“Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”~ Aristotle

Neuqua Valley High School Band Handbook  2007-2008

 Directors:
Mr. William Jastrow, Mr. Kingsley Tang, Mr. Jonathan Lauff, Mrs. Rachel Luhn, and Mr. Charles Staley
Indian Prairie School District #204:    Naperville, Illinois

The GRAMMY Foundation’s Signature Schools program, sponsored by 7 UP, annually recognizes the top 42 public high schools across the country for outstanding commitment to their music education programs. Determined by a panel of top music educators and professionals, schools are awarded grants for their music departments.  In 2005, Neuqua Valley High School was recognized as the National GRAMMY Signature School.  In addition to this prestigious award, Neuqua Valley High School received a grant for $25,000 that will be used to upgrade our musical instruments.  NVHS retains National GRAMMY Signature School Status until 2008 when we may apply for the 2009 award.

Who is a true musician?  A true musician hears before doing. A true musician loves ideas better than systems. A true musician feels before analyzing. A true musician discovers patterns everywhere. A true musician connects anything to anything else. A true musician enjoys the feeling of sound and the sounds of feeling. A true musician plays through silences. A true musician can find pulse in a single tone. A true musician listens to lilt, accent, vowels and consonants and not just words, A true musician listens to the still inner voice. From What to Listen for in the World by Bruce Adolphe

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Handbook Contents

Introduction and Staff Significant Dates Calendar Philosophy & Goals Natioanl Standards for Music Education Neuqua Valley Philosophy of Music Education Rules & Expectations Rehearsal Expectations Rules Consequences Further Clarifications of Rules Standards of Operation Attendance Policy Audience Behavior Small Children Behavior Awards Concert Attire Equipment Folders and Music Grading Policy Locks & Lockers Technique Classes Uniforms

Performance Opportunities Curricular Ensembles Co-curricular ensembles Tours Leadership Opportunities Leadership Creed Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Bands, Concert Bands Marching Band Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Bands Pep Band Pit Orchestra Guided Practice Teachers Enhancements Fundraising Midi Lab Parent Organization Private Lessons School Song and Alma Mater

Introduction and Staff

Dear Neuqua Valley High School Band Member,

 We welcome you as a member of the 2007-2008 NVHS Band program. In 2005, the NVHS Music Program was named the National GRAMMY Signature School, ranking us as the top high school music programs in the United States.  Your choice to participate in this program will allow you to experience top quality musical experiences while using some of the finest facilities offered in a high school band setting. 

 We welcome well over one hundred and seventy new students to the band program from Crone, Gregory and Scullen Middle Schools, as well as students who have moved here from all over the United States. The NVHS Bands motto is a quote from Aristotle: “Excellence Is Not an Act, But A Habit.”  Participation in band allows you to enjoy unique feelings and experiences, and together, through hard work and persistence, we will continue to excel.  Excellence is habit forming.

 This handbook is designed to provide you and your parents with an awareness and understanding of the policies, organizational structure, and general functioning of the Neuqua Valley High School Band Program. This handbook should be read in its entirety, discussed, and bookmarked for future reference.  Contact information for the directors is as follows: 

Mr. Charles Staley	428-6670	charles_staley@ipsd.org
Mr. William Jastrow	428-6440	bill_jastrow@ipsd.org
Mr. Jonathan Lauff	428-6669	jonathan_lauff@ipsd.org
Mrs. Rachel Luhn	428-6440	rachel_luhn@ipsd.org
Mr. Kingsley Tang	428-6669	Kingsley_tang@ipsd.org

 Mr. Charles Staley was Fine Arts Chair and Band Director at Waubonsie Valley High School for twelve years before moving to Neuqua Valley in 1997. He started his career at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island, Illinois. Mr. Staley received his degrees from the University of Wisconsin and the University of Illinois and is a National Board Certified Teacher.  Mr. Staley is the Fine Arts Department Chair and will be teaching the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Pit Orchestra and the Neuqua Valley Symphony Orchestra.

