Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Music Department
Handbook
2016 - 2017
Psalm 150
Praise the LORD.
Praise God in his sanctuary;
Praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power;
Praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
Praise him with the harp and lyre,
Praise him with tambourine and dancing,
Praise him with the strings and flute,
Praise him with the clash of cymbals,
Praise him with the resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD.
Students and Parents,
I am honored that you have chosen to be a part of the Hosanna
Music Department and look forward to a very exciting and
rewarding year. Being a member of a musical ensemble is a
wonderful experience - one that you will remember for a long
time. The Hosanna Music Department believes that music is a
team sport and we achieve musical excellence when all of the
members of each performing group are committed toward this
goal.
Musical talent is a gift from God which all are to develop and use
in His service. Music education from Hosanna is effective for
growth and the expression of faith through song and a useful tool
for spreading the Gospel. The department is dedicated to the
concept that each student receive a full and rewarding musical
experience. This includes gaining musical knowledge, refining
playing and singing skills, and attaining excellence in the
performance of a wide variety of music. In addition, we strive to
develop the spirituality, personality, responsibility, character, and
sense of teamwork in each music student.
As we begin the year it is appropriate to review the
responsibilities of membership in the group. Please read the
following and keep it as a reference so that you will know what is
expected of you and all members of our groups
Goals
The goals for all music courses at Hosanna are:
To learn how to be musically expressive to communicate
feelings and ideas through music
To create live musical experiences, individually and as an
ensemble
To learn proper instrumental technique (your voice is also an
instrument)
To speak and think critically about music
To develop aesthetic values about pieces or styles based on
their inherent musical concepts
To follow the guidelines established in the National Standards
and Oregon State Arts Standards
Content Objectives
Music from a wide variety of styles, cultures, and time periods will
be explored. By the end of their musical training at Hosanna,
students will be able to identify and demonstrate: proper posture
and breathing in relation to the making of music, proper
Instrumental/vocal technique and instrument/vocal health,
theoretical and historical concepts in music, and students will
have been exposed to ear training and sight reading skills that
will help increase musicianship.
Grading Categories
Class rehearsal/participation
30%
Performances
30%
In-class written or playing tests
25%
Assignments
15%
Grading Scale
A+
100+
B+
89-88
C+
79-78
D+
69-68
99-93
87-83
77-73
67-63
A-
92-90
B-
82-80
C-
72-70
D-
62-60
Below
60
Class/Rehearsals
If you miss a rehearsal, you are responsible for the loss, since
work can only be done in class as a group. With the exception of
one absence, students lose points with each absence or tardy.
Points can be made up by doing more work. It is the student's
responsibility to clear absences through the attendance office.
Excessive absences or nonparticipation will lead to a lower grade.
Students who are tardy or absent must get the information
discussed in class from a classmate or see the teacher outside of
class time. Students will be required to bring a notebook or binder
paper every day to class in order to take notes on concepts.
Written work will be assigned regularly to reinforce or supplement
concepts discussed in class.
Performances
Attendance at performances will constitute a large portion of each
student's grade. Concerts typically occur at night and festivals,
competitions, or other performances occur on nights, weekends,
or, on rare occasions, weekdays. If a student is unable to attend a
performance, the student must bring a note signed by a parent or
guardian to the director no later than two weeks prior to the
performance. This allows for time to shift parts in order to cover
the absent student's part. The student will receive half credit for
that performance and must make up remaining credit by doing
extra work. Acceptable make up work for an excused absence for
a performance may include taking an extra solo, duet, trio, or
quartet exam, seeing a choral concert and writing a two-page
critique, or attending extra sectionals at lunch or after school,
depending on the performance missed.
If a student does not show up for a performance, except in the
case of a medical or family emergency, the student will receive
zero credit for that performance. No make-up will be allowed. One
person's absence affects the outcome of an entire performance.
Timely communication is essential.
Tests
Performance (playing/singing) and written tests will be given
periodically to evaluate students' progress. Performing tests will
be done in small groups or individually on music or concepts
studied in class. Written tests will be based on concepts discussed
and taught in class. Tests and quizzes can be made up (preferably
outside of class time), but it is the student's responsibility to make
the arrangements with the teacher.
Projects
Students will perform solo or in small ensembles each quarter.
Students will make recordings of solo pieces, parts of larger works
and other excerpts throughout the year. SmartMusic is available
for students to use before school, during lunches and after school.
Families are encouraged to subscribe to SmartMusic for the school
year, so that students will have access at home. More information
will be available about SmartMusic as the year progresses.
