CHARITON HIGH

SCHOOL
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
HANDBOOK
2015-2016

CHARITON HIGH SCHOOL

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
2015-2016
MARCHING BAND PERFORMANCES
8/28/15
9/18/15
9/25/15
9/26/15
10/3/15
10/9/15

7:30PM
7:30 PM
All Day
All Day
All Day
7:30 PM

CHS v. Centerville
CHS v. Mount Pleasant
HOMECOMING!!!
Centerville Pancake Day Parade
Ottumwa Oktoberfest Parade
CHS v. Carlisle

ALL-STATE/SCIBA HONOR BANDS**

9/28/15
Moines
10/24/15
11/19 - 11/21
12/3/15
Moines
1/9/15

6:30-10:00 PM (Tentative) Drake All-State Prep Clinic- Des

All Day
Overnight
Evening

All-State Auditions- Indianola

All-State Festival- Ames
SCIBA Auditions- Roosevelt HS, Des

All Day

SCIBA Festival- Ankeny HS, Ankeny

WINTER CONCERT BAND PERFORMANCE

**10/26/15
12/7/15

7:00 PM
7:00 PM

PEP BAND PERFORMANCES

CHS Trash Band Concert

Winter Concert with CHS Choir

12/1/15 (Tues)
12/8/15 (Tues)
12/11/15 (Fri)
12/17/15 (Thurs)
1/5/16 (Tues)
1/8/16 (Fri)
1/12/16 (Tues)
1/21/16 (Thurs)
1/25/16 (Mon)
Girls)

7:30
7:30
7:30
6:15
7:30
7:30
7:15
7:30
6:00

PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM

CHS
CHS
CHS
CHS
CHS
CHS
CHS
CHS
CHS

v.
v.
v.
v.
v.
v.
v.
v.
v.

Davis County (Boys)

ALBIA (Boys and Girls)
Knoxville (Boys and Girls)
I-35 (Boys and Girls)
EBF (Boys and Girls)
Davis County (Girls)
Clarke (Boys and Girls)
Centerville (Boys and Girls)
Central Decatur (Boys and

JAZZ BAND PERFORMANCES

12/12/15
2/6/16
(ACT)
2/20/16
Falls
3/3/16 3/4/16

All Day
All Day

SCIBA Jazz Festival- Winterset

Jack Oatts Jazz Festival- Earlham

All Day

UNI Tall Corn Jazz Festival- Cedar

7:00 PM

Pops Concert

SOLO/SMALL ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL**

4/2/16

All Day

TBA

SPRING CONCERT BAND PERFORMANCES

2/22/16
7:00 PM
3/18/16 3/20/16
5/2/16
7:00 PM
5/6/16
IHSMA Large Group Festival
5/22/16
3:00 PM

Spring Concert
Tentative Trip Date
Spring Concert
TBA
Graduation

POTENTIAL HONOR BANDS**

12/4/15 12/5/15
Moines
2/5/16 2/6/16

Overnight

Drake Honor Band Festival- Des

Overnight
All Day

ISU Cyclone Honor Band- Ames

South Central Conference Honor

Band
** Denotes student participation is not mandatory. All other dates must be attended
unless Ms. Schmidt is notified one month in advance. [NOTE: Jazz performances
are mandatory for jazz band members only.]

CHARITON HIGH SCHOOL

BAND UNIFORMS
EXPECTATIONS
It is important that you handle your uniform and treat it with extreme care. It
is to be hung up properly after each performance.
If your uniform becomes soiled at any time, it should be cleaned immediately.
Notify Ms. Schmidt if this happens.
All students must wear black socks with their uniform.
All students must wear a white t-shirt under your uniform. Red stains the
white collar!

MARCHING BAND UNIFORMS

Student Furnished
White undershirt
Black Socks

Department Furnished
Coat
Trousers

Black marching shoes (~$25)*

Black socks

Shako (hat)
Plume

COLOR GUARD UNIFORMS

Student Furnished
Undergarments & tights
Shoes
(~$30)*
Makeup

* PURCHASED THROUGH

THE

Department Furnished
Uniform
Top Coat

SCHOOL

CHARITON HIGH SCHOOL

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
2015-2016 NECESSARY MATERIALS
1. A quality instrument that is in appropriate playing order. If an instrument
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

needs repair, Ms. Schmidt must be notified immediately so that proper steps
may be taken to get the instrument repaired.
At least 3 working reeds that are appropriate strength for the individual
student.
Percussion students need 1 pair of snare sticks and 1 pair of medium hardness
marimba mallets*
Advanced Method Vol. I by Rubank
A marching lyre suitable to students instrument with flip book
A pencil that lives in students case so that it is always present for all
rehearsals
***Please Note***

All of these supplies are available for purchase online at riemans.com. To order the
lesson book, click on the shop for school band supplies button on the left hand
side of the screen. Click on Chariton High School, followed by appropriate
instrument. Advanced Method will be the first book to appear. Upon check out in the
additional notes section, simply list your students name followed by to be
delivered to Chariton High School by road rep to ensure free shipping.
To purchase reeds, click on band instruments on the top left side of the screen, then
band accessories, reeds and instrument. Most high school students should be
playing on at least a 3 strength reed, but student will know for sure. Rico reeds are
acceptable, but Van Dorens are a higher quality reed and preferred.
*To purchase percussion sticks and mallets, click on percussion on the upper left
side of the page, and select drum sticks. I recommend Vic Firth 5A drum sticks for
concert band; nylon or wood tip is fine. For mallets, re-click percussion and select
mallets- Innovative IP200 medium/soft mallets are a great choice. So long as the
mallet is yarn and is of a medium/soft hardness, it will be fine.
Lyres may be purchased under band instruments-accessories-lyres and stands. Each
student will need a lyre appropriate for their instrument and a flip book.

