Battle Ground Academy Band

Battle Ground Academy Band
2014-2015 Handbook
Director: Brittany Farej
(615) 567-8500
[email protected]
BGA Arts Department Philosophy
To develop in our students the ability to use the Fine Arts as means
of creative expression, critical evaluation, greater self-awareness
and an appreciation for the inherent value of Fine Arts.
A note from the director:
Dear Students and Parents,
If you’re reading this right now, this means that you have chosen to be apart of BGA’s
band program. Whether you have been playing forever or for the first time, it is sure to be
an exciting year!
Please take some time to read through this handbook. In this book, you will notice that
there are special dates outlined and certain responsibilities that are crucial to being a
successful member of the band.
If any questions arise, please consult the handbook first. If the handbook does not answer
your question, please email me and I will happily get back to you as soon as possible!!
Here’s to a great year!!
Brittany Farej
Expectations
1. Be On Time
If you’re on time…you’re late!! It is so important that you are there on time for
class, otherwise scheduled rehearsals, and performances! EVERY SINGLE
INSTRUMENTAL PART IS IMPORTANT. There is no complete rehearsal or
performance without you!
2. Be Prepared for Rehearsals/Performances
This means having your instrument, music, and most importantly a PENCIL!
3. Do Your Best
It is important that you practice and perform as an individual to the best of your
ability within the ensemble setting.
4. Be Respectful
Do I need to say more? J
Table of Contents
Curriculum
5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Band
1
Electronic Music Classes
2
Jazz/Rock Ensemble
3
Student Guide to Musicianship
How to Practice
4
Sight-Reading
5
Rehearsals
5-6
Performances
Performance Attire
6
Concert Etiquette
6
How can Parents help?
7
Travel Expectations
8
Mid-State and All-State Band
8
Concert Performance Assessment
8
Dates to Know
5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Band
Grades:
Rehearsals, Concerts/Performances
Playing/Written Tests
Practice Logs
70 %
20 %
10 %
Rehearsal and Concert Performance Grades:
This grade is primarily based on performance in class and in concerts. For example, in
rehearsal if you are prepared with your daily materials, you will receive all (4) points for
that class/rehearsal period. Failure to have materials for a rehearsal or performance will
result in point deduction. Each concert and performance will be worth 100 points and
considered a pass/fail grade based on your participation.
Playing and Written Tests:
Each week, students will have an individual performing assessment during class time.
Playing assessments will usually come out of the Essential Elements method book or
their current musical repertoire. Students will be aware of these playing tests well enough
in advance to have appropriate practice time to perform well. Some playing exams may
be done during class and some may require using a practice room for recording and
emailing to Miss Farej. Because rehearsal time is precious and doesn’t allow much time
for direct instruction to each individual, recorded assessments allow Miss Farej to give
direct written feedback about physical playing technique as well as making a
characteristic sound on the instrument.
*Students who are enrolled in private lessons will be allowed two free 100% playing
exams per semester. After all, everything that we are doing in band you are probably
working just as hard with your private lessons!* Want to know more about private
lessons? Ask Miss Farej!
Short written quizzes will be given every so often to check students and their individual
understanding of music theory, history, and fundamental techniques of their instruments.
Practice Logs:
Using the Music Journal Practice app that students should have installed on their iPads,
students will record their practice sessions nightly as they practice. Though the app does
not have the ability to record students while they are practicing, it is trusted that the
students will honestly practice for the time that they have logged on the app. On Monday
of each week, students will be required to screenshot and submit (via email
[email protected]) the data graph from their iPads. The graph will display their
average weekly time and daily time. Consistency is key. Students need to be practicing at
least 120 minutes a week. If students are enrolled in private lessons, their time spent in
private lessons can also count toward weekly practice goals.
Electronic Music Classes
Grades:
Projects
Quizzes and Tests
Performance and Presentation
70 %
20 %
10 %
Projects:
This course is mainly project based. Students will have the opportunity to work on their
projects during class time and will also be assigned at times to take their project home
with them on their iPad using the Garage Band application. Projects require a students
devoted time and creativity. Students will be given an effort grade for completing the
project and also will be given a detailed grade based on the quality of completing the
specified project objectives.
