Band+Handbook+Middle+School

**__ Band Program Information __** 2010-2011     Sean McCroskey, Director of Bands 252-995-5730 ext 3019 Email: mccroskeyse@dare.k12.nc.us      http://chssmusic.wikispaces.com/ **__ Band Classes __** **High School Band** – The High School Symphonic Band is the premier performing group at CHSS. Students will receive intense study of band literature. Outside-of-school rehearsals will be required and the group will have some public performances. These students will develop technical skills and the ability to perform exceptionally. *See details for Honors Credit. **Middle School Band:** The Concert band is made up of both seventh and eighth graders. This band will perform at the Winter and Spring Concert. Since the band is split into several classes they will be required to have a few after-school rehearsals before concerts. **Beginning Band:** The beginning band is made up students just learning an instrument. This ensemble is used to prepare students for Concert Band. The beginning band may have after school rehearsals in preparation of performances, but there will be very few of these. Care will be taken to not directly conflict with other activities in the community if possible. The group will perform at two pre-scheduled concerts: Winter and Spring. **Marching Band/Pep Band:** One of the most exciting parts of a participating in music is the opportunity to support our athletics and perform for the community. This group is made up of both MS and HS students and will perform at all home varsity games. Other trips/ performances may arise throughout the year. Students choosing to participate in this group must attend all games! **Jazz Ensemble:** The Jazz Ensemble will be put together at the end of football season in November. This group will rehearse afterschool and will be made up of MS and HS students. Please check online for any updates. Much like the Marching/Pep Band this ensemble will have multiple performances to help support our community. **Strings –** This group meets twice a week before school from 7 – 8 am. There is a beginner class and intermediate. Sign-up and information is available during the first week of school.
 * Cape Hatteras Secondary Schools **

**__ Band Events __**

**Winter/Spring Concert:** These two events are the final graded performances for all band students at CHSS. Attendance is required. **District Band:** District Band is made up of about 100 of the top musicians in the eastern part of North Carolina. To gain a spot in this prestigious group, students must take an audition that is made up of scales, a solo and sight-reading. This is one of the highest honors a young musician can earn. Top chairs in each district band get the opportunity to audition for the North Carolina All-State Band. Auditions for both MS and HS take place in January. I highly encourage all students to take the audition! **Albemarle** **Band Clinic:** The Albemarle Band Clinic consists of two honor bands, middle and high, composed of band students from the following school systems: Camden, Currituck, Dare, Edenton-Chowan, Elizabeth City-Pasquotank, and Perquimans. Students are chosen by their director based on **__attitude, musicianship, participation, and district band audition results.__** Selection for next years band will take place in January and the clinic is in March. **Dare All-County Band:** 2008 saw the first All-County Band Concert where the three high school’s in Dare County came together for a joint concert. We are planning to make this an annual spring event with a concert rotation at each school! We may expand this to include a combined MS band. **Hatteras Holiday Parade:** Annual Parade in Hatteras, we are going to try to march it this year! **Graduation Band** – All Students Perform!

**__ Band Grading – High School __**

**Performances** 40% - The Bands at CHSS will have two required performances (more for honors credit) a year. One before winter break and one at the end of the year. Students will also have other opportunities to perform at event such as graduation, football/basketball games and around the community.

**Participation 30%** - It is not good enough to simply show up for rehearsals and performances – you must be ready to play. The participation policy is based upon the daily preparedness, conduct, and performance of each member through out the grading period. This means all members must have all equipment needed for the rehearsal, including sticks, mallets, reeds, valve oil, instrument, and music. Failure to have these items will prevent you from participating in the day’s rehearsal thereby lowering the participation grade.

**Playing/ Written Tests 30%** - Each class will have two types of tests, assigned playing tests and pop tests. Tests may take the form of performance or in written form. Students will have a weekly Smart Music playing test. Students have 1 week to make up any missed tests.

**__ Band Grading – Middle School __**

**Performances** 40% - The Bands at CHSS will have two required performances a year. One before winter break and one at the end of the year. Students will also have other opportunities to perform at event such as graduation, football/basketball games and around the community.

