SMITHTOWN HIGH SCHOOL- WEST CAMPUS
SYMPHONIC BAND CLASS POLICY
Mr. Cassera
Class Objective: The students will be able to express
themselves through musical performance in an advanced band setting. This music
performance class stimulates the students to grow intellectually, emotionally,
and creatively which aids in the development of a ‘well rounded person’. The class is also designed to prepare
students for college level performance.
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. It is a building procedure
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, good manners and courtesy for the conductor and fellow students.
Student Success: The development of instrumental skills
requires self-discipline and focused practice toward the given assignments on a
daily basis, which does not
include 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.
Instrument safeguard:
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
ALL PARADE PERFORMANCES
Homecoming Parade
October 11, 2014 2:00pm
WINTER CONCERT
Thursday, December 18, 2014 7:30pm
GALA CONCERT
Saturday, March 28, 2015 7:30pm
NYSSMA Major Organization Festival
Monday, April 27, 2015 TBD
SPRING CONCERT
Monday, June 2, 2015 7:30pm
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 Symphonic 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_____________________________________________________
