This handbook is available on the "Download Page" in PDF format.     STUDENT AND PARENT HANDBOOK   FOR THE   2007 - 2008   PIEDMONT HIGH SCHOOL BAND      Jody Lukac, Band Director Kristen Wright, Assistant Band Director        I. Introduction   A.  The Importance of Discipline Because of the nature of the organization, band discipline must be strict.  Band students and parents must be willing to accept the ideals, principles and rules of the organization. Because the band members are constantly on display, each student must always be aware of the importance of good behavior. The student should remember that he/she represents the organization, school, and community whenever he/she performs or publicly appears.  Any misconduct casts a direct reflection on Piedmont High School and may undo the hard work of many students and parent volunteers.   B.  The Importance of Attitude The greatest single factor that will determine the success of any group or organization is ATTITUDE.  Students should use the two words “I WILL”.  It takes intense dedication to reach goals.  The right attitude must be present along with sincerity, concentration, and dedication as the basic foundation.  This type of attitude makes an artistic performance inevitable, and it is the factor which makes the difference between a musical organization and a group of people holding musical instruments.    C.  A Statement of Band Policy We firmly believe that the student should improve through daily progress.  In the instrumental program, we feel that when the student has lost the will to improve himself in order to make a better contribution to his fellow band students, he is perhaps wasting the time of the school, his fellow students, and the community by continuing in this band program.  We are convinced that the happiest student is the one that is improving himself through regular habits of practice and daily progress.   D.  Each Band Member’s Responsibility to the Band All performances and rehearsals are MANDATORY. Make a real effort to learn and improve daily. Become responsible for and expect to assume the consequences of his/her actions. Have the proper respect for authority. Follow all classroom rules, school regulations, and all travel instructions for trips. Be honest and fair with others concerning equipment, music, and school life in general. Cooperate with fellow band members and share with them the responsibilities and privileges that are a part of the band program.   Contribute positively to everyone’s music education to the best use of your talents and abilities.   II. Piedmont High School Band Program   Band at the high school level is much more advanced than on the middle school level.  Our class meets everyday during the school day for 90 minutes.  Students that sign-up for the class, must enroll for both semesters (the entire year).  There is just one band class during the school day.  The class is home to Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.  Honors Credit is offered to Juniors and Seniors for the Spring semester only.  There are many different ensembles in the high school band program.  Piedmont offers opportunities with the Concert Band, the Marching Band, the Jazz Ensemble, the Brass Ensemble, the Woodwind Ensemble, and the Color Guard.  The Jazz, Brass, and Woodwind Ensembles are all volunteer groups that meet after school usually once a week.  In order to participate in these ensembles, students must be enrolled in the band class.   A.  Marching Band All students that enroll in band at the high school must participate in the Marching Band.  This group begins rehearsing for the up-coming Fall contest and football seasons during the last few weeks of Summer vacation.  During band camp, students will begin learning their marching show for contest and half-time performances.  This group does practice every day in class during the first few months of school, but also practices after school two days a week to better prepare themselves for a successful, contest season.  Students are expected to perform at every Friday night football game, home and away, as well as some Saturday Contests in late September and October.  The Marching Band program consistently receives Superior Ratings at contest, as well as many 1st Place Awards where ever they go.  In 2004 and 2005, the Piedmont Marching Panthers won back-to-back Grand Champions at the Food Lion Classic.   The Marching Band is also a great way for parents and the community to get involved in their child’s education.  There are many opportunities for parents to volunteer their services, such as in the Pit Crew, the Uniform committee, a concession stand worker, a bus chaperone, a bus driver (must have a CDL License with a P endorsement), Prop committee, or even serving as a board member in the Piedmont Band Booster Club.   B.  Concert Band As the marching season comes to a close, the class simply changes its style from a Marching Band setting to Concert Band setting.  The class itself does not change.  We still meet everyday at the same time.   Our focus just changes from a stadium to a concert hall type rehearsal and performance.  In Concert Band, the students strive for perfection in the type of music they are playing.  The Concert Band gives an annual concert during the Christmas Season, and at the end of the school year.   The Concert Band also performs in the North Carolina Concert Band Festival on either a Grade IV or a Grade V level of performance.   Traditionally, Grade IV is considered a solid level of high school band literature, while Grade V is your more advanced high school level of music.  Grade V can also be found at many college and university ensembles around the country.  The Piedmont High School Concert Band consistently receives Superior and Excellent Ratings at the NC Festival.   C.  Jazz Ensemble This is strictly an after school activity that typically meets once or twice a week.  In the Jazz Band, students get the chance to learn a completely different style of music.  They study classic Jazz such as “In the Mood,” made famous by the Glenn Miller Orchestra to very modern types of Jazz.  Students learn how to “improv” on their instruments as well, something that is not usually found in the concert or marching setting.  The Jazz Band will give at least two public performances, one in December and one at the end of the year.   D.  Brass and Woodwind Ensembles These two groups are the newest of the performing groups at Piedmont.  They were created to offer students another opportunity to play different types of works that they would not get a chance to play in any other ensemble.  