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Santa Teresa Performing ArtsSan Jose, Ca. |
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2011-12Santa TeresaBand HandbookConcert Band Symphonic Band Wind Ensemble Jazz Bands Marching Band & Color Guard CONTENTS
CONTACT INFORMATIONSanta Teresa High School Santa Teresa Main Office: 408-347-8200 Band Office: 408-347-6324 Email: stmusicteacher@yahoo.com Performing Arts Department Website: http://www.600building.com Santa Teresa Music & Arts Association, “STMAA” MEMBERSHIP INFORMATIONThe Santa Teresa Band Program is open to all students currently enrolled at Santa Teresa High School who have been enrolled in a band program prior to attending Santa Teresa and/or students with instructor consent to enroll. We do not offer a beginning band program at the high school level. Competency on a band instrument must be demonstrated to participate. We offer three levels of concert ensembles, all electives: Concert band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble. In addition, we offer three levels of Jazz ensembles: Jazz I, Jazz II, Jazz III and Jazz Combos; and Marching Band. Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble are all elective classes that are taken during the regular school day. 9th Graders (both winds and percussion) are automatically enrolled in Concert Band. Each spring, auditions are held for Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble for students in grades 10-12. If spots are available in Symphonic Band after the spring auditions are held for students in grades 10-12, 9th graders will be given the opportunity to audition for placement in Symphonic Band in the fall. Membership in Wind Ensemble is exclusive to students in grades 10-12 and is granted by audition. Jazz I is also an elective class for those students who are accepted during the previous year’s spring auditions. Membership is exclusive to students in grades 10-12. Jazz II and Jazz III are after school programs, and auditions are open to all grades. Students selected for this ensemble will be registered for Jazz Band II/III as an eighth period class and will receive performing arts credit for the class second semester. Auditions for Jazz Band II/III will be held in the latter half of first semester. The rehearsal schedule is based on student and director availability. Jazz Combos are are small groups (2-8 students) of horn players with a rhythm section that are more student driven than the traditional jazz band. The students determine their own rehearsal schedule and what music they want to play. The focus of the jazz combos is primarily improvisation. You do not need to be in a Jazz Band to participate in Jazz Combo. All Jazz Band students are expected to also be enrolled in one of the concert ensembles, but the band director may waive this requirement for Jazz I enrollees. Marching Band is also an after school program that occurs during the first semester. Participation in marching band is not required for admittance to any other band. Attendance at the pre-school marching band camp is required for all members in the marching band. If you do not attend marching band camp (during the two weeks prior to school starting) you are NOT guaranteed a spot in the field show. All marching band students must be enrolled in one of the concert ensemble classes with the exception of members of the Color Guard. Color Guard (The Sport of the Arts) is a performance-oriented competitive activity that incorporates dance and theatrics as well as traditional equipment (flag, rifle, and sabre) in order to create an environment for hands on learning. Both traditional and non-traditional dance forms are utilized in order to support performance of a specific character as well as to create the optimal technique training on the equipment. Discipline, teamwork, and respect come from thorough and rigorous training from our highly-experienced and well trained staff. All Bands have performances and at least one competition outside of school hours throughout the year, some involving travel. The Jazz Bands and Wind Ensemble have several off-site performances, including festivals and additional trips. The Marching Band performs at select football games and competitions during the season and competes as a member of the Western Band Association Marching Band Circuit and the Northern California Band Association. There are fees associated with participation in all bands (details regarding fees will be distributed by our booster association, Santa Teresa Music and Arts Association or STMAA). Additional fundraising is required for ALL ENSEMBLES in order for these ensembles to participate in festivals and have the necessary resources for great music to be made.FORMSEach band member must turn in the 2011-12 Verification Form, Member Contact Form, and a District Field Trip Form. No student will be allowed to travel with any ensemble until these forms are completed in full. Parents and students: please take the time to fill out all the forms needed to participate in the band program this year. ALL BAND & COLOR GUARD MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO TURN IN ALL THEIR FORMS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM.ATTENDANCEAttendance is an important part of both school day and after school rehearsals. Attendance will be taken promptly at the beginning of each rehearsal. Students who are not in their seat or in the designated place for the beginning of rehearsal with their instrument assembled and ready to play at the scheduled starting time, will be considered tardy. Students will receive a grade based on participation in class, completing assignments, and attending our band concerts. Since it is impossible to participate if one is absent or tardy, every day attendance in class is very important, regardless if the student is excused for their