Friday, September 18, 2009

Concert Band //First Lesson Assignment due for the week of 9/21/09

All students have reviewed the basics of good tone production through warm up exercises. Their lesson grade will be based on the following;

Quality of warm up performance including posture, prepartory breath, and support of sound.

All correct notes and rhythms in St. Anthony's Chorale including playing 5 measures in one breath throughout the song.

Scale number 1 off of the class scale sheet tongued and slurred.

Percussion: warm up, 3 assigned rudiments and the accent sheet # 1

Concert Band Class Policy with Performance Dates

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

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 practice performance. 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 and participation.

Course Criteria:

Performances: Attendance is mandatory for all performances and performances
are considered to be performance exams which are included in the quarter grade.

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, respect and courtesy for the conductor and respect and 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 not including rehearsal and lesson time.

First Audition: Students will prepare assigned music, all major scales and percussion rudiments for a test grade. The results will also be used for section seating and the Suffolk County Music Educator’s Asso.’s (SCMEA) Division 3 All County recommendations.

Performance Dress: Concert Dress: white formal top, black dress slacks, black dress, black or dark tie, black socks and shoes, NO tee or tank shirts, 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

HALLOWEEN RAGAMUFFIN PERFORMANCE
Smithtown Elementary School
October 30th, starting toward the end of the school day.

WINTER CONCERT I
Concert Band 3
Thursday, December 10, 2009 7:30pm

WINTER CONCERT II
Concert Band 6
Thursday, December 17, 2009 7:30pm

NYSSMA Major Organization Festival
Thursday, May 20th, 2009

SPRING CONCERT I
Concert Band 6
Monday, May 18, 2009 7:30pm


SPRING CONCERT II
Concert Band 3
Thursday, May 25, 2009 7:30pm

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE.
Concert Band
Monday, May 31, 2010

The Smithtown Friends of Music, our booster organization, will have its Recruitment and Showcase evening at the High School East Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 7 pm. “Meet the Teacher” night will be Thursday, October 1, 2009. Gala Concert is March 20, 2010 at 7:30pm. The New York State School Music Association’s SOLO and ALL-STATE Festival will be April 9th and 10th.
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Detach and return please






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
382-3044
tcassera@smithtown.k12.ny.us









Student name________________________________________________

Student Signature____________________________________________

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

Parent/Guardian signature_____________________________________________________

Contact telephone number:______________________________________

E-Mail address:_______________________________________________

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Concert Band

Dear Concert Band,

The class policy blog is currently under construction. My current Grand Jury obligation will be until October 11, 2009 (hopefully) If I am in school it means that a court case has been cancelled or not scheduled but I am at the mercy of the legal system should the schedule suddenly change.