The Woodwind Ensemble studies music mostly from the Classical time period.  Here they study music from composers such as Haydn, Beethoven, and Mozart.  The Brass Ensemble studies music that is a little more modern than the Woodwind Ensemble.  They study music from other brass groups such as the Canadian Brass and the Dallas Brass.   E.  Color Guard The Color Guard is a group that is connected completely to the Marching Band.  The students selected to be in this group must go through a 4-day audition process that meets after school.  Anyone is welcome to audition for the Color Guard.  Members do not have to be part of the band program to audition.  A private dance and choreography instructor works with the Guard during the Summer camp and Fall season.  These students rehearse with the band during after school practices and every Friday night game and Saturday contest.  The Guard is not part of any school curriculum, so it is considered an after-school activity.  Once the marching season is complete, the Color Guard season is complete as well.   III. Grading Policy and Requirements   Tests/Quizzes (50%) All scales and music played for the field show will be tested by memory.  Each test will be announced no earlier than one week prior to the start date of the test. Chair Test will consist of sight-reading and scales.  Scales must be performed from memory. Students will be tested periodically on passages from the music they are studying in class.  All tests will be announced at least 2 days prior. Daily Participation (50%) Each day, you will receive one point for participating in class. You must have the proper equipment in class each day. (Instrument, ALL music, PENCIL on stand, 3 playing reeds, valve oil, sticks/mallets, etc.) Students that act inappropriately can not participate to their highest potential. When someone misbehaves, they are not only preventing themselves from learning, they are hindering others from learning as well.   Concert Dates and Requirements Band is a performance-based class.  All concerts and contests are required from each and every student.  Failure to attend any scheduled performance will result in an automatic failure for that current 6 weeks only.  All performances will be announced posted on the website (www.piedmontband.org). If any of the dates are changed due to unforeseen circumstances, the students and the parents will be notified immediately. The following performances have already been scheduled for the year. Marching Band Contests (see Fall Schedule or website) Football Games (home and away) December 11, 2007 Christmas Concert @ Lakeview Baptist Church, 7:30pm                                          a.    Move in on Monday, Dec. 10, Time TBA March 4, 2008 Preview Festival Concert at Weddington High School March 17-20, 2008 Concert Band Festival at Shelby High School (one day only) May 20, 2008 Spring Concert @ Lakeview Baptist Church, 7:30pm.                                          a.    Move in on Monday, May 19, Time TBA   Concert Band Dress Code All Black and White colors must be solid colors.  No stripes, patterns, etc. Gentlemen – Black shoes, black socks, black pants, black belt, white button-up dress shirt (long sleeve is preferable), necktie (does not have to be black) Ladies – black shoes, black skirt (PHS dress code policy) OR black pants, white blouse   Rehearsal Requirements All rehearsals after school are MANDATORY. If you have an unexcused absence, you will receive a ZERO as a test grade for that current 6 weeks    Scale Pass-Off’s Students are expected to have a basic fundamental knowledge of music and their instruments.  Each student will be required to pass off certain scales each 6 weeks in order to pass that six weeks. Scales and arpeggios must be memorized. The first performance of the scale is the test grade. Students are allowed 2 mistakes per scale.                                          a.    On the 3rd mistake, student will still receive a grade, but will be asked to play it again on another day in order to “pass it off.” Each day the scale has not been performed (the first time) by the given date, the student will be lose 10 points per day. If the scale is not passed off by the end of the 6 weeks, the student will receive a ZERO for a test grade per scale not passed off. The amount of octaves played will be determined by the instrument you play. Scales can NOT be passed off during class, only before class, after class or after school. Required Scales for High School Wind Players (memorized)                                          a.    Concert Bb - September 5 (1st six weeks)                                         b.    Concert Eb - September 19 (1st six weeks)                                          c.    Concert Ab - September 26 (1st six weeks)                                         d.    Concert Db - October 17 (2nd six weeks)                                          e.    Concert F - October 24 (2nd six weeks)                                          f.    Concert C - December 5 (3rd six weeks)                                         g.    Concert G - Decemeber 12 (3rd six weeks)                                          h.    Chromatic scale - January 9 (3rd six weeks) i.      2 octaves (Con. F – Con. F), up and down, slurred (except trombone)                                           i.    The above scale dates apply for percussion as well.  Percussion must be able to play Concert Bb, Eb, Ab, and Db on mallets and play the following basic rudiments on snare drum.   October 24                               December 5                  December 12 Five Stroke Roll                 Flam                         Ratamacue                    Nine Stroke Roll                 Flam Tap                   Double Ratamacue Seventeen Stroke Roll        Drag                             Paradiddle                        Drag Tap Double Paradiddle                         District Band Auditions (optional, but required for HONORS) Students auditioning for District Band will need to prepare the required solo, scales, and sight-reading.  To help better prepare for the audition, students will perform their scales and solo individually for the band during class.  Students will perform their scales and solo twice, before and after the Christmas Break.  The actual audition will be held at Olympic High School on Saturday, January 12th.                                          a.    October 9 - Scales/Rudiments - memorized with correct octaves (tongued)                                         b.    November 6 - Solo - first half only                                          c.    