absence. Everyone is important to the progress of the band, and like any team, if you do not show up you are letting your section, as well as the whole band down. Students may not have more than 3 unexcused absences in any ensemble during the school year. If a student exceeds this amount, they may forfeit their position in extra ensembles (ensembles outside of the school day, such as Jazz Band II/III), or be suspended from performing with the ensembles. Absences will only be considered excused if the student clears them through the attendance office OR communication between the student’s parent and Ms. Bounds has occurred. Students may not excuse their own absences.CODE OF CONDUCTThe Santa Teresa Music Program has several goals and objectives throughout the year. Our priority is to provide our students with quality educational experiences. As we strive competitively to be the best, our focus must be on setting new standards through performance. With our hard work and dedication, we will continue to achieve success. In order to achieve our goals, there are rules and guidelines which each member must adhere to. Many of our groups enter competitions and festivals in which we all are dependent on each other to perform at the high level expected of all Santa Teresa music ensembles. For all members to achieve at the same level, we must all adhere to a uniform set of policies. The Santa Teresa Music Program follows the school rules of Santa Teresa High School and the East Side Union High School District at all times, as outlined in the Santa Teresa Student Handbook. All rules apply when on trips as well, and all transportation to and from events will be in accordance with Santa Teresa and ESUHSD policies. When traveling with music groups, students will stay with the group for the duration of the activity. Failure to comply with these rules will result in disciplinary actions. In all of our performing and competitive activities, we are judged by our every word or action. The language we all use can sometimes be offensive. Please be aware of how you act and speak when you are at a Santa Teresa music rehearsal, function, or when in performance attire. The Santa Teresa Music Program has a number of parents, staff, and volunteers. These people put their time and effort into the program for no other reason except that they care about supporting the program. Without them, our program would not be where it is today and will not continue to grow in a positive direction. Students are expected to treat all volunteers with the same respect and courtesy they would staff members. Please take time to thank all the people who make things possible. The Santa Teresa High School Music Program is a family, and you will make friendships in these years that will continue long into the future. Do not overreact to things that you do not have any control over. Only be concerned with your own efforts. Enjoy the good times and learn from the hard work you put forth. You will enjoy the memories of your musical experience for a lifetime.MUSICMs. Bounds will check out music to each student for each ensemble. Care of the music is the student’s responsibility; all music is expected to be returned at the designated time in good condition. If, for any reason, you are missing music, fill out a music request form and give it to Ms. Bounds. Please have all music at each rehearsal (even if it is memorized). If you lose the music or books assigned to you, you will be charged at the end of the school year the replacement cost of the lost materials. Marching band music will be made available online and from Ms. Bounds. Go to www.600building.com or email Ms. Bounds at stmusicteacher@yahoo.com for more information. For all ensembles, students will be notified about what music needs to be prepared and when. Playing tests over this music will occur in these ensembles as necessary and will be factored into your grade for that class. All students are expected to prepare their music outside of rehearsal time, in order to make band rehearsals as efficient and as productive as possible. Our goal is to make the best music together possible. Practice outside of class is a crucial part of the Santa Teresa program and an expectation of all students.Practice is when you learn your own part UNIFORMSConcert DressAt Santa Teresa High School, we take the performance aspect of our program very seriously. A uniformity of dress truly enhances the whole event and creates fewer distractions for the audience, while giving the students a sense of ownership and professionalism. Attire for concerts will be in a concert dress format.Concert BandThe dress for Concert Band consists of the following:
Symphonic BandThe dress for Symphonic Band consists of the following (all black):
Wind EnsembleThe dress for the Wind Ensemble is as follows:
Jazz Band I
Jazz Band II, III and Jazz CombosTo be determined by the ensemble.Marching BandBeing a member of the Santa Teresa Marching Band means that you are a part of a band program that is quickly becoming one of Silicon Valley’s finest. In order to set the new standard of excellence in performance and appearance, the following guidelines are to be followed in wearing and caring for your uniform. You will be issued a uniform during marching band camp. Simply put, if anyone abuses any part of their uniform, they will be asked to replace the part that is damaged. Students are responsible for returning the same uniform at the end of the season they checked out, in the same condition they received it in. Do not trade uniforms with anyone, for any reason, without the permission of the uniform manager. If there is a problem with your uniform at any time please let the uniform manager or Ms. Bounds know immediately.Rehearsal Attire
Performance Uniform-Items provided by student
Performance Uniform-Items included in your membership fee.