 Mr. William Jastrow received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Illinois and his Master’s Degree from Northwestern University. Prior to teaching at Neuqua Valley, Mr. Jastrow served as Director of Bands at Glenbard South H.S. for ten years and at Homewood-Flossmoor H.S., his alma mater, for nine years. Mr. Jastrow will be teaching the Concert Bands, technique classes, the Blue & Gold Jazz Bands, and the Marching Wildcats. Mr. Jastrow is also a Department Assistant at the Gold Building.

 Mr. Jonathan Lauff received his Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and his Master's Degree from Northwestern University. Prior to teaching in District 204, Mr. Lauff taught at Aledo High School in Aledo, Illinois. Mr. Lauff will be teaching the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band I, technique classes, Jazz Orchestra, and is the leader of the Marching Wildcats.  Mr. Lauff is also an NVHS Auditorium Manager and the District 204 Fine Arts Festival Chairman.

 Mrs. Rachel Luhn received her Bachelor's Degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and Master's Degree at Vandercook College of Music. Prior to coming to NVHS, she taught for four years at Saratoga Grade School in Morris, IL. She will be teaching Concert Band, Symphonic Band and technique classes at both buildings. She leads the Spirit Corps division of the Marching Wildcats and directs the Wildcat Pep Band.

Mr. Kingsley Tang received his Bachelor’s and Master's Degrees from Northwestern University. Mr. Tang student taught at Hersey High School and was the Assistant Director of the Northwestern Wildcat Pep Band.  Mr. Tang will be teaching  Symphonic Band, music theory, technique classes, the Jazz Band, assisting with the Marching Wildcats, and will direct the Wildcat Pep Band.

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 Significant Dates Calendar  2007-2008

Music Department Calendar
Concert  & Dress Rehearsal Schedule

Philosophy & Goals

 We are what we repeatedly do.  Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.       - Aristotle

 If the 22nd violinist in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra was not important, they would only hire 21 violinists.

 National Standards for Music Education

 1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
5. Reading and notating music.
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.
8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.

Neuqua Valley Philosophy Of Music Education
Young people should have an education that gives them the opportunity for a wide variety of learning experiences. Music provides a unique avenue to the imaginative and affective aspects of life and their contribution to our cultural heritage.

Young people play, sing, move, compose, and listen to music through participation in the music program. They have active musical experiences of both an individual and shared nature under expert guidance. Their lives and the life of the community will be enriched by their participation.

As music educators of Indian Prairie School District 204, we strive to do the following:

•  Nurture an enjoyment and understanding of music, which will enrich the quality of life

•  Help students realize their potential by providing opportunities for creativity and expression of feelings and ideas through music.

•  Develop individual musical interests and skills that will allow participation in music making throughout life and which may lead to a career in music.

•  Expand knowledge, awareness, and appreciation of different kinds of music to cultivate discriminating consumers.

•  Offer varied musical experiences through which students may become acquainted with other art forms and cultures.

 Rules & Expectations 

“You can have an idea in your head, but if you can’t execute it, what’s the use?  You got to have the technical [side] down.”  – Eddie Van Halen

Rehearsal Expectations
To help you achieve the high standards of excellence expected of every NVHS musician, we are providing you with a list of Rehearsal Expectations that apply to all rehearsals regardless of the ensemble, time of day, or location.  Conductors will evaluate your efforts and progress towards achieving that standard of excellence by observing the following behaviors:

PRIOR TO REHEARSAL

Musician is inside the rehearsal room or instrument room when the bell rings. Before/After School Rehearsals:  Musician arrives a minimum of 5 minutes prior to the announced rehearsal time.

Musician attends rehearsal with instrument in good working condition and all necessary accessories (i.e. quality reeds, mutes, sticks/mallets, valve oil, clean mouthpiece, etc.) including a useable pencil with an eraser.

Musician prepares for rehearsal by demonstrating proper instrument assembly/set-up and maintenance techniques, as well as music folio organization.

Musician prepares for rehearsal by demonstrating proper individual warm-up techniques (i.e. long tones, lip slurs, scales & arpeggios, sticking patterns, etc.)

Musician demonstrates proper rehearsal decorum by concluding all rehearsal preparations when the conductor steps to the podium.

