2

Board of Education

Administration

Music Directory

3

4

5 6

TEN RULES OF CONCERT ETIQUETTE FOR ADULTS

Refrain from talking. This is the first and greatest rule. This rule includes whispering to or disciplining your other children.

Refrain from unwrapping noisy candy wrappers during the

performance. If the composers wanted to include crinkle paper noises in the music, they would have.

Turn off electronics, cell phones, and watch alarms.

While many electronics now have very symphonic-like sounds, they don’t always fit into the musical score, nor do they provide pleasant sounds for your neighbors.

Do not wave to your child during the concert. After all, they do know who you are already, and they know you are there; you most likely brought them to the concert.

Do not take flash photography. You don’t want your child to walk off the edge of the stage from flash blindness, do you?

Do not walk down the center aisle with your video camera. Video cameras work just as well from the back of the auditorium. (Besides, the light is usually not good enough for videotaping anyway.)

Stay for the entire concert. All of the students deserve a full audience for their performances. Remember, the next time your child’s ensemble may perform last.

Applaud at appropriate times. Some music has several sections. Remembers, it’s not over until all of the sections have been performed.

Do not leave the auditorium during the music. Wait for a break in the concert to visit the restroom, unless you are carrying a screaming child, in which case you should leave quietly and quickly, please!

Go to the concert expecting the best. You just might be surprised how good your student sounds when other students join in. Source: NAfME: The National Association for Music Education

7

Grading Policy

Secondary music students (grades 6 through 12) receive a grade for their work in the major performing groups. The grade is reflective of the quality of the student ’s work, effort, progress, and participation in the performing group. Please visit your child’s canvas page or course syllabus for more information.

Guidelines For Chorus At The Elementary Level

In order to participate in chorus, students must meet the following expectations:

1. Follow verbal directions.

2. Follow a conductor’s cues.

3. Exhibit self-control and do not disrupt the other members of the chorus.

4. Demonstrate the ability to remain silent and stand still when necessary.

5. Demonstrate the ability to learn and perform the music presented.

6. Adhere to the rehearsal schedule and performance dates.

8

Attendance

Students are required to attend all performances scheduled for the group(s) in which they are enrolled.

Although concert performance is not the entire focus of the rehearsal activities, it is considered to be a culminating event and an important part of the course work.

Some performances may be scheduled after the year has begun. These may be concerts by special invitation, festival, or adjudication performances. Students and parents will be informed of the specifics of these concerts to allow as much planning time as possible.

The audience is a vital part of the concert. Please make every effort to attend your child’s concert performances. Also, as a courtesy to all the students, please plan to stay for the entire performance.

Concert Dress Requirements

Dress requirements vary from group to group, and occasionally, special requirements are made. Standard concert dress is as follows:

*Boys – dark pants, SOLID white Oxford collared button down shirt, dark shoes and socks, straight tie

*Girls – black dress pants (no leggings), solid white blouse with an appropriate neckline and the midriff area fully covered, dark shoes

At the middle schools and high schools, all black is sometimes required.)

* * * *

JEANS AND/OR SNEAKERS/FLIP-FLOPS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE CONCERT DRESS

* * * *All students are to wear the required concert dress. If there is a problem, please speak with your child’s music teacher well in advance of the concert.

Pre-Concert Preparation

Students are responsible for making sure their instrument is in good working order, they have a supply of reeds, strings, rosin, valve oil, etc., and that they have all of the required music to be performed.

9

The practice session is the most important element to successful musical development.

Following this set of guidelines will ensure steady progress:

Find a well-lit place with a firm, straight-back chair where the risk of interruption is minimal. Use a music stand to hold the music at the correct height and position for playing. Begin the practice session with a regular and familiar warm-up routine, which may include long tones, scales, and simple technical exercises and vocalizes. Like an athlete, a performer must first focus his/her mind and warm up his/her muscles before performance can begin. While practicing, a successful performer always concentrates on the proper rudiments and fundamentals of his/her particular instrument, including posture, breathing, embouchure, hand position, bowing, sticking, etc.

“Practice what you can’t play, not what you can.”

A successful performer focuses on the most difficult parts of his/her music, avoiding the temptation to play only the easy parts. Please remember that making mistakes and working to correct them is an integral part of quality practice.

It is essential that a regular and consistent quality practice routine is established and maintained. Practicing is homework for music class and must be done on a daily basis in order to ensure success. Set goals for each practice session and always practice with a purpose in mind.

10

There are a number of ways in which you, as parents, can assist in your child’s success. The following suggestions are especially helpful after the novelty of a new instrument has worn off.

Praise your child’s efforts and achievements.

Show interest in the music study of your child.

Arrange a consistent time for regular daily practice.

Provide a quiet, well-lit place with a music stand in which to practice.

Provide a safe place in which to store the instrument.

Keep the instrument in good repair. Should a repair be necessary, do not attempt to repair your child’s instrument yourself. Please consult the music teacher immediately for the proper course of action to take or for a list of recommended repair technicians.

Be aware of your child’s schedule in order to help him/her to be punctual for rehearsals and lessons. See that your child takes his/her instrument and music on days of lessons and rehearsals.