INSTRUMENTSWe have a very limited supply of school owned instruments. If you are in need of a school owned instrument, you may check one out from Ms. Bounds ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS. Due to a limited instrument inventory, increased enrollment, and a lack of funds, we are not in a position to provide ALL students with instruments. Those of you playing school owned instruments: please take every precaution to protect them from accidents and the weather. Just remember that the band owns these instruments. Any replacement or repair costs are for the most part, paid out of the same fund that pays for our trip and purchases music. They are, in effect, YOUR instruments. Students whose instruments require repair beyond the normal wear and tear may be asked to help pay the repair costs. If you have a school owned instrument and it needs repair, see Ms. Bounds before taking it in to the shop.LOCKERSLockers are checked out to all band students on a first come, first serve basis. There is no fee to use the band lockers, however, students will be charged $10 for replacement of any lost or damaged locks. Students are required to use the combination locker they are assigned for their specific locker. Students are expected to keep their locker locked at all times (including during class time). Students are not allowed to provide their own personal lock on their locker. Food items are never to be stored in the lockers. Students are HIGHLY encouraged to NOT store items other then their instruments and band folders in their lockers as the locker shelves are not designed to withstand the weight of the text books. Santa Teresa High School and STMAA are not responsible for lost or stolen items.FEES, FUNDRAISING, & ACCOUNTSSanta Teresa High School and East Side Union High School District provide basic support to our band program. No band program in the nation can afford to fund a comprehensive band program without significant fundraising efforts. Since the financial investment to maintain the level of excellence in our band program is great, the Santa Teresa Music and Arts Association or STMAA (our music boosters) must supplement the support of our band program. Fundraising events are scheduled and organized throughout the year by the Santa Teresa Music and Arts Association to help our band program maintain the high level of success that we are beginning to enjoy and to help offset the costs of our band activities, both on an individual and group basis. To assist the students, STMAA maintains Individual Student Accounts (ISA) where students can earn a portion or all of the profits from a particular fundraiser for his or her ISA. Funds in the ISA may be used to help defray any costs related to participation in the band program. These expenses may include Ensemble Fees, band trips, band shoes, musical equipment, and any other costs related to band. Through out the year students will be given the opportunity to take part in organized fundraising activities to help defray the costs of music activities and student participation fees. Some fundraisers will benefit the General Band Fund and some will be designated for Individual Student Accounts. Students are strongly encouraged to become involved in fund raising activities. All fundraising will take place according to STHS and ESUHSD fundraising guidelines. Students and their parents will be responsible for returning all products or money according to each fundraising activity’s schedule. Some fundraisers directly benefit the STMAA General Band Fund while other fundraisers provide funding that goes directly into each participating students individual student account. The money in the ISA (individual student account) may be used at the discretion of the student and parents to pay their ensemble fees and other designated items. All remaining money in the student’s account at the end of the school year automatically rolls over to the next year. If a graduating senior has a positive balance in his account at graduation, he may elect to “pass down” his balance to a sibling in the band or if no sibling is involved in the band program, the funds roll over to the general band fund. If a band family experiences financial difficulty, the family should notify either the band director or an STMAA board member immediately. Fundraisers and payment plans are available to ensure that all students who wish to participate in the Santa Teresa Band program will be given the opportunity to do so. Please note that if this case arises, the director or an STMAA board member should be notified. Such cases will be treated with strict confidence. Regardless of financial hardship, it is everyone’s responsibility as members of this Band Program to assist in contributing to the financial success of this organization. If we do not meet our financial obligations the program will be forced to have a reduction of services which will greatly impact the music education the students are receiving. Every little bit that we do helps!ENSEMBLE FEESIn order for the Santa Teresa Band Program to exist in the capacity that it currently does, each member