GARDEN GROVE HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT
HANDBOOK 2016-2017
www.gghsmusic.org
Mr. James M. Winchell, Instrumental Music Director Garden Grove High School
11271 Stanford Ave. Garden Grove, CA 92840
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I ................................................................................................ Mission, Course Descriptions II ............................................ Course Materials (including Concert Attire & Instruments) III ..................................................................................................... Developing “The Artist” IV ................................................. Classroom Rules, Discipline, and Routines/Procedures V ..................................................................................... Student Expectations and Grading VI ................................................................................................. Extra Credit Opportunities VII ................................. Parental Involvement/Role of the Music Booster Organization VIII .......................................... Music Department Expenses, Membership Contributions IX ....................................................................................................... Varsity Letter Standards X ................................................................................................ Calendar of Events, Remind
Appendix (Separate Document) A ....................................................................................................................................... Registration Checklist
B ........................................................................................................ Student and Parent/Guardian Contract
C ............................................................................................ Contact Information and Authorization Form
D ................................................................................................ Personal Information & Membership Form
E ....................................................................................................... Voluntary Excursion/Field Trip Waiver
F ............................................................................................. Travel Consent/Authorization to Photograph
G ..................................................................................................................Student Locker/Cabinet Contract
H ................................................................................................................... Parent/Adult Volunteer Sign-Up
I-J ....................................................................................... Medical Information Form – Marching Band Only
K ........................................ Varsity Letter Requirements – Keep this page and track your progress until complete
Section I Mission, Course Descriptions and Materials
Department Mission Statement: “We, the Garden Grove High School Instrumental Music Department, strive to achieve musical excellence. Through our unity and passion for music, we seek to inspire future musicians and impact the community. Students will learn self-discipline, teamwork, and integrity so that they can recognize their full potential. We will continue the Argonaut legacy of "Pride, Performance, and the Pursuit of Excellence."” Course Descriptions: GGHS offers these instrumental music courses: Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Chamber Orchestra, String Orchestra, and Percussion Ensemble. There is also the Color Guard, which participates as one with Marching Band in the fall, but meets separately as Winter Guard after school in the spring. Marching, Symphonic and Concert Bands
The Garden Grove High School Argonaut Marching Band has a longstanding legacy of musical excellence. Comprised of nearly 60 students from the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Color Guard, it is one of the larger student organizations at GGHS. The Garden Grove High School Marching Band performs each fall semester in adjudicated competitions across Southern California, and has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. In addition, the Marching Band performs regularly at home football games, as well as Garden Grove's annual Strawberry Festival Parade. The Concert/Symphonic Band is a performance-oriented ensemble specifically designed for serious and dedicated musicians. The primary goal and function of the Concert/Symphonic Band is to introduce students to the finest wind ensemble literature at the high school level; while also working heavily on technique and instrumental skills, giving students the necessary knowledge to delve further into music at Garden Grove High School and beyond. The Band’s approach to music making is modeled after the leading high school and collegiate wind ensembles. The Band performs multiple concerts per season, occurring locally at Garden Grove High School, and in adjudicated festivals. Furthermore, many students in the Bands will audition for the All-Southern, All-State, and Garden Grove Unified School District Honor Bands, and will also spend time preparing and rehearsing chamber music.
WHO CAN JOIN: Anyone who wishes to continue serious study of a band instrument and be a positive contribution to the high school marching band program. Previous musical experience recommended. Students should enroll in BOTH the Concert Band and Marching/Symphonic Band classes. As an alternative to the Marching/Symphonic Band section, students in the "PE Band" section will receive Physical Education credit in lieu of Arts credit, but all band members will do the same activities regardless of which section(s) they are enrolled in. Those wishing to participate in the GGHS Bands must attend Band Camp during the summer in order to help prepare them for the busy and competitive fall season. For the 2016-17 school year, Concert Band meets during 5th period and Marching/Symphonic and PE Band meet during 6th period (they are the same class). See the instructor as early as possible to add the courses.
Chamber Orchestra
The Chamber Orchestra is a performance-oriented ensemble specifically designed for serious musicians by audition only. The primary goal, and function of the Chamber Orchestra is to introduce students to the top orchestral literature at the highest appropriate level; while also giving them knowledge to delve further into music at Garden Grove High School and beyond. The Chamber Orchestra is considered to be the top instrumental ensemble at Garden Grove High School, with the ensemble’s approach to music making modeled after the leading collegiate symphony orchestras.
The Chamber Orchestra performs multiple concerts per season, occurring locally at Garden Grove High School, as well as in adjudicated festivals. Furthermore, many students in the Chamber Orchestra will audition for the All-Southern, All-State, and Garden Grove Unified School District Honor Orchestras, and will also spend considerable time preparing and rehearsing chamber music. WHO CAN JOIN: Anyone who wishes to continue serious study of a string instrument and be a positive contribution to the high school music program. Previous experience required. For the 2016-17 school year, Chamber Orchestra meets during 1st period. See the instructor as early as possible to add the course.
