Students Band Handbook
Print

Greetings Students and Parents!

I wish to take this opportunity to welcome you to our band family! Many exciting things are happening at Denbigh High School! I certainly am excited about our future plans of growth and higher standards of performance. With your help and cooperation, we can make this year’s Denbigh Band Program excel to higher levels of achievement.

I urge you to read this handbook in its entirety and to become familiar with its contents. Knowledge of the handbook and its contents are vital to your successful participation in band as well as the band’s future success. You will be expected to display high standards of character, musicianship, commitment and dedication toward excellence. Being a member of the Denbigh Band Program takes a special individual who sets them self apart from the rest of the school community through dedication and high expectations. The band is only as good as YOU want it to be. The same holds true for our Band Boosters Association. The band could not survive without the help from our parents and community supporters.

I will do everything in my power to see that your participation in the Denbigh Band Program is as rewarding and successful as possible. The vital link to our mutual desire for excellence is communication. I urge students and parents to read all communications and stay on top of things. The students have a phone tree set-up. I make any important announcements to the drum majors who then call all the section leaders and inform them to call their section. The band boosters also have a phone tree set-up as well as an e-mail list. Please get all your information immediately to Tanya Barrow our Band Booster President. Her contact info is Tanya Barrow, 236-5353 or you can e-mail her at t_barrow2004@yahoo.com.

You are required to have daily at your seat all necessary instrument accessories (oils, reeds, etc.) three reeds (woodwind players), mouthpiece, sticks, etc., pencil, instrument, black three ring binder with sheet protectors to hold class notes, music and handouts for class. All percussionists must provide their own stick bag, and concert sticks. All students will be asked to have their parents sign a medical emergency form before you may participate in any away from school band activity.

You will hear many times from me the statement: Be the best you can be! I use this philosophy in teaching every one of my classes. In aspiring to attain this goal, you become winners in life and a beneficiary of the best life has to offer.

If you need to contact me, the Band office number is (757) 886-7700 X1147 (24 hour voice mail) or you can e-mail me at chris.ward@nn.k12.va.us. I look forward to working with each of you.

Sincerely,
Christopher Ward
Director of Bands

Performance Ensembles

Marching Band (curricular)

Open to students who have had music experience by recommendation of their past band Directors. Students must participate in a band or orchestra class. Performance skills are developed through group and individualized instruction. Students learn basic music skills as well as marching fundamentals. Students perform for all home football games beginning the first week of September, three or four Saturday band contests during September and October, two to three major local parades, and State Marching Festival.

The marching band meets after school and/or evenings two or three times a week during the fall through October and into November. Students are expected to participate in the summer band program, which includes summer rehearsals, and band camp that is held the second and third weeks of August prior to school starting. Band Camp attendance is mandatory for participation unless arrangements have previously been discussed and agreed upon with the Director. Attendance at summer rehearsals is expected and extremely encouraged. Percussion camps throughout the summer are mandatory.

Students wishing to participate in the color guard will receive evaluation based upon dance and choreography skills in lieu of instrumental evaluation. Color guard members must audition in the spring of the previous year to be eligible for participation. Some type of music experience is preferred.

Trips will be taken every year. Fund-raising projects are provided through the Band Boosters Association to assist students in raising funds for trips and other band related expenses. School instruments are available for some students based upon need and ensemble instrumentation. Instruments can be rented for a fee of $35.00. Checks should be made payable to Denbigh High School. A written contract will be filled out with this rental fee. Participation in all performances is mandatory of all students. Signing the agreement gives the student permission to travel with the band on all trips and indicates the student understands all rules and regulations listed in the Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.

Color Guard MU 9999 (curricular)

Color Guard is the creative and visual component of the Marching Patriots. Their equipment (flags, rifles, sabers, etc.), choreography, and costumes are designed to interpret the music performed by the wind, brass, and percussion sections. Practices for Color Guard take place beginning in April at Denbigh High School. Students currently in grades 8-11 in good academic standing may audition to be a member of the Color Guard. If you are not enrolled in the Band Program and you are a part of the Color Guard, you will be placed in Music Elective which is a half credit semester course for Marching Band Students.

