Raleigh Charter High School
CONCERT BAND HANDBOOK
Intermediate Band
Honors Intermediate Band
2015-2016
Dr. Cynthia Clark Brown
Conductor
919.715.1155, Extension 3213
cbrown@raleighcharterhs.org
www.raleighcharterhs.org/faculty/cbrown
Raleigh Charter High School
1307 Glenwood Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27605
Dr. Cynthia Clark Brown
Director of Band Activities
cbrown@raleighcharterhs.org
www.raleighcharterhs.org/faculty/cbrown
5 August 2015
Dear Students and Parents:
Welcome to Raleigh Charter High School and the 2015-2016 school year. I trust that
your summer was wonderful and that you are excited about our work together this year.
In this handbook are procedures, guidelines, and a syllabus. Please look over this
information carefully; then print and sign the acknowledgment form at the end of
this handbook. Your signatures verify that you understand the requirements and
the dates that are included. I encourage you to take the time now to place the dates
on your calendars. Your student should return this acknowledgement form no
later than Wednesday, August 19. You can refer to the syllabus throughout the year
by accessing it on my website.
Helpful websites for the year include the RCHS site (www.raleighcharterhs.org), the
Central District Band site (www.nccdba.org) and my web site
(www.raleighcharterhs.org/faculty/cbrown). The Central District site contains all the
information for District and State Auditions and much more!
I would like to invite all parents of band students to a meeting on Thursday, August 20th
from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the Music Room (Room 212). This time will afford us an
opportunity to look at the year ahead and to address needs and concerns.
I look forward to our work together this year.
Sincerely,
Dr. Cynthia C. Brown
Intermediate Band
Raleigh Charter High School
2015-2016
Dr. Cynthia Clark Brown
(cbrown@raleighcharterhs.org, www.raleighcharterhs.org/faculty/cbrown)
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters, compared with what lies
within us.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Course Description
In this course, band literature and instrumental music skills are studied in both classical and
contemporary fields. The method of study is of a more global nature, integrating instrumental
literature with music theory, music history and appreciation, and the development of listening
skills and sight reading techniques. Students focus on the fundamentals of music, correct tone,
production, balance, intonation, and ensemble playing through the study of band literature.
Students must have acquired a proficiency in fingering and technical knowledge of their
instrument. Students will be required to perform outside the regular class period.
Objectives of the Course:
1. To develop an instrumental ensemble to its greatest potential.
2. To integrate playing and band literature with music theory, music history and appreciation,
socio-cultural background and the development of listening and sight reading skills.
3. To perform a variety of band literature from all historical periods and from contemporary
repertoire.
Requirements of the Course:
1. Respectful attitude and cooperation
(paying attention; having all necessary music, pencil and instrument at each rehearsal;
following directions; not talking during rehearsal)
2. Playing accuracy
(small group and individual testing in both sightreading and literature)
3. Development of music knowledge and skills
(quizzes in music theory, music history and appreciation)
4. Performances
Winter Concert: Thursday, December 10
Spring Concert: Wednesday, May 18
Unexcused absences from the Winter or Spring performances will result in lowering
the respective semester grade by seven (7) points. In addition, students are expected
to be present for the entire concert which usually lasts from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm on
the concert nights. Please be aware that these dates could be changed. If this
happens, every effort will be made to give timely information on any changes that
take place.
Music Performance Adjudication (MPA): TBA
This event is a required performance. Unexcused absences from this event will
result in lowering the respective semester grade by seven (7) points.
Participation in North Carolina state band activities
Various informal performances and community service opportunities
5. Projects and Papers
6. Sectionals (see attached schedule)
Additional Requirements for Honors Credit:
Student should be a Junior or Senior.
Student will prepare and audition for the Central District All-District Auditions. In addition, the
student will successfully play the All-District audition materials for Dr. Brown at a date to be
determined.
Student will attend an outside clinic for their instrument. If the student is chosen for the AllDistrict clinic, the clinic will fulfill this requirement.
Student will choose one community service project (play for retirement centers, schools, TYP,
TYS, Triangle Brass Ensemble, RAFA etc.) for the year.
Concert Dress:
Ladies: Black pants, white long-sleeved blouse
Men:
Black pants, white long-sleeved shirt, dark tie
Evaluation
Grading will be determined according to the following scale:
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
A
B
C
D
69-0
F
Late work will be graded as follows:
1 day late
-3 points
2 days late
-7 points
3+ days late
70%
Final grade will be determined as follows:
Classroom attitude and cooperation*
Playing accuracy
Individual Testing (15%)
Playing Tests (25%)
Written Tests
Homework
Projects (1 per semester)
A
20%
40%
20%
10%
10%
*Attitude and Cooperation
Student comes to class prepared, arriving on time and ready to participate in class.
Student is attentive and always responds when called on. Student volunteers often and
any questions or comments the student makes are pertinent.
B
Student is usually prepared. Student always responds when called on and volunteers on
occasion. Student is attentive and asks only appropriate questions and makes pertinent
comments.
C
Student shows evidence of being unprepared on occasion. Student may also arrive late or
leave early in some instances. Student responds when called upon.
D
Student is unprepared and/or inattentive. Student rarely volunteers. Student may ask
unnecessary questions or make inappropriate comments.
F
Student exhibits lack of concern for the class. His or her behavior may have a negative
effect on the class.
Sectionals
Sectionals for band members will be on Wednesdays from 2:45 to 3:20
throughout the academic year. (On Wednesdays where classes are dismissed
at 12:30 pm, sectionals will be from 12:45 to 1:15 pm.) Each section is
scheduled for one sectional per month or seven for the year.
Students may miss two sectionals for the year. If more than two sectionals
are missed, the student’s grade will be affected in the following manner:
3 missed sectionals, minus 3 points on the final yearly average
4 missed sectionals, minus 6 points on the final yearly average
5 missed sectionals, minus 9 points on the final yearly average
Be sure to put these dates on your calendars! Sickness or absence from
school on the day of the sectional will be counted as one of the two
allowed sectionals absences.
Flute/Oboe/Bassoons
August 19
September 16
October 21
January 6
February 3
March 2
April 6 (with Cl/Sax)
Brass
September 2
September 30
November 4
January 20
February 17
March 16 (with Percussion)
April 13 (with Percussion)
Clarinet/Saxophones
August 26
September 23
October 28
January 13
February 10
March 9
April 6 (with Cl/Sax)
Percussion
September 9
October 7
November 18
January 27
February 24
March 16 (with Brass)
April 13 (with Brass)
RCHS BAND EXPECTATIONS
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES







