Course Overview:
One Year Course: 1 Credit (Fees required)
Objective: Performance in Band/Percussion Ensemble
Prerequisite: Audition with Director of Bands (Wind Ensemble Only)
Students will learn how to produce characteristic tone quality on their instrument, develop skills in note and
rhythm reading, and demonstrate the ability to perform with proper intonation, articulation, balance, blend and musicianship through being a part of one or more performing ensembles. Outside-of-school rehearsals will be required and the group will have public performances.
Materials:
Students should come to class prepared with their instrument, music, pencil, planner, and all other supplies necessary for rehearsal (valve oil, reeds, tuner, metronome, etc.). Students are expected to keep his/her instrument in working order at all times.
Textbook:
Students will be issued music and method books throughout the year. The method book will be the property of the student to whom it is issued. Any sheet music issued is property of Fairfax County Public Schools and should be treated as such. Failure to return any music in worse condition than it was issued (tears/rips, excessive markings) will result in the student paying to replace the piece of music. Individual parts of any piece can run anywhere from $2.00-$20.00 depending on the piece.
Charms:
Charms will be used as a primary contact between school and home, so families can be informed of what is going on in school. Mr. Specketer will provide a separate handout for those students needing to access this database.
Google Classroom:
Google classroom will be the primary form of communication between Mr. Specketer and the students. It will be used to post recordings and materials, as well as to record and submit any playing quizzes/tests. Students will be given a classroom code for their specific ensemble during the first week of school.
Uniforms:
All students are expected to perform in appropriate formal, concert attire. Students are expected to purchase their own professional black attire. The options for the attire are below:
Option 1: Black tuxedo, white shirt, black bow tie, black dress shoes (no converses, keds or any other all-black sneaker), and black dress socks (a cummerbund or a vest is appropriate, but you must wear one). We have used Stage Accents to purchase tuxedos for men in the past, www.stageaccents.com. This is a very affordable option.
Option 2: Floor-length black dress, or black dress pants (no denim) and black blouse (long or short sleeve is acceptable). Black, off-black or neutral hose, black dress shoes (no converses, keds, Crocs or any other all black sneaker), simple jewelry. No décolletage, bare shoulders, necklines, or midriffs. Open-toed sandals are acceptable with dark stockings or pantyhose.
Fees:
The collection and use of all fees will adhere to FCPS Regulation 5922 concerning student fees. There is a $35.00 fee for all students enrolled in a high school band class at Hayfield Secondary School*. This fee covers the purchase of the student’s method book(s) and materials pertaining to their instrument.
Percussion Fee:
There is an additional fee of $60 for all percussionists in Fairfax County Public Schools*. This fee covers
the use of all percussion instruments, mallets for the keyboard instruments, timpani, etc. Percussionists only need to supply their own drumsticks and practice pads. This fee must be paid by check, cash or money order, with checks being made out to “Hayfield Secondary School”.
Instrument Rental:
The following instruments are available through rental from the school: Oboe, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, French Horn, Euphonium, and Tuba. The cost is $46.00 per semester or $92.00 per year (as mandated by FCPS)*.
*Please contact Mr. Specketer if you/your student is on free or reduced lunch (or if there is a financial need) so arrangements can be made. The Hayfield Band Program is committed to the inclusion of all students regardless of their financial situation
Extracurricular Ensembles:
The Hayfield Band program is excited to offer outside enrichment for students. These ensembles meet outside of the school day and are an extension of the in-class learning environment. There is a fee that will be assessed for each extracurricular activity to offset the costs of the ensemble.
Grading Design:
All Grading and make-up work policies will follow and adhere to the FCPS Grading and Reporting for High School regulations.
Literacy and Evaluative Skills - 10%
Mastery Learning Policy:
The purpose of this class is to provide students with an appreciation of, and ability to play many different styles of music. To this end, students will be permitted to upgrade ALL tests and quizzes in order to master certain skills. Students wishing to upgrade a test or quiz on scales or any other fundamental skill/exercise may do so until the end of the quarter in which the assessment was given. Students wishing to upgrade a test or quiz may do so until one week prior to the end of the quarter. Students must be proactive in scheduling this retake, whether it be in person with Mr. Specketer or submitting it online.
