MOELLER BAND HANDBOOK  2007-08
And
Course Syllabus for Instrumental Music and  Percussion at Moeller and Mt. Notre Dame

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Moeller Band Family!  You are now a member of one of the finest comprehensive music programs in the Tri-State.  With a long history of excellence, the Moeller Bands continue to build on that tradition and reach new heights.  Our Marching, Symphonic, and Jazz Bands and Percussion Ensembles entertain thousands of people each year, travel the Midwest and Eastern seaboard to perform, consistently earn superior ratings at adjudicated festivals, and have been invited to perform on TV, at the Football Hall of Fame, and numerous grand openings and special events.  You are a part of this tradition, and will make your own mark on the Moeller Band!

Our goal is to not merely have an outstanding performing ensemble. In keeping with the Characteristics of Marianist Education, we aim to educate the whole person: physically, mentally, and spiritually.  Therefore we have devised the following mission statement.

Mission Statement

The purposes of the Instrumental Music Program at Moeller and Mt. Notre Dame High Schools are:

1.      To develop the musical abilities and provide musical knowledge that will enable each individual to enjoy a lifetime of musical participation.

2.      To instill in each student an awareness of the importance of music in the development of the human spirit.

3.      To develop in each individual the habits of responsibility and preparation, in an atmosphere of cooperation and teamwork.

4.      To develop the leadership potential of each student.

What does this mean, and how will we know we have succeeded?  If we are truly successful, students in the Moeller band Program will work diligently to develop their God-given talents to their fullest; will continue to play their instruments through their college years and hopefully beyond; will listen intelligently to a wide variety of music including symphonic, chamber music, and jazz, as well as the current popular music; will support music education for their children when they become parents; will share their musical talents with their community and church; and will become responsible, cooperative yet independent- thinking citizens through the habits developed through their band experience.  Band is like a microcosm of society, and the lessons learned in band are life lessons, whether one goes on to major in music in college or not. 

It is with these thoughts and goals in mind that we have designed our curriculum and the policies contained in the handbook.  Please read it carefully and keep it as a reference.  If you have any questions, please contact us directly so that we may work with you to answer any questions or solve any difficulties you may have.   For questions concerning the band or percussion classes, symphonic band, jazz band, pit orchestra, solo and ensemble, or any general issues, please contact Mr. Browning.  Questions concerning financial matters should be addressed to Mr. Zerges.  Questions concerning private lessons should be directed to the individual instructor first, then to Mr. Browning if the issue is not resolved.   Questions concerning the guard should be directed to the guard instructor first, then to Mr. Browning if the issue is not resolved.  Please do not bring questions or concerns about the music classes or the performing ensembles to the Band Booster officers- this is not their jurisdiction.  Please follow the same course you would with any class: contact the teacher, then and only then a school administrator.  We have the best interests of all our students in mind and will work with you sincerely to resolve any difficulties, or, at the minimum make the policies understood.

Program Overview

Instrumental Music at Moeller and Mt. Notre Dame is an academic elective that receives one credit per year and fulfills the state requirement for Fine Arts credit.  Band members at Moeller meet in two separate classes: one for percussionists and one for wind players.  Members at MND meet during one class period.  These classes function as learning laboratories in which students develop individual skills, rehearse the best literature in the wind and percussion genre, and learn about music theory and history.  In addition, all students must take private lessons from a qualified teacher of their instrument.

The band/percussion classes are the nucleus of all the performing ensembles at Moeller.  All students in these classes are members of the Symphonic Winds (concert band) and the Crusader Marching Band.   All students wishing to perform in these groups should be enrolled in band or percussion class.  Other ensembles include the Jazz Big Band and Jazz Combo, Basketball Pep Band, Pit Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, and various chamber ensembles.

