The Blue Mountain High School Band

“Creating great people through great music”

Angel Moreno, B.M in Music Education.

sample@email.com

Cell(Sample): (520) 111-1111

 Table of contents

1. Introduction 3

a. Welcome note

b. Philosophy and Mission statement

2. Schedule 5

a. Rehearsal

b. Performances

3. Policies

a. Phones and communication procedure

b. Grades

c. Attendance

4. Ensembles

5. Staff

a. Student leader information

6. Bandcamp

a. What to bring

7. Band Boosters

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 Welcome to the Band!

I am Angel Moreno, the new band director in the Blue Mountain school district.

Since there was a change in the band director, there will be some small changes to the

program; however, my purpose is not to alter the entire program but to take what is

already here and improve upon it. That being said, my goals as a music educator are:

● To develop proficient musicians.

● To Increase the student’s music appreciation and understanding.

● To educate responsible and self accountable human beings.

● Allow students to express themselves through music.

Music education is an essential part of the development of a person because it

works on both the expressive and logical sides of the brain. It is a great thing that you

are joining the program. This program will provide you with life long experiences,

friends, and musical skills.

Welcome to the Band family, in this handbook you will find all the necessary

information to have a successful time in the program. Returning students will notice that

there are some changes in respect to past years, please read the handbook and do not

assume the dates and grading policies.

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 Mission statement and philosophy

This program is based around the motto: “Creating great people through great

music” because music education develops the ability to play and appreciate music,

teaches self-criticism, perseverance, and collaboration with others. These skills are

useful inside and outside of music making and transfer to any career path that the

students may pursue. Making great music also develops non-music specific skills which

shape great individuals.

This class will teach the student proficiency in an instrument, the ability of

self-criticism, and the ability to play in an ensemble. There will be a great emphasis in

being one with the group and being responsible with their part, because they will need

this later on in their lives. The music program will be adapted over time to account for

the needs of the school and the students to create a healthy and inclusive learning

environment.

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 Schedule

Rehearsal schedule

Marching Band rehearsals will be held all Mondays from 4:00 until 8:00pm

starting from August 4th until November 8th.

Rehearsal will be held on competition Saturdays(Listed Below) from 10 am until

9pm.

Performance Schedule:

July 21-28 Band Camp

August 28th First Game

September 5th Second Game

September 20th Third Game

October 13th U of A(Competition)

October 20th Fourth Game

October 28th Juni High School(Competition)

November 1st NAU

November 8th 8th Grade night

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 November 9th End of the year party

December 14 Winter Concert

May 7th Area Festival

May 18th Spring Concert

May 23rd End of the year party

Ensembles

The school has several small and large ensembles. All of these groups are music

centers, meaning that they all focus on creating beautiful music through the

development of proper technique. In order to be part of a marching band the student

must be enrolled in a Concert or Jazz band. The top jazz ensemble and band require an

audition; acceptance is based on merit and availability. This audition will occur in May

the weekend before finals week.

Bands:

● The mountain band

○ This band is geared towards incoming middle-schoolers, this is less

musically challenging than the other ensembles and does not require an

audition.

● The Concert Band

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 ○ This band is meant for advancing players that want to perform at a higher

level. This band requires an audition and admission is based on

availability.

● The symphonic band

○ This orchestra is for more serious students that have experience in their

instrument and are willing to be musically challenged. This ensemble can

only be joined by audition.

● Beginning Jazz

○ This Jazz band is for incoming middle-schoolers, this is less musically

challenging and it does not require an audition.

● Jazz Band

○ This Jazz band is for experienced players.This ensemble requires an

audition.

Policies

Expectations:

● Being focused and engaged during rehearsal.

● Being respectful to the teacher and classmates.

● Being prepared.

● Being on time.

● Having a learning attitude.

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Rehearsal procedures

During school day rehearsals, students should:

● Be in their seat with their music, instrument, and a pencil by the time the second

bell rings.

● Warm-up until the teacher stands at the podium and starts the class

● The music being rehearsed that day will be written on the whiteboard

During Marching rehearsal:

● Students should go to the stretching circle. This is important to prevent injury

● Student leaders will run the stretching routine.

● Go into a concert arc to tune and warm up.

● Learn drill for the bulk of the rehearsal time.

