Valley
High
School
Table of Contents
Page Number
Welcome Letter and Philosophy 3
General Rules....3
Attendance Procedures and Policies...4
Rehearsal Expectations4
Concert Etiquette4
Description of Ensembles.5
Grading Breakdown6
Performance Rubric.7
Expenses and Fees..8
Fundraisers8
Trip Policies and Information.8
Leadership Opportunities9
Uniforms and Concert Attire..9
School Owned Instruments and Music..10
Awards...10
Contact Information11
Calendar of Events
To be turned in:
Medical and Emergency Contact Form
Handbook Agreement
Philosophy
Music should be included in the public school curriculum because is can provide so many
opportunities for students. Music can pull together knowledge learned in so many other classes,
as well as provide meaningful leadership and social experiences. Music is also an art form of
great expression and provides students with unique aesthetic experiences. The RVHS music
department stresses an importance of personal students growth and improvement. I look forward
to growing and improving with you!
General Rules
1. Respect the room, its contents, and the learning
environment as a whole.
2. Be actively responsible in the classrooms success.
3. Be well prepared to start on time.
4. Follow directions the first time.
5. Follow all guidelines and procedures outlined in River Valley High School band and
orchestra handbook.
Rehearsal Expectations
Concert Etiquette
No talking or making any other unnecessary noise, it can distract the performer
Text messaging during a performance is extremely inappropriate
Food and drink is not permitted
Do not applaud in-between movements
Turn off your phone, Not just on silent
Do not leave during a performance, unless it is an emergency
Description of Ensembles
Wind EnsembleThis is an auditioned group of woodwind, brass, and percussion students that meet during
the school day. This ensemble goes to contests, festivals, workshops, and performs across the
state. Students are highly encouraged to take private lessons. For sophomores, juniors, and
seniors.
Symphonic BandThis is non-auditioned group of woodwind, brass, and percussion students that meet
during the school day. Students often take trips, and perform regularly. For sophomores, juniors,
and seniors.
Concert BandThis is a non-auditioned group of woodwind, brass, and percussion students that meet
during the school day. This group is made up entirely of freshmen students. This group is
designed to transition students to high school band and work on fundamental skills of ensemble
playing.
Chamber OrchestraThis is an auditioned group of string students that meet during the school day. This
ensemble goes to contests, festivals, workshops, and performs across the state. Students are
highly encouraged to take private lessons. For sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Concert StingsThis is a non-auditioned group of string students that meet during the school day. This
ensemble often takes trips, and they perform regularly. This class is open to all students.
River Valley Marching OttersThis is an extra-curricular group made up of woodwind, brass, and percussion players as
well the color guard. These students rehearse after the school day and perform at pep assemblies
and football games in the fall. Rehearsals for the Marching Otters begin during the summer.
Band camp is required. Students also have the option of playing for Basketball games in the
winter.
Jazz EnsembleThis is an auditioned extra-curricular group made up of saxophones, trombones,
trumpets, and a rhythm section. Still will play traditional big band literature and learn
improvisation skills in the jazz style. This ensemble travels to festivals and other performances.
Open to all students.
Jazz Lab BandThis non-auditioned extra-curricular jazz group is make up of any instrumentation. This
ensemble will help students learn to play within the jazz idiom even if they do not play a
traditional jazz instrument.
Grading Breakdown
Grades will be determined on the following characteristics.
10% Attentiveness throughout rehearsal process
Do you have your music, instrument, PENCIL, etc.?
Are you alert in class?
Do you answer questions and participate in rehearsal
10% Performance Attendance and Etiquette
Are you on time to performances?
Are you a respectful audience member?
10% Concert Performance Reflections
After each concert students will have to reflect on
their growth
Students will also come up with ideas on what to improve for the next
performance
They will be due a week after any performance.
30% Playing Exams
Students will have to record videos of certain etudes, concert excerpts, solos, etc.
and submit them to Mr. Harr. Grading will be based off a performance rubric
20% Final Exam
This will cover the following topics: Composers, Theory, Aural Skills, vocabulary
and reflection of rehearsal procedures.
