Sewanhaka High School Symphonic and Concert Bands
Sewanhaka High School
Department of Music
Instructor : Mr. Doherty (office number : 488–9627)
Email – cdoherty@sewanhaka.k12.ny.us
Purpose and Content
This class will focus on the development of the student’s overall musicianship and
musical skills through performance of Symphonic Band literature and participation in a
musical ensemble. Students will develop skills as needed and meet achievement levels
made clear by the instructor through ensemble rehearsal and instrumental lessons to meet
the demands of the music. All students involved will perform with the Band at all events
scheduled, listed on the second page of this form.
Instrumental lessons are scheduled on a rotating basis. Each group will have a
lesson on their scheduled cycle day (monthly schedules will be provided by the
instructor). Students are required to attend lessons as part of the course as a means of
enforcing the skills acquired in rehearsal. Quizzes will be given periodically during these
lesson periods that count toward the student’s lesson grade. Lessons may be made up by
appointment at the instructor’s discretion if they are missed with a valid reason (e.g., test
in class, illness, etc.). Poor lesson attendance or effort will be reflected in the student’s
Lesson grade, as noted on page 2.
Student Responsibilities
Members of the class are required to attend all performances with the exception of
illness, or severe emergencies. If a student is excused from a performance, they will be
required to complete a written assignment to meet the make-up requirement. Unexcused
absences from any performance will result in an F for the marking period and possible
course failure. Students must practice their instruments regularly and show growth in
their playing and reading skills as well as their desire to learn. Home practice will be
required to learn the assigned music. Students using a school instrument will sign out the
instrument at the beginning of the year, and the form must also be signed by the parents.
IF IT IS DETERMINED THAT THE STUDENT HAS DELIBERATELY ABUSED OR
MISTREATED THE INSTRUMENT, THE COST OF REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT
WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENTS. Students must bring all
necessary equipment (e.g. mouthpieces, instruments, sticks, reeds, valve/slide oil, etc.) to
all lessons, rehearsals, and performances. Students are expected to act courteously and
responsibly while performing or rehearsing as an ensemble. Discourteous or irresponsible
behavior or failure to have all necessary equipment to perform will result in disciplinary
action such as calls home, notification of the Music Director, referral to the AP office,
and a low Participation grade for the course.
Grading
1.) Participation Grade 50%– out of 100 pts. each quarter – points will be deducted for
excessive lateness, talking, disruptive behavior, being unprepared, or failure to appear
at performances w/o a valid excuse.
2.) Lesson Grade 30% – out of 100 pts. – 4 or more lessons per quarter, 25 pts. each –
Excerpts from the Band Music and other technical and musical concepts will be
covered. Lessons may be made up for full credit if missed for a valid reason, or for
partial credit if the student cannot provide an excuse note from their classroom
teacher.
3.) Mid-Term / Final Exam 20% – A Mid-Term (100 pts.) will be given, that will
consist of performance of excerpts from the Band music Final Exam (100 pts.) will be
given in which the student will perform, individually, excerpts from the band music.
Adjudication at the NYSSMA festival in March may be substituted for the Final
Exam.
Concert Dress : Girls – White blouse, black skirt or pants
Boys – White shirt, black pants, black socks and shoes, and a black tie.
Mandatory Performances - Winter Concert – 12/11/14 - 7:30 pm
Spring Concert –5/13/15 - 7:30pm
Home Football Games (Marching Band Performances) –9/13/14, Homecoming
9/20/14, Thursday 10/2/14 4pm, 10/18/14 – Saturdays @ 12:30 – 3:30pm.
Parades – Memorial Day – Saturday 5/23/15 in Stewart Manor @ 10 am,
Homecoming Sat. 9/20/14 10:30am-1pm. Columbus Day Parade in NYC
10/13/14 (DMB)!
Newsday Festival Wednesday 10/15/14 @ 5pm-11pm.
Graduation – 6/27/15 – 4:00 –8:00 pm @ Hofstra University Arena
**Other Performances TBA (Armed Forces Day in Floral Park, Memorial Day,
Belmont, Columbus Day, ST. Patrick’s Day, District Marching Band, etc.)
For Extra Credit and Honors Society Credit - All-District Auditions –
11/20/14 3:30-9:00 @ Sewanhaka High School
District Music Festival Concert–– 2/5/15 7:30pm @ SHS
District Festival Rehearsals – 1/22, 1/29, 2/2, 2/4/15, all 3:30-7:00 @SHS
NYSSMA Festival – 3/21/15 @
All – County Concerts – week of January 12th-17th, 2015.
Music Department Honors Society
Membership in the Music Honor Society is determined by the student’s pursuit of
excellence in the area of performance. Students are selected from the Senior High Band,
Chorus, and Orchestra who have at least a 90 average. In addition, the student must have
participated in at least one extra-curricular activity including NYSSMA, All-District
Music Festival, Jazz Band, Spring Musical or participation in District Marching Band.
The student must also display a positive attitude towards performing in the organization
and be a positive role model for the other music students.
Tri M inductions – 3/5/15 6:30 pm with Dinner to follow @ 7:30– Reminder – Students
continuing in Tri M must keep current by auditioning for the District Music Festival.