2007-2008

Band & Orchestra Handbook
Policies
Grading Form
Web Page Picture Form

Bands
Jim Meiller
Gina Thompson

Orchestras
Jim Meiller
Jean Statham

www.nhsband.net www.nhsorch.net

Norman High School
2007-2008 Band & Orchestra Handbook - Policies & Grading Form
Teachers: Jim Meiller, Gina Thompson, Jean Statham Subjects: Band/Orchestra/Jazz Band

Grading Scale: A: 90-100 B: 80-89 C: 70-79 D: 60-69 F: 0-59

Components of semester grades:
1. Performances (Tryouts/Concerts/Contests/Tests) 50%
2. Participation 40%
3. Semester test: 10%

Daily Grade (Participation):
25 Points per day based on participation, materials and rehearsal attitude
(15 of those points per day at the opening of each class, participating in “bell-work”, generally warm-ups or tuning exercises).
School policy states that students more than 10 minutes late will be counted as unexcused absent.

Early rehearsals/sectionals (Participation):
25-100 points Points will be deducted for unexcused tardiness. Students attending less than one half of the rehearsal will receive no credit.

Tests/Tryouts/Concerts/Contests (Performance):
100-200 Points unless otherwise noted. To participate in OSSAA sanctioned contests, students must be academically eligible. Ineligible students must be excluded and may receive an alternate assignment. School concerts are not affected by eligibility.

Semester Test:
10% of semester grade

Educational rationale for grading policy:
Tryouts are given to help the director assess individual strengths and weaknesses and to evaluate the performance progress of each student. To fully participate in the experience of ensemble playing, the student will perform in several concerts, contests and other events throughout the year. Each member of an ensemble bears responsibility for his/her part, participation at each rehearsal and performance is essential.

Policy regarding make-up work:
It is the student’s responsibility to schedule make up arrangements with the instructor on the day he/she returns to school. Grades will be recorded as a zero (0) if not made up by one week before the end of each quarter. Upon returning to school after an absence, the student should make up the tryout immediately. Students who make up a tryout will receive a grade but no chair. See the director to make up a tryout during overtime.

Policy regarding extra credit, tutoring, extra assistance, etc.:
Students may make up all tryouts as many times as they wish. Only the highest grades will be counted. Exceptions to this policy include sight-reading tryouts and final exams. Extra credit may be awarded for extra optional activities at the director’s discretion.

Policy regarding tardiness:
Students are expected to be on time for rehearsals (class or outside the school day). ON TIME is: in your chair or marching assigmnet, instrument out and ready to play, music ready when the bell rings (or rehearsal time has begun). Class begins at the bell. All rehearsals will begin ON TIME. Tardy consequences will include conference with the student, call to the parent and detention time. On the 6th tardy an office referral will be written. Please consult the Student Handbook for further information.

Policy regarding unexcused absences:
Since most of what we do is concerned with a large group, attendance at all rehearsals is critical. Absences from a rehearsal penalize the entire group, as material must be reviewed. An unexcused absence shall be recorded as a ZERO (0) for that day and make-up work (or tryouts) will not be accepted for a grade or chair. Students with unexcused absences may be excluded from performances and given an assignment to make up the grade.

Extra (outside the school day) Rehearsals
All performing ensembles will meet outside the school day from time to time. Scheduled rehearsals will be considered graded events. These may include morning sectionals and early rehearsals, evening and weekend concerts and contests. Tryouts may be given during these times. All members of an ensemble will be expected to attend these rehearsals, unless other arrangements are made with the director in advance.

Date Conflicts
All students are expected to perform at each event on the schedule. In band and orchestra, we plan for these performances months in advance and do it with all students in mind. Students missing a performance will often cause problems in the look and sound of the ensemble, short-changing the other members of the group. As an ensemble, we need every member present to obtain the desired results. Please do not schedule vacations, college visits etc. on performance dates. In the event that something will conflict, EXCUSED ABSENCES will be considered if the directors are informed in writing, by a parent, one month in advance. All other absences will be considered unexcused. Please note the early performances scheduled in September, Thursday night football games, long weekends, etc! Plan ahead!!! Use your agenda to keep track of all your important dates and assignments.

Tryouts (Performance Tests)
All students must play on the day a tryout is given. A list of missing tryouts will be posted. These tryouts may be made up on the student’s time if missed. Tryouts missed due to an unexcused absence will be recorded as a zero (“0”) and are not eligible to be made up.

Expectations of NHS Band and Orchestra Students
¸ Attend and be on time for all rehearsals and performances
¸ Have all necessary equipment and music at each rehearsal and performance
¸ Contribute in a positive and productive manner
¸ Stay academically eligible in all of your classes
¸ Wear the appropriate attire to all performances
¸ Use your agenda to keep up with dates and times, wear your ID

Equipment:
Each student is responsible for having a pencil, agenda and the following equipment. Students will be expected to have these with them (on their stand) at all rehearsals.

