THORNTON HIGH SCHOOL BAND PARENT

THORNTON HIGH SCHOOL BAND PARENT ORGANIZATION

Welcome to the 2007-2008 Student Handbook. You will find information regarding the Band program, Orchestra program, Bronco games, Broomfield Event Center, and the organizations fundraising. Please have one parent and student read the entire handbook, print and sign this first page, and return the form by Tuesday, September 11, 2007, to Jared Crump-Bertram or Nancy Marble

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jared Crump-Bertram, Nancy Marble, or any of the board members listed in the handbook.

Thank you for your time and effort.

Sincerely,

The THSBOP Board Members

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I have received, read, and understand the student handbook.

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Parent (s)/Guardian(s) Date

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Student(s) Date

Instrumental Music Department

Vision Statement 2007-2008

Our vision for the instrumental music students at Thornton High School is for our students to leave THS with an appreciation for the value of music in our society. Our goal is that this will be achieved through intensive study and participation in many different areas of music.

We feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity work with the absolute best students anywhere. The students are the heart and soul of our program, and it is our desire to help them realize their potential as both musicians and as human beings.

Welcome to Thornton High School Band and Orchestra Parent Group

The Band and Orchestra Parent group exists for the purpose of providing the band and the orchestra with much needed funds and support to enable the band and orchestra to continue offering superior music education to the students. Every Parent or Guardian of a student enrolled in Thornton High School Band and Orchestra classes are automatically a member of the Band & Orchestra Parent Group. Any other interested adults or students that support the instrumental music program can be associate members of the organization. There are no fees for membership.

Our meetings are normally held the First Monday night of every month at 7:30pm in the band room, little theater, or auditorium. The music directors are very supportive and often attend our meetings. We strongly encourage parents to attend and become active in the band and orchestra group. Here are a few ways you can help out

Broomfield Event Center We operate food/beer concession stands at the Broomfield Event Center for various events including The 14ers and the Rocky Mountain Rage. Watch the web site for upcoming dates.

Broncos We operate concession stands at the home games and at other sporting and music events happening at Invesco Field at Mile High. It is a fun and busy atmosphere that provides another essential source of funds for the music program. Please contact some one below about helping with the Broncos concession.

Fund-raisers We hold other fund-raisers throughout the school year. These are held as needed based on a budgetary demand.

There are other committees that need parent and adult involvement to help support the instrumental music program. During marching season we can always use some help moving with the pit equipment every time the marching band performs.

Again welcome to Thornton High School Band and Orchestra Parent Group (THSBOP), we are looking forward to another successful year.

Also below are a few numbers of the elected board. The full board is listed near the end of this document.

Instrumental Music

Course Description

This is an elite group of students who have proven to be dedicated to music and their instruments. The class is open to string instrument students by audition, and is joined throughout the year by outstanding band students for a full orchestra experience. Private lessons are not a required part of Symphonic Orchestra, but are encouraged. Symphonic orchestra is a competitive class performing at several festivals throughout the year including in-state and out-of-state festivals.

This class is open to all string instrument students. Students will perform up to 4 required concerts a year. They may be invited to participate in many festivals in the area. Concert orchestra is open to students in grades 9-12.

Marching Band is an activity that is open to all students. The season runs through the end of the 1st quarter (end of October). Students are then placed in either Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble (by audition only) for the remainder of the school year. The Marching Band maintains a very busy schedule with many performances at football games, band competitions and parades.

Wind Ensemble is the top performing wind band at Thornton High School. Students will have the opportunity to audition for the group at the conclusion of marching band. Private lessons are not a required part of Wind Ensemble, but are encouraged. Wind Ensemble performs at several festivals throughout the year including in-state and out-of-state festivals.

Symphonic band is a band for those students who are not yet ready for Wind Ensemble. Emphasis is placed on developing strong individual technique and the ability to work well in an ensemble situation. No audition is necessary to be a member of Symphonic Band. In addition to the concerts at school, this group may perform at one in-state festival in the spring.

Jazz Ensemble is the top performing jazz group at THS. This 18 member group is comprised of students who audition in the spring for the following year. Jazz Ensemble performs at several in-state and out-of-state festivals throughout the year.