will be charged an Ensemble Lab Fee by the Santa Teresa Music & Arts Association. This fee is determined by the board and is based on the per student cost of being a member of each ensemble. Students are not charged the ACTUAL cost. Students and families may fundraise their fees, pay them in full, or a combination of both. Payment plans are available. The STMAA board will work with any family in any situation to assist with coming up with each members’ fair share (which is really what an ensemble fee is). These ensemble fees assist with the purchase of music, school instrument repair, classroom supplies, clinicians, festival entry fees, and festival travel. Detailed fee and fundraising information is available through STMAA and a detailed budget is always available upon request at: stmaa@hotmail.comBAND PARENT OBLIGATIONThe band director works to create a budget each year that is an estimation of the necessary operating budget for the following school year. The director, along with the STMAA Board, works to outline and estimate the profits from scheduled fundraisers throughout the year and the financial contributions of each member. In our current financial situation, a shortfall always exists between these two figures. It is the responsibility of all participating band members and parents to contribute in order to alleviate this budget deficit. This shortfall is met through successful completion of fundraisers and fee payment. This is everyone’s fair monetary share contribution to the success of our program. This music program would not be able to function at the level it currently does without a wide volunteer base. We ask that every family contribute to the organization through some form of volunteering. Information regarding volunteering is available through STMAA. Also if you have a skill or resource that isn’t listed that you would like to contribute to our organization, please suggest it to us!Course DescriptionsCONCERT BANDConcert Band is designated for incoming freshmen, but is open to other students who have had at least one year of instrumental music experience at Santa Teresa HS. Instruction for this ensemble focuses on the preparation of music in a variety of styles for performance and on the development of band techniques. Students are required to participate in all appearances by the band. This is a great opportunity to fine tune your basic fundamentals before moving on to Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble. This is a year long course. Students are encouraged to participate in Marching Band in the fall.Pre-requisite: Participation in a junior high band program. SYMPHONIC BANDSymphonic Band is a first rate-performing group at Santa Teresa High School that is designated for band students with at least one year of high school band experience. Instruction for this ensemble focuses on the preparation of music in a variety of types and styles for public concerts and other events, and on the development of band techniques (tone, rhythmic accuracy, technical facility, articulation, intonation, blend, balance, and musical expression). Students are required to participate in all appearances by the band. This is a great opportunity to fine-tune your playing and listening skills. Private lessons are encouraged. This is a yearlong course. Students are encouraged to participate in marching band in the fall.Pre-requisite: Concert Band WIND ENSEMBLEThe Santa Teresa Wind Ensemble is the advanced performing group for students who are serious about study of their instruments. Instruction in this ensemble focuses on the preparation of music in a variety of types and styles for public concerts, adjudicated festivals, and other events along with a focus on high school level band technique (tone, rhythmic accuracy, technical facility, articulation, intonation, blend, balance, and musical expression). Students are required to participate in all performances by the group. Participation also includes a bi-weekly sectional rehearsal and private lessons are strongly encouraged. The Santa Teresa Wind Ensemble requires an increased level of commitment by the students who have demonstrated to Ms. Bounds superior levels of knowledge, enthusiasm, self-direction, and skill. This is the opportunity for advanced musicians to showcase their talent. This is a year long course and is by audition only. Additional fundraising may be necessary for this ensemble. This ensemble has an increased performance schedule and a required concert uniform.Pre-requisite: Audition only. (Auditions occur in mid-Spring) Auditions for the 2011-12 school year have already been held. JAZZ BANDThe jazz bands at Santa Teresa are performing groups consisting of 5-6 saxophones, 4-5 trombones, 4-6 trumpets, and a rhythm section (piano, bass, drums, vibes, and guitar). Participation in either ensemble is by audition only. It is our goal to find a jazz ensemble for all interested students to participate in. We currently have three jazz bands. Jazz Band I auditions are held in the Spring for the following school year. This ensemble rehearses during the school day and is our top Jazz