River

Valley
High
School

Band and Orchestra Handbook

2016-2017

Table of Contents

Page Number
Welcome Letter and Philosophy 3
General Rules....3
Attendance Procedures and Policies...4
Rehearsal Expectations4
Concert Etiquette4
Description of Ensembles.5
Grading Breakdown6
Performance Rubric.7
Expenses and Fees..8
Fundraisers8
Trip Policies and Information.8
Leadership Opportunities9
Uniforms and Concert Attire..9
School Owned Instruments and Music..10
Awards...10
Contact Information11
Calendar of Events
To be turned in:
Medical and Emergency Contact Form
Handbook Agreement

To the students of River Valley High School and their families,

Welcome to and exciting year of band and orchestra! I hope you all thoroughly enjoyed
our summers. My name is Tyler Harr and I am a recent graduate of Eastern Illinois University. I
am new to the area and I look forward to joining the great team here at River Valley. We are
planning on an exciting year of making wonderful music.
Thank you in advance for the parents of the program. I look forward to getting to work
with all you as well. Parent involvement is so important in the success of a music program, and
thanks for your support and provision.
A special welcome to all the new students to River
Valley and I hope you will enjoy your first year of high school.
I believe that the music program is one of the best ways to get
involved here at RVHS, learning teamwork, leadership,
becoming an excellent musician, and making memories that
will last a lifetime. It is our hope for you that 2016-2017 is the
best school year youve ever had! I look forward to working
with all of you.
Musically Yours,
Mr. Tyler Harr, Director of Band and Orchestra
River Valley High School

Philosophy
Music should be included in the public school curriculum because is can provide so many
opportunities for students. Music can pull together knowledge learned in so many other classes,
as well as provide meaningful leadership and social experiences. Music is also an art form of
great expression and provides students with unique aesthetic experiences. The RVHS music
department stresses an importance of personal students growth and improvement. I look forward
to growing and improving with you!

General Rules
1. Respect the room, its contents, and the learning
environment as a whole.
2. Be actively responsible in the classrooms success.
3. Be well prepared to start on time.
4. Follow directions the first time.
5. Follow all guidelines and procedures outlined in River Valley High School band and
orchestra handbook.

Attendance Procedures and Policies

Students are required to attend all rehearsals and

performances they are apart of. A majority of rehearsals
are during the school day with a few exceptions. (See
Calendar of Events)
Being Tardy will not be tolerated. Be early, have your
instrument, and be ready to make great music
Students are responsible for notifying the director of
missing any rehearsals or performances well BEFORE
the event occurs.
Students may be excused for the following reasons
o School Activities
o Sickness (Doctors note needed)
o Family Emergency
o Any other circumstances let Mr. Harr know right away.

Rehearsal Expectations

Students will be well-prepared for all rehearsals

o Have your instrument, music, charts, PENCIL, etc.
Many rehearsals will be working in sectionals that student leaders will help run. Respect
for student leaders is expected.
Whenever the director is on the podium the group will give full attention.
Excessive talking will not be tolerated. This distracts from the rehearsal process.
NO CELL PHONES. If caught using a cell phone during rehearsal it will lead to isolation
from the group.
Rehearsal ends when the director ends it, not before then
Never leave instruments or uniforms unattended.
Your full cooperation with the ensemble is expected.

Concert Etiquette

No talking or making any other unnecessary noise, it can distract the performer
Text messaging during a performance is extremely inappropriate
Food and drink is not permitted
Do not applaud in-between movements
Turn off your phone, Not just on silent
Do not leave during a performance, unless it is an emergency