Be in your seat with your equipment (music, instrument, stand, pencil, notebook) at
1:50 pm.
Prepare your music rehearsal order as indicated on the white board.
You may warm up quietly until the director steps on the podium, at which time all
talking and playing stops. (Brass warm up by buzzing on your mouthpiece.)
No talking during rehearsal without the director’s permission.
No gum, food, or drink (except capped water) in the rehearsal room.
Only pencils are to be used during rehearsal, quizzes or tests/exams. Marks in
music should be in pencil only and of a general nature.
Respect the property of others and that of the school (instruments, stands). No one plays
on or with the percussion instruments except percussion players.
PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS

30 minutes per day, 5 days a week (literature, scales, technical exercises, sight reading)
IMPORTANT DATES


See the listing that follows.
Other dates may be added. You will be informed of these dates in a timely manner.
CLASS PARTICIPATION




Students should bring instruments, theory book, notebook, supplies (reeds, oil, etc.) and a
pencil to class every day.
Students are to participate every day, even if they do not have a playable reed, an
instrument or music. They are expected to follow along, listen, and remain in their seats.
They will not be allowed to do other homework. Students must have a note from the
parents if the instrument is in the repair shop.
Reed players must have at least 3 playable reeds at all times.
Percussionist must have their own mallets and sticks (timpani mallets, snare sticks,
xylophone mallets, bell mallets, brushes). Mark mallets and stick bag with your name!
MUSIC


Students will be issued sheet music and a folder. This music is school property and must
not be lost or damaged. Any student losing a part is responsible for replacing that part or
paying a fee. Please note that not all parts can be obtained as individual parts. Lost parts
may require that the student buy a full set of parts.
Music should be marked in pencil only and all marks should be of a general nature.
INSTRUMENTS



Students using a RCHS school-owned instrument are responsible for the care of that
instrument and any damages that incur while the instrument is in their care. This would
include yearly cleanings.
You might consider placing any instrument not covered under rental insurance on a
homeowner’s policy.
Recommended instrument repairers:
Brass and Woodwinds – Marsh Woodwinds at 707 N. Person St., 839-1154
RCHS Band Dates 2015-2016
!
August 19
August 20
September 23
November 17
6:00-7:00
3:00-4:30
!
!
!
*
*
!
*
November 19
December 9
December 10
December 10
December 14
December 15
January 9
6:00-7:00
*
January 16
*
*
*
*
January 22-23
January 29-30
February 5-6
March 5
!
*
March 9
March 12
March 15
March 21-23
April 19
6:00-7:00
!
!
April 20
April 26
6:00-7:00
3:00-4:30
*
!
!
April 29-May 1
May 11
May 18
June 3
6:30-9:00
6th Period
12:05 pm
3:00-4:30
6:30-9:00
Acknowledgement Forms Due (Homework Grade)
Band Parents Meeting, Room 212
Baroque Era Prospectus Due
Winter Concert Solo Auditions, Room 212
All auditions must be at performance quality
and 5 minutes or less in duration.
Band Baroque Era Night (parents invited)
All Late Work Due
Winter Band Concert at William Peace University
All-District RCHS Hearings
All-District RCHS Hearings
Mid-Year Exam
Central District Band Auditions, Cary High School
Central District Jazz Auditions, Cary High School
Snow Date for Central District Band Auditions and
Central District Jazz Auditions, Cary High School
Central District Jazz Clinic, Panther Creek HS
Central District Band Clinic, Location TBA
Snow Date for Central District Band Clinic
NC All-State Honors Band Auditions,
East Davidson High School
Classical Era Seminar Prospectus Due
Snow Date NC All-State Honors Band Auditions,
East Davidson High School
Tri-M Inductions, Room 212
Central District HS MPA, Location TBA
Senior Musical Auditions for Graduation,
Room 212
All auditions must be at performance quality
and 5 minutes or less in duration.
Classical Era Seminar Night, Room 212
Spring Concert Solo Auditions, Room 212
All auditions must be at performance quality
and 5 minutes or less in duration.
NC All-State Honors Band Clinic (UNC-CH)
All Late Work Due
Spring Band Concert, William Peace University
Final Exam
! Required Dates for all Band Students
* Required for Honors Credit Band Students (Juniors/Seniors)
RCHS Band Handbook
Acknowledgment Form
I have read this handbook and syllabus carefully, noted all dates
(performances, sectionals, state and district events), and understand the
requirements and expectations for the RCHS Concert Band this year.
(Please write legibly.)
______________________________
Parent Signature
_________________________
Student Signature
Address: _____________________________________________________
Home Phone:
__________________ Work Phone: _________________
Parent E-mail: _________________________________________________
Student E-mail: ________________________________________________
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM BY WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19.