Patuxent High School Bands
Wind Ensemble Syllabus
Important Dates
Attendance at the events below is MANDATORY! Please make sure you have cleared these dates
in your calendar! You are expected to schedule your events around these dates. Make-ups will
not be offered for concerts or dress rehearsals.
Winter Concert Dress Rehearsal - Tuesday, December 9th, 2:30pm – 6pm
Winter Concert - Tuesday,December 16th, Report-6pm (Concert–7pm)
Festival Preview Concert - Thursday, March 5th, 6pm
District XII Festival - Tuesday, March 24
Mulch Sale - Saturday, March 28th – 7am-3pm
Spring Concert Dress Rehearsal - Thursday, April 30th, 2:30 – 6pm
Spring Concert Wednesday, May 6th Report – 6pm (Concert – 7pm)
Course Description:
Wind Ensemble is a class which is designed to further the student’s understanding of
his/her own instrument. This class is designed to challenge the ensemble, and is PHS’s most
advanced instrumental ensemble. In addition, students will learn basic music theory, scales and
etudes, and will learn how to play advanced repertoire as part of an instrumental ensemble.
Grading Policy:
Band classes at PHS are unlike any other class. Because of the nature of a performance class, students are
required to attend certain events outside of the school day. This is necessary to teach students how to
perform in front of an audience. As such, it is impossible to replicate this experience during our class
time. Therefore, there will be no make-up assignment for missed dress rehearsals and performances.
If you have questions about how students will be assessed each marking period, please refer to the policy
below. Percentages are approximate.
Concert Attendance, Dress Rehearsal and Performance (Product Points): - 40%
Students are given the opportunity to earn 40% of their grade through concert attendance and
performance. 10% of this grade is achieved through successful completion of the dress rehearsal, and
30% is earned through the concert. Students will receive full credit by reporting to the band room on time,
in their uniform, with all of the equipment they need to perform. Appropriate behavior and performance
are also included in this grade
Playing Tests/Written Assignments/Pencil Checks (Playing and Written Exams - Product Points;
Music Preparation, Assignments and Pencil Checks - Process Points): - 40 %
Throughout each marking period, students will be assigned a variety of tasks. Student assessment will be
recorded through individual playing for the director on his/her instrument. Students will also be required
to complete written assignments (both during class and for homework) and exams. Roughly once a week,
students will be evaluated on their preparedness for class through pencil/folder checks. If the students
have their materials on the stand and ready during these checks, they will receive full credit. If they are
missing one or need to dig it out of a locker or bookbag, they will receive a zero for the check.
Daily Achievement of Curriculum Standards (Process Points): - 20%
Twenty percent of the student’s grade will be determined through their daily achievement. This includes
but is not limited to: reporting to class on time, controlling him/herself in an appropriate manner to ensure
the best learning environment is maintained for all learners, being prepared with all materials, showing
adequate progress through means of individual practice outside of class. Percussionists are required to
bring their practice pads and sticks to every rehearsal. Failure to do any of these on a daily basis will
result in the loss of some or all of the points in this area.
Discipline Policy
If it should be necessary to discipline a student because of disruptions to the class or the breaking of
PHS,CCPS or PHS Band rules, the following procedure will be followed:
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1st offense - Verbal Warning
2nd offense - Verbal Warning and parents will be contacted
3rd offense - Minor Incident Report
4th offense - Referral will be filed with administration
Concert Dress
Required dress for Symphonic Band is listed below:
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Tux (Provided by PHS, return at the end of each performance)
Black Socks and Black Dress Shoes (Student provides - sneakers not permitted)
Scale Studies
In addition to the playing tests as outlined above, students will be expected to play from the 40
essential rudiments, and through scales (as described below). Students will be made aware when
each scale and rudiment is due.
