joseph a. gregori high school - nebula.wsimg.com
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Joseph A. Gregori High School
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC HANDBOOK
2017-2018
“Developing Future Leaders Through Music Performance”
Welcome!
Welcome to the Gregori Musical Arts Association! We are very
excited to offer all students outstanding experiences in music and performance
and hope that this will be a very rewarding year for you.
Instructional Staff
Paul Herrera, Music Director ● 559-307-4315 ● [email protected]
Matt Syljuberget, Color Guard Caption Head●
Glenn Imai, Percussion Ensemble Director ●
Katrina Fitzpatrick, Color Guard Technician ●
Julia Cornejo, Oboe Instructor ●
About our program...
The instrumental music department is made up of three different components: Band (Brass, Woodwinds and Percussion)
Orhcestra (Strings) and Color Guard. Anytime you see or hear the words “instrumental music,” we are referring to one of these
two groups. Brief descriptions of each of our ensembles are given below along with the class period or time of year the ensem-
ble occurs. Also included is an indication of the time commitment involved with participation in that particular group. (Level 1,
2, or 3- see the bottom of the page for a more detailed description of the expected time commitment). Students may be a part
of one or more of these ensembles.
Time Commitment and Instrumental Music Ensembles
As a member of an ensemble, the student makes a commitment to attend all rehearsals and performances so that the group
can achieve a high level of excellence. The different levels of time commitment required for each of our ensembles are listed
above and described .
Level 1- Minimal outside of school day commitments, usually limited to concerts and some local festivals. Participation in
sports and other activities are usually not an issue when participating in a level 1 ensemble.
Level 2- Significant outside of school day commitments including some rehearsals, several performances, festivals, and possi-
ble trips during the year. Participation in sports and other activities can be an issue from time to time, but conflicts and forward
planning usually resolve these issues.
Level 3- Extensive outside of school day commitments including regular weekly rehearsals, several performances, festivals, and
trips occur during the season of the year. Participation in sports or other activities concurrently can be challenging, but not im-
possible as long as students plan ahead and communicate extensively with both coach/group leader and the band director.
Jazz Band 1/2
(0 Period- All Year) (Level 2)
Jazz Band plays outstanding big band music and has
several performances throughout the year on campus and
throughout the community. Students who play saxo-
phone, trombone, trumpet, guitar, bass guitar, piano and
drum set can be considered for enrollment. Enrollment in
this class is by audition or teacher recommendation only.
All Jazz Band students must have one year of experience
on their instrument before joining.
Orchestra
(2nd Period-After School– Fall) (Level 1)
A premier concert band experience, they perform
throughout the school year at concerts and CMEA Band
Festivals. Students also have the opportunity to perform
at our chamber dinner performances.
Concert Band
(6th Period, November-June) (Level 1)
A premier concert band experience, they perform
throughout the school year at concerts and CMEA Band
Festivals. Students also have the opportunity to perform
at our chamber dinner performances.
Athletic Band
(After School- Fall Only) (Level 2)
Athletic Bandis one of the most exciting performing expe-
riences in our program. The fall is spent preparing music
for collegiate Volleyball, Football, Basketball games. This
band is open to all students with prior instrumental music
experience or after audition for the color guard.
Winter Guard
(7th Period, After School-August to April (Level 3)
Winter Guard is an indoor Color Guard activity performed
in gyms and arenas. It Is expected that students of the fall
Color Guard continue with the Winter Guard program..
This group competes locally on the weekends from
February to April.
Percussion Ensemble
(After School-August to April) (Level 2)
Percussion ensemble is an indoor percussion activity per-
formed in gyms, arenas, and concert halls. All students are
welcome participate in Percussion Ensemble at GHS as
part of a well-rounded experience in percussion.
How To Stay Informed
Website
Our website contains a lot of information about our program. We will frequently post relevant information to the Announcements
page that you might be interested. All of our itineraries are posted on this website and updated as soon as the times come availa-
ble. You can find our website at: www.gregorimusicalarts.com
Calendar
See page: 10. You can always access our most current calendar by visiting our website: it will be found on the home page. We typi-
cally avoid handing out hard copies of our calendar because things change throughout the course of the year. Please know that the
calendar is subject to change. All mandatory events will be posted at least two weeks prior to the date of the event.
Facebook and Instagram
Like the Gregori Musical Arts Facebook Page. It is for current students and their parents/guardians and we invite you to join our
page. Our Instagram showcases all of our trips and gives updates to the program. The username is @gregoritardis.
