Summit
Christian Academy
Instrumental
Musician
HANDBOOK
2015-2016
1
Table of Contents
Program Offerings ...........................................................................................................................2
Course Objectives ............................................................................................................................2
Grading Breakdown .........................................................................................................................2
Definition of Home Practice ............................................................................................................3
What is Class Participation? ............................................................................................................3
Performances....................................................................................................................................4
Effort, Respect and Rehearsal Rules ............................................................................................ 4-5
Disciplinary Action ..........................................................................................................................5
Tests and Assignments.....................................................................................................................5
Curriculum and Materials ................................................................................................................6
Concert Attire............................................................................................................................... 6-7
Lettering System ..............................................................................................................................7
Key Dates .........................................................................................................................................8
Instrumental Music Contract............................................................................................................9
2
Instrumental Music Program Offerings
1. Middle School Band – 6th, 7th and 8th grade
(one year of experience required or student may audition)
2. Symphonic Orchestra – 9th-12th grade
(three years of experience required or student may audition)
3. Pep Band 7th – 12th grade
All nonstring members of the instrumental program will have an opportunity to participate in
Pep Band for home football games, basketball games, and pep rallies. Student must already be
enrolled in a current ensemble to participate.
Course Objectives
The objectives of the SCA Instrumental Program are to:
• Provide an avenue for the worship of God and the personal expression of faith through music.
• Learn that good musicianship requires good, hard work and how to increase excellence in
music through daily home practice, diligence, and perseverance.
• Teach students proper instrumental techniques for instrumental ensembles including
articulation, dynamics, tone quality, rehearsal habits, sight-reading and listening skills.
• Explore and learn to love a wide variety of musical literature.
• Perform and, therefore, share our musical gifts several times throughout the school year.
Grading Breakdown
25%
Home Practice
25%
Class Participation
25%
Performances
25%
Playing Quizzes, Written Exams and Written Assignments
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Definition of Home Practice
Students are required to practice five days a week, for 30 minutes each practice session.
Daily home practice is absolutely essential for growth as a musician. As the musician
improves, we can play more challenging music and have more fun together as an ensemble.
Practice includes listening to your music from a recording, studying the score and, of course,
playing the music on your instrument.
Practice logs are due every Friday and are worth 50 points. If you need more things to practice
because you have already mastered your concert music, just ask! I always have a few extra
playing books up my sleeve.
Some Practice Tips: Find a quiet, distraction-free environment maybe next to a big window.
Have all of your supplies (like a music stand, pencil, glass of water, watch, metronome, tuner) all
out and ready at all times to make it more “practice welcome.” Have a regular daily practice
time to create your practice habit, and always reward yourself for a job well done! Daily practice
takes diligence and hard work, and you should be proud of yourself for sticking with it! And
parents: consider daily practice in the same category as all of your child’s other household chores
and homework. It is something that needs to be done every day no matter what.
What is Class Participation?
Rehearsals are a unique, combined group phenomenon that cannot be recreated. Similarly, the
performance is the sole purpose of rehearsals and participation is a class requirement. Regular
attendance is critical to the success of the individual in the class as well as the ensemble itself.
The following stipulations apply:
1. Participation Points: Students will receive participation points for every rehearsal they
attend and in which they demonstrate the optimum level of participation. Because of the
performance nature of this class, absences will impact the other elements of the student’s
composite grade. Rehearsals, therefore, cannot be “made up.”
2. Tardiness: Policies currently documented in the student handbook will apply to all
instrumental rehearsals. In addition, arriving late to class will impact the other elements of the
student’s composite grade.
3. Unpacking Your Instrument: From the time you enter the room, you will have ONE
MINUTE, to unpack your instrument and be ready for rehearsal. If you take longer than one
minute, you will be considered tardy for class and it will affect your overall grade.
4. Bring the Correct Materials: Every day for class, you will need your (1) instrument, (2)
music in your folder, and (3) pencil. Recommended materials: extra reeds, cleaning cloths,
valve oil, etc. Failure to come to class with the necessary materials will affect your overall
grade. While the school does own a small number of instruments, those are meant for
students to try new instruments and/or emergencies and should not be relied upon on a regular
basis.
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Performances
• Scheduling: All major performances are listed in the school calendar and in the back of this
handbook. It is the student’s responsibility to adapt their schedules to the calendar to
eliminate conflicts with performance dates. Additional performances may be scheduled or
moved, generally with 6 weeks’ notice.
• Excused Absences: In the event that a student is excused from a performance, the attendance
points will not be applied against the attendance grade. The following “special
circumstances” qualify for an excused absence from a performance:
• Prolonged illness requiring the care of a physician.
• Family emergencies, accidents, or sudden severe illness.
