Bishop Carroll Catholic High School
Instrumental Music Handbook
Mr.
Michael Mapp
Director
of Bands, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School
Combined
Saints Program
School:
(316) 722-2390
E-mail:
mappmike@bcchs.org
Why do I teach music?
It is exact, specific, and it demands exact acoustics.
A conductor’s full score is a chart, a graph that indicates
frequencies, intensities, volume changes, melody, and harmony all at once
and with the most exact control of time.
Music is
Mathematical.
It is rhythmically based on the subdivision of time into fractions,
which must be done instantaneously, not worked out on paper.
Music is a
Foreign Language.
Most of the terms are in Italian, German, or French and the notation is
certainly not English, but a highly developed kind of shorthand that uses
symbols to represent ideas. The
semantics of music are the most complete and universal language.
Music is
History.
Music usually reflects the environment and times of its creation, often
even the country and ethnic background.
Music is
physical education.
It requires fantastic coordination of fingers, hands, arms, lips,
cheeks, and facial muscles in addition to extraordinary control of the
diaphragmatic back, stomach, and chest muscles, which respond instantly to
the sound the ear hears and the mind interprets.
Music is all
these things, but most of all music is ART.
It allows a human being to take all these dry, technical, boring, yet
difficult techniques and use them to create emotion.
That is one thing science cannot duplicate – humanism, feeling,
emotion…call it what you will. That
is why I teach music!
NOT because I expect you to major is music.
NOT because I expect you to play or sing all your life.
NOT so you can relax
NOT so you can have fun
BUT…
So you will be
human, so you will recognize beauty, so you will be sensitive, so you will
be closer to an infinite beyond this world, so you will have something to
cling to, so you will have more love, more compassion, more gentleness, more
good…
PENCIL – Each student must bring two pencils to rehearsal.
MUSIC METHOD BOOK – Books must be brought to class on a daily basis. Please clearly mark student’s name on book. BCCHS band will use the following book:
Foundations for Superior Performance: Warm-Ups and
Technique for Band by Richard Williams and Jeff King.
Lyre/Flip Folder – Each student most own a lyre and flip folder to hold music during stand performances at athletic events.
3 RING BINDER – Each student must have a 1” three ring binder that contains 5 labeled dividers. Please clearly mark student’s name on book. This will be used to hold music during concert season and other related class materials.
(Recommended
Materials)
METRONOME – This is a highly valuable practice tool, and very inexpensive yet effective metronomes may be purchased for as little as $15.00.
WIRE STAND – This will provide a stand for home practice.
REQUIRED
INSTRUMENTAL MATERIALS
FLUTE Cleaning rod, and swab.
CLARINET Cork grease, swab, mouthpiece cap, at least 3 playable reeds, (Van Doren or Mitchell Lurie Brand)
SAXOPHONE Cork grease, swab, mouthpiece cap, neck strap, at least 3 playable reeds, (Van Doren Brand)
OBOE
Cork grease, swab, at least 3
playable reeds.
BASSOON
Cork grease, seat strap swab, at
least 3 playable reeds.
ALL
BRASS
(EXCEPT TROMBONE) Valve oil, tuning slide grease, and a cleaning cloth, BERP*
TROMBONE Slide oil and water bottle kit, tuning slide grease, and a cleaning cloth, BERP*
PERCUSSION
Stick Bag, two pair of concert snare sticks (no painted sticks) All sticks should be clearly identified with students name.
*Students playing snare during
marching season will need at least 3 pair of marching sticks.
(Recommended
Instrumental Materials)
SAXOPHONE Selmer S 80 C Star Mouthpiece with Rovner Ligature. (This will improve tone a great deal)
CLARINET
5RV Lyre Vandoren Mouthpiece with Rovner Mark III Ligature.
Please note that students will not be able to purchase supplies from me
at school. Plan accordingly
when you visit the music store. Also
please make sure that all instruments are identified in some fashion.
You can get instrument case nametags from your local music store.
Luggage tags will also work. Failure
to have any of the required materials in class will constitute a failing
participation grade for the day and a demerit.
