THIRD QUARTER GRADE SHEETS
Handbook
FROM THE DIRECTOR
I am proud to say that this is my ninth year as director of bands at Ulysses S. Grant High School. Over the past eight years we have worked hard to strengthen this program. We have seen it grow from only 60 musicians to nearly 130 musicians strong. More importantly we have seen the quality of musicians and the quality of involvement of those musicians rise each year. The Grant Band has become a source of pride for our school and our community. It is our goal to keep it that way.
In this handbook you will find the information you need to make your experience in the Grant Band one that you will never forget. Please take the time to carefully read and understand the many aspects of our program, and the expectations I, and the other musicians have of you. Band requires a strong commitment in both time and effort. We must all anticipate problems or conflicts before they become a problem to the group. Please remember that nothing we do is optional, unless it is clearly stated that way and that every single member of the group is an important part of the ensemble.
Please take note of the information in this handbook. The band calendar lists the dates of significant performances and functions. It is important that you mark these on your own calendar now.
On a daily basis, the expectations for band students are very simple: have a great time while learning to produce at the highest levels. In order to accomplish this, we find times to be strictly disciplined and self controlled and other times to let go and enjoy the moment. It is in knowing the distinction between control and letting go that we create the setting to have a great time and to perform well.
GENERAL INFORMATION
You don’t often get the opportunity to make something you enjoy great. This is the opportunity that is in front of you. But, it won’t be easy. It will take all of your motivation, desire, dedication, time and energy to make it happen. The good news is that working together for a high goal produces strong friendships and lasting relationships. All you need to do is understand the policies and obey them, follow instructions, do your best, and have fun. Cooperate with the band assistants and student leaders. They have earned their positions and we depend a great deal upon them to make our program successful. Please understand that most mistakes result from not listening to instructions and most discipline problems begin as communication failures. Keeping a positive and cooperative attitude is the first step in having a great time and producing a successful team.
Attendance at all activities listed on the band calendar for your group is expected. Not participating in these evaluation and performance activities may affect your grade (please check your PDF’S sheet often). Any student who has a conflict with any activity or rehearsal must see Mr. Budge well in advance. Excused absences will be granted only for significant illness (you are in the hospital), religious holidays, approved school activities, or serious family emergency. Absences from school must be cleared through the attendance office. Absences from an activity outside of school must be cleared with a note from the parent/guardian or doctor (if applicable) prior to the absence. If an emergency makes it impossible for a note to be given to Mr. Budge prior to the absence then a note should be given to Mr. Budge as soon as possible.
GENERAL BEHAVIOR
Successful organizations always have a definite idea about the goals they are pursuing and the ways they go about attaining them. The Grant Band is no exception. Even before being a great musician, we ask that members try to be great human beings. So, here are a few simple guidelines we ask you to follow in your band activities. We do not expect that everyone will succeed in acting appropriately all the time, but we ask that you try to behave in a manner that will make you a better band member, better musician and a better person.
Clean up after yourself. The most selfish act is to leave a mess for someone else to deal with.
Treat others, as you would wish to be treated. Everyone needs to feel included and respected. You can not put yourself up by putting others down.
Do not use another person’s equipment without his/her permission.
Stick to the commitments you make.
Plan ahead. Be responsible to organize your own life. WORK OUT CONFLICTS IN ADVANCE.
Communicate in an appropriate and timely way. Everything you do or say communicates.
Keep a positive attitude. ATTITUDE IS PORTRAYED FIRST BY YOUR POSTURE.
Pay attention especially well during instructions.
Learn restraint in both your physical actions and talking.
Show respect for proper authority, both when others have authority over you and when you have authority over others.
Do NOT bring food, drink (except water with a lid) or gum into the rehearsal room. During class.
Put away all electronic devices, electronic accessories and hats BEFORE entering the room.
Please remove sunglasses.
Have a good time. This is supposed to be fun!
USE OF ANY CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE DURING ANY BAND FUNCTION IS ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN AND WILL BE PUNISHED IN THE HARSHEST MANNER.
GUM POLICY
Gum is not allowed in the band room at any time. Even during lunch. It is dangerous for students to have anything in their mouth while they are playing a musical instrument. (even percussionists) If you are chewing gum in the band room you will be asked to throw it away. If this occurs a second time you will be required to spend a lunch period cleaning the band chairs. If this problem continues emails will be sent asking parents/guardians or coaches for help.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRANT BAND
It is our goal to give the most students possible, the best musical experience possible. To teach and learn about music, and recognize it as one of the most basic of human activities and to improve our understanding of all types of music to the highest level possible; to learn to appreciate the most meaningful and profound music as means of both building character and connecting with the best part of the human spirit; to learn to perform for our own pleasure and the pleasure of our audience; to make good music of all styles a part of our lives; to teach and learn responsibility, integrity, dependability, and loyalty; to teach and learn good teamwork, to be both a good leader and a loyal and effective follower; to enjoy doing it all realizing that accomplishment is the greatest joy.