Quizzes and Tests:
In the realm of composing music through technology, there is so much vocabulary that is
required to begin to understand writing music. Students will have small quizzes and 3
unit tests over the course of the Fall/Spring. These quizzes and tests will examine the
knowledge of technology terms, software, theory, and history. The required assessments
will contribute mostly to students understanding the composition programs that they will
be using when creating their musical compositions.
Performance, Presentation, and Participation:
At each band concert in the fall and spring, students’ work will be played before the
concert or in between band changes. You are required to be at the concert! Of course,
you will be acknowledged for your hard work! J If you play an instrument, you will be
required to attend the concert because you have other responsibilities as a musician in
the band!
At the end of each project, students will be required to give a short presentation of their
composition. Presentation to classmates allows students the opportunity to explain their
composing motives using technological or musical language.
Jazz/Rock Ensemble
Grades:
Performances and Rehearsals
Written Music Analysis
70 %
30 %
Rehearsal and Performance Grades:
This grade is primarily based on performance in class and in concerts. For example, in
rehearsal if you are prepared with your daily materials, you will receive all (4) points for
that class/rehearsal period. Failure to have materials for a rehearsal or performance will
result in point deduction. Each concert and performance will be worth 100 points and
considered a pass/fail grade based on your participation.
Final Exam:
The written final exam of this course will cover similar music styles and related music
theory elements that we rehearsed and performed throughout the Fall/Spring. There will
also be a playing assessment with this exam to quiz your knowledge of scale modes,
improvisation, and your personal part from our recent repertoire.
Part Checks:
Part checks will happen periodically throughout the year. Students will use practice
rooms to record themselves playing a specific excerpt of their music. This assessment
ensures that you are doing your part as a musician in the band and playing to the best of
your ability.
Written Music Analysis:
Students will be required to submit a written music analysis once every Fall and Spring.
Students will select one piece of music from our select repertoire and research. Students
are expected to provide a very brief background of the composer and more importantly
discuss how/when/why the piece was written. Students will also be expected to use
musical terminology when describing and analyzing musical moments or styles.
Student Guide to Musicianship
What is musicianship?
Musicianship is a loose term that has many different definitions depending on which
musician or teacher you may ask. I personally believe that musicianship is the ability to
actively seek knowledge, perform skill sets particular to your instrument, and
aesthetically discovering artistic sensitivity while performing on your instrument.
Musicianship is not something that you will achieve overnight, but with dedication and
practice, you can experience all that playing an instrument has to offer for you!
How to Practice:
*Side note: The HARDEST part about practicing is taking the instrument out of the case!
1. CONSISTENCY IS KEY!! Practice daily for progress and results. Remember the
phrase “Practice makes Perfect”? WRONG! Practice makes permanent.
Scheduling a regular practice time for yourself daily whether it is a 5 or 15-minute
session will help you to reinforce musical tendencies that were discussed in class
or your private lessons.
2. Assemble your instrument carefully and take the time to warm up yourself and
your instrument! (This means don’t play your highest and lowest notes as loud as
you possibly can right when you start!) Play at a mezzo-forte volume and
gradually extend your range as your embouchure and body become more
comfortable.
3. Play those looooooooooooongtones. Play each note in tune with characteristic
tone quality and practice them at all dynamic levels.
4. Play your scales! Start slow, and then pick up the tempo! It’s important to get
those fingers moving.
5. Practice your assigned lesson or parts. Practice slowly and build it up to the
proper speed. Save yourself frustration and practice for results. Make up exercises
for yourself. Once you have played it correctly, can you play it 3 times in a row
without mistakes? 10 times? Challenge yourself for excellence.
6. Swab out your instrument!!
…Otherwise bacteria move in and grow. It’s really gross. Believe me.
Woodwinds: dry out the inside of your instrument.
Brass: drain the moisture from your instrument.
Wipe off the inside and outside of the instrument and return it to its case.
Do not keep any other items in your case besides your instrument!!
What is Sight-Reading?
Sight-reading is the ability to read a piece of music that you have never seen before. Just
like as if you were to pick up a book and start reading it for the first time. Sight-reading
develops mostly through practice. You will have several opportunities to practice sightreading in class. Good sight-readers have the ability to recognize pitch and rhythm
patterns instantly. The more that you are familiar with your scales, intervals,
articulations, and key signatures, the better you will be at reading and hearing them in a
piece of music. This will also help you learn your band music faster.
