Greetings Students and Parents!

I wish to take this opportunity to welcome you to our band family! Many exciting things are happening at Tallwood High School! I am certainly excited about our future plans of growth and higher standards of performance. With your support and cooperation, we can make this year’s Tallwood Band Program excel, continuing the achievements of a Virginia Honor Band.

I urge you to read this handbook in its entirety and to become familiar with its contents. Knowledge of the handbook and its contents are vital to your successful participation in band as well as the band’s success. You will be expected to display high standards of character, musicianship, commitment and dedication toward excellence. The members of the Tallwood Band set themselves apart from the rest of the school community through dedication and high expectations. The band is only as good as YOU want it to be. The same holds true for our Band Boosters Association. The band could not survive without the continued help from our parents and community supporters.

I will do everything in my power to see that your participation in the Tallwood Band Program is as rewarding and successful as possible. The vital link to our mutual desire for excellence is communication. I urge students and parents to read all communications and stay organized. The students in the Marching Lions have a phone tree set-up. I make any important announcements to the drum majors. The drum majors then call the section leaders who then inform their section. The band boosters also have an “eList” set-up on our website. Please get all your information immediately to David Zavadil our Band Booster President. His contact info is (757) 274-7116 or you can e-mail him at president@tallwoodband.com.

At their seat each day, students are required to have: all necessary instrument accessories (oils, reeds, etc.), three reeds (woodwind players), mouthpiece, sticks, etc., pencil, instrument, black three ring binder with sheet protectors to hold class notes, music and handouts for class. All percussionists must provide their own stick bag and concert sticks. All students will be asked to have their parents sign a medical emergency form(s) before they may participate in any band activity away from school.

I will often state: This is your band! I use this philosophy in teaching all of my classes. This philosophy puts not just the responsibility of preparation, but the glory of success in the hands of the dedicated students who make up the band.

If you need to contact me, the Band Office number is (757) 648-5700 ext. 58743 (24-hour voice mail) or you can e-mail me at timothy.rossettini@vbschools.com. I look forward to working with each of you.

Sincerely,

Timothy J. Rossettini
Director of Bands

About Your Director

A native of Glen Rock, NJ, Timothy J. Rossettini is currently the Director of Bands at Tallwood High School in Virginia Beach, VA. Mr. Rossettini received his high school education from Ridgewood High School, in Ridgewood, NJ. He received his Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in Music Education and Applied Percussion from James Madison University, graduating Cum Laude. His percussion teachers include Gary Fink, Dr. Michael Overman, Rick Deloney, and the head of JMU’s percussion department, Mr. C. William Rice. Mr. Rossettini has taught clinics at several middle and high schools on the east coast and has been a guest clinician at Summer Band Camps at JMU, Chesapeake Public Schools’ Summer Band Academy as well as several high schools in the Tidewater area and across the state of Virginia. He has been involved with percussion for the last 23 years of his life.

Mr. Rossettini has written multiple works for marimba, snare drum, and marching percussion. While attending James Madison, he was the principal percussionist of the Concert and Symphonic Band and was an active member in the university’s Wind Symphony, Percussion Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Opera Theater, and Pep Band. Mr. Rossettini was actively involved with the James Madison University Marching Royal Dukes. He marched in the cymbal section his first year and the snare section the following three. He was the section leader of the battery and marched center snare. In the 2002-2003 marching season, Mr. Rossettini was the recipient of the Marching Royal Dukes Scholarship.

During the last ten years, Mr. Rossettini has had the pleasure of participating in some amazing musical experiences. In 1999, he performed Lukas Foss ‘Quartet’ with three other members of the Ridgewood High School Percussion Ensemble in Alice Tully Hall at the Lincoln Center in New York City. He has performed ‘Vertigo’ with the composer Dr. Andy Harnsberger of Lee University. He has played in a jazz trio with the nationally renowned vibraphonist Mr. Charles Bubeck. He has performed such works as Dr. David Long’s ‘Spirits’, commissioned for and premiered by the James Madison University Percussion Ensemble as well as David Maslanka’s ‘Symphony No. 4.’ He has traveled to perform with the Marching Royal Dukes in the 75th Annual Macy’s Day Parade, Gov. Mark Warner’s inaugural parade, President George W. Bush’s inaugural parade, and the kick-off ceremony of the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.

