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 ● Herrera.p@monet.k12.ca.us

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