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Instrumental Music / Handbook

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2001-2002

Welcome Letters
Department Description
Policies and Procedures
Visiting and Practicing Artists
Fees and Performance Honorarium
Curriculum Details/Class Syllabi

Mr. Dave A. Hammond
Director of Bands

Mr. Frank Fyock
Director of Orchestras

Ms. Mary Dardanis
Director of Keyboards

Welcome Letters

September, 2001

Dear Parents and Students,

I hope all of you have had a restful and fun summer! We are looking forward to another great year in our department.

Parental involvement is both desired and necessary to make our program the best it can be. With your help the department can participate in events, continue to hire local and national artists to work with our students and raise the necessary funds that enable us to be an exemplary department. Please come and get involved with the department at monthly Band Parent Support meetings, at performances and for special events.

Please take the time to read the material contained in this handbook. The success of our program depends on all of us striving for the same goals of excellence and achievement throughout the year. I have also included a description of what I expect the students to be - The Student of Excellence and The Outstanding Achiever. There is also a description of the Sub-Standard Student - a list of "not to do's" that may have as much impact as the first two! You can read all of the descriptions here.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Dave A. Hammond
Director of Bands

School - 303.722.4669
Voice Mail - 303.764.7600 Box 33521
Fax - 303.764.6917

 

September, 2000

Dear Parents and Students,

We, as orchestral musicians, have a great opportunity at DSA in 2001-02. We have a fine young orchestra and should do everything possible to promote our music. As director, it is my responsibility to see that we play only fine music. My focus at DSA will be quality. Our music must reflect only the highest level of musicianship.

We must be ambassadors in every performance. We must foster orchestral music in all our efforts. The encouragement of young musicians will be a cornerstone of our thought. It must be understood that inclusion is paramount in our efforts. Students and parents must take active roles in our efforts.

Indeed, I feel fortunate to have been asked to work with the students at DSA. My efforts will be directed at the success of my students and the furthering of orchestral music.

Sincerely,

Frank Fyock
Director of Orchestras

School - 303.722.4669
Voice Mail - .303.764.7600 Box 33534
Fax - 303.764.6917

 

September, 2001

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome back to everyone! I hope your summer was relaxing but most of all fun! This is an exciting year at DSA especially for piano majors.

The piano department is expanding and becoming more visible at DSA as students work with different departments in the school including vocal music, dance and drama This year I hope that parents and students will make a special effort to support each other in the department, working to produce the largest audiences yet for our performances.

I look forward to working with the students private piano teachers to coordinate our efforts in helping each individual student grow and develop their skills as a musician.

Please feel free to call me if you have any questions or concerns.

Mary Dardanis
Piano and Chamber Music Instructor

School 303.722.4669
Voice Mail 303.764.7600 Box 33515
Fax 303.764.6917

 

Department Description

MUSIC IN THE DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The music curriculum used in the Denver Public Schools is based on Colorado Model Content Standards for Music adopted in November 1997 and revised in 1999. These five standards are broad, non course-specific goals for student achievement. These standards are further clarified by grade-specific scope and sequence guidelines provided by the district. These documents are in a constant state of revision and renewal based on national studies and advances in music education. Denver Public Schools Content Standards for Music Education:

Standard 1:   Students will sing or play on instruments a varied repertoire of music, alone or with others.
Standard 2:   Students will read and notate music.
Standard 3:   Students will create music.
Standard 4:   Students will listen to, analyze, evaluate, and describe music.
Standard 5:   Students will relate music to various historical and cultural traditions.

MUSIC AT THE DENVER SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
The basis of the core instrumental music curriculum at Denver School of the Arts is described above; however, the content standards used at the school are expanded to include those developed by the Music Educators National Conference. These give further depth in the areas of vocalization, improvisation and composition.

All instrumental music majors are required to either re-audition or receive an audition waiver each year that they are in the program.

Classes offered through the Instrumental Music Department are:

Majors:

Concert Band
Wind Ensemble
String Orchestra
Piano

Minors:

Archiving, Sound Reinforcement/Composition
MIDI Music
Full Orchestra
DSA Links Big Band
Jazz Workshop Orchestra
Chamber Music Ensemble

For further information on each class, please see class syllabi in this handbook.

 

Policies and Procedures

All ensembles at the school practice professional decorum during rehearsal and performance and attendance at both is mandatory. All rehearsal procedures enhance performance technique, musicality and ability.