Percussion Ensemble MU 1130 (curricular)

Open to all students who successfully complete an audition process. The student is expected to participate in marching band and must have basic rudimental drumming skills and keyboard knowledge including the Circle of Fourths in major scales and two-octave chromatic scale.

Students learn basic music theory and vocabulary as well as basic playing fundamentals and sight-reading skills. The class learns all level percussion techniques on snare drum, the Twenty-Six Standard Rudiments, bass drum, keyboards, auxiliary instrument and timpani. Students perform ensemble literature as well as participate in the ensembles in the Band Program. There are after school rehearsals and performances that are required.

Class meets during school and occasionally rehearses one or two times a week after school in preparation for performances which include the Winter Concert in December, the District Concert Festival which is usually held during the first or second weekend in March, and the Spring Concert in May. Other concerts may be scheduled as the opportunity arises with ample notice given to all participants. Concert Festival is the most important event of the school term with focus going toward evaluation by a panel of adjudicators for stage performance and sight-reading skills of the ensemble. Students enrolled in this class are expected to audition for All District Band. Private study with an approved tutor is encouraged but not required. Grade evaluation is based upon performance skills with consideration given to level of playing experience, improvement based upon music mastery, written and aural tests, attendance at performances and rehearsals, class participation and adherence to the rules and regulations as outlined in the handbook.

Occasional spring trips may be taken. Fund-raising projects are provided through the Band Boosters Association to assist students in raising funds for trips and other band related expenses. The final performance of the semester is the spring graduation in June.

Symphonic Band MU 1300 (curricular)
Advanced Band MU 1200 (curricular)
Intermediate Band MU 1100 (curricular)

Open to students who have had instrumental music experience through audition and/or by recommendation of former band Directors. Concert performance skills are developed through group and individualized instruction. Students learn basic music theory and vocabulary as well as basic playing fundamentals and sight-reading skills.

Class meets during school and occasionally rehearses one or two times a week after school in preparation for performances which include the Winter Concert in December, the District Concert Festival which is usually held during the first or second weekend in March, and the Spring Concert in May. Other concerts may be scheduled as the opportunity arises with ample notice given to all participants. Concert Festival is the most important event of the school term with focus going toward evaluation by a panel of adjudicators for stage performance and sight-reading skills of the ensemble. Participation in other extra-curricular activities after school including athletics is permitted.

Students enrolled in this class are expected to audition for All District Band unless excused by the Director. Private study with an approved tutor is encouraged but not required. Grade evaluation is based upon performance skills with consideration given to level of playing experience, improvement based upon music mastery, written and aural tests, attendance at performances and rehearsals, class participation and adherence to the rules and regulations as outlined in the handbook.

Occasional spring trips may be taken. Fund-raising projects are provided through the Band Boosters Association to assist students in raising funds for trips and other band related expenses. School instruments are available for some students based upon need and ensemble instrumentation. Instruments can be rented for a fee of $35.00. Checks should be made payable to Denbigh High School. A written contract will be filled out with this rental fee. The final performance of the semester is the spring graduation in June.

The Symphonic Band will combine with the Advanced Band and the Intermediate Band to comprise the Concert Band of the Denbigh Band Program. This group will perform as one of the two major bands in the program.

Jazz Band MU 1400 (curricular)

Jazz Band is a performance group that explores contemporary, popular and various styles of jazz. Open only to students in the Band Program who have advanced instrumental music skills through audition. This is a very select group which performs for civic functions, special occasions, as well as the winter and Spring Concerts. The ensemble rehearses after school as the need arises. Instrumentation is limited to the needs of the ensemble as determined by the Director. District Jazz Festival is mandatory for every member of the group.

Indoor Drumline and Indoor Color Guard

Indoor Drumline and Indoor Color Guard is open to any student in the DHS Band Program. These two aspects of the program are a continuation of the marching band feeling for those students who would like to try different parts of the activity. Any musician can try out. Each performance group has 3-5 competitions throughout the winter and their championships take place in Raleigh, NC during the first weekend of April. Information for both of these ensembles will be available at the beginning of November.