January 4 - Scales/Rudiments - memorized with correct octaves (slurred)                                         d.    January 8 - Solo - all of it (1st page only for district auditions)   Solo and Ensemble (required by EVERYONE) This year all high school band students are required to participate in the Solo and Ensemble Festival at North Lincoln High School on Saturday, May 3rd. Each student has the choice of either performing a solo, duet, trio, or quartet.                                          a.    Students that are playing in the Brass ensemble will also be performing.  This can count as your required performance.                                         b.    Students may sign up for more than 1 event if desired.                                          c.    The cost is $2.50 per event, checks payable to Piedmont Band Boosters. Transportation will be provided by activity bus to and from North Lincoln. Rehearsals for the performance are on your own at home or at school. The band room is always open at 7:30am before class, and to at least 4:00pm after school.   Honors Band III and IV The state of North Carolina has implemented new guidelines for all band students taking Honors Band III and Honors Band IV. Most of these requirements can be met simply by preparing and auditioning for the South Central District Band auditions in January, performing in the North Carolina Concert Band Festival on a Grade IV or V level, AND performing in Solo and Ensemble in May.  At first, this looks very overwhelming, but it can be completed with much ease. We will make recordings of you performing your district solo and scales as well as your solo and ensemble music. All written work will need to be submitted by computer (email or disk). All Honors Band students will need to demonstrate the following while in the band class.                                          a.    Develop and demonstrate advanced instrumental practices (district auditions)                                         b.    Play with increased technical accuracy and expression (district auditions)                                          c.    Refine sight reading and ear training skills (district auditions and concert festival)                                         d.    Play difficult instrumental literature (concert festival)                                          e.    Play literature representing diverse genres, styles, and cultures (Marching Band (stands music/culture) Christmas/Spring Concerts and/or Solo and Ensemble).                                          f.    Use singing in instrumental study, as appropriate (marching band)                                         g.    Develop skills in improvising (jazz), composing, and arranging music                                          h.    Develop skills in listening to, analyzing, and evaluating musical experiences (reflection paper after marching contest and concert festival)                                           i.    Apply advanced reading (sight-reading) and notating skills with traditional (concert festival) and non-traditional music (jazz notation type music).                                           j.    Demonstrate an understanding of instrumental literature in relationship to history, culture, and other content areas. (one page paper on a musical time period or composer).     IV. Student Responsibilities   Attendance Requirements All band members are required to attend ALL rehearsals. COORDINATE BAND WITH SCHOOL AND OUTSIDE WORK!  Our practice schedule is every Tuesday and Thursday throughout marching season. We perform at all Piedmont High School varsity football games, and we attend Saturday marching band competitions from late September through October.  A complete and current list of required dates is available on our website, www.piedmontband.org. Performances                                          a.    All performances are required.  Performances include football games, concerts, festivals, competitions and parades.  Band is a performance-based class.  All concerts and contests are required from each and every student.  Failure to attend any scheduled performance will result in an automatic failure for that current 6 weeks only.  All performances will be posted on the website, www.piedmontband.org. After-School Rehearsals                                          a.    All after school rehearsals are MANDATORY.  Drivers Education, tests in other classes the next day, a “ton” of homework, etc are not considered excuses.  You must be present at all rehearsals.                                         b.    If you miss a rehearsal, the only excuses are a doctor’s note or a death in the immediate family.                                          c.    If you have an unexcused absence, you will receive a  ZERO for a test grade for that current 6 weeks.                                         d.    In 2006, there wasn’t a single rehearsal with 100% of the band on the field.  Someone always missed practice.                                          e.    Students involved in fall sports are excused for half of the rehearsal if there are conflicts with the other practice.                                          f.    Games ARE excused. Unexcused Absences                                          a.    Doctor appointments and parent excuses will NOT be considered valid excuses.  Mondays and Wednesdays are given for doctor appointments, church, and other activities.                                         b.    If a student is well enough to be at school, then he/she is expected to be at rehearsal.  If a student is absent from the entire day, their absence from rehearsal is excused.  Practices can only be excused at the Directors’ discretion. Band Camp Absences                                          a.    You are expected to be at every single rehearsal.  Absences will not be tolerated.  Camp is crucial to the development of our success.  If you miss a practice, the entire band has to back up and wait for you to get caught up.  Vacations, other camps, doctor’s appointments, driver’s education, etc are NOT excused.   Behavior Expectations In-School Rehearsals                                          a.    Get to class on time.  Move into the band room quickly, get your instrument and music out, and take your seat.                                         b.    Students are expected to have their instruments and music at school for every rehearsal.  Student grades will be adjusted accordingly each time they neglect to come to school prepared.                                          c.