Mr. Hay
email: bhay@rivervalleyschools.org
Phone: 756-9541, extension 1130/1131
 RV Band on Beale Street in Tennessee
High School Band Attendance, Grading and Classroom Rules
Grading Policy
- Students will be measured on their preparedness and performance in rehearsals and concerts.
- Students will exhibit professional conduct and decorum in both rehearsals and performance.
- Concerts represent the culmination of a rehearsal sequence and the actual creation of the art of music. Therefore, attendance is mandatory. An unexcused absence from a performance will result in failing the marking period.
60% Participation and daily class work
Each student receives 10 points daily for participation
The points are yours to lose.
Lack of participation loses points on each occurrence.
Ways to lose points:
Tardy to class
No pencil
No folder/music/instrument
Poor posture
Gum/food/drink
Inattentiveness/apathy/displaying disrespect
Poor focus
Talking at inappropriate times
Inability to play your part
Actual lack of participation
- Unexcused absence loses all points for the rehearsal
- Band is a lab and it is difficult to make up missed time. You will receive credit/no credit on your first four excused absences. Upon the fifth excused absence, time will need to be made up. Upon the eighth absence, we need to determine what is best for the student. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange make up time with Mr. Hay. A student missing more than four class/lab sessions will need to demonstrate knowledge of all music prior to being allowed to perform with the band. Remember that not performing with the band may result in failing the marking period.
- Your best effort is always expected.
- Classroom rules must be followed.
- Homework completed and turned in on time.
- Demonstrate ability to sight-read (after it has been taught).
40% Performance
On time for warm-ups and tuning
Proper attire
Music is mastered
Focus during the performance
Maximum effort is expected
Demonstrate proper concert etiquette
- Absences do occur on emergency basis – see our policy on absences.
Attendance Policy
Attendance at all rehearsals and performance is required. Failure to attend will result in a lowered grade. Emergency situations will be dealt with as they arise. An unexcused absence from a performance will result in an overall grade of an “F” for that marking period. An excused absence not made up will result in an overall maximum grade of a “C” for that marking period.
Rehearsal-Performance Conflicts
Students will be required to attend band performances over other rehearsals/practices. The student’s grade will be lowered to a maximum overall grade of a “C” for that marking period. If a student has a performance in a varsity sport, the student may choose without penalty to his/her grade (even though some may think that the band rehearsal is important, you should really consider participating in the game). The student must notify the director at least two weeks prior to a rehearsal missed outside of school.
Performance-Performance Conflicts
This applies to varsity athletes only. This will be discussed on an individual basis. Students must notify the director as soon as the conflict arises; this must be at least two weeks prior to the performance.
Bottom line:
Band rehearsal vs. sports practice – go to band rehearsal
Band rehearsal vs. sport game – go to sport
Honors Band rehearsal/performance vs. anything – Honors Band comes first
Band performance vs. any non-varsity sport – go to band
Band performance vs. varsity sport – you decide
Performances occur after an extensive rehearsal period. Performances give the students a chance to highlight all of the skills they have acquired during that rehearsal period. It is vital for a student to attend each performance but there is a realization that sickness and family emergencies do occur. You must realize that it is impossible to recreate the missed performance.
An excused absence must be known of in advance and will be up to the discretion of the band director as to whether it will be considered excused. If a performance is going to be missed, the director must be notified in advance if it is to be considered excused. Notification after the concert will result in an unexcused absence. Please contact Mr. Hay at extension 1131 to make the necessary arrangements for the missed absence.
- Funerals or illness may be considered excused.
- Shopping, a birthday party, had to go somewhere, and work are examples of unexcused absences. Each student has our performance schedule well enough in advance to arrange his/her schedule.
Excused Absence from Concert
In an effort to ensure that all students meet the expectations of the class, there are two options to make this missed performance up.
The excused student may either:
- Play all pieces for the instructor upon returning to class following the absence. (This will be done after school the first day back.)
- The excused student may perform at a nursing home or other performance venue within two weeks of the missed performance. The person in charge of the venue will need to verify the performance.
NOTE: The excused student may be given a different type of assignment at the discretion of the director.
It will always be the student’s responsibility to arrange with Mr. Hay on how the missed concert will be made up. Then the student and Mr. Hay will work out the details of the make-up assignment. Class time will not be given to make these arrangements. Plan on meeting with Mr. Hay after school immediately to make said arrangements.
Some excused absences (ex. major illness) may complete an assignment or work as assigned by the director to make up the missed event and/or replacement credit. This will be handled by the director and applied as necessary.
Even though a student could be considered excused from a concert, it must be remembered that there was a concert, there was a hole created (both instrumentally and physically) because of the absent band member and the actual performance can never be made up
SPECIAL NOTE: If you miss the bus to a performance, you will need to contact the office to arrange transportation or your parent will need to take you to the concert. You may not drive yourself or ride with another student
.
Excused Classroom Absence Credit Redemption
As stated previously: Band is a lab and it is difficult to make up missed time. You will receive credit for your first four excused absences. Upon the fifth excused absence, credit will not be earned for the missing class periods until time is made up. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange make up time with Mr. Hay. A student missing more than four class/lab sessions will need to demonstrate knowledge of all music prior to being allowed to perform with the band. A student missing eight or more class rehearsals will need to realize that it may be impossible to make up this missed time. Time can only be made up ½ hour at a time after school with the director and some days the director will not be available. Remember that not performing with the band may result in failing the marking period.