The Moeller Symphonic Winds is one of the finest concert bands in the area, with a growing regional and national reputation.  The Symphonic Winds perform several concerts throughout the school year, playing great classical and popular music from the Renaissance to the present, including standard band literature as well as transcriptions from the great classical masters.  This group also performs at the OMEA Large Group Adjudicated event and consistently earns “Superior” Ratings.  Every two years the band travels to a major city to perform at music festivals or public concerts.  Past trips have included Chicago (1998, First place in Midwest Music Festival), Washington, D.C. (2000, concert on the Capitol steps), New York (2002, concerts at Lincoln Center and South Street Seaport), and Boston (2004, concerts at Fanuiel Hall), and to Chicago (2006).  We are looking forward to a spring tour of new York City in March 2008!

All students in band or percussion class are members of the Symphonic Winds (concert band).   All students wishing to perform in this group should be enrolled in band or percussion class.  Students who are unable to fit band in their course schedule due to an academic conflict may still be able to participate in Symphonic Winds.  Students and parents should confer with Mr. Browning as soon as the schedule conflict becomes known!   Participation in Symphonic Winds may be also open to students from Ursuline Academy if special arrangements are made with Mr. Browning.

Course Objectives

Wind players will develop technical proficiency on their major instrument; percussionists will develop technical proficiency on various percussion instruments, including snare drum, bass drum, marimba, timpani, cymbals, drum set, and auxiliary instruments as called for in the music being performed.  All students will acquire an understanding of music theory concepts including:  The ability to read treble and bass clef; knowledge of intervals, major, minor and chromatic scales and modes; major, minor and diminished chords; functional harmony; and form.  Students will apply these concepts on their instruments and recognize them in the music we are performing.  Students will know the major periods of music history and how the music they are performing fits into an historical perspective.

Grading Policy

Quarter grades are based on the following criteria:

Tests: Written and playing tests are given throughout the quarter and at the end of the quarter to evaluate the student’s mastery of assigned material.  Typical quarterly assignments are given in the appendix.  A student’s playing is judged on tone quality, accuracy of rhythm and pitch, dynamics, articulations, etc.  Students are evaluated on an objective standard (see grading rubric below).  Occasional written tests cover music theory and history concepts.

Private Lessons: All lesson teachers fill out a quarterly evaluation sheet for each student.  Students should prepare for their lessons diligently, as this weighs heavily in the Quarter Band grade.

Preparation and Participation:  Because music is by its nature a group activity, each student’s quality of participation affects the other students.  Band is a class and does require work outside of class time.  Although each student has different abilities and must gauge his or her practice time accordingly, a half hour per night, 3-5 nights a week is the minimum needed for adequate progress.  Students must display positive, cooperative attitudes, have all necessary equipment, and, in general, do everything to make our band the best it can be.  Please see the rubric for details.

Classroom/Rehearsal Rules

1. Students must be in seat with instrument ready to play one minute after the bell rings, and ready to play at the predetermined time at after school rehearsals. 
2. Students should warm up in an intelligent manner at a moderate dynamic level.  All playing and talking will cease immediately when the director signals.
3. Absolutely NO food, drinks, candy or gum are allowed in the band room.  On specified special occasions, this rule may be waived by the directors.
4. Students must have all necessary equipment (instrument, reeds, valve oil, sticks, music, etc.) at every rehearsal.
5. To make rehearsal time productive there will be no unnecessary talking.  The teacher has the final say as to what is “necessary.”
6. Students will follow all directions immediately.
7. There will be no running, play fighting, or horseplay in the Band Room.
8. Students must respect our facilities and all musical equipment, whether it belongs to himself or herself, another student or Moeller.
9. All rules of Moeller/MND apply at all rehearsal situations.

First Offense: Warning

Second Offense: Conference with director after rehearsal

Third Offense:  Detention; parents called

Fourth Offense, habitual offenses, or extreme offenses (fighting, insubordination, extreme crudeness or profanity): referral to the assistant principal of the offending student’s school.

