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 class stimulates the students to grow intellectually, emotionally,
and creatively which aides in the development of a ‘well rounded person. It is also designed to prepare students for
future participation with a performing group.
Required Materials for rehearsal: Instrument must be in working
condition. Students must have a PENCIL, ensemble music, and the necessary
supplies for their particular instrument such as reeds, valve oil, drum sticks,
neck straps, etc….
Required Materials for home practice
and exam preparation: Lesson
book, assigned music, metronome, tuner, practice record, (smart phone apps may
be used). I highly recommend an app that
is only useful on a tablet or computer called smart music which has a built in
metronome, recording and correction app, and access to hundreds of method
books, solos, and ensemble music.
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 based
on a student's performance in rotation class assignments, daily rehearsal
classes and on exam scores. Exams are worth 30%, rotation classes are worth 30%
and daily rehearsals are worth 40% of the quarter grade. Daily rehearsal grades
encompass class preparation, conduct and participation.
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.
Performances: Performances are exams which are calculated into the
quarter grade. Attendance is mandatory for all performances.
Rotation classes: Each class represents a grade. The grade will be based upon
the completion of a 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 a
zero 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 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: The results
are used for section seating, the Suffolk County Music Educator’s Assn.’s
(SCMEA) Division 3 (9th and 10th grades only) All County
recommendations and count as the first test score.
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 care and 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 in lockers but protection cannot be guaranteed.
Extra help is available by appointment.
Announcements: Students will be informed during class and by way of the
following website; www.mrcassera.blogspot.com.Students should become followers of the website to be
alerted when new announcements are made.
REQUIRED PERFORMANCE DATES
WINTER CONCERT
Concert Band Period 2
Thursday, December 11, 2014 7:30pm
Concert Band Period 8
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 7:30pm
NYSSMA Major
Organization Festival
Monday,
April 27, 2015 TBD
SPRING CONCERT
Concert Band Period 2
Tuesday, May 19, 2015 7:30pm
Concert Band Period 8
Thursday, May 18, 2015 7:30pm
ALL
PARADE PERFORMANCES
Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2015
Upcoming Department Dates
Smithtown Friends of Music will be
present at “Back to School” night September 11, 2014.
SCMEA Day of Tuba is November 14,
2014.
All County Concert is November 21,
2014.
SCMEA All County Jazz Auditions are
November 24, 2014.
The New
York State School Music Association’s SOLO
Festival is April 15th & 16th, 2015.
Jazz
Festival is April 22, 2015.
The New
York State School Music Association’s
ALL-STATE SOLO Festival will be May 15th & 16th, 2015
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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:______________________________________________________________
