WEST MORRIS CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL BAND
2013-2014
Ms. Margret A. Schaefer, Director of Bands
mschaefer@wmrhsd.org
908.879.5212 ext. 3715
CONCERTS
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 - 7:30 PM: Orchestra/Band Concert
Tuesday, February 4, 2014 - 7:30 PM: American Music Concert (w/ LVMS band)
Wednesday, April 30, 2014 - 7:30 PM: Band Senior Honors Concert
Friday, June 20, 2014 - 5 PM: Graduation (arrive by 3:30 PM)
All band performances are required and attendance is mandatory. Please mark your calendars to avoid
scheduling conflicts. The only “excused” absence from a performance is serious illness or a family
emergency which is beyond control. The final decision regarding if an absence is considered
“excused” is that of the band director. Communicate with the band director BEFORE the concert if at
all possible. Any other anticipated absence from a performance MUST be presented to the band director
NO LATER than 1 month before the concert date. Specific call times for concerts will be announced,
and will be no later than 30 minutes prior to the concert start time. Students may not be permitted to
miss class for a non-music field trip within the three schools days before a concert.
The Music Department presents vocal and orchestral concerts throughout the school year, as well as
vocal and instrumental recitals. Students are welcome to participate in these events, and are encouraged
to attend. A concert review of these events may be submitted as part of the Proficiency segment of a
student's grade, but attendance is not mandatory (see Proficiency Grade in the Grading Policy section for
details). A full calendar of Music Department events is located on the Music Calendar page on Ms.
Schaefer's website.
CONCERT ATTIRE
The following attire is REQUIRED at performances unless you are notified otherwise:
MEN: Black trousers, white dress shirt, black neck tie, black jacket (optional), black socks and black
shoes (NO SNEAKERS).
WOMEN: Black full-length (below knees) skirt or black loose-fitting pants with white or black
sleeved blouse (covered shoulders), black hose or socks and black shoes.
All clothing and shoes are to be formal rather than casual in both material and style.
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GRADING POLICY
Grading in Band - Academic Level:
(Grades 9-12)
20% Concert Grade
40% Proficiency Grade (40 points earned)
40% Class Grade
Grading in Band - Advanced Level:
(Grades 10-12)
20% Concert Grade
40% Proficiency Grade (60 points earned)
40% Class Grade
Concert Grade
This grade will evaluate your performance, punctuality, and professionalism at the concert. If a student
does not attend the concert for any reason, he will be assigned a 5 page written assignment or 25 slide
power point presentation (topic determined by band director) to make up the grade. There is no concert
grade during marking periods with no scheduled concert; the band director may assign additional
performance tests or small ensemble playing requirements for those marking periods.
Proficiency Grade
Using the Proficiency Form, students getting Academic credit will complete and document 40 points of
activities per marking period, while students getting Advanced credit will complete and document 60
points of activities per marking period. The Proficiency Form is available on Ms. Schaefer’s website.
The Proficiency Grade includes different options which, after completion and documentation, may earn
the student points. Lessons in school, extra curricular music activities, marching band, private lessons,
concert reviews, Area, Regional, and State music ensembles, and peer mentoring are all examples of
approved activities on the Proficiency Form. Proficiency grades each marking period begin at “0” and
will be adjusted as activities are completed.
Lessons
All students will have the opportunity to take group lessons with Ms. Schaefer each marking period.
These lessons will count towards the point total required for all students on the Proficiency Form. It is
the responsibility of the student to report during his assigned lesson time or to schedule make-up
lessons. Each lesson must be a minimum of 20 minutes in duration. Lessons are the simplest and most
productive way to earn Proficiency points.
Class Grade
You will be assigned a grade each week based upon your work in class. These grades will be based
upon your knowledge of all parts assigned to you in the performing group as perceived through group
and sectional playing, class participation, observation of rules in the band room, attitude, effort,
preparedness, and performance tests.
Performance Tests
Performance Tests will be given multiple times during each marking period; the material for the tests
will be taken from sections of band music in addition to scales we study in class. The tests will be
performed for and graded by the band director. Performance Tests will occur in small groups of like
instruments, and will take place during band periods. Students may retake any section of the
Performance Test one time, and will receive an average of the two grades. These are recorded as part of
the Class Grade.
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GRADUATION
All underclassmen are required to play with the band at graduation – participation in this event will be
included in the marking period 4 concert grade. Seniors are exempt from performing at graduation. If a
student does not attend graduation for any reason, he must schedule a time to assist the band director
with end-of-year activities to make up the grade. Typically this is scheduled during finals week.
ADVANCED BAND REQUIREMENTS:
Within the first few weeks of the school year, students in grades 10-12 may elect to take Band as an
Advanced level course instead of an Academic level course. Students wishing to earn Advanced credit
for band will receive a permission slip which needs to be signed by a parent/guardian and returned to
Ms. Schaefer. Advanced credit students are required to earn 60 points on the Proficiency Form per
marking period.
FINAL EXAM:
A final exam will be given in all band classes. The exam will test basic band skills and topics as
addressed during class throughout the school year. A study sheet will be provided.
AUDITIONS/SEATING
Within the first several weeks of the beginning of the school year, ALL students will audition for seating
within the ensemble. The audition music will be handed out to all students and will consist of selected
scales, a prepared piece, and sight reading. Auditions will occur during band class, on an individual
basis.
COMBINED BAND REHEARSALS
Full band rehearsals combining both classes need to be scheduled in preparation for some concerts.
These rehearsal times are scheduled during the school day during one of the band class periods, during
lunch, after school, and in the evening. Attendance at combined band rehearsals is not mandatory,