The Symphonic Winds does most of its rehearsing during the school class periods, but several after-school rehearsals are held before each concert or important event.  This is necessary to bring the winds and percussion, the boys and girls together as one ensemble.  These rehearsals are an essential part of the curriculum and are mandatory.  Students receive a monthly calendar of all rehearsals and performances.  You may also find it online at www.moellerband.org.  Please try to schedule medical appointments, etc., around scheduled practice times.  Excused absences include:

1.      Absence that day from school due to illness

2.      Emergency or death in the family

3.      School activities, such as Student Government, Language Club, sport, etc.

4.      Member of a wedding party

5.      Religious activities such as retreats for school or church

6.      Absolutely unavoidable family trips out of town

7.      Medical appointments

All of the above (except numbers one and two) must be cleared with Mr. Browning, in writing, as far in advance as possible.  If you are absent due to an emergency, please return with a note of explanation.

The following are examples of unexcused absences:

1. Work, job interviews, and job training.  Ohio law requires employers to honor students’ school activity commitments.  As a matter of courtesy, show your band calendar to your manager far enough in advance so that you can avoid any schedule conflicts.
2. “Couldn’t find a ride” – plan ahead!
3. School Detentions – you have made a commitment to a group – stay out of trouble!
4. Social events, i.e. dances.  We will try to avoid Moeller and MND events if possible, but in cases of conflict, your commitment to your performing group must come before social events.
5. Driver’s Training

Life has a way of throwing curve balls at us.  If you have an unusual circumstance, please discuss the problem with one of the directors.  We will try to be reasonable while being consistent with policy and, most importantly, looking after the welfare of the whole group. 

After school practices and performances for symphonic band are a necessary part of the curriculum.  Therefore, unexcused absence from a rehearsal will result in the lowering of a student’s quarter grade by two points.   Unexcused absence from a major performance (concert, contest) will result in failure for the quarter, as well as a conference with parents and possible removable from the band.

Tardiness- Symphonic Band: Students will make up the unexcused practice time they missed at another time convenient to the director.

Students are placed in a seating order determined by their performances on a playing test.  A new test is generally given after a concert to give students a chance to move up in a section for the next concert.  The director will assign parts so that there are strong players on each part.

After a seating test, students may move up in the section through a challenge system.  The following guidelines will be observed:

1. A student may only challenge the student immediately ahead in the seating order.
2. If the challenger loses, he/she may not challenge that person again for one week.
3. A person cannot refuse a challenge.
4. To initiate a challenge, a student must inform the person he/she is challenging.  Both students will come to Mr. Browning, who will determine the date and music to be used.
5. The challenge period ends two weeks before the concert.

This system is intended to motivate students, and to foster friendly competition, not intense rivalry.  Students involved in mean spirited gossip or backstabbing concerning challenges will be placed at the end of the section.  This whole system is designed to make the band and the individuals in it better, and to reward those students who are working hard.

Ours is one of the few high school programs in the Cincinnati area in which every band student receives private lessons.  The best professional teachers for each instrument are brought into Moeller (and some to MND) to instruct our students.  This has been an integral part of the Moeller music curriculum for over thirty years, and allows us to meet the individual needs of each student.  Our students come from such diverse backgrounds and have widely divergent ability levels.  Imagine teaching Latin I, II, III, and IV in one room!   Add to this the differing technical skills needed to play each instrument, and you begin to see why the private instruction is so important!  The cost is approximately $17 per half hour lesson (the fee varies according to instructor).  Special funds are available, on a limited basis, for those families that might have financial problems with this requirement.  Some teachers come to Moeller during the school day; others after school.  Students are not required to study with the teachers provided, but other teachers must be approved by, and maintain contact with, the Band Director.  For students studying with teachers at Moeller, the following policies are in effect:

1. Lessons times are posted each Monday for that week.  Students should stop in the band room on Mondays to check their lesson time for the week.
2. Lessons are scheduled on a rotating basis so that students do not miss the same time period more than two or three times a quarter.
3. If a student has a conflict with his assigned time (for example, a test that period), he may trade times with another student.  The change should be verified with Mr. Browning.
4. On the day of his lesson, the student must pick up his pass in the band room between 7:30 and 7:50 AM.  This is the student’s responsibility to remember.
5. The student should show the lesson pass to the teacher of the class he will miss before class begins, and politely be asked to be excused at the lesson time.  Teachers must honor the lesson pass unless there is a pre-scheduled test, lab or other event which the student has failed to take into account.
6. At the end of the lesson, the instructor will assign the pass.  The student will turn in the pass at the main office and then return to class.
7. If a student fails to show for a lesson, the lesson instructor must still be paid for that time.  Absence from school that day will be excused.  If a student knows he will be absent from school on his lesson day (because of a retreat, doctor appointment, etc.) he must let Mr. Browning know ahead of time so that adjustments can be made to the lesson schedule.
8. Students who take their lessons after school will be directly responsible for scheduling their lessons with the teacher.
9. Each instructor will send home a letter detailing lessons fees, payment policies, cancellation policies, etc.  Please follow these policies.  We are fortunate to have the best teachers in Cincinnati coming to Moeller for a reasonable fee.  It is important to remember that they are dependant on the lesson fees for paying bills and supporting their families!

OMEA Solo and Ensemble Adjudicated Event (Contest)

The Solo and Ensemble Event will be held this year on Saturday, January 27, at Princeton H.S.  All Moeller band members participate in this event.  At this event, students will perform a solo with a piano accompanist, and/or perform as a member of a chamber ensemble for an adjudicator, who will give the student written comments and a rating. Students are not competing against other students, but rather striving to perform their best and receive a high rating and some helpful comments from the judge.

This is one of the most important events on the band calendar in terms of individual growth. Private instructors choose solos so that each student will have an appropriate challenge and also a good chance at a successful performance. For this reason, it is important for students to practice diligently. Adequate preparation will help ensure that when the pressure is on and the nerves kick in, the student will still have a build in comfort zone. Students must also play scales (percussionists: rudiments) from memory. Students: this is your chance to shine and receive all the credit, or to fall! Your lesson teacher and I will do everything in our power to help you succeed, but in the end it is up to you! You can do it!  Parents: please help your child have a positive musical experience, by making sure he or she practices on a daily basis.

The contest runs from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We will receive the students’ individual performance times a week or so before the contest. Until then, students should keep the entire day available.

There is an entrance fee of $13.00 per solo and a $35.00 accompanist fee. These will be billed to the students’ band account – do not send a check. The week before the events, the students will receive a letter with their performance time and directions to Princeton H.S.

Students will also perform their solo at one of three recitals to be held at Moeller in the weeks prior to the contest.  This allows students a chance to play their solo, with accompaniment, in front of a supportive audience and “get the bugs worked out” before they go to contest.

Other Ensembles

A general description of our various ensembles is given below.  For more specific descriptions and schedules, please go to www.moellerband.org, click on ensembles, then click on the specific ensemble you are interested in.

Jazz Big Band and Jazz Combo

The Moeller Jazz Band is an extra-curricular ensemble whose members are chosen by audition.  In addition to performing at the Christmas and Spring concerts, the Jazz Band travels to various cities to participate in Jazz Festivals, including at least one overnight trip.

Participation in the Moeller Jazz Program is open to players of all instruments.  The standard big band instrumentation is:  4 trumpets, 4 trombones, 2 alto saxes, 2 tenor saxes, 1 bari sax, and one each of piano, guitar, bass, and drums.   We usually take an extra player on each instrument. Students who play other instruments, such as flute or clarinet, are encouraged to learn a standard jazz instrument.  Saxophones are encouraged to learn “doubles”: flute and/or clarinet.  Any instrument may be used for jazz improvisation and combo. (See below).  We will rehearse for several weeks before holding auditions.  This gives all students a chance to learn the style, and allows me to observe students on a daily basis as a supplement to the audition.  Auditions will be used for part placement.  If we have too many players in a section, we may have to make cuts.

