Table of Contents

Cascade High School

Kodiak Band Handbook

2016-2017

Welcome to a new chapter for the CHS Band Program! I’m particularly excited for this year because we have practically doubled in size, which means we will be able to explore some wonderful new music that requires larger ensembles to perform successfully. This is going to be an awesome year! In order for this program to achieve its full potential, it is important for both students and parents to be familiar with the policies and procedures of the organization. That’s the purpose of this handbook – take a few minutes to read through it. Keep it handy so that you can refer back to it, as it will prove helpful to you as you navigate your way through the year. Please sign and return the page at the end of this handbook with the appropriate signatures and other information as requested to Mr. Mitsuyasu by Wednesday, September 7th. This will be for a grade.

The One-Page Version

(more detail on the following pages)

Fees:

· Marching uniform maintenance: $5

· Marching shoes (if you do not have black dress shoes or Speedsters already): $25

· School instrument: $50

Grading Breakdown (Weighted system)

· Rehearsal Skills & Attendance – 35%

· Performances – 30%

· Includes Concerts, Contests, and Parades

· Playing Tests – 15%

· Pep Band – 10%

· All football games are required.

· You may miss ONE basketball game without penalty.

· Contact Mr. M ASAP in the case of multiple date conflicts

· Assignments & miscellaneous classwork – 10%

Classroom expectations

1. Be prepared for rehearsals. Have your music learned – practice as much as you need to so that you can make a contribution to the rehearsal.

a. Practice is at home; rehearsal (learning how your part fits with others) is at school.

b. Mistakes are allowed and expected, but be willing to take feedback and advice from myself or your section leader to improve. If you make the same mistake more than once, you need to mark it in your music.

c. General rule of thumb: you should know 15-20% more of your music each week that you have it. Individual playing checks/quizzes will begin the 3rd week of the concert cycle. Your music should be perfected at least one week before the concert.

d. ALWAYS HAVE A PENCIL ON YOUR STAND

2. Be on time – in your seat with all your stuff by the time the bell rings; warmed up and ready to play as a group 3 minutes after the bell. See the policy for Tardiness under the Rehearsal Skills heading of my Grading Policy.

3. Be respectful of each other, of each other’s instruments, and our rehearsal time. If you cannot do that, I may ask you not to participate for the rest of rehearsal.

4. Unless you are instructed to have them out, cell phones are not permitted. If I see it, I’ll take it and you may pick it up at the end of the day in the main office.

5. Be willing to put in the effort to do something well.

6. Have fun! Get to know your classmates and make friends with them; this is one of the few classes in which you’ll see the same people for all four years.

Grading Policy

Students will receive grades in a number of different areas. I understand that each student’s musical skills cannot always be measured on the same scale due to different starting levels, but aspects such as progress, effort, or contribution to the ensemble will be considered in the final grade.

Performances (30%)

The Cascade High School Band Program works every year to be excellent. To continue this tradition, it is the policy of the Band Program that concerts, events, and performances are an integral part of the learning process in music education and also serve as a “final exam” at the end of each unit. There will be mandatory performances and events outside of the regular school hours. It is expected that when students choose to participate in a performance group, they accept these extra commitments that go along with it. Your grade will be based on punctuality, effort, behavior and other related observations. You are also expected to adhere to the concert dress requirements.

All CHS band students are required to participate in all marching band and pep band events. See the calendar at the end of this handbook for event dates.

Music groups are the ultimate team activity. Every member is essential to a quality performance, and there are no “subs” or backup members to fill in for an absent member. We depend on each individual’s contribution to a successful performance. There must be accountability on the part of all the students who take on the responsibility of becoming a part of the Cascade High School Band Program. Therefore, students missing a required performance will be unable to earn full credit for the performance, and the grade will be marked as a “zero” in the gradebook until the make-up work is completed. If a student is absent from school on the day of a performance, he/she is not expected to perform that evening. A written note must accompany the child when they return. Please refer to the calendar at the end of this handbook to avoid scheduling conflicts. If there is a genuine, unavoidable conflict, please inform Mr. Mitsuyasu in writing at least two weeks in advance.

Concert Dress

Concerts are formal events. As a result, every student is required to be in proper band attire for all performances. Any student not wearing regulated uniform (clean and pressed) at the time of a performance may not be permitted to participate in that performance.

The following is a list of the required Concert Dress for all high school performing groups.

Concert Band – BLACK & WHITE

Black Dress Shoes or Speedsters (no sneakers)

Black dress socks (no ankle socks)

Black slacks or knee-length skirt

White button-down dress shirt, sweater, or blouse – NO T-SHIRTS

Black necktie or bowtie strongly encouraged

Marching Band – special uniform

Black dress shoes or Speedsters (strongly recommended) *must be entirely black!!