Description of Ensembles
Wind EnsembleThis is an auditioned group of woodwind, brass, and percussion students that meet during
the school day. This ensemble goes to contests, festivals, workshops, and performs across the
state. Students are highly encouraged to take private lessons. For sophomores, juniors, and
seniors.
Symphonic BandThis is non-auditioned group of woodwind, brass, and percussion students that meet
during the school day. Students often take trips, and perform regularly. For sophomores, juniors,
and seniors.
Concert BandThis is a non-auditioned group of woodwind, brass, and percussion students that meet
during the school day. This group is made up entirely of freshmen students. This group is
designed to transition students to high school band and work on fundamental skills of ensemble
playing.
Chamber OrchestraThis is an auditioned group of string students that meet during the school day. This
ensemble goes to contests, festivals, workshops, and performs across the state. Students are
highly encouraged to take private lessons. For sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Concert StingsThis is a non-auditioned group of string students that meet during the school day. This
ensemble often takes trips, and they perform regularly. This class is open to all students.
River Valley Marching OttersThis is an extra-curricular group made up of woodwind, brass, and percussion players as
well the color guard. These students rehearse after the school day and perform at pep assemblies
and football games in the fall. Rehearsals for the Marching Otters begin during the summer.
Band camp is required. Students also have the option of playing for Basketball games in the
winter.
Jazz EnsembleThis is an auditioned extra-curricular group made up of saxophones, trombones,
trumpets, and a rhythm section. Still will play traditional big band literature and learn
improvisation skills in the jazz style. This ensemble travels to festivals and other performances.
Open to all students.
Jazz Lab BandThis non-auditioned extra-curricular jazz group is make up of any instrumentation. This
ensemble will help students learn to play within the jazz idiom even if they do not play a
traditional jazz instrument.

Grading Breakdown
Grades will be determined on the following characteristics.
10% Attentiveness throughout rehearsal process
Do you have your music, instrument, PENCIL, etc.?
Are you alert in class?
Do you answer questions and participate in rehearsal
10% Performance Attendance and Etiquette
Are you on time to performances?
Are you a respectful audience member?
10% Concert Performance Reflections
After each concert students will have to reflect on
their growth
Students will also come up with ideas on what to improve for the next
performance
They will be due a week after any performance.
30% Playing Exams
Students will have to record videos of certain etudes, concert excerpts, solos, etc.
and submit them to Mr. Harr. Grading will be based off a performance rubric
20% Final Exam
This will cover the following topics: Composers, Theory, Aural Skills, vocabulary
and reflection of rehearsal procedures.
20% Independent Study Project
Students will get to choose an independent project that they can present to the
class
Examples can include composer history, composition project, secondary
instrument research, or anything else you can come up with
A project proposal will be due by midterm.

Performance Rubric* (24 Points Total)

Exceeds (4)

Meets (3)

Approaching (2) Not (0-1)

Tone Quality and Tone is

Breath Control
characteristic of
the particular
instrument

Tone is
characteristic of
the instrument
with small
exceptions

Tone is
minimally
characteristic of
that instrument

Tone is not
characteristic to
the instrument

Intonation and
Pitch Accuracy

Pitches are
accurate in all
registers and
circumstances

Pitches are
accurate with
small exceptions

Pitches are
accurate with
frequent
extended
exceptions

Pitches are
mostly
inaccurate

Diction,
Articulation, and
Clarity

Clarity is
executed clearly
and maintains
correct style

Clarity is
executed with
small exceptions

Clarity is
frequently
unclear

Clarity is
consistently
unclear

Technical
Facility

Technical
demands are
executed
accurately with
complete control

Technical
demands are
executed with
small exceptions

Technical
demands are
executed with
limited accuracy

Technical
demands are not
met and out of
control

Rhythm

Meter and pulse

are accurate and
clearly defined
throughout

Meter and pulse

are accurate with
small exceptions

Meter and pulse

are often
inaccurate and
not well defined

Meter and pulse

are not present

Phrasing,
Dynamics, and
Expression

Dynamics,
articulations, and
expressive
qualities are
found throughout

Dynamics,
articulations, and
expressions are
there with small
exceptions

Dynamics,
articulations, and
expressions are
not utilized all
the time

Dynamics,
articulations, and
expressions are
not utilized

Total Score: ______/24

Additional Comments:

* Rubric adapted by the EIU Undergraduate Performance Assessment Rubric

Expenses and Fees

Students will be required to pay for some expenses as
the year goes on. Fundraisers will be available year round to
help students pay for various fees that arise. Below are some
examples of expenses that youll see throughout the year. Official
paperwork will be coming home to your students. Some of these
will depend on what ensemble students are involved in. Contact Mr.
Harr if money is an issue. We want all students to have the these
musical opportunities.