CHARITON HIGH SCHOOL

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
2015-2016 GRADING
QUARTER GRADES
1) 60% - lesson grades
3) 30% - performance attendance, preparation, and behavior
5) 10% - written assessments and listening assignments

SEMESTER GRADES
1) 90% - quarter grades (see above)
2) 10% - semester final examination

GRADING SCALE
93-100% A 83-86% B 73-76% C 63-66% D
90-92% A- 80-82% B- 70-72% C- 60-62% D-

87-89% B+ 77-79% C+ 67-69% D+ 0-59% F

PERFORMANCES
Performances are worth 30% of students quarter grades. Band performances are
the summation of each unit of study and cannot be duplicated or "made-up." An
UNEXCUSED absence at a scheduled performance will result in the student
receiving a zero in performance attendance for the quarter. Students that
have an unexcused absence at a required performance may lose future
performance opportunities and/or be removed from the class. If you are unsure if
an absence would be considered excused or unexcused, consult with Ms. Schmidt
prior to the performance. Work is not an excusable absence.
A student that has an excused absence from a scheduled performance will
demonstrate his/her proficiency on the assigned music in an alternative manner.

WRITTEN WORK
Written work is worth 10% of students quarter grades. Written assessments and
homework during the semester will reflect material being covered in the large
ensemble and lessons. Common written work assignments include listening
reflections, important forms being returned, and theory assignments

SEMESTER EXAMS
Semester exams are worth 10% of students SEMESTER grades. Each semester
the instrumental music students will be given a comprehensive written exam
covering music theory and wind band literature. This examination will be based
upon music theory and history as studied and performed by the band during that
semester.

LESSONS
1:
Student has
not practiced,
and
performance
of specific
elements has
declined since

2:
Student has
last lesson.
not practiced
And/or
and simply
student has
maintained
not
performance
practiced for 2 over specified
or more
materials
weeks in a
from last
row.
lesson.

3:
Student has
practiced
specific
elements some,
and small or
minute
improvements
are
evident over
specified
materials.

5:
4:
Student has
Student has
practiced
practiced
specific
specific
elements
elements
thoroughly and
enough that
has made
improvements
marked
have been made improvements
and are
over specified
exhibited
material since
majority of the
last
time.
lesson

Melodic Elements:
note and pitch
accuracy (affected by
fingerings and
embouchure/stroke),
tone quality,
understanding of role
in musical texture
Rhythmic Elements:
consistent and
appropriate tempo,
understanding and
execution of correct
rhythmic figures,
understanding
and applied
knowledge of written
rhythmic analysis
(i.e. 1e&a)
Extra-Musical
Elements:
dynamics,
articulation, style, and
knowledge of how
music may relate to
other arts and studies
Lesson Preparation:
Timeliness and
materials
To be practiced:

CHARITON HIGH SCHOOL

SOLO/SMALL ENSEMBLE PARTICIPATION
Participation in the annual Solo/Small Ensemble Festival is a great opportunity for
any band student looking to improve their technical and musical skill set. Students
may prepare a solo work of literature, often accompanied by piano or in a variety of
small group settings. These small groups are often, but not limited to:
Same or similar instrument duets, trios, quartets, and quintets
Larger and more inclusive choirs often woodwind, brass, or percussion
oriented
With Solo/Small Ensemble Festival often occurring in late March (see calendar for
year specific date) much solo and group literature is chosen prior to Winter Break. It
is imperative that practice occurs immediately and at a consistent interval until the
date of the event. Each piece of literature chosen for the soloist or group should
challenge student(s) at a higher level than concert band music and therefore
warrants greater attention to detail. Lack of practice is unacceptable.
Any student that is unprepared and scratches (withdraws from the competition)
within one month of the event will be asked to reimburse the school their $12
registration fee. Instruction and coaching for each entry will be provided in
individual lessons and often beyond school hours at a weekly interval leading up to
the festival date. Any student that must withdraw from the festival due to
ineligibility will be asked to reimburse the registration fee, provide hand written
apology notes to all members of their group, and will maintain attendance at the
festival to complete 5 listening reflections.
Solo/Small Ensemble Festival is a wonderful way to increase musicianship, develop
leadership skills and participate in a chamber (small group) setting. Participation in
highly encouraged. Students may choose to participate on their own accord or may
be asked to participate at the discretion of Ms. Schmidt. Please consider the above
conditions before making a decision to participate.