Remind App
Remind is a group text message service that parents and students should sign up for. Your number remains private and you can
reply for help. Mr. Herrera is the only person who can send messages out. It is highly recommended that you and your student sign
up for this service. You may do so by following the directions below: Text the number 81010 and fill in the message below:
Athletic Band: @g7ee67
Concert Band: @e2g2b
GMAA: @gmaa
Jazz Band: @92a4e42
Orchestra: @b2acgb
Percussion Ensemble: @6cef9b
Colorguard (Afterschool team): @hk3634
“Color Guard” (Afterschool music programs): @fgab6k
Summer Music Lessons: @k7ch44
Tri-M Music Honor Society: @43a3e
Booster Meetings
The Band Boosters are a group that exists solely for the benefit of the band and color guard programs. They fundraise to financially
support these programs, as well as help out at shows and events. The executive board of the band boosters meets monthly on a
regular basis that are open to all (parents and students) who would like to attend. These meetings typically last an hour and consist
of planning for upcoming performances and fundraisers. The booster meetings dates usually fall on the same day and week per
month. The schedule will be voted on at the first booster meeting.
Fundraising
There will be many fundraisers held throughout the year, which are vital to offsetting the district’s cost of running a successful mu-
sic program. It is expected that each student will actively participate. Parent help in planning and running these fundraisers is vital,
needed, and very much appreciated!
Please Note
We do not send home paper correspondence other than permission slips and contracts. We encourage you to stay informed via as
many of the methods listed above as possible. Every effort will be made to communicate with you, but you must also understand
that there are a lot of events, many students to supervise, and active parent participation is the key to staying informed. E-mail
newsletters go out once per month and an update is sent out the third week.
Grading
Student Participation/Citizenship in Class/Rehearsal: 25% of the grade’s weight will be determined by stu-
dent participation/citizenship in class. Students will lose these points for behavior issues, tardies, not being
prepared for class.
Playing/Written Tests: 25% of the grade’s weight will be determined by score on various playing and written
test throughout the semester. Students will be given time during lunch, break, and after school to play the
assigned test for Mr. Herrera. Tests can only be made up to the end of the season. For example: If a student
misses a playing test on Concert 1 music, they cannot make up that test after that concert.
Final: 10% of the grade’s weight is based off of the district written final taken at the end of each semester.
Performances: The remaining 40% of the grade’s weight will be determined by students’ attendance, behav-
ior, attitude, and participation at performances. Band/Orchestra/Jazz Band/Color Guard is a performing arts
course, attendance at concerts & festivals is not graded.
*Attendance at concerts and festivals is not graded. However, attending our performances and festivals ful-
fills any requirement to complete alternative assignments** given to those who do not attend our perfor-
mances and festivals. If an absence is anticipated and pre-excused, the alternative assignment is due the day
of the event. If you miss a concert or festival due to illness or family emergency, the alternative assignment is
due one (1) week after the date of the event or at the discretion of the director.
**Alternative Assignment Research Paper—must be 5 pages typed, 12 point/Times New Roman font, dou-
ble spaced, with a works cited page included on a topic assigned by the director. Research papers will be
graded and checked for plagiarism.
Grading Scale
A—90% - 100% B-80%-89% C-70%-79% D-60%-69% F-0%-59%
Practice Outside of School
Practice logs must be kept and turned in every month for grading. Parent signatures will be required.
Two Week Policy
Any conflict that occurs with a practice or performance must be worked out at least two weeks prior to the
event. Only emergencies will fully excuse a student from an event and will be dealt with by a case by case
basis. Any conflicts not discussed with Mr. Herrera at least two weeks prior will not be considered. In re-
turn there will never be an event added to the calendar without at least two weeks notice by Mr. Herrera.
Missing Other Classes:
Occasionally your involvement in the program may cause you to miss other classes. When band/orchestra/
color guard/jazz band/winter guard/winter percussion is the reason for your absence from another class, you
may be allowed to use the music class period immediately following the day we missed class to make up a
test/study session for that class. Please be sure to check with the teacher and the director before missing
your music class for make-up due to any absence. Please be sure to check with your teachers PRIOR to any-
time we miss class.
Tardy Policy:
Class: You are expected to be inside and set up with your instrument tuned by the time the bell rings. If you
are not inside J 103 by the bell or not set up to rehearse when the bell rings you will be marked tardy.
