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The first two months of school will seem hectic as we all adjust to new schedules and time commitments. The fall band season is short, but can feel overwhelming. During football season we will be working on our winter concert material. During the last few days before winter break we will work on the Salinas Holiday Light parade performance. Spring events will include elementary and middle school performances, CCS Large Ensemble festival, a spring concert, and finish with a graduation performance.
The following is a peek at what you can expect over the band seasons.
Fall
Memorize three pieces of music.
Attend Saturday Band Camps and weekday evening rehearsals until the third week of November.
Perform three different field shows at football games.
Perform pep band music at home football games.
Prepare for and perform a winter concert.
Perform a winter concert.
WINTER
CCS honor band tapes will be due on Friday during the first week of December.
Music theory
Etudes, etudes, and more etudes
Small ensembles
SPRING
Scales, scales, and more scales
Elementary school concert tour
Seniors work on recital material
CCS Band festival
Spring Concert
Band members play at graduation
WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR CLASS:
Each student needs a three-hole binder.
(Each student will be given copies of music to be placed in their folder. Lost music may be purchased for a cost of $.25 per page.)
Each student should purchase black and white simi-formal attire for concerts and black socks and tee shirt for marching band.
Percussionists need their own snare sticks and mallets.
Trumpet players need straight and cup mutes.
Woodwind players need to purchase the correct reeds and keep several spare reeds in their case.
Flute, alto saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone players are expected to own or rent their own instruments.
Other instruments will be checked-out only to those who do not own an instrument and cannot obtain one. There is a limited supply of school instruments and these will be checked-out based on need and on a first-come-first-serve.
All students need a music lyre for pep band.
ATTENDANCE POLICIES
REHEARSALS
Attendance at all scheduled (other than class) rehearsals is mandatory.
Students are expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals in their entirety. Band student’s attendance and participation is part of their grade. Everyone must understand that a band is a complete team effort and rehearsals are an integral part of the class activities. When someone misses a rehearsal, even though they may feel their part is unimportant, the result is that the rehearsal is compromised and everyone suffers.
Students, who fail to attend a scheduled or extra rehearsal without an approved excuse in writing PRIOR to the rehearsal, will have points deducted from their grade and jeopardize their privilege to participate in the upcoming performance. A second offense will result in the student losing the privilege to perform in the next two performances and points deducted from their grade and so on.
Family emergencies and illness may be cleared after the fact; a note or phone call from a parent will be required.
Sectional Rehearsals
Rehearsals scheduled by your student section leader (with the approval of the Mr. Johnson), are usually held after school, during lunch, or after a scheduled rehearsal. Sectionals may also be held at a student’s house.
Students are expected to attend all sectionals when they have been given a weeks notice by their section leader. Conflicts can be excused by notifying the band director in advance. Unexcused absences from sectionals will result in loss of grade points. Continued disregard for attendance at sectionals can result in loss of privileges to perform with the band.
PERFORMANCES
All performances are mandatory. Students in band are enrolled in a curricular subject in which their attendance and participation is part of their grade. This means you are required to attend and perform as a part of the requirements of the class.
Everyone must understand that a band is a complete team effort and performances are an integral part of the class activities. In fact, performances are the major tests of the class and cannot be made up. When someone misses a performance, even thou they may feel that their part is unimportant, the result is less than the best the band can be and everyone suffer. With this in mind, please note the following:
Major performances: Concerts, field shows, pep band, and parades
An unexcused absence from a major performance will result in an “F” grade for the quarter. A second unexcused absence will result in an “F’ grade for the semester and will be considered a resignation from band performances for the rest of the semester.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
The best practice is to recognize the commitment you have made to the team and avoid unexcused absences. When a conflict does arise, communicate well in advance and be willing to accept the consequence of your conflict.
Work
At no time and under no circumstances will work be considered an excused absence from scheduled rehearsals or band performances. Students are NOT allowed to leave performances or scheduled rehearsals early due to work. Students should communicate prior to accepting a job, that they are involved in band. Usually a conflict with work exists only when the student does not communicate honestly or well in advance with the employer. Students should provide a schedule of band activities to their employer in advance to avoid conflicts of schedule.
Non-School Functions
Non-school related music groups, church activities, sports teams, or non-emergency family activities such as family trips or weekend get-aways are NOT excused absences. These types of conflicts are handled on an individual basis. Contact the band director at least two weeks in advance for consideration. Please plan your trips after band performances or rehearsals.
