Music Handbook
CAUTION:
Exposure to music may cause outbursts of joy, happiness, energy, creativity, awareness and spontaneous healing!
BENEFITS:
Musical training helps develop language and reasoning, master of memorization, increased coordination, sense of achievement, experience success, builds imagination & intellectual curiosity, music can be relaxing, teaches discipline, creative thinking, teamwork skills, responsible risk-taking and better self-confidence.
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NMHS Music Department Handbook Index
Page Content
- Cover Page
- Index
- Dear Students…
- Teaching for Understanding
- Music Standards (NAfME, NCCAS)
- Music Enduring Understandings and Essential Questions
- Music Calendar
- Expectations and Guidelines
- Audition and Festival Policy for Participation
- Concert Attire
- Middle Level Performing Ensembles
- High School Performing Ensembles
- Classroom and Rehearsal: Participation and Effort (P&E) Assessment
- Classroom and Rehearsal: Participation and Effort (P&E) Expectations
- Performance and Event Participation & Effort (P&E) Assessment
- Performance and Event Participation and Effort (P&E) Expectations
- Performance and Event Participation & Effort (P&E) details
- Quarterly Assessment details
- Quarterly Assessment
- Hints for Practicing
- Handbook Agreement signature page
Please sign and return the Handbook Agreement signature page to Ms. Monmaney.
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Dear Northfield Student Musicians and Parents,
Greetings from the Music Department! I hope the school year is off to a great start. Please take the time to review this Music Department Handbook carefully as it contains a great deal of important information about Northfield’s music scene. All students and parents please, sign and return the back page of this handbook.
As with any program, it takes many people to make it work. Please consider attending our rehearsals during the day and, of course, our many evening performances and festivals. The High School students are frequently asked to perform around the town and state - so, if you get a chance – come watch us perform! There is much data pertaining to what makes a successful school music program. Two elements always are at the top: Involved and enthusiastic Musicians and supportive Parents! We are also fortunate to have a community, administration and school board who value music and continue to support the Northfield Middle High School Music Program.
I am excited about the offerings this year and feel that NMHS offers an outstanding and comprehensive program in music. I hope to make singing and playing instruments an enjoyable experience, as well as creating a learning environment enabling students to learn more about their voice/instrument, reading music and playing/singing in an ensemble.
In advance, thank you for your support for the upcoming school year.
Best regards for a great year in music!
Ms. Lorraine Monmaney, M.Ed.
lmonmaney@cvsu.org
485-4500
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Philosophy
Music is an essential component of a child’s education. Students focus on singing, playing instruments, improvising, reading and notating music, as well as analyzing, evaluating and integrating music with other academic disciplines. This skill-based approach spirals learning through each grade level and continues from elementary level through the secondary levels and more advanced musical studies. At the heart of music’s importance is its ability to provide the student with a true aesthetic experience. Expressing this aesthetic sense through playing instruments or singing alone or with others is an activity as old as humankind. Through the secondary instrumental and vocal music programs, students develop this aesthetic sense as a constructive way to express thoughts and feelings. Learning about and participating in music teaches critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, discipline, creativity and self-esteem – skills that transfer to all academics and other aspects of daily life through adulthood. Music is integral to every human culture and opens doors to understanding others through a universal language.
Enduring Understandings
Enduring Understandings are the big ideas central to a content area that have lasting value beyond the classroom and are transferable to new situations. Enduring understandings describe what, specifically, students should understand about the topic. Such understandings are generally abstract in nature and are often not obvious, thus requiring uncovering of a topic through sustained inquiry.
An understanding can be overarching or topical. Overarching understandings are broad (as the name implies) and offer a possible bridge to other units and courses. Overarching understandings are identified at the district-level. Topical understandings are unit specific, identified by teachers about the understandings the unit will cultivate about specific topics.
Essential Questions
Essential questions provoke deep thought, lively discussion, sustained inquiry, and new understandings culminating in meaningful performances. They require students to consider alternatives, weigh evidence, support their ideas, and justify answers. Essential questions do not yield a single straightforward answer, but produce different plausible responses, about which thoughtful and knowledgeable people may disagree. Essential questions spark meaningful connections with prior learnings and personal experiences and create opportunities for transfer to other situations and subjects.
An essential question can be either overarching or topical in scope. Overarching essential questions are general in nature, causing genuine and relevant inquiry into the big ideas and core content. They cut across units and/or courses. Topical essential questions focus on a specific topic and meant to be answered – if only provisionally – by unit’s end.
If learning is to endure in a flexible, adaptable way for future use, then units need to be designed to provide opportunity for students to
- Acquire knowledge;
- To deepen the meaning of that knowledge by using it mindfully, and
- To transfer their learning to new situations or problems.
Teaching for Understanding
↓
Acquire: focus is on a body of knowledge (set of facts, skills, or procedures).
↓
Make Meaning: go beyond the body of knowledge and use it mindfully to apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate whether the body of knowledge is appropriate in a particular situation.
↓
Transfer: apply knowledge creatively, flexibly, and fluently in different setting or problems.
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Music Standards - The Key to Music Literacy
NAfME - National Association of Music Educators
NCCAS - National Coalition for Core Arts Standards
|
Creating |
Imagine.