 

DURING REHEARSAL

Musician demonstrates professional level playing posture, proper hand position, and an embouchure appropriate to the instrument throughout the rehearsal.

Musician demonstrates frequent eye contact with the conductor during musical performanceas well as during verbal instructions.

Musician demonstrates proper rehearsal decorum by remaining focused and on task for the entire rehearsal including periods when the conductor is working with another section or giving verbal instructions to the ensemble as a whole. Homework from other classes is not permitted in rehearsal.

Musician demonstrates proper rehearsal decorum by not eating food or candy including chewing gum or drinking beverages with the exception of water during rehearsal.

 

AFTER REHEARSAL

Musician demonstrates proper instrument, equipment, music folio, and/or uniform care and storage after each rehearsal or performance.  Instruments are to be disassembled, swabbed (if necessary), and stored in cases.

Musician adequately prepares concert music outside of rehearsal

 

                 Rules 

 All members of the NVHS Band Department must adhere to the following rules:

1. Have the appropriate classroom materials everyday.

2. Show proper respect to classmates, visitors, equipment, and director.

3. If "it" is not yours, leave "it" alone.

4. Be on time to class, prepared to play.

5. Food or beverage not allowed in the band room.

 

Why these rules exist:

1. Without the appropriate materials, a student cannot function to the best of his/her ability. Each of the Neuqua Valley High School Bands relies on the efforts of each member. If even one member of the band cannot fully participate, the band suffers.

2. Like any class, learning cannot occur without the mutual respect of teacher and student.

3. Instruments, music and equipment are expensive. Instrument repairs are expensive.

4. Class time is very valuable and very short. Every minute will be used to help achieve our musical and personal goals.

5. The messes caused by food and beverages can be very expensive and can damage music or instruments beyond repair.

  

Consequences
Steps in this hierarchy can be passed over as a result of extreme behavior

First offense: Warning that future actions of the same nature will result in punishment.

Second offense: Student must serve a 30-minute detention.

Third offense: Student must serve a 30-minute detention. A phone call home also occurs.

Fourth offense: Referral to the student’s Dean, plus a conference with parents regarding an evaluation of student's continued involvement in the class.

 

Justification of consequences
This hierarchy of consequences allows the students to make a mistake before being penalized. This hierarchy is constructed so the students and parents understand the rules, consequences, and rewards for the 2007-2008 Neuqua Valley High School Band.

Further Clarifications of Rules
Appropriate classroom material includes any item the student may need to function properly for the course of the entire class period/rehearsal. This includes functioning instruments, proper music, pencils, mutes, valve oil, cork grease, extra reeds, sticks or mallets, etc.

 Proper respect includes not talking when the director or another student has "the podium."

 It does not matter if someone told you that you could borrow "it." Unless you own "it" or have an agreement with the teacher concerning "it", you are responsible for any damages to "it."

 Rewards
The student is rewarded for good behavior both intrinsically and extrinsically.  The cooperative and industrious student:          

• Cultivates habits promoting excellence

• Receives verbal recognition/praise

• Develops a high level of self confidence

• Improves his or her grade in band

• Becomes a better musician

• Is eligible for end-of-the-year awards

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Standards of Operation 

When a musician performs, he/she uses approximately 90% of the brain.  There is no other activity that uses the brain to that extent.  Brain scans taken during musical performances show that virtually the entire cerebral cortex is active while musicians are playing.  Can you think of a better exercise for the mind/brain?  Dr. Frank Wilson & Dr. Norman Weinberger, Educational Leadership & Research

 "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not. The world is full of unsuccessful men with talent. Education will not. The world is full of educated derelicts. The slogan 'Press On' has solved, and always will solve the problems of the human race."   ~ C. Coolidge

 Attendance Policy
The success of our band program is in direct relationship to students' attendance and effort during rehearsals. The attendance policy of the Concert Bands, Symphonic Bands, Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble is the same as the school’s attendance policy. If a student is absent from the class (12) times in one semester, the student may be dropped from the class.