**Participation 30%** - It is not good enough to simply show up for rehearsals and performances – you must be ready to play. The participation policy is based upon the daily preparedness, conduct, and performance of each member through out the grading period. This means all members must have all equipment needed for the rehearsal, including sticks, mallets, reeds, valve oil, instrument, and music. Failure to have these items will prevent you from participating in the day’s rehearsal thereby lowering the participation grade.

**Practice Notes 15% –** Student need to keep a practice record or turn in practice notes on a weekly basis. Students must put in a minimum amount of practice time each week outside of class. Extra rehearsals or practices can count towards this time.

**Playing/ Written Tests 15%** - Each class will have two types of tests, assigned playing tests and pop tests. Tests may take the form of performance or in written form. Students will have 1 week after a playing test is given to make up the test for a better grade. Written tests can not be made up.

**__ Class Materials __**

All CHSS band members are expected to have supplies necessary for day to day participation in band. All supplies are available at any music store and online. Supplies can be ordered through Mr. McCroskey if needed. All students are expected to have a music stand for at home practice. Folding wire stands work best for students.

Students are expected to have the following material at each class and performance: Instrument in good playing condition Pencil Music Folder Music Books and ALL Music! Necessary supplies as listed below All students can benefit by owning a: Metronome Tuner **__ Band Letter __** ** What is Lettering in Band? ** Lettering in band is similar to honors credit for all band students. This is meant to recognize the outstanding efforts of students who participate in the complete program from the beginning of the year to to the end. All Students are eligible. You will receive a letter your first year, and pins for subsequent years you letter. You will follow the requirements of the Honors Band Credit on the next page. **__ High School Honors Band Credit __** ** What is Honors Band Credit? ** In order to recognize the dedication and talents of our fine musicians, our upperclassmen have the option of receiving honors credit for band instead of the normal credit. Students are expected to participate in all aspects of the program throughout the year. ** Who is eligible? ** – 11th and 12th graders currently enrolled in year long band. ** How do I get it? ** – Read through the requirements and sign the following form stating you understand and would like to be enrolled as an honors student. ** What if I miss requirements? ** – Students who sign up and fail to fulfill all requirements will be returned regular band class status. This can happen anytime during the year through our final Graduation Band Performance. (12th Graders do not have to perform at Graduation, but may be asked to contribute during/to the ceremony in some other musical way.) ** What are the requirements? ** – Participate in all of the following, Marching Band - All home games and away games if applicable - Marching band competitions – Currituck, Peanut Festival All Parades - Homecoming - Hatteras - Manteo/Other All Concerts - Winter Concert - Spring Concert - Dare All-County Band - Graduation Band District Band Auditions - You must prepare solo/scales and audition. - Participate in clinic if you earned a spot. - All- State Audition/ Clinic if you earned a spot. Albemarle Band Clinic - You must turn in signed nomination form. I cannot guarantee a spot, but you must be available and willing to participate. - If chosen you must participate both days and the concert. Other Events - Spring Trip - Special performances that may rise throughout the year (ie… pep rallies, special games, presentations, field trips to elem school)

**__ Band Calendar __** ** 10-11 ** August 27th – Home Football Game – Manteo

September 10th – Home Football Game – Mattamuskeet

September 18th – Currituck Marching Exhibition

September 24th – Home Football Game – Columbia

October 2nd – Peanut Festival Marching Competition

October 8th – Home Football Game – Creswell

October 22nd – Home Football Game – Mattamuskeet

October 23rd – ECU Band Day

November 5th – Home Football Game – Columbia

December 7th – Winter Concert (REQUIRED FOR ALL BANDS!)

December 11th – Hatteras Holiday Parade

January 8th – District Band Auditions – Greenville

February 3-5th – District Band Clinic – ECU

March 12th – All State Auditions

March 18-19th – Albemarle Band Clinic

April 1st – Dare All-County Band

May 15th – Dare County Youth Orchestra Joint Concert – Manteo

May 19th – Spring Concert (REQUIRED FOR ALL BANDS!)

June 11th – Graduation Band

**__ High School Honors Band __** **__ Commitment Form __** I have read and understand the requirements for receiving honors credit for band in the 2010-11 school year. I also understand that failure to full-fill my commitment will return my enrollment to the regular band class. Students Name (print clearly) _______________________________________ Student Signature ________________________________________ Date ____________ Parent Name (print) ___________________________________________ Parent Signature _________________________________________ Date ___________