Generate musical ideas for various purposes and contexts.
Essential Question: How do musicians generate creative ideas?
Evaluate and Refine.
Evaluate and refine selected musical ideas to create musical work that meets appropriate criteria.
Essential Question: How do musicians improve the quality of their creative work?
Plan and Make.
Select and develop musical ideas for defined purposes and contexts.
Essential Question: How do musicians make creative decisions?
Present.
Share creative musical work that conveys intent, demonstrates craftsmanship, and exhibits originality.
Essential Questions: When is creative work ready to share?
|
Performing |
Select.
Select varied musical works to present based on interest, knowledge, technical skill, and context.
Essential Question: How do performers select repertoire?
Analyze.
Analyze the structure and context of varied musical works and their implications for performance.
Essential Question: How does understanding the structure and context of musical works inform performance?
Interpret.
Develop personal interpretations that consider creators’ intent.
Essential Question: How do performers interpret musical works?
Rehearse, Evaluate, and Refine.
Evaluate and refine personal and ensemble performances, individually or in collaboration with others.
Essential Question: How do musicians improve the quality of their performance?
Present.
Perform expressively, with appropriate interpretation and technical accuracy and in a manner appropriate to the audience and context.
Essential Question: When is a performance judged ready to present? How do context and the manner in which musical work is presented influence audience response?
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Responding |
Select.
Choose music appropriate for a specific purpose or context.
Essential Question: How do individuals choose music to experience?
Interpret.
Support interpretations of musical works that reflect creators’/performers’ expressive intent.
Essential Question: When is a performance judged ready to present?
How do context and the manner in which musical work is presented influence audience response?
Analyze.
Analyze how the structure and context of varied musical works inform the response.
Essential Question: How does understanding the structure and context of music inform a response?
Evaluate.
Support evaluations of musical works and performances based on analysis, interpretation, and established criteria.
Essential Question: How do we judge the quality of musical works and performances?
|
Connecting |
Connecting is embedded in Creating, Performing, and Responding.
Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make music.
Essential Question: How do musicians make meaningful connections to creating performing and responding?
Relate musical ideas and works to varied contexts and daily life to deepen understanding.
Essential Question: How do other arts, other disciplines, contexts and daily life inform
creating, performing, and responding to music?
www.nafme.org/standards
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Music
Enduring Understandings and Essential Questions
Overarching Enduring Understandings
- Music-making is one of the oldest, most intimate and basic forms of communication and cultural expression.
- Singing and playing an instrument provide people with the means of learning musical and developmental skills.
- Playing in an ensemble takes team work mentality.
- Through composing and improvising, people learn to connect ideas with symbols, sound patterns, and musical elements.
- Reading and notating music are essential to music literacy.
- Educated music listeners learn to describe, analyze and evaluate music and music performances as an expressive art form.
- Critical listening and thinking skills learned through music are essential to a successful, comprehensive educational experience.
- Music is an important element of the historical and cultural record of humankind.
Overarching Essential Questions
- Why and how do people create music?
- How do people sing and play an instrument?
- How is music communicated?
- How is music analyzed and understood?
- How is a music performance evaluated?
- What is the relationship between music and other disciplines?
- How does music reflect as well as shape history and culture?
|
Topic |
Timeline |
|
Aesthetic Qualities |
Embedded throughout the course |
|
Compositional Techniques |
Embedded throughout the course |
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Contrasting Parts |
Embedded throughout the course |
|
Ensemble Skills |
Embedded throughout the course |
|
Events/Timelines |
Embedded throughout the course |
|
Expressive Qualities |
Embedded throughout the course |
|
Genre, Style, Historical, Cultural |
Embedded throughout the course |
|
Harmony with Melodic Lines |
Embedded throughout the course |
|
Historical/Cultural Context |
Embedded throughout the course |
|
Improvises Harmonizing Parts |
Embedded throughout the course |
|
Music Related to Math |
Embedded throughout the course |
|
Musical Description |
Embedded throughout the course |
|
Musical Intent |
Embedded throughout the course |
|
Physical Properties of Instruments/Voice |
Embedded throughout the course |
|
Repertoire Terms and Symbols |
Embedded throughout the course |
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Rhythmic Patterns in a Variety of Meters |
Embedded throughout the course |
|
Scale Patterns |
Embedded throughout the course |
|
Style, Intonation, Phrasing, Articulation |
Embedded throughout the course |
|
Stylistic Features |
Embedded throughout the course |
|
Technical Vocabulary |
Embedded throughout the course |
|
Technique |
Embedded throughout the course |
|
Three or Four parts |
Embedded throughout the course |
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NMHS’ Music Calendar
|
Event |
Date |
Place |
Group |
More Information |
|
Winooski Valley FALL Auditions |
October
|
Harwood Union High School |
HS Students Students must be enrolled as a member of a NMHS music class in order to participate |
Students must sign-up for the audition with Ms. Monmaney |
|
Winooski Valley FALL Festival |