Band Activities

Band Contests and Festivals

The marching band performs in approximately four to five marching band contests each year during the fall and the concert bands, percussion ensemble and jazz bands perform in several concert festivals and competitions throughout the year. The Symphonic Band and Concert Band perform at District Festival in March and have a Winter Concert in December and a Spring Concert in May. Participation in these events benefits the band in many ways. It provides extra motivation to strive for excellence. It raises standards of quality of performance. It builds esprit de corps. It offers an opportunity to gauge the band’s progress and to gain recognition from the community. Participation in all ensemble performances is required.

All District Band

Auditions are held the first or second weekend of December. The concert is given the first weekend in February. All band students are required to audition unless given exemption by the Director for extenuating circumstance. However, an alterative performance project will be required. Ask the Director about audition requirements.

All State Band and Orchestra

Open to the top chairs of the All District Band. Auditions are held the last week of February. A concert is given usually in April.

District Concert Festival

Festival is held usually the first or second of weekend March. It is required of all band classes second semester. The band is evaluated by a panel of adjudicators who gauge the band’s ability to perform good concert literature and to sight-read music that has never been played before.

Solo and Ensemble

Band members who wish to play a solo, duet, or small ensemble for evaluation by an adjudicator. It is usually held in April or May. Students may only audition for Solo and Ensemble Festival if approved by the Director.

Marching Band Camp

Band camp is held each summer during August. This time enables the band to start the year as an impressive organization and as a refined performing group. During this time, the band learns its show. Specialists in each instrument classification are there to provide sound musical instruction. It is extremely important for all members of the marching band to take part in this event. This short time of intensive training is worth two months of after school rehearsals. Freshmen especially benefit from this week. There is time available for each student to be instructed in all the basics and fine points of marching and playing. It also provides the opportunity for the new player to become an integral part of the performing group and develop good social relationships. Band camp is a great deal of work but is fun as well. You will be notified by May of the previous school year as to the exact date and place as well as any cost of band camp. Students must participate in camp in its entirety in order to be in the field show.

Fundraising

The Denbigh High School Band Boosters Association is the financial backbone of the band. Fund-raising involves detailed record keeping of each student’s progress toward financing any personal band expenses such as trips, fees, etc. All monies are to be delivered in a sealed envelope to the designated parent or adult in charge of the activity, with the student’s name, amount turned in, and description of the fee to be covered by the money written on the outside of the envelope.

The Denbigh High School Band Program relies upon the money made from fund raising sales for purchases and activities not covered by the school budget. All fund raising activities are organized by the Denbigh High School Band Boosters Association.

The Band Boosters have long believed that the opportunities we have offered to our children in the name of music education are what has made the Denbigh High School Band Program the special program it is—inclusive rather than exclusive, affordable for all, and encouraging to each student, regardless of the group in which they participate. We also believe that if the students are indeed to reap the benefits of what we are able to offer, they should be involved in making it happen.

There are major fund raising events during the school year. Some of them may include:

Other potential revenue sources include the jazz festival, car wash, concert donations, and a benefactor’s plaque.

Delivery Day

Students and parents are needed on any Delivery Day. They help unload the trucks and pull orders for each student who sold items for that specific fund raiser. Each student is responsible for picking up his/her items from the band room on Delivery Day and is responsible for delivering them to each buyer to whom he/she sold in a timely manner.
IF THE ITEM IS NOT PICKED UP ON THE DAY OF DELIVERY, THE ITEM MAY BE RESOLD! THE BAND BOOSTERS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE TO HOLD ANY ITEM FROM A FUND RAISER.

Why Fund Raise/How Money is Spent

The Band Program at Denbigh High School is an interesting part of the curriculum. Like certain other classes which perform or participate in events outside of the school day, we are not fully funded by the school budget. Other classes in this situation include the other performing groups, orchestras and choirs.

The need for additional funds is mostly because we plan things such as trips, bringing in guest artists and soloists, providing refreshments, and helping support the co-curricular aspects of the program as well. We also try to provide scholarships for graduating seniors. Last year, we awarded $1,000 worth of scholarships. This year we have budgeted $1,000 for scholarship awards. We hope to increase that number in the future.