Senseney
Music Inc.
2300
E Lincoln
Wichita,
KS. 67211
(316)262-1487
Jim
Starkey Music Center Inc.
1318
W 18th Street North
Wichita,
KS. 67203
(316)262-2351
The policies written in the BCCHS handbook will be strictly enforced. A student will be considered tardy if he/she is not in his/her assigned seat with instrument ready to play; all music, necessary supplies, and any other equipment when the class bell sounds. Unexcused tardiness will result in a demerit per tardiness. The student will not be asked for their demerit card. A slip will be turned into the office. They should automatically assume they have received a demerit if they are tardy to class.
** It is important to note that during the fall, marching band will meet three times a week at 6:45 AM. Unexcused tardies, and absences will not be tolerated, will result in the student not marching in the half-time show during that week, penalties to grade, and may result in the loss of a spot in the show.
When it is necessary to add a rehearsal/performance, two weeks notice shall be deemed sufficient notification, and all students will be required to make arrangements to attend the aforesaid rehearsal/performance.
Please note that these rehearsals are extremely important and quite necessary since the band never meets as an entire group during the school day.
PERFORMANCES
NO absences will be tolerated from major performances. An absence from any major performance will result in an automatic F for the SEMESTER. Reasons for absence from a performance must be cleared AS SOON AS POSSIBLE prior to the performance by the director. Major performances include all competitions, and concerts. 2 absences from football games will be equivalent to an absence from a major performance and may result in the loss of a spot in the show.
Performances are the only true form of assessment in music, and therefore it is imperative that all students who take part in band, take part in the performances as well. If an absence is absolutely necessary and is not an emergency the director must be notified at least a month in advance. This would include any form of vacations, or family events taking place out of town.
Mentoring for
the Combined Saints Program will be considered part of performance.
The uniform grading policy, as maintained by Bishop Carroll Catholic High School will be used.
100-93%
=
A
92-85%
=
B
84-76%
=
C
75-70%
=
D
70-0%
=
F
Based on a 100% weight, the overall grade will be divided as follows:
Performances 60%
*Performances constitute participation at all events in which the band makes an appearance and performs for an audience. Unexcused absence from one of these events constitutes a failing grade for the semester.
Chair Test/Quizzes 20%
*Chair Tests and Quizzes consist of playing exams, and written exams that are administered throughout the school year. Placement after Chair Tests is final, but a student may continually play the test for the Band Director to gain a better grade if an A was not earned during the first attempt. Improvement is the ultimate goal. Written exams, however, may only be taken once.
Homework 15%
*Homework consists of practicing at home and any materials such as worksheets that may be handed out during a class period.
Classwork 5%
*Classwork consists of a grade given based on classroom participation and proper rehearsal etiquette. This will include having all required classroom and instrumental materials. This is a daily grade given to every student.
Outside
Concerts:
All band students are required to attend a minimum of 2 outside performances a semester, or one per quarter.
Performances must be of High School, or Professional level. Students will be required to write a reflection on the
performance of no more than two pages, typed, double spaced, and turn in no
later than two weeks followoing the observed performance.
A copy of the program must be submitted with each reflection.
Proper grammar is expected and thoughtful insight must be made.
This will be categorized under Tests/Quizzes.
Research
Report:
During the 2nd Semester (Spring) every band student may be
assigned the responsibility of providing a research report of no more than
ten pages, typed, and double spaced covering a topic related to their
particular instrument. Further
details will be provided later concerning this project.
This will be categorized under Chair
Test/Quizzes.
Practice
Records:
Every band student will be required to fill out a weekly practice
record. The amount of practice
accomplished during a seven-day period will determine the grade of the
assignment. This will be
categorized under Homework.
4 Hours = A +
3 ½ = A –
3 = B +
2 ½ = B –
2 = C
1 ½ = D
1 = F
Midterm/Final:
A midterm examination and final examination will be given for every
semester, and may be comprised of
playing, written, and aural examples.
This will be categorized under Chair
Test/Quizzes.
Combined St. Mentoring: Every student will be required to attend two Combined Saints Sessions each semester. This will be categorized under Performances.
