Charles P. Allen High School Instrumental Music
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Welcome students and parents to the music program at Charles P. Allen High School. In this course and program, students will perform and study various styles and genres of music with a focus on exploring the art of music through performance on a wind or percussion instrument. Above and beyond the teaching of music, students also learn valuable life skills such as commitment to a goal, teamwork and personal responsibility. The pursuit of excellence in music is truly a team effort, involving teacher, students and parents. Each member of the ensemble is an important and integral part of the music making process.
This handbook is intended to inform students and parents what to expect from the band program in 2011-2012. Included is information on practice, commitment, rehearsals and assessment as well as instrument care and maintenance, concerts and fees. Please read this document carefully and direct any questions to Mr. Beeler.
ü Be prepared for every class with an instrument, book, binder, pencil and positive attitude
ü Attend all required rehearsals
ü Practice regularly. Learn the hard parts of your band music and get help with the things you don’t understand.
ü Attend all concerts properly dressed. Be prepared and know all your parts.
Making music in a concert band is an enjoyable, rewarding experience. Not only do you, the student, have the opportunity to play great music and be with your friends at the same time, but you also learn about goal setting, teamwork and personal responsibility.
In your other subjects, unless you are doing a group project, the other students are not concerned if you don’t do your homework. You are the only one affected. However, band is one big class project. Everything you do affects the people around you. If you don’t practice the other students must deal with this. If you skip a rehearsal you change the way the band sounds to all the other students. Everyone is important. Everyone matters! We are extremely lucky to have each and every one of you in the program.
Rehearsals
The rehearsal schedule is as follows:
Grade 10 Concert Band Tuesday 3:40 –5:00
Wind Ensemble (11 & 12) Wednesday, 3:40-5:00
Jazz Band: Thursday, 3:40-5:00
Other ensembles such as choir, drum line and chamber groups will be formed based on student interest and available rehearsal time. Rehearsals are mandatory and as a co-curricular activity are considered part of the overall course assessment.
The jazz band is not part of the curriculum and is an auditioned group. The instrumentation for a high school big band/jazz band is standard and students will be chosen to fill the seats available. The jazz band can be a very busy ensemble, with several community performances. You need to assess your ability to commit to this ensemble before auditioning. That being said, the jazz band is an outstanding music making experience.
Contrary to popular belief most people are not born with musical abilities. Music is an acquired skill, and just like any other skill requires regular practice. Practice is the only way to get better on your instrument. Unfortunately, there are no short cuts. The end result is when you practice, you improve. Difficult things become easy and your band sounds better because of you. Everyone is important.
Practice Checklist:
ü Routine: Practice at the same time for the same amount of time every day. Make practice a part of your schedule. Set a time and stick to it. You will be amazed by how fast you get better.
ü Space and Place: Practice in the same spot every time. Make sure this spot is quiet and has all the things you need. Have a music stand available. Get a comfy chair that encourages you to sit up. A small mirror is always a good thing to have as well as a recording device.
ü Instrument: Sounds obvious doesn’t it? What this means is you must have your instrument at home. Don’t leave your instrument at school.
ü Warm up: You need to warm up the muscles you use to play just like you need to warm up to exercise. Play some low, long notes and maybe some scales to get your body ready for the rest of the practice session.
ü Goal: This is really important. Have something you really want to get done. If you have to memorize a scale for a quiz, make that your goal. Archers don’t practice shooting arrows at nothing. They always have a target.
ü Fun Stuff: End your practice session with something you like to play. You might have a fun melody in a piece, or you just might want to practice playing really loud.
Assessment is explained in the attached course outline.
In order to cover the purchase of music, booking of busses, payment of festival fees as well as providing clinics and any other enhancements to the basic curriculum, students are asked to pay an instrumental music fee of $100, or $150 per family (if you have more than one student in the program) .This fee is due as soon as possible. Cheques may be made out to Charles P. Allen High School. Please see the attached brochure for any questions you may have, or contact Mr. Beeler at 832-8964 ext 7551108. The instrumental music program is very active. This fee saves us from having to organize major fund raising campaigns as well as sending money in for events as they happen.
There are larger instruments available for rental. There is a fee of $70 for an instrument rental. Please see Mr. Beeler is this applies to your situation.
You are responsible for the care and maintenance of your own instrument. You will be given instruction and information on maintaining your instrument. There are two good reasons for this care.
1. A poorly maintained instrument does not work well. This makes playing difficult and frustrating. Music can be frustrating enough without this hassle. Simple maintenance will ensure that the instrument continues to allow you to advance unhindered in your playing abilities.
2. An instrument is an investment. Poor maintenance causes expensive repairs.
The Charles P Allen Band Program performs a season of four major performances. The dates of these performances are listed in the student handbook. Students and parents are asked to keep these dates free of conflicts if at all possible. Your contribution to the band is extremely important. One sound missing changes the overall sound of the band. Also, concerts represent the public presentation of each phase of your learning.
Professional appearance is very important in a large performing ensemble. A well presented, disciplined appearance sets up audience expectations for a superior performance. When performance with the ensembles, students are expected to wear the following:
Black pants or skirt
Black dress shoes (with black socks, as required)
**(grade 11 and 12 students should already own this shirt, grade 10 students will receive their shirt by the end of September. Cost of the shirt is included in the band fee.)
Here is one more important note for parents. If you are renting an instrument, chances are it is insured against theft or loss. If you own the instrument, it is important to have the instrument included on your home insurance policy. Here is why:
If the instrument is stolen, damaged or lost during school time, on band trips or on the school bus, the school board assumes no responsibility for this instrument.
If you are renting an instrument from the school, you assume responsibility for the instrument, including insurance.
This promises to be an excellent year for the band program at Charles P. Allen High School. I am looking forward to working together with you to create some great music. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at my office at CPA (832-8964 ext 1108). You may also email me at nbeeler@staff.ednet.ns.ca
Here is to a great year of music!
Nathan Beeler