FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL BAND HANDBOOK - Page 1
2012-2013 Freedom High School Band Handbook
WELCOME
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Freedom High School Band Program. This handbook is designed to answer questions you or your
parents may have concerning the band program at Freedom High School. The band includes some of the most talented, hardest-working
student musicians in all of Loudoun County and I am very excited about the 2012-2013 school year. Please review this information carefully,
then sign and return the Band Handbook Acknowledgement Form.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Galway at [email protected] (preferred) or by phone at 703-957-4302. Additionally, check
www.freedombandboosters.org frequently for the latest news, events, and media.
Looking forward to a fantastic year!
INSTRUCTOR
Joel P. Galway, Director of Bands, B.M. in Music Education, Instrumental Emphasis, Magna Cum Laude, West Virginia University.
Additional graduate studies completed at Shenandoah University, University of the Arts, and University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
BAND ROOM HOURS
The band room is open for practice and extra help from Mr. Galway during the following hours:
Fall (Marching Band Season)
Mondays: 8:15 AM – 8:50 AM
Tuesdays: 8:15 AM – 8:50 AM, 3:48 – 5:00 PM (Activity buses are available at 5:00 PM)
Wednesdays: 8:15 AM – 8:50 AM
Thursdays: 8:15 AM – 8:50 AM
Fridays: 8:15 AM – 8:50 AM
Winter and Spring
Mondays: 8:15 AM – 8:50 AM
Tuesdays: 8:15 AM – 8:50 AM, 3:48 – 5:00 PM (Activity buses are available at 5:00 PM)
Wednesdays: 8:15 AM – 8:50 AM, 3:48 – 5:00 PM (Activity buses are available at 5:00 PM)
Thursdays: 8:15 AM – 8:50 AM, 3:48 – 5:00 PM (Activity buses are available at 5:00 PM)
Fridays: 8:15 AM – 8:50 AM
COURSE OVERVIEW
Concert Band (Ensemble 1)
Consists of intermediate level brass and woodwind players
Membership is open to any student who has successfully completed three years of middle school band or by director’s consent
Repertoire includes intermediate level symphonic wind literature
Special emphasis is placed on individual musicianship through solo and small ensemble performance
Wind Symphony (Ensemble 2)
Consists of advanced level brass, woodwind, and percussion players
Membership is by audition or by director’s consent
Repertoire includes advanced level symphonic wind literature
Special emphasis is placed on individual musicianship through solo and small ensemble performance
Jazz Ensemble
Consists of advanced level saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, guitar, and drum set players
Membership is by audition or by director’s consent
Repertoire includes advanced level jazz literature in swing, ballad, Latin, funk, and rock styles
Special emphasis is placed on the development of improvisational skills and performing improvised solos
Members of the Jazz Ensemble may be needed to fill out instrumentation in the Concert Band
Percussion Ensemble (Instrumental Methods)
Consists of intermediate and advanced level percussionists
Membership is open to any student who has successfully completed three years of middle school band or by director’s consent
Equal emphasis is placed on both snare drum and keyboard percussion performance
Members also serve as the percussion sections for the Concert Band and Wind Symphony.
Repertoire includes intermediate to advanced level symphonic wind band, percussion ensemble, and solo literature
FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL BAND HANDBOOK - Page 2
Special emphasis is placed on individual musicianship through solo and small ensemble performance
*All band classes are co-curricular ensembles and performances and rehearsals outside regular school hours are required and graded
CLASSROOM RULES
Rules
1. Follow directions the first time they are given.
2. Be in the room before the bell rings and be ready to play no more than three minutes after the late bell.
3. Bring your instrument and music to class daily.
4. Exhibit positive rehearsal etiquette at all times.
5. Do not touch or play anything that does not belong to you unless you have permission.
6. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
7. Do not chew gum, eat, or drink anything other than water during rehearsal.
8. All equipment must be properly put away at the end of rehearsal.
Consequences
1. Warning
2. Detention/Parents Contacted
3. Referral to Administration
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
Dropping off instruments in the morning
The band room will be open at 8:15 AM each morning.
Store your instrument on a shelf in the instrument storage room, not on the floor
If for some reason the band room is not open when you want to drop off your instrument, DO NOT leave it in the hallway. Either wait
for the room to be opened or designate another student to take your instrument to the instrument storage room.
Part Rotation
We will not be using chair placements for the 2012-2013 school year. Instead, we will rotate parts from selection to selection so all
students have the opportunity to perform a variety of parts within the limitations of the students’ range and technical abilities.
Section Leaders
For each section, we will designate one or more Section Leaders whose primary responsibilities include coaching sectional practices
during class and providing assistance to members of their section.
Section Leaders will be selected by Mr. Galway. Section Leaders will be upperclassmen who have displayed strong performance
abilities and good leadership skills throughout their high school band experience.
Before class starts
Upon entering the band room, quickly begin setting up for class.
There is a no-playing policy prior to the start of class. We will play our first notes together as a group.
