St. Francis Preparatory School – Concert Band and Junior Band
(MUSIC 2050)
Academic Year 2009 – 2010
Dr. Corbino - Director
Mr. Karaca and Mr. Madama – Assistant Directors
The Concert Band class is made up of students from the Concert Band and the Junior
Band. This class is a skill development and performance course for students who play wind
instruments. The band is a fixture at the Christmas and Spring Concerts at the Prep. To prepare
for these performances, students will be introduced to several works of band literature, develop
rehearsal and performance techniques, discipline, and sight-reading skills. Appropriate class
participation is expected of all students and is crucial to computing your grade.
The students who receive the highest grades in this course are those who:
1) Come to rehearsals and performances on time and are prepared;
2) Show a high level of discipline and maturity; and
3) Practice daily.
A) Attendance
1. Attendance at all band activities is required.
2. Students who are late or cut will lose points off their quarterly average and/or
receive detention.
a. A student is late if he/she is not seated and ready to play at the
conductor’s first downbeat. Students must be in their seats and fully
ready to perform by 7:48AM.
b. A student is cutting if he/she misses an entire rehearsal but is not on the
Absent List.
3. Students are responsible for arranging for transportation to rehearsal.
a. Failure to make/keep these arrangements is no excuse for repeated
absence or lateness.
4. Students legitimately absent from school will not be penalized for missing Band.
a. Students will not be allowed to sit out a band activity without a Doctor’s
Note explicitly stating that the student is physically unable to play. (i.e.,
if you’re really sick, stay home!)
b. Students going on school-sponsored retreats, field trips, etc., should
notify Mr. Karaca or Mr. Madama at least three school days in advance.
5. Students will not serve detention if a lateness is excused by the Dean. However,
points will still be deducted regardless of the reason for the lateness.
6. Students are never allowed to make up any schoolwork (i.e., exams, labs,
detention, tutoring) during a band class. Students are responsible for arranging
with their teachers for an appropriate time to perform out-of-class schoolwork.
Music 2050 Course Outline Page 2 of 10
St. Francis Preparatory School – Concert Band and Junior Band
(MUSIC 2050)
B. Rehearsals and Performances
7. Morning Rehearsals
a. Morning rehearsals are held during H period (7:50-8:30am) of every
school day, unless a Liturgy is scheduled.
b. Point deductions are as follows:
1. Late between 7:50-8:00: 5 points off quarterly average.
2. Late after 8am: 8 points off quarterly average.
3. Cuts: 10 points off quarterly average and referral to Dean. Each
additional cut will increase the penalty. The second cut will
deduct an additional 11 points, the third cut an additional 12
points, etc.
4. Late students will obtain a Late Pass from the Dean’s Office or
General Office, present it to Mr. Madama, and then get seated
onstage and ready to play as quickly as possible. Late students
who do not move quickly will lose double the points.
8. Concert Week Rehearsals
a. In addition to morning rehearsals, students will also rehearse after school
during the week of a school concert. Please refer to the Band Calendar
attached to this course outline.
b. The first downbeat of each afternoon rehearsal will occur at 3:00pm.
c. No one will be excused for any reason. Students are responsible for
making necessary arrangements well in advance with all coaches, club
moderators, teachers, etc.
d. Students cutting a Concert Week rehearsal will lose 15 points off their
quarterly average.
e. Late students will lose 10 points.
f. Students who are late and/or absent (unexcused) for two Concert Week
rehearsals will not perform at the Concert and will receive a 55 for the
quarter.
9. Performances
a. Students are to be on time for all performances. Students who miss a call
time will lose 10 points.
b. Students who miss a performance for any reason not covered under the
Missed Concert Policy will automatically receive a 55 for the quarter.
2
Music 2050 Course Outline Page 3 of 10
St. Francis Preparatory School – Concert Band and Junior Band
(MUSIC 2050)
B) Preparation
1. Students must be prepared at all times.
2. A student must have the following:
a. Instrument
1. A student without his/her own instrument will be provided with
one that is in good working order in September.
2. It is imperative that students treat their instruments with great
care.
a. Students found abusing their instruments will receive
detention for damaging school property.
b. STUDENTS WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR
ANY DAMAGE, LOSS, OR THEFT TO HIS/HER
INSTRUMENT.
b. Any supplies, such as boxes of reeds, cork grease, valve oil, mouthpiece,
cleaning swabs, etc.
1. Students should buy supplies well in advance. These can be
purchased from the Music Department or from a local
music store.
3.
4.
5.
6.