Jazz Big Band and Combo meets from October into April.  Winter sports that practice after school, such as basketball and wrestling, will have schedule conflicts, and students must choose one activity or the other.  In the past, students participating in hockey, lacrosse, or ski team have been able to participate in Jazz Band and their sport.  Communication and comparing of performance schedules are very important.

The Jazz Big Band rehearses three days a week in sectionals or full rehearsal. Each individual student will usually only have rehearsals two of the three days.  Sectionals will usually be on Tuesday and Wednesday; full rehearsals will be on Thursday.  We will have more sectionals while we are learning new music; when we are closer to a performance we will have more full group rehearsals.

Students who are interested in developing their soloing skills to higher level can study Advanced Improvisation one day a week.  Students may play any instrument, even “non-jazz” instruments, in this group.  If enough qualified students, including rhythm section players, are interested, this group will perform in public as the Moeller Jazz Combo.  If not, these students will be featured prominently as soloists in the Big Band.

The Pep Band is a voluntary group open to all members.  This group is extremely popular with the student body and larger Moeller Family, providing entertainment and school spirit at home basketball games and other school functions with energetic performances of classic rock, disco and funk tunes.  Rehearsals will be announced and held in the fall for the upcoming basketball season.  Check the basketball website for performance dates (home games).

Each spring, Moeller’s Drama Department puts on a play or musical.  The band provides the musicians for musical productions.  The top students in the band are selected to perform along with local professional musicians to provide a first-class production.  The instrumentation is determined each year by the show being performed.

Chamber Ensembles

One of the distinguishing aspects of the Moeller Band program is its emphasis on developing the individual musician.  Chamber music, that is, small groups of three to six players with one to a part, is extremely challenging and rewarding in this regard.  All students are encouraged to perform in a chamber ensemble, and are featured at the OMEA Solo and Ensemble Adjudicated Event and concerts throughout the year.

Percussion Ensemble

Percussionists meet during a separate class period during the school day.  In addition to working on musical and technical fundamentals and practicing symphonic or marching band music, students are involved in music for percussion ensembles.  These ensembles perform in a wide variety of situations, including band concerts, percussion festivals, and special events.  They are a favorite with Moeller audiences, and have performed live on the Channel 12 show “Good Morning Cincinnati”.  All students signed up for percussion class are members of the Symphonic Winds, the Marching Band, and Percussion Ensemble.  The percussion ensembles will occasionally have after school rehearsals.

Liturgical Music

It is our goal to develop each student mentally, physically, and spiritually.  Music plays an important role in setting an atmosphere of praise and worship at school liturgies, and all band students, Catholic or non-Catholic, are encouraged to participate in Liturgical music.  Students may sing in the choir or play their instruments.  Interested students should see Mr. Balbach or Mr. Browning.  MND students should see the director of Music Ministry at MND.

Equipment

Students generally must own or rent their own instruments.  Drummers must own a snare drum, practice pad, a pair of snare sticks, and a pair of marimba mallets.  These items can be ordered through Moeller to make sure you get the right kind.  Moeller will provide all marching and concert percussion (timpani, cymbals, bass drums, etc.), tubas, baritones, tenor and baritone saxes, bass clarinet, and bassoon.  These instruments are costly, and many families could not afford one for their child.  Percussionists are charged a fee of $50 per year.  This is for the use of equipment, and allows for general upkeep repairs, replacement of drum heads, etc.  Students who play a school wind instrument will have a specific instrument assigned to them at no cost.  Students will pay for all repairs to this instrument during the time it is assigned to them.

Band Fee: 

In order to defray the costs of running a marching band, including, but not limited to, band camp meals and lodging, instructors, uniform shirts, shoes and gloves, transportation, etc., each member will be charged the following fees:

Instrumentalists                         $325    ($162.50 due on June 28; $162.50due by Aug 1)                 

Color Guard                             $350    ($150 due on June 28; $200 due by Aug 1)

 Members not in contest show $50         (Due on June 28) 

Percussion usage fee                 $50      (Due on June 28)

Student Debit Account  $50      (Due by Aug 17)

These fees are among the lowest among band programs in the area.  If for some reason you are unable to make on time, please contact us.  We will be happy to work out an alternate payment plan in all confidentiality, but we must hear from you.