Marking Period 1
Marking Period 2
Marking Period 3
Marking Period 4
C Major (8/29)
A Natural Minor
(10/24)
D Natural Minor
A Harmonic Minor
(1/16)
D Harmonic Minor
A Melodic Minor
(3/27)
D Melodic Minor
F Major (8/29)
Bb Major (9/5)
Eb Major (9/5)
Ab Major (9/12)
Db Major (9/12)
Gb (F#) Major (9/19)
G Major (9/26)
D Major (9/26)
A Major (10/3)
E Major (10/3)
B Major (10/10)
(10/24)
G Natural Minor
(10/31)
C Natural Minor
(10/31)
F Natural Minor
(11/7)
Bb Natural Minor
(11/7)
Eb Natural Minor
(11/14)
E Natural Minor
(11/21)
B Natural Minor
(11/21)
F# Natural Minor
(12/5)
C# (Db) Natural
Minor (12/5)
G# (Ab) Natural
Minor (12/12)
(1/16)
G Harmonic Minor
(1/23)
C Harmonic Minor
(1/23)
F Harmonic Minor
(1/30)
Bb Harmonic Minor
(1/30)
Eb Harmonic Minor
(2/6)
E Harmonic Minor
(2/13)
B Harmonic Minor
(2/13)
F# Harmonic Minor
(2/20)
C# (Db) Harmonic
Minor (2/20)
G# (Ab) Harmonic
Minor (2/27)
(3/27)
G Melodic Minor
(4/10)
C Melodic Minor
(4/10)
F Melodic Minor
(4/17)
Bb Melodic Minor
(4/17)
Eb Melodic Minor
(4/24)
E Melodic Minor
(4/24)
B Melodic Minor
(5/1)
F# Melodic Minor
(5/1)
C# (Db) Melodic
Minor (5/15)
G# (Ab) Melodic
Minor (5/15)
Playing Technique
While many different techniques for playing exist, students are expected to use the techniques
that are taught during class. These are the techniques upon which the students will be tested.
Purchase of Instruments
If you are interested in purchasing an instrument, please check with Mr. Ritenour before you buy it!
There are many different brands and models of each instrument. Some are not of good quality and will be
a detriment to your playing. Mr. Ritenour will help you find a quality instrument in your price range.
Late Work
Each assignment is due at the beginning of the class period on its due date. Assignments that
are not turned in at this time will not be given full credit. Each assignment will be scored one
letter grade lower for each day that it is late.
Make-Up Work
If students must miss class due to illness or other unavoidable circumstances, it is the
responsibility of the student to retrieve and make up assignments that were missed. Even if you
think an assignment hasn’t been issued, be sure to check the make up spot for your class
and the day you missed to be sure! If a student is absent on the day an assignment is due, they
must turn in the assignment at the beginning of class upon their return.
Rules
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All Calvert County and Patuxent High School Rules apply in this class.
Phones, MP3 players, headphones, etc. should not be visible during class. Students will
be issued one warning, and if the problem persists, the items will be confiscated and
turned into an administrator.
It is your responsibility to be in class on time, be prepared, and be ready to learn. This
means you have spent the necessary time practicing, have all materials you need for class,
and are in attendance where you are supposed to be.
There should never be food or drinks in the band room AT ANY TIME (with the
exception of water).
No Gum!
If you would like to speak or have a question, raise your hand. If there is time, Mr.
Ritenour will call on you. If there is not time, see Mr. Ritenour after class with your
concern or question.
Practice
The pace and rigor of this course are designed with the assumption that students will practice
outside of the school day. A general rule is 100 minutes per week (20 minutes of “homework”
each night). It is impossible for Mr. Ritenour to break down every measure of every part in each
rehearsal. If students are having trouble with a specific piece, they are expected to take it upon
themselves to work it out. If you need help, ask for it!
Required Materials
Students should have the materials below with them in class EVERY DAY.
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Your Instrument and any parts to make it work (mouthpiece, valve oil, reeds, etc.)
Music Folder
Pencil Only (No pens, hilighters or markers)
Notebook (I recommend keeping a 3-ring binder to keep track of all handouts and
assignments! Filler paper can be used to keep notes. This will help you to stay
organized!)
*NOTE: Students requiring reeds must buy their reeds from a music store or online
(Amazon, JW Pepper, etc.) and have spare reeds available at all times. Mr. Ritenour will
not sell reeds through the band office. Students who are unable to play because of a missing
reed will lose points for that day.
Fundraising
The equipment that is used by the PHS Band program is very expensive to purchase, repair and
maintain. Because of this cost, there will be many fundraisers throughout the year that we need
each student’s help in achieving. Without these fundraisers, we would not have the equipment
we need.
All students are required to participate in the mulch sale held on March 28th from 7am –
3pm. More information about this event will become available closer to this date.
Lockers
Each student in a band class will be given a locker and a combination lock to store their
instrument during the day. Upon receipt of the locker, students will be required to sign a "Locker
Agreement". This agreement states that students understand that the use of a locker is a
privelage, and that they are expected to keep the locker clean and secured to ensure the safekeeping of school and privately-owned instruments. The only things allowed in lockers are
instruments (and related accessories - neck straps, valve oil, mouthpieces, etc.), music folders
and books. No clothing should ever be stored in an instrument locker. If students violate this
agreement, they will be given a first warning. If the problem persists, the locker will be revoked
and the student will be required to carry his or her instrument to and from school every day.
