Everyone who is interested in Jazz Ensemble

Sign the sheet on the first bulletin board in the music suite under Mr. Cassera. There will be an audition that follows on Tuesday, 10/2 and Wednesday, 10/3 after school first come, first heard basis.

The jazz ensemble instrumentation shall consist of:
2 Alto Saxes
2 Tenor Saxes
1 Baritone Sax
5 Trombones or 4 bones and a tuba, or 2-3 bones,1-2 baritone horns that will play valve trombone and or a tuba depending on the audition.

5 Trumpets
1 Piano
1 Guitar
1 Acoustic and Electric Bass
2 Drummers
1 Mallet player depending on the audition.

Auditions will entail sight-reading, a prepared Jazz solo, chromatic scale in two octaves.
Brass your range will be observed, (highest note you can play to by scale and just pick off).
Rhythm section players (piano, guitar, bass, and percussionists) you must be able to read music, chord symbols with voicing interpretations and accompany in the style of swing, blues, funk, bossa nova, samba, jazz waltz and rock.

Week of 9/10/07 Orientation Lessons

First lessons this week you will receive audition material and review of general knowledge and receive rehearsal materials that will be used on a daily basis.

The following lessons apply to both the Freshman Concert band and the Upper Classmen Concert Band.

Tues. 9/11

Per. 2 All Brass in the Auditorium

Per. 6 All Flutes in the Band Room

Per. 9 All Clarinets in the Band Room


Wed. 9/12

Per. 2 All Saxes in the Auditorium

Per. 6 All Percussion in the Band Room

Per. 9 All Double Reeds in the Band Room

Upgrading mouthpieces

If you are not studying with a private teacher, who would have a closer idea of your individual development in performance over the years, I am suggesting some changes with mouthpieces if you are still using a beginner size mouthpiece or a stock mouthpiece that came with a rental instrument. It is imperative that you are set up with equipment to help you succeed in your study of music and performance.

Trumpets should move to a Bach 5 or 3 'C' mouthpiece or a compatible brand.
http://www.ibowtie.com/tmptmpccharts.html

Trombones and baritone horns should move to a Bach 6 1/2AL or a Denis Wick 5 or a Schilke 51. Be sure to match your shank size to the instrument's Mouthpiece receiver, tenor bore or bass (large) bore.
http://www.ibowtie.com/mpccharts.html

French Horns should move to a Bach 7 or compatible brand size. Stick with Bach, Yamaha, Schilke or Dennis Wick.
http://www2s.biglobe.ne.jp/~t_ikeno/mpc_chart.html#1700

Tubas should move to a Bach 18 or compatible brand size. One special consideration is the brand of tuba and brand of your selection.
http://www.ibowtie.com/tubampccharts.html

Bb Clarinets should move to a Vandoren B45 or 5VR Lyre with a tip opening of 1.09 or larger.
http://www.myatt.co.uk/pics/clarinet_mp_chart.jpg

Bass Clarinets should move to a Vandoren B40 or B45.
http://www.saxplus.com/vandoren-clarinet-mpc-info.html

Alto Saxesshould move to a Vandoren T25, Yamaha 6CM. Do not get a metal mouthpiece. Meyer (rubber) and Brilhart mouthpieces compatible to the vandorens would be acceptable as well.
http://www.bill-lewington.com/charts/altosax.htm

Tenor Saxes should move to a Vandoren T15 through T 35 Java or Optimum TL4. Do not get Jumbo java or a metal mouthpiece. Meyer (rubber) mouthpieces compatible to the vandorens would be acceptable as well.
http://www.grevillea.com.au/grevilleadist/dist/images/v%20sax%20mp%20tenor.pdf
http://www.westwindmusic.com/facings.html

Baritone Saxes should move to a Vandoren B25, 27 or 35 Optimum BL 3 or 4
http://www.grevillea.com.au/grevilleadist/dist/images/v%20sax%20mp%20sop%20bari.pdf

Class Policy

SMITHTOWN HIGH SCHOOL - WEST CAMPUS
CONCERT BAND CLASS POLICY
Mr. Cassera

Class Objective: The students will be able to express themselves through musical performance in a concert band setting. This music performance class stimulates the students to grow intellectually, emotionally, and creatively which aides in the development of a ‘well rounded person’.

Required Materials: Instrument must be in working condition. Students must have a PENCIL, metronome, ensemble music, , and the necessary supplies for their particular instrument such as reeds, valve oil, drum sticks, neck straps, etc….

