Wayne Memorial High School

Instrumental Music

Class Syllabus 2021-2022 Contact Information:

Michael L. Wolf, Director
School Phone: 734-419-2681
Email: wolfm@wwcsd.net
3001 4th St. Wayne, MI 48184

Google Calendar of Events:

http://bit.ly/WMHSMusicCalendar
Facebook Page:
WMHS Instrumental Music
Instagram:
@wmhszebramusic

PLEASE NOTE: I have tried to be as thorough as possible with the policies and expectations associated with the bands and
orchestras of Wayne Memorial High School, but circumstances may arise that are not covered by the material in this handbook. They
will be considered on a case-by-case basis and a resolution determined according to district, school, and program policies and the
best interests of the program as a whole. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
 Exit Outcomes and Philosophy of Program
Through the study, rehearsal, and performance of music, our students will demonstrate
that they are:

■ Creative Problem Solvers who think critically and can make

decisions, through artistic modes, in situations where there are no
standard answers.
■ Culturally-Aware Citizens who have a sense of history and an
appreciation of the fine arts through multi-cultural experiences.
■ Humanistic Thinkers who demonstrate creativity, sensitivity, and
emotion.
■ Collaborative Workers who are confident, receptive to others’ ideas,
and utilize peer input to develop interpersonal relationships within the
framework of their setting.

Ensemble Opportunities and Responsibilities

● Symphony Orchestra
○ The Symphony Orchestra is an advanced ensemble and a full year course.
Composed of string players, members of the Symphony Orchestra are
selected through a successful audition. This ensemble rehearses and
performs various styles of music such as classical, pop, contemporary,
orchestral, etc. The music that is rehearsed and performed is at a greater
difficulty level, and thus, requires that its members be more dedicated while
displaying a higher level of technical ability. Participation in the Symphony
Orchestra will result in mandatory performances and rehearsals, including
but not limited to Fall, Winter and Spring concerts, and Festival.

● Symphony Band
○ The Symphony Band is an advanced ensemble and a full year course.
Comprising woodwinds, brass, and percussion, members of the Symphony
Band are selected through a successful audition. This band rehearses and
performs various styles of music such as classical, pop, marches, jazz,
contemporary, etc. The music that is rehearsed and performed is at a
greater difficulty level, and thus, requires that its members be more
dedicated while displaying a higher level of technical ability. Participation in
the Symphony Band will result in mandatory performances and rehearsals,
including but not limited to Fall, Winter and Spring concerts, Festival and
Graduation.
 ● Concert Strings
○ The Concert Strings is a full year course designed for developing string
players to help develop overall technique and musicianship. A wide variety
of music and styles will be addressed. Participation in the Concert Strings
will result in mandatory performances and rehearsals, including Fall, Winter
and Spring concerts, and Festival performances.

● Concert Band
○ The Concert Band is a full year course designed for developing
wind/percussion players to help develop overall technique and
musicianship. A wide variety of music and styles will be addressed.
Participation in the Concert Band will result in mandatory performances and
rehearsals, including Fall, Winter and Spring concerts, and Festival
performances.

Code of Conduct
Each instrumental music member is a representative of our school and our community.
Our code of conduct applies to all instrumental music activities, in or out of uniform, at
school, in our community and out of town. We and your parents expect you to act in an
appropriate manner, including but not limited to appearance, behavior, and language.
Instrumental music members should be considerate of other organizations, students,
staff, chaperones, and property. Individual problems will be dealt with in accordance to
the severity of the situation. This includes being sent home, at your expense, if we are
out of town. Of course, alcoholic beverages, smoking, vaping, and illegal drugs are
absolutely prohibited. Simply remember that all school rules are in effect at any
instrumental music function and use common sense.
 Rehearsal Fundamentals
Created by the WMHS Instrumental Music Students

