CENTREVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

BANDS
WIND ENSEMBLE COURSE
DESCRIPTION
Band Director: Melissa
Hall
melissa.hall3@fcps.edu
703-802-5457

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Students in this course form the representative performing band for the school. Emphasis is placed on the sequential
development of advanced technical skills and on the study of related literature. Based on successful completion of
sequential concepts for each level, students will continue as specified in course level. Marching band techniques,
rehearsals, and performances are included in this course. Students must meet both the school day and outside of the school
day participation requirements to receive credit for the course. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in
FCPS Notice 5922.
The FCPS Program of Studies can be viewed here: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/high-school-academics-9-12/fine-
arts/music
PREREQUISITE
Students are required to pass a proficiency audition with the band director, which will include ALL major scales,
chromatic scale, a prepared selection and sight-reading.
MARCHING BAND
Marching Band is a required component of being in the Wind Ensemble. This is a performance-based grade and involves
participation in assessments, rehearsals and football games outside of school time. FCPS Regulation 3866.1: X.
COCURRICULAR PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
A. Courses with cocurricular participation requirements. Many courses include participation requirements outside
the regular school day. In order to receive credit for the course, students must be enrolled in the course and meet
both the school-day and after-school requirements. Additional details for these courses can be found in the course
catalog.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This is an advanced-level course. Emphasis is on traditional and contemporary works for concert band and wind
ensemble at the Grade IV - VI level. In addition, students are required to participate in Virginia Band and Orchestra
Directors Association (VBODA) sponsored events such as District Concert Assessment. Small ensemble and solo work as
well as scales, etudes, music theory, ear training, sight-singing/reading and music history will be components of this
course. This class is for students who are serious about the study of instrumental music. This is a performance-based class
and involves participation in concerts and other performances and rehearsals outside of class time.
MATERIALS AND UNIFORMS
Specific attire is required for performance. Please reference the attached Performance Attire Description.
Percussion is required to provide their own set of proper concert snare sticks and timpani mallets.
Combination lock (provided by CVHS) for storage room is required if you are using a band locker.
Instrument, music, appropriate mouthpiece and accessories (reeds, valve oil, etc.) and pencil are required daily.
All required materials are to be brought to class daily.
A metronome that plays at least A 440 (a metronome/tuner combo is best) is highly recommended, as is owning a
stand at home for practicing.
Please reference attached Recommended Instrument Brands and Accessories for information on what to
purchase.
CENTREVILLE MOTTO
Strive for Perfection, Settle for Excellence.

GRADING
Student performance will be evaluated daily. Student must have all necessary supplies and equipment and contribute to
the overall performance of the ensemble both in class and in public performance.
Students receive a daily grade based on daily informal assessment, determined by rehearsal technique and
preparedness.
Additional rehearsals are scheduled prior to the concerts and are required. Extra rehearsals are listed on the
official band calendar on BLACKBOARD under the Calendar link. Additional performances may be scheduled
during the school year. All performances are in the Centreville Auditorium unless otherwise indicated. Students
must be dressed and ready for warm-up prior to all school concert (times TBD). Dates and times for
performances are attached.
Playing and/or written tests may be given periodically to evaluate each students progress.
Individual and group performance assessments will be given periodically.
Performance and etiquette during public concerts are an integral part of the learning experience and are graded.
Grade percentages for each quarter (9 weeks) will be derived from the following:
ASSESSMENTS: 30% *Major Assessment, allowed a retake if an absence is excused
Event Points per event
*Group Performance
(VBODA Concert/Marching)
Assessments 500
Marching Competitions/Pre-
Assessment Performances 200
Individual Performance
(Seating Tests)
Assessments 100

CLASSWORK: 70% *Major Assessment, allowed a retake if an absence is excused

Event Points per event
*Individual Performance
(Seating Tests)
Assessments 100
Individual informal daily
skills assessment 5
Winter Band Retreat Band
Boot Camp 100
Concerts/Football Games 100
After School
Rehearsals/Practices 20
Marching Band Music
Passoff Tests/SmartMusic
(homework)
Assignments/Playing and
Written Tests Up to 20 (varies)
PRACTICE POLICY
Private lessons are highly encouraged for members of this ensemble. Students are expected to practice a minimum of 30
minutes per day. Please see Regulation 3205 (Homework) for additional information.
REASSESSMENT POLICY
Students are expected and required to perform several times during the school year. Participation in these rehearsals and
performances are mandatory and part of each students course grade. In the case of an excused absence from school,
students will be allowed to complete a make-up assignment for the performance grade (perform one-on-one for the
director) for up to 100%. In these cases, the student must submit, in advance, a note of explanation from their parent or
guardian. Only cases of illness or family emergency will be excused. For an unexcused absence from a performance,
students will be allowed to complete a make-up assignment for the performance grade (perform one-on-one for the
director) for up to an 80%.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
All students in the Centreville music program are expected to treat others with respect at all times. A cooperative
spirit is not only necessary for the success of the class, but will make your experience more enjoyable.
Students are expected to follow the Fairfax County Public Schools Code of Conduct and all Centreville High
School rules.
No food, drink, or gum is allowed in the Band room at any time, except for bottled water.
Students may not enter practice rooms, storage rooms, the music library, or any music office without permission.
Students may not enter or exit through the outside door during class hours. Students may not use the classroom
phone or copy machine during school hours (unless given permission by a teacher).
Students will not be allowed to enter the classroom after the tardy bell without an admit slip.