Make attendance at all performances and activities a priority.

Encourage your child to perform for others when opportunities arise.

Play a variety of recordings of master artists for your child (public libraries are good sources of recorded music). Encourage your child to be an active listener of music.

Take your child to live concerts as often as possible. There are many wonderful local concerts, and New York City is only 20 miles away. (Please refer to the list of concert opportunities in this handbook)

Encourage him/her through technical challenges.

Please feel free to contact your child’s music teacher with any questions or concerns that you may have.

11

IF YOU PLAN ON PURCHASING AN INSTRUMENT, PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER FOR SUGGESTED BRANDS AND MODEL NUMBERS. The care of an instrument is solely the student’s responsibility. Instruments should always be clean and in proper working order. Reed, valves, pads corks, strings, etc. should be checked regularly to ensure that valuable time (whether in private practice or full rehearsal) is not wasted due to technical problems.

If an Instrument is in Need of Repair: School owned instruments and instruments rented through agencies which service our school district, must be brought to the director of the performing group as soon as a problem occurs.

Privately owned instruments and instruments rented through outside sources should be taken to a qualified instrument repairperson or to the vender from which it was rented. Please see your music teacher immediately for a list of recommended repairpersons.

Please attend to broken instruments immediately as any delay will cause a disruption in the student’s progress.

School Music Equipment: All music equipment (music stands cabinets, chairs, folios) is to be treated with the same care and respect shown any piece of school property. School issued music is the property of the performing group; it should be treated carefully and written on very lightly in pencil.

Preparedness: All music students are required to have a pencil at all times. Reed players are expected to have at least three good reeds in

their case at all times. Brass players are expected to carry valve oil and slide oil. Percussion players are expected to provide snare sticks at all

rehearsals and concerts. Percussionists are also required to have practice pads for home use.

String players should have an extra set of strings, a shoulder rest (violin and viola), rosin, and a rock stop (cello and bass).

As a student progresses through the instrumental program, it is suggested that he/she purchase a metronome and tuner by the secondary level. Remember, “Practice Makes Permanent!”

12

Storage rooms are provided for student-owned instruments at the middle schools and high schools. These rooms are usually kept locked, although security of the instruments is not guaranteed. The middle schools and high schools also provide some lockers in the storage areas to which students may affix a combination lock. It is wise to take a few precautions, however, to assure the safety of your instrument.

Have your case clearly labeled. Copy the serial number of your instrument and file it away. List the instrument on your homeowner’s insurance policy.

School-owned instruments are the responsibility of the students who are contracted to use them. This includes loss and repair.

It is important that parents of students participating in our music program be aware of limitations in the school district’s insurance program as applied to burglary, theft, and vandalism of music instruments.

Unfortunately, the school district cannot provide for insurance protection against loss or damage for private property left or stored on school premises. This, in effect, means student-owned and rented instruments are not covered by school insurance. It is also important for students using school-owned instruments to be aware that the insurance for these instruments only protects them while they are in school. Once the instrument leaves school, it is no longer insured.

Although serious damage or loss of an instrument is rare, it has occurred. Therefore, we suggest that parents encourage their children not to leave their musical instruments in school overnight. In addition, it is recommended that parents review their homeowner’s policy to determine the insurance protection, if any, afforded to instruments stored on school premises.

13

Every year, music students have the opportunity to participate in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Solo and Ensemble Evaluation Festival. Students are evaluated on their performance of a composition that must be selected from the current NYSSMA manual. Compositions are organized according to difficulty: Level I (least difficult) through Level VI (most difficult). Students have the opportunity to perform both solo and ensemble literature (duets, trios, etc.).

Participation in the festival is valuable as it provides the student with an opportunity to perform in an audition-like setting and to receive an expert, objective evaluation. Some considerations for participation:

1. It is not necessary or even recommended to progress at a rate of one level per year. The student’s real level of ability should determine which piece (or level) is selected, not the level passed the prior year.

2. Strongly consider the recommendation of the music teacher or the private instructor with regard to choosing a solo piece.

3. It is recommended that the music student is constantly learning the standard literature for the instrument. Learning several rather than one solo a year, strictly for the NYSSMA competition, will help produce a well-developed musician.

4. While we encourage the student to participate in the NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival, it is important to stress that the student maintains his/her commitment to the school performing organization and the group lesson requirements.

Check with your school music teacher to make sure the piece selected is from the current NYSSMA manual and for specific

scale and rudiment requirements.

*The current NYSSMA manual is Edition 31 (Effective July 2015)*

String, Woodwind, & Brass Scale requirements (memorized):

Levels 1 & 2 - 3 scales Levels 3 & 4 - 7 scales Levels 5 & 6 - 15 scales

Y o u m u s t p r o v i d e o r i g i n a l p i e c e s o f m u s i c f o r t h e p e r f o r m e r ( s ) a n d t h e a d j u d i c a t o r .

P h o t o c o p i e s a r e n o t p e r m i t t e d !