All told, in order to run all of our programs to the level we have become accustomed, we must find additional funds. Due to the success of fund raisers over the years, we have been able to do things like offer a Florida trip. Surely fund raisers enabled many more students to participate.

Arts education is expensive and Newport News, Virginia has been the type of community which has traditionally supported the arts. We have found the students get great responses during our fundraisers, actually heightening the community’s awareness of our activities while selling. We have streamlined the process so it is quick and safe and helps bring ALL of the band program students and parents together for a common goal.

The fund raising activities of the Denbigh High School Band Program support all of the band activities. As such, all band students, not just marching band participants, are expected to participate in fund raising activities. Funds are used for outside musicians, scholarships for band students, guest artists, leadership activities, and to off-set the total price of a trip.

THE ANNUAL PATRIOT INVITATIONAL

Held in October each year, this is a Saturday night marching band competition sponsored by the Band Program and the Band Boosters at Denbigh High School. This is the biggest fundraiser of the year and there is a job for everyone—both before the event and especially on the day of the event. Proceeds from this event are used to benefit the entire program, not only the marching band. Therefore, parents of students not involved in the marching band are encouraged to participate.

Event jobs include some of the following:

ANY MONEY LEFT IN A STUDENT’S ACCOUNT AT THE END OF THEIR SENIOR YEAR WILL NOT BE RETURNED TO THE STUDENT. THAT MONEY CAN EITHER BE 1) PASSED DOWN TO A SIBLING OF THE STUDENT TO BE ENROLLED IN THE BAND PROGRAM THE FOLLOWING YEAR OR 2) PLACED INTO A SPECIFIC PART OF THE BAND PROGRAM AT THE WISHES OF THE STUDENT.

Use of School Owned Instruments

Students using school owned instruments are required to sign a contract with the school district. Instruments can be rented for a fee of $35.00. Checks should be made payable to Denbigh High School Band. The instrument is to be used only by the person it is checked out to. That person is responsible for any damages that occur. If the instrument is dropped or abused, the person assigned the instrument is responsible for the cost of the repairs. The school shall determine which company shall make authorized repairs. If the instrument is stolen while in the possession of the student, the parents and student shall be responsible for restitution. A nametag with your name must be properly attached to the outside of the case.

Marching Band Uniforms

The school will provide the marching band uniform and other trimmings. Any Marching Band student is required to pay a $35.00 uniform rental fee. A written contract will be filled out with this rental fee. Students are responsible for purchasing shoes at a one time cost of $28.00. Black socks and black shoes are also a part of the uniform. Your band uniform is to be properly hung on hangers when not in use. Any damages done to the uniform outside of normal wear will result in the parent and student paying the cost of replacement.

Students will wear the complete uniform at all functions designated by the Director. Do not appear in public or outside the band room, car, bus, or home in partial uniform. The uniform is not a Halloween costume. Students are not permitted to wear excessive makeup and jewelry while in the marching band uniform. Guard members will wear approved makeup and jewelry as the uniform dictates. Students who do not follow these expectations will be removed from the marching band with no exceptions.

ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT MARCHING BAND SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE 2009 DHS MARCHING BAND HANDBOOK.

Student Leaders

Class Assistant: Appointed by the Director for each class. The assistant will handle matters of administration, assist with handing out music and help see that classroom policy is carried out when a substitute teacher is present.

Section Leaders: Are appointed by the Director. This position is based upon attitude and ability to lead by example. They are usually (but not necessarily) 1st chair players that display leadership and responsibility. Section leaders are responsible for the successful function of their section. They determine the needs of the section as to extra rehearsals, discipline and quality of performance.

Captains (marching band): Are appointed by the Director. Evaluation is based upon attitude and ability to lead by example. Captains are responsible for the successful function of the overall brass, woodwind, color guard and percussion sections. They work closely with the section leaders to determine the needs of the sections as to extra rehearsals, discipline and quality of performance.

Drum Major(s): Are appointed by the Director. The Drum Major is the junior Band Director. Evaluation is based upon attitude and ability to lead by example. The drum major(s) is responsible for the smooth operation of the marching band. There may or may not be an assistant drum major. To be eligible, a student must have participated in marching band two concurrent years, have at least an overall B average and an A average in band.

