Wind Ensemble/Marching Band is a highly select, auditioned group of musicians. This ensemble performs at home football games and other designated engagements during the fall season from August to November. Students perform only the most challenging of literature in the band repertoire. Musical styles performed range from the late Renaissance period to that of the Twentieth Century as well as folk music. Students in this ensemble perform concerts at school as well as throughout the district and state. On alternate years, there may be an out-of-state overnight trip to compete with groups from other states. In addition to the scheduled class rehearsals, students must also attend a sectional. Students are expected to practice assigned materials outside of class. Sectionals are for all students who perform in the Wind Ensemble. They meet one period every other week except for percussion which meets every week. 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, like instruments work together on intonation, balance, and technique problems. 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 missed class work. All Wind Ensemble students will be given quarterly performance assessments on material assigned. All students in this ensemble are required to perform in the Marching Band.

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.

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. 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