Late Work - School Policy:
If a performance is missed the student will have one week upon returning to school, to make-up the grade. To make-up the grade, the student must perform his/her concert music for the director. It is the responsibility of the student to schedule a time with the director to make-up the grade.
Students who have not had an adequate opportunity to demonstrate mastery of content because of excused absences or extenuating circumstances should work with their classroom teachers and school counselor to complete the missing assignments. Late work will be accepted with a maximum penalty of 20%. Work will not be accepted after the unit test (concert) has occurred except in extenuating circumstances.
All-District Band Auditions:
All-District Band Auditions (December 7, 2019) are required for all members of the Wind Ensemble and will count as an Instrumental Technique and Musicianship grade. These auditions are also open to students in the Symphonic Band class.
Awards:
Each year students receive a fine arts certificate for their participation in each ensemble in which they are a member. They also have the opportunity to earn a band letter. Students must earn 100 points to earn their band letter, then every 60 points will earn a letter bar, signifying earning the letter multiple times. The following events/accomplishments will be counted towards their point totals.
Marching Band (Full Season) – 25 points All-District Band – 10 points
Concert Band – 15 points Senior Regional Orchestra – 15 points
Jazz Band – 15 points All-State Band – 15 points
Solo and Ensemble – 10 points Private Lessons – 10 points/semester
Summer Music Camps – 10 points/week Indoor Activity (Drumline or Winterguard) - 25 points
Pit Orchestra - 10 points
One Year Course: 1 Credit (Fees required)
Objective: Performance in Band/Percussion Ensemble
Prerequisite: Audition with Director of Bands (Wind Ensemble Only)
Students will learn how to produce characteristic tone quality on their instrument, develop skills in note and
rhythm reading, and demonstrate the ability to perform with proper intonation, articulation, balance, blend and musicianship through being a part of one or more performing ensembles. Outside-of-school rehearsals will be required and the group will have public performances.
Materials:
Students should come to class prepared with their instrument, music, pencil, planner, and all other supplies necessary for rehearsal (valve oil, reeds, tuner, metronome, etc.). Students are expected to keep his/her instrument in working order at all times.
Textbook:
Students will be issued music and method books throughout the year. The method book will be the property of the student to whom it is issued. Any sheet music issued is property of Fairfax County Public Schools and should be treated as such. Failure to return any music in worse condition than it was issued (tears/rips, excessive markings) will result in the student paying to replace the piece of music. Individual parts of any piece can run anywhere from $2.00-$20.00 depending on the piece.
Charms:
Charms will be used as a primary contact between school and home, so families can be informed of what is going on in school. Mr. Specketer will provide a separate handout for those students needing to access this database.
Google Classroom:
Google classroom will be the primary form of communication between Mr. Specketer and the students. It will be used to post recordings and materials, as well as to record and submit any playing quizzes/tests. Students will be given a classroom code for their specific ensemble during the first week of school.
Uniforms:
All students are expected to perform in appropriate formal, concert attire. Students are expected to purchase their own professional black attire. The options for the attire are below:
Option 1: Black tuxedo, white shirt, black bow tie, black dress shoes (no converses, keds or any other all-black sneaker), and black dress socks (a cummerbund or a vest is appropriate, but you must wear one). We have used Stage Accents to purchase tuxedos for men in the past, www.stageaccents.com. This is a very affordable option.
Option 2: Floor-length black dress, or black dress pants (no denim) and black blouse (long or short sleeve is acceptable). Black, off-black or neutral hose, black dress shoes (no converses, keds, Crocs or any other all black sneaker), simple jewelry. No décolletage, bare shoulders, necklines, or midriffs. Open-toed sandals are acceptable with dark stockings or pantyhose.
