Flute

Lucy Chavez

Lauren Clark

Lizbeth Morgan

Courtney Perkins

Gabriela Villamor

Vanessa Zou

Olivia Ragan

Sarita Ware

Clarinet

Meredith Laubert

Bobbie Spero

Zack Ellsworth

Alexis Jackson

Shannen Wallace

Monica Wright

Victoria Neil

Caroline Snyder

Emily Hannah

Bass Clarinet

Jerome Walker

Kim Paxton

Tenor Saxophone

Essence Pittman

Baritone Saxophone

Jason Palermo

Alto Saxophone

Edward Bakshis

Everett Carson

Alison Hesser

Erin O’Malley

Trumpet

Krista Schmidt

Robert Dyas

Valerie Hamburg

Cole Smith

Christl Stringer

Keyboard

Brian Dragotto

Austin Russell

Trombone

James Townley

Donovan Hunter

Meagan DePaul

Mallets

Emily Putiri

Julia Weiss

Jordan Vilamor

Percussion

John Bucknam

Lindsay Day

Kristen Eaton

Ian Findeison

Eric Guetzlaff

Justin Hare

Frank Noranbrock

Stephen Wolfe

George Schieder

Jay Higbee

Flute

Lucy Chavez

Lauren Clark

Lizbeth Morgan

Courtney Perkins

Gabriela Villamor

Vanessa Zou

Olivia Ragan

Juliana Martinez

Sarita Ware

Juliana Martinez

Gabby Giordano

Clarinet

Meredith Laubert

Bobbie Spero

Zack Ellsworth

Alexis Jackson

Shannen Wallace

Monica Wright

Victoria Neil

Caroline Snyder

Emily Hannah

Kevyn Thamma

Asia Pham-Jones

Alto Clarinet

Maya Freeman

Bass Clarinet

Jerome Walker

Kim Paxton

Tenor Saxophone

Essence Pittman

Baritone Saxophone

Jason Palermo

Alto Saxophone

Edward Bakshis

Everett Carson

Alison Hesser

Erin O’Malley

James Davis

Cello

Gabriel Cruz

Keyboard

Brian Dragotto

Austin Russell

Trumpet

Krista Schmidt

Robert Dyas

Valerie Hamburg

Cole Smith

Christl Stringer

Robert Tewell

Laura Taraba

Ryan Samaroo

Scott Mattle

Josh Levy

Anvith Chidarananda

Austin Jobin

 Trombone

James Townley

Donovan Hunter

Meagan DePaul

Daniel Roque

Matt Dragotto

Alexander Dib

Mallets

Jerrell Walker

Emily Putiri

Ian Findeison

Julia Weiss

Stephen Wolfe

George Schieder

Jordan Vilamor

Percussion

John Bucknam

Lindsay Day

Kristen Eaton

Ian Findeison

Eric Guetzlaff

Justin Hare

Frank Noranbrock

Stephen Wolfe

Jeff Hughes

George Schieder

Gabby Makar

Danny Mattera

Jordan Vilamor

Stefen Fleming

Morgan Jenigen

Jay Higbee

MUSIC ENSEMBLES 

I. CONCERT BAND

OVERVIEW

    This guide of curriculum and procedure provides an overview of the programs presently offered at the William Davies School.  The nature of the programs requires that the course curriculum, ensemble procedures, and policies of the music education department be stated together within the context of this overview.  Any changes in curriculum, policy, or procedures will be approved by the ensemble directors and the district curriculum coordinator. 

A. MEMBERSHIP AND PURPOSE

      The purpose of the music ensembles is to provide the experience of group/ensemble performance and the accompanying learning experiences.  The experience covers a wide range of musical literature including, but not limited to, the study and performance of classical,  jazz,  pop, folk, country, patriotic, and international instrumental and vocal literature designed for the skill level and maturity of the middle school student.  Students will be required to master, perform, and critically analyze the literature they study; the culmination of the ensemble experience will be public performance of the literature studied.  Solo and sectional performance, along with private study, will be integral facets of the overall experience for all instrumentalists, and, where possible, this will apply to vocal/choral students as well.  In conjunction with district and departmental goals, the purpose of the program experiences is to develop the affective nature of the student through interaction with musical experiences, the directors,  and their fellow students, and to cultivate and  refine the analytical and expressive abilities of each individual student to his or her fullest potential.  