2. Woodwind players without their own box of reeds may purchase
one emergency reed from Mr. Karaca for $3 prior to a rehearsal.
a. Repeat offenders will pay $1 extra for each reed
subsequently purchased through Mr. Karaca (Moral of
the story? Buy a box of reeds early!)
c. Music binder containing all music, scale books, fingering charts, etc. It
is not enough to share a binder with a stand partner. No student may
participate in the class without their own scale book. (Treasury of Scales
by Leonard B. Smith.)
d. A pencil.
Students who do not have any of the above items will be considered unprepared,
this will result in a loss of 5 points per missing item per day.
Anyone playing with broken reeds, damaged valves, etc., will be considered
unprepared.
Any instrument needing repair must be reported to an instructor immediately.
a. Students who cannot play because their instrument is being repaired must
still attend rehearsal and help with post-rehearsal cleanup.
b. Students who sit out the rehearsal and do not help with the after rehearsal
cleanup will loose 10 points per incident.
Any student whose instrument is repaired by someone other than the school’s
repairman must show Mr. Madama or Mr. Karaca a receipt for the repair.
a. Students will be held responsible for any damage to the instrument.
Students must inspect their instrument when it is signed out. This is the
time to report any damage.
3
Music 2050 Course Outline Page 4 of 10
St. Francis Preparatory School – Concert Band and Junior Band
(MUSIC 2050)
C) Discipline and Maturity
1. Students are always to show discipline and maturity.
a. Students are to be quiet during rehearsal and may NEVER disrupt it in
any way or for any reason.
b. No food or beverages in the band room or the auditorium.
c. At the end of every rehearsal, all students will be expected to return their
chairs and stands to the back of the auditorium.
2. Anyone failing to show discipline and maturity will lose points (5 points for each
instance), receive detentions, and may not be allowed to participate at band
events.
3. When a teacher arrives at the conductors stand (podium) it is the students
responsibility to be aware of this and:
a. Focus and pay attention
b. Cease any and all talking
c. Bring your instrument to the attention position
Failure to acknowledge the arrival of the teacher at the podium will result
in a loss of 5 points.
D) Music Room/Lockers
1. Lockers are provided in the Band Room (W001) for storage during the school
day. Students will be assigned a locker space, usually grouped with other
students. Mr. Karaca is in charge of the Music Lockers.
2. All music lockers must have school combination locks attached to them.
Students will be responsible for purchasing locks.
3. Instruments must be taken home daily for individual practice.
a. Students who play the larger instruments may be able to sign out a
second instrument for home practice. See Dr. Corbino for more
information.
4. Students are never to store instruments in gym or cor lockers.
5. The Music Department will not be responsible for loss or theft of an
instrument. Once an instrument is signed out it becomes the responsibility of
the student in all areas of security and maintenance. It is the responsibility of
the student to take the instrument home to practice each night. The Music Room
W001 may be used for other events and thus is not secure overnight.
This does not apply to the larger instruments which cannot be carried each day:
tubas, baritone sax, and baritone horns.
4
Music 2050 Course Outline Page 5 of 10
St. Francis Preparatory School – Concert Band and Junior Band
(MUSIC 2050)
6. Students are never to leave instruments in the band room out of their lockers.
7. Non-band members are not allowed in W001 before or during a rehearsal.
8. Any students who fail to follow these rules will lose points and/or be subject to
detention.
9. Students needing their instruments during the school day (e.g., lessons, practice)
should retrieve them within 1 minute from the beginning of a period or at a
teacher’s discretion.
a. Music Lesson students not adhering to this rule will receive a cut for
missing a lesson.
b. Students may return their instruments to their music locker one minute
before the end of a class period, or at the teacher’s discretion.
10. Personal items are not to be stored in W001 during rehearsal. Anyone who leaves
these items does so at their own risk. The Music Department will not be held
responsible for any personal items, including musical instruments. that may be
lost or stolen.
E) Daily Practice
1. Students are expected to practice daily at home for one half-hour.
2. Anyone not practicing is unprepared, and will lose points and/or be subject to
detention.
3. Students who cannot demonstrate knowledge of the music may be asked by the
Directors to sit out a performance. Such a student shall receive a 55 for that
quarter.
4. Students are strongly urged to sign up for our Music Lesson Course – Music
2520 for ½ credit per year. Private lesson study outside of school is highly
encouraged. Please see Dr. Corbino or Mr. Karaca for a list of private music
instructors.
F) Exams
1. Students may earn up to 10 extra credit points to the quarterly grade by taking a
multiple choice vocabulary exam. The date for the exam will be determined by
the instructors, and is usually within the final two weeks of a quarter. The
vocabulary sheet is available from the Music Department website.
