Music Handbook 2014-2015

Jordan Yi

Director of Music

Jefferson High School

4145 Samuelson Road

Rockford, IL 61109

815-874-9536 ext. 18408

Introduction

Welcome to the Jefferson High School Music Program! This year we will embark on an

exciting journey towards musical and academic excellence in our classroom. The musical

opportunities that are available to our students are created to demonstrate the wealth of

talented and motivated individuals we have at Jefferson striving for one specific goal; success.

With daily fundamental preparation implemented into these opportunities, we will reach a high

level of success together and become well-rounded musicians, students, and members of our

community.

Studies in music show that students who participate in music perform better

academically, receive lower disciplinary actions, and become more involved in school both in

curricular and extracurricular activities. The processes, lessons, and values that are taught

through music cannot be taught in any other course.

We are excited to have all of you involved in the Jefferson High School Music Program

and hope that you all take advantage of the opportunity in front of you. Please feel free to

contact me by phone during my office hours provided below or by email at any time. I look

forward to a great 2014-2015 school year.

Sincerely,

Jordan Yi

Director of Music

Jefferson High School

4145 Samuelson Road

Rockford, IL 61109

815-874-9536 ext. 18408

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide a quality interactive learning environment where students develop into life-

long, independent musicians who demonstrate a mastery of musical skills and possess the leadership

qualities required in today’s ever-changing world.

Music Department Goals

In order to provide the most comprehensive music program possible we are striving to add several

classes to our course offerings in the near future. We are also looking to become a strong competitive

force in the state and national music scene. However, without the student interest and infrastructure to

support such large ensembles our ability to accomplish our goals is diminished significantly. With your

assistance we will be able to increase the interest in the following ensembles and events.

- Orchestra (separate class from band)

- AP Music Theory

- IMEA All-State Performances

- Solo and Ensemble

- Band of America Regional Marching Band Competitions

Teacher Website

The Teacher Website contains all calendars, event, class, and other important information and will be

constantly updated throughout the school year. Please check this website, student and parent email,

and parent portal for all updates frequently.

Teacher Website Link: http://www3.rps205.com/Schools/HS/Jefferson/ts/jYi/Pages/default.aspx

Curricular Course Offerings

Band

- J-Hawk Band (Freshmen/Beginning)*

- Concert Band (Intermediate)*

- Wind Ensemble (Advanced)*

*Includes Marching Band Requirement

Chorus

- Chorus (Intro/Beginning)

- Concert Chorus (Advanced)

Orchestra

- Concert Orchestra (included in band until numbers increase)

General Music

- Beginning Piano

Extracurricular Ensembles

Band

- Color Guard (Fall season with Band, Audition required)

- Winter Guard (Winter/Spring season independent, Audition required)

- Jazz Band (Winter-Spring)

- Drumline (Included in Band through Fall – Winter-Spring)

- Pit Orchestra (Spring Musical)

- Pep Band (Basketball Season)

Chorus

- Chamber Choir (Audition only – year-round)

- Spring Musical (See Mrs. Verona)

Orchestra

- Chamber Orchestra (Winter-Spring)

- Pit Orchestra (Spring Musical)

Band/Chorus/Orchestra/Piano Course Expectations

The following requirements must be met in order to succeed in the band, chorus and orchestra

courses:

- Attend all required performances – 100 points each)

- Attend all required rehearsals/classes – 10 points weekly participation)

o 2 points per day (1 for active participation, 1 for having all required materials)

- Complete quarterly written assessments and playing/singing benchmark assessments

(10 points per section, 50 points total (see awards/incentives))

- Complete weekly SmartMusic/pass-off benchmark assignments at the end of each week

– 20 points each

- Complete the performance analysis worksheet for one live performance – 20 points (1

per semester)

- Complete a written final – 100 points (1 per semester)

If the requirements above are not met the following opportunities will be provided:

- Missed required performance = 2 page analysis paper on the performance missed

- Missed rehearsal = lunch make-ups, after school make-up, at home practice

o You are responsible for making up missed work – Find Mr. Yi for questions

- No/Partial completion of fundamentals etudes = receive score of completed sections

o Lunch/after school make-ups available

o Can make up sections throughout the year at a 10% loss of credit

- Missed SmartMusic/pass-off assignment = make-up available for 10% loss of credit

- Missed performance analysis worksheet = make-up available for 10% loss of credit

*All assignments not completed or turned in will count as a 0 until the work has been

completed and turned in by the end of each quarter.

Required Materials

The following materials will NOT be provided by the school and will be needed by the end of

the first week of school and will be used throughout the school year for various assignments

and performances. The students may not be able to perform on their instruments or in concerts

without these materials.

