Your grade in Band – Earn an A!!
Your grade in Band is an earned one. It WILL NOT be based, in any way, on your ability to play your instrument. Rather, it will be based upon the contribution you make to the success of the group. Also, please remember that because you will not be tested regularly as you are in academic classes, your grade will be primarily based on your participation, your attendance in class and at concerts, and how hard you are willing to work for the excellence of our organization. It will not be enough merely to SAY that you are interested in the group’s success; you must demonstrate by your actions that you are dedicated to that goal.
TO EARN AN “A” IN Band, A STUDENT MUST:
1. Be in attendance at all concerts and performances (see schedule below) for the ENTIRE CONCERT, unless illness or family emergency should prevent attendance. The student must notify the director BEFORE the event to be excused. It is essential that you support your peers in each band as they perform – they will do the same for you. In addition to attendance, students must wear the appropriate dress for each concert. For marching band, black shoes & socks are required.
2. Be on time to class, in the assigned seat and ready to play your instrument. *
3. Demonstrate by a positive attitude and by disciplined behavior that the band’s excellence is of prime importance.
4. Participate in small group and/or individual instrumental lessons. Instrument lessons take place once per week during the student’s study hall, lunch period, choir period, or before or after school and last for about 15 minutes. The student must demonstrate knowledge of instrumental music and demonstrate effort in learning scales and exercises pertinent to each individual’s instrument
5. Show a willingness to cooperate in every way your talent permits.
*Please Note: Because we have no homework and very few tests, attendance is VERY important. Because talking is disruptive to our group effort, talking out of turn in class will likewise result in the lowering of the grade. In addition, much of the equipment we use is costly. Disrespect to school owned equipment will result in lowering of a student’s grade.
My goal as your director is to assist you in every way possible to have meaningful musical experiences, explore your instrumental talents, and to earn that A! If you have an extenuating circumstance or would like to discuss any aspect of your role in band, please do not hesitate to talk with me!
Thank you,
Matthew Snow
588-2554 x285
msnow@rvschools.org
Instrumental Music Calendar
Required - Band Performance Dates:
Monday, August 20th Marching Band Camp 9-Noon & 1:30 – 4:30
Tuesday, August 21st Marching Band Camp 9-Noon & 1:30 – 4:30
Wednesday, August 22nd Marching Band Camp 9-Noon & 1:30 – 4:30
Friday, August 24th Football Game - Nekoosa 6:00 PM
Sunday, September 2nd Spring Green Parade 11:00 AM
Monday, September 10th Marching Band Practice 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Friday, September 14th Football Game – Westby 6:00 PM
Monday, September 17th Marching Band Practice 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Thursday, September 20th Homecoming Pep Rally 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Friday, September 21st Homecoming Parade 1:00 PM
Friday, September 21st Football Game – Lancaster 6:00 PM
Monday, September 24th Marching Band Practice 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Saturday, October 13th Alicia Yanke Memorial (Dells) 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Thursday, October 18th Football Game – Richland Center 6:00 PM
Friday, October 19th Indoor Marching Concert 7:00 PM
Monday, December 17th HS Band Concert Old Gym 7PM
Tuesday, December 18th HS Jazz Concert (Jazz Bands only) Lone Rock 7PM
February 14th & 16th Madrigal Dinner (All Bands) TBA
Friday, March 14th HS Band Concert Old Gym 7PM
Tuesday, March 11th SWC Jazz Contest (Jazz Band Only) Prairie du Chien
Thursday, May 8th HS Band & Choir Concert New Gym 7PM
Saturday, May 10th` Large Group Contest Lancaster 8-3PM
Monday, May 26th Memorial Day Services (Band) 8AM – Noon
Thursday, May 29th Band – O – Rama 7:00 PM
Thursday, June 5th Pep Band Concert Post House Garden
Friday, June 1st GRADUATION (All Bands) New Gym 7:30 p.m.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND INFORM YOUR EMPLOYERS NOW!!
Other Important Dates to Consider:
Saturday, September 15th UW Band Day 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM
**Tuesday, September 18th Volleyball – Platteville 6:30 PM
**Tuesday, October 2nd Volleyball – Richland Center 6:30 PM
**Thursday, October 4th Volleyball – Lancaster 6:30 PM
Saturday, April 5th Solo & Ensemble RVHS – All Day
Saturday, April 26th State Solo & Ensemble UW Platteville
**Students are asked to make at least two Volleyball pep bands in the fall. In addition to the three scheduled games, there will be 2-3 playoff games to choose from
A separate Winter Pep Band Schedule is given to all students before the athletic season begins. This will also be given in advance to facilitate easier work schedules. Winter Pep Band is optional but encouraged for everyone to participate
**Please return enclosed Band Contract to the High School by Monday, September 10th. Thank you.**
2. We understand that students must ride the bus to events held outside of the River Valley School District due to District Insurance Policies.
3. We understand that students may not ride with another student or students’ parents, even with written permission, unless otherwise instructed by an administrator of the River Valley School District. Students may only ride with their OWN parent or take the bus. We understand failure to comply with this rule may result in disqualification at contest or a lowering of the student’s grade.
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Band Member Signature Date
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Thank you so much for taking the time to read this contract and for reserving these important performance dates!
Matt Snow