 As a member of the NVHS Band Department, students are expected to:

• Place attendance at all band performances as of equal, if not greater, priority to any other activities in which you are involved

•  Show a sense of responsibility by informing your parents of rehearsal and performance dates

•  Show a sense responsibility by informing a director of potential conflicts well in advance

An absence from a scheduled performance shall be considered excused if the absence is due to serious illness or accident. Family emergencies for health reasons will also be excused if the student’s parent notifies the director of the emergency situation as soon as possible. An absence from a scheduled performance shall be considered unexcused if the absence is for any reason other than those mentioned, or the absence has not been discussed with the director prior to the performance.

A request for an excused absence from a performance for reasons other than those stated above must be discussed with the director no less than 10 school days prior to the performance. Any request, regardless of reason, received after that time can be listed as unexcused. Specific arrangements must be made in advance with the director in the event of conflicts with other school, community, or family activities. If a possible schedule conflict can be foreseen, a note should be given to the director when the conflict is discovered. Very few conditions merit an excused absence.  Giving advanced notice does not guarantee the absence will be excused.  Excused absence requests as a result of conflicts between performance events and part-time jobs will not be accepted. No student will be required to perform in any annually scheduled performance for which the director could not provide a minimum of 11 school days notice.  (See 2007-2008 Performance Calendar)

Performance attendance with proper uniform, materials and preparation = A

Musicians who are tardy for the call time, display improper concert etiquette or leave before the time stipulated by a director will have performance grades lowered one letter. 

Excused absence from a performance requires an alternative assignment.

A request for an alternative assignment must be made by the student within 1 week of the performance absence.  The director will determine the make-up assignment and the due date.

Unexcused absence from performance = 0 Credit Points

Audience Behavior
Part of being a strong and understanding musician involves understanding the role the audience plays in a performance. The following is a list of ten items that appeared in a music educator’s journal.  This list sums up the basics of being a good audience member.  A statement generated by the NVHS staff in an effort to help parents of small children understand how they can help us create an environment conducive to music making follows this:

Variations on an "Audience Oath" by James Keller

I will remember that music is an ephemeral soundscape superimposed on a background of silence, and that its existence is fragile.

I will not speak while music is being performed publicly, unless to request an ambulance.

I will not bring cellophane-wrapped candies into a concert hall. If I do, I will not unwrap them while the music is being sung (or played). If I have a coughing fit, I will find an exit.

If I arrive after the concert has begun, I will stand in the back of the hall until the piece has ended. If I can attain my seat without disturbing any other listener, I will not enter into conversation once I reach it.

If I possess a wristwatch or cel phone that beeps, I will leave it at home with my hard candies. If I use a hearing aid, I will ask my neighbor to alert me if I should suddenly emit a shriek.

I will not clap unless I am absolutely certain the piece is over.

I will not shuffle papers, flip audibly through my program or squirm. If my young children become bored, we will leave unobtrusively, rather than interfere with the pleasure of others.

I will not sprint up the aisle the instant the last piece has ends. If I must exit without applauding the singers (or players), I will wait until they leave the stage, sparing them the insult of seeing the results of their effort rewarded with a view of my backside.

 

Small Children at Concerts and Recitals  It is our wish that all beepers and cell phones are silenced during our performances. Unfortunately, a corresponding button does not exist for small children and there will be times when they “go off.” If you are in the company of a child under the age of 5, please sit in an aisle seat so that you will be prepared for these times. If your child is restless or disruptive during the concert, please take him or her out of the auditorium at once. Our students practice hard and deserve a quiet and attentive audience. All concerts are recorded and preserved on Compact Disc. We do not wish to record voices of small children unless they are a planned part of the program. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.

 "The musician is constantly adjusting decisions on tempo, tone, style, rhythm, phrasing, and feeling -- training the brain to become incredibly good at organizing and conducting numerous activities at once.  Dedicated practice of this orchestration can have a great payoff for lifelong skills, intelligence, and ability for self-knowledge and expression."