Black dress socks (no ankle socks)

White T-shirt & athletic shorts

Marching Band Bibbers (provided)

Marching Band Jacket (provided)

Marching Band Shako (provided)

Jazz Band – BLACK & WHITE w/ red accents

Black or white dress shoes (no sneakers)

Black slacks or knee-length skirt

Black dress socks (no ankle socks)

White button-down dress shirt, sweater, or blouse NO T-SHIRTS

Red accents (tie, suspenders, scarf, etc.)

Pep Band – school colors

Jeans & sneakers fine

CHS t-shirt or school colors

Kodiak Band t-shirt or sweatshirt (optional, available for purchase)

PLEASE NOTE!

There is a marching band uniform fee of $5, to be paid in the CHS office.

Students are required to purchase their own concert dress items. If you choose to purchase a pair of black Speedsters (which I strongly recommend), I will send in an order by Wednesday, September 7th. Bring $25 to the CHS office. Used pairs may also be available for $10; SEE ME before making plans to buy used shoes.

Concert Behavior Expectations

Our students work hard to be prepared for every performance. We expect our audience to show respect for our work by sitting quietly, holding side conversations until breaks between groups, turning off cell phones, and giving us their complete attention. If we expect it of them, we must expect it of ourselves as well. If you are not performing onstage, you are a member of the audience. I expect you to sit respectfully in the designated areas, not talking or using cell phones or other electronic devices, and not causing a disruption. Part of your concert grade includes your behavior as an audience member. If I or another adult need to speak to you about your behavior during a concert, your grade will be significantly impacted.

Rehearsal skills & attendance (35%)

You may earn up to 10 points per rehearsal. Your ability to focus, your level of preparedness (equipment-wise and ability to play your music), attendance, and punctuality will all affect how many of those points you may earn.

Tardies

If you are tardy to class (not ready to begin rehearsal 3 minutes after the last bell), you may only earn up to 8 points for that day. In keeping with the CHS Student Handbook, habitual tardiness will result in progressive consequences, as listed below:

2nd tardy: 30 minutes before school with Mr. M and parent contact

3rd tardy: parent contact and referral to main office for detention

4th tardy & above: parent contact and referral to main office; additional impact to rehearsal grade.

Absences

A missed rehearsal is nearly impossible to truly make up, as you lose the opportunity to play with your peers and they lose the chance to work on fitting their part in with yours. Your rehearsal grade for the day will be marked as “0” and “Missing” until the make-up work is turned in.

Make-up work:

Points lost for being tardy cannot be made up.

If you miss a rehearsal, you must complete 1 hour of focused individual practice outside of the normal school day. Turn in a note signed by a parent or guardian stating that you spent the required time. Make-up work cannot be “banked” for future absences. If arranged in advance, other arrangements may be made for extended absences.

Playing Tests (15%)

Every day is essentially a playing test, as the ensemble relies on individuals to perform their part well. However, in order to determine each student’s progress and help hold students accountable for their part in the ensemble, individual playing tests may be necessary. It’s one of the ways for the director to assess each student’s needs, give some specific and focused feedback, and also adjust future instruction to ensure everyone’s success. These tests may be administered either during the large-group rehearsal time or recorded in a practice room.

Pep Band (10%)

Pep and marching band appearances are how most of our community members judge our band. When we show up to a football or basketball game, we need to put our best foot forward to represent our program well and to provide fun, high-energy and high-quality music for these sporting events. Therefore, all pep band performances are required. See calendar at the end of this handbook for as many dates as are known. **Post-season games are not listed in the calendar, but are also required. We are “On Duty” during 1st and 2nd quarters, halftime, and 4th quarter. 3rd quarter is your free time, but you must be back in the band section with 1:30 left on the 3rd quarter clock.

We love friends and socializing, but unless your friend is also playing an instrument in the band, they need to find somewhere else to be until you are off-duty. Your job is to provide music during breaks in play, and you must be ready to do so at a moment’s notice. Wandering off, chatting with friends, or not showing up during the time you are On Duty will keep you from earning grade points.

Pep band shirts will be ordered at the beginning of the year. These are optional, but would look great on everybody! Orders are due Wednesday, September 7th.

Assignments & Miscellaneous Work (10%)

During the course of the semester you may be asked to complete various short projects or reports. These may be as simple as a short music theory worksheet, or they may require a little more time, such as a report on a professional artist who plays your instrument. You will be given a time table to complete the assignments and time during class as deemed appropriate.

