Music Dept. Handbook
Instrumental Ensemble Manual
Objectives
The goals of the instrumental ensembles is to develop young people into
not only fine musicians but concerned and sensitive people. An ensemble by nature is made up of a group of people who must work together and cooperate for the group to achieve any kind of success. Stress is put on striving for perfection. It is not to say that every student who comes out of the program will be a professional musician but it would be a disservice if we did not have this lofty objective as a goal.
Expectations
Students are expected to be on time and prepared for rehearsals and concert events. This is a group and every member makes the whole complete.
A missing link means a weak chain.
Students must provide their own instruments. Students who cannot accommodate an instrument will be supplied with a school instrument when one is available. Each instrumentalist is responsible for the materials for their instrument and section.
Minimum Materials
- Instrument w/ case, bow, strings (one full set), bow rosin, cloth.
- Instrument w/case, reeds (3) w/ reed guard, mouthpiece cover, cork grease, cleaning rod w/towel or sham.
- Instrument w/ case, valve oil, slide grease, polishing cloth.
- Concert drumsticks (1 pr.), marching drumsticks (1 pr.), drum tuning key, marimba/xylophone mallets (1 pr.)
[2 pr. recommended for soloists], timpani mallets (1 pr.), practice pad, stick bag.
Marching Band members must also have a Clip Music Holder and Instr. attachment.
Instrumentalists will meet with Mr. Thomas, or ComBO member, for section handouts and information on models and styles.
All instrumentalists should have a metronome, preferably one with an earphone jack, for personal practice. Everyone must have a music notation notebook and 2 pencils.
Music folders must be properly maintained and not defaced.
Checks will be made, and points deducted, if it is found that a student is not minimally prepared and materials maintained.
[see grading information]
Lockers will be assigned to students who require one to store their instrument in the band room. they are not to be used for out-of-band items. Locks are available to use if requested. Lock usage is the same as for Hall Lockers.
Grading
Being in an instrumental ensemble is a privilege and an honor. All students are expected to try to do their best and will be judged accordingly.
Grades are based on the following criteria:
We will be using a point schedule with 6 points being given per class day.
Attendance means coming to class on time. 2 tardies will amount to 1 lost point.
If a student does not have their instrument they will lose 1 point.
If a student does not have their music they will lose 1 point.
Behavior problems in class will result in 1 lost point and detention.
Missing assignments will result in 1 lost point. This includes not learning music and not turning in class written assignments on time.
Concert and performance attendance is considered a mandatory part of ensemble participation. 50 points are given for each required Jr. H.S. event. 100 points will be given for voluntary ensemble events.
Extra Credit
Students who demonstrate an initiative on their own will be rewarded. The following are guidelines for receiving extra points, and the points available.
- (2 points per lesson - maximum 10 per week)
This must be verified by parents and your private teacher. A lesson note must be turned in containing the lesson material, instrument, difficulties, accomplishments.
Out-of-school performance/Recital
- (10 points)
This must be verified by parents and your private teacher, (necessary). A paper must be turned in with the date, time, place, event, musical compositions (w/composers), instrumentation, style analysis, and evaluation.
- (10 points)
This must be prearranged with Mr. Thomas. It can be on a concert review from television or live, or an independent research topic related to music. Concerts will include the same written requirements as recitals.
All written assignments must be typed. Assignments can be turned in on a 3.5" floppy disk, formatted for Macintosh, or PC. Always make a copy of your written work. All work turned in must be labeled with: Name/Class/Date/Assignment.
The Music Dept. ComBO person will receive 5 points per week for service to help the ensembles and Mr. Thomas.
ComBO
This stands for: Committee for Bands and
Orchestra.
The instrumental students at the Jr. H.S. are invited to be active in the music program. A student will be selected from the members of each of the instrumental ensembles of Ramsey. These students will have duties at the school, and during trips, to aid Mr. Thomas in preparing for rehearsals, and concerts. Extra credit will be given to these students as well as a certificate acknowledging participation in an extra-curricular student committee.
The ComBO members will meet with Mr. Thomas to discuss ensemble topics and give ideas for the planning of programs. The ensemble library will be part of their responsibilities. To keep an orderly and collective library, music has to be accounted for. The ComBO students will pass out new music, collect old song music, and assist with folder maintenance, stands, and chairs. The ComBO mailbox in the Band room will be for them to get information to pass on to their group. Although students can visit with me at anytime with their concerns, all ensemble members should see the ComBO person for their groups if they have ideas to pass on about the music or scheduling. This will aid the productivity of the ensemble and give the student valuable knowledge in communications and management.
We are a team and I would like, and expect, everyone to cooperate and do their very best to make the groups run smoothly. I hope the ComBO will be respected and valued as an important part of the Jr. H.S. Instrumental Ensembles program.
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