The VHS Jazz Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble that rehearses from 2:30-3:10 on Mondays and Thursdays. Rehearsals take place between the end of the school day and the beginning of athletic practices and extra curricular activities. Students that are accepted into the jazz band will receive a grade for the course and 2.5 fine arts credits for the year.
I. ATTENDANCE:
You must attend all Jazz Ensemble rehearsals on Mondays and Thursdays from 2:30-3:10.
If you are absent from school, missing a rehearsal is excused. In the case of an absence, you should check google classroom AND check with your section leader to see what you missed.
Other than being absent from school, the only other excused absences are being on a field trip OR competing at a sporting event. Any other absence is considered cutting and will affect your grade and potentially have disciplinary consequences. Making up a test, getting extra help, etc is NOT an excused absence. Schedule these things on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday.
II. GRADING:
Jazz Ensemble grades will be determined based on the following grading areas:
CLASS PARTICIPATION AND REHEARSAL TECHNIQUE GRADES: You will receive a grade in this area typically once every two weeks. The grade will be based on your participation in rehearsal. Your grade can be affected by the following:
– attendance
– no instrument and/or music for rehearsa
– gum, drink, or food during rehearsal (THESE ARE NOT ALLOWED)
– late to rehearsal
– incorrectly storing music, instrument, and/or equipment
– not paying attention, talking, fooling around, etc
– no pencil
TESTING GRADES: Testing may include written tests, sectional performance testing, or individual performance testing.
PERFORMANCE PARTICIPATION GRADES: Jazz Band is a performance class. Attendance at a concert in which the band performs is mandatory. The only legitimate excuses are illness or a death in the family. Absences of this nature must be excused with a note from a parent addressed and delivered to the instructor personally, and preferably prior to the concert. Unexcused absences are not tolerated. You will receive two grades for each performance. The following grades can be received for your performance participation grading area:
– performed in concert with proper performance attire 100% (A)
– performed in concert without proper performance attire 85% (B)
– failed to attend concert 0% (F)
View the JAZZ ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE and get the dates in your calendar ASAP!
Please note that there may be additional performances.
We would never schedule a concert without trying to give at least a month notice.
LESSON/SECTIONAL GRADES:
In addition to Jazz Ensemble, any students passing the audition will be signed up for 1 credit of Jazz Lessons. For this grade, students will complete one 24 minute lesson/sectional during each schedule rotation (A through D Days). Attendance at the sectional will be graded.
III. CLASSROOM RULES:
- Be on time to class.
- Have your instrument and music everyday.
- No talking while someone is standing on the podium or when someone else is talking.
- Treat others with respect.
- No gum, food, or drink during rehearsal.
- Cell phones should not be out or used during rehearsal.
- Take care of your instrument and be aware of other instruments in the room.
- Treat the music rooms with respect.
IV. PERFORMANCE ATTIRE:
Students participating in Concert Band are required to wear one of the following uniform options for performances. These items can be purchased on your own, or you can choose to purchase a uniform through the school. We will distribute uniform ordering information to students and parents/guardians via email.
OPTION 1:
- Black tuxedo (or black dress pants and black jacket)
- White shirt (tuxedo shirt or dress shirt)
- Black bow tie
- Black shoes and socks
OPTION 2:
- Black dress pants
- Black dress shirt (tuxedo shirt or dress shirt)
- Black bow tie
- Black shoes and socks
OPTION 3:
- Full length black dress (conservative neckline and short sleeves)Black closed toe dress shoes (no sandals)