The Sight-Reading Checklist:
1. Time Signature
How will I count this?
2. Key Signature
What key am I in?
3. Tempo
How fast or slow is the music?
4. Rhythm
Is there a particular rhythm I’m going to have a hard time with?
5. Accidentals
Is there a sharp or flat marked anywhere that is not in the key?
6. Articulations
Is the piece Staccato? Legato? Mixture?
7. Expression
Are there any important dynamic markings?
8. Miscellaneous
Are there repeat signs? Fermatas? Pick-up notes?
Rehearsals
Some rehearsals will take place outside of the school day. Because of schedule
conflicts, all classes do not meet at the same time each day. After school rehearsals
allow us to play as an entire group to hear what our hard work in class sounds like
altogether!! Without rehearsals, there would be no performance. Performances wouldn’t
be as special to a musician without the hard work and dedication that goes into several
rehearsals. The goal of a rehearsal is to develop musicianship and artistry as an
ensemble. This cannot be developed until YOU are comfortable with your own part!
As a musician, it is important that you come to rehearsal with your part prepared so that
we can focus on the ensemble rather than the section that hasn’t looked over their part.
Knowing your part will make rehearsal more fun and we can focus on the music making
rather than that the key signature has 2 flats. J
Rehearsal Expectations:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Be on time!
Have self-discipline and know your part!
Be respectful. Do not talk while the director or another musician is talking.
Arrange your music in rehearsal order and always have a pencil.
Performance
Onto the best part, PERFORMING! Finally you get to show all of your hard work that
you’ve done throughout the semester to your friends, parents, and teachers. It is essential
that each member of the band be at the concert. If a situation arises where another activity
conflicts with the concert PLEASE NOTIFY MISS FAREJ AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
The earlier the situation is discussed ahead of time, more than likely a solution can be
found. Students though should be reminded that concert and performance participation is
apart of their final grade.
Performance Attire
Students will be asked to wear the following to all performances to create a professional
appearance and experience for the audience. Also, it is important that you are
comfortable. If your clothing prevents you from sitting/standing the way that you need to
play your instrument, you probably shouldn’t wear it!
Ladies:
Black Blouse
Black Pants/Skirt *Skirt needs to be below the knees when seated
Black Stockings (with pants or skirt)
Black Shoes (you may have a heel, but make sure you’re comfortable!)
Gentlemen:
Black Dress Shirt (TUCKED IN)
Black Pants
Black Shoes and Socks
Concert Etiquette Guidelines
1. Only enter the concert hall at appropriate times: before the concert starts or
between entire pieces. Never enter or exit after the music has begun.
2. Only applaud at the end of the piece, not between movements.
**With exception to Jazz music. It is OK to applaud after a solo
3. Refrain from talking until the music has ended.
4. Do not use flash photography or use your phone while musicians are performing.
LISTEN, watch, and enjoy!
How can Parents help?
At Home:
1. Involve your child in private instrumental music lessons! This
helps a student to become more confident playing their instrument
and learn proper technique from an expert! Please ask Miss Farej
for private lesson details!
2. Arrange for a regular time and quiet place for practice. Students
will need a music stand, tuner, and metronome (tonal energy
application).
3. Become familiar with your child’s lesson book and take time to
listen to your child’s practicing
4. Help them to keep their daily practice record in the application on
their iPads.
5. Provide a safe place for your child to store their instrument so that
no harm comes to the instrument. Repairs can be anywhere from
twenty to hundreds of dollars!
6. Encourage your child to play for others when the opportunity
arises! At home, school, or elsewhere in the community!
7. Help keep the instrument in good repair with reeds, valve oil, and
other needs in the case.
School:
1. Post rehearsals and concerts on the family calendar
2. Notify Miss Farej if your child is to be absent or tardy to a
rehearsal that takes place outside of the school day – please make
an advance notice about these circumstances.
Check out the Band Website for Updates and Information!
http://brittanyfarej.wix.com/bgaband
Travelling with the Band
When travelling with the ensemble you are apart of, it is important to remember that you
are not only representing yourself as a musician, but you are also representing Battle
Ground Academy. School rules and regulations still apply though we are off campus.
