Dear Band Students and Parents:
Welcome to another exciting year in the North Allegheny High School Band Program. The purpose of this letter is to welcome all incoming freshman and all returning band students. This letter will provide you with important information regarding the band program at NASH and NAI, including grading policies, rehearsal and performance guidelines, rules, and regulations, PMEA festivals, and important performance dates.
ENSEMBLE DESCRIPTIONS
North Allegheny High School offers the following ensembles for students in grades 9-12:
- NASH Honors Wind Ensemble Mr. Todd R. Stefan
- NASH Symphonic Band Mr. Todd R. Stefan
- NASH Concert Band Mr. Todd R. Stefan
- NAI Wind Ensemble Mr. Stephen Baldanzi
- NAI Symphonic Band Mr. Todd R. Stefan
- NAI Concert Band Mr. Stephen Baldanzi
- Marching Band Mr. Todd R. Stefan & Mr. Stephen Baldanzi
- Jazz Ensembles Mr. Todd R. Stefan & Mr. Stephen Baldanzi
- Smaller chamber ensembles such as Woodwind Ensembles, Percussion Ensembles, and Brass Ensembles will be offered based on student interest and the availability of instructors.
The Senior High School Honors Wind Ensemble is designed for the most serious and advanced brass, woodwind, and percussion students in grades 11 and 12. This ensemble will rehearse, study, and perform the most advanced music written for the modern band as well as orchestral transcriptions. Students are expected to have highly developed sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, harmony, and articulation. In addition to the band repertoire, advanced theoretical and technical concepts appropriate to individual instruments will also be addressed. Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances are all required. There may also be required after school rehearsals. Musicians wishing to participate in AV, PMEA, or MENC honors festivals, Marching Band, and/or other chamber ensembles must be enrolled in Honors Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band.
Criteria for Selection- This course is available only by audition and recommendation of the director
The Senior High School Symphonic Band is designed for the advancing brass, woodwind, and percussion students in grades 11 and 12. The ensemble will rehearse, study, and perform medium to advanced music written for the modern band as well as orchestral transcriptions. Students are expected to have an above average sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, harmony, and articulation. In addition to the band repertoire, theoretical and technical concepts appropriate to individual instruments will also be addressed. Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances are all required. There may also be required after school rehearsals. Musicians wishing to participate in AV, PMEA, or MENC honors festivals, Marching Band, and/or other chamber ensembles must be enrolled in Honors Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band.
Criteria for Selection- This course is available only by audition and recommendation of the director as well instrumentation needs.
The Senior High School Concert Band is designed for brass, woodwind, and percussion students in grades 11 and 12. The ensemble will rehearse, study, and perform medium to advanced music written for the modern band as well as orchestral transcriptions. Students are expected to have a sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, harmony, and articulation. In addition to the band repertoire, theoretical and technical concepts appropriate to individual instruments will also be addressed. Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances are all required. There may also be required after school rehearsals. Musicians wishing to participate in AV, PMEA, or MENC honors festivals, Marching Band, and/or other chamber ensembles must be enrolled in Honors Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band.
Criteria for Selection- This course is available only by audition and recommendation of the director as well instrumentation needs.
The Intermediate High School Wind Ensemble is designed for the most serious and advanced brass, woodwind, and percussion students in grades 9 and 10. This ensemble will rehearse, study, and perform the most advanced music written for the modern band as well as orchestral transcriptions. Students are expected to have highly developed sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, harmony, and articulation. In addition to the band repertoire, advanced theoretical and technical concepts appropriate to individual instruments will also be addressed. Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances are all required. There may also be required after school rehearsals. Musicians wishing to participate in AV, PMEA, or MENC honors festivals, Marching Band, and/or other chamber ensembles must be enrolled in Honors Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band.