Field Trip Expectations

One of the privileges of being in band is that you get the opportunity to travel for performances and workshops. During these trips, I expect your best behavior – even better than you would behave during the normal school day. You are on display as a representative of Cascade High School and the community of Leavenworth. This is not a choice; you automatically become a representative simply by being there.

In addition to the expectations and consequences outlined in the band and student handbooks, major infractions or repeated inappropriate or disrespectful behavior while on a trip may result in you being sent home immediately at your parents’ expense, with no refund for the portion of the trip you may miss, if applicable.

School Owned Instruments

Some instruments are very expensive to purchase or rent and may be available through a checkout procedure from the school. Unfortunately, there are only a limited number of these instruments available. The school provides most percussion instruments, but the student must provide his or her own stick bag including the necessary sticks and mallets each day for class.

In order to be issued a school owned instrument, the parent and student must sign an instrument check out form acknowledging that they take full responsibility for the instrument while it is in their care. There is a yearly usage fee of $50 for using a school owned instrument. The money should be paid to the main office, and bring Mr. Mitsuyasu the receipt before taking home the instrument. This fee covers cleaning and regular maintenance of the instrument. The student is responsible for general upkeep of his/her instrument and should report any damage or needed repairs for the instrument during the year. The student must also provide his/her own reeds, oils, and other accessories. If any maintenance on the instrument is needed, the student should tell Mr. Mitsuyasu right away. PLEASE SPEAK WITH Mr. M BEFORE PERFORMING OR ARRANGING FOR ANY MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS!!

The student should keep his/her instrument in good working condition at all times. Keep it clean, inside and out; valves and slides working, mouthpiece clean; clarinets swabbed, etc. Keep a supply of valve or slide cream, extra reeds, swabs, and whatever else you might need. Misuse or irresponsible treatment of a school-owned instrument will result in additional charges to make repairs.

**High school students wishing to borrow a school-owned instrument such as clarinet, flute, trumpet, or trombone should strongly consider renting or purchasing from a local music shop. CHS has very few of these instruments in good condition. Your student may not get his or her first choice of instrument or may experience more difficulty producing a good sound because of the age and condition of these school instruments.

Required Materials

All students must bring the following materials to class every day:

· Instrument in working condition

· Clarinets & Saxophones: minimum of 3 functioning reeds in your case at all times.

· Sheet music and method books as provided. Students must store their music in the provided sheet music folder or in a student-provided binder. Hole punches are not allowed (use a page protector for binders). Treat every piece of sheet music as if it were an original. A replacement fee may apply in the case of lost or damaged materials.

· Pencil & eraser – keep one in your folder. NO PENS, ERASABLE PENCILS, MARKERS, OR HIGHLIGHTERS!!

Percussionists will need the following materials this year:

· Set of general snare drum sticks (SD1 or roughly equivalent; smaller is fine)

· Set of hard plastic or nylon mallets (Innovative Percussion #F10 or comparable)

· Set of medium-hard rubber mallets (Innovative Percussion #F9 or comparable)

· Set of medium-hard cord or yarn mallets (Innovative Percussion #F3.5 or comparable)

· Set of medium or general-purpose timpani mallets (Innovative Percussion #GT3 or GT4; Smith Mallets SMT2 or SMT3; or comparable)

· Marching drum sticks or mallets as assigned.

Important Supplies

Instrument maintenance is very important to keep your instrument working. Please be sure to purchase what you need to ensure that you are never stuck without something! Don’t know where to shop? Try the following:

Chinook Music (East Wenatchee, about ½ mile from Costco)

Avalon Music (Wenatchee, on N. Wenatchee Ave between 5th and 7th St.)

www.wwbw.com

www.lonestarpercussion.com

FLUTE: Cleaning Rod, Cleaning Cloth (Half of an old handkerchief works well)

CLARINET & SAXOPHONE: pull-through swab, cork grease, Van Doren or comparable reeds – strength size 2 ½ or 3 (Absolutely NO orange-box Rico reeds), reed guards/reed case. You must have at least 3 working reeds in your case at all times.

BRASS: Small washcloth or hand towel for emptying spit valve, valve or rotary oil, tuning slide grease, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush.

Trombones – slide CREAM (not oil) and a small spray bottle of water

PERCUSSION: Percussion Stick Bag Labeled with Name and Phone Number

Practice Pad & metronome – smart phone with metronome app is acceptable

Other sticks or mallets as requested

Communication

A key element of a successful band program is communication. The CHS band website is now running through the Cascade School District website, but still has a calendar, blog and other important information. Please visit the website regularly to keep up-to-date on information regarding the band.