String Orchestra String Orchestra is a course specifically designed for developing musicians that are serious about learning a string instrument and dedicated to the performing arts. String Orchestra is the first instrumental music experience for many incoming students at the ninth grade level at Garden Grove High School, but other students are welcome to join as well. The primary goal and function of the String Orchestra class is to introduce students to the string orchestra experience at the high school level, while also preparing them to delve further into the Instrumental Music Program at Garden Grove High School. The musical focus of the String Orchestra class will consist of level-appropriate, quality string literature, while also working heavily on technique and instrumental skills. The String Orchestra class joins the Chamber Orchestra to present at least one concert per term on Garden Grove High School's campus. WHO CAN JOIN: Anyone who wishes to learn to play a string instrument and join the high school music experience. Previous experience is recommended and helpful but not necessary. For the 2016-17 school year, String Orchestra meets during 2nd period. See the instructor as early as possible to add the course.
Percussion Ensemble The Garden Grove High School Percussion Ensemble is a performance-oriented ensemble specifically designed for serious and dedicated musicians by teacher approval only. The primary goal and function of the Percussion Ensemble is to introduce students to a wide array of percussion technique and literature at the highest level; while also giving knowledge and skills to delve further into music at Garden Grove High School and beyond. The Percussion Ensemble performs approximately two concerts annually on Garden Grove High School's campus, in addition to select other events and 'gigs' that vary from year to year. WHO CAN JOIN: Anyone who wishes to expand their musical horizons by studying and performing repertoire on various percussion instruments. Basic note- and rhythm-reading experience is required. Previous performance experience on one of the following instruments is recommended:
• Piano, Marimba, Xylophone, Vibraphone or other keyboard instrument • Snare Drum, Drum set, or similar rhythmic percussion instrument
Additionally, most members of the Percussion Ensemble class will participate in Symphonic/Marching Band as the percussion section, and the class will serve as the GGHS Drumline at competitions in the winter and spring months. The Drumline will also perform for school spirit rallies, assemblies, etc. Some time during this class will be spent rehearsing and preparing for those additional activities. Concurrent enrollment in another Instrumental Music Department course, such as Symphonic/Marching Band is strongly recommended. Percussion Ensemble will be offered Period 4 during the 2016-17 school year.
Section II Course Materials
All students will need to bring the following items to class every day:
• Pencil • Music folder with all necessary music stored NEATLY inside • Instrument (and all cleaning supplies and accessories such as reeds, ligature, mouthpiece, oil, neck strap,
cleaning cloth, bow, rosin, etc.) In addition, all Instrumental Music Department students need to have the following:
• A music dictionary – online music dictionaries can be found on the Links page of the GGHS Instrumental Music Department Website: www.gghsmusic.org.
• Functioning Metronome • Woodwind Players: a swab for your instrument (silk swabs for clarinets) • Reed Players: AT LEAST FIVE fully-functioning reeds at all times • Brass Players: Necessary valve and slide oils/cream • Percussionists: Your own drum pad, pair of drumsticks, and at least one pair of mallets. See the Instrumental
Music Director for recommendations on specific models. • String Players: Rosin and an extra set of strings in case any break
Note: These items may be purchased at local music shops, or found on the internet. Please see the Instrumental Music Director to get further information.
Instruments: We do have a limited selection of school-owned instruments available for students to use, free of charge. Before a student uses a school-owned instrument, both the student and the parent must fill out, sign, and return the district instrument contract (bond) to the Instrumental Music Director. Provided the instrument is given to the student in working condition, the student's family will be held responsible for any damage to the instrument beyond normal wear over the course of the year. This includes dents, large scratches, bent keys or mechanisms, and any broken parts. Furthermore, the family will be held financially responsible if the school-owned instrument is lost or stolen. Please take good care of our instruments and return them in good condition! If you are able to rent or purchase your own instrument, this is often a better option as it will likely be in a better condition and therefore be easier and more enjoyable to play. When possible, this is highly recommended. See director for suggestions before renting or purchasing an instrument.
Finally, all Instrumental Music Department students will need to own proper Concert Attire. Concert Attire generally includes formal black dresses for ladies and black tuxedos for gentlemen (including black bowtie, cummerbund, and white tuxedo shirt). We have a running partnership with Friar Tux shop to secure very low prices on properly fitted tuxedos. If cost of these items is still too high, it is permissible to substitute this formal attire with other equally professional-looking concert attire (must still be all black, or mostly black on some white) at the request of the student/family and with approval of the director. Formal shoes are required. Marching band students are recommended to obtain Dinkles or another brand of formal black marching shoe which can be used both as marching shoes and as formal concert attire shoes. Marching band students will also need to purchase their own pair of black marching gloves to go along with their band uniform (provided by the school) – see director for details.
Section III Ensemble Goal: Developing “The Artist”
“The artist has all the skills of the player and the musician,
but the artist is also a creator.
The artist comes to every rehearsal prepared in every way, and leaves the rehearsal with new goals.
The artist loves great music making and loves to bring
expression and inspiration to the performance.
