SCHS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

St. Charles High School

Instrumental Music Handbook
2019-2020

Jazz Ensemble
Concert Band
Symphonic Band
Concert Orchestra
Symphonic Orchestra

Mr. Alex Grisos, Instrumental Music Director

agrisos@ccboe.com
(301) 753-2090
WELCOME to the St. Charles Instrumental Music Department for the 2019-2020
School Year! Our expectations are high, but know that you will be a valued member of
our musical family. As your director, I hope to develop your love and understanding of
music, while having positive, rewarding experiences, making lasting friendships, and
having fun! Support is always available at any time throughout the year if you ask.
Please read through this handbook carefully with a parent/guardian to understand the
classroom expectations, and make sure to ask if you have any questions!

METHODS OF COMMUNICATION: Important to our success is good communication.

This is a “two-way street” between teachers and families.

• Instrumental Music Website – www.stcharlesmusic.weebly.com

o This is a frequently updated website containing information regarding the instrumental
music classes offered at St. Charles. Here you’ll find practice tips, instrument brand
recommendations, maintenance information, and a calendar of events for the upcoming
school year. It is recommended that you import this calendar to the calendar app
of your choosing to stay updated with all Instrumental Music Events. Proper links
have been provided at the bottom of the calendar page on the website.
• Synergy
o Graded assignments will be posted on our county-wide Learning Management System
(LMS). I will frequently use the comments section in the gradebook to offer suggestions
on how to improve specific aspects of your performance. I take a lot of time to give
these suggestions to every student, so please take the time to read through them.
• Email – agrisos@ccboe.com

STUDENT CONDUCT: With high expectations come many policies and procedures.
St. Charles Instrumental Music Ensembles have a reputation for students that
demonstrate a high level of respect and discipline at all times.

General Expectations
• Charles County Public School Policies outlined in the Student Handbook will be followed at all
times. Policies of particular importance:
o The use of personal communication devices and other electronics will not be permitted
during class time unless teacher permission is given. If this problem persists, an
administrator will confiscate these items, and they will only be returned to a
parent/guardian in the front office.
o The CCPS Code of Student Conduct will be followed in response to any behavioral
infractions.
• Everyone will treat others with the highest degree of respect.
• When someone is talking to the group, you are listening.
• While we make every effort to secure the rehearsal room and storage areas, please leave non-
musical valuables (money, credit cards, gift cards, etc.) at home or locked securely in your hall
locker.
• Students will only keep instruments, music, and musical materials in their instrument locker.
Students using instrumental lockers are expected to provide their own lock.
• No food or drink permitted in the rehearsal room, corresponding storage/practice rooms, or
within the auditorium.
• If it is not yours, do not touch or use it.
Rehearsal Expectations
• Students will attend all rehearsals on time.
• At the sound of the bell, all students should be in the rehearsal room getting out instruments,
music, and preparing for rehearsal. This is not social time.
• At three-minutes past the bell, we will begin working on fundamental technique. If you are not
prepared by this point, your daily participation grade will be docked.
• Pack up only when dismissed by the Director or Staff Member.
• If there are school-wide announcements on the PA, sit quietly and listen.

Concert Expectations
• Students will arrive for concerts at the designated time communicated before each
performance.
• When performing, students will wear their assigned black concert dress or tuxedo with black
dress shoes and black socks.
• When in the audience, students will be attentive, polite, quiet, and follow standard concert
etiquette.
• Whether performing or in the audience, students should not have cell phones on them. Per
CCPS Policy, cell phones may be taken if seen or heard during a concert, which does
constitute instructional time.
• If the above expectations are not met by a student, at the discretion of the director, that student
may not perform and will received a grade penalty for the concert.

ATTENDANCE: Absences negatively affect the entire ensemble. Everyone is

important and we need you at rehearsals, on time and prepared. Please immediately
mark all rehearsals, performances, and other events on your calendars as shown on
the website calendar.

• All absences must be communicated in advance, as soon as a conflict is known. Note that just
because an absence is communicated does not automatically excuse the absence. CCPS
guidelines will be followed.
• Unexcused absences may result in loss of privilege to perform if the director believes
participation may adversely affect the ensemble’s performance.
• Since performances cannot be made-up, if one is missed due to illness or injury please submit
a doctor’s note if possible; an alternate assignment may be given.
• Absences due to non-school sponsored activities, or unexcused absences, are unexcused and
may affect future performance opportunities.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION PROCEDURE: Below is an outline of procedural

consequences for infractions that may occur during rehearsals. Note that I will give
students several opportunities to resolve any issues before contacting administration.

