Issaquah High School Band

 

2007-2008

 

 

 

To parents and students,

 

Welcome to the Issaquah High School Band Department!!

 

Please read over the handbook and make sure that everyone understands the expectations of the band program here at IHS. Also please read and sign the Parent Signature Form and return it to me. I strongly suggest that you make note of the important performance dates. These performances are what we strive for as musicians.

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at the number below.

 

Thank you and have a great year!

 

 

 

Patrick Holen

Director of Bands

Issaquah High School

(425) 837-6116

 


Band Calendar

 

Please Refer to the Band Calendar Page


Performance Opportunities

                               

Courses

 

Jazz Ensemble (Period 0)

 

            Jazz Ensemble is comprised of interested musician that strive to expand their musical ability on their instrument. This group has several performances throughout the year as well as participation in festivals.

 

Concert Band (Period 1)

 

            The purpose of this group is not only performance-based but classroom-based as well. Students will learn about their instrument as well as how music is structured. There will be periodic playing tests throughout the year to monitor students’ progress. All students will be required to perform in concerts (as noted in the schedule). The Concert Band also participates in an annual festival.

 

Wind Ensemble (Period 2)

 

            This ensemble is an audition-only course that will put emphasis on advanced band music. There will be periodic playing tests throughout the year to monitor students’ progress. All students will be required to perform in concerts (as noted in the schedule). The Wind Ensemble also participates in an annual festival.

 

 

Athletic/Parade Bands

 

Marching Band (various times)

 

            Marching band is a requirement for all IHS band members. The purpose of the marching band is to entertain people through popular music in public areas. This occurs not only at football games but parades as well. Although this group may seem like a service to the community, it is also a chance to convey your talents as a musician to the public. There are many dates in the schedule that each member to take note of. ALL Performances are required!!

 

Basketball Pep Band (various times)

           

            Pep Band is another athletic band that is active during winter sports seasons. The function of this group is to support both the Girls and Boys Basketball teams. This is also a required ensemble for all IHS band members. Each student is expected to perform five basketball games throughout this season.  If the basketball team advances into playoffs, there will be additional game the pep band will perform in. There will be more information when the season begins. All students are allowed to miss only TWO home basketball games (with exception to the season opener and closer).


 

Band Related Expenses and Fees

 

            Every student group in this high school has extra supplies to buy. There is certainly no exception to being in band. Here are some items you may or may not need to purchase.

 

Marching Band Shoes- $22-30

We will discuss the process on how you order these shoes. These will be part of your marching band uniform.

 

Pep Band Shirt - $5-10

            This may or may not happen this year. But if it does the band students design this shirt and it is worn during the basketball season.

 

Flip folder/lyre/extra pages- $10-$15

            This item is a rather helpful organizing tool for your music during the athletic/parade events. I recommend that you purchase one.

 

ASB Cards- $35

            The Association Student Body provides the band with financial support. Therefore all band students should purchase an ASB card.

 

Concert Attire:

            All male band members are required to rent a black tuxedo for the concert season. The band department is offering a rental program through the school. Here are the prices:

 

Tuxedo, classic black poly peak coat and pant……..$ 55.00 (Rental)

Wing Collar Shirt, White poly cotton…………………….$ 14.00 (Purchase)

Black Poly Satin Tie and Cummerbund………………...$  10.00 (Purchase)

Taxes, Shipping ……………………………………………..$  11.00

                                                                                    Total……$  90.00

 

            There will be a parent volunteer that will measure each student for the proper size of the tuxedo. When everyone is measured, you will get information concerning the cost and method of payment.

All Female band members are required to wear all black clothing. For example, the student could wear a black skirt or slacks with a black blouse or sweater. The student should wear something that she can feel comfortable performing in. Please have your uniform ready for the first concert in December!!

 

Instrument Rental Fee- $100 annually  (Percussionist pay $50)

This fee is for the yearly use of a school instrument. The money is used for the general upkeep of the school instruments.

 

Travel- various fees

Travel expenses are rather typical in any band department around the

Country. The fees will be as low as possible and many fundraisers will be available.


 

Classroom Rules

Food and Drink are not allowed in the band room

NO GUM!!

Students and teachers will treat each other with mutual respect and courtesy.

Respect all equipment.

Always be prepared!

Use common sense.