The artist has imagination; this is fueled by opportunity. That opportunity might come in a solo passage
or in an approach to style that amplifies the intent of the piece.
The artist is a collaborator with the other members of the ensemble, with the conductor, and the composer.
The artist is intuitive and original, but only uses those skills in pursuit of
the most beautiful performance possible.
The artist evaluates whether a piece of music is good or not by how it is composed and what it expresses.
The artist has the potential to elevate the listener’s perception of an average piece
through an extraordinary performance.
The artist loves music because music fuels his/her soul”
- Allan McMurray
Section IV Classroom Rules, Discipline, and Routines/Procedures
Short Version:
1. Show Up (On Time)
2. Be Prepared
3. Be Professional
4. Make Good Music
5. Have Fun! The fine print: Classroom Rules:
1. All school rules and dress codes apply. 2. No gum, food or drinks in the room (water is permitted). Why? We do not want ants, spiders, roaches,
mold, or any other small life forms crawling or growing on the floor or walls, in your locker, or in your instrument case. Remnants of food and drinks inside the room pose a health and safety risk, and it is disrespectful to the facilities and to everyone that uses them.
3. No cell phones during class unless the teacher specifically invites you to use them, in which case they shall be used for the specified task only and then immediately put away.
4. No “I can't...”, etc. ...This means when the teacher asks you to do something, you give it your best effort and do not give up. The teacher would not ask a student to do something he/she knows is impossible. Therefore, it is expected that students always give their best effort to achieve a task or goal.
Classroom Discipline: The school discipline procedures will be followed. This includes at least one explicit warning for all but the most extreme disciplinary problems. Disciplinary action will escalate from that point if the improper behavior continues. If the problem is extreme or persists longer, the Director and the school administration may consider removal of the student behaving in violation of school policies from the course. See the school discipline procedures for more details. Academic Dishonesty: Copying another’s work (whether it be another current or former student, an online source, or any other source), in full or in part, is considered plagiarism. Consequences for cheating in this manner will be pursued in accordance with the school’s Academic Dishonesty Policy.
General Procedures: 1. Class begins when the bell rings. At that point, you need to be seated in your assigned chair (percussion:
standing in your section area) with your instrument assembled, music on the stand (with a pencil!) and ready to begin rehearsal.
a. If a student is not seated with all necessary materials when the bell rings, he or she will be considered tardy.
b. Restroom trips will not be permitted during the first or last 10 minutes of class. Use the restroom during passing period.
2. Typically, students will have several minutes after the bell rings to warm up individually before the director begins rehearsal. This time is not to be used for talking or moving about in the room. Rather, students need to use this time to warm up with long tones and scales, and review any difficult passages of their music.
3. Students are encouraged to silently practice through their music while the director is working with or testing fellow classmates in other sections, as long as it is not disruptive. This and attentive listening are productive uses of class time. Talking is not permitted during these times (unless otherwise instructed to do so).
4. Do not enter the Director's office unless you have specific permission from Mr. Winchell. Please respect your fellow students’ privacy and wait outside the door if they are already in the office talking to a teacher.
At the end of class, wait to be dismissed by the teacher. The teacher dismisses you, NOT the bell! Literature and Sight-reading: During rehearsal we will work on producing a good tone quality, technique, music theory, musical vocabulary and music history. We will also learn music to be performed at concerts and/or festivals (which will be announced well in advance and available on the calendar page of the website (see gghsmusic.org/calendar). In addition to the music we will learn for concerts and festivals, we will periodically sight-read music in class to further develop our music reading skills. Listening: As a performer myself, I strongly believe that it is very important to know what a “good sound” is. How does one progress as a musician (or in any career) without knowledge of what he or she is working towards? How are you supposed to produce a great tone quality if you don’t know what a great tone quality sounds like? I highly encourage every student to find recordings of professional musicians who play the same instrument. I have my own recommendations for each instrument, so if you can’t decide or you want some help selecting a performer, please come see me. Periodically, we will listen to recordings during class and discuss or write about them.
A Word About Music….
Great artists come to EVERY rehearsal prepared for the rehearsal to come, which includes the preparation of all materials that are required for the course. Lost or forgotten music is unacceptable in any ensemble within the GGHS Instrumental Music Department. Leaving music at home, or in the car, or anywhere else except having it at the rehearsal setting is inexcusable.
Section V Student Expectations & Grading
Daily Participation in Class
o Students will receive 100 participation points per term. Each student must have all of the following materials in order to receive full credit for the term: instrument (complete with necessary accessories), music, a pencil to write with (NOT a pen) and your undivided attention during class.
o If you fail to have all of your materials for class, you will lose 10 of your participation points for each time you forget your materials.
o In the event that you do not have your instrument because it is in the shop for repair, you must bring a note from your parent stating that your instrument is in for repair or the repair shop's pickup slip/ticket as proof. If you do not bring either, you will lose 10 participation points.
o In the event that a student is disruptive during class (and is reprimanded for his or her choice of behavior), that student will lose 50 participation points.
o These points cannot be made up under any circumstances.
