football –Lancaster)
__ (Football – Richland Center)
__ (Football – Prairie du Chein)
__ (Football – Baraboo)
__ (Football – Dodgeville)
Musical
_____ Orchestra (15 pts )
_____ Crew (15pts)
Extras
_____ Accompianist (5pts/piece)
_____ Band Festival (10pts)
_____ Talent Show (10 pts)
_____ Concert set-up/Tear-down (5pts each)
_____ Private Lessons (10pts/quarter)
_____ State Honors Audition (10pts)
_____
State
Honors Member (20pts)
_____ Performing in Community (5 pts each
_____ Summer Music Camp (15 pts)
_____ Misc. Music Dept. Job (5 pts)
_____ All Required Pep Band (2pts each)
_____ Concert Attendance (4pts each)
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