Mr. Rossettini has been a member of the Virginia Wind Symphony for four years and has been under the conducting batons of Mr. Dennis Zeisler, Dr. Harry Begian, and Col. Arnold Gabriel. Mr. Rossettini has also had the privilege of conducting the Royal Netherlands Navy Band and His Majesty The King’s Guard from Norway.

An accomplished freelance and studio percussionist in the Tidewater area, Mr. Rossettini is an active clinician, soloist, and composer. He spent 2004-2007 as Director of Bands at Denbigh High School in Newport News, VA. Under his direction the school earned multiple awards including Superior ratings at State Band Festival and State Jazz Festival. At Tallwood High School, the band has earned the distinction of a Virginia Honor Band. Mr. Rossettini is also a member of Kappa Delta Pi International Educators Honor Society, Golden Key International Honor Society, Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities, and Who’s Who Among American Teachers. He has been teaching privately for the last 14 years and is in pursuit of a master’s degree.

Performance Ensembles

Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band (curricular)

Open to students who have had instrumental music experience through audition and/or by recommendation of former band directors. Concert performance skills are developed through group and individualized instruction. Students learn basic music theory and vocabulary as well as basic playing fundamentals and sight-reading skills.

Class meets during school and occasionally rehearses two to three times a week after school in preparation for performances. Performances include the Winter Concert in December, the Pre-Festival Concert at the end of February, the District Concert Festival that is usually held during the first or second weekend in March, and the Spring Concert in May. Other concerts may be scheduled as the opportunity arises, with ample notice given to all participants. Concert Festival is the most important event of the school term with focus on evaluation by a panel of adjudicators for stage performance and sight-reading skills of the ensemble. Participation in other extra-curricular activities after school, including athletics, is permitted.

Students enrolled in Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band are expected to audition for All-District Band unless excused by the Director. Students enrolled in Concert Band are highly encouraged to audition for All-District Band. Private study with an approved instructor is encouraged, but not required. Grade evaluation is based upon performance skills with consideration given to level of playing experience, improvement based upon music mastery, written and aural tests, attendance at performances and rehearsals, class participation and adherence to the rules and regulations as outlined in this handbook.

A spring trip may be taken. Fundraising projects are provided through the Band Boosters to assist students in raising funds for trips and other band related expenses.

The final performance of the year is the graduation in June. Every member of the Band Program enrolled in a full band class is required to play at the graduation ceremony. Please see the grading policy on missing the graduation performance later in this handbook.

The Symphonic Band class will combine with the Concert Band class to create the Symphonic Band. This group will perform as one of the two major bands in the program.

Percussion Ensemble (curricular)

Open to all students who successfully complete an audition process. The student is expected to participate in marching band and must have basic rudimental drumming skills and keyboard knowledge including the Circle of Fourths in major scales and two-octave chromatic scale.

Students learn basic music theory and vocabulary as well as basic playing fundamentals and sight-reading skills. The class learns all level percussion techniques on snare drum, the 26 standard rudiments, bass drum, keyboards, auxiliary instrument and timpani. Students perform ensemble literature and may be ask to participate in the other ensembles in the Band Program. There are required after school rehearsals and performances. Class meets during school and occasionally rehearses one to two times a week after school in preparation for performances. Performances include the Winter Concert in December, the Pre-Festival Concert in February, the District Concert Festival which is usually held during the first or second weekend in March, and the Spring Concert in May/Coffee House, concluding with the Graduation Commencement. Other concerts may be scheduled as the opportunity arises, with ample notice given to all participants.

