Jr. and Sr.

High Band
Mr. Choplick, Director mrchoplick.weebly.com chopw@svbluedevils.org (570) 462-2796 ext. 1151 Course Descriptions (from the 2013-2014 program of studies) Jr. High Band: Band is a daily class teaching junior high instrumentalists. During the fall of the year, there will be a slight focus on marching band music (eld show, parades, etc.). Primarily, there will be a focus on concert band literature for both the winter and spring concerts. Improvement in individual playing, along with ensemble growth is stressed. Sight reading is included to help build the students reading and interpretation skills. This ensemble will help younger players improve on their abilities from the elementary level. Members of this ensemble are eligible to be selected for Junior County Band and may choose to audition for District Band. Sr. High Band: Band is a daily class teaching senior high instrumentalists. During the fall of the year, there will be a slight focus on marching band music (eld show, parades, etc.). Primarily, there will be a focus on concert band literature for both the winter and spring concerts. Improvement in individual playing, along with ensemble growth is stressed. Sight reading is included to help build the students reading and interpretation skills. This ensemble will help more advanced players develop a deeper understanding of musicianship. Members of this ensemble will be able to audition for Senior High County Band, and District Band. Grading Policy 30% based on preparation, participation, attitude, etc. in symphonic band rehearsals 30% based on attendance, improvement, and work in lessons/sectionals, checkpoints each marking period, and playing exams (held in the second and fourth marking periods). 25% based on attendance at required commitments ! MP 1: Marching band rehearsals and performances ! MP 2: Marching band rehearsals and performances, winter concert ! MP 3: Points will be redistributed - 40% preparation, 40% attendance, 20% ! ! evaluations ! MP 4: Marching band rehearsals and performances, spring concert, ! ! commencement 15% based on written evaluations (at least one per marking period) Students have an entire marking period to fulll these requirements, so sometimes you might not see grades entered until later in the marking period. I do my best to update Skyward frequently, but expect 1 or 2 updates per week. Please remember that grades are earned, not given. All members are required to perform in one concert each semester and at commencement exercises on June 14, 2013.

Lessons Small group lessons (or sectionals) will be scheduled once every week for each student in symphonic band. Students are required to come to three lessons each marking period but may choose to come to every scheduled one. Students who study privately on their instrument are only required to attend two sectionals. Make-ups will be available at other selected times. The small group lesson will focus on building instrument-specic performance skills (ngerings, embouchure) as well as playing with expression. Lessons also serve as a chance to assist students with band music, honors band auditions and preparations, etc. You MUST present a lesson pass and have it signed by your teacher before I can give you a lesson. I will be signing lesson passes at the beginning of the school day. Locker Rules Band lockers should only have instruments, music, and any accessories (reeds, mouthpieces, sticks, etc.) in the locker. Textbooks, food, drinks, and any other items will be removed and discarded or turned into the ofce. Failure to comply with these rules will result in a loss of locker privileges. This policy will be strictly enforced! School Instruments Shenandoah Valey High School has a few instruments you may borrow/loan throughout the year. However, each instrument includes a fee and a contract that must be completed BEFORE getting the instrument to use. Food and Drink Policy There will be absolutely NO FOOD OR DRINK in the band room other than water (FLAVORED WATER IS NOT PERMITTED). Whether it is school issued food or food from outside school, it is not permitted in the band room. Any violators of this rule will have consequences. Your full cooperation is greatly appreciated. Marching Band (from the Marching Band Handbook) Marching Band is considered an extension of concert band. Therefore, attendance at rehearsals and performances will be considered as a part of your grade. If you MUST be absent, any absence that would have been excused from school will be excused from band. Inform the director PRIOR to the absence (if possible). You MUST bring in a written excuse (preferably in advance) from a parent or guardian. After 3 school days with no excuse, the absence will be marked as unexcused. Homework and work do NOT count as excused absences!!! Please arrange your schedules according to your commitments to the marching band! Grading will be as follows: Rehearsals - 10 points Performances - 50 points Athletes who have a game or match on the date of a performance will be considered excused. Conicts between sports practices and marching band rehearsal during the week will be handled on a sport by sport basis. The band director will work out an agreement

between the coach and director so that the students standing is not hurt within either organization. If a sport practice or game is canceled or rescheduled, then you are to report to band rehearsal. If you do not, it will counted as an unexcused absence. It is the students responsibility to supply the band director with a schedule of all practices and games as soon as possible. Additional excused absences will be granted in extreme circumstances on an individual basis.