Concert Attire Rental (Tuxedos and Dresses) $40

Marching Band Uniform Fee $40
Marching Band Activities Fee $30
Possible Trip Hotel Costs $20
Optional Band/Orchestra T-Shirts $15

Fundraising
RVHS will have many fundraising opportunities each semester to help fund student
accounts that can be used to pay for fees and expenses, as well as programs to help raise money
for the overall program. Below is a list of some of the bigger fundraisers for the year.
July Marching Band Carwashes
October Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser
January Pancake Breakfast
As well as Little Caesars, Cheesecake, Yankee candle and other fundraisers to help fund student
accounts.

Trip Policies

All normal bus rules apply to bus trips. There will consequences to any student who does
not abide by these rules.
Students will make sure to leave the bus better than they found it. NO belongings or trash
will be left behind.
Be early for any trip your ensemble might take. To be early is to be on time to be on
time is to be late!
When the bus arrives at a particular location, stay seated and wait for an adult sponsor or
Mr. Harr to give you instructions.
Only ensemble members and parent chaperones are
allowed on the bus.
Excellent behavior is expected. Anything less will not
be tolerated.

Leadership Opportunities
Students in the program will have the opportunity to become section, leaders, drum
majors, etc. These students get a great experience with teaching their peers, working the director,
as well as being role models for the band or orchestra. Marching Band section leaders and Drum
Majors will be selected the spring before the marching season begins. Curricular ensembles will
interview for positions at the beginning of the school year. Here are some of the positions open
to students:
Concert Ensembles:
Section Leaders/Principle Players
Music Secretaries
Substitute Teacher Representatives
Council Members
Marching Band:
Drum Major (Field Conductors)
Section Leaders
Guard Captains
Drum Sargent
Rookie Leaders

Uniforms and Concert Attire

Concert Bands and Orchestra
$40 uniform fee required for students in curricular ensembles.
This fee will let students rent a tuxedo jacket/pants, or a dress.
Guys: Black tuxedo jacket/pants (rented from school), and black
dress shoes, long black socks, white shirt, and a black bow-tie
Ladies: Black Dress (rented from school), black dress shoes (no
heels). Black hair accessories and light jewelry is allowed
Marching Band
Students will be given pants, jacket, hat, and plume to the
marching band uniform.
Uniforms will kept in the Band room at all times unless on your person
Students will need provide black marching band shoes, long black marching band
gloves, Long black socks
Hair Option 1: Make sure hair is not exceeding past the ear, not touching the collar
Hair Option 2: Must easily put up in tight bun under the hat.
No make up or jewelry
If any of these requirements are not met, that student will not be able to perform

10

Music
Music should be taken care of with the upmost respect. ONLY
PENCIL should be used on music. Music and folders are checked out to
students and should be returned in the equality that it was received.
Violations of these rules will result in a fine of the sheet music and/or
folder.

School Owned Instruments

RVHS owns a limited number of musical instruments. All students are advised to use
their own instruments when possible. Large instruments, such as mellophones, baritones,
sousaphones, and percussion, are available for all students who do not normally own these
instruments. Any student who checks out a school instrument is a responsible for its care, safety
and repair as if it was it were his/her own instrument. The student is financially responsible for
any loss or damage to a school instrument beyond normal wear and tear. These characteristics
also apply to guard equipment, flags, rifles, etc. These will also be checked out to the student.

Instrument Repair
A limited number of tools and equipment are available for minor repairs. Mr. Harr can
perform minor repairs on instruments. However it is recommended that the students instrument
receive the professional treatment of a repair specialist. The director can asset you in getting your
instrument to a reputable music dealer for specialized repair.

Awards

Many students will receive awards at the marching band banquet on May 4th at 6:00. This
will be a night of celebration of the accomplishments made by the whole music department of
River Valley.

11

Contact Information
Mr. Tyler Harr, Director of Band and
Orchestra
Email: tsharr@rvhs.edu
Office Phone: (123) 456-7890
River Valley High School
1234 E. School Street
River Falls, West Virginia
12345-6789
RVHS Main Office Phone: (123) 987-6543
Local Music Dealer:
Skippys Music Emporium
123 W. Main Street
River Falls, West Virginia
Thanks again for embarking on the exciting adventure that is band and orchestra! I look forward
to working with you all and making some fantastic music. Attached is a calendar of events,
rehearsals and fundraisers for the year. Also there is a medical form and emergency contact form
for you to fill out as well as a document saying youve read through the handbook. Those will be
due the first week of class.
-Mr. Tyler Harr

River Valley Band and Orchestra Calendar

July
2016

Marching Band Begins!