John J. Ratey, M.D., A User's Guide to the Brain

 

Awards
In addition to the award of fond memories of great musical experiences, each band member has the opportunity to earn end-of-the-year awards signifying their commitment to the music department. Graduation Numbers, JV Letters, Varsity Letters, and plaques are the Performing Arts Letters/Awards that will be awarded at the end of the year based on active participation in a number of performing ensembles. Patches are also awarded for active participation in all ensembles requiring a significant time commitment  (i.e. Steel Band, Jazz Band, Solo and Ensemble, Pit Orchestra). Marching Band members will receive an athletic award for their participation throughout the entire marching band year.

 

 Concert Attire

The Concert and Symphonic Bands perform in black and white attire. Students are required to purchase a tuxedo shirt, black cummerbund, and black bow tie for concert performances. Information will be sent home in the next few weeks, and the estimated cost is a total of $35.00. In addition to the tuxedo shirt, cummerbund, and black bow tie, men must wear black dress pants, black shoes, and black socks. Women may wear either black dress pants or a black skirt with black shoes and nude stockings. All skirts must cover the student’s knees when seated on the stage. If a student fails to wear the concert dress, he or she will not be allowed to play the concert, and a lower performance grade will result.

The Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble perform in full tuxedos and black dresses. Information will be sent home in the next few weeks outlining the details and costs of these uniforms.

The jazz ensembles, pep band, and steel bands will select their performing atire within the first month of rehearsals.

 

Equipment

NVHS has a number of instruments and instrument accessories available for student use. Since no fees are charged for the use of school-owned instruments, the care and upkeep of each instrument is the sole responsibility of the student using the instrument. The instruments purchased for NVHS are top quality instruments. The student will pay for repairs needed for each instrument. To use a school instrument, a student will be required to sign an equipment check out form and receive an instrument use orientation from a director.

 Students using school woodwind and brass instruments will need to purchase their own mouthpiece and necessary materials. This includes neck straps, seat straps, valve oil, reeds, etc.  ALL percussionists are required to purchase and bring to rehearsals and technique classes the following or comparable sticks and mallets as approved by Mr. Staley or Mr. Jastrow:  1) Vic Firth SD1 General Purpose or Pro Mark 2B wood tip snare drum sticks, 2) Black Swamp 2B medium hard timpani mallets, and 3)  Mike Balter #4 medium rubber rattan keyboard mallets.

 “Music is your own experience, your thoughts, your wisdom. If you don’t live it, it won’t come out of your horn.” - Charlie Parker (1920-1955)

  

Folders and Music

 Students are issued a music folder to keep rehearsal handouts and music in. The music and the folder issued to individuals are the student’s responsibility. Music originals and folders are expensive. Replacement of lost/damaged originals will cost $5.00 per sheet (paid by the student). Replacement of lost/damaged folder w cost $20.00 (paid by the student).

 

 Grading Policy

Grades will be posted online using the school’s Pinnacle program. Every effort will be made to update this program grades every 3-4 weeks.

First Semester Grade = Quarter 1 + Quarter 2  (cumulative 80%) + Final Exam (20%)
Second Semester Grade = Quarter 3 + Quarter 4  (cumulative 80%) + Final Exam (20%)
Semester Grade = Rehearsal and Concert Decorum (40%)  + Performance Projects (30%) +  Technique Class Preparation (30%)

 REHEARSAL AND CONCERT DECORUM (40%):
Rehearsal and Concert Decorum encompasses all rehearsals and performances, including outside of the school day activities. The decorum grade is an assessment of a student’s rehearsal and performance preparations, skills and contributions.  This grade is based on the following criteria: a) punctuality, b) instrument, equipment, and music care, c) individual preparation prior to rehearsal, d) posture and hand position, e) self-discipline and professionalism, f) effort and contribution, g) attentiveness to deadlines and procedures, h) achievement of rehearsal objectives, and i) individual practice skills.

PERFORMANCE PROJECTS (30%):
Performance projects fall into several categories: Aural Skill Exercises, Worksheets, Research Projects, Examinations, Ensemble/Solo Performance, Sight-reading, and Patron of the Arts. Each quarter, a student is required to demonstrate progress in these categories. At times, specific performance projects will be assigned. At other times a student may select the projects of greatest interest and/or benefit from a project list provided by a director.