14

Instrumental and Vocal music students:

Private lessons are encouraged as a supplement to the school performing music program. It is important to realize that musical development is different with every child and that each instrument or voice brings a host of unique challenges to a student. A young musician can benefit greatly from the expertise of a specialist on their instrument or voice in a one-on-one setting.

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A PRIVATE INSTRUCTOR:

Please consult with your school music teacher

before enlisting the services of a private instructor.

The instructor should be a specialist on the instrument studied or a vocal specialist for singers.

Specialists intimately know and understand the unique challenges of their instrument, know the best methods of overcoming the problems, and are familiar with the standard literature for the instrument.

The instructor must value the total development of the musician.

Lessons should provide regular development in tone, technique, scales, ensemble literature, and solo literature.

The instructor should be positive in approach.

Students need to be constantly encouraged for their successes.

A current list of private instructors is available through your school music teacher.

15

As a young student begins instrumental music, it is advisable

for the family to rent the instrument. As your child shows a

commitment to continue, you may want to consider buying an

instrument. If so, please consult your school music teacher for

a list of suggested vendors and brand names to ensure a

purchase of optimum quality and durability. Prior to

buying, please make sure that the instrument can be

returned if the teacher determines that the instrument

will not lead to a successful musical experience.

16

The Tri-M Music Honor Society is the

international music honor society for secondary

school students that motivates and recognizes

musical achievement.

Tri-M shares and supports the objectives of every

dedicated music educator – to increase student and

school involvement with music and to strengthen and unify the school

music program. Tri-M offers a complete system of rewards that help

motivate effort and recognize excellence in individuals and chapters. With

this system, the society builds self-esteem and provides for a

channel of personal fulfillment. A student who is inducted as

a Tri-M member has achieved one of the highest honors in the East

Meadow Music Department.

Tri-M is a program of NAfME: The National Association for

Music Education – the largest non-profit organization dedicated

to the advancement of music education. Through its many

programs, activities, publications, and conferences, NAfME

addresses all aspects of music education and works to

ensure that every student has access and exposure to a

balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music

instruction.

TRI-M MUSIC HONOR SOCIETY

A program of NAfME: The National Association for Music Education

17

Adelphi Performing Arts Center Garden City, NY (516)877-4000

aupac.adelphi.edu

Hofstra University Hempstead, NY (516) 463-5533

Inter-Media Art Center (IMAC)

Huntington, NY (631) 549-9666

www.imactheater.org

Jones Beach Amphitheater Wantagh, NY

(516) 221-1000 www.livetonight.com

Massapequa Philharmonic

Berner Middle School, Massapequa Free Admission, features world-renowned soloists

(516) 795-4071

Nassau Community College Garden City, NY (516) 572-7509

NYCB Theatre at Westbury

Westbury, NY (516) 247-5200

venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com

Old Westbury Gardens Old Westbury, NY (516) 333-0048

www.oldwestburygardens.org

Tilles Center for the Performing Arts Long Island University

(516) 299-3100 www.tillescenter.org

18

Alice Tully Hall 1941 Broadway

New York, NY (212) 875-5050

www.lincolncenter.org

David Geffen Hall 10 Lincoln Plaza

New York, NY (212) 875-5030

www.lincolncenter.org

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (212) 875-5788

www.chambermusicsociety.org

Carnegie Hall 57th Street and 7th Avenue

New York, NY (212) 247-7800

www.carnegiehall.org

Jazz at Lincoln Center Subscriber Hotline (212) 258-9999

www.jazzatlincolncenter.org

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts 70 Lincoln Plaza

62nd to 66th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue

(212) 546-2656 www.lincolncenter.org

Lincoln Center Theatre

(212) 362-7600 www.lct.org

The Metropolitan Opera House

(212) 362-6000 www.metropera.org

19

Area Youth Organizations

Children’s Orchestra Society of New York Contact: (516) 869-9696 www.childrensorch.com

Gemini Youth Orchestras Contact: (631) 470-2114

webmaestro@gyo.org

Juilliard Pre-College & Music Advancement Program

Contact: (212) 799-5900 www.juilliard.edu/school/preparatory-education

Long Island Youth Orchestra

Contact: (516) 922-6652 Www.liyo.org

Manhattan School of Music Pre-College

Contact: (917) 493-4999 www.msmnyc.edu/precollege

Metropolitan Youth Orchestra & Chorus of New York

Contact: (516) 676-4751 or myo.org

Nassau-Suffolk Performing Arts

Contact: (516) 536-2412 & (516) 538-ARTS www.nassausuffolk.org

New York Youth Symphony Contact: (212) 581-5933

www.firstmusic.org

20

CRANE YOUTH MUSIC CAMP Potsdam, New York

(315) 267-2616

EAST MEADOW SUMMER MUSIC PROGRAM East Meadow, New York

(516) 478-5546

ITHACA SUMMER MUSIC ACADEMY Ithaca, New York (607) 274-3171

NEW YORK STATE SUMMER SCHOOL OF THE ARTS Fredonia & Saratoga Springs, New York

(518) 473-0770

USDAN Center for the Creative and Performing Arts

Wheatley Heights, New York (631) 643-7900

TANGLEWOOD INSTITUTE Lenox, Massachusetts

(617) 353-3350