Region 15 Music Department Handbook

Memorial Middle School Music Program

The ensembles offered at MMS include Band, Chorus, Orchestra, Chamber Groups, Stage Band and Chorale. Students are invited to perform in more than one ensemble.

Band, Chorus, and Orchestra each meet twice within a six-day cycle. All students are invited to participate in these ensembles, and are expected to attend every rehearsal (see attendance policy.) These courses meet during I Block and are scheduled as follows:

	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
Band	Grade 6	Grade 7	Grade 8	Grades 7&8	Grade 6
Chorus	Grades 7&8	Grade 8	Grade 7	Grade 6
Orchestra	Grade 7		Grade 6	Grade 8		Grades 6, 7 & 8

Stage Band and Chorale students are chosen by audition, and are involved in extra performances in addition to the regularly scheduled concerts. These students are considered to be advanced, highly gifted musicians, and represent the best performers in our school. These students must be members of the large ensembles in order to audition. Students involved in these ensembles are graded in combination with their school day commitments (see attendance policy.)

The auditions are based on the following criteria:

-tone

-technique

-sight reading

-audiation

Additional small ensembles will be established at the discretion of the director.

Drop/Add Period for Ensembles

Students are expected to commit to participation in the large ensembles within three weeks of the start of each concert season (September and January). The ensembles are graded courses, and as the season progresses, students become an important part of the performing ensemble. Students selected for the select ensembles are expected to commit immediately upon the posting of the audition results. This will ensure fairness to any alternates that may have been selected.

Attendance Policy for Rehearsals

The Region 15 Music Department supports a balanced education for all students in which music is only one part of there complete education. Occasionally, students will need to receive an unexcused absence from a rehearsal. The following policy is designed to find a balance between providing a high quality educational experience that is predicated upon the contribution of each individual towards a total product, while recognizing individual student and family needs.

When students are absent from a rehearsal or performance, regardless of the circumstances, they lose a learning opportunity that cannot be replicated and diminish the learning experience for others by the absence of their part. When a rehearsal conflict occurs, the student must notify the director a week or more in advance, and attain the approval of the director in order to be excused. In situations of extreme emergency where the director can not be notified in advance, a written explanation of the absence, from the parent, must be submitted to the director at the student’s next rehearsal following the absence(s). Each unexcused absence will reduce the student’s quarterly grade, and may result in the loss of other privileges, (i.e. change of seating or loss of a solo part.) Multiple unexcused absences may result in removal from the group.

1. Grades for the select ensembles (chorale and stage band) will be reduced by one letter grade for each unexcused absence.

2. Grades for school day rehearsals and lessons will be reduced by three points per unexcused absence.

Examples of excused absences

· Personal illness

· Death in the family

· Direct conflict with other school activities involving participation (not observation). This type of conflict will be excused after the director has attempted to resolve the conflict.

· Extenuating circumstances as approved by the director.

Rehearsal Procedures and Materials

The following policies and procedures reflect the expectations of all ensemble directors in Region 15:

ü Be in your seat or riser location ready to begin ON TIME.

ü All talking or playing must STOP IMMEDIATELY when ANY authorized person steps on the podium or in front of the group.

ü Do not talk or play when the Director stops conducting to give instructions or explanations.

ü Have all equipment at every rehearsal and performance (instrument, music, reeds, oils, mutes, pencils, sticks, mallets, etc.)

ü Use proper posture at all times during rehearsal.

ü Gum chewing, candy eating, food, beverages, etc. are not permitted in the music rooms or practice rooms without permission from the Director.

Concert Attendance

Performances and rehearsals are an integral part of the music program. As a member of a music group you have chosen to participate in a credit subject, not an activity. As such, attendance at rehearsals and performances are part of the course.

An ensemble performance is akin to the final exam in an academic class such as English. An unexcused absence from a performance will significantly affect the student’s grade for that quarter (i.e. drop a letter grade) just as failure to take an exam in English would affect a grade for that course.

