St. Francis Preparatory School
Concert Band and Junior Band
(MUSIC 2050)
Academic Year: 2011 – 2012
Music 2520
Course Requirements
Grading Procedures
Guidelines for Success in this Course
Important Dates
Robert Corbino, Ed.D. - Director
Mr. Murat Karaca and Mr. Gregory Madama – Assistant Directors
PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
WE RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT YOU KEEP THESE DATES OPEN
ACCORDING TO WHICH ENSEMBLE(S) YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER
PERFORMS IN
CHRISTMAS CONCERT II
SATURDAY DECEMBER 10, 2011
8 PM
(Concert Band, Junior Band, Jazz Ensemble)
CONCERT FOR BEGINNING STUDENTS
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012
8 PM
(Junior Band)
JAZZ/POP CONCERT
FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2012
8 PM
(Jazz Ensemble)
SPRING CONCERT II
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012
8 PM
(Concert Band, Junior Band, Jazz Ensemble)
May 15, 2012
FINAL DATE FOR STUDENTS TO COMPLETE
THE FINAL EXAM (SCALE TEST)
PLEASE JOIN US AT THESE WONDERFUL EVENTS
CONSIDER BRINGING FRIENDS AND FAMILY
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St. Francis Preparatory School – Concert Band and Junior Band
(MUSIC 2050)
Academic Year: 2011 – 2012
Course Requirements, Grading Procedures,
Guidelines for Success in this Course, Important Dates
Robert Corbino, Ed.D. – Director, Mr. Murat Karaca and Mr. Gregory Madama – Assistant Directors
What follows are the requirements for this course. The students in this course are required to read
this material. Parents and Guardians are asked to read this material and return the last page to the
instructor BEFORE October 1, 2011.
The Concert Band (and Junior Band) 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
3. Practice their instrument daily.
4. Respect and take care of their equipment
RESPECTFULLY LET IT BE CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD,
FROM DAY ONE OF THE COURSE, THAT STUDENTS WHO
PRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS WILL
NOT PASS THIS COURSE:
STUDENTS WHO PRESENT DISCIPLINE OR MATURITY
PROBLEMS
STUDENTS WHO DO NOT PAY ATTENTION IN CLASS AND DO
NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE INSTRUCTOR AT THE PODIUM
STUDENTS WHO DO NOT PARTICIPATE AND/OR SIT OUT OF
REHEARSALS AND/OR CONCERTS
STUDENTS WHO DO NOT COME TO CLASS WITH THE
NECESSARY ITEMS
(INSTRUMENT, BINDER, SCALE BOOKS, ETC)
STUDENTS NEED TO BE SEATED BY AND READY BEFORE
7: 48 AM
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St. Francis Preparatory School – Concert Band and Junior Band
(MUSIC 2050)
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, The first downbeat will be at 7:50AM.
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!) If you are in school you must
participate!
b. Students going on school-sponsored retreats, field trips, etc., should
notify Mr. Karaca (Junior Band) or Mr. Madama (Concert Band) 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 activity. Students are responsible for
arranging with their teachers for an appropriate time to perform out-ofclass schoolwork.
B. Rehearsals and Performances
1. 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 and additional 12
points, etc.
4. Late students MUST 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.
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St. Francis Preparatory School – Concert Band and Junior Band
(MUSIC 2050)
2. Concert Week Rehearsals
a. In addition to morning rehearsals, students will also rehearse after school
during the week of a school concert.
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, work etc.
d. Students cutting a Concert Week rehearsal will lose 15 points off their
quarterly average per incident.
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.
a. Performances
i. Students are to be on time for all performances. Students who
miss a call time will lose 10 points.
ii. Students who miss a performance for any reason not covered
under the Missed Concert Policy will automatically receive a 55
for the quarter.
3. Preparation
a. Students must be prepared at all times.
b. A student must have the following:
i. 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.
ii. 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.
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!)
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St. Francis Preparatory School – Concert Band and Junior Band
(MUSIC 2050)
B) Preparation (continued)
iii. Music binder containing all music, scale books, fingering charts,
etc.
iv. Students may not share a binder with a stand partner.
v. No student may participate in the class without their own
scale book. (Treasury of Scales by Leonard B. Smith.)
vi. A pencil.
c. 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.
d. Anyone playing with broken reeds, damaged valves, etc., will be
considered unprepared.
e. Any instruments needing repair must be reported to an instructor
immediately.
i. Students who cannot play because their instrument is being
repaired must still attend rehearsal and help with post-rehearsal
cleanup.
ii. Students who sit out the rehearsal and do not help with the after
rehearsal cleanup will loose 10 points per incident. Students who
sit out a rehearsal are required to assist with the clean up after
rehearsal if you cut out you will loose 10 points.
f. 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.
i. 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.