20% Independent Study Project
Students will get to choose an independent project that they can present to the
class
Examples can include composer history, composition project, secondary
instrument research, or anything else you can come up with
A project proposal will be due by midterm.
Meets (3)
Tone is
characteristic of
the instrument
with small
exceptions
Tone is
minimally
characteristic of
that instrument
Tone is not
characteristic to
the instrument
Intonation and
Pitch Accuracy
Pitches are
accurate in all
registers and
circumstances
Pitches are
accurate with
small exceptions
Pitches are
accurate with
frequent
extended
exceptions
Pitches are
mostly
inaccurate
Diction,
Articulation, and
Clarity
Clarity is
executed clearly
and maintains
correct style
Clarity is
executed with
small exceptions
Clarity is
frequently
unclear
Clarity is
consistently
unclear
Technical
Facility
Technical
demands are
executed
accurately with
complete control
Technical
demands are
executed with
small exceptions
Technical
demands are
executed with
limited accuracy
Technical
demands are not
met and out of
control
Rhythm
Phrasing,
Dynamics, and
Expression
Dynamics,
articulations, and
expressive
qualities are
found throughout
Dynamics,
articulations, and
expressions are
there with small
exceptions
Dynamics,
articulations, and
expressions are
not utilized all
the time
Dynamics,
articulations, and
expressions are
not utilized
* Rubric adapted by the EIU Undergraduate Performance Assessment Rubric
Fundraising
RVHS will have many fundraising opportunities each semester to help fund student
accounts that can be used to pay for fees and expenses, as well as programs to help raise money
for the overall program. Below is a list of some of the bigger fundraisers for the year.
July Marching Band Carwashes
October Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser
January Pancake Breakfast
As well as Little Caesars, Cheesecake, Yankee candle and other fundraisers to help fund student
accounts.
Trip Policies
All normal bus rules apply to bus trips. There will consequences to any student who does
not abide by these rules.
Students will make sure to leave the bus better than they found it. NO belongings or trash
will be left behind.
Be early for any trip your ensemble might take. To be early is to be on time to be on
time is to be late!
When the bus arrives at a particular location, stay seated and wait for an adult sponsor or
Mr. Harr to give you instructions.
Only ensemble members and parent chaperones are
allowed on the bus.
Excellent behavior is expected. Anything less will not
be tolerated.
Leadership Opportunities
Students in the program will have the opportunity to become section, leaders, drum
majors, etc. These students get a great experience with teaching their peers, working the director,
as well as being role models for the band or orchestra. Marching Band section leaders and Drum
Majors will be selected the spring before the marching season begins. Curricular ensembles will
interview for positions at the beginning of the school year. Here are some of the positions open
to students:
Concert Ensembles:
Section Leaders/Principle Players
Music Secretaries
Substitute Teacher Representatives
Council Members
Marching Band:
Drum Major (Field Conductors)
Section Leaders
Guard Captains
Drum Sargent
Rookie Leaders
10
Music
Music should be taken care of with the upmost respect. ONLY
PENCIL should be used on music. Music and folders are checked out to
students and should be returned in the equality that it was received.
Violations of these rules will result in a fine of the sheet music and/or
folder.
Instrument Repair
A limited number of tools and equipment are available for minor repairs. Mr. Harr can
perform minor repairs on instruments. However it is recommended that the students instrument
receive the professional treatment of a repair specialist. The director can asset you in getting your
instrument to a reputable music dealer for specialized repair.
Awards
Many students will receive awards at the marching band banquet on May 4th at 6:00. This
will be a night of celebration of the accomplishments made by the whole music department of
River Valley.
11
Contact Information
Mr. Tyler Harr, Director of Band and
Orchestra
Email: tsharr@rvhs.edu
Office Phone: (123) 456-7890
River Valley High School
1234 E. School Street
River Falls, West Virginia
12345-6789
RVHS Main Office Phone: (123) 987-6543
Local Music Dealer:
Skippys Music Emporium
123 W. Main Street
River Falls, West Virginia
Thanks again for embarking on the exciting adventure that is band and orchestra! I look forward
to working with you all and making some fantastic music. Attached is a calendar of events,
rehearsals and fundraisers for the year. Also there is a medical form and emergency contact form
for you to fill out as well as a document saying youve read through the handbook. Those will be
due the first week of class.
