Concert Band

Academic Courses:

Freshmen Center Classes

• Freshmen Wind Symphony

  • Period 1 Both Semesters

• Freshmen Symphonic Band

  • Period 2 Both Semesters

High School Classes

• Concert Winds

  • Period 1 Both Semesters

• Symphonic Band

  • Period 4/5 Both Semesters

• Wind Symphony

  • Period 6/7 Both Semesters

  • Wind Symphony Eligibility: All members of the Ben Davis Wind Symphony will be asked to take private lessons with accomplished professionals during the school year. This is meant to develop world class skills in our musicians and maintain the highest performance standards in this elite ensemble.

Extra Curricular Courses

• Chamber Ensembles (Solo & Ensemble)

CONCERT PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Attendance at all performances is mandatory for all instrumentalists.

PRIVATE STUDY - ONE ON ONE LESSONS

WHO ARE LESSONS FOR?

Gifted students.

Students that would like one on one instruction.

Students in need of extra help.

Students looking for more challenges.

Students hoping to enhance their current knowledge of music.

Students wishing to be better prepared for their music classes.

We are now signing students up for private lessons with outstanding local musicians. Different people teach different instruments. However, all of our private teachers are experts in his or her field. Their knowledge will be very valuable to each private student. Work in private lessons consists of fundamental skills development on the each student’s instrument, basic music fundamentals, solo and ensemble type literature, advanced techniques, instrument specific pedagogy. Lessons can be scheduled during regular band classes or before and after school. (Lessons are taught on site in the band facility.) Each lesson will last 30 minutes & once a week. The cost is $20.00 per lesson.

Students must remain in the lesson program for 5 or 6 weeks before major improvements will be noticed. Please avoid allowing a student to drop after only a couple of lessons. You get exactly out of a lesson as what you put into it. If a student works with the instructor and practices at home, amazing things will happen. These teachers are professionals. Please make sure payment arrangements are made and followed. The teachers work with the kids to make a living. If you are interested in taking private lessons, please talk to Mr. Karlin about finding a teacher and time.

Dress – Concert Black

It is our goal to present a conservative look that reflects the dignified nature of a formal concert.

All Concert and Jazz Bands

Men: Black Pants, Black Shirt, Black Tie, Black Socks, and Black Shoes

Ladies: Black dress will be provided by the band department. Fitting will take place mid August. Black hose and shoes are preferred.

Wind Symphony & Symphonic Bands

Men: White long-sleeved dress shirt, black pants, black coat, black socks and black shoes, black bow tie.

Ladies: Black dress will be provided by the band department. Fitting will take place mid August. Black hose and shoes are preferred.

You Are Part of the Concert

• The audience, as well as the musicians, are participants in every concert. When you participate in listening to the music, you are sharing this experience with others in the audience and with the musicians on stage. Formal concerts are much different from rock concerts or sporting events, and require you to know some specific concert manners. In order to make a concert enjoyable for everyone, here are some tips to remember:

• Turn off your cell phone.

• Texting, whispering to others, gesturing, or any other distracting behavior is disrespectful the performers and audience members.

• Enter the auditorium quietly. Once you have been seated, be alert to activity on the stage as the musicians take their place for the concert. At an orchestra concert, the concert master begins by tuning the orchestra. The audience must be quiet while the orchestra tunes.

• When the conductor enters, it is customary to applaud politely. Whistling, yelling, or screaming is not appropriate at any time before, during, or after a concert.

• Never stand or move around while music is being performed. It distracts listeners around you, as well as the performers. If you must leave for any reason, wait until a piece is finished, and the audience is applauding. Also, return to your seat only between numbers.

• It is impolite to talk, or even whisper, while the music is being performed. Listeners and performers are also distracted by sounds from programs, candy wrappers, jewelry and other objects. Remain still, and be thoughtful of others by talking or making sounds only between numbers.

• It is impolite to wear hats or caps during a concert.

• It is impolite to eat or drink refreshments during a concert.

• Always say “excuse me,” if you must pass in front of someone while going to or from your seat.

• If you must cough or sneeze while the music is being performed, always try to muffle the sound with a tissue or handkerchief. Wait until the piece is finished if possible.

• Watch the conductor when the music stops to decide whether or not to applaud.

• Some musical works have several parts or movements and the audience is expected to applaud only after all movements have been performed.

• When leaving an auditorium, always return your seat cushion to the upright position to make it Easy for other to pass through the rows.