Concert Band and Orchestra

Instrument Lessons

 Class Expectations

CONCERT BAND AND PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE 2002-03

August 26, 2002

MAJ Browne and Mr. Weirich  

Class Expectations:

·        Class meets in Block D: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. We play literature for concert band, full orchestra, and chamber ensembles and solos. We audition for chair placement.

·        Class begins on the first bell. You are late if you are not in your seat ready to play when the downbeat is given. We conclude just before the ending bell. The school absence policy states that your fourth (4^th) absence in a class triggers an automatic review of whether or not you will receive credit for that class at the end of the term. Please be aware that concerts and performances are considered class time. Absence is not an option.

·        “Music is our most important product.” The most significant reason to play in band is to enjoy playing music beautifully and to the best of your ability. We derive personal meaning and pleasure from a good performance. A love and appreciation for music (any style) well played and sounding good is a great starting point. We always expect you to give your best effort.

 Grading:

·        Grades are earned through a combination of demonstrating good rehearsal habits, performing section and individual playing tests, and earned extra credit.

·        Rehearsal habits:

• ready for rehearsal on time instrument
• music, rehearsal pencil, needed accessories (mute, reeds, oil, etc.)
• be prepared before spot checks are made.
• Behavior conducive to good learning

·        Playing your musical best. Your contribution in demonstrating a great attitude and working as a team, regardless of your ability level, is an asset to the overall effort of the ensemble.

·        Playing tests: Individual playing tests are done either one-on-one with an instructor, or by recording. Section tests are played with two or more at a time, and grades are assigned with an opportunity to boost a low score. Concerts are also playing tests, so make sure you watch the calendar!

·        Extra credit: Extra credit can be earned in many different ways, usually by playing for occasions and events and volunteering for extra help, which goes above and beyond the normal class work.

Extra emphasis:

We stress personal responsibility- being responsible for yourself and your equipment. School instruments entrusted to your care (formally or on loan from another) are your responsibility. Everyone performs in a small chamber ensemble in early February as a part of the class. The quarterly concerts, the annual ISSMA Solo  & Ensemble Festival, the annual ISSMA Organization Contest, special state music groups, Chapel, Mass and Vespers performances and the Spring Musical “pit” orchestra are all a part of our musical year!

Class Expectations

Guidelines for grades in private lessons

Private lesson instructors have determined the following five points to establish a consistent approach to the grading of private lessons:

1. Practice: We look for evidence of careful and thoughtful practice in preparing the week’s assignment. Each assignment is individually tailored to the student’s needs and abilities, and each student is clearly told what the assignment is, and what the expectations are.
2. Preparation: The student should be prepared for each lesson by having the appropriate books, music, instrument, equipment, etc. with them and being ready to begin the lesson within a reasonable amount of time upon arrival.
3. Personal responsibility: Being overly late or unexpectedly absent from a lesson is not a good rehearsal ethic to form. Lateness causes material to be covered inadequately, and absence necessitates awkward make-up times that may or may not pan out. Unavoidable, previous, conflicting appointments should be forewarned. Emergency personal illness is documented through the infirmary. Students bear the responsibility of arranging and completing make up times for lessons.
4. The lesson: Private lesson instructors have usually taken and given many, many lessons in their education. Students in private lessons are engaged actively in the learning process, and they are expected to do their best to implement the teacher’s suggestions. It is possible for a student to be unprepared, distracted or somehow unwilling to do what the instructor expects. These are points considered during grading and assessment.
5. Adjunct instructors: We realize that car trouble, inclement weather, personal illness, changing school schedules and unforeseen emergencies may force our adjunct instructors into missing a lesson when the student is in fact present for the lesson. In that instance, instructors will make every reasonable effort to arrange a mutual time to make up those lessons.

Class Materials

Students are required to have a rehearsal pencil and appropriate reeds, sticks, oil, slide grease, mutes, strings and so forth for rehearsal. Class begins on the bell and dismisses with enough time to put equipment away. Music is supplied, but duplicates for lost music are the responsibility of the individual. There are a limited number of school-owned instruments for rent with priority going to the principal instrument of the student in band or orchestra.

Class Materials

Lessons  are generally 45 minutes long, one time per week. Appropriate method books and music are supplied by the student, with the advice of the instructor. There are a limited number of school-owned instruments for rent; however,priority goes to the principal instrument of a student in band or orchestra. Music store rental can be arranged.