Class will begin promptly three (3) minutes after the late bell. Any student not seated and ready to play will be considered tardy.
Using the restroom
School policy states that students are not allowed to use the restroom for the first 15 minutes and last 15 minutes of class.
After the 15-minute no-restroom period, wait until there is a break in the action, i.e. in between pieces, to ask to use the restroom. Mr.
Galway will fill out the pass before you can leave the room. You must take the yellow pass with you when you go to the restroom.
Upon returning, hand the pass to Mr. Galway before taking your seat.
Please do not abuse the restroom policy. Being out of the room for an extended period of time and/or using the restroom at the same
time every day will raise suspicion.
Too sick to play
If you are too sick to play, you are probably too sick to be in school and will be sent to the nurse for dismissal.
While the above listed policy may seem harsh, it is amazing how many students are all of a sudden “too sick to play” when a big
homework assignment is due the next class period.
Doing “other” work in band class
Speaking of homework, students are not permitted to do homework, read, use electronic devices, or engage in any other non-musical
activities during band class.
I will make exceptions when your math, English, science, etc. teachers let you practice your band instrument in their classes.
Forgot your instrument
Since you cannot effectively participate in class without your instrument, this is considered a disciplinary infraction and will be handled
accordingly. Once is a warning. Subsequent infractions will result in detention, parents contacted, and/or an administrative referral.
Students without an instrument are expected to sit in their regular seat and participate in rehearsal as best as possible. Doing “other”
work is not allowed.
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Forgot your music, reed, sticks…
We have extras students can borrow. Please ask before class begins. Reeds can be provided for a nominal charge ($3-4 depending on the
size) but please do not use us as a reed store. Purchase your reeds at a music store.
If you are borrowing materials daily, this will be considered a disciplinary infraction and will be handled as above.
When class ends
Students will be given three (3) minutes at the end of class to pack up and clean up.
Return your instrument to the storage room, percussion supplies to their proper storage locations, and music to the folder cabinets.
Remain in the band room (not the band room foyer or the hallway) until the bell rings.
Practice rooms
Practice rooms are strictly for practice. Students hanging out but not playing in practice rooms will lose the privilege.
Practice rooms will be kept locked when not in use.
Instrument storage room
Avoid using the instrument storage room as a locker. Store your coat, lunch, books, etc. in your actual locker.
Storing a change of clothing for marching band practice is OK.
Eagles Connect
If you wish to come in to practice during your Eagles Connect period, please visit Mr. Galway in the morning to obtain a pass. Do not
assume you are allowed to come unless you have a pass.
Students coming in during Eagles Connect are required to practice music. Stay in Study Hall if you plan on doing homework for other
classes.
Lunch Periods
Students must eat lunch in the cafeteria and are not allowed to spend lunch periods in the band room or practice rooms.
Before/After School Band Room Usage
See the schedule for band room/extra help availability at the beginning of this document.
If you need to use the band room at times other that what is listed, you must clear it with Mr. Galway in advance. Otherwise, all students
will be asked to leave at closing time.
INSTRUMENTS
Most students will supply their own instrument for classroom use:
Student-owned instruments must be kept in good state of repair. If a repair is needed, it must be taken care of promptly. Please ask for a
loaner instrument from the repair facility. If a loaner is not available, a school-owned instrument may be available so please bring your
mouthpiece, reeds, etc. to class.
Students can store instruments in the Instrument Storage Room during the school day, but leaving instruments at the school overnight is
not recommended. Freedom High School is not responsible for loss or damage to student-owned instruments.
Please make sure your instrument case is clearly marked with your name.
School-owned instruments are available on a first-come, first-served basis:
The rental cost for school instruments is $25 per quarter, $100 per year. The purpose of the rental fee is to cover the cost of maintenance
and repair.
The rental cost is $12.50 per quarter, $50.00 per year for students using a personal instrument for home practice and a school instrument
for in-school rehearsals.
Some students who play extremely large instruments will be issued two instruments at no additional cost: One to be kept at home and
one to be used at school.
An Instrument Loan Agreement form must be filled out upon issuance.
Students using a school-owned will be required to provide their own mouthpiece and supplies.
Percussion instruments:
Percussion instruments are available to students at no charge.
Percussion students are expected to treat all school-owned percussion instruments with extreme care. Students who mistreat school-
owned property will be held financially responsible for repair or replacement.
Percussion students are required to provide concert snare drum sticks and a practice pad.
Fees can be waived in the following circumstances:
Financial hardship. Please contact Mr. Galway for further details.
The student owns his/her own instrument but is placed on a different instrument at the request of the director.
SUPPLIES
In addition to an instrument, students will need to provide a quality mouthpiece, reeds, ligature, and any other supplies necessary for
your instrument.
It is highly recommended that all students upgrade their mouthpiece to a high-quality, advanced-level mouthpiece. Upgrading
the mouthpiece is the easiest way to improve one’s tone quality without having to purchase a new instrument. Sample mouthpieces are
FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL BAND HANDBOOK - Page 4
available for the students to try before purchasing. A list of recommended mouthpieces, reeds, and ligatures is available from Mr.
Galway upon request.
Reed players must have 4 working reeds at all times. They should be rotated, i.e. use reed #1 on Monday, reed #2 on Wednesday,
reed #3 on Friday, etc. When not being used, reeds should be stored flat in a reed case or reed guard. If you follow this procedure, your
reeds will last significantly longer.
Brass players (except trombone players) must have valve oil. Valves should be oiled every other day at a minimum. Trombone
players should use a lubricant specifically designed for use on trombone slides. A spray bottle with water will be needed to
‘activate’ the lubricant.
Brass players must have and use a lanolin-based tuning slide grease. Tuning slides should be greased as needed to avoid having
them get stuck.
Percussion players must provide a pair of general drumsticks such as Vic Firth SD1 or Innovative Percussion IP1 and a practice
pad. Specific practice pad recommendations will be made in class during the first week.
Pencil, brought to class daily
We will not be using a method book this year.
Where to Obtain Necessary Supplies:
Contemporary Music Center
14155 Sullyfield Cir Ste J
Chantilly, VA 20151
(703) 817-1000
www.contemporarymusiccenter.com
Chantilly Music
14511 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy
Chantilly, VA 20151
(703) 222-8986
www.restonmusic.com
Music & Arts
8029 Sudley Rd
Manassas, VA 20109
(703) 361-0149
www.musicarts.com
Melodee Music
46077 Lake Center Plz
Sterling, VA 20165
(703) 450-4667
www.melodeemusic.com
Online Retailers
www.amazon.com
www.wwbw.com
www.interstatemusic.com
www.steveweissmusic.com (great source for percussion supplies)
MUSIC
All sheet music is the property of Freedom High School. Below are the guidelines for music:
1. Keep your music in your school-issued music folder. Do not keep your music in your case, in a paper folder, or in your backpack.
2. Store your folder in the folder cabinets when not in use.
3. Do not fold, tear, or mutilate music.
4. Use a pencil when marking music.
5. Music should be taken home daily for home practice.
6. Students will be held financially responsible for lost or damaged music. Replacements for lost or damaged music costs $2.00 - $5.00
each depending on the selection.
CONCERT ATTIRE
Concert Band and Concert Percussion
Ensemble (Student-Provided)
Wind Symphony and Symphonic
Percussion Ensemble (Mostly School-
Provided)
Jazz Ensemble (Student-Provided)
Ladies:
White button-down blouse
Black dress pants or skirt. Skirt length
must be below the knee
Black dress flats or pumps
Men:
White long-sleeved button-down dress
shirt
Black dress slacks
Black dress shoes with black socks
Ladies:
Black concert gown (school-provided)
Black dress flats or pumps
Men:
Black tuxedo (school-provided)
White pleated tuxedo shirt with wing
collar
Black dress shoes with black socks
Ladies:
Black button-down blouse
Black dress pants or skirt. Skirt length
must be below the knee
Black dress flats or pumps
Men:
Black long-sleeved button-down dress
shirt
Black dress slacks
Black dress shoes with black socks
School-Owned Concert Attire Guidelines:
1. School-owned concert attire may be altered without cutting any part of the garments.
2. Always store the garments on a hanger. This will eliminate the need for constant pressing.
3. Concert attire must be pressed prior to each performance. To avoid constant pressing, see #2.
4. It is the students’ responsibility to keep school-owned concert attire clean. Tuxedos must be dry cleaned; dresses should be washed
according to the directions on the label.
5. Before turning in school-owned garments, all alterations must be undone and the garments must be clean.
6. Loss, damage, or failing to dry-clean school-owned concert attire will be the financial responsibility of the student.
GRADING
60% Assessments: Assessments will be used to assess mastery of a wide variety of musical skills and state standards:
FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL BAND HANDBOOK - Page 5
Tone Quality
Intermediate Level Courses Advanced Level Courses
II.2 The student will produce tones that are clear, free of
tension, sustained, and unwavering in pitch.
IAD.2 The student will produce tones that are clear, free of
tension, sustained, and unwavering in pitch.
Intonation
Intermediate Level Courses Advanced Level Courses
II.3 The student will adjust intonation and match pitches. IAD.3 The student will adjust intonation and match pitches.
Tempo and Rhythm
Intermediate Level Courses Advanced Level Courses
II.4 The student will incorporate tempo changes and a
variety of rhythms and meters in materials being
studied.
IAD.4 The student will incorporate tempo changes and a
variety of rhythms and meters in materials being
studied.
Scales
Intermediate Level Courses Advanced Level Courses
II.6 The student will perform major scales, ascending and
descending, in eighth notes (M.M. quarter note = 72).
1. Play D, G, C, F, B-flat, E-flat, A-flat, and D-flat
one-octave scales on wind and mallet
instruments.
2. Play C, G, D, A, B-flat, and A-flat two-octave
scales on violin.
3. Play C, G, D, E, F, and E-flat two-octave scales
on viola or cello.