I am most easily reached via the email address listed below. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at any time and I will do my best to get back to you as quickly as possible.

This year, I am also using a messaging and email app called “Remind,” which was designed to help teachers communicate with parents and students through short messages and group chats about upcoming events. Parents are also invited to join the contact list, and any reminders will be sent as a mass text message or email to any subscribers. Individual phone numbers and other contact information are not visible by sender or recipients. Please see a more complete description at www.remind.com. To join the class list, please text the following phrases to the number 81010:

Concert Band only: text “@mitsucon”

Jazz Band only: text “@mitsujazz”

Pep & Marching Band (all CHS band students): text “@kodiakband”

MR. MITSUYASU’S TEACHER PAGE:

http://cascadesd.schoolwires.net/Page/875

KODIAK BAND WEBSITE:

http://www.cascadesd.org/domain/127

EMAIL:

jmitsuyasu@cascadesd.org

TELEPHONE:

509.548.5277

Varsity Letter Requirements

Students wishing to earn a varsity letter for band must show that they go above and beyond the general expectations of the classroom. To earn a letter for band, a student must complete the following:

Pep band points:

· Play at all pep band events (students in varsity football or basketball exempt during their game-day responsibilities)

· Pep band events are required for a grade, but students may miss one game without a grade penalty.

Earn 10 performance points

· Perform a solo or small ensemble piece at school concert – 5 points

· Participate at regional solo & ensemble contest – 10 points

· Audition for Western International Band Clinic honor band – 3 points

· Perform at Western International Band Clinic – 10 points

· Audition for All-state/All-Northwest honor band – 3 points

· Participate in All-state/All-Northwest honor band – 10 points

· Participate in Music in May festival - 10 points

· Perform in school musical – 10 points

· Perform with Icicle Creek Youth Symphony (full season) – 10 points

· Perform in other ensemble outside of school (check with Mr. M first) – up to 10 points

· Other performance opportunities – determined at time of performance

Earn 20 educational points

· Attend Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival – 20 points

· Additional cost to student applies; details on cost and fundraising efforts to be announced

· Take private lessons (check with Mr. M) – 10 points

· Attend Wenatchee Valley Symphony concert – 5 points per performance

· Show ticket stub & program

· Attend performance at Icicle Center for the Arts (check with Mr. M first) – 5 points per performance

· Show ticket stub and program

· Attend Wenatchee area or Cashmere HS band or choir concerts – 5 points per performance

· Show program or ticket stub

· Attend workshops or clinics outside of school hours (check with Mr. M first) – 5 points per performance

Earn 10 service points

· Participate in band fundraising efforts (Christmas parking, etc.) – 2 points per hour served

· Help set up for band programs/events (outside of class time) or hand out programs at performances – 2 points

· Other service/setup opportunities – announced as they become available.

Students should keep track of their own points and submit an application for academic letter at the end of the school year.

Other activities may be eligible, subject to Mr. M’s approval.

Calendar of EventsTentative schedule only. Dates/Times subject to change with advance notice, particularly athletic events. Events in italics are optional, but count for letter points or make-up assignments.Additions to schedule may also apply. Post-Season football & basketball are also required if teams qualify - dates TBA

DateTime & (Call time)EventEnsembleAugust 8-119am-noonDrummer campDrummers OnlyAugust 15-189am-3pm Pre-season camp @ CHSAll CHS BandsAugust 19th9am-noonPre-season camp @ PeshastinAll CHS BandsAugust 19th NoonKick-off BBQAll CHS Bands & Family

September 26:30pm (5:45pm)Home Football gamePep BandSeptember 156:30pm (5:45pm)Home Football gamePep BandSeptember 179am-10:30amCombined Marching PracticeAll CHS BandsSeptember 236:30pm (5:45pm)Homecoming gamePep BandSeptember 24TBA (morning)Autumn Leaf ParadeMarching BandOctober 186:30pm (6:00pm)Fall Concert7th-12th Grade BandsOctober 216:30pm (5:45pm)Home Football gamePep Band October 25All DaySarge Huber Honor FestivalSelected IndividualsOctober 286:30pm (5:45pm)Home Football gamePep Band November 3All DayJazz Contest @ Cashmere HSJazz BandNovember 295:45pm (5:00pm)Home Basketball GamesPep BandDecember 25:45pm (5:00pm)Home Basketball GamesPep BandDecember 311:30am (10:00am)Christmas Festival ParadeMarching BandDecember 3All DayChristmas Parking FundraiserAll Bands/parentsDecember 65:45pm (5:00pm)Home Basketball GamesPep BandDecember 77:30pmChristmas ConcertAll CHS BandsDecember 95:45pm (5:00pm)Home Basketball GamesPep BandDecember 1011:30am (10:00am)Christmas Festival ParadeMarching BandDecember 10All DayChristmas Parking FundraiserAll Bands/parentsDecember 135:45pm (5:00pm)Home Basketball GamesPep BandDecember 16TBA (evening)Christmas Music @ GazeboAll CHS BandsDecember 17All DayChristmas Parking FundraiserAll Bands/parents

