North East Middle School

Band and Orchestra

Director: Ms. Mandy Maruchi-Turner

2014-2015Welcome to the 2014-2015 school year at North East Middle School! We are very fortunate to have a lot of positive changes working for us this year, largely due to scheduling changes. I will now be at the middle school full time, which allows me to take over the orchestra program and offer both band and orchestra as everyday classes for most of the school year. I am unbelievably excited to see how much we can improve with these new changes.

I have put together this handbook to formally present our new grading policy, performance expectations, and other important information. Many changes have been put in place since last year, so be sure to read through the whole handbook before signing and returning the attached contract.

Thank you!

Mandy Maruchi-Turnerahmaruchi-turner@ccps.org410-996-6210

2014-2015 Calendar of EventsEarly September – Sandy Hill field trip#10/03 – All State Junior Application Deadline*11/15 – All State Junior Auditions*11/28 – Town of North East Annual Tree Lighting#12/06 – Cecil County Christmas Parade#12/10 – NEMS Winter Instrumental Concert!12/15-17 – All County Orchestra auditions $02/07 – County Solo & Ensemble Festival #$02/09 – All County Orchestra Evening Rehearsal*02/12 – All County Orchestra Day Rehearsal*02/18 – All County Orchestra Evening Rehearsal*02/23 – All County Orchestra Day Rehearsal*02/24 – All County Orchestra Evening Rehearsal*02/26 – All County Orchestra Concert*03/19 – County Band & Orchestra Festival!03/30 – All County Band Evening Rehearsal*04/07 – All County Band Evening Rehearsal*04/13 – All County Band Day Rehearsal*04/15 – All County Band Evening Rehearsal*04/20 – All County Band Day Rehearsal*04/23 – All County Band Concert*05/13 – NEMS Spring Instrumental Concert!05/11-15 – State Band & Orchestra Festival!Late May – Hershey Park Field Trip#$

! Mandatory

# Optional, but encouraged (band)$ Optional, but encouraged (orchestra)* By audition only

Behavior consequences in Instrumental music

Disciplinary issues in band and orchestra (including but not limited to those listed) will be addressed as follows:

MIRs will be issued for the following- Chronic failure to bring class materials

(pencil, instrument, music)- Excessive disruption of rehearsal time- Disrespect or rudeness to other members- Chronic failure to arrive to class on time

Office Referrals will be issued for the following- Inappropriate displays of affection- Fighting, swearing, insubordination- Damaging or stealing school property- Use of electronic devices on class

property- Harassment/bullying

Any other issues will be dealt with as they arise. I expect that the level of respect and self-discipline in this program is high enough that very few problems will arise.

Required Books(May be purchased at Bender Music or Music &

Arts)

Band- 6th Grade: Band Expressions Book 1/2- 7th Grade: Band Expressions Book 2

Orchestra- 6th Grade: Essential Elements 2000 Strings

Book 1- 7th/8th Grade: Essential Elements 2000

Strings Book 2Expectations of All Members

Band and orchestra students are expected to adhere to these guidelines throughout the year.

1) Students are expected to arrive promptly for lessons and rehearsals. There will be a timer set to allow a reasonable amount of time for students to set up, after which rehearsal will begin.

2) Students should be prepared for all lessons and rehearsals. This includes bringing your instrument, book/sheet music, a pencil, and any instrument-specific accessories.

3) Students should be practicing 90 minutes/week, ideally spread out over as many days as possible, to prepare concert pieces and lesson assignments. There will

be regular playing assessments to gauge practice progress and any changes needed.

4) Students must MAKE UP MISSED WORK from their other classes within 2 class periods. I do not expect to receive complaints from other teachers that students are falling behind due to band participation. This is your responsibility and must be taken seriously.

5) Students should be committed to the wellbeing of this ensemble. Respect, enthusiasm, hard work, and dedication are required of all members to make this program a success.

Grading PolicyOur grading will be based on a combination of formative (60% of total) and summative (40% of total) grades.

Formative assignments include but are not limited to:

- Worksheets (music history, theory, etc.)- Pop quizzes- Rhythm assignments - Improvisation activities

Summative assessments include but are not limited to:

- Concert performances- Weekly playing tests (graded using CCPS

performance test rubric)- Projects- Written exams

Students will be given 2 class sessions to make up any missed grades before they become a 50%. Grades can also be made up during homeroom and lunch, only if students come in advance to get a pass.

As always in secondary Cecil County Public Schools, band concert and Festival performances are mandatory. Exceptions are very limited to extreme circumstances, and do not include conflict with any regular weekly activities.

Performance ExpectationsWhether students are performing individually or as part of our large ensembles, ensemble members will participate in several performance opportunities throughout the year. All students will be representing our school and our program and should present themselves accordingly.

Concert and Festival Attire:- Nice white shirt (no t-shirts)

- ALL black below the waist (including pants/long skirt, socks/tights, and shoes)

- Please do not dress in a way that may embarrass you, your parents, or our program.

Girls, please be sure to wear a skirt LONGER THAN YOUR KNEES or pants, especially if you sit in the front row or play an instrument that is held between your legs. Keep in mind that we perform on a stage elevated above the audience at all of our concerts.

Concert and Festival Etiquette:- Do not get up/walk around/open doors/go

to the bathroom while a group is performing (wait until the piece concludes)

- Be silent during performances, both while on stage and in the audience

- Applaud respectfully, do not yell or whistle

- Be timely and professional- Bring all materials (instruments, music)- Attendance is mandatory!

North East Middle SchoolInstrumental Contract

By signing below, you are committing yourself to follow the guidelines set forth in this handbook. You understand and will respect our program’s policies and expectations, and you agree to attend/make sure your child attends all mandatory concert performances.

Date_______________________

Print student name ___________________________________

Parent signature _____________________________________

Student signature ____________________________________

North East Middle SchoolInstrumental Contract

By signing below, you are committing yourself to follow the guidelines set forth in this handbook. You understand and will respect our program’s policies and expectations, and you agree to attend/make sure your child attends all mandatory concert performances.

Date_______________________

Print student name ___________________________________

Parent signature _____________________________________

Student signature ____________________________________