Central High School Band

Handbook
2014-2015

Frances Flancbaum
Secondary Wind Practices
Dr. Madeja

Table of Contents
Staff
Roster
...3
Introduction
....4
Statement of Philosophy and
Goals5
Course
Descriptions
..6
Department
Policies
..7
Calendar of
Events
..9
Grading
Policy
10
Uniforms
.11

Administrators:
[Staff Name], Superintendent of Schools
[Staff Name], Assistant Superintendent of Schools
[Staff Name], High School Principal
[Staff Name], High School Assistant Principal
[Staff Name], Board of Education President
[Staff Name], Board of Education Vice President
Music Department Faculty:
Frances Flancbaum, Band Director
[Staff Name], Orchestra Director
[Staff Name], Choral Director
[Staff Name], Music Theory Teacher
[Staff Name], General Music Teacher
Band Officers:
[Student Name], President
[Student Name], Vice President
[Student Name], Secretary
[Student Name], Treasurer

Letter from the Director

Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Central High School band
program for the 2014-2015 school year. The band community of
Central School District is a close knit one, full of support and
enthusiasm for music. It is my hope that all of you who are new to our
program fully embrace their experience here, and that those who are
returning will continue their hard work and help welcome new
members.
There are several exciting events planned for this year which I
look forward to participating in with you all in what Im sure will be a
great journey. These events include our annual fundraising Holiday
Wreath sale, NYSSMA Solo Festival, Winter and Spring concerts, annual
competition trip to Six Flags, band banquet, and much more. Our band
program has a long-standing tradition of excellence, and I hope to
uphold that tradition with all of you.

Musically yours,
Frances Flancbaum

Statement of Philosophy
Music is an integral part of society. It is what binds a culture
together through good and bad times, what is used to celebrate and
mourn, and what is used to express feelings that words cannot fathom.
If a movie were to be shown without sound more than a silent film,
with no soundtrack it would not impact human emotions in nearly the
same way. A horror film would probably appear humorous; a comedy
bland; a romance without passion or just plan awkward. Music impacts
society more than most recognize on a daily basis, but it would
devastate if it disappeared.

In order to pass on musical skill, it is

crucial that the next generation of citizens, from kindergarteners to

high school seniors and beyond, is educated in this art. Music is not
only shown to improve expression in young adults, but students who
participate in music frequently excel in other areas of their schooling
as well.
It is the goal of the Central High School music program:
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To educate students about music in all walks of life

To help identify cultural difference and traditions in and through

music
To promote a lifelong love for music in students
To enable the student to participate in being musical, whether
this means performing alone or with others, or discussing and

critiquing music.
To develop students musical skills through performing, listening,
and composing.

Course Descriptions
Concert Band (5 credits): Concert band is a well-balanced ensemble
that performs a variety of music in a wide of styles. It is designed to
help develop musicianship and other various skills of instrumental
performance. Each student enrolled in a band at Central High School
will participate in small group lessons occurring once a week on a 4week rotating schedule. Through participating in band classes,
students will focus on good tone production, breathing techniques,
intonation, dynamics, articulation, technical and rhythmic facility,
terminology, and general musicianship. There are two concerts each
year, one in winter and one in spring. The concert band is made up of
all entering ninth graders, as well as students in upper grades.
Rehearsals are every day during period 2.

