Required Components of the HP Band Program:
1. Individual Lessons:
Our lesson program presents no conflicts to academic classes. Students come to lessons from either a study hall or a physical education class free of a lab. In the event of a P.E/ lab combination, the lesson is then scheduled based on student and director availability ( before school, first half of lunch, second half of lunch, office assistant period or after school ). Lesson length varies with the number of students assigned to any one period. Each week every student is given a lesson with one of the directors. Primary focus is on skill development through the use of graded instrumental methods, supplementary studies and solos and duets. Mastery of ensemble music will be checked before each performance. Thirty minutes of nightly home practice is required. Students preparing for wind ensemble, area, regional or all-state will find one hour of home practice critically important.2. Marching Band:
Perhaps our best known organization, the HP Golden Hornet Marching Band has for 45 years been recognized as one of the finest bands on the East Coast. Consistently earning Superior ratings in festivals and competitions, this group has performed twice for the Macy's Parade and has been showcased eight times at Disney World (including the Electric Light Parade) and Disneyland. Further, this group performs at all footballs games, several festival/competitions annually and once each for E. Hanover (Memorial Day Parade) and Florham Park (July 4th Parade). The school provides a uniform jacket, trousers and hat. Each student must furnish plain black marching shoes, black socks and white cotton band gloves. For your convenience and for our uniformity, we take orders for shoes and gloves at band camp. All students in the band program(except Varsity Football) participate in the marching band and are expected to diligently prepare their music. Many of HP's finest athletes are in the marching band. Student athletes are excused from band practice for games and scrimmages. Practice sessions in conflict are split between band and the team. This 45 year tradition of cooperation has worked rather well. Parents of athlete/musicians may periodically be required to transport their child from an athletic contest to a band performance. The marching band holds "band camp" at HP the week before school opens. During September and October this group practices on Wednesday night from 6-9 P.M. so as not to conflict with sports.
3. Wind Ensemble/Wind Symphony:
Placement into these two concert ensembles is determined by the district music staff and is based on student proficiencies exhibited during lessons and class. Both groups are superb. The Wind Symphony performs literature levels II-IV and the Wind Ensemble performs literature levels IV-VI. Both groups meet daily during the band elective time slot upon the completion of the Winter Holiday concert.4. Symphonic Band:
At the director's discretion, or by specific performance requirements, the Wind Ensemble and the Wind Symphony are combined to form one large band. Recently, this concept has been used for the Holiday Concert, Graduation Ceremony and certain out-of-state festivals. Our April '96 performance in California’s Disneyland, and our April 1998 trip to New Orleans included this ensemble.Optional Program Extensions:
Jazz Ensemble:
Open through audition only (usually late November / early December), this group consists of some of our most advanced instrumentalists. Practices are held after school hours at the director's discretion. Performances are scheduled based on the group's ability. Beginning in January 2002, a JV Jazz Band is open to all students and audition is not required.Pit Band: Open to only the most advanced instrumentalists by invitation, this group rehearses only after school hours and performs only for HP's spring musical production. Instrumentation varies from year to year based on the orchestration specified for each show.
Summer Lesson Program:
A summer lesson program will be offered for 2002. An extensive listing of summer music camps and programs is kept on file in the band office. Call 515-7696 for details.Area, Region and All-State Band/Orchestra:
Advanced instrumentalists are encouraged to audition for these honor groups. Band members of our band who also play a stringed instrument are welcome to audition for Region and All-State Orchestra. All candidates for these honor groups must remain members in good standing of their respective school group.Required Rehearsals/Performances
Every student is a "starter" in our organization. We do not use substitutes. An extraordinary level of commitment is expected. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory. We will continue to count religious observances and major family events (such as weddings, funerals) as excused absences. In such cases, requests for excused absence must be given as soon as possible. The * indicates a non-required event and is listed as a courtesy.Grading Procedure for the Band Elective
Students will be assessed quarterly by the following standards:
1.
Weekly lesson grades: students will be evaluated on their knowledge of their music ( This may include scales, training exercises, solos and concert/show music. ) through individual or small group testing. (50% of quarter grade)Progress is expected in: Tone Quality, Articulation,
Intonation, Rhythmic Understanding, Technique and Musical Expression.