Field Captain: (as needed, determined by the Director) A junior appointed by the Director to serve as Drum Major in training. They are involved with most of the attendance responsibilities in the marching band, conducting the band and learning the necessary skills to continue as the Drum Major of the Marching Patriots their senior year. To be eligible, a student must have participated in marching band two concurrent years, have at least an overall B average and an A average in band.

Travel Tips for Over Night Activities and Field Trips

  1. Follow instructions of the Directors, Staff and chaperones at all times. If you don’t understand, ask.
  2. No boys in girls’ rooms, no girls in boys’ rooms — EVER.
  3. No unnecessary moving around on the bus. No standing in seats, sitting on backs or arms of seats on the bus. Do as the bus driver asks when on the bus.
  4. Each bus will have a first aid kit on board. Ask chaperones for help.
  5. Be quiet and cooperative during roll call on buses.
  6. Use restrooms on chartered buses as little as possible. We will make regular stops, and we don’t want the restrooms to smell.
  7. You are responsible for any damage to your room.
  8. Know who the chaperone for your group is, and their room number.
  9. Make no charges to your room (movies, phones, etc.). Use pay phones.
  10. Take no souvenirs from your room, restaurants, or any other place of business. Remember: Shoplifting and stealing are illegal and you will be prosecuted.
  11. Make no calls between rooms after lights out, unless you are calling a chaperone to report a problem.
  12. Don’t leave your room unlocked.
  13. No alcoholic beverages, non-prescription drugs, or any controlled substances (which includes tobacco and alcohol) are to be taken, bought, or consumed during the trip. The Director should be notified in writing if you are taking any prescription drugs.
  14. No changing buses or rooms without the Director’s permission.
  15. Leave non-essential valuables at home.
  16. Watch your belongings. If you put something down unattended, there is an excellent chance it will not be there when you return.
  17. Profanity is not a part of this band. Make sure your language is never offensive.
  18. Curfews will be announced and strictly enforced.
  19. Personal radios, Mp3 Players, CD players, DVD Players and cassette players with headphones only are allowed on the bus. The volume should not be loud enough to be heard by others.
  20. Behavior of students will be exemplary at all times. There is no excuse for rude, obnoxious acts.
  21. All Denbigh High School rules and regulations from the RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES HANDBOOK are in effect throughout the duration of any trip.
  22. Kindness and courtesy work miracles in almost every situation. Remember that PLEASE and THANK YOU cost you nothing and yet are highly valued, especially when received from a teenager.
  23. There shall be no action for which an explanation is necessary. If you think someone might ask you “Why did you do that?” then don’t do it.

Note: Any infractions of these rules will result in the dismissal of the student from the trip and he/she must be picked up by a parent/guardian or the cost of your travel home will be covered by the student or parents/guardians. Serious infractions could result in suspension from school. These rules were set up for your safety, so please abide by them!

Selection of Chaperones

For the safety and well being of the band students involved in trips, school policy for selection of chaperones shall be based by the Director on the criteria listed below.

  1. Ratio of experienced versus inexperienced chaperones. An effort will be made to give parents actively involved an opportunity to chaperone. Seasoned chaperones will also be involved to help those adults who have had little or no experience in chaperoning the band. We will try to get adults who have had successful and extensive experience chaperoning to chaperone overnight major trips.
  2. Chaperone List. A list will be circulated at every parent meeting for parents interested in chaperoning band trips. Chaperones will be expected to pay all meals and any costs incurred including lodging unless determined otherwise by the Band Boosters Executive Board. Chaperoning is a job, if our children are to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Parents chaperoning trips will not be allowed to bring children not enrolled in the band activity unless approved by the school.

Medical Information

Students are required to have a medical and permission form properly filled out and signed by the parents before he or she will be allowed to participate in band activities away from campus. The school will not be held responsible for charges incurred due to medical emergency. The Director or his designee will have the medical forms and is responsible for helping secure medical treatment from a qualified medical facility in case of medical emergency in the event the parents are not available. The Director and staff will make every effort to assist the students with personal medical and hygiene problems and administering of prescribed medication from the student’s doctor as well as giving out other medications that would be used for minor medical ailments as outlined by signed parental consent and school district policy.