OTHER SCHOOL RELATED ACTIVITIES
Students need to take responsibility to avoid over-committing themselves. There is always a question about band students involved in other school-related activities which could include cheerleading, sports, student government, and so on. Specific arrangements must be made with the director, well in advance of the event when there are conflicts with other school activities. Notification with less than two week notice will be considered unexcused.
The music department supports students involved in other school activities when it does not compromise the quality of a performance or the group’s ability to maintain its standards. Some school activities conflict with the music calendar and must be avoided. Before you take on all that a typical high school has to offer, plan out your time. When in doubt, talk to the band director.
COMMITMENT
Make all rehearsals and performances; be early not just “on time”.
DEDICATION
Be prepared for rehearsals by knowing your part before rehearsal. Have a good attitude and give 100%.
FOCUS
Stay on task and expect other players to do the same
MUSIC ASSOCIATION
The Salinas High School Music association supports the music endeavors at Salinas High School by raising money for our program and helping with the planning and administration of events. Without the help of this group activities would be greatly diminished. Please encourage your parents or guardians to participate in the monthly meetings which are held the second Monday of each month at 7 PM in the music room (300).
Stage Band is a for-credit advanced performance class, which focuses on the study and performance of jazz. Admittance to the class is by teacher approval and audition. The instrumentation is, but not limited to: trumpets, trombones, saxophones, percussion, bass, guitar, and piano. Concurrent enrollment in band is required with the exception of piano, bass, and guitar players.
The class is an advanced ensemble, which performs throughout the year at numerous events such as concerts, band reviews, basketball games, jazz festivals, and by request of various organizations. Students will be given a three-week notice before any performance event not mentioned in the performance calendar. A high level of commitment is required and members are expected to attend all performances and rehearsals.
Rehearsal commitment:
Stage Band meets during X period (7 AM) daily. Students who have four or more tardies will receive a “U” in citizenship. Students who become habitually late or have excessive absences will be dropped from the class at the director’s discretion.
A field trip is an extension of the classroom and is governed not only by the school district guidelines for field trips but also by the classroom rules and expectations of the teacher. The focus of all our trips is on education, and this philosophy is supported by the itinerary that students receive prior to our trips, and the expectations regarding use of our time during the trip. Students are encouraged to observe other performing groups and to socialize with other musicians from other schools in attendance. Students are requested to stay with members of the band. School field trips are not the arena to plan family outings or time with boyfriends, girlfriends, etc. Students do not “accompany” their parents while on a school field trip. Parents may “accompany” their children as long as all field trip rules, including the “3 student rule,” are being followed. A list of trip rules is included on the back of most trip itineraries, as well as in this handbook.
Definition
The music “field trip” to a performance begins when the student arrives at school and ends when the student returns and all equipment and uniforms have been unloaded and returned to their place in the band room.
Discipline policy
Students who fail to follow the policy guidelines will remain with a designated parent chaperone at all times for the remainder of that event. A second offense will result in loss of privilege to travel or perform at the next event and a grade penalty. Students who fail to follow the policy guidelines may also be subject to trip expulsion and sent home at their parent or guardian’s expense.
TRANSPORTATION
Students are to travel to and from performances in designated school buses or school arranged car pools. Students are not excused to leave at any time during a field trip. Written requests from parents must be given to the band director no less than 3 days in advance of the field trip and are subject to approval from the band director. When approved, students will be released to their parents only.
VISITORS AT FIELD TRIP SITE
Visitors are encouraged to come and watch the performance but are asked to not distract band members from their performance responsibilities. Visitors will be expected to have their own transportation to and from events.
ACCEPTED ATTIRE
Students are to wear required attire at all times whether that is the marching band uniform or Band T- shirt. Clothing should be clean and neat, as well as neatly pressed. Higher standards of grooming and dress for special groups representing the high school will be expected since the band represents the school at public events. School standards of dress as found in the student planner will be followed. All school rules will be adhered to throughout any field trip.
BAND GRADING POLICY
Grades are computed on a percentage of total quarter grade points possible
90% = A 80% = B 70% = C 60% = D 59% = F
Total Points possible per category per quarter
Class attendance = 3 points each (No instrument, or music equals no grade points for that day)
Outside Rehearsals = 5 points each
Music Proficiency (music memorization, preparation, scales etc.) = 100 points
Scales, quizzes = 10 points each
Practice Records (not during fall season) = 20 points Download practice slip
Performances = Required attendance to pass class
It is expected that you will attend class every day. When a student is absent it is the student’s responsibility to check with the teacher and section leader to see if any work has been missed, as well as to obtain any announcements, music or hand-outs that were given during the student’s absence. Participation points can only be earned when the student is in attendance. Performing Arts classes are based on students actively participating daily to create a finished group product. It is expected that you will come to class prepared every day. This means that you have your equipment and supplies; books, music and folder with pencil; instrument kept clean and maintained; proper clothing and footwear when applicable, and so on.