Student Debit Account

To avoid students having to bring cash to school for small purchases such as music, drumsticks, reeds, etc. we keep a debit account for all band members through the Moeller treasurer’s office.  Each student is to begin the year with $50.00 in the account.  Please write a check to Moeller, separate from your band fees, by Aug 17.  Statements will be sent home periodically detailing purchases students have made and the amount.  The account should be brought back up to $50.00 at midyear.

In order to keep fees to an absolute minimum, fundraising is necessary.  Some fundraisers for the whole group, to help defray operating costs and purchase equipment.  As each student benefits from the proceeds of fundraising, each student is required to do his or her part in these fundraising activities. This involves setting up for and working at the fall and spring Antique Shows, working at carwashes, and other fundraisers.  Parent responsibilities are outlined in the Band Booster handouts.

Other fundraisers benefit each student individually, such as the Moeller Summer Festival and selling Moeller Monte Carlo raffle tickets.  Funds raised from these events are deposited in individual accounts within the Band Booster account, and are used to defray the cost of the Band Trip taken every two years.

Moeller Band Booster Organization

All band and color guard parents are automatically members of the Band Booster Organization. This organization provides financial, tactical, and moral support to the band and guard.  Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 in the band room. All parents are strongly encouraged to attend.  All parents must participate in the Antique Show, and are asked to help with chaperoning, uniforms and other committees throughout the year.  Details will be given.  This is a fun group of parents, and it’s a great way to stay involved in your child’s life!

Contact Information

Music Department (direct line)              792-3350         X1110

Bob Browning, Director of Bands,                    478- 8963        bbrowning@moeller.org

            Dept. Chair

Chris Zerges, Associate director,                      281-1487         czerges@moeller.org

            Administrative asst.

Private Instructors

Diane Magill                 flute                              351-6087         divolk@aol.com

Miriam Culley   clarinet                         891-7430         james.culley@uc.edu

Ben Flanders                French horn                  531-2177         benflanders@msn.com

Garin Webb                 Saxophones                  681-5551         garinwebb2@macc.com

Glen Proffit                   low brass                      755-8377         tromprof@fuse.net

Wes Woolard               trumpet             891-5216         wesleywoolard@fuse.net

Andy Thierauf               percussion                    417-5401         thieraa@email.uc.edu

Preparation and Participation Grade

Students are expected to practice on a regular basis, in order to prepare for rehearsals.  In addition, students must be attentive and eager to learn in rehearsals.  The following scale is used to evaluate preparation and participation:

93-100 (Outstanding) Student is enthusiastic and eager to learn, and always prepared for rehearsals. He or she seeks out ways to improve, seeks and applies the teacher’s advice, and readily tackles new assignments. Student seeks ways for the class to be more productive, helps others stay focused, and consistently works to ability level.

85-92 (Very good) Student displays a positive attitude and is usually prepared for rehearsals. He or she follows the advice of the teacher, and is usually attentive and cooperative.  Student generally works to ability level, but could be more consistent in preparation and/or  attentiveness.

78-84 (Average) Student is sometimes prepared for rehearsals, but is not consistent in his/her practice habits. He or she has a positive attitude, but is sometimes distracted or unfocused during rehearsal. With some prodding, he/she generally pays attention, completes assignments and shows some improvement.

70-77 (Poor) Student is not prepared for rehearsals on a fairly regular basis. He/she does not practice consistently or apply the concepts taught in class. He/she is unfocused, sometimes distracts others, is not working up to ability level and is not making good progress.

60-69 (Failing) Student is consistently unprepared for rehearsals and spends little or no time practicing. Does not apply or even resists teacher’s advice. He/she is has a negative attitude, is not attentive, often distracts others, and is not progressing.