Concert Reports Students must attend at least one college-, university-, or professional-level concert each semester. The concert should feature an ensemble of a similar nature to the course the student is enrolled in at GGHS (e.g. wind ensemble, orchestra, concert percussion ensemble, or jazz band). Concert Reports are worth 100 points. If a student is in multiple Instrumental Music classes, he or she need only submit one concert report per term.
• Students must follow the guidelines on the Concert Report Form and Concert Report Grading Rubric (see gghsmusic.org/docs-forms) and submit a digital copy of their report within one week (7 days) of the performance date.
• A list of venues and performing ensembles is posted on the department website (see gghsmusic.org/links). Concert opportunities will also be periodically announced in class.
Individual Preparation and Practice
“Great artists are great artists because they enjoy practice as much as performance. That is because their practices (or repetitions) are always performances. Repetition in rehearsal is both repetition and deepening. One must experience focused repetition in order to discover the mysteries of the art. One must experience repetition in order to explore the beauties of the piece. One must repeat in rehearsal in order to learn a fundamental human condition: commitment.” -James Jordan
The description of practicing quoted above is significant in that it describes the essence of what is required to be an excellent performing musician. The degree to which we commit to this attitude will be reflected in the quality of our work as individuals and as an ensemble. Practice often and practice with specific goals in mind. Be sure to practice those skills you need the most work on work on the music you will be accountable for in upcoming rehearsals.
Attendance at Performances • Please note that if a student misses a band or orchestra concert and does not have prior parent and teacher
consent, they will receive an F for their semester concert grade. It is VERY important that every student shows up for each concert and all festival performances. This is a team! We cannot function correctly unless all of the members are at the concert and participating.
• All rehearsals lead up to the performance! Students should input all events into their personal calendar and on their family calendar (if you don't have one, I suggest making one) as soon as each event is announced. Any conflicts should be resolved as soon as possible, well in advance of the concert date. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE WEEK OF THE CONCERT TO TELL ME YOU HAVE A CONFLICT. IT WILL NOT BE EXCUSED FROM YOUR GRADE unless it is an absolute emergency.
• Give your parents all concert information sheets and extra rehearsal sheets AS SOON AS YOU RECIEVE THEM. This information is typically also available on the Calendar page of the department website.
Attendance At Rehearsals Great artists are prepared and present at all scheduled rehearsals and sectionals. Students are expected to attend all rehearsals as scheduled. The GGHS Instrumental Music Department website contains the GGHS Instrumental Music Department calendar, which holds all of the information needed in order to successfully manage the requisite course rehearsal dates. Occasional Saturday or evening rehearsals will be required for Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Chamber Orchestra, and Percussion Ensemble students, and each Saturday rehearsal is weighted at 100 points. Please note that missing a Saturday rehearsal will equate to a student not performing on the forthcoming concert, performance, or competition. Students who do not perform due to the aforementioned policy will have their course grade lowered. Additionally, as this is a performance-based course, students who miss concerts due to ANY other reason outside of illness, will be dropped out of the course at the semester. There are NO excused absences, and after 5 absences for any reason, a student will have their grade lowered by one half letter grade. There are many requirements for participation in the GGHS Instrumental Music Department, but among the most important is the personal commitment to be prepared for rehearsals. The purpose of our rehearsals is to learn the other musicians’ parts – not to learn your own part. Likewise the other musicians cannot learn your part unless you are prepared and in attendance. Therefore your attendance is mandatory at all rehearsals and individual preparation is required. Musical excellence, unity, and integrity in concert grows out of our commitment to being prepared for rehearsals. Every rehearsal is a performance, and each leads toward the culminating experience of the concert. Any student who is disallowed from performing in a concert due to low exam scores or unexcused absences must still attend that concert to support their fellow classmates. Any student who fails to do so will have their grade lowered by two full letter grades in addition to any other consequences already in place.
Written Work Written work such as Music Theory packets, vocabulary sheets, lesson notes or reviews, etc. will be periodically assigned. They will be graded either on a 5-tier rubric based on completion and accuracy or a pass/fail grade, with the grading system and point value depending on the assignment and its complexity. Performance Requirements In order to perform in concert/competition, Instrumental Music Department students must not have more than one grade of “D” or “F” on any repertoire playing exams in that concert/performance cycle.
• Students who do not perform on a concert due to the aforementioned policy will have their course grade lowered one full letter grade. Additionally, as this is a performance-based course, students in the Symphonic Band or Chamber Orchestra who miss concerts due to ANY other reason outside of illness (with a doctor’s note), will be dropped out of the course at the semester break. Concerts are weighted at 200 points per event.
Playing Exams Great artists prepare themselves for rehearsal through daily preparation. In order to assess each student in this preparation, scheduled playing exams will be held in all classes approximately every 1-3 weeks, depending on the class.
• Exams will be scheduled by section/instrument grouping. The purpose of each playing exam will be to assess each performer's level of preparedness in technique and literature on an individual basis. The grading policies are listed below. Assessment repertoire information will generally be assigned in class at least three days in advance of each exam.