Concert Festival is the most important event of the school term with focus going toward evaluation by a panel of adjudicators for stage performance and sight-reading skills of the ensemble. Private study with an approved instructor is encouraged but not required. Grade evaluation is based upon performance skills with consideration given to level of playing experience, improvement based upon music mastery, written and aural tests, attendance at performances and rehearsals, attitude and behavior, class participation and adherence to the rules and regulations as outlined in this handbook.

Marching Band (co-curricular)

Open to students who have had music experience by recommendation of their past band directors. Students must participate in a band class unless they are a member of the color guard. Performance skills are developed through group and individualized instruction. Students learn basic music skills as well as marching fundamentals. Students perform for all home football games beginning late August, four or five Saturday band contests from September to the first week in November, and State Marching Festival.

The marching band meets after school and/or evenings two to three times a week from September to November. Students are expected to participate in the summer band program, which includes summer rehearsals, and band camp that is held the second and third weeks of August prior to school starting. Band Camp attendance is mandatory for participation unless arrangements have previously been discussed and agreed upon with the Director. Attendance at summer rehearsals is expected and strongly encouraged. Percussion and Color Guard camps throughout the summer are mandatory.

Students wishing to participate in the color guard will receive evaluation based upon dance and choreography skills in lieu of instrumental evaluation. Color guard members must audition in the spring of the previous year to be eligible for participation. Some type of music experience is preferred.

Trips to certain marching events will be taken every year. Fundraising projects are provided through the Band Boosters to assist students in raising funds for trips and other band related expenses. Participation in all performances is mandatory of all students. Signing this agreement gives the student permission to travel with the band on all trips and indicates that the student understands all rules and regulations listed in this Band Handbook.

Marching Band Camp

Band camp is held each summer during August. This time enables the band to start the year as an impressive organization and as a refined performing group. During this time, the band learns its show. Specialists in each instrument classification are present to provide sound musical instruction. It is extremely important for all members of the marching band to take part in this event. This short time of intensive training is worth two months of after school rehearsals. Freshmen and new marchers especially benefit from these two weeks. There is time available for each student to be instructed in all the basics and fine points of marching and playing. It also provides the opportunity for the new player to become an integral part of the performing group and develop strong social relationships. Band camp is a great deal of work but is also fun. You will be notified by May of the previous school year as to the exact date and place as well as any cost of band camp. Students must participate in camp in its entirety in order to be in the field show. Exceptions will be made on a student-by-student basis.

Color Guard (extra curricular)

Color Guard is the creative and visual component of the Marching Lions. Their equipment (flags, rifles, sabers, etc.), choreography, and costumes are designed to interpret the music performed by the wind, brass and percussion sections. Practices for Color Guard take place beginning in May at Tallwood High School. The Color Guard practices as a part of the Marching Lions on Tuesdays from 2:30-5:30pm and Thursdays from 5:00pm-8:00pm. The Color Guard also rehearses on Mondays: time TBA. Students currently in grades 8-11 in good academic standing may audition to be a member of the Color Guard.

Jazz Band (extra curricular)

Jazz Band is a performance group that explores contemporary, popular and various styles of jazz. Auditions are open only to students in the band or orchestra program who have advanced instrumental music skills. Auditions usually begin the second week in November. This is a very select group that performs for civic functions, special occasions, as well as the Winter and Spring Concerts/Coffee House. The ensemble rehearses after school as needed. Instrumentation is limited to the needs of the ensemble as determined by the Director. District Jazz Festival is mandatory for every member of the group.

Musical Pit Orchestra (extra curricular)

Musical Pit Orchestra is a select group of students who are asked to play for our school musicals. Students selected are exposed to upper-level music at a fast pace. The musicals are a combined effort between the band, choral and drama departments every other year at Tallwood High School. This group rehearses once a week at night from January to through the musical performances.

Class Procedures, Expectations and Requirements

Students are expected to enter the band room (or auditorium) in an orderly and timely fashion. Gum, food and drinks are not allowed in the band room or auditorium. Students are expected to be in their seats with instruments and music by the time the Director takes the podium (usually a few minutes after the tardy bell). At this time, the band room door will be closed and late students will be marked tardy. Students who are not in their seats and ready to start class on time will also be marked tardy. The students are to follow all instructions including stopping and starting with the Director.