Class Procedures, Expectations and Requirements

Students are expected to enter the band room (or auditorium) in an orderly and timely fashion. Gum, food, and drinks are not allowed in the band room or auditorium. Students are expected to be in their seats with instruments and music by the time the Director takes the podium (usually a few minutes after the tardy bell). Students who are not in their seats and ready to start class on time will be counted tardy. Once the tardy bell rings, the band room door will be closed and the student will have a tardy recorded. Students are to follow all instructions including stopping and starting with the Director.

Students are not to move stands or chairs from the seating arrangement unless instructed to do so by the Director and are to enter and exit the rows through the ends of the row. All instruments are to be placed on the shelves or in lockers as assigned. Books may be placed out of the way under your chair or on the designated table. Do not block the entrances with books and cases! The band room will be open each morning and after school for storage and pick up of your instruments. Do not store any personal articles on the instrument shelves. The instrument storage room is for your instrument only. Use your school locker for that purpose. ANY PERSONAL ITEMS FOUND IN THE INSTRUMENT STORAGE CLOSET WILL BE THROWN IN THE GARBAGE!

All students are to have all related materials necessary for a successful learning experience. Failure to have the required materials for class and follow the above procedures will result in reduction of your grade.

Grade Evaluation: Grade determination for all band classes will be computed in accordance with Virginia Public Schools High School Band Grading Guidelines. Every student will have two performance grades due each grading period. These projects may be selected from the following: regular study with an approved private tutor (an evaluation sheet will need to be completed by your tutor), class recital (solo, duet, or small ensemble), All District Band Event, Denbigh High School Bands Concert, District Festival, Solo and Ensemble Festival, Graduation Performance, term paper (three pages, typed, double spaced) on an approved music performance related topic, or music technology related project. All students will play individually (sometimes in front of class) to a certain current performance level, grade determination and sectional seating. Auditions usually include major scales (percussion rudiments), assigned music and sometimes sight-reading. A zero will be given if the student has no instrument during a rehearsal. If the instrument is in the shop for repairs, a note from the dealer (not parent) must be given. The student will be excused and responsible for making up all work in a timely manner.

Expectations: All instruments and music must be taken home each day. You cannot practice your daily assignments when your instrument and music are at school. Students who have large instruments will be provided an instrument to keep at home if one is available. A student’s grade will be reduced if the instrument is left at school overnight. On occasion, the Director will make exceptions as the circumstance dictates. All students will be required to audition for the All District Band unless excused by the Director. Students will be required to attend regular after school rehearsals in preparation for concerts.

Attendance: Attendance at rehearsals supersedes any type of extra-curricular activity such as sports. Band is an academic class and you will be excused for a game or match, if notified at least two weeks in advance of the missed rehearsal. You will be required to make up any work missed. All band classes may combine together and perform for school sponsored special events. All students are required to perform in all concerts, District Concert Festival and graduation (except graduating seniors). Those students who chose not to participate in the Graduation Performance will receive an F for the fourth nine weeks grade.

Absences: Students will be excused from band activities only if the Director is notified in writing at least two weeks in advance (emergencies excluded). No student will be excused from a performance unless it is a very special circumstance! Students excused from a rehearsal or performance will be required to make up the absence with a solo performance specified by the teacher to be played in front of the ensemble, or work designated by the Director of Bands. The Director will chose which option the student will have to complete. Any student who is unexcused will receive a grade of zero for that performance and an F for the term.

Make-up Work: The student will be required to make up work missed in accordance with the Virginia Public Schools Department of Music Education High School Band Grading Guidelines. There will also be several performances scheduled during the year outside of class. Students will not be excused from any type of performance unless there is a very special circumstance. You will be required to make up an excused absence from a performance by playing all of your music from the performance or rehearsal in person for the Director within one week of the absence or within one week upon returning to school from an excused absence due to illness (doctor’s excuse is required). It is the student’s responsibility to find out what was missed, secure any outside help if needed, and schedule a make up session. The Director will chose a make-up option the student will have to complete.