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25 MB

26

27

28

29

30

31

Independence
Day

MB Camp
1:00-9:00

Percussion
and Guard
6:00-9:00

MB Camp
1:00-9:00

MB Woodwind
and Brass
6:00-9:00

MB Camp
1:00-9:00

MB Camp
1:00-9:00

Full MB
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00

MB Camp
1:00-9:00

MB
Leadership
Day

River Valley Band and Orchestra Calendar

August
2016

August 15th- RVHS Open House

August 16th-First Day of School
August 24th-Music Parents Meeting

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

1 MB

4 Full MB

8 MB

10

11 Full MB

12

13

14

15

16

17

18 Full MB

19

20

21

25 Full MB

26

27

28

Percussion
and Guard
6:00-9:00
Percussion
and Guard
6:00-9:00
Teacher
Institute Day
RVHS Open
House 7:00

MB Woodwind
and Brass
6:00-9:00
MB Woodwind
and Brass
6:00-9:00
First Day of
Class Full MB

Rehearsal
6:00-9:00

Rehearsal
6:00-9:00

Rehearsal
6:00-9:00

MB Day Camp
1:00-9:00

Rehearsal
6:00-9:00

22

23 Full MB

24

29

30 Full MB

31

Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00

Music Parents
Meeting 7:00

Rehearsal
6:00-9:00

River Valley Band and Orchestra Calendar

September
2016
Mon

September 5th- Marching Band at Labor Day Parade

September 2nd, 16th- MB at Home Football Games
September 30th- MB at Homecoming Football Game and Parade

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

1 Full MB

2 Home Football 3

Rehearsal
6:00-9:00

Game

6 Full MB

8 Full MB

10

11

12

13 Full MB

14

15 Full MB

16 Home

17

18

19

20 Full MB

21

22 Full MB

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30Homecoming

MB Labor Day
Parade

Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00

Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00

Football Game

Football Game
and Parade

River Valley Band and Orchestra Calendar

October
2016

October 6th- Fall Band Concert 7:30-CO, SB, and WE

October 15th- MB at Home Football Game-Senior Night
October 27th- Hauntcert 7:30-CB, CS, and RVMS

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Homecoming
Dance

4 Full MB

10

11 Full MB

12

13 Full MB

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

Columbus Day
NO SCHOOL

31

Halloween

Rehearsal
6:00-9:00

Rehearsal
6:00-9:00

CO, SB, WE
Fall Concert
7:30pm

Rehearsal
6:00-9:00

HauntcertCB, CS, with

RVMS 7:30pm

Home Football
Game-Senior
Night

River Valley Band and Orchestra Calendar

November
2016
Mon

November 3rd-Chamber Music Recital Concert Strings, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band
November 11th-Veterans Day Tribute Concert 7:30pm-Chamber Orchestra and Wind Ensemble

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

Jazz Auditions

Jazz Lab Band

6:00-8:00
Jazz Lab Band
6:00-8:00

Jazz Auditions

Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00

CS, CB, SB
Chamber Music
Recital 7:30

Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Thanksgiving
Day NO SCHOOL

CO, EW
Veterans Day
Tribute Concert
7:30pm

NO SCHOOL

River Valley Band and Orchestra Calendar

December
2016
Mon

December 6th-Winter Concert 7:30pm-All ensembles

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00

10

11

12

13

14
Finals

15
Finals

16
Finals

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

Jazz Lab Band

6:00-8:00

Winter
Concert
7:30pm

Winter
Break Starts

Christmas

River Valley Band and Orchestra Calendar

January
2017
Mon

Important Information

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

1
2 School

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

Resumes
Jazz Lab Band
6:00-8:00
Jazz Lab Band
6:00-8:00
M L King Day
NO SCHOOL

Jazz Lab Band

6:00-8:00
Jazz Lab Band
6:00-8:00

Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00

Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00

Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00

Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00

River Valley Band and Orchestra Calendar

February
2017
Mon

February 11th/12th- Jazz Ensemble at EIU Jazz Festival

February 23rd 7:30pm- Orchestra Concert, CO and CS

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

Jazz Lab Band

6:00-8:00
Jazz Lab Band
6:00-8:00
Presidents Day
NO SCHOOL

Jazz Lab Band

6:00-8:00

Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00

Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00

Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Orchestra
Concert
7:30 pm

Band Concert
7:30 pm

JE at EIU Jazz
Festival

JE at EIU Jazz
Festival

River Valley Band and Orchestra Calendar

March
2017

March 4th- Solo and Ensemble Contest, optional

March 17th-Jazz Night 6:00pm-RVHS Jazz groups and more!