NOTE: The school will provide instruments to each student for the $30.00 materials fee. IF YOU

WISH TO BUY YOUR OWN INSTRUMENT OR SPECIFIC MATERIALS THEY CAN BE PURCHASED

THROUGH MR. YI (SEE MATERIALS PURCHASING LIST FOR SPECIFIC BRANDS/SIZES FOR EACH

INSTRUMENT)

Students new to band/orchestra will be fitted with a suitable instrument based on physical

abilities and personal preference.

- All Students:

o Pencils

o 1 inch three ring binder

o Clear page protectors

o Marching Band Shoes (Band only - will be ordered for you after fittings)

- Woodwinds:

o Drill Master Marching Shoes ($28.00 – Oder through Mr. Yi)

o *Reeds

o *Cleaning swab

o *Mouthpiece Brush

o Ligature (Optional)

o Mouthpiece (Optional)

o Instrument (Optional – DO NOT BUY FROM EB AY, PAWN SHOPS, ECT. FOR

QUALITY ASSURANCE)

- Brass:

o Drill Master Marching Shoes ($28.00 – Order through Mr. Yi)

o *Valve Oil (Trumpet, Horn, Baritone, Tuba only)

o *Slide Grease (All brass)

o *Mouthpiece Brush

o *Cleaning Snake

o *Cleaning Rag (Trombone only)

o Mouthpiece (Optional)

o Instrument (Optional – DO NOT BUY FROM EB AY, PAWN SHOPS, ECT. FOR

QUALITY ASSURANCE)

- Percussion

o Drill Master Marching Shoes ($28.00 – order through Mr. Yi)

o 1 Pair Concert Snare Sticks (Vic Firth SD1 General – please purchase through Mr.

Yi)

o Rubber Practice Drum Pad (for home practice)

- Strings

o All instruments and parts will be provided through the school unless parts are

broken due to misuse.

- Choir

o Pencils

o 1 inch three ring binder

o Clear page protectors

- Piano

o Pencils

o 1 inch three ring binder

o Clear page protectors

*Some materials are considered personal items and will not be purchased by the school. Also,

due to the spread of germs, it is preferred that each student has their own. Mouthpieces, reeds,

flute head joints, and marching shoes all contact the lips of the individual player and should not

be shared. In order to keep these clean for personal health and instrument maintenance, each

individual should purchase their own cleaning materials specified under your instrument

grouping.

Behavior Policy/Expectations

Disciplinary actions:

Disciplinary actions will be handled in the following order:

1. Teacher/student Conference (after class in which issue occurred to discuss how to

remedy the issue together).

2. Parent/guardian phone call and email to discuss how to remedy the issue together.

3. Parent/guardian conference in person with instructor after school to discuss how to

remedy the issue together.

4. Referral to the administration for further disciplinary action with parent/guardian

conference in person with instructor after school to discuss how to remedy the issue

together.

Classroom Expectations:

DISCIPLINED to do the right things, the right way, at the right time

ACCOUNTABLE for your own actions and responsibilities

RESPECTFUL to yourself, others, and property

Cell Phone Policy:

No cell phones should be used or visible in the classroom at any time. All cell phones must be

put away and on silent. Any cell phone that is being used for any reason or makes sound that is

distracting to the student and the classroom will be taken until the end of class and put in a safe

area for the student to pick up.

Food and Beverages Policy:

The music room has been renovated during the summer of 2014. To ensure that we have a top-

quality facility, NO food or drinks (other than water) will be allowed at any time. All food must

be eaten or thrown away BEFORE entering the room.

Severe Disciplinary Actions:

Any severe behaviors will not be tolerated and will automatically be reported to the

administration and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Possible suspensions, expulsions,

and legal actions may be taken as a result of some actions. A parent/teacher conference will be

requested by the classroom teacher to discuss how to remedy these issues in the classroom.

Field Trips/Traveling Performances

Field trips will be scheduled throughout the year to various events or performances. A field trip

permission slip will be provided prior to the field trip. Costs of the events or performances will

vary and will be due the day before the trip was scheduled.

*Marching band competitions are not considered as field trips but requirements

Marching Band Competitions/Performances

The marching band will be performing in the following required performances:

Event Location Date

Red and Black Fall Classic DeKalb, IL September 20, 2014

Lincoln-Way Invitational New Lenox, IL October 18, 2014

Sandwich Music Fest Sandwich, IL October 19, 2014

*Arrival/rehearsal times will be determined by time of competition by the event coordinators*

The Marching Band will be performing in the following home football games:

Date Opponent Location

Friday, August 29 Guilford Auburn

Friday, September 12 Freeport Auburn

Friday, September 19 Auburn Auburn

Friday, October 10 Boylan Auburn

Friday, October 24 Belvidere North Auburn

Playoffs TBA TBA

*Students will stay after school and will be bussed to and from Auburn for the game. Students

should be picked up at Jefferson after the game (approximately 10:00pm). Please arrange for

rides accordingly.

