Instructor: Mr. Wrightson
(630) 543-6310 EXT. 821
Email: music@driscollcatholic.com

Note from the director:
-As the director of the D.C.H.S. music department my intention and number one goal with this program is to allow my students to simply have fun making music together as a solidified team. However, music does require some discipline, and there are certain minimal guidelines that must be followed.

SUPPLIES:
-Students in this class will be required to bring their own instrument (in a condition of working order...if the instrument is not in a condition of working order, it is imperative that they bring it to a music retailer and pay to have it fixed.)
-Students will be required to bring a pencil, eraser, and plenty of paper to class each day.
-Students must also purchase a BLACK three-ring binder (with folder pockets inside), and a supply of plastic sheet protectors (AVERY brand is recommended for both). These will be used to collect and store your music through the year.
-Students must also purchase and bring all their own materials for their designated instrument (such as reeds, oil, lyre, mutes, drum sticks, strings, etc.)

IN GENERAL:
-Students in this class, as in any other class must always be respectful towards their teacher(s) and their peers. We are in a Catholic environment, and it is of utmost importance to always keep in mind and treat others the way you yourself would want to be treated.
-STUDENT GRADES in this class are based on performance, written tests/performance quizzes, attitude, and individual improvement.

1. PERFORMANCE:
A. Attendance at each and every calendar performance is absolutely required.
(In order for this team to succeed, we need each and every one of you to be there to contribute what you have to offer to the table. When you choose not to show up for an event and are unexcused, not only have you automatically dropped your grade down by one whole letter, but you have also let down your team. The missing person is a missing part, and a missing chance to have been just that much better of a performance, and an overall great sounding band.)
Dates have been selected and minimized by the director, keeping in mind that students may have a job or other duties outside of this class. So there shall be NO EXCUSES!

B. There are no acceptable excuses for missing a performance other than the following:
-A death in the family
-A serious illness (confirmed by a doctor’s note).
-Participation in another school sponsored event with a written excuse from the coach or moderator (if you are a part of another team on the school campus, I view that with the same importance as being a part of this team. I only hope that you will try your best to contribute your full effort to both teams, and make compromises to one or the other whenever possible.)
C. Employment IS NOT an acceptable excuse for missing a performance.
D. Understand that I will drop your grade one whole letter as a result of any unexcused performances. I take attendance very seriously.

E. Rehearsals…attendance at rehearsals is also mandatory. It is your job to inform the director if and when a conflict occurs preventing you from attending a rehearsal. It will be left to the director’s discretion whether or not to penalize you or have you complete an alternate assignment. Participation in an important athletic game/meet or school-sponsored event (not just a practice) may take priority over a scheduled rehearsal.

2. TESTS/QUIZZES/PRESENTATIONS/HOMEWORK (ASSIGNED TASKS)
- The school curriculum requires me to give this class written tests/quizzes. As the director, I vow to try my best to sufficiently prepare you for them.
- Presentations and homework will also be assigned (info will be given at a later date).

-Each band member will also be assigned an office position at the term’s beginning and will be responsible for the duties entailed in that position. (Examples: Band Publicist, Multimedia Rep, Recruiting Rep, Librarian or Fundraising Rep). The appointed crew chief and director will consult on position assignments.

3. ATTITUDE
A. My approach as your director in this class is to treat you as mature young adults. I expect nothing less from you than active cooperation, participation, and attention at all times. Any disrespectful behavior towards myself or another one of your classmates WILL NOT be tolerated. Punishment will be dealt with on an individual basis as circumstance provides.
B. Students must be in their assigned seats and ready to play when the bell rings.
C. Students must wait for the director to dismiss them before leaving class.
E. The care you give to your instrument and your sheet music will also be used to evaluate your attitude. Take good care of these! (I will charge you $1.00 a page for any missing or damaged sheet music.)
F. There is absolutely no gum, pop, candy, or food allowed in the band/choir room at any time whatsoever without director’s consent (breaking this rule will show me that your desire is to disrespect myself and my class room).

4. INDIVIDUAL IMPROVEMENT
A. Students are advised to practice at least 30 minutes daily. But keep in mind that practice does not make perfect. PERFECT PRACTICE makes PERFECT. Make certain you understand what it is you are trying to practice before you attempt to. Research your rhythm first if you don’t understand it, look up a fingering chart online if you are uncertain on something, and beware of any sneaky accidentals.
B. Any student needing extra help on his/her instrument should by all means arrange time outside of class with myself as the director or an appointed student leader.

*GRADES

"A" GRADE:
Student attended ALL performances, had a great positive attitude, performed extraordinarily well on assigned tasks, improved on their instrument, and demonstrated superior leadership ability.
"B" GRADE:
Student attended ALL performances, had a good attitude, performed average on assigned tasks, improved somewhat on their instrument, and demonstrated potential for a leadership position.
"C" GRADE:
Student attended ALL performances, had a mediocre attitude, did not perform well on assigned tasks, did not improve all that much on their instrument, and demonstrated minimal leadership capability.
"D" GRADE:
Student attended ALL performances, had a poor attitude and/or disruptive class behavior, did not care to improve on their instrument or on assigned tasks, and demonstrated poor leadership capability.
"F" GRADE
Student had at least one unexcused absence from a performance, poor attitude and/or disruptive class behavior, did not care to improve on their instrument or on assigned tasks, and demonstrated no potential for improvement.

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