2.
Ensemble Contribution: students will be graded on their daily participation in class, after school rehearsals and concerts (50% of quarter grade). There is a 10 point deduction from this portion of the grade for every unexcused absence and a 5 point deduction for any unexcused lateness. All rehearsals and performances are mandatory. Excuses are granted on a liberal basis per diem for:1. Religious observance (Please send note in advance.)
2. Significant family celebrations(i.e. weddings, Please send note in advance.)
3. Illness (Parents: please call 515-7696 to report illness
related absence)
4. School related activities i.e. sports games and scrimmages, debate, SAT's, PSAT's, All-State Chorus/Orchestra (Students tell band staff in advance.)
5. College visitation which cannot be otherwise scheduled. (Please send note in advance,)
3.
Midterm/Final: students will be given a district midterm and final exam
Parent Involvement
Parent involvement equals student success. The power of your positive support should not be underestimated. Please provide a home practice environment with a music stand, suitable chair, adequate light and a metronome. Your child should be playing the best quality instrument which fits in your family budget. The beginning level instrument appropriate for your child in fourth or fifth grade may now limit his/her development. Private lessons from a master teacher/player of your child's instrument is advantageous. Please call us. We would be pleased to assist you as you consider these important issues. Musical technique only comes through the accurate repetition of fundamentals. Consistency is necessary for muscle memory to take hold. Home practice should have a regular nightly time slot. Make a family event out of your child's performance. Really listen to them play. Tell them when you think it sounds better. The joy of music making is a direct result of consistently applied effort. Your rewards for this support
will be beyond words.
Grade 8 Interest Survey
Music Department
This information will help us better serve your interests.
_____Please send me more information on the HP Band.
The instrument I already play is ___________________________________.
I am willing to learn a new instrument?__________(Yes or No)
if yes, state which one___________________________
Would you be willing to play whatever the HP Band needs most?
____________________________________(Yes or No)
_____I will definitely join the HP Band next year; but, I have never played before.
The instrument I would like to try is _____________________.
_____I am not sure whether I'll be joining the HP Band next year. Please send more
information anyway.
_____I play piano, and have studied for _____ years.
_____I play violin, viola, cello, bass (circle one) and have studied _____years.
_____Please send private music lesson information to me.
_____I do not plan to join the HP Band next year.
_____Please send information on HP Color Guard. (Meets as a club, not an elective.)
Mailing/ Phone Information:
Your Name:__________________________________
Current Instrument (if any)______________________
Street: ____________________________________
town: ____________________________________
Phone: ___________________________________
Name of Parents/Guardian:_______________________
EMAIL ______________________________________
The Answer Page
1. Can I be in sports and band?
Of course! Many outstanding HP athletes already do both successfully. Student athletes are excused from band for games and scrimmages.
Practices in conflict are split. If you have a starter's position on a team we will make further opportunities so you do not hurt the team with your absence for band.
2. I want to play an instrument, but I'm not sure which one.
We'll help you find an instrument that suits you. Simply
let us know you are open to suggestions.
3. I don't think I'll have time.
There is an old and very true expression: If you want something
done, ask a busy person. Our busiest month is October. Each year
nearly 20% of HP students are in band. You can do it!
4. I don't want to give up the last week of my summer to "band camp".
During band camp you'll begin making friends with the upper-
classmen and learning your way around HP. This is a special
group of students; you'll have fun working on the show. It is a lot of work; however, students agree it is worth the effort. All fall sports teams also use this time so the time splitting begins during this time. We guarantee you we will help ;you make all your commitments.
5. I have no musical talent.
Most students feel they have no musical talent. Many students try
instruments in the early grades and think they are failures. In
reality, you are now stronger, smarter, more coordinated and
possibly more motivated. You just might owe yourself another shot
with a different teacher.
Important Reminders
Make sure you select band as an elective when scheduling classes for next year. This is important even if you are not 100% positive on signing up! Call us ( 515-7696) and we will help you explore the instrument of our choice.