Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District

Junior High Band

Handbook

2006 - 2007

Mr. Scott M. DiTullio

Director of Bands

724-659-4661 ext. 153

Valley Voice ext. 553

scott.ditullio@acvsd.org

Junior High Band

Junior High Band (grades 7 and 8) is an elective course that meets daily during period 8 of the school day, for the entire year.. Our concert season will include our Spring Concert on May 9, 2007 and selected students will also participate in Graduation services on June 1, 2007.

The student and a parent must sign page 7 of the hand book and return it to

Mr. DiTullio by January 27, 2006.

ATTENDANCE

In addition to official school policy, attendance at all rehearsals and concerts are mandatory. Band is a GROUP ACTIVITY and we all suffer the consequences if our members are absent. An excuse from a performance will only be granted for a serious and compelling reason if written notice is received WITHIN THREE DAYS prior to the performance AND a makeup written assignment is completed. Absence from an after- school rehearsal will be excused upon written notice from the parent, THREE DAYS IN ADVANCE of the event. Unexcused absences from a concert will result in a failing grade for that particular grading period (50% grade reduction). Emergencies require a written excuse the next day the student is in attendance at school. If a student misses a performance due to suspension from school, it counts as an unexcused absence.

Examples of absences that are excused:

1) Death in the family

2) Illness requiring bed rest (doctor’s excuse preferred)

3) Religious Reasons

4) School-related conflicts -- However, an equal split must be worked out for rehearsals. This does not apply to a performance.

5) School approved absences

Examples of absences that are UNEXCUSED:

1) Lack of transportation

2) Job interference (It is illegal for an employer to make a student work when there is a school related activity conflict.)

3) Non-school related activities’ conflicts

4) Unexcused absences from school

5) Suspension from school

6) Forgetting to come to a rehearsal or concert

The director will handle other circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

AFTER HOURS ACTIVITIES POLICIES: Some activities require students to be at Allegheny Clarion Valley High School after school hours. Please be efficient in securing transportation after the event. This mainly applies to those students that will participate in the PMEA Middle School Band Festival and the Allegheny-Clarion Valley Junior High Jazz Band.

BEHAVIOR: All students are expected to follow the guidelines established by the school district and attached classroom rules. In band everyone works to achieve a safe, quiet and controlled environment for learning and performing music. Students and parents should remember that Band is an elective, not a mandatory requirement. Students will be subject to a classroom consequence if their behavior interrupts the learning or teaching process. If all of the consequences available to Mr. DiTullio have been implemented, and if he determines that transfer to quality study time is in the best interest of the individual student and the rest of the band, a request to transfer the student out of class will be submitted to the Guidance Counselor after notice (telephone, written or in person) has been given to the Parent/Guardian.

AUDITIONS:

Chair Placement

As a member of the band, you are required to audition for chair placement. Ranking is determined on ability and musicianship. Musicianship includes tone, technique, sight-reading ability, and concentration. Challenges will be held from time to time in order to determine or change the chair placement in the band. It is an honor and a responsibility to occupy first chair in your section. The first chair occupant is the leader of the section, and those in his/her section are expected to follow his directions.

Challenging

Students will be assigned places in their perspective sections according to their ability and where they will be of most value to the band. When you feel that you are able to perform better than the person that is placed in front of you, you will be able to challenge them.

The following rules will govern challenging:

A student may challenge only the student that is sitting ahead of them.
Challenge days will be held on Fridays. Students will challenge during the band period. The result of the challenge will be announced immediately.
There will be no challenges two (2) weeks prior to any performance.
The director may suspend challenging any time he deems necessary.

CONCERT/PERFORMANCE DRESS:

The Allegheny Clarion Valley Area Junior High Band will be known for professionalism, so we must present a professional appearance before the public. Proper concert attire is as follows:

Men: White button-down shirt, black dress pants, black shoes and black socks

Women: Solid black outfit of either a pants suit or long black dress with long sleeves, covering as much skin area as possible (school dress codes apply), or a pair of black pants and a white dress shirt.

**Absolutely no jeans, regardless of color!! Violations will result in a concert grade deduction of 50%!!

It is not required that these outfits be expensive or of the latest fashion; only that they are clean and fit appropriately. If a student does not comply with the appearance requirements, they may not be allowed to perform.

GRADING POLICY: Grades are lowered based on unexcused absences from performances, lessons, rehearsals and lack of classroom participation and behavior.

POINT SYSTEM

The nine-week grade will be based on the following point system. The director will keep a daily record of points earned and deducted for each member. These points will assist in keeping order and verifying your grade.

1. Attendance ....……………………………….........................…........ 10 Points each day.

2. Instrument in playing order .......………………………...………… 15 Points each day.

3. Having a pencil ...............………………………...…………… 5 points/when checked.

4. Having your music ...............……………………………...………. 10 points each day.

5. Every major performance/Evening rehearsal ……………….. 500 points/performance.

6. Proper Dress ..................………………………………………100 points/performance.

7. Each sectional attended ......……………………….…………………….….... 25 points

8. For any extra work or responsibilities from …………………………... 1 – 100 points.

9. GUM WILL RESULT IN A “0” FOR THE DAY!!!

If you are absent from class during the school day you will receive a “0” for the day. You need to make this class up during an Activity Period.

The attached ALLEGHENY-CLARION VALLEY SCHOOL CONCERT BANDS GRADING RUBRIC will be used for grading.