***Please contact Mrs. Nagy as soon as possible to notify her of the absence!***
• Unexcused Absences: Any absence that is not listed in the circumstances that qualify as
excused will, by definition, be considered unexcused and will result in a zero grade for that
performance. This policy includes, but is not limited to, the following events:
• Work conflict
• Family vacation
• Nonemergency medical or dental appointments
• Rehearsals or practice for extracurricular events
• Feeling “under the weather”
Effort, Respect, and Rehearsal Rules
1. Effort and Respect: Students are required to strive for their best individual performance each
day. It is expected that the students will demonstrate proper rehearsal decorum at all times
and give appropriate consideration and respect to their peers and instructor.
2. Rehearsal Rules
a. Talking: Once rehearsal of a piece of music has begun, only the conductor may talk.
Rehearsals must move quickly and students cannot afford to miss a single direction. All
questions should be directed to the conductor.
b. Posture: Whenever students are asked to play in rehearsal, whether sitting or standing,
they must assume the correct posture. If you are not using correct posture, you are not
playing correctly! Improper posture affects your ability to use proper playing technique
and will poorly alter your intonation.
c. Not playing: Whenever a section is not playing, students may relax and sit comfortably
toward the back of their chair. This time is to be used in the quiet study of the score by
reviewing fingerings and listening to become aware of the other instrumental parts.
Talking is not allowed!
d. Food, Beverages, and Gum: Students are not allowed to bring candy, food or drinks into
the classroom, with the exception of water in clear plastic containers with lids. Any food
or beverage you bring into the classroom will be thrown away immediately.
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e. Cell Phones/Electronics: As stated in the Student Handbook, cell phones/ipods, etc., are
not to be in the classroom at any time. All non-school-related electronic devices seen
during class will be confiscated and a detention will immediately be issued to the student.
f. iPad Usage: [Symphonic Orchestra Only] We will use our iPads in class on a regular
basis for tuning, metronome, self-recording, and composition. iPads are to be strictly used
for class only and may not be used for any other purpose during rehearsals. The
recommended apps that your student should download will be listed in their syllabus.
Disciplinary Action
If a student does not comply with the stated rehearsal and/or classroom policies, along with any
other policies stated in the SCA handbook, the following steps will be taken:
1. Zero participation points for the day and an email sent home to parents.
2. After-school detention.
3. Phone call to parents to set up a meeting for the three of us to discuss the problem in person.
4. Office referral for administrative action.
5. If the behavior persists, the student can expect permanent removal from the class.
Tests and Assignments
1. Surprise Playing Quiz
About every four weeks, there will be a surprise playing quiz so that Mrs. Nagy can make
sure every student is practicing their music at home. Surprise playing quizzes help us learn
how to perform under a small amount of pressure and cause us to be better musicians.
2. Planned Playing Tests
About once a semester, there will be a planned playing test. Students will have at least three
weeks to prepare. The material covered will be much more extensive than a surprise playing
quiz and will typically include scales, sight-reading and selections from all of our music.
3. Music Theory and History
In addition to studying proper playing techniques, the students will have opportunities to
learn about musical terminology, theory, and the historical background of their current
performance music. There will be periodic quizzes, assignments, and tests given to evaluate
the student’s mastery of these elements of music.
4. Concert Observation
Students will be required to attend one classical concert per semester and turn in a one-page
report on their observations. At the beginning of each semester, Mrs. Nagy will post concerts
that would qualify for this observation.
Curriculum and Materials
1. [Nonstring Players] Standard of Excellence: Book 2 for grade 6 and Book 3 for grades 712.
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2. [Nonstring Players] Rubank Advanced Method Volume 1 for grades 7-12. Rubank
Intermediate Method for grade 6.
3. [String Players Only] Alfred’s Treasury of Scales and Preparing for Kreutzer OR (if
advanced) Kreutzer: 42 Studies or Caprices.
4. Additionally, SCA purchases music from various composers/publishers to be issued to each
student that must be returned to the school before the end of the school year. Students will
be financially responsible for any music lost or destroyed.
5. Misc Supplies include: Music Folder, Pencils, Tuner, extra supplies for your instrument like
reeds, valve oil, extra strings, rosin…etc!
Concert Attire
Instrumental ensemble members are responsible for the purchase of their own concert attire.
The following requirements apply:
Intermediate Band:
Men: Black (long-sleeved, button-down, collared) dress shirt, black dress slacks, black dress
belt, black dress socks, and black dress shoes.
Women: Black long-sleeved collared blouse (at least three-quarter-length sleeve), long black
skirt (must be below the knee), black closed-toe dress shoe. Clothing must not be tight-fitting or
see-through.
Junior High Band:
Men: Black (long-sleeved, button-down, collared) dress shirt, black dress slacks, black dress
belt, black dress socks, and black dress shoes.
Women: Black long-sleeved collared blouse (at least three-quarter-length sleeve), long black
skirt (must be below the knee), black closed-toe dress shoe. Clothing must not be tight-fitting or
see-through.
