Welcome to the Performing Arts Department!

Teacher: Mr. Cleveland

Phone: (313) 432-3322        

Email:  dave.cleveland@gpschools.org

Best time to call: 7:15 -  8:00 a.m., 12:24 – 1:13 p.m.

Band and Orchestra Web Site: www.gpninstrumental.org

          Structure of Program

Music education remains the focus of this class with performances being used as a “measuring stick” and incentive for our learning.  Periodic playing tests will be given, and concert band students will be given occasional music theory homework and tests.

North offers a wide range of extracurricular music activities, providing a well-rounded program. Participating in these activities will greatly expand one’s musical growth.

Students are encouraged to participate in:

Private Lessons (see Mr. C. for list of teachers)

Pep Band (Monday evenings)

Jazz Band (Thursday evenings, membership by audition)

Pit Orchestra (November-March, membership by audition)

Solo & Ensemble Festival (January)

Community Band and Grosse Pointe Symphony

                (Extra credit is given to students who participate in any of the above activities.)

          Performances

Band is a “music-through-performance” class. Therefore performances are

required and included as a major part of each student’s grade. Conflicts with

a scheduled concert or dress rehearsal must be brought to the attention of the

director by parental contact at least three weeks prior to the concert.

A make-up assignment will be given in this case.  In the event that the director is not notified, an incomplete will be given without a chance to make up the grade.

            Class participation

Class will begin three minutes after the bell rings; however, students are expected to be in the room getting ready for rehearsal during these 3 minutes (assembling their instrument, warming up, etc.). Students are expected to perform their best at all times and to be cooperative when the director is working with other students.

Students are expected to bring their instruments to class daily in excellent working condition. This includes having items such as valve oil, extra reeds, cork grease, mutes, strings, etc.  Supplies purchased from Mr. Cleveland should be bought outside of class time.

Music should be taken home to practice on a regular basis and brought to class everyday. Individual practice will vary for each individual due to the experience of the each player and the complexity of one’s part. Fine performances can only be attained when each person has learned their own part.  It is then, and only then, when great musical things begin to happen!

When a section is having difficulties with a particular piece of music, the director may schedule a sectional before school. These sectionals are an extension of the learning process and are required as part of the student’s grade.  Missed sectionals must be rescheduled by the student.

              Repairs

In the event that your instrument is in the shop for repair, a note from your parents is required to excuse you from rehearsal. Try to plan repairs well before concerts if possible. The following repair shops are recommended:

Eastside Music, 27111 Gratiot Ave., Roseville, MI 48066, #586-776-5570 or Hewitt’s Music, 13936 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126, #313-846-8850.

           Extra Help

Mr. Cleveland is available every day before and after school to assist students.

Individual help with band/orchestra music and solo & ensemble music is always available.  Make it a point to utilize this help!

         Concert Attire

For all concerts (except the Outdoor Concert):

Men: Black or dark coat & pants, long dark tie, white shirt, black shoes and black socks.

Ladies: Long black dress (purchased or rented through school), black hose, black shoes - flats or pumps (no straps or high heels). No jewelry (ear studs are allowed).

        Lockers

Lockers are loaned to you for the storage of your instrument and music.  (Teachers may open these lockers at any time.)  Do not share lockers!  Every instrument must be kept in a locker.  Always keep the lock secure on your locker. (even during class time). Damaged, lost, or stolen locks will cost you $20 for replacement.

             Instruments

All instruments must be labeled with a nametag!

School-owned instruments must be kept in excellent condition and properly maintained. The student will pay for damage of any kind. (accidents included!)

             Music

Music is to be stored in a folder and kept in excellent condition. Only pencil may be used to mark it. Since all music is copyrighted, lost or damaged music will cost $1 per page.

           Fundraising

Fundraising provides our students with discounted supplies, and funds many of the activities in our program such as our Orchestra Hall Concert and trips.

Citrus Fruit Sale (November)                                                 Cookie Dough

Kroger & Farmer Jack Gift Certificates                                 Entertainment Books

         Letter and Varsity Jacket

Performing Arts Letters are awarded on a point system designed by the directors and officers.  Varsity Jackets can be purchased from Harper Sport Shop upon receiving a letter.

       Officers

             Officers will be elected each year to assist the directors with numerous activities and to provide student representation for the class.  Officers should be comprised of students who are very active in the program.  (The president and vice president must belong to at least one extra-curricular ensemble.)     

         Parent Involvement

Parent volunteers will be needed during the year to assist with concerts, fundraising, and chaperoning.   Our main parent support group, the North Band and Orchestra Booster Club, meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in room C-101.  The success of our program depends on our parent volunteers!

        Full Orchestra (Symphony Band members only)

It is the responsibility of the top chair players in Symphony Band to perform and rehearse with the Full Orchestra.  (Students not wishing to accept this responsibility must forfeit their chair position to the person below them.)

Grading Policy

Each marking period, a half-grade extra credit will be added to the student’s grade for:

Participation in an extra-curricular ensemble (Pit, Pep Band, Jazz, etc.)

Private lessons

2 Concert critiques (classical or jazz, 1 page minimum)

Solo & Ensemble performance

A weekly practice journal signed by parents  (minimum of 3-half hour sessions per week)

(To receive an A+ for the marking period, students must do at least one of the above.)

Attendance Policy:

The school attendance policy will be enforced. Students are given three minutes after the bell rings to be in their chairs with their instruments assembled and ready to play. Students who are not ready by this time are marked tardy.

Sectionals:

There may be an occasional sectional(s) before school to assist students with the learning of their music. These will be on a limited basis as needed. Sectionals are required and must be made up if missed.

Final Exam:

All Orchestra and Symphony Band students are required to perform for the North Graduation Ceremony at the end of the year. This performance is recorded as their final exam grade.

Concert Attendance:

Concerts are, of course, a major part of each student’s grade. Make it a point to communicate potential conflicts with club leaders, coaches, bosses, etc. Most importantly, give a copy of the concert schedule to your parents! (If a conflict arises between a concert and another North activity, the staff will decide the outcome for the student.)  A minimum notice of three weeks must be given to the teacher for any conflict with a concert. (A make-up assignment will be given in this case.)