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.
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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
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:_______________________________________________________________