Other Resources
Band Website: http://patuxentband.com
Metronome Online: http://metronomeonline.com – Use a metronome every time you practice!
Woodwind & Brasswind: http://wwbw.com – Instrument/Accessory retailer. Reeds, valve oil,
cleaning supplies, etc. can be purchased here!
JW Pepper: http://jwpepper.com – Great for listening to concert music!
Additional Opportunities
There are multiple opportunities for band students to play in ensembles at the County, Tri-County and
All-State levels, as well as compete in Solo and Ensemble. Basic procedures and dates for these events
are listed below:
All- County Band - This ensemble is an opportunity for students to perform in an ensemble composed of
students from each high school in Calvert County. Students are admitted to this ensemble by application
and director recommendation. All dates (listed below) are mandatory. If students are unable to make one
of the dates, they are encouraged NOT to apply.
Rehearsals (all held from 5pm-8pm @ Huntingtown High School): 1/6, 1/8, 1/13, 1/15, 1/21 (during
school day - 9am-3pm)
Concert: 1/22 - 7pm @ Huntingtown High School
All-County Jazz Band - This ensemble is an opportunity for students to perform in an ensemble
composed of students from each high school in Calvert County. Students are admitted to this ensemble by
application and director recommendation. All dates (listed below) are mandatory. If students are unable to
make one of the dates, they are encouraged NOT to apply.
Rehearsals (5pm-8pm @ Calvert High School): 2/2, 2/9, 2/11 (During School day - 9am-3pm @ PHS)
Concert: Thursday, 2/12 - 7pm @ Patuxent High School
Tri-County Band - This ensemble is an opportunity for band students to perform in an ensemble
composed of students from high schools in Calvert, St. Mary's and Charles counties. Admission to this
ensemble is by audition only. Upon successful audition, students are required to be present for each
rehearsal and the concert. If they are unable to make one or more of the dates, they are encouraged NOT
to audition.
Audition: 12/13 - 8am-12pm - Location TBA
Rehearsals (During school - 9am - 3:30pm): 1/28, 2/6, 2/7 (Saturday - 9am - 4pm)
Concert: Sunday, 2/8 - 2pm - Mary Harrison Center
All-State Band - This ensemble is an opportunity for band students to perform in an ensemble composed
of students from high schools across the state. Admission to this ensemble is by audition only. Upon
successful audition, students are required to be present for each rehearsal and the concert. If they are
unable to make one or more of the dates, they are encouraged NOT to audition.
Audition: 11/15 (9th Graders), 11/22 (10th-12th Graders)
Rehearsals: Thursday 2/19 through Sunday 2/22
Concert: Sunday 2/22 - Times and Location TBA
Solo and Ensemble - This event give students the opportunity to practice and perform a Solo (or a small
ensemble) for a small group of adjudicators. Upon successful completion at the District level with a rating
of I, students may advance and choose to participate in State Solo and Ensemble. Students must choose a
piece from the MD State Solo and Ensemble List for both events. If you're interested, be sure to check
with Mr. Ritenour early in the year to choose a piece and begin practicing!
District Solo and Ensemble: 3/7, 8am-3pm @ Calvert Middle School
State Solo and Ensemble: 5/16, Time and Location TBA
Wind Ensemble
Completion of symphonic band does not guarantee the student a spot in Wind Ensemble. Wind Ensemble
placements are based upon available spots and are by audition only. While seniority will be considered,
the main deciding factor upon placement in Wind Ensemble is the ability of the student as demonstrated
by their audition and previous performance and participation in class.
*Mr. Ritenour reserves the right to change the syllabus as it becomes necessary.*
--------------------Detatch and return by Friday, August 22------------------
Signature of Acknowledgement
By signing below, you acknowledge that you have read the syllabus for this class and agree to the policies and
statements included. You also agree that any concert/dress rehearsal conflicts are noted below, and absence from
any of the “Important Events” will result in the lowering of the class grade. You further understand that you will be
held financially responsible for all uniforms and instruments lent to you. If they are not returned in satisfactory
condition (beyond normal wear from use), you agree to reimburse PHS the amount necessary to return them to a
satisfactory condition or replace them. By signing this form, you also give you consent for your child to travel with
PHS Bands to Festival, Graduation and any other school sponsored trips.
Name (Printed) _____________________________________________________________
Grade _______
Guardian Mailing Address_________________________________________________
Guardian Cell Phone _____________________________________________________
Guardian Work Phone ____________________________________________________
Guardian Email Address ___________________________________________________
Student Signature _________________________________
Date _________________
Guardian Signature _________________________________ Date ________________
Please Enclose $15 for your tux shirt when your return your form. If you have your own
tux shirt to use, please note that here.