General Information

Grades

Grades in Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Jazz Ensemble are based upon criteria that are distributed every 6 weeks. In general there are in excess of 100 available points each grading period and it is the student's responsibility to accumulate enough points to earn their grade. The typical grading period will resemble this model:

30 points - class participation, preparation, and attitude

10 points - scale tests

20 points - formal or informal playing tests

20 points - practice charts

20 points - required performances

10 to 20 points - approved extra credit

Extra Credit - Students receive extra credit for such things as private lessons, performances outside the school program, service to the band, musical accomplishments, additional assignments, seating challenges, student leadership roles etc. The director must approve extra credit in advance.

Practice Charts - Weekly practice charts are an important component of the grading policy. They must be turned in within three days of the end of the week to which they apply.

Marching Band - Grades will place primary emphasis on attendance, punctuality, and the timely memorization of the show including both drill and music.

Discipline

Musical performance requires a high level of self-discipline and group discipline. The AHS Band policy on discipline includes the following points:

1. Rehearsal time is precious and thus rehearsals are very serious affairs that start on time and progress purposefully to their conclusion. Check the board for the daily agenda and use the first few minutes of class to prepare your materials (Music, Instrument, Pencil, etc.). There is no time or necessity for disruptions during a rehearsal.

2. A check system of behavior modification will be used in the event that a student repeatedly disrupts rehearsal. If, during a rehearsal, a student receives three checks, they will be called into the office during their free time for a conference with the director. If the problem is not corrected, at the next occurrence, a parent contact will ensue. If the problem persists, an AHS administrator will be involved.

3. All band students are expected to behave in the most mature and dignified way in class, in performances and on field trips.

4. Band trips are considered an extension of the classroom and conduct on a band trip must be beyond reproach. Students who test their limits on a band trip have in the past and will in the future, have their privileges revoked, sometimes in very unintentionally embarrassing ways (Full-time chaperoning, restricted freedom, or parental involvement.)

Seating in Band Class

The Bands with the exception of Marching Band will be seated competitively based on auditions early in the school year. The Director will have final say on all evaluations.

1. You may challenge for the seat ahead of you by stating your challenge, getting music from the director for both parties, and playing the challenge for the director within 2 days.

2. You may not challenge the same person twice in a seven-day span.

3. If you miss or are late for your challenge, you automatically lose.

4. Seating will not automatically determine part selection. It is sometimes necessary to distribute the stronger players among all the parts in order to achieve a symphonic sound.

5. Solos automatically go to the First Chair Player unless otherwise designated by the director.

6. Section leaders will be selected and may not always be the first chair player. Leadership qualities will also be evaluated. You may not challenge for section leadership. This designation will be determined by the director.

8. Sectional rehearsals will be conducted by the section leader

9. Challenges are intended to be educational, fun, and to boost our level of performance as a group. Win or lose, the object is to improve and good sportsmanship is a requirement. Challenging counts as extra credit.

Uniforms

All public performances will be delivered in the appropriate uniform. Inspections will be conducted to insure that all band members are in accordance with our uniform code. Improper dress can result in: loss of a performance opportunity and a loss of the performance portion of the grade. Students are required to wear only the assigned uniform and to maintain the good condition of the uniform. Check the guide below carefully. School supplied items are marked with the asterisk (*). All other items must be supplied by the student. Drill Master marching shoes will be ordered during band camp.

Marching Band - Patriot uniform*, hat*, "drillmaster" marching shoes, collar (pleated neckpiece)*, black socks

Color Guard - Specific to show*

Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble - Black dress*, wing collar tux shirt, black socks, black dress shoes, red bow tie, and red cummerbund

Jazz Ensemble- Black dress pants or past-the-knee black skirt, black shirt, black socks, black dress shoes, tie of your choice

[ Back ]