Uniforms/Dress Code
MARCHING BAND UNIFORM
All band members are required to purchase black marching shoes. The cost of these shoes is $30.00, made payable to BCCHS bands. It is important to note that a specific shoe is used for marching so please know that not any old black shoe will work. The specific shoe that will be phased in is the MTX Marching Shoe. All freshmen are required to purchase this shoe along with any upperclassmen who need new shoes. The rest of the uniform will be issued to each student along with a uniform checklist.
Black Bibbers (pants)
Uniform Jacket
Black Shoes
Black Socks
Band Shirt
Aussie Hat
This uniform will be inspected before every football game, parade, or competition performance and a specific grade will be given based on the inspection.
*All uniforms must be DRY CLEANED, not hand or machine washed before they may be returned to the school. A receipt or proof of cleaning is required. Students will be held financially responsible for the uniform which has been issued to them.
CONCERT BAND UNIFORM
Men: All gentlemen new to the program are required to purchase a 6-piece tuxedo, which includes a coat, pants, dress shirt, bow tie, cummerbund, and gold/black button covers for performances. This uniform will be worn at all concerts, KSHSAA solo and ensemble competition, KSHSAA large group competition, BCCHS graduation, and at any special performance opportunity the band may have such as an out of town trip. The cost of the tuxedo is $105.00 made payable to BCCHS Bands, and must be turned in to Mr. Mapp no later than OCTOBER 1ST, 2007. All men are required to wear black dress shoes, and socks with the tuxedo. (The MTX makes an excellent tuxedo shoe as well.)
Women: All ladies, new and returning, will be required to purchase a black dress for performance. This dress will be worn at all concerts, KSHSAA solo and ensemble competition, KSHSAA large group competition, BCCHS graduation, and at any special performance opportunity the band may have such as an out of town trip. The cost of the dress is $65.00 made payable to BCCHS Bands, and must be turned in by OCTOBER 1ST, 2007. All ladies are also required to wear black panty hose and low-heeled dress shoes to complete the ensemble.
JAZZ BAND UNIFORM:
Men & Women:
Black slacks, Jazz Band Shirt, Black shoes and socks.
TRAVEL UNIFORM:
Whenever the band travels to any location the entire band will be
required to wear blue jeans, tennis shoes, and their Band T-Shirt.
This shirt will be approximately $12.00 to $15.00 made payable to
BCCHS Bands, and will feature a logo specific to the theme of the current
year’s marching show.
COLOR GUARD UNIFORM:
All Color Guard members will be required to pay a fee every year to
participate in the BCCHS Color Guard. This
fee will cover the costs of the uniform (which will change every year
depending upon the theme of the marching show), gloves, shoes, make-up, and
equipment. As the primary
visual exponent of the marching band, it is important that the guard truly
stick out and be visually stunning.
The fee for 2008 will be determined upon deciding the costume for this
year’s production.
The additional performance uniform requirement is a long sleeved black
shirt with NO collar for football
games. This will help to keep
the guard warm as autumn sets in.
*All Color Guard will use BCCHS Practice Flags during rehearsals. This will enable the coaches to better determine uniformity of choreography and placement. All Color Guard members will be held financially responsible for equipment used during rehearsals, football games, and competitions.
Intrumental
Storage and Usage Fees
INSTRUMENTAL
USAGE FEE:
There is an
instrumental usage fee of $30.00 charge to all percussionists and other
specialty instrument students (i.e. tuba, bass clarinet, baritone saxophone,
etc.) This fee covers the cost
of normal maintenance on the instrument.
Instrumental Usage forms will be distributed during the first week of
school and must be signed and returned no later than one week after they
have been issued. All other
students are expected to supply their own instruments.
If damage to an instrument occurs after the first day of school the student
is responsible for the fees charged.
Make checks payable to BCCHS Bands.
INSTRUMENTAL
STORAGE:
MUSIC:
Each band
member will be required to purchase a black, 1”, 3-ring binder with 5
labeled dividers. This will be
used to hold all music and must be brought to rehearsal every day. A flip folder will also be needed during marching season to
hold all music that is to be played in the stands.