Class/Rehearsal Behavior
Students must prepare for class by always bringing the proper materials (see class syllabi) and having their instrument in good working order, ready for performance at the beginning of class. If a school (DPS) instrument is used, the student is responsible for regular maintenance throughout the year. If damage occurs to the instrument while in the care of the student, the student is responsible for repair of the instrument. Tardiness or excessive absences will not be tolerated. Students are reminded that talking during rehearsals is not allowed except comments or questions are about the music. The conductor will recognize those with their hands raised if there is a question or comment. Disruptions of the rehearsal will not be tolerated. Food or drinks (except water) are never allowed in any of the instrumental music rooms at any time. If further explanation of this behavior policy is needed, please see Mr. Hammond or Mr. Fyock.

Concert Behavior
Attendance is mandatory at all concerts in which a student is expected to perform. Attendance at outside concerts may be required of the student as well. The instructors will do their best in getting schedule information to the students as soon as possible. Students must be at the school (or other concert venue) by the "call" time given for each performance. Tardiness will not be tolerated. Specific dress is required for all concerts at DSA. Orchestra, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Workshop Orchestra performers must wear all black: males in black sport jackets and slacks and a black button down shirt or black T-shirt (no decals please) with black socks and black dress shoes; females in an all-black dress or pantsuit with black dress shoes. If further explanation is required, please see Mr. Fyock, Mr. Hammond or Ms. Dardanis.

General Attitude
All students must remember that attitude is a large part of the grading system at all times in the department. Professional, kind and considerate behavior to all staff, faculty and other students is always mandatory.

GRADING
DSA is on a 9-week grading system with progress reports given at 3 and 6 weeks of each grading period. The grades are cumulative of student's work in the following areas:

Ability and achievement of the standards
Music Performance in Rehearsal and Concerts
Theory and Ear Training
Research Papers and Special Assignments
Participation and Promptness
Attitude

If a student's grade is lacking (C or below) the teacher will call a parent/teacher/student conference. Other teachers or administrators may be called to be a part of the conference.

Students of the department are reminded that annual eligibility for re-entering DSA depends on passing grades both in the art major and in academic classes.

 

Visiting and Practicing Artists

The Instrumental Music Department, with funds supplied the school through the Friends of the Denver School of the Arts, regularly employs professional local and national musicians to work with our students. Practicing artists will come to the school regularly to work with the students one-on-one or in sectional rehearsals. All students are expected to give visiting and practicing artists the utmost respect.

Visiting artists have included Victor Goines, Sharon Isbin, Maria Schneider, Dr. Richard Fuchs, Gregory Walker, Fred Hoepner, Carl Allen, Ron Carter, Ron Miles, Dr. Billy Taylor, Javon Jackson, Diane Reeves, Don Lewis and many more.

 

Fees and Performance Honorarium

DEPARTMENT DONATIONS
We are asking all Instrumental Music Majors (Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra and Piano Majors) to contribute $80 toward offsetting our overall expenses for the year. The following is an itemization of how this money will be spent:

Theory/Eartraining workbooks - $20
New music and equipment purchase - $30
Local transportation/competition fees throughout the school year - $50
Pins, pennants, letters and department award expenses - $10

Payments can be made at the beginning of the fall semester or in installments throughout the year. Please pay the school treasurer; make sure check is marked "Instrumental Music Donation".

This is a suggested donation. Families of students unable to pay are asked to make arrangements with either director to establish other ways of supporting the program and their student's involvement. Parents and friends wishing to contribute more financial support to the program may do so by donating to the Friends of the Denver School of the Arts and ask that it be specifically used for the Instrumental Music Department. All fees paid to the school for performances are used by the department to buy additional materials or used for other educational needs.

 

Curriculum Details/Class Syllabi

Concert Band
Wind Ensemble
Orchestra
Piano
Jazz Workshop Orchestra
DSA Links Big Band
Chamber Music Class
MIDI Music
Audio Archiving, Sound Reinforcement/Composition

 

Concert Band
Room 116 - Class Syllabus
David A. Hammond
This class is a major at the Denver School of the Arts and is open to only students accepted by audition into the Instrumental Music Department. At the end of the school year, all students of the class will either receive an audition waiver or be required to re-audition for admittance back into the department as a major.