November
|
Harwood Union High School |
HS Students Students must be enrolled as a member of a NMHS music class in order to participate |
Accepted by audition. Thursday – Depart NMHS 8:45 am Return 4 pm Friday – Depart NMHS 8:45 am Parent Pick-up after the 7 pm concert @ HUHS |
|
Winter Concert
|
December
Snow date December |
NMHS’ Auditorium |
All NMHS Music Students |
7:00 pm This is the NMHS Mid-Term
|
|
Caroling on the Common |
First Friday in December
|
Northfield Common Main Street |
All NMHS Music Students |
5:30 pm Caroling 6:00 pm Lighting of the Tree |
|
ALL STATE Auditions
|
January
|
Hartford Union High School White River, VT |
HS Students Students must be enrolled as a member of a NMHS music class in order to participate |
Students must sign-up for the audition with Ms. Monmaney by 11/01/18. Parents are responsible for the $15 Audition fee. |
|
Winooski Valley JAZZ Festival
|
February
|
Harwood Union High School . |
HS Students Students must be enrolled as a member of a NMHS music class in order to participate |
Accepted by momination Thursday– Depart NMHS 8:45 am Return 4:00 pm Friday– Depart NMHS 8:45 am Parent Pick-up after the 7:00 pm concert at HUHS |
|
CVSU Celebration of Music in Our Schools Concert |
March TBA |
CVSU Music Departments
|
K-12 |
Evening Performance. More Information to follow. |
|
NMHS Musical
|
April
|
NMHS Auditorium |
All NMHS can participate |
|
|
Winooski Valley Spring Festival
|
April
|
TBA |
Middle School Students must be enrolled as a member of a NMHS music class in order to participate |
Accepted by Nomination. |
|
ALL STATE Music Festival
|
May
|
TBA |
HS Students Students must be enrolled as a member of a NMHS music class in order to participate |
Accepted by audition. Parents are responsible for the $60 Festival Fee. May: Depart Northfield 8:45 am. Return 9:30 p.m. May: Depart Northfield at 8:45 a.m. Parent pick-up after 2 p.m. Concert |
|
SPRING CONCERT
|
May TBA |
NMHS Auditorium
|
All NMHS Musicians |
7:00 pm This is the NMHS Final Exam |
|
NMHS Graduation
|
June
|
Shapiro Fieldhouse @ Norwich University |
HS Chorus and Band students only |
11:00 a.m. This is the NMHS Final Exam |
Please refer to the Music Department Handbook for further details and expectations. Students are eligible to perform in NMHS concerts & events, and audition & participate in the music festivals offered, if they are enrolled in a NMHS music class. If you have questions or concerns, please email lmonmaney@cvsu.org See you in the Auditorium!
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Music Department EXPECTATIONS AND GUIDELINES
All Concert dates are known well in advance and these events/performances are mandatory. The calendar is given at the beginning of the school year so parents and the music student can plan accordingly. The December Concert will be the mid-term. The May Concert will be the final exam. NMHS’ Performing Groups will be asked to perform at various functions. If an event is not on the Music Calendar, students will be given the opportunity to check family schedules and personal calendars. A student will have the opportunity to accept participation. Once a student confirms they will be at the event, they are expected to attend. An excused absence is a family emergency or a student’s illness. All scheduled - concerts and confirmed – auditions, festivals, rehearsals and events will be assessed using the Event/Performance Participation & Effort (P&E) Assessment.
Grade Expectations
A student must be passing ALL classes in order to attend a music festival. The most current, posted, quarter grade on the student’s NMHS Report Card, before the audition and/or festival, will determine whether a student is eligible. If the student’s teacher(s) states the student is passing the class(es), TWO WEEKS BEFORE the festival, the student may attend the festival.
Be on Time
Students must arrive to the event/performance ON TIME, in concert attire and remain until the completion of the performance and dismantle of the performance space. Middle Level Choral students must arrive 15 minutes prior to the performance. Middle Level Band & HS Band and Choral students must arrive 30 minutes prior to an event.
Absences from a CONCERT:
Excused absences will be granted only in extreme circumstances, for example a family emergency or illness. If an excused absence is granted, an alternate project or performance may be assigned. If a student receives an in-school suspension the day of the concert/performance or dress rehearsal, the student may NOT perform in the evening’s performance. Work schedules or family trips will be unexcused, as all concert dates are known well in advance. In the event of illness or family emergency immediately before a concert, a “good faith” attempt (telephone message on Ms. Monmaney’s school phone 485-1520, e-mail, or tell a friend to pass the message on to Ms. Monmaney) to notify the director is greatly appreciated.
Jobs/Work:
It is the student’s responsibility to notify their place of employment regarding Concert dates. You should submit a copy of the “Music Department Calendar” to the employer at the beginning of the school year. Employers are usually happy to work around the schedule if they know it well in advance.
Family Vacations:
Please schedule your vacations around the midterm (Winter Concert) and the final exam (Spring Concert). These performances are scheduled during the school week and the calendar is posted well in advance. One performer missing from a performing group can be very disruptive for the entire group.
Concert Attire: High School
Gentlemen: black pants, socks and shoes. White, button-down, collared shirt. Necktie with your color choice. Shirts must be tucked in with a belt and neatly pressed.
Ladies: All black. (Black dress or Black skirt pants and top). Black, closed-toe shoes and black tights. Skirt must be knee length or longer. Top should be short or long-sleeved, no tank tops.
Concert attire applies for all events and performances. Please contact Ms. Monmaney, ASAP, if you will have difficulty obtaining concert attire. We would be glad to help. The sooner we know, the better!