Band, choir and orchestra will perform at the following festivals at Northern Illinois University:

Date Event Time

Wed., October 15 (Choir) Choir Day 8:00-3:00

Friday, February 5 (Jazz Band) Jazz Day 8:30-4:15

Tuesday, February 17 (Orch) String Day 8:30-3:00

Friday, February 27 (Band) Phantom Regiment Band Day TBD

*Students will be bussed to and from the event during the school day and will need to be

picked up at Jefferson upon arrival.

Concerts/Performance Schedule

Event Date Time/Location

Fall Choir/Orch. Concert Thursday, November 6 6:00-7:00p/JHS Auditorium

Winter Music Showcase (BCO) Thursday, December 11 6:00-8:00p/JHS Auditorium

Spring Choir Concert Thursday, February 19 6:00-7:00p/JHS Auditorium

Spring Band/Orch. Concert Thursday, February 26 6:00-7:00p/JHS Auditorium

Spring Fine Arts Festival TBD TBD

Memorial Day Parade (Band) Monday, May 25 8:00-11:00/Downtown

*Please have students arrive 5:00pm for all concerts in the JHS Auditorium for set-up*

All concerts and performances are specifically designed to meet the instructional needs of each

student while providing a variety of musical experiences. The planning and preparation that

goes into each performance is quite extensive and requires everyone’s participation and

cooperation as an ensemble.

J-Hawk Marching Band Leadership Insignia

Position Description Insignia

Section Leader

Responsible for Section Attendance, sectionals

communication of needs

Bronze

Assistant Drum Major (assistant student conductor)

Responsible for Band Assist and Direct Ensemble,

Communication of needs

Silver

Drum Major (student conductor)

Responsible for Band Student Director of Ensemble Receives communication of

needs

Gold

Member of the Year Displays exemplary work on and off the field as a leader and example for the ensemble

J-Hawk Achievement Bars (Marching Band)

Grade Level Description Bar

Freshman Complete and fulfill all marching band requirements

x1

Sophomore Complete and fulfill all marching band requirements

x2

Junior Complete and fulfill all marching band requirements

x3

Senior Complete and fulfill all marching band requirements

x4

MUSIC AWARDS

J-Hawk Music Letters/Patches – BCO

Activity/Level Requirements Semester Awarded

Freshmen Pass 1st and 2nd semester Spring

Sophomore Pass 1st and 2nd semester Spring

Junior Pass 1st and 2nd semester Spring

Senior Pass 1st and 2nd semester Spring

Academic Pin (1 per year) A in band both semesters, cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher

Spring

Marching Band Complete and pass all marching band requirements

Fall

Color Guard Complete all requirements Fall

Drumline Complete and pass all marching band requirements

Fall

Jazz Band Complete all requirements Spring

J-Hawk Band Complete and pass all curricular requirements

Spring

Wind Ensemble Complete and pass all curricular requirements

Spring

Winter Guard Complete all requirements Spring

Pep Band Complete all requirements Spring

Orchestra Complete and pass all curricular requirements

Spring

Pit Orchestra Complete all requirements Spring

Chamber Orchestra Complete all requirements Spring

Chorus Complete and pass all curricular requirements

Spring

Concert Chorus Complete and pass all curricular requirements

Spring

A Cappella Choir Complete all requirements Spring

Winter Drumline Complete all requirements Spring

INSTRUMENT/UNIFORM USAGE FORM

JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL

____________________________has permission to use the following

instrument/uniform:

Instrument/Uniform:

Serial/Uniform #

Date of check out:

The following Terms Apply

The Cost of the Instrument and Uniform Rental is $30.00 (part of student fees)

Instruments/Uniform will be expected to be returned by the teacher assigned

check-in date of the 2014-2015 school year.

If the instrument/uniform is lost or damaged, YOU will be responsible for the

damage or replacement of the instrument. (Damage/placement costs will be

assessed within one week of check-in, and you will be notified of fees charged

and expected to pay at that time.)

Damage or replacement of original copies of music. (Ripped/torn music beyond

use, writing in anything other than pencil, crumpled or major folds will result a

replacement fee)

______________________________________________ Date__________

Signature of Parent/Guardian

************************(For Office Use Only)************************

Instrument/Uniform/Original Music Condition upon Return:

______ Satisfactory

______ Unsatisfactory Damage Fee

Comments (Damage Information, etc.)

________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Damage fee Check # Cash Other

Date of Payment_________

PARENT/STUDENT AGREEMENT FORM

JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL

I have read the information in this packet and agree to the requirements of the curricular and

extracurricular ensembles in which I/my student(s) will participate.

Parent/guardian signature Date

Student Signature Date

PARENT/STUDENT CONTACT INFORMATION

Parent Name: Parent Phone #:

Parent Email: Mailing Address:

Student Name: Student Email: