Handbook
William B. Travis High School
Guitar Ensemble Handbook
Susan Rozanc MME,
Director
Table of Contents
I. Philosophy
II. Goals
III. Scheduling
IV. Supplies
V. ConcertDress
VI. Classroom Rules and Behavior
VII .StudentResponsibility
VIII. Practicing
IX. Grading
X. Instrument Care, Repair, and Insurance
XI. Caring For Music
XII.Extra Rehearsals
XIII. Concerts
XIV. Fundraisers
I. Philosophy
Through the support of the director, principal, staff, and
community, the William B. Travis Guitar Program is designed to provide an
experience for students that will enable them to develop a life-long
understanding and appreciation for music. Through their education as
musicians, opportunities will be provided for them to develop their performance,
leadership, self-confidence, and teamwork skills.
It is the music departments` belief that music is an integral part of
every child’s education and that the experiences and knowledge that a person
gains through the study of music helps to develop highly successful world
citizens.
II. Goals
Students will understand and demonstrate the ability to care for
a delicate instrument.
Students will demonstrate correct instrument position, hand position,
proper strokes, as well as the ability to read music and reproduce not names and
note values using various systems including but not limited to their
instruments. Knowledge of
these fundamentals will be demonstrated through daily practice, class and public
performances, written exercises, composition, and competition.
Students will also learn about the history and development of the
guitar. Students will learn
the discipline involved in practicing rehearsing and preparing for performances,
and the music terms, symbols, rhythms, and styles involved in the study of the
guitar.
III. Scheduling
Students with no prior training that select guitar on their
course selection sheet will be accepted into Guitar 1 providing their course
load allows elective time.
Students electing to take Guitar 2 must first complete Guitar 1 and pass
an entrance audition.
Students who have taken Guitar in Middle School have the option of
auditioning for Guitar 2 and completing a portfolio audition and earning credit
for Guitar 1. Guitar 3 and 4
should be scheduled by audition only. Guitar class meets 2 or 3 period
per week depending on each week’s schedule. Extra rehearsals and performances
will be announced as necessary.
IV. Supplies
All students will be responsible for acquiring and caring for
the following supplies for guitar class.
A. Instrument
– CLASSICAL (nylon stringed) Guitar. This instrument is necessary for
home practice. It may be
kept at home and students may play on the classroom instrument set except for
performances.
a.
Preferred Instrument Brands
i. Antonio Hermosa
ii. Alvarez
iii. Yamaha
iv. J. Navarro
v. Cordoba
vi. Albert Augustine
B. Music Binder
– Each student must have a 1&1/2 inch, 3 ring binder for safekeeping of
music, assignments, and practice logs. This binder should be used for Guitar class ONLY and should not be shared
with another subject. Each student must have their OWN binder and not share with another
student.
C. Pencil
– Each student must have their OWN pencil that will be stored inside their binder. Pens are not permitted to mark on music or for homework assignments, quizzes, or worksheets
under ANY circumstances.
D. Foot Stool or Guitar Rest– Mandatory for Advanced guitar
E. Folding Music Stand - Mandatory for Advanced guitar
V. Concert Dress
All Guitar Ensemble students are required to have specific dress
for concerts. Uniform
concert dress allows the audience to concentrate on the performance without
distracting dress. Concert dress
is as follows:
Men: All
BLACK dress pants, All black long sleeved, button down dress shirt, black socks
and black dress shoes. (No
Jeans, T- shirts, or Tennis shoes)
Women: All
black dress shirt(preferably long sleeved), black dress pants and closes toe
black dress shoes. Black skirts
may be worn if they are full length. NO
MINISKIRTS or Tank tops!
Long sleeved button down dress shirts may be purchased from a
uniform company through the director for
$20.00.
VI. The Classroom
The classroom exists not only as a place of instruction, but
also serves as a common area for ensemble members to store instruments,
practice, and socialize. All ensemble members are welcome to spend time in the classroom before and after
school, at lunches, and during advisory (FAS).
The following rules must be adhered to:
Classroom Behavior Expectations:
1. Bring ALL materials and supplies to class EVERY day.
2. Arrive on time to class. Students should be in their seats and tuned no later than three minutes after the tardy
bell rings. Wait to be dismissed by the director at the end of class.