B. MASTERY OBJECTIVES

The student will be able to:

1.   develop and realize the aesthetic qualities and values of music.

2.   develop the skills of a critical listener and consumer.

3.   become aware of the various different styles and their unique character and style traits.

4.   serve and represent the school as a member of its student community.

5.   develop his analysis, listening, and psycho-motor skills in both musical and non-musical settings.

6.   provide a means of recreation and self-expression to use leisure time in a productive and worthwhile fashion.

7.   provide students a means of self expression and an  identity within the school community.

8.   develop the skills and spirit of cooperative effort the context of a society and community.

9.   provide the student with experiences which will enhance the students appreciation for the quality and depth of musicals works both great and small.

10.  allow the student to work in a medium which will encourage a sense of pride, purpose, and self-discipline.

11.  provide the background and training for those students   who wish to pursue a career in the music field.

C. PRACTICE

Any individual who professes to be a musician must also be a student of their musical art.  An inherent

facet of musicianship is practice.  In the case of the junior high student, continued and focused practice is

critical.  A fair and reasonable expectation is for the junior high student to devote a minimum of 40 minutes

daily to practicing method book materials and ensemble music.  Private study is also strongly encouraged

and supported for all ensemble members.  Refinement of technical proficiencies leads to a greater

appreciation of the expressive qualities of music as well as  the creative, self-expression which can be

exhibited by the student.  Practice helps to develop the cognitive skills, psycho-motor coordination, and 

affective nature of the practitioner.   Music is a life-long study with no end to speak of; it is, instead, a path

down which one may travel to experience growth and life to its fullest. 

D. CONCERT BAND

The primary instrumental ensemble at the William Davies School is the Concert Band.  This group consists

of both male and female Grade 7 and 8 students who have met the minimum skill levels and entry

requirements.  The Concert Band program encourages a continuous enrollment throughout the school

year and accepts students as members contingent upon the aforementioned skill and entrance

requirements.  Students will be offered the chance to enroll in private lesson groups provided during the

school day and, where applicable, will be offered the chance to perform in small ensembles and as

soloists.  The culmination of the instrumental solo and ensemble experience is the performance of

literature which the student has studied.

E.  MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP IN CONCERT BAND

Students who demonstrate the following abilities will be considered eligible for membership in the Davies

School Concert Band (minimum requirements should be interpreted as a reflections of curricular goals for

the beginning instrumentalist):

1.   Students will recognize and perform any of the following symbols in combination in the context of a 16 measure selection:

                        quarter note   half note   whole note   eighth note pair

                        treble clef   cut time   four four time   three four time

                        six eight time   quarter rest   half rest   whole rest

                        eighth rest   crescendo   decrescendo   accent   tie/slur

                        forte   piano   mezzo piano   mezzo forte   sixteenth note

                        triplet   repeat symbols

                        All notes on the staff from middle C to G above the treble clef staff.

2.   Students will perform selections at various tempi.

3.   Students will perform ties, slurs, as well as legato and staccato articulations at varied tempi and respond to these symbols in the context of the literature .

4.   Students will demonstrate the ability to perform at all dynamic levels and respond to dynamic markings within the context of the literature.

5.   Students will be able to identify and perform phrases, both marked and unmarked, within the context of their band and solo literature.

6.   Students will demonstrate proper breath control, embouchure, and posture, as well as those techniques and habits inherent in the study of their instrument. 

7.   Students will demonstrate the ability to mark their music with any additional symbology to assist them in their performance of the literature. 

8.   Students will demonstrate the ability to mark their music accordingly for breath marks which are both logical and musical.

9.   Students will demonstrate their ability to perform various styles of music effectively and accurately, reflecting the style traits which characterize the piece.

10.  Students will describe the mood of a piece and provide an affective response to their impression of their own performances.

11.  Students will demonstrate an understanding of beginning octave Concert B flat fingerings for their instruments; percussionists will demonstrate rolls, flams, and other relevant N.R.D.A. rudiments. 

