M ASON H IGH S CHOOL

C ONCERT B AND H ANDBOOK

2014-2015

DIRECTORS
M R . R OBERT B ASS
BASSB @ MASON . K 12. OH . US
398-2798 EXT . 30271
M R . A VIOUS J ACKSON
JACKSONAV @ MASON . K 12. OH . US
398-2798 EXT . 30273

F OR BAND UPDATES AND INFO , VISIT
WWW . MASONBANDS . COM
 Philosophy of Music Education
Music is a fundamental piece of the human experience. This makes music education a necessary endeavor to
ensure that the whole child is being educated. To this end, it is the philosophy of the Mason High School Band
Program to educate, to the fullest extent, every child enrolled in band. This shall include skill development,
cognitive understanding, and aesthetic appreciation for many forms of music from many cultures.

It is a departmental goal to instill in every member of the Mason Band a lifelong appreciation for music and to
consistently embrace the ideals of self-discipline, commitment, and teamwork. Through the cooperation of
band students, parents, school administration, the community, and the Mason City School District, the William
Mason High School Band Program will strive to provide a musical program that is consistently recognized as
one of the finest of its kind.
Objectives
LOGICAL - To provide each band member a practical knowledge of music so he/she can
appreciate and participate in the aesthetic experience of music making.
TECHNICAL - To provide each band member with the skills needed to participate fully in the
band experience.
CITIZENSHIP - To help the student become a better citizen through membership in a community where
each persons contribution is equal in importance.
PERFORMANCE - To provide rewarding performances and learning experiences for all members of the
band and audience.
EMOTION - To promote personal expression and creativity through music making.
COMMUNITY - To continually broaden the musical interests of each member and our community through
the performance of fine yet diverse band repertoire.
TEAMWORK - To collaborate with our fellow musicians, to experience the full spectrum of musical
expression, and to promote a friendly and rewarding environment.

Student Expectations
! Always try your best: Like everything in life, give 100% and dont give up. All of the best things in life take
effort.
! The importance of attitude: Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you choose to react to it.
! Show responsibility: Hold yourself accountable for things you are required to do and actions you have taken.
Know all concert & rehearsal dates, assignment due dates, and submit all course work on time.
! Be dependable: follow through on your obligations. Do what you are supposed to do, when you are supposed
to do it.
! Be productive: Work hard every day, and be on task. Productivity = Success.
! Show good integrity: Value yourself. Be honest, ethical, and trustworthy.
! Be respectful: Treat others in a kind and caring way. Honor the ideas and opinions of others. Treat others as
you would want to be treated.
Be a problem solver: Work with others to correct problems quickly and peacefully.
 Page 3
Discipline
1st offense: Verbal warning and/or conference with the student.
2nd offense: Detention with student and student/teacher conference.
3rd offense: Detention with personal parent contact.
4th offense: Parent/teacher conference and disciplinary action as discussed with student and parent. An
administrator may be involved in this conference.
5th offense: School discipline administrator involved.
(Severe Clause A student may be sent to the office if the director feels it is necessary)

Positive Discipline
1) Enjoyable and exciting rehearsals.
2) Praise.
3) Rewarding concerts and contests.
4) An assertive, responsible, and disciplined group.
5) Rewarding outside musical experiences.

Rehearsal Skills
Your ability to rehearse effectively will be assessed and reflected in your Rehearsal Skills grade.
1. Be on time to all rehearsals and performances. Be ready to play before the designated start time.
Remember: To be early is to be on time to be on time is to be late.
2. Bring all necessary equipment to rehearsal. This includes an instrument, music folder, pencil & tuner!
3. Come to rehearsal knowing your part.
4. Warm-up softly. Be sure the players around you can hear themselves warm-up.
5. Stop playing when the conductor steps on the podium.
6. Do not talk or whisper during instruction or rehearsal with another section. If you need to get a message
to your section about something in the music, do so at the designated time.
7. Ask questions lots of them but please raise your hand first and wait for an appropriate time.
8. Mark your music (always in pencil). Everyone is always forgiven if they make a mistake once. If you
make the same mistake twice, mark it so you never make that same mistake again.
9. The person sitting on the inside of the stand (furthest from the audience by section) is responsible for
turning the page.
10. Check with your stand partner that youre both sitting comfortably to see both the music and the
conductor.
11. Section leaders (in collaboration with conductor) make section decisions on any changes and pass those
on to their section. Players in the rest of the section mark the changes from the section leader. This can
be done silently while the conductor is working with another section of the band.
12. Watch and listen to your section leader(s) to match length of notes, style, entrances, etc.
13. Carefully observe dynamics and make sure you are always listening to the balance and blend of the
ensemble.
14. Do not turn around to look at someone who has made a mistake.
15. At home practice and preparation is required and expected of every student.
16. Enjoy to the fullest, your ability to make beautiful music with your colleagues in this ensemble.
 Page 4
Grading
There are four/five areas of importance when evaluating individual band members.

