2004-2005
Band
Director – Mr. Robert D’Angelo
Choral
Director – Mr.
Orchestra
Director – Mrs.
PHS
Music Department Phone Number – (203) 262-3219
All
SYMPHONIC
BAND
1 year, 1 credit
Entrance
into Symphonic Band is granted by audition.
Literature is selected from some of the most challenging material
performed by high school bands. Students
enrolled are expected to practice consistently, and be able to learn their
music at an honors level pace. All members of the Symphonic and Concert Bands
are members of the Marching Band, which perfo
CHORALE
1 year, 1 credit
Entrance
into Chorale is granted by audition.
Literature is selected from some of the most challenging material
performed by high school choruses. Students
enrolled are expected learn their music at an honors level pace.
ORCHESTRA
1 year, 1 credit
Instruction
for intermediate to advanced string students is provided in this course. The group perfo
Students have the opportunity to perform music written for string and full orchestra. Emphasis is placed on nurturing each student’s growth in the areas of tone, balance, intonation, rhythm and musicality. Students enrolled are expected to practice consistently.
CONCERT
BAND
1 year, 1 credit
Repertoire
is selected from standard literature, as well as some “Pop” and “Show”
arrangements with the developing musician in mind. Emphasis is placed on nurturing each
student’s growth in the areas of, tone, balance, intonation, rhythm and
musicality. Concert Band is a
prerequisite to Symphonic Band and as such, all freshmen are members of the
Concert Band. All members of the Symphonic
and Concert Bands are members of the Marching Band, which perfo
CONCERT
CHOIR
1 year, 1 credit
Repertoire
is selected from standard literature, as well as some “Pop” and “Show”
arrangements with the developing musician in mind. Emphasis is placed on nurturing each
student’s growth in the areas of balance, diction, and intonation. Concert Choir is a prerequisite to Chorale,
and as such, all freshmen are members of the Concert Choir.
JAZZ
ENSEMBLE
1 year, ½ credit
Members
are selected by audition and must be enrolled in either Concert Band or Symphonic Band. This group rehearses after school once a week
for two hours and perfo
CHAMBER SINGERS
1 year, ½ credit
Members
are selected by audition and must be enrolled in either Concert Choir or
Chorale. This group rehearses after school once a week for two hours and perfo
CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
1 year, ½ credit
Members
are auditioned and must be a part of the PHS Orchestra. The group rehearses after school and perfo
SMALL
ENSEMBLES
As an outgrowth of the PHS
performing groups, the opportunity to perform in a smaller group setting may
arise. These groups, such as girls
choir, flute choir, etc. are open to all student based on availability. This is not a scheduled
course and no credit is awarded.
MUSIC THEORY
1/2 year, 1/2 credit (Offered
both se
No prior musical training is
necessary. This course focuses on the basics of music
notation, intervals, chords, scales and rhythm.
Students interested in developing a better understanding of music are
encouraged to take this class.
AP MUSIC
THEORY
1 year, 1 credit
Prerequisite:
Recommendation by AP teacher
Prior musical training,
including the ability to read traditional notation, is a prerequisite. This course focuses on the study of melody,
harmony and all other elements of musical composition. As an advanced course, students considering a
future in music or an arts related field are strongly encouraged to take this
class.
Grades are based upon the
following areas.
·
Class Participation/Performance
·
Behavior*
·
Written/performing assignments and assessments
·
Concert attendance and performances
·
Exams/Auditions (Second and Fourth Marking
Periods) (See section on exams/auditions.)
·
Rehearsal preparation, attendance and performance
*Behavior
and work habits will also be reflected in report card comments.
PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS: PRACTICE IS
YOUR HOMEWORK!!
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. Practice time increases proportionately to
the number of ensembles in which a student participates. The quantity and quality of practice will
determine the level of success and enjoyment within the class.
At the end of each se
REHEARSAL EXPECTATIONS
The following policies and
procedures reflect the expectations of all ensemble directors in Region 15:
¨
Be in your seat (or riser location) ready to
begin on time.
¨
All talking or playing must stop immediately when
ANY authorized person steps on the podium or in front of the group.
¨
Do not talk or play when the director stops
conducting to give instructions or explanations.
¨
Have all equipment at every rehearsal and
performance including instrument, music, reeds, oils, mutes, pencils, sticks,
mallets, etc.
¨
Use proper posture at all ti
¨
Gum
chewing, candy eating, food, bevera
rooms without permission from the director.
¨
All students are expected to return equipment
(sticks, music, instrument, etc.) to the proper storage space.
ATTENDANCE
As a member of a music group
you have chosen to participate in a credited subject, not an activity. As such, attendance at rehearsals and
performances are requirements of the course, e.g., all concerts, parades
and football ga
An ensemble performance is
akin to the final exam in a class such as English. An unexcused absence from a performance will
significantly affect the student’s grade for that quarter, 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, students may seek
an excused absence, at the discretion of the director. 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.
ATTENDANCE POLICY FOR AFTER
SCHOOL REHEARSALS
The
Region 15 Music Department supports a balanced education for all students in
which music is only one part of a 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 cannot be notified in advance, a written
explanation of the absence from the parent must be submitted to the director
the next day following the absence(s).
The director will then determine whether the absence is
excused or unexcused. Each unexcused
absence will reduce the student’s quarterly grade, and may result in the loss
of other privile
·
Personal illness
·
Family emergencies
Work, transportation, athletic practices and homework are not excused
absences from rehearsals or performances.
Attention to the school calendar and planning ahead will eliminate
conflicts of this nature.
CONCERT DRESS
Only students with proper performance attire
will be allowed to participate in performances!