Jazz band is a band for students who wish to play and learn about the jazz idiom. No prior jazz experience is necessary and students are accepted into the class on a space available basis. In addition to the concerts at school, this group will perform at one or two in-state festivals second semester.

Music theory is open to all students who have had some type of previous music education (band, orchestra, choir, piano, etc.). It is a college preparatory type of course, which concentrates on the theory and history of music. Students will get into composition and music analysis. Theory is a year long class, and is highly recommended for students who are considering taking music beyond high school. Students are required to purchase a text book at the cost of approximately $25.

This is a semester long class in the music department at THS. This course provides an opportunity for anyone, regardless of their musical background, to learn the basic fundamentals of music through the teaching of basic music theory, and basic skills on the guitar. Students are accepted into this class on a space available basis, and guitars are provided for student use. Students are required to purchase 2 textbooks at a cost of approximately $16.00

Instrumental Music

Classroom Rules & Grading

A. Band and Orchestra is a performance-based class and are graded to reflect this. Participation is a large portion of your grade. Each student gets 20 participation points every day. Items that reflect one's participation are: tardiness, absences, preparedness, and cooperation.

B. Students are graded on all performances. This is not optional. Students are required to attend all performances. Students will be given a calendar of performances ahead of time. When other performances arise, students will be given notice weeks in advance.

C. Students will receive a maximum of 300 points for each performance as long as he/she is on time, prepared, and doing their best.

D. Excused absences for a performance must be cleared with the director before the performance. Work is not excused. The student is responsible for seeing the director to get make-up work for a missed performance in order to make up a portion of the class points.

E. If a student has an unexcused absence from a performance; he/she will receive a grade no higher than a C for that quarter. If a student has more than one Unexcused absence from performances, he/she will FAIL for that quarter.

F. Students may also have playing tests and written tests throughout the year that will affect their grade. See Sample Band Playing and Orchestra Playing Test.

G. At the end of the quarter the student's daily allocation points will be totaled and added to performance and test points. The standard used for grading will be determined by the maximum number of points for that quarter.

B. Woodwinds: Cleaning materials, cork grease, pad glue, three good reeds at all times.

C. Percussion: Sticks, Mallets (please initial them to avoid confusion) and Stick Bags

1. Some instruments owned by the school are available for student use. The annual fee for use of these instruments is $30.00. Students need to check with the directors regarding availability of these instruments, and all necessary forms need to be completed prior to students taking these instruments home.

2. At the end of the marching band season, all percussionists will sign a contract agreeing to assume responsibility for percussion equipment used by the group they play with. Fines will be assessed for lost or damaged equipment.

Grading Criteria

Non-Performance Courses

Grading for this course will be based on daily assignments, 2 playing tests (on the guitar), a performance observation paper (2 to 3 pages, typed), a mid-term exam, and a final exam. The breakdown in percentages is as follows:

This course, designed as a college preparatory type of course, will be graded on the basis of year-training and listening exams, composition projects (advanced music theory only), a mid-term exam, and a final exam. The breakdown in percentages is as follows:

Listening Exam 10% In the Listening Exam, there will be a drop-the-needle test on predetermined works of music that the students will be expected to recognize.

Sample Playing Test

Instrumental Music Performance Calendar 2007-2008

Marching Band Fall Calendar – 2007

Once School begins, practice will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.

We are looking forward to a great season! Please feel free to contact Jared Crump-Bertram (720) 972-4842 if you have any questions or concerns.

· A more detailed schedule with times and locations will be sent out in the fall, with updates as information is given

· All practices will start and end at Thornton High School, unless we are at 5 Star Stadium which will be announced prior to the rehearsal.

· Please wear tennis shoes and bring plenty of water and sunscreen to all practices, and wear appropriate clothing for the season.

· Students will be on their own for lunch on all camp days (there are many fast food restaurants in the area, or students are welcome to bring a lunch and eat it at the school).

