|
Bishop Carroll Catholic High School
Band Handbook
2011-2012
Jordan Brown, Director
www.carrollband.pbworks.com
brownjordan@bcchs.org\
To Parents and Students:
I am excited to be joining you this year as director of the Bishop Carroll Catholic High School Bands. I am looking forward to joining and growing upon the established tradition of excellence that I am proud to inherit. Please take time to read through this handbook, it contains some guidelines and what to expect this semester.
I have the utmost confidence that we can build the premier band program in the City of Wichita, and I am glad that you have chosen to be a part of it.
If you have any questions never feel hesitant to contact me at brownjordan@bcchs.org.
Sincerely,
Jordan Brown
Director of Bands
Bishop Carroll Catholic High School
Behavior Guidelines:
You have made the decisions to be a part of this band program. In order to maintain a high standard and to have productive rehearsals we need to observe the following guidelines:
1 ) Be on time: This means be ready to play at the beginning of rehearsals, not five or ten minutes after rehearsal begins.
2) Stay focused: We have limited rehearsal time and we need to dedicate it to rehearsal and the improvement of our band. This means don’t talk or play on your instrument when you have been instructed not to.
Marching band: When the band is called to attention that means no
Talking, movement or playing.
Concert band: When the director steps on the podium you are expected to get quiet. The director should not have to shout to get your attention.
Stay on track and be a productive part of rehearsal!
3) Be prepared: Practice and know your music. Class time is not the time to learn notes.
4) Have the right attitude: You are part of a high quality, competitive band program. Have a positive attitude that reflects that! Leave your negativity at the door.
5) Have fun and MAKE MUSIC!
Director’s Commitment:
I commit to being prepared for every rehearsal and not wasting your time. We will rehearse for the entire period and be productive. Your time and commitment are valuable and I will not take that lightly. I am committed to helping YOU build the best Bishop Carroll Band possible.
Behavior Consequences:
You will receive immediate demerits through the school discipline program for the following reasons:
- Dress code violations
- Students are allowed to dress warmly on cold days when we practicing outside for marching band. You are expected to be back in uniform when you leave the band room after rehearsal.
- At all other times students are expected to observe the dress code policies put in place by BCCHS Administration.
- Display of lack of respect for adults, leadership, outstanding behavior problems.
In class consequences:
Students will receive a participation grade for class, see grading section for more information.
If a student is a disruption during rehearsal the following steps will be followed to ensure that he or she is not a distraction to the rest of the band:
- Verbal Warning
- Docking of grade
- Demerit
- Student will be removed from the class, detention will be issued.
Trip, Activity Behavior
When we travel for competitions or other activities we do so as representatives of Bishop Carroll and the Band Program. You are expected to maintain proper dress code, behavior and attitude at all times. School rules always apply on band trips, including guidelines for public displays of affection.
Students are expected to follow dress codes put in place for all performances.
Grading:
Grading will follow the BCCHS grading scale.
Grades are weighted in the following manner:
All documents available at: www.carrollband.pbworks.com
Performances (40%): This is the largest part of your grade. BAND IS A PERFORMANCE CLASS. It is not acceptable to miss performances. If you need to miss an activity please fill out an “Excused Absences form and return it at least two weeks before the event.
Participation grade (30%): Students will receive Two Points daily for rehearsal. Grades will be deducted for not having supplies, being late or missing rehearsal or behavior problems.
Quizzes and Playing Tests (10%): Throughout the year we will be learning scales and other musical skills. Students will never be asked to play for a test anything beyond their ability. These will typically be 20 points.
Service Duty (10%): Students are expected to give back to their community and school through service. This reflects the overall mission of the school. This will be worth 200 points for the semesters grade. Students will need to complete 4 hours of service duty for that semester. This can completed through:
- Helping with Combined Saints Band Program after school- students will help instruct middle school students on their instrument. (4 hours would be 2 evenings of helping.
- Assisting in band room- this would be going above and beyond typical duties in helping to clean, file music, prepare for a concert or performance.
- Taking music to the community! This could be performing in a church group on your instrument, teaching lessons to a younger student or anything that spreads the love of praising God through the use of your instrument.
There will not be required practice sheets for high school band, however there will be playing tests and you will be expected to practice and learn your parts.
Final (10%): In accordance to school policy, finals are worth 10 percent of your overall grade.
Rehearsals:
The nature of band dictates that the commitment goes beyond the classroom and into rehearsals outside of class time. During the marching season we will be having practice MWF mornings at 6:45. These rehearsals are required.
*After marching season we will be beginning an optional Jazz Band in the mornings at those same times. More information about that will be available later.
*We will also have several rehearsals leading up to concert band performances and contests
Performances:
Marching Band (Screamin’ Eagle Music Corps): We will be performing at two Saturday marching band competitions, all home football games and post season games. We will also play as a pep band in the stands during these games.
-Dress: Band uniform, hat and glove, marching shoes. Shoes and gloves are purchased through the band.
Band Uniform: Provided by band- you are responsible for replacement if lost.
Gloves: 10 Dollars- purchased during band camp.
Marching Shoes: Purchased During Band Camp- 30 Dollars
Concert Band: The Concert band will perform several concerts at BCCHS through the year as well as State Concert Band at East High.
-Dress: Girls – Black concert dress is ordered through the band. Black dress shoes. (Please be aware of undergarment colors)
-Boys – Black tux jacket, pants, cummerbund, tie and white tux shirt. These can be purchased at local retailers or online. Black dress shoes and black socks.
Prices: Concert Dress - $65.00
Complete Tux – About $100.00
Basketball Pep band: Band T-shirt, to be purchased through the band.
District Band: Students will have an opportunity to audition for the South Central District Band. Students will need to purchase the audition music from a local retailer for their specific instrument. To be able to audition for the All-State Band/Orchestra you must make district. These auditions are in November and the concert is in December.
Solo/Small Ensemble: Students are encouraged to prepare a solo or small ensemble to be judged at the regional festival and if they receive a 1 rating will move on to the state festival. Sign-up will be in March. Regionals are held in early April at North High School and State in late April at Newton High School.
Private Lessons: Students are encouraged to pursue private lessons on their instruments, especially if they are taking a solo to contest. A list of potential teachers will be provided.
|