In instances of personal illness, death in the family, or other special circumstances at the discretion of the director, students may seek an excused absence. Request for an excused absence must come from the parent, in writing, four weeks prior to the date in conflict. If an emergency should arise less than four weeks prior to the concert, a note should be sent to the director from the parent on the next school day. The director will review the note and contact the parent to inform them as to whether or not the absence will be considered excused.

Concert Etiquette and Dress

Concert Dress

All students in grades 6-12 must wear black or dark skirt/pants and a white collared blouse or shirt. Boys should also wear a tie. Tank tops or “spaghetti strap” tops and jeans are strictly prohibited and skirts must be no shorter than 3" above the knee. Sneakers are discouraged. Any other clothing requirements, such as a costume for a special presentation, will be announced at least one month prior to the concert and be sent home in writing. It is expected that parents will plan the concert outfit with the student prior to the event.

Concert Etiquette (for audiences of all ages)

Seating is provided in the auditoriums for performers to listen to the other performing groups listed on the program. No student is to leave the performance until the entire concert is completed. As a courtesy to each of the performers, we ask that all members of the audience plan to stay for the entire concert.

Proper etiquette is as follows:

v Being attentive, still and quiet is respectful to both performers and the audience members as well.

v Remain seated while ensembles are performing.

v Express appreciation for all performances with polite applause.

v Small children are welcome provided that they are supervised properly.

v While it is appropriate to applaud for jazz soloists during a piece, please refrain from clapping during the other choral and instrumental solos while the performance is taking place. Soloists will be recognized at the end of the piece.

Student Responsibilities

Practice Expectations

Every student is expected to practice daily to enhance his or her proficiency. Rehearsals are not meant to replace individual practice time. Each individual is expected to perfect his or her part for every rehearsal/performance. It is essential that each student take on the responsibilities of practice to ensure their individual physical and musical development. Without this investment of time for practice, the students’, and respectively, the ensembles’, progress will be slow and tedious. Practice time increases proportionately to the number of ensembles in which a student participates.

Use and Care of Equipment

Folders, sheet music, and any school-owned instruments are provided by the school district for student use free of charge. Students will be held financially responsible for any lost or damaged equipment (beyond normal wear and tear.)

Personal Belongings and Instruments

*EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT STUDENT BELONGINGS ARE SECURE AND SAFE; HOWEVER, LOST, STOLEN, OR DAMAGED STUDENT PROPERTY IS NOT THE RESPONSBILITY OF THE REGION 15 PUBLIC SCHOOLS. IN MOST CASES, PARENTS’ HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE WILL COVER LOSSES OF THIS NATURE.

Here are some guidelines to help insure the safety of your belongings:

1. Always leave your instrument in your designated music room or music locker. Never leave an instrument unattended in a public area (i.e. hallways, cafeteria etc.).

2. Keep purses, wallets and valuables with you at all times. Do not leave them on buses even when they can be locked.

3. Keep a copy of your instrument’s bill of sale and serial number in a secure place.

Travel Policies

Public performances are an integral part of the Region 15 Music Department. As a member of a performing ensemble, you represent your school, your community, and your state at various functions. It is important that you present yourself in a manner that will make our organization and the people that we represent proud. The following is a list of expectations regarding travel and public performances:

1. You will be assigned to a specific bus and may not change seats or busses during the course of the trip.

2. The noise level on the busses must remain reasonable and quiet.

3. You must be seated while the bus is in motion.

4. Do not leave the bus until instructed to do so.

5. Always leave the bus cleaner than you found it.

6. Personal tape/CD players with headphones are allowed at the discretion of the director.

7. All school rules, as well as, local state and federal laws are in effect for every trip.

All school, state, and federal laws will be enforced. If a student is found in violation of these in any way, disciplinary action will be taken. The student may be suspended, expelled, or sent home at the parent’s expense. If a student is sent home, the parents will be notified and are responsible for their child when they return to the home airport, bus or train station. The most convenient form of travel at the time will be used. Airfare will be more expensive due to special custodial fees paid to the airlines to ensure student safety.