4. Discipline and Maturity
a. Students are always to show discipline and maturity.
i. Students are to be quiet during rehearsal and may NEVER
disrupt it in any way or for any reason.
ii. No food or beverages in the band room or the auditorium.
iii. At the end of every rehearsal, all students will be expected to
return their chairs and stands to the back of the auditorium.
b. 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.
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St. Francis Preparatory School – Concert Band and Junior Band
(MUSIC 2050)
5. Music Room/Lockers
a. 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.
b. All music lockers must have school combination locks attached to them.
Students will be responsible for purchasing locks.
c. Instruments must be taken home daily for individual practice.
i. Students who play the larger instruments may be able to sign out
a second instrument for home practice. See Dr. Corbino for
more information.
d. Students are never to store instruments in gym or Cor lockers.
e. The Music Department will not be responsible for loss or theft of an
instrument that was left overnight in the music room or music lockers. 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.
f. Students are never to leave instruments in the band room out of their
lockers.
g. Non-band members are not allowed in W001 before or during a
rehearsal.
h. Any students who fail to follow these rules will lose points and/or be
subject to detention.
i. 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.
i. Music Lesson students not adhering to this rule will receive a cut
for missing a lesson.
ii. Students may return their instruments to their music locker one
minute before the end of a class period, or at the teacher’s
discretion.
j. 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 items, including musical instruments
(see D5, E3 and F1 ), that may be lost or stolen.
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St. Francis Preparatory School – Concert Band and Junior Band
(MUSIC 2050)
6. Daily Practice
a. Students are expected to practice daily at home for one half-hour.
b. Anyone not practicing is unprepared, and will lose points and/or be
subject to detention.
c. 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.
MUSIC LESSONS
THIS COURSE WILL HELP YOU LEARN THE MUSIC
AND PROVIDE YOU WITH EXTRA CREDIT ON YOUR
TRANSCRIPT
Students are strongly urged to sign up for our
Music Lesson Course
Music 2520
½ credit per year
Music Lessons (Music 2520) is a separate grade on the
report card.
Students accepted into Music 2520 will receive a music
lesson one time per cycle.
These lessons are usually small group lessons.
Private lesson study outside of school is highly
encouraged.
Please see Dr. Corbino or Mr. Karaca for a list of
private music instructors.
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St. Francis Preparatory School – Concert Band and Junior Band
(MUSIC 2050)
7. Exams
a. 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.
b. There will be a final exam administered in his course.
i. Students will be expected to play any or all major scales by
memory.
ii. Students may also be asked questions regarding key signatures.
iii. There will be no written exam.
iv. Students may take the final exam beginning January 15th, 2012
but before May 15, 2012. Since the students have 4 months to
schedule an exam, there will be no makeup exams beyond
May 15th.
v. Students who perform the 15 Majors scales from memory (as
assigned) will receive a grade up to 100. Students who need to
read the 15 scales .can only receive a grade no higher than 90.
vi. Students who fail to take the final exam during this time will
automatically receive a zero on the final exam.
c. Students may retake the final exam up as many times as necessary.
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
permitted to take band in the future.
8. Future Participation in Band
a. Students who wish to continue in Band for the next year must receive
permission from their Music Lesson teacher.
b. Students not taking lessons who wish to continue must secure permission
from Dr. Corbino or Mr. Karaca.
c. 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.
d. 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.
e. Any student who fails two or more quarters will not be invited to join the
band for the next year.
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St. Francis Preparatory School – Concert Band and Junior Band
(MUSIC 2050)
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, and Jazz
Ensemble
WHEN CAN YOU TAKE THE FINAL EXAM. – You can take the Major Scale Test
beginning January 15, 2012, however, you must complete this exam on or before May 15, 2012.
This gives you a window of 4 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 will 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.
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St. Francis Preparatory School – Concert Band and Junior Band
(MUSIC 2050)
ST. FRANCIS PREP CONCERT BAND & JUNIOR BAND
FINAL EXAM NOTICE AND SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)
HOW 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) In addition to 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.
