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, Music folder, 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, (smartphone 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 student's 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 occurs once a week and 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 in a folder, 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 III (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 and/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 and the Remind 101 app. 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
Saturday, November 11, 2017 9:00am
WINTER CONCERT III
Concert Band period 5 & Symphonic Band
Tuesday, December 19, 2017 7:30pm
GALA CONCERT
Saturday, March 24, 2018 7:30pm
SPRING CONCERT IV
Concert Band period 5 & Symphonic Band
Tuesday, June 5, 2018 7:30pm
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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__________________________________________
E-Mail address_____________________________________________________
Smithtown High School West
Music Department Calendar 2017-18
9/27 FOMOS (Friends of Music of Smithtown) Reception and membership drive
10/17 HSW Great Artist performance by
11/3 SCMEA Day of Tuba
11/7 Symposium
11/8 NYSCAME All County Reh. 3-7pm Connetquot HS 3-7pm
11/9 SCMEA Administrator’s Dinner
11/11 Veteran’s Day Parade Band students
11/16 NYSCAME All County Reh. Hauppauge HS 3-9pm
11/17 NYSCAME All County Reh. Hauppauge HS 9am-1pm
11/17 NYSCAME All County CONCERT Hauppauge HS 7:30pm
11/20 All County Vocal Jazz Auditions
11/21. All County Instrumental Jazz Auditions
11/30 All State Conference
12/1-3 All State Conference
12/12 HSW Winter Concert I 7:30pm Start; Concert Orchestra/Concert Band Period 1
12/14 HSW Winter Concert II 7:30pm Start; Small Ensembles
12/19 HSW Winter Concert III 7:30pm Start; Concert Band Period 5/ Symphonic Band
12/21 HSW Winter Concert IV 7:30pm Start Concert Choir/ Symphonic Orchestra
1/12-14 2018
LISFA Secondary Rehearsal Ward Melville
1/14/18 LISFA Secondary Concert Ward Melville
1/19 SCMEA Day of Horn
1/20/18 LISFA Chamber Festival Stony Brook Univ.
2/3 SCMEA Day of Jazz
2/9 SCMEA Day of Percussion
2/10 SCMEA Day of Jazz SNOW Date
2/9 HSW Rhapsody in Smithtown Blue
2/16 HSW Rhapsody in Smithtown Blue SNOW DATE
3/3 SCMEA Div. III Rehearsals
3/7-10 HSW Musical Theater Production Shows
3/9 SCMEA Div. III Rehearsals
3/10 SCMEA Div. III Rehearsals
3/10 Concert Div. III 8pm
3/12-14 SCMEA Concert SNOW Date
3/13 District 4th Grade Instrumental Music Presentation @ HSE 6:30 PM
3/22 SCMEA All County Jazz Concert
3/23-24 NYSSMA All-State Solo Festival
3/24 HSW Gala Concert
3/25 HSW Gala Concert SNOW DATE
4/13-14 NYSSMA Jazz and Drum Set Solo Festival West Islip
4/17-18 HSW NYSSMA Solo Festival Smithtown
4/ FOMOS Jazz Festival
5/11 HSW Elementary Music Festival – Rehearsal @ HSW 4:45 PM-7:30 PM
5/12 HSW Elementary Music Festival – Rehearsal/Concert @ HSW 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
5/22 HSW Spring Concert I 7:30pm Start Concert Orchestra/Concert Band Period 1
5/29 HSW Spring Concert II Outdoor 6pm Start; Small Ensembles
6/4 HSW Spring Concert III 7:30pm Start; Symphonic Orchestra/ Concert Choir
6/5 HSW Spring Concert IV 7:30pm Start; Concert Band Period 5/ Symphonic Band
6/6 HSW FOMOS of Music Awards Night