               

Grading Policy

 

 

Performances  25%

Class rehearsals 15%

Playing tests 25%

After School Rehearsals 20%

Forms and paperwork  5%

Semester exam 10%

(Extra credit up to 3%)

 

 

Grading Scale

 

A

95-100

A-

92-95

B+

88-92

B

85-88

B-

82-85

C+

79-82

C

76-79

C-

74-76

D+

71-74

D

68-71

D-

65-68

F

0-65

 

Attendance/Tardy Policy

 The policy in the student handbook will be enforced.

 

IF A STUDENT IS TARDY MORE THAN THREE (3) TIMES, THEIR GRADE WILL BE REDUCED HALF A LETTER GRADE!

 

If a performance is missed the student can only make up 75% of the grade. Make-up will be available through a individual project as approved by the director.

 

District Transportation Policy (Day Trips)

 

For field trips over 10 miles away and/or more than two hours duration:

           

Students will travel on school-sponsored transportation only.

 

Students may travel with a parent(s) with prior permission from instructor and principal.

 

No student will be allowed to travel with other students, other parents or drive themselves.

 

For field trips within 10 miles and/or less than two hours duration:

 

Students will use school-sponsored transportation if it is provided

 

Students may provide their own transportation with instructor’s approval and appropriate permission/liability form completed

 


 

Class Policy: Jazz Performance Groups

 

Issaquah High School

 

            The core of musical education occurs in the major concert classes of Issaquah High School, and it is vital that their integrity and quality be maintained. Jazz performance groups are considered to be lab or advanced classes for the enrichment of those students who have already reached a relatively sophisticated level of musical expertise. It is a declaration that members of the jazz performance groups have mastered the technical aspects of vocal or instrumental music taught through the concert classes, and are enrolled in those classes as they apply. The policy of the music department thus follows:

            Students wishing to register for Jazz Band or Vocal Jazz classes are required to be members in good standing of their respective concert organization (specifically: Concert/Marching Band, orchestra, or Concert Chorale/Choir). Good standing is generally defined as have a “B” grade or above, and being a regularly enrolled member of one of the above classes during the semester the request is made and while participation in a jazz performance group continues.

            Students who have a genuine course conflict may request a leave of absence from their concert group while still participating in a jazz performance group. An administrative leave of one semester granted to resolve course conflicts will generally be granted, but will not exceed one academic year. Application for leave should be made with the Director of Fine Arts in the main office.

            The Director of Fine Arts, in consultation with the instructors of the classes involved, will render the decision on all requests for leave of absence. Factors that will be considered in the decision will include, but not be limited to:

            1. the nature of the course conflict

2. the potential for the student’s achievement in each performing group

3. the student’s grade level

4. the student’s overall musical experience

5. the student’s proficiency

 

Each case will be heard on an individual basis.

 

Running Start/ I.S.D. Music Policy

 

The current policy between I.S.D. High Schools and Community Colleges participating in Running Start program is that:

 

            -Any Running Start student enrolling in a performance music class at the Community College level shall concurrently be enrolled in an equivalent music class at their high school. (eg. A student in college vocal jazz class would also be enrolled in their high school vocal jazz)

 

            -Any Running Start student shall abide by the current Music Department policies and performing obligations of that high school. (see pertinent Music Handbook section)


 

 

Lettering in Band

 

            Just like any other activity here at IHS, it is possible to earn a letter for participating in the IHS Band Department. There are many ways to earn letter points (refer to the list below).

 

Participate at Solo/Ensemble Contest

Participate in an approved Honor Band/Orchestra

Take weekly lessons on your primary instrument

Participate in Community Band or Orchestras

Section Leader for a year

Perform in athletic bands

Teach private lessons for one semester

 

 

Instrument/equipment use policy

 

            Instrument and equipment purchased by Issaquah High School is for the sole use by student enrolled in the IHS Music Department.

 

            If a Music Department student wishes to use a school instrument or piece of equipment off-campus for private use, it will be with prior permission from an instructor and prior completion of the instrument use permission form.

 

            The Baldwin piano from L-2’s practice room is the only piano which may be used for non-departmental use. This piano may be used if all of the following stipulations have been met:

            1. Prior permission by the Music Department Chairperson

2. Moving done only done by Music Department personnel or District    

   Maintenance personnel.

3. Tuning charge of $90 per use submitted to ASB account.