Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Concert Band Concert Videos

Great job on your first concert!  Hope you are enjoying the Holidays and please enjoy your performances!  Follow the link for the video of your concert.  Period 2, unfortunately The Blue and The Gray was not recorded due to a technical issue.

Concert Band Period 2 folder

Concert Band Period 4 folder


Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Upcoming Concert and NYSSMA Info


You are cordially invited to the Smithtown High School West’s Winter Concert Series in the Keirnan Hall auditorium.  The Bands have had a healthy start to the school year and the concerts will be a great evening to celebrate their achievements.  We hope you will be able to attend.  Please enjoy all the performing groups for each evening in an effort to model concert etiquette.

 

Concert I

December 15, 2016

Concert Orchestra, Brass Ensemble and Concert Band period 2

 

Concert II

December 20, 2016

Concert Band period 4, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra and Symphonic Orchestra

 

Concert III

December 22, 2016

Jazz Choir, Symphonic Band, Concert Choir

 

            Students are required to arrive in the band room at 6:30pm.  The performance will begin at 7:30pm.  Concert dress for boys is black shoes, socks, and pants with a white collared shirt and necktie of choice.  Concert dress for girls is the same or an all-black/white dress/skirt/gown that is past the knees in length with dress shoes. 

 

I thank you so much for all the cooperation and support you have given from loving encouragement of home practicing to providing instruments, supplies, and repairs to private lessons.  You make all the difference and you are a big part of our program’s success.

 

You may also wish to know that NYSSMA solo registration and method of payment is available under the Department of Fine Arts page of the district website with a registration deadline of Friday, January 20, 2017.

Band Students!


Athletic Pep Band Basketball Schedule

2017

Tuesday, January 3, 2017 Rehearsal 2-4pm

Thursday, January 5, 2017 4pm Game, call time 3pm G

Tuesday, January 10, 4pm Game, call time 3pm B

Thursday, January 12, 2017 5:45 pm Game, call time 4:45pm G

Tuesday, January 17, 2017 Rehearsal 2-4pm

Thursday, January 19, 2017 4pm Game, call time 3pm G

Tuesday, January 24, 4pm Game, call time 3pm B

Thursday, January 26, 2017 Rehearsal if needed 2-4pm

Friday, January 27, 4pm Game, call time 3pm G

Tuesday, January 31, 4pm Game, call time 3pm B

Thursday, February 2, 2017 5:45 pm Senior Game, call time 4:45pm G

Tuesday, February 7, 2017 5:45 pm Game, call time 4:45pm B

Thursday, February 9, 2017 5:45 pm Senior Game, call time 4:45pm B

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Attention All Bands!!

Veteran's Day Parade Info.


We are approaching our first performance on Veteran’s Day, Friday, 11/11/16.  All students should arrive for the parade at the north eastern parking lot on the corner of Woodlawn Ave. and Lake Avenue by 9am.  Reminders; dress is the Smithtown Music shirt, Tan Pants, instrument with marching lyre, this is a community service and a graded performance. 

At 10am, the parade will step off and students will march north on Lake Ave. to St. James Elementary.  They may be picked up north of the elementary school.  Students with large instruments (percussion, tuba, bari sax., etc..) that will be returned to the HS must put their instruments on the truck before leaving from the parade.

Should there be inclement weather, we will all arrive as planned to the parade site unless I have posted a change of plans on my blogspot.  www.mrcassera.blogspot.com
Dress according to weather, shirts should be on top of warm clothing.

CONGRATULATONS PEP BAND!! Great Season and and celebration @TGIF. Lots of Fun

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Concert Band Class Policy

Concert Band 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….


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 40% and daily rehearsals are worth 30% 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. 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 or Smart Music assignment 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 Asso.’s (SCMEA) Division 3 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 slacks, 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
Veteran’s Day Parade
November 11, 2016 9:00am


WINTER CONCERT I
Concert Orchestra, Brass Ensemble, Concert Band Period 2
Thursday, December 15, 2016 7:30pm


WINTER CONCERT II
Concert Band Period 4, Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Orchestra
Tuesday, December 20, 2016 7:30pm


SPRING CONCERT I
Concert Orchestra, Brass Ensemble, Concert Band Period 2
Thursday, May 25, 2017 7:30pm
SPRING CONCERT II
Brass Ensemble, Jazz Choir, Jazz Ensemble
Tuesday, May 30, 2017 6:00pm
Outdoor, BYO Chair


SPRING CONCERT III
Concert Band Period 4,  Symphonic Orchestra
Monday, June 5, 2016 7:30pm


Upcoming Department Dates
SCMEA Day of Tuba is October 28, 2016.
All County Concert is November 18, 2016.
SCMEA All County Jazz Auditions are November 30, 2016.
The New York State School Music Association’s ALL-STATE SOLO Festival will be March 24th & 25th, 2017
The New York State School Music Association’s SOLO Festival is April 19th & 20th, 2017.
Jazz Festival is April 30, 2017.


=============================================================
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
631-382-3044
tcassera@smithtown.k12.ny.us




Student name________________________________________________________________


Student Signature_____________________________________________________________


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


Parent/Guardian signature_____________________________________________________


Contact telephone number:_____________________________________________________

E-Mail address:_______________________________________________________________

Symphonic Band Class Policy

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 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 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 slacks, 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
Veteran’s Day Parade
November 11, 2016 9:00am


WINTER CONCERT III
Concert Choir & Symphonic Band
Thursday, December 22, 2016 7:30pm


GALA CONCERT


Saturday, April 1, 2017 7:30pm


 SPRING CONCERT IV


Symphonic Band & Concert Choir
Tuesday, June 6, 2017 7:30pm


Upcoming Department Dates



SCMEA Day of Tuba is October 28, 2016.
All County Concert is November 18, 2016.
SCMEA All County Jazz Auditions are November 30, 2016.
The New York State School Music Association’s ALL-STATE SOLO Festival will be March 24th & 25th, 2017
The New York State School Music Association’s SOLO Festival is April 19th & 20th, 2017.
Jazz Festival is April 30, 2017.






===========================================================


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__________________________________________
 
E-Mail address_____________________________________________________

Friday, June 17, 2016

SHSW Jazz Audition results


Good evening Jazz Students,

 

Thank you to everyone for your well prepared solos and patience.  This year’s auditions had some tough competition.  Please be aware that this is a full year commitment to rehearsals and performances.  Selected members won their seat from another student and can give their seat to an alternate player if the band commitment is not kept.   We will begin rehearsals September 13, 2016, 6:30-8:30pm in the band room.  I will communicate with you via REMIND 101.  Alternates will receive music but will not be expected to be at rehearsal unless requested.  Looking forward to a great year!

2016-17 Jazz Ensemble

Trumpets;

Chris M., Patrick H., Patrick K., Michael G., Francesco V.

Trombones;

Blake C., Brandon R., Nicholas M., Chase C., Nicholas Ma.

Alto Sax

Justin P., Steve M.

Tenor Sax;

Julia C., Brian S.

Baritone Sax;

Joseph P.

Piano;

Ava W., Grace R.

Bass

Justin T.

Drum Set;

James K., Thomas R.

Vibes;

Thomas R.

Alternates;

Sam M., Eoghan M., Vishal R., Jay L., Justin B.