12.  Students will perform in keys up to four sharps and four flats, as well as the key of C. 

13.  Students will demonstrate their understanding of and ability to apply in context the following musical terms:

                        -adagio  -allegro  -andante  -a tempo  -coda  -D.S. al coda

                        -D.S. al fine  -da capo  -crescendo  -duet  -decrescendo     

                        -diminuendo  -fine  -forte  -forte-piano  -fortissimo    

                        -sforzando  -grave  -legato  -marcato  -mezzo forte   

                        -mezzo piano  -molto  -piano  -pianissimo  -presto   

                        -ritardando  -staccato  -tacet  -tempo  -poco a poco

14.  Students will demonstrate the ability to follow and respond to the gestures and indications of a conductor.

15.  The student will meet with the ensemble directors and agree to fulfill all rehearsal and performance requirements as well as all other requirements stated herein.

16.  Students will demonstrate on a consistent basis proper posture, breath support, instrument position, and tonguing for their particular instrument.

17.  Where indicated, the student will perform attacks, releases, trills and other articulations as indicated within their music.

18.  Students will demonstrate the ability to indicate both verbally and in written form the subdivision of the measure based on the value of the notation within that measure.

19.  Students will demonstrate all of the aforementioned skills performing within the context of a 16 measure piece observing all markings at marked tempo without stopping; the ability to play without stopping is considered critical and supersedes any flaws that may occur during the course of performance.

20.  Students will demonstrate the ability to play with just intonation throughout the range of their instrument, and the ability to adjust intonation and tone by ear to match the ensemble and/or section.

21.  The student will demonstrate the ability to sight-read a piece without stopping while observing all notations and markings as indicated.

F. CONCERT BAND CONTRACT

The following contract is signed by all Concert Band members and their parents at the beginning of their

membership in the instrumental ensemble:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

STUDENT CONTRACT -DAVIES CONCERT BAND

DO NOT sign below until you have read ALL of the statements

If I am accepted as a member of the Davies School Band I agree:

to attend ALL rehearsals prepared with my music unless absent from school, or such designated by the directors that I do not have to attend  I understand that missing 10 or more rehearsals (either September to December 20, or January to May 29th) will result in my being removed from the Davies Band.

to attend all special rehearsals, being aware that this may include evening and/or weekend rehearsals on a limited basis immediately prior to concert and that my absence at a dress rehearsal may result in my being removed from a performance.

to perform in all concerts with pride and maturity, and to demonstrate the high caliber of the Davies School student, always performing to the best of my ability.

to dress in proper accordance with the attire necessary for a Band concert, realizing that improper attire may disallow my participation in such a concert. *

to, in the case of my absence from a rehearsal or performance,  provide a written excusal note from my parent/guardian.

to behave at all times during practice and band warm-ups before any performance, and to always demonstrate the proper respect for my peers and my Band directors.

to be responsible for all music handed to me and to return it in good condition at the end of each performance.

to maintain my grades in all academic subjects and music.

to tell the directors that I would like to quit this organization if I find that I am losing interest, or that I can not maintain my academic standing.

_____________________________          ____________________________

                        PARENT SIGNATURE                                                     STUDENT SIGNATURE

*PROPER ATTIRE- White dress shirt or sweater (if possible, a Davies Performing Arts shirt) black slacks/skirt, black shoes

ONLY those students fulfilling their obligations for both annual concerts, or alternates fulfilling the minimum performance requirements, will receive membership pins and/or award trophies.  Participation in field trips/performances is contingent upon attendance at rehearsals and concerts.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

G.  MAINTAINING MEMBERSHIP IN THE CONCERT BAND

            Students will maintain their membership in the Concert Band by demonstrating an expanding competency based on the categories given under minimum entrance requirements; technical proficiency in both solo and ensemble context will be expected to grow in depth and breadth. 

1.   Upon accepting membership, students and their parent/guardians will sign the Band member contract which indicates their commitment to the ensemble and their peers.

2.   Students agree upon accepting membership to obtain the required appropriate concert attire as specified by the ensemble directors.

3.   Students are expected to participate in all performances and rehearsals to fulfill their obligation

to the ensemble members and directors; this obligation is implicit with the acceptance of membership.

4.   Standard expectations are for students to spend approximately 35 - 45 minutes daily practicing their instrument.

5.   Students are expected to maintain a minimum grade average of a C in general music class.

6.   Students are expected to care for and maintain their instruments and music to at least minimum playing and performance standards.

7.   Students will be expected to refine all performance, theory, and humanistic skills along with developing technical proficiency on their instrument.