Lettering

Lettering is an opportunity for students to be recognized and rewarded for outstanding achievement. The Instrumental Music Program at THS awards "LETTERS" based on the achievements of students outside of the classroom. Directors will allocate all points for participating in different activities. Students will receive an application in the spring to fill out for eligibility. Students are encouraged to keep track of all of their activities throughout the year. If you have any questions, please see a director. Students earning enough points to letter will receive a certificate and eligibility to wear the Letter Bar pin on their letter jacket. To be eligible for a letter, students need to have at least a "B" average in their music class through third quarter. Letters are awarded at the Awards Ceremony at the end of the school year. Point totals and allocations will vary slightly from year to year. Examples of previous years activities and points:

Challenges

"Challenges" are available to all students wanting to improve their chair placement in band. Challenging can be of benefit to the band as long as it is kept in perspective. The way to keep challenging positive is to be prepared and keep the person being challenged informed. Please do not waste the time of the person being challenged by not preparing the music. Simply wanting a better chair does not warrant making a challenge. A good system of challenges can be a motivation for many to practice and to be involved in music. If ever this system becomes a burden to the band, all challenges will be stopped.

1. Inform both the person you are challenging and Mr. Crump-Bertram of your intent to challenge.

4. Challenges can be made up to two weeks prior to a concert, and only once a calendar month.

Challenging Up To Wind Ensemble

1. To ensure the quality of concert preparation, students may challenge between groups only after a concert. Dates for challenges will be posted.

2. Students will need to get the music from Wind Ensemble and prepare the sections indicated. There may also be sight-reading and scales required.

3. Only those students currently in first chair may challenge between bands. We certainly do not want to discourage challenges between bands, but students must make sure that they are prepared, and show up on time.

Student Leadership

Many opportunities exist for students to become leaders within the instrumental music department at Thornton High School. Student leadership is a very important part of any successful music program and we are extremely proud of our talented, motivated and dedicated students who continue to strive for excellence in all aspects of our program.

Students will have an opportunity to participate in and become a part of the BOSC. This group is very active in all aspects of the band and orchestra at THS.

Try-outs for the Marching Band Drum Major generally occur in May. Students wishing to audition should keep in touch with the director regarding audition materials and dates. Prospective Drum Majors will be required to conduct, march, give commands, and write an essay for the audition.

Captain and Section Leader try-outs for Marching Band will take place after the Drum Major has been chosen. Prospective captains and section leaders will be required to demonstrate an ability to play their instrument with above average proficiency, as well as an ability to march with good technique. A short essay will be required for this audition.

Each spring, an assistant conductor is chosen from the orchestra for the following year. Details on the process for selecting the assistant conductor are available from the director.

Students involved in the jazz program at THS have an opportunity to be involved in this professional organization. Membership in the IAJE Thornton High School student chapter will cost nothing and benefits will include bi-monthly copies of the Jazz Educator's Journal, eligibility for numerous awards, access to professional assistance, and much more. Members will be required to attend meetings, and will elect a president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer to lead us in our endeavors as a student chapter of IAJE.

Extra Curricular Music

Private lessons are highly encouraged for all students. A list of private instructors and phone numbers are available from the Directors.

There are several youth orchestras in the area. They are all great experiences and I encourage you to seek them out. You need to call to find out audition dates and any fees associated with membership. These groups can provide you with more playing experiences as well as lifelong friendships.

Rehearsals are at Loretto Heights, Monday evenings 6:45-8:45pm. Vince LaGuardia, artistic director and conductor auditions. See Mrs. Marble for more information.

Rehearsals are at the Arvada Center on Wednesday nights. Brett Wallace, Conductor. Auditions are in May (see Mrs. Marble or call for more information. Some auditions may be by appointment). The program is offered as an enhancement to school music programs. Features of the Youth Symphony program include: Weekly rehearsals during school season, three performances per season, professional section coaches, summer camps and mountain retreats, local and national touring.

This is a very elite orchestra that rehearses on Saturday mornings at the newly refurbished LaMont School of Music at D.U. Auditions are in early May.

Orchestra varies with the type of musical and space available. Usually consists of 4 violins, 2 violas, 2 cellos, one bass and a full wind section. Make your plans now to reserve time for it. It is a great experience. OK, so it's a little more time consuming than a weekend, but you get out what you put in.

Many honor groups are available for students throughout the year. These groups may provide a great musical experience for band students who are ready for a challenge. It is the student’s responsibility to get all audition deadlines and materials from the director. The following is a list of honor bands that are currently supported by the THS band.