1) REHEARSAL SKILLS students will be assessed on their ability to rehearse effectively. This includes
readiness to begin on time, bringing instrument, music, pencil & tuner to every class, knowing their part,
attentiveness to direction, marking their music as necessary, working together with their section to make
necessary improvements, following stated student expectations, knowing and understanding vocabulary, and
making a positive contribution to the class through your participation and effort. (25% of total grade)
2) CONCERT PERFORMANCE attendance at and performance in all required concerts and rehearsals
(30% of total grade).
Concert Performances (including chamber events)
Solo & Ensemble Adjudicated Event (Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Concert Winds, and
Color Band section leaders)
O.M.E.A. District and State Performances (only if your concert band attends)
Concert Band Camp (Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony only)
Pep Band Performances
Memorial Day Parade (Marching Band members only)
Community Performances
Sectional and Dress Rehearsals
3) PERFORMANCE TESTING (35% of total grade)
Scale Jury Students will perform major scales & arpeggios in a specific rhythm pattern. The
number of scales is dependant on which group you are in.
Scale Jury Students will perform minor scales & arpeggios in a specific rhythm pattern. The
number of scales is dependant on which group you are in.
Honor Band Music
Private Lesson Journal (Wind Symphony members only)
Testing of wind music-fundamentals of music (written and aural)
4) SEMESTER EXAM - Playing/Written Final (10% of total grade)
5) HONORS CRITERIA (Wind Symphony members only) -
Prepare and perform an O.M.E.A. class A, B, or C small ensemble piece and/or O.M.E.A. class A, B, or
C solo to the standard of O.M.E.A. criteria of tone quality, intonation, technique, dynamics, phrasing,
interpretation, and overall impression.
Write and play all major and minor scales, quarter note equals 120 beats per minute using rhythm
pattern(s) established by the directors.
Prepare music for District XIII Honor Band Auditions.
Senior Project (Seniors only)
Attendance and critique of one collegiate or professional performance per semester. Students must
identify theme, programming, musical elements, and presentation. The concert critique should be a
one to two page typed paper that includes the program and ticket stub. (Juniors & Seniors)
Ten hours of community music service/experience. (Seniors)
 Page 5

** 65% of your total grade will be a combination of performance opportunities and how well you play your
Concert, Solo and Ensemble, and contest literature. PLEASE NOTE: You must receive a grade of a B or
better on all of your music. In addition, if a performance or rehearsal is missed without director approval,
your grade will be affected based on the percentage designated. In rare occasions, a written musical
assignment might be assigned to replace a performance or rehearsal that was missed.

Concert Attendance
Concert attendance is mandatory. All members are expected to play in all scheduled performances dressed in
proper concert attire (see Concert Attire). Students are to arrive at the performance venue at least forty-five
minutes before the concert starts to tune and warm up.

Performance attendance is equal to 30% of a students grade in band. An unexcused absence from a
performance will result in a failing grade for that portion of their average. Absences are unexcused except in
emergency cases or personal illness. Any school activity conflict must be worked out between the advisors
(including the band director), student and parents at least three weeks in advance. The student has the
responsibility to inform the band director immediately when the conflict is discovered.

In the event of an excused absence, the student may receive the full 30% performance grade credit by bringing
in a letter (in emergency/illness cases) upon their return to school, signed by the students parents explaining the
reason for their absence. The director may call for further verification. In addition, students with excused
absences must either attend a professional or collegiate concert writing a two page typed paper on their
observations or make an individual recording of the concert music using SmartMusic to receive full credit. Just
as a student who is sick the day of a major test is allowed to make up the test, so is a student who is absent the
day of a performance. For unexcused absences no make up opportunity is given.

Concert Critique
The purpose of the Concert Critique is to communicate the students feelings and impressions about
musical performances, to become a musically literate person, to listen critically, and to help develop attitudes,
feelings, and make intelligent decisions concerning different types of musical performances. The band member
will be required to attend and write a critique on their impressions of a live musical performance, collegiate or
professional, not connected with the Mason Music Department.