All students, grades 9-12 must
wear black skirt/pants and a white collared
blouse or shirt. Any other clothing
requirements will be announced at least one month prior to the concert and be
sent home in writing. Tank tops or
“spaghetti strap” tops and jeans are strictly prohibited and skirts must be
no shorter than 3” above the knee.
Sneakers are not allowed. It is
expected that parents will plan the concert outfit with the student prior
to the event.
Marching/Pep Band members will wear their band
t-shirts, berets, band jackets, band gloves, black pants, black shoes and black
socks.
Seating is provided in the
auditorium for performers to listen to the other performing groups. Your
learning experience as a performer does not end when you leave the stage. By listening to the other groups you gain
further exposure to a rich and varied repertoire. While in the audience you should set the
standard for etiquette and your grade will be based upon your attendance for
the entire concert. Proper Etiquette includes:
¨
Being attentive, still and quiet is respectful to
both the performers and the audience.
¨
Remain seated while ensembles are performing.
¨
Express appreciation for all performances with
polite applause.
¨
All
performers are expected to remain for the entire concert!
The following items reflect requirements
from the directors as to specific equipment students should own:
Woodwind Players:
¨
¨
At least three or four reeds; A box of reeds is
the most economical way to buy them.
¨
A swab for oboe, clarinet, saxophone and bassoon.
A cleaning rod for flute.
Brass:
¨
Valve oil, slide cream for trombone
¨
Tuning slide grease
¨
A straight mute
Percussion:
¨
Vic Firth SD1 or SD9 snare sticks
¨
Practice pad
Strings:
¨
Rosin
¨
Rock stop for cellos and basses
¨
Mute
¨
Extra set of strings
Additional Materials:
(not required but sug
¨
¨
Instrument stand
¨
Instrument case with shoulder strap
¨
Quality CDs of performers on your instrument
¨
Tuner
Woodwinds:
¨
Bore oil for wooden instruments
¨
Reed case
¨
Wide, padded neck strap for saxophonists
Brass:
¨
Cup mute
¨
Harmon mute
Percussion:
¨
Stick bag
¨
Various mallets (yarn, hard rubber, etc.)
¨
Timpani mallets and pitch pipe
Vocalists:
¨
Pitch pipe
¨
¨
Quality CDs of vocal performers
Folders, sheet music, and any school-owned instruments are provided by the school district for student use free of charge. Parents and students using a school instrument must complete a Region 15 Instrumental Use Contract. Students will be held financially responsible for any lost or damaged equipment (beyond normal wear and tear).
Failing
to return (or pay for) any school-owned item may result in the school office
withholding report cards and/or college transcripts.
SUPPLIES /REPAIR
The following stores will deliver right to PHS, no extra charge! Stores with a * also repair instruments.
(sheet music, regional/all-state
music, method books, etc)
PERSONAL INSTRUMENTS AND BELONGINGS
Every effort will be made to ensure that student belongings are secure and safe; however, lost, stolen, or damaged student property is not the responsibility of the Region 15 public schools. In most cases, parent’s homeowners insurance will cover losses of this nature.
Here
are some guidelines to help insure the safety of your belongings:
1. Always have your instrument
in your designated music room or 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 ti
3. Keep a copy of your
instrument’s bill of sale and serial
number in a secure place.
TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE STUDENTS, REGION 15 RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL ANY FIELDTRIP .
1. All
students are expected to present themselves in a polite and courteous
manner. You are representing
2. All school rules, local,
state and federal laws are in effect for all trips. Use or possession of alcohol and or
nonprescription drugs are not permitted and are illegal. If a student is found in violation of this
policy, any or all of the following will occur:
The student will be sent home at the parent’s
expense using the most convenient form of transportation, (e.g. airline, train
or bus). The parent is responsible for
the student once they have arrived at the home station, (e.g. LaGuardia,
3. All students will be
assigned to a specific bus and may not change buses during the trip.
4. There will be no “boom
boxes” or stereos with speakers on the trip.
“Walkman” radios with headphones are permissible.
5. Students incurring any
expenses within a room due to phone calls, damage etc. will be billed to the
individual responsible. If the
individual cannot be determined, all individuals within the room will be
billed.
6. If busses are equipped with
TVs and VCRs, THE ONLY MOVIES THAT
WILL BE SHOWN ARE THOSE WITH A RATING OF “G”, ”PG”,
and “PG13”. The video must have
this information displayed at the beginning of the movie and no copies of
videos will be allowed. By signing this
handbook, parents are allowing their son/daughter to view PG-13 movies.
These festivals provide
students the opportunity to receive additional professional evaluation of their
performance skills. The festivals take
place in November, January and March.
Any student, who is an active member of their specific high school
ensemble, is able to audition in that particular ensemble. (i.e.
high school chorus member auditions for the CMEA chorus, band for band,
orchestra for orchestra, etc.) Students
may be adjudicated in as many ensembles as they choose. The audition includes scales, prepared solo,
and sight-reading. Preparation for these auditions/festivals is the responsibility
of the student. Directors are available for help and reserve the right to
cancel a student’s audition if they are not prepared. Based on their scores,
students may participate in the Regional festival in January and the All-State
festival in March or April. All
audition/participation fees are the responsibility of the student and are non-refundable.
See
www.region15.org/music/visitingartist.html
for an updated list of Visiting Artists.
All Region 15 music students
are eligible to take part in the PHS Visiting Artists Program. The Visiting
Artists Program provides one-on-one private instruction for music students in
the Region 15 Schools. Instructors are professional musicians that specialize
in their instrument or voice part. As music students grow, so do the skills
required to perform well. Since the lessons are offered at PHS, they are both
economical and convenient. Participating in this program will improve your
playing and make you feel more confident, thereby providing students with more
enjoyment and greater fulfillment on their instrument.
The following procedures should help you to understand
how the program operates: