William Penn High School

Music Department
Instrumental Music
2015 2016 School Year
Mike Archer, Director

WILLIAM PENN HIGH SCHOOL

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC ENSEMBLE HANDBOOK
The Instrumental Music Program at William Penn High School is more than an education in music. BAND is a
graded Performing Arts class that will teach self-discipline, responsibility, dependability, time management,
attitudes, teamwork, and respect for others. Band members will be encouraged to strive for a performance level that
is beyond that which is expected! Success in Band means that you have given your best effort, all the time, and
have made positive contributions to the Band!!
Performing Arts Member Responsibilities:
1. Participate in ALL performances.
2. Practice regularly at home, no less than 30 minutes a day.
3. Be on time and prepared for class (instrument, music, pencil, agenda book).
4. Show your best manners, behavior, and respect for others at all times.
5. Always be attentive never a distraction!
6. Always accept criticism as an opportunity to learn.

We have received, read, and discussed the INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC ENSEMBLE STUDENT/
PARENT HANDBOOK. We understand the materials required for the class and also understand
that the majority of these classes are full year courses, and that students are required to attend
and participate in all instrumental music performances of the music department.

Student Signature

Date

Parent Signature

Date

Family Home Phone

Parent Work Phone

Parent Cell Phone

Student Cell Phone

Parent Email Address:

Student Email Address:
Previous School Attended:
*
Instrument

Manufacturer

Serial Number

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Materials:
All growing musicians must own:
a Metronome - it assists practice at home. Students need to build muscle memory to operate
their equipment during performance and setting a constant pulse can be a great tool to assist
with that. If Beethoven used one, you should, too.
a Tuner - you are continuing to practice your embouchure and finding your tonal center. A
Tuner will let you know if you are hot or cold during your search for quality tone production.
a Pencil - must always 100% have one in class. Always. A pen will never do.
a Folder - to keep assignments and homework. This folder can be kept within your Leather
Band Folder.
Reeds! Always have a spare Box in your case. Box running low? Pick some up prior to
running out!

Schoology:
All classes will be utilizing Schoology more and more as time goes by, this class included. All
written assignments, projects, and special assignments will be submitted through Schoology.
Make sure you pay attention about how to access it.

Class Overview:
There are four areas that are of uppermost importance when one considers the development of a
musician at the high school level. They include growth as a member of a group, individual
growth as a musician (appreciation and understanding of music and the written page), the
technical skill development which must occur if one is to progress, and the individual
responsibility which one must demonstrate if he or she is going to become a productive member.
The program of the William Penn High School Band is designed to accomplish these ends and
more. To achieve all that we are capable of achieving, proper rehearsal techniques will be in
force at all times. Behavior is not something which is graded but when behavior affects
learning or disrupts the structure of the classroom, then it falls under the category of class
participation which will have a large effect on the grade. When working with large numbers of
students, like those encountered in a growing music program, it takes the cooperation of every
single person to accomplish the many and varied tasks we undertake. To be part of this, IT IS
UP TO YOU, the individual, to do what is expected and to cooperate with all whether they are
student or teacher.
Practice and written work will be an expected part of the music program. This class is worth a
high school credit towards graduation. To earn this credit, the student must participate in class
regularly, do the written work, and practice approximately 150 minutes per week on their
instrument. This, in addition to the instruction they receive during the class period, will allow
them to progress and move on in the music program.

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Proper rehearsal techniques will be stressed.

Examples of items which fall into this

category include posture, playing in tune, tuning your instrument, promptness, consideration for
other band members, common courtesy, respect for authority, following set classroom procedures
(such as not CHEWING GUM, talking out of turn, and having your instrument), being
prepared for class, homework, practicing, etc. Each day will reflect either positively or
negatively in your grade.

Special Projects will be included in all marking periods. These are geared towards music
appreciation and exposure to live music performance. The projects may come in the form of
critiquing a live performance in school, online, or via field trip. It may also take the form of
music notation, solo performance, and more. More information will be provided when
appropriate.
Reading and Writing are part of the overall high school goal and part of the Colonial School
Districts goal of Improving the Academic Achievement of All Students. Written assignments
can be expected on a regular basis and may include anything relevant to the study of music.
Keep in mind that you will be required to play scales yearly as part of your marking period
grades and final exam. Seating in sections will be directly related to how well you play your
scales and arpeggios. It is strongly recommended that each time you sit down to practice, part of
the time is spent on scales and arpeggios. They are the basis on which all music is composed. If
you have them readily at your disposal, you will progress much faster with your musical training.
You are very fortunate to be a part of an instrumental music program that has been respected
throughout the State of Delaware for decades, and attracts students from throughout New Castle
County! The WP Music Program continues to grow every year! Therefore, the Band Room is
a very disciplined environment since rehearsals may include many students. But, remember that
we are here to learn music and HAVE FUN!! Many, many students consider the band room their
home away from home. I am the only curricular teacher the most Band Members see nearly
every day for all four years. Please come to me when you need help, just as I will come to you
when I feel that you need help!
All instrumental music classes are graded Performing Arts Classes that are scheduled into the
Humanities College Program, in which performance is required. Members gain many
outstanding opportunities by being in band with many other outstanding students. Opportunities
for performance and success will increase each year that you continue to participate in the
instrumental music department!