Rehearsal Behavior: Each rehearsal will be conducted as a performance in preparation. Wearing of hats, any kind of food or drinks, lateness to class and inappropriate behavior will not be permitted or tolerated.

Grading Objective: The grading policy is designed to reflect the students’ individual effort, participation and growth.

Grading: An alphabetical grade is earned each marking period. The average of rotation class assignments equals one quarter of the grade. The second quarter of the grade is the average of performance exams. The balance of the grade is based on the average of daily rehearsal grades which encompasses class preparation, conduct.

Course Criteria:

Performances: Attendance is mandatory for all performances and are also understood as
performance exams.

Rotation classes: Each class represents a grade. The grade will be based upon the completion of the given assignment. Students may also be given written exams to further assess their understanding of material. It is building policy that students must attend scheduled rotation classes. Should a student have a testing conflict, then a make up class will be provided. Students are expected to communicate testing conflicts prior to their rotation class. If a student misses a rotation class without proper notice the student will have earned an ‘F’ for that class. All make up classes must be completed within the week of the missed class. If a rotation class falls on a student’s lunch period, the student should bring a bag lunch to eat in the rotation class.

Daily rehearsals: Prepared for class, includes instruments in working condition, PENCIL, ensemble music, lesson book, seated and ready to participate two minutes after the bell. Cooperative participation includes appropriate behavior, improvement on daily music and following all instructions given. Rehearsal conduct is expected which includes but not limited to, courtesy for the conductor and proper classroom manners toward fellow students.

Student success: The development of instrumental skills requires self-discipline and focused practice toward the given assignments on a daily basis.

First Assignment: Students will prepare assigned music, all major scales and percussion rudiments for a test grade. The results will also be used for seating and All County recommendations.

Performance Dress: Concert Dress: white top, black pants, black dress, black or dark tie, black socks and shoes, NO jeans, flip flops or sneakers. Parade Dress: Long Sleeve shirts (provided by school), Tan khakis, and white sneakers provided by student.

Students are responsible for their instruments (rented or owned) concerning theft or damage. Usually, homeowners’ insurance can offer a rider for protection. You will need to know the serial and model number and the instrument’s brand name. Space is available during the school day to store instruments but protection cannot be guaranteed.

Extra help is available for two periods per week by appointment with Mr. Cassera.

REQUIRED PERFORMANCE DATES

VETERANS DAY PARADE
Sunday, November 11, 2007

WINTER CONCERT I
FRESHMAN Concert Band
Thursday, December 6, 2007 7:30pm Smithtown High School - West Campus

WINTER CONCERT II
10th – 12th Grade Concert Band
Thursday, December 13, 2007 7:30pm Smithtown High School - West Campus

NYSSMA Major Organization Festival
specifics will be announced

SPRING CONCERT I
FRESHMAN Concert Band
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 7:30pm in the Freshman Campus

SPRING CONCERT II
10th – 12th Grade Concert Band
Monday, June 2, 2008 7:30pm in the Freshman Campus


MEMORIAL DAY PARADE.
FRESHMAN Concert Band
MAY, specifics to be announced

The Smithtown Friends of Music, our booster organization, will have its Recruitment and Showcase evening in the High School West Thursday November 1st at 7 pm. The New York State School Music Association’s SOLO Festival will be April 16th and 17th . NYSSMA All-State festival will be April 5th and 6th . Finally “Meet the Teacher” night will be Thursday, October 11th .





Dear Parent/Guardian,

Please record the performance dates and concert/parade dress for this year. Note also, student attendance and dress at performances is mandatory requirements for music performance courses. Students need to return this form with signatures, which will reflect that you are aware of the Concert Band’s class policy and course requirements. Should you have any questions or concerns you may contact me at the Smithtown High School-West Campus.

Thank you for your cooperation and support,
Mr. Cassera

Student name______________________________Student Signature_______________________

Parent/Guardian name Mr./Mrs/Ms._________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian signature_________________________________________________________

Contact telephone number:_________________________________________________________

Welcome Back!!!

To one and all, welcome to my blog spot. This space will be used to reinforce class announcements and assignments and/or requirements. Also I will only be teaching at the Western Campus this year. I will miss all of my East students very much, we had a great year.

I am excited to meet my new ninth grade class and working with my returning students. This should be a great year and I'm looking forward it.

Please check back for future postings and Have a great year!

See you in class.