-Mr. Tyler Harr
July
2016
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25 MB
26
27
28
29
30
31
Independence
Day
MB Camp
1:00-9:00
Percussion
and Guard
6:00-9:00
MB Camp
1:00-9:00
MB Woodwind
and Brass
6:00-9:00
MB Camp
1:00-9:00
MB Camp
1:00-9:00
Full MB
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
MB Camp
1:00-9:00
MB
Leadership
Day
August
2016
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
1 MB
4 Full MB
8 MB
10
11 Full MB
12
13
14
15
16
17
18 Full MB
19
20
21
25 Full MB
26
27
28
Percussion
and Guard
6:00-9:00
Percussion
and Guard
6:00-9:00
Teacher
Institute Day
RVHS Open
House 7:00
MB Woodwind
and Brass
6:00-9:00
MB Woodwind
and Brass
6:00-9:00
First Day of
Class Full MB
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
MB Day Camp
1:00-9:00
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
22
23 Full MB
24
29
30 Full MB
31
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
Music Parents
Meeting 7:00
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
September
2016
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
1 Full MB
2 Home Football 3
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
Game
6 Full MB
8 Full MB
10
11
12
13 Full MB
14
15 Full MB
16 Home
17
18
19
20 Full MB
21
22 Full MB
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30Homecoming
MB Labor Day
Parade
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
Football Game
Football Game
and Parade
October
2016
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Homecoming
Dance
4 Full MB
10
11 Full MB
12
13 Full MB
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Columbus Day
NO SCHOOL
31
Halloween
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
CO, SB, WE
Fall Concert
7:30pm
Rehearsal
6:00-9:00
Home Football
Game-Senior
Night
November
2016
Mon
November 3rd-Chamber Music Recital Concert Strings, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band
November 11th-Veterans Day Tribute Concert 7:30pm-Chamber Orchestra and Wind Ensemble
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Jazz Auditions
Jazz Auditions
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
CS, CB, SB
Chamber Music
Recital 7:30
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Thanksgiving
Day NO SCHOOL
CO, EW
Veterans Day
Tribute Concert
7:30pm
NO SCHOOL
December
2016
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
10
11
12
13
14
Finals
15
Finals
16
Finals
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Winter
Concert
7:30pm
Winter
Break Starts
Christmas
January
2017
Mon
Important Information
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
1
2 School
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Resumes
Jazz Lab Band
6:00-8:00
Jazz Lab Band
6:00-8:00
M L King Day
NO SCHOOL
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
February
2017
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Orchestra
Concert
7:30 pm
Band Concert
7:30 pm
JE at EIU Jazz
Festival
JE at EIU Jazz
Festival
March
2017
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Solo and
Ensemble
Contest
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Musical
Orchestra Pit
Rehearsals TBA
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Ensemble
6:00-8:00
Jazz Night Setup and Dress
Rehearsal
Jazz Night
6:00pm
April
2017
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Musical
Performance
7:30
NO SCHOOL
School Board
Holiday
Musical
Performance
7:30
Musical
Performances
2:00 and 7:30
Musical
Performance
2:00
May
2017
Mon
May
May
May
May
May
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
4 Band/Orch
6 Awards
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Finals
18
Finals
19
Finals
20
21
Concert 7:30pm
Banquet Dinner
6:00pm
Graduation
Rehearsal
SB and WE
1:00-3:00
Graduation
SB and WE
6:00pm
CO at
Baccalaureate
2:00pm
Handbook Agreement
I have received a copy of the River Valley High School Band and Orchestra
Handbook. I have read and reviewed all of the policies. I understand the expectation
that are to be upheld by the music students and will encourage my child to abide by
the rules set in place and fulfill their obligations.
Signature of Parent/Guardian: ________________________________ Date: ________________