January 65:45pm (5:00pm)Home Basketball GamesPep BandJanuary 145:45pm (5:00pm)Home Basketball GamesPep BandJanuary 175:45pm (5:00pm)Home Basketball GamesPep BandJanuary 195:45pm (5:00pm)Home Basketball GamesPep BandJanuary 275:45pm (5:00pm)Home Basketball GamesPep BandJanuary 28All daySolo/Ensemble ContestIndividualsFebruary 23-26All DayLionel Hampton Jazz FestJazz Band & IndividualsMarch 217:00pm(6:40pm)CHS Festival ConcertAll CHS BandsMarch 22TBANCWMEA Band ContestConcert BandApril 159-11:30amMarching Band practiceAll CHS Bands/IRMS 8thApril 299-11:30amMarching Band practiceAll CHS Bands/IRMS 8thMay 6TBAApple Blossom ParadeMarching Band/IRMS 8thMay 13TBAMaifest ParadeMarching Band/IRMS 8thMay 267:00pm (6:30pm)Spring Awards ConcertAll CHS & IRMS BandsJune 3 (Tentative)10:30am (10am)Peshastin ParadeMarching Band/IRMS 8th June 117:30pm (6:30pm)CHS GraduationAll CHS Bands/IRMS 8th

CHS BAND PARENT/STUDENT CONTRACT

Parents, thank you for going over the handbook with your son and/or daughter, and for your support of your child and our program. Please fill out following and return them to school NO LATER than Wednesday, September 7th. These will be for an assignment grade.

· Handbook Contract· Pep Band T-Shirt/Marching Shoe Order form (optional)· Field Trip Permission form (required)· Medical/Insurance Release form (required)

We have reviewed the band handbook with __________________________________________________________. (Student’s name)We are familiar with all aspects of the band handbook, and will adhere to the attendance and grading policy regarding required materials, class requirements, as well as rehearsals and performances.

___________________________________Student Signature

__________________________________________________________________________Parent Signature E-mail Address (strongly recommended) *

*E-mail is the best line of communication with Mr. Mitsuyasu

Volunteer Opportunities

Please start planning to help out with our major fundraiser for the year! We will be looking for students and parents to manage parking lots during the Christmas Lighting Festival. Please check any and all weekends you would like to work a 3-hour window. Actual dates and time slots will follow. ***Students wishing to attend Jazz Fest in February can help pay their way by volunteering (parent volunteers count toward this as well)

Parent Volunteers:

___ December 3rd ___ December 10th ___ December 17th *Extra adults needed!*Extra adults needed!

Student Volunteers:

___ December 3rd ___ December 10th ___ December 17th *Meeting for parade at 10:00*Meeting for parade at 10:00

Additional Volunteer opportunities:

Chaperone for band events:___Autumn Leaf Parade (Sept. 24)___NCWMEA Jazz Festival (Nov. 3)___Jazz Fest @ University of Idaho (Feb. 23-26)___NCWMEA Concert Band Festival (March 22)___Apple Blossom Parade (May 6)___MaiFest Parade (May 13)___Peshastin Parade (June 3)

___Drive a school van to Jazz Fest (Feb. 23-26) – FIRST AID CARD REQUIRED___Drive the band trailer to Jazz Fest (Feb. 23-26)___Drive the band trailer for Apple Blossom Parade (May 6)

Pep Band T-Shirt Order FormDue Wednesday, Sept. 7

Select from options below:

T-Shirt ($14.70) Size: _____Hooded Sweatshirt ($28.25) Size: _____

Name on back of shirt (add $6 per item):

Total to be paid:

Make checks out to “Alpen Art” and bring this form plus check or cash to Mr. M.

Marching Shoe Order FormDue Wednesday, Sept. 7

Shoe Size (Men’s or Women’s):

Shoes cost $25. Bring cash or check to CHS main office; bring order form to Mr. Mitsuyasu**Limited number of used shoes may be available for $10. Talk to Mr. M before ordering.