CHARITON HIGH SCHOOL

NEXT STEPS
It will continually be my mission to bring Chariton High School Instrumental Music to
new levels each year. I have developed some Next Steps that students and
parents should consider in order to bring individual students and the program as a
whole to new levels.

PRIVATE LESSONS
One of the best ways to take a next step is to take private lessons from a teacher
who specializes on your instrument. If you are interested in furthering your
musicianship with a private teacher, please contact Ms. Schmidt and she will find a
suitable teacher in the area. If you decide to study with a private teacher, your
private lessons will receive credit for school lessons.

MAINTENANCE/REPAIR
Regular maintenance is important to keeping your instrument in good playing
condition. To ensure good playing condition, it is important to clean and care for
your instrument. Most instruments require some amount of maintenance naturally
and should be taken to professionals at a music store as needed. Ms. Schmidt is
capable of answering maintenance related questions and aiding in some repairs. If
the repair is beyond what can be handled in a band classroom, the instrument will
be sent to Rieman Music in Des Moines.

INSTRUMENT PURCHASE
If at any time you make the decision to purchase a new instrument, please talk to
Ms. Schmidt. I suggest shopping for instruments at a reputable music store, such as
Rieman Music in Des Moines or West Music in Ottumwa. Avoid instruments you
might find on eBay with an unusually low price. They are often poor quality and will
not stay in good playing condition more than a year or two. Upon purchase, you
may choose to hold on to your current instrument, or trade it in when you purchase
your upgraded instrument.

ACCESSORY UPGRADE
Prior to purchasing an entirely new instrument, upgrading to a different mouthpiece,
reed strength or brand of percussion stick can make a world of difference. Before
purchasing any accessories, please consult with Ms. Schmidt to ensure quality
equipment.

CHARITON HIGH SCHOOL

LETTERING FORM
2015-2016
[** please list experiences on back of this sheet of paper]
ENSEMBLES:
Concert Band Member (25)
Jazz Band Member (25)
Contest Ensemble (25 per)
________
- Division I Rating (15)
________
- Division II Rating (10)
________
- Division III Rating (5)
Community Band (15)
Other*
*(15)
________
SOLOS:
Prepared Contest Solo (50 per)
________
- Division I Rating (25)
- Division II Rating (20)
________
- Division III Rating (15)
________
HONOR BANDS:
All-State Audition (50)
- Selected as alternate (50)
- Selected as member (100)
SCIBA Audition (30)
________
- Selected as alternate (30)
- Selected as member (60)
All Other Honor Band Participation** (15 per)
________

________
________

________
________

________

________
________
________
________
________

MISCELLANEOUS:
Non-School Function Concert Attendance** (15 per)
________
I.e. Civic Center Production, Symphony Concert, Area Jazz Performance, Etc.

Perfect Pep Band Attendance (15)

________
Community Service Utilizing Music** (15 per)
________
Going Above and Beyond: Citizenship in the Classroom** (15 per)
________
I.e. Lifting morale, mentoring freshmen, lending helping hands, etc.

TOTAL

________

YOU NEED 90 POINTS TO LETTER

(Do NOT forget to put your name on this sheet of paper!)

CHARITON HIGH SCHOOL

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
MEDICAL FORM
CONFIDENTIAL
__________________________________________
STUDENT NAME
List TWO people to contact in case of emergency (one should not be a parent):
1)
___________________________________________________________________________________
Name
Relationship to Student
Phone #
2)
___________________________________________________________________________________
Name
Relationship to Student
Phone #
FAMILY DOCTOR:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Doctor Name
Work Phone
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Street Address
City, State, Zip

Health Insurance Company:

______________________________________________________________
Policy Number:
_______________________________________________________________________
Please list any medication that the student may be taking or any health concerns
that should be taken into consideration:
_________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
MEDICAL RELEASE:
I give my permission and consent for Leah Schmidt and/or Diane Tordoff to act in my
good stead in case of accident or medical emergency involving my child. I authorize
them to seek medical assistance by a licensed physician or medical center.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
Please sign and return by Friday, August 28, 2015.

CHARITON HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

CONTACT INFO/HANDBOOK CONTRACT
2015-2016
Student Name__________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Home Phone___________________________________________________________________
Cell Phone_____________________________________________________________________
Email_________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name(s)_________________________________________________________
Primary Phone_____________________________________________(indicate home, cell, etc.)
Place of Employment_____________________________________(indicate whos
employment)
Work Phone(s)_________________________________________________________________

Email_________________________________________________________________________
Please list any dates from the Instrumental Music Calendar that you may have
conflicts with.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
If a conflict comes up after returning this contract, let Ms. Schmidt know as soon as
possible.
By signing below, I have read and understand the Chariton High School Instrumental Music
Department 2014-2015 Student Handbook. I will be held to all the expectations included in
the handbook:
2014-2015 Calendar
Grading
Uniform Care
Next Steps
Private Teachers
Sample Letter System
Medical Form
Contact Info/Handbook Contract

Student Signature

Parent/Guardian Signature(s)

Date

Date

Please sign and return by Friday, August 28, 2015