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St. Francis Preparatory School – Concert Band and Junior Band
(MUSIC 2050)
9. Dress Code – There are two dress codes, one for class rehearsals and one for
concerts
Students are required to be in full school dress code for all morning rehearsals.
Failure to comply with the dress code will result in detention as required by the
school’s dress code policy.
CONCERT DRESS CODE
The following is the dress code for all concerts.
(Concert Band and Junior Band)
Long sleeved white shirt that is buttoned and
has a collar
Red bow tie, which can be purchased from the
Music Department
(while the supply lasts)
If you purchase the bow tie from an outside
source it must be the same color as the school
purchased bow ties
Black pants (ladies may substitute a black kneelength or longer skirt)
Black SFP school pants are permitted
Black dress shoes and socks, polished and clean
(NO SNEAKERS!)
Students inappropriately dressed at a concert will not
be allowed to perform with their ensemble and they
will receive a grade of 55 for the quarter.
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St. Francis Preparatory School – Concert Band and Junior Band
(MUSIC 2050)
CONCERT BAND AND JUNIOR BAND CALANDER
DRESS REHEARSALS AND CONCERT DATES 2011 – 2012
1. CHRISTMAS CONCERT II – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2011
(Concert Band, Junior Band, Jazz Ensemble)
2. YOUNG MUSICIANS’ CONCERT – FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012
(Junior Band)
3. SPRING CONCERT II – FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012
(Concert Band, Junior Band, Jazz Ensemble)
4. JAZZ/POP CONCERT – FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2012
(Jazz Ensemble)
Mandatory Concert Week Rehearsals for Christmas
Concert II Performance
(Concert Band, Junior Band, Jazz Ensemble)
Monday, December 5, 2011 Dress Rehearsal, Auditorium, Time: 2:50 to 5:30 PM
Tuesday, December 6, 2011: Dress Rehearsal, Auditorium, Time: 2:50 to 5:30 PM
Wednesday, December 7, 2011, Dress Rehearsal, Auditorium, Time: 2:50 to 5:30 PM
Friday, December 9. 2011, Time: 3 to 5:30 PM, Auditorium
FULL CHRISTMAS CONCERT II, RUN THROUGH
Friday, Christmas Concert I, December 9, 2011 8 PM.
(Recommended but not mandatory)
Please attend and support your friends who are in the other SFP Ensembles!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Christmas Concert II
6 PM call time (in W001)
You must be on stage ready to warm up and tune by 6:15pm
(Mandatory)
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St. Francis Preparatory School – Concert Band and Junior Band
(MUSIC 2050)
CONCERT BAND AND JUNIOR BAND CALANDER
DRESS REHEARSALS AND CONCERT DATES 2011 – 2012
(Continued)
Mandatory Concert Week Rehearsals for
SPRING Concert II Performance
(Concert Band, Junior Band, Jazz Ensemble)
Monday April 31, 2012, Dress Rehearsal, Time: 2:50 to 5:30 PM, Auditorium
Tuesday, May 1, 2012 Dress Rehearsal, Time: 2:50 to 5:30 PM, Auditorium
Wednesday May 2, 2012 Dress Rehearsal, Time: 2:50 to 5::30 PM, Auditorium
Thursday, 5/8: CONCERT RUN THROUGH, Time: 2:50to 5:30 PM, Auditorium
Friday, Spring Concert II. 6 PM call time (in W001)
You must be on stage ready to warm up and tune by 6:15 PM
Mandatory Concert Week Rehearsals and Performance
Young Musicians Concert
(Junior Band)
Monday January 26, 2012, Concert Rehearsal, 2:50 to 5:30 PM, Auditorium
Tuesday January 27 2012, Concert Rehearsal. 2:50 to 5:30 PM, Auditorium
Wednesday January 28 2012, Concert Rehearsal, Time: 2:50 to 5:30 PM, Auditorium
Thursday, January 26, 2012, CONCERT RUN THROUGH, Time: 2:50 to 5:30 PM
Friday, January 27, 2012,
Young Musicians Concert
Concert call time 6 PM W001.
You must be on stage ready to warm up and tune by 6:15 PM
(Mandatory)
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St. Francis Preparatory School – Concert Band and Junior Band
(MUSIC 2050)
All students are directed ask your parents/guardian to read the course requirements.
Please make sure that your parents or guardian sign this form and return it before September 29,
2011
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 or myself, if he or she 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 Print Name and
Signature________________________________________________________________
Date _______________________________________
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