3. Leave non-guitar related items (backpacks, purses, skateboards) in the front of theclassroom away from the performing area.
4. Respect others people’s and school property by handling only your own belongings or what has been assigned to you.
5. Remain positive about your own performance and others.
6. Display proper audience etiquette while others are performing and while the teacher isteaching. DO NOT TALK
DURING REHEARSAL TIME. Raise your hand to ask a question or make a constructive comment.
7. Treat you instrument, your classmates, and your director with respect at all times! Disrespectful language or behavior will not be tolerated.
If the above expectations are not met in a satisfactory manner,
the following consequences will be used, not necessarily in this
order:
1. Student will be asked to put their instrument away and written work will be assigned.
2.Parents will be contacted.
3.Detention will be assigned. Food, or gum, will result in automatic detention.
Detention will be served in the classroom outside of class time and will consist of
straightening and cleaning the classroom.
4. Teacher/student, or teacher/parent conference will be requested.
5. Referral to the principal’s office.
Attendance and Tardy Policy
All absences will be reported to the attendance office per AISD
policy. Excessive absences will be dealt with through the school. It is helpful to know if the
student is to miss more than two consecutive days of school. Since music is a cumulative subject, the student needs to meet with the director to discuss any missed work or grades as soon and he/she returns to
school. It can be difficult to “jump right back in” is a major concept is missed.
All work must be made up by the time the student has been back at school for two days, unless other arrangements were made in advance. Students will be asked to attend tutoring outside of the school day if
necessary. Being on time for is a necessity for all musicians.
Punctuality is a real world necessity. When the beginning of a rehearsal
or performance is missed, the lack of proper warm-up and tuning can affect the
entire group’s performance! Meals or coffee are not acceptable excuses for being late to class. All Guitar students will adhere to the school-wide tardy policy.
A student is considered tardy for Guitar class if:
1. He/she is not in the classroom when the
tardy bell rings and/or
2. He/she is not in their seat ready to rehearse 3 minutes after the tardy bell rings.
VII. Student Responsibility
A major emphasis of the Travis Guitar Ensemble program is placed
on teaching students how to meet obligations in a responsible and timely
manner. Giving students an unlimited amount of time to comply with obligations can adversely affect the
organization and success of the entire group. Therefore the following policy
has been established: Student fees and forms, such as contest fees entry fees, uniform
fees, permission slips, etc… will be due on a specific day. All fees and forms will be due on the prescribed day.
Students will receive one “grace day”following the established deadline. Failure to comply
with the “grace day” will result in loss of participation points and possible
loss of that opportunity for the student. In the event that a deadline
extension is necessary for financial reason, the student should present a not
to the director from a parent or guardian an extension prior to the “grace
day”.
VIII. Practicing
Practicing is necessary in learning and maintaining skills on ANY instrument;
therefore, conscientious, consistent practice is required of all students. Practicing can be equated as your
“homework”for Guitar class. Every student is required to practice daily.
To monitor practice, practice records or logs will be turned in weekly.
Repetition is NOT practice.
Weekly practice journals are a major part of the six weeks grade.
To receive credit, practice journals must be signed by a parent or guardian and
turned in at the beginning of each week. Practice journals will only be accepted late in the case of
illness.
Journals must be complete (daily practice, complete practice, adequate time) in order to receive the highest rubric score.
IX. Grading
A student’s six weeks grade in Guitar class will be based on the following:
-“Daily Grades” – which consists of being prepared, having proper equipment, skill
demonstration, and classroom participation.
-Supply:
instrument, equipment, pencil, and binder checks
-Performance exams and quizzes
-Sectionals, rehearsals and performances
-Required event performances
-Written work, quizzes, and homework
-Practice Journals, practice reflections
X. Instrument Care, Repair and Insurance
Instrument Care
String instruments are delicate. With proper care a good quality
instrument can last many, many years (in some cases, hundreds of years). All students will be thoroughly
educated on how to properly care for their instruments. Instruments (including school instruments) will be checked periodically checked for cleanliness and upkeep. It is the students’ responsibility to report any problems to the director as soon as possible and to provide proper maintenance items and supplies (like strings) for the
instruments. AISD does not supply these services. Students using school owned instruments will be assessed a rental fee each semester. This fee will cover the cost of these supplies. Students and parents should never attempt to repair instruments on their own.