Students are not to move stands or chairs from the seating arrangement unless instructed to do so by the Director and are to enter and exit the rows through the ends of the row. All instruments are to be placed on the shelves or in lockers as assigned. Books may be placed out of the way in a designated area. Do not block the entrances with books and cases! The band room will be open each morning and after school for storage and pick up of your instruments. Do not store any personal articles on the instrument shelves. The instrument storage room is for your instrument only. Use your school locker for all other belongings that need to be stored.

ANY PERSONAL ITEMS FOUND IN THE INSTRUMENT STORAGE CLOSET
WILL BE THROWN IN THE GARBAGE!

Students must come prepared with all materials required for a successful learning experience. Failure to bring the required materials for class and follow the above procedures will result in reduction of the student’s grade.

Grade Evaluation

Grade determination for all band classes will be computed in accordance with Virginia Beach City Public Schools’ Grading Scale. Every student will have at least two performance grades during each grading period. These grades may be selected from the following:

• Regular study with an approved private instructor (an evaluation sheet will need to be completed by your instructor)
• Class recital (solo, duet, or small ensemble)
• All-District Band Event
• Tallwood High School Bands Concert
• District Festival
• Graduation Performance
• Term paper (three pages, typed, double spaced) on an approved music performance related topic
• Music technology related project.

All students are required to play individually (sometimes in front of the class) to monitor current performance level, grade determination and sectional seating. These tests usually include major scales (and percussion rudiments), assigned music and sometimes sight-reading. A grade of zero will be given if the student has no instrument during a rehearsal. If the instrument is in the shop for repairs, a note from the dealer (not parent) must be given. The student will be excused and responsible for making up all work in a timely manner. Students will be responsible for a practice record each week. All students are required to practice 5 (five) times week for a period of at least 30 (thirty) minutes. Any after school rehearsal such as marching band, jazz ensemble, or a concert rehearsal can be counted as a students practice time for that day. Performance days do not count as a portion of the practice record.

Expectations

All instruments and music must be taken home each day. You cannot practice your daily assignments when your instrument and music are left at school. Students who have large instruments will be provided an instrument to keep at home if one is available. A student’s grade will be reduced if the instrument is left at school overnight. On occasion, the Director will make exceptions as the circumstance dictates. All students enrolled in Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band will be expected to audition for the All District Band unless excused by the Director. Students will be required to attend regular after school rehearsals in preparation for concerts.

Attendance

Attendance at rehearsals supersedes any type of extra-curricular activity such as sports. Band is an academic class and you will be excused for a game or match, if notified at least two weeks in advance of the missed rehearsal. You will be required to make up any work missed. All band classes may combine together and perform for school sponsored special events. All students are required to perform in all concerts, District Concert Festival and graduation (except graduating seniors). Those students who chose not to participate in the Graduation Performance will receive an E/69 for the semester.

Absences

Students will be excused from band activities only if the Director is notified in writing at least two weeks in advance (emergencies excluded). No student will be excused from a performance unless it is a very special circumstance! Students excused from a rehearsal or performance will be required to make up the absence with a solo performance specified by the Director to be played in front of the ensemble, or work designated by the Director. The Director will chose which option the student will have to complete as well as the amount of time in which they have to complete it. Any student who is unexcused will receive a grade of 69/E for that performance and an E for the semester.

Make-up Work

The student will be required to make up work missed in accordance with the rules stated in this handbook. There will also be several performances scheduled during the year outside of class. Students will not be excused from any type of performance unless there is a very special circumstance. You will be required to make up an excused absence from a performance by playing all of your music from the performance or rehearsal in person for the Director within one week of the absence or within one week upon returning to school from an excused absence due to illness (doctor’s excuse is required). It is the student’s responsibility to find out what was missed, secure any outside help if needed, and schedule a make up session. The Director will chose the make-up option the student will have to complete.