High School Symphonic Orchestra:
Men: Black tuxedo, black dress socks, and black dress shoes. Tuxedos will be ordered during
the first week of school. Approximate cost per student: $100.
Women: Black dress purchased from Formal Fashions and closed-toe black dress shoes.
Dresses will be measured and ordered during the first two weeks of school. Cost is
approximately $65.
Pep Band
Men and Women: Instrumental music shirt with dress code bottoms. If weather is chilly,
student may wear a dress code jacket.
All instrumental ensemble members (6-12) will be required to purchase an instrumental music
polo t-shirt. The shirts will be worn throughout the year for special instrumental music
performances and events. The cost for the shirts will be approximately $18.
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Instrumental Music Lettering System
A letter will be given to high school students who exemplify qualities of musicianship,
leadership, and responsibility. Each student will receive points for the award by sharing in
performance, taking part in extracurricular activities, and assuming duties that are over and
above the basic requirements of the class. Students earning 20 points during the year will
receive an award. Letter points are earned as follows:
Years of Service
Four Years
Three Years
Two Years
One Year
Points
8
6
4
2
Officers
President
Vice President
Section Leader
Librarian
Points
5
5
5
5
Performance
SCA Musical Pit Band
Church Worship Team
SCA Worship Team
Points
5
2
2
Pep Band 100% Participation
3
Band Camp
2
Contests
Solo (I)
Solo (II)
Solo (III)
Ensemble (I)
Ensemble (II)
Ensemble (III)
Large Ensemble (I)
Large Ensemble (II)
Large Ensemble (III)
Points
5
4
3
4
3
2
3
2
1
Summer Activities (June to August – 2 points)
In a concert/production outside school, turn in program for points to be awarded. Participation in
SCA Band Camp also counts.
Private Music Lessons (7 points)
Students must take a minimum of six months or 20 lessons per school year to qualify for points.
**Letter awards are given annually. Letter points are for extracurricular activities and do
not improve a student’s choir grade.
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2015-2016 Key Dates
Intermediate Band
August 17-18, 2015
October 5, 2015
October 16, 2015
December 7, 2015
December 10, 2015
March 3, 2016
April 1, 2016
April 26, 2016
May 3, 2016
Music Camp!
Fall Concert
Grandparents’ Day
Beginning and Middle School Band Concert
Symphonic Orchestra Concert, featuring Middle School Band
Beginning and Middle School Band Concert
ACSI Music Fair (Sixth Grade Only)
SCA Instrumental Music Concert
All School Assembly (all instrumental ensembles perform)
Junior High Band
August 17-18, 2015
October 5, 2015
October 16, 2015
December 7, 2015
December 10, 2015
February 16, 2016
April 26, 2016
May 3, 2016
May 13, 2016
May 24, 2016
Music Camp!
Fall Concert
Grandparents’ Day
Beginning and Middle School Band Concert
Symphonic Orchestra Concert, featuring Middle School Band
International Festival
SCA Instrumental Music Concert
All School Assembly (all instrumental ensembles perform)
SCA High School Graduation
Bucket Ensemble Performs at SCA Secondary Talent Show
High School Symphonic Orchestra
August 17-18, 2015 Music Camp!
October 5, 2015
Fall Concert
October 16, 2015
Grandparents’ Day
November 12, 2015 SCA Musical
December 10, 2015 Symphonic Orchestra Concert, featuring Middle School Band
February 11, 2016
Pops Concert
February 16, 2016
International Festival
March 8, 2016
MSHSAA State Large Group Contest (Paseo High School)
March 19, 2016
MSHSAA Solo & Small Ensemble Contest (Grain Valley HS)
April 26, 2016
SCA Instrumental Music Concert
April 29, 2016
MSHSAA Solo & Small Ensemble State Contest (MIZZOU)
May 3, 2016
All School Assembly (all instrumental ensembles perform)
May 13, 2016
SCA High School Graduation
May 24, 2016
Bucket Ensemble Performs at SCA Secondary Talent Show
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SCA Instrumental Music Contract
Student: ______________________________________________________________________
Home Phone: __________________________________________________________________
Student Cell Phone: _____________________________________________________________
Parent Cell Phone: ______________________________________________________________
Parents Names: ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Work Phone: __________________________________________________________________
Parent Email address: ___________________________________________________________
We have read the SCA Instrumental Music Handbook and Grading Policies. We understand the
class requirements and evaluation procedures that will advance the achievement and assessment
of the course objectives.
We agree to follow these course guidelines and will support the employment of all rewards and
penalties that may apply to the final grade.
Student Signature: ______________________________________________________________
Parent Signature: _______________________________________________________________
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Summit Christian Academy
Instrumental Musician Handbook
SCA admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin.