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’.
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….
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.
Course Criteria:
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 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, which does not
include rehearsal and lesson time.
First Audition: The results are used for section seating, the
Suffolk County Music Educator’s Asso.’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 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.
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
September 26, 2015 12:00pm
WINTER
CONCERT IV
Tuesday,
December 22, 2015 7:30pm
GALA
CONCERT
Saturday,
March 19, 2016 7:30PM
NYSSMA
Major Organization Festival
Monday,
May 23, 2016 TBD
SPRING
CONCERT IV
Wednesday,
June 8, 2016 7:30pm
Upcoming Department Dates
SCMEA Day of Tuba is October 30, 2015.
All County Concert is November 20, 2015.
SCMEA All County Jazz Auditions are
November 18, 2015.
SCMEA
Day of Horn is January 16, 2016.
SCMEA
Day of Percussion is February 26, 2016.
The
New York State School Music Association’s
ALL-STATE & SOLO Festival will be April 8th & 9th, 2016.
Jazz
Festival is April 20, 2016.
FOMOS
Awards Reception is June 1, 2016.
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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
631-382-3044
tcassera@smithtown.k12.ny.us
Student name_______________________________________________________
Student Signature___________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian name
Mr./Mrs/Ms.________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature___________________________________________
Contact telephone
number__________________________________________