Participation in Other Activities

You may participate in other outside activities such as sports, drama, etc. Most conflicts are avoided by cooperation and communication with the Band Director, club sponsors and coaches. It is advised to limit the number of extra activities in order to dedicate the necessary time to each of them.

Communication

You will receive a schedule of band events for the upcoming months on a regular basis. 24-hour voice mail at (757) 648-5700 ext. 58743 is available to call and leave a message to make an appointment. Calls are returned as soon as possible. Another quick way to get in contact with the Director is via e-mail: timothy.rossettini@vbschools.com.

Rules

Gum, food and drinks (water is permitted) are not allowed in the band room or in the auditorium. Any student caught chewing gum or having food or drink will have their participation grade reduced as well as food items confiscated and thrown in the trash. Repeated violations will result in disciplinary referral to the administration. Students are not permitted to play on another student’s instrument. All instrument cases must have a student nametag securely attached. There will be a $1.00 charge to replace each sheet of lost music.

Hall/Restroom Pass Policy

Students will not be allowed to leave the classroom unless it is an emergency. Students must fill out their agenda books before giving it to the Director for approval to leave class. Per the Tallwood High School Administration policy, students are not allowed to see an administrator or go to guidance unless the student presents a note from that administrator before the student requests to leave class.

Mr. Rossettini’s Philosophy

A cooperative attitude, good behavior and improvement are most important. Students have to try very hard to make less than a C in band. Each year students fail band because they do not follow rules or meet class expectations. In order to cut down on the number of extra rehearsals, students should practice a minimum of 30 minutes each night on their music. This means students must take their instrument home every night. If an instrument is left at school, the student’s participation grade will be lowered. Some students will be given special considerations as the need arises. Every effort will be made to see that students who have large school instruments will have an additional instrument at home. Each student’s attitude and behavior affects the entire ensemble. We are a team and our efforts must be cooperative or everyone suffers. The student’s grade shall reflect both the student’s attitude and effort.

Materials List for Band Classes

This list supersedes the list included in the Virginia Beach Public Schools High School Band Grading Guidelines. Any student who has a financial problem obtaining these required materials for class must have his or her parent contact the Director immediately. All items must be secured by the end of the second week of school with the exception of the concert attire.

All Students

• Instrument (some larger instruments may be provided by school without mouthpieces)
• Instrument case/stick bag nametag
• Black three ring binder
• Twenty sheet protectors to store music and handouts
• Two pencils

Concert Attire (no variations permitted)

• Gentlemen in Wind Ensemble- White long sleeve winged collar tuxedo shirt with black studs, black shoes and black socks. A black classic tuxedo, black cummerbund and black strap bow tie may be rented through the Boosters. You may purchase an approved tuxedo as well.
• Gentlemen in Symphonic Band, Concert Band or Percussion Ensemble- You will be required to purchase a white long sleeved winged collar tux shirt with black studs, black shoes and black socks. Black tuxedo pants may be rented from the Band Boosters or purchased locally. The Boosters will rent out the appropriate colored bow tie, cummerbund and white tuxedo jacket.
• Ladies- Concert black dress purchased through or rented from the Boosters to be worn with appropriate stockings and black dress shoes. The Band Boosters will supply concert pearls. If lost or broken, pearls are $5.00 to replace.

Percussionists

• Approved concert drumsticks (Vic Firth SD1Generals)
• Approved practice pad (Real Feel Double Sided)
• RECOMMENDED- One pair of medium or medium-hard yarn mallets (Mike Balter Blues/Reds)
• RECOMMENDED- One pair of hard rubber mallets (Steve Weiss Orchestral xylophone Mallets)
• The school does provide mallets for use by students in the percussion classes

Flutes

• Cleaning cloth, swab and tuning rod
• Small screwdriver for key adjustment
• Key oil

Double Reeds

• Cleaning cloth
• Three reeds
• Small container for reed soaking
• Small screwdriver for key adjustment
• Key oil