Criteria for Selection- This course is available only by audition and recommendation of the director
The Intermediate High School Symphonic Band is designed for the advancing brass, woodwind, and percussion students in grades 9 and 10. The ensemble will rehearse, study, and perform medium to advanced music written for the modern band as well as orchestral transcriptions. Students are expected to have an above average sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, harmony, and articulation. In addition to the band repertoire, theoretical and technical concepts appropriate to individual instruments will also be addressed. Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances are all required. There may also be required after school rehearsals. Musicians wishing to participate in AV, PMEA, or MENC honors festivals, Marching Band, and/or other chamber ensembles must be enrolled in Honors Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band.
Criteria for Selection- This course is available only by audition and recommendation of the director as well instrumentation needs.
The Intermediate High School Concert Band is designed for brass, woodwind, and percussion students in grades 9 and 10. The ensemble will rehearse, study, and perform medium to advanced music written for the modern band as well as orchestral transcriptions. Students are expected to have a sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, harmony, and articulation. In addition to the band repertoire, theoretical and technical concepts appropriate to individual instruments will also be addressed. Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances are all required. There may also be required after school rehearsals. Musicians wishing to participate in AV, PMEA, or MENC honors festivals, Marching Band, and/or other chamber ensembles must be enrolled in Honors Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band.
Criteria for Selection- This course is available only by audition and recommendation of the director as well instrumentation needs.
*Students that elect to participate or audition for Chamber Ensembles, Jazz Ensembles, and/or Marching Band will receive either a handbook or its equivalent explaining the group’s rules and regulations.
GRADING AND ATTENDANCE POLICY
The following grading policy applies to the NAI and NASH Concert Bands, Symphonic Bands, and Wind Ensembles
- Our grading system is as follows as outlined by the North Allegheny School District
90- 100 = A 80-89 = B 70-79 = B 60-69 = D 59 or below = E
- All students are graded daily and can earn a maximum of 5 points per rehearsal with good class participation and mature behavior. A student can lose from 1-5 points per rehearsal for forgetting their instrument, eating, drinking, or chewing gum during rehearsal, not having the necessary equipment for rehearsal such as reeds, drum sticks, mallets, mouth pieces, etc., disrupting rehearsal, and/or abusing the hall pass. If their behavior, playing ability, and maturity have not progressed, your child can be dismissed from the band program.
- In order to receive an “A” in any of the band ensembles, you must have mature, appropriate ensemble behavior, good musical proficiency, and show musical improvements throughout each nine-week term. With classes this large we will not tolerate inappropriate behavior in rehearsal. Any inappropriate behavior may result in dismissal from the band program immediately with a grade of an “E”.
- You are required to attend all scheduled after-school dress rehearsals and performances. After school rehearsals will be scheduled as needed and at least two weeks in advance. Please see the attached calendar for a schedule of this year’s performance dates.
- Missing any scheduled after school rehearsal will result in a grade deduction of one full letter.
- Missing any one of the scheduled performances will result in an immediate dismissal from the band program with a failing grade. The concerts are essentially your mid-term and final exams. Missing a rehearsal or performance due to a conflict with another North Allegheny or non-North Allegheny event will not be an excused absence; if you have a conflict notify the director immediately so that a resolution can be reached.
- Cutting or skipping a band rehearsal during school hours will not be tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal from the band program with a failing grade.
- Any inappropriate or immature behavior in class or at any band function in or away from school will result in immediate dismissal from the band program with a failing grade.
In addition to the grading policies above, the following additions are required as a member of the NAI and NASH Concert Bands.
- Complete and pass two playing tests per semester based on excerpts from the band literature being studied. The director will set up designated “testing days”. If you are not prepared to take your playing test on the designated test day, you may make an appointment to take it at another time, however, both playing tests must be completed before the end of the first semester.
- Take a scale test. As a part of your playing test, you will be asked to perform 2 scales in multiple octaves in any major key up to 4 sharps and 4 flats. You must perform these scales in eighth notes at a metronomic marking of a quarter note equals 120 beats per minute.
- Take a sight-reading test. As a part of your playing test, you will be asked to sight read an excerpt or an etude for your instrument.
- Complete one intonation chart. A blank intonation chart for your instrument will be provided to you by your director. You must complete the chart before the end of the each semester. In order to successfully complete your intonation chart, you will need to use an electronic tuner. If you do not have an electronic tuner, you may borrow one from your band director, but do not expect to take a borrowed electronic tuner home with you.
