Ensembles Concert Bands Wind Ensemble
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Wind EnsembleAbout the Wind Ensemble | Grading Procedure | Class Responsibilities | Required Events | What to Wear | Class Schedule ABOUT THE WIND ENSEMBLE
The Wind Ensemble class is the premier concert band setting at Mead High School and is for the musician interested in a very professional and mature setting. Students contain the highest level of commitment to the success of the group by contributing each and every day with a team, and individually minded sense of responsibility. Class time is spent primarily on the execution of literature rather than the development of the individual player. Literature tends to be grades 4 – 6 in difficulty (grade 6 is collegiate level).
Admission, part assignment, and chair placement in the performing ensembles is a decision to be made by the directors and will be made by evaluating many factors, both immediate and long term in scope. The performance skills, attitude, reliability, responsibility, and effort put forth by the student, among others, are factors that will be evaluated by the directors in making a decision for admission, part assignment, and chair placement. In other words, the directors strongly feel that an evaluation of the complete student, both past and present is important when considering placement. Additionally, the future role of the student in the program and their life may play a role.
Students in this ensemble tend to be 11th and 12th grade students that have refined their individual and ensemble skills through participation in the Symphonic Band and/or Concert Band class. Many of the members in this ensemble receive private study on their instrument and many plan on making music a future area of study in life after high school. Music performed in this class tends to be both traditional and contemporary wind band literature and is often at the collegiate level of difficulty. GRADING PROCEDUREDAILY PARTICIPATION UNIT (30%) – The student is in attendance, punctual, prepared with materials, participating in a positive manner, and following instructions given by the instructor. 10 points will be awarded for each successful 6 period day and 15 points for a block day. PERFORMANCE and REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE UNIT (30%) – Performances serve as the exams of our subject area and our daily work. Additionally, it is often necessary to hold rehearsals outside the school day or during access to combine classes such as percussion and one of the concert bands. Students will receive ample notification of required performances and rehearsals and will receive credit for their attendance. Students are required to attend all performances and rehearsals. Performance and rehearsal attendance includes being present for the entire event. Arriving late or leaving early will result in a loss of points. Students who miss concerts without an excused absence may be subject to removal from the course. Excused absences generally include family emergency and/or illness. 200 points will be awarded for each performance, 75 points for each rehearsal. MUSIC HOMEWORK UNIT (20%) – 300 points for non marchers As homework for our class, students will be asked to participate in activities outside the class time. Most students will choose to earn credit in this category by participating in Marching Band. However, students who choose to not participate in Marching Band due to schedule conflicts with other school activities and/or personal reasons can earn credit in this category through alternative assignments. The following is a list of activities/assignments that can fulfill this requirement. Note: Additional assignments may be approved by the instructor. Possible Homework Unit Assignments – Marching Band (see scoring rubric), Research and Listening Papers (50 pts per page, single spaced with Times New Roman font size #12), Performing for/with Community groups such as church functions, etc (100pts each), Private lessons (50 pts per lesson), Performance Write-ups such as attending classically based concerts, stage productions, etc (50pts per page). Marching Band Scoring Rubric –
COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL SERVICE UNIT (10%) Each Band student will be asked to complete Community and/or School Service. These assignments will include working a shift and providing a baked good at the Mead Band Craft Fair, performing at school assemblies, and performing at home basketball games. MUSIC COMPETENCY UNIT (PLAYING AND WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS) (10%) – Periodically the student will be asked to perform individual playing and written assignments to monitor preparation, practice, and study. Playing assignments will be on a 10 point scale and written assignments will be based on the number of questions. Additionally, our state and district now have guidelines for assessing each student involved in the arts. This assessment is called a Classroom Based Performance Assessment (CBPA). With assistance and direction of the teachers, students will be asked to prepare a music festival solo appropriate for their level of ability. Preparation will include technical development and facility, basic research regarding the composer, composition time period, terminology and vocabulary, etc. Each student will perform this solo prior to the completion of the 1st semester and will be encouraged to perform this solo at the EWMEA Solo & Ensemble Festival in February. Results of this performance will be forwarded to the district. MAKE UPS Make ups will be allowed for excused absences only and are the responsibility of the student. The make ups will need to be appropriate to the category missed as outlined below. Missed Rehearsals and Daily Participation – A missed rehearsal can be made up by logging monitored practice time at school during non-class time (i.e. access, before school, after school). The make up must equal the amount of rehearsal time missed. Missed Performances – A missed performance can be made up by performing an approved in-class solo that is 3-5 minutes in length. Electronic or live accompaniment may be used. Community and School Service – Make ups in this category include attending additional basketball games, assisting with our elementary program, and performing at community locations (such as nursing homes, etc). Additional items may be available as approved by the directors. Music Competency – These can be made up by simply completing the missed assignment. Music Homework – Make ups in this category will fall under missed rehearsal and/or performance OR by simply turning in missing work. CLASS RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS
Preparation of individual parts – practice!
Attendance at all scheduled events Positive team-oriented attitude Possession of appropriate instrument Some school instruments may be available Provide Instrument accessories (reeds, mouthpieces, sticks, ligature, valve oil, etc) REQUIRED EVENTS FOR CONCERT BAND COURSES
Fall Concert (late October or early November)
Mead Bandwagon Craft Fair Shift – 4 hour minimum (Veteran’s Day Weekend) Winter Holiday Concert (mid December) 2-3 Home Basketball Games per semester EWMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival (early February) Early Spring Concert (mid March) EWMEA Band Festival (late March) Columbia Basin College Band Festival (mid April) Lilac Parade (mid to late May, Armed Forces Day Weekend) End of the Year Concert and Awards (Early June) Graduation (early June) WHAT TO WEAR FOR PERFORMANCES
Members of the Wind Ensemble class will wear tuxedos and dresses provided by the MHS Band.
CLASS SCHEDULEThe Wind Ensemble class meets 3rd period of the day.
Monday, Tuesday, and Friday: 10:17am - 11:09am
Wednesday: 10:55am - 12:25pm
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