Fees:
The collection and use of all fees will adhere to FCPS Regulation 5922 concerning student fees. There is a $35.00 fee for all students enrolled in a high school band class at Hayfield Secondary School*. This fee covers the purchase of the student’s method book(s) and materials pertaining to their instrument.
Percussion Fee:
There is an additional fee of $60 for all percussionists in Fairfax County Public Schools*. This fee covers
the use of all percussion instruments, mallets for the keyboard instruments, timpani, etc. Percussionists only need to supply their own drumsticks and practice pads. This fee must be paid by check, cash or money order, with checks being made out to “Hayfield Secondary School”.
Instrument Rental:
The following instruments are available through rental from the school: Oboe, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, French Horn, Euphonium, and Tuba. The cost is $46.00 per semester or $92.00 per year (as mandated by FCPS)*.
*Please contact Mr. Specketer if you/your student is on free or reduced lunch (or if there is a financial need) so arrangements can be made. The Hayfield Band Program is committed to the inclusion of all students regardless of their financial situation
Extracurricular Ensembles:
The Hayfield Band program is excited to offer outside enrichment for students. These ensembles meet outside of the school day and are an extension of the in-class learning environment. There is a fee that will be assessed for each extracurricular activity to offset the costs of the ensemble.
Grading Design:
All Grading and make-up work policies will follow and adhere to the FCPS Grading and Reporting for High School regulations.
Literacy and Evaluative Skills - 10%
- Concert reviews, listening assignments, music theory written work, etc.
- Having all course materials for each rehearsal (instrument*, music, accessories, pencil) - Any student who does not bring his/her instrument to class is unable to show learning progress for that day, and thus will receive a grade of zero.
- Maintaining a quiet and productive rehearsal space
- Playing instruments in the correct manner, including posture and instrument carriage.
- Display procedures of maintaining a safe rehearsal environment with respect of all FCPS and personal belongings, including the band room. There is to be no food or drink (other than water) in the band room.
- Formal assessments on scales, technique, and ensemble music played in-class or submitted through Google Classroom.
- Assessments in the form of rehearsals, concerts, or in-class ensemble recitals.
Mastery Learning Policy:
The purpose of this class is to provide students with an appreciation of, and ability to play many different styles of music. To this end, students will be permitted to upgrade ALL tests and quizzes in order to master certain skills. Students wishing to upgrade a test or quiz on scales or any other fundamental skill/exercise may do so until the end of the quarter in which the assessment was given. Students wishing to upgrade a test or quiz may do so until one week prior to the end of the quarter. Students must be proactive in scheduling this retake, whether it be in person with Mr. Specketer or submitting it online.
Late Work - School Policy:
If a performance is missed the student will have one week upon returning to school, to make-up the grade. To make-up the grade, the student must perform his/her concert music for the director. It is the responsibility of the student to schedule a time with the director to make-up the grade.
Students who have not had an adequate opportunity to demonstrate mastery of content because of excused absences or extenuating circumstances should work with their classroom teachers and school counselor to complete the missing assignments. Late work will be accepted with a maximum penalty of 20%. Work will not be accepted after the unit test (concert) has occurred except in extenuating circumstances.
All-District Band Auditions:
All-District Band Auditions (December 7, 2019) are required for all members of the Wind Ensemble and will count as an Instrumental Technique and Musicianship grade. These auditions are also open to students in the Symphonic Band class.
Awards:
Each year students receive a fine arts certificate for their participation in each ensemble in which they are a member. They also have the opportunity to earn a band letter. Students must earn 100 points to earn their band letter, then every 60 points will earn a letter bar, signifying earning the letter multiple times. The following events/accomplishments will be counted towards their point totals.
Marching Band (Full Season) – 25 points All-District Band – 10 points
Concert Band – 15 points Senior Regional Orchestra – 15 points
Jazz Band – 15 points All-State Band – 15 points
Solo and Ensemble – 10 points Private Lessons – 10 points/semester
Summer Music Camps – 10 points/week Indoor Activity (Drumline or Winterguard) - 25 points
Pit Orchestra - 10 points