Each student will be assigned a playing exam day or time, typically by section. Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and Chamber Orchestra students may be responsible for coming in to complete the assessment on their requisite assessment day outside of class time. Students are encouraged to use the Garden Grove High School planner for accurate preparation planning and scheduling. This planner is provided free of charge by GGHS. Students may alternatively wish to use an electronic calendar, such as the one provided with a free Google account.
Playing exam dates can frequently be found on the “Calendar” link of the GGHS Instrumental Music Department website (gghsmusic.org/calendar). Please note that for Symphonic Band and Chamber Orchestra students, chair placement in the performance ensemble is determined by the scoring the takes places as a result of a student’s playing exam performance: LOW-SCORING STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PERFORM IN THE NEXT CONCERT WITHIN THAT TEST CYCLE DUE TO A LACK OF PROFICIENCY IN INDIVIDUAL ASSESSMENT.
Playing exams are typically worth 25 points each. Grades for playing exams will be assessed along the rubric to follow. If a student's overall playing exam performance falls between two tiers, consideration will be given to the student's experience level and effort in determining the grade earned.
Retake Policy Most playing exams can be retaken once for up to full credit, within one (1) week of the original assigned date, ONLY IF the student made a reasonable attempt on the assigned date (or had a verified excused absence). If a student earns a rubric grade of 1, 2, or 3 on any given playing exam, it is recommended that he or she retakes that exam for a better grade.
This is to emphasize the importance of being prepared on time, but also that learning the assigned material remains the primary goal even if it happens later than planned. No-Show Policy: Students who do not attend their assessment time or do not attempt it due to unpreparedness, forgetfulness, etc., will automatically fail their playing exam with a score of zero (0), WITHOUT a chance for retakes. Other Graded Activities The Instrumental Music Director reserves the right to add other graded assessments or activities not included in the descriptions above at any time at his sole discretion.
Juries (Symphonic/Concert Band, Chamber Orchestra, and Percussion Ensemble students only) Being a great artist involves the serious study of the major etudes or performance works for each musician's instrument. As a part of the course, students will end each semester by performing a jury exam. Juries are the major culminating activity of the fall and spring concert seasons. Juries are a standard performance requirement at any University-level music school. Students in the GGHS Symphonic Band, Chamber Orchestra, or Percussion Ensemble should select an etude, concerto, solo, or set of smaller works (typically one piece demonstrating technique and one demonstrating musicality or lyricism) around or before the midpoint of the semester, and shall prepare the work along with any relevant technique exercises in their home practice and/or private lessons. These items will then be presented by the student in a recital-format before a “jury” of GGHS Instrumental Music Department staff and other music instructors (TBD). Juries are weighted much higher than both concerts and playing exams. The total point value for Juries is 500 points. Poor performance in a jury may result in failing the class. Juries are graded on a 10-point scale (translating to 100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, and so on), otherwise following the same format as the playing exam rubric above, weighing in the evaluation from each member of the jury panel. Students receive immediate feedback on their performance and suggestions for improving future performances from the panel. No-Show Policy applies to juries. There are NO retake opportunities. Juries are also used as auditions for the following semester. The jury performance is the basis for assessing students cumulative musical progress throughout the semester. This assessment data is the primary factor in assigning chair placement in future ensembles, which is typically announced the week after juries conclude. At any time during the semester, students may “challenge” the student in the chair above them for their seat (for example, the third cellist may challenge the second cellist). More details about Challenges will be provided in class. The Director also reserves the right to change chair placements at any time for any reason. A small number of Seniors may elect to complete one of the following projects in place of the Spring semester final jury exam with the direct approval and guidance of the Instrumental Music Director. These projects WILL demand more time commitment, but will be much more rewarding upon completion, especially for students who wish to study music seriously in college.
1. Conducting the Band or Orchestra in concert (maximum 1 student; must approve by fall semester jury; be present during all relevant rehearsal time)
2. Solo performance with accompaniment by piano, Symphonic Band, or Chamber Orchestra in concert (max 1 student; must approve repertoire by November 1; perform solo portion of repertoire for fall jury)
3. Composition, 3-5 min, to be performed by Symphonic Band/Chamber Orchestra/Percussion Ensemble (maximum 1 student; must have working knowledge of music theory, present draft of compositional ideas to Director by November 1, and present complete composition by fall semester jury in addition to jury performance, to allow time for rehearsal and further editing as necessary during the Spring semester)
Chamber Ensembles Rehearsing and performing in a chamber ensemble (usually 4-5 players, in rare instances as low as 3 or up to around 8) is a valuable experience as every musician is solely responsible for his or her own part, and all musicians are of equal status when it comes to agreeing on and producing a musical product. Success in chamber groups depends on one’s ability to work with other people just as much as it depends on confidence and ability on one’s own instrument. At some point during the year in most classes, students will be asked to prepare a short performance in chamber ensembles for a grade. Graded performance will be during class time. The grade earned will be based on the final group performance (see playing test rubric for guidelines) as well as a peer rating by group members of how much effort each individual student in their group put into the project. Chamber ensemble groups who are top performers may be asked to perform at an upcoming concert or represent our school and program at another event in the community.