The Grant Band also exists to serve the school and community. We are called on throughout the year to represent Grant High School and the Portland community at many different events. These events are as diverse as parties for business, athletic events and parades. This service is important to our school and community. It also gives us a chance to show ourselves to audiences that wouldn’t otherwise get the chance to see us perform.
ENSEMBLE DESCRIPTIONS
SYMPHONIC BAND is the preparatory ensemble for Wind Ensemble as well as a place for incoming 9th graders to get support in the transition from middle school to high school. The ensemble contains members with diverse ability levels, and should not be confused with a beginning band class. All members must have previous band experience, or director’s approval. Music is selected to both challenge the most able members of the group and to encourage those who are not as experienced. This ensemble performs at four concerts during the school year. The group also performs at pep band events and one parade as a part of the Grant Pep and Marching Bands.
WIND ENSEMBLE is one of the premiere groups at Grant High School. Wind Ensemble is composed of advanced musicians who study and perform the more difficult standard and contemporary wind band literature. Members of the ensemble are expected to continually perform and behave as professionals. The Wind Ensemble performs at three concerts, approximately three festivals, and possibly one trip (sponsored by fundraising efforts) per school year. Wind Ensemble members are required to perform at the PIL Solo/Ensemble Festival. Members must also participate in sectionals, occurring approximately once every three weeks.
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE is a popular group at Grant High School. The ensemble is asked to perform at various events throughout the school year. The class is intended to give students the opportunity to improve percussion specific abilities such as rudiments and playing with multiple mallets. This ensemble makes up the core of the Grant High School Drumline and performs at four concerts, many pep band events and one parade every year as a part of the Grant Pep Band and Marching Band.
JAZZ LAB is the prepatory ensemble for the Jazz Ensemble. The group studies and performs standard and contemporary big band jazz. Students also spend time on improvisation and combo rehearsal and performance. Membership in this ensemble requires dual enrollment in either Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble or Percussion Ensemble.
JAZZ ENSEMBLE is one of the premeire ensembles at Grant High School. Jazz Ensemble is composed of advanced musicians who study and perform the more difficult standard and contemporary jazz literature, particularly in the big band genre. Students also spend time on improvisation and combo rehearsal and performance. Members of the ensemble are expected to continually perform and behave as professionals. The Wind Ensemble performs at three concerts, approximately three festivals, and possibly one trip (sponsored by fundraising efforts) per school year. Membership in this ensemble requires dual enrollment in either Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble or Percussion Ensemble.
PEP BAND consists of all members of the Grant Band. By performing at athletic events, rally events, and community events throughout the year, this group is the most visible part of the Grant Band. The repertoire of the group consists mostly of popular american music from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 00’s. This group gives members the best opportunity for community building and social interaction. Rehearsals for this group occur during school. Performances occur outside of the regular school day.
MARCHING BAND consists of all members of the Grant Band. This ensemble performs at the Veteran’s Day Parade on Sandy Boulevard on November 11. Rehearsals for this group occur both during and outside of the regular school day (check the calendar now). Students should be prepared for marching rehearsal with the appropriate footwear and clothing. Marching rehearsals are rarely canceled for poor weather.
OTHER PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
PIT ORCHESTRA performs for the spring musical each year. Participation is by audition only. This group performs professional music at professional levels. While participation in this ensemble is optional, the commitment made is very serious. Grant High School prides itself on using student musicians in its productions whenever possible. Rehearsals and performances are outside of the regular school day.
SOLO/CHAMBER ENSEMBLES
All Grant Band members have the opportunity to perform at the PIL Solo/Ensemble Festival (for a small fee). At this event students have the possibility of qualifying for the OSAA State Solo Competition.
JAZZ COMBOS are entirely student-run groups that meet outside of the regular school day. These groups may have opportunities to perform at fundraisers, concerts and festivals throughout the year. In order to be sponsored by the band program ALL members of the group must be enrolled in the Grant Band.