Insuring Your Instrument
All students are strongly recommended to insure their instruments. Check with your
homeowners or renters insurance to see if it is possible to cover the instrument. Some music
stores offer policies as well. It is important to check that the instrument is covered for loss, theft,
and accidental damage inside and outside of the home. Most policies are based on the value of the
instrument.
XI. Caring for Music
Music is a large expense for most music programs. Students will be expected
to treat music as they would a textbook and be responsible for it in the same manner. All music will be
stored in their binder at all times. Binders will be checked periodically for organization, neatness, and contents.
There will times when students will be asked to write or make noted on their music. This is to be done
only in PENCIL. Music that is marked in pen will be considered damaged and must be replaced.
The cost of replacing damaged music is 25 cents per page. The teacher is NOT responsible for binders that are lost or stolen. Students may store binders in the classroom, but if the binder is lost or stolen, they will be charged for each page that must be
replaced.
XII. Extra Rehearsals and Sectionals
From time to time it may be necessary to rehearse before or after school in preparation for competitions or concerts.
All rehearsals will be scheduled well in advance. These rehearsals are designed to help the students and the ensemble to
perform better. Sectional rehearsals will be scheduled and conducted by students when it is convenient for
them. All students in a section must agree on the scheduled time and place. The director will attend
sectional rehearsals to measure student progress. Students will be expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals and
sectionals and will receive a grade for both. Absences will be considered only if:
1. The absence is communicated in advance to the director AND
2. The absence is considered excused by school attendance policy.
XIII. Concerts
Instrumental music is a performing art, and students will have the opportunity to perform throughout the year. Concerts are scheduled well in advance so that arrangements can be made for attendance and transportation. ALL CONCERTS ARE MANDATORY and will be graded. Concerts are a summative assessment and are considered an exam after many
hours of preparation, practice and study. When students are missing from the expected and rehearsal sound, the total group can sound dramatically different. Therefore, members who elect to join in the school group are expected to
be loyal and to follow through with their commitments to the group. Unexcused absences will result on a zero for that grade or grades. Absences are excused only if the absence is considered excused by school policy. If transportation is an issue,
please notify the director in advance so assistance can be provided. Prior to each performance, students will be given an information sheet that lists when, where, and what time it is that students should arrive to the
classroom for tuning and warm-up as well as what students should wear. The time listed as ‘call’ is when
students should be in their seats ready to begin the warm-up sequence. When planning transportation,
always allow extra time for students to come to the classroom and assemble equipment and take their seat.
Parents, friends, and family are strongly encouraged to show their support for the developing musician. This is a crucial part of their musical education and can have a huge impact on their success. Parents are reminded that although students must arrive early for concert warm up, theatre door do not open until 15 minutes prior to the performance
start.
XIV. Fundraisers
Each year the music department must undertake a fundraiser. The money raised by our students
is used to buy new instruments, purchase sheet music, and to fund the operating expenses for the ensembles or to fund travel to competitions. All students are encouraged to participate for the benefit of the
program. Students have expressed a desire to travel and take field trips. These cannot happen without successful fundraisers.
XV. Fees
Students will be assessed a materials fee of $50.00 per year. $15.00 of this fee covers a Guitar Program T-shirt which is mandatory for all Guitar students, the rest of the fee assists with the repair and maintenance of the instrument. Students who have a financial difficulty must discuss the rental fee with the director.
Guitar Ensemble Handbook
Susan Rozanc MME,
Director
Table of Contents
I. Philosophy
II. Goals
III. Scheduling
IV. Supplies
V. ConcertDress
VI. Classroom Rules and Behavior
VII .StudentResponsibility
VIII. Practicing
IX. Grading
X. Instrument Care, Repair, and Insurance
XI. Caring For Music
XII.Extra Rehearsals
XIII. Concerts
XIV. Fundraisers
I. Philosophy
Through the support of the director, principal, staff, and
community, the William B. Travis Guitar Program is designed to provide an
experience for students that will enable them to develop a life-long
understanding and appreciation for music. Through their education as
musicians, opportunities will be provided for them to develop their performance,
leadership, self-confidence, and teamwork skills.