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Class Content:
First Marking Period:
1. The performance for grade of the C, F, G, Bb, D, Eb, and A scales and arpeggios (The
testing for this requirement may occur at any time in the marking period). Scales and
arpeggios can be played again at any time to improve the original grade given.
Because it is to count for a marking period, then the scale(s) and arpeggio(s) must be
played before the last week in the marking period. Scales will be cumulative throughout
the whole year. Failing to play them in the marking period they are assigned will
only compound the problem throughout the remainder of the year. As you might
expect, I feel scales and arpeggios are a critical part of any high school musicians
background.
2. The study of counting will begin during this marking period and be revisited during the
entire year. Counting is of major importance in your ability to work through a piece of
music on your own.
3. Each student will undertake the playing of the All State Solo for this year. Credit
will be given for the performance of the solo for the band director, section, and the
performance of the solo for the entire group. Each of these levels of competency will
carry with it a major grade and be a part of your midterm grade.
4. Music will be learned for performance and credit given for the knowledge, ability,
understanding, and the actual performance of the music. Music will be evaluated
periodically both in written and playing ability.
5. Percussion will be required to know by memory the first 15 rudiments on the
PERCUSSIVE ARTS SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL DRUM RUDIMENTS.
Second Marking Period:
1. Concert skill development continues with Winter Concert music preparation. It is
expected that you will attend this and every concert.
2. Four additional scales and arpeggios will be due this marking period: Ab, Db, E, and B
Concert, as well as the chromatic scale over the practical range of the instrument. As
with all scales and arpeggios, they may be played at any time but there will be class time
set aside for testing. It is best that they net be left until the end of the marking period
because strict dates will be followed.
3. Music will be tested either in a small group situation or individually depending on the
individual effort spent on learning. This can vary by section depending on the sections
overall quality and performance both in rehearsal and in concert.
4. Percussion members will be required to know the rudiments 16 30 of the Percussive
Arts Society International Drum Rudiments.
5. Each playing student will undertake the playing of the All State Solo for this year. This is
a long term project. Credit will be given for the performance of the solo for the band
director, performance of the solo for the group, and finally qualifying for the opportunity
and auditioning for the All State Committee. Each of these levels of competency will
carry with it a major grade and be part of your midterm grade.
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Third Marking Period:

1. Scales and arpeggios will be reviewed during this marking period in preparation for the
final exam which will require each student to play all their scales and arpeggios up to and
including 5 sharps, 5 flats, and chromatic in five minutes or less to receive full credit.
This will be a times skill test which will allow five minutes to complete. Those students
who have taken this task seriously will need only 3.5 to 4 minutes to complete all the
scales and arpeggios.
2. Percussion will be required to know rudiments 30 40 of the Percussive Arts Society
International Drum Rudiments. In addition, they will need to know the C, F, Bb, and Eb
scales and arpeggios.
3. Musical Notation of notes, scales, and key signatures will be studied during this marking
period. The perfecting of these skills, as well as the playing and counting skills which
have been grade to date, will permit the movement to the next level here at William Penn.
4. Ensemble music will continue to be emphasized as well. New music will be studied and
worked for later performance.
Fourth Marking Period:
1. Music for the Spring Concert will be emphasized. Of all the performances during the
year, the public performances at school are most important. The Spring Concert is a
performance for all in the music program.
2. The Graduation Ceremony, which will be held in the University of Delawares Bob
Carpenter Center in early June, is for all band members, no matter what group they
belong to. This, as the Spring Concert, is of critical importance, and your attendance is
expected. Music appropriate to the occasion will be studied and perfected.
3. Percussion will be required to know all the rudiments of the Percussive Arts Society
International Drum Rudiments as well as G, D, and A scales and arpeggios on a mallet
instrument.
4. Musical Notation of notes, scales, and key signatures, as well as all of the counting from
the second marking period will be reviewed during this marking period. The perfecting
of these skills, as well as the playing requirements which have been graded to date will
permit the completion of the Final Exam in a successful manner.

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Final Exam
There will be two parts to the final exam. These sections will be tested in late April or early
May. First, there will be a playing section. Each individual will be tested on their ability to play
their scales and arpeggios and/or rudiments. You will have 5 minutes to play up to and including
5#s, 5bs, or the 40 rudiments. If the material is well practiced, this task can be accomplished in
3 to 4 minutes.
Second, there will be a written portion which will test the specific elements of musical
knowledge covered and reviewed during the second half of the school year.
If you are going to be a part of this program, it is my expectation that you are going to work to
and beyond the requirements which have been listed above. You have ll spent many years
learning how to play your instrument; now is the time to do something with your skills while you
have the opportunity and desire. To move into Symphonic Band, you must pass the class,
display the ability to work in a team, and show consistent musical growth.

Grading Scale:
A letter grade will be assigned according to the following scale:
A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89
C = 70 - 79
D = 60 - 69
F = 0 - 59
All letter grades also have numerical averages attached, not just quality points. Therefore,
it is important to do as well as you can no matter how frustrated or discouraged you may
get. This is true throughout your entire high school career and the rest of your life.

Contact Info:
Mike Archer
Instrumental Music Director
William Penn HS
michael.archer@colonial.k12.de.us
www.pennmusic.weebly.com

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