Seating and Challenges

Through the scheduled music testing sessions in class, any student may move up or down within each section
according to how well they perform their music. All testing will be done by the directors with results posted the
day after the students play. Should anyone wish to schedule a music challenge, he/she should contact the
director and schedule a time during semester testing weeks. PLEASE NOTE: Students who opt to challenge
in this manner must have a current grade of B or better in order to qualify. Challenges will involve sight-
reading and/or band literature.
 Page 6

Semester Testing Dates

A. FIRST SEMESTER PERIOD August 14 to December 19
(1st Quarter 8/14/14 to 10/16/14 & 2nd Quarter 8/20/14-12/19/14)
Playing and written evaluations will be done throughout the 1st semester.
B. SECOND SEMESTER PERIOD January 6 to May 28
C. (3rd Quarter 1/6/15 to 4/13/15 & 4th Quarter 4/16/15-5/28/15)
Playing and written evaluations will be done throughout the 2nd semester.

Performance Dress
WS & SB WOMEN-Black dress (purchased from booster organization - $65.00)
Pearls (purchased from booster organization - $10.00)
Tan or black hose
Solid black shoes
WINDS WOMEN-Tux shirt (purchased from booster organization - $15.00)
Cumber bun and bowtie (provided by the Mason Band Boosters)
Solid black pants, socks and shoes
CG, CS, & CW WOMEN-Tux shirt purchased from booster organization - $15.00)
Solid black pants, socks and shoes

WS & SB MEN-Tux (rented from booster organization - $35.00)

Tux shirt (purchased from booster organization - $15.00)
Solid black socks & shoes
WINDS MEN-Tux shirt (purchased from booster organization - $15.00)
Vest and bowtie (provided by the Mason Band Boosters)
Solid black pants, socks and shoes
CG, CS, & CW MEN-Tux shirt purchased from booster organization - $15.00)
Solid black pants, socks and shoes

Sectional Rehearsals
Starting in December, students will be required to attend sectional rehearsals if scheduled. Each
sectional will last approximately 90 minutes. Sectionals will deal with the very fine details of music
(musicality, range, intonation, specifics on various instruments, and limiting during various music passages).
ALL SECTIONALS ARE MANDATORY.
 Page 7
Scheduled Dates and Performances
2014-2015
Friday, August 22 Written Senior Proposal and Concerto Competition enrollment (WS only)
Tuesday, October 21 Fall Concert featuring Symphonic Band & Wind Symphony (7:00 pm)
Thursday, December 04 1st Semester Concert Critique Due Date (WS only)
Friday, December 04 SB & WS Concert Band Camp (6:00 pm-9:00 pm)
Friday, December 05 SB & WS Concert Band Camp (4:00 pm-9:00 pm)
Saturday, December 06 Honor Band Audition Day (8:30 am-1:00 pm)
Saturday, December 06 SB & WS Concert Band Camp (4:00 pm-8:00 pm)
Sunday, December 07 SB & WS Concert Band Camp Performance (1:30 pm-3:00 pm)
Thursday, December 11 Band Concert featuring Concert Green & White, Symphonic Band (7:00 pm)
Monday, December 15 Band Concert featuring Concert Silver & Winds, Wind Symphony (7:00 pm)
Monday, January 12 Honor Band read-through rehearsal 10-12 grade bands (6:00 pm-9:00 pm)
January 16-18 District XIII Honor Band
Wednesday, January 21 Concerto Competition Audition Day
Friday, January 23 Bowling Green State University Performance featuring Wind Symphony
Tuesday, January 27 Music Hall Concert with Lakota West featuring Wind Symphony
Saturday, February 14 Solo & Ensemble Adjudicated Event (All Day)
Tuesday, March 2 Group and Individual Picture Day (5:00 pm-7:00 pm)
Monday, March 2 Band Concert featuring Concert Green & White, Symphonic Band (7:00 pm)
Tuesday, March 3 Group and Individual Picture Day (5:00 pm-7:00 pm)
Tuesday, March 3 Band Concert featuring Concert Silver & Winds, Wind Symphony (7:00 pm)
Thursday, March 12 District Dress Rehearsal for all bands (exact times to be determined)
Friday, March 13 OMEA District Contest (Wind Symphony & Symphonic Band)
Saturday, March 14 OMEA District Contest (All other Bands)
Monday, March 23 Music Department Concert-Beethoven Symphony #9
Tuesday, April 28 State Dress Rehearsal for all bands (exact times to be determined)
Friday, May 1 OMEA State Contest (Selected Times)
Saturday, May 2 OMEA State Contest (Selected Times)
Friday, May 8 Concert Critique and Senior Project Due Date (WS only)
Thursday, May 14 Band Concert featuring Concert Green & White, Symphonic Band (7:00 pm)
Friday, May 15 10 hours MUSIC community service/Senior Project (WS only)
Tuesday, May 19 Band Concert featuring Concert Silver & Winds, Wind Symphony (7:00 pm)
Sunday, May 24 Graduation (Includes all WS and New WS students) 2:00 pm
Monday, May 25 Memorial Day Parade (9:00 am-10:30 am)
Please sign, detach, and return bottom portion
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Student Name: _______________________________________________