Goals
The class will concentrate on the following areas of music curriculum:

  • Music Performance
  • Music Theory, Ear Training and Composition
  • Music History and Appreciation

Class Materials

  • Music: Students will be issued a music folder to protect the music handed out for performance. All music must be returned to the director when requested.
  • Musical instrument must be brought to school at all times
  • Theory text: To be determined.
  • Theory and history notebooks. Both lined notebook paper and music manuscript are required.
  • A mechanical pencil (lead = 0.9) and soft eraser are requested for music notation, a pencil is required at all times in rehearsal.
  • Journal notebooks must be kept by all instrumental music band majors. In this journal daily submissions are expected:
    • Daily practice times
    • Class assignments for music major
    • List all musical and art experiences and their impact on you
    • Required essays

Performance
Chair assignments will be determined through an audition process at the beginning of each semester or as determined by the director. The material used for these auditions will be given with ample preparation time. The director retains the right to move students in sections as he sees fit throughout the semester if changes need to be made.

It is imperative that the students of the Concert Band take private lessons. We recommend those younger players in the department study privately with older students at the school as well as with an outside professional. This will enhance students' abilities and introduce them to an older "buddy."

Grades are based on the following:

  • Ability and achievement of the standards
  • Music Performance in Rehearsal and Concerts
  • Theory and Ear Training
  • Research Papers and Special Assignments
  • Participation and Promptness
  • Attitude Participation in all performances is mandatory and an essential culmination of instruction.

Wind Ensemble
Room 116 - Class Syllabus
David A. Hammond

This class is a major at the Denver School of the Arts and is open to only those accepted by audition into the Instrumental Music Department and recommended by the director for the ensemble. At the end of the school year, all students of the class will either receive an audition waiver form or be required to re-audition for admittance back into the ensemble and/or the department as a major.

Goals
The class will concentrate on the following areas of music curriculum:

  • Intermediate to Advanced Music Performance
  • Intermediate to Advanced Music Theory, Ear Training, Composition and Improvisation
  • Intermediate to Advanced Music History and Appreciation

It is the intention of the department that the DSA Wind Ensemble be a premiere performance ensemble of the school. Competitions and performances locally and nationally will be planned.

Class Materials

  • Music: Students will be issued a music folder to protect the music handed out for performance. All music must be returned to the director when requested.
  • Musical instrument must be brought to school at all times
  • Theory text: To be determined.
  • Theory and history notebooks. Both lined notebook paper and music manuscript are required.
  • A mechanical pencil (lead = 0.9) and soft eraser are requested for music notation, a pencil is required at all times in rehearsal.
  • Journal notebooks must be kept by all instrumental music band majors. In this journal daily submissions are expected:
    • Daily practice times
    • Class assignments for music major
    • List all musical and art experiences and their impact on you
    • Required essays

Performance
Chair assignments will be determined through an audition process at the beginning of each semester or as determined by the director. The material used for these auditions will be given with ample preparation time.

Members of the Wind Ensemble will be asked to teach other less experienced students within the program and outside the school.

Participants of the Wind Ensemble may be asked to travel as part of a tour or competition. It is understood that the students give this ensemble priority in their personal schedules.

Grades are based on the following:

  • Ability and achievement of the standards
  • Music Performance in Rehearsal and Concerts
  • Theory and Ear Training
  • Research Papers and Special Assignments
  • Participation and Promptness
  • Attitude

Participation in all performances is mandatory and an essential culmination of instruction.

Senior Projects and Internships
All instrumental music majors are required to complete a final senior project. Details of the project requirements can be obtained from Mr. Hammond. All seniors who have been enrolled at DSA for two years or longer must also complete a senior internship. The student through the School to Career office at DSA arranges internships. Again, details can be obtained through Mr. Hammond.

Orchestra
Room 115 - Class Syllabus
Frank Fyock

This class is a major at the Denver School of the Arts and is open to only those accepted by audition into the Instrumental Music Department and recommended by the director for the ensemble. At the end of the school year, all students of the class will either receive an audition waiver form or be required to re-audition for admittance back into the ensemble and/or the department as a major.

Goals
The class will concentrate on:

  • Intermediate to Advanced Music Performance
  • Intermediate to Advanced Music Theory, Ear Training and Composition
  • Intermediate to Advanced Music History and Appreciation

It is the intention of the department that the DSA Orchestra is a premiere performance ensemble of the school. Competitions and performances locally and nationally will be planned.

