LYNBROOK HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC POLICIES

• • 2010-2011 • •
For all instrumental music classes, students will be expected to abide by the FUHSD Academic Honesty Policy. A copy
of the policy is available in the student planner or on the LHS website.
Examples of academic dishonesty for my classes include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Looking at someone else’s work product, or knowingly allowing someone else to look at one’s work
product during an exam, test, or quiz.
2. Using any kind of “cheat notes” during an exam, test, or quiz.
3. Falsifying practice times on monthly practice logs.
2.

ENSEMBLE SELECTION
It is assumed that members of the String Orchestra and Concert Band enter with basic skills of technique and music
reading. Entrance into the Chamber Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band is by audition only on dates
published in the LIMB calendar, and instrumentation is at the sole discretion of the director. Musicianship, rather than
age or seniority, determines membership. It is assumed that all members of the Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra
take private lessons and that Jazz Ensemble musicians are concurrently enrolled in another ensemble class.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance includes 1) class periods, 2) outside-of-school rehearsals and performances, and 3) at least one tutorial
per grading period. Unexcused absences, including outside-of-class rehearsals and band camp, and work missed due to
more than 3 tardies cannot be made up. Therefore, absences and tardies will adversely affect the student's grade.
Attendance at all scheduled performances is mandatory and will be graded. Performance dates are listed on the LIMB
calendar; so plan your schedule carefully! Absences due to unavoidable scheduling conflicts such as important family
events will be excused only with two weeks prior written notice from parents. Students who miss “dress” (final)
rehearsals without permission will not be allowed to participate in the performance. To make up a missed performance
the student will submit a taped performance of his/her entire part prior to the performance. If a student is sick on the day
of a performance, the parent must call Dr. Felder at 366-7737 before the school day is over to report the absence for the
evening's performance.
GRADING
Performances 30% - Performances serve as the equivalent to midterms and final exams. They measure application
of increased knowledge and ability.
Participation 20% - Participation refers to daily involvement in classroom and outdoor rehearsals, sectionals and
meetings and includes helping with various tasks such as equipment moving and maintenance, inventory and organization
of the music library. Excellent participation includes arriving on time with all necessary equipment and music for
rehearsal and performance.
Attitude 10% - An individual’s contribution to a positive atmosphere in daily rehearsals and scheduled
performances promotes a high quality musical experience and positive working relationship with the director and fellow
musicians.
Technique 10% - Technical skills needed to perform on a musical instrument include good posture and playing
position, proper breath support, good tone production, proper articulation, intonation, balance, blend, phrasing, dynamic
control, pitch and rhythm accuracy, and proper response to the conductor.
Improvement 10% - Increased proper application of techniques through home practice and school rehearsal
(enhanced by private instruction) is measured on an individual basis since all students are on different levels of ability.
Tests 10% - Written and playing exams (hearings) that test the level of acquired technical skills are given at least
twice per year. All students must pass basic technical and theory quizzes by the end of the school year. All technical
skill exercises must be played to meet the minimum standard of performance.
Individual Practice 10% - Each month students will submit logs, signed and monitored by a parent, of daily
practice times and private lessons. Student initiated sectionals should be included as well. 12 hours = A; 10 = B; 8 = C;
6 = D. Logs may be downloaded from School Loop. Students who do not submit practice logs are ineligible for an A.
Extra Credit is given to those who participate in any of the following:
Solo/ensemble Festival and formal chamber concerts.
County Honor Band and State Honor Orchestra, Honor Band and Honor Jazz Band.
Symphonic Orchestra concerts by Wind Ensemble members.
Voluntary performances such as the Spring Musical.
Leadership work in Lynbrook ensembles.
 DO’S AND DON’TS FOR REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES
GENERAL POLICIES:
No eating, drinking or chewing gum is ever allowed in the music wing. Attend all mandatory functions on time. Be
prepared with music, instrument, pencil, equipment, etc. at all rehearsals and performances. Students must pay for
replacing lost music and equipment. The instrumental music room will be open at announced times before and after
music events for pick-up and return of instruments. Marching Band percussionists and basses will need to load and
unload equipment into the trailer. For local rehearsals, students must provide transportation for themselves and their
instruments. For CMEA festivals and out-of-town performances and competitions, everyone must travel on the bus or
with adult chaperones.
CONCERTS & FESTIVALS (5 per ensemble):
Concert and rehearsal dates are on the LIMB calendar. Check your calendar often! Arrival time for rehearsals is 15
minutes prior--for performances, 30 minutes prior--to the published event time. Students are required to stay for the
entire length of the performance and expected to clean up after the performance has ended; this includes taking all chairs,
music stands and percussion equipment back to the Instrumental Music Room.
FOOTBALL GAMES (4 home games):
Marching band students should report to the warm up area at the Cupertino H.S. field by 6:30 p.m. Students must supply
their own transportation to and from games. Instrument cases and other belongings should not be brought to the game;
leave them at home or in the car. Band uniforms are to be properly worn and fully zipped at all times during the game.
Students may not eat in uniform without the director’s express consent. Friends or family may not sit within the ranks of
the band. Band members are required to stay until the end of the game, typically around 9:45 p.m.
PARADES AND FIELD SHOWS (7 events):
Students are responsible for maintaining uniforms and instruments in excellent condition. Shoes must be polished and
instruments must be cleaned before every event. Jewelry will not be worn with the uniform and long hair must be pulled
up into the hat. Student behavior must reflect favorably upon Lynbrook and the music community.
RAINY WEATHER POLICY:
Always arrive at the designated meeting place prepared and on time. Marching competitions are held rain or shine.

CONCERT DRESS
Marching Band: formal uniforms: Hat, plume, jacket and pants are provided by Lynbrook High School. Students
must provide gloves, black shoes and black socks. Non-formal uniforms: students must supply band "warm-up"
jackets, band polo shirts, long khaki pants and tennis shoes.
Wind Ensemble & Orchestras: formal uniforms: Women: “dressy” below-the-knee black dress or blouse and
skirt, black dress shoes. Men: black suit or tuxedo, white dress shirt and black bow tie, black dress shoes, black socks.
Non-formal orchestra uniforms: students must supply orchestra polo shirts, long khaki pants or skirts and black dress
shoes.
Symphonic & Concert Band: Women: any color “dressy,” modest-length dress or skirt and blouse, dress shoes.
Men: any color suit or sports coat and slacks, dress shirt, long tie, dress shoes, dark socks.
Jazz Ensemble: Formal uniforms: students must supply black, long sleeved dress shirt, black slacks, black socks
and black dress shoes. LIMB provides white ties and suspenders. Sometimes student performers decide upon other
outfits for special occasions.

INSTRUMENT RENTAL
A limited number of instruments are available for student rental. A use fee of $75 per semester, payable to LIMB,
will be charged to cover the costs of general maintenance. The student is responsible for keeping the instrument in good
repair. Percussion students will be charged this fee as well to be able to maintain the instruments, heads, and mallets. In
the case of marching band, one set of sticks/mallets and heads will be provided. The student will be responsible for
replacing all additional heads and sticks. REPAIR COSTS BEYOND NORMAL CLEANING AND ADJUSTMENT
WILL BE CHARGED TO THE STUDENT'S ASB DELINQUENCY ACCOUNT. PLEASE TAKE PROPER CARE!

OFFICE HOURS
Dr. Felder is available most days after school by appointment: 366-7737 and John_Felder@fuhsd.org.