Concert Attire: Middle School
Gentlemen: Dark dress pants, socks and shoes. (Dark jeans and black sneakers are okay). Light-colored, button-down, collared shirt. Necktie with your color choice. Shirts must be tucked in, with a belt and neatly pressed.
Ladies: Black skirt, pants or capris. Skirt length must be knee length or longer. White Top. The top should be short or long-sleeved, no tank tops. Black, closed-toe shoes and black tights.
Concert attire applies for all events and performances. Please contact Ms. Monmaney, ASAP, if you will have difficulty obtaining concert attire. We would be glad to help. The sooner we know, the better!
Auditions & Festivals:
Auditions: The parent and student commits to an audition by signing the Audition Permission form, the student must attend/participate in the audition unless there is an excused absence.
Festivals: Once a student is nominated/accepted into a festival, they have the opportunity to accept or decline. The parent and student commits to a festival by signing the Festival Permission form. It is important for the family to be involved in the acceptance process. Once this form is signed, it is mandatory for the student to attend the festival in its’ entirety. An absence may forfeit the student from participating in a future festivals. NMHS supports the decision of the Festival’s Director and the Association’s Festival Policies. Confirmed auditions and festivals will be assessed using the Event/Performance Participation and Effort Assessment. Under no circumstances, is a student allowed to drive or drive with another student to and/or from an audition or festival. Parents are responsible for transporting their child at the conclusion of the festival’s closing concert.
The Music Dept. Handbook & the NMHS’ Student Handbook apply to all music auditions, festivals, events & performances.
Please contact me if you have any questions. My email is monmaneyl@cvsu.org or call 485-1520.
I am looking forward to a great musical year. Thanks for supporting the endeavors of the Music Department!
All the Best, Ms. Lorraine Monmaney
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Audition & Festival Policy for Participation
The excerpt below is quoted from the Vermont All State Music Festival Handbook. Page 11.
The Winooski Valley Music Association follows All State’s Festival Policies and Procedures.
SECTION II:
FESTIVAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
A1: ELIGIBILITY: SCHOOL & MUSIC EDUCATOR
For a Vermont public, private and state-approved home school to be eligible to submit student applications for inclusion in the current year’s Vermont All State Music Festival’s audition and/or concert festival, the school must have paid the current year’s All State Participation Fee from the VMEA AND any school music educator submitting applications must be a current member of NAfME / VMEA (during the application cycle, the auditions and the concert festival). If a school has multiple music educators, membership is required for each based on the type of All State application submitted. For example, if a school has a separate band and chorus music educator, then the chorus music educator must be an NAfME / VMEA member if chorus applications are submitted while the band music educator must be a member if instrumental applications are submitted. Scholarship applications can be submitted by any member music educator.
A2: ELIGIBILITY: STUDENT
Eligibility for the Vermont All State Music Festival’s auditions and concert festival is limited to actively enrolled, full-time high school students from Vermont public, private, and state-approved home schools (see A1 for school eligibility). Full-time would be determined and attested to by each school’s administration. Students who have received a high school diploma or GED would not be eligible. There is also a music program participation requirement (section C). Home schooled students are eligible to participate in the All State Music Festival, but they must apply through and be supervised by their parents or home school sponsors. For the purposes of this handbook and the festival it describes, ‘school’ represents the school (public, parochial, private or home) who completed the application, ‘teacher’, ‘music educator’ and other similar term represent the adults associated with a ‘school’, and ‘student’ represents the high school age applicant involved in any event associated with this festival. Regardless of what type of high school the student attends, NO student may participate in any aspect of the Vermont All State Festival (Auditions, Festival, Concerts or Parade) without the direct approval of or without the direct supervision provided by their local school.
C: PARTICIPATION IN THE AUDITIONS AND THE FESTIVAL
To participate in any part of the Vermont All State Music Festival sponsored activities, a student MUST be actively enrolled as a full-time student in a Vermont State Approved and VMEA eligible Public or Private School OR an approved and VMEA eligible home school in the State of Vermont at the time of the sponsored activity. Local school policy will be used to determine what constitutes a full-time student and individual exceptions may be made at the discretion of the local school music supervisor and principal. Only the students listed on a school’s Audition Application may audition for that school. Only substitutions or additions approved by the Festival Director can be made after the applications have been accepted. Out of state transfer students may request to have auditions scheduled for them up to two weeks prior to the audition date in January. Those requests MUST come from a school and student meeting all of the Festival eligibility and participation requirements. Those requests will only be accepted by the Festival Director. These student auditions will receive the same considerations as all others. Students MUST be a member of their school’s performing group at the time of the auditions to audition for the same type of group in the Festival. Students MUST be a member of their school’s performing group at the time of the Festival to participate in the same type of group in the Festival. In the event that a participating school does not have a performing group that uses the auditioning student’s instrument (i.e. no jazz band for guitar players, no orchestra for string players, home schooled students), then those students may audition on those instruments provided they meet all other eligibility requirements, pay all fees and are entered on all appropriate forms submitted from the school. The school’s music supervisor or other school designated adult must assume responsibility for that student at all sponsored events. This includes all home school students. Notices of acceptance in the performing groups are provided online by Festival Director’s office for music educators or home schools using their NAfME / VMEA membership number to access. Notification of acceptance will be made by the date posted on the calendar. No substitutions of accepted students can be made by the participating school. For specific information regarding Audition Policies and Procedures, see Sections III through VII in this handbook
In order for a student to participate in an audition and/or festival, they must be enrolled in a music class with Northfield Middle High School.