It is the music departments` belief that music is an integral part of
every child’s education and that the experiences and knowledge that a person
gains through the study of music helps to develop highly successful world
citizens.
II. Goals
Students will understand and demonstrate the ability to care for
a delicate instrument.
Students will demonstrate correct instrument position, hand position,
proper strokes, as well as the ability to read music and reproduce not names and
note values using various systems including but not limited to their
instruments. Knowledge of
these fundamentals will be demonstrated through daily practice, class and public
performances, written exercises, composition, and competition.
Students will also learn about the history and development of the
guitar. Students will learn
the discipline involved in practicing rehearsing and preparing for performances,
and the music terms, symbols, rhythms, and styles involved in the study of the
guitar.
III. Scheduling
Students with no prior training that select guitar on their
course selection sheet will be accepted into Guitar 1 providing their course
load allows elective time.
Students electing to take Guitar 2 must first complete Guitar 1 and pass
an entrance audition.
Students who have taken Guitar in Middle School have the option of
auditioning for Guitar 2 and completing a portfolio audition and earning credit
for Guitar 1. Guitar 3 and 4
should be scheduled by audition only. Guitar class meets 2 or 3 period
per week depending on each week’s schedule. Extra rehearsals and performances
will be announced as necessary.
IV. Supplies
All students will be responsible for acquiring and caring for
the following supplies for guitar class.
A. Instrument
– CLASSICAL (nylon stringed) Guitar. This instrument is necessary for
home practice. It may be
kept at home and students may play on the classroom instrument set except for
performances.
a.
Preferred Instrument Brands
i. Antonio Hermosa
ii. Alvarez
iii. Yamaha
iv. J. Navarro
v. Cordoba
vi. Albert Augustine
B. Music Binder
– Each student must have a 1&1/2 inch, 3 ring binder for safekeeping of
music, assignments, and practice logs. This binder should be used for Guitar class ONLY and should not be shared
with another subject. Each student must have their OWN binder and not share with another
student.
C. Pencil
– Each student must have their OWN pencil that will be stored inside their binder. Pens are not permitted to mark on music or for homework assignments, quizzes, or worksheets
under ANY circumstances.
D. Foot Stool or Guitar Rest– Mandatory for Advanced guitar
E. Folding Music Stand - Mandatory for Advanced guitar
V. Concert Dress
All Guitar Ensemble students are required to have specific dress
for concerts. Uniform
concert dress allows the audience to concentrate on the performance without
distracting dress. Concert dress
is as follows:
Men: All
BLACK dress pants, All black long sleeved, button down dress shirt, black socks
and black dress shoes. (No
Jeans, T- shirts, or Tennis shoes)
Women: All
black dress shirt(preferably long sleeved), black dress pants and closes toe
black dress shoes. Black skirts
may be worn if they are full length. NO
MINISKIRTS or Tank tops!
Long sleeved button down dress shirts may be purchased from a
uniform company through the director for
$20.00.
VI. The Classroom
The classroom exists not only as a place of instruction, but
also serves as a common area for ensemble members to store instruments,
practice, and socialize. All ensemble members are welcome to spend time in the classroom before and after
school, at lunches, and during advisory (FAS).
The following rules must be adhered to:
- Only Guitar and Orchestra members are to be in the
classroom and practice rooms at any time. Please do not bring friends
who are not ensemble members in the classroom or into practice
rooms. Students must have director permission to use practice
rooms. - Students should not enter the classroom during classes other than their own or during passing periods without prior permission and a pass from the
director. - The classroom will be open by 8:15am and will
close by 4:30pm. - After school schedule will be flexible
depending on the director’s schedule. - Students will not be
permitted to use the phone during the school day. The director’s phone is for business purposes only. - There will be no roughhousing or horseplay on the classroom at any time.
- Please have a specific reason, (practicing, a lesson, doing homework) for being in the
classroom at any given time. - Students may not use classroom equipment (computer, stereo) at any time without prior permission from the
director. - NO FOOD DRINK OR GUM IN THE CLASSROOM AT ANY TIME. Students will
not be permitted to eat breakfast or lunch in the classroom. Students who bring food or drink into the classroom will
be asked to throw the food out or leave the classroom. - Practice rooms are for practice, sectionals, or private lessons only. NO FOOD OR DRINK IN THE PRACTICE ROOMSEVER!!