Reminders: Artists Do...
• Keep track of their instrument, supplies, and other belongings in an organized fashion • Arrive early to rehearsal • Warm-up in a consistent and productive manner prior to each rehearsal • Bring a pencil to each rehearsal, leave it on their stand for easy access, and use it as often as necessary
to make helpful markings in their music • Intentionally study each piece they are to perform using resource recordings, historical records,
composer biographies, related compositions by composer, genre, or time period, and careful analysis of their part in relation to parts of other instruments.
• Make the ensemble a high priority in their life; i.e. understand that everyone else is relying on them to be there to play with good balance and harmony, and put the needs of the many before the needs of the few.
Artists Don’t...
• Lose their music or instrument/supplies. • Arrive late to rehearsal. • Neglect their individual warmup prior to full rehearsal beginning. • Forget or neglect their pencil at rehearsal. • Neglect to study the entirety of a piece by using all resources available to them to understand everything
they can about each piece they are performing. • Make excuses for why they cannot attend rehearsals, lessons, or performances.
Section VI Extra Credit Opportunities
There are three recurring options for extra credit, for those students who wish to go above and beyond the requirements of an Instrumental Music Department course: Recruitment 25 points Extra Credit per new member with previous band/orchestra experience at another school recruited in the first two weeks of the fall semester to the returning member who recruited them. 10 points Extra Credit per new member without previous experience. New member must enroll and participate fully in the Instrumental Music course. Private Lessons Great artists seek out and learn from qualified pedagogues in their field in order to deepen and broaden their skill set and musicianship. Private lessons are the number one best way to learn how to improve on your instrument, bar none. All students enrolled in the GGHS Instrumental Music Department will have the opportunity to study privately with an accomplished performer on their instrument (at the cost of the student or family). This opportunity is a way to further the performance goals of both the student, and the overall ensemble. Private lessons are highly recommended for every student, and information regarding private lessons will be discussed periodically during the year. Extra Credit is offered for students who take private lessons with a teacher approved in advance by the Instrumental Music Director. 10 points of Extra Credit, up to a maximum of 100, are allotted for every lesson signed off by the parent and private teacher (minimum two lessons to earn credit; credit not applied until the completion of the second lesson and receipt of signed confirmation). It should also be noted that students who take private lessons regularly are more likely to earn higher grades through their performances in playing exams and juries. Honor Groups All students who are confident in their musical skills are highly encouraged to audition for and perform in as many of the following ensembles as possible for additional musical enrichment (list is non-exhaustive):
• GGUSD Honor Band • GGUSD Honor Orchestra • SCSBOA All-Southern Honor Band • SCSBOA All-Southern Honor Orchestra • SCSBOA Honor Jazz Ensembles • CMEA/CBDA All-State Honor Band • CMEA/CODA All-State Honor Orchestra • CMEA/CAJ All-State Jazz Band • Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra • Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble
• Orange County Youth Symphony • Orange County Youth Wind Ensemble • RCC John Philip Sousa Honor Band • CSULA First Chair Honor Band • Music for All Jazz Band of America • MfA Honor Band of America • MfA Honor Orchestra of America • ASTA National High School Honors Orch. • Cal Poly All-State Wind Orchestra/Jazz Band • University of Arizona Southwest Honor Band
Please be sure to carefully calendar all honor group (or other ensemble) rehearsals and events so as to avoid conflicts with GGHS Instrumental Music Department events: gghsmusic.org/calendar Extra Credit is offered for students who successfully audition and perform in any honor groups:
• GGUSD Honor Groups: 50 points each • All-State, Regional or National Groups: 100 points each • Other Honor Groups at discretion of Director: 50-100 points each
Section VII Parent Expectations and the Role of the Music Booster Organization
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” -Aristotle
In order to assist in the music-making experience for your GGHS Instrumental Music Student, GGHS Instrumental Music Department PARENTS/GUARDIANS are asked to do the following:
1. Bring student to ALL scheduled rehearsals and performance events in a timely fashion.
2. Ensure that the student’s instrument is kept in good working condition with all necessary repairs and equipment.
3. Support student achievement in the GGHS Instrumental Music Department by observing and enforcing home practice.
4. Ensure that all student Instrumental Music Department forms are completed as required on time.
5. Support student achievement in the Instrumental Music Department through attendance at concerts and other performances/events.
6. Communicate with the GGHS Instrumental Music Director regularly to relay pertinent information regarding the student's Instrumental Music Department experience and home concerns.
7. Support the success of all GGHS Instrumental Music Department students through participation in the GGHS Instrumental Music Department's Booster Organization.
Booster Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month (unless announced otherwise) at 5:30pm in the band room.
All parents/guardians are invited to attend! The following are expectations for GGHS Instrumental Music Boosters:
1. We will aspire to the Garden Grove High School Instrumental Music Department cornerstones of Unity, Integrity, and Legacy.