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Concert Attire
Concert Attire applies for all performances and events.
Concert Attire for HIGH SCHOOL Music Students:
Gentlemen: Black pants, socks and shoes. White, button down, collared shirt. Neck tie with your color choice. Shirts must be tucked-in with a belt and neatly pressed.
Ladies: All black. (Black dress or Black skirt, pants and top). Black, closed-toe shoes and black tights. Skirt must be knee length or longer. Top should be short or long-sleeved, no tank tops.
Concert Attire for MIDDLE LEVEL Music Students:
Gentlemen: Dark dress pants, socks and shoes. (Dark jeans and black sneakers are okay, but dress pants and shoes are preferred). Light-colored, button down, collared shirt. Neck tie with your color choice. Shirts must be tucked in, with a belt and neatly pressed.
Ladies: Black skirt, pants or capris. Skirt length must be knee length or longer. White Top. The top should be short or long-sleeved, no tank tops. Black, closed-toe shoes and black tights.
Please note: If you have financial difficulty acquiring concert attire, please contact me. I do not expect families to go out and buy a new outfit for the performances. I have collected items of clothing throughout the years that can be used. I ask that you contact me ASAP, so I can assist you. If I am not given enough time, I may not be able to meet your concert attire needs.
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Middle Level Performing Ensembles
Mandatory Performances
The December Winter Concert.
The May Spring Concert.
Middle Level Band
Class Description:
The Middle Level Band will play a variety of music with a focus on musicianship, working together as an ensemble, and quality sound.
Instruments:
NMHS works with Ellis Music Company. Ellis Music Company offers rentals and “rent-to-own” instrument options. The school does own some instruments, these instruments are often loaned out on a “first come, first served” basis. If anyone is interested in playing an instrument and is in need of financial assistance – please contact Ms. Monmaney.
Student-Owned Instruments
If a student brings in their own instrument, gear and/or accessories for rehearsals and practice, it is encouraged to know the serial number and/or clearly mark your belongings. The music department is not responsible for lost or stolen instruments, accessories and/or gear.
Music Folders and Method Books:
NMHS will supply the concert’s music selections. Band students are responsible to bring their instrument, and music to every band class. A student’s preparedness will be a part of the Classroom and Rehearsal Participation and Effort Assessment.
Middle Level Chorus
Class Description
The Chorus is open to male and female singers, grades 6 – 8. We will focus on three-part literature in various musical styles, musicianship, working together as an ensemble and vocal technique.
Music Folders
Middle Level Chorus folders will be left in the music room.
Students can sign-out folders if they would like to work on the repertoire at home. NMHS will supply the concert’s music selections. A student’s preparedness will be a part of the Classroom and Rehearsal Participation and Effort Assessment.
Music must be memorized for all performances.
High School Performing Ensembles
Mandatory Performances
The December Winter Concert.
The May Spring Concert and the NMHS Graduation Ceremony.
Leaders and Mentors.
Students who have participated in a performing group are expected to be leaders and mentors.
These upperclassmen serve as role models and leaders for the rest of the students in their section/ensemble.
Leaders and mentors should possess the highest level of leadership qualities and proficiency as a musician.
More is expected from the veteran singers/instrumentalists.
All Music Department courses are offered to students in grades 9-12
High School Stage Band
1 Year - 1.0 credit
The High School Stage Band studies a wide repertoire of musical styles. This course is offered to experienced instrumentalists. To be a member of the Stage Band you must audition OR meet with the director to discuss placement into the performing group. The following elements are taken into consideration in order for a student to be a member of the NMHS’ Stage Band: 1. Student’s vocal and/or instrumental ability. 2. Student’s musical experiences. 3. Student’s commitment to rehearsals and performances. 4. Blend and balance of the group as a whole. 5. Team work is a must. 6. Chart reading is helpful. Woodwind and Brass players must also be a member of the High School Concert Band/Instrumental Studies if they desire to be in the Stage Band. Membership status in the band will be reviewed at the end of each semester. It is required that a student perform in the Winter Concert (mid-term) and the Spring Concert/Spotlight of Seniors Concert (final exam). Music must be memorized for all performances. A full year will satisfy your Fine Arts Credit required for graduation. (NMHS Program of Studies)
High School Concert Band/Instrumental Studies
1 year – 1.0 credit
This course offers students who play a musical instrument the opportunity to prepare for various festivals, practice their music from their private lesson, learn a new instrument and/or study music theory. It is required that a student perform in the Winter Concert (mid-term) and the Spring Concert/Spotlight of Seniors Concert (final exam).