Class Materials

  • Music: Students will be issued a music folder to protect the music handed out for performance. All music must be returned to the director when requested.
  • Musical Instrument must be brought to school at all times. (Some school instruments are available for travel usage, but we strongly urge all students to arrange for a touring instrument. We cannot be responsible for student owned instruments.)
  • Theory Text: To be determined.
  • Theory and history notebooks. Both lined notebook paper and music manuscript are required.
  • A mechanical pencil (lead = 0.9) and soft eraser are requested for music notation, a pencil is required at all times in rehearsal.

Performance
Chair assignments will be determined through an audition process at the beginning of each semester. The material used for these auditions will be given in the first week of classes. Any student may challenge for a higher chair position biweekly by notifying the higher chair and the director (again, with a two week notice).

Grades are based on the following:

  • Ability and achievement of the standards
  • Music Performance in Rehearsal and Concerts
  • Theory and Ear Training
  • Research Papers and Special Assignments
  • Participation and Promptness
  • Attitude

Participants of the Orchestra may be asked to travel as part of a tour or competition. It is understood that the students give this ensemble priority in their personal schedules.

Participation in all performances is mandatory and an essential culmination of instruction.

Senior Projects and Internships
All instrumental music majors are required to complete a final senior project. Details of the project can be obtained from Mr. Fyock. All seniors who have been enrolled at DSA for two years or longer must also complete a senior internship. The student through the School to Career office at DSA arranges internships.

Piano Majors
Room 118 - Class Syllabus
Mary E. Dardanis

This class is a major at the Denver School of the Arts and is open to only those accepted by audition into the Instrumental Music Department. At the end of the school year all students are required to re-audition for admittance to the Department for the following year.

Goals
The class will concentrate on the following areas of music curriculum:

  • Solo Musical Performance of the four major musical periods
  • Ensemble Musical Performance through Accompanying and Chamber Music
  • Intermediate to Advanced Music Theory, Ear Training, Composition, and Improvisation
  • Intermediate to Advanced Music History and Appreciation

It is the intention of the department that students in the DSA Piano Majors program will perform frequently as soloists and ensemble players and this is the core element of the program. Competitions and performances are planned throughout the year.

Class Materials

  • Music: Students will be required to bring music to class at all times and must be responsible for any school music they may be utilizing.
  • Headphones: Students must bring headphones to class at all times.
  • Theory texts: To be determined
  • Theory and history notebooks: Both lined notebook paper and music manuscript paper are required.
  • Students must bring a pencil to class at all times.

Performance
There will be four main recitals throughout the year in which all students are required to participate. Students must attend all piano recitals whether or not they are performing. Student attendance at all performances will be an integral part of their grade and an essential culmination of instruction.

Grades are based on the following:

  • Ability and achievement of the standards
  • Music Performance in Rehearsal and Concerts
  • Theory and Ear Training
  • Research Papers and Special Assignments
  • Participation and Promptness
  • Attitude

Participation in all performances is mandatory and an essential culmination of instruction.

Senior Projects and Internships
All instrumental music majors are required to complete a final senior project. Details of the project can be obtained from Ms. Dardanis. All seniors who have been enrolled at DSA for two years or longer must also complete a senior internship. The student through the School to Career office at DSA arranges internships.

Jazz Workshop Orchestra
Room 116 - Class Syllabus
David A. Hammond

This class is a music minor offered by the Instrumental Music Department and is open to all students at the school by audition only. There is an enrollment cap on the class due to instrumentation.

Goals:
This class will concentrate on the following areas of music curriculum:

  • Intermediate to advanced jazz performance in big band setting
  • Intermediate to advanced improvisation skills
  • Intermediate to advanced jazz composition

It is the intention of the Instrumental Music department that the DSA Jazz Workshop Orchestra is a premiere performance ensemble of the school. Competitions and performances locally and nationally will be a part of this class.

Materials:

  • Music: Students will be issued a music folder to protect the music handed out for performance. All music must be handed back in.
  • Musical Instrument must be brought to school at all times
  • Pencil is required at all times in rehearsal.

Performance
Chair assignments will be determined through an audition process at the beginning of each semester. The material used for these auditions will be given in the first week of classes.