1. On Time and Prepared

○ Check the whiteboard and TV, set up, warm up, tune, rosin bow, be ready.
○ Always have your own: instrument & supplies, music, folder, & pencil.
○ Practice daily outside of class. Class is for ‘rehearsal,’ not ‘practice.’
2. 100% Participation and Effort in Class and Performances
○ Be here. Show passion and confidence. We need you.
○ Be responsible for absences. Work with teachers for excused absences.
3. On a Musical ‘Cut-Off,’ Silence Begins
○ Play only at the appropriate time. No ‘hacking.’
4. One Voice and/or Activity at a Time
○ Teacher(s) or guest(s) have priority at all times.
○ Student(s) have priority when appropriate and related to class topics.
○ Show respect for students leading the class.
5. Represent the Zebra Music Family
○ Demonstrate responsible behavior in class, in school, in the community, on
social media, etc.
○ Be positive, supportive and open-minded. Leave ‘drama’ at the door.
○ Give and receive constructive feedback, kindly.
○ Listen to each other every day.
6. Improve Every Day
○ Never be satisfied. Push yourself and others. Avoid ‘it’s good enough.’
○ Ask and answer questions.
○ Mark up your music with pencil only.
○ “Better Today Than Yesterday, Better Tomorrow Than Today.”
7. Respect Self, Others, Program, Community, and Equipment
○ Show pride in how you carry yourself in class, school, and the community.
○ Keep the entire auditorium clean.
○ H2Only - no food, beverages, gum, etc.
○ Take care of your own equipment.
○ Wear the full uniform for concerts and events.
8. Screen-Free - Unless Permission for Music Purposes
○ Store phones away unless asked to bring them out for class.
 Virtual Learning Expectations
District-wide expectations for virtual students.

Google Classroom
All students are expected to enroll in their class periods’ Google Classroom. This
will be the platform to upload assignments and playing assessments.
 Grading/Assignments
Band/Orchestra classes are based on students developing instrumental music
skills through performance, learning about music history and music theory, and
by making connections to the real-world and other disciplines.

● Grades are based on:

1. Formative Rehearsal Technique/Demonstration of Knowledge/Content
2. Class Assignments (submitted via Google Classroom & Flipgrid)
3. Performances
a. Concerts, Performance Projects, In-Class Quizzes, Sight Reading,
Written Assignments, Flipgrid Assignments and More
4. Final Exams - 1 per semester

● MP Grade (45%) + MP Grade (45%) + Final Exam (10%) = Overall Semester

Grade
○ Note: by district policy, if a student receives a 78% or above on a final,
he/she passes with a D-.

Grading Scale (total points earned/total points possible)

B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69% E 50-59%

A 94-100% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-68%
A 90-93% B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%

● Students are responsible for finding out about and turning in any missed work.
● SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICY:
○ "The primary purpose of progress reports and grades is to summarize student achievement at a
particular point in time. Grades will reflect the level of achievement on assessments that have
been given to date. Skills and behaviors that support learning, such as effort, attendance,
participation, behavior, and attitude, may be reported separately, but are not included in
determining the grade for achievement.”
○ “50% (E) is the lowest grade a student may receive for any individual quiz, test,
assignment, activity, project, or other graded coursework. Instructional staff must update
their students' gradebooks on MiStar at least once every two weeks"
 Attendance
● If you want to be successful in band/orchestra, you must be in class and at
concerts.
● All concerts are required & graded. There is no way to redo a concert experience.
● Students in our program do not miss concerts – period.
● Check the calendar for concert dates & write them in your phone/planner.
● Make sure to arrange rides to concerts ahead of time.
● The concert is your SUMMATIVE assessment of the music we have been
working on.

Sports/Activities Conflicts (rare, but occasional)

● Talk to coaches at the start of the season to plan. We will always try to work this
out.
● Band/Orchestra is a class and performing music is a large part of your grade.
● School-Related > Non-School-Related (sports, job, etc.)
● Sports Game & Music Rehearsal - go to game.
● Sports Practice & Music Rehearsal - go to rehearsal.
● Concert & Anything Else - go to concert.

PLEASE NOTE: Mr. Wolf reserves the right to withhold performance participation and assign an alternative assignment if a student is
continuously disruptive in class or has been disruptive at a previous performance as an audience member.