4. Play C, G, D, A, E, F, B-flat, and A-flat one-
octave scales on string bass.
II.8 The wind/mallet student will perform a chromatic
scale, ascending and descending, in eighth notes
(M.M. quarter note = 72).
IAD.6 The student will perform all major scales and
selected melodic minor scales with one-octave tonic
arpeggios, ascending and descending, in eighth notes
(M.M. quarter note = 72).
1. Play e, a, d, g, c, f, b-flat, and e-flat melodic
minor scales and one-octave tonic arpeggios on
wind and mallet instruments.
2. Play g, a, b-flat, and c three-octave melodic
minor scales and one-octave tonic arpeggios on
violin.
3. Play c and d three-octave melodic minor scales
and one-octave tonic arpeggios on viola or
cello.
4. Play e, f, and g two-octave melodic minor scales
and one-octave tonic arpeggios on string bass.
IAD.8 The wind/mallet student will perform a chromatic
scale, ascending and descending, in sixteenth notes
(M.M. quarter note = 72) throughout the practical
range of the instrument.
Rudiments
Intermediate Level Courses Advanced Level Courses
II.7 The percussion student will perform multiple bounce
roll, five stroke roll, nine stroke roll, flam, single
paradiddle, drag, drag paradiddle, flam accent, flam
tap, flamacue, single drag tap, double drag tap, and
lesson 25 from the Percussive Arts Society (PAS)
International Drum Rudiments, open-close-open.
IAD.7 The percussion student will perform the 40
Percussive Arts Society (PAS) International Drum
Rudiments, open-close-open.
Dynamics and Technique
Intermediate Level Courses Advanced Level Courses
II.9 The student will use dynamic contrast and technical
skills as means of expression.
1. Use vibrato, alternate fingerings, trills, and
grace notes when performing on wind
instruments.
2. Use multiple mallets technique on two timpani,
and techniques on auxiliary instruments when
performing on percussion instruments.
3. Use shifting (violin or viola—up to third
position; cello or bass—up to fourth position),
alternate fingerings, and vibrato when
performing on stringed instruments.
IAD.9 The student will use dynamic contrast and technical
skills as a means of expression.
1. Use vibrato, alternate fingerings, trills, and
grace notes when performing on wind
instruments.
2. Use three-mallet technique when performing on
mallet percussion.
3. Use multiple percussion techniques when
performing on auxiliary percussion instruments.
4. Use timpani technique on three or four drums,
tuning drums to reference pitches and making
changes during performance of an instrumental
work.
5. Use shifting (violin or viola—up to fifth
position; cello or bass—up to thumb position),
alternate fingerings, and vibrato when
performing on stringed instruments.
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Phrasing
Intermediate Level Courses Advanced Level Courses
II.10 The student will demonstrate musical phrasing
through the use of dynamics, tempo, and melodic
contour.
IAD.10 The student will demonstrate musical phrasing
through the use of dynamic emphasis and tempo
modification.
Sight-Reading
Intermediate Level Courses Advanced Level Courses
II.12 The student will sight-read music of varying styles
and levels of difficulty, in accordance with VBODA
Level 2-4.
IAD.12 The student will sight-read music of varying styles
and levels of difficulty.
Singing
Intermediate Level Courses Advanced Level Courses
II.13 The student will sing a part while other students sing
or play contrasting parts.
IAD.13 The student will sing a part while other students sing
or play contrasting parts.
Instrument Maintenance
Intermediate Level Courses Advanced Level Courses
II.15 The student will identify and repair minor problems
of the instrument being studied.
IAD.15 The student will identify and repair minor problems
of the instrument being studied.
Improvisation
Intermediate Level Courses Advanced Level Courses
II.17 The student will embellish four to eight measures of
a folk song by creating rhythmic and melodic
variations.
IAD.17 The student will improvise a melody to a I-IV-V-I
chord progression.
Composition
Intermediate Level Courses Advanced Level Courses
II.18 The student will compose an eight-measure melody,
using available technology, within teacher-specified
parameters.
IAD.18 The student will arrange accompanying harmonies or
counter melodies to a given melody.
Written Theory
Intermediate Level Courses Advanced Level Courses
II.19 The student will read and notate music.
1. Use a syllable, number, or letter system to read
and write simple melodies in the appropriate
clef, individually and in large ensembles.
2. Use a syllable, number, or letter system to read
and write rhythmic patterns that include whole,
half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes, rests,
and dotted notes, and triplets in simple and
compound meters.
3. Identify, define, and demonstrate standard
notation symbols for pitch, rhythm, dynamics,
tempo, articulation, and expression.
IAD.19 The student will read and write rhythmic patterns in
complex meters, demonstrating technical facility and
precision commensurate with VBODA Level 4-5.
IAD.21 The student will identify, define, and apply music
terms and symbols from materials being studied.
Exploring Careers in Music
Intermediate Level Courses Advanced Level Courses
II.20 The student will identify career and vocational
options in music.