Indoor Rehearsals: Students should be in their seats with their instruments and music ready to go by the
time rehearsal starts. If a rehearsal starts at 6:00pm students should be ready to play at 6pm to earn full
credit.
Graduation:
All Jazz Band members are expected to participate in the graduation ceremony in June. This is one of our
most important and visible performances of the entire year. Your attendance is necessary and expected.
Cost:
There is no cost for students participating in GMAA classes/festivals. Anything beyond the school day may
require a donation of up to $300. Students who need financial assistance should speak with Mr. Herrera. It
is expected that students participate in fundraisers to help fund the needs of program.
Honor Groups:
We strongly encourage all GMAA students to consider auditioning for honor ensembles. Not only are these
fun and rewarding experiences in music performance, they are also great additions to your resume and col-
lege application. Please speak with Mr. H if you are interested in auditioning in for the Nor Cal Honor Band/
Orchestra, All-State Honor Jazz, or Honor Jazz Band.
Equipment:
Over the course of the year, it is quite likely that you will be issued equipment that belongs to the school.
(Uniform parts, instrument etc.) You are responsible for the maintenance of and upkeep of these items.
We will instruct you how to care for them. If a piece of school equipment is returned damaged or not re-
turned at all, you will be charged for the cost of the item. Mr. H can provide you with a list of cost of the
various items checked out. Please keep in mind that band equipment is very costly and should be treated
with respect. Dates will be given to students when equipment should be turned in. Uniforms should never
be taken home without specific permission from Mr. H. Instruments should be taken home for practicing
purposes AFTER the contract is signed for the year.
Disclaimers:
As the director, Mr. Herrera reserves the right to dismiss someone from the GMAA Music Program or pre-
vent them from performing. Reasons for dismissal or keeping a student from performing could include but
are not limited to; excessive tardiness, excessive absences, poor attitude, unruly behavior, disciplinary ac-
tion taken by GHS Administration, etc.
Concert Attire
In order to produce a professional appearance, GMAA provides the underlined
uniforms following to all Gregori students. Students will need to provide the Italic
uniforms.
Girls: Black Dress. Black shoes and black socks
Boys: Tuxedo suit, cummerbund, and bow tie. Black shoes, black socks, and
white dress shirt.
Jazz Band Festival Attire
Girls: Black Dress. Black shoes and black socks
Boys: Black slacks (uniform can be used if needed) and a black shirt with
black socks and black shoes.
Concert Day Expectations:
1. On concert days: the band will set the cafeteria during 7th block.
Percussionists and brass students will take over percussion instruments
Woodwinds will set the MPR for performance (chairs and stands)
2. Students will need to arrive no later than 6:15pm in J103 to change into their
uniforms. (Any students with sports/school conflicts need to notify Mr. Herrera
via Email 2 weeks prior to the concert date to be excused).
3. J103 will be locked by 6:45pm. Students need to be seated in the MPR by
6:50pm.
4. After the concert: Orchestra students will be responsible for resetting the ta-
bles and chairs in the MPR before being dismissed. Violinists/violists will be re-
sponsible for loading percussion and stands and taking them to J103.
5. Students will need to change out of their uniforms and leave them at Gregori.
Course of Study Outline
I. Teaching techniques and Rehearsal Procedures
A. Further Emphasis on proper breath/bowing control.
B. Continuation of intonation studies at more advanced levels.
C. Continued study of phrasing.
II. Further Extension of Basic Musicianship
A. Continuation of work done in middle school, but on a more advanced plane, with the addition of transpo-
sition for all instruments.