- Students must have permission from the director to use practice rooms at any time.
- Abusing the use of practice rooms will result in the privilege of using the rooms to be revoked.
- There is to be no primping or personal hygiene in the classroom. This includes makeup,
hair straightening, hair brushing etc….. There is a time and place for these things, and the classroom is not it.
Classroom Behavior Expectations:
1. Bring ALL materials and supplies to class EVERY day.
2. Arrive on time to class. Students should be in their seats and tuned no later than three minutes after the tardy
bell rings. Wait to be dismissed by the director at the end of class.
3. Leave non-guitar related items (backpacks, purses, skateboards) in the front of theclassroom away from the performing area.
4. Respect others people’s and school property by handling only your own belongings or what has been assigned to you.
5. Remain positive about your own performance and others.
6. Display proper audience etiquette while others are performing and while the teacher isteaching. DO NOT TALK
DURING REHEARSAL TIME. Raise your hand to ask a question or make a constructive comment.
7. Treat you instrument, your classmates, and your director with respect at all times! Disrespectful language or behavior will not be tolerated.
If the above expectations are not met in a satisfactory manner,
the following consequences will be used, not necessarily in this
order:
1. Student will be asked to put their instrument away and written work will be assigned.
2.Parents will be contacted.
3.Detention will be assigned. Food, or gum, will result in automatic detention.
Detention will be served in the classroom outside of class time and will consist of
straightening and cleaning the classroom.
4. Teacher/student, or teacher/parent conference will be requested.
5. Referral to the principal’s office.
Attendance and Tardy Policy
All absences will be reported to the attendance office per AISD
policy. Excessive absences will be dealt with through the school. It is helpful to know if the
student is to miss more than two consecutive days of school. Since music is a cumulative subject, the student needs to meet with the director to discuss any missed work or grades as soon and he/she returns to
school. It can be difficult to “jump right back in” is a major concept is missed.
All work must be made up by the time the student has been back at school for two days, unless other arrangements were made in advance. Students will be asked to attend tutoring outside of the school day if
necessary. Being on time for is a necessity for all musicians.
Punctuality is a real world necessity. When the beginning of a rehearsal
or performance is missed, the lack of proper warm-up and tuning can affect the
entire group’s performance! Meals or coffee are not acceptable excuses for being late to class. All Guitar students will adhere to the school-wide tardy policy.
A student is considered tardy for Guitar class if:
1. He/she is not in the classroom when the
tardy bell rings and/or
2. He/she is not in their seat ready to rehearse 3 minutes after the tardy bell rings.
VII. Student Responsibility
A major emphasis of the Travis Guitar Ensemble program is placed
on teaching students how to meet obligations in a responsible and timely
manner. Giving students an unlimited amount of time to comply with obligations can adversely affect the
organization and success of the entire group. Therefore the following policy
has been established: Student fees and forms, such as contest fees entry fees, uniform
fees, permission slips, etc… will be due on a specific day. All fees and forms will be due on the prescribed day.
Students will receive one “grace day”following the established deadline. Failure to comply
with the “grace day” will result in loss of participation points and possible
loss of that opportunity for the student. In the event that a deadline
extension is necessary for financial reason, the student should present a not
to the director from a parent or guardian an extension prior to the “grace
day”.
VIII. Practicing
Practicing is necessary in learning and maintaining skills on ANY instrument;
therefore, conscientious, consistent practice is required of all students. Practicing can be equated as your
“homework”for Guitar class. Every student is required to practice daily.
To monitor practice, practice records or logs will be turned in weekly.
Repetition is NOT practice.
Weekly practice journals are a major part of the six weeks grade.
To receive credit, practice journals must be signed by a parent or guardian and
turned in at the beginning of each week. Practice journals will only be accepted late in the case of
illness.
Journals must be complete (daily practice, complete practice, adequate time) in order to receive the highest rubric score.
IX. Grading
A student’s six weeks grade in Guitar class will be based on the following:
-“Daily Grades” – which consists of being prepared, having proper equipment, skill
demonstration, and classroom participation.