although students are strongly encouraged to attend. Proficiency credit may be earned for participation
in a combined rehearsal.
INDIVIDUAL PRACTICING
The ONLY way to have complete success on your instrument is to practice regularly. Students are
encouraged to practice band music and other materials that are given or assigned during band and music
lessons. Learn your band music at home! Students are expected to take their instruments home to
practice. The music room will be opened each morning at 7:25AM for students to put their instruments
in the storage area, and will be locked around 3PM each day. The music room or other rooms in the
music suite will be open during the school day for students wishing to practice during a free period.
GENERAL RULES
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Each student MUST have a pencil for each class!
It is the responsibility of the student to bring his instrument, along with everything he needs to play it, to
every band class.
It is the responsibility of the student to bring music and warm-up materials to every band class.
Only percussionists will be allowed to touch the percussion equipment.
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PHILOSOPHY OF MUSIC
Music expresses the experiences of life in sound and silence. It captures all aspects of the human
experience; emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and even physical. Some music appeals to listeners on
intensely emotional levels, while other music has little emotional effect but can be appreciated on an
intellectual level.
Music is a vital part of a school curriculum because playing an instrument develops abilities in other
areas. Current research suggests that studying music early enhances brain development and improves
learning and listening skills. Playing a musical instrument involves all aspects of human growth and
development. Students are not expected to pursue careers in music, but are encouraged to foster a love
of the arts by understanding how music can enrich our lives.
GOALS OF THE BAND
For students to develop:
1. An understanding of our musical heritage
2. Self-discipline through group pride
3. Self-confidence through working as a team member
4. Self-esteem through personal improvement and achievement
5. Self-expression through the music-making process
Students will:
1. Improve musical skills
2. Learn historical information on composers and musical selections
3. Perform a variety of musical styles
The West Morris Central High School Band program aims to develop the foundation for band members
to become appreciative audience members, performers, and patrons of all the arts.
All students are encouraged to:
1. Audition for select honor bands (Area, Region) - Audition information for these groups will be given
to students as soon as it becomes available.
2. Participate in chamber music groups (i.e. brass/woodwind quintets, quartets, etc.)
3. Take weekly private lessons with an instructor. A list of recommended private teachers in the
area is available from Ms. Schaefer.
HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN BAND:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Be on time and prepared to play at each rehearsal.
Know your individual part extremely well.
Pay attention to details.
Realize that great performances only come after great rehearsals.
Smile. Enjoy. Let the music touch your soul!
After silence, that which comes nearest
to expressing the inexpressible is music.
- Aldous Huxley
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West Morris Central High School Band
SCALE REQUIREMENTS
Scale tests will be given during each marking period as part of the performance test. The performance test will
consist of the scale requirements and band music from the marking period and will count as part of the Class
Grade. Scales will be memorized. Percussion rudiments are from the NJMEA Snare Rudiments sheet.
Percussionists are required to play all scales one octave only, as are freshman and sophomore winds. Junior and
senior winds should strive for two octaves on all scales. Honors Band tests are optional for any student during
any marking period and can be worth up to 10 Proficiency points.
1st Marking Period:
WINDS:
concert F, Bb major scales and chromatic scales
honors: concert D major scale, b mel. minor scale
PERCUSSION: concert F, Bb Major scales (mallets) and
multiple bounce roll, flam
honors: concert D major scale, single stroke 4
2nd Marking Period:
WINDS:
concert Eb, Ab major scales and chromatic scales
honors: concert A major scale, f# mel. minor scale
PERCUSSION: concert Eb, Ab major scales (mallets) and
drag, 5-stroke roll
honors: concert A major scale, 9 stroke roll
3rd Marking Period:
WINDS:
concert Db, Gb major scales, chromatic scales
honors: concert E major scale, c# mel. minor scale
PERCUSSION: concert Db, Gb major scales (mallets) and
flam tap, single paradiddle
honors: concert E major scale, single ratamacue
4th Marking Period:
WINDS:
concert C, G major scales and chromatic scales
honors: concert Cb major scale, ab mel. minor scale
PERCUSSION: concert C, G major scales (mallets)
flamacue, flam accent
honors: concert Cb major scale, lesson 25
Any student may perform the appropriate relative minor scales for extra credit during any marking period.
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Band Rules and Guidelines

Classroom Environment
 After the bell rings, be seated and ready to play within 3 minutes 
 Percussionists cannot play any equipment loudly before class begins 
 At the end of class, all instruments and equipment must be returned to the
appropriate storage areas

Unprepared for Class
 Read an article from a music magazine (provided by the band director) and
write a one page review of the article to be handed in at the end of the band
class period

Inappropriate Classroom Behavior may lead to:
 Change of seat
 Teacher-Student discussion
 Class grade of “0” for the day
 Lunch or after school detention
 Call home to parents
 Removal from class and visit to a vice-principal
 Permanent removal from class

Food Policy
 Absolutely no food permitted in the room AT ANY TIME!
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WEST MORRIS CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL BAND
_____________________________________________________________
Student Name
By signing this form, the student and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) acknowledge that they have both read the
West Morris Central High School Band Information Packet and understand the policies found therein.
___________________________________________
Student Signature
_____________
Date
___________________________________________
Parent Signature
_____________
Date
Please Return This Page By MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
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