Participation in Other Activities: You may participate in other outside activities such as sports, drama, etc. Most conflicts are avoided by cooperation and communication with the Band Director, club sponsors and coaches. It is best to limit the number of extra activities in order to do them well.

Communication: You will receive a schedule of band events for the upcoming months on a regular basis. 24-hour voice mail (757) 886-7700 X1147 is available to call and leave a message. Calls are returned as soon as possible. Another quick way to get in contact with the Director of Bands is via e-mail: chris.ward@nn.k12.va.us.

Materials Needed: Please refer to the required materials list included with this handbook. If a recording is required, the school does not provide tape recorders. The student must provide his or her own means for recording playing tests. Assignments may also be recorded on computer disk and/or emailed to the Director. Acceptable formats are MP3 and WAV.

Concert Attire: Girls are required to purchase a special black dress through the school ($50-$70) or used from a former student (see bulletin board) to be worn with stockings and black shoes. Boys must wear a black classic tuxedo, white long sleeved winged collar tux shirt with black studs, black cummerbund, black strap bow tie, and black shoes and socks. There will be no variation allowed for this attire. This may be purchased or rented locally. Students with financial problems must contact the Director immediately, so that arrangements can be made to secure what is needed. Students not in proper attire will not be allowed to perform, resulting in reduction of grade.

Rules: Gum, food and drinks (water is permitted) are not allowed in the band room or in the auditorium. Any student caught chewing gum or having food or drink will have their participation grade reduced as well as food items confiscated and thrown in the trash. Repeated violations will result in disciplinary referral to the administration. Students are not permitted to play on another student’s instrument. All instrument cases must have a student name securely attached. There will be a $1.00 charge to replace each piece of lost music.

Hall/Restroom Pass Policy: Students will not be allowed to leave the classroom unless it is an emergency. Students will be given a Hall/Restroom Pass Card that must be filled out in ink before giving it to the Director for approval to leave class. Students are issued only five passes per semester, so use your passes wisely. If the student looses the card, none will be reissued and the student will not be allowed to leave the classroom. Students are not allowed to see an administrator or go to guidance unless the student has a note from them before the student requests to leave class (administration’s policy).

Mr. Ward’s Philosophy: A cooperative attitude, good behavior and improvement are most important. Students have to try very hard to make less than a C in band. Each year students fail band because they will not follow rules and meet class expectations. In order to cut down on the number of extra rehearsals, students should practice a minimum of 1/2 hour every night on their music. This means every student must take his or her instrument home every night. If an instrument is left at school, the student’s participation grade will be lowered. Some students will be given special consideration as the need arises. Every effort will be made to see that students who have large school instruments will have an instrument at home and one at school. Each student’s attitude and performance affects the entire ensemble. We are a class act as well as a team and our efforts must be cooperative or everyone suffers. The student’s grade shall reflect both the student’s attitude and effort.

Materials List for Denbigh High School Band Classes

This list supercedes the list included in the Virginia Public Schools High School Band Grading Guidelines. Any student who has a financial problem obtaining these required materials for class must have his or her parent contact the Director immediately. All items must be secured by the end of the second week of school with the exception of the concert attire.

All Students

Percussionists

Flutes

Double Reeds

All Clarinets and Saxes

Brass Instruments

Grade Breakdown

HOW YOUR GRADE WILL BE EARNED

  1. 10% – Attendance
  2. 10% – Class Participation
  3. 15% – Extra Rehearsal
  4. 20% – Practice Records
  5. 20% – Concert/Performances and Auditions
  6. 25% – Test, Quizzes and Projects

ATTENDANCE

All rehearsals are MANDATORY and the following guidelines apply.
Anything that is missed must have a note written and signed by a parent regardless of whether it is excused or not.

Preparation

You are required to be prepared for each rehearsal so that rehearsals may begin on time. That means that you are in your seat with your instrument, music, pencil, and other necessary materials, ready to start.