All Clarinets and Saxes

• Your own approved mouthpiece and ligature (the school no longer provides this)
• Three reeds
• Cleaning swab
• Key oil
• Cork grease
• Small screwdriver for key adjustment

Brass Instruments

• Your own approved mouthpiece (the school no longer provides this)
• Valve oil (trombones use slide oil or cream), and tuning slide grease
• Small screwdriver and cloth fishing line for rotary valves (horns only)
• Approved metal straight mute (trumpets and trombones only, the school no longer provides this)

Grading

HOW YOUR GRADE WILL BE EARNED

Attendance

All rehearsals are MANDATORY and the following guidelines apply:

Preparation

You are required to be prepared for each rehearsal so that rehearsals may begin on time. That means that when the Director gets on the podium, you are in your seat with your instrument, music, pencil, and other necessary materials, ready to start.

Absences

An absence from rehearsal occurs when a student misses a complete rehearsal or when he or she is more than 15 minutes late or leaves more than 15 minutes early. Excused absences require a written and signed note from a parent, and are limited to the following reasons:

• Personal illness that confines you at home (excused absence from school).
• Death in the family
• Religious holidays (please notify the Director in advance)
• Other prearranged absences approved by the Director (written notice is required at least two weeks in advance, this includes any sports related absences).

Unexcused absences include reasons not listed above. Remember that you have regularly scheduled rehearsals that have been scheduled and presented to you in advance. Please make sure to take care of any personal business/appointments on days when rehearsal is not scheduled.

Disciplinary Action

Unexcused absences or tardiness will result in disciplinary action, as outlined below:

Tardiness

• 1st Offense: Student conference with Director and 5 points off participation grade.
• 2nd Offense: Phone call to parent and 10 points off participation grade.
• 3rd Offense: Suspension from one performance,15 points off participation grade, and no higher than a B in the class.

Subsequent offenses will be dealt with accordingly, and may lead to expulsion from the group and 69/E for the semester: The student may be then in jeopardy of being removed from the band program.

Absence

• 1st Offense: Student conference with Director, phone call to parent and 15 points off participation grade.
• 2nd Offense: Suspension from one performance, 15 points off participation grade and no higher than a B in class.
• 3rd Offense: Possible expulsion from the ensemble and a grade of an 69/E in class.
• Please refer to the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Attendance Tardy Policy in regards to detentions, referrals and subsequent failure of class.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL WORK, APPOINTMENTS, OR REHEARSAL FOR ANOTHER EXTRA-CIRRICULAR ENSEMBLE BE CONSIDERED AN EXCUSE!

Extra Rehearsals

There WILL be outside scheduled rehearsals for all ensembles throughout the year. Students will be REQUIRED to attend extra rehearsals in the band room, auditorium or any place designated by the Director. The purpose of these extra rehearsals is to combine the entire band program for the preparation of mass music numbers that will be performed at any concert. These rehearsals will be announced well in advance to give students adequate time to inform parents and employers.

Rehearsal Grade Breakdown:
A Being on time to rehearsal, prepared with all materials and not leaving early.
B Being five minutes late or leaving five minutes early, not having all materials.
C Being ten minutes late or leaving ten minutes early, unprepared for rehearsal.
D Being less than fifteen minutes late or leaving less than fifteen minutes early.
E Being fifteen minutes late, leaving fifteen minutes early, missing a dress rehearsal. Students cannot receive an overall grade higher than a B in the class.

Tests, Quizzes, and Projects

Throughout each semester, the students will have playing quizzes, playing and written tests. One additional major project equaling 2 test grades may be assigned. The Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band will have playing tests with the music assessment program SmartMusic (see next section). The Virginia Beach School Board requires that all music students take a semester and final exam.

Class Participation

This includes general classroom behavior, attitude, participation, and preparedness. Violations of this policy are assessed on a day-to-day basis. Pencil and music checks may occur at the discretion of the Director. Any insubordination will be dealt with at the administrative level.