● Run-through.

Performance procedures

Students are expected to be at school half an hour before the concert, we will

use this time to warm-up and tune for the concert. The chairs will be already set-up;

students should sit on stage with their music and instrument. No music folder for

performances.

Disciplinary Procedures

The school’s code of conduct will be enforced in this class. This code of conduct

prohibits hostility, drugs, harassment and bullying, disruptions to the Academic Process

threatening the School, sexual Behaviors, theft, vandalism, and weapons. For more

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details on each, please refer to the school's code of conduct. All behaviors that break

that code of conduct and are threatening to the well-being of the class will be

immediately reported to the main office and taken care of by the school's security.

Communication procedures

All questions and concerns from the parent should be communicated directly to

the band director, even if they involve another staff member, this is to maintain order

and consistency in communication. If the situation is urgent and a response is needed

before 24 hours, contact me by phone.

The parents will be able to communicate with children during trips and band

camp since they will be allowed to have their phone. This In case of an emergency

students can quickly contact parents, section leaders, and the band director. Phones will

not be used during class or rehearsal time since they can distract the students, it is

there just for emergencies.

Grading:

Attendance 25%

Participation and Preparation for class 30%

Playing tests(3; 5% each) 15%

Mid-term Exam 15%

Final Exam 15%

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Attendance

Students are allowed four unexcused absences before their grade suffers. This

applies to all classes in the district. Three tardies, being more than five minutes late to

class, will count as an absence.

If you are not present to a class, refer to the calendar in the course website and

go over the repertoire that we practice at the class so that the whole ensemble can

progress together. Absences to festivals or other performances should be notified two

weeks in advance by emailing a performance excuse form.

Attendance to all events mentioned in the calendar provided in this

handbook is expected. If a student is unable to attend an event a performance excuse

form should be emailed no later than two weeks in advance.

Participation and Preparation for class

Students are expected to be engaged in class. Students will get full credit in this

category if they participate in class discussion, are engaged and willing to try their best,

and practice tricky spots in the music during their own time.

Playing tests(3; 5% each)

The playing tests will consist of Music Fundamentals; Major and Minor Scales,

Arpeggios, and an appropriate sight-reading for their skill level. This will not be graded

for accuracy but rather for growth, the previous scores of a student will be taken into

account.

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Mid-term Exam and Final Exams

These exams will consist of playing an excerpt from the music and a short test of

basic music theory concepts taught in class. The final will be slightly longer because the

class period is two hours, it also is weighted slightly higher.

Practicing

Since the class is based on playing students need to have access to their

instrument and a place to go over the music and fundamentals. The school has some

rooms that work on a first come first serve basis. If the student is unable to practice at

home I can arrange a practice plan for them and find them a place to practice.

Fees

There is a 40 dollar fee to be part of the program. This money is used to fund

traveling to festivals and buying music. If the student chooses to rent instruments from

the school there is another 30 dollar fee used to keep the instruments in good playing

condition.

If the student joins the marching band there is a 75 dollar fee that covers the

uniform maintenance, and includes a pair of gloves. If the student does not have

marching shoes they can use the donated shoes that we have from previous marches

or buy a new pair for 35 dollars.

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Travel

We have done trips to Disneyland in California, New York, Dallas Texas, Florida,

and Hawaii. The bands do a trip every two years to play in another city and have an

enjoyable time. These trips are optional and not being part of them does not affect the

student's grade or musical development. However; multiple fundraising opportunities

are available for those who want to be part of the trip but do not have the resources to

go.

Materials

Daily Use:

● Pencils

○ Necessary to mark on the score and take notes. Please never use a pen

on music provided by the school.

● Sheet Music

○ The sheet music will be provided to the students in the class

● Instruments

○ If the student does not have an instrument, they can rent from the school.

● Drillbook

● Hat and sunscreen for marching rehearsals.

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Performance Attire

● The performance attire consists of:

○ White shirt and Black pants

○ Black shoes and black socks

○ Bow tie

Marching Band uniform:

○ Shako

○ Jacket and pants

○ Gloves and gauntlets

○ Shoes. Must wear long black socks

Instrument Maintenance:

Since all instruments are different we will have an instrument maintenance

session during the first day of band camp. Please bring reeds, valve oil, etc. Here you

will receive information on how to clean and properly maintain your instruments.