93-99 (Outstanding)     Student plays music with virtually no missed notes or rhythms at the appropriate tempo.  Tempo is steady, and all expression marks (dynamics, articulations, etc.) are observed.  Student plays with an excellent tone quality.

85-92 (Very good)       Student plays music with very few missed notes or rhythms at the appropriate tempo, but may occasionally slow or speed the tempo, ignore some expression marks, or play with a less than excellent sound.

78-84 (Average)          Student has some problems with basic notes and/or rhythms, or cannot play at a steady, correct, tempo.  Student pays little attention to expression marks, and plays with a pinched, forced, or fuzzy tone quality.

70-77 (Poor)    Student has considerable difficulty with basic notes and rhythms, does not play at an appropriate or steady tempo, pays little or no attention to expression marks, and/or plays with a poor tone quality.

60-69 (Failing) Student cannot come close to performing the correct notes and rhythms, let alone maintain a steady tempo or observe expression marks.

Quarterly Syllabi and Class Requirements

1^st Quarter

Fall Quarter is our busiest quarter for after school commitments, so finding time for individual practice can be difficult.  Remember to bring your instrument home on days we do not have after school practice and on weekends, and you should be able to practice two to three hours a week, spread out over three or four days.  Remember that preparation for your private lessons is an important part of your grade.

Students are graded on mastery of assigned material.  Progress and preparation will be assessed as follows:

1.      Playing tests over marching and concert music or technique book, spaced throughout the quarter.

2.      Preparation for private lessons.

3.      Music theory quizzes

4.      Successful participation in all required events on Band calendar.

5.      Scales (memorized) as listed below.  Scales are listed in concert pitch.

All scales are to be played in quarter notes at quarter note = 120, slurred, with the top note repeated.  Scales must be played from memory.  All scales below are labeled in concert pitch- you must transpose the letters to find your scales.  Freshmen play one octave, all others play two octaves where possible.

Freshmen:         F, Bb, Eb Major.  Chromatic Scale on Bb and Eb

                        Perc: All OMEA class ‘C’ rudiments

Sophomores:    C, F, Bb, Eb Major.  Chromatic Scale on any note, two octaves

                        Perc.:  All OMEA class ‘C’ rudiments, plus 7 and 9 stroke rolls, and

                                    Flam accents.

Juniors: C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab Major.  Chromatic Scale on any note, two octaves

                        Perc.:  All OMEA class ‘C’ and ‘B’ rudiments

Seniors:            C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db Major.  Chromatic Scale on any note, two octaves

                        Perc.:  All class ‘C’ and ‘B’ rudiments

Second Quarter

We are now transitioning from marching band to concert band.  The band has fewer after school practices, and students are expected to proportionally increase their individual practice time.  A minimum of four hours per week (one half hour, four days a week) is expected.  In addition to band music, all students should have selected a solo, with the help of their private instructor, to perform at the OMEA Solo and Ensemble event on January 29.  Jazz band and pep band are extra-curricular and do not influence a student’s class grade. 

Students are graded on mastery of assigned material, including:

6.      Playing tests over concert music or technic book, spaced throughout the quarter.

7.      Preparation for private lessons.

8.      One music theory test

9.      Research paper on Aaron Copland (specific instructions will be given)

10.  Successful participation in the Christmas Concert and other events on Band calendar.

11.  Scales (memorized) as listed below.  Scales are listed in concert pitch.

Freshmen:         C, F, Bb, Ab Major, d minor (all 4 forms)

Sophomores:    C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db Major, d minor (all 4 forms)

                        Perc:  All class C rudiments, plus 7 & 9 stroke rolls, flam accents

Juniors: G, C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db Major, d minor (all 4 forms)

                        Perc: All class B rudiments

Seniors:            G, C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb Major, d minor (all 4 forms)

