The Delaware Academy Instrumental Music Faculty is presenting the following statement of policy to all members of the Band and Orchestra in order to achieve and maintain a high quality of music education and a high standard of musical performance.

The following expectations are made in accordance with our school policy.

Performances:

Band and Orchestra are performance-based classes, therefore it is imperative that everyone is responsible for being prepared and playing in all required performances.  All performances will be scheduled and announced in sufficient time for the students to arrange their schedules properly. If a conflict arises, we must be notified when it arises and no later than 2 weeks before a performance.  You should register for band and orchestra only if you are inclined to participate in public performances.

Excused Absences:

All excuses from performances or extra rehearsals must be in writing and signed by a parent or guardian.  Failure to do so will result in a lowered grade. Acceptable excuses will be determined by the director.

Unexcused Absences:

One unexcused absence from a class or performance will result in the lowering of the student’s grade.  An unexcused absence from a performance cannot be made up, and therefore no credit can be given.  An unexcused absence from a performance will require a parent/guardian conference with the instructor.  Two unexcused absences will result in referral to the building principal or his designee for further action.

Outside Performances:

When performing away from the school, students must leave and return on buses provided for the trip.  Request for exemption must be accompanied by a written permission slip signed by the parent/guardian.

Concert Attire:

Middle School Band and Orchestra:

Dress shirts and tie, dress shoes, dress pants or skirt/dress (dresses and skirts should be knee-length).

High School Concert Band and Orchestra:

Black dress pants or knee-length skirt, black socks, black dress shoes, white dress shirt and black tie.  A solid black ankle-length dress is also appropriate.

Lessons:

Contact your music teacher in person, via email, or by classroom phone to reschedule lessons before or at the time of the lesson. There will be no grade penalty. If the student does not show up at the scheduled time with no notice, the make-up lesson will be scored with a maximum grade of 18 out of 20.

Preparation:

It is expected that students will come to lessons and rehearsals prepared.  This entails having practiced and learned his/her parts or weekly lesson to the best of his/her ability and coming to rehearsals with proper materials. Practicing your instrument in a consistent manner will reap benefits and result in a rewarding band/orchestra experience.

Rehearsal Etiquette:

1. Basic respect is expected between all band and orchestra members.  You are there to support and encourage each other, not to criticize or belittle anyone.

2. During lessons and rehearsals, one person speaks at a time.  Questions or comments will be recognized by a raised hand.

3. If mistakes are made, do not laugh or turn around to see who made the mistakes.  No one gets to where they are without making a few mistakes along the way.

4. When someone is playing a solo, do not stare at them and do not finger along with them.  This is very distracting. Do not practice someone else’s solo within ear-shot.

5. When the conductor stops conducting in rehearsal that means you stop playing.  Do not keep playing because it wastes everyone’s time. It is impossible to talk and give further instruction over playing.

6. Competition is hard to avoid in music, but only healthy and supportive competition will be tolerated.  For these ensembles to work well and improve, we must work together, not against each other. This means that malicious behavior, derogatory statements, damage to or tampering with others’ instrument, equipment, or music, and general disrespect is unacceptable.

Grading:

Students will be evaluated not only on academic achievement, but also on effort and attitude.  Each person’s effort is of utmost importance. A good attitude includes being on time to rehearsals and performances, caring for supplies and equipment, respecting the director and fellow classmates, being attentive in rehearsal, and doing his/her part to create a superior group as a whole.

If there are any questions regarding this policy, please feel free to contact us at school (746-1282).

Miss Aimee Lindner Mr. M.W. Degan

Band Director Orchestra Director

alindner@delhischools.org sdegan@delhischools.org

Standards for the High School and Middle School Band Grade and Evaluation

Lessons: (50% of the total grade)

Each lesson is worth 20 points.

Rehearsals: (30% of the total grade)

Students are required to attend band rehearsals as scheduled. Each rehearsal is worth 10 points.

Concerts (“Unit Exams”): (20% of the total grade)

Students are required to attend concerts. Each concert is worth 200 points.

Cooperation and Other Considerations:

• Students are expected to cooperate and maintain a correct attitude appropriate for learning.

• Students are required to be in their seats and ready to perform at the beginning of the class period.

• Students need to respect themselves, their teacher and all band members. They also need to respect the band instruments, equipment, music and classroom.

• Students are expected to maintain proper instrument care.  Music and folders need to be kept clean and intact. Students need to place instrument cases in the proper storage areas.

• Students are expected to raise their hands if they have a question.  They should not speak out of turn or play their instruments when instruction is being offered.

• Students should place gum, candy, etc. in the garbage can as they enter the classroom.

9th Grade Solos

This year, all 9th grade band students are required to learn a NYSSMA solo appropriate for their level of playing. Students will receive a solo at the beginning in September and work on it, along with scales and sight reading, at home and during lessons.

Students have two options for their solo grade:

1. Perform the solo, scales, and sight reading for a judge at the annual NYSSMA event in May. This is a great opportunity to get feedback from someone other than their regular teacher. The judge will give a grade, but the student will receive a 100 for the assignment in their band grade.

2. Perform the solo, scales, and sight reading for Miss Lindner in May. The student’s grade for the assignment will be based entirely on their performance that day.

The student will have until the beginning of December to choose option 1 or 2. However, if he or she chooses option 1 (NYSSMA) and does not attend the event, the highest grade he/she can receive for the assignment is 85. The Delaware Academy music department pays for each musician to attend NYSSMA and will not get refunded. This is also to encourage students to follow through with their commitments.