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE YOUR INSTRUMENT OR MUSIC, YOU WILL RECEIVE NO PARTICIPATION POINTS FOR CLASS THAT DAY.

To be successful in band, follow these 3 simple rules:

1. Be Prepared
2. Be On Time
3. Be Respectful

Participation Grade Breakdown:
A Having music, pencil and folder, and all your materials.
B Having music and folder but no pencil.
C Having only pencil.
E Having no materials.

Practice Records

You will be given a practice records sheet for each nine-week session. As a high school musician you are required to practice a minimum of 30 minutes at least five times a week. Your parent must sign this sheet every week indicating that you have practiced the required amount. The Director will drop the lowest practice week’s grade.

Practice Record Grade Breakdown:
A Five days at 30 minutes turned in the day it is due.
B Four days at 30 minutes, or one day late.
C Three days at 30 minutes, or two days late.
E Two days of rehearsal, less at 30 minutes or three days late.

YOU MUST PRACTICE FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES AT A TIME. YOU CANNOT PRACTICE FOR 45 MINUTES ONE NIGHT AND 15 THE NEXT.

Concerts and Performances

The Virginia Beach Public School Board Policy on concert attendance states that a student may be required to attend a concert(s) of his/her performing ensembles as a demonstration of his/her acquired skills over the course of a nine-week period.

MISSING A CONCERT OF YOUR PERFORMING ENSEMBLE WITHOUT A VALID EXCUSE WILL RESULT IN A FAILURE OF THE CLASS!

Concert/Performance Grade Breakdown:
A Participating in the concert, prepared musically and with all materials, reporting on time and not leaving early.
B Participating in the concert, being 5 minutes late or leaving 5 minutes early, not knowing your music.
C Participating in the concert being 10 minutes late or leaving 10 minutes early, not knowing your music.
D Participating in the concert being less than 15 minutes late or leaving less than 15 minutes early, not knowing your music.
E Participating in the concert being 15 minute late, leaving 15 minutes early, not knowing your music. Students cannot receive an overall grade higher than a C in the class.

Extra Credit

Extra Credit will be offered throughout the year as opportunities arise. An example of an extra credit assignment would be attending a concert and writing a written review.

SmartMusic

Tallwood has implemented Smart Music into the band curriculum. Smart Music is a computer program designed to assist students in practicing and improving on their instrument. SmartMusic.com states:

Music students learn more quickly and have more fun in the group context, but that’s only possible a few hours a week at school. In order to learn and participate effectively, they need to practice musical skills at home. SmartMusic recreates the group setting by providing the context, or accompaniment, as if they were in the larger group.

More importantly, SmartMusic gives your child the feedback to learn efficiently and have fun at the same time. As they get involved in more activities, finding those learning solutions to accomplish this is critical to their continued participation. SmartMusic is the innovative practice solution that will keep your child participating while developing music skills and appreciation.

Students in the Symphonic Band Class and the Wind Ensemble Class will be required to take tests and quizzes on Smart Music.

If you have Smart Music at home, students will be able to take their test and quizzes from the comfort of their own home and e-mail Mr. Rossettini their results! They will be able to practice their tests/quizzes as many times as they want, slow down their music, listen to professional recordings and look up fingerings of notes they missed. SmartMusic shows you exactly what you played correctly in green and the note you missed in red. Imagine the class time saved!

SmartMusic is purchased as a subscription. The normal subscription rate is $30/year. Mr. Rossettini encourages you to go to SmartMusic.com and view the parent resources and demo videos. SmartMusic also requires a microphone for your computer. The SmartMusic microphone is an additional cost, but the microphones used with a USB connection for any gaming system are also compatible. So those students who own Rock Band for XBOX may not need the microphone.

Students who do not have Smart Music at home may use the classroom computer or the computer in room 401 from 7:05-7:20am and 2:05-2:30pm, or during the student’s study block. If a student is unable to acquire SmartMusic at home and they have not made arrangements to take their tests before or after school, they will only have one opportunity to submit their SmartMusic tests for Mr. Rossettini in class.

