Concert Band is an ensemble open to all students with previous experience on a musical instrument. The ensemble will perform music of the late Renaissance period through this current century. Emphasis is on individual as well as ensemble playing. Students showing significant ability and improvements can move into the Wind Ensemble. The group will perform concerts at school as well as throughout the district. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in overnight trips. Those wishing to begin a band instrument can do so in this ensemble.

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO PRACTICE OUTSIDE OF CLASS. STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND A SECTIONAL. Sectionals meet one period every other week in addition to the full rehearsals. Sectionals will take place during periods 2 and 6. To try and ensure all students’ participation in sectionals, there will be a make-up sectional offered on Thursday after school from 2:15 pm to 3:00 pm. Students unable to attend their regularly scheduled sectional or the school day make-up on Friday should attend this Thursday afternoon sectional. No students should miss sectional lessons with this increased opportunity. The specific sectional allows for smaller group work and more individual help to students. In sectionals, difficult passages are worked out so that full ensemble time can be used to develop the overall sound and blend of the ensemble. Students will miss class for sectionals on a rotating basis and are responsible for making up any missed class work. Grading is done by individual performance of assigned materials on a quarterly basis.

Note: Private lessons enhance a student’s performing ability. Many fine, private teachers are available in this area. If not currently studying privately, students are encouraged to take advantage of this enriching opportunity. Names are available from the band web link found at www.wildelake.com.

Listed below is the Band Code of Conduct, which all members are expected to adopt.
1. Show respect for your fellow musicians and director.
2. Be on time for class. Three tardies equal one detention. After that office referrals will be given, and school administrative policies will be enforced.
3. Enter the bandroom promptly, take out instrument, and take seat quickly.
4. No congregating in instrument storage room before class.
5. Students will not talk when the director is giving instructions.
6. Raise your hand when asking a question; it will always be answered.
7. Students need to practice and put forth an effort to improve.
8. Band is fun; enjoy it.
9. A student’s individual adherence to this code will be factored into the quarterly grade.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Concert Band Requirement

The daily Concert Band rehearsals will not include the percussion section. In order to prepare for our performances, it will be necessary to have a few evening rehearsals prior to each performance. There are only a small number of evening rehearsals, but they are needed to combine the percussion section with the wind players. The dates and times are included in the enclosed calendar and are mandatory for everyone. Last year, several students missed the rehearsals due to work, forgetfulness, lack of transportation, and a myriad of other reasons. This is not acceptable. There are only a small number of rehearsals, and students must attend. Students missing these rehearsals will have their grade impacted.

GRADING POLICY

Evaluation is done each quarter on performance of assigned material. Also factored into the exam grade will be an assessment of the student’s daily behavior and his conformance to the Band Code of Conduct, attentiveness in class as well as evidence of progress and preparation through daily practice. There are several instances in which a student’s grading will be severely impacted.

1. Missing a performance will result in the grade being lowered three letters. Written assignments may be given as deemed necessary.
2. If a student misses two sectionals in one marking period, the grade will be lowered one letter grade.
3. Missing the District Band Adjudication will result in an “E” for the third quarter.
4. Missing an evening rehearsal will result in the grade being lowered one letter.
5. Failure to return medical form will result in an “E” in each quarter until received. A student cannot participate in any field trips until the form is returned.

The grading assessment will be scheduled as follows.

September
Return course acknowledgement sheet

October
First quarter playing exam
Return medical form – required of all students

January
Mid-term exam
Ensemble auditions for WLHS Band Program, 2008-09

March
Third quarter playing exam

May
Senior final playing exam
Complete course evaluation (seniors)

June
Final playing exam
Complete course evaluation

Important!!!!

Enclosed in this packet is the medical form that the school system requires to be completed by the parent/guardian of each student in order for them to participate in band activities such as field trips and adjudications. Please return it by October 10, 2007. If a student takes any medication for any reason, including aspirin, the back of the form must be completed by the student’s physician and include the physician’s signature. This is a Howard County Public School System policy. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in completing this form.

New!!!!!!

In an effort to keep all the band families better informed, this year we will post all information on a band link found on the school website www.wildelake.com. Please consult this website for private instructor lists, the band calendar, and other timely band program information. Every effort will be made to place all necessary forms here as well so that easy access can be had by all.