Flute: Tuning rod, swab Trumpet: Valve oil, straight mute
Oboe/Bassoon: 2 reeds, swab Horn/Mellophone: Mouthpiece, rotor oil, mute suggested
Bassoon: 2 reeds, swab Trombone: Mouthpiece, slide lubricant, straight mute
Clarinet: 4 reeds, swab Baritone/Tuba: Mouthpiece, valve oil
Saxophone 4 reeds, swab Percussion: See individual handouts

Band: A flip folder and lyre is necessary for marching band for ALL band students. Appropriate shoes will be needed during the time that we march. A place to store them in the building is provided. Shoes should go home weekly so that the building can be cleaned. For health and safety reasons, students will not be allowed to march in bare feet or sandals.

Strings: Dark rosin, Bow (Basses)

Private Lessons:
We will be offering a program of private lessons during band and orchestra class time and outside of the school day. Students will pay the instructor for lessons, which are held one day per week. Since this is during class time, the quality of the lesson may be reflected in the student’s participation grade. Students presently studying with teachers elsewhere after school are encouraged to continue with that teacher. All students are encouraged to take advantage of this program.

Marching Uniforms:

High School Band: Plain Black socks, MTX Black marching shoes, black gloves, marching uniform
“Casual Uniform”: Plain Black socks, Plain Black shoes (no boots), Black pants, band polo shirt

Concert Uniforms:
MEN: Plain Black socks, Black dress shoes (no boots), Tuxedo jacket & pants (provided), bow tie, white long sleeve dress (or tux) shirt
WOMEN: Long Black dress, or long Black skirt and Black blouse, Black hose, Black dress shoes
Students not in appropriate uniform may loose the privilege to perform and receive no credit for the performance. If you have questions, please ask. The Orchestras will wear uniforms in October.

School Instruments:
Upkeep for students wishing to use a school instrument is $80/year. See instrument checkout form for details. The following instruments are provided by the school: Oboe, English Horn, Bassoon, A-Clarinet, Alto Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Contra-Alto Clarinet, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, French Horn, Mellophone, Euphonium, Marching Baritone, Tuba, Sousaphone, Percussion, Marching Percussion, String Bass

Participation:
All events are noted on the Date List. Each event will be graded. Please put these dates on your calendar and notify employers (et. al.) early to avoid conflicts.
Sectionals and early rehearsals will be held during the week for the members of the high school band. These rehearsals will carry participation points.
In the event of a conflict with a rehearsal or performance, it is the student’s responsibility to bring it to the attention of the director at least a month BEFORE the event (see CONFLICTS above). Only in emergencies will an alternative assignment be given after an event that has been missed.

Graduation:
All Sophomores and Juniors will perform at graduation exercises for their final exam grade. Check the calendar for the date in May. If the date is after all school is out for the year, the graduation ceremony will still count as the final exam grade. Please plan ahead. Freshmen will take a written/playing final exam.

Eligibility:
See student handbook for an explanation. Eligibility rules apply to all OSSAA sanctioned events. This includes District, Regional and State Contests for Bands/Orchestras/Solos/Ensembles. Students not eligible for competitive events may be given an alternate assignment. (NOTE: Other events may also be affected. Football/Basketball games and concerts do not fall under this rule, as they are non-competitive events for band and orchestra.)

Symphony Orchestra:
Orchestra (10-12) will meet on the following schedule:
MTW, and F: Class enrollment only 4th hour
R: Class: 12:15 - 1:10, (lunch is 1:10 – 1:50) Other winds: 12:15 – 12:45
This schedule may be altered from time to time when the school schedules change. Changes will be announced to the students as soon as they are known and should be on the web site. Graded sectionals and extra rehearsals (outside the school day) will be scheduled for all wind, percussion and string players. Wind and percussion players are chosen by audition and must be concurrently enrolled in band.

Philharmonia Orchestra may have a full orchestra componant. Their rehearsal schedule will be similar to the Symphony Orchestra - meeting outside of regular class time. Wind and percussion players will be chosen by audition or by recommendation of the directors.

Jazz Ensemble:
Membership will be decided by audition, interview or other method and is open to all students. Jazz ensemble meets 2nd hour. Jazz ensemble members must be concurrently enrolled in band or orchestra.

Solo/Ensemble, Honor Groups:
CODA and ALL STATE groups are selected by audition in the fall. See bulletin board (or web site).
CODA: 9th (Band), Wind Ensemble/Symphonic: 10-12 - (Band)
ALL STATE: 10-12 (Band/Orchestra/Jazz Band)
SOLO/ENSEMBLE: February/April. Sign up sheets will be up in the late fall. Be sure to check date list for entry deadlines.
Small Ensembles, etc:
Frequently we are asked to provide music for banquets, fund-raisers, etc. These serve as good community relations for the band and orchestra. Depending on the circumstance, there may or may not be compensation for the performers. We will be glad to help set up and coach any groups you would like to form. Rehearsals are often held at overtime. Early preparation is important.