Wind Ensemble (5 credits with an honors weighting): The Wind

Ensemble is an audition-only select ensemble made up of 10th-12th
graders. The Wind Ensemble performs more difficult literature both
technically and musically. This literature allows them to focus on the
same musical characteristics that they worked to strengthen in Concert
Band, but to a greater extent. Each student enrolled in a band at
Central High School will participate in small group lessons occurring
once a week on a 4-week rotating schedule. Students interested in
joining the Wind Ensemble are asked to prepare for their audition in
May of the year prior to joining. Rehearsals are every day during Period
5.
Orchestra Winds and Percussion Section (5 Credits with an
honors weighting): The Central High School Orchestras invite
members of the bands to perform with them as a full orchestra with
the Symphony Orchestra Strings. Members of the Orchestra section are
selected by auditions, which are held in September. Participating in
orchestra class in addition to one of the bands allows students to not
only excel in the fields studied in band, such as technical and musical
improvement, but exposes them to more classical literature that is
crucial to music history. These students will also be afforded the
opportunity to learn about balance and quality of sound in a setting
where string instruments are present. Members of the orchestra winds
and percussion section will also meet separately for lessons
woodwinds as a section, brass as a section, and percussion as a
section, following a rotating schedule different from those of the bands
so as to avoid missing the same classes. The Orchestra meets during
period 5 (along with Wind Ensemble) and students who participate will
leave concert band two days a week to rehearse with the orchestra.

Pep Band (extra-curricular; points awarded): The Central High

School Condors Pep Band is an extra curricular opportunity for those
who love band to both play their instruments and give back to the
community. In collaboration with the school athletic department, the
Pep Band performs at all home football and basketball games. The
music performed includes the schools alma mater, the star spangled
banner, the Central High School fight song, and popular music to help
energize the athletes and crowd. Rehearsals are after school on
Tuesdays from 2:15-3:00, during the sports season only.
Jazz Band (extra-curricular; points awarded): The Jazz Band is a
smaller ensemble that performs on the pops concert with the Central
High School Vocal Jazz ensemble. The Jazz band is audition only, and
auditions are held in September each year. The Jazz Band performs a
variety of music from classics such as Louis Armstrong to more modern
jazz that is still being written today. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday
nights from 7-9pm.
Department Policies, Rules, and Regulations
Department Hours: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday-Friday.
Locker Assignments: Locker assignments will be given at the
beginning of each school year. Students who rent instruments from the
school will find them in these lockers and store them there when they
are not home for practice or being used in school. Students who own
their own instruments will also be allowed to use lockers upon signing
a contract with the Band Director.
Instrument Rental Policy: All students have the opportunity to rent
an instrument at the beginning of the school year. Instrument rental
costs are $65 per year, allowing students use of their instrument for
the school year and a locker to keep it in. Large instruments such as
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tubas and euphoniums will receive an instrument to keep at home for

ease of transportation. Rentals are agreed upon by contract and must
be signed by student, parent, and Band Director.
Band Music checkout procedure: Copyright laws do not allow for
photocopying of most music. Because of this, enough original parts
must be provided for each member of the band. All of the music
handed out will be numbered, and each student will be responsible for
returning that music at the end of the concert cycle. If the music is not
returned, the student will have to pay to replace the parts. Each stand
of players (2 per stand) will be provided with a folder to keep their
music in while at school, but it is their responsibility to keep track of
their music while they are home.
Concert Attendance Policy: The concerts for major ensembles such
as Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and Symphony Orchestra, are
required for participants. As ensemble members, each player holds a
responsibility for the end product if one person misses the concert, it
can make an enormous difference. Attendance also accounts for 10%
of students semester grades. Attendance for ensembles such as Pep
Band and Jazz Ensemble are strongly expected, because they are
voluntary.
Rehearsal Expectations: In accordance with school policy, during
rehearsal all cell phones are expected to be away and either silent or
completely off. In addition, talking while others are talking or playing is
prohibited because they inhibit the productivity of rehearsal. At times,
questions will be asked of the ensemble, and at that point questions
can be answered with raised hands. In addition, students are expected
to be prepared for rehearsal with their music and instrument. After 4
days of class without an instrument present (unless there are
extenuating circumstances), points will be deducted from the students
grade due to lack of participation.