First consequence: Verbal communication from teacher to student during rehearsal.

Second consequence: Student is asked to stay after class for a teacher-student conference.
Third consequence: Student will be given three days of lunch detention.
Fourth consequence: Parent/Guardian contact.
Fifth consequence: Student will be referred to administration.
 ENSEMBLES

• Marching Band/Pep Band: Membership in the Marching Band or Pep Band is open to all
students who register for an instrumental ensemble at St. Charles High School and to select
7th and 8th grade students who are zoned for attendance at St. Charles and who are registered
in their middle school band. The SCHS Marching Band is a group that consists of woodwinds,
brass, percussion, and colorguard, who perform at all Home Varsity Football games. There
will be one or two weeks (dependent on the size of the group) of Band Camp held during the
summer that is a requirement to participate. Students who participate in this group receive
extra points towards our instrumental music annual awards. Rehearsals are two days per
week from 2:30-5:00 PM, held on Tuesdays and Fridays unless otherwise specified by Mr.
Grisos.

• Jazz Ensemble: This is a select group of instrumentalists who show prowess with their
chosen instrument and show an interest in performing a variety of musical genres including
commercial, latin, rock, funk, and swing music. Students interested in auditioning for Jazz
Ensemble are expected to also participate in the symphonic band (guitar/piano/bass
excluded). For students who are interested but unable to enroll in the class, we will offer after-
school rehearsals once a week that all jazz musicians are expected to attend. Students who
participate in this group receive extra points towards our instrumental music annual awards.

• Concert Band: The Concert Band is a great ensemble for freshman wind and percussion
players, students who are switching instruments, or students who wish to continue working
towards a higher attainment of fundamental abilities. This ensemble will enable students
develop the skills needed to audition for Symphonic Band.

• Symphonic Band: This is the premier band ensemble offered at St. Charles. The Symphonic
Band prepares music of high artistic merit and performs at all concerts and adjudications.
Students will work throughout the school year towards mastery of their chosen instrument.

• Concert Orchestra: The Concert Orchestra is a great ensemble for freshman string players or
students who wish to continue working towards a higher attainment of fundamental abilities.
This ensemble will enable students to develop the skills needed to audition for Symphonic
Band.

• Symphonic Orchestra: This is the premier orchestral ensemble offered at St. Charles. The
Symphonic Orchestra prepares music of high artistic merit and performs at all concerts and
adjudications. Students will work throughout the school year towards mastery of their chosen
instrument.
HOW TO AUDITION FOR SYMPHONIC BAND/ORCHESTRA: Student who wish to challenge
themselves musically and play in the premiere ensembles should be interested in performing with the
Symphonic Band or Orchestra. Auditions are often thought of as just one-day performances, but in
reality it is every day that you are auditioning. Here’s how to move into a more challenging ensemble:

• Work hard each day in class - Come in, get ready, warm-up properly, be prepared for
rehearsal, and be engaged and professional in rehearsal.
• Know your current music - Before being concerned with the music of other ensembles, make
sure you can perform your own music at a high level.
• Ask for help from Mr. Grisos - Often students wonder why other people were accepted, but
they were not. The answer is sometimes, but not always, that the accepted student asked for
feedback on their playing throughout the year. Ask Mr. Grisos to listen to you well-before the
audition.
• Get lessons and the right equipment - Lessons are meant to bring your talent and skills to
the surface. None of us can do that alone. In addition, you need the best possible equipment in
order to sound the best you possibly can.
• Practice, Practice, Practice - Do not take for granted what consistent hard (and smart) work
can do for you.

INSTRUMENT/MOUTHPIECE UPGRADES
Once a student enters high school the expectation of accomplishment in all classes rises; consistent
with that, the expected level of musicianship rises. The musical ensembles will be a rewarding
experience and the more you put into it the more rewarding it will be. To produce the best possible
tone and musical experience, better reeds, mouthpieces, bows, and other accessories are a minimum
necessity. Please consult the handout for a list of recommended upgrades (on our website).

• It is suggested that all students/parents explore upgrading instruments. “Student Model”

instruments are meant for beginners, which high schoolers are not. Mr. Grisos is willing to
offer suggestions and listen to you tryout instruments if you ask for help in advance.