Tardiness causes you to miss class time. Participation points will be deducted for each tardy.
Citizenship is a student’s attitude and behavior in a music class and has an extremely powerful effect on the quality of the learning environment and performance level of the other students around them. Students are expected to attend class with a positive, cooperative attitude and behavior and to be on task throughout the class period. Talking and socializing have no place in the rehearsal or performance. Disrespect will not be tolerated. Students demonstrating poor citizenship will have points deducted and may be removed from the classroom or performance.
The true musician should have character, not be a character!
Anonymous
Mr. JOHNSON’S CLASSROOM RULES
Show respect and common courtesy.
Show respect for individual differences, each other’s property, and each other’s feelings. Show respect for authority, be it the Band Director, drum major, band staff, a guest teacher, a student leader, or a parent volunteer.
Think positively.
A good attitude and positive behavior go far.
Help one another. This means lend a hand, tutor a fellow student, set out someone’s chair or stand, and be friendly.
Come to class ready to learn.
Be prepared, on time, and alert. Be focused and able to work independently when asked.
Follow school policies.
No hats or sunglasses, no electronic devices.
Practice makes perfect.
Take instruments and music home and commit to daily practice. Do not leave instruments at school over weekends and vacations.
No gum, food, or drink
SALINAS HIGH SCHOOL BAND FIELD TRIP RULES
Band trips are an extension of the classroom, with the band director in charge, the head chaperone supervising, and parent chaperones assisting as needed. Everyone working together with respect and cooperation makes for a great day!
1. Do not be late, be on time.
2. An adult chaperone will be on each bus. Bus changes will not be allowed. While riding on a bus do not stand or change seats while the bus is moving. Sit facing forward at all times. Refrain from raising your voice while on the bus.
3. Buses are to be treated with care. Be sure to place all refuse in the garbage bags provided. Do your part to keep the buses clean. Show respect to our bus drivers!
4. Make sure YOU have loaded your own equipment and instrument and have it ready. Have all necessary items for your performance. You will not be allowed to perform if you are not in complete uniform and have your instrument and music.
5. No one is to leave the group formation area for any reason without the permission of the band director.
6. Students are to stay in groups of 3 or more and are not to leave the general area for any reason. You are on a class field trip, this means you do not leave the group to be with family or non-band friends.
7. Students are to travel to and from the band review on buses. Students are not to ride home with parents without PRIOR approval from the band director. Requests for early excuses for work or other non-emergency needs will not be approved.
8. Students can only be released to their parents on band trips. Students may not ride to and from events with boy or girl friends regardless of signed notes from parents.
9. Parents should arrange to meet the student at the school when the band review is over.
10. Private cars will not be used for student transportation.
11. Only Walkman type radios with earphones are allowed on band functions
12. There will be no footballs, frisbees, or other throwing objects allowed on band trips unless approved by the band director. There will be no water toys allowed.
13. There is only one way to wear the SHS Band Uniform. All buttons closed, all zippers zipped, and hats or hair pieces on unless otherwise directed. No food or drink (other than water) is allowed while in uniform. NO GUM while in uniform!
14. Rules regarding alcohol, smoking and drugs will be strictly enforced.
15. Band members are expected to dress in a reasonable manner following band performances. This includes wearing shoes and a BAND T-SHIRT if required. Clothes that are deemed to be in bad taste will not be allowed.
16. After the event is over, students will return their uniform to the bus and/or truck. Any student who is late will be asked to remain with a parent chaperone the remainder of the day.
17. During the awards ceremony, all students AND chaperones are to sit TOGETHER as one group to show unity and spirit. Be sure to use the bathroom facilities prior to the start of high school awards, as you will not be permitted to leave the group during high school awards. We will all sit together and leave together.
18. The SHS Band cheers for all awards and all competitors no matter what the award is. We will be leaders in demonstrating good sportsmanship.
19. Boyfriends and girlfriends not in the band are NOT allowed to hang around with band students at performances. They are welcome to attend, but are not to be with any band student at any time while the band is at the activity regardless of whether they accompany your family.