UNIFORMS
ALL GROUPS:
Gentlemen:
Black Dress Shoes and Black Socks
Black Belt, if necessary
Ladies:
Black Dress Shoes and Black Socks or Hose
Black Belt, if necessary
JAZZ LAB:
Gentlemen:
Black Slacks
White Dress Shirt (no polo shirts)
Necktie
Ladies:
Black Skirt (below the knee)
White Blouse
JAZZ ENSEMBLE:
Gentlemen:
Dark Suit
Dark Dress Shirt
Neck Tie
Ladies:
Jazz Ensemble Dress
SYMPHONIC BAND:
Gentlemen:
Black Slacks
White Dress Shirt (no polos)
*Royal Blue Cummerbund
*Royal Blue Bow Tie
Ladies:
Black Skirt (below the knees)
White Blouse
WIND ENSEMBLE: (provided)
Gentlemen:
Black Tuxedo Pants
Black Tuxedo Jacket
White Tuxedo Shirt
Black Vest
Black Bow Tie
Ladies:
Black Skirt
Black Blouse
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE:
Black Slacks
Black T-shirt
Please note that if you perform with more than one ensemble you will need to change into the appropriate attire for each ensemble. We want to look as good and as uniform as possible. Anyone wearing an article of clothing that is believed to be distracting, such as a hat, scarf or jewelry, will be asked to remove or replace it. ALL SKIRTS AND DRESSES MUST BE BELOW THE KNEE!
*These items may be purchased at Mr. Formal. (some may be available if needed)
TRAVEL INFORMATION
In accordance with school board policy:
NO student may ride with another student driver to or from any school activity. All students must travel on the band bus, if one is provided, unless excused in advance with a parent’s note, and a purpose. Not wanting to ride the bus is not a purpose. Traveling on the band bus, although sometimes uncomfortable is an important time for students to bond with members of their own group and, more importantly, those who perform in other groups.
STUDENT JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Elections for the Band Council Executive Committee will occur each year on the Wednesday following graduation, or the same day as the Jr. Rose Parade. Nominations will occur approximately one week earlier.
It is the duty of all members of the band council to attend one monthly meeting. This meeting is held during lunch and is scheduled by the council president.
BAND AWARDS
Band awards are presented at “The Coda”, an awards night/concert/dessert held at the end of the school year.
MOST IMPROVED: Given to a member of each ensemble who has shown the most improvement during the school year. Peers select recipients.
MOST VALUABLE: Given to a member of each ensemble who has shown the characteristics of great leadership and musicianship during the school year. Peers select recipients.
SPIRIT AWARD: Given to one band member who has demonstrated the enthusiasm that lifts spirits and inspires achievement. Peers select recipient.
HERB KOST SERVICE AWARD: Given to any member of the Grant Band Family who has given service, above and beyond, for an extended length of time. Director selects recipient(s).
JOCELYN LATKA AWARD, IN RECOGNITION OF IMPROVEMENT: Given to one senior member of the Wind Ensemble and one senior member of the Jazz Ensemble who have each shown the greatest improvement (through dedication and hard work), and positive attitude, over a four year period. Director selects recipients.
FOUR STAR GENERAL: Given to one or more senior member of the Wind Ensemble who has displayed leadership, musicianship and esprit de corp for four years. This student has demonstrated a deep interest in music and their instrument(s) and is planning on studying music and becoming a professional in the field of music. This award is not given every year, only when applicable. Director selects recipient(s).
PRACTICE
Our band program is designed to be fun, but our primary educational purpose it to give students the opportunity to learn about and perform the best music at the highest possible levels. That is what makes band so special and valuable. Playing a musical instrument well requires regular, focused practice. Practicing consists of doing something correctly many times until it becomes ingrained as a habit. This is particularly true of fundamental aspects of playing such as posture, hand position, breathing, forming a correct embouchure, voicing and producing a tone and achieving accurate and consistent articulations. To learn and to make a habit of correctness in these elements as well as to learn new musical material requires a systematic and effective approach.
The most important elements of practice are regularity and content. The importance of daily practice is now magnified with our new block schedule. Young musicians should be playing every day. Now, the only way that will happen for most of our students is with regular practice time.We sincerely request parents to help their children arrange regular, effective practice sessions.
Symphonic Band and Percussion Ensemble members should establish a regular practice schedule of at least 20 minutes daily. This is equivalent to giving up watching one television show. Jazz Lab, Jazz Ensemble and Wind Ensemble members should establish a regular practice schedule of at least 35 minutes daily. In every instance it is important to remember that the quality of the practice time is more important than the length.
Please remember:
PRACTICE SHOULD NEVER BE USED AS A PUNISHMENT.
THE QUALITY OF EFFORT AND CONCENTRATION IN THE PRACTICE SESSION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE AMOUNT OF TIME SPENT.
