 |
|
|
|
| Questions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| Answers |
 |
1) |
Q |
When does band meet? |
 |
A |
|
Band
meets during activity period, from 2:10-2:45. In the fall, the 7th
grade band meets on days 4 and 5, and the 8th grade band meets on days 2
and 3, with the combined band (grades 7 and 8) meeting together on day
6. Following our fall evaluations, students are split into two
performing groups, the wind ensemble and the symphonic band, which meet
on separate days. Symphonic band meets on days 4 & 5, while the wind
ensemble meets on days 2 & 3, again with the combined bands meeting
on day 6.
|
|
|
|
2) |
Q |
What are some of the opportunities for my child in the band at CYMS? |
|
A |
|
The
band program at CYMS is very involved and offers students MANY
opportunities to explore and expand their musical potential. All
students are expected to participate in marching band in the fall. The
marching band performs in our annual band day celebration with the CYHS
band and the elementary bands, as well as performs in 1 or 2 local
parades. There are 2 concert bands -- the symphonic band and the wind
ensemble -- which perform at Christmas and the spring, and other times
as needed throughout the school year. We have a brass ensemble during
the winter holidays, aptly titled Christmas Brass, and a small ensemble
program which is active following the winter holidays with a recital in
mid-March. There is a jazz program, which features a traditional big
band, as well as a club setting for jazz improvisation and combo
playing. Lastly, we offer a traditional fife and drum corps, playing
music from the American Revolution and portraying a typical corps found
in the 18th century.
|
|
|
|
3) |
Q |
How often does the CYMS band perform, and what is the time commitment? |
|
A |
|
The
CYMS band performs at the district's annual band day celebration, which
is a pre-game performance at one of the home varsity football games
alongside the CYHS Marching Band, and students from the elementary
bands. Additionally, the band performs in 2 parades each fall. The band
does a holiday concert in December, a March concert with the CYHS Bands and 6th grade bands from NHE & SSE, and a spring concert in May. There
are other performance opportunities which occur in the various other
ensembles as part of the band program. A student's time commitment is
dependent upon how involved that student wants to be. The
extra-curricular ensembles - fife and drum corps, jazz band, small
ensembles - all meet after school from 3-4, but the concert bands meet
during the school day. There are occasional after school rehearsals for
the concert bands, but those are usually in the last few weeks before a
performance. Some students choose to be in many after school ensembles,
while others choose to only do the ensembles which meet during the
school day.
|
|
|
|
4) |
Q |
Is band a graded subject, and if so, how are grades determined? |
|
A |
|
Yes,
band is a graded subject at CYMS. Band is a curricular academic subject
that meets during the regular school day. As an extension of the
classroom, several evening and weekend events are required and necessary
part of the curriculum. As an academic subject, band carries the same
responsibility as other subjects, and you are expected to work and
achieve in the same way. You will receive a grade in band. Grades will
be uploaded to the school website daily. Since band is regarded as an
academic class, all students receive a grade for band based upon their
attendance, attitude and behavior, and musical performance and
achievements.
Please refer to the band handbook for detailed grading criteria.
|
|
|
|
5) |
Q |
Can my child do band and sports at CYMS? |
|
A |
|
It
IS very easy to do both athletics and band at CYMS. The coaches and
music staff work very closely together and very well with each other to
ensure that all students are able to participate in as many activities
as possible. Our philosophy at CYMS is that students should be involved
in the life of the school, and be as well rounded as possible. We
accomplish that by encouraging students to get involved and stay
involved in as much as they feel comfortable with. Our band policy
regarding rehearsals/performances and athletic conflicts is very simple.
We ask that student athletes split time between rehearsals and
practices – i.e., if there is an athletic practice til 5:00, and a band
practice til 4:00, stay at band until 3:40, then go to football/field
hockey/track, etc… An athletic competition (game, meet, etc.) always
takes precedence over a rehearsal. If there is a situation where there
is a performance and an athletic event, we work it out with the
individual coach per the situation. We do ask that you keep your
coaches informed of all dates and conflicts. We (the music staff and the
athletic coaches) have a very open and excellent relationship and work
very well together to provide as many opportunities for success for all
of the students at CYMS.
|
|
|
|
6) |
Q |
How do I get involved as a parent? |
|
A |
|
There
are LOTS of opportunities to be involved as a parent in the CYMS band
programs. First, be sure that your CYSD Clearances are up to date and
current. You can find information regarding clearances on the district
homepage. Then, fill out the parent volunteer form found under the
"Handbook, policies, and forms" tab on the left column of this page.
Volunteers are always needed for chaperoning events, helping with food
and drinks at parties, helping to distribute uniforms in the summer,
sewing and alterations, towing the trailer, the list goes on and on...
The great success of the CYMS Band depends on you as a parent. Education
in general, and music education specifically is truly a partnership.
Please be a willing partner!!!
|
|
|