A full year will satisfy your Fine Arts Credit required for graduation. (NMHS Program of Studies)
High School Chorus
1 Year - 1.0 credit
The High School Chorus has the potential to be a soprano-alto-tenor-bass performing choir and is open to all singers in grades 9-12. A wide repertoire of musical styles will be performed and studied throughout the year. The student’s vocal ability, experience, commitment and blend/balance of the group is taken into consideration prior to any performance. Membership status in the choir will be reviewed at the end of each semester. It is required that a student perform in the Winter Concert (mid-term) and the Spring Concert/Spotlight of Seniors Concert (final exam). Students will also have the opportunity to enrich their musical studies by auditioning for various music festivals throughout the year. A student must take Senior Chorus as a full-year course, unless there is a conflict with another class. Students who can only participate in Chorus one semester, should work with the director, independently during the semester that Chorus is not scheduled. Students must be a part of the music program in order to audition or participate in the offered festivals. Music must be memorized for all performances. A full year will satisfy your Fine Arts Credit required for graduation. (NMHS Program of Studies) Music must be memorized for performances.
High School Performances
The High School Chorus and the High School Stage Band are often asked to perform at various events not listed on the calendar given at the beginning of the school year. It is the student’s responsibility to check their personal calendar for: family obligations, work, their team sport’s schedule, etc. Once the class, has checked dates and as a whole, have agreed to perform - the performance is mandatory. Students are expected to arrive to a concert ½ hour prior to stage. This will be referred to as “CALL”. When students arrive to “CALL” they are expected to be in CONCERT ATTIRE ready for the warm-up. Please refer to the Performance/Event P&E page for detailed information regarding performances.
Student-Owned Instruments
If a student brings in their own instrument, gear and/or accessories for rehearsals and practice, it is encouraged to know the serial number and/or clearly mark your belongings. The music department is not responsible for lost or stolen instruments, accessories and/or gear.
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Classroom and Rehearsal: Participation and Effort (P&E)
Assessment
|
|
EXCELLENT 9 to 10 points |
GOOD 4 to 8 points |
POOR 0 TO 3 points |
|
Prepared for Class
Earned Points |
Student was prepared for class with their music, pencil, instrument and/or homework.
|
Student did not have their music, pencil, instrument and/or homework, but rectified the situation in a timely manner. |
Student did not have their music, pencil, instrument and/or homework completed. |
|
Learning Ethics
Earned Points |
Student was respectful to the other classmates during class time.
|
Student often distracted the other classmates during class time. |
Student was constantly distracting the other classmates during class time. |
|
Self-Control
Earned Points |
The student was where he or she should have been all the time.
|
The student was where he or she should have been, most of the time. |
The student seldom was where he or she should have been.
|
|
Promptness
Earned Points |
The student was on time and in their seat ready to go!
|
The student was less than a minute late. |
The student was more than a minute late. |
|
Stays on Task
Earned Points |
The student was always on task.
|
The student was on task, most of the time. |
The student was seldom on task. |
|
Attitude
Earned Points |
The student was willing to try the new lesson, song, idea and/or technique with a positive attitude. |
Most of the time, the student was willing to try a new lesson, song, idea and/or technique with a positive attitude. |
The student was not willing to try a new lesson, song, idea and/or technique with a positive attitude. |
|
Respectful
Earned Points |
The student was always respectful to classmates and/or the teacher. |
Most of the time the student was respectful to classmates and the teacher. |
The student was not respectful to classmates and the teacher |
|
Class Contribution
Earned Points |
The student contributed to class in a positive manner. |
Most of the time, the student contributed to class in a positive manner. |
The student did not contribute to class in a positive manner. |
|
General Directions
Earned Points |
The student always followed directions. |
The student followed directions, most of the time. |
The student seldom followed directions.
|
|
“Give your all!”
Earned Points |
The student tried their hardest.
|
The student tried their hardest, most of the time |
The student did not attempt to try.
|
|
Total Points Earned: |
|
||
Student’s Name: ______________________________
Date of Assessment: ___________________________
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Classroom and Rehearsal: Participation and Effort (P&E) Expectations
Classroom Expectations
Respect:
- Take pride in respecting classmates, director, and property.
- Develop a “listening attitude” in following class expectations.
- Refrain from gum-chewing, disruptive talking, and other negative behaviors.
- Please do not wear sunglasses or hats in the music classroom.
- Please turn off ALL electronic devices. If I see or hear an electronic device, I will keep it until the end of the day.
The second infraction, I will confiscate the device, a detention will be given and your parent/s pick it up at the end of the day.
Contributions:
- Work on the development of proper vocal/instrumental skills.
- Participate with a positive attitude.
- Present an eagerness and willingness to learn.
- Be on time for class and other rehearsals.
- Memorize your music early.
- Arriving no later than 15 minutes prior to a scheduled performance/event.
Leadership:
- Set examples of positive self-discipline and attitude.
- Learn music quickly to help others with their parts.
- Take initiative in all class activities.
- Upperclassmen are expected to lead by example!
Positive Behaviors include:
- Promptness
- Leadership
- Mentoring
- Positive Attitude
- Open to new material
- Respect of self, others and nmhs
Band/Choir Folders and Music:
- Each member will be assigned a music folder. This folder will be used for the entire year.
- You will be issued music throughout the year. This music should be kept in your folder and be with you in class each and
every day. You will be charged replacement cost for any lost or damaged music.
- You will be assigned an unsecured slot in the choir room for folder storage. If you choose to keep it in your slot, you are still
responsible for the contents therein.
- Students are expected to have their music and a pencil at all rehearsals.