Absences

An absence from rehearsal occurs when a student misses a complete rehearsal or when he or she is more than fifteen minutes late or leaves fifteen minutes early. Excused absences from rehearsal are limited to the following:

Unexcused absences include reasons not listed above. Remember that you have regularly scheduled rehearsals which have been given to you in advance. Please make sure to take care of any personal business/appointments on days in which rehearsal is not scheduled. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL WORK BE CONSIDERED AN EXCUSE!
Unexcused absences and tardiness will result in disciplinary action.

Subsequent offenses will be dealt with accordingly, and may lead to expulsion from the group and F in class:

CLASS PARTICIPATION

This includes general classroom behavior, ATTITUDE, participation, and bringing materials to class (folder, music, pencil). Violations of this policy are assessed on a day-to-day basis. Pencil and music checks are at the discretion of the Director. Any insubordination will be dealt with at the Administrative level.

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE YOUR INSTRUMENT, YOU WILL RECEIVE NO PARTICIPATION POINTS FOR THE CLASS THAT DAY.

A – Having music, pencil and folder, basically all your materials.
B – Having music and folder but no pencil.
C – Having only pencil.
F – Having no materials.

EXTRA REHEARSALS

There WILL be outside scheduled rehearsals for all ensembles throughout the year. Students will be REQUIRED to attend extra rehearsals in the Band Room, Auditorium or any place designated by the Director. The purpose of these extra rehearsals is to combine the entire Band Program for the preparation of mass music numbers that will be performed at any concert. These rehearsals will be announced well in advance so as to give students adequate time to inform parents and employers.

A – Being on time to rehearsal, prepared with all materials, reporting on time and not leaving early.
B – Being fifteen minutes late or leaving fifteen minutes early, not having all of your materials.
C – Being thirty minutes late or leaving thirty minutes early, unprepared for rehearsal.
D – Being forty-five minutes late or leaving forty-five minutes early.
F – Being an hour late, leaving an hour early, missing a Dress Rehearsal.
You cannot receive higher than a grade of an overall B in the class if this happens.

PRACTICE RECORDS

You will be given a practice records sheet for each nine week session. As a high school musician you are required to practice a minimum of 30 minutes at least five times a week. This sheet must be signed by your parent every week indicating that you have practiced the required amount. The Director will drop the lowest practice week grade. The breakdown for weekly practice goes as follows:

A – Five days at 30 minutes.
B – Four days at 30 minutes.
C – Three days at 30 minutes.
F – Two days or less at 30 minutes.

YOU MUST PRACTICE FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES AT A TIME. YOU CANNOT PRACTICE FOR 45 MINUTES ONE NIGHT AND 15 THE NEXT. YOUR PRACTICE IS MEASURED AT 30 MINUTES OR MORE.

CONCERTS, PERFORMANCES

The Newport News Public School Board Policy on concert attendance states that a student may be required to attend the concert(s) of his/her performing ensembles as a demonstration of his/her acquired skills over the course of a nine-week period.
MISSING A CONCERT WITHOUT A VALID EXCUSE WILL RESULT IN A FAILURE OF THE CLASS!
A – Participating in the concert, prepared musically and with all materials, reporting on time and not leaving early.
B – Participating in the concert, being 15 minutes late or leaving 15 minutes early, not knowing your music.
C – Participating in the concert being 30 minutes late or leaving 30 minutes early, not knowing your music.
D – Participating in the concert being 45 minutes late or leaving 45minutes early, not knowing your music.
F – Participating in the concert being an hour late, leaving an hour early, and not knowing your music.
You cannot receive higher than a grade of an overall C in the class if this happens.

IF YOU MISS YOUR ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE OF THE CONCERT, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN F AS A GRADE.

TESTS, QUIZZES AND PROJECTS

Throughout each semester, the students will have playing quizzes, playing and written tests, as well as one major project equaling 2 test grades. The Newport News School Board requires that all music students take a semester and final exam. This exam will count as 20% towards your final grade. The exam is 60% playing performance and 40% written.

Tests = 15%
Quizzes = 10%

EXTRA CREDIT

Extra Credit will be offered throughout the year. Attending other concerts and writing written reviews are an example of extra credit points. Other opportunities will arise throughout each semester.