Participants of the Jazz Workshop Orchestra may be asked to travel as part of a tour or competition. It is understood that the students give this ensemble priority in their personal schedules.

Participants of the Jazz Workshop Orchestra may be asked to teach other less experienced students within the program and outside the school.

Participation in all performances is mandatory and an essential culmination of instruction.

DSA Links Big Band
Room 113 - Class Syllabus
Dave Hammond

This class is a music minor offered by the Instrumental Music Department and is open to all students at the school by audition only. There may be an enrollment cap on the class due to instrumentation.

Goals:
This class will concentrate on the following areas of music curriculum:

  • Beginning to intermediate jazz performance in big band setting
  • Beginning to intermediate improvisation skills
  • Beginning to intermediate jazz composition

Local competitions and performances will be a part of this class.

Materials:

  • Music: Students will be issued a music folder to protect the music handed out for performance. All music must be handed back in.
  • Musical Instrument must be brought to school at all times
  • Pencil at all times in rehearsal.

Performance
Chair assignments will be determined through an audition process at the beginning of each semester. The material used for these auditions will be given in the first week of classes.

Participation in all performances is mandatory and an essential culmination of instruction.

Chamber Music Class
Room 115 - Class Syllabus
Mary Dardanis/Frank Fyock

This class is a music minor offered by the Instrumental Music Department and is open to all students at the school by audition only. There may be an enrollment cap on the class due to instrumentation.

Goals:
This class will concentrate on the following areas of music curriculum:

  • Beginning to advanced chamber music styles
  • Beginning to advanced solo repertoire
  • Beginning to advanced chamber composition

Local competitions and performances will be a part of this class.

Materials:

  • Music: Students will be issued a music folder to protect the music handed out for performance. All music must be handed back in.
  • Musical Instrument must be brought to school at all times
  • Pencil at all times in rehearsal.

Performance
Ensemble assignments will be dictated through an audition process at the beginning of each semester. The material used for these auditions will be given in the first week of classes.

Participation in all performances is mandatory and an essential culmination of instruction.

MIDI Music
Room 113 - Class Syllabus
Frank Fyock

This class is a music minor offered by the Instrumental Music Department and is open to all students at the school. There is an enrollment cap on the class due to the limited amount of equipment.

Goals:
This class will introduce the basics of producing music through electronic synthesis and composing music by way of sequencing. The class will analyze analog and digital music reproduction and manipulation of sound waves, learning the historical advancements in both. Basic analog and digital recording will be understood. The class will further delve into synthesizer technology, computer sequencing programs and music for film. Students will learn how to compose via synthesizers with onboard sequencers and using computer-based sequence programs.

Performance Projects
Regular composition and/or arranging assignments will be given for performance in class or at a concert venue. These are used to discuss MIDI composition and sound manipulation topics as well as to advance basic music composition skills. Due to the type of work and availability of equipment, students will rarely work alone. Work will commonly be done in groups of 2 to 3.

Special Projects
Occasionally the entire class may be involved in a unique project in or out of school. Participation in these projects is required of all enrolled in the class. The projects may include extra curricular time and effort from the class. Every effort must be made to participate in these events, as they are part of the course credit.

Audio Archiving, Sound Reinforcement/Composition
Room 113 - Class Syllabus
Frank Fyock

This class is a music minor at the Denver School of the Arts and is open to all students at the school. There is an enrollment cap on the class due to equipment availability.

Goals:
The class will concentrate on the understanding and proper usage of the sound reinforcement and recording facilities at DSA. We will focus on providing sound engineering services for any department in the building. All students in the class will be responsible for providing engineering/recording services for various in-house concerts, plays, recitals and other events needing audio services. As necessary, we will also provide off-campus services to DSA events requiring audio reinforcement/recording.

Materials:

  • Audio Text to be announced.
  • All students will be responsible for an audio notebook of technical and audio related materials. Notebooks will be an important part of a student's grade each semester.

Performances
Students will be assigned audio projects during the school year and attendance at these functions is not only mandatory but also critical to the success of these productions. Attendance will be a major factor in the grading procedure.

Projects
In addition to the daily audio needs of the school, we will be involved in:

  • Archiving and proper storage of the DSA recorded music libraries
  • Equipment maintenance and calibration will be an ongoing project
  • Computer composition tools and techniques

 


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