2. There will be a final exam administered in his course.
a. Students will be expected to play any or all major scales by memory.
b. Students may also be asked questions regarding key signatures.
c. There will be no written exam.
d. Students may take the final exam beginning January 5, 2010 but before
May 15, 2010. Since the students have more than 4 months to schedule
an exam, there will be no makeups beyond May 15th.
1. Students who fail to take the final exam during this time will
automatically receive a zero on the final exam.
5
Music 2050 Course Outline Page 6 of 10
St. Francis Preparatory School – Concert Band and Junior Band
(MUSIC 2050)
3. Students may retake the final exam up to three times. However they may not take
the exam after the May 15th deadline has passed.
1. Students who do not take the final exam before the deadline will
receive a grade of zero. The final exam counts as 20% of the
final grade.
2. Students who do not take the final exam will not be allowed to
take band in the future.
G) Future Participation in Band
1. Students who wish to continue in Band for the next year must receive permission
from their Music Lesson teacher.
a. Students not taking lessons who wish to continue must secure permission
from Dr. Corbino or Mr. Karaca.
2. A student who fails in any quarter will not be allowed to register for Band next
year without first auditioning before the directors. Such a student will also
submit a written explanation (no longer than 2 typed pages and signed by the
student and a parent/guardian) of why he/she deserves to be re-admitted into the
Band and what that student will do to become a positive addition to the band.
The final decision on whether to re-admit the student will be made by the
directors.
3. Any student who fails during the Spring Semester (3rd or 4th quarters) should be
aware that re-admission into the Band will also be subject to course availability.
4. Any student who fails two or more quarters will not be welcome to join the band
for the next year.
H) Dress Code
1. Students are to be in full dress code for all H period rehearsals. Failure to
comply with the dress code will result in detention.
2. The following is the dress code for all concerts.
a. Long sleeved white shirt that is buttoned and has a collar;
b. Red bow tie, which can be purchased from the Music Department;
c. Black pants (ladies may substitute a black knee-length or longer skirt);
and
d. Black dress shoes and socks, polished and clean (NO SNEAKERS!);
3. Students inappropriately dressed at a concert will be sent home and receive a 55
for the quarter.
6
Music 2050 Course Outline Page 7 of 10
St. Francis Preparatory School – Concert Band and Junior Band
(MUSIC 2050)
I) The Concerts: The concerts for the 2009 - 2010 season are as follows:
1) CHRISTMAS CONCERT II – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2009
(Concert Band and Junior Band)
2) SPRING CONCERT II – FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2010
(Concert Band and Junior Band)
3) YOUNG MUSICIANS’ CONCERT – FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2010
(Junior Band)
Mandatory Concert Week Rehearsals for
Christmas Concert II Performance
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Monday December 7, 2009: Concert Rehearsal, 3 to 5:30 pm. Auditorium
Wednesday, December 9, 2009, 3 to 5:30 pm. Auditorium
Thursday, December 10, 2009, 3 to 5:30 pm. Auditorium
Friday, December 11, 2009, 3 to 5:30 pm. Auditorium
Christmas Concert I Friday December 11, 2009 8pm. Come support your friends in other
groups!
f) Saturday, December 12, 2009: Christmas Concert II. 6pm call time, You must be on
stage ready to warm up and tune by 6:15pm
Mandatory Concert Week Rehearsals for
Spring Concert II Performance
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Monday May 3, 2010 Concert Rehearsal 3 to 4:30 pm.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010 Concert Rehearsal, 3 to 3:45 pm.
Wednesday May 5, 2010 Concert rehearsal 3 to 3:45 pm
Thursday, May 6, 2010 DRESS REHEARSAL, 3 to 5:30 pm.
Friday, May 7, 2010 Spring Concert II. 6 pm call time, W001. You must be on stage
ready to warm up and tune by 6:15 pm
Young Musicians’ Concert Performance
(Junior Band)
This year, the Junior Band will perform in the Young Musicians Concert. The rehearsal
schedule is as follows:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Monday January 25, 2010, Concert Rehearsal 3 to 4:30 pm.
Tuesday January 26, 2010, Concert Rehearsal 3 to 4:30 pm.
Wednesday January 27, 2010, Concert Rehearsal 3 to 4:30 pm.
Thursday, January 28, 2009, Dress Rehearsal, 3-5:30 pm.
Friday January 29, 2010 Concert call time 6 pm W001. You must be on stage ready to
warm up and tune by 6:15 pm
7
Music 2050 Course Outline Page 8 of 10
ST. FRANCIS PREP CONCERT BAND & JUNIOR BAND
FINAL EXAM NOTICE AND SPECIFICATIONS
Dear Band Member:
Every musician practices the Major Scales. These scales are central to performing on all
instruments. As you are aware we perform the 15 Major Scales at each rehearsal. The goal is that
every student in the band program will know from memory each of the 15 Major Scales and their
associated Key Signatures. One reason as to why the band is having such a strong year is because
we practice these scales.