IAD.20 The student will research career and vocational
options in music, using available technology.
Music History
Intermediate Level Courses Advanced Level Courses
II.21 The student will identify and analyze cultures, styles,
composers, and historical periods from materials
being studied.
IAD.22 The student will compare and contrast materials
being studied in its historical and cultural context.
Evaluation
Intermediate Level Courses Advanced Level Courses
II.22 The student will evaluate individual and group
performances.
N/A
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Interdisciplinary Studies
Intermediate Level Courses Advanced Level Courses
II.23 The student will describe concepts common to music,
the other fine arts, and other disciplines.
IAD.24 The student will discuss relationships between music
concepts and the concepts of other disciplines.
1. Identify how the characteristic qualities of
sound, visual stimuli, other stimuli, movement,
and human interrelationships can influence the
fine arts.
2. Describe interrelationships between music and
other disciplines.
Music Advocacy
Intermediate Level Courses Advanced Level Courses
II.25 The student will discuss musical performance and its
value to the community.
IAD.26 The student will articulate expressive qualities of
music.
Types of assessments:
Formative assessments
Formative assessments are quick check-ups on the students’ musical progress. Formative assessments do not count towards
the students’ quarter grade, rather they are designed to point out areas for improvement prior to a summative assessment.
If a student does extremely well in a formative assessment, they can become exempt from the accompanying summative
assessment.
Summative assessments
Summative assessments are used to assess mastery of the standards and do count towards the students’ quarter grade.
The primary types of summative assessments used in band classes are as follows:
o Playing Assessments
Playing assessments are used to assess mastery of the concert literature or other assigned exercises.
Playing assessments are generally submitted via recording. It is highly recommended that students obtain
recording software to use at home. This provides students ample opportunity to re-record until they are happy with
the result. The recording in .mp3 (preferred) or .wav format can then be sent to Mr. Galway through the Vision web
site or via email.
Audacity is a great, FREE recording software program and can be downloaded at
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ You will need a computer with a microphone to use the software.
Students who are unable to record at home can record at school either during class or before/after school.
o Scales/Rudiments Assessments
Scales/Rudiments assessments are used to assess mastery of memorization of required scales.
Scales/Rudiments assessments are generally done live in front of Mr. Galway, either individually or in small groups
as directed.
o Sight-Reading/Rhythm Assessments
Sight-Reading/Rhythm assessments are used to assess students’ ability to perform music by sight.
Like Scales/Rudiments assessments, Sight-Reading/Rhythm assessments are generally done live in front of Mr.
Galway, either individually or in small groups as directed.
o Written Assessments
Written assessments are used to assess the students’ mastery of written theory concepts.
o Other Assessments
Other assessments will be used periodically to assess students’ mastery of a wide variety of state standards. When
assigned, details of the specific requirements and standards assessed will be made known well in advance.
Most summative assessments will be graded via rubric. Rubrics for each assessment will be made known well in advance.
Certain other assessments will be graded using a point system.
Retakes
Students will be given the opportunity to retake assessments for a higher grade as long as the following criteria are met:
1. Before a retake will be permitted, the students must either complete a 15-minute extra help session on the retake material
from the either the student’s section leader or Mr. Galway, OR the student must complete a practice log demonstrating 30
minutes of practice on the retake material outside of class time.
2. If the assessment contains concert literature, the retake must be completed prior to the concert.
3. If the assessment is not on concert literature, i.e. scales, sight-reading, etc., the retake must be completed prior to one (1)
weeks before the end of the grading period.
FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL BAND HANDBOOK - Page 8
15% Performances: As a co-curricular ensemble, performances outside of regular school hours are required as stated in the LCPS Program
of Studies. By signing up for a band class, you have made a commitment to attend all performances. A calendar will be provided well in
advance. Extreme special circumstances for missing a performance or extra rehearsal must be discussed with the director at least two weeks
in advance so part substitutions can be made. Students on school sports teams should bring potential conflicts to the director’s attention as
soon as they are known. In the case of emergency situations (personal illness, death in the family, etc.), a parent must contact the director by
phone or email to explain the circumstances. Freedom High School band members can expect 6-8 performances per school year. A detailed
calendar containing all required rehearsals and performances can be found on http://loudounvision.net/ and at www.freedombandboosters.org
For each performance, students are assessed in their mastery of the following state standards:
Performance
Intermediate Level Courses Advanced Level Courses
II.14 The student will perform music from a variety of
cultures, styles, and historical periods.
II.16 The student will demonstrate increased learning
through a variety of music activities.
1. Maintain attendance with required materials.
2. Demonstrate completion of assignments and/or
practice.
3. Participate in concerts, performances, cross
disciplinary activities, and co-curricular
activities.
4. Demonstrate concert etiquette as a performer
and listener.
II.24 The student will demonstrate concert etiquette as an
active listener.
IAD.14 The student will perform music from a variety of
cultures, styles, and historical periods.
IAD.16 The student will demonstrate increased learning
through a variety of music activities.