Students may demonstrate proficiency on a performance project at any time prior to the announced completion date. Projects completed after the assigned dates without approval by a director will receive only partial credit.

PATRON OF THE ARTS ~ To receive Patron of the Arts credit, each student must attend one artistic event per semester in which he/she does not perform and fill out the Patron of the Arts Concert Review worksheet. To receive full credit, this critique should be filled out and handed in within two weeks of the performance attendance.

TECHNIQUE CLASS (30%):
This involves performance of any assigned material at the weekly technique class. Assessment will be based on tone, intonation, pitch, rhythm, articulation, dynamics, phrasing, and attention to musical nuance, music preparation and individual practice skills.

 EXTRA CREDIT may be earned in a variety of ways, including performance in co-curricular music ensembles(s), attendance at clinic/workshops, multiple Patron of the Arts experiences, additional technique class lessons, and/or proficiency of grading criteria beyond the required minimum. Students interested in extra credit projects should discuss their ideas with a director prior to completion of the project.

 

 Locks and Lockers

School owned instruments are assigned specific lockers with school owned locks. If you are not using a school owned instrument, you will need a combination lock in order to use a locker. (No Key locks allowed). Each lock must be registered with a director. If a lock is not registered, it may be cut off. Lockers must be kept clean and orderly. If misused, the privilege of storing personal items in a band locker may be revoked.

 

 Technique Classes

Once a week, every band student will be scheduled for a technique class that will meet during the first or second half of the student's lunch/option period. Because of scheduling concerns it may become necessary for the student to adjust their lunchtime to accommodate the technique schedule. If necessary, students will be given a pass to allow entry to the Band Room during an option period.

Technique classes are only 22 minutes in length, so every minute is vital. 30% of the quarter grade is based on technique class performances of the assigned materials. The web based computer program “Smart Music” will be used for assessment of some assigned materials.  Smart Music assesses intonation, pitch and rhythm.  Your teacher will assess your The grade will be an assessment of performance with consideration to tone, articulation, dynamics, phrasing, attention to musical nuance, music preparation, and individual practice skills.    Technique classes are NOT sectional rehearsals. Technique class instruction and assignments are designed to systematically develop technical and musical skills and knowledge, and to prepare students for the various curricular and co-curricular ensemble placement auditions that are scheduled throughout the school year.  Consequently, technique class grades provide a student on a weekly basis specific  "audition feedback" in regards to musical strengths, weaknesses, and progress.  

It is the responsibility of the student to schedule a make-up session within one week should an unexcused absence from a technique class occur.  Beyond a week, a student may not receive full credit for a make-up technique session. 

 

Uniforms
Whether on stage or seated in the auditorium, concert dress is to remain "intact" until the conclusion of a concert. The Concert Bands, Symphonic Bands, Wind Symphony, and Wind Ensemble concert uniforms are discussed under the "Concert Attire" heading. Co-curricular ensembles will discuss concert attire/uniform within the first few rehearsals.

The following guidelines apply to the Marching Band uniforms:
Mistreatment of a uniform at any time will not be tolerated. Mistreatment of a uniform may result in suspension from a performance. Whenever in public, NVHS Marching Band uniforms are to be worn in a respectable manner as explained by a director or uniform committee member.  Students should NEVER eat or drink while wearing the band uniform.

 

“To play great music, you must keep your eyes on a distant star.” - Yehudi Menuhin 

Performance Opportunities

There is a direct correlation between improved SAT scores and the length of time spent studying the arts.  Those who studied the arts four or more years scored 60 points higher on verbal and 41 points higher on math portions of the SAT than students with no coursework or experience in the arts for a combined total of 101 points higher. The College Board

 The very best engineers and technical designers in the Silicon Valley industry are, nearly without exception, practicing musicians. -The Center for the Arts In Basic Curriculum

 The University of Illinois's famed Marching Illini has about 257 musicians.  Almost half of its members are engineering majors.  -University of Illinois Office of Admissions/Department of Bands