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What supplies do students
need? Does it cost anything to use a school instrument? What about band uniforms
and concert clothes?
There is no participation fee for any
music classes at HRV. Students may use school instruments free of charge;
they are responsible for upkeep and maintenance, however, and for any damage or
misuse. Generally, the school provides the more rare or expensive
instruments such as baritone saxes, tubas, euphoniums, etc.
Students are expected to bring their
instrument to class every rehearsal and to have any necessary supplies such as
reeds and valve oil. We have a small supply of reeds for emergency
situations. Students should also bring their music and a pencil.
Band uniforms belong to the school and are
checked out to students in September. They keep them until our last event
(Memorial Day) in June. Uniforms consist of trousers, a coat, a sash, a
drop, and a beret. Students need to provide white athletic shoes to
wear with the uniform. Students must turn in all uniform parts before
they are allowed to check out at the end of the year.
Because we think that a professional
appearance goes along with good music making, we wear matching concert clothes
for formal sit-down performances. This consists of a dress for the women
(which is ordered in September and is the property of the student) and a set of
formal tails for the men (also ordered in September). Cost is
approximately $60 for the dress and $79 for the tux (this is a designer set of
tails and includes shirt, tie, vest, cufflinks, etc). Students will also
need black dress shoes and dark socks (men).
Are
performances required?
Performances are equivalent to tests and
exams in other classes, and they are required and graded. Students who
must miss a performances for a legitimate reason must clear their absence in
advance, unless it is a family emergency. Students who are simply "no
shows" for a performance will be penalized a half or whole grade, depending on
the performance.
Legitimate reasons for missing a
performance include: conflicting athletic contest, family emergency, or severe
illness. These must be cleared with a note. Shopping trips, hanging
out, "forgetting to show up," "no ride" are all examples of unexcused absences.
I realize that sometimes family trips and
vacations cannot be rescheduled and I ask you to please consult the calendar and
if conflicts cannot be avoided, to give us plenty of notice. In a small
music program, every student's participation is crucial.
Are there any
opportunities for help or private lessons?
Students may schedule a time to work with
me during my prep period (Periods 4 and 5) or at lunch on Tuesdays and
Thursdays. We will have sectionals for both band and choir at frequent
intervals during lunch.
It is highly recommended that students
take private voice or instrument lessons whenever possible. There are a
number of excellent teachers in our area and in Portland. I will post a
list on this site of available teachers and their contact information.
What are some
of the differences between Middle School music and High School music? Is
practice at home required?
In middle school, students are introduced
to the basics of singing and playing. In high school, we concentrate on
strengthening the basics and moving into more complex and demanding techniques
and music. Music is not just an "activity" but a discipline and art form
that must be approached with care and effort. Hopefully, students begin to
realize that there are greater rewards to playing or singing than just having
fun with their friends. They also begin to realize that the more difficult
the music, the more enjoyable and rewarding it is to perform it.
No set time for outside practice is
required. But, it is certainly obvious when students practice and when
they don't. The ensemble will not improve unless its members improve
individually. I consider outside practice a sign of commitment and
interest. The truth is, for musicians who are really "into it," practice
is not a chore, but something looked forward to.
Students in high school are much busier
than in middle school. Therefore, they must approach practice much more
systematically and really make an effort to set aside time and energy for it.
But even a few minutes a day helps.
I will take some time to teach students
how to practice. Please help them at home in any way you can.
My student
wants to get a better instrument? Any recommendations?
Unless a student began on a really good
instrument (not likely), high school is the time when many upgrade to an
intermediate or advanced level horn. However, for clarinet, sax, and brass
players, there is an intermediate step that costs a lot less and often results
in better performance: a mouthpiece upgrade. Most professional level
clarinet and sax mouthpieces cost less than $100. Students should also
upgrade their ligature (the thing that holds the reed to the mouthpiece). Email
me for recommendations.
It is important that whatever instrument a
student uses, it is in good condition. So many times students come to band with
instruments that are barely functional. It is frustrating for them and a
great impediment to improvement.
Will there be
a tour this year?
A tour of England and Wales is tentatively
planned for March of 2004, for both Band and Chamber Singers. Check the
music department tour
page for current information.
Is there a
music parent "booster club?"
While there is no ongoing parent boosters
organization, I encourage you to get involved! Come to performances, chaperone
field trips, and volunteer to help with one of our many projects. Your
involvement strengthens your student's involvement as well.
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