Band. Jazz Band II and III auditions are held the second half of first semester for second semester. Jazz Band II/III students receive performing arts credit and rehearse as an eighth period class after school, while Jazz I is a standard elective class. Instruction in both ensembles focuses on music literacy, performance, and listening skills in the jazz styles. These groups study and perform jazz blues, ballads, swing tunes, shuffle tunes, and Latin-style pieces. Students also learn the techniques of jazz improvisation. The students will be exposed to the music of some of jazz music’s greatest artists. These ensembles perform at all band concerts throughout the year, jazz festivals throughout the Silicon Valley, and a variety of performances throughout the community. All the Jazz Bands require serious dedication and a high level of commitment by the student. Private lessons are strongly encouraged. In addition, all members are required to participate in the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, or Wind Ensemble. Students are encouraged to participate in Marching Band. This ensemble has additional fees and fundraising opportunities during the course of the year.Pre-requisites: Concert Band, Symphonic Band, or Wind Ensemble AND Instructor Consent (audition) JAZZ COMBOJazz combo is a small group of musicians, typically about 5 ( two or three rhythm section players and two or three horns) Jazz combos play music heavily focused on the improvising aspect of jazz; typically about 2/3rds of what is played is improvised, as opposed to a big band which plays tunes that focus more on ensemble playing with short solo spots throughout. A combo generally provides a more open ended and freeing environment for improvisation than other musical settings. The small number of players allows greater ease of communication between musicians and the simplicity of the music results in greater freedom for spontaneous musical exploration. The rehearsal schedule is determined by the members of the ensemble and it is encouraged that the students try to meet once a week.For the most part, the jazz combos are run by the students with occasional coaching from Ms. Bounds and additional clinicians. The jazz combos have the opportunity at performing at concerts and selected jazz festivals. MARCHING BANDThis ensemble is perhaps the most visual performing group at Santa Teresa High School. Marching Band explores high quality musical literature with the addition of motion and visual impact. The band will perform at select home football games, various marching competitions, public performances, and some parades. All wind and percussion members are expected to be concurrently enrolled in one of the band classes during the school day. If this presents a scheduling problem, please contact Ms. Bounds on an individual basis. All Marching Band members are required to be enrolled in the Marching Band class. This ensemble strives to entertain and excite the audience with emotion and high energy show design. This course is only offered during the first weeks of school. NO ONE IS REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MARCHING BAND PROGRAM AT SANTA TERESA HIGH SCHOOL.Student ExpectationsCLASS MATERIALSAll students are expected to have the following items every day in class. Missing any of the following items will result in a lower daily participation grade.
Show up every day on time, in tune, and with a good sound! BAND ROOM BEHAVIORThe band room is a classroom, designed for learning, work, and most importantly, making music. It is full of delicate and expensive equipment owned both by the school and the students. People and equipment must be safe and respected at all times. Our time and energy can not be wasted. These rules state the logical expectations of student behavior in the band room:
ATTITUDEThe attitude of a band student should be one that expresses satisfaction of accomplishment, willingness to participate in a group concept, support for others, and a desire to do everything correctly. These attitudes are exhibited by the following rehearsal etiquette and member responsibilities: Rehearsal Etiquette Skills
My job as the director is to help you become independent musicians! MISSED CONCERT POLICYA concert is a very special interaction between performers and listeners that cannot be duplicated or recreated in any other setting. Concerts are an essential part of the life of a musician. Student progress is clearly evident to the audience from one concert to the next. Sometimes in life, things happen that make it impossible for a student to attend a concert. Missed concerts affect a student’s grade, but certain absences can be made up. The criteria for these include:PARENTS, NOT STUDENTS, CONTACT DIRECTOR ABOUT THE ABSENCE IN ADVANCE AND THE ABSENCE WAS FOR THE STUDENT’S OWN ILLNESS OR A DEATH/SERIOUS ILLNESS IN THE FAMILY. Note: Concerts are comparable to and equal to final exams. Absences for any other reason or if there was no communication between parents and the director are not eligible for make-up.CONCERT MAKE-UP
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