Students will
be held financially responsible for music, and must pay for any parts lost,
or extra copies which must be made. Damaged
music will also constitute penalty charges.
Lost
Original:
At least $7.00, but could be more depending on the age of the piece.
PRIVATE
LESSONS:
Individual private lessons will be required for every student participating in the band. Students who study with a specialist on their particular instrument generally see quicker results and progress as a performer. A reference list will be provided to students not yet studying privately. Students who may not be able to afford private instruction should speak to Mr. Mapp as soon as possible so as to determine a course of action. If this is the case Mr. Mapp will provide private instruction for the student by either providing the lesson himself or hiring an outside specialist to provide instruction.
PAYMENT PROCEDURE:
All checks
should be made out to BCCHS Bands and should be placed in an envelope which
has the students name and amount of check written on the outside.
The envelope should be sealed and either given to Mr. Mapp or to a
parent/volunteer in charge of bookkeeping.
FUND
RAISING:
PLANNED
FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES:
Entertainment
Books: End of August – End of
September 2006.
BCCHS
Gold Cards: End of August – September 2006.
All BCCHS
Band, Drumline, and Color Guard members will sell a minimum of 5 BCCHS Gold
Cards per student. The BCCHS
Gold Cards cost $10.00 apiece.
PARENTS:
I firmly
believe that parents are the backbone to a solid education.
Without parental support, and encouragement a student’s education
will suffer greatly. Parental
interest is always welcome and desired.
Any form of voluntary work will be greatly appreciated.
Specific duties that parents are encouraged to help with are concert
receptions, ushering, telephoning, etc.
VOLUNTEERS:
It is
important to note that all volunteers that will be working with students at
BCCHS must complete the VIRTUS training provided by the Catholic Diocese of
Wichita. This is a safety
measure that protects the students, and the volunteers.
This would also include any parents wishing to chaperone on any trips
taken by the BCCHS Band.
SCREAMIN’
EAGLE MUSIC CORPS RULES
National Standards for Music Education
BCCHS
Schedule
of Events 2007-2008
FALL
2007
Monday, July 30th
- Beginning of BCCHS
Leadership Camp 8:00am
Monday, August
6th
- Beginning of BCCHS
Band Camp 8:00am
Wednesday,
August 15th
- Parent night and concert 6:00
pm
Thursday,
August 16th
- Freshmen first day of school
Monday, August
20th
- Zero Hour rehearsals
begin
Friday, August
31st
- Home Football Game 6:00pm
Saturday,
September 8th
- Clearwater Drumline
Competition.
Tuesday,
September 11th
- Kansas State Fair
Friday,
September 14th
- Home Football Game
6:00pm
Friday, October
4th
- Home Football Game 6:00pm
Saturday,
October 6th
- Goddard Fall Festival
of Bands (All Day)
Friday, October
19th
- Home Football Game 6:00pm
Wednesday,
October 24th
- Southern Plains
Marching Festival (All Day)
Friday,
November 2nd
- Regional Football
Sunday,
December 9th
- Christmas Concert 3:00pm
KNOW
ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:
I the undersigned, for
the purpose of enabling____________________________,
a minor, to
participate in the following school function:
ALL BISHOP CARROLL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL BAND ACTIVITIES AND TRIPS
DURING THE 2006 – 2007 SCHOOL YEAR, do hereby release and authorize the
Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Wichita, its employees, representatives,
or agents as follows:
I have read this
release and understand its terms. I
execute voluntarily with full knowledge of its significance, and with the
intention of binding myself.
Dated this
day of
20_____.
Father
Mother
Guardian
(please print)
NAME
ADDRESS
street
city
zip
PHONE
(
)
EMAIL
FATHER’S NAME
MOTHER’S NAME
PARENT EMAIL
PARENT CONTACT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT
COLOR GUARD
YES
NO
JUNIOR HIGH
ATTENDED
My child and I
have read through the Bishop Carroll Catholic High School Instrumental Hand
Book.
student