SECURITY AND INSTRUMENT STORAGE

Students will be assigned a locker in the instrument storage room in which to securely store their band instrument.
It is advised that valuables are locked at all times, or not brought to school.
All instrument cases are to be clearly marked with the student's name. Any student found tampering with another
student's instrument or equipment will be referred to their assistant principal for disciplinary action.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
By enrolling in this course, I acknowledge the following:
Participation in the events listed on the band calendar is mandatory and counts towards the class grade.
I understand and agree to follow the rules and expectations of the Band program.
I grant the Centreville High School Wildcat Band Boosters the right to photograph and/or videotape my child and
to further use said child's name, face, likeness, voice and appearance in connection with exhibitions, publicity,
advertising, promotional and commercial materials without reservation or limitation.
Uniforms are provided by the Band Boosters. Damage to the uniform may result in an additional cleaning or
replacement fee.
 Performance Attire Description

CONCERT UNIFORMS
Concert uniforms will be issued during fall rehearsals after school starts.
Each uniform consists of: (BOYS) 1 pair of tuxedo pants, 1 tuxedo jacket, 1 bowtie, (GIRLS) 1 dress, 1
pearl necklace.
Concert uniforms are taken home by the student after fitting and kept there for the duration of the
school year, to be returned at date/time TBD prior to the end of the school year.
Students will be responsible for their uniforms and all parts of that uniform.
Gentlemen are required to wear black dress shoes and black socks that come to at least the calf with
their concert uniforms.
Ladies are required to wear black closed-toe dress shoes with off-black hose.

Gentlemen are required to purchase their own wing-tip tuxedo shirt to use during
concert season. Make sure your old shirt still fits well in advance of the first
performance!
 Recommended Instrument Brands and Accessories
Please contact Mrs. Hall and/or your childs private teacher before purchasing an instrument and/or accessories. Be
mindful of large chain stores that sell instruments. What may seem like a bargain at first could cost you more in the end
than purchasing from a reputable music dealer. For those not ready to invest in an upgraded instrument, please consider
upgrading your childs mouthpiece. Recommended instrument brands are listed in Italics

All Band Members

Music stand
Metronome
Tuner (HIGHLY recommended)

Flute
Gemeinhardt
Yamaha Alto / Tenor / Baritone Saxophone
Reeds (Recommended: Van Doren strength 3 or
3-1/2)
Oboe Reed case to hold 4 reeds
Reeds: (Teacher-made are best)
Dependable neck strap (ones with a padded neck
Reedmaker.com brand otherwise are the most comfortable)
Reed Case Cork grease
Fox Mouthpiece cleaning brush
Flexible neck cleaner
Bassoon
Cloth cleaning swab (for the body of the sax)
Reeds: (Teacher made are best)
All players should use a good quality mouthpiece and
Bel Canto is the best online-bought brand
ligature.
Fox Recommended: Selmer S90 mouthpiece and
Clarinet / Bass Clarinet / Contra Clarinet Rovner Regular ligature
Reeds (Recommended: Van Doren strength 3 or Selmer
3-1/2)
Reed case to hold 4 reeds All Brass Instruments
Mouthpiece cleaning brush Valve oil (Rotary oil for French Horn and Slide
Cleaning swab (handkerchief style - Buffet oil for Trombone)
makes a good one) Tuning slide grease
Cork grease Mouthpiece brush
****All players should use a good quality mouthpiece Snake for cleaning the inside of the instrument
and ligature. Rod for cleaning inside the valves - for Trumpet,
Recommended: Van Doren 5RV mouthpiece Cornet, Baritone and Tuba
with a Bonade leather Ligature Long rod for cleaning the inside of the trombone
slide
Recommended (Bass Clarinet): Selmer C* All Brass members should use a good quality
mouthpiece.
mouthpiece with a Bonade leather ligature Recommended:
Buffet
 Trumpet/Cornet: Bach 5C *check with Music Stands
Mrs. Hall before
purchasing It is very important to own a music stand for home
French Horn: Holton Farkas MDC practice. Without a music stand, it is impossible for a
Trombone/Baritone: Bach 6-1/2 AL or student to develop or maintain good posture, good
Schilke 51D playing position, and good air support. Students are not
Tuba: Conn Helleberg required to bring their music stand to class, but are urged
to always use one at home.
Check with Mrs. Hall on recommended
instrument brands