The Final Exam for Music 2050 is the 15 Major Scales and their Key Signatures. The Final Exam
is worth 20% of your final grade for this course. The Final Exam is a qualifying exam.
WHO NEEDS TO TAKE THIS EXAM – All students in Concert Band & Junior Band (Music
2050)
WHEN CAN YOU TAKE THE FINAL EXAM. – You can take the Major Scale Test
beginning Monday January 4, 2010, however, you must complete this exam on or before
Monday May 17, 2010. This gives you a window of 5 months to take the exam.
WHO DO I TAKE THE EXAM WITH –
1) If you are currently enrolled in Music Lessons Music 2520 you must take this exam with
your Music Lesson Teacher. Speak to your lesson teacher and set a date and time for the
exam.
2) If you are not in Music Lessons you can take the exam with Dr. Corbino,
Mr. Karaca, or any Music Teacher who agrees to test you.
THE EXAM SPECIFICATIONS
1) You will be asked to perform any or all of the 15 Major Scales from MEMORY.
2) Play the scales in slow half notes but with good tone quality (up and down).
3) Do not rush, slow and perfect is better than fast and sloppy.
4) Try not to break the pattern. Tone quality counts.
5) The instructor may also require you to state the KEY SIGNATURES FOR EACH
SCALE.
6) The instructor may also ask you to recite the scale itself ascending and descending.
HOW MANY TIMES CAN I TAKE THIS EXAM – Since this is a qualifying exam you may
retake the exam as many times as necessary but you must take it before the deadline. We will use
the highest score.
8
Music 2050 Course Outline Page 9 of 10
ST. FRANCIS PREP CONCERT BAND & JUNIOR BAND
FINAL EXAM NOTICE AND SPECIFICATIONS
September 10, 2009
WERE DO I GET THE SCALE SHEET – The scale sheets were given to you in September.
You can always print a copy from the Concert Band section of the website.
Make sure that you download the correct scale sheet: Treble Clef Instruments, Bass Clef for
Trombone and Baritone Horn, and Bass Clef for Tuba.
SOME TIPS ON HOW TO DO WELL ON THIS EXAM
1) Know these 15 scales inside out. Practice them every day. Do not wait till the last
minute to learn these scales, it can’t be done in that way.
2) Study the scales and also their key signatures.
3) Practice your instrument everyday.
4) Play slowly (half notes) but with good tone quality.
5) Perform with confidence
6) Impress the instructor with your posture.
7) Do not learn fingering patterns. Learn the actual notes of the scales.
8) Learn the scales so well that you can perform them under pressure.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T TAKE THIS EXAM
1) You will receive a zero.
2) You will not be allowed to continue in band.
WHY LEARN TO PLAY THESE SCALES
1) It is a course requirement.
2) It is 20% of your grade.
3) It will make you a better player on your instrument.
4) It will make the band better.
5) It will expand your knowledge base.
6) It will challenge you to achieve.
7) It will improve your tone quality.
8) It will permit you to read and perform in any major key.
9) It will demonstrate that you have the discipline to achieve this goal
REMEMBER - You get what you put into it. Practice and learn the scales!
Good Luck! RC, MK, GM.
9
Music 2050 Course Outline Page 10 of 10
St. Francis Preparatory School – Concert Band and Junior Band
(MUSIC 2050)
Dear Dr. Corbino, Mr. Karaca and Mr. Madama:
I have read the course description for Concert Band (Music 2050) with my child and understand
the requirements and policies for the class, including the dates and times of all performances and
rehearsals. Therefore, I understand that there are consequences for missing a performance. I also
understand that my child will be held accountable for all aspects of the St. Francis Preparatory
School Honor Code as described on page four of the school calendar.
If I have any questions, I am aware that I can reach you at the school at (718) 423-8810 x255, by
e-mail at rcorbino@sfponline.org or mkaraca@sfponline.org or gmadama@sfponline.org
I can also see you during parent/teacher conferences. I also understand that you are available at
mutually agreeable times to meet with my child if s/he has any questions or difficulties.
Students and parents should note that this course is a yearlong commitment that involves diligent
and thorough study. Music offers many important tools to the student. Aside from the intrinsic
value of playing an instrument in an ensemble, students will be exposed to the arts, develop a
strong work ethic, and a concept of long and short term goal setting. Students will also develop
problem identification and solving skills and time management skills. Finally, students will
develop socio-musical skills.
Parent/Guardian
Signature________________________________________________________________
Student Name: (Print) and
Signature________________________________________________________________
Date _______________________________________
10
11
12