Fundraising:
See date list for specifics. Funds raised will go to cover organizational costs (instruments, music, computer equipment, uniforms, bus fees, etc.) or trip fees as designated for each event.

Cars:
All students must ride school vehicles when attending a school function with the band or orchestra.

Contest Trip:
The Marching/Concert/Jazz Bands (9-12) are planning a performance trip to San Antonio, TX for the Alamo Bowl, Dec 26-30, 2007
The Orchestras are planning a performance trip, April 10-13, 2008. Destination TBA
We would like all students to participate in trips. Some financial assistance may be available from contributions made for that purpose. Parents requesting financial assistance must do so by submitting in writing a request for assistance. Students receiving assistance must agree to participate in all fundraising activities. Requests must be made prior to the first payment due date. Parents wishing to contribute to a fund for assistance should contact Mr. Meiller.

Musical Production:
The production for 2007 will be OKLAHOMA! A pit orchestra will be selected by the director during the 2nd week of school. Rehearsals will begin in early September with the performances in late October.

Web Pages & E-mail addresses:

Norman High Band:
http://www.nhsband.net

Norman High Orchestra:
http://www.nhsorch.net

Norman Public Schools: http://www.norman.k12.ok.us
Norman High School: http://www.norman.k12.ok.us/705
Mr. Meiller – (bands/orchestras) jmeiller@norman.k12.ok.us
Ms. Thompson – (bands/jazz) gthompson@norman.k12.ok.us
Ms. Statham – (orchestras) jstatham@norman.k12.ok.us

The band and orchestra maintains a web page. The purpose of the page is to communicate to parents and students upcoming events and to celebrate the accomplishments of the band and orchestra students. Web pages are supervised by NHS faculty and will adhere to NPS guidelines.
Please check the web page often. This is where the most current calendars and daily schedules are available. Group pictures from performances and rehearsals may be used as well as candid, small group and individual photos

PLEASE NOTE: As always, if there are questions or problems, please contact the teachers. We can always discuss alternate solutions to concerns! Norman High School phone number is 366-5812

Pit Orch Tue 4 4:15 Band Room OKLAHOMA! rehs begin
Mar Band Thu 6 7:30 NHS Stadium Home Football-Moore
* All Tue 18 4:00 All State/CODA Audition fees due
Mar Band Thu 20 6:00 Band Room Homecoming Parade
Mar Band Fri 21 7:30 NHS Stadium Home FB - Homecoming Ed Mem
Jazz Band Tue 25 6:00 TBA Jazz Night
Mar Band (T) Thu 27 6:30 Band Room Marching Rehearsal
Mar Band (T) Fri 28 4:30 Band Room Marching Rehearsal
Mar Band Sat 29 All Day PC Marching Contest Putnam City High School
Orchestras Sun 30 3:00 Norman CPA NHS Orchestra Fall Concert
OCTOBER
Mar Band Thu 4 7:30 NHS Stadium Home FB – MWC w/8th grades
* Pit Orch Mon- 8 4:30 Norman CPA OKLAHOMA! evening reh begin
Mar Band Fri 12 7:30 PC Stadium Away FB (Pep Band)-Putnam City
Mar Band Sat 13 AM Norman Marching Clinic Norman High School (Stadium)
Mar Band Thu 18 7:30 NHS Stadium Home Football Game-Lawton
Mar Band (T) Sun 21 2:30 Band Room Marching Rehearsal
Mar Band (T) Mon 22 6:30 Band Room Marching Rehearsal
Pit Orch Mon-Sun 22-28 TBA Norman CPA OKLAHOMA! performances
Mar Band Tue 23 TBA Cameron University Regional Marching Contest
Mar Band Fri 26 7:30 Yukon Away FB (Pep Band)-Yukon
Bands Mon-Thu 29-11/1 7:30 am Band Room Concert Band Auditions
NOVEMBER
Mar Band Fri 2 7:30 NHS Stadium Home Football Game-Westmoore
* Bands Sat 3 TBA TBA CODA/All State Audition-Ed SF
Mar Band (T) Fri 9 TBA Band Room Tentative Football Playoffs
Orch (T) Tue 13 TBA Santa Fe HS State String Orchestra Contest
Sym Orch Thu 15 7:30 Lloyd Noble Center All City 5th Grade Concert
* Jazz Sat 17 TBA MWC HS All State Jazz Auditions
Mar Band (T) Fri-Sat 16-17 TBA Band Room Tentative Football Playoffs
Mar Band (T) Sat 24 TBA Band Room Tentative Football Playoffs
Mar Band (T) Fri-Sat 30-12/1 TBA Band Room Tentative Football Playoffs - Finals
DECEMBER
* All Sat 1 All Day Westmoore HS All State Aud: (W/P, Strings)
* All Wed 5 4:00 District Solo/Ens fees due
WE (T) Fri 7 TBA Federal Courthouse Naturalization Ceremony
Bands Sat 8 10 AM Band Room Norman Christmas Parade
Orchestras Mon 10 8:15 Norman CPA NHS Orchestras Winter Concert
Bands Tue 11 8:15 Norman CPA NHS Bands Winter Concert
Jazz Band Sun 16 3:00 NHS Theatre Winter Jazz Concert
Spring Semester
GROUP DAY DATE TIME PLACE EVENT
(T) Tentative
JANUARY
* Band Fri/Sat 11-12 TBA OU-Sharp Hall CODA Band Clinic/Concert-2 pm
* All Wed 16 Last day to qualify for S/E Contest
* All Thu-Sat 17-19 Tulsa All State Clinic/Concert-1 PM
BBall Band (T) Tue 22 6:15 Band Room Home Basketball Game-Del CityFEBRUARY
BBall Band (T) Fri 1 6:15 Band Room Home Basketball - Norman North
Orchestras Tue 5 TBA Norman CPA Pre-Contest clinic
BBall Band (T) Tue 12 6:15 Band Room Home Basketball Game-MWC
Philharmonia Orch Wed 13 TBA Santa Fe HS State E-Orchestra Contest
Symphony Orch Thu 14 TBA Santa Fe HS State Orchestra Contest
BBall Band (T) Fri 15 6:15 Band Room Home Basketball Game-Moore
BBall Band (T) Mon 18 6:15 Band Room Home Basketball Game-Ardmore
Percussion Tue 19 7:00 Norman CPA Robert Cason Memorial Concert
* Solo/Ens Sat 23 TBA Norman HS District Solo/Ens Contest
Bands (T) Mon 25 TBA TBA All City Rehearsals
Orchestras (T) Thu 26 TBA TBA All City Rehearsals
* Solo/Ens Wed 27 4:00 State Solo/Ens Fees due