1. Maintain attendance with required materials.
2. Demonstrate completion of assignments and/or
practice.
3. Participate in activities such as concerts,
performances, marching band, jazz ensemble,
chamber ensembles, and All-District, All-
Region, and All-Virginia events.
4. Demonstrate concert etiquette as a performer
and listener.
IAD.23 The student will diagnose and correct personal
performance errors.
IAD.25 The student will demonstrate concert etiquette as an
active listener.
Should a student miss a performance for a legitimate reason approved by the director, a make-up assignment must be completed in order to
receive credit. The make-up assignment is designed to replicate the performance experience and will assess each of the standards listed
above.
15% Extra Rehearsals: Just like performances, rehearsals outside regular school hours are required as stated in the LCPS Program of
Studies. The purpose of extra rehearsals is to combine winds with percussion prior to an important performance. A detailed calendar
containing all required rehearsals and performances can be found on http://loudounvision.net/ and at www.freedombandboosters.org For each
rehearsal, students are assessed in their mastery of the following state standards:
Rehearsal Skills
Intermediate Level Courses Advanced Level Courses
II.1 The student will demonstrate proper posture,
embouchure, hand position, and playing position.
II.11 The student will demonstrate ensemble skills.
1. Blend instrumental timbres.
2. Match dynamic levels, style, and intonation.
3. Respond to conducting gestures.
II.16 The student will demonstrate increased learning
through a variety of music activities.
1. Maintain attendance with required materials.
2. Demonstrate completion of assignments and/or
practice.
3. Participate in concerts, performances, cross
disciplinary activities, and co-curricular
activities.
4. Demonstrate concert etiquette as a performer
and listener.
IAD.1 The student will demonstrate proper posture,
embouchure, hand position, and playing position.
IAD.11 The student will demonstrate ensemble skills.
1. Blend instrumental timbres.
2. Match dynamic levels, style, and intonation.
3. Respond to conducting gestures.
4. Use conducting gestures.
IAD.16 The student will demonstrate increased learning
through a variety of music activities.
1. Maintain attendance with required materials.
2. Demonstrate completion of assignments and/or
practice.
3. Participate in activities such as concerts,
performances, marching band, jazz ensemble,
chamber ensembles, and All-District, All-
Region, and All-Virginia events.
4. Demonstrate concert etiquette as a performer
and listener.
Should a student miss a required rehearsal, a make-up assignment must be completed in order to receive credit. The make-up assignment is
designed to assess each of the standards listed above.
10% Artistic Growth and Development Projects: These projects are designed to assess the students’ mastery of musical skills and apply
those skills towards performance opportunities beyond the classroom. All band members must complete one Artistic Growth and
Development Project per quarter. These projects will assess mastery of the following standards:
FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL BAND HANDBOOK - Page 9
Artistic Growth and Development
Intermediate Level Courses Advanced Level Courses
II.16 The student will demonstrate increased learning
through a variety of music activities.
1. Maintain attendance with required materials.
2. Demonstrate completion of assignments and/or
practice.
3. Participate in concerts, performances, cross
disciplinary activities, and co-curricular
activities.
4. Demonstrate concert etiquette as a performer
and listener.
IAD.16 The student will demonstrate increased learning
through a variety of music activities.
1. Maintain attendance with required materials.
2. Demonstrate completion of assignments and/or
practice.
3. Participate in activities such as concerts,
performances, marching band, jazz
ensemble, chamber ensembles, and All-
District, All-Region, and All-Virginia events.
4. Demonstrate concert etiquette as a performer
and listener.
Projects include:
Participation in one or more co-curricular band activities: Marching Band, Indoor Drumline, Winterguard, Jazz Lab, Instrumental
Ensembles, Pit Orchestra for the Spring Musical, etc.
Private lessons on your primary instrument
Auditioning for honors ensembles (All-District, All-Virginia, etc.)
Participating in an honors ensemble
Participating in Solo & Ensemble Assessment
Participating in a performing group outside of school on your primary instrument (Loudoun Youth Symphony, AYP, Church groups,
etc.)
Preparing and performing a graded solo, duet, or small group ensemble (director-provided)
Preparing and performing lessons from the Rubank Intermediate or Advanced Method or other director-approved method books
Switching to a new instrument
Other projects with the director’s approval
Midterm and Final Exams
The midterm and final exams are summative assessments of the students’ knowledge accumulated over the course of the semester.
VISION COURSE, CLARITY, AND THE BAND BOOSTERS WEB SITE
Vision, http://loudounvision.net/, will be used as the primary online resource. Important class resources such as assignments, audio
recordings, and reference guides will be posted on Vision. All students must enroll for the Vision course for any band class they are enrolled
in. The registration key is galway for all classes. Parents can log in as a guest using galway as the enrollment key.
Clarity is the gradebook software program used by all Loudoun County teachers. New for 2012-2013, parents will be able to view students’
grades in Clarity through the Parent Portal. Please visit http://www.lcps.org/domain/12160 or http://www.lcps.org/fhs > click on Clarity in
the top menu, for more information.