PRIVATE LESSONS
SCHEDULE CONFLICTS
We all have busy schedules. No matter how hard we try, schedule conflicts will arise. Here is a helpful chart explaining the expectations the program has of you when these problems occur.
COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY. The calendar is here for a reason. Mr. Budge must be notified of all conflicts when they are discovered. As the director of the program he can have no sympathy for you the week or day of an event.
In most cases if a conflict is discovered early enough, a plan can be worked out to help you fulfill your multiple responsibilities.
THE HIERARCHY
As a member of the Grant Band, you should plan on attending these events in this order of importance: (a/b’s should be split evenly)
Concerts/Parades/Festivals
School Athletic Events (playoffs)
Community Music Group Performances
Grant Dress Rehearsals
School Athletic Events (non-playoffs)
5a. School Athletic Practices
5b. Marching Band Rehearsal
6. Community Music Group Rehearsal
Pep Band Performances
SAT/ACT
Homework, Family Dinner, Concerts you are not performing in, Spending time with family/friends, etc.
ITALIAN MUSICAL TERMS
Italian, the international language of music, is derived from Latin. It contains many words that are identical to Spanish and very similar to English words. If you understand a basic vocabulary in Italian plus some common modifiers/endings, you should be able to roughly translate most musical terminology. In the definitions below, the first term (in italics) is the literal English translation of the Italian.
ENDINGS
-endo, -ando = -ing; -ado, -ato = -ed ; etto, -ino = diminishing endings, modifies by making less or less intense, a little; -issimo = intensifying ending, modifies by making stronger or more intense, very
MODIFIERS
poco (little, a little); molto (much, very); mezzo (half); meno (less); ben (well, very);
piu (much, very)
TEMPOS (slow to fast) – most tempo indications are simply adjectives, and therefore also carry with them a suggestion of style. The first definition is a literal translation of the Italian term.
Grave slow, solemn, usually considered to be the slowest speed indication
Largo large, broad, very slow
Lento slow
Adagio at ease
Andantino sometimes interpreted as a little slower than andante
Andante walking or going, a medium tempo
Moderato moderately, a medium tempo
Andantino sometimes interpreted as a little faster than andante
Allegretto a little cheerfully, a little slower than allegro
Allegro cheerful, a bright or brisk tempo
Vivace lively, quick, a fast tempo
Presto fast, an extremely fast tempo
Prestissimo very fast, the highest possible degree of speed
TEMPO CHANGES
Accelerando accelerating, getting gradually faster
A tempo at the tempo, back to the original tempo
L’istesso same
Rallantando ritarding, same as ritardando, slowing down
Ritardando ritarding, slowing down
Ritenuto held back, an immediate reduction of tempo
Rubato robbed, take time from one beat and giving it to another
Stringendo quickening, accelerating
DYNAMICS
Crescendo becoming louder by degrees
Decrescendo becoming softer by degrees
Diminuendo becoming softer by degrees
Pianissimo (pp) very soft
Piano (p) soft
Mezzo Piano (mp) half soft
Mezzo Forte (mf) half strong
Forte (f) strong, loud
Fortissimo (ff) very strong, very loud
STYLE
The three basic styles
Legato bound, connected, played without perceptible interruption of sound
Marcato marked, accented and separated
Staccato detached, separated, note values shortened to produce greater space between notes
TERMS RELATING TO STYLE
Accent (> or ^) the stress of one tone over the others
Animato animated, with life
Brio vigor or spirit
Cantabile singing, in a singing style
Dolce sweet and soft
Forzando (fz) forcing, with sudden emphasis, strong accent on a single note or chord
Sforzando (sfz) forcing, with sudden emphasis, strong accent on a single note or chord
Giocoso playful
Leggerio light and playful
Maestoso majestically, with dignity
Marcia march like, in the style of a march
Morendo dying, dying away
Moto motion
Mosso motion
Scherzando joking, playful
MISCELLANEOUS TERMS
Chromatic colored, preceding by half steps
Con with
Fermata pause