-Supply:
instrument, equipment, pencil, and binder checks
-Performance exams and quizzes
-Sectionals, rehearsals and performances
-Required event performances
-Written work, quizzes, and homework
-Practice Journals, practice reflections
X. Instrument Care, Repair and Insurance
Instrument Care
String instruments are delicate. With proper care a good quality
instrument can last many, many years (in some cases, hundreds of years). All students will be thoroughly
educated on how to properly care for their instruments. Instruments (including school instruments) will be checked periodically checked for cleanliness and upkeep. It is the students’ responsibility to report any problems to the director as soon as possible and to provide proper maintenance items and supplies (like strings) for the
instruments. AISD does not supply these services. Students using school owned instruments will be assessed a rental fee each semester. This fee will cover the cost of these supplies. Students and parents should never attempt to repair instruments on their own.
Insuring Your Instrument
All students are strongly recommended to insure their instruments. Check with your
homeowners or renters insurance to see if it is possible to cover the instrument. Some music
stores offer policies as well. It is important to check that the instrument is covered for loss, theft,
and accidental damage inside and outside of the home. Most policies are based on the value of the
instrument.
XI. Caring for Music
Music is a large expense for most music programs. Students will be expected
to treat music as they would a textbook and be responsible for it in the same manner. All music will be
stored in their binder at all times. Binders will be checked periodically for organization, neatness, and contents.
There will times when students will be asked to write or make noted on their music. This is to be done
only in PENCIL. Music that is marked in pen will be considered damaged and must be replaced.
The cost of replacing damaged music is 25 cents per page. The teacher is NOT responsible for binders that are lost or stolen. Students may store binders in the classroom, but if the binder is lost or stolen, they will be charged for each page that must be
replaced.
XII. Extra Rehearsals and Sectionals
From time to time it may be necessary to rehearse before or after school in preparation for competitions or concerts.
All rehearsals will be scheduled well in advance. These rehearsals are designed to help the students and the ensemble to
perform better. Sectional rehearsals will be scheduled and conducted by students when it is convenient for
them. All students in a section must agree on the scheduled time and place. The director will attend
sectional rehearsals to measure student progress. Students will be expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals and
sectionals and will receive a grade for both. Absences will be considered only if:
1. The absence is communicated in advance to the director AND
2. The absence is considered excused by school attendance policy.
XIII. Concerts
Instrumental music is a performing art, and students will have the opportunity to perform throughout the year. Concerts are scheduled well in advance so that arrangements can be made for attendance and transportation. ALL CONCERTS ARE MANDATORY and will be graded. Concerts are a summative assessment and are considered an exam after many
hours of preparation, practice and study. When students are missing from the expected and rehearsal sound, the total group can sound dramatically different. Therefore, members who elect to join in the school group are expected to
be loyal and to follow through with their commitments to the group. Unexcused absences will result on a zero for that grade or grades. Absences are excused only if the absence is considered excused by school policy. If transportation is an issue,
please notify the director in advance so assistance can be provided. Prior to each performance, students will be given an information sheet that lists when, where, and what time it is that students should arrive to the
classroom for tuning and warm-up as well as what students should wear. The time listed as ‘call’ is when
students should be in their seats ready to begin the warm-up sequence. When planning transportation,
always allow extra time for students to come to the classroom and assemble equipment and take their seat.
Parents, friends, and family are strongly encouraged to show their support for the developing musician. This is a crucial part of their musical education and can have a huge impact on their success. Parents are reminded that although students must arrive early for concert warm up, theatre door do not open until 15 minutes prior to the performance
start.
XIV. Fundraisers
Each year the music department must undertake a fundraiser. The money raised by our students
is used to buy new instruments, purchase sheet music, and to fund the operating expenses for the ensembles or to fund travel to competitions. All students are encouraged to participate for the benefit of the
program. Students have expressed a desire to travel and take field trips. These cannot happen without successful fundraisers.
XV. Fees
Students will be assessed a materials fee of $50.00 per year. $15.00 of this fee covers a Guitar Program T-shirt which is mandatory for all Guitar students, the rest of the fee assists with the repair and maintenance of the instrument. Students who have a financial difficulty must discuss the rental fee with the director.