Use of School Owned Instruments

Students using school owned instruments are required to sign a contract with the school district. The instrument is to be used only by the person it is checked out to. That person is responsible for any damages that occur. If the instrument is dropped or abused, the person assigned the instrument is responsible for the cost of the repairs. The school shall determine which company shall make authorized repairs. If the instrument is stolen while in the possession of the student, the parents and student shall be responsible for restitution. A nametag with your name must be properly attached to the outside of the case.

All percussionists will be charged for misuse of any school owned instrument or mallet/stick. Mr. Rossettini will determine misuse and the price of the broken item will be charged to the student.

What do I need to pay for in band?

Marching Band Fee

Due August 17, 2009

The Band camp fee for this year is tentatively $225.00 for returning marchers, and $250.00 for rookie marchers (or for those returners that need to purchase a new hoodie). This fee is to pay for each student’s instruction, music, drill, music arrangement, copyright permissions, t-shirt, marching band hoodie, gloves, equipment, marching band supplies, etc.

Marching Band Shoe and Glove Fee

Due August 17, 2009

All rookie members of the Marching Lions will be required to purchase “Drill Master” marching band shoes for a one-time fee of $35.00. Boosters will fit students and order shoes during the first week of band camp. All musicians playing a wind instrument in the marching band will be required to purchase a pair of marching band gloves for $3.00.

Ensemble Fee

Due October 9, 2009

All students performing with the band program will be required to pay an ensemble fee of $25.00. This fee helps offset the cost of any All-Virginia sanctioned events, music, clinicians, supplies, etc.

Concert Attire Fee

Due November 16, 2009

Musicians enrolled in a band class will be required to perform in concert attire listed under the Materials section of this handbook.

Students have the option to either:

1. Purchase an approved tuxedo ($135) or concert dress ($85) from the Band Boosters
2. Rent the tuxedo or concert dress from the Band Boosters for a cost of $25.

All gentlemen will be required to purchase their own winged-tip tuxedo shirt with studs.

Checks can be made payable to:
TALLWOOD HIGH SCHOOL BAND BOOSTERS

All rented items must be returned before the end of the school year or the student will be financially responsible for replacing each item. Those students not continuing in band are asked to donate their concert attire to the band program.

Selection of Chaperones

For the safety and well being of the band students involved in trips, the Director will base the selection of chaperons on the following criteria, and any additional information supplied by school administrators:

1. Ratio of experienced versus inexperienced chaperones. An effort will be made to give parents actively involved an opportunity to chaperone. Seasoned chaperones will be involved to help those adults who have had little or no experience in chaperoning the band. Adults who have had successful and extensive experience chaperoning will chaperone overnight major trips.
2. Chaperone List. A list will be circulated at every parent meeting for parents interested in chaperoning band trips. Chaperones will be expected to pay all meals and any costs incurred including lodging unless determined otherwise by the Band Boosters Executive Board. Chaperoning is a job. Parents chaperoning trips will not be allowed to bring children not enrolled in the band activity unless approved by the school.
3. Parents of Students. Only one parent of a student in the band program will be allowed to chaperone each event.
4. Chaperone Rules. When chaperoning, parents should assume that they will be aiding the Band Program in any shape or form. No chaperone will be allowed to bring siblings or other family members to events. When chaperoning you should understand you are responsible for the Tallwood Band Students and they are where your attention should be focused.

Medical Information

Students are required to have a medical and permission form properly filled out and signed by the parents before he or she will be allowed to participate in band activities away from campus. The school will not be held responsible for charges incurred due to medical emergency. The Director or his designee will have the medical forms and is responsible for helping secure medical treatment from a qualified medical facility in case of medical emergency in the event the parents are not available. The Director and staff will make every effort to assist the students with personal medical and hygiene problems and administering of prescribed medication from the student’s doctor as well as giving out other medications that would be used for minor medical ailments as outlined by signed parental consent and school district policy.