2. We will be an inclusive, open organization available to all interested community members.
3. We will work to the best of our abilities to support and supplement all of the ensembles in the Garden Grove High School Instrumental Music Program.
4. We will be efficient, transparent, diligent, and always do what is best for our students in all of our business dealings and decision making.
5. We will be advocates for Garden Grove High School, The Arts, and Music Education.
The Role of the Garden Grove High School Music Boosters The Garden Grove High School Music Boosters (also known as the Garden Grove High School Marchers and Musicians) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to provide financial and physical support to the directors, students and families of the GGHS Instrumental Music Program. Our purpose is to support and supplement the quality of the total instrumental music experience for all enrolled instrumental music students. The Music Boosters of Garden Grove High School are a dynamic, organized, dedicated group of parents, volunteers, and community members interested in promoting, and maintaining interest in the Garden Grove High School Instrumental Music Department. This vital organization pledges to support the GGHS Instrumental Music Department by: (1) planning and staffing instrumental music events as volunteers offering both their time and talents, (2) strategize and implement fundraisers to assist the GGHS Instrumental Music Department with supplemental financial aid, (3) encourage the development of community in both students and parents, (4) encourage musical and personal excellence in our students, and (5) foster Argo Pride. The Instrumental Music Boosters meet monthly, are governed by a set of bylaws, and are registered and incorporated with the State of California. This group extends an open invitation to any and all parties to join the endeavors of this influential organization. Your participation through annual program donations, fundraising, and volunteer activities is necessary to provide our students with the quality program that makes the Instrumental Music Department of Garden Grove High School an award-winning educational experience. Parental involvement has been cited as the number one factor for success in a child’s musical endeavors. For parents of instrumental music students, there are many opportunities to show your support by attending concerts and performances, Back To School Night, and by getting involved in the GGHS Music Booster Organization. We encourage all of our parents to become involved in one of the many opportunities to volunteer in our program. It is the parents’ responsibility to maintain a reasonable and effective relationship with both their student and the teacher to maximize the benefits of the educational experience. There are many ways that you can stay connected through with the GGHS Music Boosters:
1. GGHS Music Booster Meeting Minutes (in print; available at any booster meeting) 2. Email Updates 3. Pending; looking for volunteers to help make this possible:
The GGHS Instrumental Insider – Our New Quarterly Newsletter 4. Get to know us and keep in contact!
GGHS Music Boosters Is A Volunteer Organization Membership in the GGHS Music Boosters is open to all instrumental music parents and family members interested in promoting the cause of the GGHS Instrumental Music Department. The leadership of the Organization is provided by an Executive Board of officers drawn from our membership. Meetings are held monthly for all parents, and your presence at these meetings is critical in providing all of the necessary support to our success.
Your Participation as a Volunteer – Priceless
“Many Hands Make Light Work”
There are many ways you can volunteer your time and talents in support of the Garden Grove High School Instrumental Music Program. The Director and Executive Board officers of the GGHS Instrumental Music Boosters count on the active support of volunteers to keep our programs and activities successful. We are always open to any help you can give, but below are a variety of suggested Coordinator positions in which you can be of immense help supporting our students, other parent volunteers, and program on the whole:
A. Equipment Coordinator(s):
◦ Oversee the security, safety, and functioning of all Instrumental Music Department Equipment; plan to assist as needed.
◦ Work with the Music Booster President and student Equipment Managers to: select a booster member to be responsible for transporting the equipment trailer/truck(s); initiate, plan and organize necessary equipment transport to each local or away performance. This carries whether the performance is for the band, orchestra, or percussion ensemble.
B. Meals and Snack Bar Coordinator(s): ◦ Work with the Music Booster President and other Music Booster members to plan and structure the Band
Camp, football game, travel, and bus trip meals and snacks for the GGHS Marching Band and other Instrumental Music Department ensembles as necessary.
◦ Coordinate and organize Snack Bar volunteers at all home Varsity football games and all District Marching Band Showcase volunteers; plan to assist as needed. May work with the Booster President to create a committee for these purposes.
◦ Be responsible for acquiring food/drinks/supplies/equipment for the snack bar. May delegate this task to another booster member if possible when necessary.
◦ Coordinate and organize food portions of any performances or other Instrumental Music Department events, including potluck dinners, SCSBOA Festival, Strawberry Festival, etc. May work with the Booster President to create committees for larger events.
C. Uniform and Flag Coordinator(s): ◦ Work with Music Booster President, Instrumental Music Director, Color Guard Instructor, and Music
Booster members to initiate plan for fitting, sewing, and mending marching band and concert uniforms as well as creating colorguard flags
◦ Set and coordinate marching band uniform dry-cleaning schedule ◦ Search for all necessary materials and equipment ◦ Coordinate assistance in completing the necessary work.
D. Publicity Coordinator:
◦ Work with the Music Booster President and other Music Booster members to represent the GGHS Instrumental Music Department at local and national community events and functions
◦ Plan and maintain a regular newsletter along with the Music Booster President/Secretary and student Historians of the newsletter (Fall/Winter/Spring).