Lesson Policy: Students will have pullout lessons once a week based
on a four-week rotating schedule. Lesson periods will be 2, 4, 6, and 9,
and the student will miss each class only once a month. Because they
are missing another class which they have an academic commitment
to, students are expected to make up all work that they have missed. If
there is an exam to be given in the class a student will be missing,
speak with the Band Director and accommodations will be made.
Challenge Procedures: In an ensemble setting, seating placement
can become competitive. To foster hard work, the Central High School
bands and orchestras allow for challenges. A student may challenge
the student in the chair in front of them. If this happens, the director
will test both students on the same passage or passages of music, and
whichever student does better will take the chair in question.
Calendar of Events for 2014-2015 School Year
9/17 Orchestra winds audition
9/20 Home football game
9/27 Home football game
10/3 Pep rally
10/4 Homecoming parade and game
10/25 Home football game
11/1 Home football game
12/4-12/7 NYSSMA All State Festival
12/5 Annual Wreath Sale Fundraiser
12/11 Honors Ensembles Concert
12/16 Standard Ensembles Concert
1/9 Home Basketball Game
1/14 All-County Permission slips due
1/23 Home Basketball Game
2/6 Home Basketball Game
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2/27 Home Basketball Game

3/15 St. Patricks Day Parade
3/19-3/21 High School Musical
3/26-3/28 All-County Festival
4/15 Jazz Concert
4/16 Six Flags permission slips and money due
4/17-4/18 NYSSMA Solo Festival
5/15 Six Flags Trip
5/19 Honors Ensembles Concert
5/20 Standard Ensembles Concert
5/25 Memorial Day Parade
6/4 Band Banquet
6/20 Graduation (Wind Ensemble Performs)
Grading Policy
Grades are based upon the following criteria:

Preparation for lessons and rehearsals (25%)

Attendance of lessons (40%)
Scales Test (5%)
Seating Test (10%)
Solo Test (10%)
Concert Attendance (10%)

Grades based on tests will be given based not only on present levels
of performance, but also on amount of improvement a student has
made. Students will be notified of their test dates in advance in order
to prepare, and time will be paid to materials during lessons but will
not substitute practicing at home as well. It is important for students to
work diligently on their music while at home in order to improve.
Attendance of lessons is crucial because it provides quality small-group
work

with

individual

instrumental
11

sections.

Preparation

is

also

important: it entails coming to rehearsals and lessons with music,

instrument, and a pencil. Without these things, productive work cannot
happen, and therefore after a student comes to a lesson or rehearsal
more than four times without their instrument, their grade will be
lowered by a point for each subsequent class without an instrument.
NOTE: All students are expected to participate in the three major
parades: Homecoming, St. Patricks Day, and Memorial Day. Time will
be spent in class on music and preparation for these events.
Uniform
Concert Dress: Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Orchestra Winds
Men: Black dress pants, white long sleeved dress shirt, black
bow tie, dark socks, and black dress shoes. No sneakers please!
Women: Black slacks or long (knee length) skirt, white long
sleeved shirt or blouse, black shoes. If the student chooses to
wear a skirt, black stockings are preferred.
Concert Dress: Jazz Band
Men: Black dress pants, black long sleeved dress shirt, red long
tie, dark socks, and black dress shoes.
Women: Black slacks or long (knee length) skirt, black long
sleeved shirt or blouse, black shoes.
Dress for Games: Pep Band
All: Jeans, Central High School Pep Band shirt
Parade Uniform: Parade uniforms for the three major parades are
traditional marching band uniforms and will be provided by the school.
Purchase of traditional marching band shoes is available through order,

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but black shoes that are comfortable for walking (dress shoes or other)
are required.

04/20/2014
Dear Parents:
Signing this letter indicates that you have now read through and
discussed the 2014-2015 Central High School Band Handbook with
your child. The purpose of the handbook is to present the band
programs goals for students and student learning, inform you of
calendar events, and provide background information on our rules,
regulations, policies, and grading. The band program at Central High
School has much to offer, and I hope that upon reading this handbook
that you and your child can see special areas of interest in addition to
their own instrument, such as participating in our pep band or jazz
band. Please make note of any calendar dates of importance to you
and your family, and sign and return the bottom portion of this letter. If
you have any concerns or questions, feel free to contact me at (1234567) or email@xyz.org.

Sincerely,
Frances Flancbaum

Band Director

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......
We have read and understand the contents of the 2014-2015 Central
High School Band Handbook.
Parent Signature
Student Signature

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