EXTRA HELP FROM MR. GRISOS

Whether you take private lessons or not, ASK MR. GRISOS FOR HELP!!! He can make himself
available before and after school by appointment. Take advantage of the help and find out exactly
what is going to get you to where you want to be!

PRIVATE LESSONS
Large ensemble rehearsals, by nature, limit the ability of any director to interact with students and
address individual skills. Though not required, only the students who take advantage of private
instruction will fully meet their potential. It is no coincidence that the majority of students that
participate in the Maryland All-State Band/Orchestra study with great private teachers. Please take a
look at our county-wide list of recommended teachers (available upon request).
CONCERT UNIFORMS: All students are required to purchase a concert uniform to wear for each
of our formal concerts. A separate form will be available that outlines the specific options available
for purchase. Please be sure to order uniforms well in advance of our first formal concert.

Concert dress is:

Men: Black Tuxedo Jacket, Tuxedo Pants, Bow Tie & Cummerbund, White Dress Shirt, Black Dress
Socks, Black Dress Shoes.
Women: Black Dress, or Black Blouse & Skirt, or Black Blouse & Dress Pants, Black Dress Shoes
(flats or small heels).

Jazz Band Concert dress is all black. Colored ties are optional. Shoes for males must be dress shoes.
Shoes for females must be flats or small heels.

Please note that students not conforming to the Concert Dress Code will not be allowed to
perform with any band and will receive an automatic two-letter grade reduction for the quarter.

GRADING

All performing ensembles will follow the grading policy outlined below:

50% Process – assessments that measure a student’s progress towards mastery of objectives, such
as warm-ups, fundamental exercises, homework, class activities, etc.

50% Product – assessments that measure a student’s mastery of the objectives such as playing or
written tests/quizzes, formal performances, essays, projects, etc.
Concert Band will be given a county-wide assessment during quarter 3 that will be 10% of their grade.
The policy for that quarter will be 50% Process, 40% Product, and 10% Post-Test.

Failure to participate in a concert is an automatic 20% reduction from your product

grade for the quarter in which the concert occurred. It is in your best interest to have
your concert attire, rides to and from, and all required materials for concerts ready well
in advance.
AWARDS

Outstanding band and orchestra students will be recognized at various times throughout the year. An
established point system will be used to decide what award each student will receive. Students
participating in Concert/Symphonic Bands and Orchestras receive 1 point per year,
jazz/marching/pep bands receive ½ point per year, other extracurricular county-sponsored ensembles
such as all-county, tri-county, solo & ensemble, receive ½ point per successful audition. The
following awards will be given to students depending on their commitment to the instrumental music
program:

Students who receive 2 points receive a pin and certificate

Students who receive 4 points receive a medal
Students who receive 6 points receive an instrumental music varsity letter
Students who receive 8 points receive a pink graduation cord, signifying musical excellence
Students who receive 10 points receive a custom instrumental music jacket

Other awards will be given at the director’s discretion.

FUNDRAISING
Fundraising is an integral part of the success of the program. Without fundraising from BOTH
students & parents, we could not afford to provide:

• New music
• New instruments
• Transportation to events
• Guest clinicians/conductors/artists
• Awards

One goal of mine is to offer Band and Orchestra Scholarships to students planning to continue their
education. With adequate funds, we can make this a reality.

Fundraising is not graded, however students and parents should contribute towards the success of
the group via fundraising, rather than solely taking advantage of the work that others do for them.
Keep in mind, the more you contribute the more you will get back.

****Please sign, detach, and return the bottom portion of this page by Friday, September 6th, 2019****

ST. CHARLES HAND BOOK AGREEMENT

I have received a digital and physical copy of the St. Charles High School Hand Book. I have read
and reviewed all of the band policies and procedures. I understand the expectations that are to be
upheld by the students and will encourage my child to abide by the rules set in place and to fulfill their
obligations to the band.

___________________________________________ ___________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian Date

I have received a digital and physical copy of the St. Charles High School Hand Book. I have read
and reviewed all of the band policies and procedures. I understand the expectations that are to be
upheld by the students. I understand that it is a privilege to be a part of this program and by signing
this form I have agreed to the policies outlined in this hand book and have accepted the responsibility
to attend all performances and activities in which the band participates. I recognize that each
member of the band contributes greatly to the success of the program.

___________________________________________ ___________________
Signature of Student Date