- Any NAI or NASH Concert Band or Symphonic Band Student that successfully auditions into the Allegheny Valley Honors Band, the PMEA Honors Band, PMEA Region Band, or PMEA All-State Band, will be exempt from one playing test of the student’s choice. (Any student that successfully auditions for more than one of the PMEA groups can only be exempt from one playing test for the entire year.)
- A Scoring Rubric is attached that will be used to evaluate the performance aspect of your grade.
In addition to the grading policies above, the following additions are required as a member of the NAI and NASH Symphonic Bands.
- Complete and pass two playing tests per semester based on excerpts from the band literature being studied. The director will set up designated “testing days”. If you are not prepared to take your playing test on the designated test day, you may make an appointment to take it at another time, however, both playing tests must be completed before the end of the first semester.
- Take a scale test. As a part of your playing test, you will be asked to perform 4 scales in multiple octaves in any major key up to 4 sharps and 4 flats. You must perform these scales in eighth notes at a metronomic marking of a quarter note equals 120 beats per minute.
- Take a sight-reading test. As a part of your playing test, you will be asked to sight read an excerpt or an etude for your instrument.
- Complete one intonation chart. A blank intonation chart for your instrument will be provided to you by your director. You must complete the chart before the end of the first semester. In order to successfully complete your intonation chart, you will need to use an electronic tuner. If you do not have an electronic tuner, you may borrow one from your band director, but do not expect to take a borrowed electronic tuner home with you.
- Any NAI or NASH Concert Band or Symphonic Band Student that successfully auditions into the Allegheny Valley Honors Band, the PMEA Honors Band, PMEA Region Band, or PMEA All-State Band, will be exempt from one playing test of the student’s choice. (Any student that successfully auditions for more than one of the PMEA groups can only be exempt from one playing test for the entire year.)
- A Scoring Rubric is attached that will be used to evaluate the performance aspect of your grade.
In addition to the grading policies above, the following additions are required as a member of the NAI and NASH Wind Ensembles.
- Complete and pass two playing per semester tests based on excerpts from the band literature being studied. The director will set up designated “testing days”. If you are not prepared to take your playing test on the designated test day, you may make an appointment to take it at another time, however, both playing tests must be completed before the end of the first semester.
- Take a scale test. As a part of your playing test, you will be asked to perform 4 scales in multiple octaves in any major key. You must perform these scales in eighth notes at a metronomic marking of a quarter note equals 120 beats per minute.
- Take a sight-reading test. As a part of your playing test, you will be asked to sight read an excerpt or an etude for your instrument.
- Complete one intonation chart per semester. A blank intonation chart for your instrument will be provided to you by your director. You must complete the chart before the end of the first semester. In order to successfully complete your intonation chart, you will need to use an electronic tuner. If you do not have an electronic tuner, you may borrow one from your band director, but do not expect to take a borrowed electronic tuner home with you.
- The NASH Honors Wind Ensemble will also be graded on written evaluations and a written final exam at the end of the year. The written evaluations may include concert reflections, questions about the literature being studied, and evaluation forms in which each student will be the judge and evaluate band recordings.
- Any NAI or NASH Wind Ensemble student that successfully auditions into the PMEA Honors Band, PMEA Region Band, or PMEA All-State Band, will be exempt from one playing test of the student’s choice. (Any student that successfully auditions for more than one of the PMEA groups can only be exempt from one playing test for the entire year.)
- A Scoring Rubric is attached that will be used to evaluate the performance aspect of your grade.
Auditions and Chair Placement
All auditions for the NAI and NASH Concert Bands, Symphonic Bands, and Wind Ensembles will be done on an individual basis prior to scheduling in February or early March. All audition instructions and requirements will be available at the time of auditions. Every student must take a Concert Band, Symphonic Band, or Wind Ensemble audition, as this audition will serve as one of the semesters playing tests.