I have read the above listed dates and understand that dates are required attendance for Concert Green, Silver, White &
Winds Bands, Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony. I also understand that two pep band performances are required.
Parent Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: __________________
 Page 8
Financial Information
It is the policy of the Mason Music Department to provide this information regarding the finances of the
performing organization. If there is a problem in meeting any of the commitments explained in this section,
please feel free to contact Mr. Robert Bass at 398-2798 ext. 30271.

This section of the handbook explains the expenses of being in Instrumental Music during 1st, and 2nd
semesters. Expenses include school band fees, which includes SmartMusic, clinicians, awards, supplies, as well
as contest fees. In addition there are costuming fees i.e. tux rental, dress purchase etc. It is necessary for each
student to realize these expenses and be willing to help support their band and the entire instrumental program.

The Mason Booster Organization is a parent booster organization that assists each of the music students
in meeting their financial obligations and therefore their success as a student in the Mason Music Program. The
purpose of the Booster Organization is to take charge of fund-raisers so that additional finances can be raised to
pay for needed items. Those additional monies pay for social events and awards for the students.

School Fees
The members of all bands help support the band budget for the 2014-2015 school year. Each student is
responsible to pay school band fees to Mason City School. The band fee covers a portion of solo and ensemble,
a subscription to Smart Music, and Concert Band Camp costs (WS & SB only).

Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band

Ladies - $52 school fee + $65 dress purchase Gentlemen - $52 school fee + $35 tux rental
(The $65 dress fee is paid to the boosters) (The $35 tux rental fee is paid to the boosters)

Concert Winds
Ladies - $42 school fee + $15 tux shirt purchase Gentlemen - $42 school fee + $15 tux shirt purchase
(The $15 dress fee is paid to the boosters) (The $15 tux rental fee is paid to the boosters)

Concert Green, Silver, and White

Ladies - $32 school fee + $15 tux shirt purchase Gentlemen - $32 school fee + $15 tux shirt purchase
(The $15 dress fee is paid to the boosters) (The $15 tux rental fee is paid to the boosters)

Apparel Purchases
All apparel is purchased through the Mason Band Boosters.

(If you already have a tux shirt or dress/pearls from being in one of the other Mason ensembles from last year
you do not need to repurchase them. These items are the same style.) The boosters will notify each class when
they will be fitted for their apparel. Payment for all items must be received by the boosters before apparel is
distributed. Checks should be made out to Mason Band boosters.
 Page 9
Private Lessons 2014-2015
Half hour private lessons are offered to band students in the Mason City Schools. Lessons are taught by
an outstanding staff of professional performer/teachers and are scheduled Monday through Friday after school
and evenings at either Mason High School, Mason Middle School, or at the instructors private studio.

The band directors in the Mason City Schools agree private lessons are the most effective way for young
musicians to fully develop their performing talents. Private teachers help students develop tone quality,
technique, musical style, practice discipline and preparation for solos, playing tests and auditions. The lessons
use a combination of explanation and demonstrations while building the students confidence to enjoy playing
in group or solo situations. Private teachers use a variety of materials including solos, exercise books, audition
materials, as well as parts from full band arrangements.

Private lessons are also beneficial for students attempting to learn a second instrument. In the Mason
Middle and High School bands many of our players have worked to achieve this goal, resulting in opportunities
to perform in many types of concert, marching and jazz ensembles plus helping to improve the instrument
balance throughout our schools band program. In addition, students who have fallen behind the performing
level of their band and need extra help to catch up find the one-on-one attention of private lessons especially
helpful.