Ma non troppo but not too much
Meno less
Molto very
Poco a poco little by little
Simile similar, in the same manner
Solo alone, for one performer
Tutti all, for all performers
NAVIGATIONAL TERMS
Da Capo at the head, from the beginning
Del Segno from the sign, go back to the sign
Fine the end
Recapitulation the return of previously stated material
Volta turn, occurrence (prima volta = first time)
GRANT BAND CALENDAR 2011-2012
DATE – EVENT – PARTICIPANTS – LOCATION – TIME
August
26 – Grant Band Workshop Prep – band room – mid-day
31 – Grant Band Workshop – ALL – band room – afternoon/evening
September
16 – Football Pep Band vs. Aloha – ALL – Grant Bowl – call: 3:10pm
20 – Back to School Night – JE – Auditorium – call: 6pm
23 – Football Pep Band vs. Beaverton – ALL – Grant Bowl – call: 3:10pm
26 – Band Boosters Meeting – parents – Band Room – 6:30pm
28 – All-State Audition Deadline – optional – Band Room – am
October
13 – Football Pep Band vs. TBA – ALL – @ TBA – TBApm
20 – Fall Instrumental Concert – ALL – auditorium – 7pm
26 – Marching Band Rehearsal – ALL – Grant – 3:20pm to 5pm (rain or shine)
28 – Football Pep Band vs. Lincoln – ALL – @ Lincoln – TBApm
November
tba – Pep Band – possible playoff games – optional – pm
2 – Marching Band Rehearsal – ALL – Grant – 3:20pm to 5pm (rain or shine)
--- end of first quarter
4 – Marching Band Rehearsal – ALL – Grant – 3:20pm to 5pm (rain or shine)
8 – Marching Band Rehearsal – ALL – Grant – 3:20pm to 5pm (rain or shine)
10 – Marching Band Rehearsal – ALL – Grant – 9:30a to 1pm (rain or shine)
11 – Hollywood Veteran’s Day Parade – All Bands – Sandy Blvd. – 8:15am-1:30pm
15 – Three Rivers League Jazz Festival – Jazz Ensemble – West Linn HS – tba
December
tba – Football Pep Band – possible playoff games – optional – pm
tba – Jazz @ Tony Starlight’s – JE – Tony Starlight’s - tba
14 – Evening Rehearsal – SB, WE – auditorium - tba
15 – Winter Concert – All Bands and Choirs – auditorium – 6:30pm
16 – Winter Assembly – JE, WE – auditorium – morning assembly
16 – Zoo Lights – optional – Oregon Zoo – pm
January
6 – Basketball Pep Band – WE, SB – Grant - tba pm
10 – Basketball Pep Band – WE, SB – Grant - tba pm
12-15 – All-State Conference – qualifiers – Eugene, OR - All Day
20 – Basketball Pep Band – WE, SB – Grant - tba pm
February
tba – pit orchestra rehearsals begin – by audition – after school
tba – Basketball Pep Band – possible playoff games – optional – pm
10 – The “Sweet Sound of Jazz” – Westminster Presbyterian
16 – Tutti “Together” The Grant Cluster, Instrumental Concert – WE – auditorium – 7pm
24 – PIL Instrumental Solo Festival Prep – volunteers – Grant – 3:05pm
25 – PIL Instrumental Solo Festival – WE, plus – Grant – All Day
March
1 – Early Spring Concert – JL, SB, PE – Grant – 7:00pm
7 – NWIBC @ CCC – Wind Ensemble – CCC – tba
10 – CCC Jazz Festival – JE – CCC – All Day
19 – Evening Rehearsal – Grant – 5:30-7pm
20 – PIL Band Festival – WE – Wilson HS – tba
April
9 – Evening Rehearsal – Wind Ensemble – Grant – 5:30-7pm
10 – Three Rivers League Band Festival – Wind Ensemble – tba – All Day
12 – University of Portland Jazz Festival – Jazz Ensemble – U of P – tba?
12-15 – Gene Harris Jazz Festival – JE – Boise, ID - All Day?
26-28 – Spring Musical – pit orchestra – auditorium – 7:30pm
28 – STATE SOLO COMPETITION – PIL Solo Qualifiers – tba – All Day
May
tba – Jazz @ Tony’s – JE, JL – Tony Starlight’s Supper Club – tba
3-5 – Spring Musical – pit orchestra – auditorium – 7:30pm
8 – Evening Rehearsal – Wind Ensemble – Grant – 5:30-7pm
11 – A.S. Rehearsal – Wind Ensemble – Grant – after school
12 – STATE BAND – Wind Ensemble – Corvallis, OR – All Day (must qualify)
24 – D.C. al Fine “The beginning to the end” – All Bands – auditorium – 7pm
31 – The Coda – WE Performance/awards night for All – auditorium – 7pm
June
5 – Graduation – WE, SB – tba – tba pm
6 – Elections – All – Grant – During Class
Not Yet Scheduled: *during class
Pit Orchestra Rehearsals
Winter Pep Band (Basketball) 4-6 games
Band Booster Meetings (generally third Tuesday at 6:30pm) - check the website for these dates.
*Band Council Meetings (at lunch, once or twice a month)
*Picture Day
*Council Elections
*Awards Voting
*Drum Major Auditions