Manson Northwest Webster High School Instrumental

MNW Band Handbook 2007-2008 Edition

INTRODUCTION

This handbook has been prepared for the members of the Manson NW Webster ‘Cougar Pride’ High School Band.  This handbook’s intent is to inform students and parents of the schedule, requirements, rules and regulations for the 2007 2008 school year.  Please review the contents carefully and keep the handbook for future reference.

SUCCESS AS A

MEMBER OF THE BAND

Is the wish of the

Manson NW Webster

High School.

Note from the Director: 

Welcome back to another school year full of band excitement.  I’m excited that you have chosen to make band and music apart of you high school experience.  It will stick with your entire life.  It builds traits such as discipline, dedication, determination, patience, perseverance and many will be achieved through music.  All will aid you later in life as you pursue greater things. I would like to thank all of you and your families in advance for the support you give at home and the support you give here at school.  All the time and effort is greatly appreciated.  Please toss me an email so that I can email on any information.  I hope that your year is rewarding and enjoyable one full of learning and memorable experiences.  Lets all pull together and make this a great year.  If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding the band please contact me at 712-469-2633 or at willerb@manson-nw.k12.ia.us  

Musically,

Bryan Willer

point breakdown

BONUS POINTS

20 min. of department work                     +5

Attend concerts and turn in program         +5

Participating in honor band                       +10  

Solo/Ensemble                                         +10 each

Musical Pit                                              +20

All State Auditions                                   +10

Performing at All State                             +20

Concert set up or clean up                       +10

Play for church/community                       +10

DEMERIT POINTS

Not having your instrument                    - 5

Not having your music                          - 5

Gum or candy in rehearsal                     - 5

Incorrect uniform (shoes)                      - 5

Not putting instrument away                  - 5

Not putting music away                         - 5

Not taking care of uniform                    - 5

Tardiness                                              - 5

Constant poor posture                          - 5

GRADING SYSTEM

The grade you earn in band depends on the following:

     Dependability, attendance, care of equipment, behavior and attitude

     Ability and dependability as a player, including practice (studying / homework) outside of class

    Cooperation reflected in your attitude and willingness to work for the good of the ensemble and individuals it represents

REHEARSALS:  (10 grade points per week)

        In the room on time and ready to go with all necessary materials

       music, instrument, pencil, reeds/mouth piece and etc.

        NO GUM OR CANDY

        No excessive or unnecessary  talking / playing during rehearsal

        Proper posture:  Sitting up straight, legs uncrossed and feet on floor

        NO unexcused tardies or absences

LESSONS:  ( 10 grade points and 10 letter points)

      All band members need 7 lessons Per 9 weeks

       5 with a director or private instructor

       2 theory lessons done online

        Make up lessons are by appointment

       Can only make up one lesson per week

       Make up lessons begin after midterm

       Excused absences are for full points (tests, illness and etc.)

       Unexcused absences are for partial points (forgetting)

        Extra lessons earn extra credit and additional letter points

        Significant absence from lessons result in:

       Midterm notification

       Letters home to parents

       Drop in Grade

        Lesson points are earned in the following manner:

       5 pts for being present and on time

       2 pts for progress from lesson to lesson

       Additional points for technique on the instrument, sound quality and production, style and expression

PERFORMANCES:    (30 grade points and 30 letter points)

                                    (50 grade and letter points for Large Group in May)

A PERFORMANCE anytime the band appears in a public setting with some form of an audience regardless of age.

NOTE:  Absence from any public performance will be handled according to the Student Handbook policies mentioned later under EXCUSED / UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

GRADING SCALE

100%         = A+         89 – 87%    = B+         79 – 77%    = C+         69 – 67%    = D+

                                            99 – 95%    = A            86 – 83%    = B           76 – 73%    = C           66 – 63%    = D

94 – 90%    = A-         82 – 80%    = B-          72 – 70%    = C-         62 – 60%    = D-

59% and below = F

  1. Students will receive points based on the requirements outlined and awarded accordingly.   A grade will be given based on points earned and the total points possible.  Total points possible can vary depending on the number of performances scheduled.
  1. NEW Students and Parents may monitor grades online through the school website. More info on that as the district and myself learn the system.
  1. Semester grades will be determined by combining the totals for each nine week grading period and the semester exam.   45% for each quarter and 10% for the exam.
  1. Extra credit can be earned by one of the following
    1. Extra lessons with the director or theory lessons
    2. Music history assignments (reports or research)
    3. Other at the discretion of the director
    Some reasons to loose points
    1. Tardiness
    2. Unexcused absence from class or a performance
    3. Not attending or making up lessons
    4. Poor attitude
    5. Not participating in class
    Manson NW Webster High School Instrumental Awards

Students are eligible for consideration to receive awards through the Manson NW Webster music department, providing they meet the following criteria and the criteria of the individual award.     

A.     Students must be present and participating in all scheduled public performances during the year.

B.     Students must abide by the co-curricular policy of the Manson NW Webster High School.  These policies apply to all rehearsals, practices, trips and performances

C.     Members should inform their employers of the dates when they will be required to participate with the group.  Work is never an acceptable excuse for missing an event students have been informed of the event in advance. 

The final determination for earning music awards shall be at the discretion of the director and the activities director.

  1. A Senior Plaque will be awarded to any senior who letters their senior year, and meets all the criteria set forth above.
  2. Students who participate in Jazz band for at least two years and meet the above criteria are eligible to receive the Jazz Band Patch
  3. Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals will be awarded to students who participate in the State Solo/Small Ensemble Festival in the Spring, sponsored by IHSMA.  Students earning three or more Division I ratings will receive and engraved plaque.
  4. Students are eligible for a MNW Music Letter if the meet the criteria listed above and have earned the required points necessary.   (points break down on next page)
  5. Students earning their second, third or fourth MNW Music Letter will be awarded a Chevron.
  6. A ­Certificate of Participation will be given to students participate in any extra music activity.
  7. Other Miscellaneous music award may consist of,  All State Certificates,  Outstanding Performer or Section Awards,  The “Semper Fidelis” Award,  John Philip Sousa Band Award, Louis Armstrong Jazz Award and awards given by the director or peers.