Zebra Music Family Uniform

THE UNIFORM FOR ALL GROUPS IS PLAIN BLACK DRESS CLOTHES (CONCERT
BLACK) AND IS TO BE SUPPLIED BY THE STUDENT

● Black dress shoes/heels

● Black dress socks
○ Make sure they are long enough to cover your ankle when sitting down.
● Black dress pants
○ Jeans, jogging pants, pajama pants, shorts, are unacceptable.
● Black skirts or dresses (as long as possible)
● Black dress shirts w/a collar (for a tie)
○ Ladies need not worry about this unless you’d like to.
● In the event you may have difficulty providing one of these items, we have some
available for you to wear. Please let me know if this is the case.
NOTES:

● Uniforms are to be worn at all times while at a performance.

● Respectful behavior and language are part of the uniform.
● If you have a concern, please let Mr. Wolf know right away.
● The Fall Concert is Halloween-themed and students are allowed to wear an approved Halloween
costume. Students may also wear the normal uniform if they wish.
● Mr. Wolf reserves the right to remove from the performance any individual that does not follow
appropriate uniform guidelines and/or concert behavior.

Instrument Storage
All instruments will have:
● an assigned storage cubby hole at the back of the band room
● an assigned area to store instruments
● or a locker to put instruments in.
● Students with a locker are encouraged to buy a lock to secure their instruments – locker combinations
must be provided to Mr. Wolf.

Band room storage is voluntary. Students should be taking instruments home consistently.
● If you are missing something from your cubby/locker/area, look in all other places first.
● Please do not store personal belongings, books, etc. in any cubby, locker, or storage area.

PLEASE NOTE: The band room and storage rooms are LARGE areas. Mr. Wolf, WMHS, nor the district can guarantee
the safety of student instruments or any belongings left in cubbies, lockers, or storage areas. Any student choosing to
leave an instrument or any other belongings in the band room assumes all liability for lost/damaged instruments or
belongings, including school rental instruments.

**Instrument Purchasing - What to Do**

“You Get What You Pay For”

1. Good instruments are an investment - they don’t break often & hold value very well.
2. Ask Mr. Wolf for recommendations before buying.
3. Utilize rent-to-own programs at local music stores.
4. It’s best to ‘test drive’ a few instruments before choosing one - just like a car.
5. Cheaper instruments cost you more in repairs and will not produce quality sound.
6. NEVER buy an instrument from Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, or any non-music store.
7. STAY AWAY FROM INSTRUMENT BRANDS ON AMAZON, SUCH AS MENDINI & CECILIO. There
are many bad instruments for sale on Amazon - if they are too cheap to believe, then don’t believe it.
Most instrument repair shops refuse to fix them.
8. Be careful buying an instrument off EBay, Craig's List, etc. – you can get a good used instrument in
those places, but you have to know what you’re looking for. Let me help if you think you’ve found
something.
9. For brass instruments - check out Austin Custom Brass and Mack Brass for quality instruments.
 10. Avoid painted instruments or instruments with ‘cool’ colors. They paint them because they couldn’t sell
them otherwise.
“What if My Instrument Isn’t Working?”

1. Keep it clean. Oil valves, grease slides, grease corks, swab keys, etc.
2. Bring it to Mr. Wolf first - I may be able to teach you how to fix it and save you money.
3. Remove your mouthpiece, reeds, etc. from the case before you give it to a repair shop.
4. Take your instrument to a WMHS-approved repair shop (Hewitt, Marshall, Shar, Anderson).
5. Ask for a rental replacement.
6. Bring back a slip showing it’s been dropped off.
a. If you fail to bring me a repair slip, I will assume you forgot to bring your instrument.
7. Keep bringing everything to school, including mouthpiece and/or reeds.

Instrument repairs can be very costly if you do not take regular care of the instrument. Similar to a car,
you must perform regular maintenance (cleaning, pads replaced, etc.) to ensure good working
condition. Better quality instruments, mouthpieces, etc. get repaired/replaced less often.
Invest in quality.