Concert Band

Handbook

2005-2006

Mr. Scott M. DiTullio

Director of Bands

724-659-4661 ext. 153

Valley Voice ext. 553

Description:  Senior High Band (grades 9 and 12) is an elective course that meets daily during period 4 of the school day.  Our concert season will include a Spring Concert on May 9, 2007.  Selected students will also participate in Graduation services on June 1, 2007. 

COMMUNICATION:  Good communication is the key to an effectively run organization.  You may contact me in several ways:  Telephoning the during school hours, or by email at scott.ditullio@acvsd.org . 

GRADING

Grades will be determined by using the following forms stated in this section.  The grades will be based on the following information and points earned and lost through daily points and points for performances for Band.  If you are absent from a band period, you will make up a class practicing during an A.P.

PERFORMANCES

There are four in school performances done at night that are part of the curriculum.   (1) Holiday/Winter Concert, (2) Spring Concert, (3) Pennsylvania Music Educators Adjudication Festival, and (4) Graduation Ceremony.  Failure to attend these concerts and events (performances) will result in a lower grade, corresponding to the point system that has been established. 

Concert Band Grades

1.      Grades will be based upon your performance with the band in concerts, sectionals, lessons and rehearsals.  The following are the items that will determine your grade:

A.      Playing Skills - observed and recorded: during rehearsals and in performances.

B.               Performances - attitude, attendance, quality, and participation.

C.               Lessons/Sectionals/Rehearsals – attitude, attendance, quality of, and participation.  (weekly sectional’s during A.P. are madatory)

D.      Maintenance - care of equipment and music.

POINT SYSTEM

     The following is the 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.

You will gain Points:

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

2.  Instrument in playing order .......……………………… 10 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 …. 1000 points/performance.

6.  Proper Dress ..................………………………….. 500 points/performance.

7.  Each sectional attended ......………………………….. 100 points/ sectional.

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

PERFORMANCE POLICIES

1.                Arrive before the time you are told to be at a performance, for any special announcements and last minute directions.

2.                Bring the necessary equipment to the performance.

3.                Once assembled the band will remain as a group until dismissed by the director.

4.                When not performing you should be in a "rest" attitude, this will help keep you alert and prepared to play.  When performing you should be in an "attention" attitude.  Always remember that once you are called to attention, there will be NO TALKING or LOOKING AROUND.

5.                Remember when the band performs, you represent the school, your parents, and the band.  Always represent them well.  Make sure your look your best,have your shoes polished, and make sure you are well groomed.

6.                Pay close attention to the director for directions at all times. 

ATTENDANCE

1.                You are required to be present at all rehearsals and performances these are class requirements!  The schedule of events is given far enough in advance, so plan early and around this schedule.

2.                Excused absences include:

a.  Illness - If you can not attend a rehearsal due to illness,

You must inform the director immediately!

b.  If you are not present at school the day of a performance, game, etc., you will not be permitted to perform at the event.

c. If you can not attend due to religious reasons

(Notify the director as soon as possible), or a death in the family, a phone call from your parents will be the only excuse acceptable, and you must call the director during school hours, when possible. 

MISSED PERFORMANCES can only be made up with a doctor’s excuse. Make-up work will be assigned by the director to justify your grade.  It is the student’s responsibility to get the make-up work and complete it within three days of the missed performance.  Make-up work not completed in three days will result in a zero for the performance.  This will affect the students’ grade for the course.

REHEARSAL POLICIES

Rehearsal time is extremely valuable and every moment must be used wisely and for rehearsal purposes only.  The following procedures will assist in using time wisely and should be at all times.

1.      Members should be sure to have an adequate supply of reeds, oil, and extra drumsticks, repairs done, etc.  This will allow the students time to prepare their instruments for the rehearsal.  This needs to be done

before the rehearsal starts. 

2.      Be sure to warm up the instrument, your lip muscles, and the rest of your body by playing scales or warm-up exercises.

3.      When the director or a Substitute teacher steps "on the podium", all talking and playing will end immediately.  Your full attention should be given to the director so instructions do not need to be repeated, which causes wasted time.

5.      Members should always bring the following materials to all rehearsals and/or performances:

A.   Instrument

B.   Case

C.   All Music

D.   Lead Pencil

E.   Positive Attitude

F.    An Open Mind

G.   And any other extra equipment which may be needed

6.      Always sit up straight.  This allows for proper breathing to take place.

7.                Be sure to tune quickly and as accurately as possible.  Listen carefully at all times and make the necessary adjustment.

8.                Always try to simulate a performance situation at rehearsals!  "Perfect practice makes perfect!"

9.                Rehearsals are not over until the director dismisses you.

Concert Band (Attire)  CONCERT BLACK

Men:  White button-down shirt, black bow tie, 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).

**Absolutely no jeans, regardless of color!!  Violations will result in a drop of two letter grades.

School Owned Instruments

Some instruments are provided for students by the school.  Anyone using a school owned instrument should take extra precautions with the instrument.  School owned instruments are not plentiful and it is necessary to allow only

interested and productive students to play them.  Borrowing Instrument/Equipment Forms must be filled out by both you and your parents at the beginning of the school year, and or over the summer.

DAMAGES TO ANY SCHOOL ISSUED INSTRUMENT

Any damages resulting from carelessness or lack of proper care will be charged to you.  If the director feels that you are abusing the instrument he has the right to call the instrument in and examine it to ensure proper care of the instrument.

Allegheny Clarion Valley Bands

I have received this booklet for current and future use while I am a member of the band program for the 2005 – 2006 school year.  I will show this handbook to my parent/parents/guardian, and keep it for a point of reference. 

__________________                     _________________

Student Signature                            Date

_____________________                  _________________

Parent Signature                              Date

Please return this page to Mr. DiTullio by January 27, 2006

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A-C Valley School District   ♦  776 State Route 58  ♦  PO Box 100  ♦  Foxburg, PA 16036  ♦  (724) 659-5820