The Freedom High School Band Boosters web site, www.freedombandboosters.org, is our public web site which will contain a calendar,
photos, videos, and information about fundraising, co-curricular opportunities, special events, and general information about the band
program.
It is recommended students check all three web sites frequently to stay up to date.
FUNDRAISING
The Freedom High School band program is a very large and expensive program to operate. We are very proud to be able to offer the students
a variety of experiences while keeping the amount of necessary fundraising to a minimum. However, as costs continue to rise and as we
continue to add enrichment opportunities for our members, there is always a need for more funds. Neighboring school systems typically
charge members of band classes large fees to cover expenses. Fortunately, we have been able to keep fees at a minimum due to past
fundraising success.
The Freedom High School Band Boosters do two different types of fundraisers:
1. General Account Group Fundraisers: These fundraisers are team efforts completed by the band as a whole. The Band Boosters
General Account covers the nuts and bolts expenses of the Freedom High School Band Program. Money from this account is used to
cover general band expenses such as music, clinicians, instruments, equipment, concert attire, buses, competition fees, maintenance,
repairs, and many other things. Loudoun County Public Schools does fund its curricular band programs, but the level of funding is the
bare minimum and does allow for the enhanced opportunities we provide at Freedom. The fundraiser for the General Account is Tag
Day.
2. Individual Fundraisers: Individual fundraisers enable students to raise money individually to cover be placed into an Individual Band
Boosters Student Account or to cover their fair share amount (see below). The money from the Student Account can be used to pay for
Spring Trip expenses and Marching Band/Indoor Drumline/Winterguard fees. Participation in Individual Fundraisers is completely
optional. We have offered a wide variety of Student Account fundraisers over the years including selling fresh fruit, poinsettias, desserts,
candy, coupon books, and online coupons. The Mattress Sale also offers members the opportunity to earn money for their student
accounts.
FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL BAND HANDBOOK - Page 10
The required fundraising responsibilities for all 2012-2013 Band Members are as follows:
1. Participation in Tag Day: Tag Day is our largest fundraiser of the year. Tag Day 2012 will be held on Saturday, September 8 from
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. For Tag Day, parent volunteers drive students into the community and members in small groups go door to door to
solicit donations. Lots of parent volunteers are needed for this event. If you are able to help, please visit www.freedombandboosters.org
and sign up on the Sign-Up Genius link.
2. Fair Share: In order to maintain the level of excellence we have become accustomed to, each student will be required to do their fair
share of individual fundraising for the benefit of the band as a whole. The total dollar amount each student is responsible for is $20
per semester, $40 per school year. Students can contribute their fair share by taking advantage of the many Individual Fundraisers
provided by the Band Boosters. Any amount raised beyond the fair share will be placed into an Individual Student Account. Students
who do not wish to participate in Individual Fundraisers can provide their fair share via check made payable to Freedom High School
Band Boosters or via PayPal at www.freedombandboosters.org Fair share funds go directly into the Band Boosters General Account to
cover expenses listed above. If raising this money causes financial hardship for you or your family, please contact Mr. Galway to
arrange for confidential financial assistance. No student will be denied membership because of financial hardship.
SPRING TRIP
The Spring Trip is the culminating activity for a year’s worth of hard work. This year, we plan on traveling to Myrtle Beach, SC April 25-
28. The Spring Trip is entirely student-funded. Participation in Individual Fundraisers is highly encouraged to help reduce the out-of-
pocket cost to your family. In the past, we have had several students who did enough Individual Fundraisers to cover 100% of the cost of
their trip. All students are encouraged to participate!
BAND BOOSTERS
Freedom Band Boosters is a tax-exempt organization dedicated to supporting the band program at Freedom High School. Parents of
Freedom students in the band program are automatically members of the Band Boosters. This is a volunteer organization that supports the
entire band program.
Support activities include raising money to provide equipment and fund teaching staff not provided by Loudoun County. The Boosters
provide countless hours of volunteer support including trip chaperones, uniform maintenance, providing refreshments and logistical support
moving the bands. There is always a job to be done to support the band program.
Parents: The best way to become involved with the bands' many activities is to become active in the Band Boosters. All band parents are
invited to come to Band Boosters meetings which are held once a month, usually on the second Monday of the month, from 7:00pm
to 8:30pm in the band room. (There are occasionally a few exceptions with the dates - please check the calendar at
www.freedombandboosters.org) Attending meetings is the best way to find out what is going on with the bands, what our future plans are,
and where the band program is heading. The Band Boosters helps decide how fundraising will be done, and has input into how the
money will be spent. Please come and find out what is going on with all of the FHS bands and how YOU can get involved! There is always
a lot to be done, and help is always appreciated.
OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
All Freedom High School Band members are encouraged to pursue musical opportunities beyond the classroom. These opportunities
include:
Private Lessons - “The average tutored student outperforms ninety-eight percent of students taught only under standard classroom
group instruction.” - Harry K. Wong, renowned education expert.