Rehearsal times are very valuable. We must make use of each and every moment!
Rehearsal Attendance outside of the school day. The majority of the rehearsals are during the school day. Occassionally, a rehearsal will be scheduled outside of the scheduled class time, every effort is made to avoid conflicts. Students will be given the opportunity to check family schedules and personal calendars. Once a student confirms they will be at a rehearsal outside of the regular school day, they are expected to attend. Students are expected to be at a rehearsal 15 minutes BEFORE the scheduled time.
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Performance and Event: Participation and Effort (P&E)
Assessment
|
|
EXCELLENT 9 to 10 points |
GOOD 4 to 8 points |
POOR 0 TO 3 points |
|
Prepared for Event Concert attire, music memorized, etc.
Earned Points |
Student was prepared for the event. Awesome!
|
Student was not prepared for the event, but rectified the situation in a timely manner. |
Student was not prepared for the event. |
|
Stage Presence
Earned Points |
Student performed in a way that was appropriate. Great job! |
Sometimes the student performed in a way that was distracting the audience. |
Student constantly performed in a manner that was distracting to the audience. |
|
Singing/Playing Posture, Embouchure, etc.
Earned Points |
The student used the correct posture and/or embouchure while singing/playing. WooHoo! |
Most of the time the student used the correct posture and/or embouchure while singing/playing. |
The student seldom used the correct posture and/or embouchure while singing/playing. |
|
Promptness Middle Level Choral 15 min. prior to event. Band & H.S. Choral 30 min. prior.
Earned Points
|
The student was on time and ready to go! |
The student was less than 5 minutes late. |
The student was more than 5 minutes late. |
|
Stays on Task
Earned Points |
The student was always on task. |
The student was on task, most of the time. |
The student was seldom on task. |
|
Enthusiasm
Earned Points |
The student always displayed enthusiasm and a positive attitude. |
Most of the time, the student displayed enthusiasm and a positive attitude. |
The student showed no enthusiasm and did not display a positive attitude. |
|
Respectful Respectful to self, others and NMHS.
Earned Points |
The student was always respectful to classmates and/or the teacher. |
Most of the time the student was respectful to classmates and the teacher. |
The student was not respectful to classmates and the teacher |
|
Event Contribution Earned Points |
The student contributed to the event in a positive manner. |
Most of the time, the student contributed to the event in a positive manner. |
The student did not contribute to the event in a positive manner. |
|
General Directions
Earned Points
|
The student always followed directions. |
The student followed directions, most of the time. |
The student seldom followed directions. |
|
Following Musical Directions Earned Points |
The student was very attentive to the musical directions. |
Most of the time, the student was attentive to the director’s musical directions. |
The student seldom was attentive to the director’s musical directions. |
|
Total points earned:
|
|
||
Student’s Name: ______________________________
Date of Assessment: ___________________________
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Performance and Event: Participation and Effort (P&E) Expectations
A grade is earned for all Performances, Concerts, Auditions, Festivals, etc
“Event/Performance Participation & Effort Assessment”
Performance/Event = In-school Concerts, Out-of-school concerts and performances, Auditions, Festivals,
performing the National Anthem at a sporting event, etc.
Scheduled Concerts and Performances are Mandatory
All Concert dates are known well in advance and these events/performances are mandatory.
The calendar is given at the beginning of the school year so parents and the music student can plan accordingly.
The December Concert will be the mid-term. The May Concert and the Graduation Ceremony will be the final exam. IF a Spotlight-On-Seniors Concert is scheduled, it is part of the Final Exam and is mandatory for High School students only. NMHS’ Performing Groups will be asked to perform at various functions. If an event is not on the Music Calendar, students will be given the opportunity to check family schedules and personal calendars. A student will have the opportunity to accept participation. Once a student confirms and commits to the event, they are expected to attend. An excused absence is a family emergency or a student’s illness.
Be on Time:
Students must arrive to the event/performance ON TIME, in concert attire and remain until the completion of the performance and dismantle of the performance space. Middle Level Choral students must arrive 15 minutes prior to the performance. Middle Level Band & HS Band and Choral students must arrive 30 minutes prior to an event.
Absences from a CONCERT:
Excused absences will be granted only in extreme circumstances, for example a family emergency or illness. If an excused absence is granted, an alternate project or performance may be assigned. Work schedules or family trips will be unexcused, as all concert dates are known well in advance. In the event of illness or family emergency immediately before a concert, a “good faith” attempt (Parent or Student-link, call to directors home, e-mail, etc.) to notify the director is greatly appreciated.
Jobs/Work: It is the student’s responsibility to notify their place of employment regarding Concert dates. You should submit a copy of the “Music Department Calendar” to the employer at the beginning of the school year. Employers are usually happy to work around the schedule if they know it well in advance.
All scheduled – concerts and All Confirmed – auditions, festivals, rehearsals and events will be assessed using the Event/Performance Participation & Effort Assessment.
Family Vacations: Please schedule your vacations around the midterm (Winter Concert) and the final exam (Spring Concert). These performances are scheduled during the school week and the calendar is posted well in advance. One performer missing from a performing group can be very disruptive for the entire group.
Concert Attire:
Concert Attire applies for all events and performances. Please contact me, ASAP, if you will have difficulty obtaining concert attire. I would be glad to help.
