Course Description
Wind Ensemble is designed for students to gain a more advanced understanding of their instrument. Students will improve on their instrument technically and musically. Students will also be exposed to a wide variety of advanced repertoire.
Grading Policies
Product Grades
Each marking period students will be asked to perform three different scale series. All scale series test will be submitted electronically to northernbanddirector@gmail.com. All students will also be responsible for completing an intonation chart for their instrument during the 1st marking period.
Students will take three in class performance assessments based on excerpts from the concert repertoire. You will be given a week’s notice prior to the playing test. Since this is a performance class, these test will be performed in front of the class.
Attendance at all performances, rehearsals and dress rehearsals are mandatory. Excused Absences must be cleared through the director 48 hours prior to a performance (Illness and emergencies will be dealt with accordingly). You must e-mail Mr. Bly at blyr@calvert.net.k12.md.us. Mr. Bly may make individual exceptions based on specific circumstances, but exceptions are not guaranteed. A make-up assignment will be assigned for all excused absences. Unexcused absences from a concert will result in a zero.
Process Grades
Each week students will receive points for having their music, instrument, and any other materials. This will also include, tardiness to class, talking, failure to follow the class room rules listed below. If you fail to do any one or more of the above, you will be penalized some or all of the points.
Late Work
Work should always be turned in on or before the due date. For every day the work is late, it will be dropped one letter grade. Be sure to get work in on the established due date.
Grading Policies
Product Grades
Each marking period students will be asked to perform three different scale series. All scale series test will be submitted electronically to northernbanddirector@gmail.com. All students will also be responsible for completing an intonation chart for their instrument during the 1st marking period.
Students will take three in class performance assessments based on excerpts from the concert repertoire. You will be given a week’s notice prior to the playing test. Since this is a performance class, these test will be performed in front of the class.
Attendance at all performances, rehearsals and dress rehearsals are mandatory. Excused Absences must be cleared through the director 48 hours prior to a performance (Illness and emergencies will be dealt with accordingly). You must e-mail Mr. Bly at blyr@calvert.net.k12.md.us. Mr. Bly may make individual exceptions based on specific circumstances, but exceptions are not guaranteed. A make-up assignment will be assigned for all excused absences. Unexcused absences from a concert will result in a zero.
Process Grades
Each week students will receive points for having their music, instrument, and any other materials. This will also include, tardiness to class, talking, failure to follow the class room rules listed below. If you fail to do any one or more of the above, you will be penalized some or all of the points.
Late Work
Work should always be turned in on or before the due date. For every day the work is late, it will be dropped one letter grade. Be sure to get work in on the established due date.
Mandatory Concert Dates
Required Materials
Woodwinds
Each Student should have at least three good reeds of appropriate strength at all times. My recommended reed choices are listed below. If you do not know which strength to buy, please ask.
Each Student should have at least three good reeds of appropriate strength at all times. My recommended reed choices are listed below. If you do not know which strength to buy, please ask.
Brass
Each Student should have valve or rotor oil appropriate for his or her instrument.
Trombone players should have the two-part “Slide-O-Mix”
Each Student should have valve or rotor oil appropriate for his or her instrument.
Trombone players should have the two-part “Slide-O-Mix”
Tonal Energy
Each student should have a Metronome and Tuner, I suggest Tonal Energy. It is an app that can be purchased for your phone. There are other apps out there that can do the job for free, but this app is worth the $3.99. All students will be submitting assignments electronically. This app makes practicing a little more exciting and efficient.
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iPhone Users
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Android Users
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Concert Attire
How an ensemble dresses for concerts is extremely important. A group who comes onto the stage well-dressed shows respect for their audience, reflects personal pride, and gives off an aura of “something special is going to happen.”
For all performances, Northern Band students wear the “uniform” of professional musicians, Concert Dress Black, also called Dress Blacks, or simply Blacks.
What is Concert Dress Black?
First and foremost, it is completely black (thanks, Captain Obvious). Dress blacks are formal, classy, and elegant. Students are free to choose the components of their dress blacks within the following guidelines.
What is not Concert Dress Black?
Some hints on putting together your dress blacks
For all performances, Northern Band students wear the “uniform” of professional musicians, Concert Dress Black, also called Dress Blacks, or simply Blacks.
What is Concert Dress Black?
First and foremost, it is completely black (thanks, Captain Obvious). Dress blacks are formal, classy, and elegant. Students are free to choose the components of their dress blacks within the following guidelines.
- black dress pants, skirt, or dress (skirt length is at the knee or longer)
- black dress shirt (collar, buttons, and long sleeves), sweater, or blouse
- black socks or black opaque stockings
- black shoes
- black jackets, ties or scarves are welcome, but not mandatory
What is not Concert Dress Black?
- jeans, sweats, yoga pants, mini-skirts or shorts
- t-shirts, tank tops, spaghetti straps,
- flip-flops, sneakers or black sneakers with colored stripes or logo
- white socks, colored socks, or sans-socks, bare legs or feet
Some hints on putting together your dress blacks
- because students are growing, borrowing from older siblings, or even parents (especially shoes) is a great idea
- if you decide to buy, allow for growing (not quite clown suite big, but enough for a year or two)
- thrift stores can be a great place to find formal clothing in good shape
- if you are not sure if something meets the requirements, ask before you buy or make sure you can take it back.