Band Handbook
Part 3

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GRADING

• Performance tests (discussed above)

• Attendance at early rehearsals

• Concerts, Contests, Solo and Ensemble Contest

• District Honor Band

• Written Tests

• Participation

• Practice Reports

Band students at Bradley should be prepared to devote a minimum of thirty minutes daily to individual practice. The rewards of playing a musical instrument increase in direct proportion to the number of hours invested in individual practice. These rewards include chair placement, grade, and self satisfaction. There will be many times during any seven day period when more time than thirty minutes can be devoted to practice. The key is to set aside a certain time every day for practice. Set up a daily schedule to insure that practice is an important part of your daily studies. If practice reports are utilized in your class they will be due each Monday at the beginning of class. Remember that the secret to success is practice and that the difference between the best player and the rest is the number of hours practiced.

Attendance is required for all rehearsals and public performances of the various performing groups that make up the Bradley Band Program. One primary purpose of any band program is the preparation for and participation in public performances and contests.

The bulk of our work will be done during regular band period. Do not ask to be excused from this period except in emergencies. School policy will prevail in dealing with unexcused absences and tardiness during regular band period.

Attendance at section rehearsals is of utmost importance. This time is spent working on specific problems of the individual instruments and players. Sectionals will be scheduled both before and after school with each student attending one per week. All efforts will be made to work around scheduled conflicts such as athletics and other school functions. There will be a band meeting the first couple of weeks in September to discuss, possibly vote, and decide what day and time each section will rehearse. Excused absences will be granted only by the band director after a note from the parent is received prior to the absence. In the case of unforeseen absences, a note must be presented to the band director upon return to class. The directors are aware that there will be some conflicts with athletic events or practices that cannot be avoided. It is the students responsibility to inform the director of any problem well in advance. Unexcused absences from section rehearsals will result in loss of all chair rank and must be made up to avoid a grade of zero. Section make-up will be one and one half times the rehearsal. In other words the student will spend 45 minutes for a 30 minute section missed. Being more than ten minutes tardy will count as one-half absence. Every effort should be made to avoid doctors appointments, etc. on section days. During the first two weeks of school, students will be asked to write down their before and after school conflicts, and a sectional schedule will be prepared around those. If a student fails to report a conflict, that student will be held responsible for attending sectionals. The band director may need to change the schedule as the needs of the band changes. Advance notice of 24 to 72 hours will be given. Morning sectionals start at 7:30 a.m. Punctual arrival is very important. After school sectionals start promptly at 3:45 p.m. and will be over at 4:30 p.m. Make arrangements to be picked up ahead of time.

Approximately four weeks before the first day of school, all performing bands and all beginners will participate in the summer band program. Bradley has a unique summer band program. The woodwinds are taught by Ms. Gurwitz and Mr. Morgan King a renowned woodwind professional who has toured the world with famous performers and bands. Our percussionists are taught by Mr. Jeff Ryder an eminent teacher in the field. He has written the book on educating the percussionist. The lower brass are taught by Mr. Geimer and the upper brass by Mr. Lumley. Ms. Gurwitz, Mr. Lumley and Mr. Geimer share the duties for full band rehearsals and jazz ensembles. Students should plan to attend. If previous plans conflict with summer band dates, partial attendance is strongly encouraged. This three week session marks the first regular full band rehearsal for the previous year's beginners. All students participate in rehearsals and sectionals. There will be a tuition charge for summer band.

There have been many complaints over the years about band students in the halls before school. Students are not allowed in the classroom or locker area until that time when the student body is admitted and teachers are in place to supervise that section of the building. For a variety of valid reasons, band, orchestra, and choir students must gain early admittance to their respective music facility. On mornings when there is no early rehearsal the instrumental music students will be admitted to the building whereupon they should proceed directly to the band hall or orchestra room to deposit their instrument. They will then may leave the building and remain outside until that time when the student body is admitted. On early rehearsal days the students involved will be admitted starting at 7:25 AM or the time designated by their director. Their pass will normally be their instrument or some form of a permanent pass that will be easily recognized. The normal entrance for the above action will be the side door next to the choir room. There may be times, however, when the director will deem it necessary to admit students by some other entrance. Their music teachers will be responsible for these students and will insure that they do not "roam" the halls and that they are where they are supposed to be.

BAND OFFICE

Students will not be allowed entrance to the band office without permission from one of the band directors. Blanket permission will be given to librarians, and band officers requiring access. School policy applies concerning use of the phone. Students must ask the director's permission before using the phone. Students who have business in the office should first knock and ask permission to enter. Never enter the office without permission when a director is not present. No student will enter the office area if a director is conducting business with a parent, administrator or another teacher.

TUTORING

If a student has a tutoring conflict with early rehearsal, the student will be released at 7:55 for the 8:00 tutoring session. Their release from rehearsal will require a pass or note from the teacher initiating the tutoring session.

Since performance is a major objective of any band, concert etiquette must be learned and practiced.

1. Everyone should remain seated during the performance of each selection. If one must leave during a concert, they should quietly exit between musical selections.

2. There should be no talking during another groups’ performance. Every effort must be made to avoid distractions.

3. At the end of each selection, the audience should applaud. Shouting or whistling is not acceptable. Hopefully all students will appreciate the opportunity to hear other groups perform. Should there be a problem with any student during a concert, that person may be asked to leave and may not be allowed to perform on the next concert. Remember that you must set an example of personal discipline. Be polite. Politely applaud regardless of your impression of the performing group. Do not be negative.

The students will be making trips to concert and contest sites during the school year. A permission form, with pertinent information will be sent home several days before the event. A parent or guardian signature on this form is required for the student to leave the school grounds. The form is very important, it keeps the parent informed and gives permission to travel to and from important band engagements.

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