MARCH
Bands Thu 13 TBA Norman CPA Pre-Contest clinic
Bands Mon 31 7:30 Lloyd Noble Center All City Band ConcertAPRIL
Orchestras Tue 1 7:30 Lloyd Noble Center All City Orchestra Concert
Jazz (T) Thu 3 TBA NOC-Tonkawa Redbud Jazz Festival
Symphonic Band Wed 9 TBA Edmond North State E Band Contest
Wind Ensemble Thu 10 TBA PC North State Band Contest
Orchestras Thu-Sun 10-13 TBA TBA Performance Trip
* Solo/Ens Wed 16 TBA OSU State Solo/Ens Contest
Jazz (T) Wed 23 TBA MWC State Jazz Contest
* All Sat 26 TBA TBA NHS PromMAY
* All Fri 2 7:30 AM Commons Breakfast of Champions
Jazz (T) Sat 3 TBA TBA Mayfair
Orchestras Mon 5 8:15 Norman CPA NHS Orchestras Concert
Bands Tue 6 8:15 Norman CPA NHS Bands Concert
* All Thu 8 TBA First Baptist Senior Scholarship Night
Jazz (T) Sun 11 3:00 NHS Theatre Jazz Concert
* Band/Orch Fri 16 7:00 McFarlin Church Band/Orchestra Banquet
HS Band/Orch Fri 23 7:00 Lloyd Noble NHS Graduation
HS Band (T) Tue-Wed 27-28 8:00 Band Room Marching Camp* These events are optional. All others are to be considered Public Performances and grades will be given.
Note: Students who are ineligible and therefore unable to perform at contests will be given an alternate assignment.
TBA: To be announced FYI: For your information ENS: Ensembles Solo/Ens: Solos/Ensembles

RETURN PAGE
Please read the grading and policy information.

Sign and return only this page to your teacher by Friday, August 24, 2007. Please note: this is for a 100-point assignment. A grade reduction of 10 pts/day will be assessed for late papers. Extra credit (10 pts/day) will be given to papers turned in early.


As parent or legal guardian of the student listed above, I have read and understand the grading policy in the instrumental music department at Norman High School. I also give my permission for my student to ride school vehicles to contests, performances, etc.

Norman High Web Site
I grant permission for my child’s photograph and/or academic work to be used on the Norman High School Web Site. I understand that the picture or work will only be identified by my child’s first name, and that it will only be used on the school website, found at http://www.norman.k12.ok.us/705.

Student’s Name (printed): _______________________________________

Student Signature ______________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________________

If you have any questions, please call the school at (405) 366-5812.
This form, signed by a parent or legal guardian, must be returned the band and orchestra staff before the photo or work can be used online.