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Solo and
Ensemble
Contest

Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

Jazz Lab Band

6:00-8:00
Jazz Lab Band
6:00-8:00

Musical
Orchestra Pit
Rehearsals TBA

Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00

Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Night Setup and Dress
Rehearsal

Jazz Night
6:00pm

River Valley Band and Orchestra Calendar

April
2017

April 27th-30th Musical Performances

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

Musical
Performance
7:30

NO SCHOOL
School Board
Holiday

Musical
Performance
7:30

Musical
Performances
2:00 and 7:30

Musical
Performance
2:00

River Valley Band and Orchestra Calendar

May
2017
Mon

May
May
May
May
May

4th- Band and Orchestra Concert 7:30pm, all ensembles

6th-Awards Banquet Dinner 6:00pm
13th-Graduation Rehearsal 1:00-3:00, SB and WE
14th-Chamber Orchestra at Baccalaureate 2:00pm
20th-Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble at Graduation at 6:00pm

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

4 Band/Orch

6 Awards

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17
Finals

18
Finals

19
Finals

20

21

Concert 7:30pm

Banquet Dinner
6:00pm

Graduation
Rehearsal
SB and WE
1:00-3:00

Graduation
SB and WE
6:00pm

CO at
Baccalaureate
2:00pm

River Valley High School Music

Health Insurance Information

Students Name______________________________ Birth Date:_____________________
Address:______________________________________________City/Zip: _______________
Parent/Guardian Name: ____________________ Relationship: _________________
Home Phone: _______________________Alternate Number: _____________________

Second Conatact, if above Parent/Guardian cannot be reached in an emergency.
Name: _______________________________________ Relationship: ___________________

Known Allergies: _______________________________________________________________
List and Prescriptions Being Taken: __________________________________________
Cause for Prescription: _________________________________________________________
Family Physician: ___________________________Phone: ___________________________

Medical Release Form
I, ____________________ hereby give my permission and consent for my child
_________________ to be given the medical treatment, aid, or care they need by a medical
doctor or hospital as required on an emergency basis, in the event that the said
student become ill or be injured while participating in any Band event or excursion.
I am aware that this is in the event of a non-life threatening injury if I cannot be
reached.

Signature of Parent/Guardian: ______________________________________ Date: _______________

Health Insurance Information:
Insurance Company: _______________________________ Name of Insured: _______________________________
Insurance Company Address: ______________________________Company Phone Number: _____________
Insurance Policy Plan/Group Number: ___________________________

Travel Release Form

I, _____________________, request that my child, __________________, be permitted to attend
all excursions approved by the Music Department during the current school year. I
understand that only general supervision can be given at the se activities and will
not hold any school employee responsible for any injury the student may obtain on
such activities.

Signature of Parent-Guardian: ___________________________________ Date: __________________

Emergency Contact Form

Students Name: ______________________ M/F: ______________Birth Date: ________________

Students Email: ____________________________Students Phone #: ______________________
List Any Additional Extracurricular Activities: ______________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Name of Parent/Guardian: ______________________________ Relationship: ______________
Parents Email: _____________________________ Parents Phone #: _______________________
Second Phone #:_________________________
Please List the Best Times to Call You: ____________________________________

Second Contact: __________________________________ Relationship: _____________________
Email: _____________________________________________ Phone #: __________________________
Third Contact: ____________________________________ Relationship: _____________________
Email: _____________________________________________ Phone #: __________________________

Handbook Agreement

I have received a copy of the River Valley High School Band and Orchestra
Handbook. I have read and reviewed all of the policies. I understand the expectation
that are to be upheld by the music students and will encourage my child to abide by
the rules set in place and fulfill their obligations.

Signature of Parent/Guardian: ________________________________ Date: ________________