Extra credit
Required work must be turned in before extra credit is given.
Students who wish to make up work missed may complete extra
credit assignments such as those listed below. Alternate
assignments may be created as the need arises.
Extra points may be earned in the following ways:
< 10
Outstanding class leadership, helping others, personal
effort, etc.
< 10
Permission slip in on time
< 25 After school rehearsal (full effort and participation)
These Assignments require director approval:
< 10
Oral report on a composer
< 15 Website report
< 10
Written report on a live music performance
< 25
Extra Solo/Ensemble Performances (up to 25 points
each)
Students may play and record extra solo music, at their skill level
or higher, for extra credit. Music chosen must be approved by the
director in advance.
Varsity Lettering
Varsity letters for high school students are earned when the
following have been completed:
Audition for All-State Band/Choir
Perform in Solo/Ensemble Festival or adjudicated equivalent
Perform in all required performances
Maintain a 4.0 GPA in music
Maintain a minimum 2.3 GPA overall
Expectations (Be responsible, trustworthy, honest,
cooperative, respectful, dedicated).
Classroom
1. Take care of your instrument (your vocal mechanism) inside
and outside of the classroom. This means hydrate before class
and performances
2. Be in the classroom, ready to rehearse, by the time the bell
rings
3. Have pencil and music ready
4. Have a notebook or binder paper to take notes on concepts
discussed in class
5. No food, gum, or drinks allowed (except for water)
6. Keep the room clean.
a. use the garbage can and appropriate recycle bins
b. music should be stored neatly in folders and folders
should be stored neatly in the shelf
7. Follow "podium etiquette"
a. give your undivided attention to the director, on the
podium or at the piano
b. be quiet when other sections are being rehearsed or
when explanations are given
c. actively listen, analyze, and evaluate (think critically)
8. Do your best to learn and perform every day ("You may not not
participate.")
9. Pack up when dismissed by the director, not the bell.
Performance:
1. Dress appropriately for performances (refer to dress standards
outlined for each performance situation)
2. Meet on time and in the right place for performances
3. Stand (choir) or sit (band) in concert order on stage by the
assigned time for concerts
4. Choir must sing concert music from memory
5. Conduct yourself in a manner that proudly represents Hosanna
(All school rules will be in effect in performance situations).
Even when you are not playing/singing, you are still performing,
in the public eye. Behave admirably.
6. No food, gum, or drinks during a performance (except for
water) unless specifically instructed to do so by the director!
7. Plan ahead to make up work for other classes if the
performance is during school time (or during a school night)
8. Relax and remember to breathe deeply.
Performance Apparel
Band and choir students are expected to wear their performance
apparel all day to school on performance days. We want to show
the school who we are and that we are doing something worth
dressing up for.
Middle School Band and Choir
Boys will wear white shirt, uniform black tie, uniform
black vest, black belt, black slacks, black socks, and
black dress shoes (no athletic shoes please). Dont wait
until the day of the concert to realize you dont have
one or more of these.
Girls will wear uniform black blouse, uniform black skirt
and black, flat shoes (closed toe).
Purchase prices for these items will be available by midSeptember. A contact list for former members who have
items to sell will be made available as soon as possible.
High School Band and Choir
We will be choosing new womens dresses and shoes;
mens tuxedos and shoes during the first two weeks of
September. Total cost will be less than $150 and you
will get to keep them. We will plan to use the same
Consequences
Students who fail to obey the rules will face one or more of the
following consequences:
Removal from rehearsal
Grade lowered
Referral
Parent Conference
Removal from the music program
On Trips: conduct unbecoming a band/choir member (foul
language, fighting, verbal abuse, damaging school or personal
property, smoking, drinking alcohol, drug use, etc.) at any time,
may lead to the student(s):
being barred from performing,
being assigned to participate with a chaperone
being sent home at their parents' expense.
If appropriate, police involvement and reparation may be
involved.
Other Responsibilities
Communicate with each other and the director.
Prepare your part. If you would like help, go to a fellow
student or to the director and schedule a time where you can
work together. If even one student neglects this
responsibility, it affects the sound of the entire group.
Represent yourself, your music department, and your
school with pride and honor. Most importantly represent your
faith and God.
Support your music department in all musical, fundraising,
and community activities.
Know your music. Vocalists should memorize performance
music. You will look and sound much more confident when
the music is in your head instead of blocking your view.
The success of any group depends on the willingness of its
members to cooperate with each other and the director.
Involvement in a musical organization includes simultaneous