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 Staff:

Angel Moreno, B.A in Music Education.

Band director

Jorge Nunez, B.A in Music Education.

Assistant Director

Sarah James

Visual Tech

Jonathan Blackwood

Percussion Tech

John Keyes

Musical tech/arranger

Sue Adams

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Drill designer

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 Bandcamp

Drop-off logistics:

Band camp starts on July 21st; students must be dropped off at 9:00. Staff will

check the luggage to make sure students did not bring any of the items listed in the “do

not bring” list. Instruments will go under the bus and the information package will be

collected as they board the bus. This package contains all the health and contact

information. Students without a package will not be allowed on the bus. All medications

should be given to the nurse, when the student needs to take it the nurse will give it to

them.

Safety:

All the staff have received first aid training, and an experienced nurse stays at the camp

in case an accident were to occur.

In regards to rooms we have several ways to ensure that students are not doing

dangerous, illegal, or inappropriate things. Every room has four students, the student

leader in each room will go through a training process in which they will review the

school policies, and what to do if any of the students in the room breaks a rule. All the

student leaders are seniors chosen because of their good behavior and commitment to

the program. Also, all doors and windows will be taped as an extra safety measure.

Discipline:

If the students break any school rule, or bring items that are not allowed the

student will be driven home and suspended from the band program. We want to have a

safe learning environment, these rules make it possible.

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Must bring:

● Instrument and instrument supplies

○ For example: plenty of extra reeds, cork grease, valve oil, etc. depending

on the instrument.

● Personal Hygiene items

○ Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Deodorant, Towel, Shampoo, Soap.

● For marching

○ Water Bottle(1 Galon), Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Hat, Insect Repellant.

● For Drill

○ Pencil, Highlighter.

● Comfortable clothes

○ Enough clothes for every day of the camp; a total of seven days.

● Comfortable shoes: 2 Pairs.

○ Bring athletic socks, at least 7 pairs (one per day).

● Medications(Turn in to the nurse).

DO NOT BRING:

1. Weapons.

a. Firearms, knives, anything that could harm another student.

2. Drugs.

a. Illegal or prescription, all medicine should be given to the nurse.

3. Skateboards or rollerblades.

4. Inappropriate and/or obscene movies or material.

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 Student Leaders

Student leadership:

Student leaders go through a training and audition process, the amount of

student leaders for each section depends on the size of the music section. We have a

section leader for every eight members.

The audition consists of an essay explaining what qualities would make you, the

student, a good section leader. The essay is due March 20th. After reviewing the essays

there will be a section leader audition day on May 1st, only students that submitted the

leadership essay may attend.

During the section leader audition day, prospective section leaders will teach

commands, forwards and backwards marching, slides, and drill reading. The students

will take turns in teaching and being in the block.

The number of student leaders depends on the size of the section; therefore, the

results are not posted until May 20th when all incoming students have signed up for

classes.

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 Band Boosters

Running a successful music program is an expensive endeavor. We encourage

parents to be part of our booster club. Here parents organize diverse fundraisers,

volunteer at competitions or trips to ensure that the orchestra goals are met every year.

Parent involvement is what keeps the program running smoothly.

The Band Booster Association gives immense budgetary and volunteer support

to the band. Any parent or tutor can help to improve their children's success by

supporting the band, there are many jobs to do regardless of time. This association

allows the program to have specialized staff and custom shows which come at a price.

The more grounded the sponsor association, the more grounded the band is.

Goals:

● To offer help to the band program in a multitude of things:

● To raise monetary assets to cover costs of presentations, trips, and music.

● Give water during breaks.

● Insert plums in shakos in competitions or football games.

● Chaperone band trips

● Provide food for the students.

● To help care, support and course of marching uniforms.

● To help in and set up pit hardware for presentations.

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 Board and Committee chairs

Executive board

1. President

2. Vice President

3. Secretary

4. Treasurer

5. Band Director

Committees

1. Operation and transportation

a. Takes care of transporting food, props and pit equipment.

2. Student activities

a. Take care of things related to students. The main areas are uniforms,

fundraising, and food/refreshments.

3. Public relations

a. Takes care of things related to outreach and communication.

4. Finance

a. Takes care of issues related to budgeting and fundraising.

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