CMEA Audition Process

The Connecticut Music Educators Association (CMEA) organizes and conducts music festivals at the middle and high school levels in each region of the state. The following is information regarding the middle school festivals in the Southern Region.

Eligibility Policies

1. Any student who is a member of his/her school’s performing group under the direction of a CMEA member-in-good-standing is eligible to participate in CMEA festivals. A CMEA member-in-good-standing is one who has paid membership dues, the school association fee, and the appropriate registration fee for the festival.

2. Only those students housed in the school district’s middle schools are eligible to participate in the region middle school festival.

3. Each participating middle school in the Northern, Southern, and Western Regions will be guaranteed one student per school in the Middle School Region Festival.

4. All ensembles for the Southern Region Festival will be chosen by director recommendation.

5. Students participating must complete the appropriate paperwork.

The recommendation process happens in October, and occurs by having the student nominated by his or her director. Once selected by the CMEA committee in December or January, students are asked to sign a contract, committing themselves to perform in the festival. Please note that, once the contract is signed by the student, parent, and the principal, the student is then obligated to attend the festival. Students must be aware that it is an honor and a privilege to be chosen to represent their school in this way, and many students would appreciate the opportunity to perform at these festivals. Students failing to fulfill their contracted obligations will forfeit participation in any CMEA activity for up to one calendar year. New for the school year 2000-01, instrumentalists will be able to audition for seating on a voluntary basis. More info will be distributed in the Fall, 2000.

MATERIALS

The following items reflect requirements and suggestions from directors as to specific equipment that students should own/have.

All instrumentalists:

A music stand for practice at home

Woodwind players:

cork grease

at least three or four reeds. A box of reeds is the most economical way to purchase reeds.

a swab for oboe, clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon. A cleaning rod for flute.

Brasses:

valve oil, (slide cream for trombone)

tuning slide grease

a straight mute (grades 6-12)

Percussion:

Vic Firth SD1 General Snare Sticks (at least one good pair)

practice pad

Strings:

rosin

rock stop (cellos and basses)

a mute (grades 6-12)

Additional materials and equipment that are not required but are suggested are:

All Instruments:

a metronome

an instrument stand (woodwinds and brasses)

instrument case with shoulder strap

quality CDs of performers on your instrument

a tuner

Woodwinds:

bore oil for wooden woodwind instruments

reed case

wide, padded neck strap for saxophonists

Brasses:

cap mute

harmon mute

Percussion:

stick bag

various mallets (yarns, hard rubber, etc.)

Timpani mallets

Vocalists:

pitch pipe

metronome

~~The following information regards performance opportunities at the high school. It will be especially helpful to eighth grade students and their parents.~~

Pomperaug High School

All Pomperaug High School students are welcome to participate in the large ensemble groups. Instrumentalists are required to have previous experience on their instrument in order to participate in band or orchestra. Repertoire is selected from a variety of different time periods and genres. Soloists, accompanists and music festival candidates will be selected from these large ensembles. Large ensembles meet every day and receive one credit. Students are able to participate in more than one ensemble.

Course Offerings

Concert Band*

Symphonic Band*

Concert Choir

Chorale

Orchestra

Jazz Band+

Chamber Singers+

Chamber Orchestra+

*All band members are required to participate in marching band and pep band as part of the overall band experience.

+Jazz Band, Chamber Singers and String Quartet are an integral and extended part of the overall music program. These groups rehearse after school once a week for two hours. Students who wish to audition must be a part of the large performing ensembles.

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS PAGE TO YOUR MUSIC DIRECTOR.

As a member of the Memorial Middle School and Region 15 Music Departments, I have read and agree to comply with all of the policies and procedures set forth in this handbook.

Student signature_________________________________________ Date__________________

I have reviewed the contents of this handbook with my son/daughter and we agree to comply with all policies and procedures as stated.

Parent signature__________________________________________ Date__________________