| In these classes you will be exposed to the unique musical idiom of jazz through listening, playing and performing. As ensembles, these courses will additionally emphasize ensemble-specific skills, including balance, blend and rehearsal technique. There will also be opportunities for improvisation. |
| A. |
Attendance |
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1 |
Students are expected to arrive BEFORE the rehearsal is scheduled to begin to allow time for individual warm-up |
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2 |
Students should begin setting up immediately upon arrival at rehearsal. |
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3 |
After an appropriate time for set-up (about 3 minutes), rehearsal will begin. |
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4 |
Students arriving after rehearsal has begun are subject to the school attendance policy.Unlike any other classes in the Music Department, the jazz ensembles meet exclusively after school. Furthermore, rehearsal schedules will often change from one rehearsal to the next; time set aside for specific sections of the ensembles, called "sectionals", only require a certain section or sections to be present. Despite these conditions, students are still expected to arrive at rehearsal on time, the same way they are expected to arrive at class on time during the school day. Students who leave school at the end of the day and return later for their portion of rehearsal must allow time for possible traffic or other travel conditions that could cause delays. The schedules for all rehearsals will be posted outside the band room AND e-mailed directly to students. Please check the schedule often to be sure you know when you need to be in rehearsal. |
| B. |
Instrument and Music |
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1 |
Your instrument must be in good working order; you must have all the equipment your instrument requires to function properly (reeds, mouthpieces, neckstraps, etc.) |
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2 |
All your sheet music, as well as any other handouts provided, must be brought to every rehearsal. |
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3 |
You must have your own pencil for every rehearsal. |
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4 |
Drummers: you are responsible for returning equipment to its proper place of storage after every rehearsal, if it is necessary to do so (this depends on what class meets first the next day, and whether or not that class will need that equipment; your teacher will give you this information). |
| C. |
Rehearsal Technique |
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1 |
You must be actively involved in all aspects of rehearsal. This means you must pay attention at all times. |
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2 |
You must demonstrate proper playing technique. This includes:
a. Good posture
b. Proper instrument and hand position. |
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3
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No talking or other disruptive behavior is permitted during rehearsal. |
| D. |
Homework/Home Practice |
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Students are expected to set aside an adequate amount of time EVERY DAY to learn all music passed out in rehearsals. It is only when every individual works to perform his or her part the best that he or she can that the ensemble as a whole can reach its potential. |
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Practicing is homework, and is required. |
| E. |
Concert Attendance |
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The ensemble is like one big musical instrument. When ANY member of the ensemble is absent from a performance, it is like a piece of the instrument is missing. For this reason, even one missing musician can cause the performance to suffer. Therefore, it is MANDATORY that all students attend and participate in ALL performances given by their ensemble. Exceptions would be made for illness, a death in the family or a religious holiday. |
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We have made an effort to schedule our performances around other school events that we know about. Occasionally, a conflict with another school activity may still arise. If you discover that one of your other school activities conflicts with one of your ensemble’s concerts, it is YOUR responsibility to immediately notify all parties involved in an effort to resolve the issue. Quite often, you will find that we have run into the same situation in previous years and can give you guidance. |
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Please remember: unexcused absences will result in a zero for the concert, which will in turn significantly impact your quarter grade. |