8.   Students are expected to work and interact with other students and teachers both in the ensemble and the general school environment.  Inability to work cooperatively with other members of the ensemble or the teacher may result in:

            a)  probationary status while maintaining membership until behaviors are corrected

                                                                        or

            b)  the student possibly being expelled from the ensemble for the remainder of the school year.

9.   Students will be expected to join the ensemble when it travels and participate in any performances, both inside and  outside of school; students are considered representatives of the school and will abide by all school rules.

Attendance

 1.  Standard expectations for maintaining membership in the organization is for the student to attend a minimum of 80 % attendance at the regularly scheduled rehearsals; attendance is mandatory for all dress rehearsals and students must attend all required dress rehearsals to perform with the group.

     a)  The following will qualify as an excused absence:

     1.  Severe illness with a doctor's note

     2.  Death in the immediate family

Concerts 

1.   Students are expected to be prepared for all performances and rehearsals as specified by the assignments of the directors. 

2.   Prior to concerts students will demonstrate the ability to play through all concert literature at marked tempi without stopping or errors while blending and observing all notations, markings, and cues from the conductors.

3.   Full concert attire is required for participation in performances.  Inappropriate dress may prevent students from performing with the ensemble.

H. PROBATION/EXPULSION

Students who do not meet their responsibilities as stated in the aforementioned requirements may be

placed on probation for a minimum of three weeks; parent shall be contacted prior to the commencement

of the probationary period and kept apprised of the student's status.   A student may be placed on

probation for missing a performance without a written excusal note.  Repeated absence may result in

expulsion from the ensemble.

Students will be expected to address those areas which are deficient, i.e. inability to perform music, lack of

attendance at rehearsals, inability to work with other students and/or the directors, etc.   At the end of the

probationary period, the student shall be reinstated in full in the ensemble or removed; parent contact

shall be made prior to any actions being  taken by the directors.  Every effort will be made to allow the

student to redeem himself and maintain ensemble membership.

I. EVALUATION

Students will be evaluated based upon their ability to progress beyond the minimum requirements; the

director indicates weekly expectations for all members to strive for.  Expectations are based on the

directors knowledge of the student's ability and potential; progress is contingent upon the amount and

quality of daily practice, as well as the student's effort to meet the goals and expectations stated by the

director. 

Progress reports are sent home in February which reflect the status of the student in both the

instrumental ensemble and music lessons. 

J. AWARDS AND COMMENDATIONS

At the end of each school year, awards will be given to those students who have earned the title of "Most

Improved Instrumentalist" for each grade level.  Award winners will be chosen by the instrumental music

teachers based on student effort, evidence of practice, lesson and rehearsal attendance, overall

improvement in technical proficiency, mastery of expressive skills, and general disposition.

The J. Harold Duberson Music Award is given each year to the most outstanding instrumentalist

participating in the Concert Band.  The recipient will be chosen by the Concert Band directors and will

have demonstrated superior technical and expressive proficiency in all areas of their instrumental

discipline, as well as consistent dedication to the Concert Band, its members, and directors.

K. SOUTH JERSEY JUNIOR HIGH BAND

Those students deemed capable and responsible by the directors to manage the obligation will be

offered the opportunity to audition for the All South Jersey Junior High Band with the full endorsement of

the Concert Band directors and the Wm. Davies Middle School.  This regional ensemble, consisting of the

finest Southern New Jersey junior high instrumentalists,  provides students with the chance to interact

and perform with other students of similar advanced musical proficiencies.  Students who audition are

made fully aware of the rehearsal and concert obligations and responsibilities, and accept such conditions

upon auditioning for the ensemble.  Every effort will be made by the instrumental music teachers and

Concert Band directors to prepare students for the audition experience.

Entrance requirements as dictated by the South Jersey Band and Orchestra Director's Association are as follows:

                        Perform the following Major scales:  C,G,D,A,E,F,Bb,Eb,Ab   

                        Perform a chromatic scale for its range on the instrument    

                        Sight-read IN ALL RELEVANT KEYS

                         Perform a preselected piece for adjudication

                        Attend all rehearsals and performances

                        Percussionists must perform the appropriate N.R.D.A. /P.A.S. rudiments of rolls,                                        paradiddles, flams, etc. , as well as sight-reading  and an adjudication piece