Audition tapes are due before Christmas break, and the honor band takes place on the Western State campus in Gunnison in February or March. Students accepted into this band may be required to provide their own transportation and room and board for this 2-day event.

Live auditions occur at various schools in the Denver/Boulder area before Christmas break, and the honor band takes place sometime in March. Transportation and room and board (if desired) is the responsibility of the students and/or parents.

Audition tapes are due in the fall, and the honor band may be required to provide their own transportation and room and board for this 2 day event.

Live auditions are held at Thornton High School around the first of December. Audition materials are available in the spring and students are highly encouraged to work on them over the summer (preferably with the assistance of a private instructor). The honor band occurs early in April on the UNC campus in Greeley, and is a 3-day event. Assistance will be provided to students accepted into this group (transportation, room and board, supervision, etc.).

Both taped and live auditions are held in the fall. Audition materials are generally available shortly after the beginning of school, and include both written and improvisational material. The honor band takes place at the Colorado Music Educator's Convention in January. Assistance will be provided to students accepted into this group (transportation, room and board, supervision, etc.).

The summer is a great time to concentrate on your own personal music growth. One way to do this is to attend a summer music camp. There are camps all over the United States. See Mrs. Marble if you need specific information about camps.

Parents Helping Students

We hope that you will find Band & Orchestra a place where your student may feel successful and proud, and learn many new skills, as well as some new ways to work on old skills. In addition to working with the parent organization, here are some ways in which you may support your child's musical endeavors.

3. Remind students to practice daily. We encourage you to get an instrument at home, work on sheet music, or a computer music program.

5. Provide private lessons whenever possible. A list of private instructors is available from the directors.

Marching Band Uniforms

Students will be fitted and assigned a uniform for the season. Uniforms are the property of Thornton High School. Please wear your uniform responsibly. The Uniform Committee cleans, measures, and alters the uniforms. Students must return their assigned uniform, including helmet, to the uniform bag and hatbox. It must then be stored in the band uniform storeroom after each performance.

Two pairs of BLACK socks, purchased by you, must always be kept in your uniform bag for each performance. White gloves are also part of your uniform. These are both very important parts of your uniform. DO NOT wear earrings, nail polish, or any jewelry that shows. Also, check your marching shoes at the beginning of each year for proper fit. See Mr. Crump-Bertram about ordering new shoes.

Women are to wear a Black Dress or Black Skirt that extends below the knees and white top with Skirts.

Supporting Instrumental Music

This organization (THSBOP) exists for the purpose of providing the band and the orchestra with much needed funds to enable us to continue offering a superior music education to our students. Parents or guardians of a student enrolled in Thornton High Schools Instrumental Music classes are automatically members of the Band & Orchestra Parents Organization. There are no membership fees. We operate with the approval of the THS Administration. Our proposed 2006-07 budget will be available at the 1st meeting in September. The money that will be spent this year all goes for the enrichment of both the band and the orchestra. Without this money the Instrumental Music Program at THS would just survive, and only in a very limited capacity.

The Band & Orchestra Parents Organization normally meets every First Monday night of the Month at 7:30 PM in the auditorium or the band/orchestra classroom. The music directors and the THS administration are very supportive and often attend BOP meetings. We encourage parents to attend. Not only does it show support for the student, it allows parents a forum for their input. This is where you become informed about our activities, sign-up to volunteer, get to know other supportive parents, and review your students Letter Point Account and Standing Point Account.

We operate concession stands at the Broomfield Event Center for the 14ers and the Rocky Mountain Rage along with other events held at the center. Watch the web site for dates and details of upcoming events.

We operate novelty stands at the home games and at other sports or music events happening at Invesco Field at Mile High. It is a fun and busy atmosphere that provides another essential source of funds for the music program. Please sign-up at THSBOP meetings or by visiting the group web site to sign up. See Bronco/Stadium Events Guidelines.

Parents with experience, talent, and/or interest in sewing, fundraising, finance, leadership, design, sales, hospitality, being a booster, communications, scholarships, transportation, travel, publishing, special events, publicity, being a contributing member of a committee, or many other opportunities, will find a welcoming and appreciative Band & Orchestra Parents Organization. Contact any Executive Board member or Committee Chairperson listed at the end of this handbook or attend THSBOP meetings for information.