High School Gentlemen: black pants, socks and shoes. White, button-down, collared shirt. Necktie with your color choice. Shirts must be tucked in with a belt and neatly pressed.
High School Ladies: All black. (Black dress or Black skirt pants and top). Black, closed-toe shoes and black tights. Skirt must be knee length or longer. Top should be short or long-sleeved, no tank tops.
Middle Level Gentlemen: Dark dress pants, socks and shoes. (Dark jeans and black sneakers are okay). Light-colored, button-down, collared shirt. Necktie with your color choice. Shirts must be tucked in, with a belt and neatly pressed.
Middle Level Ladies: Black skirt, pants or capris. Skirt length must be knee length or longer. White Top. The top should be short or long-sleeved, no tank tops. Black, closed-toe shoes and black tights.
Auditions & Festivals:
Please refer to the Audition & Festival Policy for Participation on page 5 of the NMHS Music Department Handbook.
Auditions: The parent and student commits to an audition by signing the Audition Permission form, the student must attend/participate in the audition unless there
is an excused absence.
Festivals: Once a student is nominated/accepted into a festival, they have the opportunity to accept or decline. The parent and student commits to a festival by signing the Festival Permission form. It is important for the family to be involved in the acceptance process. Once this form is signed, it is mandatory for the student to attend the festival in its’ entirety. An absence may forfeit the student from participating in future festivals. NMHS supports the decision of the Festival’s Director and the Association’s Festival Policies. Confirmed auditions and festivals will be assessed using the Event/Performance Participation and Effort Assessment. Under no circumstances, is a students allowed to drive or drive with another student to and/or from an audition or festival. Parents are responsible for transporting their child at the conclusion of the festival’s closing concert.
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Quarterly Assessment
The Northfield Middle and High School Music Department offers exciting performance opportunities for middle and high school students. Once a part of a performing ensemble, students become a part of an artistic environment designed to develop their talents to the highest possible level while fostering a growing appreciation and love of music.
At the end of each quarter that a student is enrolled in the NMHS Music Program, an assessment will be completed. This assessment will be used as a tool to evaluate each student’s progress in his or her music discipline. Students will be expected to maintain an assessment level of 70 or above. Parents will not be personally notified if their child’s assessment is 80 or above. Parents will be notified if their child is in jeopardy of scoring below a 70 due to behavioral issues, event(s) absences, low participation & effort grades.
Students who score below a 70 on their quarter assessment will be placed on probation with the implementation of a “Contract for Improvement.” This contract is created by the student musician and the director and will list the specific areas where improvement is to occur during the quarter of probation. The “Contract for Improvement” must be signed by the student and at least one parent/guardian and returned to the instructor within ten days. At the end of the quarter of probation, any probationary student who receives below a level 70 on his/her assessment will be recommended for removal from the performing group. If a student earns a probation at the end of a 4th quarter, the following year will be the probationary quarter.
QUARTERLY ASSESSMENT
Student__________________________ Quarter #________________
Student’s Name: ________________________ Date ________ Grade___
ASSESSMENT KEY
1-3 UNACCEPTABLE 4-6 PROBATION 7-10 GOOD STANDING
SECTION ONE: ARTISTIC PREPARATION AND GROWTH
Preparation for Classroom Rehearsals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Preparation for Performances 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 NA
Preparation for Outside of Classroom Rehearsals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 NA
Development of Individual Musicianship 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Overall Artistic Growth 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SECTION TWO: COMMITMENT AND DISCIPLINE
Contribution to Classroom Rehearsals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Contribution to Performances 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Contribution to Outside-of-Classroom Rehearsals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Attendance to Outside-of-Classroom Rehearsals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Concert Attendance 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 NA
SECTION THREE: COMMITMENT AND DISCIPLINE
Copy of Participation and Effort Forms attached. Total Points Earned: ___________________________
Average TOTAL POINTS EARNED __________
Number of Discipline Occurrences _______ Number of Event Absences __________
Status: _____ Good Standing _____ Probation _____ Reinstatement _____ Dismissal
DIRECTOR SIGNATURE ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ DATE_____________
STUDENT SIGNATURE ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ DATE_____________
PARENT SIGNATURE ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ DATE _____________
Comments/Notes:
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Hints for Practicing by Winton Marsalis
Make a schedule.
Set Goals.
Concentrate when practicing.
Relax and practice slowly.
Play or Sing with expression.
Practice harder parts longer.
Learn from your mistakes.
Be optimistic.
Think for yourself.
Don’t show off.
Look for connections.
Ask for help, if you need it.
NMHS Music Department Handbook Agreement Form
Handbook Agreement:
My child and I have read the Northfield Middle/High School Music Department Handbook and fully understand the contents therein. We have received the NMHS Music Department Calendar and agree that every possible provision will be made to make sure our child is present for scheduled performances/events.
Required Signatures
Parent’ Signature: ___________________________ Date: _________
Parent’s Printed Name: ______________________________________________
Student Musician: ___________________________ Date: _________
Student’s Printed Name: ____________________________________________
Please return this Handbook Agreement form no later than October 15th.
Thanks for your support.
Ms. Lorraine Monmaney, M.Ed.
Northfield Middle High School Music Director
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