B. Some training in chord recognition.
III. Further Training in the Proper Concept of Tone Quality for Individual Instruments and for Production of
Fine Quality of Band/Orchestra Tone
IV. Intonation Studies
A. Continuation of studies outlined for middle school, but at more advanced levels.
V. Further Development of Style
A. More detailed study of periods of music.
B. Playing music of different periods and styles.
1. Use of recordings as aids in developing maturity of style.
2. Development of discriminative listening.
VI. Materials
A. Band/Orchestra Repertoire
1. Overtures 2. Suites 3. Marches
4. Contemporary band literature 5. Sound track, film and pop music
B. Supplementary materials
1. Method books for individual study of clinic material.
2. Unison studies for full band/orchestra.
C. Small ensemble materials for various combinations of instruments.
D. Solo materials for all instruments.
E. Electronic aids
1. MP3 Player 2. CD Player 3. Tuner 4. Metronome
5. Computer Software 6. Digital Recording Equipment
GMAA Performing Groups Rules and Guidelines
In General… #1 Rule: Use Common Sense! No Profanity No PDA (Public Display of Affection) No Playing any instrument other than your own No touching guard equipment if you are not in the color guard No touching percussion equipment if you are not in percussion Show respect for all instruments, equipment, and music facilities as well other students property. Show respect to directors, staff, parent helps/volunteers, and fellow students Cell phones are to be silent or turned off during school hours and at rehearsals. Cell phones should not be brought on stage during performances, no exceptions. In J103... No students are allowed in the room without a director or staff member present. The band office is for the use of Mr. Herrera. If the door is open feel free to come in. If the door is
closed, please knock and wait for permission to enter. No one should take anything from the office with-out permission from Mr. H.
No food or drink (except water) is allowed in J103. INCLUDING LUNCH TIME No Gum, period. Only students that are current members of the band/guard program are permitted in the band room.
Don’t invite people outside of our program: they will be asked to leave. No running, horseplay, or throwing items. Instruments must be placed back in your locker after every rehearsal or taken home for practice Percussion area should be kept clean and organized. Lockers are for instruments, music, and books ONLY. Students will other items in their locker will be
evicted and will forfeit all rights to using a locker throughout the year. All lockers are unlocked at all times. Please be vigilant of others not involved in our program. Internet Etiquette... Please remember that you represent our program when posting on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc.
NEVER say anything negative about another music program, each other, or members of other programs. Students who break the internet etiquette may be removed from the program. On a trip... Always act in a way that positively represents yourself, our program, our school and community. MCS dress code must be followed at all times NO PDA (public display of affection) at anytime NO profanity, profane behavior, or conversations of an inappropriate nature. You should never be alone. Always have a buddy when walking around performance venues. You are not to leave the group to visit family/friends without permission from Mr. H On the bus... You must remain in your seat at all times. You must stay to your assigned bus during trips. No scented products (lotion, perfumes, scented body sprays etc.) should be used on the bus! In the audience... Be positive and supportive of all groups performing Do not talk, text, or use your cell phone during any performance Do not enter or exit the performance venue during a performance.
GMAA Leadership and Staff STAFF
Director Paul Herrera
Color Guard Instructor Matt Syljuberget
Percussion Instructor Glenn Imai
Color Guard Assistant Katrina Fitzpatrick
Oboe Instructor Julia Cornejo
Booster Board
President MeriFrancine Valenzuela
Vice President Lucy Madueno
Treasurer Kirk Hadley
Secretary Linda Swartz
Fundraiser Coordinator TBD
Transportation Coordinator TBD
Tri-M Music Honor Society
President Carlos Molina
Vice President Marina Madueno
Treasurer Brandon Pike
Secretary Sofia De Angelis
Historian Armando Estrada
Color Guard Representative Jillian Baca
Orchestra Rep Jocelyn Barraza
Concert Band Rep/Librarian Hannah Hoffman
Jazz Band Rep Annabelle Harman
Equipment Manager Erik Bloomfield
Equipment Manager Catherine Mauthe
Webmaster Alexander Mauthe
Event Coordinator Elisha Gonzalez
SAT Test Dates – DO NOT BOOK THE BOLD DATES BELOW
SAT Test Dates 2017-18 (U.S.)
October 7, 2017
November 4, 2017
December 2, 2017 (Jazz Band Only)
March 10, 2018 (CVGPC)/(CMEA Solo & Ensemble)
May 5, 2018 (Band/Orchestra only)
GMAA Calendar
2017-2018
August
7-8 Tri-M Music Honor Society Retreat
9-11 Back to School Music Camp
25 – Preview Concert
September 1—Gregori Football Game
14— Education Foundation of Stanislaus County performance (chamber groups) 16 – Salida Parade/Performance
20 – CODA Honor Orchestra Ap-plications Due!