Auditions for the Jazz Ensembles will take place after school in early September. A rubric and audition instructions will be available at the time of auditions.
There are no auditions for brass and woodwind players for Marching Band. Students will be placed by the directors and instructors in a way that provides the band with an even well balanced sound.
In closing we are thrilled that you have decided to become or remain a member of the North Allegheny High School Band Program. With hard work and dedication, this year’s ensembles will rise to the top of musical excellence and set a standard for all groups that follow. If you or your parents/guardian wish to contact us, please feel free to call or email us at anytime and we will respond as soon as we can. We can be reached at the following numbers:
Mr. Todd R. Stefan at NASH (724) 934-7916 or tstefan@northallegheny.org
Mr. Stephen Baldanzi at NAI (412) 369-5476 or sbaldanzi@northallegheny.org
Once again best of luck to all of you and we wish you the most musically satisfying year.
Sincerely,
Todd R. Stefan Stephen Baldanzi
Director of Bands Director of Bands
North Allegheny Senior High School North Allegheny Intermediate High School
Performance Rubric
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TONE QUALITY
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10-9
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tone quality is full, rich, and characteristic of the tone quality of the instrument in all registers
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8-7
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tone quality is characteristic in most registers, but distorts in a few passages (occasional lapses)
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6-5
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tone quality exhibits some flaws in production (i.e. slightly thin/unfocused or forced sound)
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4-3
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tone quality has several flaws in basic production (i.e. consistently thin/unfocused or forced sound)
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2-1
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tone production is of a quality that hinders the performance
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INTONATION
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10-9
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intonation is accurate in all ranges and registers
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8-7
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intonation is mostly accurate; the student adjusts the few problem pitches to an acceptable standard
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6-5
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intonation is somewhat accurate but consistently includes out-of-tune notes; the student adjusts these pitches with fair success
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4-3
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a basic sense of intonation is evident, yet major errors occur; the student makes little attempt to adjust problem pitches
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2-1
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intonation is consistently inaccurate and hinders the quality of performance
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RHYTHM
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10-9
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rhythms are accurate and precise throughout the performance
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8-7
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rhythms are nearly accurate; occasionally, rhythms lack precise interpretation
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5-6
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most rhythm patterns are accurate, but errors in precision are present (approximation of written rhythms)
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4-3
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many rhythms performed incorrectly or inconsistently, major errors are present in the performance
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2-1
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rhythms are consistently performed incorrectly; clarity and precision are essentially nonexistent
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MUSICALITY
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10-9
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performance demonstrates full control of tempo, dynamics, phrasing, and expression in a dramatic performance consistent with the style of the solo
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8-7
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performance demonstrates good control of tempo, dynamics, phrasing, and expression in a performance often consistent with the style of the solo; the range of expression may be somewhat limited, but rarely detracts from the performance
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6-5
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performance demonstrates basic control of tempo, dynamics, phrasing, and expression; basic attempts at dramatic performance and basic knowledge of style are evident; limited/inconsistent range of expression prevails
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4-3
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major errors in control of tempo, dynamics, phrasing, and expression are present; the student demonstrates little attempt at dramatic performance; many stylistic inconsistencies are present
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2-1
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lack of control of tempo, dynamics, phrasing, and expression hinders the performance; attempts at dramatic and/or stylistically correct performance are unsuccessful or nonexistent
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TECHNIQUE
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10-9
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performance demonstrates complete mastery of the technical demands of the music, including: precision, facility, and clarity of pitches and articulations
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8-7
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performance nearly demonstrates mastery of the technical demands of the music; minor inconsistencies in precision, facility, and clarity are isolated and rarely detract from the performance
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6-5
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the majority of passages are handled with reasonable technical facility; some passages include incorrect or unclear pitches and/or articulations; precision and/or facility are questionable at times
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4-3
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performance demonstrates basic knowledge of the technical demands of the music; consistent, major errors are made in pitch, articulation, facility, and precision
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2-1
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lack of accuracy of pitch, articulation, facility, and precision seriously hinders the performance; the student's technique is not developed enough to attempt the solo passage
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