Students are also expected to respect and honor Battle Ground Academy’s honor code:
“I pledge my word of honor as a gentleman/lady that I have neither given nor
received help on this work.”
As a student of Battle Ground Academy, I personally pledge my honor as a
gentleman/lady to uphold the following precepts:
1. In that cheating is not only dishonorable but also harmful to myself
and my fellow students, I pledge to refrain from the following:
a. Giving and/or receiving aid on a quiz or test.
b. Giving and/or receiving unauthorized aid on homework
assignments
c. Violation of any specific rules/directions given by my
teachers.
2. I pledge to refrain from stealing or borrowing without permission
property of another
3. I pledge to refrain from all deliberate distortions of the truth to my
fellow students, to faculty members, and to all in authority.
Mid-State and All-State Band Opportunities
Students who demonstrate exemplary performance on their instrument have the opportunity to
audition and participate in Tennessee’s Mid-State Ensembles. Students will have the opportunity
to work on the skills required for audition throughout the fall weeks of the school year in class.
This experience allows students to broaden their musical horizons individually and within a
musical ensemble. If a student is selected to be apart of any of the Tennessee Mid-State
ensembles, they will have the opportunity to perform with other young musicians that are
studying alongside them in the greater parts of middle Tennessee area. From the Mid-State band
forms the All-State band that has student participants from East, Middle, and West Tennessee
locations. Students will be given more information about these opportunities in the first few
months of the school year.
Concert Performance Assessment
Concert Performance Assessment that is organized by the Middle Tennessee Band and Orchestra
Association for the Williamson County Area takes place during the school day the week of March
9-13, 2015. Battle Ground Academy Band will attend one of those days for ensemble assessment.
For this assessment, students as an ensemble will prepare two select pieces. Music education
specialists from the area will adjudicate the performance. Participating in Performance
Assessment allows students to have the opportunity to hear other schools perform as well as
getting to show others in the area what they have been working SO unbelievably hard at!
Students who enroll in either Fall/Spring courses for band are STRONGLY encouraged to
participate in this event. Students may also be invited by the director formally to participate.
Some after school rehearsals will be announced in preparation for the Assessment date.
Dates to Know:
These are some dates that you need to mark on your calendar depending on the band that you are
apart of. This calendar is subject to change. You will be notified well in advance from Miss Farej
with any adaptations to the listed dates.
Middle School:
MID-STATE AUDITIONS (7th and 8th Grade Only): December 6
CONCERT PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT at MTSU:
TBA (March 9 – 13th, 2015) **This event occurs during school hours**
**AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSAL PREPARATION DATES FOR THE SPRING
WILL BE ANNOUNCED THIS FALL**
CONCERTS:
December 9 – Rehearsal (after school)
December 10 – Holiday Concert
April 24 – Jammin’ Jamboree
May 5 – Rehearsal (after school)
May 6 – Spring Concert
Upper School:
MID-STATE AUDITIONS for JAZZ (Grades 9-12): December 13
ARTIST GUILD:
November 19 – Rehearsal
November 20 – Upper School Guild Night
FOOTBALL GAMES – PEP BAND EVENTS (Students need to be on campus by 5:15pm)
Games start at 7pm unless otherwise mentioned.
August 22 – First Home Football Game
September 12 – BGA vs. Mount Pleasant
September 26 – HOMECOMING GAME BGA vs. Pope John Paul II
October 10 – BGA vs. Knoxville Webb (Cancer Awareness – Pink)
October 17 – BGA vs. Zion Christian Academy (Senior Night)
(Football Playoffs begin November 7 – Performance times TBA)
CONCERTS:
December 9 – Rehearsal (after school)
December 10 – Holiday Concert
April 24 – Jammin’ Jamboree
May 5 – Rehearsal (after school)
May 6 – Spring Concert
BGA 2014-2015 Band Agreement
We, ______________________(parent/guardian) and ___________________(student)
understand and accept the responsibilities that are expected of 2014-2015 school year
with the Battle Ground Academy Band Program.
___________________________________________
_________________
Student Signature
Date
___________________________________________
_________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
Contact Information
___________________________________________
Student’s School Email (Or one that they will check regularly)
___________________________________________
________________________
Parent Email
Parent Phone Number

Download Report