Any questions concerning this performance policy please contact Mr. Hay at extension 1131.
Classroom Rules
1. Be in the classroom when the bell rings. Be sure to have your instrument, folder, music, extra reeds, mutes, oils and a pencil with you at your seat.
2. Doodle (Warm-up) while waiting for class to start. Drummers do not need to doodle.
3. Be attentive to the person in front, whether it is Mr. Hay or someone else.
4. You are encouraged to lightly write in your music with a pencil. Never use a pen. However, you are responsible for erasing all of your rehearsal marks before you turn in your music. Performed music will be turned in the first class following a concert.
5. Those students who are assigned first chair in their respective sections are responsible for distributing parts, sectionals and collecting music.
6. Be determined. Talking during rehearsals, complaining, nonchalant behavior or poor attitudes are unacceptable. Give band everything you have and then push yourself even farther. You will not be disappointed.
7. Be serious: The time immediately following a cut-of belongs to the director!
No talking while rehearsing.
No gum, candy or drinks during any of our class time.
No slouching in your chair while rehearsing.
Never, ever, deliberately miss a concert.
8. Be humane. Support each other and any other musical group that we are around. We are all in this together. Life is not a contest, we can all be winners. However, we can only be as good as our weakest member. Everyone must know their part.
9. Leave your problems at the door.
10. Know your student handbook. We will follow all of its rules.
11. Take care of your instrument. Do not leave it out or abuse it.
12. Each student will be assigned his/her own folder and will be financially responsible for the folder and its contents. Fees will be assessed for lost or damaged music. Unreturned music or folders will result in a grade of “incomplete”.
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Middle School Band Syllabus
Grading
Tests 25%
Attendance 35%
Daily Participation 35%
Scales 05%
Tests
Students will be given random playing tests throughout the marking period. These tests may be both announced and unannounced. Written tests may also be given during the marking period.
Attendance
Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required. Failure to attend will result in a lowered grade. Emergency situations will be dealt with as they arise. An absence from a performance will result in a maximum overall grade of a “C” for that marking period.
Daily Participation
Students are expected to be on time to class every day with all of their supplies (pencil, music, instrument, etc). Students who do not have an instrument during class cannot receive participation points for that day. 5 participation points are given daily. These are points to loose whether by chewing gum/candy, poor posture, talking, lack of participation, etc. Students are expected to practice their music at home and come to class prepared to rehearse.
Scales
Students must play all 12 of the major scales by the end of their 8th grade year. These will be tested in class. The first 6 major scales (C, G, D, F, Bb, Eb,) will be required by the end of 7th grade.
Solo and Ensemble
Middle School Solo and Ensemble is an opportunity for students to play their instruments in front of a judge for comments and a rating. (It is similar to band festival, only on an individual basis.) Students may participate as soloists, in duets, trios, quartets, etc. This is an extremely valuable experience for students and we urge students to participate. S & E Festival is voluntary and has a minimal cost, which includes the entry fee, on occasion music, and the cost of an accompanist if an accompanist is needed. This event will be discussed with the students. The dates for the middle school solo and ensemble festival are:
Saturday, December 5, 2009 at Edwardsburg High School
Saturday, April 17, 2010 at Southwestern Michigan College, Dowagiac (However, this conflicts with the High School State Solo and Ensemble Festival.)
Concerts
Students are required to participate in all concerts. Students are to wear the uniform as specified for concerts: school issued tux shirt, tux slacks, tie and cummerbund plus black dress shoes and black socks. Concert dates are:
Monday, December 14, 2009 Middle and High School Bands’ Winter Concert 7:00 PM
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 Pre-Festival Concert 7:00 PM
Week of March 8, 2010 Band Festival - any day and any time to be assigned
Wednesday, May 12, 2010 Spring Band Awards Concert 7:00 PM
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Sixth Grade Band Expectations and Rules
1. Be sure to have your instrument, folder, music, extra reeds, mutes, oils and a pencil with you at your seat.
2. Be attentive to the person in front, whether it is Mr. Hay or someone else.
3. You are encouraged to lightly write in your music and book with a pencil. Never use a pen. However, you are responsible for erasing all of your rehearsal marks before you turn in your music.
4. Be determined. Talking during rehearsals, complaining, or poor attitudes are unacceptable. Give band everything you have and then push yourself even farther. You will not be disappointed.
5. Be serious: The time immediately following a cut-of belongs to the director!
No talking while rehearsing.
No gum, candy or drinks during any of our class time.
No slouching in your chair while rehearsing.
6. This year’s beginners will only have one concert and it is important that you attend. Our Spring Awards’ Concert is scheduled for Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 7:00 PM.
7. Spend time practicing every day. We need all band members to learn his/her instrument. We can only be as good as our weakest member.
8. Leave your problems at the door.
9. Know your student handbook. We will follow all of its rules.
10. Take care of your instrument. Do not leave it out or abuse it.
11. Each student will be assigned his/her own folder and will be financially responsible for the folder and its contents. Fees will be assessed for lost or damaged music.
YOU are River Valley Band’s future. Work hard, have fun and learn your instrument. We will attempt to get through two books this year. Set aside a time each day to practice, even if it is for only 15 minutes. During the first semester, you will only meet 3 days a week for band, which makes it necessary for a daily practice routine.
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