Most, if not all All-District, All-Regional, and All-Virginia band members study privately. If you are even remotely considering
majoring in music or continuing with music in college, private lessons are a must. Private lessons make playing an instrument far more
enjoyable because success fosters appreciation. It’s more fun to be really, really good at something than it is to struggle. Over the years,
I have seen many average and below-average musicians improve dramatically after beginning private lessons and many of these
students went on to participate in honor bands, perform in college bands, and in some cases, earn college music scholarships.
We are very lucky in Northern Virginia to have lots of wonderful private teachers close by. Many members of the local military bands
live near South Riding and are happy to offer their services. Local music stores such as CMC Contemporary Music Center and Chantilly
Music have wonderful teachers on staff. The director will bring in many of these great teachers periodically to conduct master classes
and sectional rehearsals.
If you are interested in studying privately, talk to the director for recommendations. If you want to be the best musician you can be,
private lessons can make it happen!
Chamber Ensembles – We offer several chamber ensembles to challenge musicians and provide opportunities to explore various kinds of
music within small-ensemble settings. We hope to have a flute choir, clarinet choir, saxophone quartet, woodwind quintet, brass quintet,
brass choir, jazz combo, and traditional (Dixieland) jazz band. Chamber ensembles will begin at the conclusion of the Marching Band season.
Spirit of Freedom Marching Band - This award-winning group is a co-curricular ensemble that performs at home football games, local
parades, and regional marching band competitions. Rehearsals begin in early August and conclude at the end of the football season (late
October-early November). Membership is open to any Freedom High School musician. Members do not need to be enrolled in a band class in
order to participate.
FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL BAND HANDBOOK - Page 11
Winterguard - The Freedom Indoor Winterguard is a co-curricular activity open to any Freedom High School student who is interested in
dance and movement. Membership is highly selective with auditions being held in November. Rehearsals begin in late November/early
December and the competitive season runs through late March/early April. Rehearsals are held several times per week. The group performs
at Atlantic Indoor Association Regional Competitions held on Saturdays.
Indoor Drumline - The Freedom Indoor Drumline is a co-curricular activity open to any Freedom High School musician who plays drums or
keyboard percussion. Membership is highly selective with auditions being held in November. Rehearsals begin in late November/early
December and the competitive season runs through late March/early April. Rehearsals are held several times per week. The group performs
at Atlantic Indoor Association Regional Competitions held on Saturdays.
Senior Regional Orchestra - The All-Regional Orchestra consists of the finest wind, percussion, and string players in the North Central
Virginia region. Auditions are typically held in September and consist of the previous year’s All-Virginia etude and scale/rudiment
requirements. The event is typically held in early November. Students who make this ensemble qualify to audition for All-Virginia Band and
Orchestra.
All-Virginia Jazz Ensemble - The auditions are held in late September, early October. If selected, participants will perform at the Virginia
Music Educators Conference in November.
All-District Band - The All-District Band is made up of the finest Loudoun County instrumentalists. Auditions are held in January and
consist of scales/rudiments (All-Virginia requirements), sight-reading, and a prepared etude. The event takes place in February. Students who
earn high chairs in All-District qualify to audition for All-Virginia Band and Orchestra.
All-District Jazz Ensemble - The All-District Jazz Ensemble consists of Loudoun County’s finest jazz musicians. Auditions are held in mid-
February and consist of a prepared selection and improvisation. If selected, students are expected to attend 6 evening rehearsals and perform
at the District Jazz Festival held in late April.
All-Virginia Band and Orchestra - The All-Virginia Band and Orchestra consists of the finest students in Virginia. Auditions are held in late
February and the performance takes place in early April. Auditions consist of scales/rudiments, sight-reading, and a prepared selection.
Students qualify to audition for All-Virginia by making the Senior Regional Orchestra or placing into a high chair in the All-District Band.
District Solo & Ensemble Assessment - The District Solo & Ensemble Festival is held in mid-April. All band members are encouraged to
prepare a solo, form a duet, trio, quartet, etc. and participate in this exciting event.
Let’s have a great year!
FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL BAND HANDBOOK - Page 12
HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM
Student Name _____________________________________________________________
Instrument _______________________________________________________________
Grade: 9 10 11 12
Class Period(s): 2 3 4 5 8
By signing below, I affirm the following:
1. I understand the classroom rules and procedures.
2. I agree to obtain necessary supplies.
3. I have read the policies regarding instruments and understand that Freedom High
School is not responsible for loss or damage to student-owned instruments.
4. I have read the concert attire policy and agree to obtain non-school provided
supplies.
5. I understand the grading policy and acknowledge that attendance at concerts and
extra rehearsals is mandatory.
6. I understand the necessary fundraising obligations.
___________________________________________ ____________________
Student Signature Date
___________________________________________ ____________________
Parent Signature Date
Student-Owned Instrument Information
Instrument Make (Brand) ___________________________________________________
Serial Number (Etched somewhere on the body of the instrument) __________________