23 – SJSU Band Day 2017
October 6—Gregori Football Game
9-24 GMAA Fundraiser 1: “Save Around Coupon Books”
17 – SJSU “Be a Music Major For a Day” 2017 20—Gregori Football Game
24 – Concert #1 27—Gregori Football Game
28 – Fresno State Band Day
November
2 – MJC String Day – 8:30am-1:45pm
*7 – SCMEA Honor Orchestra Au-ditions
11 - Veteran’s Day Parade
13 - Chamber Dinner 1
December
1 - CASMEC and Nor-Cal Audi-tions Applications Due
1-2 - CODA Honor Orchestras
2 - Delta Jazz Festival 5 - SCMEA Honor Band Auditions 5 - Concert #2
12 - Joint Orchestra Concert at Prescott Middle School with PMS and DHS Orchestras
25-31 Winter Break
January
1-12 Winter Break
*TBD – UOP Basketball Game
*TBD – Fresno State 16 – SCMEA Honor Orchestra/Band Rehearsal Basketball Game
20 - Color Guard: CVGPC Evals
25-27 – SCMEA Honor Orchestra/Band Rehearsals
27 – SCMEA Honor Orchestra/Band Concerts
February
1-3 – Nor Cal Honor Band
3 – CVGPC Show 1
15-18 – California All-State Music Educators Conference 2018
24 – CVGPC Show 2
*26 – Chamber Dinner 2:
March
2 – Stanislaus Jazz Festival 3-7 Enochs HS in NYC
9 – San Joaquin Delta College Band and Orchestra Festival 10 – CMEA Solo and Ensemble @ Stanislaus State
10/(17) – CVGPC Show 3*
20 – Concert #3
24/(31) – CVGPC Show 4*
26-30 – Spring Break
April 7 – CVGPC: Championships
11-14 French Quarter Festival: New Orleans, LA
*23 Chamber Dinner 3
May
*1 – Concert #4/Awards Night
5 – CMEA Band/Orchestra
30 - Graduation
June
*TBD – Tri-M Music Retreat
Music Lessons with Paul 26-30 – GMAA Fireworks Booth
DO “MoBand” www.moband.org !!
July
1-4 – GMAA Fireworks Booth
4 – Parade with Johansen
Awards and Honors
Several Plaques and Awards are on display in J103 recognizing the achievements of individu-
al students in the program. Awards are given at the end of the year. For a listing of those
who have been honored, please visit the ‘about us’ page on our website or check-out the
plaques in the music room.
JAG Awards
Recognize the student/parent volunteer who reflects the attitude and dedication we would
hope to see in every GHS GMAA student.
Winterguard/Percussion Ensemble Awards
Most Outstanding, Most Inspirational, & Most Improved awards are presented at the con-
clusion of their season for each group.
End of the Year Awards
Certificate of Recognition
Awarded after one year (2 semesters) in the program.
John Philip Sousa Band Award
Recognizing the most outstanding achievement and commitment to the GMAA Band Pro-
gram.
National School Orchestra
Recognizing the most outstanding orchestra musician for the school year.
Louis Armstrong Jazz Award
Recognizing the most outstanding jazz musician for the school year.
Gregori Musical Arts Director’s Award for Distinguished Service
Recognizing the most dedicated student to the program over their high school career
Tri-M Honor Music Society Pins/Awards
Recognizing their commitment to the program and service projects they have completed
Performer Pledge & Contract
Every GMAA Music Student must agree to the following:
1. Attitude: I will always bring a positive attitude to the stage or floor.
2. Effort: I will give 100% effort for the duration of every rehearsal and performance.
3. Attendance: I will attend all scheduled rehearsals and performances.
4. Character: I will always act in a way that brings pride and honor to our program, our school, and our community. I will follow the behavioral guidelines and policies of the Gre-gori High School Instrumental Music Program, Gregori High School, and the MCS Code of Ethics.
5. Respect: I will respect all of my fellow student performers, student leadership, parent chaperones, school administrators, staff, and directors.
6. Service: I will serve my section and the ensemble striving to ensure that everyone has the best experience possible.
7. Balance: I will manage my time, maintain my grades, eat properly, and get enough sleep to be at my very best for the good of the ensemble.
8. Commitment: I understand that I have made a commitment to not only the program, but to my fellow performers. I will see that commitment through to the end of the season, no matter what circumstances may arise.
____________________________________________________________________________
Sports/Extra Curricular Programs
Gregori High School has an active campus with regard to Sports, Performing Arts, and Clubs.
Outside of Gregori there are even more extra curricular options. PLEASE LIST all that you are
planning to do at Gregori and Beyond so the director can plan out schedule conflicts
Example: GHS: Track, Tennis, Chess Club Beyond GHS: MSYO, Boy Scouts,
GHS: _______________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Beyond GHS: _________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
I have read the handbook and agree to meet the expectations of the GMAA Music Program
___________________________________ ________________________________________
Parent Signature Date Student Signature Date