MAINTENANCE OF INSTRUMENTS:

Instruments must be brought to all rehearsals and performances. All students must keep their instrument clean and in good working order. Repairs must be performed promptly. No student is allowed to play on another student's instrument! THIS IS A HEALTH ISSUE! All students must provide their own reeds, valve oil, slide cream, drum sticks, mallets etc. See the supplies page for specifics. School provided instruments must be maintained in good working condition, and returned by the end of the school year. Vandalism or deliberate carelessness will not be tolerated. Students are advised that they are to take care of their own instruments at all times. If an instrument ceases to work and the parent/student do not send the instrument for repair within two-weeks or make arrangements with Mr. DiTullio for a loaner instrument, the student will be removed from the class until the repair takes place.

PERFORMANCES AND OUT OF SCHOOL TRIPS:

Prior to each event, a specific letter or itinerary detailing the events will be sent home. In many cases Mr. DiTullio will try to mail items to the home address. It is your child's responsibility to make sure that you have all the information regarding each event. Please make sure that your emergency information is current at both the school and with the band. If your child behaves below the established standard on a field trip, you will be asked to drive to our location and take your child home. If you are unavailable, and if the behavior warrants immediate action, your child will be taken to the nearest police station to await your arrival.

REHEARSALS:

Students must have their instrument and band folder every day in class. Students will remain quiet during rehearsals and performances. If a student continues to talk during rehearsal, they will be given detention. If a student is not properly prepared for class, the participation grade will be a zero. Students will enter the band room quietly and orderly and within two minutes of the late bell. Students must be in their seats with their instruments in hand and music ready within 4 minutes of the late bell. Students will not play or talk while Mr. DiTullio is conducting, giving instructions, or while the rehearsal is in progress. Preparedness and attention to detail is what makes us special. Remember, anybody can be average…

REQUIRED CLASSROOM MATERIALS:

1. Any band music assigned by the director.

2. Any supplemental materials distributed.

3. Personal instrument and needed supplies--reeds, valve oil, cleaning equipment, sticks, etc. Most items are available for purchase from Mr. DiTullio.

Lack of these items will result in a zero for that day

RESPECT:

All students will show respect to other students, substitute teachers, and to Mr. DiTullio. Violations of this policy will not be tolerated, and will result in a student receiving detention.

STORAGE OF INSTRUMENTS:

A storage facility is provided for instruments during the school day. Students are assigned to a storage area. Instruments must have a nametag. Instruments should not be left over the weekends. Valuables should not be left in cases. Students can leave instruments in the morning before school, and can pick up their instruments at dismissal. While the room is reasonably secure during the school day, the Allegheny-Clarion Valley Area School District, or Mr. DiTullio are not responsible for items stored in the band room at any time. It is highly recommended that you list your instrument on your homeowner or renter's insurance policy in case of loss or theft and record and store the serial number of the instrument in a safe place at home or on your insurance policy.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS:

Students will behave for a substitute teacher as they would behave for Mr. DiTullio. Any discipline policy established by a substitute will be strongly enforced.

……and remember that if you come to class each day, fully prepared to play music and do your best each day and during your lessons, that band will be one of the greatest memories you will have when you graduate from Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School!

Grade	Performance Assessment	Grade	Performance Assessment

100% (A+)	Meets all "A" descriptors at the highest level of achievement	82% (C)	Frequently attends rehearsals with necessary materials present
			Frequently demonstrates good rehearsal discipline and technique
99% (A)	Always attends rehearsals with necessary materials present		Frequently shows respect for school equipment and property
	Always demonstrates good rehearsal discipline and technique		Frequently shows respect towards teacher and other students
	Always shows respect for school equipment and property		Frequently fulfills responsibilities as specified by ensemble director
	Always shows respect towards teacher and other students		Frequently attends performances
	Always fulfills responsibilities as specified by ensemble director
	Always attends performances	76% (C-)	Meets mostly "C" descriptors but also has some "D" descriptors
		76% (C-)	or meets some "B" descriptors but also has some "E" descriptors
93% (A-)	Meets most "A" descriptors but also has some "B" descriptors
		75 % (D+)	Meets most "D" descriptors but also has some "C" descriptors
92% (B+)	Meets most "B" descriptors but also has some "A" descriptors	75 % (D+)	or meets most "C" descriptors but also has some "E" descriptors
92% (B+)	or meets most "A" descriptors but also has some "C" descriptors
		74% D	Sometimes attends rehearsals with necessary materials present
91% (B)	Usually attends rehearsals with necessary materials present		Sometimes demonstrates good rehearsal discipline and technique
	Usually demonstrates good rehearsal discipline and technique		Sometimes shows respect for school equipment and property
	Usually shows respect for school equipment and property		Sometimes shows respect towards teacher and other students
	Usually shows respect towards teacher and other students		Sometimes fulfills responsibilities as specified by ensemble director
	Usually fulfills responsibilities as specified by ensemble director		Sometimes attends performances
	Usually attends performances
		65% (D-)	Meets mostly "D" descriptors but also has some "E" descriptors
84% (B-)	Meets mostly "B" descriptors but also has some "C" descriptors
84% (B-)	or meets some "A" descriptors but also has some "D" descriptors	64% (E)	Rarely or never attends rehearsals with necessary materials present
			Rarely or never demonstrates good rehearsal discipline and technique
83% (C+)	Meets most "C" descriptors but also has some "B" descriptors		Rarely or never shows respect for school equipment and property
83% (C+)	or meets most "B" descriptors but also has some "D" descriptors		Rarely or never shows respect towards teacher and other students
			Rarely or never fulfills responsibilities as specified by ensemble director
			Rarely or never attends performances