The cost of private instruction ranges from $15.00 to $30.00 per thirty-minute lesson with payments
usually made four lessons in advance. Lessons can be started or stopped any time during the school year with
makeup lessons given for illness, emergencies, or other excused absences. Lessons are not given during
holidays or on days when school is not in session. During the winter lessons are cancelled if school is closed or
dismissed early. A few of our teachers continue their lessons in the summer but for the most part private
lessons are taught from October through May.

Band students at Mason High School who are interested in lessons should fill out the bottom of this page and
turn it in to the directors at school. A private teacher will call at home to explain more about their lessons and
to arrange a day and time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Students Name: ______________________________________________________ Grade: ____________

Instrument: ______________________________________ Telephone Number: _____________________

Have you taken lessons before? ____________ If yes, with whom? ____________________________
 MCS-702 Rev. 02/05
Mason City Schools
211 N. East Street
Mason, OH 45040

PARENT/STUDENT PERMISSION SLIP FOR

EXTRACURRICULAR AND SCHOOL CLUB ACTIVITIES

Activity: Concert Band Trips Student Name: __________________________________________

Dates and Locations see below:
January 23 BGSU Performance (WS only) January 27 Music Hall Joint Concert with Lakota West (WS only)
March 13/14 OMEA District Contest May 1/2 OMEA State Contest
May 31 Graduation (WS current and new members only)

This permission slip is for participation in the above referenced activities (if your group is participating). Mason City Schools staff will supervise
these activities.

We, the undersigned do hereby give permission for our child to participate in the above stated activity. We do hereby assume full responsibility for
any risk of bodily injury, personal injury or mental injury or death due to our childs participation in these activities and the necessary travel to and
from any activity site. We also further herby assume full responsibility for all lost, stolen, or damaged personal property and will not hold the school
or its employees responsible for said loss or damage to personal property.

The undersigned further release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue the Mason City School District Board of Education, its individual
members, its superintendent, principals, administrators, employees, agents or anyone acting on its behalf, from all liability, arising from or by reason
of an bodily injury, personal injury or mental injury, known or unknown, including death, resulting from, or to result from our childs participation in
field trips and co-curricular activities with Mason City School District.

We expressly agree that this release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of Ohio or any other state in
which said student may be injured and that if any portion of this release is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, nevertheless, continue in
full force and effect.

We further state that we have fully and carefully read the above release and know the contents of the same and sign this release as our own free
act.

We further consent to emergency treatment by a physician in the event of injury to or illness of our child during his/her participation in such activities.

_________________________________________ ______________________________________________________
Date Signature of Parent/Guardian

_________________________________________ ______________________________________________________
Date Signature of Student

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS FORM TO Mr. Bass or Mr. Jackson
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, RELEASE AND CONSENT FORM
(Parent or other person giving student a ride home from a band event)

DO NOT SEND THIS IN WITH THE OTHER FORMS - USE WHEN NEEDED

Group: Mason High School Concert Band

Activity: Band Field Trip Location: _______________________________________________________
Date: _______________ Time _______________

I acknowledge that I have received written notice from the Mason City School District regarding the above referenced activity. I understand
that the Mason City School District will be providing transportation to or from this extra-curricular activity but I request that transportation will be
provided by a band booster parent.

Person providing transportation for my student: _______________________________________ Adult ____ or Student ____

Transportation will be provided by this person: To ____ From ____ Both ____

I understand that the operator of the motor vehicle who transports my child to this extra-curricular activity, whether it is me or someone else, will be
acting purely in his or her private capacity and not under the supervision or control of the Mason City School District. Furthermore, I understand that
the Mason City School Districts insurance policy will not cover any accidents or injuries suffered during the transportation of my child to or from this
extra-curricular activity.

I understand that, pursuant to the Mason City School Districts Transportation Policy, my child will not be allowed to participate in the extra-
curricular activity described above unless I sign this Acknowledgement, Release and Consent Form, and it is received by the Mason City School
District no later than one school day before the date of the activity (listed above).

I acknowledge that I have read and fully understand this Acknowledgement, Release and Consent Form, and on behalf of me, my spouse
(if applicable), my heirs, legal representatives and assigns, I hereby release the Mason City School District Board of Education, its individual
members, agents, employees, representatives, and assigns from any and all potential liability, claims, demands, controversies, damages, actions
and causes of action related to my childs transportation to or from the extra-curricular activity described above.

___________________________________________________________ _________________________________
Parent / Guardian Signature Date

___________________________________________________________
Students Name - Please Print

WHEN USING THIS FORM PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN TO Mr. Robert Bass

TO BE COMPLETED BY THE MASON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Received by ____________________________ on ___________________________

(initials) (date)