Percussion Ensemble

The following information is meant to provide you with an overview of the course. Please read it carefully and sign the last page.

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Outline

Course Description

The purpose of the Percussion Ensemble is to offer students a well-rounded approach to learning percussion instruments in order to develop general musicianship.  Students will have the opportunity to develop their skills in all areas of percussion including mallets, pitched and non-pitched percussion, and auxiliary instruments.  The students will participate in numerous types of percussion ensembles and may be assigned to perform with the Wind Ensemble and/or Concert Band.  It is expected that participants are enrolled in the course for the entire year, that they are serious about music, and that they will practice as needed outside of class in order to perform successfully.

Materials

Each student will be provided music and instructional books.  In addition, students are encouraged to purchase materials to aide development including various types of sticks, mallets, practice pads, and a metronome.  The need and use of these items will be addressed throughout the course.  Members are also expected to purchase concert attire; please see the section entitled “Concert Uniform” later in this letter.

It is very important that students take good care of all school equipment as the instruments are very expensive and are expected to be used for many years.  Students will be charged for repair/replacement of equipment which is damaged due to neglect or carelessness.

At the beginning of the school year, students will complete forms releasing the school district from responsibility for securing personal property (individually owned instruments) as well as forms detailing students’ responsibility for securing/maintaining school-owned equipment.

Fair-Share Assessment

In order to cover many of the unique expenses necessary to operate a fine Percussion Ensemble, each student is required to contribute an $95 “fair share assessment” for the course.  Students who are participating in the course for only one semester are required to contribute $50.  The assessment covers the cost of a wide variety of music, maintenance and acquisition of instruments, guest instructors, and transportation to special events.  Unfortunately, we receive very little funding from WCPSS for these needs.

The assessment can be paid in two ways:  1) remit the entire $95 by Friday, Oct. 3; or 2) remit $50 by Oct. 3 and the remainder ($45) by Feb. 6.  Checks should be made payable to “ADHS Band Boosters.”  You may also email our booster treasurers at treasurer@adhsband.com to authorize the deduction of this expense from your account (applicable to students enrolled in marching band or those working fund-raising events).

Schedule and Attendance

Due to the “team” aspect of this course, attendance constitutes a significant portion of each student’s grade (50%).  Students are responsible for attending each daily class on time as well as special after-school rehearsals and performances (see Concert Schedule).  Several percussionists will be asked to perform with the Wind Ensemble and Concert Band at various times throughout the year—see “select percussion” on schedule.  These percussionists will be notified of their assignments early in the semester in order to facilitate schedules and acquire proper dress.  Quality of participation is crucial for the success of the class; students are responsible for remaining on-task during rehearsals and sectional practice, and consistently behaving in a manner which is conducive to group learning.  

Please contact the band office immediately (via email) if there is a serious conflict with any date listed on the Concert Schedule.  An unexcused absence from a rehearsal/performance, or an absence of 10 or more classes a quarter will result in a deduction of one letter from the student’s quarter grade.  The instructor reserves the right to prohibit a student from performing on a concert due to excessive class absences and/or an unexcused absence from a dress rehearsal.  A student who is tardy more than two times a quarter or who misses a class due to suspension will have the attendance portion of his/her band grade lowered by 3 points for each day of infraction.  Students who misuse practice time during the school period, or misbehave in a rehearsal will also have points deducted.

Playing proficiencies and brief written assignments will be scheduled throughout each semester to monitor progress.  Also, each student will receive a formal 5-10 minute “check-up” at least once during each semester.  The purpose of this check-up will be to assess progress, provide individualized assistance with music, and offer advice concerning musical opportunities.  Students will be expected to be prepared; results of check-ups will influence chair placements and future leadership positions.

It is very important that each student practice on their own in addition to playing in a large group.  Students must consistently practice a minimum of 1.5 hours per week on their own in order to be eligible for an “A” and at least 1 hour per week to be eligible for a “B.”  It is recommended that students practice 20-30 minutes each day to achieve the best results.  Students will be provided with opportunities to practice on their own during the class block; many students can satisfy their practice requirement in this manner if they use their time wisely.  Practice records will be checked at the end of the grading period; it is each student’s responsibility to maintain accurate records.

Honors Credit

Honors credit is available in the Spring semester for sophomores, juniors and seniors.  Students may receive this weighted credit for Concert Band provided that they perform/complete specific assignments.  Information about honors credit will be distributed in the latter half of the first semester.  Students will sign-up for honors credit through the band office during the first two weeks of the Spring semester.

Grading

• 50%     Attendance (which includes quality of participation).  See above criteria.
• 50%     Playing proficiency and written assignments.

Students who take private lessons may receive extra credit up to one letter grade if a note from the private teacher is submitted indicating that satisfactory progress was made throughout the grading period.

Concert Uniform

1) When performing as a Percussion Ensemble, students will wear the following attire:

Black shoes, black socks, black dress pants, and black uniform shirt.  Students will be required to purchase the uniform shirt (@$18) from the band office shortly before their first concert in December.

2) Percussion Ensemble students selected to perform with the Wind Ensemble will wear the following attire:

Boys – black shoes, black socks, black dress pants, white tux shirt, black cummerbund and bow tie.  The tux shirt/cummerbund/bow tie combo can be purchased for @30 at any formalwear store.

Girls – same as boys above OR eligible students will be measured for a uniform black dress during the first 3 weeks of school.  The cost of the dress is @$60 and is due upon receipt of dress (early October).  More information about the dress option will be provided under separate cover.  You will also need to provide black, closed-toe shoes.  Only small jewelry may be worn.

3) Percussion Ensemble students selected to perform with the Concert Band will wear the following attire:

Boys – black shoes, black socks, black dress pants, white button-down shirt, tie.

Girls – black closed-toe shoes, black pants or skirt, white blouse.  All hems and slits must be below the knee when sitting, shoulders must be covered, and only small jewelry may be worn.

4) Students will be inspected before each concert begins for proper attire.  Students who are not dressed appropriately may be denied permission to perform with grade deduction.

National Percussion Ensemble Festival, March 2009

Final Thoughts

We are very fortunate to offer this course at Athens Drive.  Due to the “team” aspect of this course, as well as the fact that it is considered an “elective,” students who repeatedly break course policy (making it more difficult for others to learn) will be dismissed.  Thank you—in advance—for our support and enthusiasm. 

Percussion Ensemble

Please sign and return by Friday, Aug. 29 acknowledging that you have read these course guidelines and will follow the policies contained within to the best of your ability.  Students must inform the band office immediately if there is a serious conflict with the schedule and/or if there is a problem procuring the concert attire or fair share assessment.

Student signature ____________________________________

Parent signature _____________________________________