◦ Research and develop new areas and markets with which to offer partnerships and collaboration to further promote the GGHS Instrumental Music Department.
E. Awards Banquet Coordinator: ◦ Work with the Music Booster President, Music Booster members, and student Officers to schedule, plan,
and structure the annual GGHS Instrumental Music Department Awards and Recognition Banquet.
Section VIII Music Department Costs and Membership Contributions
Music Department Operating Costs With an annual budget of nearly $50,000, the Instrumental Music Department incurs many costs in order to provide performance and educational opportunities to its students. For a more detailed breakdown, please come to our booster meetings to see our annual budget and monthly treasurer's reports. Your contributions are essential in order for the Instrumental Music Department to cover the following major expenses, among others:
• Instruments, instrument accessories, necessary equipment and supplies: purchasing new and maintenance/repair of existing (all ensembles; varies greatly, but ideally around $2000 per ensemble, per term)
• Sheet music, show design, etc. (all ensembles; varies about $400-$1000 per term per ensemble)
• Competition/Festival entry fees (most ensembles; typically ranges from $200-$400 per event)
• Busing/transportation expenses (most ensembles; typically ranges from $400-$800 per event)
Determined based on estimated figures, with approximately 140 students in the music program, the AVERAGE COST PER STUDENT for one year of musical instruction at GGHS is approximately $350 in addition to taxpayer dollars funding the California education system as a whole. It has been agreed that the Basic Membership Contribution amount (see below) for students in each of the ensembles will be as low as possible, and well below their actual operating cost, in order to be accessible to our families. It is requested that membership contributions be donated within the first two weeks of the school year. Any donations beyond the basic membership are of course greatly appreciated, and will include gifts from our Boosters, including music department apparel such as shirts, backpacks, water bottles, etc. Membership Contribution Options (see Appendix for details on what you get at each level):
• Gold - $120
• Silver - $90
• Bronze - $70
• Basic - $50
The remaining funding to reach our nearly $50,000 budget needs to be made up, with your assistance, through regular fundraising throughout the year.
Section IX Varsity Letter Standards
It is an honor to become a Letterman or Woman for your participation in band or orchestra. The
opportunity to proudly display your school colors as a musician through your Varsity Letter states that
you have gone “above and beyond” as a member of the GGHS Instrumental Music Department. To that
end, the standards for earning a Varsity Letter will be rigorous, and the expectations high.
“One of the greatest aspects of the Garden Grove High School Instrumental Music Department is our
continuing pursuit of Musical Excellence as a standard. This pursuit has helped to establish a
foundation that makes the GGHS Instrumental Music Department a unique and life-changing experience
for those who chose to participate in the organization. With a remembrance of the many that have come
before us, it is the current members of the GGHS Music Department that remain the heart and soul of
our continuing success. It is our belief in standards, acceptance of responsibilities (note: integrity), and
sharing in the special relationships (note: unity) that allow the GGHS musical ensembles to continue to
function at an exemplary level of performance year after year (note: legacy).”
There are two parts to qualifying for a Letter. These are the “Basic Requirements” and the “Service
Requirements” sections on the Varsity Letter Requirements page in the Appendix. Students must meet
ALL six (6) of the requirements from the Basic Requirements list, and a set of their choice of options
for Service Requirements, in order to qualify for a Letter in Band or Orchestra.
Students wishing to earn their letter should print the Varsity Letter Requirements checklist page from the Appendix and bring it with them whenever they complete a requirement in order to obtain the appropriate signatures of confirmation. Signatures of confirmation shall not be given to students for service at events which passed more than one calendar week before the signature was requested. Students may not request signatures from their own parent, even if said parent is a member of the Executive Board. Once a student believes he or she has satisfied all of the requirements for a letter, the completed signature page should be submitted to the person in charge of the Awards Banquet for final approval. If for some reason there are not enough Letterman's patches ordered before the banquet, one will be ordered for the student with the next order and be available for pickup once it arrives.
Section X Calendar of Events and Remind
IMPORTANT: All Upcoming Dates can be found on the Calendar page
of the Instrumental Music Department Website:
gghsmusic.org/calendar
Dates are posted as far in advance as possible. Add this calendar to your own Google Calendar by clicking the +Google Calendar button at the
bottom. This will keep your Google calendar in sync with any updates to the gghsmusic.org calendar (this includes the calendar on your Android phone if you set it to display this; iPhone users can also
add it to their phone’s calendar by signing in on a computer).
NEW THIS YEAR!!! Parents! Family! Friends!
Not sure how to help? Wondering why you don’t see your student much at home, or what they’re supposed to be telling you about the music program?
Get reminders on your mobile phone! Never be left in the dark before our
next concerts, fundraisers, booster meetings, competitions, and other events!
Using the Remind app, Mr. Winchell and the Boosters can send you reminders via text, push notification or email (your preference!).
Sign up right away by following the instructions on the next page!