                        Perc:  All class A rudiments

Third Quarter

Our main projects for the Third Quarter are the OMEA Solo and Ensemble Event, the OMEA Concert Band Contest, and our Spring Concert.  Students must practice three to four hours a week, spread throughout the week.   Band music, as well as private lesson material and solos, must be practiced at home.  Students will be evaluated on the following:

1.      Successful preparation of a solo, verified by performance on a recital at Moeller and at OMEA Solo & Ensemble.

2.      Mastery of band music, to be evaluated throughout the quarter with periodic playing tests.

3.      Written tests covering music theory concepts and historical information.

4.      Preparation for private lessons.

5.      Memorization of the following scales, listed in concert pitch:

Freshmen:         C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab Major

                        d, g,  c, and f minor

                        Percussion: All Class C rudiments

Sophomores:    G, C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab Major

                        d, g, c, and f minor

                        Percussion:  All class B rudiments

Juniors:             G, C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb Major

                       d, g,   c, and f minor

Percussion: all class A rudiments

Seniors:            D, G, C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb Major

                         d, g, c, and f minor 

                        Percussion: All class “A” rudiments

Fourth Quarter

Our main projects for the Fourth Quarter are the Vietnam Day Ceremony and the Memorial Day Parade.  In addition, each student will prepare a solo OR be part of an ensemble.  Students will have their choice of performing on a recital after school, or during the final exam period in June.    Band music, as well as private lesson material and solos, must be practiced at home two to three hours a week, spread throughout the week.  Students will be evaluated on the following:

1.      Mastery of band music, to be evaluated throughout the quarter with periodic playing tests.

2.      Written tests covering music theory concepts and historical information.

3.      Preparation for private lessons.

4.      Memorization of parade music.

5.      Memorization of the following scales, listed in concert pitch:

Freshmen:         C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab Major

                        d, g,  c, and f minor

                        Percussion: All Class C and B Rudiments

Sophomores:    G, C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab Major

                        d, g, c, and f minor

Juniors:             G, C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb Major

                       d, g,   c, and f minor

Percussion: all class A rudiments

Seniors:            D, G, C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb Major

                         d, g, c, and f minor 

                        Percussion: All class “A” rudiments

Band Personnel

Bob Browning: Director of Bands; Music Department Chairperson

Bob Browning is a 1983 graduate of Moeller High School.  He received his undergraduate training in trumpet and music education from Cincinnati’s prestigious College-Conservatory of Music.  After earning his degree, Bob taught for several years in the Sunman-Dearborn Schools.  He left in 1991 to pursue a Master’s Degree in Conducting from James Madison University.  At JMU, Bob was a Teaching Assistant, responsible for conducting the Concert Band and Chamber Orchestra, teaching private lessons, and performing in Faculty Brass Quintet.   

Bob joined the Moeller faculty in 1994, and is now in his eleventh year as director of the Moeller Band Program.  During this time, the Bands at Moeller have experienced a dramatic improvement in performing ability and overall growth.  Bob remains active as a professional trumpet player in the greater Cincinnati area, and is listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.  During his spare time (what’s that?) he enjoys playing with his children, reading history, literature, and philosophy, and exercising.

Chris Zerges:  Associate Band Director, Pep Band Director.

Chris Zerges graduated from Moeller in 1983. He participated in virtually every aspect of the Moeller music program while in school and was given the Louis Armstrong Award in his senior year. Chris continued his education at the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music. While there, he majored in percussion performance and studied under the world renowned “Percussion Group”. After college he was hired by the Danny Morgan Band and performed throughout the United States. Chris appears on one of Danny’s albums with Craig Fuller and Sam Clayton of the Band “Little Feat” as well as Grammy Award winner Mike Reid. Throughout the 80’s and 90’s Chris kept his close ties with Moeller by teaching the percussion students and coaching ensembles. In the fall of 2001 he made the decision to return to the conservatory to receive his teaching certification. In 2005 Chris joined the Moeller Music Education team as the assistant to Bob Browning. He looks forward to adding his individual talents to an already strong music department.