A student working a bingo session or Bronco/Invesco Field event accrues points at the rate of ½ point for ½ hour time worked. Only those points actually accrued by the Student may count toward his/her LETTER POINT Student Account. See "Lettering In Instrumental Music".

Standing points are earned at ½ point for each ½ hour worked for the Instrumental Music Program. Parents and family members may accrue Standing Points for their students Standing Point Account. Standing Points are used to determine trip scholarships, which are paid by the THS Band & Orchestra Parents Organization (THSBOP). Parent Standing Points will NOT be applied to Letter Point Student Accounts.

This is a completely voluntary program giving families opportunity to donate money to support the instrumental music budget. Many families have expressed frustration in the number of fund-raisers we participate in. As an alternative to raising funds through various activities (Bingo, car washes, etc.) and by selling different products (cheesecake, candy, brochure items, etc.) the THSBOP is offering this option.

One (1) Standing Point is awarded the student for every $10.00 donation from his/her family. Money can be donated at the beginning of the month, the quarter, the semester, or in one sum at any time during the year. Checks should be made out to Thornton High School and given to Mr. Crump-Bertram or Mrs. Marble.

Money donated does not go to the individual account. It is used for the programs general fund. The Standing Points earned will benefit individual Standing Point Student Accounts in terms of funding for trips, scholarships, etc.

We are most fortunate to have parents that support students in music. We applaud you for your support. We know that it isn't always easy, with instrument rentals, music fees, private instructor fees, and the some times endless hours of chauffeuring and volunteering. We believe music is special because you get out everything you put into it. We are lucky to have so many wonderful people who have that common bond - MUSIC. Thank you parents for supporting your students in so many different ways, for an experience in music at Thornton High School.

Students working Broomfield Event Center events will earn ½ lettering point and ½ standing point for each half hour worked for each event. This normally is approximately 5 points each. Students must be 16 years old to work and 18 years old to pour beer.

Parents/Family members working an event will earn standing points at the same rate for an event to be applied only to their students standing points account.

A sign up sheet will be available in the band room and at BOP meetings. You can also check for dates on the THS BOP website. It is your responsibility to sign up for only the game or event that you will be committed to work. Any student that signs up for an event and does not show up will have points deducted from their account.

Workers must wear black pants (not faded), tennis shoes, no heels or opened shoes. A stand shirt will be provided for you to wear while working.

Bronco Games Guidelines & Schedules

Students working Stadium Home Games and Events will earn a ½ Lettering Point and ½ Standing Point for each half hour worked each event. This normally works out to about 10 points for each. Students must be at least 16 years old in order to do volunteer work for Bronco stadium events.

Parents/Family members working an event will earn Standing Points at the same rate for an event to be applied only to their students Standing Points account.

A sign-up poster will be available in the Band Room and at BOP meetings. You can also sign up at our web site here: http://thsbop.org/BroncoSignup.htm It is your responsibility to sign up for a game or event that you will be committed to work. Students need to sign up no later than the Monday before the game because of stadium security clearance. Any student that signs up for an event and is a no-show or does not call and give 1 (one) weeks notice prior to their game will have the points deducted from their account, this is due to needing a list turned in for security clearance with the Bronco's. (Each circumstance will be evaluated on a person to person basis.) It is very important that the students make a total commitment once they have signed up for an event.

This year we will be running novelty stands. Workers must wear black pants (not faded), tennis shoes, no heels or opened shoes. A stand shirt will be provided for you to wear while working.

August 25	Saturday	7:00 PM	Cleveland Browns
August 30	Thursday	7:00 PM	Arizona Cardinals
September 16	Sunday	2:15 PM	Oakland Raiders
September 23	Sunday	2:05 PM	Jacksonville Jaguars
October 7	Sunday	2:15 PM	San Diego Chargers
October 21	Sunday	2:15 PM	Pittsburgh Steelers
October 29	Monday	6:30 PM	Green Bay Packers
November 19	Monday	6:30 PM	Tennessee Titans
December 9	Sunday	2:15 PM	Kansas City Chiefs
December 30	Sunday	2:15 PM	Minnesota Vikings